May 08, 2016 Vol. 2 No. 39 ₦200 Putting smiles Protests, on the faces deaths as of internally economic displaced hardship hits persons varsities hard PAGE 2» PAGE 4» SUNDAY WEATHER  - 32oC  - 31oC PortHarcourt - 23oC Oshiomhole battles for political life

By Ishaya Ibrahim (Lagos) “If it was before, when they announced that tionship has turned sour. and Titus Oise (Benin) Despite occasional verbal political Greek gift of N25,000 minimum wage, the fireworks, Edo is generally peaceful. dams Oshiomhole, who whole state would have been celebrating But the rift in Government House is rode on his reputation as a tearing the state into two factions, and democratic Labour leader him, dancing in the street and saying Osho the APC national leadership looks the to become gov- baba. Now they call him Osho wayo.” other way, unperturbed. ernor in 2008, is being ac- President , APC Acused of dictatorship from all angles, leader, declines to call the combat- a charge that threatens smooth transi- ants to order, especially Oshiomhole, tion as he quits office in September. whose preference for Obaseki is the Adversaries are aghast that, Osh- genesis of the conflict. iomhole, a virulent critic of autocrats, easy. Party (PDP) juggernauts. When TheNiche asked Buhari’s both military and civilian, is determined The former Labour Congress Ever since his Deputy, Pius Odubu, to impose as the All (NLC) president is getting sidekicks showed interest in the governorship, Progressives Congress (APC) candidate from his APC stalwarts as well as fron- things have not been the same be- to succeed him. But he is not finding it tal punches from Peoples Democratic tween the two men. Their robust rela- Continues on PAGE 5

BIG ISSUE INSIDE THIS ISSUE CLOSE UP POLITICS 15» ‘We’re telling PDP and JUDICIARY 25» the Nigerian challenge LIFE 31» story through of 2019 FAITH 40» people’s voices’ politics BUSINESS 51» SPORTS 59» PAGE 38» PAGE 18» Zenith, FBN, 5 others make N13b in fees Page 53 TheNiche 2 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com News Putting smiles on the faces of internally displaced persons

Those sent packing from their homes by insurgents face multiple problems in internally displaced camps. But one of the problems, hunger, is being tackled by the government in an unusual manner. Assistant Editor (North), CHUKS EHIRIM, reports.

Ali (dressed in white), with some of the children Another group of children in the camp

ore (FCT). • 211 (25kg) bags of • 156 bales of cloth camps. than rice The materials were do- Ali, who had earlier “Today’s event is the half Food in short supply • 340 cartons of veg- nated to the IDP camp at walked around the large second in the series of the etable oil the International Chris- premises housing the donations to be made in Even in the IDP camps, • Eight jerry cans of 20 tian Centre, Uhogua vil- IDPs who are mainly the first phase. We have the victims do not sleep litres of vegetable oil lage, Benin City – hand- from the North East, said flagged off the exercise with both eyes closed as • 33 jerry cans of 25 li- ed over to the Camp the plan is to give suc- in and North East has been dev- the ravaging insurgents tres of vegetable oil Director, Solomon Fol- cour to the victims of reached out to four IDP Mastated by Boko Haram occasionally strike and • 4,820 cartons and 32 urunsho, in the presence Boko Haram. camps, namely: Damare, insurgents in the past send many to their early tablets of Eva and Savon of the wife of Edo State His words: “It gives St. Theresa, Fufore, and three years. deaths. soap Governor, Iara Oshiom- me great pleasure to Melkohi.” The zone accounts IDPs also face severe • 100 cartons of slip- hole. be here, joining all our Ali disclosed that the for over 95 per cent of hunger because food at pers well-meaning stakehold- committee is conscious more than 10,000 Nige- their disposal pale into • 16 sacks of school Safe corridors for ers who are united in of government’s ef- rians slain by the jihad- insignificance compared bags trading, farming one mission. forts to guarantee safe ists since their campaign with the large numbers “Our common objec- corridors for trading, turned ferocious in 2009. being fed daily. tive is working together farming and other eco- At a point, Boko Haram However, a presiden- to bring succour to mil- nomic activities without was in firm control of 14 tial order to the Nigeria Even in the IDP camps, lions of Nigerians who hindrance. of Nigeria’s 774 council Customs Service (NCS) have been displaced, In his view, rebuild- areas. In each area they to distribute confis- the victims do not sleep traumatised and separat- ing the North East “will occupied, they sacked cated food items stored with both eyes closed as ed from their loved ones. therefore require a legitimate governments in warehouses across “Working with partner strong collaboration of and installed their own the country to IDPs has the ravaging insurgents government agencies, all Nigerians, united in illegitimate regimes, in- started yielding fruit. the Nigeria Customs the belief that an injury cluding religious and tra- occasionally strike and send Service is executing a to one or some of us, ditional heads. Materials donated many to their early deaths. Presidential mandate to represents an injury to Most survivors of the alleviate the plight of all.” onslaughts flee their A committee set up by IDPs also face severe our internally displaced homes to become refu- NSC Comptroller Gen- hunger because food at brothers and sisters. Support from other gees in their own coun- eral, Hamid Ali, to col- “The scope of our in- agencies try, or what is com- lect and donate the relief their disposal pale into tervention involves monly referred to as materials flagged off its transferring relief items He expressed gratitude Internally Displaced assignment in Yola. insignificance compared that have been seized to the chief of army staff, Persons (IDPs), scat- It moved to Benin City with the large numbers and forfeited to the chief of air staff, inspec- tered across many states, and donated federal government, tor general of police, including Edo and the • 1,897 (50kg) bags of being fed daily. through appropriate le- commandant general Federal Capital Territory rice gal processes, to the IDP of the Nigeria Security www.thenicheng.com

Putting smiles on the faces of internally displaced persons

Foodstuff

Twist, we are asking for more of this in future.” The entire Uhogua vil- lage went into celebra- tion, with people lin- Over 85 per cent of the ing up the dusty road leading to the camp to campers are young boys welcome Ali and his and girls, most of whom entourage. Momentary happiness returned to have lost their parents the campers, who organ- ised cultural dances to and may not know herald the event. where they hail from. 85% of campers chil- There are many dren Over 85 per cent of the nursing mothers and campers are young boys and girls, most of whom pregnant women have lost their par- ents and may not know as well as volunteer where they hail from. There are many nurs- workers, including ing mothers and preg- Other relief materials nant women as well as German nationals, who volunteer workers, in- and Civil Defence Corps ed. ment of the Nigeria Cus- cluding German nation- are assisting Folurunsho (NSCDC), corps marshal “We have also re- toms Service and the als, who are assisting in the humanitarian of the Federal Road Safe- ceived tremendous sup- Presidency for their sup- Folurunsho in the hu- ty Corps (FRSC), director port from the Red Cross port to the IDPs in Edo manitarian work. work. general of the National and the media. We ap- State.” TheNiche learnt that Agency for Food and preciate you all.” Folorunsho thanked the campers consume as Administration and Con- Oshiomhole said: “I the Customs, describing much as 10 bags (50 kg) trol (NAFDAC) for their am, on behalf of the the gesture as “a source of rice a day. “unconditional support” Edo State Government, of joy to the people in since the exercise start- thanking the manage- the camp. But like Oliver TheNiche 4 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Ishaya Ibrahim Acting News Editor 0807 204 0241 News [email protected] Protests, deaths as economic hardship hits varsities hard By Henry Oduah tunately their facilities were insensitive to the hardship of Special Correspondent, Lagos inadequate. Nigerians over lingering fuel “They referred us to the crisis, power outage, and con- igeria’s general hospital. But there tinuous rise in food prices. oldest uni- was no fuel in the ambulance TheNiche learnt that the po- versity, the to take us there. That was lice raided the institution and University how our friend died in the arrested several students. The of Ibadan process.” Faculty President of the Man- (UI), joined agement Science Students, theN list of federal institutions UNIPORT, OAU Peter Ofurum, was reportedly shut down after students’ un- shot dead by the police. rest, even though the protest Within a week, two federal Occupy Nigeria, a non- was peaceful. tertiary institutions – the Uni- governmental organisation UI Vice Chancellor, Profes- versity of Lagos (UNILAG) (NGO), demanded the sus- sor Idowu Olayinka, directed and UNIPORT – were closed pension of UNIPORT Vice students to vacate their halls down because of students’ Chancellor, Professor Ndowa of residence after they dem- protests over unstable elec- Laale. onstrated against poor power tricity and water supply. and water supply in their Univer- UNILAG hostels. sity (OAU) also suffered the Laale Bello same fate as students pro- UNILAG students blocked OSUSTECH, AAU tested over poor welfare and strategic locations on cam- stall a further breakdown of pus. Although lectures have here in school is the increase treatment. pus, including the entrance law and order on campus, ended because as from Mon- in the transport cost of cam- Lives were lost in agita- A grouse over increased of the Senate Building and Senate resolved to take the day (tomorrow, May 9) exam pus shuttles. tions at the University of Port tuition fee was added in the Assembly Hall, where the following decisions until the begins.” “We used to pay N60 to any Harcourt (UNIPORT) and case of UNIPORT. Vice Chancellor, Professor situation normalises. He added that transport part of the university, now it’s University of Sci- UNIPORT Deputy Regis- Rahman Bello, was attending “All academic activities on fare from his residence to N70. We don’t have a choice ence and Technology (OS- trar (Information), Williams a function. campus are hereby suspend- campus has returned to nor- but to pay as the problem is USTECH), Okitipupa. Wodi, confirmed in a text Things got messy and the ed with immediate effect. The mal. “I used to pay N500 or nationwide,” she said. Another school owned by message to the News Agency Senate swiftly suspended university is therefore closed more to and fro school be- Ondo State, Adekunle Ajasin of Nigeria (NAN) that “Senate academic activities, saying with immediate effect.” cause of the fuel scarcity, Adamu to step in University (AAU), Akungba- has shut down the University it “considered the situation The school authority dis- now I pay N300 which is the Akoko, has also been closed. of with imme- on campus occasioned by solved the students’ union normal amount.” The upsurge in the suspen- There, students protested diate effect. the ongoing agitation of the and asked every student sion of scholarly activities as one of them was hit by a “All students are hereby di- student body over poor elec- to sign an undertaking and UNN raises concern and requires motorcycle taxi. Indigenes of rected to vacate their hostel tricity and water supply in submit parents’ indemnity intervention. Most universi- the town joined the fracas; it accommodation … while the the community, and the diffi- forms before they would be However, the University ties affected are owned by escalated, and led to the clo- students’ union and all its af- culty faced by a large number allowed to return to school. of Nigeria, (UNN), the federal government. sure. filiates’ bodies are suspended of students living off campus Three days after UNILAG another federal institution, Before the appointment of OSUSTECH students pro- with immediate effect.” to attend classes as a result of was closed, UNIPORT an- has been enjoying seren- Adamu Adamu as education tested the death of a student Protests got violent and the fuel crisis. nounced its closure as stu- ity though power and water minister in November last as a result of poor infrastruc- Wodi’s office was allegedly “Senate noted that the dents vented disapproval of supply is average. year, the ministry had con- ture. destroyed alongside the fac- problem of poor municipal the increase in tuition fee. Patricia Odia, a student of vened to address the crisis A student, Ife Olasanmi, ulty of science building. services is a national issue An economics student at English and literary studies, in public universities; now is told TheNiche that “we took The students also de- that governments at both UNILAG, Paul Sewah, who confirmed that electricity and the time for another urgent our friend who had an emer- manded the resignation of state and federal levels are lives outside campus, con- water supply on campus re- intervention. gency situation to the uni- President Muhammadu Bu- addressing. firmed that “normal activities mains normal. versity hospital and unfor- hari whom they described as “However, in order to fore- have [now] resumed on cam- “Our major challenge See who is reading TheNiche...

