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Chike Onwuegbuchi Banks Race to Comply with PCI DSS Version 3 Nigeria (CBN) mandated banks toFEW months after money deposit sion 3. The major global payment brands well as brick-and-mortar businesses comply with by November 30, 2014, banks in the country completed PCIDSS is a framework for ensuring require that every entity including — must be in compliance with the ended in December last year, andcertification of Payment Card that critical information assets are financial institutions as well as mer- PCI Data Security Standard (PCI version 3 was released in JanuaryIndustry Data Security Standards protected from unauthorized chants and service providers store, DSS). this year.(PCI DSS) version 2, they are now access, use, disclosure, disruption, process, or transmit payment card Nigeria CommunicationsWeek inves- Some Nigerian banks have alreadyfaced with new task of complying modification, perusal, inspection, data, in every channel including tigations revealed that PCI DSS ver- commenced efforts towards compli-with the next upgrade which is ver- recording or destruction. catalogue and online retailers as sion 2 the one Central Bank of ance to this new version.SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2015 www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ngDATA BANK SHORT TAKES E-PPAN e-Government Summit E-Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN) has concluded plans to host Nigeria’s premier edition of the e- Government Summit, themed ‘E- Government: Key To Sustainable Development’. The international conference scheduled to take place in Abuja will hold on the 7th and 8th of July 2015 this year. It will address issues such as access, effi- ciency, transparency, cooperation and sus- tainable development in the area of e-gov- ernment. The Committee of E-Banking Industry Heads (CeBIH), First Bank Nigeria Plc and SecureID Nigeria Limited which are members of the E-PPAN Governing Board, will work with the E-PPAN’s secretariat, as planning (L-r): Tomi Davies, chairman and founder, Mobile Monday, Zubair Abubakar, co-founder/CEO Chop Up, Roht Arora, assistant marketing Microsoft N3.5m to Entrepreneurs manager, Airtel Nigeria and Nitin Anand, vice president, Data Products and Services, during the Airtel Catapult-a-Startup prize presen- As part of its commitment to supporting the tation in Lagos recently. development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria,Chike Onwuegbuchi Microsoft Mobile Devices and Services would be awarding N3.5m to 5 NigeriansSAT-3 Services to Bounce Back asLAGOS State government and with brilliant business ideas in its Microsoft Nigerian Telecommunications Lumia 535 Dual SIM activation, tagged fromLimited (NITEL have resolved their “Passion to Empire”, which would run fromdifferences and agreed to work February 16, 2015 to March 31, 2015.Lagos, NITEL Agree on RepairstogethertorelocateSouthAtlantic According to Joseph Umunakwe, general3/West Africa Submarine Cable manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices and Services, West Africa, “Passion to Empire”(SAT-3) ‘Beach Manhole’ which was involve; renting of a cable ship Telecommunications Companies business long ago,” he noted. would help young entrepreneurs push their boundaries and test the strength of theircut in the process of reclaiming from Cape Town in South Africa of Nigeria (ATCON), said that: “If it Deolu Ogunbanjo, president, ideas.Bar Beach for a new town known which is the only country where were some years back when we National Association of “Our amazing range of Lumia smartphones and tablets, and the Microsoft Lumia 535as Eko Atlantic project. the ship is available in Africa; pro- relied much on SAT-3, the impact Telecommunications Subscribers Dual SIM, specifically, provide the business support every entrepreneur needs on theNigeria CommunicationsWeek cessing of custom papers; as well would have been felt by many, but of Nigeria (NATCOMMS) while go.” He added.investigations revealed that NITEL as obtaining NIMASA and other today not many people are aware agreeing with Engr. Ajayi, blamed Airtel, UNAIDS HIV Transmissionmade representation to the Lagos agencies permits required to that SAT-3 is down.” the time it took for NITEL and Lagos The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and leading telecommunicationsState government when the cable allow the ship to come into the “This is why it is not good for gov- state government to reach a truce services provider, Airtel Nigeria, have part- nered to support the National Agency for thewas cut and stated modalities for country’s waters. ernment to be in business, if SAT-3 on the repair to bureaucracy in Control of AIDS in an initiative to ensure thatits repair which the state govern- Engr. Lanre Ajayi, president, is own by an entrepreneur it would government system which he said no child is born with HIV in Nigeria. The UNAIDS and Airtel partnership sealedment disagreed with Association of have been repaired and get back to was not good for business. through a Memorandum of Understanding signed today will allow the Telco’s sub-A staff of NITEL working at the SAT- scribers to benefit from information on how and where to access prevention of mother-3 section who does not want his ICT Missing as Jonathan, Buhari Chase Shadows to-child transmission of HIV services inname mentioned said that after Nigeria.several meeting with the state nance. This can only be made possi- setting up a motor manufacturing The information shall be disseminated ble by an ICT driven government. plant through innovative and regular text mes-Egovernment they have now Bankole orija Unfortunately, either by ignorance Advisers of the presidential candi- or deliberate actions, the key actors dates must drum it into their prin- sages.agreed to work with them to LECTION fever is sweeping have largely ignored this essential cipals’ ears that ICT is the only keyensure that the infrastructure is across Nigeria- Africa’s biggest ingredient and focused on the to rebuilding of the country’s econ- QUOTE OF THE WEEKback to service. democracy but key actors in the same political gimmicks that now omy hobbled by years of misman- “They are now cooperating with presidential race are chasing shad- sound like broken records. agement and neglect. “It is gratifying to note that the new soft-us. In the next three months SAT-3 ows, instead of proffering how they Though, most of the aspirants have The lack of focus on ICT will deter- ware is robust enough to accommodate allwill be up again,” he added. can use information and commu- launched high tech campaign mine the success or failure of the e-payment platforms such as inter-switch,It was gathered that repair of the nications technology (ICT) to strategies to woo voters and sell political actors, particularly now eTtransact, Visa card, master card, vervecut section of the cable became underpin the country’s regenera- their candidatures but they have that Nigerians are tired of their card, American Express and other forms ofimpossible as a result of the depth tion. not said a word about how to tack- undelivered promises in the past.of the sea which has become shal- Despite the excitement in the air, le the menace of internet scams By now, the aspirants should be electronic payment. The software willlow and cannot carry cable ship most Nigerians are dissatisfied that have earned the country noto- talking about how they intend to enable customers to file their documentsthat repair cut section of undersea with current economic conditions riety as a fraud haven. make broadband internet, the life on-line without having to physically visitcable. and not impressed with the coun- This situation is scary because this wire of development. the commission”. Olusegun Aganga, minis- This has therefore necessitated try’s democracy. is one area that Nigeria can quickly Broadband is already a basic rightthe relocation of the undersea As a country, Nigeria is unparal- leverage on to join the league of in some countries but has ter of industry, trade and investment,cable infrastructure according to leled in her diversity – cultural, reli- industrialised nations like South remained largely under developed speaking at the launch of company regis-the NITEL staff. gious, social, and economical as Korea and Singapore. The invest- in Nigeria, because of the unseri- well as political. ment here is minimal compared to ousness of successive governments. tration portal of the Corporate Affairs Nigeria CommunicationsWeek One glue that binds all of these Commission (CAC) online registration plat-learnt that repair of cut on under- together is transparency in gover-sea cable would taks a maximum form.of three weeks because it would

52 Sunday, February 22, 2015 COMMUNICATIONSWEEKLY www.ngrguardiannews.comBankole Orija NBC DG Visits CWG TeleportTD-Mobile, Infinix MobileINFINIX Mobile, fast growing mobile phone brand has signed amajor partnership distribution By Chike Onwuegbuchiagreement with TD-Mobile. MEKA Mba, Director General ofPen Distribution Agreement EThis partnership will see Infinix the National Broadcastingleverage on TD-Mobile’s nation- Commission (NBC) paid a workingwide network to increase the mar- tributed by us on the continent. TD- long way in helping us expand the tribution network and presence visit to the corporate head office ofket share of its range of smart Mobile has been in the fore-front of frontiers of access to quality and in major cities to make Infinix Computer Warehouse Group Plcphones in Nigeria’s highly futuris- driving technological revolution in pocket-friendly smart devices for products readily available and (CWG) in Lagos recently.tic mobile devices market. Africa by bridging the digital many,” she enthused. accessible to the customer, there- The visit afforded the NBC the divide with affordable smart Continuing, Mrs. Ijogun noted by ensuring that more people can opportunity of inspecting CWG’s TD-Mobile, a subsidiary of devices which offer a unique user that: “As we have done with other benefit from the wide range of satellite facility that will serve asTechnology Distributions Ltd, will experience. The new partnership major brands we distribute, we quality devices Infinix has to the support base for the soon to beadd Infinix to a wide product port- agreement with Infinix will go a will leverage on our excellent dis- offer.” launched SES digital TV platform.folio presently distributed which After welcoming the delegation,includes phablets, tablets andsmart phones from renowned Mr. Gbenga Odegbami, head,brands such as HP, Lenovo, Dell, Presales, made a brief presenta-Zinox, Nokia and Toshiba, among tion, where he gave an overview ofothers. CWG’s history of innovation andInfinix Mobile gadgets are prod- service excellence.ucts from a Hong-Kong based joint According to Odegbami, CWGventure between Mobiwire (for- offers integrated ICT solutionsmerly Sagem Wireless) and that add value to the operations ofEarningway. diverse clientele, using highlyInfinix smart phones such as the skilled and well-motivated work-Infinix Zero, Race Lite and Infinix force. “At inception, CWG was basi-Hot X507, among others, have cally an IT infrastructure salesbecome increasingly popular in firm. The group has since evolvedNigeria owing to the added func- into a Pan-African ICT Powerhouse,tionality of power banks which with focus on enabling businessesoffers the user longer battery life. through strategic partnershipsSpeaking on the development, Mrs. with world-class organizationsGozy Ijogun, managing director of and OEMs.TD-Mobile, expressed delight at the CWG recently innovated her busi-signing on of Infinix, while noting ness model to be based onthat this will offer the consumers Subscription and Cloudmore choices in the market place. Computing under an umbrella“We are delighted to add Infinix to aptly tagged CWG2.0.the extensive list of Original Explaining the business concept,Equipment Manufacturers whose (L-r) Douglas Craigie-Stevenson, Group Managing Director, Vodacom Business Africa; Opeyemi Agbaje, Vice Chairman, Convention Odegbami said that “CWG 2.0 is aproducts are presently being dis- on Business Integrity (CBi), and Guy Clarke, Managing Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria, at the Signing Ceremony of Vodacom cloud based subscription business Business Nigeria to the Convention on Business Integrity (CBi) in Lagos, last week. model birthed and driven by theOnline Voting Opens for BoICT Awards 2015 quest to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) grow and makePeter Ugwu Nigerians who recognize and “GSM Effective Customer Care it- centric celebration honours notable social impact. appreciate the guiding lights of Operator of the Year”, among other finest and brightest companiesCOMMUNICATION Week Media the organizations and individuals categories. and individuals who have helped NIPOST Seals Limited, publishers of Nigeria as well as the symbols of hope The public are allowed to cast their put Nigeria on the global ICT map”. partnership DealCommunicationsWeek newspaper they raise. votes by email- info@nigeriacom- Beacon of ICT Awards is an annual with Kongaand daily newsletters, has thrown The awards are meant to individ- municationsweek.com.ng or industry wide celebration that rec-its portal open to the general public uals and firms that integrated ICT through voting on a portal created ognizes deserving talents, contri- By Peter Ugwuto vote for nominees of this year’s into IT, Banking and Finance, for the purpose on the company’s butions and commitments to theBeacon of ICT Awards. Aviation, Maritime, website: http://nigeriacommunica- growth of the ICT industry. Anew era was marked on n The BoICT Awards were instituted Courier/Postal services in the tionsweek.com.ng/beacon-of-ict- Over the years, the awards moti- Thursday, as the Nigerianto reward the vision and enterprise country, among others. distinguished-lecture-awards- vate stakeholders in effective uti- Postal Service (NIPOST) andof individuals and companies that The awards categories feature series-2015. lization of ICT for citizen’s services Konga.com, Nigeria’s largesthave contributed to the growth of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek and ensure that ICT professionals online marketplace, announcedthe ICT industry in Nigeria. “Man of the Year”, “Broadband Commenting on this year’s are provided a benchmark for rec- a partnership for the use ofNow in its sixth year, the Beacon of Company of the Year”, “Most awards, Ken Nwogbo, chief execu- ognizing and validating outstand- NIPOST post offices as pick upICT awardees are chosen by innovative Player of the Year”, tive officer, Communication Week ing contribution. locations for Konga orders. Media Limited, said that, “The mer- The UNILAG collection centre isNigerian Consumers are Africa Booming e-Commerce Force- Paypal the first in a series of collabora- tions by the two parties toBy Peter Ugwu delivery costs are among main con- is still the most used and preferred PayPal. “The fact that PayPal does address logistics and delivery payment method when shopping not share financial information issues experienced byArecent study conducted in cerns preventing consumers from online, with 39% of online shoppers with the seller when authorizing a eCommerce operators in Nigeria by Ipsos, a global market conducting more online shopping. using cash and 32% indicating it is a transaction