SUNDAY EDITION COVER 18 CITYFILE 6 IBRUCENTRE 40 BUSINESS 46OBASANJO: Lagos Campaign Lenten Season... Interrogating Grounds: A Case That God May Nigeria’sIn The Heal Our Land JoblessEyes Of Of One State, This Season GrowthHistory Two Cities TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by TruthVol. 31, No. 13,204 Sunday, February 22, 2015 www.ngrguardiannews.com @NGRGUARDIANNEWS TheGuardian Nigeria N300Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (right) with the Chief Executive Officer, All Eyes on Africa TV Show, Kemi Fadojutimi (left), during Buhari’s working visit tothe United Kingdom... yesterday.Military Clears TerroristsFrom Baga, OthersFrom Madu Onuorah • Unearths 1,500 Mine Spots that “ heavy bombard- town just before the lake ammunition and alsoand Karls Tsokar (Abuja) • Boko Haram Members Drown In Lake Chad ment by Nigerian Air Chad. apprehend any terrorist force” has compelled the who might be hiding in theAS the military onslaught the troops. Information (DDI), Maj- terrorists to flee the town “A comprehensive cor- vicinity.” on the Boko Haram ter- A statement issued by the Gen Chris Olukolade, in and all other settlements don-and-search phase ofrorists continues, Baga, en route a relatively larger military operation has now The Military also said aand 15 communities in Director of Defence Abuja, yesterday revealed commenced to enableBorno State have been troops mop up arms and CONTINUED ON PAGE 2cleared of the insurgents,even as 1500 mine spots Again, Jonathan Pledges To Implement Confab Reporthave been unearthed by From Mohammed Abubakar, that with his administra- father in his palace, as part The implementation of state to vote for all Peoples ...DAY 315 Abuja tion’s power reforms and the outcome of the confab Democratic Party (PDP) full privatisation of the sec- of his consultative meet- had been a major pre-con- National Assembly candi- BRING tor, Nigerians would take dition given by a section of dates so as to have a power supply for granted ings with critical stake- the Southwest, notably Legislature well disposed BACK within the next few years. Afenifere, the Yoruba socio- to approving the report. PRESIDENT Goodluck holders in the South West. cultural group for support- OURGIRLS Jonathan has again The president yesterday, ing the President’s re-elec- He said: “We set up the spoke at the palace of the The President, who tion bid. National Conference and Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi the report is ready. As a gov- promised to fully imple- Adeyemi, when he paid a denied influencing the Jonathan, however, ernment and as a party, we courtesy call on the royal urged the people of the ment the recommenda- outcomes of the confer- CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 tions of the National ence, however believed Conference if given a fresh that, if fully implemented, four-year mandate. it would take Nigeria to a He has also reiterated greater level.
2 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com NEWSPDP Accuses APC Of Plotting To Use Fake SoldiersFrom Saxone Akhaine (Northern • Insists On Use Of Soldiers To Safeguard 2015 Polls he described as a situation against such move. (PRP) yesterday, AlhajiBureau Chief) and Azimazi Momoh • Musa Warns Against Further shift of total loss of governance INEC Chairman, Musa, who is the nationalJimoh (Abuja) in his home State, Rivers, chairman of the party said Professor Attahiru Jega, election could hold with orTHE leadership of the the beginning of the cam- United States has predicted due to concentration of had shifted the 2015 gener- without the crisis that is Peoples Democratic paigns, claiming that the that there would be no attention on 2015 politics. al election from February taking place in a small por-Party (PDP) yesterday APC will defeat the PDP country in 2015. God for- 14 and 28 to March 28 and tion of the country’s terri-alerted the nation of with wide margin. bid. Meanwhile, expressing April 11, citing the bloody tory.alleged secret recruitment concern that there could Boko Haram insurgency inof thugs and importation “Apart from negative “The PDP supports the be a wave of social and the Northeast as one of the Musa warned that thoseof fake military uniform propaganda, there are dis- government to make sure political revolution in reasons. But, speaking in authorities should notby the All Progressives’ turbing reports of the APC that Nigerians are secured. Nigeria if INEC shifts the with Journalists shortly take Nigerians for a ride,Congress (APC) for the actually organising to dis- Remember what happened general elections for the after a meeting of the saying that “no Nigerian isMarch and April polls. This rupt the polls. They are in the first republic, ‘’wild, second time, former civil- national executive com- a slave and that the coun-came as former civilian recruiting thugs and wild west.’’ No one is ready ian governor of Kaduna mittee of the deregistered try does not belong to agovernor of Kaduna State importing service uni- for that. State and opposition Peoples Redemption Party small group of Nigerians.”and opposition forms for their use” leader, Musa, warnedleader, Alhaji Balarabe Secondus lamented whatMusa, yesterday warnedthe Independent National “We alert Nigerians of theElectoral Commission(INEC) of any further post- seriousness of these plots.ponement of the 2015polls. While the PDP is making Briefing journalists in effort to sell its manifestoAbuja, Deputy NationalChairman of the PDP, Uche to Nigerians, the APC isSecondus, said that theAPC had also embarked on busy perfecting schemespropaganda mission thatcould discredit the out- that would derail ourcome of the election andcause serious problem for democracy if they fail doNigeria’s democracy, evenafter the election. win,” he added. Secondus Secondus stated: further disclosed that part“Nigerians need to beinformed that the APC is of the strategy of the oppo-not campaigning to winthe elections. What they sition include “trying toare doing, instead, is tomobilise public opinion in cause disaffection withinreadiness for an orches-trated strategy to discredit the security services, incit-the result of the 2015 polls.They commenced this line ing one religion againstof action with contrivedopinion polls result they the other as well as incitingbombarded the interna-tional and domestic the international commu-media with, even before nity against Nigeria. On APC’s opposition to use of soldiers during the general elections, Secondus said: ‘’It is not new; it has been done before, soldiers aren’t involved in elections, but they are kept in strategic places to safeguard the election. Whoever that is afraid of the security pro- vided by the army or the police and want to have their own private army to conduct the election, is the one that wants to throw this country into crisis. Don’t forget that the Nigerian soldiers march on Baga... yesterdayJonathan Pledges To Implement Confab ReportCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 great state to support the opment of small and us your mandate, at least, after a devastating flood; Namadi Sambo as his run- PDP to send their strong medium scale enterprises. in the next two years, this robust policies in health, ning mate and to ask for hisbelieve that those who did daughters and sons to the epileptic power supply roads, transport infra- blessing and prayers. federal level to work with He said, while the pri- will be a thing of the past structure, saying that hethat report meant well for us so that we will imple- vatisation processes were and it will be the basis for wanted to see Nigerians Responding, the royal ment that report because I almost completed and the the growth of micro, small spend less money on father commended thethe country. We gathered know how passionate change over phase from and medium enterprises transportation through president for what he said some of you are in terms of public to private sector in this country. “ the utilisation of was “the dynamism you arealmost 500 Nigerians that report. “ was ongoing, “we believe revamped rail services. noted for in the country “ in the next two years, this Jonathan spoke of his and promised to ensurefrom all walks of life President Jonathan will be consummated and government achieve- He said he was in Oyo to that the people of Oyo were restated his passion to Nigerians will take power ments in the agricultural inform the Alafin that he mobilised to give the presi-including the traditional reform the power sector in for granted. sector, which he said pre- was re-contesting presi- dent another mandate. view of its role in the devel- “We believe that if you give vented food crisis in 2012 dential election withinstitution; young people,teachers, journalists,lawyers, everybody.“I never influenced itbecause I believe thatwhat is good for Nigeria isgood for me, and I believethat if really we want to Boko Haram Members Drown In Lake Chad, As Military Clears Terrorists From Bagachange this country in abetter way, we should CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ists had devised the strate- skillfully cleared, one after destroyed in the course of “Similar exercise is being gy of laying land mines on the other. Eventually, the carried out in over 15 loca-implement that report. large number of terrorists the way to their locations, resistance of the terrorists the fighting, as troops tions, namely Gajigana, have drowned in the Lake but the experts among the collapsed and the land Ngaze, Ngenzai, Marte“The government and Chad as they fled the heavy troops were a step ahead as forces finally stormed the headed for Baga. The troops Junction, Mile 90, Yoyo, bombardment by Nigerian not less than 1500 mines town.” Kekeno, Kukawa, Crossthe party are totally com- Air force heralding the were dictated and finally began clearing the Kauwa, Kangarwa, Amirari, advance of Nigerian troops removed, to clear the way It further stated that the Kichimatari, Borokarimitted to implementing on mission to flush them for the brave troops as they military destroyed a good terrorists from Baga on Barati, Kauwa and other out of Baga. penetrated the towns. number of weapons used localities where troops have100 percent of that report in the operation by the arrival in the town early flushed out the terrorists in “Many of the terrorists “Not even the strategy of insurgents. “Apart from the operations precedingbut we need a National died while an unknown but mining over 1,500 spots the five anti-aircraft guns yesterday morning. the entry to Baga. The substantial number of with land mines on the and the rifles captured troops are now dominatingAssembly that will work them fled with various routes leading to the from the terrorists, over 34 A cordon and search is and conducting aggressive degrees of injury, in the town could save the terror- motorcycles and five vehi- patrols in the locations. Thewith us. So, we are using series of encounter as ists from the aggressive cles, including trucks being carried out by the morale of troops remain troops headed for Baga.” move of advancing troops. being used for operations high,” the statement reads.this platform to plead All the land mines were by the terrorists, were troops around the areas, to Olukolade said the terror-with our people of this which the DDI said the “exercise will also deter- mine details of the casual- ties inflicted or incurred in the course of the opera- tions to clear Baga and other areas occupied by the terrorists.
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 | 3 NEWSBeware Of Money Bags, INEC Warns StaffersFrom Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti a duty to improve on the make you to look into the invalid votes,” Olurode said. Cards (PVC) and authenti-South West Bureau Ado Ekiti) States,ProflaiOlurode urged landmark recorded during pockets of these dangerous He also clarified that the cate the claims of the staffers to safeguard their the June 21, 2014 governor- people. prospective voters.STAFF of the Independent careers and the integrity of ship election that was “By now, we expect you to be Smart Card Readers beingNational Electoral the electoral body. adjudged the best in recent working with political par- proposed for the 2015 gener- He said the fear that the time. ties on how the voters can al elections, is not synony- device is synonymous withCommission (INEC) were yes- Olurode gave the clarifica- He said, “I want to let you place the presidential and mous with electronic voting electronic voting, which con- tion in Ado Ekiti at the week- know that you have a career theNationalAssemblyballot as being erroneously travenes the provision of theterdaywarnedagainstfalling end during a meeting with to build here and these mon- papers. The red box is for the thought in some quarters. Electoral Acts 2010 as amend- the management staff in eybag politicians will never presidential while the black Olurode said the basic func- ed was misplaced andinto temptation of money- Ekiti State, led by Resident hesitate to destroy you. We is for the national assembly tions the device that is novel unwarranted. Electoral Commissioner, Mr. are going to improve on the because any wrong place- in the country’s electoral sys- “This device is meant to addbags that are desperate to Sam Olumekun. welfare package that won’t ment will be counted as tem is geared to perform, is to credibility to our polls. It has He said the INEC staff owe it verify the Permanent Voter tofunctionstodischargeandcompromise the presiden- that is to verify the PVC as being authentic or fake andtial and governorship polls. to authenticate whether the voterthatbringsitistheactu-INEC National al owner because we won’t tolerate the use of clonedCommissioner in charge of cards in this election. “Smart card reader is not syn-The Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (left), presenting a special souvenir to the officer commanding, Mobility Command, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal, Fancis onymous with electronic voting in any way. We have to make it clear that accredita- tion will be done on the vot- er register after your cards have been certified to be authentic and that is where voting starts. “And we are assuring you that whoever that get accred- ited will certainly vote because there is no time lim- it to voting now. Voting will only stop when the last per- son on the queue votes, but there is limit to accredita- tion, “ he stated. Heurgedthestaffofthecom- mission to commence on a house-to-house sensitisa- tion campaign to shore up people’sawarenesstothecol- lection of PVCs and the place- ment of the ballot papers.Bassey Nyoyoko, during a courtesy call at the Government House, Yenagoa, at the weeken PHOTO: GOODLUCK AYEBATONYEPolice Probe Disruption Of APC Rally In Okrika Obi Canvasses Support ForFrom Kelvin Ebiri, of Police in-charge of Zone killed by unknown gunmen, ing during the rally would tion into what happened at JonathanPort Harcourt Six, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, who also stabbed a television face the full wrath of the law. Okrika and we are putting yesterday arrived Port journalist, Charles Eruka, on together bits and pieces of THE former Governor ofTHE police have com- Harcourt to begin investiga- the neck and injured several “You are aware I am the what happened before and Anambra State and the menced investigation tion into the attack, which other persons. Assistant Inspector General during the fracas. You are Deputy Director General,into the circumstances sur- the APC controversially of Police in-charge of Zone going to hear from us; werounding the attack on the blamed on the Peoples Ogunsakin told journalists Six, and Rivers is one of the have started making South, of the National PDPAll Progressives Congress’ Democratic Party thugs. The in Port Harcourt that he was states under my watch. You enquiries. We have started(APC’s) governorship cam- PDPhassincedeniedthealle- primarily in Rivers State to are also aware that the consulting and we are trying Campaign Council, Mr.paign in Okrika, in which a gation. unravel those behind the Inspector General of Police to find out what really hap-policeman was killed. heinous attack, which has has ordered that I carry out pened before and during the Peter Obi, has called on During the campaign rally, been widely condemned. this investigation. So, we crisis at Okrika,” he said. In compliance with the which was held at the According to him, the police have commenced investiga- Nigerians to supportdirectives of the Inspector National School Field, will ensure that any individ-General of Police, the Okrika, a policeman, ual found to have participat- President GoodluckAssistant Inspector General Corporal Ifeanyi Okorie, was edinthebombingandshoot- Jonathan in his unrelent- ing efforts towards the development of the coun- Group Kicks Against Interim Govt, Urges try. INEC To Conduct Credible Elections He made this call yesterday during the commissioningKukah Urges Police To Obey Rules Of Engagement of the rehabilitated Egbin Federal Republic of Nigeria Power plant in lagos. constitution is clear as to theFrom Nkechi Onyedika-Ugoeze, they are not being deployed a reality of what happens By Yetunde Ayobami Ojo Speaking to the press afterAbuja to go and do the bidding of whenyoufoistdemocracyon any government in power a country that have the kind ANON-governmental group tenure of the government, the event, Obi said: “BesidesCATHOlIC Bishop of but to ensure the security of of resources that Nigeria under the aegis of Project which is the hand over date, Sokoto, Bishop Hassan lives and property. have, which is the reason the the train that started run-Kukah has appealed to the He said, “Security agencies system is characterised byInspector General of Police, needstobeveryalertandalso certain attitude of banditry, Rescue Democracy (PRD) has and any move or step taken ning after over 30 years itSuleiman Abba to call his to appreciate that without looting. If you want to be themen to order and to ensure Nigerians, there can be no President of Somalia, it has kicked against any plan to against the actualisation of stopped, the commission-thattheycomply totherules democracy. We are grateful challenges, but the problemof engagement before, dur- toGodthatwehavesignedup with the Nigerian situation is adopt interim government or this date will lead to serious ingofEgbinpowerplantoning and after the forthcom- for democracy, but we need thattherearelotsofmoneytoing general elections. to work to sustain this be stolen and that no matter military intervention in the constitutional crises. Saturday; the Olurunsogo At a forum organised by the democracy.” how you steal, there will stillCaritas Foundation of He noted that elections are enough left over. We are on a country and urged the “We shall continuously 750 megawatts powerNigeria at the weekend in violent in Nigeria because we journey and we are maturingAbuja, Kukah noted that have so many unresolved everyday. We will make mis- NationalAssemblytobetrans- demand transparency and plant in Ogun State ontherearecitizensthatarefeel- issues; these are issues that takes, but the mistakes of yes-ing thoroughly intimidated, institutions would have terday are the building parent on issue concerning responsibility from the Friday and the 434stressing that this can threat- resolved. blocks of tomorrow, ween the process we are in. Accordingtohim,“Whatyou shouldn’t feel despondent, the electoral process. National Assembly regarding megawatts Geregu powerTheclericobservedthatsecu- see now in this democracy is we have to figure out how tority agents must know that manage our grievances.” ThegroupPresident,Mr.Wale the electoral process, as plant among others are Ogunade,madethisknownto Nigeriansshalldemandopen pointers that the press at the weekend in voting at the floor of both the Transformation lagos, while speaking on the Houses should any such mat- Agenda is on course.” state of nation, 2015 general ter come be fore them.” Obi urged Nigerians to electionandothermatters.He Also, co-convener of the givehimanotherfouryears said government and INEC group, Professor Chris to complete the work he should make the election Nwaokobia said it is impor- had begun, saying giving dates sacrosanct. tant that Nigerians kick Jonathan another four “ We are opposing any plan to against any tinkering with years is not about him as a extend the 2015 general elec- the current electoral process person, but about equity tionbyanymeanswhatsoever. either by way of an illegal and justice. Section 135 (2) of the 1999 interim government.
4 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comNEWSAPC Accuses PDP, Fayose Of Trailing Buhari In LondonFrom Adamu Abuh (Abuja)and • Says Opposition Candidate Will Speak At Chatham House Thursday contrarytotheoriginalclaim • ‘Buhari Hale And Hearty,’ Meets Blair of the APC, Shehu saidKamal Tayo Oropo (Lagos) Chatham House would post of controversy, reportedly Directorate of Media and while on his working visit in happen to General theeventandsendoutinvita-THE All Progressives confirmed his speaking Publicity of the APC London.” Muhammadu Buhari while tionsonMonday,February23 Congress (APC), yesterday, engagement at the Royal Presidential Campaign in London or anywhere, the (tomorrow). urged President Goodluck Institute of International Organisation (APCPCO), the “Let it be on record that authorities over there in theJonathan to caution one of Affairs, Chatham House in APC had “learnt on good knowing Governor Fayose’s UKandathomeshouldknow The statement also revealedthePeoplesDemocraticParty London, scheduled for authority that Governor antecedents, we are not leav- who to hold responsible,” that, as part of his ongoing(PDP) governors, Ayodele Thursday, February 26. Fayose has hired people in ing anything to chances. The said Shehu. engagement in the UnitedFayose of Ekiti, over what the London who have been trail- Governor who has pub- Kingdom, General Buhariopposition party considered According to a press state- ing the movements of the lished death-wish advertori- Reacting to reports that had an interview yesterdayhis continued pestering of its ment signed by Malam APC presidential candidate als on Buhari will stop at Buhari was not listed on with a local medium, the “Allcandidate, General General Garba Shehu of the nothing. If anything should Chatham House schedule, Eyes on Africa TV Show,” withMuhammadu Buhari, with Kemi Fajodutimi and metfalsehood and death wishes. with Tony Blair. This came as Buhari, in spite Shehu disclosed that Buhari left the London residence of theAwujaleofIjebuland,Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona at about 1.30 pm UK time and returned to his rented flat in the city. Meanwhile,theAPCisinsist- ing that its presidential can- didate, Buhari, is ‘hale and hearty.’ Garba Shehu, who spoke to The Guardian yester- day, said there is no iota of truth in the speculation that Buhari is unwell and that he had travelled to London to seek medical treatment. Shehu insisted that Buhari left Abuja last Thursday for a short working visit to the United Kingdom (UK), adding that the ruling PDP should be blamed for the campaign of calumny against Buhari, who is the major challenger to incum- bent President Jonathan in the March 28 presidential election.Olori Peju Sonuga (left); Yeye Oba of Simawa, Mrs. Dupe Osineye; Ogirimagagbo of Ilaro, Oba Isiaka Ajede; Fadesewa of Simawa, Oba Gbenga Sonuga and the Group Managing Director of Adron ‘Gov. Elechi NotHomes and Properties, Oba Adetola Emmanuel King at the 70th birthday celebration and book launch of Oba Sonuga at the Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos… at the weekend. Working For Jonathan’ PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO From Nnamdi Akpa, AbakalikiUITH Consolidates Gains Of ‘Keep Fit’ Initiative DEPUTY Coordinator of Jonathan/ Sambo 2015 Presidential Campaign in Sports Council, Kwara SWANFrom Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin Coordinator of the keep fit that they work in a health derivebycomingtogetherlike and others who are assisting Ebonyi state and also exercise, Pharm. Lanre Alege related institution, whichTHE Chief Medical Director was used to review activities should have known the ben- this, and there are lots of chal- the course. Chairman, Ebonyi State (CMD) of the University of since inception, while sug- efits of exercise. gestions were also offered. lengesinthehealthsectorthat The Chairman, Medical PDP Elders Council, After the usual two kilome- According to him, ‘WeIlorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. tre brisk walking, jogging realised that though we are leadstointernalrivalry,andwe Advisory Committee (CMAC), Ambassador Frank and aerobics, Latinwo said health workers, we are soAbdulwaheed Olajide when it started a year ago, engrossed with the care of are using the platform to Prof Yinka Buhari, who is also Ogbuewu yesterday con- they were not too sure as to patients that we leave ourLatinwo and some members the benefits they could owncaretothehandsofGod.’ improve our relationship in the Director, Clinical Services firmed the insinuation derive, considering the factof staff of the institution have There are some non-health the name of exercise’, he joined other members who making the rounds in the related benefits that we alsopraised the sustenance of the added. include Baba Olowo, Tosho state that Governor Martinmonthly keep fit initiative, He pledged that the institu- Mohammed and Surajudeen Elechi is not for working forafter12monthsofitsintroduc- tion will consolidate on the Lawaltocommendtheauthor- the re-election of Presidenttion. successes already achieved, ities of the institution for pro- Jonathan and the candi-The session led by the even as he commended the viding the opportunity. dates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in the forthcom-Jonathan Commissions Turbine At Egbin Power Station ing general election. The Former Minister for Culture and Tourism told •Promises Brighter Moments Soon therecentrehabilitation,the roadmap in 2006, I have newsmen in Abakalaiki station can now contribute been encouraged by theFrom Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja 1320megawattsofelectricity progress we have made. insisted that the Governor to the national grid. And this is part of our trans-AFIRM assurance came EgbinpowerstationinLagos, the sector has witnessed formational efforts in the was working for from President Goodluck noted that his administra- remarkable progress with “With this rehabilitation, power sector.Jonathan that Nigeria would tion’s power sector reforms several moribund power sta- thestationhasbeenrestored “We are laying a sound the Labour Party (LP),soon overcome the problem was beginning to yield the tions and plants being reha- to its full capacity of1320 foundation for a reliableof epileptic power supply desired results. bilitated while others having megawatts for the first time and sustainable electricity adding that Elechi has nobeing currently experienced. their capacities boosted. in the history of the facility. industry. We are diversify- Jonathan, while commis- For instance, the President Since we launched the ingourenergysources.That capacity to make Jonathansioning the 220 megawatts remarked that since he For the Egbin power is why we are exploring therehabilitated gas turbine at launched the power sector station, the President prospects offered by coal lose in Ebonyi state. roadmap in 2010 in Lagos, expressed delight that with and other sources. We can’t claim to be the largest econ- He maintained that omy in Africa without a sta- ble power industry,” the Ebonyi state is PDP state President said. and its political situation is uniquestressingthatthisis the first time, where a PDP government is working for opposition-LabourPartyin the state level and also pre- tending to be working for the PDP presidential candi- date.
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 5 NEWSCholera Outbreak: Six Dead, Eight Lagos PDP LaudsOthers Hospitalised In Ebonyi Obanikoro’s NominationBy Daniel Anazia to lack of personal hygiene advising people to maintain not obey the directive and it to be transmitted to them. among victims, potable wa- personal and environmental affected other victims,” he He announced the sealing By Tope Templer OlaiyaNO fewer than six persons ter and toilet facilities, Achi hygiene.” said. of over 30 houses for lack of have been confirmed said, “people expose what- THE Lagos State chapter ofdead and eight others hospi- ever they eat to flies and “When the first case was According to Achi, most of toilet facilities, and advised the Peoples Democratictalised following a suspected these flies will perch on recorded, we instructed that the victims do not have toilet the people to ensure regular Party (PDP) has described asCholera outbreak in three them and transmit diseases the person should be buried facilities; as such they defe- hand washing with running well deserved the inclusion ofcommunities of Ebonyi such as this to them. We are immediately without burial cate around their houses, water to avoid contracting Senator Musiliu Obanikoro inState. The communities af- ceremonies, but people did making it easier for diseases diseases. the ministerial nominees’ listfected include Edomia, sent to the National AssemblyAmachi and Ikelegu. last week for consideration by President Goodluck Jonathan. The state’s Director of Pub-lic Health and Diseases Con- In a chat with The Guardiantrol, Christian Achi, affirmed yesterday, the party’s secre-that four of the victims died tary, Alhaji Wahab Owokoni-in Amachi, Abakaliki Local ran, said the president hasGovernment, while two oth- made the right choice. “Weers died in Edomia and members of PDP in Lagos StateIkelegu respectively, Ebonyi are fully in support ofLocal Government Area. Obanikoro’s nomination. This is someone who has been Describing the situation as tested in public service.unfortunate, Achi said that “In the past, he has served thiseight persons were hospi- country as a High Commis-talised and currently receiv- sioner to Ghana and it is note-ing treatment in nearby worthy that during his tenurehealth centres. He stated that as ambassador, there was im-the state government health provement in the relationshipofficials had moved into the between Nigeria and Ghana.affected communities and He was a minister after that, astabilised some of the vic- duty which he performedtims in critical condition. meritoriously in the sense that by the time he was leaving af- Attributing the outbreak ter just seven months in office, the entire Defence ministryEnugu Govt gave him a resounding recep-Criminalises tion to bid him farewell.”Trading Along Reacting to the claims by theRail Tracks All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop Obanikoro’s ENUGU nomination at the Senate over his alleged involvement in aFrom Ikenna Onyekwelu recently released recording on the Ekiti State election, the La-ENUGU State government gos PDP Scribe said the APC is says it would henceforth only behaving as a bad loserprosecute any person putting and hiding behind a tape,up illegal structures or con- which authenticity is yet to beducts trading activities along established to beat a deadrail tracks in the state, adding horse.that the transformation of thetransport sector in the state is President Goodluck Jonathan unveiling the plaque at the re-commissioning of the unite ST-60 of Egbin Power station in Ikorodu, La- Akwa Ibom 2015:still on steam. gos…yesterday Group Mobilises For PDP Candidate The state commissioner of Nollywood Stars In Jos, Sue For Peacetransport, Dr. Barth Ezugwu, AKWA IBOMwho handed down the warn- From: aIsa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos JOS we need Nigeria where our politics with that.”ing on Friday, during a meet- The Nollywood actor ex-ing with stakeholders in the SOME Nollywood stars un- We have observed with keen children will not be dis- By Gbenga Salautransport industry, observed der the aegis of National interest too that Nigeria is plained that NO BAGA is notwith dismay that some indi- Orientation For Being A driving towards a danger- placed persons, where our a political platform to favour ASpart of efforts to ensureviduals have opened up pri- Good African (NO BAGA) yes- ous bend. And that danger- any candidate as it is going that the governorshipvate parks along rail tracks. terday evening stormed Jos, ous bend will affect all of us children will be happy, from state to state to preach the Plateau State capital, if there is a skip off the road. love. Ezugwu regretted that some with a message of peaceful It looks like drums of war where our children will look candidate of the Peoplespeople were taking advantage election without hate and are being beaten and we are Another Nollywood star,of the current electioneering violence. Held at the General asking those who are beat- forward to a better tomor- Patience Ozokwor popularly Democratic Party (PDP) inperiod in the state to under- Hassan Katsina Polo ing these drums of war to known as Mama G, said shemine the achievements of the Ground, Joy, the event also stop fanning the embers of row, where candidates will was in Jos to propagate Akwa Ibom State, Udom Em-Sullivan Chime administra- had in attendance artistes disunity. peace, adding that she wantstion, stressing that the state from the state. come out and tell us about people to know that they manuel wins, a social group,government was determined “That is the message we don’t have two countries.to continue the transforma- In his remark, the coordi- preach that election is not policies rather than hate, The notable actress noted Udom Emmanuel Van-tion of transport system in the nator of the group, Kanayo war. Election should not be that for the country to moveState in line with its 4-Point O. Kanayo said their mission war; it should be a process of and that is the message we forward, all the citizens guard, has said it would beAgenda. in Jos was to bring a mes- change, a process of conti- must join hands to make it sage of love to the people of nuity. We want Nigeria to re- have brought to Jos today,” so. mobilising indigenes of the He disclosed that officials of the state. He noted that if the main what it is. All theministry would begin the ejec- people of the state decide to presidential candidates are Kanayo stated. Ozokwor urged Nigerians state in Lagos to vote Em-tion of all those encroaching make troubles during the Nigerians; all the governor- not sell their birth right,on the rail tracks through ille- polls, there would be no ship aspirants and candi- On the shift in the dates of adding that they are going manuel.gal trading or other commer- peace in the whole of Nige- dates are Nigerians. Soldiers round to enlighten the peo-cial activities, especially the ria. come, soldiers go, but the elections, Kanayo pointed ple about the permanent The Chairman of theconversion of the rail lines to barracks remain. So, we voters’ cards and the need tomass transit parks and con- “So, we need one another; want to drive a message out that the Independent vote. group, Sam Bassey, dis-struction of shanties. that’s why we have come through this NO BAGA that with the message of peace. National electoral Commis- “This is an avenue to reach closed that it would be do- The commissioners added out to them; we can reachthat, apart from the environ- sion (INEC), as an independ- out to them one on one. ing this throughmental hazards posed by theillegal structures along rail ent body, has the exclusive transporting Akwa Ibom in-lines, it is dangerous for pedes-trians or other unauthorised power to reschedule elec- digenes in Lagos to Akwausers to trade or trek along railtracks saying that the revitali- tions, as it deems necessary. Ibom to vote. The bodysation of the rail transport,have made those practices “We have to know that we maintained that its goal isvery dangerous. have the Independent Na- to contribute a minimum of tional Electoral Commis- 500,000 votes in the April 11 sion vested with the sole election through strategic power in conducting elec- and aggressive marketing of tions. So, INEC says it is not Udom Emmanuel. conducive to conduct elec- “We have just launched a tions on February 14 and caller tune for Udom Em- that is it. We should not play manuel, which we expect to Orphanage Home Operator Seeks Neutral Presidential Candi- spread like wildfire in the state to serve as a reminder for mobile phone users in From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, INTERNATIONAL peace to the country. at and examine all other taking a decision to vote for In a statement titled “That contestants in the presiden- Benin City sives Congress (APC) and tial election and pick the Udom Emmanuel. pick an outsider from the Nigeria may be rescued” one with the best track ACAREGIVER and man- two to stabilise the country, made available to journalists record of people orienta- “We have printed fliers for ager of popular home in adding that any of the two in Benin City, he said “The tion. Such will be the un- Benin City, Charilove, Chris major contenders; President singular option now open to sung hero or heroine whose the campaign. As a deliber- Omusi has urged Nigerians Goodluck Jonathan and Ma- Nigerians to save their coun- surprising emergence as to look beyond the two ma- jor General Muhammadu try from the imminent but president will help to save ate policy, we are distribut- jor presidential candidates Buhari (rtd) winning the preventable doom is for all our country”. of the Peoples Democratic election would not bring truly patriotic voters to look ing fliers from Lagos to Party (PDP) and All Progres- Akwa Ibom on daily basis, reminding them of Udom Emmanuel as the candidate of choice for governorship.
TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com 6 Sunday, February 22, 2015 Conscience, Nurtured by TruthCityfileLagos Campaign Grounds:A Case Of One State Two CitiesLittered ground af er campaigns By Omiko Awa dent said it appears the state government is selective in its approach to keeping the state clean. NIGERIANS, especially lagosians, are witnessing a new “Or how else would you explain the case where more at- phase of political campaign in the country. In a bid to tention is given to the highbrow areas than the suburbs outdo each other, the two major political parties — the All such as Ejigbo, Ijanikin and Bariga among others. You Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic should have seen the speed with which LAWMA tidied up Party (PDP), are introducing innovative ideas and strate- the roads leading to Ejigbo playground because they gies to convince the electorates to vote for them. wanted to use it for campaign. After the programme, we Aside from their flamboyant speeches, the high sound- had expected that such speed would be equally applied to ing words that used to spice past politicians’ speeches, as cleaning up the place. But this was not the case, as the filth well as their colourful attires that added thrill to the was left to fly around for days. event in the 90s, the present time is witnessing a shift, as “If this had taken place in the main part of Lagos such as party faithful now delight in wearing uniform attires, tee- Ikoyi, would it have taken them this long to clear the rub- shirts or Ankara in their favoured party colours and em- bish? I think it is because they feel we are not to be reck- blems to campaign grounds. oned with and that we have no power to influence government that they treat us this way,” he said. But this is not all. The new package also features famous entertainers of different genres, who usually hold the According to Shamshideen Aderanti, the responsibility of crowd spellbound with their performances, thereby tidying up campaign grounds in the state must have been showing that the nation has them in abundance and that given to certain PSP contractors to handle. So, the inability campaign grounds are not only about politics; there of the relevant private companies to discharge their duties must also be comedy, music and dance. properly should be blamed on the agency monitoring the various contractors that are supposed to handle it. But aside all these theatrics, which are targeted at cap- “Government’s decision to pay little or no attention to the turing the electorate’s fancy and swaying their decision, people of a particular area or location is not desirable. Gov- one noticeable fallout of all these activities at any cam- ernment is supposed to be for all people, whether in the paign ground is the filth that is generated while the rural or urban areas. Everyone, no matter where they live events last. pays tax; so, all that is necessary is for the people to identify the PSP operator in their area and report to the relevant After the departure of the campaigners and their audi- monitoring authority,” he said. ence, the grounds are usually littered with bits and pieces A gatekeeper, who was at Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of papers, torn posters, especially that of the opponent of Lagos State primaries said the place was quickly cleaned parties, empty water sachets, crumbs of snacks, damaged up after the event to allow for other activities to hold. party’s insignia and such other items that should have According to Funke, who was among the LAWMA officers been disposed of to make the spots clean. assigned to tidy up the Ejigbo pitch for campaign, the Although it is a known fact that the Lagos State Signage blamed shouldn’t be heaped at their doorstep, as the au- and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is responsible for the thority provided waste bins and also stationed officials to regulations of pasting of posters, billboards and any form see to the cleanliness of the venue, but that the crowd had of advertisement in the state, the Lagos State Waste Man- messed up the ground. agement Authority (LAWMA) has tried to live up to its “We became helpless, as we could not actually handled billings to a large extent by clearing campaign grounds, them. Not even the threat of arrest could make them do especially those in many places in the metropolis. the right thing, and as you know, it was a political ground The agency rapid response in cleaning up these venues is and any punitive measure could ignite crisis,” she said. admirable although its activity is more pronounced in Other cleaners in different parts of the city echoed highbrow areas of the state than the suburbs. Here, filthy Funke’s reaction. campaign grounds are left for days without any attempt at cleaning. And when eventually cleared, the packed Ejiro Adamu, an environmentalist, told The Guardian that heaps are deposited at the roadsides sometimes for the issue of cleaning of campaign grounds before and af- weeks, with some of it pushed into the drains, thereby ter use has to do with a state policy and should never be constituting another form of nuisance to the environ- undermined because of its adverse effects, especially with ment. the rains around the corner. And now that the rains are around the corner, the au- “The drains should always be cleared to allow for easy thorities or agencies responsible for cleaning the city flow of water. The filth from the various campaign would need to sit up and carry out their duties to avoid grounds should be dumped at designated sites, but not on flooding in some areas. the street corners or roads,” she said. Reacting to this development, Babatunde Aremu, a resi-
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 | 7 CITYFILEGoodbye To ‘ImpoundedVehicle’ Regime, As ICTEra Takes Off In LagosBy Chuks Nwanne villages and cities such as Lagos. Accidented Vehicles ing impact of the abandoned vehicles on Human lives are greatly endangered by the environment and the destruction vis-HOW many police stations have you vis- ment will change, making it cleaner. Sec- ited on the beautiful police neighbour- ited in Nigeria? What’s your candid broken-down vehicles, as they narrow the ondly, in some police stations, these vehi- hoods all around Lagos State. I’m sure withopinion about the environment where the space on roads and force pedestrians to cles take up half of the road. So, traffic will proper enlightenment campaign, people’sofficers operate? This is not about poor in- make use of service lanes, leaving them at move if you do this. More importantly, the mindset will change over time. On the partfrastructure for the police that has become the mercy of reckless drivers and lawless vehicle owner, who you deprive of his ve- of the police, carefulness in handling sucha sort of institutional quandary. It’s about Okada riders. Most importantly, they deface hicle, will feel happier to deal with you. Of- sophisticated equipment is needed. Seeingthe number of impounded and abandoned the beauty of the environment. ten times, that’s their only vehicle and it’s this all over Nigeria will help handle thevehicles that litter police stations across the at police station. So, a vehicle owner sud- ugly litter of accident vehicles across Nige-country. To further boost the state’s commitment denly becomes someone compelled to ria’s police stations.” to securing the lives and property of resi- take public transport; he can’t be a happy Have you ever been involved in a motor dents and tourists, the Lagos State govern- person,” he added. For Tope Ajayi, a Lagos-based PR practi-accident case that ended up in a police sta- ment, through the state’s Ministry of Describing the initiative as a trend setting tioner, this is a novel idea in criminal justicetion? What was your experience like? Were Science and Technology, recently em- that should be replicated across the coun-you eventually charged to court and the ac- barked on a project that will enable the try, Ajuluchukwu Ugo Okeke said, “this is CONTINUED ON PAGE 8cidented vehicle presented as exhibit? How state government set up ICT Centres in 100 good governance, considering the degrad-many of these unfortunate Nigerians get to police stations across the state. Apart fromrecover their vehicles intact? Well, the real- helping the police to keep detailed recordity is that most of these impounded vehi- of exhibits, the centres will also help cleancles end up as scraps or auctioned at a very up the environment where policemenridiculous rate. carry out their duties. When you are close to a police station in At the formal handover of a fully fur-Nigeria, chances are that you would have nished ICT Resource Centre to the Area ‘C’observed this development. Aside from Command of the Nigeria Police, Surulere,their buildings and walls, which are usu- Fashola gave assurance of his government’sally painted in police official colours, and resolve to support the police in safeguard-maybe their signposts, the sight of vehicles ing lives and properties in the state. Heimpounded by the officers as exhibits, tell urged the officers not to relent in their ef-you where you are. In most cases, these forts to perform their duties professionally,abandoned vehicles, including old, rickety especially as the country prepares for thepolice patrol vans, practically occupy the 2015 general elections.parking lot, forcing visitors to park their According to the governor, the ICT Centrescars poles away from the station. At times, would essentially help the police to decon-the parking extends into the streets, mak- gest the stations of exhibits, especiallying vehicular traffic difficult; surely people abandoned vehicles and help improve theliving around police stations should be fa- image and outlook of police stations.miliar with this ugly sight. Fashola also noted that, “in all the time Abandoned vehicles serve as avenues for that I practised in court, I can’t recall onedumping of refuse, which constitutes envi- case in which those vehicles were broughtronmental challenges to the society. to court as exhibits. So, the question is, whyNearby residents and road users see them are we keeping them? Why don’t we justas refuse bins, where they can discard their take enough photographs of all the angleswastes. So, it is common to see commuters of the vehicles and release them on bond tothrowing banana peels and ‘pure’ water sa- the owners, that they will produce themchets in abandoned vehicles. whenever they are needed in court.” Each of the centres boasts of two comput- Besides, most abandoned vehicles are po- ers and trained personnel to man the ac-tential homes for the mentally ill, who go cessories, including a digital camera,out in the morning and return at dusk to Digital Assert Management Systems Soft-pass the night. This is common along ex- ware (DAMS) and two KW solar installa-pressways and within cities, towns and tions. Records of all exhibits in policestreets. Sometimes, miscreants and street stations across the state will be capturedurchins take turn to utilise the facility in and stored in the computers’ databases forcarrying out their nefarious activities. In ease of access and retrieval of relevant ex-the neighbourhood, they could become hibits for effective prosecution of all cases.home to reptiles and other dangerous ani- “If you do this, many things will change.mals, which may portend danger to resi- First, the congestion around your environ-dents of that area. This is common in
8 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comCITYFILEBy Dorcas Omolade Ore Lagos Residents DecryAS part of efforts to secure themselves and Street Barricades their property, Lagosians in the early saved motorists and commuters useful man-2000s, resorted to constructing street gates hours and unnecessary stress often suffered for proper searching and identification, and Commenting on the issue, Mrs. Ayinke, aand setting up barricades in their streets to on the road. possibly thwart their intentions if they are trader in one of the streets observed thatward off criminals and possibly unwanted However, as the years rolled by, the direc- criminals.” some of the gates are constructed to preventguests that have nothing to do in their areas. tives seem to be abandoned, as street gates heavy-duty trucks from entering some are making a come back, even on streets that Buttressing this point, a resident, who streets. She explained that even the Lagos These barricades, though well intended, never had them before. While some com- pleaded anonymity, revealed that the estate State Waste Management Authoritysoon began to constitute obstructions to munities fortify their gates with all manners has not recorded any incident of armed rob- (LAWMA) truck cannot pass through some oftraffic, especially in areas, where such street of objects, others have constructed theirs in bery attack since she moved there with her the gates because of the way they are con-gates or barricades are on roads meant to such a way that they could only allow cars husband four years ago. She added that the structed. She appealed to government andserve as thoroughfares or alternative link and not even buses to pass through. security men recognise practically all the relevant agencies to look into the issue androutes. Apart from the bottlenecks they cre- Speaking to The Guardian on the benefits of residents and their vehicles, which makes it pull some of the barricades down to allow forated, they became hurdles that the police, the gates, Alhaji Hakeem, a landlord, in Peace easy for them to identify any visitor and nip easy access of vehicles, including trucks.fire engines and vehicles on emergency have Estate, Gbagada, said the gate is the only any crime in the bud. They ensure that every- Putting the blame of barricading streets onto scale when carrying out their legitimate means with which the landlords, to a large one coming into or going out of the estate is the failure of government to provide ade-duties. extent, provide security for themselves and thoroughly checked at the gate. quate security for the people, Akintade, a ten- Observing the effects of these structures on their tenants. Expressing his disaffection at the way most ant in Surulere, told The Guardian thatthe people, the economy of the state, lives “It enables us to know who and who is com- streets in the state now parade gates, Samuel government is not serious at implementingand property, Lagos State Government then ing into our community, slow them down Olarewaju, a resident in one of the streets in its directives because it lacks the wherewithalordered that all gates or barricades leading Gbagada, said, “the gates and barricades are to effectively tackle the problem of insecurityto major roads in the state be opened from hindrances to free movement of people and in the city and as such sees the barricades as5. 30a.m to 12midnight daily, to allow for free vehicles, especially at night, when some peo- individuals’ and groups’ efforts at fightingflow of vehicular movement, reduce traffic ple come back very late from work. the menace by themselves.congestion and remove the difficulties am- “Can you believe that in my area, there are “Take it or leave it, government sees it as abulances and individuals faced taking sick times we return late and tired from work form of community policing and until thepeople or pregnant women to hospital at with heavy loads and because the gate-keep- people begin to see actual improvement innight. ers have been instructed to lock the gates at security, they would not remove the barri- a certain time of the day, they would not al- cades and gates to make the streets open and This directive was a welcomed one, as it low any vehicle other than the community’s accessible,” he noted. registered one to come in. This forces resi- dents to carry their loads and walk down the Efforts to make the various council chair- long street to their houses.” men speak on this issue proved abortive. Not even the Lagos State Commissioner for Infor- He, therefore, called on the state govern- mation could supply The Guardian with ment to revisit its directives on the gates and needed information. But councils’ officials barricades, with the aim of curtailing the ex- speaking under anonymity said the issue is a cesses of some landlords or community as- closed case, especially as the state govern- sociations that have turned themselves into ment has already given its directives. another government.. . .Goodbye To ‘Impounded Vehicle’ RegimeCONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 rely on the pictures as evidence, like this will be a thing of the tions across the country, as well as hope the police will comply,” he while the vehicle owners can go past,” he said. the naira and kobo involved, then said.administration. ahead to fix their vehicles. you will understand the level of “This will surely do many things “Many police stations dump acci- On his part, Sunday Idowu wastage involved here. The acci- While commending the initia- dent vehicles in the neighbour- noted that the policy would re- dent has happened, so, I don’t see tive, Chukwuma Nwosu called onfor the citizens. Firstly, it will re- hood roads for months and this duce the level of wastage that the need to continue keeping the the police to ensure that this ad-duce the burden of having vehi- causes more accidents. But with comes with accident. vehicles in police custody, as it vancement does not create roomcles impounded in police stations this new development, situations “When you count the number of doesn’t change anything. We only for greedy officers to enrich them-for weeks. It means after pictures vehicles abandoned at police sta- selves.have been taken, the police can
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 9 NOTEBOOKGeneral Buhari’s Inability To Form A LegacyBy Olu Adekanola that, it was never about them individually, but about the What I do see in the movement and aspiration of Gen. essence of the lessons and features, which came with their Buhari in the last 10 years, is a movement that is about him,THE 2015 general election has been postponed to March teachings. his person, his aspiration to become president of Nigeria and electioneering by various political parties and alone. Even though he is representative of so many positivetheir candidates are in full swing. The major political par- The durability of those lessons was in the fact that they leadership qualities that this country is so much in need of,ties and their affluent candidates have employed radio were not the main or central figures or beneficiaries of but essentially, Gen. Buhari’s legacy is purely about him.jingles, television adverts, newspapers editorials and on- their movement. They were merely the creators and teach-line ads. ers. And because they empowered, developed, trained and If, by now, Buhari is unable to establish a legacy with all Ominously, the upcoming elections have engendered established people, their legacies have been able to live on the opportunities he has had, and if his movement is basedthe pre-election violence currently being witnessed beyond their lifetime. The legacies that these men individ- solely on his positive characteristics and presidential aspi-across the country. With the elections predicted by inter- ually created still stands the test of time, immensely bene- rations, then won’t posterity remember him for just that?national and local pundits and political analysts to be the fitting a lot of people from all works of life. Won’t his struggles live and die with him because he failedclosest and most competitive ever in our 54-year history, to groom others to carry on after him?it portends what is to come when the winner of the elec- Looking at present times, in their own fashion, leaderstions is eventually declared. such as, Gen. T.Y. Danjuma and Rochas Okorocha are all When I look at Buhari’s political odyssey of cross-carpet- known to be benevolent philanthropist and contributing ing and leapfrogging from one political party to another, I The emergence of the APC and Buhari as its presidential their quota, albeit little, which are intended to increase see him as a man who floats alone. Whenever he changedaspirant has indeed over-heated the polity, as well as human wellbeing and development in this great country party, he did it practically alone without taking his party al-elicited differing emotions from teeming Nigerians. In of ours. lies with him. It has always been he who moves from onethe true fashion of politicking and electioneering cam- However, when I consider Gen. Buhari and dissect his party to another and giving the impression of his necessitypaigns in Nigeria, mud-slinging, character assassination, movement, I wonder exactly what legacy he has been able to do so. bootlicking, cross-carpeting, backbiting, witch-hunting, to establish. I ask which school of thought he is creatinghave been the order of the day. with his commitment to aspiring for political office? I In all the parties he has been in and all the presidential question what legacy he is building or has built? campaigns he has contested for, it has always been about The forthcoming Presidential elections is unquestion- his campaign. The party presidential primaries has alwaysably between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gen. Buhari has been in active politics for the past 12 years been about him obtaining the ticket while other aspirantsPresident Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is seeking re- and from my vantage point, I cannot comprehend which are often cajoled and forced to step aside and relinquishelection and the “serial” Presidential aspirant, Gen. legacy he has built on in the past decade other than being the presidential ticket to Gen Buhari.Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), of the All Progressive Con- a presidential candidate, who is not known to be corrupt. Igress (APC). do not see him identifying with or engaging in any philan- Even in instances where there have been other candidates I must admit that, while I am desperate for change in thropic act or setting up organisations to cater for those more qualified and capable than Gen. Buhari, it has neverNaija, I am not a fan or supporter of General Buhari. My whose support he thrives on. I do not see him making any been an option for him to consider the possibility of any-grouse with him is that ever since his emergence into the effort to establish people, build up a younger generation one else vying for the presidency in the party Gen. Buhari ispolitical landscape of our country, he has been unable to or mould a cluster of people, who can carry forth and pass in. And provided he becomes the Presidential flag bearer ofestablish a cogent school of thought or leave a political on the torch of his legacy in the future when he is no his party, he will stay in that party. So long he is given thelegacy, which future generations could benefit from. longer around. privilege of contesting for the presidency, Gen. Buhari can throw caution to the wind, compromise his morals and Gen. Buhari has actively and officially been in politics stance and align with characters who are the antithesis ofsince 2003. Hitherto, however, one cannot identify him what he claims to stand for, amongst whom are some ofwith any social movement. So far, his school of thought the most corrupt officials to have ever participated in gov-begins with Buhari and ends with Buhari. ernment in Nigeria. When I think of politicians or leaders and their longterm legacies, I think back all the way to the legendary Us- For his presidential ambition, Gen. Buhari seems to beman Dan Fodio, who built a dynasty that remains intact more than willing to drop his loyalists along the way; thosetill this day. who have sacrificed and fought tooth and nail for him, in The Sokoto caliphate, which he founded is a lasting the pursuit of his overarching quest and aspiration.legacy that has stood the test of time. A commendatorytrait of the renowned religious teacher, Islamic promoter While he was the arrowhead of the All Nigeria People’sand writer was, he never came forward to personally ben- Party (ANPP), what ideology did he imbibe or what legacyefit from his struggle and declined much of the pomp of did he leave behind? Instead, he emigrated to the Congressrulership. His interest and efforts were purely in the for Progressive Change (CPC), a party he helped foundedlegacy he built and left for the masses. History tells us and one that was to cater for his overarching ambition ofthat despite his huge support base and power to rule, Us- becoming President. At the time, it was reported that Gen.man Dan Fodio never put himself in a position to benefit Buhari was dissatisfied with the ANPP decision to join anddirectly from his struggle. His interest was in building a work with the Yar’Adua government, who was announcedlegacy to pass on to the generations that came after him. as the winner of the 2007 polls. When one looks at legendary political leaders and na-tionalists that emerged in more recent times than Usman Furthermore, having contested and lost the 2011 election,Dan Fodio such as Obafemi Awolowo, who though vied Buhari made inflammatory statements, which sparkedfor the mantle of leadership, built a very palpable legacy widespread sectarian violence that claimed the lives ofand empowered generations to carry on that legacy. more than 1,000 people nationwide. In that particular con-Awolowo left a lasting legacy of pioneering free primary flict, it was alleged that Buhari’s supporters attacked Chris-education and healthcare while he was Premier of the tian settlements in the country’s centre regions. Is this theWestern Region. kind of legacy the former General wants to be remembered for? Best remembered for his remarkable integrity, ardentnationalism and dogged Federalistic convictions; he also Now, as we gear up to go into another election in such acoined the term “naira”. To this day, he remains a folk tense and anxious atmosphere, Gen. Buhari’s commenthero to many eminent educated Yorubas, as many of that, “if what happened in 2011 should again happen inthem benefitted immensely from his free education pol- 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would allicy. be soaked in blood,” continues to echo and loom over the country. Looking towards the Northern part of the country, the Whether he meant to incite his followers or not, the factgreat Mallam Aminu Kano created a movement, which that he has such a passionate and cult like following andleft indelible footprints on the psyche of many Northern- the fact that he is such a polarising figure, the elder states-ers, as they began believing in themselves and in their ca- man and former president should have known better thanpabilities, as well as sought to challenge the aristocracies to make such statement capable of being misinterpretedof the North. and plunging the country into further chaos. As we go to the polls, I wonder whether I should read Mallam Aminu Kano’s legacy was built through the meaning into the actions and inactions of Gen. Buhari. I“NEPU movement” and the popular call for the emancipa- wonder whether I should trust a man to whom I cannot at-tion of the “Talakawas” (commoners), due to a societal tach any substance; a man who has no cogent legacy andgulf in Northern Nigeria, who were exploited and op- no track record of empowering anyone to carry forth hispressed by the aristocrats and feudal class at that time. message. I wonder if I should choose a man whose political journey is about him and him alone; a man who joined the Among Mallam Aminu’s legacies were the fiscal systems APC and while his presidential candidature is built aroundhe proposed, which favoured heavy taxation of the rich in his image as a staunch anti-corruption fighter and honestthe region. He was notably one of the few leading Niger- reputation, he hobnobs with cohorts known to be some ofian politicians that supported equal rights for women, the most corrupt politicians in Nigeria.and his movement and influence was the first real massmovement in the modern history of Nigeria. Those bankrolling the campaign for Buhari are known to have amassed huge ill-gotten wealth and are using some of There have been so many legendary figures, such as their loot for Buhari’s present campaign. One wonders, ifSamuel Akintola, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa he gets into office, whether he would jail such persons whoBalewa, Ahmadu Bello and so on, who built movements, are contributing to his possible rise to the presidency. Ascreated legacy and empowered people to carry on those the time-honored adage states, show me your friend andlegacies. These men were all social thinkers, who created I’ll tell you who you are,’ Buhari’s new friends indeed telland shaped movements that had the substance of carry- you the true nature of the former General.ing on beyond them. The strength of their legacies was •Adekanola lives in Osun Oshogbo [email protected]
10 Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comBacklash steps’ reflected President Jonathan’s “personal He noted somewhere in his presentation that vision” that was “uncompromisingly focused the “the predatory ruling cabals in Nigeria,” I on re-election.” He stressed President guess these should include him, share a wrong Jonathan “sacrificed and was ready to sacrifice notion which sees “Nigerians as gullible and naïve anything and everything, anyone and every- people…” In dramaturgy, this kind of projection one for re-election!” If this is taken as a Abraham Ogbodo is called dramatic irony, which occurs when a Freudian slip, it readily explains what under- character says or reveals more than he intends lies the anger in Odimegwu’s presentation. It and leaves himself exposed to the audience, 08055328079 (Sms only) also explains his apparent contradiction. He which has a fuller picture of the unfolding events. [email protected] wanted on one hand a restructured Nigeria Odimegwu has since moved past Obasanjo. HeOdimegwu Comes Alive Again that would move things forward, while on the describes the Obasanjo presidency for which he other hand, he desired to extract his pound of sacrificed his top job to perpetuate as a continua- flesh from Jonathan’s body for making him tion of the military by “other means.” If so, how is jobless and if supporting Buhari could as-IT was a loaded week. The big farmer went Excellent submission! If only Odimegwu had suage that desire, so be it. this assessment different from the fresh proposalwild again just as ex-brewer Festus of a Buhari Presidency by Odimegwu? chosen just this one time to be less loquacious He did not even list the radical restructuring Truly, the man thinks Nigerians are a bunch ofOdimegwu after an uncharacteristic long si- and ambivalent and remained on one track, he of the polity or even the strict implementa- fools. He is coming around after his previous ‘sins’lence re-opened his wide mouth in an attempt would have scored a big point. He abandoned tion of the report of the National Conference to sound holier than a saint without any proof ofto outperform all including ex-Central Bank the argument of restructuring the polity to under Jonathan as one of the key steps Buhari repentance or even asking for forgiveness. Onlygovernor, Charles Soludo in the new national achieve justice and lasting peace and veered off as president should take to get Nigeria back gullible and naïve people will actually take himpast time of lambasting President Goodluck into a needless comparative analysis to enforce on track. He just wanted Buhari to replace seriously. In a good country where the citizens areJonathan and his regime. The brewer spoke in a choice between President Goodluck Jonathan Jonathan. In a know-it-all manner, he gave ad- wise and memories are kept alive to strengthensuch contradictory tones that it was difficult sit- and Mohammadu Buhari in the March 28 pres- ministrative prescriptions to tackle the peren- the institutions of state, his likes shall remainuating him in context. He was proposing and idential election. And he chose Buhari. nial issue of corruption - and now insecurity - silent almost forever, that is if he escapes being inopposing the same time. After stating the many sins of Jonathan which which are, but symptomatic of a deep rooted jail. But here in Nigeria, just anybody can make aIn one breath, he pinned down the problem of are not too different from what everybody else, ailment – a federalism that is driven entirely dramatic turnaround, appropriate whatever sta-Nigeria to the Hausa-Fulani power oligarchs. including Buhari has been saying – corruption from the centre. tus and mount the national stage to pontificateEven at that, he remembered to place part of the and insecurity – and as a result of which the in- Altogether, Odimegwu’s attempt at schol- on values.culpability at the door step of the British colo- cumbent should be rejected at the polls, he arly inquisition into the Nigerian problemnialists whom he accused of designing Nigeria painted Buhari in glowing colours to push There is no institutional memory to track and with a view to proffering solution lacked sin- put the records straight for the subsisting and fu-in a manner that made the Oligarchs a constant across a contrast that did not require further cerity. Simply, he had sensed that the Buhari ture generations. Even when that is managed toin the power equation. In fact, he said the investigation before reaching a decision on show might be real after all and started an- be achieved, this characteristic naivety and gulli-British handed the emergent nation over to the who between the two contestants should be in- gling ahead of time to secure some role for bility will come to wipe off the entire gain. It isNorth to possess forever. augurated President and Commander-In-Chief himself. In plain language, Odimegwu is hus- precisely the reason a Buhari can come aroundHear him: “On their (the British) exit at inde- of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of tling and it is not his first time. after 32 years to preach democracy and humanpendence, they found it wise to impose a fraud- Nigeria on May 29, all things being equal.ulent census data on Nigeria that enabled them One of Jonathan’s sins was the sacking of As the Managing Director of Nigerian Brew- rights without first apologizing for his past mis- eries (NBL) Plc, he had inexplicably made the deeds and gross abuse of these same concepts into rig the elections and hand power over to the Odimegwu as the chairman of the National Third Term agenda of former President Oluse- the past.northern part of the union in preference to the Population Commission (NPC). There was atroublesome (that is enlightened) southern background to his sacking. It was for Mr. gun Obasanjo a fundamental objective of NBL. Some Professor has said Buhari has been purified Nigerians were angry that a topmost officer of into a democratic icon by “an intervening experi-part: in their continued self interest.” He rightly Odimegwu to work silently and diligently to- the maker of their darling twin lager, Star and ence” and that we should accept him (Buhari) asnoted that the British “amalgamated the poor wards exploding the myths surrounding cen- Gulder, was a star promoter of Obasanjo’s un- the best Nigeria can offer for the presidency inNorth with the rich South with an obnoxious sus in Nigeria. He didn’t. He chose instead to be constitutional tenure elongation plan. Mes- this age and time. The Prof may be right given hisconcept of Northern husband and Southern loquacious, proclaiming his prowess and sages were floated on all GSM networks asking depth of knowledge.wife of means in a new creation called Nigeria readiness to prove that Kano State was not people to boycott all NBL’s products. But the bigger issue, as I noted last week, is notand held the colonized captives without their more populous than Lagos State. He touched A consumer backlash was imminent. The the 2015 presidential election or who becomesconsultation or agreement.” off a nerve that unleashed the Northern estab- company was not ready to risk so much for an President on May 29. The real issue is survival ofHe described as “erroneous the assumption lishment on him. Kano State Governor Rabiu irritant CEO who had expanded his official Nigeria beyond the presidential election. We arethat the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable even Kwakwanso made such a fuss about schedule to include partisan politics.when all evidence show that Nigeria is never Odimegwu’s attempt to understate the popula- Odimegwu was promptly sent to school going about searching for a good president with-united… This unity in diversity with other na- tion of Kano vis-à-vis Lagos that President out first inventing a good nation. It will simply somewhere outside Nigeria, apparently to re- not work and it for this reason that I join the Pan-tionalities is only possible under certain condi- Jonathan had to off load him (Odimegwu) ceive training on how not to combine thetions... And the basis of this as enshrined in our from the chairmanship of the NPC to buy Yoruba group Afenifere and other well meaning business of beer brewing with politics. Heconstitution is that our union must be built on peace, and re-election, according to Nigerians to ask for the implementation of the re- never returned to his post and it only took a port of the National Political Conference. That, fortruth, justice, equity and fairness to lead to Odimegwu. little more time for him to be completely off now, is the irreducable minimum.unity, peace and sustainable progress.” He stated that his sack among other ‘mis- loaded from the NBL’s system.IN October 2014, yours sincerely SUNDAY NARRATIVE saw a visibly angry OBJ clutching hard pleaded with Adamu Muazu, na- at his membership card. In his mind, tional chairman of the Peoples Dem- he had torn the card, but because he isocratic Party (PDP) not to nurse too Alabi Williams aware of the damning consequencemuch optimism regarding the possibil- history would record for him, heity of returning former president Oluse- [email protected] handed it to a gullible Ward leader ingun Obasanjo to mainstream activism order to vicariously transfer spiritualin the party. 08116759790 (Sms only) liability. In spite of that, OBJ is now onWe pleaded for them to let OBJ retire in record as the first democraticallypeace before he plunges their party into elected president to tear his partypieces, but Muazu and others wouldn’t membership card. In two hundred years’ time, if Nigeria survives andA Soldier Is A Soldierlisten.Nowthemanhastornhispartymembership card into smithereens, an there is still democracy, it would be re-indication of his inner wish to have the whole country. They battled him for democratic ethos. That mem- erty as OBJ and his Ward members coded that a particular man calledPDP dismembered. Not that one would and together they ensured that the bership card that was torn so reck- have done, you are not just hurting Olusegun Obasanjo tore his member- lessly should not be seen as the party, you are hurting the cul- ship at a time the country had barelytotally blame Muazu’s well-intentioned PDP had no rest for those years.attempt to reunite the troubled PDP at The resultant poor outing of the belonging to OBJ as a person, or ture of democracy, which permits managed to attain 16 years of demo-the time, but the real blame is for those party in the 2011 governorship was any party member as the case may you to have your say all the time, but cratic rule. That is the far-reaching im- be. It ought to be the property of not your way. plication. We all know how difficult itwho are sincerely civilian in the politi- proof of its sorely state. As a warcal parties, who are still not discerning strategist, OBJ was tactful enough to the PDP because party funds were The PDP, like any other political is to grow this democracy since 1960 party that is licensed by the Inde-enough. A soldier in this part of the know that there was nothing left to used to procure it. Apart from and those who are placed in sensitiveworld is a soldier, brute, ramrod and preside over in form of a party at the question of ownership, that card pendent National Electoral Commis- positions by providence should not dodespotic. It does not matter the amount state level. Therefore, the safer thing ought to be the symbol of bond be- sion (INEC) to participate in elections things that will undermine the little ef-of civilian courses offered at the Na- to do was opt out at that close level tween a member and the party, so and other political activities, is a ve- forts. that, if, at any time, there is reason hicle through which politicians par- For contemporary players, it is unfor-tional Institute of Policy and Strategic and feign lack of interest.Studies, Kuru, to turn him around. He It was in his subsequent letters to to disagree, there should be layers ticipate in democratic governance. tunate that those who ought to know,would still be anti-democratic in his President Jonathan and the leader- of authority to report to, after Political parties should not belong to particularly members of the opposi- ship of the party that he later con- which you may present your case individuals or cliques, but should be tion, seem to get carried away. They seeswagger, mannerisms and overall available for members to articulate in that devious act some political capi-thought process. Perhaps, there should fessed the reasons he had to adopt to the courts for intervention. But to publicly destroy the prop- their legitimate desires and aspira- tal for themselves, as it is the PDP thatbe a more comprehensive demilitarisa- siddon look on party matters. Hetion process to induct soldiers on their talked about his faceoff with an es- erty of a political party in the man- tions for the country. No member of is fighting itself. At a news conferenceway to becoming participants in this tranged political godson, Kashamu ner that was shown last week, a party has a right to destroy the in Kaduna the All Progressives Con-civilian experience. Otherwise, they will Buruji, who became the leader of what OBJ implied was that he has property of a political party. If that is gress (APC) was in celebration mood. mobilisation in charge of Southwest no regard for what the party repre- done, as in this case, the party in- The state chairman, Suleimanbreak it into pieces one day.OBJ had, in April 2012, decided on his for the PDP. Obasanjo said because sents, which is at the core of partic- volved should summon courage to Hunkuyi, said Obassanjo’s decision toown to step aside as chairman of the the man has a running legal case in ipatory democracy. The party challenge such act of willful destruc- leave PDP would boost the fortunes ofPDP Board of Trustees, three months be- far away United States over drug fer- system is the basis of democratic tion in the courts, so that anti-demo- his party. They are not worried that it isfore the expiration of his tenure. The im- rying offences, therefore, he could governance and when people set cratic elements and pretenders do the democratic institution that is not surrender his party member- out to destroy the party system by not send the wrong message. being hacked down by men who dopression he gave then was that he On the spiritual plane, OBJ, as an not have democratic gene in their sys-would no longer be active on party af- ship under such character. In his let- attacking its emblem, they are telling Nigerians that they do not elder statesman, should have known tem. They see it as an affront for thefairs, but would operate from the ter to the president, he became that these are testy times. A time PDP, never contemplating that an-flanks, to give advise and have more clearer on his disagreements with believe in democratic rule.time to do other things. But close ob- the party and with Jonathan him- In case OBJ and his Ward party when there is so much instability in other retired soldier could wake up men and women do not know, the the polity, as a result of desperate one day to tear their party into shred.servers knew the man could not be self. PDP is a creation of the Constitu- hunger for power at the centre is not It is good that things are looking rosytrusted with his words. The man has a right to be angryBefore his offer to step aside, the PDP with his party men if the PDP, which tion. Sections 221-229 generously the time to further stoke fires. It is today for the APC, but lest they forget,in Ogun State had been ravaged beyond brought him to limelight after that provide for the existence of politi- not a time to gang up to forcefully ex- let them remember what happened toredemption after close to seven years of near-death experience with his fel- cal parties and how they are to be tract an old pound of flesh. OBJ had All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) be-internecine battles among factional low soldier, Abacha, can no longer managed. The party itself has a been in the sidelines and his influ- tween 2003 and 2011. The party used toleaders, of which OBJ was a key partici- stay on course to deliver democratic constitution and is an entity. It is ence has waned considerably since be a very vibrant opposition until Gen-pant. He desperately wanted to be the dividends to the people. But to make not the property of Goodluck 2007. He did not find much favour eral Buhari went there. While there, hesole godfather to determine who got a public show of that anger in the Jonathan or Adamu Muazu, and with late president Yar’Adua and had his way on at least two occasions.what. But other players in the party manner that was seen last week has should not be treated in the man- even with the present government. When he was resisted a third time, hecould not imagine how the man would the capacity to send different mes- ner that when you have disagree- As one of Nigeria’s foremost leaders, left to form his own party. These menmicromanage local affairs in addition sages across to different persons re- ment with party leadership or it is not a comfortable feeling to be cannot change and it is unfortunateto being the number one man in the garding this democratic journey. with Mr. President you then run to sidelined. But that again does not that civilians are willing to surrenderparty. As president, he was the national To begin with, history has taken the village square and make a bon- justify the rage of last week. this hard-earned democracy back toleader, as well as the imperial lord of the note of that act as a brazen disregard fire. When you destroy party prop- Those who watched the video clip soldiers.
TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 | 11 Conscience, Nurtured by TruthOutlookLet The Permanent Secretaries ReturnBy Afam Nkemdiche Gen. Yakubu Gowon away with the bath water). But the regime had came a secondary interest. The civil service more shockers for the nation. The illogical community then developed a less-than-pa-AS history affirms time and again, certain when the media reported that the Election ban was closely followed with a most contro- triotic mindset that subsequently infected existential phenomena are true for all Commission Chairman had misappropri- versial mass retirement of civil servants, “with the rest of the country. Need I say that self- time. One of the obvious cases is the cor- ated N1, 000,000; the Chairman had been immediate effect”. The cadre of personnel same mindset persists to this day?ruptibility of persons entrusted with public of- besides himself in protesting his inno- that had been affected ranged from perma- Meanwhile, the new military leaders glee-fice. Abuse of public trust is a wide and complex cence: he would faint if he sighted N1, nent secretaries to messengers. fully discharged their executive functionstopic; therefore, this article is limited to one as- 000,000 cash. In relation to the present It is significant to state that the then bulk of with diminishing consultation; civil ser-pect of the topical subject: misappropriations, day, those days were decidedly golden. But civil servants hailed from southern Nigeria; vants were simply invited to the Stateor theft of public resources. Official corruption that golden trajectory took a dramatic the theatre of the bitter civil war that had House and issued instructions on what tois inevitable; no society is immune from it, from turn after July 1975. ended barely six months previously. The new do. Chief A. K. Hart, former chairman ofthe most ancient to the most modern of human It is a tragic irony to retrospectively ob- Head of State had been a ruthless if unruly Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,aggregations. Humanity inevitably had to cre- serve that the 1975 coup leaders (Mur- commander in that war. A senior British in- told a Commission of Inquiry that the Headate effective means of keeping official corrup- tala/Obasanjo/Danjuma) exceeded by structor at the Royal Military Academy in of State (Obasanjo) routinely invited him totion within benign levels. However, the orders of magnitude previous dictatorial Sandhurst, England, might have preferred the the State House and issued him with the listrecurrent challenge lay in deriving a percentage national governments. As though prepar- phrase “unruly commander.” Commander of companies that had been approved to liftof society’s resources that could be misappro- ing the nation for unprecedented magis- Murtala Mohammed’s unruly conduct was of Nigeria’s crude oil. Before long, Nigeria’s na-priated without a price to pay. terial leadership, the new military junta, a scale that scandalized the Supreme Head- tional budgets that had hitherto been con- How do you pluck the geese without hissing? barely a week after assuming power, quarters; the commander was consequently sistently balanced, rapidly ran into seriousIndeed, what level of official corruption could banned permanent secretaries from at- withdrawn from the war. One could then deficit on account of suspect outsize loans.human societies contain? It could be suggested tending executive council meetings. Hith- imagine the dreadful thoughts that the con- A usually taciturn if self-effacing but widelythat 10 per cent would seem an established erto, permanent secretaries had attended troversial mass retirement would have con- respected former federal permanent secre-threshold beyond which dire consequences the executive council meetings as the jured up in the highly agitated minds of the tary of the ministry of finance, Allison Ayida,necessarily accrue. Nigeria’s history corrobo- bona fide chief executive officers of the affected southerners: it was not long before was to remark that Nigeria had “had no ex-rates this proposition. From pre-independence ministries and other government agen- cries of “marginalization!” “marginalisation!” ternal debt problem until the Jumbo loansto independence in 1960, through to the first cies. The input of these cerebral and sea- spontaneously erupted from parts of south- of 1977/78…” Nigeria had not taken any loancoup d’état in 1966, there had been reported al- soned technocrats to executive council ern Nigeria. I dare say that that morbid mass to successfully prosecute the three-year civillegations of 10 or thereabouts per cent kick- deliberations had been adjudged invalu- retirement exercise prevented Nigeria from war; now, in peacetime, she curiously findsbacks paid to government functionaries. Rather able in rationalizing government’s expen- properly healing her citizens from the trau- it necessary to take questionably-negoti-instructively, the leaders of the 1966 coup d’état ditures. No logical explanation had been mas of the civil war. If anything, the exercise ated Jumbo loans. It was also in that regimehad referred to the corrupt politicians whom offered to the nation for such a far-reach- deepened the effects of the war traumas by that a whooping sum of N2.8billion disap-they had un-ceremoniously kicked out of office ing ban; though the new Head of State, unwittingly providing manure to the sour peared from the nation’s account. The miss-as “ten per centers.” Though the ousted first re- Brigadier-General Murtala Mohammed, in seeds of inter-regional suspicions that had ing money was later allegedly traced to apublic politicians had been condemned for al- announcing the ban had said “the Perma- been sown in the period leading to the civil private account. That magisterial regime itlegedly receiving 10 per cent kickbacks on nent Secretaries were partners in crime war. was that initiated the scandalous policy ofgovernment deals, the coup leaders had with their political heads and quite often About six months following his assumption allocating oil blocks to private individuals.pointed to the 1964/1965 massively rigged elec- the master minds of business deals.” (It of power, General Murtala Mohammed was The new military leaders not only appro-tions as the principal reason they had struck. was a classic case of throwing the baby assassinated in a coup attempt in February priated absolute powers to themselves, but The military junta, which finally assumed full 1976. General Obasanjo, another legendary they also unashamedly played ducks andcontrol of the country from 1966 to 1975, was not war commander, succeeded him as Head of drakes with one of the country’s choicest re-without its fair share of allegations of 10 per cent State. General Danjuma declined the number sources. The mystery of Nigeria’s lingeringkickback receipts. But in spite of the lingering 2 position for reasons personal to him; he pre- financial problems is deeply rooted in theallegations against that military government, it ferred to remain chief of army staff. A rela- Obasanjo/Danjuma/Yar’Adua regime. To re-was for an unrelated reason that the govern- tively junior officer, a Lt. Colonel Musa solve that mystery, the country must nec-ment was eventually overthrown in late July Yar’Adua, had to be given accelerated promo- essarily study the palpable cult-like bond1975. The ousted government had become in- tion to enable him to occupy the number 2 between the trio, going back to 1979:sufferably dictatorial, the new military leaders position as chief of staff, Supreme Headquar- Obasanjo and Yar’Adua had been impli-had then alleged. Therefore, 10 per cent could ters. The trio of Obasanjo, Danjuma and cated in the so-called phantom coup plotpass as a rule-of-thumb threshold for official cor- Yar’Adua maintained both the letter and the against the Abacha regime. When Obasanjoruption. spirit of the slain Head of State. The perma- first contested for office, Danjuma had star- From its amalgamation in 1914 to 1975, Nigeria nent secretaries remained banned from exec- tled Nigerians with the announcement thatcould well be said to have lived within the 10 per utive council meetings, and no restitutions he would go on exile if Obasanjo did notcent threshold of official corruption. Reported were considered for the prematurely retired win the Presidential race. And whencases of financial impropriety had been rela- civil servants. The civil service community was Obasanjo failed in his infamous third termtively few and far between; and their effects on wounded to the quick. Working for govern- bid, he had conveniently looked to thethe larger economy had been as ineffectual as ment no longer provided security of tenure Yar’Aduas for a successor; he had done thiswater off a duck’s back. Balewa, Aguyi-Ironsi, for career civil servants; and upon retirement in spite of the array of formidably qualifiedand Gowon decidedly didn’t make the list of su- the terms of disengagement had now become aspirants for the office, and Governorper-rich Nigerians. General Gowon had been as precarious as ever. A feeling of alienation Umaru Yar’Adua’s suspect health.obliged to issue a denial when a section of the quickly crept into the heart of the civil ser- • Nkemdiche, a Consulting Engineer, wroteprint media reported that the Head of State vants. They had now to fend for themselves; from Abuja.earned a monthly salary of N36, 000! And, their service to the nation thenceforth be-CONversation By Obe Ess
TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com 12 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 Conscience, Nurtured by TruthEditorialNCAA, FAAN And Threat LETTERTo Airlines Election Debate Should Be MandatoryTHE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s threat to sanction airlines operating below standards is typical of the penchant of regulatory SIR: Our democracy is of ideologies from other lowed, I think election debates bodies in Nigeria to bark instead of biting. Sanctioning of airlines growing. It is joyful to parties to produce a defin- must be made mandatory.performing below standard is part of the statutory duties of the NCAA watch the candidates battle ing moment. Nothing displays a candidate’sand such actions ought to be taken for granted. it out in the campaign readiness than an open chance The Director General of NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, said if for any fields. Those who still think To my thinking, their to defend his or her mandatereason any operator was found to be operating below the set standard, that election is a race a objective becomes coun- before the public. This does nothe would not hesitate to ground the airline, noting that without safety, woman runs and holds her terproductive. I do not have much to do with speechthere would be no air transportation. breast, so to say, are begin- want to be overdosed by a ability, though it can be a boost Furthermore, Captain Muhtar said no airline would operate within ning to feel the scorching one sided rhetoric. Let me the spirit seems to leave thethe Nigerian airspace without the Air Operating Certificate (AOC), from heat. If the nation comes hear the opposition and candidate and speak to thethe authority. According to him, if an airline fails to use its license through this 2015 general then judge for myself. I am audience during this process.between 30 and 90 days, that airline would be barred from the said air- election successfully, and I not dismissing that the Word that is spoken is heartspace and would have to go through the process of acquiring a new believe it will because we party in power will always that is seen according to Igbolicense altogether. are gradually waking up to have an edge over the cov- proverb. Citizens will hold the He said the NCAA would issue a Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) to the virtues of enlighten- erage, I think it is natural candidate accountable for hisan aircraft operator before it is allowed to commence flight operations, ment, future ones will glow- for the television authori- or her utterances.as though these are not regulatory matters that ought to be taken for ingly put Nigeria on a global ties to want to toe the line Any candidate that opts out ofgranted as NCAA’s duty, which need no advertisement. pedestal. Who knows, one of the fingers that sign an election debate already has Even so, what is important is an effective and efficient enforcement of may even begin to envision their checks. But it should a staggering doubt loomingthe standards by the NCAA with the airlines having no choice but to a time the country will live not be to the detriment of over his head.comply. on the potentials of its glo- sound reason. Once I start Notwithstanding if he or she While insisting on standards for airlines is appropriate, the NCAA can- ries. to feel that someone is senses bias, he or she owes it tonot afford to play the ostrich on another matter: The efficiency of air- totally suppressing the the electorates to go out therelines is to a large extent also dependent on the condition of the air- Before then, certain parti- other voices that are vital and prove his or her mettle.ports. If the airports are of international standard, as the NCAA is wont san practices will have to be to the political discourse, The adversity could be anto advocate, the airlines would also be in a position to render better shunned. I have watched my sympathy switches to opportunity to show that inand improved ground services. this general election cam- the underdog. spite of the odds, he or she is a A survey recently conducted by The Guide to Sleeping in Airports, a plat- paigns on the National I think the only intimida- champion.form that documents airports and how people sleep in them out of Television Authority (NTA) tion acceptable in the elec-poor services, rated the three major international airports in the coun- network so far. My assess- tion arena is the force of The country excels when thetry low. While the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, ment of their presentations conviction. Candidates election is free and fair. Even ifwas rated 10th worst airport in Africa, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, is a disappointing one. The should apply any sort of the electorates made theAbuja and Port Harcourt International Airport were ranked seventh level of bias is nauseating. I intellectual superiority to wrong choice in their voting,and sixth worst airports on the continent. do not know how anyone subdue their opponents. there is comfort in knowing it At the same time, airports in other African countries were rated high. can justify to me that each That way, the electorates was their decision. They willThe airports in South Africa, Algeria and Ethiopia were among the best. time you see a campaign ral- stand to benefit. They will humbly wait for anotherAs usual, NCAA’s sister agency Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ly presentation on the net- be assured that the candi- chance. Violence is not an(FAAN), was quick to dismiss this rating when, indeed, the decay is glar- work it is only of the ruling date they are electing is option because it is the will ofing. party. The presenters of this the best contesting. the masses. I think we are A few years ago, there was an outcry by foreign airlines operating in event fail to realize that iron Having been exposed in a beginning to get it right.the country over the poor state of facilities at the international air- sharpens iron. There democracy where this •Pius Okaneme,ports, which, in effect, reinforced the verdict issued in the recent sur- should be a counterbalance practice is religiously fol- Umuoji, Anambra State.vey.Among other things, the airlines complained to the then Minister ofAviation, Fidelia Njeze, about the epileptic carousel at the arrival hall,lack of space to carry out proper checking, congestion at the terminalthat prevents good airline services, among others. Also, space limitation, inadequate facilities and obsolete equipmentthat adversely affect smooth operation have remained major chal-lenges over the years and yet little or nothing has been done to remedythe situation. The recent remodeling programme embarked upon by the immedi-ate past Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, which many thought wouldherald a better regime has been stalled, sacrificed on the altar of poli-tics. There are so many uncompleted projects at many airports acrossthe country, while car parking or doing any business at those airportsremains a nightmare. The air-conditioning system hardly works. Mostof the conveniences are dysfunctional or even without water supply.With limited space for airline offices and passengers, it is often anunforgettable experience in agony passing through Nigerian airports. With a security system that is compromised and porous, unautho-rised persons easily find their way into the terminal building leadingto theft of luggage and harassment of passengers. With airports thatare such an embarrassment, how can the airlines render qualityground services? Government should, therefore, step up action on whatever it intendsto do to bring sanity to the airports. The airlines must be regulated andsanctioned when in breach, especially of air safety rules and others, butthe condition of the airports must also improve to make their groundservices more efficient.
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 |13
14 Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comSPOTLIGHTCHUKS–ADIZUE: Spurred By Love For Maternal CareBy Bisi Alabi Williams tribute to the delivery of this objective where Nigerians and others are con-IPHIE Chuks-Adizue is the founder cerned.” and Managing Partner of Deluxe Iphie showcases an interesting and Childbirth Services. Her area of con- adventurous taste of what constitutescern is to assist mothers to have safe the Nigerian nation. She experienceddelivery and in the best of environ- a taste of Nigerianness while growingments. What spurred her on was her up. She had her primary education inown history. As a child, she said she Lagos and attended secondary schoolwas very sickly and quite frail. In- in Abuja. She had two semesters at thedeed, she had almost died. She grew University in Anambra before movingup promising to be a doctor, but on to the University of Jos, where shelater changed her mind. But that did studied economics.not stop her from still hovering While at Unijos, Iphie was the presi-around child and mother care. dent of AIESEC, which made her travelShe recounts: “After being admitted to Kano, Zaria, Benin, Calabar,in several hospitals and attended to Abeokuta, Ibadan, Awka and Ile-Ifeby several doctors, only one doctor among others. She had her youth serv-was able to diagnose my ailment ice in Kogi State and has worked inand subsequently treated it. After Abuja and Lagos.careful analysis and consideration On people and experiences that haveof my ordeal and all that I went shaped her life, she says:through, I decided to be a doctor. I “I am people oriented and naturallyread sciences in secondary school inspired by people that make thingsand passed brilliantly; but I changed happen. My mother inspired me to bemy mind at the last minute after the best at anything I do. Despite be-counting how many years I’d have ing a teacher with a very meagre in-to be in university to qualify as a come, she raised my brothers and I todoctor. be very confident, hardworking andBut when she was to have her first to never give up until we touch thebaby, she decided to travel to the US, stars.after witnessing the disturbing ex- “Another person that deeply inspiredperience of a woman in labour. me was Ify Ebu my in-law. In 2011, sheUpon her return to Nigeria, some was a young mom like me with twofriends pestered her with several kids and an even more demandingquestions, wanting to know how job. But she somehow managed toshe delivered safely, and her experi- combine everything with studying forences. her Masters’ degree, as well as herWithout realizing it, she had be- event management business and acome a resource person on child- consistent church worker. Seeing thisbirth in United States. She later challenge somewhat jolted me to real-realised that it could be a good op- ity.portunity to do something that “I immediately stopped complainingwould impact lives as well as open about how difficult life was as a work-up some business opportunity. And ing wife and mom. I told myself that ifthat was it. Ify could do it, so could I. Months“By the time I was having my sec- later; Deluxe Childbirth Services came toond baby in 2011, the idea of trading life. Today, I’ve added even more en-on this information as a business deavours to my daily schedule. Life isstarted out as a joke, but it truly good despite working twice as hardstuck. I was concerned with how it would founder, I personally have three children I’ve managed to touch theirs. The feel- and never getting tired of doing so.”work out, as well as managing it with my born in the US and as a firm, we have ing is indeed priceless,” she explains.current job. However, the doubts soon faded helped birth over 135 babies in the US She is the first of three children and theafter realising that Nigeria had the second alone, including three sets of twins and a only girl. She is from Anambra State but shehighest maternal mortality rate in the world set of triplets. So, I can happily tell you that Although she never seriously planned was born and bred in Lagos.and after being challenged by my husband. I to a large extent, clients can trust us to al- an involvement in this line of business “I grew up in the midst of many boys; so, Iwas sure that this was something I could ways deliver to them good and qualitative and the attendant experiences, she, how- was such a terrible tom-boy. We lived in apull through successfully because I was al- services at any time,” she says. ever, feels it is the Lord’s way of groom- compound with five flats and I was the goal-ready into it,” she said. With medical tourism now a common ing and equipping her for the future. And that was how Deluxe Childbirth Services trend, she wishes to see a time when Nige- keeper of my compound’s football team. Icame into existence, with the sole purpose of ria would become a destination for good On how her outfit has impacted on the even used to wear shorts to church on Sun-helping expectant parents, especially mums healthcare. If there is one thing she feels nation and contributed to its develop- days. In fact, it was so bad that I was shippedlonging to have their babies in the US and at government can do to take this sector and ment, she says: “I am happy because my off to a girls-only secondary school, whichsuitable locations and decent facility they healthcare practitioners to the next level, it business has definitely contributed tocan trust. is to make provision for steady power sup- my family’s GDP and that of my employ- helped to move me from wearing shorts to She was also concerned with offering qual- ply. trousers. But today, I love dresses.ity childbirth services at very affordable and ees. On a more serious note though, I be- “My mom was a disciplinarian though veryrealistic cost, regardless of whether her cus- “As a country, this is the only way we can lieve that the true measure of Deluxetomers live in the US or not. show the world that we are serious and loving. She entrenched in us values of hard- Naturally, Iphie said she is inclined to help that we are sincerely interested in bringing Childbirth’s impact is not in the finances, work and integrity. She used to tell us,women realise their entrepreneurial dreams quality to millions of our people. It would but in the number of lives we may have ‘Never take what does not belong to you, be-whilst building stable homes and relation- definitely help save costs, which can be potentially saved. It has never beenships. She then opened a virtuosity blog as a transferred to the end-consumer as re- cause if you do I will come to your schoolplatform for sharing, caring, and interfacing duced healthcare prices. about the money alone for us, but about and beat you in front of all your friends. Ifwith women of like minds. helping as many parents, especially “I love what I do and I am very grateful for you need something, just ask me.’ This has On how it’s been since her venture into the opportunity to have been able to touch moms that can afford the US childbirth helped me greatly because even in my busi-childbirth services, she says that providing the lives of these women in this special to do so; and then re-investing a portionsupport for families has been a fantastic ex- way, knowing that life itself is a miracle. So, of our income into developing mater- ness when clients over-pay sometimes, weperience for her, as well as the families. I don’t take this service for granted and I al- let them know immediately and return the “It’s been a great time for us. As a company, ways pray that God gives them an opportu- nity services here in Nigeria for those excess.we’ve had our challenges, but with God’s nity to also touch someone’s life the way who cannot afford to travel,” she ex- “Also, I loved to sleep while growing up. plains. Waking me up in the mornings was such a According to her, the plan is to intro- herculean task. So, my mother also used to duce more and innovative products and tell me that sleep would take away some- services. thing precious from me, if I wasn’t careful. “All our products and services both cur- In the university, this kept me on my toes, rent and planned are designed to con- as I would not sleep until I had finishedguidance, we have always made it through. reading for any exam and I graduated top ofThere are quite a number of new firms that I am people oriented and naturally inspired by people that make my class.offer similar services as we do; but what dis- “Starting Deluxe Childbirth Services alsotinguishes us is the fact that we deliberately things happen. My mother inspired me to be the best at anything I meant I had to work at night, but her wordsconsider costs and good location. We have a do. Despite being a teacher with a very meagre income, she raised always kept ringing in my head. I was deter-database of almost 5,000 birthing facilities mined that sleep would not rob me of thein the US to choose from. my brothers and I to be very confident, hardworking and to never dream; so, I persisted until the business “In addition, we have three years’ experi- give up until we touch the stars grew to the extent of having its own staff,”ence and a good track record. As the she says.
Sunday, February 22, 2015 www.ngrguardiannews.comCOVER EXTRA P/21 OBJ In The Eyes Of HistoryAKARAIWE: Booby Traps WeMust Avoid In 2015IBRU CENTRE P/40Lenten Season: P/24 BUSINESS P/46INTERVIEW Rivers Cannot Pose Big Interrogating Nigeria’s Challenge To President’s Jobless Growth Re-election
16 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 |17
TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com 18 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 Conscience, Nurtured by TruthCover2015 ELECTIONSObasanjo:In The Eyes Of HistoryFrom Niyi Bello, Akure with whom he shared the same alma mater, Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, was “not the Messiah Nigerians should be look-IT was during the peak of the civil unrest ing for.” that greeted the annulment of the June 12, This art of shiftiness, a war strategy that 1993 presidential elections won by busi- successful generals employ to create anessman politician, Moshood Abiola, after a false sense of dominance in the enemyprotracted but obviously deceitful transition camp is one of the traits that defineprogramme under the Ibrahim Babangida the personality of Obasanjo who, likemilitary regime and the nation was danger- a bulldozer, does not blink an eye inously perched at the edge of a precipice. removing all obstacles, human andA mammoth crowd had massed at the otherwise, on a path he chooses toSango-Ota junction, blocking traffic along tread.the Lagos-Abeokuta road and expressing defi- Obasanjo could be in the houseance to the new announcement by the junta of a political adversary eatingthat another election would be organised pounded yam and making merryeven though it was apparent that the military and minutes later, remove thewas inadvertently oiling the centrifugal ladder on which his hostforces threatening to tear the country apart. climbed his lofty heights andThe anger and frustrations of the crowd, like a Lion bidding its time be-which was evident on their faces and in the fore attacking a prey, stalk hisvarious placards they displayed was exacer- enemy for years before doingbated by the arrival of a detachment of sol- him in at the last minute.diers from the Ikeja Barracks who made He could sit atop the largestattempt to disperse the gathering and re- democracy in Africa and the Blackmove the obstacles placed on the road. World as the president and prod-As the crowd charged towards the armed uct of participatory governance,men and the soldiers beat a retreat towards yet disallowed simple balloting inthe nearby police station which had earlier the selection of the traditional rulerbeen sacked by irate youths, it was clear that of his Owu ancestral enclave wherea bloody encounter in which the civilian pop- he holds the title of Balogun by tear-ulation would be at the receiving end, was ing the ballots and imposing hisabout to take place. preferred candidate as theAs if from nowhere, General Olusegun monarch.Obasanjo, former Head of State and civil war He could tell an agitated crowd ofhero, appeared in a car driven by Kola, son of victims and survivors who assembledthe assumed winner of the controversial poll to listen to their president on the sec-and with the agility of a young man that be- ond day of the ordnance explosionslied his age and frame, he mounted the roof at the Ikeja military cantonmentof the car and immediately arrested the at- that he doesn’t “have to be here” yettention of the crowd. castigate a Jonathan for not braveWith the aura of someone who under- being enough to visit Chibok,stands the use of authority, the general com- where scores of school girls weremanded the soldiers to leave the place and go taken away by dare-devil terror-back to their barracks. ists.And with brisk salutes, the soldiers jumped While his critics see this trait asinto their vehicles to the admiration of the the hallmark of an inconsistentcrowd, which hailed them as they departed man who swings moods to sat-before listening to Obasanjo who addressed isfy some personal ego, his ad-the now enthusiastic gathering, saying elders mirers see it as characteristic ofof the country will not fold their arms and a brave leader who doesn’t shywatch the country degenerate into anarchy away from taking hard deci-and that as somebody on the side of justice, sions, not minding whose ox isthe people should count on him for support gored. in their agitation. The pronouncement againstSome weeks after this open support for the Abiola in Harare got him a lot ofactualization of the annulled mandate, bashings from members of the humanObasanjo, an international statesman andmember of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) rights community and those clamouring for his alleged involvement in a phantom As an elected president, Obasanjo’s back-that was engaged by the Commonwealth of for the retrieval of the June 12 mandate for coup plot, Obasanjo emerged as the benefici- ground as a military dictator had more thanNations to facilitate the end of apartheid at taking a position that many saw as being ary of the long-drawn struggle for democracy its share of influence in a democratic set-the twilight of the discriminatory regime in against the popular wish of a people that that claimed many lives as he was picked by ting, making some analysts to conclude thatSouth Africa, was in Harare, Zimbabwe, demonstrated preference for a particular the power-brokers as the next president to as- under him, what Nigeria had civilian rulewhere he was quoted to have said that Abiola, candidate in a democracy. suage the feelings of the South West over and not a democracy. Six years later and after a stint behind bars June 12 annulment. Although many blamed Obasanjo for al-
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 19OLU OBASANJO: COVERPolitics Of The 2015 ELECTIONSGarrison Ideologue can still recall what happened to him”. “You said Bola Tinubu is your master. What Buhari did was not anything worse than what Bola Tinubu did. We got them impeached. But inBy Ikenna Onyekwelu cently when the members of his Ota ward in this part of the world, some people covered Abeokuta, Ogun State; visited him depicted up the other man. The man claimed he wentNOT many people know him as Olu the true character and content of General to Government College, Ibadan, but the gov- nowadays. When the police authori- Obasanjo’s political philosophy. Nigerians ties in Port Harcourt, Rivers State de- were in shock as they beheld Baba telling ernor went to Government College and packed all the documents so that they wouldcided to name a police station after General the Ita Eko ward chairman, Surajudeen not know that he did not go there… I wantedOlusegun Obasanjo, they found the name Oladunjoye,”tear it”. As a soldier, the former someone who would succeed me so I tookmore appealing or atleast to make the po- President loves the ‘command and obey’ Atiku. Within a year, I started seeing the typelice station look a bit friendly. To a very large style of the military. As Yoruba man, of man Atiku is. And you want me to get himextent, the shortened form, Olu instead of Obasanjo cherishes the traditional respect there?”Obasanjo or Obj; seems a very practical way reserved for the elderly. Perhaps a combina- Obasanjo’s years as civilian President gaveto emasculate Obasanjo’s attributes espe- tion of both roots, the former president ap- Nigerians few reasons to smile, but greater part of his eight-year reign was lived in tears,cially his hideous aspect and ignoble de- preciates loyalty and does not recoil from was the Nigerian polity that on the day the sorrow and blood. From the Odi and Zakib-signs. At his first coming as military Head of using men: he understands the meaning of Federal Appeal Court sitting in Abuja, ruled iam massacres to the dubious impeach-State in 1976, the ready image of Obasanjo proxy and master-servant relationship. Baba that “President Obasanjo does not have any ments of state governors he encouraged andwas that of a soldier and that image was well encourages cronyism! However in all as- right to sack the Vice President” people in supported, Olu Obasanjo sees force as theadvertised by his launch of operation feed pects, Obj’s dicta give elucidation to his jack- the wide court precincts went wild in exul- veritable expression of leadership acumen.the nation, (OFN) programme in the fight boot mentality. Brutal use of power and tant jubilation. A touchy feature of thatagainst world hunger. Some people do not ferocious use of words go together to define judgment was that all the Appeal Judges The Four governors that received the im-fail to associate the image of Obj in full mili- Chief Obasanjo’s garrison ideology. Those were unanimous in the ruling delivered by “Chief Obasanjo’s tirelesscame into full descended on his Vice President, Alhajitary regalia with the Unknown Soldier fig- who have come in close political contact the President, Court of Appeal, Abdullahiurine. In politics, especially at his second with him, especially those whose ideas or Umaru that “the allegiance of the Vice Presi-coming as democratic president stances bifurcate from his do not fail to re- dent should be to the constitution, not toof Nigeria, Obasanjo’s image count their encounter with the Ebora of the President”. Owu. And they are legion: and public perception Many people also see Chief Obasanjo’s tire- Many people also seechanged. That was when At the build up to the 2007 election, towards less tirades against incumbent President the Obj sobriquet the tail end of his eight-year two terms, Obj Goodluck Jonathan as further evidence of application. Atiku Abubakar. When the Vice President his aversion to young people who show in- But what saw that enormous road blocks had been happened raised against his ambition to succeed dependent affront to his command and tirades against incum- control politics. The only posture from young people that is acceptable to former re- Obasanjo on the Peoples Democratic Party, President is that of a crouching, unques- bent President Goodluck(PDP) platform, he quickly moved to the Ac- tioningly obedient, subservient underling. tion Congress of Nigeria, (AC.N). But before Perhaps that must have explained his dis- Jonathan as further evi-he could consummate his defection plans, missal of the younger generation as incom- Obasanjo had served the Vice President petent, effeminate and dishonest leaders. dence of his aversion tonotice to quit his government. Atiku, Speaking at a summit for sustainable devel- who saw the order as a show of igno- opment in University of Ibadan two years rance of the workings of a democ- ago, Chief Obasanjo declared that emerg- young people who showracy on Chief Obasanjo’s part, ing Nigeria’s leaders are highly deficit in in- decided to ignore it. The bull tegrity. From that summit another image independent affront toin Obasanjo was unleashed of Obasanjo loomed large: that of holier- by that show of ignominy than-thou! He engages in unconscionable his command and con-and he ordered that the sanctimonious verbifications. Continuing VPs section of the Villa his remarks at the occasion, Obj stated: was barricaded thus lit- “During my administration as president, trol politics. erarily sacking his Vice we had some people who were under 50 President by fiat. Winc- years in leadership positions. One of them ing from that show of was James Ibori, where is he today? One of peachment treatment included Governors impunity, Turaki ap- them was Alamieyeseigha, where is he to- Lateef Ladoja, Ayo Fayose, Diepreye Solomon proached the courts. So day? Lucky Igbinedion, where is he today? Peter Alameseigha and Joshua Dariye. While tensed and heated up The youngest was the Speaker, Buhari, you six out of 24 legislators impeached Dariye, 15 out of 24 impeached Alameseigha and 18 out of 32 impeached Ladoja. In the case of OBJ In The Eyes Ekiti, out of the 22 legislators that okayed Fayose’s impeachment, 10 later turned back to confess that they were misled. It is not only lowly state legislators that Obasanjo’s Of History misleads into taking wrong actions, wealthy and influential people also fall victims to the man’s guile. It took the confession of one big man for Nigerians to know that.legedly unleashing the anti-graft agencies, like the nine offspring thereby dressing himself in a toga that his critics see as “Holier- Mr. Buruji Kashamu, while reacting to Obasanjo’s legendary letter to Presidentof Mollie and Jessie in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, as attack dogs Than-Thou”. Jonathan, disclosed that former President Obasanjo used him in a proxy political war-on perceived enemies in a system where obnoxious decrees cannot Unlike other political figures in the country, Obasanjo prefers fare to conquer former Ogun State Gover- nor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. Short ofbe made, the current soft-glove handling of corruption has put the to see himself first as a Nigerian, perhaps before belonging to any shedding tears of regret, Kashamu lamented that Obj was an ingrate stressingretired general on the positive side of history. ethnic grouping and this may be responsible for the sparse polit- that he, (Olu) used him to achieve his politi- cal designs. “He used me to fight GbengaAnalysts believe that the high level of corruption in Nigeria today ical following he has at home or the perceived “neglect” of the Daniel and I spent over N3 billion to fight his cause and took the PDP structure fromwould have reduced considerably if the Obasanjo style, which South West when he was in political authority and could dis- Daniel and handed it over to him,” Kashamu moaned. It is not as yet knownclaimed high profile personalities that include ministers and a pense favours towards his home state and region by locating whether the quarrel between Obasanjo against President Jonathan is the incum-serving Police Chief, had been sustained. projects and giving preferences to some home boys in the na- bent president’s reluctance to or rejection of any suggestion to hound Kashamu to USPerhaps, the most outstanding attribute of Obasanjo is his con- tional political calculations. for alleged phantom trial for drug related offences.fessed love for Nigeria. Anybody can blame him for taking hasty Many are quick to point to the sorry state of the Lagos-Ibadan To former Abia State Governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, Obj is a vindictive leader. Kaluand harsh decisions or bringing military tactics into the art of gov- expressway and the non-completion of the Lagos-Abeokuta and had a running battle with the former Presi-ernance in a participatory democracy, or even putting self before the Ibadan-Ilorin roads, which are key transport arteries in theothers by trying to ram his preferences, but he does not shy away South West during his administration as a negative side of a manfrom fighting a national fight. that should see himself first as an ethnic champion before beingFor a man who was on the front line in the war to keep Nigeria a national hero, but Obasanjo would have none of that. To him,one during the troubled early years of independence and who Nigeria should be seen by every citizen as the first constituency.played a decisive role to secure victory for the unity of the country His handling of affairs as the leader of the Peoples Democraticboth in battle and as the officer that received the instruments of Party (PDP), the party that sought him out for the presidency insurrender from secessionist forces, Obasanjo has seen it all. 1999 is similar to the iron-grip he sought on the control of Nige-His knowledge of the country from the early days, his role in stabi- ria as many who crossed his path were forced to either leave thelizing the polity, his involvement in the nurture of the country and party or tow his line. Those who refused to get his blessings werehis acclaimed loyalty to nationhood may have placed him in a van- denied their trophies even if they won the primary elections oftage position where he sees others as not as committed as him the party. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