Alexander Bamgbala, chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, chapter. www.thenicheng.com News Oshiomhole battles for political life

Edoror Ativie Odubu

Continued from page 1 the state House of As- ience of Odubu to seek the APC ticket, “Odubu is not asking for any special favour sembly is a prelude to which they say made him to sack po- By Ishaya Ibrahim (Lagos) but only a level playing field to allow our the impeachment of litical appointees who were present at and Titus Oise (Benin) Odubu. Odubu’s flag off of his campaign. party members freely choose who to carry the A statement issued The House of Assembly has ordered dams Oshiomhole, who party’s flag …. We will resist geo-godfatherism, by EGG Co-ordinator, the arrest of Godwin Oriafo, chief press rode on his reputation as a John Ogbeide, de- secretary to Edoror, for claiming that his democratic Labour leader imposition or rigging of any sort. scribed the impeach- principal remains the speaker. to become Edo State gov- ment of Edoror and Besides, Curtis Ugbor, former media ernor in 2008, is being ac- “We call on Buhari to call [Oshiomhole] to order Osayande as part of the assistant to Oshiomhole, has alleged Acused of dictatorship from all angles, today before he plunges our state into avoidable plot to eliminate Odubu that Oshiomhole is after his life for sup- a charge that threatens smooth transi- from the APC governor- porting Odubu. tion as he quits office in September. bloodshed.” ship ticket. He told TheNiche in a telephone in- Adversaries are aghast that, Oshiom- Said he: “It’s an open terview from his hospital bed (name hole, a virulent critic of autocrats, both secret that all efforts to withheld) in Benin that he is being pun- military and civilian, is determined make Odubu give up ished for no just cause. to impose Godwin Obaseki as the All ship candidate. into the scene in world football, he his resolve to vie for the Ugbor, a rights activist cum politi- Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Umahi eventually won the election. mesmerised every team, he dribbled ticket have failed. cian, was one of the political appoin- to succeed him. But he is not finding it However, strident alarm bells rang one particular team from his own half “For the avoidance of doubt, EGG tees who lost their jobs because of their easy. on Saturday, April 30, 2016 when gun- to score a goal. wishes to put the national leadership allegiance to Odubu. The former Nigeria Labour Congress men attacked Odubu and his cam- “Where he could not score goal, he of the APC on notice as well as alert our He disclosed that his arrest on alle- (NLC) president is getting sidekicks paign team at the secretariat of the APC would use the hand of God. And every democracy-loving President Muham- gations of writing inciting comments from his APC stalwarts as well as fron- in Auchi. person said a genius has been born. madu Buhari to call Oshiomhole to or- about Oshiomhole was carried out by tal punches from Peoples Democratic When the smoke cleared, eight “Before he left active football, he be- der to allow democracy and one-man about 25 armed security officers who Party (PDP) juggernauts. persons had been injured, including came anonymous because people now one-vote prevail in Edo as the party searched his home. Ever since his Deputy, Pius Odubu, security details in his convoy. Those in- knew him well. To even score a goal in a prepares for the primaries in the He said the manner of his arrest a showed interest in the governorship, jured are still receiving treatment at the World Cup tournament was a problem. four weeks. few days before his sack was an eye- things have not been the same be- University of Benin Teaching Hospital “Like Maradona, Oshiomhole bursts “Odubu is not asking for any special opener. tween the two men. Their robust rela- (UBTH). into the scene, and people did not favour but only a level playing field to He recalled that his problem with Os- tionship has turned sour. On Sunday, May 1, Odubu’s cam- know much about him. He dribbled allow our party members freely choose hiomhole started last year when he ac- Despite occasional verbal political paign organisation addressed a press every person. Towards the tail end of who to carry the party’s flag in the Sep- companied him to where fireworks, Edo is generally peaceful. But conference on the assassination at- his tenure, people now know Oshiom- tember 10 election. he supervised the governorship prima- the rift in Government House is tear- tempt on its principal – which was hole well. Oshiomhole can no longer “We will resist geo-godfatherism, ries of the APC. ing the state into two factions, and the quickly dismissed by Information and dribble. imposition or rigging of any APC national leadership looks the other Orientation Commissioner, Kassim Af- “One day he shouts that [Odubu] sort. way, unperturbed. egbua, who described as laughable the wants to kill him with native doctor or “We call on Buhari to call President Muhammadu Buhari, APC alleged attempt on Odubu’s life. juju. The next day, they will organise [Oshiomhole] to order to- leader, declines to call the combatants On Tuesday, May 3, there was con- armed men to shoot at [Odubu]. The day before he plunges our to order, especially Oshiomhole, whose fusion when state House of Assembly people are now praying everyday to state into avoidable blood- preference for Obaseki is the genesis of Speaker, Victor Edoror, and his Deputy, see the end of Oshiomhole. shed.” the conflict. Bright Osayande, were impeached by “If it was before, when they an- When TheNiche asked Buhari’s Me- 16 of the 24 legislators. nounced that Greek gift of N25,000 Ativie denies conspiracy dia Assistant, Garba Shehu, why his Elizabeth Ativie (Uhunwomde Con- minimum wage, the whole state would principal is mute on the fracas, he said stituency), an ally of Oshiomhole, was have been celebrating him, dancing in However, Ativie told the party is in a better position to speak made the speaker and Justice Okono- the street and saying Osho baba. Now TheNiche that her emer- on it. bor (Igueben Constituency) deputy they call him Osho wayo.” gence as speaker has noth- speaker. Orbih said the PDP is devising mea- ing to do with the crisis of Buildup of rift Another lawmaker, Osaigbovo Iyo- sures to clean up the mess in the state. confidence between Osh- ha, has since crossed the carpet from “Oshimhole has borrowed more than iomhole and Odubu. Oshiomhole wants someone else to Edoror’s column to join the Ativie camp any other previous government. He has “Since this problem succeed him, not his deputy, and wants – making it 17 for Oshiomhole, and misused the resources of the state to a started, you would have to do everything to stop Odubu, ac- seven for Odubu. level that cannot be imagined. noticed that no member cording to his opponents. “He spends between N500 million of the House has spoken. On the other hand, Odubu has politi- Maradona has run full circle, says PDP and N700 million of the security vote There is no impeachment cal clout, and seems popular enough to in a month, in a state where there is no plan against [Odubu],” she stop Oshiomhole’s machinery. Edo PDP Chairman, Dan Orbih, told Boko Haram.” stressed. The man who wants to succeed his TheNiche in an interview that Osh- boss recalls easily what happened in iomhole came into the political scene Impeachment plot against Odubu Cutting Odubu to size where the then Deputy like (former Argentine Captain) Diego Governor, Dave Umahi, wrestled the Maradona and dribbled everybody Edo for Good Governance (EGG), Despite that denial, op- then Governor Martins Elechi, to the scoring goals by hook and crook. a popular group in the state, alleged ponents point to Oshiom- ground in emerging the PDP governor- His words: “When Maradona broke that the removal of the leadership of hole’s anger over the resil- Orbih TheNiche 6 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com News Abia plans integrated Remember the poor, Ezeude implores Nigerians healthcare delivery By Onwukwe Ezeru By Daniel Kanu bly election on the platform with the gifts God has be- Special Correspondent, Assistant Politics Editor of the Peoples Democratic stowed on us. It is for our col- Party (PDP), counselled Nige- lective good,” she explained. Integrated healthcare delivery ounder of Emilia rians and those in leadership On her optimism about the will take off soon in , Foundation/ to always make a case for the PDP, Ezeude said: “We must says Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Eye Care, Emil- poor. work collectively for our great He made the promise at El- ia Ezeude, has This, she stressed, would party in any way we can to en- uama Isuikwuato Council while urged Nigerians help give them a sense of be- able us bounce back. Though commissioning Eluama Primary Health Centre which was re- not to stop ren- longing in the society. I am not a prophet, I can pre- constructed and equipped by deringF help to the less privi- She also advised PDP mem- dict that we will come back to Emmanuel Mbaka, chairman of leged because of the general bers not to give up as the power at the national level in Emma Mbaka Foundation. economic hardship. party has a good chance of 2019. Ikpeazu said primary, second- She pleaded with those well upstaging the All Progressives “With where we are today ary, and tertiary health facilities off not to abandon the needy Congress (APC) in 2019. economically and politically, will be upgraded and a super because “we must at all time, “I just want to use this foun- Nigerians are already set to tertiary health facility will also be in the spirit of brotherhood dation, Emilia Foundation vote out the APC in the next established in the next two years and our cherished value, con- Eye Care, to give back as little election. to undertake heart transplant. tinue to be our brother’s keep- as I can to the society. I also “What we are undergoing Ikpeazu disclosed plans by er despite the hardship being want to use this opportunity now in the party is ‘operation the state government to spend experienced in the country.” to urge all others whom God back to Aso Rock and take about N1 billion on healthcare She made the call at the in- has blessed and with a giving over Lagos in 2019’. in the next one month, and said auguration of the foundation heart to remember to assist “But this is only possible if the process of making Eluama in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Council in the needy. we work harder, learn from Health Centre a cottage hospital Lagos, where many residents “They are our brothers and our mistakes, and play a good has begun. were given free eye care tests. sisters, and given our spirit of opposition to show Nigerians He promised to construct a Ezeude, who ran for last being your brother’s keeper, that the APC is not a better al- two-kilometre access road to the year’s State House of Assem- we must accommodate them ternative to the PDP.” health centre and commended Ezeude Mbaka for assisting the govern- ment in meeting the needs of the people. Mbaka described healthcare as Odusile emerges FAJ president essential and said the centre will provide services free. By Ayo Bada held the election during its fessionnels de l’Information de Five female journalists elect- It will also focus on gen- Eluama Isuikwuato Council Senior Correspondent fourth congress in Abuja where la Communication – Senegal). ed into the Pan-African Gender der equality in the media and Transition Committee Chairman, Odusile emerged unopposed. Alexandre Niyungeko Council are Angela Chishimaba unions, freedom of informa- Christopher Osondu, thanked Ik- igeria Union Maria Carvalho of Sindicato (Union Burundaise des Jour- (Zambia Union of Journalists), tion, online safety, and decrimi- peazu for his love for Isuikwuato of Journalists dos Journalistas Angolanos was nalistes), Denis Nkwebo (Syn- Marion Vivivan (Syndicat Natio- nalisation of libel. people and urged him to mend (NUJ) Presi- elected vice president and Zeid dicat Nationale des Journalistes nale des Journalistes du Camer- The two-day event brought the road leading to the health dent, Ab- Debbon (Syndicat National des du Cameroon), Moussa Traore oon), Particia Ajdisseku (Union together 34 delegates from centre. dulwaheed Journalists Tunisiens) treasurer. (Union Nationale des Journali- des Journalists Independents 22 journalists’ unions and as- Odusile, has Union representatives elect- stes de Cote d’ Ivoire). du Togo), Aisha Youssouf (As- sociations across who beenN elected as Federation of ed from all African sub regions Eduardo Constantino (Sin- sociation des Journalistes Dji- deliberated on issues affect- African Journalists (FAJ) presi- to serve on the steering commit- dicato Nacional de Journalistas boutiens), and Nigeria’s Fati- ing journalists and the media dent in a unanimous voting by tee are Stephen Ouma Bwire of Mozambique), Abdullai Ca- mah Abdulkareem. in Africa, took stock of FAJ’s FAJ steering committee. (Uganda Journalists Union), mara (Press Union of Liberia, FAJ outlined the safety of achievements and challenges, FAJ, the African regional as- Foster Dongozi (Zimbabwe PUL), and Franck Kpochere journalists and the campaign and elected a new leadership to sociation of the International Union of Journalists), and Ibra- (Union des Professionnels des against impunity as top priori- run its affairs for the next three Federation of Journalists (IFJ) hima Ndiaye (Syndicat des Pro- medias du Benin). ties in the next three years. years. Ikpeazu Okorocha, Edebiri, ex-Biafran soldiers seek end to herdsmen killings

By Okey Maduforo () Prepare against herdsmen, Edebiri are reprehensible. Before, we knew them as captives. and Titus Oise (Benin) warns nomads that take cattle from place to place. “That was how it all started and our broth- Now they have started killing people. ers and sisters were killed in the North. wo former Biafran soldiers, In Benin, Edebiri urged the federal gov- “This is reprehensible and I make bold to Pregnant women had their unborn babies one of them now a profes- ernment to take action immediately to curb say that this is the similar way our people ripped off and children were killed like sor, have joined the activities of Fulani herdsmen now on a were killed in the North. What is happening chicken,” he recalled. Governor, Rochas Okoro- killing spree. now is a pogrom. “This time around it is happening in the cha, to appeal to President He also asked the Edo State government “Any mass killing of a people by another South East and our senators and House of Muhammadu Buhari to in- to take security steps to forestall any attack race is a pogrom and that is exactly what the Representatives members are watching. This tervene urgently in the re- by the herdsmen anywhere in the state. Fulani herdsmen are doing. is yet another way of telling us that we are curring killings by Fulani herdsmen. “The Edo State government must not wait “It is only a mad person that will go to war captives and we must remain a con- TA People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gov- until it happens before it starts rushing to sleep without securing his home. Our peo- quered race. ernorship aspirant in Edo State, Solomon put security measures in place. We have ple should stand and protect themselves. “People may think that it is one of those Edebiri, also called on Abuja to stop the at- had enough warnings from news of attacks We have the constitutional right to do so. things and sooner or later we shall come to tacks. in neighbouring states. The government This is called self defence. terms with the realities of the undercurrent. Okorocha told a gathering of traditional must act now,” he stressed. “If this type of thing continues then we “I saw the pogrom and I saw the war. I rulers in Owerri to take control of security “The government should make serious are doomed. How can a community watch saw people suffer. I saw hunger. I saw frus- in their communities and ensure peaceful arrangements for a joint task force of the their homes attacked and their kinsmen tration. I saw orphans. I saw psychological co-existence between indigenes and people police and the military to monitor known killed and keep quiet? They should protect distress. Those things are still happening from other parts of Nigeria living in their communities and city outskirts where the themselves. now.” midst. Fulani herdsmen take their cattle for graz- “This is no longer those days when we He appealed for calm over the killings in ing to make sure they don’t attack their saw them as Fulani men herding cattle MASSOB wants self defence the South East, expressing optimism that hosts.” about and we saw them as harmless peo- Buhari would address the development. Edebiri insisted that the masses have suf- ple. Leader of the Movement for the Actu- He condemned the attack in and fered enough hardship as a result of the in- “A fresh and new pogrom has started and alisation of the Sovereign State of other parts of the country, sympathised sensitivity of leaders, and the time has come it may spread to other parts of if (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu, announced with bereaved families, and appealed for for the government at all levels across the we fail to defend ourselves at this point. that “this is no longer the time for so much peace, saying Nigeria cannot afford wanton country to protect lives and property. “While we wait for the government to talking. Talking is cheap and anybody can killings. come into the matter we should be seen to say whatever he or she wants to say. “The killings in are inhuman Achuzia sees another pogrom be doing something proactive and not to “All we need now is action. I mean real and those behind the killings should be keep mourning and crying while death is action. Does it mean that we do not have made to face the law. As traditional rulers To Joe Achuzia, a former Biafran colonel, close to our door step.” men in Igboland? Does it mean that our you are to take charge of security in your au- the mass killings by Fulani herdsmen in the young men and women are cowards? tonomous communities. South East has resurrected the ghost of the Like war captives “Enough of this nonsense. This is a game “You are now the chief security officers civil war. plan by the Nigerian government. They first of your communities and you must ensure He described the murders as another Another former Biafran soldier and for- arrested and then sent their harmony between your people and others pogrom against the South East, and urged mer Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe people to start the killings. living with them. At this time in the country Ndigbo to defend themselves against a plot University, , Professor Boniface Eg- “People should not see us as cowards, we absolute peace is required,” Okorocha said. to “exterminate” a race. boka, lamented that the killings are an at- have all that it takes to get back at them and His words: “The killings by Fulani people tempt to remind Ndigbo that they are war the time is now.” www.thenicheng.com News Analysis The Week Ahead How economy suffered

Saraki’s trial continues May 10 from budget delay •Experts proffer ways to create jobs Senate Presi- dent, Bukola Sara- ki, will re-appear in court on Tues- day, May 10. He has plead- ed not guilty to the amended 16-count charge filed by the Code of Conduct Bu- reau (CCB).