keeps the consumers’ Nigeria.research company, on behalf of From the study, 31% of those who preferred payment method for financial details more secure”.PayPal shows an expectation by have not shopped online give con- online purchases. Nigerian consumers who have These include a shortage ofNigerian consumers to conduct cerns about security of payments as “Online security matters. This is heard of PayPal agree PayPal is a secure and conveniently locatedmore shopping online. a reason for not currently shopping why PayPal provides a simpler, easi- fast (85%), convenient (83%) and places where customers canOut of the approximately 50 mil- online, and 27% say that the cost of er and more secure way to shop and safe (73%) way to pay online – to the pick-up their purchases, andlion internet users in Nigeria, 65% of delivery is a reason for not currently pay on millions of websites around extent that 72% of online shoppers also return items that do notusers already shop online and shopping online. the world,” said Efi Dahan, regional aware of PayPal agree it is the safest meet up to their expectations.another 24% of users expect to do so Fear over security of online pay- director for Africa and Israel at online payment method.in the future. ments means that cash on delivery Security and convenience are particularly important for cus- tomers living in shared accom- There are several key drivers that MasterCard Plans to Spend $20M to Fight Cyberthreats in 2015 modation such as hostels in ter-would encourage even more ecom- tiary institutions.Mmerce in Nigeria. ASTERCard said it will invest an Net, an initiative to reduce the risk of itoring and blocking specific trans- Such customers need to know $20 million in cybersecurity fraud or cyberattacks before issuers actions based on selected criteria.” that the items they have pur-Of the online shoppers surveyed, measures this year, including bio- and processors might notice the The application uses algorithms to chased are safe and waiting to be53% of Nigerians who have shopped metric protection for mobile apps threat. score and monitor different chan- collected at a place that is easy toonline in the past said faster deliv- and early warning alerts on poten- The card scheme said Safety Net will nels, geographies, and business reach.ery of goods would encourage tial threat vectors. provide “an independent layer of sectors, and is designed to inter- For eCommerce operators deliv-them to shop online more often, ering items to people living in these institutions can be time40% indicated that safer ways to pay In a press release, the company said security on top of the tools and poli- vene only in extreme cases to blockwas a key driver, and 31% indicated that this spring it will launch Safety cies of financial institutions, by mon- fraudulent activity, the release said. consuming and expensive,lower product costs as a driver such clients are often mov-to do more shopping online. ing between different loca-Security Of Online Payment tions within the campusAnd Delivery Costs Are The and several attempts atMain Concerns delivery are usuallyThe research shows that securi- required.ty of online payments and

TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 | 53 Conscience, Nurtured by TruthOpinionThe Political Armed Robbery In EkitiYOU know, if the Ekiti gubernatorial rig- But times change quickly, and Fayose was mitted. [email protected] ging conference of June 20, 2014 were a soon admitting that Fayose, the governor, On the tape, Fayose alludes to these Twitter: @Sonala.Olumhense television or stage story from one of was the Fayose on the tape.Nigeria’s great dramatists, it would have schemes, but in admitting that the tape Somewhere in Abuja, the Director General ofbeen a rib-cracking success. That was partly because another person was authentic, he says he was only “accus- the State Security Service is ignoring thisThe trouble is that both the event—as audio- heard on the tape was identified as Jelili ing the army of compromise”. Adesiyan opportunity to serve his country, afraid ortaped by the courageous Captain Sagir Koli Adesiyan, the Minister of Police Affairs, who says it was just a conversation, and that the complicit.of the 32nd Artillery Brigade—and the fright- was present at the election-eve meeting in meeting was to persuade General Momohful aftermath, are real. Akure on behalf of the PDP. to release some detained PDP agents. Somewhere in Abuja, the Inspector General of Police is sitting on his hands, afraid or com- The audio-tape, as analyzed by specialists “I was there, Fayose was there, Otunba General Momoh has so far said nothing. plicit.and people who know the participants, Omisore was there, Senator Obanikoro was There is evidence that Adamu, the cap- Impunity, complicity, an absence of integri-identify one of them as Musiliu Obanikoro, a there,” Adesiyan declared to Sunday Punch. tain’s 15-year old brother, was bound and ty and professional pride are ruiningformer Nigeria ambassador to Ghana, for- “I am not denying that there was a conver- tortured. Momoh is alleged to have been Nigeria’s security services as their command-mer Senator and at the time, a junior sation but it was not what they are saying.” acting in the election at the instance of the ers accept errand chores for politicians. In aMinister of Defence in the government of Chief of Army Staff, who was executing quiet coup, the most scurrilous civilians havePresident Goodluck Jonathan. He has Following Adesiyan’s admission, Fayose President Jonathan’s script. taken over our disciplined forces.recently been renominated for another hopped from denial to denunciation. Little wonder then that the president has In the end, the lesson to learn is that weakMinisterial chair. “…Listen to the tape you will see that I was denied the authenticity of the tape. “It’s all men—men of weak character—cannot pro- On the tape, Obanikoro asserts himself: “[I] the one accusing the army of compromise,” fabrications,” he told the Wall Street vide strong leadership. Weak men cannotam not here for a tea party, am on special he said, with no apology for his lie that that Journal. “Why should I investigate things build or lead strong institutions. Weak menassignment by the President.” the tape was an invention. “Listen, take that are not real?” may loot and steal and kill, but they cannot a In his first response as the tape goes public, time to listen. But they would come back strong nation build.Obanikoro denied being the person heard, with propaganda and saying it all as if the That was despite the key figures on the Let the history books reflect the fiction thatdenouncing the audio as fake. He has since whole world of propaganda belongs to recording admitting their participation. in June 2014, Fayose defeated incumbentthen admitted to Senators, the support of them,” he said. Late last week, even the political traveler Governor Fayemi by an incredible 203,090whom he is trying to gain in his quest to Femi Fani-Kayode, who is currently the votes to 120,433, beating him all over the state,return to the federal cabinet, that he had Two-time governor Fayose is the father of spokesman of Mr. Jonathan’s campaign, including in Akure and Fayemi’s own localparticipated in the meeting but that the several children, and it is unclear exactly controverted his boss. government of origin.objective had not been to rig. how they feel when they face their friends “We have listened to the audio clip and we The entire experience was about the deter- who have listened to their father’s scan- make bold to say that the discussion that Let those books record that Kayode’s lossmination of the Peoples Democratic Party to dalous performance on the tape. The gover- took place in it did not make any mention was, in effect, an act of armed robbery of themake Ayo Fayose, a former governor of the nor almost engages in fisticuffs with of any form of rigging in the Ekiti state people. And let them show that the people ofState, its new governor. General A.A Momoh as the PDP mugging governorship election and neither did it Nigeria found out how the grand act of brig- team orders military men to implement the contain any evidence of any conspiracy to andage and deception was carried out in full Fayose was at the meeting. At first he also rigging scheme and work with PDP agents rig,” he said. view of a scoffing world but nobody gave adenied having been present, and blamed to that end. Momoh’s brief included the damn.the All Progressives Congress, which he arresting of selected APC stalwarts, includ- Few things in Nigeria can demonstrate I name this feeling: shame.denounced as a party of liars, alleging that ing Bimbo Daramola, the Director-General why Nigeria does not work as thecomputer software had been used to make of the opposing Governor Kayode Fayemi “Ekitigate” tape does. Every time there ishis voice sound like his voice. campaign. the opportunity to do the right—and “There are softwares that can re-create voic- That plan included the use of a confidential sometimes easier—thing, Mr. Jonathanes and even bring the voices of long-dead and restricted “National Security Task” chooses the wrong. Even on a recording innotable persons back to life,” he told the sticker on official cars to help separate the which his name was deployed to do evil,manipulated people of Ekiti. “There are soft- PDP rigging machine operators from others he failed to identify the opportunity towares that can turn printed text into synthe- and help General Momoh’s Special Team defend what is right.sized speech, making it possible for anyone prevent APC voters from reaching theto use recordings of a person’s voice to utter polls. Add that to the widely-reported arrest But the reason the Ekiti rigging master-new things that the person never said. One of APC members in Ekiti during the election plan is such a sad story is that somewhereof such softwares is called ‘Natural Voices.’” period and the scandalous use of masks by in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff is ignor- so-called security officers and it is clear that ing this clear opportunity to clear the a shameful political crime has been com- name of an army, which tortured a 15-year old. The CAS is afraid, or complicit.Of Problematic Candidates And Dicey DecisionBy Olumide Abayomi Buhari came into power via a coup d’état in December All what we could remember of the mercifully short 20 months he ruled Nigeria was the reign of terror he inflicted in the mindsAMIDST this season of endorsements and un-endorse- 1983, cutting short our democratic experience from 1979 – and psyche of Nigerians. ments, Prof. Oluwole Soyinka recently came out clean on where he stands with the two main presi- 1983 after upstaging Alhaji Shehu Shagari. The families of At 72 and after three failed attempts without success, he is pas-dential candidates that have been presented to Nigerians, sionately strong on becoming the president; but has that pas-when he took a swipe on the frontline candidates, Ambrose Alli, Bisi Onabanjo, Obafemi Awolowo, and sion been sufficiently scrutinized or is he being shielded by hisPresident Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic party to ride on the current disenchantment with the presentParty (PDP) and Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the Adekunle Ajasin, among many others will not forget how he state of the country and preach change without asking changeAll Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as ‘prob- to what exactly.lematic flagbearers.’ assisted to cut short their lives, no matter the media spin According to the Nobel Laureate, there is a huge albatross We cannot because some things are not as they should withhanging around the necks of the two main candidates. “I the APC may employ to distort history. the Jonathan administration present General Buhari as some-can understand the dilemma, which many voters have. thing that he provably was not. Buhari is a dictator without aOne contender is troubled by the present, the other by the While Shagari was put under house arrest with all ameni- forgiving spirit and not a democrat. It’s nearly impossible topast,” he said. change a 72-year-old man that will need to confront and con- ties provided, his deputy, Chief Alex Ekwueme, Lagos State tend with the National Assembly and the judiciary. Clearly, there is the burden and challenge of choice asvoters will go to the poll and vote for whoever they per- governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Richard Akinjide and More so, he is in bed with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who hasceive to be the lesser evil. Nigeria is now greatly divided through subterfuge installed Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, his sidekickbetween the partisans of change and those of progress or their associates will not forget in a hurry the harrowing as the Vice Presidential candidate of the APC. We had once trav-continuity. What we need at this momentous period is for elled this road before and had been deceived once when formerall sides to exercise some self-restraint in assessment and experiences without proof they were subjected to. President Olusegun Obasanjo was sold to Nigerians in 1999.expectations. Obasanjo, a former dictator, was presumed to have been trans- With the abrupt termination of democracy in the country, formed and purged by his incarceration under Gen. Sani However, to the undecided voters, who are in their mil- Abacha. However, as posterity would prove us wrong, he turnedlions and many of whom though may be too young or the Southwest witnessed several policy reversals, which rip- out to be an embodiment of incorrigibility on several fronts,even not born at the time Buhari was Head of State, a little including flagrant contempt for law and constitution; just asdrive down memory lane would suffice for them to come ple effects still live with us till today. Some of the reversals corruption and the cost of governance burgeoned.to a balanced conclusion between the two choices before Evidently, the Jonathan presidency is challenged, except we arethem – the past and the present. This would prevent them carried out with military alacrity were the suspension of denying the facts. He has been embattled since the hue and cryfrom being carried away with the chants of ‘change’ in the that necessitated an unprecedented ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ byair, while not being deluded about the old tale that the free education in primary and secondary schools, light rail the National Assembly to make him the Acting President.past is always better. system in Lagos, and cancellation of free tuition and feeding • Abayomi writes from Lagos in all tertiary institutions. Rather, Buhari only succeeded in making “animals” out of us with the introduction of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI). No wonder jubilation rented the air the moment it was announced that he had been removed by another mili- tary coup. Nigerians breathed a sigh of relief, as a learned behavior is more effective than a forced one. Despite ruling with absolute military might and dracon- ian decrees, he failed to make the necessary and needed investment or changes to the following sectors of our national life: railway, airport, or seaport despite growing population; education, public infrastructure and utility; and the critical civil service reform that would have driven development.

TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com 54 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 Conscience, Nurtured by TruthOpinionUncontracted Road-mendersYOU have seen them on our roads. They are lently. What is he trying to communicate to the his leadership came from. He said no, they had That is such a cynical answer which does not usually to be found at the points on the road users? a lot, they had the road. And the others wanted do our people any credit. No, I don’t think that road, where a series of pot holes can be seen If the road user would look around, he or she to know what can we do with the miserable is what they will say. They will say what fantas-in a chain that makes vehicular movement would notice that not too far from the point road, full of pot holes and a nuisance to road tic young men, men who think of the good ofimpossible at the usual speed. They are spread that the uncontracted road menders have cho- users? We have the road. Let’s use it, is what I others and are prepared to work for it. Okay,across the road holding spades, diggers and sen to ply their ‘engineering’ road-mending say. How do we use it?rakes. These are immediately recognisable as trade, there are display ‘tables’ made of wood so, when they have said that nko? What next?instruments for small scale work on a building over which can be found huge plantains and That’s a good question. And here I want our vis- They will dig into their pockets and give ussite. These are not the usual instruments for yams and fruits of all descriptions such as itor Mr. Dafida Trouble and his assistant Alabaroad mending. You would expect such instru- oranges, bananas, pine apples, sometimes to listen to me carefully. Nigerians are a very whatever they can find in their pockets. Andments at a digging of wells or building of small even apples and melons. Wonder not fellow generous people. Nigerians give not only what how much do you think we can make in onestructures but definitely not for the repair of traveller how the products of the tropics and they have to God and to everybody around day from this kind of work? I think we canmulti-million naira roads. But you have to those of the temperate regions of the world them. They also give what they do not have but make some hundreds of naira, enough tounderstand that these are not contract holders find comfort in each other companies. These pray that they will have in the future. How else allow us to have some mineral drinks at thefor the making of the roads or for the repair of are the fruits of globalisation, no puns intend- does the economy support so many beggars? I end of our effort. And something to buy somethe road. So, they have not been paid mobilisa- ed at all. The women who sit languidly behind don’t mean occasional beggars or opportunis- food? Perhaps something to buy some food.tion for them to be able to buy earth movers and these trellised display spaces are no doubt rela- tic askers after charity! I mean professional beg- What if the police come? And the road safetylevellers and such heavy equipment, or even tives of the road menders and might have even gars who have built houses and trained chil- people come? And the drug prevention peoplerent them to do the work that needs to be done contributed the naira noted being flung in the dren in school and university from the pro- come? And they all accuse us of fleecing ordi-on some of our roads. But it is obvious that the face of the travellers who must of necessity ceeds of begging. Imagine the five of us on the nary people of their hard earned money andequipment they have and are wielding are defi- pause at the pot holes. road with spades and diggers and rakes filling collect all of us and take us into custody? Nonitely inadequate for what needs to be done – All the young men, four or five of them mend- the pot holes and levelling the pebbles and such thing would ever happen. You don’tthat is the repair of the road. Or else that is not ing the incorrigible road come from this near-what they are there to do. But we’ll come back to by village. The leader is a graduate of one of the sweeping away the leaves that dirty up the road. know our people and you do not know ourthat in a minute. universities with a degree in history. He is in There we are, young men, stripped to our police and security people. Along with the instruments of digger, spade the village because he cannot get a job in the waists, sweating in the sun, working hard so We must trust our people. Those who refuseand rake, they also carry a twig or tree branch nearest city. But, like the others, his taste, his that our people can drive on a smooth road. to give we shall persuade them with the use ofthat might also double as a cane, should the consumption style and content are high above What do you think the road users would think? the cane. Just wait and see what we shall har-need arise for a road user to be disciplined. Why those of the people of the village. He can barely That we are crazy and who asked us to do it? vest at the end of the day.would such a need arise? We’ll come to that also tolerate existence in the village. The nightsoon enough. Along with all these other items, before he had collected his friends, alsothe leader of the group carries a few naira notes marooned in the village from governmentwhich he displays prominently to the road employment, and challenged them to dousers or their passengers, or anyone in the vehi- something about their situation. What can wecle considered to be the purse bearer. The leader do, one of them wanted to know? What do weof the group usually waves the naira notes vio- have? They said they had nothing. This is whereAgainst Another Polls ShiftBy Adede Williams answers or assurances remain their bonds. Dissecting the shift of the 2015 polls, Obasanjo’s recent allega- Notably, these allegations came few days after former tions against President Jonathan, and the APC’s recent allega-JUST as the All Progressives Congress (APC) raised alarm that the tions of planned mayhem in some states, it would appear that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Presidency were plan- President Olusegun Obasanjo accused President Jonathan of there is more than meets the eye, as Nigerians look forward to ning to postpone the February 14 and 28 general elections, working towards a controversial polls, the same way former the rescheduled polls. There may be no smoke without fire; aswhich later came to pass, similar alarms have been raised recently Ivorian president, Laurent Gbagbo. This calls for introspection. raised by Obasanjo.by the APC again ahead of the March 28 and April 11 rescheduled Obasanjo said the sudden postponement of general elections Desperation has obviously set in as the PDP and the Presidencypolls; specifically an allegation that the Presidency and the ruling was uncalled for, stressing that the Chairman of the appeared to be determined to hold unto power by fire, by force.party plan to orchestrate security crisis in some states in the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, These approaches or antics are alien in a democratic society allNorthwest zone assumed to be the stronghold of the APC; the Attahiru Jega, was forced to do so. over the world and the consequences could be catastrophic,alleged withdrawal of Customs, Immigration and other security because whoever is banking on power of incumbency to stokeoperatives from the country’s border posts in Kebbi and Katsina “It looks to me it that the President is trying to play Gbagbo. political cum electoral crisis can never be sure of its magnitude.states to allow influx of foreigners to precipitate crisis to justify Gbagbo was the former President of Cote d’Ivoire and Gbagboanother shift of the polls, and the move to remove the INEC chair- made sure he postponed the election in his country until he Ahead of the postponed polls, the Presidency, the securityman, Prof. Attahiru Jega by all means before the elections to pave was sure he would win and then allowed the election to take hierarchy and the PDP in order to restore confidence of theway for a puppet who can write result for the party’s candidate. place. He got an inconclusive election in the first ballot and I Nigerians in their leadership should clear air on the allegations believe this is the sort of thing Nigeria may fall into if I am and show commitment to free and fair elections on March 28. No matter how one looks at these allegations, the unfolding right in what I observed as the grand plan; and then in the run- The orchestrated moves to discredit and arm-twist INEC aheaddrama across the country ahead of the postponed polls indicates off, Gbagbo lost with eight per cent behind Ouattara and then of the rescheduled polls, and possibly remove its chairman,that something sinister is in pipeline, which, if care is not taken, refused to hand over...I believe that we may be seeing the Prof. Attahiru Jega to bring in a pawn to do the bidding of themay adversely affect the country. The struggle for the presidency is repeat of Gbagbo or what I called Gbagbo saga here in Nigeria; ruling party will signpost nothing but irresponsible gover-assuming a dangerous dimension between the APC and the PDP I hope not,” Mr. Obasanjo emphasised. nance and impunity. Those pushing for another polls shift byand uncertainty surrounds how it will end.    On the excuse given by Security Chiefs that they cannot guar- foul means should be reminded that Nigerians cannot afford antee adequate security during election, Mr. Obasanjo said it another shift that may likely make the conduct of the polls From the allegations, is it possible that the reason for the polls was disappointing adding that the he thinks the military impossible in line with the provisions of the Constitution.   shift was to enable PDP re-strategise on how to win the elections? might have been forced to make that excuse.Constitutionally, protection of lives and property is the primary Meanwhile, whatever the outcome history will not be kind toresponsibility of any government. Sadly, the government of “It was even made worst when the President in the media the present PDP-led government having created tension in thePresident Goodluck Jonathan has failed woefully in the last five chat on the 11th of this month claimed not to have knowledge country for sometime now. Another shift will not only erodeyears, in discharging this responsibility, despite the enormous or not to have authorized it. I get worried, very worried that if the confidence of Nigerians in the process, it will portray theresources at its disposal. Before now, the Presidency was chasing the President of Nigeria is not in-charge of security, mainte- country in a bad light before the international community andshadows, while Boko Haram insurgents had a field day. Barely two nance of law and order and such a decision can be taken also create more tension and suspicions in the country.weeks before the country’s general elections, security was then behind him, assuming that is true, then the President must be Therefore, the power drunks who are desperate to manipulatecited as excuse to shift the polls.    reigning and not ruling and then who are the shadow figures the system for selfish reason should be reminded that the elec- that are ruling us? It means that one day we will find out this tion is not about Buhari or Jonathan, PDP or APC, propaganda But what happens if the insurgency in Northeast is not quelled country would be plunged into chaos, into commotion, into or mudslinging, North or South, Christians or Muslims. It iswithin the six weeks as demanded by the military authorities? Will confusion and the President would say, ‘I do not know about about the future of the country, capable leadership and ulti-it occasion another polls shift? The Presidency, PDP or the military it’. Of course, the President can run but he cannot run past mately the unity of the country that has suffered seriously inauthorities have not provided answer to these pertinent questions. God...” He also expressed belief that the President’s fear is par- this present administration.Their studied silence is suspicious, especially in the light of the lat- ticularly motivated by whom he sees as his likely successor, •Williams, a teacher, wrote from Asokoro, Abuja. est allegations on the planned security crisis in some states. There that is General Buhari.is urgent need to answers these questions, and to ensure that theJAWJAW ByDidi Onu

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 55 GRASSROOTSPDP Chides Fashola, APC Over Delayed Council Poll LAGOS Fashola Is Playing Double Standard sus, not to talk of picking a tion and the record is still yet and Senior Advocate of date. to be complete. Nigeria (SAN) should notBy Gbenga Akinfenwa anything but the fact that elections to elect officers into Towards the end of 2014, the This has made it difficult to ignore such provision. This their popularity is dwindling perception was that no issue election notices… “He ambition is the desperationTHE main opposition party and if they conduct the elec- all levels in the local govern- council election would hold said it was the same Fashola to win Lagos State in 2015. in Lagos State, the Peoples tion they will lose and be till after the 2015 general who was tongue-lashing The Executive Secretaries exposed ahead of the general ment structure.” elections. Even though gov- INEC for postponing the gen- have been sworn in at this election.” ernment denied it, it is now eral elections. time to manipulate the elec-Democratic Party (PDP), has But as at now, there is no clear that if the council poll “Fashola claimed it is impor- tions at their domains for He noted that Fashola is will ever hold, it will be after tant to get the Permanent APC. They will fail and thislashed out at the state being economical with the pointer to that direction, as the general elections. Voter Cards (PVC) for the time Lagosians will vote truth, because of the party’s Gani alleged that Fashola is local government election, against APC for deprivingGovernor, Babatunde Raji imminent failure at the poll, the issue of voter register and speaking from the two sides whereas he is also claiming them democratic local stressing that the party is no of his mouth. He claimed that the general election councils,” Gani stated.Fashola for his indifference more popular as being pro- other challenges listed by the that the governor told the should hold, despite the non nounced, hence the need to public during the inaugura- availability of the cards. This The Publicity Secretary,to the conduct of the Local leave the stage for a more Lagos State Independent tion of the caretaker com- is double standard. We are who ruled out the possibili- popular party that would mittees