20 Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comCOVER HowThe Owu Community Perceive Obasanjo2015 ELECTIONS very little for the Egbaland. But a Chief in OBJ’s community, food to the community to be shared among the needy.” Alhaji Shehu Oladunjoye, who has been very close to him To prove that the former President did much for his con- since 1978, disagrees with those who share this view. stituency, Oladunjoye who is the Jagunmolu of Owu, in- Oladunjoye dismissed the allegation saying, “what those sisted that it was through Obasanjo’s influence that the with such view are saying is that Obasanjo ought to have Federal Medical Centre, Federal University of Agriculture concentrated all major and Federal College of Education were all projects in his community.” He insisted that those who sited in Abeokuta. “Nobody can also deny the fact that, as share this opinion are either ignorant of Obasanjo’s “im- a military Head of State, it was through Obasanjo’s influ- mense” contributions towards his community, State and ence that Abeokuta was made the State capital of Ogun Nigeria as a whole or they are deliberately trying to be mis- State.” chieveous for reasons best known to them. The dualisation of the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway was He believes Obasanjo’s patriotism and love for his com- also done during Obasanjo regime. Also at his Ibogun an- munity is not in doubt to unbiased minds. “One thing we cestral home, Obasanjo influenced provision of electric- must know about Obasanjo is that he is one of the few de- ity, Microfinance Bank and School of Engineering of the tribalised Nigerians, who see the entire country as THEIR Olabisi Onabanjo University in the area. community.” He is also said to have made it compulsory for all Ibo- To him, Obasanjo is an easy going man “despite his sta- gun children of school age to go to school. tus” who mixes freely with people within his Owu commu- On December 26 of every year, Obasanjo fetes the whole Ibogun community after which they brainstorm on how to move the community forward. He has also set up a Foundation that takes care of the in- digent in the community. “Add that to the fact that Obasanjo farms have employed hundreds of youths and you will agree with me that Obasanjo has not only been a good national leader but also a good community leader,” Oladunjoye affirmed. “Obasanjo, as Balogun of Owu,” he disclosed, “has never missed any of the Owu Chiefs Council meetings unless it is unavoidable. He is one of our most revered leaders of our community,” Oladunjoye stated. His words “When he (Obasanjo) was approached by some of the country’s eminent personalities to join poli- tics, we (community) disagreed; but when the pressure became too much, we succumbed. I must say that whatever has happened, we don’t regret him joining politics. According to him, “We support his (Obasanjo) leavingFrom Charles Koffie-Gyamfi (Abeokuta) nity and Egbaland as a whole. the PDP. It is unfortunate that the party did not treat himTO some of former President Olusegun Obasanjo kins- well because some people within the party became jeal- men, he did very little to see to the wellbeing of his “Obasanjo is a grassroots man, loving, kind and approach- ous of him for selfish reasons.” community, as either a former Military Head of State able,” he said. According to him, the former President is a Oladunjoye disclosed that all the 570 members of Wardor President. loving man who takes care of people around him. He also 11 and many of the people in the community have left theMany that share this view may not have had the chance of dismissed speculations that Obasanjo had distanced him- PDP with Obasanjo.getting close to Obasanjo, who holds two chieftaincy titles self from his community, stressing that he had, on several Obasanjo as a family manin his Owu community — the Balogun (War leader) of Owu occasions paid school fees or hospital bills for the less privi- Interestingly, No one in Owu community was willing tokingdom and the Jagunmolu (Conqueror) of Egbaland. leged. volunteer any information regarding the former Presi- Obasanjo has been accused by his kinsmen that, as for- “Many of us have benefitted immensely from Baba’smer military Head of State and President of Nigeria, he did dent’s family life. Those approached by The Guardian sim- benevolence,” he said. ply said, “Obasanjo is a loving and caring husband and Oladunjoye disclosed that “every Christmas season, OBJ father who can sacrifice anything for the wellbeing of his sends food items — bags of rice, cooking oil and poultry children.”...Politics Of The Garrison IdeologueCONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 ment. the fact that the former cannot be intimi- Perhaps still reeling from the bitter experi- dated or shamed. Add that he has an acer- bic vocal capacity. When he in 1980dent during which both were thorns in each ence he had with Obasanjo, former Bayelsa Obasanjo espied the growing popularityother’s flesh. The former Abia chief executive Governor, DSP Alameseigha, accused of Chief M. K. O Abiola, he said Abiola is notdisclosed that he fell out with Obasanjo when Obasanjo as an expert in corruption by the messiah a lot people believe the latehe prevailed on the erstwhile national Chair- proxy. The former governor while speaking philanthropist to be. Now in order to getman of PDP, Chief Barnabas Gemade, not to during the last National Confab said even with President Jonathan, Obasanjorefund the N500 million he loaned the party. Obasanjo has a list of oil thieves in Nigeria remembers espirit de corps to favour Gen-Kalu believes former President Obasanjo is who he shielded as the petroleum minister eral Muhammadu Buhari, who he mobi-the worst leader ever produced in Nigeria during his administration. Alameseigha had lized Nigerians against in 2003 and 2007.since the advent of democracy in 1999. He said: “I had one experience. Tankers were He had once engaged in sordid altercationsaid that apart from obstructing the refund loaded in Bayelsa. I got the information and with former military President Ibrahimof his N500 million lifeline, Baba Iyabo en- laid ambush for them and arrested them. Babangida. Watching his politics andsured the grounding of Slok Airlines, owned About 14 big tankers and they were handed style, many people are wont to ask, what over to the police. They were charged to makes Obasanjo restless? Perhaps, heby him, (Kalu). In an interview with The loses his cool when he is not in charge. AsGuardian two years ago, the former Abia State court and the judge ordered that the prod- such feeling uncomfortable with the pos-governor disclosed that his political quarrel uct should be tested if they were crude oil. sibility of joining a political party foundedwith Obasanjo started when he took the then NNPC was invited, they came took the sam- by the Bola Tinubu political engineering ple and after a week the result came out as and bitter at the reality of staying put in apresident on over issues that affected the PDP where new Pharoahs that do not rec-(Enugu-Port Harcourt) Express way, the Igbo agro chemical and before I know it all of ognize Joseph hold sway; Olu had to invitepeople, and Onitsha-Owerri expressway. “I them were released”. “I went to President his former ward colleagues to showcasequarreled with him on issues that bordered (Olusegun) Obasanjo. I even accused him the vintage Obj style! Chief Obasanjo mayon the dry port he promised and never did. In that he is the chief bunkerer, that he should not be a Barkin Zuwo equivalent in Nige-fact I quarreled on issues concerning my peo- not call me again. I also accused him that ria politics but there cannot be another those that are involved are also sitting in like him. There is a possibility that as heple… I have a lot respect for the person of elects to join the late Bola Ige’s party, SLLPPresident Obasanjo and his office then, I still this arena and if he pushed me beyond that I (Siddon Look Political Party); more yabis islove and respect him as a statesman, he loves am going to mention names. It became so sure to flow from the celebrated garrisonthis country but he applied a different way to hot that I was persuaded to follow him to his ideologue. different people,” Kalu noted. He added that office”.Obasanjo’s plot to have an unconstitutional In Lagos parlance, ‘Obasanjo no send’. That istenure elongation widened their disagree- usually how most people chose to describe
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 212015 ELECTIONS COVER EXTRAAKARAIWE: Booby Traps We Must Avoid In 2015From Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) The acidic and vitriolic campaigns up to the postponement of the elec- must cease trying to please everyone. Good leadership like good parenting cannot pleaseTHE uncertainties over the conduct of the tions; and the fact that the presidential elections are a struggle for the every child. He must refuse to do theforthcoming 2015 general soul of the nation by ethnic nationalities vindicate the view that a single wrong thing. He must interrogate every coun- sel he receives. He must weigh every counsel elections notwithstanding, fears are be- term of six years only for the president would suit the overall political against the integrity of his heart, pray, and asking expressed that if eventually the exercise if this or that counsel will bring glory to God.holds, some behind-the-scene issues might temperament of the Nigerian as well as the present level of maturity incrop up to challenge its outcome. this democracy He must remember that he came literally from nowhere to becomeThe issues so identified are the contentiouspermanent voter card (PVC), the displace- that the presidential elections are a strug- sinations of leaders, religious dichotomies president, and that if he did not lift a finger toment of some Nigerians in the northeast fol- gle for the soul of the nation by ethnic na- as bad as Nigeria’s, with a fractious democ- make himself president, he ought to avoid andlowing the security situation there, as well as tionalities vindicate the view racy, the Indian military have remained eschew anything shenaniganistic to keep him-court cases over president that a single term of six years only for the professional, for 67 years since independ- self in power. His philosophy at this time mustGoodluck Jonathan’s eligibility and Major president would suit the overall political ence, not one coup detat. It would be bad be ‘If God brought me here, He alone can keepGeneral Mohammadu Buhari’s (rtd) certifi- temperament of the Nigerian as well as the publicity for a military which has found it me here. And if God no longer wants me here, Icate, among others. Some persons insist that present level of maturity in this difficult to defeat Boko Haram and whose cannot keep myselfthese are booby traps that could be subject democracy. This scenario requires a reputation as run-away boys would need aof litigations in the long run. constitutional amendment and the assent decade to rebuild, to take over power. here. For I was not the best person and yet He of the National Assembly. “I would advise President Goodluc brought me here.’ He should read the account Taking a broad look at the issues, however, Jonathan to be careful, and avoid a booby of Jeroboam in 1st and 2nd Kings of the Holyfirst Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association “The second possible scenario is a declara- trap, and a couple of banana peels. Anyone Bible. Jeroboam was the man God literally took(2008 -2010), Mr. Ikeazor Akaraiwe, said that tion of a state of emergency because of the who advises the President not to hold the from nowhere and madeIndependent National Electoral Commission ongoing civil war in the north-east, and ob- elections on the rescheduled days is most(INEC) is empowered by law to make rules vious breakdown of law and order in some probably a fifth columnist, who wants to him King, but who forgot that God made him,and regulations that could help it conduct other parts of the country, Rivers trigger off enough crisis sufficient to catal- and started trying to sustain himself in power,free and fair elections in Nigeria. He said: State being a pre-eminent example where yse a military intervention however brief. thereby losing favour with the Lord.“My view here is that the Plaintiffs in that there is a quasi-non-functional house of as- “I advise President Jonathan to ensure the elec-suit are mixing up the constitution of the sembly, bombing of courts, which by the President Jonathan should believe he tions are held as now rescheduled, and to goUnited States with Nigeria. If the President of way, have been shut down since June 2014, will win the elections, and prepare to win. into those elections with the attitude that ‘Godthe United States dies in office, the Vice-Presi- and so on. Such a state He should also prepare his mind to step gave me this job, and if God is not done withdent gets sworn in, and if he/she serves more of emergency is provided for in the consti- aside me, I will return; and if He is done with me, I amthan half the term of the predecessor and tution of the Federal happy to join the pantheon of former leadersone other term, he/she is not eligible for yet Republic of Nigeria and is in force in some honourably in the unlikely event of his los- and statesmen’. I have a hunch that this Presi-another term. But if he/she served less than states of the federation. And for it to be ing. All those stoking the fires of national dent will returnhalf the term of the made applicable across the nation, will re- crisis through deliberate wrong advice,predecessor like Jonathan did and then, one quire the assent of the national assembly as and in a free and fair election howbeit narrowly, butother term, s/he would be eligible to contest well. like the Americans do, he should prepare forfor yet another term. However, the Nigerian waiting in the wings, hoping to benefit- both victory and defeat. I recommend to theconstitution is not as specific as this. “Any further postponement emanating somehow from the unfolding crisis shall president Revelations Chapter 3 verse 7 of the from these two scenarios would be be swallowed up by the crisis. They shall Holy Bible: When the Lord opens a door no “It is in fact silent. Section 135 of our consti- legal. I cannot imagine any other legal fall into the pit they have dug; and be man can shut it; and when He shuts a door notution as amended stipulates the matter of scenario besides these which man can open it”succession but is not as specific as the would lead to a further post- hung from the noose whichrelevant sections of the US constitution. So, if ponement. Military interven- they have prepared. “He commented on the internally displacedPresident Jonathan became President of the tion is out of the question “Above all, Presi- persons, especially in the northeast as a resultUS for instance under the circumstances he and would be clearly ille- dent Jonathan of the security problems in the area. He said: “Ibecame president of Nigeria, he would be eli- gal. Permit me to honestly am of the view that the patriotic dutygible to run for his own second term under utilise this opportu- must own of the National Assembly putting aside partisanthe American constitution since he served nity to commend the considerations, is to pass a resolution as pro-less than half the term of his predecessor, military for having the process. vided for under Section 135 of the constitutionfrom February 2010 to May 2011 subordinated itself to shift the presidential elections nationwide,before embarking on his own first term; how to civil authority so He must and gubernatorial and other elections in themuch more under the Nigerian constitution admirably in the north-east in the light of the civil war ongoing,which does not give the same specifics as the past sixteen years. I com- disfranchisement of the internally displaced. IAmerican constitution.” advise the military to continue to respect mand He continued: “Other suits, which you refer and subordinate it-to as ‘legal booby traps’ include those ones self to civil author- chiefly.seeking to disqualify Mr. Buhari on the ity, which today hasgrounds of his qualification to run for presi- President Jonathan as Hedent within the requirement of S.137 (i) (j) of the alter ego of the na-the constitution as amended, which has to tion. believe this initiative should proceed from bi-do with his school certificate. I am reluctant partisan sponsorship in the National Assembly and not the presidency. “If it proceeds from the presidency, it will be misunderstood as an attempt to elongate the president’s tenure. It will be tainted by the backdrop of Obasanjo’s perceived attempt to elongate his own tenure few years ago. Presi- dent Jonathan should work towards the elec- tions holding as rescheduled.to comment on this case because it is sub-ju- “Our military must con-dice; I am certain that this case is in court duct itself at this time withfrom what I have read in various online me- the same restraint and deco-dia. I will only say that I thought that rum of the Indian militaryGeneral Buhari’s categorical assertion as re- which in spite of how frac-ported by the press that his certificates were tious India used to be,with the military whereas they were not, as which led to thetricky and a little problematic if correct. If breakaway of Pak-the courts will be dispassionate and legalis- istan, thentic; these cases ought to enrich our Bangladesh,jurisprudence and the democratic process. and numer-And so they are not booby traps. The courts ous assas-exist for the resolution of disputes, and it isbetter to jaw-jaw in court than to war-war intown.”Akaraiwe also reacted to the legal impli-cations of the 2015 elections not holding asscheduled. He said: “I need to point out that Ido not belong to any political party. In myview, there are two possible legal scenariosthat could lead to the elections not holdingas appointed:One, a constitutional amendment whichcircumscribes the presidency to a singleterm of six years only, commencing with thisincumbent, so as to give him another twoyears terminating in 2017, and not renew-able.The acidic and vitriolic campaigns up to thepostponement of the elections; and the fact
22 Sunday, February 22, THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comCOVER EXTRA 2015 ELECTIONSODJE: The Constitution Provides LoopholesFor Litigations After ElectionsDr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, in this interview tional issues need to be pontificated upon towith HENDRIX OLIOMOGBE, spoke on what enable one take a more informed position asis perceived as legal booby traps that could the case warrants.be exploited to influence the forthcoming Has Jonathan actually contested twice for2015 presidential election, which was re- the office of President?cently postponed by Prof. Attahiru Jega, In retrospect, Mr. President contested for the office of Vice President, under Alhajithe Chairman of the Independent National Umaru Musa Ya’Adua of blessed memoryElectoral Commission (INEC). He also and both were elected as President and Vice-spoke on the use of Permanent Voter Cards President respectively in 2007. That was the(PVC) and issues of displacement of per- First Office at the federal level Presidentsons in the Northeast. Goodluck Jonathan contested for; i.e. office of Vice President.On the Legality or otherwise of the post- However, in May 2010, our dear President Umaru Musa Ya’Adua passed away and byponement of 2015 elections virtue of Section 146 of the Constitution, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as Presi-N retrospect, before the Independent Na- dent of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.Ithe salvo for the postponement of the Indeed, the apex Court has declared in PDPtional Electoral Commission (INEC) fired V INEC (1999) II NWLR (Pt. 626) 200 that a Governor and his Deputy both stand forelections, the body language of the Com- elections as of right, though to different of- fices.mission had already given us a pre-emptive Similarly see A.G. Federation V Atiku (2007) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1041) 1 at page 156 paras E-H Mo-strike in that respect. hammed JSCThe fundamental challenge was that a These judgments to my mind, duly affirm the independent electoral standing of bothsubstantial percentage of Nigerians, who a Governor and Deputy Governor on the one hand and the President and Vice Presidentare eligible to vote and were duly registered on the other hand, during and after elec- tions.for that purpose, had hitherto not been It by no means suggests that by standing as a running mate to the Governor or Presidentgiven their PVCs. as the case maybe, for elections, the Deputy Governor or a Vice President has also con-Consequently, for INEC to have embarked tested for the office a Governor and Presi- dent at the same time!on an election wherein a large population That will be a preposterous postulation that will lead to absurdity and grave injustice.of the voting strength is disfranchised If we follow that line of propagation, itwould have amounted to an act of electoral would mean that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar hav- ing contested twice to the office of Vice Presi-genocide. dent with the erstwhile President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku had also con-In addition, over 700,000 Ad-hoc staff are tested to the office of President twice, and as such incapable of contesting for the office ofyet to be fully trained and above all, the se- President again, after Obasanjo has ex- hausted his two terms of four years!curity challenge in the Northeast is still for 2015 elections and the constitution… The issue of the second term bid of Mr. Consequently and flowing from the abovethere. Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) of blessed authorities when the tenure of late Presi- President has generated a lot of furore in dent Umaru Musa Ya’Adua expired in accor-In view of the above, one did not need the memory. the polity and, perhaps, has even eclipsed dance with Section 135(2) therefore, the current security challenges of our dear Jonathan contested the first time for the of-clairvoyance of a Nostradamus to predict It may pose a threat, however, if the win- nation. fice of President of the Federal Republic of This discourse examines the eligibility or Nigeria in the year 2011.with precise exactitude the postponement ner can prove that their exclusion did not otherwise of Mr. President to re-contest in What is the implication of Jonathan taking 2015 in juxtaposition with the germane the oath of office and oath of allegianceof the elections. substantially affect the outcome of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as twice in 2010 and 2011 on his second term amended and Case Law. ambition?What exactly is the role of the INEC as re- election, then their exclusion will be up- Sections 131 and 137 of the Constitution so Another argument has been propoundedgards the issuance of PVC? held by the Court. (See Buhari v Yar’adua). far as material for our purpose, have lu- that, since Jonathan has taken the oath of of- cidly set out the qualifications and dis- fice and oath of allegiance twice (in MaySection 16 of the Electoral Act 2010 as Did you know that the Hope Democratic qualifications relating to the office of the 2010 when President Ya’Adua passed away President of the Federal Republic of Nige- and on May 29, 2011 when he was firstamended provides that: “The Commission Party’s case challenging the 2007 Presiden- ria. elected as President), he has thus been Needless to add that these provisions are elected twice to that office vide Sectionshall design, cause to be printed and control tial election of late President Umaru clear as well as unambiguous and as such 137(1)(b) of the Constitution. ought to be given their literal and ordi-the issuance of voters’ cards to voters whose Yar’Adua was pending up till 2012? nary meaning. This is not also tenable, as the apex court has now branded the taking of oath of officenames appear in the register;” The first question that arises here, is and oath of allegiance as merely symbolic if whether Jonathan in the light of Section not a cosmetic pasturing that does not actu-And Sub-Section (4) thereof posits that: Still on the certificate or no certificate issue 131, qualified to occupy the office and/or ally legally affect the tenureship of an contest for the office of the President of elected office.“The Commission may, whenever it considers it involving Gen. Muhammadu Buhari… Nigeria in 2010 and/or 2011? What will be the duration of the tenure of Jonathan if re-elected in 2015?necessary replace all or any voters’ card for the I believe this issue has been over flogged. It is not in dispute that he qualified ex debito justitiae to occupy that office in It is lucid from the apex court’s decision intime being held by voters.” Gen. Buhari is over qualified by the provi- 2010 and as he did in 2011 after winning the Marwa’s case above that any Governor the Presidential elections. vis a vis President elected under the 1999It is axiomatic from the above that INEC sions of Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitu- The second and crucial question that has Constitution is entitled to spend at least now apparently brought out the brouhaha four years and at most, eight years if re-has the undiluted and undisputed powers tion as amended. He even has the is, whether in view of Section 137(1)(b) elected. above (i.e. regarding having been electedto issue Permanent Voter Cards or Tempo- equivalent of a Master Degree from the twice to that office), Mr. President is enti- Consequently, every Nigerian citizen quali- tled to Re-Contest for the office of Presi- fied to be elected as President of Nigeria, hasrary Voters Cards as the case may be. War Colleges he attended in the United dent of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in a maximum of eight years to spend in that 2015? This is the hub of the matter. office if he is elected twice.In addition, it can change any voters’ card States and elsewhere. Before giving an emphatic answer to theand print as well as design any it considers I think the only issue was when he de- second question, some legal and constitu-to be effective, auspicious and expedient. posed to an affidavit in line with Section 31How about the fate of Internally Displaced of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, thatPersons (IDPs)? his WASC certificate was with the NigerianIndeed, this as a potent challenge and Army. That was an honest belief, which hedanger to the electoral process for 2015. Up- can legally justify and/or discharge by pro-till now, we do not have a fair assessment of viding the relevant documents.the accurate number of IDPs in the country. The law says education up to SecondaryThis can give room for manipulation and School Leaving Certificate level. It does notelectoral shenanigans. ask for certificates. Above all, the definitionThere can be no justification for the fact in Section 318 of the Constitution for Seniorthat IDPs from the war-ravaged Northeast- School Leaving Certificate includes Pri-ern states have PVCs; whereas, persons mary School Leaving Certificate. In fact, thefrom areas where there is law and order are Constitution says any person who can readyet to get PVCs. And with the recent attacks and understand to the satisfaction of INECin Gombe and Biu, there is bound to be has the equivalent of Senior School Leavingmore IDPs and further dislocation on the Certificate for that purpose. plans by INEC’s six weeks projection. There is also the controversial issue of theI think INEC should immediately liaise eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathanwith the Red Cross, World Health Organisa-tion, the United Nations and its agencyThe fundamental challenge was that a substantial percentage ofdealing on refugees, including our emer-gency response agency, to give us a fair andNigerians, who are eligible to vote and were duly registered for thataccurate amount of these IDPs and thosepurpose, had hitherto not been given their PVCs. Consequently, forthat hav, so far, received PVCs.On the de-registered political parties INEC to have embarked on an election wherein a large populationIndeed, there are instances where partiesof the voting strength is disfranchised would have amounted to andelisted by INEC subsequently won thecases in cour, particularly the locus classi-act of electoral genocidecus of the INEC v. Musa won by the legend,
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 232015 ELECTIONS COVER EXTRAAKINOLA: With Political Will, Nigeria Will Have Successful ElectionMr. Richard Akinola is a Lagos-based lawyer Chatham House was that many people accompli. Just like the doctrine of necessityand social justice activist. Speaking with don’t have PVCs. He had apparently got- that made (Dr. Goodluck) Jonathan an act- ten reports that if the elections held on ing President ––it is not in the constitution.KAMAL TAYO OROPO, he contends that, February 14, it was not going to favour When you are faced with that kind of sce-despite known grounds of post-election the present government and so they are nario, you are forced to take certain deci-petitions, nothing would disrupt smooth looking for ways to postpone the elec- sions.transition if those in leadership exercise the tions. When someone in the authority wasdesired political will. But when he discovered that the excuse asked if March 28 is sacrosanct, he said heWThere are noticeable grounds of electoral on the PVC was no longer tenable, then cannot say it is sacrosanct, depending on How do you perceive the role of the judiciary he came with the security report. on what the security people would say and in all of these?petitions that may squander the outcome of February 2, the security chiefs said they that the letter the security chiefs wrote tothe general elections. Are the political par- were ready. What happened in 72 hours the INEC chairman, Prof Attairu Jega, said, Fortunately, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)ties involved doing enough to make sure that they now had to write to the at least six weeks. has cautioned the judges, that they should notthe cost on the electoral process is not Independent National Electoral be used as instruments of truncating democra-destructive? Commission (INEC) that they cannot There is a possibility of extension and if cy. That should be enough to caution them. provide security. But it is not the military they do extend; latest they can hold elec- Even though, in this kind of scenario, if govern- HAT we need at this point is political responsibility to provide security; it is tions 30 days to handover. But once you ment is interested, they can arm-twist any will to do what is right. In this cir- the police. extend again and it falls short of 30 days, judge. cumstance in our political situation, then it means we are in a constitutionalthere are all manner of reasons bothering In any case, the navy is not involved in dilemma and the interim government, Sometimes though, judges are so muchon how you can put spanner in the works. the fight against the insurgency; they are some of people are obviously working on, under pressure that they give phony decisions.But the issue is that if someone has the in their barracks. it is mere subterfuge comes in. I doubt if any reasonable judge would do any-political will to do something, he will do it. just to stop the elections. That is why you thing for any reason, at this stage, to give anyHowever, I am sorry to say that the feelers see all manners of litigations, at least So, some people are not ready for elec- ruling that would defeat the whole system. Ifrom the authority is such that gives one the there were about three or four litiga- tion; pure and simple. But we are insisting doubt it. In fact, I don’t know what laws youimpression that those entrusted with pub- tions on (the All Progressives Congress, that elections must go on because the dan- want to use. Also, sometimes you don’t look atlic trust do not want the elections; pure and APC, candidate, Muhammadu) Buhari’s ger is that we are unwittingly playing into the laws, but at political exigency. I don’t wantsimple. From all indications, some people certificate alone. Two are going to be the hands of the military. This is how the to be pessimistic about that. Some of us are fil-are afraid that they are not likely to win and filed in the next few days; one on section June 12 crisis started before the interim ing cases in the courts too. If the militaryas such, they appear to be all out to put 135 sub-section 2, which says that if the government came in, only for the General comes back, even the military are in trouble.spanner in the works. It does appear to me country is at war, elections can be post- Sani Abacha regime to overthrow the inter-that some people are working on the ‘June poned for six months. im government. And we can see what the12’. country went through in the six years thatWhat gives you the impression that they Then they are supposed to go to court ensued.don’t want the election, knowing that there on card readers, which I must point outare genuine grounds of litigation? is not a violation of the electoral act It is a dangerous game and that is why we because card reader is not for voting; it is call on the people, whether you are in APC You don’t understand these people. You just for verification. So, they are look for or the ruling Peoples Democratic Partyknow power is an aphrodisiac and the way various ways. The whole gamut is just (PDP), to make the interest of the nation ayou handle power is very crucial. Even ‘June 12’ template. There are reasons to priority. We have to take a non-partisanbefore the National Security Adviser flew believe that certain individuals are work- approach to this issue. You may think thatthe kite in Chatham House, UK, over ing towards a stalemate. you want to stop an individual, but if thePermanent Voter Card (PVC), some of us anti-democratic forces decide to takealready had the information to that effect. I understand that some principal char- advantage, everybody will be the loser ––But the recommendation was based on the acters in the process are saying that even the media and the civil society. That issecurity challenge interim government is unconstitutional. why we have to ensure that this election Is there anywhere where interim govern- holds; let somebody win or lose and we No, not security. The first thing that the ment is constitutional? First, it is by a fiat move on, pure and simple.National Security Adviser said at theMr. Dele Adesina is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). On ADESINA: Judiciary Ready To Act Fairlypossible ground of litigations after the elections, he told sequences on the electoral processes? How confident are you that despite all these, the electionKAMAL TAYO OROPO that the judiciary is ready to ensure These are unfortunate speculations. The judiciary oper- would still hold and the inauguration of the victor would go ates under a constitution that is written. They know their as scheduled? How ready is the authority in ensuring this?that the constitution is not breached. roles and their duties. If anybody behaves in a way that contravenes his or her oath of office under the constitu- If by the authority, you mean the Federal Government, it isThere are perceived legal lacunas that might be exploited not the duty of the Federal Government to conduct elec-after the election. Are you concerned about some of theseissues? tion, there are repercussions. The judicial arm of govern- tions. It is the duty of the Independent National Electoral ment is the only arm of government that has a built-in Commission (INEC) to do so. And I want to believe that ifFRANKLY, it is not fair at all. It is not an issue that we INEC were ready to put its feet down, we would conduct the should allow ourselves to worry about. Such issues mechanism to sanction its members when they err.would amount to pre-emptying the outcome of the elec- So, when people make all these speculative assertions, it election. The case of the INEC can be likened to you appoint-toral processes and giving the players instruments to go is important for us to caution them and let them know ing an Oba. Immediately you appoint that Oba, he becomesand work on. how the judiciary works. Speculations would not help bigger than you. The Federal Government cannot dictate to anybody, just as postulations are not facts.; they are not INEC. And the electoral commission has assured us, over I cannot talk of possible grounds of petition of an elec- realities. For anybody to be thinking that the judiciary and over again, and even up till yesterday (Wednesday), oftion that has not been held. I am a senior counsel. These its readiness to conduct election.issues are all sub-judice. Already, some cases are in court. can be used to scuttle the electoral process, we mustBut since they are all sub-judies, it would not be proper to remind them that it is highly uncharitable to that institu- The problem I have is that Nigerians have become so pes-comment on them. simistic, that we don’t seem to trust anybody, anymore. NoYet, how ready would you say the judiciary is, in relation to tion. It is not fair to the institution.ensuring a desirable interpretation of the constitution and Also, people must know that there is no alternative to nation thrives like that. There is need to trust the leader thatthe electoral act; against the backdrop of deepening the judiciary in any nation. The only alternative to the they would do that which is right. Unfortunately, we don’tdemocracy in the country? seem to be doing that. judiciary is anarchy. There is need for people to consis- But how inspiring are the leaders in doing exactly what they I believe the judiciary is ever ready to discharge its tently build trust and confidence in the system, rather promised to do? Yes, you are right to some extent that thereresponsibility under the constitution. The people that than running the system down. must be sources of inspiration. But leadership is not justshould be ready are those that should make the judiciaryto work maximally and optimally. For example, we still that one person over there; the people decide who theirexperience the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN,strike in many states of the federation. leaders would be. But even in Nigeria, how many people No matter how ready the judges are, and the lawyers are, have a say in choosing their leader? How many has a say inif, for example, the supporting staffs that constitute mem-bership of JUSUN, are not working, there is nothing the who becomes their leader? The question of leadership injudiciary can do. the country is a very complex issue. And it permeates all So, the respective Attorney Generals of the states shouldsort things out with the governments of each state and let ramifications. It is not limited to a particular level of govern-work resume fully before the election. Don’t forget that itwas this strike that jeopardised the interest of a good num- ment. It is evident in the Federal Government, Stateber of people, who probably would have been instituted onpre-election or the other. They couldn’t because they were Government and the Local Government.on strike. The strike of JUSUN is not the fault of the judici-ary. I think the judiciary is ever ready to discharge its We should see what happens between now and March 8responsibility. They have always discharge their responsi-bility. when the official distribution of voters card expires beforeHow do you react to the impression that the judiciarycould be used to scuttle the democratic process and the we make a comprehensive analysis as to the readiness of therule of law in such a manner that would have negative con- INEC in respect of these areas we are talking about. If art that time, many people are yet to receive their PVC, then we may begin to look at what are the options on the table. Will the options be disenfranchising people that have not got, even though they registered? Would the options be, maybe, there could be a mixture? Whether the election should pro- ceed on the basis of PVC alone, or on the basis of PVC and TVC simultaneously or on the basis of TVC alone.