Mark meets Onjeh in court May 11

Onjeh of the All Progres- sives Congress (APC) in a pre-trial at the National Election Petition Tribunal Adegbenro Oseni Yusuf in Makurdi on Wednesday, ture in budgetary appropria- pay for bringing in a particu- budget. May 11. By Ishaya Ibrahim and tions to avoid this recurring lar material. Said he: “The budget pro- Onjeh claimed that the Henry Oduah (Lagos) problem of delay. A judicial “So monetary and fiscal cess begins from the execu- purported margin of win pronouncement is necessary policy measures usually give tive. It is supposed to be vet- that led to Mark’s declara- back and to lay the matter to rest.” directions to industries, how ted by the legislature which tion as winner by the Inde- forth be- their planning should go.” is the recognised body repre- pendent National Electoral tween the Bad economic planning senting the Nigerian people. Commission (INEC) was Villa and Job creation “It will then be given back Senator of the National Former Director of Corpo- to the executive for assent, the Peoples Democratic far less than the number of cancelled and rejected Assembly rate Affairs, Manufacturers In terms of jobs, Adegben- to say that what I have given Party (PDP) will go head (NASS) delayed President Association of Nigeria (MAN), ro said government spending to you is what you are giving to head with Daniel votes of over 29,000. A Muhammadu Buhari’s as- Rasheed Adegbenro, said bad will show whether there will back to me.” sent to the 2016 budget until planning makes the whole be expansion in the economy He said Buhari realised Friday, May 6, causing hic- economy to rest on the gov- or contraction. that his budget was tampered Court rules on Ese’s secret cups everywhere, as federal ernment “simply because the “If there will be contrac- with, and protested on April spending is the lifeline of the government is the largest sin- tion, most of the contractors 21 that he was not going to trial May 12 economy. gle spender and government working for the government sign it. Lagos Chamber of Com- is the largest single earner. will first lay off unneeded “The legislature is only A Federal High Court merce and Industry (LCCI) “Because the government labour. Same with those in constitutionally empowered in Yenagoa will rule on Director General, Muda Yu- is the largest single spender, trading. to vet budget. the application for secret suf, lamented that the delay the rest of the economy wants “If the economy contracts “If the legislature has the entrenched the cycle of poor to wait and see how much it that means there will be less power to tinker with the bud- trial for 14-year-old Ese budget implementation. is putting into the economy money in the pockets of peo- get, it therefore means that Oruru on Thursday, May “Definitely, continued de- and in what direction. ple and that means consum- the executive has no power 12. lay would affect implemen- “And since our economic able purchase may also drop. to make the budget in the first She was reportedly ab- tation, especially the capital structure is more of trading And this may inform manu- instance, because the execu- ducted for forceful mar- component of the budget. and services, the larger econ- facturers to drop down their tive could have made a bud- riage by Yunusa Dahiru The risk is that recurrent omy will rest on the govern- capacity utilisation. get and said, 'I want to spend on August 12, 2015. spending will be fully imple- ment to see where spending “If the contraction is very N1 billion this financial year', mented while capital projects will go in a year.” heavy, a lot of workers might and the legislature could say, suffer the usual implementa- Adegbenro explained that have to go. But if it is margin- 'no, spend N1.5 billion'. tion shortfall,” he said. the delay may not have really al, industries can still sustain “That removes the power Abdulsalam’s trial begins affected manufacturing but particularly trained hands by of the executive to make the May 12 Implications of delay consumers and buyers since keeping them for longer pe- budget.” the money in their pocket is riod. Oseni recalled that because Nigeria Airspace Man- He stressed that the delay what determines how far pro- “In the areas where you the PDP had dominated the agement Agency (NAMA) has implications for both the duction goes. expect policy to show direc- legislature since 1999 there Managing Director, Ibra- public and private sectors, He said manufacturing may tion concerning job expan- had never been any conflict him Abdulsalam, will be because “strategic planning be affected because it does sion is where there is a shift over budget padding. in the dock at the Federal for many organisations takes not have control over mon- from recurrent heavy spend- “This president seems to High Court in Lagos on a cue from the budget struc- etary and fiscal policies. ing to capital projects. be a more thorough person. Thursday, May 12. ture and the policies that “Monetary policy will give “Capital projects will entail He believes that if he should He is being prosecuted come with it. you a picture of what the construction of new hospi- assent his signature to the alongside six others for “To the extent that the bud- forex (foreign exchange) cal- tals, roads and others; and budget as given to him by the alleged theft of N6.8 get is not in place, uncertainty culation for the year will be – naturally these things bring legislature, he may be com- billion which belongs to and associated business risks the benchmark dollar to naira up new labour. mitting some errors. NAMA. in the economy are height- policy. “But if there is contraction “He doesn’t want to sign ened.” “Manufacturers will need in the budget, like in the last something that will not satisfy Going forward, however, that for their own internal few years we’ve been having the yearnings of Nigerians as Adamolekun launches autobiography he advocated better commu- planning because most of more spending of the budget promised during the cam- nication between the NASS them import raw materials on recurrent expenditure – paign.” May 12 and the executive. from overseas. So the ruling just paying salary and main- He said even if the legisla- Ladipo Adamolekun’s autobiography I Remember “They need to be on the rate of the dollar is a major tenance services – it’s never ture wanted to suggest some will be launched on Thursday, May 12 at the Nigerian same page with regard to the factor in their forex calcula- good for any economy. areas which it thinks should Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Kofo Abayomi fundamental principles of the tion. That is about the mon- be funded, it should be in Street, Victoria Island, Lagos at 11am. budget. The ruling party has etary policy. NASS on overdrive form of addendum, achieved A second event will hold on Tuesday, May 17 at Merit a role to play in this matter, “Fiscal policy is also at the through meetings and delib- House, Auditorium, Maitama, Abuja at 11am. especially when it has the full control of the govern- Tunde Oseni, a lecturer in erations with the executive. Adamolekun, a professor of public administration, is majority in the legislature. ment. This is what deter- political science and interna- “Not for the executive to the author and co-author of over 30 books and more “It seems also necessary to mines what duties you are tional relations at Lead City propose A, and the legisla- than 100 articles and contributions to books on politics clearly define the boundaries going to pay and what ma- University Ibadan, argued ture is returning A plus. That and public administration. of responsibilities between chinery you are bringing in that the NASS went over- will rob the executive of the the executive and the legisla- or what duty you are going to board by tinkering with the power to make the budget.” TheNiche 8 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com

Nnanna Okere Notes From [email protected] Finland +358 4684 74258 Police deport 1,200 rejected asylum seekers bout 1,200 asylum seek- ceive negative decisions from, for ex- ers who received nega- ample, becoming victims of organised tive decisions in Finland crime before they leave the country this year have been de- requires swift government action,” he ported, says National said. Police Board Superinten- Finland is able to deport between 60 Adent, Mia Poutanen. per cent and 70 per cent of those who Last year, the police deported about receive negative decisions. The figure 3,180 asylum seekers whose applica- across Europe is 40 per cent on aver- tions were not granted. age. The number of deportations is ex- An asylum seeker who receives de- pected to increase, as the Finnish Immi- portation order must leave voluntarily. gration Service estimates that two-thirds In this case, his or her whereabouts are of the 32,000 asylum seekers that came known by the authorities. to Finland last year will receive nega- “There is also the group who, af- tive decisions. ter receiving deportation orders, have National Police Commissioner, Seppo moved across internal borders to else- Kolehmainen, said quick deportation of where in Europe or remained illegally rejected asylum seekers is important for in Finland and are hiding from the au- internal security and public order. thorities,” Poutanen said. “To protect asylum seekers who re- asylum seekers U.S. dethrones France as OECD group faults Finland on Germany’s biggest trading partner combating bribery working group vention. cases that have been finally at the Organ- "Finland has not intro- concluded in Finland even isation for duced genuine whistle- though foreign public of- Economic Co- blower protections for those ficials have been convicted operation and who – in good faith and on in their home country for a Development reasonable grounds – report bribery scheme connected A(OECD) has reprimanded suspected instances of for- with a Finnish company." Finland for failing to imple- eign bribery," the group la- In 2014, Patria executives ment anti-bribery measures. mented. were acquitted of bribery in It expressed “serious con- "Moreover, companies are Finnish courts, even though cern” about failings and dif- still not liable for false ac- Slovenian courts had con- ficulties in enforcing laws counting offences, although victed officials, including the against bribing foreign offi- Finland has recently in- then Prime Minister Janez cials. formed the Working Group Jansa, of corruption related Finland has enacted only that a bill to correct this to the deal. six of 19 recommendations shortcoming is scheduled to The working group asked on combating bribery given be submitted to Parliament in the Finnish government by the group in 2010, and the first half of 2016." to submit a report outlin- has trouble enforcing exist- The group also expressed ing how it will implement ing provisions against cor- concern about Finland’s poor OECD’s recommendations. ruption. enforcement record. If that report is not submit- The working group helps "Defendants have been ted, the group could consider From left: French President, François Hollande; U.S. President, police enforcement of the acquitted of foreign brib- “further measures”. Barack Obama; and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel OECD's Anti-Bribery Con- ery charges in all four of the rance has been Ger- Germany's most important France was always been many's most impor- trading partner in 2015, fol- seen as Germany's primary tant trading partner lowed by France with €170.1 trading partner in the past, Study finds Finns having less sex for 40 years, but it billion worth of goods and the underlining the close political is not anymore after Netherlands with €167.6 bil- and economic ties between INSEX research project, which schedules, stress, raising chil- Fthe United States grabbed the lion.” Europe's number one and has monitored the sex lives of dren, or big life changes such crown. The U.S. was the biggest for- number two economies. Finns for more than 50 years, as illness, unemployment, or a America overtook France eign buyer of German goods, But the weakness of the says they had less sex in 2015 in large project such as building a last year for the first time since with exports amounting to euro against the dollar and the continuation of the decline over house.” the mid-1970. 113.9 billion euros. pick up in the U.S. economy previous years. Vuohtoniemi, who works for "According to provisional Exports to France, the coun- has boosted Germany's trans- The project, carried out by the the Sexpo Foundation which data, goods worth a total try to which Germany has atlantic trade. Family Federation of Finland, promotes sexual wellbeing in €173.2 billion ($188 billion) exported the most every year Germany imported the most covers "sexological research Finland, said a decline in the changed hands between Ger- since 1961, amounted to 103 goods from China last year, through surveys and studies on amount of sex should not be many and the U.S. in 2015," billion euros. worth €91.5 billion. F the adult population’s sexual made into a big deal. the federal statistics office (De- The United Arab Emirates The Netherlands was sec- desires, values, behaviours, sex- At different stages of life the statis) said. followed in third place, with ond (€88.1 billion), France ual problems, and sexual plea- amount of sex can fluctuate "That meant the U.S. was exports totalling €89.3 billion. third (€67 billion). sures." greatly, she added, and focusing Its most recent report, for on studies and averages is not 2015, which was recently pub- productive. lished, showed that the sharpest The most sexually active Finnish Parliament approves decrease in sexual intercourse groups include 20-year old was recorded for those aged be- women and 50-year old men, same-sex marriage legislation tween 30 and 40 years who are both of whom have sex on av- often in the "peak busy years" erage one and a half times a egislators in Fin- tral. – not in a marriage or regis- juggling family and children week. land have approved Parliament voted in favour tered partnership – when their with work. In other age categories, the changes to the law of the legislation by 106 votes gender switch is recognised. Compared with findings of average amount of sexual inter- to allow same-sex to 42. The changes approved are a the previous study in 2007, the course is once a week. couples to convert The move also eliminates follow up to the law on same- decline of the amount of sex Only middle-aged men had registeredL partnerships into registered partnerships for sex marriage, which made leg- that started in the 2000s contin- slightly more sex in 2015 com- marriages by notifying the au- couples seeking to get hitched islation covering marriage gen- ues. pared with 2007. thorities. – they will now only have the der-neutral. Karoliina Vuohtoniemi, a sex- In other age categories for The move is a follow up to option to get married. The changes will come into uality therapist, said: "A decline both women and men, the previous laws that made mar- Transgender people will no force in March 2017. in sex life is usually affected by amount of sex decreased over riage legislation gender neu- longer be required to be single daily things such as busy work previous years. www.thenicheng.com PhotoNews

L-R: Managing Director, TheNiche, Ikechukwu Amaechi; Rev. Oluwambe Toriola of Archbishop Vining British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, and Minister for Information and Culture, Memorial Cathederal Church, Lagos; and Executive Editor, TheNiche, Oguwike Nwachuku, when Lai Mohammed. the cleric paid a working visit to Acclaim Communications Limited, publishers of TheNiche .