that “while it is true demanding that Section 7 of ty of his party taking theGovernment election. transform the fortune of the Electoral Commission that it is the State the Nigeria Constitution, state government to court people. Independent Electoral which states that democrati- because it will take time,The party described the (LASIEC), are yet to be sorted Commission that has the cally elected local govern- said it would continue to Almost four months after responsibility for conduct- ment election must be use the media to advocateExecutive Secretaries the exit of the democratically out. ing council poll, the register observed should be strictly for a change. elected council officials, used for the election, are adhered to, meaning thatinstalled in the 20 local gov- there is sign that election Prior to this time, LASIEC those compiled by INEC, they must conduct the poll. The tenure of democrati- may not hold in March, as because compilation of vot- The executive secretaries put cally elected council officialsernments and 37 local coun- promised by the governor. had laid claim to its inability er registration is a federal in place remains illegal and expired on October 29, 2014. responsibility that is carried an embarrassment. It is long overdue for freshcil development areas Fashola had revealed in to complete the process of out through INEC and as at “A governor, who is a lawyer elections to have been con- January during the swearing- the time the tenure of the ducted, to pave way for duly(LCDAs), to serve in transi- in of the Executive compiling voter register on last local government chair- elected officials. Secretaries that the officers men and elected councilorstional capacity as illegal and were inaugurated to serve in schedule and the need for expired, all of us were aware transitional capacity till the that INEC was still conduct-embarrassment to democra- end of March, “hoping that delineation of more polling ing update of voter registra- by then all will have beency, adding that the governor sorted out with the voter reg- units as major challenges. ister, and then we go to theis playing double standard. The Guardian has authorita-In an exclusive chat with The tively confirmed from aGuardian, the Publicity source in LASIEC that no dateSecretary of PDP, Taofik Gani, has been fixed for the poll.who said the All Progressives The source said the commis-Congress (APC) and its gover- sion had submitted its pro-nor are not willing to con- posal to the governor sinceduct the poll, hinged the September 2014 and nothingclaim on the party’s dwin- has been heard from govern-dling popularity, which may ment. Vote Wisely To Turn Nigerialikely expose it weaknesses Our investigation alsoahead of the general elec- revealed that a meeting of Around-Fadayinitions. major stakeholders was held“They are not willing to con- last Wednesday, but they invariably affects the areas of economy, education,duct any election; it is not for could not reach any consen- By Bisi Alabi Williams health, employment and social security among oth-Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Prof. Dupe Olatunbosun with pupils of the new Caring Heart Mega Primary School, Irese, Akure, TOWARDS the 2015 elec- ers.during the inauguration of the school…on Friday. tions, a call has gone out to the electorate at the He said, “Our understand-ABIA Group Demands Equity Over Ministerial Appointment grassroots to use their votes ing of these economic, wisely by voting candidates political and social realitiesBy Gbenga Akinfenwa UKWA-NGWA to many as a surprise, given Abia State is made up of who have workable plans to should guide the electorate the trademark lopsided- three senatorial zones bring about a turnaround to elect a new set of leadersAS the Senate gets set to opportunity of choosing ness in such appointments namely; Abia North, Abia in the nation’s economic, that will govern the nation. screen the eight nomi- their gubernatorial candi- by Orji and his knack for Central and Abia South. As infrastructural and social With the national electionnees forwarded to it by date on the platform of the turning deaf ear to the cries far as the governorship seat development. around the corner, the elec-President Goodluck Ebele ruling Peoples Democratic for equity and fairness in is concerned, the North has torate should look out forJonathan for ministerial Party (PDP), as Governor Abia governance. ruled for eight years, I am The advise was given by the leader who stronglyappointment, a group in Theodore Orji single-hand- from the Central and would Rev. Paul Fadayini, District believes in the unity ofsearch of equity in Abia edly handpicked Dr. Okezie The release reads: soon be completing my Overseer of Foursquare Nigeria. They should lookState is worried about the Ikpeazu as the party’s flag “Harping on the need to tenure; therefore, for the Gospel Church, Ifako Ijaiye, for the person who under-prospects of another mis- bearer. ensure that all blocs are car- sake of equity, fairness and Lagos, while speaking with stands the realities of thecarriage of justice and the ried along in the sharing of justice, it will be good for The Guardian on the state of nation’s economic, infra-unleashing of yet another The group fears that just political offices, Orji had power to shift to Abia South the nation and on the forth structural and social back-political blow on some as the dust over the guber- told Abians that ‘You all in 2015 in the state. Arguing coming elections. He said wardness, and has work-long-suffering segments of natorial primaries still hov- know very well that I am a for power shift to Abia Nigerians who strongly able plans for bringing aAbia State, God’s Own State. ers, the Governor has again product of power rotation South, Orji had said: “If desire to see the country turnaround in these areas stunned Abians with his or power shift and it is there is fairness and equity, evolving a sustainable spelt out in his or her polit- Abia Equity Group (AEG) nomination of Col. Austen against that background there will be no rancour. democracy after this round ical agenda.”in a release signed by chair- Akobundu (retd) for minis- that I still insist that the per- But if there is no equity and of polls must come to termsman, Chidi Uwalaka, terial appointment by son that will succeed me fairness, anarchy may set with the painful truth, “There is a problem com-recalled that recently, President Jonathan. This it will come from Ukwa in.” which is, that Nigeria has mon to many developingAbians were denied the said did not however come Ngwa. It is also a fact that big gaps to fix in the eco- nations, but Nigeria’s nomic, educational and democracy seems to be infrastructural sectors. turning the corner. Judging from the recent According to Fadayini, governorship elections in Nigeria is a nation blessed some states, in Ekiti and with huge human and Osun states, the material resources, but its Independent National development has been seri- Electoral Commission ously slowed down by poor could be said to be living infrastructure, especially in up to its billing. the power sector, as well as poor governance, which Groups Task Candidates On Quality Representation ETUNO grammes, if elected.    EYM in statement signed From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, by its President, Monday Benin City Orisaremi and the AS the 2015 general elec- Chairman Political and tions draw Contact Committee near, Etuno Youth Moveme Dominic Odigo, called on nt (EYM) has tasked candi- members of the association dates vying to represent the and the people of Igarra in Etuno community in vari- Akoko-Edo local govern- ous positions to ensure that ment council of Edo State the people take priority in to vote for credible candi- their plans and pro- dates.

TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com 56 | Sunday, February 22, 202115 Conscience, Nurtured by Truth 2015 ELECTIONSPOLITICSOKOKO:Weak Institutions, Lack OfIdeology Cause Electoral CrisisProfessor of Political Science and former sure that those who are supposed to get country ungovernable for this present which means you are advocating anarchy in their permanent voter cards get them, and administration. Yet, he is running again society. The same group of people, have justPresident of the Ijaw National Congress, to be the president of this country. improved on it by hiring some miscreants inKimse Okoko, in this interview with KELVIN that those who have not been registered, Surely, I will not vote for him. I cannot the South to mouth parallel government andEBIRI, in Port Harcourt, says efforts must be they register them and make the PVC avail-made to form political parties based on shared able before the elections if the elections vote for somebody who declared he will so on. I won’t be surprised if the same thingideology and strengthen institutions involved are to be meaningful, if the elections are to be credible. make the country ungovernable for a sit- happens in some parts of the country if they ting government. If he took Nigeria as a do not win in 2015. All they know that theyin management of electoral processes. It is most unfortunate. I want to repeat whole into consideration and not him- must win at any cost even when the resultElection outcomes have always been con- again that I cannot think of any election in self, he should not have made that kind does not reflect their desire. The idea of this country, whether the recent election of statement. And we have seen what has forming a parallel government, it was thetentious in Nigeria. Would you blame politi- or not. If you are talking of free and fair happened since that pronouncement, most irresponsible statement for any politi-cians or INEC for the mismanagement of election, it can only be in relative terms be- which degenerated to Boko Haram and cian to make. It is sad; it is unfortunate andelections in Nigeria? cause elections were rigged, and they have the consequences of Boko Haram for the speaks volume of the qualities of politiciansIWILL blame both of them, because, if the always been rigged in this country. country. Recall also the political violence in Nigeria. electoral commission was not fully pre- What is your take on the threat by the APC that swept across the northern part of But the possibility of abuse of apparatus of pared (as with the PVCs that are not avail- to form a parallel government if the 2015 the country after the 2011 election? It was State institutions by the ruling party to rigable through out the country), then you can election is rigged?see that the problem arose from the elec- because there was the position taken by election might have necessitated the APC’storal commission. They are speaking for themselves. No re- one of the candidates that he was sure to utterance? win and that Jonathan has no chance to Nobody will like to be rigged out, but all I sponsible party should ever make thatOn the other hand, politicians create prob- kind of statement, but because they know win, that was their position, and when am saying is that there is a due process youlems for the system; they create violence. It the process in the system, they are sup- the result came in and it was not what take to challenge that result. Whether youis not the electoral commission that creates posed to take the recourse of going to the they thought, all hell broke loose.  violence in the units; politicians and their court to seek redress. So, how can a re- like it or not, the courts are there. You go toparties create violence in the various units sponsible political party come out with That is what we experienced and that court to challenge the results of election. is why they said they will make the coun- That is the most dignified way and that is theand wards. So, there are issues for which you that kind of pronouncement? It is similar try ungovernable and they are saying it way it is done. Not for you to say you willcan lay blame on the electoral commission to the pronouncement that one of the again in 2015 that they will form a paral- make the country ungovernable, not for youand some on politicians and their parties.Why has it been difficult for politicians to presidential candidates, General Buhari lel government, which means you want to say you will form a parallel government.accept defeat, as can be seen from the ava- made when he said they will make the to make the country ungovernable; because you are calling for anarchy. Whylanche of cases at tribunals after every elec- must you call for anarchy because you didn’ttion? INEC should have been able to provide the PVC long before now. Shortly af- win  an election? Not everybody would have voted for you. Why are you bringing anarchyYou are right in saying that, after election, ter the 2011 election, they should have started working on it and ensure the into society? So, it is again very irresponsiblepeople go to court to seek redress for onething or the other, particularly because elec- distribution of the PVC long before now. It is bad for us to wake up one and unfortunate. If the elections are rigged,tions have been rigged. Now, it is also inter- morning to find out that some areas have not gotten their cards, and some let them go to court. You can say the courts are not reliable, but that is what we have.esting to point out that, in most cases, the areas have not even started registration, let alone complete the exercise What we should do is to strengthen the insti-courts have not ruled in favour of those whowent to court. In many cases, those who tutions to ensure that these kinds of caseswent to court had failed. So, it is difficult, that go to court that they will be treated as quickly as possible, even if it means creatingtherefore, to say whether it was frivolous or special courts to treat electoral offences.it was because of the shortcoming of the ju- Strengthening the institutions is the answerdicial process. But if there is any violation of and not for you to say you will form a parallelthe electoral process, they can seek redress government. it is completely irresponsiblein the court. They cannot take the law in and unacceptable. And those who maketheir hands because they have failed elec- those kind of statement should be ashamedtion. of themselves and should not see themselvesConsidering the relative improvement inthe conduct of the 2011 general elections, as politicians of any sort.did you envisage the circumstances that led Is lack of ideology the reason why politicians see politics are a do or die affair?to the shift in the dates of the 2015 edition? Political parties are the bedrock for any suc-INEC should have been better prepared for cessful election in any system. They are to bethe 2015 elections, having experienced some managed by the electoral body, but if politi-of these same issues they are experiencing cal parties are not organised in such a waynow. We have this temporary voter card that that they will think of the larger society,they used; INEC should have been able to rather than for individual selfishness, youprovide the PVC long before now. Shortly af-ter the 2011 election, they should have will continue to have this kind of problem. Because, basically in Nigeria, we have politi-started working on it and ensure the distri- cal parties that are completely without anybution of the PVC long before now. It is bad principles and I mean it. The parties are notfor us to wake up one morning to find out based on any principles, they are not basedthat some areas have not gotten their cards, on any shared values, they are not based onand some areas have not even started regis- any ideology. There is no binding block;tration, let alone complete the exercise. nothing cements the members within theNow, these are the basic building blocks party.for any successful electoral process. If we are They are there because they want some-not able to get these building blocks right,then every other thing that follows will be thing for themselves. They are there not be- cause they want the good of society. In thisproblematic and that is what we are facing kind of situation you can see how it can eas-now. ily degenerate to lawlessness, violence andSomething must have gone wrong in that is what we are experiencing. Look at theINEC for the commision to be faced with commotion we have now where individualthis kind of dilemma. And I am hoping that, members of a party can decide to move towith this extension of time, which I support, another party without any feeling whatso-because if we didn’t extend it, many people ever, and these are senior members of thewould have been disenfranchised in this party where they were. All of a sudden they2015 election (and that is completely coun-terproductive to deepening the democratic have the impunity to say they will stay there and will not relinquish their position, evenpractice in this country).  