24 Sunday, February 22, THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comINTERVIEW 2015 ELECTIONS DICKSON: “Rivers Cannot Pose Big Challenge To President’s Re-election • PDP Remains Strongest, Most National And Time tested Platform For 2015Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa things are not going so well at home, people President’s reelection, I don’t think so. Yes, to work with other friends and brother gov-State shared his thoughts on the will tell Mr. President that things are not we are actually likely to do as well as we did ernors, who, by the way, are doing so well.2015 elections and other issues with going well in your home state. Looking at last time. People understand the issues at We know that Cross River is safe. We knowthe media in Lagos last Sunday. The the situation in Niger Delta and the situa- stake. They understand that the stakes are that Akwa Ibom is safe. We know that DeltaGuardian reports excerpts of the tion in Rivers State, the home front ought to very high, as far as the presidential poll is is safe. I am talking of the presidential pollconversation. be well secured. From your point of view, concerned. And coming from where we are and to a large extent also the gubernatorial. what are these obvious challenges towards coming from as a people, as Ijaw people, as The PDP is still very strong in Niger Delta the elections? Niger Delta people, I know that in the Niger states. Well, Bayelsa cannot pose any challenge to Delta area, people are likely to look beyond What is the nature of your relationship nowBeing the governor of a state where the the President. It is safe for the president. I personal grievances and things like that with the First Lady and we hear your state don’t think there is any rational person in and focus on fundamental issues, as to why chairman of PDP has just been sacked. Whatpresident comes from should have its own Bayelsa who will not support the President President Jonathan should be reelected. exactly is going on in Bayelsa, which accord-challenges. What are these challenges? for a second term, who will not do his Talking about Bayelsa, talking about the ing to you remains safe for PresidentBEING the governor of any state comes utmost to support his reelection bid. I inter- entire Niger Delta, for the presidential poll, Jonathan? with its own challenges. I will describe act with everybody. That is my duty, to mobi- it is going to be Jonathan all the way. It is First of all, before I talk about the state PDP it in three words: exciting, challeng- lize the home front and keep it safe as it is going to be PDP all the way. Maybe as you chairman’s response to the problems he ising and fulfilling. today. I can report that Bayelsa is safe for the go down to the local elections, where the having with members of his own executive, It is exciting because it is an opportunity PDP. Bayelsa is safe for the President. I am stakes are much lower and far more local- let me say that when I say PDP is safe, what Ito directly impact on the people. With God aware that there are some distractions here ized, you could have some divergent views mean is concerning the presidential elec-being on my side, it also gives the opportu- and there, mine is to stay the course, not to one way or the other. As far as the presiden-nity to leave lasting legacies. I believe in be distracted, in order not to give in to those tial poll is concerned, Bayelsa, no shaking, tion. There is nobody in Bayelsa, except very few people, who will not willingly come toimpact. I believe that it is not really a ques- distractions and temptations. We are bent particularly with me there. We are working, vote for the President, majority, 98 per centtion of how long you serve or how long you on keeping the family safe, making the state we have worked. We have performed; we will vote for him.occupy a particular office, but the degree to a secure PDP base. I know that our former are still performing. And our people believe Even with the crowd we saw at the APC rally?which you impacted your society positive- governor, my immediate predecessor, is in we are doing our best. Few distractions No, that was rented crowd, more or less.ly. When you do so, then it becomes excit- APC. He is more or less a leader in APC. But here and here, but you would expect that That was rented crowd and that was why Iing. For me, any time I go round Yenagoa the APC does not have any following that those distractions would come. Of course, instructed the security to provide protectionand I see the life-changing projects that I could threaten us in all our elections, partic- in politics, people want to exploit situa- for the APC people. And I also directed myinitiated and have come on board, a num- ularly, Mr. President’s reelection. tions; people want to take advantage of team to get a safe venue for them to cam- paign. I knew that APC does not have a largeber of them completed, when I see the You talked about Rivers State. Yes, the situa- developments to further their own inter-impacts of our programmes on young peo- tion in Rivers State is not ideal. It is not what ests, ambitions and so on. We are manag- membership that can fill a stadium forple, prospects for families, children going we would have wished for, wanted or even ing all of them, particularly the working example. They applied for a small venue. Butto school abroad on scholarships, the hos- prayed for. But it is a political reality we are relationship, the political relationship I it was a primary school field and schoolspitals and schools we built, I feel excited by managing and we must deal with. Even in have had over the years with the president. were in session and I knew that they wouldthat opportunity. that, we are very confident that Rivers State We are both determined not to be distract- bring in cult elements, young boys and soIt is fulfilling because once all of that is would not pose a big challenge to the ed. It is my duty to keep the home safe and on, unruly, unmanageable crowd. What youdone, you feel accomplished in a way, at saw was just people picked along the streetsleast in that specific aspect to yourself and People understand the issues at stake. They understand that the stakes and very few committed party men. I don’tto your God. even know the leadership of APC beyond theIt is challenging, as I said because being a are very high, as far as the presidential poll is concerned. And coming fact that my predecessor is there and he isgovernor of any state at all comes with its from where we are coming from as a people, as Ijaw people, as Niger Delta running an election and two former localown challenges. Challenges arising fromexpectations, challenges arising from the people, I know that in the Niger Delta area, people are likely to look government chairmen under his tenure,politics of the job, the managing all of it, beyond personal grievances and things like that and focus on fundamen- who I sacked. They are the only members of APC in the state that I know. Beyond that, Ithe interplay of politics and the society tal issues, as to why President Jonathan should be reelected. Talkingcomes with its own challenges. do not know any other prominent politicianComing from the same state with the presi-dent comes with its peculiar challenges. If about Bayelsa, talking about the entire Niger Delta, for the presidential that was in the APC rally. That rally, they just poll, it is going to be Jonathan all the way. It is going to be PDP all the way picked about 1000 to 2000 young boys from the streets, markets and fixed their camera there to give an impression of a sizeable ral-
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 25 2015 ELECTIONS INTERVIEWly. Rallies are not very often, as all politicians remains the platform of choice and the exist in every ward. We have candidates for exampleis there. Twenty five percent,know, a good indication of how well a party platform to beat. So we cannot be despon- fielded in all these elections. And if we that is what the constitution says we shouldcan do. So, APC has no presence at all. dent, we cannot be afraid as some people could elect a president who lost his ward, have or more. So, we are not in these states It is to that extent that I am saying that may expect. his local government, his state and his zone, struggling to win 90 per cent for you to use Look at the second factor - the candidate. you should know that that kind of party, that to determine the outcome of presiden-Bayelsa is not a problem as far as presiden- If you put our incumbent president, with even with the loss of some governors, that tial polls. No. I am telling you that Yar’Aduatial poll is concerned.Now coming to your specific question on the resilience he has shown, the democrat- kind of party will always have the capacity who got elected as our president in 2007,my political relationship with the First Lady, ic temperance that he has exhibited to win a free and fair general election. After from the neighbouring state of Katsina, didyou know we are Africans and African values because that is critical, we are running a all, we are a party of free elections. not win Kano. And yet he became president.that we espouse, to me, do not allow me to democracy. A president under a democra- But do you agree your party is not as strong The PDP is safe and secure in our strong-discuss my boss’ wife particularly, publicly cy, there is a whole lot of difference as it was in 2011?on the pages of newspapers. No, I won’t do holds. We are safe and secure in the South- between him and some guy who runs a A lot of people are carried away by huge south. We are safe and secure in thethat. I have resisted the temptation to do so. military junta and whose word is law. rallies in the opposition stronghold and so Southeast. We are safe and secure largely inIf I were to do so, there would be no differ- Here, you have got to navigate your way, on. We sometimes, don’t remember that the North-central. We are safe and secureence between me and maybe, some other negotiate with stakeholders, interact with PDP has never won, for example, in Kano, also in a number of states in the Northeastpeople. I won’t do that. What I can say is that the National Assembly and other institu- from 1999 till date. We have never won pres- and also in a number of states in theshe is our wife, she is our sister and she is a tions. Your views, opinions and actions idential polls, not even when Yar’Adua from Northwest. Yes, are we as strong as we weremother. I play politics with her husband. For would be challenged and tested. That is a neighbouring state was flag bearer in in 2011? Clearly, we are the first to concedeme, the political relationship that I have the democratic furnace through which 2007. So, this is the situation. Therefore, that it is not so. But don’t forget, as I saidwith my boss and my elder brother, the every politician must pass. So, in the face would we have wanted a situation where a that we elected a president from thePresident, is excellent. I am doing my best to of unprecedented terror in our country sitting governor, like my respected elder Southwest, who didn’t have the Southwest.advance and protect his interest and and the distractions arising from that, our brother, Kwakwanso does not leave the par- Now, our candidate will even win more inadvance the course and development of our President has kept focused. Are things ide- ty, that’s not an ideal situation, but it has the Southwest. Yes, already we have two gov-dear state, a state I know he also dearly al? We will also admit they are not. But happened. In spite of that, don’t forget that ernors in the Southwest and we have a goodloves. Remember, when he was the gover- none of us imagined in 2011 that we were in most of these states, all our supporters candidate in Lagos.nor, I was in his cabinet. I know the passion going to deal with an unprecedented ter- and stakeholders are on ground. Shekarau Between President Jonathan and Generalhe also has for the development of our state. ror situation in our country. But it is a real- Buhari in Lagos, our expectation is thatAnd as President, he has always given me ity we must live with and deal with also.support on any issue that has to do with the So, our president, the candidate, is also sev- Now coming to your specific question majority of Lagos voters will vote Jonathan.development of our state. So, I am con- eral times better, far more reassuring, far on my political relationship with the They will vote for continuity; they won’tcerned about that and happy that whatever more suitable in a democracy. And you First Lady, you know we are Africans vote for uncertainty. They won’t vote for areports that are going round, despite what cannot compare. It is like analogue and a and African values that we espouse, continuation of the system they know inthe propagandists are doing, it is not affect- digital product. to me, do not allow me to discuss my Lagos that has not served their best interesting our relationship. I am okay with that. I Talking of youthfulness, talking of educa- maximum. So, we are very confident that all said and done, we will win. After all, the con-will work hard by the grace of God to keep it tional background, talking of democratic boss’ wife particularly, publicly on the stitutional formula is to win majority ofso. temper and capacity to meander and then Talking about the PDP state chairman, I interact with the democratic stakeholders pages of newspapers. No, I won’t do votes, one quarter of votes in two thirds ofdon’t believe the reports credited to him. to achieve results. And then talk of the states.Those reports are not true, they are not cor- policies and programmes. We believe that that. I have resisted the temptation to Still on PDP, the very simple question is, did-rect. That is all I can say about that. the message of transformation, in all sec-For the first time in this democratic dispen- tors, has delivered. Again, we also admit do so. If I were to do so, there would n’t you see this coming? You were in chargesation, we are going into an election where that in the last five years, he has not beenthe incumbent does not appear too sure of able to solve all the problems. We also be no difference between me and of a reconciliation committee. People were maybe, some other people. I won’t do wondering how governors walked out and the body language suggested, let them go. that. What I can say is that she is our The leadership of your party and the presi-victory despite that he had massive goodwill accept that. We realise we must deal with wife, she is our sister and she is a dent, as the leader of the party, has notwhen he came on board. What do you think corruption. We realise that we must inten- shown sufficient leadership to put the party mother. I play politics with her hus- together. Should Rivers be a problem to Mr.is responsible for this? sify the war against terror. We also admitWell, I don’t agree with you that the that we are all Nigerians. We must band. For me, the political relationship President at this time?President is not sure of victory. The improve the economy. Yes, but is the that I have with my boss and my elder I have earlier said that Rivers is not a prob-President is very confident that he will win. answer with the opposing party and its lem, as far as the election of the president isWe in the PDP are very confident that we candidate? Do they have a magic wand to brother, the President, is excellent. I concerned. We expect an overwhelming vic-will win. And the reason is simple. We have stop terrorism, to turn around the econo- am doing my best to advance and pro- tory in Rivers State, just as we do in mostbeen in the trenches for sometime. For a my?politician contesting an election, there are No. So, that’s why we are not afraid. The tect his interest and advance the states ultimately.three elements that are critical: the party, president is not afraid. We in the PDP are course and development of our dear Let me assure you that PDP will not gowhich is the platform, you talk of the candi- rather very confident that we will deliver state, a state I know he also dearly down. We are the party that is for alldate and the policies and programmes out because we exist in every polling unit. We loves Nigerians. We are the party for the small, asthere. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26Of all of these, the candidate is importantand the party is also important. The candi-date’s party is the warhorse. If the horse isstrong, anybody can ride it to victory. But ifthe platform is weak, no matter how good acandidate is, it would collapse, just like agood warrior can ride on a sick horse andlose the battle. That is the way it is. Our plat-form is strong; our platform is tested. Arewe as strong as we were in the last generalelection? Probably slightly weakened. Butthere is no argument that our platform isstrongest, our platform is more national,and is tested. The other platform hasn’t gotour resilience, hasn’t got our real battleexperience. I am talking of APC. It is an amal-gamation of several tendencies. That’s com-mendable anyway; I give them credit forcoming together. Without positive legisla-tion, we now have two strong parties. Weshould give them credit. They have done alot of good work, which is good for ourdemocracy. But then, we must also acceptthat it is largely an untested warhorse onthe national stage.We can point at 1999 where even a candi-date didn’t even have support from hisward, his local government, his state andeven his entire zone. His entire zone votedagainst him in 1999 but PDP still got thepresident elected. I believe that the PDP wasweakest at that moment, not now. So, we arevery confident that our platform still President Jonathan with Wike at PDP rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
26 Sunday, February 22, THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comINTERVIEW 2015 ELECTIONS‘Jonathan Is Passionate About Nigeria’ you talk of the Niger Delta, Bayelsa is the and told them; I would not allow anybody to epicenter; it is the centre of gravity around disturb the peace of the state, the region or which these issues revolve in the Niger our country. Instead of the opposition Delta. Once Bayelsa is safe, secured and sta- media to focus on those conclusions, they ble, it permeates around others. Insecurity now took individual contributions of the or instability in Bayelsa will inexorably people in attendance. With what is going affect the security situation in the Niger on, what they needed was assurances that Delta states. I have always been conscious people in right places will know what to do. of that, particularly with my background as Those assurances we gave needed to be giv- a product of Ijaw Movement myself. en but opposition media focused on their So, when the issue of MEND’s endorse- individual contributions and the comments ment of Buhari, or let us say a section of the they made, instead of the rationale or the militant group endorsing Buhari was outcome of the meeting. reported, it created divisions. It raised ten- Moving forward, let me assure you all that sion and there was almost crisis in my we, our people, believe in a strong, demo- hand. cratic, united Nigeria. But the Nigeria we Secondly, when the president went believe in is also the Nigeria of equal citizen- around campaigning, and some people ship, a Nigeria that will be democratic, a were hostile and attacked him, particularly Nigeria that would the peaceful, secure and in the Northern states, not the leadership prosperous. All of us have a duty to bring but people on the streets, when the reports that about. We have to create and rediscover came, not in all the states but in one, two or that Nigeria. It is my duty to continue to three places, and it was continuing, it again work with agencies, stakeholders and play- inflamed passion in the Niger Delta. As a ers, whatever their descriptions are, whatev- governor, when you have the reports and er their past may be, to interact and net- you read the security barometer, then there work to ensure that the fundamental objec- was need for me to step in to perform my tives of law and order and preservation of duty to our country, which was to interact security are maintained. with the stakeholders, get their views and Let’s talk about development in Bayelsa; assure them. If there are messages, pass on how far have you gone? and if there are steps to be taken regarding Going round Bayelsa and even at my quiet security, do so. But at all times, you must time thinking about some of the things we engage. Lack of engagement is not an were able to put in place, I feel very fulfilled. option at all. So, part of the duty the gover- Now, we are not where we want the state nor of Bayelsa owes our country is to use to be, but there is no doubt, if you go to his leverage, his good office from time to Bayelsa, there is no doubt at all that we haveDickson time to ensure that the security situation in made a lot of achievements, in the area of governors, respected leaders of our party the Niger Delta does not get out of control. infrastructure, which you can see. There are When Alamieyesiegha was in the office, he some investments in government that areCONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 left, but this is politics. Even when you had did that. President Obasanjo was always intangible. Nobody sees what you do. But ifwell as for the big. We are the party for the done with all the idealism of keeping the calling him to address and solve most of you go to Bayelsa and you see the roads andrich, as well as for the poor. We are the party party together, in the end, it is about inter- these problems. When Dr. Jonathan bridges that have come up, it is not story.of the minority, as well as of the majority. est and that is the only permanent thing became governor, the same Obasanjo, if You just go there and see it. If you call peo-We are the only party since politics started they say. And don’t be surprised that today’s there were crisis situations, kidnapping, ple there, they will tell you. In fact, the storyin Nigeria till date that has given some foes may be tomorrow’s friends. So, if cer- hostage taking and others, would always is that we are over working. This governorthoughts, apart from the actuality of doing tain things happen the way they did, that’s call him midnight and so on. And they will self, na roads and bridges we go chop? But thatit, that has given some thoughts to the idea too bad. It is unfortunate but are we still sometimes move into the creeks to ensure is good.for someone from my place, our side of the confident, even in spite of that? Yes. that people were released, platforms were That is complement for a politician, who iscountry, being a presidential candidate. And What actually happened at that meeting in opened and so on. Sylva was also actively attacking frontally the issues of develop-not just that, producing the person as a win- Government House where you were present involved in amnesty activities. Yar’Adua ment because for you to move the state toning candidate, which the party did in 2011. with Asari Dokubo, Government knew that. And now, especially with my where I want it to be, that is the Dubai ofWe didn’t do it alone. All Nigerians did it Ekpomupolo and a couple of others. The background as a product of the Ijaw Africa, you have got to think of world-classand we are eternally grateful to them. But message that resonated from that meeting Movement, it is incumbent on me, as part infrastructure. You have got to think of secu-that tells you about the nature and character was that if Jonathan doesn’t win, there of my duty to my people, the Niger Delta rity. You have got to think of health care.of our party. What we did in 2011 is akin, as I would be war? region and my duty to our country, to You have got to think of education andalways say, to what the Democratic Party in First, you need to know certain things ensure that I maintain that effective chan- investment in education as we are doing.the US did with the election of Barack about Bayelsa State and the Ijaw people, the nel of communication, such that we will be Now, we have delivered on that. Roads andObama as the first black president of the Ijaw nation, whose elected leader I am. at every time available to moderate, to bridges connecting communities thatUnited States. That’s exactly the same thing Bayelsa is the Jerusalem of Ijaw nation; that guide and then to take steps that are neces- nobody thought it would be possible or peo-the PDP did with the election of Dr. Jonathan is what we say. The Governor of Bayelsa has sary to ensure the safety and security of our ple to be connected. A lot of you who live inas the first South-south minority president a duty to our country, a duty to Nigeria, a region and the strategic assets that are the urban areas take a lot of things for grant-of our country, democratically elected, not duty to Ijaw nation and a duty to Bayelsa there. All these assets, most of them, are ed. But when you go to the heart of theemerging through a military dictatorship or people. Remember two things informed there in Bayelsa. If Bayelsa boils, the whole Niger Delta, particularly Bayelsa, which wasa coup. that interaction. First, it is my duty to inter- region, the whole Niger Delta region and the least developed part of old Rivers StateNow, that gave this country the opportuni- act with all my citizens, whether you call therefore our country will be in crisis. That that was carved out, with the most difficultty to renew and reinvent itself and for us, it them former militant leaders or not. In fact, is what I did. They came and we interacted. terrain, the least developed; no educationalis only the PDP that can continue with that for those kinds of people we call freedom It was unfortunate that the media, particu- facilities there, people are poor and thevision of an inclusive Nigeria, that vision of a fighters you need to interact with them as larly the opposition propaganda, took up whole places are rural; they don’t feel gov-Nigeria where as we move forward as a lead- often as you can, as part of the peace build- comments from participants, instead of ernment presence; there is no electricity.ing nation, it doesn’t matter which state you ing initiative. taking the conclusions of the meeting, Now, I am addressing those basic problemscome from. It doesn’t matter what ethnic But something happened. There was a which were an affirmation of the peace of connecting roads to all these communi-group you belong to. It doesn’t even matter report about Buhari’s endorsement by process and the need to maintain law and ties and the cost of construction is 20 timesthe God you chose to worship and how you MEND and opposition media propaganda order. I am very strong on law and order, what you have here. It is like building Thirdchose to worship that God. That is the future system played it up. That created a major on crime, criminality and violence. Mainland Bridge. That’s what I am doing.of our country. The other party is looking for problem for us in the Niger Delta. And when Everybody knows that, which I reinforced What is your IGR now?states with bulk votes. Now, that doesn’t The IGR now is between N700 and N800m.equate our umbrella party, which is for all What was the magic you used?Nigerians. In our party, the winning formula Moving forward, let me assure you all that we, our people, believe in a Discipline, focus and an insistence that theis one vote from a good Nigerian of a state, strong, democratic, united Nigeria. But the Nigeria we believe in is also right thing must be done. We spend politi-plus another vote from a good Nigerianfrom another state, plus another, plus the Nigeria of equal citizenship, a Nigeria that will be democratic, a cal capital but that is what leadership is allanother, plus another. Nigeria that would the peaceful, secure and prosperous. All of us have a about. You don’t shy away from doing what is right because it may sound unpopular. IWhat we need are votes of good Nigerians, duty to bring that about. We have to create and rediscover that Nigeria. It told civil servants, sorry, no governor hasnot states with big voting population, zoneswith big voting population and then you do is my duty to continue to work with agencies, stakeholders and players, the right to waive paying tax; that’s a federalan arithmetic, equals Presidency. No, that is whatever their descriptions are, whatever their past may be, to interact legislation. There is this culture of free, free, free. The government must do everythingnot the Nigeria of our dream. That is not a and network to ensure that the fundamental objectives of law and order free. People don’t pay electricity bill.sustainable Nigeria. PDP is still strong. Itwasn’t an ideal situation that some of our and preservation of security are maintained. Government pays. Now, that is primitive.
EMPOWERNIGERIA /34 CAREER /31 MONDAYS–FRIDAYS IN THE GUARDIANJonathan HOW TO FINISH ANLaunches ENTIRE DAY OF WORK IN#yesnigeriaInitiative ONLY 90 MINUTES SUNDAY, February 22, 2015AdelarinAwotedu…Crazy WithWords, Scripting With PassionBy Geraldine Akutu experience, never rush a production, always think about your audience andADELARIN Awotedu is one of the most importantly, have the right team, country’s young creative minds, as you are only as strong as your weakestwho are putting their talent to use in link.”the burgeoning film industry. In fact,the country is blessed with so many of She says, “before I write a script, I con-them. sider some factors. If it is a commis- sioned work, all I think about is the The scriptwriter, who is passionate money I will get paid at the end of it. Iabout her job, holds a bachelor’s worry a lot about conveying the rightdegree in microbiology and a certifi- message and the budget most impor-cate in scriptwriting from the Wale tantly because scripts get poorly shotAdenuga’s Pencils and Film and most times because producers don’tTelevision Institute (PEFTI). She is have the right budget for script interpre-equally an alumnus of invisible bor- tation.”ders Trans-Atlantic project and has For the lady, “it is always better forattended a couple of workshops out- scriptwriters to be doing somethingside the country to further hone her else, because writing does not pay asskill. much as I want it to be. We have a few people who have been able to earn a liv- On what prompted her to go into ing as writers, maybe less than seven. Iscript writing, she says, “I have been am more of a writer than a producer sowriting since I was old enough to hold it is not a problem to change hats.”a pencil. Call me crazy, but I swear thatI hear voices and see pictures in my Awotedu’s inspiration comes fromhead, those words just kept screaming knowing the power that she possesses,at me till I just got to it and the rest to write words on pages and being ablecame easy. I got my first commis- to interpret on screen. “People’s realitysioned job even before leaving film can be suspended for a couple of hours,school.” that power inspires me daily to bleed in front of the computer. We owe a lot to Awotedu adds, “I started producing early Nollywood practitioners and thein 2008, took a break and came back sky is just the starting point, quality hasfully in 2014. I’m currently working on improved in technical aspects but wea new project, which should be out lat- still have to work on our storytelling ander in the year.” start telling our own stories.” She continues, “ I am grateful to have She reveals, “I am passionate about been selected to attend the scriptwritingwomen and children. I’m conscious of workshop at AFRIFF to learn more abouthow important the role of the media is scriptwriting, I have a saying, “if you areto the society, hence, the need to not going forward, you are going back-always try to convey a message, but ward” and if as the largest movie pro-not taking out the entertainment val- ducers in Africa, none of our films isue.” competing in the foreign film category at the Oscars then it only means we have On what gives her the edge as a more work to do, if we are successful inscriptwriter and film producer, she making commercial films, then we cansays, “I have been called an asexual do a lot in the artistic aspects too.” writer because I don’t believe that as a Awotedu, who has been involved infemale, therefore, I should limit myself projects such as Separate Lives, commis-to some subject matters. I won’t say I sioned by EbonyLife Production and alsoam lucky, but I have learnt a lot from wrote a short film produced by Alpha Mum, which was nominated for BONCAREER /30 Every week, Life Campus Reports on CARTOON SERIES /28 awards. The film was screened at the events in students’ communities International Images Film Festival for Youth & across the country. You can con- Women in Harare. Projects to look outGraduate Jobs tribute by sending stories, gossips, for include, the film adaptation of her reports on events and your pictures stage play, What Men Want and my web Powered by for Campus Faces to us at: series and Two Broke Nigerian Girls. Jobberman.com [email protected]; [email protected]
28 Sunday, February 22, 2015 tHE GUARDiAN www.ngrguardiannews.comCAMPUS YOUTHMAGAZINEASUU threatens to Go OnStrike Over Member’s DeathtH Academic Staff Union Of Universities (ASUU), on A cross section of people at the ABSU Covenant Service held recently … at Uturu thursday, threaten to shut down universities across thecountry if the inspector General of Police (iGP) fails to arrest school a conducive place for all. teaching qualification to teach in school is National Certificatethose responsible for the murder of Professor Ahmad the guest speaker, Reverend Chikwendu igwe, preaching in Education (NCE), added that upping teacher’s qualificationMustapha Falaki of the Ahmadu Bello University’s institute of to first degree would help improve quality teaching.Agricultural Research (iAR). on the topic, ‘Divine Restoration’ said restoration lies entire- Recall that policemen shot at and killed the don, last ly on God, stressing on the need for everyone to have God in He stated that currently there are graduates teaching in pri-Saturday, at Fala village in Kibiya local council, Kano State. He his/her life. He also advised the students to take their stud- mary schools across the country.was suspected to be a member Boko Haram sect. ies serious and to examine the choices they make.A statement jointly signed by chairman and secretary of Adelekan Emerges FCA New ProvostASUU-ABU, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Aliyu and Dr. Mustapha the St. Augustine Catholic Centre Choir and the All SaintsLiman respectively, said the union would be left with no Choir, both in the university, spiced up the service with DR. Babajide Adelekan is now the new provost of the Federaloption than to seek redress through other legal means if the their praise songs. College of Agriculture (FCA), Moor Plantation, ibadan.iGP failed to heed to their call. Dr. Adelekan, whose appointment takes effect from January Part of the statement read: “Professor Falaki was on an offi- Govt Plans to Make First Degree Minimum 1, 2015, has a five-year tenure to head the school.cial assignment when his car was snatched by gunmen at teacher’s Qualification Born in ilora, Afijio local council, Oyo State, Adelekan attend-Fala village. He was at Fala for more than two hours making ed Government College, ibadan (GCi). He graduated fromcalls to officers in ABU and his family. Suddenly, some per- tHE Minister of Education, Malam ibrahim Shekarau, has Obafemi Awolowo University, ile ife, where he obtained asons who identified themselves as policemen appeared on disclosed that the Federal Government is planning to Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1984the scene allegedly in pursuit of Boko Haram who had earlier make first degree the minimum teaching qualification in and postgraduate diploma in Management Studies (DMS). Helaid siege on the Police post in Kibiya town. Nigerian stories. also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and“Professor Falaki identified himself by presenting them with He made the disclosure in Abuja, while receiving the Finish Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Agricultural Engineering fromhis ABU identity card and driver’s licence. But for some inex- Ambassador, Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, to the country. the University of ibadan, ibadan.plicable reasons, these policemen ignored the identification the minister, who noted that from 1980 the minimum He joined the services of Federal College of Agriculture oninsisting that for all they care the deceased and his entourage May 21, 1991 as tutor ii and rose through the ranks to the postwere members of Boko Haram, who had escaped from BY SEGUN DUROWAIYE 08055356855 of chief lecturer on October 1, 2012.Kibiya. they then began to strike them with machetes and Adelekan is a Fellow of Nigerian institute of Managementother clubs. Professor Falaki was struck a fatal blow and died (FNiM) and Nigerian institution of Agricultural Engineerson the scene.” (FNiAE) as well as a member of other academic associations within and outside the country. He has authored severalABSU Holds Covenant Service books and papers, which are widely published even on the internet.By Rosemary OhaeriABiA State University (ABSU), Uturu, recently, held its 4th yearly covenant service at the Uche Ogah FamilyAuditorium in its main campus at Uturu to pray for thedivine restoration of the country, the school and its staff aswell as the Nigerian students.With ‘Divine Restoration,’ as theme the event had in atten-dance, the Vice Chancellor of the school, Professor ChibuzorOgbuagu and his wife Professor Lady Stella Ogbuagu. in his address, the chairman, ABSU Covenant Service,Professor E. A. Udensi (DVC Administration), reminded thestaff and students of the school of their responsibility, say-ing they should always do the right thing to make the Fayose Reverses EKSU Late Registration Fees EKiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has ordered the imme- diate reversal of the late registration fees charged by Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti. Students of the school, last week, protested against the increase in the late registration fees charged by the school, fol- lowing the closure of its online portal. the students were made to pay N5,000 additional to the earlier N5,000 charged for the same offence, thereby bringing the total amount charged for late payment to N10,000. Upset by this amount, the students marched to the govern- ment house in the state capital to express their grievances. According to some of the students, they also drew the atten- tion of the governor to the epileptic power supply in both the university campus and their hostels in iworoko-Ekiti and also called for the removal of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Patrick Oladipo Aina. Addressing the students, Governor Fayose announced the immediate reversal of the late registration fee. “We must have a start and closing date for registration. the university must be run outside of politics. if you remove the vice chancellor, you are sending the university backwards. the government must not interfere with the running of the school. the vice chancellor is tenure-bound and we must allow the system to run its course,” he said. On the issue of power outage, Fayose said, “the state govern- ment is not in charge of electricity, but advised the student to discuss with their landlords on the payment of their electrici- ty bills, because the electricity company said people don’t pay their bills.” FUtO Purchase 301 Computers For JAMB Exam tHE leadership of the Federal University of technology Owerri (FUtO) has approved to buy 301 HP Desktop com- puters to enable it conduct the Computer Based test (CBt) Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Examinations (JAMB). the vice-chancellor of the school gave the approval following the recent selection of the school by JAMB as one of the centres for CBt UtME examinations. the 2015 CBt UtME examination, if not shifted would start on March 4, 2015.
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 29YOUTHMAGAZINE
30 Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comJOBS & CAREERS YOUTHMAGAZINE
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32 Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comJOBS & CAREERS YOUTHMAGAZINE
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 33YOUTHMAGAZINE JOBS & CAREERS
34 Sunday, February 15, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com YOUTHMAGAZINEJonathan Launches #yesnigeria InitiativeAS PART of his administration’s resolve to empower Nigerian directly with one access team. youths, president Goodluck jonathan recently lauched a public The portal that was launched by Mr President is www.nyenet.com and private partnership tagged the youth entrepreneurship strategy it gives all Nigerians the chance to be a part of the empowerment revo-of nigeria (#yesnigeria), which will operate in collaboration with the lution being promoted by the Federal Government and in some cases,private sector. the private sector.Designed to promote entrepreneurship in Nigerian youths all across During the event held at the presidential villa hall, Nicholas Okoye, thethe country, the initiative has Anabel group as the private sector part- CEO of Anabel Group, demonstrated to the audience how the youthner in the project. Anabel has been organizing the Nigeria Leadership entrepreneurship strategy will work and how it will redefine the abili-summit for over four years now and also presently promotes and runs ty of young people to get access to government funding in the future.Empower Nigeria a platform that has taken the drive for entrepreneur- The audience was made of the chief launcher himself Presidentship all over Nigeria and has over 54,000 entrepreneurship members. Goodluck jonathan, Vice President Sambo, Secretary to theThe Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy of Nigeria (#yesnigeria) is a new Government of the Federation, Coordinating Minister of the economy,initiative that provides among other things a one stop shop in provid- Minister of youths, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Aviation,ing access to funding, empowerment, training and skills to young peo- Minister of Information and Communications Technology and a hostple in Nigeria from a multitude of sources in government. All Federal of other top Government Ministers, perm secs, etc. a host of privateGovernment empowerment, entrepreneurship and job training pro- sector captains of industry, and youths of nigeria were equallygrams will henceforth be accessed using this one portal and working present.