L-R: Founder, Adorable Social Club, Princess Ada-Okeke Amam; Chairperson, Caretaker Committee, Adorable Joyce Meteke; former Secretary, Adorable Ijeoma Ukpai; during the hand- over ceremony to the new leadership of the club. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (right), discussing with Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Laoye Jaiyeola (2nd left); 1st Vice Chairman of NESG, Mrs. Sola David Borha (3rd left); 2nd Vice Chairman, Mr Asue Ighodalo (4th left), during a courtesy visit to the Minister at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja.

L-R: Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government & Community Affairs, Mr. Jafar Sanuth; Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Commissioner for Local Government & Community Affairs, Mr. Muslim Folami; Special Adviser to the Governor on Community & Communications, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Affairs,Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri during the Y2016 Ministerial Press Brief- Governor Rochas Okorocha with the former Deputy Governor of the old Imo state, Chief Francis ing to commemorate the First Year in Office of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Bagauda Orji (right) and Commandant General, Imo State Peace and Conflict Resolution Bureau, Engr. Peter Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja. Ohagwa, during the official launching of Imo Peace Advocate Corps.

R-L: Deputy Governor of , Simeon Achuba; Governor of , ; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu; Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun; Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa; and Deputy Governor of Enugu, Mrs. L-R: Hon Ifeoma Oguine, Chairman, Peoples Club of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Prince Cecilia Ezeilo, when a delegation of APC governors came to condole with the people of Enugu Chigoziem Chibeze; 2nd Vice Chairman, Nze Fredrick Ibe Ichie; and a member when over the attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Nimbo, at Government House, Enugu. Chibeze emerged chairman. TheNiche 10 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Diplomacy Nigeria, Cameroon’s further push against terror

The recent meeting of President Muhammadu Buhari and President Paul Biya of Cameroon inches to consolidate the collaboration against terror, writes Correspondent, SAM NWOKORO

Buhari and Biya

ast week, Cameroo- sections of the country say they violent extremism and cross- belong to Cameroon and have A Nigerian government under nian President, Paul are Nigerian Fulani, some say border crimes. not hidden this since the signing President Muhammed Buhari, Biya, was in Nigeria they are Fulani from neighbour- He had also hinted that new of the GTA that ceded Bakassi to according to a scholar in interna- and held discussions ing North African countries. agreements to strengthen exist- Cameroon. tional relations, Professor Sunday with President Mu- At the meet, sources say Buhari ing ties as well as trade and eco- Appeal to the case comes up Obua, will not like to give up hammadu Buhari on discussed the issue of security nomic relations between Nigeria for hearing anytime next year, Bakassi so easily, knowing the Lthe future of both countries’ within the African sub-region and Cameroon will be concluded seven years after the ruling, security implication to the ter- collaborations against terror- with Biya. Top on the discussion and signed before the end of which is the legal time limit any ritorial integrity of Nigeria. ism. The meeting would be the was how to further empower the Biya’s visit. legal suit could stay without “That the country is already third between both leaders over multinational task force fighting According to Adesina, a joint hearing. drilling oil around that area ways of containing the migration Boko Haram in the North East communique on the visit and the No doubt, these and many does not matter, after all there of terrorists, especially Muslim states under insurgency, and talks between both presidents more issues are of serious con- is a pending appeal against the fundamentalists between both how the Cameroonian president and their officials would be is- cern within the Economic Com- opinion of the 13 justices of the countries. was handling internally-dis- sued. munity of West African States International Court of Justice Nigeria and Cameroon are placed persons (IDPS), which was (ECOWAS) sub-region to which (ICJ) who adjudicated on the neighbours, sharing borders that an off-shoot of the insurgency Common concern both Nigeria and Cameroon matter. many see as porous. Most Cam- problem. A release issued earlier Another issue Buhari and Biya belong. “People are not forced to eroonians flock into Nigeria with from the Presidency on Monday discussed was the economic co- There has never been ease be- live where they don’t like. No cattle and other consumables, by Buhari’s spokesman, Femi operation between both coun- tween the Cameroonians and the referendum or plebiscite was and since they speak Hausa flu- Adesina, said: “Cameroonian tries. In recent time, trade issues Nigerians in the Bakassi portion conducted for Bakassi people ently, it is most times taken that President Paul Biya is currently have dominated both countries’ ceded to Cameroon. Many times, asking them which country they are Nigerians. meeting behind closed doors relations. there have been allegations of they want to belong to. That Because of the poor surveil- with President Muhammadu Bu- Nigerian oil merchants are maltreatment of those Nigerians, is against the UN protocol on lance apparatus of the Nigerian hari at the Aso Rock Presidential alleged to use Cameroon as a forceful citizenship of Camer- rights of indigenous peoples. Immigration Service (NIS), it has Villa in Abuja.” base for siphoning imported oon and even forced labour and “UN Security Council has the been difficult to contain the in- Biya, who is on a two-day fuel headed for Nigeria to other evacuation against the Cameroo- final say over the Bakassi issue, flux of migrants into the country, state visit to Nigeria, arrived the places, while the local consum- nian authorities. No doubt, these not Cameroon, not world court, especially from neighbouring forecourt of the President’s office ers suffer. are issues that both leaders will not even Nigeria,” he said. West African countries. Nigeria about 2pm. Also, the issue of the Bakassi have to be saddled with in the Other areas of concern in Ni- also shares borders with West Af- The Cameroonian leader was people of Nigeria living in Cam- days to come. geria-Cameroon relations would rican like Chad, Niger and Benin received by Buhari and some top eroun against their will following be the security of their borders. Republic, which all have large government officials. the signing of the Green Tree Ambush Both countries have embarked population of Muslims. In recent Biya was honoured with 21- Agreement of 2010 that ceded As though to pre-empt the on joint construction of security times, fundamentalist uprisings gun salute before he proceeded that oil-rich island to Cameroon, case against the cession, Camer- post at their border, to check sweeping through most West Af- to inspect a guard of honour no doubt, are future contentious oon is reported to have com- arms smuggling, child trafficking rican countries led to high influx mounted by men of the Guards issues facing both countries menced oil drilling in the Bakassi and illegal bunkering. For a long of fundamentalists. Brigade. in their bilateral relations. The peninsula and is said to be time, these issues have domi- Recently, a Nigerian abroad Presidential spokesman, Femi people of Bakassi have already about to commence production nated discussions between both was arrested in the United King- Adesina, had stated on Monday instituted a case against the later this year. Obviously, such countries and still continues to dom as a member of the Islamic that Buhari and Biya as well as cession since 2012 at e United development rattles not only dominate. State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). their officials would confer on Nations Security Council, claim- Nigeria, which had made several In Nigeria, the disturbances issues of common interest to ing that the cession violates attempts to fight Cameroon over of the Fulani herdsmen have Nigeria and Cameroon, including UN’s protocols on the right of the Peninsula during the military spewed controversies regarding ongoing bilateral and regional person(s) to determine their regime, before the country went their true identity. While some cooperation against terrorism, nationality. They did not want to to world court. www.thenicheng.com Perspective Moyosore: A journey of discovery, reappraisal and rededication (2)

Nzeribe Abiola Dipo

By Chido Onumah of companies and prominent individuals around the had just been released from prison. I smiled and replied swim in a stream after school. world, including past and present public officers in in a jocular way that she was right; that I had just been The late Pa Alfred Poopola Jaiyesimi adopted me as nowing the relationship we had, I didn’t Nigeria, such as Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), one of released from detention. I sensed a feeling of betrayal, one of his sons and opened a vista of interest in politics, anticipate my mum’s reaction. The the ringleaders of the second military coup in Nigeria from my siblings. Then I complimented her clairvoy- history and the struggle for Independence. Dr. Lambert moment she returned and saw me, she on July 29, 1966, a former Chief of Army Staff and later ance before narrating my experience in detention. Onumaegbu was my earliest encounter with the world yelled at me, asking if I wanted to kill her Minister of Defence, Gen. David Mark (rtd.), ex-Senate I learnt many life lessons from my mum. If ever there of intellectualism. My cousin, Chief Ibem Onumaeg- by going to play football considering President; and , former governor of Kwara is one disappointment I have in life, it is that she did not bulam, the older brother I never had, saw me through my condition. For the first and only time State and current President of the Nigerian Senate. live to see my family: her daughter-in-law and grand- university. in my life, I talked back to my mum. I Abacha would later fall out with Diya, nicknamed the children. I remember on many occasions we would talk I salute my comrades – the cadres of the Movement replied that I was 17 and old enough to “Crying General” – after a video emerged showing him about love, family and relationship. At the end of such for a Progressive Nigeria (MPN) – at the University of take care of myself. That further enraged her. I would on his knees, weeping and pleading for leniency on discussion, she would say in that tone only a doting (UNICAL) where I mastered the art of insur- Kapologise hours later, after refusing dinner, telling her being accused of conspiring to overthrow the Abacha mother would use that she would not interfere in my rection and agitation. Regrettably, it was not until I that I only accompanied my cousins to the game. She regime. On this occasion, before the coup allegation marriage and that she would not visit my home unless arrived UNICAL that I first became aware of the role of said she was informed that I went to play football and that condemned Diya, first to death, and later, to life she was expressly invited by my spouse and me. She ethnic consciousness (even among intellectuals) in the wondered why I didn’t tell her I was just a spectator. I re- imprisonment, the story on the cover of AM News had was sincere about it, but she would add that she knew, stymieing of the Nigerian dream. As part of the rites of plied that she didn’t give me the opportunity to explain alleged that Gen. Diya maintained foreign accounts considering my disposition, she could not win that passage for fresh students, we were entreated to join, myself. We agreed that as soon as I was strong enough which had fallen into the hands of fraudsters. Abacha battle even if she wanted to act the proverbial “mother- depending on where you claimed to come from, one to travel, we would return to Lagos. was aghast. As the mindless looting that took place in-law from hell”. of the many “Parapo” or ethnic associations on campus Lagos holds strong memories for me, though the under his murderous regime came to light, it became I remember my sibling with whom I shared laughter, that served no meaningful purpose other than to chaos, noise, heavy traffic and general planlessness clear that his shock had to do with the fact that some- love, affection, and many childhood pranks; my child- magnify our fault lines as a nation. combine to fill me with dread each time I have to return one else was beating him to his game. The day after the hood best friends, Ben Ogazi and Kennedy Etoroma We fought many battles against this parochialism. there. As a pre-teen, I would sometimes skip school to story was published, about five operatives of the State were a constant source of inspiration. Kennedy and Our other exploits, including the planned take-over of tend my mother’s stall each time she had to attend the Security Service (SSS) arrived AM News as I was prepar- I would share a flat much later in Festac Town after a radio station in Calabar, during the Orkar coup of April regular meetings, in central Lagos, called by Abibatu ing my story for the following day and arrested me. I graduation. Initially called “Festival Town” or “Festac 22, 1990, could have cost us our lives. The “canon of the Mogaji, then President-General, Association of Nigerian was taken to the SSS headquarters at Shangisha on the Village”, Festac Town, the magnificent housing estate movement”, Austin “Canoways” Emaduku, rallied Mal- Market Women and Men. Interestingly, I was the only outskirts of central Lagos and detained for eight days. along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, was built by the abites (male students of UNICAL) to rescue me when I boy among the female pre-teens who would also stand While the story of my arrest was widely reported, my military regime of to house par- was abducted by reactionary forces one early morning in for their mothers. As a youngster, I insisted on work- dad and siblings made sure they kept it from my mum. ticipants of the Second World Festival of Black Arts and in those turbulent days. ing for my welfare allowance. So, during weekends I used to visit her once or twice a week, sometimes Culture in 1977. After the festival, the 5,000 dwelling Moyosoreoluwa! I thank God for life and His mercies. and holidays, I would encourage my mum to buy me before work, and at other times after work, depending units were handed over to Nigerians who participated On this occasion of the golden jubilee of my birth, I things to sell and I would “kiri” (a Yoruba word meaning on my schedule as a reporter. As the days rolled by and in a ballot. Festac Town was, as Andrew Apter noted in rededicate myself to the destruction of that system, no to carry a tray filled with items on the head and sell I hadn’t visited, she enquired from my siblings if they The Pan-African Nation: Oil and the Spectacle of Culture matter what its purveyors call it, that seeks to enslave in the neighbourhood) different items, mostly fruits had heard from me. They were able to convince her in Nigeria, “intended to evoke the modern age and the the workers of the world; to “the categorical imperative – depending on the season. I made enough money that indeed they had heard from me and that I had promise of state-sponsored economic development to overthrow all circumstances in which the human be- to invest on newspapers and books. By the time I left indicated I would visit. By the end of the week, she had fuelled by oil”. ing is humiliated, enslaved, abandoned, and despised!” high school in 1983 and had become too big to kiri, my become very apprehensive. She had genuine reasons My high school was just opposite what was known I pledge to Nigeria; however, not Nigeria in its mum made sure I never lacked ‘pocket money’. Much of to be concerned. We had endless discussions about as the 2nd Gate of Festac, and my friends and I enjoyed extremely dysfunctional state. I commit to a new, that money went to buying The Guardian newspaper the dangers of my job. In his attempt to legitimise his walking to school because of the scenic view. Some- progressive, and egalitarian Nigeria where citizens will be which debuted that year and would change the trajec- regime, Abacha had declared war on journalists and times, on our way from school, we would sit and chat defined not by their name, language, faith, or ethnicity; tory of Nigerian journalism. human rights activists. on benches with trees along the well-paved streets where citizens will find fulfilment no matter which part of One of the fondest memories about my mum took I went straight to the office to inform my bosses providing adequate protection from the sun. Anyone the country they come from; above all, a Nigeria where place in 1995. After graduation, I had moved back the evening I was released. I was given the day off and who wants to understand the tragic paradox called every Nigerian can live in peace, go to school, work, raise to Lagos in search of work as a journalist. I started I went immediately to visit my mum. I imagined the Nigeria, our knack for abuse of systems and processes a family and run for office wherever they choose. I believe contributing to The Punch during my National Youth different questions and scenarios that would play out need look no further than Festac Town. Today, less than that Nigeria is possible! Service and would spend some time at The Guardian as the moment I saw her. Though I had lost a few pounds four decades after it was opened, that once serene and (Concluded) a trainee reporter after service, then Sentinel magazine, from not eating the miserable food that was served picturesque estate has degenerated into a slum. • Onumah, an author, is Coordinator of the African before moving to ICNL, the parent company of The once or twice a day at the detention centre, I didn’t One of the most interesting people I came across Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL). News/Tempo magazines which had just started a daily think I was too dishevelled to betray the fact that I was during high school was my principal, the late Chief newspaper called AM News. I was reporting education, in detention. I barely slept while in detention, partly (Mrs.) Bolaji Aduke Awoboh-Pearse. Mrs. Pearse, as we though my interest was politics. This was at the height because there was no bed, and partly because my called her, was a mother away from home. She took of the brutal military dictatorship of the maniacal interrogators kept prodding me, morning, afternoon me and other raw pre-teen boys who arrived Awori General . and night, to retract my story in order to facilitate my Ajeromi Grammar School in September 1978 under I had done a story on the secret foreign accounts of release. her tutelage and refined us in character and learning. Abacha’s second-in-command, Gen. Oladipo Diya, way The moment I appeared before my mum, she took Rather than flog us, she would cry – as a sign of disap- before #PanamaPapers would expose the underbelly one look at me, inquired why I did not visit her the week pointment – each time we pulled a prank deserving of of global capitalism and the illicit financial activities before and intoned that I looked like someone who punishment like when a few of my friends and I went to TheNiche 12 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Civil Society Platform WPFD: How free is Nigerian press?