I am hoping thatthey take this extension so serious and to en- CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 572015 ELECTIONS POLITICSPam Sha, a professor of Political Science and The suggestion in that report is that there is a need for the process to be changed alto-SHA: Hold The EliteDirectorofResearchandDevelopmentatthe gether — allow selection and appointment of the person to be done independently.University of Jos, in this interview with ISA Have a separate body that will handle the in-ABDULSALAMI AHOVI, examines the history terview, the selection and the appointment of the person. The Judiciary should be partCulpable For Poll ShiftofbotchedelectionsinNigeria,aswellas of it; civil society organisations should behow to sustain democratic rule.Why has it been difficult to organise elec- expected to be independent of the execu- And I think that we should provide that part of it and quite a number of independ-tions without provoking controversies? tive and the legislature and, of course, of support to the EMB to ensure its inde- ent bodies that we can vouch for. WeTHE process has been problematic in the politicians. pendence. thought that it has some credibility. If some-Nigeria for quite a long time. In very few But this management body often tries to How do you think INEC can be wholly in- one can look at that recommendation andoccasions, we had relatively peaceful violate the very nature of the principles or dependent when its chairman is ap- then probably add or reduce somethingelections; but the processes had generally terms that have been put in place for it to pointed by the President? from there and straighten the process ofbeen marred by controversies. So, why is it be truly independent. And that, in itself, is There are two levels of INEC’s independ- having a chairman, not appointed by thedifficult for us to conduct a free and trans- ence. The first level is the appointment of President, it will be wonderful, because another big problem.parent election? Why is it that, as a country, And associated with this is the level of the INEC Chairman and his commission- there are some countries that have theirwe are unable to conduct elections whose performance of the electoral management ers, and the second level is the level of fi- electoral management bodies not selectedoutcome all the players are happy with? body. In the past, their level of perform- nancing, the level of funding of the body. by the presidents. The Presidents may justOne reason is that the politicians them- ance in the conduct of some elections had The funding of INEC is from the Federal sign the letters, but the appointment isselves have been unable to observe the rules been very poor. First, registration of voters Government, and it comes in from the done outside the executive and the legisla-and regulations in the conduct of elections. was done very late, and so you had situa- consolidated revenue account, which I ture.Many of them are so interested in getting to tions whereby the electoral management think is a step ahead of the previous What is your reaction to the allegation thatoffice by all means that they use all available body struggled to make things right at the arrangement where the funding had to be the Presidency is plotting to have an Interimresources, all available strategies, at their dis- done like in other ministries. You had to government for obvious reasons?posal to ensure they win elections. Although last minute and in such situations, mis- wait and beg before money was released I am not in the heart of the discussion, so I takes were made. Names of eligible voterswe expect that all strategies must not be put were not found in the registers. Some of for the conduct of the elections. So, I think do not know where this is coming from. Butin place by politicians or political parties to the registers were not even seen. it is a step further; but it doesn’t really en- I do not think that the interim governmentwin elections, it must be to the detriment of In the past also, some registers had dif- sure total independence. We expect that proposal is good for this country. It is likelythe process. It must not violate the rules and ferent names of people from different loca- there should be a reform that will look at going to truncate the democratic processregulations. It must not impinge on demo- tions and quite a number had also been the financial because we believecratic process that has been put in place to marred with a lot of fraud. There were un- aspect to en- in the regularity ofachieve this goal. der-aged registrations. We also had for- hance that elections.You may even ask, why are the politicians eigners who were not supposed to register level of auton- Although weengaging in this fierce battle? Basically, any also participating in the registration. So, omy. have our chal-person who has access to the state house and that has been a very big minus for the elec- The most im- lenges within thehas access to the resources that are usually toral management body. portant one country, webeing appropriated by those in government We often know that, in terms of the con- that people are shouldn’t politi-and the use of these resources tells a lot of duct of elections, some pass marks have always con- cise or use thesestories about the ways the elite makes use of been given particularly lately, where INEC cerned with is challenges to trythe resources. We are very familiar with sto- has stepped up efforts in the conduct of the appoint- to truncate democ-ries of corruption; we are familiar with sto- elections. But we still notice some lapses, ment of the racy. By all means,ries that are not palatable in the sense that particularly in the production of electoral chairman of let them try tothey affect adversely the development of this materials and the use of these materials. INEC and the tackle the immedi-country. I also think that these politicians On the whole, I think that we will not commission- ate problems asfind a way of trying to capture the Independ- blame only INEC, but also the politicians ers. And since being pointed outent National electoral Commission (INEC). and also those in control of the machinery this is done by in the Northeast.The electoral management body in the past of government for the kind of problems the President And within thehad been manned by individuals that were that we have witnessed. The elite should and ratified by time frame, Presi-appointed by the President; and the Presi- be held responsible because they are the the National dent Goodluckdent, being a member of the ruling party, ones that engage in terrible battles for Assembly, it is Jonathan has saidhad also tried to bring in people who they electoral office. seen that once the elections willcan have control over. I think that is one of We are hoping that the politicians will re- you have a be conducted andthe basic problems that we have faced in this form their attitude, observe the rules and president, of course he is a member of a handing over will be done smoothly in May.country. So, if the electoral management play the game according to rules. And the political party, and you also have a parlia- So, if that is what I hear from the President,body is perceived as being sympathetic to a EBM should be given support; and, who- ment that is dominantly occupied by the then I support that move.particular political party, either the ruling or ever is going to be managing that body dominant party, then you have a smooth But, if there are subterranean moves to ex-the opposition party that is trying to come should be a person with transparent atti- sail of this chairman of INEC and his com- tend the period, I do not think that will beinto office, then it will definitely create prob- tude, a person with track records of being missioners. nice for this country, and I pray that thislems for the polity, because the electoral a dedicated citizen and a person who has Justice Mohammed Uwais report on elec- proposal does not have a sail in the nationalmanagement body in theory and practice is the mind to do the best for this country. toral reforms provides a way out of this. polity.‘Weak Institutions, Lack Of Ideology Cause Electoral Crisis’CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56 other units, then it is of no use. The purpose would have been defeated.  I think the card readers will be very necessary and useful in mitigating against the possibility of rigging.though they had moved from their party A, which is the ruling party to party B. So, how Is INEC truly independent to guarantee free and fair election?can you have a decent system with characters like that? In the parties, there are notshared values among the members. Everybody for himself and that is the real situation They ought to be independent. I say so because I know that what they asked for by wayin Nigeria. And after the election, it is translated to the National Assembly. You can see of budget, they were given everything they asked for the elections. Now, if that is thehow they behave in the National Assembly. case, what is going to make them not act in an independent manner? It is only if the money is not enough and they are crawling and begging for money that it will be easy So long as we have parties that are completely without any shared values, without any to compromise the system with some people. But if the money is made available, I can-ideology, so long will politics and election in this country remain the way it is; violence, not see why you cannot assert your independence from government.non-issue based campaigns, deceit and unruliness. That is the tragedy of the Nigerian Has the campaign so far been issued based?electoral process. My advice is that let all the politicians and parties go back to the basis.Let them get together on the basis of what they share in common in the party so that the Not much of issue based. There has been so much name calling, vague promises thatparty will be seen as one that shares a common ideology and win converts from the rest they cannot implement. No serious debate on issues and what surprises me is that aof society.  They have to do that. candidate will refuse to take part in a  public debate on issues concerning election, that to me was a great disappointment. They have to form real political parties. What we have now are not real political par-ties. They are just make do organs to win power without any values and principles. I can- It is during that debate that you will see who is firmly on ground and who is a charla-not over drum the issue of lack of ideological parties in this country because it is the tan, more or less. During debates, people conducting the debate will raise issues and theheart of the problem we are facing in this country as far politics, political parties and candidates will respond to those issues. Even if during the campaigns issues are notelectoral process are concerned. Those who do not belong to PDP let them go. Those in the forefront, during the debate it will be forced to be in the forefront because thosewho do not belong to APC, let them go. Let all those who have shared values form PDP who are posing the questions will now raise important issues of the day, important is-and the other parties. Let them go back to the basis and form political parties the way sues of the future for them to respond to. It is unfortunate that one of the candidatesthey are formed in other democracies not this jungle formations we have here. said he cannot take part in those debates.Are you confident that the INEC card readers and the PVC will help minimise electoral Is it really possible to have a credible and rancor free election in Nigeria?fraud? It is possible only when there are parties that are based on shared values and ideolo- If the card reader is used it will definitely minimise, for instance, multiply voting. It is gies. Parties with principles that bind members together and not parties based on peo-going to be a better way of conducting election. It will help in ensuring free and fair elec- ple who are there only for themselves. So long as we have the kinds of parties we havetions. The crooks in the system will still want to subvert or circumvent it, but it is a nec- now, it is going to be extremely difficult for us to get free and fair election because manyessary stage in the electoral process. so, I am hoping that the card readers will be of these people that are in these political parties do not qualify to be members, they  areavailable in all the units. If you make it available in some units and it is not available in there because of what they can get from it. so, anything that is going to rob them from that exercise, they will fight against it and that they do.