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 15, 2015 35EMPOWERNIGERIA YOUTHMAGAZINE
36 Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comCSRFilesTMDigest
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 37JUNIOR GUARDIAN YOUTHMAGAZINE ISSUES SOLUTIONS TO BRAIN TEASER (16)If I Were The President IMPORTANT PRISONER STRINGENT BEQUEATH CAUTION KILIMANJARO MONUMENT FREQUENTFROM records, the past ity of education, because treaties with other coun- leaders of this great education is the solution tries and join forces so as COMPILED BY KIKELOLA OYEBOLAcountry have not done to ignorance. Imagine if to protect Nigeria from ex-quite a good work worth we all were educated, the ternal and internal at-commending. For in- crime rate would also re- tacks. My people, let usstance, when you compare duce. Also, social ameni- choose right and lead aNigeria with Singapore, ties should be within the better life with good ex-records have it that Singa- reach of every citizen, as amples that are worthy ofpore has excelled econom- this will help to reduce emulation.ically more than Nigeria. hardship. So, if I were the president, By Oshinsanya QueenI would improve the qual- If I were the president, I Year 11, Queensland Academy would organise peaceHow To Make A Child Love ReadingMODERN day technol- likely get carried away by plain some points. ogy such as television such. By reading stories of suc-and video games among Engaging children can re-others pose a lot of distrac- verse this situation mean- cessful people to childrentions to children in their ingfully, especially by and letting them knowacademic endeavours. This encouraging them to read that they got thereis leading to lack of inter- interesting books they like. through hard work andest in reading amongst Also, you can arouse a reading can equally moti-children. Peer pressure is child’s love for reading by vate children to read.another factor that affects reading with him/her; addchildren in reading. A some fun to it, use pictures By Princess Okekechild, who sees his friends and charts, as well as use Year 11, Queenslandplay most times, would practical method to ex- Academy WORD POWER GAME POEMGarrulous a) talkative b) chatty c) voluble d) loquacious The Big Beautiful TreeFend a) fireguard b) guard c) screenJiffy a) second b) minute c) flash d) instant The big beautiful treeDefiant a) bold b) insolent c) cheeky d) rebellious Gradually as it growsArrogate a) claim b) assume c) demand d) appropriate Starts from a small plantCull a) reject b) scrap c) discard d) castoff To a big treeGreat a) countless b) huge c) wonderful d) noble Bears good fruits Brings out good leaves So beautiful, so big But one day it can be cut off And it permanently dies By Chisom Madu Onuorah Solid Rock International School, Lugbe, Abuja.Further a) additional b) more c) added d) extraCoarse a) rough b) bristly c) abrasive d) stiffElegant a) stylish b) graceful c) sophisticated d) neatOcean Crest pupils entertain during the In the Bleak Mid-Winter event
38 Sunday, February22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comLAFETE YOUTHMAGAZINESharing A Coke Moment With EzinneStories by Gregory Austin Nwakunor Oliver Twist, I’m also searching for my sur- Happy Nigerians Sharing Coke with their names name. I have decided to keep them as sou-THE first time Ezinne Madubugo venirs, hopefully I shall show them to my came across a Coke bottle with her great- grand children.” name on it, she was stunned, elatedand sad! Stunned, because she was not Since the campaigns started in Nigeria inonly confused, she believed it was a January 2015, the campaign has pushedblunder. consumers into a sharing frenzy, like in the over 50 countries where it has run, as they “Who wouldn’t be? For the first time comb every nook and cranny of stores look-ever, the brand decided to leave out the ing for their names on bottles and cans ofmost important element of its brand- Coca-Cola, just so they can create and shareing, which is its legendary logo, and stories, selfies and the special momentsinstead, replaced it with people’s around them with friends and families.names,” said the 29-year old lady, as shespoke on the new brand campaign by While many consumers have since struckCoca Cola Nigeria. gold in the course of their search, others still in the process of finding theirs have But after looking round the grocery resorted to creating virtual cans or bottlesstore where she had gone to shop for for themselves online via the dedicatedfruits, Ezinne realised that it wasn’t a shareacoke.com.ng platform created by theblunder after all but a deliberate company to expand the campaign reach.attempt by the brand to get very per-sonal with consumers. However, to make sure that everyone has a chance to get involved in the campaign, “After looking round the store, I dis- the brandis also on an activation tourcovered that apart from the bottle I had across different locations in the country,seen with one of the shoppers, there where people can come order and pick upwere many more on the shelf with dif- their own personlised bottles within a fewferent names on them. That was when it minutes and at no extra cost.dawned on me that it could be market-ing tactics to connect better with con- Trust Nigerians and their ways of makingsumers. I became elated and started a wit out of everything. Aside the interest-searching for mine too, just so I can be ing conversions that the campaign hasthe first person to break the news to my sparked both offline and online, a quickfriends. Unfortunately, I didn’t find scan through the social media platformsmine. I felt sad,” she recalled. shows amusing pictures of names placed on pieces of papers and glued to the At the time, which was during the brands.summer of 2013, Ezinne was still a stu-dent in the UK. That, perhaps, explains In the case of Busola Olusoga, the cam-why she didn’t find her name. The bev- paign recently turned ‘Sharing Love’ witherage giant, at that time, was running the man of her dreams. Her boyfriend,the campaign and had swapped its Yomi, proposed to her the ‘Share a Cokeiconic logo for selected UK popular Way’, using labeled bottles tagged,names. Ezinne couldn’t have made the ‘Beautiful Busola Will You Marry Me?’list! Though hers is not the first marriage pro- Nonetheless, Ezinne, who now resides posal inspired by the campaign, Busola isin Lagos, has since found her name on excited that it is the first in the country andthe bottle, following the launch of the number two in the world. The first beingcampaign in Nigeria. She didn’t have to that of a young Scot, Donnie McGilvray,search too hard, her name fortunately who, in 2014, proposed to his girlfriend,fell among the over 500 cultural names Eloise, with the brand bottles labeled,selected for the Nigerian arm of the ‘Beautiful Eloise Will You Marry Me?’campaign. However, given that Nigerians love to According to her, “nothing makes reproduce an occurrence, it is certain thatdrinking the brand special like seeing in the coming days, there will be more mar-one with your name on it. It confers on riages contracted this way.consumers a feel good emotion. Like But…have you found your name yet? For Val, US-Based Artiste, Janelia, Reveals Hubby AFTER many years of hiding the love of drummer named, Ali Muhammed, forged the I continually thank God for. We are a her life from her music fans, in cele- bration of St. Valentine’s Day, or as Afrojuju style and Femi played the bass guitar power couple because in over a decade of she prefers to call it, ‘African-Love Day’, the US-based Nigerian artiste, Janelia, recently behind all those Shina Peters hits Nigerians marriage we have found ways of working took to the studio to have a photo shoot with her husband, Femi Sanya. have come to love, which includes, Ace, in unity and synergy without compro- Though Janelia had not openly intro- Shinamania, Experience and Kilode. mising each other’s individuality. I am duced him to the world as her husband until now, Femi has always been with her Janelia says, “Femi is a musical genius, he married to my best friend, my muse, my on stage, as both the music director and bass guitar player of her band, Janeliasoul, helped develop my craft and without him I producer, my number one critic and my as well as being behind the scenes. wouldn’t’ have a career as an artiste and a partner in crime. As Americans will say, Femi, in fact, is the producer of one of Janelia’s most celebrated, Love Song in female band leader. Our marriage has been I’m his ‘Radada Chick’ and he is my Yoruba, as well as co-directed the video and Janelia’s latest music video, Bakassi. Mr. about love, God, family, music, passion, artis- “Nigger for Life”. I look forward to many and Mrs. Sanya recently celebrated their 12 years of marriage, and their union has tic expression, and sometimes, even sweat and more years of greatness with Femi been blessed with two sons, whose ages are 11 and 7. tears, but overall, it is a beautiful union, which Sanya.” The two met in the music industry, while Zuriel To Feature In Elle Magazine they were both touring with other bandsJanelia and husband in the US. Back then, Janelia, a student and THE Nigerian-American child prodigy, Zuriel a graduate of Morgan State University, Zuriel Oduwole, would feature in next U.S.A, was a backup singer/dancer in a month (March edition) of Elle band and Femi Sanya was the bass guitar Magazine, Paris, France, as one of the 33 player of that particular band before he women that impacted on the world in 2014. swept her off her feet and the two became The 12-year old documentary filmmaker, is an item ever since. Femi is also the brain listed alongside notable women, including behind some of Shina’s Peters hits from Federal Reserve Bank chairperson, Janet the 1990s. He, together with the Hausa Yellen; activist /actress Angelina Jolie; US teen sports sensation, Mo’ne Davis; and ABC TV super producer, Shonda Rhimes, who cre- ated hit TV shows like Greys Anatomy and Scandal. Zuriel would be the youngest person on list. Elle is the world’s largest fashion, style and entertainment magazine with more than 40 editions in 60 countries.
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 39 HEALTHAdo-Odo/Ota Commissions Primary Health Centre Islam:ThePrincipleOfBy Gbenga Akinfenwa in that area. tain the medical equipment, saying Correct Human Devpt (16)ADO-Odo/Ota Local Government, Executive Chairman of the council, Ro- government’s property should be re- Health And Your Mind Ogun State has officially commis-sioned a Primary Health Centre, con- timi Rahmon said the project would garded as public’s collective property. have direct bearing on the lives of the The Director of Health of the council,structed in partnership with Binatone people. Dr. Daniel Adesanya said the present ad- By Babatunde Ayo-VaughanGlobal Appliances Nigeria Limited for He said the company has proved to be ministration in the local governmentthe use of Iloye community and its envi- alive to its Corporate Social Responsi- met 29-health centre, which has in- IBELIEVE we got to a very crucial point of our discussion in bility (CSR) as required by law, adding creased to 44. the last essay to begin to prove how the principle of Islamrons. ought not to be a concept in the development of religionThe idea was conceived in 2007 when that other corporate organisations but in the development of creative intelligence in the He noted that the council has done its human being when we touched on that significant truth that FAITH and ISLAM mean the same thing. This is becausethe community felt the nearest govern- should emulate such gesture for their best, hence the need for communities submission to the will of God, which Mohammed called Islamment Health Centre to them is approxi- host communities. is located in the teachings of Jesus as faith. Jesus statement around to buckle up and ensure that ‘Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ is clearly another version of submission to the will of God and the explana-mately five kilometres away, which is Rahmon charged the people to main- the equipments are not under-utilised. tion of faith in the teachings of Jesus suggested the devel- opment of creative ability.not good for any emergency. This development is resting on the understanding of the process of intelligence. To inculcate the method of intelli-Through the Chairman of Ifedapo Ag- gence into man is to embark on the true process of the de- velopment of man. This is where we derive the authority tobewa CDA, Mr. Joseph Babayemi, help tell you that ISLAM is about the principle of correct human development. Now to begin to move on from here, it wascame from Binatone as it approved the Jesus who said that ‘if you can believe everything is possi- ble to him that believeth’. This is the real truth in the un-sum of N5 million for the project, with derstanding of faith. The truth about faith is about a certain process of belief.the foundation laying ceremony con- That process of belief is about conviction. Belief generally is about a thought process in the acknowledgement of aducted on July 20, 2013. The sum of N3m certain idea. But conviction is not only about a thought process in the acknowledgement of a certain idea but pas-was later added to make a total sum of sionately so. The applied passion involves the vivid use of creative imagination — the fundamental basis of the acti-N8 million, before it was handed over tothe local government on November 22,2014.In his address, the representative of Bi-natone, Babayemi, who thanked indi-viduals and corporate bodies for thejudicious use of the money and theirdonations, appealed to the council tomake the roads motorable to make itaccessible to neighbouring communi-ties. Chairman, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Rahman, cutting the tape during the official com- He rues the epileptic power supply in missioning of the Primary Health Centre, while Mr. Joseph Babayemi (r), and others watch withthe area, appealing for urgent attention rapt attention. vation of intelligence that enables a man to be capable of Practical Psychology visualizing things that are not yet in existence but highly Identifying Symptoms Of Stress possible to be brought to practical realization. This explains what Jesus meant when He said that if you can believe, everything is possible to him that believes. This was whyBy Passy Amaraegbu frequent sweating and in extreme cases dizziness. Paul described faith in the bible as the substance of things hoped for and the imaginative existence of something notANDREA’S marriage to Andy is facing some serious chal- Psychological symptoms of stress include, moodiness, agi- yet seen. What this means is that nobody can ordinarily lenge. This is unusual because for the past five years of tation, overwhelming feelings of tiredness and discomfort, come into the application of faith if there is no special train-their union, it has been literally a kind of heaven on earth. or even depression. Mental symptoms like difficulty with ing towards it and that training has a lot to do with the con-Other couples envy the level of intimacy and understand- concentration, negativity thinking, worry and anxiety, fear trol of your will.ing that exist between them. Even in public, Andy and his and loss of memory may occur. When Jesus said in His Lord’s prayer that let the will of Godadorable wife Andrea still hold hands and display other As we can see, stress can (and is) a major killer. Immediately be done on earth as it is in heaven, He gave us a pointer asforms of public intimate relationship. From touching each it takes hold of an individual’s mind, and heart, stress can de- to how the method of faith could be intelligently developedother, to looking into each other’s eyes, to sitting on each stroy every other aspect of an individual’s life. It is like a por- to achieve the kind of qualitative results we want in our tion of poison, which is injected into the blood system and if lives. The statement is simply telling us that whenever youother’s lap, this couple exemplifies marital love. have any purpose in life, endeavour to make sure that yourHowever, three months ago, the intimacy of this couple not neutralized, will end up taking the person’s life. purpose, which, of course, must be resting on the use ofcame under attack. Andy was promoted to the position of This period is a stressful period in the lives of our citizens. your will power to achieve must never contradict what youbranch manager and sent to another branch farther away Both at the individual and several corporate levels such as; must first of all try to understand is the comprehensive pur-from home. Not only that his work load doubled, the time family, institution, company, organisations and governance; pose of God for man and His creation. This is the practical ex-of his arrival home was stretched to almost midnight on we are faced with a lot of distressing situations, which cause planation of the fundamental meaning of Islam, therebyweekdays while his Saturday was equally occupied with of- strain in our resources and ultimately our coping systems confirming further what I concluded upon in the last write-ficial work until 3pm. Suddenly Andy has become insensi- and abilities. up that both faith and Islam are two concepts that are syn-tive to Andrea’s psychological needs. On her own side, For instance, how do families cope with increasing cost of onymous and inter-changeable. It further consolidatedAndrea is ploughing all her energy and love on their three- living in such specific areas like house rent, transport, elec- what I also said that the primary concern of both Mo- tricity, school fees, clothing, feeding in time of inflation like hammed and Jesus was to set man on the road to that de-year-old son Jeff. Yet she is unfulfilled. velopment that will let him know the method ofRecall that stress, particularly distress, causes disequilib- this? How do they manage with uncertainty and insecurity? submitting to the will of God in order to get practical re-rium in the life of the individual. It is the inability to cope How do the cope with the threat of diseases and unavail- sults.with the responsibilities, demands or pressures of life. Andy ability of qualitative medical service? When Mohammed in this respect said that Islam is the onlyand Andrea are facing such a disequilibrium in their erst- Adversity or distress sends neither alarm nor warning be- religion before God Almighty, it was His own way of saying fore it arrives anybody’s shore. It is part of its devastating na- that the only thing that matters before Allah is for man towhile organised and romantic marriage. know how to cultivate the spirit of faith.One obvious way to understand the onset of stress is to ture to come like a thief in the night. Often times, stress isidentify the symptoms. These range from physiological, multidimensional. As one is trying to cope with one form,physical to psychological. Beginning with the former, it in- another type is ready to assail.cludes bodily aches and pains, nausea, diarrhea or consti- Ayo-Vaughan, a psychologist, lives in Lagospation, loss of appetite or compulsive eating, low or Dr. Passy Amaraegbu, a clinical psychologist lives in Lagos. [email protected] loss of libido. Others are high blood pressures, [email protected] Health A Condition Of Matter, Or Not?By Moji Solanke can be practically proven to be true. First of all, it must be derstanding, for the health and well being of man? Chris- said that dogmatically holding on to what is familiar and tian healer, spiritual author and Church founder, MaryTHIS question requires careful consideration. The an- comfortable, is a foe of progress; and no harm can come Baker Eddy says, about health, in her book Science and swer that springs readily to the tongue, or more ap- from thinking outside the proverbial box of materiality, es- Health with key to the Scriptures, that it is not a conditionpropriately, to thought, may not necessarily be the right pecially when it concerns health. of matter but of God, as Spirit, or the divine Mind, and thatone. Very often one may hear the phrase ‘a healthy body’. If health is not a condition of matter, what is it a condition this fact must be understood. She goes on to insist that theSince the human body is material, this may infer that of? This question is actually not new. It has engaged the at- material senses cannot ‘bear reliable testimony on the sub-health inheres within the body. But deeper reasoning tention, research, study and consideration of spiritual ject of health.’would reveal that whatever resides or can be found thinkers, philosophers, psychologists, people of faith and Of practical significance is the fact, according to Eddy, thatwithin the body, in this case, health, must have quantifi- medical personnel, among others. The answer that keeps not only gaining, but exercising this spiritual understand-able physical attributes such as size, colour, weight, tex- surfacing and resurfacing with persistent recurrence is ing, is the basis of consistently sound health. It also actu-ture and so on. Maybe even more importantly, there that health is actually a spiritual quality. This answer can ally results in healing, because God is the source andmust be a way to pinpoint its physical location. be interpreted in any number of ways, depending on the condition of all existence. Eddy proved this as a fact over Evidently, health does not fit into physical, chemical, bi- parlance of choice. and over in her healing practice that spanned almost 45ological or organic moulds. It cannot. And this realisa- Health can be said to be a condition of mind, rather than years. Many around the world, including Nigeria, continuetion proves that health is really not a condition of matter. brain, of spirit rather than matter, of soul, rather than the to prove this in their spiritual journey today. The goodThis statement may seem radical, even incredulous to physical body. This is all well and good, but what is the im- news is that you can too.the thought trained and educated to see matter as the plication of acknowledging, accepting or gaining this un-end all and be all of man’s health, except the statement [email protected]
TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com 40 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 Conscience, Nurtured by TruthIBRUCENTRELenten Season: Let’s Use This PeriodThis year’s Lenten season in the Christian calendar started last Wednesday, after churches, especially the Orthodox ones observed Ash Wednesday. With this,Christians have commenced the season with intensive fasting and prayers, abstinence from food and fleshly desires, coupled with almsgiving. They are ex-pected to do this for a period of 40 days and thereafter, mark the celebration of Easter, when Christ was crucified and on the third day rose triumphantly fromthe grave. The period is so critical in Nigeria, especially as it coincides with the election period in the land. So, what does this portend for Christians and thecountry in general? What should be the conduct of Christians during this period of fasting and prayer for the country? Would it impact on the campaigns, aswell as make people to fear God? Some clerics gave their views, as reported by CHRIS IREKAMBA.Christians Should Intensify anybody who takes this time seriously and sciences and never allow ourselves to be IN the first instance, we must realise thatPrayers For God’s Mercy And anybody who is a Christian. For that reason, influenced by money, which is a tool that the Lenten season is essentially a seasonIntervention In The Country’ if they have any evil intention or intend to can be used or misused. It can be used cor- as Prophet Joel said, ‘returning to God incite people to do things that are not for rectly for the advancement of civility, as and making peace with Him in all areas(Most Rev. Emmanuel Egbunu, Arch- the good of the country, they should avoid well as the advancement of peace and sta- of our lives that we may have fallenbishop/Bishop of Lokoja Province, Church it. That is what we hope it would do and it’s bility, but it can also be used as an agent short.’ So, it’s a time for us to reflect onof Nigeria, Anglican Communion) also a time for both religious leaders and of destruction. So, we shouldn’t love our lives and identify where we have all well-meaning Nigerians to impress on money to our detriment. gone astray and go back to God, seek for THINK it is providential that lent is the political class that this country is big- Nobody should shoot himself or herself reconciliation and forgiveness. ger than any individual. This country is the on the leg, because our country needs re- That means, therefore, that we shouldIfalling within this time, when the coun- creation of God and He is determined to demption from hawks; it needs redemp- pray fervently, fast and do the acts of preserve it and no one should, therefore, tion from devourers and forces. So, we almsgiving. We are to demonstrate ourtry, as it were, is hanging in suspense. So, take sides with the enemy to destroy what should ensure that we protect our coun- readiness to come back to God and recon-it calls us to intensify prayers for our God is building. try. We cannot afford to leave our country cile with Him. Such that during this pe-country, because going by all that we are in the hands of plunderers and devourers. riod of time, we should also think of ourhearing from prominent people, one can ‘It’s A Time To Reconcile We must invite God to take care of this na- neighbours, brothers and sisters and rec-say we are hearing the drums of war. But And Amend Ways’ tion and appoints for us whoever is good oncile with them, wherever things mayLent makes us feel that we can still have to rule it, because He knows the best can- have gone wrong in our relationships.this hope of God’s intervention, as we (His Eminence Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka didate. We look unto Him to give us the But with regards to our country Nigeria,pray. Kanu Uche, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria best and nothing but the best. it’s a time to pray perhaps more fervently So, I will urge Christians to intensify (MCN) A Christian should be very mindful of than ever before. Because part of what isprayers for God’s mercy and intervention what he says because sin can come required during the season of Lent isin our country. And there are many parts N the book of Joel 2:1-17, it says, ‘this pe- through any of these three aspects: you prayer, apart from almsgiving and fast-of the Bible really, which encourage this riod is a period of solemn assembly, it’s a can sin in thoughts, in words and in ing. Prayer is also another requirementkind of thing. time for serious prayer, it’s a time for fast- deeds. So, our thoughts should be direct and so, we should pray for our country ing, it’s a time for self-disciplining, it’s a and accurate. Our speeches should be sea- more than ever before, knowing fully wellIFor example, in Amos chapter 7:1-5, God time of avoiding sin, and being very close soned with salt and our actions should that the country is at a very critical stage. to God and it’s a time to engage in prevail- glorify God. And so, when we have theseshowed Amos a vision of impending ing prayer for the whole nation. It’s a time in mind, I don’t think it will be easy to sin. We are passing through many trials,doom and Amos cried to God in prayer to reconcile and amend ways, then mend Our aim should be to revere God and hon- temptations and tensions everywhere.and He said it shall not happen. So, God fences with our neighbours and it’s a time our men. Honouring men means we Therefore, we must lift up our country inchanged His mind because Amos prayed. for holy living and we cannot depend on should uphold the sanctity of life, because prayers. But of course, it also means that In Jonah chapter 3: Jonah allowed judg- ourselves, because to live a holy life, we life is sacred and it should not be messed we must take steps as human beings toment against the sinful city of Nineveh must depend on God. up. remedy the conditions, as we have it now.and when the people repented God Nigeria belongs to all of us. It is not an ex- For me, that means that people shouldchanged His mind. So, I feel that Chris- clusive preserve of some politicians. Nigeri- ‘We Should Think Of Our Broth- ensure that they work for peace, speaktians should see this, as an opportunity ans are the ones that give mandate for ers, Sisters And Neighbours’ words of peace and try to make peaceto ask God to change whatever disaster is leadership. Therefore, if we love Nigeria, among themselves. Such that our countryahead. I believe He will hear us. our civic obligations include ensuring that (His Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Mar- would experience the kind of peace thatOn the impact that this would have, we we obtain our PVCs, especially those who tins, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos) we really do expect of it at this point incannot predict how people will behave. have not done so. And then, we should en- time. So, basically, we are to pray forBut surely, for all politicians who are sure that we vote according to our con- peace and work for the peace of the coun-church going people and who listen tothe word of God, this is a time of sober re-flection. It’s a time for moderation, and atime to really take heed of ourselves. So, I expect that it would impact posi-tively on those who take the blessings of Nobody should shoot himself or herself on the leg because our country needs try.this time seriously. If people are fasting,which is meaningful when accompanied redemption from hawks. It needs redemption from devourers and forces. So, we ‘Disciplining Ourselves Thiswith charity and charitable acts. In that should ensure that we protect our country. We cannot afford to leave our coun- Season Is Very Essential’sense, therefore, I expect it should mod- (Pastor Paul Obadare, General Overseer oferate excesses. try in the hands of plunderers and devourers. We must invite God to take care of World Soul Winning Evangelical Mission People can decide not to respond to the this nation and appoints for us whoever is good to rule this nation because He (WOSEM)prompting of God’s Spirit, but as I said,this time should definitely impact on Cknows the best candidate. We look unto Him to give us the best and nothing but HRISTIANS, especially at this Lenten the best period, should focus on disciplining themselves. We should supplicate to God because He rules in the affairs of men and when we pray, then we are rest assured that He will give us victory. And because now we are fasting and praying, the impact will be tremendous. This is a period to lift our communities and the country up by praying to God so that whatever is happening — be it politi- cal or otherwise — God who rules in the affairs of all men will help us to stabilise the nation and install whoever is capable of moving this nation to another level. This notwithstanding, the political situa- tion in the country and the stability of our nation will be our focus during our prayer meetings. However, it’s erroneous to think that 40 days are enough to make somebody fear God. I believe Lent is a time for those who already fear God to improve their lives spiritually and physically. Fasting and prayer cannot change someone, who has not been saved before just like that. This period serves as an assessment of the pastEgbunu and asking God for the grace to do much Uche Martins
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 | 41 IBRUCENTRETo Ask God To Heal Our LandWe need sanctification, holiness andthe fear of God in this nation. The fearof God is what we are looking for, es-pecially among Christians and noteven the politicians. It is true thatsome of these politicians are Chris-tians, but we don’t see them conduct-ing themselves in an exemplarymannermore than we have been doing before. It’s Obialo Obadare Ogunmuyiwathe heart that is already changed thatwould continue to engage in this type of are renewed. If you are looking for a good politician, then I will show you a good example ofexercise for improvement and not for any We also call on Christian politicians to one in the Bible and that is Daniel. The character of this man, Daniel, was ex-miraculous change. use this opportunity to have a rethink cellent, not only will you read it; you will see it in his life. Christianity is living it, Hopefully by God’s grace, we will learn about their lives. This world is not for- showing the character and not talking. If you have Christians as politicians,to improve on what God has done for us ever, it’s a place you visit briefly and then then in their constituencies it should show. They should make a difference inand use this time to fellowship with our go back. If this is so, why then would any- the community, where they live. But this is not soFather in Heaven so that we can improve one amass wealth? Why are people soon our characters. Then, after the 40 days, greedy to the extent of appropriating nation so that we can eventually have bidi, Imo State called to know whetherwe will be able to do much more and be what belongs to the public? This is the the best of our politicians emerging at there would be war in the land. Becauseempowered to be more faithful and holy. season for genuine repentance and rec- all levels. she had been fed with lies that thereWe need sanctification, holiness and the onciliation with God. Go back to Jesus I think the Lenten season coinciding would be war in the country, she was pan-fear of God in this nation. The fear of God Christ and you will have a renewed life. with a period like this, when we are icking. And many Nigerians are in thatis what we are looking for, especially Psalm 61:10 says, ‘create in me o Lord, a preparing for election, is a very good kind of state now, but the God that weamong Christians and not even the politi- right spirit, renew a right spirit within me.” thing. And we should take advantage of serve and call upon everyday has not toldcians. It is true that some of these politi- This is the period we need to ask God to that to believe that God Himself wants us there will be war.cians are Christians, but we don’t see reform and break us and then remould to purge us of all our inadequacies so So, I want every child of God to go in thatthem conducting themselves in an exem- us because the opportunity might not that we can begin to live a new life. Every strength, believe God and His prophetsplary manner. come again. Jesus Christ can come today Christian politician should take advan- and they shall be established. In Nigeria, If you are looking for a good politician, or tomorrow; we don’t know when He is tage of this period to purge himself or we have false prophets who go about say-then I will show you a good example in coming. If you make use of this Lenten herself. ing what God has not said.the Bible and that is Daniel. Daniel’s char- season and rapture takes place tomor- In the Biblical days, for instance, the My advice to people is that they shouldacter was excellent in every aspect of his row, then you will be rapturable. children of God never experienced vic- go about their normal businesses. Thelife. Christianity is living righteously and People shouldn’t just live as if there is tory, unless they first went through fire, election will hold and there will be nodemonstrating exemplary virtues and no tomorrow. Even Jesus Christ asked temptations and some sort of purging war. There may be clashes here and there,not just talking. Christian politicians His disciples, ‘what do people say I am?’ and by the time they get the victory, it but God Who holds the world in Hisshould be able to make a difference in By that, He examined Himself before His was always permanent. I think that is hands will uphold this nation. As Chris-their constituencies and their communi- disciples and the same way we should ex- what God has for us at this time and tians, we should intensify our prayersties. But this is not so. amine ourselves daily. which is why our election and prepara- and fast for this nation, particularly, as We should discipline ourselves and then I believe that God does not do anything tion are coinciding with a period of re- this Lenten period is coinciding with thecommit the stability of our country into by accident. When the election was post- pentance and sober reflection. I think general elections. The Christian’s key tothe Hands of God, including political is- poned, some people said it was not a it’s a blessing to Nigeria and with this, success is prayer. And I urge Christians tosues such as the tension and insecurity. good development. But you can see that God is going to reform and reshape pray fervently, especially at this period As Christians, we don’t have to entertain God wanted us to have a spiritual rejuve- Nigeria and the next election is going to that the country is going through thickfear like unbelievers. If we have confi- bring a great transformation to the life and thin. God will answer us. That I be-dence in the God that we serve, we should The children of God never experi- of this nation. lieve.have the confidence to go before Him and enced victory, unless they first wenttable before Him our desires and requests through fire, temptations and some ‘God Will Uphold This Nation’ There may be clashes here and there,concerning the forthcoming elections. sort of purging and by the time they but God Who holds the world in His get the victory, it was always perma- (Ven. Uzodi Obialo, Archdeacon, All Saints hands will uphold this nation. As‘The Season Is A time To nent. I think that is what God has for Christ Army Church of Nigeria, Ajangbadi Christians, we should intensify ourAsk God For Forgiveness’ us at this time and which is why our Ojo L.G.A) prayers and fast for this nation, par- election and preparation are coincid- ticularly, as this Lenten period is coin-(Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Peter Ogunmuyiwa, Director of ing with a period of repentance and IN Christ Army Church, we have not re- ciding with the general elections. TheEcumenism in the African Church/ CAN’s Co- sober reflection. I think it’s a blessing ceived any prophecy from God con- Christian’s key to success is prayer.ordinator on National Issues For Southwest) to Nigeria and with this, God is going cerning our great country, Nigeria and And I urge Christians to pray fervently, to reform and reshape Nigeria and the forthcoming elections. Whatever especially at this period that the coun-ORDINARILY, when you say you are a the next election is going to bring a message we release to the public is al- try is going through thick and thin Christian, your life should be fash- great transformation to the life of this ways very authentic. All those sayingioned after that of Christ. Fasting period nation negative things about the country andis one that calls for sober reflection. The the forthcoming elections are on theirbook of Joel 2:15 talks about “calling for a own. God has not shown us that theresolemn fast.” It is a universal fasting, will be war, during or after the elections.which unites all churches in the whole In fact, a member of our church in Mg-world together. It is a period for Chris-tians to reflect on their past lives andhave a quiet time with God. It’s a time ofrepentance, a time of spiritual renewal, atime that you abandon sin and of course,it is a time you need to examine yourselfand ask, ‘what have I done wrong?’ Whathave I done to offend God and my neigh-bour? And so as a Christian, your life issupposed to be in that pattern, especiallynow that we are in the Lenten season. Christians are expected to be moresober. Those in government are expectedto look at their lives and see whether theyare living in conformity with God’s stan-dard. And if you have fallen short of thatstandard, this is the time to cry unto theLord and ask Him for forgiveness. He willvisit you with favour and mercy. Then you