Idayat Hassan Steven Ellis sagay

United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day (WPFD). As Nigeria joined other na- tions to mark the day, stakeholders gave their verdict on Nigeria vis-à-vis press freedom. Senior Correspondent, ON- YEWUCHI OJINNAKA, compiles their views.

n the beginning The International Press Institute 250th anniversary of the world’s year salaries. The press has the since the enthronement of democ- The World Press Freedom (IPI) in Vienna joined the world in first freedom of information law responsibility to hold government racy in Nigeria. Day (WPFD) was proclaimed celebrating WPFD. In his address and 25th anniversary of the adop- accountable to the people, and Kunle Idowu of Nigerian Network by the United Nations Gen- to mark the occasion, IPI Director tion of the Windhoek declaration of that is why the press has to be of NGOs said that the press is free eral Assembly in 1993 fol- of Advocacy and Communications, press freedom principles in Africa. free; but the press does not really in Nigeria apart from self-censor- lowing recommendations Steven Ellis, posited that press “Press freedom and access to have the freedom today,” Nwulu ship. Iof United Nations Educational, freedom “is necessary to creating information are essential to democ- explained. He said: “The press is free. There Scientific and Cultural Organisa- just and fair societies”. He ac- racy and to sustainable develop- He charged media owners not are no draconian laws and the gov- tion (UNESCO) general conference. knowledged and commended the ment.” to abandon journalists working for ernment has not much interfered Since then, May 3 is celebrated as bravery of journalists who put their In Lagos, the Nigerian Union of them when they are persecuted with press freedom.” press freedom day. It is celebrated lives on the line to tell important Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration or attacked over a report that was He submitted that the press has yearly worldwide to evaluate press stories. He also noted that the pri- with United States Embassy, held a published or broadcast. to do more advocacy and fight for freedom, to defend the media from mary challenge journalists face is conference to discuss the impor- While speaking on ‘Contempo- its right because freedom is not attacks on their independence and protecting their safety. He solicited tance of press freedom in Nigeria. rary issues of Press Freedom in given on a platter of gold. to pay tribute to journalists who steps to ensure that crimes against Among issues discussed at the the Digital Age’, Nwulu identified “Nigerian journalists are very lost their lives while carrying out journalists do not enjoy impunity. conference were access to informa- digitalisation as one of the factors complacent due to maybe poverty their professional duties. tion, combating censorship, press affecting the media, due to its wide or other hard issues. They cannot In Nigeria… freedom and strategy of journalists. audience. fight for their rights any more un- 2016 WPFD focus Nigeria joined its counterparts Also speaking at the event in “Digitalisation has brought both like what was obtainable during The theme of 2016 WFPD is around the globe to commemorate Lagos, the West African Programme blessing and curse. It is a curse be- the colonial days,” said he. ‘Access to Information and Funda- the 2016 WPFD with an event in Officer of Ford Foundation, Paul cause it is taking money away, and He was of the view that jour- mental Freedom: This is your Right’. Abuja where all stakeholders were Nwulu, used the occasion to solicit whether we like it or not, money is nalists are not behaving as they As enunciated by UNESCO/UN, urged to join forces to promote payment of salaries to journalists a problem to the freedom of press. should as the fourth estate of the this year’s WPFD focuses on three press freedom. At the event, the by media owners. “Today everybody is a journalist. realm. “You go for freedom, you different aspects of press freedom United Nations called on public Decrying the non-payment of When there is a news break, people fight for freedom; freedom is not – freedom of information as a fun- institutions to adopt proactive salaries, he noted that journalism will quickly go to the social media, given on a platter of gold,” Idowu damental freedom and as a human disclosure of information as a step is one of the toughest professions like Linda Ikeji who is not a journal- added. right; protecting press freedom to increasing public participation. in Nigeria today, enjoining media ist, and we need to stop that,” he Executive Director of Civil Society from censorship and surveillance According to UN, “the World owners in the country to ensure stressed. Network Against Corruption (CIS- overreach; and ensuring safety for Press Freedom Day aims to raise that journalists working for them NAC), Lanre Suraj, submitted that journalism online and offline. awareness on the importance of an are paid regularly and when due. Assessment of press by activists freedom of the press comprises independent press. “In most media houses, journal- TheNiche sought the views of political and economic freedom. Tip from IPI “This year coincides with the ists are owed six months to one activists on freedom of the press “In terms of economic freedom, Civil Society Platform Finland tops World Press Freedom index – PM Sipil

By Nnanna Okere ency, and that citizens Special Correspondent, must demand it. Helsinki “Citizens, politicians and public authorities inland’s alike have an interest Prime Min- in an independent and ister, Juha professional media. We Sipil, has need good journalism pointed out that is based on facts that for the and accuracy. past five “We are all aware that years, Finland has been both traditional media Franked first in the World and social media are be- Press Freedom Index ing used today to spread released by ‘Reporters disinformation as well. Akin Akingbulu Nwulu without Borders’. The best way to fight According to the against this is to ensure index, freedom of the that the conditions un- practitioners are subjected Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) For journalists, so many porting accurately. Journal- press in Finland is based der which media profes- to bondage. They are owed and activist, Professor Itse journalists are not very ists need a lot in improving on strong legal founda- salaries for months. Lack of Sagay, was emphatic in say- much aware of the Act. “I journalism,” he said. sionals operate allow for tions that are supported diverse and indepen- job security and economic ing that the Nigerian press is expect journalists to have a The Executive Director by a genuine culture of security affect the practice of one of the best in the world copy of the Act. The level of of Abuja-based Centre for dent high-quality com- journalism.” in terms of freedom and usage within the media is Democracy and Develop- the rights of the indi- munications,” said Sipila, Suraj observed that there practice. “Nigeria has one of not high as expected.” ment, Mrs. Idayat Hassan, vidual. adding that enhancing are also political influences. the best press in the world He commended the said the truth of the matter Speaking on the media literacy skills is He pointed out that our by any democratic stan- passage of the Act, adding is that journalists find it dif- WPFD, he stressed that also important. politics is not based on dard, be it in Europe, Asia or that civil society organisa- ficult to access information the responsibilities and This freedom of infor- ideology. He posited that America. Nigerian press is tions and media employers from states and local govern- freedom should go to- mation act was also the politician who play politics one of the freest.” should help journalists get ments. gether to uphold trans- most liberal one of its of the stomach use the press copies of FOI Act. “They should challenge parency in every sector. for their selfish end. FoI compliance Akingbulu noted that it in court, so as to get the time, and it abolished Sipila noted that trans- political censorship and Adetokunbo Mumuni, One of the ingredients of even local governments re- right information for the parency and freedom of of Socio-Economic Rights free press is having an un- fuse to give out information, benefit of the citizens,” she made it permissible and Accountability Project hindered access to informa- rather they go to court and expressed. expression are the best to engage in political (SERAP) stressed that the tion which was provided by await the court’s pronounce- Mumuni remarked: “You means to fight corrup- debate, including criti- Nigerian press is the freest in the Freedom of Information ment which takes longer cannot be talking of compli- tion. cism of ruling groups. It Africa, except for some lazy (FoI) Act 2011. time, and the need for the ance when Nigerians are “Finland is one of the also guaranteed public practitioners. He however On whether there is information may lapse. not asking for information. least corrupt countries access to official docu- said that freedom of the compliance with the Act, the Kunle Idowu opined that if Very few journalists may in the world and this ments. press used to be very poor, Executive Director of Insti- government refuses to com- have attempted it, except correlates, I believe, with The stressed on en- but not anymore, as no me- tute for Media and Society, ply, it is left for the press to some NGOs.” He posited that the high level of free- dia house is under lock and Akin Akingbulu, observed go to court and fight for it. Nigerian press has not been suring the freedom of dom of the press in our expression to ensure key for criticising govern- that compliance was not “Government would not using the FOI Act to demand society,” said the PM at ment. satisfactory on the part of want to disclose what it information. “I submit that democratic spirit of the “Under the present government. He pointed out regards as secret, but the they are very insignificant. the inaugural ceremony society and fight against regime, the press has not that very many government press should go extra mile Are Nigerians courageous of the WPFD in Helsinki. corruption. been gagged, although agencies were not comply- to fight for it. Go to court,” he enough to demand compli- He disclosed that under the administration of ing, as they refuse to give stressed. ance of FOI Act?” he asked. good governance means former President Goodluck information to the citizens Suraj posited that com- Professor Sagay noted openness and transpar- Jonathan, the State Security who need them. Some state pliance with the FOI Act that compliance had been Services (SSS) raided some governments have gone “has been very abysmal, fairly reasonable, adding media houses,” he noted. to court to challenge the below standard”, not- that where it is being re- A professor of law, Senior implementation of the Act. ing that agencies were sisted, people go to court to not responding and the obtain justice or court pro- ministries not living up nouncement for the release to expectation. “The of information requested or compliance or responses required by any person. is very low, less than 10 Meanwhile, in solidarity per cent. There is need with journalists on WPFD, to review the contents the Nigerian government of the Act, to remove the has stated that it would not bottleneck that makes stifle press freedom in the journalists not to get the country. desired responses.” He decried the attitude of journalists on the usage of the FOI Act. “There is no proactive and investigative journal- ism. But given the circum- stances of the working environment, journalists are not encouraged to perform their duties as it ought to be. “There is the need for L-R: Prime Minister Juha Sipil, Former President Tarja Ha- mass action, demand and lonen and UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova during advocacy if journalists are World Press Freedom Day in Helsinki to live up to their task of re- TheNiche 14 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com News International Five Saudi imperial projects the West has slept through (2) Saudi king, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Salah Abdelsalam, mastermind of the Paris Abu Shekau, Boko Abu Bakr al Baghadadi, attacks Haram leader ISIS leader Bin Laden