58 Sunday, February 22, THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comPOLITICS 2015 ELECTIONSPDP rally in Akure, Ondo StatePolitical Campaigns: How PDP Made A Difference In AkureFrom Niyi Bello, Akure cipled stand over the years against mili- the state, the national campaign DG and LP has fused into the PDP and we now haveEXCEPT for a terse statement by Vice- tary dictatorship and other anti-demo- former PDP chairman, Ahmadu Alli who a super mega party that is too formidable President Namadi Sambo describing cratic forces and showcased their was introduced as the pioneer head of the to beat by any opponent. In the coming President Goodluck Jonathan as a exploits in the field of education in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and election, we will vote and vote and vote forwell-read candidate contesting election Nigeria said the people of the state were former Education Minister and an example the president and all our candidates.”with some candidates “who are struggling proud of their resolve to support of the party’s commitment to youth devel- The Chief of Staff (COS) to the president,to bring out their school certificates,” the Jonathan for a second term of office. opment, said he was now sure that Brigadier-General Jones Arogbofa (rtd),presidential campaign of the Peoples He thanked the president for “expand- Jonathan would win the votes of the South reeled out what he called the dividends ofDemocratic Party (PDP) in Akure, Ondo ing access to education in the establish- West geo-political zone. Jonathan’s presidency to Ondo State in theState capital, was entirely issue-based ment of more tertiary institutions in the Speaking smattering Yoruba to the delight last six years.unlike those before it that were full of country, with Ondo as a beneficiary of a of the crowd, Alli thanked the leadership of He listed these to include 589 differentmud-slinging and character assassination. new Polytechnic at Ile-Oluji, and the Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural projects embarked upon by the Niger DeltaAlthough the PDP could not be said to be expansion of opportunities for Nigerians and political organisation who at a meet- Development Commission (NDDC) ofthe only culprit in this act of narrowing in the transportation sector, which man- ing with Jonathan the previous evening in which the state is a member by virtue of itsdown the very serious business of solicit- ifested in the revival of the railway sys- the Akure home of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, oil-producing status, the presidentialing for votes to personality clashes, which tem and provision of adequate health- its octogenarian leaders, endorsed the PDP approval for the establishment of thegreatly reduced the value of the cam- care delivery.” candidate for the 2015 presidential contest. College of Medical Technology for thepaigns, equally guilty is the party’s main The governor who expressed delight at He said, “I want to, on behalf of the Federal University of Technology, Akurechallenger, the All Progressive Congress the massive turn-out of supporters of the Jonathan campaign organisation and the (FUTA) and of course the establishment of PDP and a cross section of non-partisan entire PDP family, thank Chief Fasoranti the Ile-Oluji Federal Polytechnic.(APC).The Akure outing was an example of what people that were mobilised from various and the Afenifere for accepting us yester- Arogbofa also mentioned the rehabilita-a party desirous of convincing the elec- sectors of the societies, told the visitors day. I also thank Gani Adams whom I met tion of the Ipele-Idoani road, the construc-torate for another mandate should use a that “Ondo is a PDP state and we promise this morning and who also accepted us. tion of the 2/60 133/33 KVA substation in Osecampaign platform to do; showcase what it to deliver this state to the president on With the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and other electricity projects, the numer-has done in the past to develop the land march 28 and return all the candidates of and Afenifere on our side, the whole of the ous Sure-P projects in human and infra-and its people and enumerate what it the party from the National to the State South West is for us.” structural developments, which he saidplans to do with a fresh term of office. Assemblies.” Special Adviser to the president on Niger were part of the administration’sAnother factor that stood the Akure cam- The Deputy Director-General of the Delta Affairs and Chairman of Federal Transformation Agenda which he said tar-paign out was the manner the occasion Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Government Amnesty Programme, geted at taking Nigeria to the next level.was packaged with all the allures of a first Organization in the southern states, for- Kingsley Kuku who hailed from the Ijaw- He said despite being the president of theclass event where no effort is spared in mer Anambra state governor Peter Obi, speaking rverine area of the state, dwelt on largest and most powerful black nation inmaking the invited personalities and polit- who has a sizable number of admirers in the renewed strength of the PDP in Ondo the world, “President Jonathan is so hum-ical figure as comfortable as possible while Ondo that he cultivated during the two with the merging of the party and the pre- ble and so committed to the advancementthe aesthetics of the whole scene was dis- occasions he had visited the state as a viously ruling Labour Party (LP) saying the of humanity that we can’t but allow him to governor, described the president as “the victory of Jonathan is assured in the elec- continue in office for us to continue to reapcernible to all present. the fruits of his good works.”The Ondo Director-General of the best thing to have happened to Nigeria.” tion.Jonathan Campaign, Tokunbo Modupe, a In his address to the enthusiastic crowd According to him, “in those days, the LP A chieftain of the party and candidate invery successful entrepreneur and event who came from the 18 local councils of and the PDP used to slog it out but now the the 2012 governorship election in the state, Chief Olusola Oke who was initially againstpromoter, who few hours before the out- the defection of Mimiko to the party,ing told The Guardian that the state wasgoing to witness a grand campaign, actual- The Akure outing was an example of what a party desirous of con- assured the crowd in his address that the PDP was now a formidable platform withly did a marvelous job with the seamless vincing the electorate for another mandate should use a campaign focus on winning the state for Jonathan.organisation where every little detail was Apparently referring to the issues that hadtaken into consideration. platform to do; showcase what it has done in the past to developThe tone of the well-planned campaign the land and its people and enumerate what it plans to do with a divided the leadership of the party in the past, Oke who got a loud ovation from thewith the trappings of modernity in the use fresh term of office. Another factor that stood the Akure campaign crowd said “I have spoken with Mr.of current technology and breathtaking President and he has promised us that inconstruction of the canopies was set by the out was the manner the occasion was packaged with all the alluresstate governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who of a first class event where no effort is spared in making the invited the next dispensation, Ondo State is going personalities and political figure as comfortable as possible while to be given the right attention. I havewelcomed the dignitaries to Akure. The governor who dwelt on the virtues of the aesthetics of the whole scene was discernible to all present CONTINUED ON PAGE 62an average Ondo State citizen in their prin-

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 592015 ELECTIONS POLITICSBy Ikenna OnyekweluFORMER Governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank (CBN) Prof. Jonathan Soludo Chukwuma Soludo loves watching events about Nigeria from the balcony in the month of January. Soludo’s Thesis Versus Jonathan’sThis past January, the former CBN chief better known for Fading Excitement In South Easthis banking consolidation policy, described the eventssurrounding the nation’s general election as drama. And Jonathan, that the Vice president did not campaign for For instance, while the President seems to still bearlike a curator, he condensed his observations in black and Soludo to be governor. “Severally, it was announced that secret grudges against Governor Sullivan Chime for hiswhite in an essay titled “Buhari versus Jonathan: Beyond the president represented by vice president Jonathan was ambivalence during the President Yar’Adua saga, histhe election”. The thesis which dwelt so much on Nigeria’s coming to flag off Soludo’s electioneering campaigns, on Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) har-political economy,, leadership atrophy and the manage- each occasion it did not happen,” the source added. Given bours contempt for Governor Martin Elechi over his run-ment of our petro dollars, more than anything else, what befell Yar’Adua and ascension of Jonathan to the ning of Ebonyi State. The feud between Anyim and Elechibrought into vivid contrast the quality of President Presidency, it could be seen that Soludo’s essay was deliv- started rearing its ugly head during the period leading toJonathan’s point’s men and traducers in South East. ered with animosity to influence the presidential election the election of new Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo leadership. WhileDripping with facts and unstated animosity against the earlier scheduled for February 14, 2015. But over and above Anyim sided with the former Vice President General, ChiefJonathan’s presidency, that Soludo’s thesis was meant to a possible desire to draw even, the brilliance of Soludo’s Gary Enwo Igariwey,, Elechi wanted former Chairman ofachieve a political purpose is not yet fully appreciated. thesis did much to accentuate the lack of commensurate Senate Services Committee, Omezue Azu Agboti, to take marketing of President Jonathan’s positive deeds for the the Ebonyi slot as the President General of Ohanaeze. And Many people agree that Prof. Soludo is an intelligent with the SEGF, given their vacillation to consent to T. A.man, while others who trace his political calculations say South East. Orji’s chairmanship, Chime and Elechi continued tohe lacks common sense. Yet in the midst of those diver- The President’s men in the South East come off as crouch- receive subdued betrayals from their Abia counterpart.gent opinions about the man, it is evident that Prof. ing midgets around such characters as Soludo, Oby For while Chime and Deputy President of Senate, IkeSoludo knows how to set off debates and discussions: he Ezekwesili and Osita Okechukwu, whose vocal opposition Ekweremadu jostled for the Enugu West Senate ticket ofhas what in journalism could be called headline- casting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its flag bearer the PDP, the chairman of SEGF sided with Ekweremadu. Inproficiency! In 2010 when he contested the governorship shines with content and colour. While Osita Okechukwu, Ebonyi too, the Abia State governor did not show enoughof Anambra State, he headlined his Soludo Solution cam- as the mouthpiece of the All Progressives Congress (APC) solidarity with Elechi while he contested the PDP struc-paign under the African Dubai-Taiwan. The former CBN in the South East, continues to attack policies and pro- ture with the SGF and other financiers of PDP in the zone.governor succeeded in making much attention primed in grammes of the ruling party, people are left to wonder if All these have made it hard for the three PDP governors tohis direction. But as if to drive home the lack of common PDP has any mouthpiece in the geopolitical zone. The APC form a formidable team to sell President Jonathan, who issense epithet, Soludo forgot that most traders in Onitsha spokesman in South East remained unrelenting in his also manifesting ambivalence towards the governors. Soand Anambra businessmen source their wares and carry attacks on President Jonathan’s signature projects in the Prof. Soludo’s thesis, coming at such a time it came,on business transaction with China. Given their competi- zone, like the Akanu Ibiam International Airport facelift helped to ensure that President Jonathan bears the bur-tive geopolitics, Taiwan was a name China does not like to and the award of contract for the construction of a second den of a politically dissolute South East.hear. So, like harmattan fire the gory implications of a Bridge across River Niger! As Okechukwu continues to firepossible Soludo governorship on business relations his fiery darts, no fitting response was coming from the If President Jonathan loses his second term mandate, thebetween Anambra big men and China, caught on and ruling party in the zone. For instance, nothing was heard South East would be the greatest losers. While the zone’sconsumed the Prof’s gubernatorial structures. about the business environment created by President loss could be traced to the absence of strategic political Jonathan for Igbo businessmen or the quality of appoint- thinkers, the President’s loss would lay squarely on his The last time Prof. Chukwuma Soludo wrote a lengthy ments into federal positions. The cumulative effect of the style and the shoulders of his points men in the zonethesis from his balcony observatory was in 2013, three disparity in engagement was that we saw a ruling party whose best is not good enough. It was perhaps by sensingyears after losing the February 6, 2010 election to the then that was struggling to keep its cool in the face of the confused position of South East in the forthcomingGovernor Peter Obi, who he described in a condescending election that Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo Eldersmanner as a third class brain trying to govern an A state. approaching crucial election. Advisory Committee, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, urgedAll through his second term in office, Obi continued to To make matters worse, the President seemed to rely on Nd’Igbo to vote according to their consciences, stressingsulk silently about how he would live to see where that as a people, “we have no preferred presidential candi-Soludo’s first class brain will lead him. money bags and self-made men who worship their mak- date for the presidential election.” The first republic min- But in that January 2013 article, Prof. Soludo dwelt on the ers in the South East. The President’s strategy of having his ister told journalists that his position was informed by theissue of Nigeria’s leadership selection under the title, new friends drive his contacts in the geopolitical zone fact that Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo did not present the platform“What Obasanjo, Yar’Adua told me.” The former CBN from Abuja had its toll. Politicians like Senator Anyim Pius for the two major presidential candidates, GeneralGovernor recalled in that piece how he raised a prayer Anyim, Peter Obi and Olisa Metuh are not known to be Muhammadu Buhari and President Goodluck Jonathan torequest during the usual morning devotion in Aso Villa crowd pullers or affiliative leaders. It was against that dialogue with Igbo leaders so as to arrive at a commonunder President Obasanjo regime. He pointed that his background that when the Soludo treatise hit the news- decision.prayer point that Peter Obi’s tenure would mark the end stands that many people in the zone began to ask whoof political brigandage in Anambra State made Obasanjo thinks and talks for President Jonathan in South East. The lack of meeting point between Igbo intellectuals,to add: “We shall pray as you have requested but the prob- political and business classes has helped to leave Southlem with you people from Anambra is that those of you Also the dissolute nature of the South East Governors’ East divided and vulnerable. Every class enjoys its conceitwho have something to offer shy away from politics and Forum adds its own burden to the declining fortunes of by cocooning itself away from the people! In such a curi-hooligans have taken over your state.” Could it be that the ruling party in the zone. By the time Peter Obi was ous situation, Prof. Soludo’s politically motivated treatisePresident Obasanjo, not satisfied with Soludo’s intellectu- serving out his eight-year tenure as Anambra Governor simulates a scalar quantity: having magnitude but with-al prayer point, decided to spice it up with political com- and Chairman of SEGF, none of the governors, except out direction.monsense? Theodore Orji, could be said to be a great fan of President In that same article under reference, Prof. Soludo alsonarrated what transpired between him and then Jonathan.President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He wrote: “After leavingoffice as governor of the central bank, I was in Londonwhen twice in June 2009 I received calls from AlhajiMangal to the effect that President Umaru Musa Yar’Aduawanted to see me anytime I was in Nigeria. I returnedwith my family late July and on Sunday, July 26, I receiveda call that the president wanted to see me by 9:30pm.After a few banter, he asked what I was doing abroad…“Well”, he started, “it is not because you are here, but Ihave said this several times to you. Given your age, skills,and your accomplishments for our economy and finan-cial system, it would be a waste for you not to continue tobe involved in Nigeria’s public service… For example,there is going to be an election in your state early nextyear and I want to strongly urge you to show interest…You know that your state has been unfortunate with lead-ership, and our party has been in crisis there…” Though Prof. Soludo’s January 2013 essay sought toexplain the genesis of his failed ambition to be governorof Anambra state, what was not well known was the silentgrudge between him and Yar’Adua’s deputy, VicePresident Goodluck Jonathan. Sources in Aso Rock villadisclosed that part of the bargain in President Yar’Adua’sproposition for Soludo to become governor was the possi-bility that he should be drafted from the position afterone year to the presidency as Yar’Adua’s running mate forthe 2011 election or at best be groomed to run for the pres-idency at the end of Yar’Adua’s eight years. And, but forthe death of President Yar’Adua in 2010, that plan mighthave been implemented. However the sources recalledthat it was based on that arrangement especially on thelikelihood of supplanting the then Vice President

60 | Sunday, February 22, 2015 THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 61 2015 ELECTIONS POLITICS The Storm Of Change Is Brewing In Nigeria By Bola Tinubu system that moves our active, energetic population safely and moves our goods HISTORY is upon us, asking something and produce cheaply. Instead, our roads bold of us. Those who hear must have become portals of death where peo- respond to its call because history is ple perish by the dozens — one accident impatient. If we tarry, history shall not. If we after another. fail to act as the situation requires, history Yet, those in command do nothing for the will still move forward and its pen will write average Nigerian who is forced to run this an unanswerable verdict against us. All the gauntlet of death for his daily crumbs of prior achievements and feats we have bread. Instead, those who could improve recorded in the past will matter little unless this situation for the good of all do just we now answer the challenge now facing enough to make things better for them- us. selves. We have come to the place where things Where the road is bad, they budget for it, must change or we shall sink. For the nation still the road gets worse off. Where the to continue as is constitutes nothing less road is impassable, they offer excuses and than an invitation to doom. Such a fate we empty promises. The touted improvement shall not abide. in electricity supply is now a mirage. In the The hour is late and our chance for nation- midst of petrol dollars and abundance of al progress reduces with each idle moment. natural gas Nigerians are without a com- The way Nigeria is governed must change mensurate standard of living. Our billions and change dramatically. This means the are embezzled and shared to cronies. The shape of politics must change. slogan of the ruling party is power, but cor- Nigeria must be a prosperous, secure, safe ruption is the fuel that powers their gov- nation that helps weaker nations attain ernment. peace and stability. Instead we are beset by In a prior age, an arrogant ruler reported- woe on all sides. Boko Haram falls upon our ly once scoffed regarding her starving pop- people in the North. MEND in the Niger ulation, “let them eat cake.” Today, our Delta falls upon us. Kidnapping and robbery rulers scoff at our people “let them face encircle the nation as if we have become a death.” training ground for criminal misconduct. The current way of governance makes Rich in manpower and material resources, nation building impossible.  What it does Nigeria should set the agenda for economic is make poverty and the erosion of a just development and broadly shared prosperity society inevitable. on the African continent. Today, the oppo- We have gathered at this hour and in this site is the case. Instead of having a wealth of place to put an end to this national corro- domestically produced goods in our manu- sion. We have assembled to bring a new facturing basket, we hold a virtually empty day and a new Nigeria to our people. basket. As such, we have become a basket The Nigerian people are decent and hard- case. working people. They also are long-suffer- More Nigerians than ever before suffer ing.  Just because they are long-suffering under the daily grind of poverty. does not mean they should be forced to Unemployment is so rampant among our suffer until death comes. youth that finding a job is no longer the Our people have had enough of having natural progression of life. It is seen as a nothing. The current government’s trade- miracle. mark is to throw empty words and hollow Even then, upon finding work, too many action at our problems as if doing nothing people soon discover they labour for wages will cause our troubles to leave from sheer below the subsistence level. For them, there boredom.  Instead, trouble mounts. are too many days left until the end of the If this is the government’s idea of trans- month after the money is finished. With too formation, I will have none of it. It seems little food and more tears in their eyes than their notion of change is to go from slow drinkable water in their cups, they stare motion to no motion at all. into the darkness of despair on a constant If they want to stand still, that is their basis. right. However, they have no right to force This is not the way of a great nation. It is the whole nation to stagnate with them. the way of heartless and mean governance We have things to accomplish and that puts the interests of small elite above progress to make for the good of the peo- the interests of the common working man ple. and woman, who are the soul and backbone of this nation. We should have a vast land transportation CONTINUED ON PAGE 62

62 Sunday, February 22, THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.comPOLITICS 2015 ELECTIONS‘The Storm Of Change IsBrewing In Nigeria’CONTINUED ON PAGE 62 best chance for Nigeria at this stage. WeIF they have nothing to offer except the dare not miss this chance because we can- nothing they have been giving us, let’s not be sure of another. I ask you my brothers and sisters to takejoin hands with others to sweep them aside, pride in what ACN has accomplished butso that we can keep pushing through and to have the vision and courage to see thatmove this nation upward and forward. our national imperatives require us toThis is why we hold our convention today. enter a new phase of political maturity,This convention portends the coming of sacrifice and cooperation in order to bringgreat political change. A storm is brewing. an era of progressive governance to theDon’t be frightened. It is a positive storm whole of Nigeria and not just part of it. Ifwith a positive wind. Those things that have we must end the ACN identity to form ano roots and offer no solution to the plight new party so that Nigeria can survive andof the people shall be swept away. This our people can live better life and face astorm will change the political terrain forev- rewarding future, then so be it. We shaller.  I am not afraid of this storm. I welcome do this with serious yet happy purposeit because the storm is us - our new vision. and no regrets.  May your chests fill withOur new party. pride at what we have done and may yourI stand to tell you that for the good of hearts fill with optimism at the betterNigeria this must be the last and final con- future that we shall create.vention of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Join me today in voting to move our partyACN.  As one of the national leaders of this into merger with the ANPP, CPC, other par-party, I have dedicated myself to our politi- ties and organisations to form the Allcal collaboration. I am attached to it in the Progressives Congress, APC.strongest way. I am proud of what we have I assure you that the place we are goingaccomplished. Had we not held fast in the will be your house of political fulfillment.Southwest against onslaught and intrigue, We shall have a meaningful voice in theNigeria would effectively be a one party APC. The principles of democracy, justice,state. When history rights its tale of the past visionary governance and liberty thatdecade, it will say the ACN preserved shaped the ACN shall carry over into theNigerian democracy when it came under APC. The new party will be as welcome agreat threat. home as the ACN. It will just be a biggerBut we must enter a new phase if poverty house for a larger political family.and want are to be lifted from the backs of It shall be this family that saves Nigeria byour people. Given the destructive nature of bringing to the people the creative poli-PDP governance, we can no longer be satis- cies that promote wide prosperity,fied with preserving democratic practice employment, infrastructural overhaul,and with serving as the opposition. The first education, health care, civil rights, peace,step in changing Nigeria for the better is to stability and justice.change government for the better. Thus vote with me to close the historic andWeighing all things in the balance, if I noble chapter on the ACN so that we canmust decide between the existence of this begin a new and bigger book called theparty and the improvement of Nigeria, I APC.must choose the improvement of Nigeria. For us this is not a sad ending, it is but theThat is our duty and responsibility. While it beginning of a great beginning. Let us dowould be most comfortable to remain with what is right so that when history writesour party as is, with its unique symbol, man- its account of this day, it shall write thatifesto and constitution, we are not here to we lived up to our moral duties by doingdo what is comfortable. We are here to do what the moment required. For a betterwhat is right for our people and our coun- Nigeria, the ACN must join with other par-try. ties to merge into the APC. This is our lastWe are here to answer to a greater, higher best hope. There is nothing else to do.calling.  That calling is the love of Nigeria. Thank you and God bless this conventionTo rescue Nigeria from the blight of mis- and God Bless Nigeria.goverance, we must join hands with like-minded progressives in other parties and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, master political strate-organisations. We must sacrifice our cur- gist and leader of the All Progressives Congressrent partisan identity to create a larger one (APC), foretelling an imminent change at the ACNcapable of assuming leadership at the party dissolution convention, which took place at thenational level. This and only this offers the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria on April 18, 2013.How PDP Made A Difference In AkureCONTINUED FROM PAGE 58 has not increased. This is a lie. “When we came in, only 2000worked with the President for many years.He is going to promote us and elevate us megawatts was being generated in theand he is going to strengthen our party in country, but now it has been more thanOndo State.” doubled and has reached 4,500 megawatts. We have also constructed It was however the Vice-President that 3,500 kilometers of transmission lines, ailluminated the minds of the crowd with great improvement over what we hadthe successes of the Jonathan administra- before.tion particularly in the power sector when, “As I am talking to you, the Zungeru andas the chairman of the Presidential Task Mambilla Hydro power stations, withForce on Power Reform, he reeled out the total installed capacity to produce 4,000achievements of government in the sector megawatts have been approved by theas he addressed the people. Federal Government. Sambo, who started his speech by saying “In the road infrastructure sector, thisthe Nigerian public is in the dark about administration inherited only 5,000 kilo-how much efforts the government has put meters of paved roads across the countryin place to lighten up Nigeria, said “I was but with massive investment in that sec-watching television this morning and was tor, we now have 25,000 kilometers ofsurprised how less our people know about paved roads in Nigeria, while in the railour efforts in the power sector. One sector, 3,500 kilometers of rail lines haverespondent said our generation capacity been refurbished.