42 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 www.ngrguardiannews.comIBRUCENTRESunday SchoolThe New Man (3) ... With Pastor Enoch AdeboyeMemoryVerse:“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the was sanctified by God, Jn. 10:36 - and his followers need sanc- gives power to witness about our spiritual adoption, Acts 9:1-people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.” tification, as well, 1 Thess: 5:23-24, Eph. 5:26, 2 Thess. 2:13. This 2, Gal. 4:6,1 Jn. 3:24. He helps us bear fruits unto repentance,Hebrews 13:12 great privilege and experience is obtainable by the word of Gal. 5:22-23; guides unto all truth, Jn. 16:13, controls the tem-Bible Passages: John 17:13-23, Acts 2:1-8 God, Jn. 17:17, the blood of Jesus, Heb. 13:12 - and by a spiritual perament of believers, Acts 10:19, He selects Christian lead-Introduction heart surgery as the individual surrenders to God. The sanc- ers, Acts 13:2 and chooses the fields of operations of God’s tified new man lives holy, easily bears fruit and has a guar- servants, Acts 16:6. He gives life, Jn. 6:33, Rom.8: 11, 2 Cor. 3:6, 1TODAY, we continue our study of the new man. The new antee of eternal life in the Lord, Rom. 6:22, Gal. 5:22-23, Acts Pet. 3:18. Our passions and tempers are subdued by the power man lives a life controlled by the Holy Spirit and should 26:18. of the Holy Spiritbe able to put his human, nature often referred to as the A Holy Ghost Controlled Life Conclusionflesh, under control. The new man has a life style patterned after and controlled Two outstanding qualities of the new man are the sancti-A Sanctified Life by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the other Comforter fied life and the Holy Ghost led life. Carry out an honest self-The new man’s life is consecrated and separated unto God, promised by the Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 14:26, Jn. 15:26. He gives examination. If you’re not sanctified, pray and decide to2 Chr. 29:5, 15-18. A Christian cannot be fully used by God power over sin, Gal. 5:16, empowers for service, Acts. 1:8, em- enter into the newness of life today. The Lord remains youruntil he or she has been sanctified, 2 Tim. 2:21. Our Heavenly powers to rebuke and cast out demons, Acts 13:8-11, Rom. 8:16, ever-present help and salvation. He will help you in theFather certainly wants us sanctified, 1 Thess. 4.3. Jesus ChristWanted: A Hungry And Thirsty Soul For Continuous BlessingsIsaiah 44:3 “For I WILL POUR the platform of your thirst dards. The Word of God is unto you, For every one that as- own righteousness,WATER UPON HIM THAT IS and hunger. Isaiah 55:1 “Ho, against COMPLACENCY – a keth receiveth; and he that which is of the law,THIRSTY, and FLOODS upon the EVERY ONE THAT THIRSTETH, sense of arrival. Amos 6:1 “WOE SEEKETH FINDETH; and to him but that which isdry ground: I will pour my come ye to the waters, and HE to them THAT ARE AT EASE IN that knocketh it shall be through the faith ofSpirit upon thy seed, and my THAT HATH NO MONEY; come ye, ZION. God has promised to pour opened”. God wants to do Christ, the righteous-Blessing upon thine offspring” BUY, and eat; yea, come, BUY His Water of blessings on those more in our lives. He wants to ness, which is ofMatthew 5:6 “ Blessed are they wine and milk WITHOUT MONEY who are THIRSTY.” Revelation move us from Glory to Glory, God by faith: THATwhich DO HUNGER AND and without price”. What you 21:6 “And He said unto me, it is one level of Blessing to higher I MAY KNOW HIM,THIRST after righteousness: for thirst for, is your passion. Pur- done. I am Alpha and Omega, dimension of His Grace and and the power of suit is the evidence of desire. The Beginning and The End. I will Provision. He that thirsteth, His Resurrec-THEY SHALL BE FILLED”. What you vigorously pursue give UNTO HIM THAT IS ATHIRST receiveth. Elisha was not satis- tion”. You mustIT is quite clear from the will become your acquisition of the FOUNTAIN OF THE WATER fied with little. He thirsteth for desire more. We Bishop (Dr.) Olanrewaju OBEMBE Word of God that the over- as your pursuit reveals your OF LIFE FREELY”. a double portion and he got it. are commanded con-whelming FREE BLESSINGS PASSION. It is interesting to David wanted more of God to seek the LORD Strength. 1OF GOD are available ONLY know that God makes avail- Whatever we have acquired and he said that as the deer tinually and His in times past cannot be com-for those who are HUNGRY able valuable things of life on pared with what God still pants after water, so his soul Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the LORDJesus is Lord!AND THIRSTY. God gives an the platform of thirst and wants to give to us NOW. You pants after the LORD GOD. and His Strength, seek His FaceOPEN invitation to EVERY- hunger. What you do not must empty yourself for God Psalm 42: 1-2 “As the heart pan- continually”. Friend, it is timeONE that is THIRSTY to en- thirst for, you do not probably to fill you. If you are too full, teth after the water brooks, so to pursue God and thirst after Prayer Lines:gage in spending need. Complacency is the you cannot receive. Be empty panteth my soul after thee, O Him, then ALL THESE THINGS 08128110565, 07033477441,Supernatural Currency. It is enemy of fervency. In the jour- so you can receive. What you God. MY SOUL THIRSTETH FOR shall be ADDED unto you 08023280877possible for you to actually ney into excellence, there is no do not have is a function of GOD, FOR THE LIVING GOD: (Matthew 6:33).purchase something valu- terminus. Excellence is ongo- your complacency because He when shall I come and appear PRAYER: Father God through life to You. I make JESUS theable in life without human ing. There is no sense of arrival that seeketh findeth. Matthew before God?” Apostle Paul also Your SOVEREIGN HOLY SPIRIT, LORD of my life. Out of mysavings or cash. God is offer- in excellence. Excellence is 7:7-8 “Ask, and it shall be given declared his thirst after God. I thirst after You. I am thirsty belly shall flow rivers of Livinging something that is constantly improving, ad- you; seek, and ye shall find; Philippians 3:9-10 “AND BE and hungry. Father, Pour Your Water because I pursue JESUSGREATER THAN MONEY on vancing and setting high stan- knock, and it shall be opened FOUND IN HIM, not having mine Blessings on me. I expose my daily. I belong to JESUS forever.Jesus Is The Prince Of Peace By Prophet S.K Abiara THE Prince Of Peace is the Inner peace - the peaceful The word peace is men- I give to you. Do not let your 8:22 number five titles of tioned more than 400 heart be troubled, nor let it be As Christians on the jour- “For unto us a Child is born, Jesus Christ. This means state of a soul times in the Scripture, and fearful” John 14:27. ney of life, be rest assuredUnto us a Son is given; And everything about Jesus is it generally refers to har- that Jesus is with you. Thatthe government will be upon PEACE unlimited. Peace with people - har- mony with self, others, and Jesus Christ is the only problem may seem big.His shoulder. And His name What is peace? most importantly, God. source of true and perma- You will come out of it vic-will be called Wonderful, It is Eirene in Greek mean- mony between individuals; nent peace. toriously.Counselor, Mighty God, Ever- ing inner peace, peace with Jesus said, “Peace I leave These things I have spoken tolasting Father, Prince of people, peace with God. national peace; exemption with you; My peace I give to you, that in me ye might have Storms will come andPeace.” Isaiah 9:6 you; not as the world gives do peace. In the world you shall when there is one, Jesus from war have tribulation: but be of knows how to calm the good cheer; I have overcome storm and replace it with Peace with God - the way the world. John 16:33 peace. “But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm that leads to peace (salva- Jesus is with you. “Now it came down on the lake, and happened, on a certain day they were filling with water, tion). that He got into a boat with and were in jeopardy.” Luke His disciples. And He said to 8:23 “And a great windstormJehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Baptises Candidates, Gives Out Books them, “Let us cross over to the arose, and the waves beat other side of the lake.” And into the boat, so that it was al-By Cleopatra Eki Assembly Ground. It at- problems and a source of en- service despite persecution they launched out.” Luke ready filling.” Mark 4:37. tracted participants from all couragement. or opposition from Satan’sNO fewer than 10,000 con- walks of life. Brother Jude Michael, in his influences. Abiara You need to realise that ventioneers have re- baptismal talk entitled: “Je- Brother Adeniyi Animoro in storms will come – they areceived free religious books, Brother Solomon Oriog- hovah will help you inherit his own presentation enti- inevitable! However, if youtracts and CDs at the just boriga, the regional conven- the kingdom,” enjoined the tled: “Ability to praise Jeho- have Jesus in the boat ofconcluded three-day Re- tioner reminded delegates baptismal candidates to vah perfectly,” encouraged your life, you can havegional Convention of the Je- in his address that the time keep their dedication, as it is the participants to imbibe peace in those storms.hovah’s Witnesses held in for God’s Kingdom is very a solemn promise to serve or God’s words and commit God bless.Lagos. The offer was aimed at close and as such, they do Jehovah’s will, which is them to heart, saying they Prophet Abiara, Generalbuilding them up both spir- should be fervent and com- not by force. He charged would experience freedom Evangelist, CAC Worldwide.itually and mentally, as they mitted to the things of God. them to draw close to Jeho- from sickness among others. [email protected] life’s challenges He pointed out that the re- vah according to James 5:5.and recession periods. lease of the 7th tract titled: While urging them to con- Highpoints of the event “What is the God’s kingdom- tinue to pray to Jehovah, were the summarisation of The event tagged: “Keep ?” is a tool that would assist Michael assured them that the Watchtower magazineSeeking Of God’s Kingdom,” them in spreading the king- Jehovah would fortify them, and the baptism of about 43was organised by the Gov- dom messages, which is the if they remain faithful in His persons, comprising 24erning Body of the organisa- only solution to mankind’s males and 19 females.tion held at the Lekki
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 | 43IBRUCENTRE Living Waters Springs Of Wisdom The Authority Of God’s Power ByPastorW.F.KumuyiBy Pastor Lazarus Muoka cause they realised He has but also make them do the through the river on dry Faith That Perseveres become a Spirit and thus work of God, execute the ground.Luke 10:19 says, “Behold, I may no longer be physically programme of God, achieve “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we havegive unto you power to tread with them always. His ap- success in all areas of their Remember Shadrack, Me- heard” (Hebrews 2:1). More especially, we do need to pay at-on serpents and scorpions, pearance to them was an endeavours, dominate and shach and Abednego, the tention to what the Holy Spirit is teaching us today in thisand over all the power of the opportunity for them to rule other nations. three Hebrew men who re- passage on the subject of faith. Many people are confusedenemy: and nothing shall by know what becomes of His fused to bow to the image and misinterpret this passage: “These all died in faith, NOT HAV-any means hurt you.” promise of restoring again This is the power that a made by King Nebuchad- ING RECEIVED the promises” (Hebrews 11:13). They fail to rightly the Kingdom of Israel, the Christian needs to do ex- nezzar, and eventually, divide the Word of truth and so weaken the faith of many.POWER is an authority to dignity of Israel or the do- ploit and a barren woman when they were cast into The Lord uses the word “receive” a number of times here: exert obedience. It minion of Israel over every needs to bear children. This the fire, the power of God “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceivecould be seen as various other nation. is the power a businessman manifested and delivered seed”. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises”forms of constraint on or woman needs to succeed. them. “...and he that had received the promises offered up his only be-human action, but also as Jesus told them that the A demon-possessed person gotten son”, “Women received their dead raised to life again”,that which makes action knowledge of knowing the needs it to dispossess the The presence of God’s “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, re-possible. The above verse of time or season when the devil and a weak Christian power generates atmos- ceived not the promise” (Hebrews 11:11,13,17,35,39). It is onlythe Scripture, suggests that kingdom would be restored needs it to revive his prayer phere for miracles. Stephen Scriptural interpretation that will remove all confusionsGod understands the value was a sort of power because life. had this power, and as a re- from men’s hearts.and importance of power. knowledge is power and If the power of God is upon sult wrought miracles inHe knows that His people power has not been be- you, your enemy will flee his days as testified by the THE faith of Bible believers was (and is) incorruptible andneed power that will dis- stowed on them yet; it was from you. The rod of Moses Bible. Acts 6:8 says, “And could not be conquered by adverse circumstances. Thetinguish them from other still part of the power of the carried the power of God Stephen, full of faith and eye of their hearts saw clearly the blessings God had prom-people of the world and Father. We must under- and when it was applied at power, did great wonders and ised and they were persuaded that the blessings would begive them complete victory stand that the power, we the Red sea, miracle took miracles among the people”. theirs in due course. The Scriptures commend the persever-over their enemies. After are discussing here is not place. The Red Sea divided This passage captures the ance of the Old Testament believers. Despite all the assaultsall, He is God and holds physical power, political, and the children of Israel great character given of St. of temptations and trials around them, they persisted inOmnipotent power. magical, judiciary, occult or passed through the sea on Stephen, a man full of the clinging to God and His Word. They lived by faith and died in mental power but absolute dry ground with a wall of grace of God, full of faith, faith. When Jesus Christ ap- power. We are talking of water on their right hand full of power to work mira- “These all died in faith, not having received the promises...” Eachpeared to His disciples power from above, absolute and left. cles and deed, able to do all one of the Old Testament characters died in the firm expec-after His resurrection, they power, the power of God. things through Christ that tation of the promised Messiah, believing and beholding thequestioned Him on the The power of God was strengthened him. heavenly glory afar off. Their eyes of faith were strong; theypromise He made previ- The disciples were asking upon the Ark of Covenant, a were endowed with long-distant spiritual vision. With theously concerning restora- of a political or dominating little wooden box, which A believer without this telescope of faith, they saw them afar off, were fully per-tion of the Kingdom of power that will deliver contained the 10 Com- power is like a soldier with- suaded and embraced them (Hebrews 11:13). Faith sees the in-Israel. The question was be- them from the Roman au- mandments, and when it out a gun. He cannot ac- visible clearly, brings strong persuasion in the heart and thorities. But the promise of was carried to the bank of complish much. You must makes us to embrace God’s promises. “These all died in faith”. God was of a power that the River Jordan, the river seek and acquire this power To die in faith is to have an assured confidence in God till and would not only deliver divided, and again the chil- to be able to be above. at the point of death. They had a firm belief in the reality and them from their enemies dren of Israel walked existence of life and fellowship with God after death. They en- trusted their departing souls into the care of a loving andDon’t Be Discouraged (1) faithful God. They had strong faith believing in the final, blessed rest in the heavenly country prepared for them byBy Gabriel Agbo name was Jahaziel son of order to cool any existing No! You must not allow this. God. Their chief aim and supreme desire was to lay aside all Zechariah, son of Benaiah, tension in us. He tells us not Always focus on the great- hindrances, live like “strangers and pilgrims on the earth”,AFTER Jehoshaphat’s son of Jeiel, son of Matta- to be afraid at the time of ness of your God and His un- “[seeking] those things which are above... [setting their] af- prayer, God came down niah, a Levite who was a de- battles, so that we will not limited ability to rescue you fection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colos-and the first thing He did scendant of Asaph. He said, lose focus and faith or make and defeat any enemy. True. sians 3:1,2).was to tell the people “Listen, King Jehoshaphat! mistakes. A time of battle Do you have such faith that sees the promises afar off? Beingthrough His prophet that Listen, all you people of (spiritual or physical) is a Look at that first action of fully persuaded, do you fully and firmly embrace thosethey should not be afraid. Judah and Jerusalem! This time to be strong, coura- Jehoshaphat again. Imme- promises? Are God’s promises really precious to you? DoBut, why does God always is what the LORD says: Do geous and remain focused diately, he received the mes- your hearts cling to them with love and delight? Do youcome first with this assur- not be afraid! Don’t be dis- on Him that is able to do all sage that three nations were plead those promises before the Throne of Grace? Does yourance ‘Don’t be afraid’ any- couraged by this mighty things. Some get merci- already near to attack his daily walk show that you are strangers and pilgrims on thetime He wants to intervene army, for the battle is not lessly defeated from the first country, the Bible says he earth, that you are “partakers of the heavenly calling”? Thein our situation? yours, but God’s” 2 Chroni- stage of the battle because was alarmed and sought the patriarchs in the Bible remained in the land where God cles 20:13-15. of fear, loss of confidence LORD for guidance. placed them because they surrendered to the total control “As all the men of Judah Yes, don’t be afraid because and confusion. They look at of God. If they had desired to return to the idolatrous landstood before the LORD with it is not your battle! It is the size of the enemy and in- Rev. Agbo is the author of the from which they were called, the opportunities were many.their little ones, wives, and God’s! This was His first re- tensity challenge, their book ‘Power of Midnight But instead of going back, they persevered in the path, whichchildren, the Spirit of the action to their supplication. weak position, their inade- Prayer.’ Website: www.au- God appointed for them. Despite all discouragements, trialsLORD came upon one of the God comes this way in quacies and lack of support. thorsden.com/pastorgabriel- and difficulties, they committed themselves to followingmen standing there. His nagbo that course marked out for them by God. So firm was Abra- [email protected] ham’s conviction and commitment that he would not go back to his native land nor allow Isaac, his son, to go there toLent: The Need For Sacrifice take a wife. We, too, should manifest such commitment of faith. Though enticements abound on every side, temptingBy Gabriel Osu ample opportunity to nour- came from the dust and from sin and won for us sal- us to go back to the world and its vanities, we must keep on looking unto Jesus, fixing our hearts on heaven and its glo-MAN is made up of spirit, ish our spirit and soul. Ide- would one day return to it. vation of our souls. The sac- ries. soul and body. Each day ally, we should not wait until Lent is a season of solemnity rifices do not have to be The heavenly country was ever on the hearts of the Patri-we nourish our body with we get to a particular period and sacrifice, commemorat- something extraordinary. It archs as: (1) Abraham “looked for a city which hath foundations,food, water and other nutri- or season before we nourish ing Jesus’ exodus into the may mean cutting down on whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). (2) They “con-ents. Without food and our soul. It should be done on wilderness. It is a Christian our excesses on a daily basis fessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (He-water, the body gets ill, mal- regular basis. But because we tradition that is observed in and allowing the grace of brews 11:13). (3) “They seek a country” (Hebrews 11:14). (4) “They desire a better country, that is, an heavenly” (Hebrews 11:16), (5)nourished and eventually are often pre-occupied with many denominations. It is God to reign in our lives. If, They “declare plainly that they seek a country” (Hebrews 11:14).dies. And because we don’t the mundane things of life, the hallowed 40-day period for instance, you are in the Are we so desirous of that better country - the heavenly coun-want to die, we invest so we tend to forsake our spiri- of sacrifice leading up to habit of eating three square try? Then earthly things will not hold our hearts captive. Themuch on food and other tual size. That is why the Jesus’ death and Resurrec- meals, you may need to cut Old Testament believers received the fulfillment of many promises. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua andnourishments, making sure Church, in its wisdom, has set tion. During Lent, Catholics it down to twice and give the many others received the promises (Hebrews 11:11,17,35; Gen-that we remain strong and aside this 40-day period to and some Protestants pre- third ration to someone esis 12:2; 13:2; 26:12,13; 45:9-13; Deuteronomy 1:10). Also, manyhealthy. That is good. But be- encourage us to draw nearer pare for Holy Week by fasting, that does not have to eat. If individuals in Israel received blessings by faith. They received praying, and reconciling with you are in the habit of tak- salvation (Psalms 51:12; 32:1,2), healing (Exodus 15:26; Psalmsyond the upkeep of our mor- to our spiritual link. 103:3; 107:20), deliverance (Psalm 34:4,19), sanctification (Leviticus 20:8; Isaiah 6:5-7), protection and preservation (Isa-tal body lies the need to also Last Wednesday, millions of the Lord. During the Lenten ing much alcohol, you maytake care of our spirit, that Christians went to their season, we are expected to just do without it duringpart that links us to our Cre- churches to receive the mark make sacrifices as children of this period. of ash on their foreheads. The God and followers of Christ. Very Rev. Msgr. Osu, Director,ator.The Lenten season, which ash is meant to remind us of The sacrifices should remind Social Communications,commenced last Wednesday, the transient nature of the us of the one made by Jesus Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos.provides us with another world and as humans, we through which He saved us It is not mere co-incidence
44 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comIBRUCENTREIf You O Lord Should Mark Our Guilt, Who Will Survive? (Ps 130:3)By Matthew Hassan Kukah people of Israel because they had become has laid out a series of devotions for this pe- blinded by prosperity and turned their riod such as the Stations of the Cross, the recita-The Lord of Mercy Kukah backs on the poor. The rich were not con- tion of the Rosary, Fasting and abstinence tent with their wealth as a blessing from among others. Today, however, we seem toIN 2008, a woman phoned to complain that Lent is here again, a time for us to pause, a God. Their wealth also elicited a false sense merely gloss over this important period, her youngest daughter had decided to leave time to come down from the high horses of visible holiness as shown by the outward which calls for deep individual, family andtheir Pentecostal Church to which they had of our human arrogance inflated by the show of fear of God, keeping the Sabbath community introspection.been affiliated to become a Catholic. Her comfort of our material possessions and and other holy days. But all this was a coverdaughter, she said, was even beginning to power. It is time to remind ourselves of the for evil because deep down, according to This is why all Catholics should move theteach them how to recite the Rosary. Since difficult-to-swallow but painful reality that Amos, they said: We can hardly wait for the Sacrament of Penance, Confession, whichthey could not talk her out of it, her mother we are here today gone tomorrow, that we holy days to be over so we can sell our corn. today suffers the same neglect, to the frontdecided to bring her over to me. When they are dust and unto dust we shall return. On When will the Sabbath be over so that we can burner. Imagine if we all seriously spared acame, I asked the young lady why she wanted Ash Wednesday, the priest will put the start selling again? Then we can overcharge, thought to examine what we have done as in-to become Catholic. In the presence of her ashes on the forehead of all worshippers use false measures, and tamper with the scales dividuals to bring Nigeria to where it is today,mum and sister, she said to me: Father, our repeating the words to each worshipper, to cheat our customers. We can sell our worth- one way or the other. When we as Catholicspastor always shouts in the Church as if God is Remember that thou art dust and unto dust less wheat for a high price. We’ll find the poor say, behold the Lamb of God who takes away thedeaf. Secondly, he is always commanding God to thou shall return. Nothing could evoke a person who can’t pay his debts, not even the sins of the world before the Eucharist (Jn. 1:29),do this and do that as if God is his servant. When greater sense of Lord have mercy than price of a pair of sandals, and we’ll buy him as we are re-affirming our unworthiness, butI tried to explain to her that we Catholics also these words. a slave (Amos 8: 5-6). also repeating an old custom, which Mosesoften plead with God aloud too, she retorted: Jonah, on the other hand, helps us appre- enacted on behalf of the people of Israel everyYes, I know, but I like the Catholic Church because The prophets, Amos, Jonah and Joel ciate how God’s love and mercy trumps our year.when they pray, they always bow down and say, among others present us with the most human waywardness and foibles. Despite On the feast of Atonement each year, the highLord have mercy, Lord have mercy. dramatic encounter between the love and Jonah’s reluctance, God is able to overlook priest of ancient Israel used to take two goats mercy of God and his justice at this time. the sins of the people and grant them for- into the temple in Jerusalem. He would I was taken aback by this incident because The prophet Amos stridently indicted the giveness. This does not seem reasonable to slaughter one for sacrifice and on the other,in the same sitting room, some two years ear- Jonah, a man with a rather bad temper. His he would confess the sins of the people of Is-lier, my friend, Dr. Magnus Kpakol had re- temperament explodes over something he rael and send the goat to the desert with thepeated basically the same thing to me. As the had no power over (a plant), a sharp con- sins of the people. The people then would goPoverty Alleviation Co-ordinator, he had trast to the patience, mercy and love, which home with the belief that their sins had beencome to Kaduna on an official visit. True to his is shown in God’s forgiveness of the people taken away when the goat is released andword, he had come to visit me and explain of Nineveh, who had sinned so much driven into the desert. (This is the origin of thehow he was planning to explore ways of work- (Jonah 3:10). This shows that the mercy of word, scapegoat, the goat has escaped). Atone-ing with the faith communities in his anti- God is the fulfilment of his Justice. ment was, another way of saying, at-one-poverty efforts. Somehow, in the course of our In Joel, we see the call of a loving God to a ment, that is, returning to God, believing thatconversation, he began to speak about his ad- wayward people seduced by sin. God’s ap- forgiveness has now made us one with God.miration for the Catholic Church and how peal in the book of Joel draws attention to We, therefore, atone for our sins so we canmuch it had worked in helping the poor. He the fact that God sees beyond human renew this relationship. This is at the heart ofsaid he admired our structures and we could hypocrisy and dubious religiosity. Thus, the Lenten season, a period that the Churchreally collaborate with his Agency. Then he God says: Repent sincerely and return to me sets apart for us as Christians to each seekwent on. I like the Catholic Church, and I am al- with fasting and weeping and mourning. Let closeness to God.ways humbled by how they do not lay so much your broken heart show your sorrow, tearingemphasis on the acquisition of money but focus your clothes is not enough (Joel 2: 12). To Be Continuedon helping the poor. I have always been at-tracted by the nature of Catholic worship. I Prayer and Devotion at Lent • Lenten Message by Matthew Hassan KUKAH,like the words, Lord have mercy, Lord have Catholic Bishop of Diocese of Sokotomercy. This message is about Lent, a period of It is rather sad that today, Christians haverepentance and penance before God. become rather slack and non-challant over their personal and community obligationsAsh Wednesday: Lent and the Call in the Lenten season. The Catholic Churchto RepentanceFrom The Tiny Seed: The Apostolic Faith Mustard Tree Blossoms!By Layi Olajumoke whatever reason— maybe waiting ary, these few souls gathered for gelist and blessed him with the with them, and confirming the for God’s fullness of time— did not prayers, Bible studies and Sun- spiritual gift of the born-again word with signs following.” TheAT some point in your cogita- open it to read until two years day services. And the Lord, see- experience— better known as Lord proved Himself in the lives tion, when you are over- later. He discovered the “pearl of ing their hunger and thirst for salvation in Apostolic Faith cir- and ministry of these faithful. Awhelmed by the sheer great price” in that slip of paper, the Truth, blessed their souls in cle— and Sanctification, and visit to the region shows themagnitude of the biggest sanc- which prompted him to enter into wondrous ways. The state of af- later, the mighty Baptism of the highest concentration of Apos-tuary of all the Apostolic Faith correspondence with the interna- fair was like this for many years Holy Spirit. If this impassioned tolic Faith churches in any re-churches in the world (and ar- tional headquarters of the Apos- until the time when the village and determined man had been gion in Nigeria.guably the biggest of any de- tolic Faith work. Philip was already evangelist received a letter from zealous before, this slew of spir- The succession of leaders camenomination in the South-South a lay preacher with his old church Portland, Oregon in the USA in- itual experiences more than and went into office, as the num-of Nigeria) you may not be able and on his expounding the canons forming him of the impending transformed him. From that ber of adherents burgeoned. Theto escape the temptation to won- of holiness, he got quite a number visit of Reverend Timothy Os- time till he breathed his last on December Eastern camp meet-der aloud: “How did all this interested, and of course, quite a okoya from Lagos. Like in the the mission field in Lagos, in ing brings together ever-in-started?” Very good question. few feathers ruffled among the case of Priscilla and Aquila, the September of 1969, Reverend creasing thousands of peopleLike many other great churches elders and leaders of the congre- 1st Century missionary couple Philip Inyang threw himself, lit- from the entire eastern part ofof Apostolic Faith globally, the gation. With further teachings when they “expounded” to Ap- erally, into the evangelising of the Niger. Those that are unablework that brought this gargan- and enlightenment resulting pollo ‘the way of God more per- his community. Beginning from to make the very long and dis-tuan church to be, was started by from his continuing correspon- fectly,” Reverend Osokoya his village of Ikot-Enwang in the tant Lagos August conventionthe power of the Written Word. dence, he enjoined holiness on the explained more fully the Gospel larger Ikot Ekpene community, are ever so glad to enjoy com-Or, to put it simply, it was started clergy and the laity of the church. of the Lord Jesus, beginning some 20 minutes to Uyo, the munion with the saints in thiswhen God put a Gospel litera- This, expectedly, called for a reac- from the doctrine of Repentance capital of the present day Akwa- mega-meeting. It was Reverendture into the hand of a right tion from the church council, and and Salvation, on to that of the Ibom State, he, in company of Paul Ibikunle that saw the needman, Phillip Inyang. react they did; either let down on experience of Entire Sanctifica- dedicated workers, ministers to build a sanctuary that wouldAt this point, we may be faced these newfangled ideas or leave tion and others, as explained in and members of the new be able to contain the crowdwith the chicken and the egg our church for us. Philip Inyang the Bible. Brother T, as Osokoya church, echoing the testimony overflow of these meetings con-dilemma. Do we consider the chose the latter. That singular was affectionately called, of Mark 16:20, the final verse of veniently. He broached on theman first, or the movement and choice marked the time, when the worked with his newfound that synoptic: “...They went subject with the board and gotthe church building, which his mustard seed of the Gospel work, friend to put the foundling forth, and preached every- their approval. Thus it was thatlabour of love brought to be? Let east of the Niger, sprouted. church on the pedestal of the where...!” This band of deter- on October 1, 1984, the founda-us consider closely the man. God sound doctrines of the word of mined workers, defying tion of this mighty buildingfound a fertile land in the heart Along with a few that loved the God. The mustard tree kept on opposition, persecutions and project was laid. It seemed thatof Philip Inyang, a village evan- ring of this Truth, Philip left the growing. tribulations, which were not in the role of Ibikunle was just togelist. One of his close kinsmen church and they set up another At the end of his tour of duty in short supply, practically went give these people a glimpse ofwas given an Apostolic Faith or- church in the village. It was a small the East, Brother T invited Rev- everywhere to preach their glad what could be done. Having suf-ganisation tract and probably affair, an adobe structure with erend Inyang to Lagos to be part tidings to the people of their re- ficiently opened their eyes to theafter a cursory look, concluded straw matting roof. They proudly of the August Annual Camp- gion. And, true to His word in possibilities, God saw it fit tothat it was not for him but for displayed a sign in front of their meeting. It was at this meeting the second part of that quoted take him home, as he died onPhilip. On receiving that tract church: APOSTOLIC FAITH that God met this village evan- verse above: “...the Lord working January 1992.sometimes in 1935, Philip, for CHURCH. In that humble sanctu-
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 | 45 IBRUCENTREBy Ernest Onuoha From The RectorST. John’s Anglican Church, Fegge, Onitsha Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor in Niger Diocese, Anambra State, re-cently, gathered all the youth organisations Raising The Youth From The Dungeonin the church from February 12 to14, 2015 toseek the face of the Lord. This event was tention of the youth members to the need and there they lose their liberty and free- shun homosexuality, which is a great sin,spiced with serial teachings based on the to have a close walk with the Lord. The dom. The devil can achieve this purpose wickedness and anybody practising it istheme: Raising the Youth from the Dungeon. days, he observed are evil and children of through some erroneous teachings like sick, depraved and needing serious help The Archdeacon and vicar in-charge of the God should endeavour not to allow them- homosexuality, which the bible roundly (prayer). Also, they should turn to the trueArchdeaconry, Ven. Patrick Nwakalor ob- selves be used as pawns in the hands of condemned (Gen 19, Lev 18:22-23, 20:13, 1 love that comes from Christ. Youths thatserved at the opening of the event that the evil one. He spoke extensively on Eccl Cor 6:9, 1 Tim 1:9-10, Rom 1:26-27). And had earlier presented a drama based on theyouths are leaders not only of today but also 12:1 ‘Remember now your Creator in the when such is achieved, destinies of those theme of the gathering are appreciated.of tomorrow and, therefore, need to be days of your youth, before the days of concerned are destroyed. Also, through It is interesting to note that among otherguided. The devil is on prowl to devour and trouble come and the years approach false teaching about love on Valentine’s highlights was series of prayer session dur-destroy destinies of young people, if possi- when you will say, “I find no pleasure in Day, which to some people is majorly lust ing which many youths gave their lives toble. Ven. Nwakalor, therefore, hoped that them”. This is very important because and not the agape type of love, which Christ. Indeed, the attendance was quitesuch a gathering would offer the youth bet- ‘youth is full of pleasure but old age is full Christ had for humanity (John 3:16, Mark impressive. To God be the glory, foreverter opportunity of coming closer to God. He of care’. 10:45, Rom 5:8). The agape love is sacrifi- and ever Amen.then announced that the gathering from According to Ven. Onuoha, the devil has cial, selfless and unconditional. St Paulnow onwards would be made an annual a dungeon in which he hopes to hold noted with pride that among these three Ven. Ernest Onuohaevent, as he had the backing of the Parochial bound the youths and by extension their elements: Faith, Hope and Love, the great- Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre,Church Committee (PCC), a team of minis- destinies. A dungeon is a dark room un- est is Love. He elaborated on this love Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.ters working with him that include: Rev derground, a prison cell, where people more in 1Cor 13:4-8. www.ibrucentre.orgCanon Engr. J. Anyachebelu, Rev Francis are held captive traditionally as prisonersChuckwurah, Rev. Peter Izu Okoye and Cat- He, therefore, called upon the youths toechist Okechukwu Emma Nnabuike andalso the entire women of the church ablyled by the wife of the Archdeacon, Mrs.Adaeze Nwakalor. At the event, the Rector of Ibru Centre, Ag-barha-Otor, Ven Ernest Onuoha, drew the at-Christian Groups Pray For NigeriaBy Gbenga Akinfenwa It was organised by two At the opening session, Women pastors were assembly should serve the be checked. She later led women Christian bodies: the prime convener, Sister interest of the people. the prayer session on secu-CONCERNED with the Blessed Hands Ministry Elfreda Nike Akintewe of drawn from different rity and safety of human state of affairs of things and Choice Women Fellow- Brooklyn Tabernacle, USA, Pastor (Mrs.) Shalom and material properties.in the country, a prayer ses- ship International. The said the inspiration to or- churches and Christian Gibran Samako of Choicesion tagged: “Women prayer session was focused ganise a prayer for Nigeria Women Fellowship Inter- Pastor (Mrs.) TabithaPrayer Summit,” was re- on economy, family, judici- came through a vision she ministries with each tak- national, and also the Resi- Johnson of Mountain ofcently held in Lagos. ary and security. had about three years ago. dent Pastor, Grace and Fire and Miracle Ministry She explained that the vi- ing turn to offer both Power Channels Church, led the prayer for peace, sion moved her, but the explained the passion to harmony and unity so that encouragement she got praise-worships and put smile on the faces of people of the country can from Broklyn Terbanacle, women, irrespective of the live together as one. which is a prayer church, prayer sessions. difficulty they are passing Praying for the family, Pas- made her to reach out to through. tor (Mrs.) Anulika Onwu- some people and Christian Revd. Dr. (Mrs.) Tinuke rah of the Latter Glory organisations in Nigeria. Pastor (Mrs.) Bridget Assembly, Aguda, Su- Ajala-Ogunrinde of the Onyekachi of the Re- rulere, hinted on good and She stated that the sum- deemed Christian Church adequate care for children mit is not under the influ- House on The Rock Min- of God (House of Glory in line with God’s wish for ence of any political party Parish), Lekki, said the bulk all parents. She said that or struggle. istry and the chairperson, of peacekeeping rests on children’s home training “It is all about praying for the judiciary and law en- and their education peace to reign in the coun- Honey Bee Foundation for forcement agents. In this should be the bedrock in try,” she said. wise, the use of military family setting. Women in Distress spoke and paramilitary should on the travails of fallen women and agony of wid- ows. She said one may not be in the position to reach people in authority and corridors of power, but prayers can do it. She then led the prayer that the rep-Rev. (Dr) Mrs Tinuke Ajala-Ogunrinde (left), Pastor Shalom Gibran resentatives of the massesSamako and Sister Elfreda Nike Akintewe during the event. in the state and nationalElections Shift: Oke Appeals To Nigerians To Remain Calm Fashola At Dedication, Commends Church, Urges Lagosians To Vote WiselyBy Kenechukwu Ezeonyejiaku peal to him or her not to you think will best govern create crisis in the land as your state. No violence at FIRST Baptist Church, Fashola commended the ef- Fashola called on membersFOUNDER and General a result of any issue ema- all before, during and after Ikeja, Lagos dedicated its fort of the Senior Pastor of of the church to go and col- Overseer of The Sword nating from the process. the election. Let’s behave new ultra modern sanctu- the church, Rev. (Dr.) Kay- lect their Permanent Voter’sof the Spirit Ministries, He also urged them to en- like responsible citizens of ary two Sundays ago. The ode Opadeji, his wife and Cards and ensure that theyBishop Francis Wale Oke courage the people to go Nigeria, who love this na- gathering brought together members of the church for vote wisely.has called on politicians and collect their Perma- tion. the top echelon of the their unalloyed commit- Speaking to newsmen, Pres-and Nigerians in general nent Voter’s Card (PVC). church made up of the Pres- ment and dedication. ident of the Nigerian Baptistto eschew violence and “Politicians should not ident of the Nigerian Baptist He said: “Having been in ex- Convention, Rev. (Dr.) Sam-avoid acts capable of cre- Said he: “The INEC is the use other people’s chil- Convention, Rev. (Dr.) Sam- istence for over 100 years, son Ayokunle, said: “This isating tension and crisis in body that is constitution- dren to cause riot. If you son Ayokunle, the Confer- the First Baptist Church has the way living churchesthe course and aftermath ally empowered to fix and cannot send your own ence Presidents, the Senior impacted positively on lives grow. It’s an indication thatof the coming elections in change the date of elec- children to the streets to Pastor of the church and his of the people. Like the the church is alive because ifthe country. He made this tion and they have consid- start riots, then don’t send wife, Rev. (Dr.) and Mrs. Kay- proverbial mustard seed, the church has not been rel-appeal recently at the 50th ered all terms before they anybody to the street, ode Opadeji, the Church the Church has, in the past evant in the community,birthday of the Presiding took that decision. My ap- don’t send any Almajiris to Secretary, Mr. John Joshua century, been providing there would not be need toBishop, Illumination As- peal is for every Nigerian the street, and don’t send Akanji, Governor of Lagos spiritual guidance to enor- expand the sanctuary. So, it’ssembly, Bishop Isaac Ida- to be calm and cool, no cri- any area boy to the street. State, Babatunde Raji mous churches within its a sign of a church that ishosa in Lagos. sis, no violence, and no Appeal to everybody to be Fashola, who was repre- fold. It is, therefore, under- alive, a church that is meet- trouble. The new date will calm and when it is time, sented by the Senior Special standable to witness the ing needs, a church of the Speaking to The Guardian soon be here. Everyone let everybody exercise Assistant to the Governor outflow of joy and fulfil- time. I’m so impressed andat the event, Oke, who should go and collect their his/her franchise and on Religious Matters, Rev. ment elicited on this occa- happy.”urged Nigerians to remain permanent voter’s card be- choose whosoever is best.” (Dr.) Mrs. Funmi Akintoye- sion.”calm in the face of the cause that is your power. Braimoh, Dame Em- The governor reminded the The Senior Pastor of thepostponement of the elec- Don’t fight, don’t create He called on the electoral manuella Fashola, the congregation that what church, Pastor Kayodetions by the Independent trouble or cause riot, just body and security agen- Olowu of Owu Kingdom, makes one a true disciple of Opadeji, who thanked GodNational Electoral Com- remain calm and be deter- cies to ensure that the rea- Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Christ is his or her resolve to for the zeal of his members,mission (INEC), stated that mined to exercise your sons, which they gave for Dosunmu and members of obey the tenets of the Holy said it took them three yearsthey have their reasons for voting rights. When it is the postponement of the the church among others. Book, as enunciated by God. to build the new sanctuaryshifting it, as it is in their March 28, go and vote and polls is resolved within the In his address read on his While noting that religion of about 1, 500 worshippers.power to do that. He, how- choose the person you time frame they indicated. behalf by Rev. (Dr.) Mrs. is a vehicle to achieve peaceever, called on politicians think will best govern this stating that it might be Funmi Akintoye-Braimoh, and unity in our society, The church also used thenot to use anybody to fo- country. When it is April 11, disastrous if they renege occasion to give awards toment trouble, but to ap- go and vote for whoever on it. deserving members.
TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com 46 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 Conscience, Nurtured by TruthBusinessJob seekers at the infamous immigration job interview skills and trainings to do. Some graduates are underemployed, others are not. A grad-Interrogating Nigeria’s uate of Mathematics doing driving job is underemployed. When people could notJobless Growth “Underemployment is about doing get what they are trained to do, they will naturally resort to whatever is available”By Ikechukwu Onyewuchi sity of Benin (UNIBEN), and is uncertain of less than what you have the skills the prospects in the labour market. ASENIOR lecturer in the Department of In-THE question of job creation in Nigeria and trainings to do. Some gradu- dustrial Relations and Personnel Man- has lingered over the years. With gradu- With his Second Class Upper degree, he agement, at the University of Lagos, Akoka,ates churned out yearly by over 100 univer- said he can only manage with the job he ates are underemployed, others (UNILAG), Dr. Ayofe Akinwale, said the jobsities and a ‘reportedly’ fast-growing started as an undergraduate, noting that situation in the country is such that aeconomy, the supply and demand of jobs in his course of study, which is less of practi- are not. A graduate of Mathemat- bloated labour force is at the mercy of em-the country should be at some sort of equi- cal and more of theory, puts him at disad- ployers, who have taken advantage of thelibrium. vantage in the early stages of job search, as ics doing driving job is underem- situation to be ‘manipulative.’ He stressed experience is required, especially for fresh that Nigeria’s reported ‘wonder’ economic Factoring in a bloated, indolent labour graduates, to land jobs. ployed. When people could not get figures vis-à-vis a scary unemployment rateforce, sparse industries, near-absent manu- of 23.9 per cent, is unfortunate.facturing sector, epileptic power and hydra- He believes that courses that do not have what they are trained to do, theyheaded corruption, the reality seems to be a practical components — especially in the Accessing the job situation in the coun-far-cry from this reverie. form of an industrial attachment to a cor- will naturally resort to whatever is try, he said: “The job situation in the coun- porate establishment — seem to deny grad- try is good for some people, and bad for Politicians, in the last few months, have uates opportunity of job placements when available many others. The few who are getting jobspainted a depressing scenario of the job sit- they leave school. are professionals and highly educated. Theyuation, as well. In their fervid campaigns, Asked on what he thought of graduates be- work in multinational companies andthey promise ‘ridiculous’ job figures if they Graduating from the university in 2012 ing underpaid by employers, he noted that other such organisations. There is no stateare voted into office. The incumbent, Presi- with a degree in Psychology, self-employed underemployment is a very serious issue you would get to in Nigeria without seeingdent Goodluck Jonathan, in Oyo State, re- Tolulope Saliu was pushed into a system he that should be addressed with sincere ur- workers. They come in droves daily. Thatcently, promised about 2 million jobs if had always imagined: an unfriendly envi- gency, stressing, “A lot of graduates just get means that some Nigerians are employedre-elected; General Mohammed Buhari, on ronment, where one had to struggle with employed, leave home very early in the and people are getting jobs every day.the other hand, in Enugu, pledged 1 million hundreds of other graduates for few avail- morning, work for long hours under un-jobs, without clear details of how they will able jobs. He runs Vecturn Media, which favourable conditions, get home very late at “But the number of people getting jobsdo it. specialises in website, graphics and logo night, and at the end of the month have lit- everyday is small, compared to those that designs, as well as brand development, tle or nothing to show for their effort. An- are not getting jobs. Our universities, every In the wake of the announcement of Nige- hobbies he learnt early in life but devel- other issue is that of contract workers. These year, produce thousands of graduates. Un-ria’s rebased economic figures, last year, oped as an undergraduate. issues affect the morale of workers involved fortunately, the organisations in the coun-which propped the country as the biggest and what most employers don’t realise is try cannot absorb the army of graduates.”economy in Africa, economists and govern- HE said: “I had plans to get a job, gather that, it has a negative effect on productivity.ment critics rose in contest of the data some experience and save up capital, I hope these issues are looked into.” Akinwale insists that most graduatesposted, coining the term, ‘jobless growth,’ but the reality on ground wasn’t encourag- who are unemployed are not properly edu-which explains the situation whereby fanci- ing at all. After completing the NYSC pro- He said the major challenges in his busi- cated, which is why they cannot pass jobful economic figures are being quoted side- gramme, and searching for a job for about ness have been facing are the power issue test that have been adopted by recruiters,by-side alarming unemployment rates. four months and later getting one with un- and epileptic supply and getting people to stressing that there is a disconnect between favourable conditions, I had to take the de- work with him. higher education and the labour market. As the country suffers under the weight of cision to quit and build on the business Ipolitical promises, however, job seekers are did as an undergraduate: graphic and web- For Suraj Oyewole, who runs the career According to him, “I am saying this ongroaning under the weight of ‘manipula- site design.” blog, JarusHub, the dilemma of underem- authority because I have conducted re-tive’ employers; fresh graduates are turning ployment in Nigeria is a function of gradu- search on job search among graduates andto self-help and labour experts are asking On how he scaled through the tedious ates ‘resorting to what is easily available.’ researched the situation in the Nigerianfor review of job policies while advocating a process of business registration, the Olabisi Labour market. The last of my research waschange of approach to entrepreneurial edu- Onabanjo University (OOU) graduate said, According to him, “Underemployment is to look at the disconnect between highercation. “Vecturn Media was registered in a short about doing less than what you have the education and the labour market, which time. It was actually very easy. I just walked was presented at the Obafemi Awolowo Abuja-based Ifegwu Francis, in his late into the CAC office at Alausa and followed University, Ile-Ife, last year.20s, is a recent graduate of Political Science the procedures. It took about four weeks.”and Public Administration from the Univer- “In the research, I discovered gaps in the training given by higher education institu- tions such as universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The training they give does not translate to jobs immediately the students leave the universities. Part of my findings was that most graduates do not have what the available jobs require. For that reason, they cannot get jobs immedi- ately; they need to equip themselves to be able to meet the requirement of organisa- tions.” As most critics contend that the reason for the disconnect was majorly a deficient cur- riculum, the argument has been for rele- vant authorities to make university curriculum to be tailored to current reali- ties in the labour market. Akinwale agrees with this view, but adds that students are also stumbling blocks, as they no longer take studies seriously due to a myriad of reasons, including disorienta- tion, lack of role models in society and a dim prospect for employment after gradua- tion. “There are problems at different levels. The curriculum is good, but needs to be up- graded to meet current realities in the world so that Nigeria can, if possible, com- pete with other countries of the world. But the process of curriculum review in Nigeria is slow from my observation. The implica- tion of that to students is that the students may not be as current as they should be to meet the demand of the labour market.” he said. On underemployment, he noted that the problem was a function of demand and supply; the labour market is saturated, be- cause the demand for labour is low while supply is surplus.
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 | 47 BUSINESSINTERVIEWNigerians’ Definition Of EmploymentIs Faulty, Says DaniseDr. Danise Rosemary, a lecturer at the University Of Lagos, in this interview are hoping to get positive reports soon while unemployment persists in Nige-with TEMILOLUWA ADEOYE, sheds light on how government can tackle un- from the private sector. ria, government is creating job for otheremployment and create more jobs. Apart from creating enabling environ- countries by refining there. That is why ment, what other things can govern- people will continue to blame the gov-Who do you think is responsible for job blames the Federal Government, but the ment do to create jobs? ernment since it controls the sector,creation in Nigeria? state governments are also supposed to even though they talk about joint ven- create an enabling environment in their Government at all levels employs ture.WHEN it comes to job generation, it own states, even the local governments. about 70 percent of the Nigerian em- is usually the private sector that The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that ployed. The mistake Babangida made in In fact, I don’t think they should repaircreates jobs in most advanced coun- we have been attracting is huge. Look at those days when he introduced the the refineries; they are old. To build atries. Government sector can also cre- the telecommunications sector for ex- Structural Adjustment Programme new refinery is not expensive for a gov-ate jobs for its own needs. For instance, ample. MTN makes the bulk of their (SAP), was retrenching people from the ernment as ours. Every state should havein England, there is the National money in Nigeria, even though they are public service, saying government has a refinery; there are some businessesHealth Service (NHS), which creates in other countries. no business doing business, let the pri- that will also spring up as a result of itjobs, even though it is not by govern- vate sector take over. When you retrench which will have a ripple effect on otherment; they contracted it out to be run So, there have been FDIs coming into people from the public sector, the pri- sectors. So government is still the majorby a trust. So government may not nec- the country, especially the telecoms sec- vate sector should be able to absorb the creator of jobs. But, as I said, they canessarily run it solely. tor, oil and gas and other sectors. There retrenched, but the private sector could also attract private investors who can are other areas where we can attract FDI, not. also create jobs. In Nigeria, we still have people in gov- but we don’t seem to be making enough How up to date is our labour policy?ernment employment. In fact, I think effort. The private sector as it is structured to-the bulk of the employed are in the Is our university education driven by day cannot fully employ everybody; so, The Nigerian labour law, which camecivil service. The private sector is there, market demand? government really has a role to play in into force in 1974, is archaic because itbut it is not a very vibrant sector at the employing people. Government is strug- has not been reviewed. The conditions atmoment. Government is not creating I know that our colleagues in that time are different from now; thingsthe enabling environment needed for the industry tell us all the gling with the dwindling price of have happened and how many years areinvestors to come in. time that we are not oil and it is a big problem. We we talking about? 1974 was the year I en- producing for the in- are a one-commodity na- tered secondary school. So it is not only To create jobs in the private sector, dustry and that the tion and we are not even the labour law, most of our laws are ar-you have to let investors come in by re- kind of graduates processing the oil here. chaic. However, we need to review theassuring them that your political cli- we produce are Our refineries are not labour law and take cognisance of themate is conducive for investment unemployable working so the oil is current realities on ground.To what extent do you think the gov- and they have to taken out as a pri-ernment is to blame for the current train them for a mary product, Casualisation is still an issue in Nige-employment situation in the country? year even if shipped abroad, ria, but casualisation is a worldwide phe- they have first then they refine nomenon now, but what has happened Even though the government has re- class or second- them and bring in other parts of the world, not just de-sponsibility (with the kind of economy class upper de- them back. veloped countries, even Ghana here,we run) to create jobs, it must also pro- gree. We have So in that re- they reviewed their labour act in 2003.vide a conducive environment for the tried to review gard, govern- They have been able to define what ca-private sector to function. As I said, the our curricular ment is even sual worker is, who a temporary workerenvironment has to be investor- in the univer- making matters is and the kind of remuneration theyfriendly. For instance, the oil and gas sity of Lagos to worse because if should get. That is what we have notsector is run mainly by foreign compa- meet up with you refine in done.nies because it is capital-intensive; Mo- the demands Nigeria, you willbil and others are the foreign investors of the indus- create jobs, Casual workers and graduates in self-that have the amount of money re- try and but employment say they are jobless; wouldquired to invest. we you say Nigerians’ definition of unem- Danise ployment is faulty? Also, as a people, we are supposed tocreate jobs but the average graduate We can say that it is a little faulty. Forwho leaves school today would want to instance, you can hear a casual workergo and work for somebody; he is not say let me use this job to hold body,thinking of how to become an em-ployer of labour or how to build an pending when I get a more suitableenterprise. That is why all the univer- job or permanent employment.sities take them on an entrepreneur- Whereas, in developed countries,ship course, which is now some people opt for that kind ofcompulsory in all Nigerian univer- job. We have this orientation thatsities. We are trying to make sure we should be in full employmentthat when we graduate students even if we don’t have the capa-they don’t just go and sit down bility. For instance, a womanand start applying for jobs, they who has growing kids whocan start small-scale business. have not started school and people who have sick wife, We cannot put the blame on husband or child do notgovernment totally; in the need a permanent job, be-sense that government is sup- cause they need time toposed to create an enabling en- raise their family. In devel-vironment for all those things oped countries, you seeto take off, but that has not such women opting forbeen done. When Obama part-time or temporarywas to be elected, he prom- jobs. Also, students whoised jobs, and you know travelled abroad are en-they have more credible sta- tittled to work for 20tistics, every time I get hours in a weeknews from New York when you areTimes, they have more given visa.credible statistics, they It is only inwill say this month, so Nigeria thatand so number of jobs they tell youwere created. I don’t that if you areknow if we have full time stu-ever seen Nigerian dent, yougovernments giv- should noting monthly up- work. Indates on job Nigeria,creation. everybody wants to work In this full time.country,everyone
48 Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comBUSINESSCreating 2m Jobs Every Year (1)By Franklin Nnaemeka Ngwu government ministries and agencies to ent state of infrastructural development. In- The sports sector is analyzed in detail fully understand, review and expand their terestingly, some of the jobs like in the for two reasons. First is as a tribute to lateAT the Presidential campaign rally in revenue generation and job creation ca- sports sector, as will be explained below, can Dimgba Igwe, an erudite journalist and Ibadan on January 12, President Good- pabilities and capacities. Second is be created by any tier of government, espe- good man whose most painful deathluck Jonathan promised to create about through a robust engagement and collab- cially the state and local governments. would have been avoided if the needful,two million jobs every year if re-elected. As oration with the private sector to support this job creation idea had been imple-expected, this has been generating much and work with them to exploit and create As stated in my previous article, Nigeria, as mented. Second is the other benefits thatdebate as to the possibility of the promise. every available job that can be created. a developing economy with the right popu- can be derived from the sports sector inWhile I appreciate the concerns of those Third is through the innovation of effec- lation, is littered with varied but untapped addition to the job creation opportuni-who believe that it is just one of the prom- tive monetary, fiscal and supply side poli- and easy opportunities that can create two ties.ises of re-election that will be unfulfilled, I cies that are pro-job creation and which million jobs within 12 months. Three sectorsam optimistic that it can be achieved. should be robustly synergised to support (Sports, Transport, Security) are used to In a most recent research by two aca- job creation mechanisms. These ap- show how about 500,000 jobs can be cre- demics in University of Edinburgh, UK, it My optimism primarily derives from an proaches will help to identify jobs that can ated within 12 months. While the Sports sec- was stated that one in every four Nigeri-objective assessment of the enormous job be created in the short, medium and long tor is analysed with good detail, only the ans is likely to be suffering from highcreating potentials of the Nigerian econ- terms. abstracts are provided for the Transport and blood pressure and possibly hyperten-omy. All that is required to create two mil- Security Sectors. Another 500,000 jobs can sion.lion jobs every year is a determined effort I will focus on jobs that can be created in be created within two years from housing, As known, one of the ways to prevent, re-and commitment of the government (fed- the short term and with limited govern- transport, education and other service sec- duce or manage such ailment and othereral, state and local) to do two things. ment expenditure and even with our pres- tors. health challenges is through regular ex- ercise. First is a critical examination of all the With the launching of the RhythmExecutive Vice President, Standard Bank, Funso Akere (left); Head, Legal Services, Etisalat Nigeria, Vincent Eromosele; Managing Director and Global Head, Telecoms and N’Play sports initiative by the PresidentMedia, Nina Triantis and Head, Strategy & Business Development, Etisalat Nigeria, Oshitade, at the IJGlobal (Euromoney) Europe and Africa Awards ceremony held in Lon- on the 6th of June, 2013, over 100,000don. jobs with an average monthly salary of N50,000.00 per employee can be created from the Sports Sector through the ex- pansion of the initiative. Exercising is ob- viously limitedly practiced by Nigerians. Jobs can, therefore, be created through the construction (either by government or Private-Public Partnerships) of mini sports centers that will be opened for about 16hours a day and celebrities (top government functionaries, Nollywood stars, musicians, acclaimed sports men and women) given stakes such as good membership discounts and used as pro- moters and active members. With no need to explain the benefits of good exercise to our wellbeing, the plan should be to expand, market, convince and include majority of Nigerians to the initiative. It will require for a start, the setting up of about five mini sports cen- tres in every state of the federation and the FCT. Each of sports centre will be built to have common sporting facilities like treadmills and rowing machines in ad- dition to facilities for sports like lawn tennis, badminton, table tennis, swim- ming, dancing and mini football pitches that can accommodate between five and seven side games. With opening times from 8am to 10pm every day, the target will be to get a minimum of 5,000 mem- bers for each sports centre at a monthlyPredictive Analytics Driving An Increasingly Networked EconomyBy Pfungwa Serima often unstructured, which means it’s dis- Africa, so many businesses are telling us predictive analytics will be an investment organised and difficult to figure out. . In they want to better understand their cus- priority for them within the next fiveMAKING effective use of data, in many fact, research house Gartner estimates tomers, make more accurate financial pre- years. cases huge amounts of data, is some- that roughly 80% of all corporate data is dictions and improve their salesthing that is on most business leader’s unstructured. And more data constantly forecasting. But beyond these obvious ad- So, what does this mean for businessminds these days. In fact, it’s no longer a keeps pouring in from everywhere: cus- vantages, many forward-thinking compa- long-term? Essentially, the use of this tech-case of Big Data. The reality is that we are tomers, suppliers and partners. nies are starting to think more nology is putting data firmly at the heartoperating in an era of Massive Data - and The good news is that if analysed and un- strategically about how they can further of organisational decision-making, acrossthis mound of data is growing by the sec- derstood in context, this avalanche of in- intelligently leverage the information all sectors and industries. The technologyond, as technology increasingly connects formation has the power to deliver a they are gathering anyway to drive rev- is also thankfully becoming increasinglyeverything from our businesses to our re- keenly insightful picture of a business at enues and grow their businesses. And this intuitive, with easy-to-use interfaces thatfrigerators, resulting in a giant networked any given time. Simply put, if you are able is where we are seeing smart businesses reflect the realisation that data should noteconomy. The real challenge that compa- to quickly respond to what your markets starting to look at analytics in Africa. In a be the exclusive responsibility of one in-nies are facing is how to make sense of this are telling you - like market fluctuations, business context, a smart analytics solu- dividual or department; it should be frontdata, and to intelligently use all the advan- or an increase in demand - then you’re tion gives you the opportunity to spot of mind of all employees. Data is thereforetages that this newfound network offer to way ahead of the game. To do this though, trends, anticipate customer needs, fore- becoming more visual, accessible to em-create connections that make a real differ- you need business intelligence technol- cast wider market trends and manage risk ployees and actionable, and suddenly an-ence to business. ogy solutions that turn the deluge of data – all issues that are clearly key for African alytics starts developing the potential to into understandable, actionable insights. business. drive real value. Most business leaders won’t necessarilyadmit it, but for the most part, companies Welcome to the world of predictive an- Predictive analytics is very much a fledg- Ultimately, though, what will really seeare sitting on an enormous pile of un- alytics and this world is not as arcane and ling market, but it’s on the rise as data vol- predictive analytics coming into its own isknown data. The problem is that many of techy as it sounds. Reality is that we all ac- umes grow. Africa is starting to get its the ability to affect a cultural shift to onethem are not necessarily doing much with tually come across predictive analytics head around the huge possibilities that of greater collaboration. This is not justit. It’s called “dark data” - terabyte upon ter- every day without even being aware of it: the technology presents. Research under- the realm of the technology departmentabyte of information that nobody really weather forecasts, insurance premium taken by SAP found that for 60 per cent of either. By avoiding information silos, andknows what to do with - but they don’t calculations and credit analyses are all businesses, predictive analytics is already encouraging integration across the busi-want to get rid of it, because it might prove based on analytics, the core ‘enabler’ of an investment priority. Additionally, more ness and its networks, we will start to seeuseful at some point. We are seeing lots of big data. With over 2000 customers in than two-thirds of companies think that the real power of analytics.this in Africa. Worse than dark, this data is Serima is the CEO of SAP Africa
THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday February 22, 2015 | 49 BUSINESSAGROFISON, Stakeholders Call For Fisheries CommissionBy Fabian Odum • Say Fisheries Acts of 1992 needs urgent review ported with access to soft loans and be encouraged to imbibe modern technolo-CONCERNED about the challenges facing fisheries and the undesirable impact on gy.the economic fortunes of the stakeholdersand the nation, the Fisheries Society of fisheries operators over the years, Stakeholders agreed that there should be National President, Catfish FarmersNigeria (FISON) organised a conference at Ayinla said high licensing fees for the standardisation and certification of pro- Association of Nigeria (CAFAN), Mr. Tayothe Nigerian Institute For Oceanography use of natural water bodies for aqua cul- cessing and packaging of fish and fish Akingbolagun said the meeting was quiteAnd Marine Research, Victoria Island, Lagos tural purposes such as fish cage culture products and that of fishfeed manufac- strategic in that one of the objectives is toto tackle the issues holistically. to low-end indigenous investors was ture and importation. drastically reduce fish importation. unfriendly business climate. Stakeholders at the meet include the In a statement signed by the Society’s Like in the poultry sector, where con- Director of Fisheries, Federal Ministry ofExecutive Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Charity He stressed that the current Fisheries sumption of eggs is being promoted, fish Agriculture and Rural Development,Oche, it was resolved that the fall in crude Acts of 1992 is now obsolete and called stakeholders plan to embark on aggres- Pastor Aderemi Abioye and representa-oil prices in the international market pre- for an urgent review, pointing out that sive enlightenment campaign on the tives of NITOA, CAFAN, TADAN, AFISUN,sented a seeming advantage, in terms of the relationship between the Ministry, health benefits of consuming wholesome NUFAS, WINROCK, Embassies, relevantdiversification, to forge ahead in advanc- Department of Fisheries and the fish and fish products. student bodies and the Advocacy for fish-ing the sub-sector. Fisheries Commission is not clearly stat- eries group, among others were repre-Therefore, in addition to recommending a ed in the proposed Fisheries Act. The forum identified the immense con- sented.zero import duty on all fisheries and aqua- tribution of women in value addition andcultural inputs, stakeholders called on gov- As way forward, participants recom- marketing, and that they should be sup-ernment to establish a FisheriesCommission. mended the updating and speeding up Stakeholders also suggested a regime of 1-2.5 per cent interest rate for aquacultural of the enactment of Fisheries Act withand fisheries allied investments respective-ly, while a committee was set up to coordi- clear cut definition of duties of thenate the effort of the Society towards itscharter status. Federal Department of Fisheries, States, FISON President, Dr. Ayinla said the sub- local Government and private sector.sector has been plagued by challenges suchas illegal incursion of foreign fishing ves- It was the view of stakeholders thatsels into Nigerian Territorial waters andlack of surveillance, control and monitor- monitoring, control and surveillanceing of Nigerian waters and absence of ade-quate fisheries database. should be intensified to discourage ille-In addition, he listed high cost of raw mate-rials and fisheries equipment, conflicting gal fishing and poaching, while the pri-roles of regulating bodies, lack of standard-ised processing methods and non-compli- vate sector should go be encouraged toance to deployment of standard packagingmaterials as hurdles to operational effi- go into Tuna exploitation to developciency of the sub-sector. local canning industry and reduce our Aside the neglect suffered by ornamental fish import bill. At the forum, it was canvassed that the private sector should consider collabo- rating with Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) to operate the research vessel of the institute for the purpose of fish- ing pelagic species for fish meal produc- tion, while government should encour- age private sector to establish commer- Ponmo consumption remains a running battle between leather product processors and Kitchen cial fish feed mills in the six geo-politi- consultants…Nigeria continues to import leather worth millions of dollars annually robbing her of jobs and for- cal zones of the country using locally eign exchange available feed materials in the zones. Kaduna Govt, BOA Disburse AgricultureYouth Empowerment Through Training Loans To FarmersIn Business Agriculture From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief average of 10 farmers and will receive agricul- tural loan ranging from N2.5million andFrom Kehinde Olatunji, Ibadan and was organised by through the joint imple- THE Kaduna State Government has above. He added each individual beneficiary EKIMIKS Nig. Ltd. mentation of mechanisms embarked on the disbursement of loans to will receive the sum of N250,000. in agribusiness, which farmers in the state under a partnership with The governor reiterated the commitment of At the training, the DG, would work for both farm-TO further maintain its IITA, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga ers and consumers. “A the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), with a total sum the present administration towards improv- prime position as a driv- said “ in August 2012 a team young ‘agripreneur’ coming of young, educated, talent- from a communication of N1 billion earmarked for access by farmers. ing the agriculture sector in the state as a way ed, and energetic Nigerian background is working wither of agricultural research Youth Corp members fish now. First, you might Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who spoke of diversifying the economy noting that trained at IITA established think communication andand entrepreneurship in the IITA Youth Agripreneurs fish, where is the link?, but at the flag-off of the distribution of cheques to “With a population of approximately 170 mil- (IYA) program. The goal of when you start understand-Africa and beyond, the the program is to re-orient ing how sales figures of fish benefiting farmer cooperative groups and lion people in the Country, Government at youths towards more pro- products can increaseInternational Institute of ductive engagement in agri- throughout value chain by individual farmers last week, said the scheme both Federal and State levels cannot afford to culture as a business involving young peopleTropical Agriculture (IITA) through expanded oppor- coming from different sec- is aimed at providing finance to farmers in a neglect the Agricultural Sector, especially tunities in agribusiness, tors, such as communica-threw its training drag net service provision and mar- tion or marketing, it might bid to increase performance and agricultural with the ever dwindling Statutory Allocation ket-oriented agriculture in become an eye-opener forto other countries aside a manner that also offers you in engaging in new yields in the sector. from the Federation Account and the need to secondary benefits to the partnership opportunities.”Nigeria. Therefore, several larger community. The Governor said the Technical Committee diversify the sources of revenue to fund gov- He added that Youthyouths were brought “Reports indicate that the employment is a major established by the State Ministry of ernment programmes and activities. average age of farmers in problem in Nigeria, “wetogether in its Ibadan head- sub-Saharan Africa is 65 have been experimenting Agriculture had screened six Cooperative Managing Director of BOA, Mr. Babatunde years, thus, engaging youth on how we can take thesequarter facilities for a three- will be critical in ensuring young people with different Associations and nine individual farmers to Sadiku said stakeholders to this arrange- food security.” disciplines to agriculture asday business training and a business and IITA has been benefit from the first phase of the scheme. ment have embraced agriculture as an He said IYA would test the sponsoring this pro-capacity building. hypothesis that agriculture gramme.” Yero said beneficiaries have been drawn on enduring renewable resource with positive can provide employmentAt the opening session of for youth of diverse back- Mr. Ekiyor Tope Miriki, equal basis from the three senatorial zones of impact on employment generation, food grounds and also change Chief Executive Officer ofthe training for young the mindset of youth about Ekimiks Nigeria Limited the State; each Cooperative Association has an security and poverty reduction. agriculture by demonstrat- and sponsor of the work-entrepreneurs in agricul- ing that agriculture is a shop, said that the pro- FUNAAB, Federal College Of Agriculture business and an avenue to gramme was designed notture, the representative of create wealth, thus reduce only to create opportunities, unemployment. but also to help young peo-the Minister of Agriculture ple exit the unemployment Collaborate On Cassava Value Addition Sanginga explained that cycle.and Rural Development, Dr. inclusive growth of the con- tinent could be achievedLekan Quadri, RegionalDirector, Federal Ministry By Fabian Odum Akure has been awarded a College, Dr. Samson Adeola grant by the Federal Odedina said that the choiceof Agriculture and Rural ABOUT 200,000 smallhold- University of Agriculture, of the institution is informed er farmers has been award- Abeokuta for a five-year peri- by its relevance in the cassa-Development (FMARD), ed a grant to help them sell od beginning on the 1st April, va sector and its commit- two million tonnes of cassava 2014 to March 31st 2019. ment to providing leader-bemoaned the high rate of roots from which processed ship in value chain activities products like high quality cas- Consequent upon this and development in theyouth unemployment situ- sava flour, chips for animal engagement, the Federal country. feed and cassava starch would College of Agriculture, Akure The College is also expectedation in the country and be made. It would cover coun- is expected to work with the to identify with current tries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Federal University of effort of the Team on Cassavaidentified agrarian econo- Tanzania, Uganda and Agriculture, Abeokuta and a Value addition (HQCF and Malawi. host of other partners includ- other traditional cassavamy as the biggest potential ing Ondo State cassava value value chain) of the In this arrangement known chain actors to meet the Agricultural Transformationfor mass job creation. as Cassava: Adding Value for poverty reduction objective Agenda of the Federal Africa Phase II (CAVA II), the of the project. Government.The event had more than Federal College of Agriculture, Provost of the Federal60 youth participants fromsix countries across Africa,who attended the businesstraining on ‘EmpoweringAgripreneurs onEntrepreneurial andBusiness Management’ atthe Ibadan headquarters
50 Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comBirthdaysALI, Senator (Dr) Ahmadu, Aliadministrator, politicianand former chairman of tal Markets till the end ofPeoples Democratic Party his tenure in 2011.(PDP) will be 79 on Sunday,March 1, 2015. Born on Compiled by Gbenga Akinfenwa Mr Francis Ayanti and his wife, Waliat during their court wedding at Ikeja local Mr & Mrs Funso Maku during their wedding ceremony held at Trendy EventMarch 1, 1936 at Gbobe near [email protected] government in Lagos Center, Ekoro Road, Lagos .Lokoja, Kogi State, he waseducated at the Nigerian EventCollege of Arts between1955 and 1957 before mov- • The Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Min- Wednesday, March 4 to Friday, March 6, 2015 by giants, family deliverance, breaking of curses,ing over to University Col- istries (TWOREM) Int’l a.k.a Prophetic & Solu- 10pm daily. Venue is Sekunderin Int’l Miracle healings, salvation, etc. Ministering arelege Hospital (UCH), tion Chapel, Lagos, Nigeria will hold a- 3-special Prayer Mountain, Iyana-Agbala Tuntun, New Prophets Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel (BabaIbadan from 1957 to 1963. anointing nights, tagged:- “Anointing Night” Ibadan-Ife Express-way. The anointing night Sekunderin), Folorunsho Macaulay among oth-He was also at the Univer- with the theme:- “Let The Fire Fall” from prayer-summit would feature — defeating your ers.sity of Edinburgh, Scotlandand the Royal College of The spokesman of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe, lost Deaconess Alice Tema Whiskey (seated), surrounded by her children during her 80th birthday celebration in Warri, DeltaPhysicians, Edinburgh. He his wife, Jacinta, recently. At the requiem mass held at St. Johns Catholic State.was formally a Federal Church, Owelli, Enugu State are his children, Chisom, Umunna, and Mr.Commissioner for Educa- Anichebetion between 1973-76 andthe former National Chair-man of the PDP.MUSTAPHA, Senator Ra-moni Olalekan, adminis-trator and politician willbe 55 on Wednesday, Feb-ruary 25, 2015. Born on Feb-ruary 25, 1960, he has aDiploma in Public Healthfrom the Ogun State Col-lege of Health Technology.He was Chairman of theOgun State Task Force onBuilding Project, IjebuNorth Local Government,Ijebu-Igbo between 1996and 1997 and was elected asa member of the House ofRepresentatives between2003 and 2007 for theIjebu North/East/Ogun Wa-terside constituency. Hewas elected a Senator forthe Ogun East Con-stituency in 2007 and wasappointed to Committeeson Niger Delta, Interior Af-fairs, Commerce and Capi-Barr. Dele Ayeni of The RCCG Holiness Zone, Province 14, Lagos presenting a gift on behalf of the Zone to the newly pro- Chief S.B. Daranijo, former chairman of Nigerian Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (NOIC) (left), Jasmine Lataillade,moted Assistant Pastor-in-charge of RCCG Province 49, Pastor Olufemi Adebiyi and wife, Racheal during a send forth pro- Programme Development Officer, OIC International USA, present Chairman, NOIC, Prof. Magnus Atilade, Crispian Kirk,gramme organised by the Zone for the Adebiyis...recently President and Chief Executive Officer, OIC International USA (2nd right) and Samuel Afowowe, NOIC EARN Programme Officer, jointly presenting a certificate to one of the graduating students at the end of a three-month customer services course, organised by the NOIC, Gbagada, Lagos.Lion Oladipo Oyegunle (middle) presenting hairdressing machines to Ikotun Hairdressing Association members after his District Overseers of Foursquare Gospel Church, New Oko Oba Zone, Rev. Elkanah Ademola Adegbenro (left); Fagbainstallation as the 32nd president of Isolo Lions Club by D.G Odeyemi in Lagos Zone, Rev. Michael Bamidele Owoseni; Ifako-Ijaye Zone, Paul Fadayini; and Iloye Zone, William Biyi Fagorusi at a recent programme in Lagos.
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