By Stanley A. Weiss lects and faiths from Alexandria to verse, where music, dance and ecstat- cally silenced virtually all criticism in repeat itself from Raqaa to Paris, from and Terence Ward Beirut, from Damascus to Istanbul. ic prayer celebrated the divine and the international media. Riyadh to Brussels, from Karachi to Yet, in the non-Arabic world of faithful gathered at shrines of saints. Saudi ownership of the largest Arab San Bernardino. • Continues from the edition of Southeast Asia – in Indonesia with When the Wahhabi-backed House media outlets (newspapers, maga- As George Soros reminds us, we April 24, 2016. over 190 million Muslim faithful – the of Saud took full control of Hijaz, zines, and TV channels) has been cru- also live in an "Age of Fallibility". Our Two common elements mood is different. Mecca and Medina in 1924, the state cial in keeping their imperial projects assumptions of reality must be re-as- Islam arrived there with Persian of Saudi Arabia was established with from being discussed openly in the sessed each day. Turning a blind eye The two elements that all five impe- and Gujarati merchants who sailed Wahhabism as its official religion. Arab World. to Saudi Arabia's imperial ambitions rial projects share are Saudi financing into tropical ports with their mystical In less than 100 years, the Saud since 9/11 has led us to this moment (private and governmental), and the Sufi faith. This is why Islam spread so family and their Wahhabi benefactors Saudi money silences Western of reflection. Wahhabi creed – extremist, funda- quickly. Had the merchants offered erased that rich, mystic past as well politicians Meanwhile, Western leaders should mentalist, and exclusionist. the rigid Wahhabi message instead, as historical sites like the Prophet's take note of the courageous Indone- This creed is surprisingly new to there would have been no buyers. house in Mecca and that of his daugh- And Saudi and Qatari money has sians who so profoundly denounce Islam. Only 200 years old, it carries Now, it is only in Indonesia that a ter Fatimeh. The homes of the Proph- bought the deafening silence of West- ISIS and Wahhabism. There is indeed the name of its firebrand founder, repudiation of the Islamic State has et's wives' are now parking lots. ern politicians. a grand difference between Muslims. Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. surfaced from Indonesia's NU party For all those pilgrims on Hajj, Mec- Robust sales of military weaponry Unless the Saudis show tolerance The Christian equivalent would be that numbers 50 million Muslims. ca has been cleansed of its multi-cul- and prime real estate in major capitals and allow churches, temples and syn- a union of two groups: the Jehovah Their recent film of ISIS behead- tural history. from Rome to Paris and , has agogues to be built in Arabia (which Witness and the Ku Klux Klan. ings features the voice-over of former Virtually every aspect and corner quieted any visible critics. Quite sim- is highly unlikely), the E and the US The Wahhabi creed views all other Indonesian president, Abdurrahman of modern Islam has now been pen- ply, they are not published. should take a firm position and le- Muslims as deviant heretics, deserv- Wahid, singing a Javanese mysti- etrated by Wahhabi influence, thanks With each passing day, the royal gally impose a ban on all Saudi fund- ing no mercy. Moderate Sunnis, Sufis, cal poem: "Many who memorise the to $200 billion spent over the last 30 house of Saud plays a dangerous ing – public and private – destined for Shia, Ismailis, Druze, Yazidis, Alawi- Quran and Hadith love to condemn years in a strategic campaign to pro- double game – posing as allies of mosques and Muslim schools. tes, even the whirling dervishes are others as infidels while ignoring their mote Wahhabism around the world. the West, while allowing funding to American leaders need to openly all enemies, fallen Muslims. own infidelity to God, their hearts and pour into the terrorist networks. This speak about Wahhabism (just as they Of course, non-Muslims fall under minds still mired in filth." Saudi money silences media way they keep criticism from zealous did with Baathism) and end the deafen- the same umbrella of loathing and This campaign for a liberal, plu- criticism Wahhabi clerics at bay. ing silence purchased by petro-dollars. apostasy. No common humanity ex- ralistic Islam comes from a country Sicilians pay for "protection" in Pal- From Capital Hill to Foggy Bottom, ists. There is no dialogue possible. with a rich Hindu and Buddhist past, Thousands of madrasas – funded ermo the same way. an oft-whispered claim insists that the Their Shariah is the only covenant. where Sunnis and Shias live together by Saudis – have indoctrinated count- Ironically, over 10 years ago, on royal family is the lesser of two evils. Non-believers are expendable. in harmony. This Islam stresses non- less young minds with their "pure July 13, 2005, United States Treasury This smacks of irony. The House of violence, inclusiveness and accep- Wahhabi Islam" in Belgium, France, Undersecretary, Stuart Levey, pointed Saud has always been Wahhabi. Wahhabism on global mission tance of other religions. Holland, Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo, out that rich Saudi individuals were a Now, the West must wake to the of conversion and the United Kingdom as well as "significant source" of global Islamist coming storm. Antidote to jihadism the Arab World. terror funding. Today, nothing has And, we all must pray that no Make no mistake; the Saudi Wah- At the moment, the economies of changed. conspiracy is afoot within Pakistan's habis are on a global mission of con- All commentators and pundits who the Middle East and North Africa are Intelligence Agency – with its own version. ask for a "Reformation in Islam", need not creating job opportunities for tens Chilling conclusions embedded Wahhabi sympathisers – Their dream is to change forever look no further. This Islam exists in of millions of young students of both to offer ISIS their ultimate dream: a a faith that once was tolerant, when Indonesia. And it is the antidote to ji- sexes who are the ones most easily The conclusions are chilling. Until nuclear weapon that could become Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived hadism. vulnerable to be converted and re- the Saudi religious roots in today's the mother of all suicide bombs. side by side in the cosmopolitan Le- Few know that for 1,000 years cruited. crisis are unearthed and examined in • Culled from www.huffington- vant's multi-cultural mélange of dia- Mecca was the centre of the Sufi uni- In turn, Saudi money has strategi- the cold light of day, history will only post.com www.thenicheng.com PARLIAMENT THE GRASSROOTS INTERVIEWS TheNiche 15 May 08, 2016

www.thenicheng.com Politics Big Issue: PDP and challenge of 2019 politics PAGE 16»

Emeka Alex Duru INTERVIEW Editor, Politics & Features JUDICIARY 0805 4103 327 PAGE 20 [email protected] PAGE 25 [email protected] » » Daniel Kanu Why Obi should How criminal Assistant Editor be in Senate, by justice system can 0805 618 0203 Nwobu-Alor be strengthened, [email protected] by Quakers [email protected]

Herdsmen attack, reminder of pogrom years – Egboka

PAGE 16

Veteran Biafran soldier and former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Prof. Boniface Egboka, speaks on the recent invasion of Enugu community by Fulani herdsmen, additional states for South East and dangers of creating grazing routes for herders in the southern parts of the country, among other issues in this interview with Special Correspondent, OKEY MADUFORO. TheNiche 16 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com interview

Herdsmen attack, reminder of pogrom years – Egboka

here is this allegation that since Our people do not understand the the attack on Nimbo community importance of that project to the South in Enugu State, South East Na- East and the South South. With that rail tional Assembly members have line, the pressure on our federal high- that our budget was tampered with and number of House of Assembly seats in not taken a bold stance on the ways would reduce drastically. We are the second Niger Bridge was affected. the area. Tissue. How do you feel with the develop- all aware of the state of our roads and These are issues that must be addressed It is my suggestion that Ohanaeze ment? the attendant state of dilapidation, oc- in our country’s interest. Ndigbo and other pan-Igbo organisa- Honestly, with the unfolding events casioned by the pressure of heavy duty But I am not doing a total write-off tions should be more focused towards and incidents that have continued to vehicles and other vehicles. Our National on our National Assembly members. I actualising these dreams and ambitions. affect the interest of the South East geo- Assembly members should work with know that the likes of , Joy I must say at this point that the South political zone, one wonders the role of their colleagues to actualise that proj- Emordi, and the late East is the sick baby of the federation. our representatives in the House of Rep- ect. I even learnt that this project was had at one point Will the Lagos/Calabar rail line suffer resentatives and the Senate. Our people put in our budget and later stories came or another made meaningful contribu- the same fate with second Niger Bridge? are not talking. They are not making around that it was withdrawn from the tions at the National Assembly. But more What about the power station at Ala-Oji? much comments and contributions. budget. The controversy it has generated needs to be done. I also know that they If you make your research, you will There has, for instance, been strong has not even helped matters in this pres- need the support of their colleagues discover that many large-scale, medium- demand for creation of more states in ent circumstance. from other zones to succeed. scale and small-scale industries have the South East zone. But it all seems as Some people, I believe, are somewhere That indeed reminds us about the need closed shop due to epileptic power if nothing is being done about that. We working against our interest, and this for the creation of more states in the supply, and you know that the number elected them to go out there and speak does not speak well of our democracy South East, currently with five states. We of unemployed people has been on the on our behalf, but I am yet to get the at all. It also does not speak well of our only have 15 senators. Also, the number increase. most favourable results so far. national unity as a country. Our National of House of Representatives members We had the Oji Power Station in Enugu We had talked and canvassed about Assembly members should always brace from the zone is too small compared to State before the Civil War and it served Lagos/Calabar rail line that would further up for the tasks ahead. the number from other zones. the old Eastern Region. It can be revived, link us with even some parts of the North A similar matter here is the second With more states in the South East, it so that we have other sources of power with other states in the South East. All Niger Bridge which has been a sing-song. will increase the number of represen- and reduce the pressure on the national we hear or witness is the type of politics At some point, we heard that contract tatives from the zone in the National power services. being played with that all-important had been awarded for that project, and Assembly. The exercise will also increase My humble submission is that our project. a lot of politics followed it. Now we hear number of local government areas and people should be more proactive and www.thenicheng.com interview

They should have cattle in ranches. Government should build ranches and not to come down to the South to facilitate desert encroachment. If you go to Egypt and other parts of Europe, they have ranches. They should supply grasses and not to push deforestation down the South.

women. When you look at Lake Chad Basin, you our lessons from the war. We are not State governor, will discover that it was not the same 15 talking about another war, but there is Nasir el-Rufai, is wrong by to 20 years ago. It was a large lake, but that urgent need to address issues that saying that grazing is part of now it has lost 90 per cent of its water led to the Civil War. We had the constitu- Fulani culture. So, what that and will soon dry out. tional conference. Such issues and other means is that they can go They should have cattle in ranches. related matters were raised and resolu- to any part of Nigeria with Government should build ranches tions made. That should also be a good cattle and graze. This is unac- and not to come down to the South to working document for our country. ceptable to us in the South facilitate desert encroachment. If you At this stage of our polity, we should East. go to Egypt and other parts of Europe, be asking ourselves very pertinent ques- not being fallow. When you study the We are farmers. Before they have ranches. They should supply tions about our cooperate existence. North, you will also discover that they the advent of crude oil, our people grasses and not to push deforestation That would be better for our country and and the West are more proactive than relied greatly on agriculture as our down the South. not going into another civil war. our people. I was in the Constituent As- source of economic sustenance and up That was how it all started and our Any part of the country that is calling sembly before and we had people like till now agriculture is still part of our brothers and sisters were killed in the for a civil war should go ahead and fight, Babagana Kingibe, Segun Osoba and life. You cannot come all the way from North. Pregnant women had their but not with us, the lgbo. We have had we know the role they played for their the North to destroy our farms on the wombs ripped and children slaughtered. our own share of the civil war and we ac- people. grounds that Fulani culture is grazing. This time around, it is happening in the tually made our point. All we need now Who is ready to part with his or her South East and our senators and House is to talk to ourselves and find a better Fulani herdsmen’s attack is not the first farmland or ancestral land in the name of Representatives members are watch- way of bettering our condition and not of such occurrences. Curiously, the Igbo of grazing? There is the need for us as ing. This is yet another way of telling us going to war. are mostly the targets in such situations. Nigerians to be mindful of some state- that we are war captives and we must After the war, they said ‘no victor no How do you feel about the whole thing? ments that are inimical to our corpo- remain a conquered race. vanquished’ and we accepted all that. It has been a constant issue in Nige- rate existence. People may think that it is one of those But today we know the victor and we ria. When you hear of religious riot, the We are yet to address the Boko Haram things; but sooner or later, we shall come also know the vanquished. So going to worst hit are the Igbo because we are issue in Nigeria and the Fulani herdsmen to terms with the realities of the under- war is out of consideration because we, everywhere. If there is a problem in La- have come into the stage. This goes to current. the Igbo, saw it all during that war. gos, everybody goes to Idumota Market, question the state of security in Nigeria I saw the pogrom and I saw the war. Alaba International Market and Ladipo and the safety of our people in this part I saw people suffer. I saw hunger. I saw Market where our people do business of the country. frustration. I saw orphans. I saw psycho- and we have continued to lose a lot. To- logical distress. There was pogrom and day we hear of the attacks on our people How do you think grazing in the South those things are still happening now. by the Fulani herdsmen. would affect the region? These are people who are more of What it means is that when we are talk- Do you see possibility of another Civil cattle men. Now they carry guns and at- ing about afforestation, the federal gov- War, going by the turn of events? tack our villages, kill people and rape our ernment is talking about deforestation. We have fought the war and we learnt TheNiche 18 May 08, 2016 www.theniche.com.ng Big Issue

PDP and challenge Ali Modu Sherrif of 2019 politics Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needs to do more work, if its desire to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) is to be actualised, Editor, Politics/Features, EMEKA ALEX DURU, writes.