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 63 FOREIGNNEWSMugabe Marks 91st Birthday Amidst Concerns Low key events marked yesterday’s Didymus Mutasa, who worked over,” he said. “Power now with the president, he is totally, fully birthday but lavish celebrations are with Mugabe since the 1960s ZIMBABWE planned next Saturday (February 28) until he was fired from his presi- revolves around her and this is sad in charge,” he said, dismissing criti- in the resort town of Victoria Falls. dential ministerial position last because she is inexperienced and cism of Mugabe’s birthday festivities.ZIMBABWE’S president Robert Those celebrations will be held by the year and from the party this week “The celebrations are worth every Mugabe turns 91 yesterday, 21st February Movement, the group for allegedly plotting to oust will cause more damage.”with his supporters saying they that has planned Mugabe’s birthday Mugabe, said Grace is now the Supa Mandiwanzira, the minis- cent. This is an icon we are talkingwill back him to run his full term celebrations since 1986. Members of power behind the throne. about,” said Mandiwanzira. “He isuntil 2018 and beyond despite Mugabe’s ruling paty, ZANU-PF, say ter for Information andnagging questions about his “Grace has effectively taken pushing for the empowerment ofhealth and an economy that is Communications Technology,crumbling under his watch. blacks through the land reform pro- said Mugabe is still in charge. Mugabe’s recent fall at Harare “I sit in cabinet every Tuesday gram and the indigenization policy.”Airport fuelled renewed specula-tion that old age is catching up they are raising more than $1 millionwith the man who has ledZimbabwe since independence in for the festivities.1980. The spry Mugabe, however, Mugabe won disputed elections insucceeded in breaking his fall andapparently was not injured. His US, UK Consider New Russia Sanctions2013andhissupporterssaytheywantofficials say he is in good health. him to contest the 2018 elections at UKRAINE But the rebels announced a pris- troops to retreat.Gunmen Seize 89 94. oner exchange as part of the cease- The Ukrainian government,Boys From Camp THE US and UK are considering fire. Between 35 and 39 Ukrainian Western leaders and Nato say there Nelson Chamisa, an opposition legis- deeper sanctions against Russia soldiers and 37 people held by the is clear evidence that Russia is help- SOUTH SUDAN lator, said Mugabe should hand over following the recent events in the Ukrainian government are to be ing the rebels in eastern Ukraine the baton. “I would equate what eastern Ukraine conflict, US with heavy weapons and soldiers.ARMED men have abducted at ZANU-PF is doing to abuse of the elder- Secretary of State John Kerry has freed in the Luhansk region. least 89 boys in South Sudan, ly,” he said. “He needs to rest. Even our said. Independent experts echo thatthe United Nations children’s constitution stipulates that we have Meanwhile, an adviser toagency has said. an oblation to take care of our elderly. Speaking during a visit to accusation. Moscow denies it, Look at what happened at the airport, London, Mr Kerry accused Ukrainian President Viktor The incident happened in a a very embarrassing situation.” Moscow of “craven behaviour” in Poroshenko, Yuri Biriukov, said the insisting that any Russians servingcamp in the northern city of its support for the rebels, under- Ukrainian death toll in last week’s with the rebels are “volunteers”. Mugabe’s wife Grace, 42 years his mining a ceasefire. Nearly 5,700 people have died junior, has recently become promi- battle for the key town of nent in Zimbabwe’s politics. At this The plan, agreed this month in Debaltseve was possibly 179 with 81 since the fighting erupted last April week’s ZANU-PF politburo meeting Minsk, has often appeared close to and some 1.5 million people have she sat next to Mugabe in the seat pre- collapse. missing - a much higher figure viously taken by ousted vice president fled their homes, according to the Joice Mujuru. Grace Mugabe is secre- Each side accuses the other of than previously announced. tary for women’s affairs in the polit- multiple breaches of the truce in The rebels took the strategic trans- UN. buro. recent hours. Speaking before talks with UK port hub in spite of the ceasefire signed on February 12, arguing the Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, Mr Kerry said “additional sanc- truce did not apply to the flash- point town, forcing government tions” were on the agenda.Malakal that hosts thousands ofpeople displaced by fightingbetween the army and rebels.Unicef says the unidentifiedgunmen went from house tohouse and seized boys over theage of 12.Last week, Human Rights Watchaccused both sides of using childsoldiers, a charge denied by thegovernment.The South Sudan conflict beganin 2013 after President Salva Kiiraccused his sacked deputy RiekMachar of plotting a coup.Mr Machar denied the allega-tion, but then raised a rebel forceto fight the government.The UN believes 12,000 childrenwere used as child soldiers acrossSouth Sudan last year.About 1.5 million people havebeen displaced by the fightingand 2.5 million are facing severefood shortages.South Sudan is the world’snewest state, gaining independ- Italian national police overseeing migrants mainly from Africa and the Middle East being transferred by ferry to a centre on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa. PHOTO: BBC/REUTERSence from Sudan in 2011.PM Alexis Tsipras Warns Of Difficulties In Debt Deal GREECE The Greek cabinet later met yester- ernment will trumpet. But it is lim- ment of new funds to Greece night and day until Monday to devise the list of reforms. day to discuss the deal. ited. until the conditions of the deal No details have emerged about the German Finance Minister had been met. “If the list of reforms is not potential list of reforms, which must Wolfgang Schaeuble stressed on Greek Finance Minister Yanis agreed, this agreement is dead,” be approved before eurozone mem- Friday that there would be no pay- he admitted. bers ratify the bailout extension on Varoufakis said he would work REEK Prime Minister Alexis Tuesday. YEMEN between feuding factions on demanded the reinstatement ofGTsipras has warned of “real diffi- Analysts say a collapse of the deal EMEN’S former president would revive fears of an exit from Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi hasculties” ahead, as his government the euro, a so-called “grexit” - some- fled the capital, Sanaa, weeks afterfaces tomorrow (Monday) deadline thing both the EU and Greece say he was put under house arrest byto submit a list of reforms to lenders.they want to avoid. Houthi rebels who forced him to resign.Former President Hadi Flees CapitalUnderadealagreedonFriday,theAfter the late-night deal comes theMr Hadi later arrived in the main hard sell to the Greek public. A gov- southern city of Aden.list must be approved by the interna- ernment elected by promising to It comes a day after rival partiestional creditors in order for Greece toreverse austerity and end the bailout agreed on the formation of a tran-secure a four-month extension of its has had a major climb-down. sitional council to govern thebailout. country. It has had to accept supervision by Yemen has been in crisis since “We won a battle, not the war,” Mr its creditors - no moves without EU the takeover by the Houthis, a Shia agreement –– and a loan pro- group.YTspiras said on yesterday. gramme with conditions. UN mediator Jamal Benomar announced the preliminary accord The deal is widely regarded as a To its voters, the government willmajor climb down for the PM, who stress that it now has a say in whichwon power vowing to reverse budget reforms it is willing to make.cuts.He hailed the agreement as a “deci- The hard-left of the party won’t likesive step” that “achieved much” it, but the centre ground will, andtowards ending austerity, but added: Greece has staved off euro-exit for“We have a long and difficult road now. That is the success that the gov-ahead.” The BBC in Athens says the govern-ment is engaged in a hard-sell to theGreek people over the deal with euro-zone ministers and the IMF inBrussels. Thursday and hailed it as “an impor- Mr Hadi and reaffirmed their sup- port for Yemen becoming a feder- tant step”. ation of six regions. It is not clear why Mr Hadi was Houthi rebels seized the capital allowed to leave his home. Aides close to the former president told Sanaa in September, before cap- the Associated Press news agency turing the presidential palace and that he was freed after pressure from placing Mr Hadi under house the United Nations, the US, Russia arrest. He then quit his presiden- tial post, saying he could not con- and local political parties. Mr Hadi is said to be at his home in tinue under such pressure. The Houthis dissolved parlia- a district of Aden. His residence in Sanaa was looted ment and installed a five-member “presidential council” on after he left, witnesses said. Hadi’s supporters in Aden have so February 6. far refused to recognise what they This sparked security concerns that saw several Arab and Western denounce as a political coup. states close their embassies and Last week, the governors of the provinces of Aden, Lahij and Mahra remove diplomats.

TheGuardian www.ngrguardiannews.com Sunday, February 22, 2015 Conscience, Nurtured by TruthDavid de Gea, undoubtedly United's best player this season, dives in vain to stop Ki's shot finding the back of the net. (Inset) Rooney and Di Maria look dejected as they head back to the centre circle after concedingan equaliserDream Team VI ‘Destroy’ Man City KeepGabon In Libreville Tabs On NwakaliBy Gowon Akpodonor Golden Eaglets Overrun Zambia In Niamey The Coach Emmanuel MANCHESTER City is Onyekachi. Amuneke-led Nigeria U-17 among EuropeanIT was double celebration in Chile later in the year. Nigerian U-17 team that won Nigerians played with so team lead 2-0 at half-time clubs keeping tabs on for Nigerian football yester- The match in Libreville was the FIFA U-17 World Cup two against Zambia in the CAF U- Golden Eaglets attackingday, following victories by barely two minutes, when years ago made it three in much confidence, pinning 17 Championship in Niger midfielder Kelechi Nwakalithe nation’s U-23 team and Ajayi Junior struck to unset- the 46th minutes after col- the host to their own half. Republic. at the on-going CAF Undertheir U-17 counterparts at two tle the Gabonese. Warri lecting a pass from defender The Coach Samson Siasia-led Victor Osimhen gave the 17 Championship in Niger.different international Wolves midfielder Etebo Stanley Amuzie. Dream Team VI was forced Golden Eaglets the lead in Even before their thirdengagements. Oghenekaro made it two to bring in Sokari in the sec- the 35th minute, before game against Zambia yes- from the penalty spot in the Gabon pulled one back in ond half after Usman Kelechi Nwakali doubled the terday, the Emmanuel Nigeria’s U-23 side, Dream 44th minutes, after a the 50th min through Meye Mohammed was injured. lead just before the break. Amuneke Academy prod-Team VI, forced some bitter Gabonese defender brought Axel, but the Dream Team VI In the second half, Osimhen uct has caught the eye of apills down the throat of their down Tiongoli Tonbara in continued their dominance, The return leg will take made it three for Nigeria, number of high profilehost, Gabon, with a 4-1 thrash- the box. which paid off in the 88th place at the National but Patson Daka pulled one teams, and it appears Theing in the first leg of the 11th Ajayi who was part of the minutes through Enyimba Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, back for Zambia in the 61st Citizens are in the drivingAll Africa Games qualifiers. of Aba striker Peter March 7. minutes. seat for his signature.The match was played at theStade Augustina Sibang in Gunners Survive Palace, As Chelsea Flop Manchester City haveLibreville. already opened a line of ARSENAL leapfrogged by Julian Speroni for Olivier Ivanovic’s fourth goal in six Barnes, who escaped any communication with In Niamey, capital of Niger Manchester United, Giroud to convert from appearances put the hosts sanction for the tackle and Kelechi Nwakali's campRepublic, the Golden Eaglets who slipped to a first defeat close range for his eighth in ahead after Eden Hazard could face retrospective regarding the offer of a pre-sailed into the semifinal of in seven matches at 11 matches. Glenn Murray had brilliantly skipped past action, forced Thibaut liminary contract.the CAF U17 Championship Swansea, into third after a notched a late consolation four players. Courtois into a brilliantwith a 3-1 victory over Zambia. 2-1 win at Crystal Palace. for the home team. save but from the subse- Malaga Shock BarcaWith the victory, the Golden Ten-man Chelsea dropped However, Nemanja Matic quent corner Ben MeeEaglets have qualified for the Danny Welbeck had a two points at Stamford was dismissed midway scored nine minutes from BARCELONA deliveredFIFA U-17 World Cup holding hand in both goals - both Bridge as the Barclays through the second half time. one of their worst per- disputed by the Eagles. He Premier League leaders after he reacted violently to That gave renewed hope to formances of the season Results was brought down by Papa were held to a 1-1 draw by an excessive challenge by second-placed Manchester and Lionel Messi had his Souare for Santi Cazorla’s struggling Burnley. Ashley Barnes, meaning he City in their late kick-off at first off day of the year as Aston Villa 1 v Stoke 2 eighth-minute penalty, now misses next weekend’s home to Newcastle. Luis Enrique’s team were Chelsea 1 v Burnley 1 and then had a shot parried Defender Branislav Capital One Cup final. beaten 1-0 at home by Crystal Palace 1 v Arsenal 2 Malaga just three days Published by Guardian Newspapers Limited, Rutam House, Isolo, Lagos Tel: 4489600, 2798269, 2798270, 07098147948, 07098147951 before they face Hull 2 v QPR 1 Manchester City. Sunderland 0 v West Brom 0 Fax: 4489712; Advert Hotline Lagos: 7736351, Abuja: 07098513445 If Manuel Pellegrini wants a masterclass in how to play Swansea 2 v Man Utd 1 Editor: All correspondence to Guardian Newspapers Limited, P.M.B. 1217, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria. Barcelona he need only Man City 5 v Newcastle 0 look to the way his old club Barcelona 0 v Malaga 1 ABRAHAM OBOMEYOMA OGBODO E-mail [email protected] (ISSN NO 0189-5125) have played them this sea- Paderborn 0 v Bayern 8 ••ABC son. Freiburg 1 v Hoffenheim 1 • A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation Schalke 04 1 v Werder Bremen 1 They drew 0-0 at LaParis Saint Germain 3 v Toulouse 1 Rosaleda earlier in the sea- son and never looked into too much trouble at the Camp Nou after Juanmi put them ahead on seven min- utes after a mistake by Dani Alves.