Secondus Ekweremadu

f developments within correct all ill-feelings caused by opinion, the former governor Hope dashed? the zoning of offices as recom- the opposition Peoples selection of candidates based threw in the towel. Contrary to the hopes raised mended by the Governor Em- Democratic Party (PDP), on sentiments as well as re-bal- With his exit, Uche Secondus, by the efforts at re-packaging manuel Udom-led committee last week, were anything ance the power sharing formula National Deputy Chairman, took the party, zoning arrangement which retained the office of the to go by, the party needs that would be based on merit. over the mantle of leadership released by its leadership last PDP National Chairman in the to work harder in its bid The moves, it had been in acting capacity. But follow- week appeared to be another North East. to wrest power from the stated, would ensure acceptable ing a court process initiated hurdle it must overcome ahead Observers note that follow- All Progressives Congress (APC) formula in picking the party’s by former President Goodluck its May 21 Convention, taking ing the intrigues that came into Iin 2019. flag-bearers in future elections. Jonathan’s aide, Ahmed Gulak, place in Port Harcourt, Rivers play in arriving at the controver- Ordinarily, the ward and local In that regard, the National Secondus was thrown out. State. sial structure, all clogs that may government congresses of the Working Committee (NWC) To guard against vacuum The zoning structure is as fol- stop Sheriff from contesting for party, which had commenced of the party had examined its in the leadership of the party, lows: National Chairman (North the office of the chairman of the two weeks ago, should have low performance in the 2015 former and serving governors East), Deputy National Chairman party on May 21 may have been provided hope for its agenda. election and agreed on some on its platform picked Ali Modu (South South), National Secre- removed by the NEC. But on the contrary, confusion core issues that would move it Sheriff, erstwhile Borno gover- tary (South West), Deputy Na- seems to be the order of the day forward. nor, as the new chairman. tional Secretary (North Central), More battles ahead in various state chapters of the Aside encouraging the North National Legal Adviser (North This may not however be as party. North East picks chairmanship East to complete its tenure for West), Deputy National Legal easy as those that worked out But the dust raised by the seat national chairmanship, other Adviser (South South), National the arrangement may have congresses pales to noth- Part of the exercise was in moves were made to ensure Treasurer (South South), Deputy envisaged. In some of the zones, ing compared with disputa- asking the North East Zone to stability in the party. National Treasurer (North West), for instance, there have been tions over the zoning formula complete its term (tenure) as In one of such efforts, a com- National Financial Secre- agitations either on offices al- released by the party for its the National Chairman of the mittee led by the Deputy Senate tary (North Central), Deputy Na- lotted them or those angling to national offices. Among the party till March 2016 when the President, , had tional Financial Secretary (South occupy such. positions in contention are the National Convention was origi- zoned the party’s Presidential East), National Woman Leader In apparent anticipation of offices of the national chairman nally scheduled to hold. ticket to the North. The deduc- (North West), Deputy National the fall-out of the exercise, PDP and the deputy national chair- TheNiche investigation identi- tion by many was that by that Woman Leader (South South), is said to have fixed May 14 man. fied the offer as falling into the concession, technically, the National Auditor (South West), deadline for all the geo-political moves to unite the aggrieved National Chairman of the party Deputy National Auditor (North zones and state chapters of the Repackaging a fallen giant members of the party ahead of would come from the southern East), National Publicity Secre- party to resolve their differences PDP had, after a fatal outing in the Presidential election in 2019 part of the country. tary (South West), Deputy Na- over national offices zoned to the March 2015 general elec- which it has vowed to reclaim. Even as the committee was tional Publicity Secretary (North them. tion, sold impressions of having Former governor, silent on zoning the chair- Central), National Organising The date, which makes it one learnt from its mistake. Thus, in Adamu Mu’azu, had assumed manship, it was gleaned from Secretary (South East), Deputy week to national convention of a bid to forge a common front in the position of PDP National standard practice that the party National Organising Secretary the party, it was learnt, was to re-building the party ahead of Chairman, shortly before the would not do the contrary. The (North Central), National Youth enable them put their acts to- 2019 general election, its lead- 2015 general elections. But estimation was that, by that, Leader (South East), Deputy gether and speak with one voice ership had embarked on resolu- following the inability of his the zoning of other positions National Youth Leader (North at the convention. tion of outstanding disputes team to return the party to vic- would follow in a manner that West). On the surface, the party among its members. In going tory, there were demands from would give way for rebuilding The arrangement followed the seemed foresighted, given the about the exercise, the leaders members of the party on him to the party. approval, by National Executive cocktail of crises in some of its claimed genuine intention to go. In respecting the prevailing Committee (NEC) of the party, of state chapters. www.thenicheng.com

Jonathan George

TheNiche, however, gathered that the contained in a statement issued by the to nurse a dream of the party returning riot act from the party was to rein in Party’s National Organising Secretary, to the ideals of its forebears. members from South West and South Abubakar Mustapha. Hopes of a reformed party were howev- South who have been kicking over the The re-scheduled exercise was ex- er dashed when, few hours to the conven- posts of national chairman and deputy pected to continue in these states from tion, words filtered out that Tukur, Aso For the South national chairman. Friday, May 6. Rock candidate, had been selected for the Party chieftains from South West have job. His position was merely affirmed at South, the tension insisted that with the presidency of the Return to the tracks the convention ground. party already zoned to the North, the Concerned members of the party, who Barely two weeks to the Port Harcourt centres on the position of chairman should ordinarily have been following the uncertain trend convention, the fears of a repeat of the come to the zone. This is especially as in the unfolding developments, liken the Abuja episode are gaining root among person to occupy the South South had just held office of situation to the return of impunity in the members. The apprehension is that fur- the slot allotted to Deputy National Chairman and the South conduct of its affairs. They are already ther mishandling of the party’s fortunes East positioned for Vice Presidency. interpreting the developments as repeat may witness more desertion from key the zone. Part of the Former Deputy National Chairman of of the petty politics that characterised members. the party and one-time military governor the party’s 2012 Abuja convention that Since PDP lost power to APC last understanding by of Ondo State, Olabode George, alluded witnessed the controversial selection of year, hitherto key figures in its fold had to the dissatisfaction of members from Bamanga Tukur as its national chairman. dumped it for the APC, while others have members was that in the South West on the zoning formula. That opaque exercise is what informed decided to leave politics entirely. These constituting a new While speaking on the issue last week, analysts locate as the root of the crisis include former President, Olusegun George recalled: “After the elections, the that led to the party’s poor showing in Obasanjo; former Board of Trustees (BoT) NWC for the party, National Working Committee set up this 2015 elections. chairman, Tony Anenih; former Anambra special committee headed by Senator At the March 24, 2012 National Con- State governor, Jim Nwobodo; Adamu old national office Ekweremadu to look into why we lost the vention of the party, major positions Mu’azu, Tukur, former National Secretary, holders would not elections. One of the recommendations were parcelled out to favoured candi- ; among others. was that, at least for 2019, the presiden- dates of Jonathan in a consensus ar- be returned to office. tial slot should go back to the North. rangement that analysts considered Brighter future ahead “What is happening now is that the highly undemocratic. Remaining members of PDP are, how- Our reporter however report has been given that the president Curiously, while preparations for the ever, optimistic on the party returning should come from the North. It has been convention peaked, the party hierarchy to Aso Rock in 2019. Part of the things learnt that there were approved. Automatically, the chairman- had sold impressions of a party that had giving them hope and confidence is the surreptitious moves ship of the party must come to the exited from its past that was character- regime of missteps that characterise APC South.” ised by intrigues in the conduct of its handling of the country’s problems since to return Secondus For the South South, the tension affair. coming to power on May 29, last year. centres on the person to occupy the Even, Jonathan had assured that the They also hope to reap from the em- to the position of slot allotted to the zone. Part of the party would conduct the exercise in line phatic victory PDP recorded in gover- understanding by members was that in with standard practice. Though there norship elections in Bayelsa and Rivers Deputy National constituting a new NWC for the party, were doubts in some quarters on match- states. But how far these can be repli- Chairman. old national office holders would not be ing his words with action, there was cated at the national level remains the returned to office. Our reporter how- visible air of enthusiasm among ordinary big question. ever learnt that there were surreptitious party members that the years of imposi- moves to return Secondus to the posi- tion in its fold were gone. tion of Deputy National Chairman. In fact, for these hapless members, Elsewhere, NWC, had, last Wednes- there were hopes that internal democ- day, cancelled the ward congresses in racy, which was almost stifled, would be Adamawa, Lagos and Osun states. It re-invented. With this euphoria, es- also announced the dissolution of the tranged chieftains of the party, who were committees it set up to conduct the con- chiselled out of its mainstream by the gresses in those states. The directive was dictatorial tendencies of the time, began TheNiche 20 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Interview Why Obi should be in Senate, by Nwobu-Alor

Second Republic lawmaker and leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Stakeholders’ Forum, Sylvester Nwobu-Alor, speaks with Special Correspondent, OKEY MADUFORO, on developments in the party, Anambra Central senatorial election and why former Governor Peter Obi should be in the Red Chamber.

nambra Central Senatorial in other states. we had unanimously disassociated the APGA said he would not leave APGA for another politi- election and absence of repre- It is wrong to imagine that the PDP and the Stakeholders’ Forum from the said reconciliation cal party. But he later joined the PDP. He said he sentation APC will be excluded in any national election for for obvious reasons; that Okwu did not consult would not contest any elective position, today The job of a legislator is to whatever reason. That law against them should the relevant stakeholders since his actions are he is going for the Senate seat. These had to do represent his constituency. be expunged completely. The fundamental hu- self-serving. with the situation he found himself at that point. But when there is vacancy in man right has given me as a citizen the right to It was also said that any reconciliatory effort It is only a machine that can remain constant at doing so, the constituency contest in any election and you cannot tell me without my blessing as the national leader will all times and not human being. loses, especially on presence not to contest in an election when I am qualified not yield any positive result. He was pressured to go to the Senate by of government in that area. It is not good for to do so. The Forum also expressed its support for and many people, including myself. I told him to Athe people of that constituency. With Anambra As I said before, I have briefed my legal team confidence in me and the governorship aspi- go to the Senate and do what is workable and Central currently not having a senator, whatever to go to court and compel INEC to conduct the rant, Chike Obidigbo, for our sincere commit- that he is created by God for a purpose. Many interest that may have favoured us in the district election. I am doing that because I am from ments towards the unity of APGA as a national of his friends in the Senate said “come with your will be completely omitted. Anambra Central. I am being denied the right to party and the overall interest of Nigeria. fantastic ideas”. One morning, he called me and I do not see why the Independent National be represented at the National Assembly. said “I will serve my people in the Senate”. Electoral Commission (INEC) is wasting time in Once I obtain the court order, INEC is bound Obi’s interest in the Senate So those who are saying that he is not a man doing its job of filling the slot. to comply or the commission would be charged If that happens, which I am sure will hap- of his own words or that he does not keep The vacuum at the National Assembly for for contempt of that order. pen, it will be the greatest gift of age. Peter Obi, to whatever he said are only being funny. He Anambra Central is totally the handiwork of when he was a governor, performed very well in changed his mind because he saw people INEC. I have already told my lawyers to study Maxi Okwu’s defection Anambra. suffering and he wanted to help. Those of them the law and go to court and obtain an injunc- We the APGA stakeholders raised a lot of When he came into the saddle as governor, that are against him will even gain from his tion mandating INEC to conduct the Anambra issues that must be looked into and presented he promised to construct 100 kilometres of membership of the Senate. Central Senatorial District election. The com- before the party’s reconciliation committee. roads every year in Anambra, but he ended up mission should conduct the election within We made it clear that our party needs to be constructing 400 kilometres in two years. Between Obi and Victor Umeh the provisions of the constitution. It should redeemed from its present situation. But what He was leader of South East Governors’ Obi is not interested in Victor Umeh also conduct a credible election. are we observing now? The party is fast de- Forum (SEGF) for a long time. That was a posi- contesting for Senate or not. He is also not Before the recent High Court order mandat- scending the hills in a terrific momentum. That is tion that was supposed to be rotated among bothered with what Umeh is doing. It is ing INEC to include the Peoples Democratic exactly what is happening now. the governors, but they told him to continue. Umeh that has been going about saying Party (PDP) in the list of political parties for Before now, Maxi Okwu had a validly con- Again, almost all these governors are in the that Obi is this or that. But Obi does not the exercise, INEC had announced that only ducted convention and all those demands were Senate. His friends all over the country are in the care about all that nonsense. What Umeh those candidates that took part in the annulled completely ignored. Senate across all political parties. If he goes to should do is to withdraw from the contest. election would take part. So what they meant But for him to go and say that he has come to the Senate with his method of leadership and So whatever Umeh is saying, he is only was that political parties such as PDP and All the party with his supporters, including myself, wealth of experience, it will be to the best inter- giving Obi more credibility. He had better Progressives Congress (APC) that are shopping is very funny. est of not only Anambra Central, but the entire withdraw from the race because it is a no- for new candidates will not participate. That is I am the authentic leader of APGA National South East in general. win situation for him. unacceptable. Stakeholders’ Forum. My people held a meeting INEC should know that it has no right to and suspended Okwu. As it stands now, he is on Obi using and dumping APGA decide for any political party who would be its his own, and does not have the support of our Peter Obi is not a machine, but a human candidate. Similar issues came up in other states. people. being who can change his position in line with What INEC said in the case of Anambra is a There was a communique signed by 12 the prevailing circumstances. It is only machines complete contradiction to what the courts said members on behalf of the Forum. In it, we said that can remain constant in what they do. Yes he www.thenicheng.com From the states Still on herdsmen menace

Okafor Achuzia Fulani herdsman

Special Correspondent, ONWUKWE EZERU, writes on the continuing condemnation of the recent attack on Nimbo, Enugu community, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

ndigenes and residents of passed a resolution mandating all se- killing of innocent Nigerians by the disguised form of terrorism and insur- Umunneochi Local Govern- curity agents in Abia to always search marauders, condemned the act, not- gency, and called on President Mu- ment Area, Abia State, as well all trailers and trucks coming into the ing that it was capable of snowballing hammadu Buhari to nip the trend in as other boarder communi- state to ascertain their content. to war among some communities in the bud before it gets out of hand like ties with Enugu State where The House also mandated the the country. Boko Haram. herdsmen invaded and killed traditional rulers and the Transitional He called on the South East gover- Since the latest attack by the herds- over 50 natives recently are Committee Chairmen of the 17 local nors and leaders to rise against the men, Nigerians of all persuasions have living in fear. Aside apprehensions government areas of the state to form menace in the interest of the zone. risen in condemnation of the attack. Iof being visited with the same vigilance groups that would guard Meanwhile, Abia State governor, Dr. Last Tuesday, for instance, Nigerians mindless attack as their Enugu State the communities against evasion by Okezie Ikpeazu, has sent his words of resident in the United Kingdom rallied neighbours, their fears also derive the pastoralists. The lawmakers also consolation to his Enugu colleague, in London in protest against the men- from the fact of Fulani herdsmen enjoined the head of Fulani commu- Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on the Nimbo inci- ace. Similar action had earlier taken residing at Lokpanta in Umunneochi nity in the state to ensure effective dent. place in Enugu, a day earlier where where they carry out their trading control of the herdsmen operating in In a release by his Chief Press Secre- the Igbo gathered to register their activities on cattle. the state. tary (CPS), Godwin Adindu, the gover- anger against the awkward trend. Our reporter gathered that follow- As with other concerned groups nor condemned the dastardly attack Some even see the unfolding devel- ing the recent mayhem at Ukpabi- and organisations in Abia, the on Nimbo community by the herds- opment as pogrom, warning that ev- Nimbo Community in Uzo-Uwani by legislators took grave exception to men as well as similar actions across ery effort should be made to nip it in the Fulani herders, residents of the the antics of the criminal elements Nigeria, warning that the situation the bud. For example, ex-Biafran com- affected Abia communities have not among the herdsmen, warning could degenerate into a national crisis mander, Joe Achuzia, observed that been having the best of times. that the trend would not be toler- if drastic measures are not taken by the Ukpabi-Nimbo invasion amounted Elsewhere in Abia, the story is the ated. the federal government to check the to pogrom. same. For instance, the paramount Arguing on the same line, the menace. “The killings by Fulani people is rep- ruler of Obinolu Autonomous com- Chairman South East Traditional Rul- Ikpeazu noted that the herdsmen’s rehensible. Before, we knew them as munity, Eze Luke Uche, who spoke on ers Council, Eze Eberechi Dick, con- cowardly attacks on communities and nomads that carried cattle from place the issue in Umuahia, the state capital, demned the assault on Enugu com- farmlands all over the country consti- to place. Now they have started killing last week, remarked that if the excess- munities by the herdsmen and called tute another national security chal- people. I make bold to say that this is es of the Fulani ‘warlords’ were not on the federal government to inter- lenge and pose grave threat to the a similar way our people were killed in checked, the peace of the area may be vene immediately before the tension peace and unity of the country, stress- the North. What is happening now is in jeopardy. occasioned by the incident assumes a ing that the trend is a time bomb pogrom,” he remarked. He, thus, called on the federal and dangerous dimension. waiting to explode. Buhari has incidentally assured that state governments to take necessary He advised the governors of the He expressed worry on how the his administration would spare no ef- actions now to save lives and banish South East to rise up and stem the security apparatus of the country forts in ensuring that the criminals are the psychological fears that affect the tide of insecurity in the zone, adding treats the dangerous trend with kid apprehended and treated accordingly. people negatively. that the traditional rulers were dis- gloves, resulting in more invasion by The state government, TheNiche turbed at the uncertain turn of events the herdsmen on such communities learnt, is incidentally, not taking the in the country. as Agatu, in Nasarawa, Ondo, Delta, matter lightly. In fact, piqued by the Abia State Chairman, Christian Asso- Benue and now Enugu. unwholesome activities of the herds- ciation of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Goddy The governor further observed men, the House of Assembly has Okafor, who reacted to the recurring that the herdsmen could be another TheNiche 22 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Analysis Long walk to Budget 2016

Buhari signing the 20016 budget After months of political intrigues between the Presidency and the National Assembly over the passage of the 2016 Appropriation bill reason finally prevailed on Friday as President Muhammadu Buhari assents to the document. But will the present economic hardship subside with the passage of the budget, writes Assistant Politics Editor, DANIEL KANU.

here was euphoria on The result has been that of last night (Wednesday). amended in line with the agree- Buhari would assent to the 2016 the morning of Tuesday, untold economic hardship on “Upon the completion of work, ment reached on the budget. budget soonest, likely last week. December 22, 2015, when the people, making Nigerians to the budget details ought to be Although the source declined He gave the assurance at a non- President Muhammadu be apprehensive of the change signed this week as it does not ap- to provide insight into some of denominational conference by Buhari, in person, pre- they voted for under the party in pear to be another delay in sight,” the major changes made in the the Covenant Christian Centre in Tsented a N6.08 trillion budget for power, the All Progressives Con- the source revealed. budget by the reconciliation Abuja. the 2016 fiscal year before a joint gress (APC). Another source in the legislature committee, it disclosed that with “The budget will become session of the National Assembly revealed that the compromise the resolution of the grey areas, operational in the next few days,” in Abuja. Of course, the previous Reason prevailed reached was to retain the main un- the 2016 budget would meet the Osinbajo had promised. “People two budgets were presented on Latest political development derlining figures and parameters yearnings of Nigerians. now wonder: where is the change behalf of then President Goodluck shows that reason has finally of the budget, but the executive that formed the crux of our elec- Jonathan by the then Minister of prevailed, as both parties struck gave some room to the National And Buhari signs budget tioneering campaigns. But they fail Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. a compromise on the issue on Assembly to alter, where neces- The President signed the de- to understand that patience is also But all the ovation that greeted Thursday. sary, up to 20 to 30 per cent of the layed 2016 budget at the Presi- a virtue that they must have as a the 2016 Appropriation Bill TheNiche gathered that after budgets of federal Ministries, De- dential Villa on Friday with Vice people.” presentation went dead with the trading blames for weeks, the partments and Agencies (MDAs). President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate padding controversy that fol- leadership of the National As- The reason, according to the President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Earlier apprehension lowed. Buhari refused to sign a sembly and the presidency met source, was in recognition of the of the House of Representatives, Before Buhari presented the padded budget, and the lawmak- last week and resolved to end the independence of the legislature, Dogara, and Finance Min- budget, Nigerians were already ers reveled in what the masses saw budget impasse by constituting a with respect to appropriation, so ister, , among others agitated on his delay over very as selfish interests. And in what reconciliation committee compris- that it does not end up being a as witnesses. critical issues that would assist him most political analysts saw as “ego ing members of the executive and rubber stamp of the executive. The record N6 trillion budget is to hit the ground running, con- show”, neither the National Assem- the presidency. Based on this principle, the expected to stimulate ’s sidering that he took over in May bly nor the Presidency was ready “Having reached acceptable source disclosed further that the slowing economy which took a hit 2015 and was unwilling to nomi- to shift ground. concession, all the grey areas joint committee of the National as the price of crude oil, Nigeria’s nate his ministers. From the rumour that the bud- have been resolved, and with the Assembly and the executive re- main export, collapsed in the Buhari even admitted that he get was missing, to padding, to submission of the details of the viewed the subheads of the MDAs global market. was aware Nigerians were losing refusal to attend to it by the Presi- budget and the two follow-up to ensure that where budget cuts confidence in the government. dency, it has been a long story of meetings, work was expected to or additions exceeded the 20 to The Osinbajo leak “But I promise the 2016 budget endless waiting. be finalised on the budget details 30 per cent threshold, they were Osinbajo had confirmed that would address the problems,” the www.thenicheng.com Buhari’s Analysis remarks at the budget signing

t gives me great plea- projections. Our revenue sure today to sign the generating agencies are first full-year budget coming under better of this administra- management and are being tion into law. I thank re-oriented. The implemen- the leadership of the tation of the Treasury Single National Assembly, Account (TSA) is expected in particular, the to contribute significantly Senate President and the to improving transparency ISpeaker of the House of over government revenues. Representatives, and indeed Our determined fight all members of the National against corruption is result- Assembly for their coopera- ing in improvements in the tion in making this a reality. quality of public expen- The budget is intended diture. The work of the to signpost a renewal of our Efficiency Unit (E-Unit), as commitment to restoring well as other public financial the budget as a serious arti- management initiatives, Ebigwei cle of faith with the Nigerian are also contributing in people. This administration this regard. The continuing Adeosun is committed to ensuring efforts to reduce recurrent that henceforth the annual expenditures should hope- President said. “We are here difficulty. to introduce items, projects bordered on the security appropriation bill is present- fully free up more funds for to serve Nigeria and indeed On every sector, he made that were not there when challenge in the land, saying ed to the National Assembly capital expenditure in 2017 Nigerians will get the ser- a firm promise that things the budget was presented that the budget or the econ- in time for the passage of and beyond. vices they have longed for.” would change for the better to the National Assembly by omy would not amount to the Act before the begin- As I said in my New Year According to him, the to improve the lives of the the Presidency. anything with insecurity in ning of the fiscal year. message, living in State budget would ensure average citizen. “The executive, perhaps the land. Through the 2016 bud- House does not in any way reduction in taxes for small But critics have contin- knowing their right, felt that Said he: “Nothing can get, aptly titled ‘Budget of alienate me from your daily businesses. ued to pummel the Buhari the National Assembly was happen in the economy if Change’, the government struggles. I read the news- While reiterating his administration as one that trying to usurp the constitu- there is insecurity. The abil- seeks to fulfil its own side papers and listen to the commitment to economic does not match promise tional right of the executive ity of the economy to access of the social contract. The television and radio news. I diversification, he said farm- with action. and that has resulted to the resources either in terms budget I have signed into hear your cries. I share your ing and mining would be confusion we witnessed.” of remittances, in terms law provides for aggregate pains. given special focus. The people’s verdict Former member repre- of portfolio investment or expenditures of N6.06 tril- We are experiencing He also promised that Sylvan Ebigwei, Presi- senting Badagry Federal direct investment. All of lion. Further details of the probably the toughest 500,000 new teachers dent-General, Aka-Ikenga, Constituency, Lagos State this impinge on the level of approved budget, as well economic times in the his- would be recruited, as- intellectual think-tank of at the House of Representa- security. as our Strategic Implemen- tory of our nation. I want suring that the Nigerian Ndigbo, was not expecting tives and APC stalwart, Idris “And we should not pre- tation Plan for the 2016 to commend the sacrifice, economy would cease to be any magic from the pas- , said the passage sume to discuss anything budget, will be provided by resilience and toughness oil-dependent and would sage of the budget. He said of the budget would inject without re-emphasising the Honourable Minister of of all Nigerians, young and instead be characterised by the conflict between both finance in the system, there- the primary function of Budget and National Plan- old, who, have despite the inclusive growth. parties, which lingered for by boosting the economy. government: to secure ning. hardships, continued to “We must deliver security, months, was unnecessary, For Governor, the economy, secure lives I shall be speaking in have hope and confidence jobs and infrastructure,” urging the Buhari govern- Ayodele Fayose, the delay and property, and see to more details about the of a great future for Nige- Buhari had promised. ment to endeavour to put was an indication that the the welfare of the people, budget, its implementation rians. But permit me to say On the hardship been in place projects that would government in power lacks among other commit- and the over-all national that this government is faced by Nigerians as a provide real transformation. focus, with no action to ments. Look at what is economic and social poli- also like none other. We are result of fuel scarcity, the He had told TheNiche “I deliver. He described the happening: there is oil cies of the government in absolutely committed to President had apologised don’t think there will be any 2016 Budget as confirma- theft, leakages across the my address on May 29, God changing the structure of for the situation, admitting magic. What is a budget in tion that the APC and Buhari porous borders in the willing. the Nigerian economy once he was aware the scarcity the first place? It’s simply an were never prepared for North, East and West, per- In designing the 2016 and for all. had caused social disloca- intention or expression to governance. haps everywhere. We must budget, we made a delib- We are working night tion across the country. spend money. Year in year “If a government cannot secure our environment, erate choice to pursue an and day to diversify the He blamed the scarcity out, budgets have been prepare a common budget, secure our plants, the re- expansionary fiscal policy economy, so that we never on speculators and those drawn, money appropri- it should just be concluded fineries, power stations etc. despite the huge decline again have to rely on one “resisting change” and as- ated; but usually there is that those in the govern- No economy grows in a in government revenues commodity to survive as sured that government was nothing to show for it. ment never prepared for state of insecurity because from crude oil exports. a country. So that we can working hard to cushion the “So since we now have governance and such a gov- all economic indicators are This is why we decided to produce the food we eat, the slogan of change, ernment may not be able to affected.” enlarge the budget deficit make our own textiles, let us hope that this achieve anything.” at this time, to be financed produce most of the things change will bring the Fayose said padding of Last line principally through foreign we use. We intend to create desired and genuine the budget with strange The budget having been and domestic borrowings. the environment for our transformation that figures, which was denied passed, political commenta- All borrowings will however young people to be able to we as Nigerians need. by ministers, was a clear in- tors say Buhari must hit the be applied towards growth- innovate and create jobs Seeing is believing, tention to steal. “What those ground running as what enhancing capital expendi- through technology. let’s wait and see who prepared the budget obtains at the moment is tures. I cannot promise you what the APC will give did was to steal in advance. not satisfactory. The signing of the budget that this will be an easy us. They have inun- It is clear advance fraud and today will trigger concerted journey, but in the interest dated us with so much be it civil servants, political efforts to reflate the Nige- of so much and so many, promises, so much appointees or consultants, rian economy, a key ele- we must tread this difficult sweet talks. What Ni- those responsible for this ment of which is an immedi- path. I can assure you that gerians are waiting for national embarrassment ate injection of N350 billion this government you have now is its translation must be fished out and into the economy by way of freely elected will work with to reality, its ability to prosecuted.” capital projects. To illustrate honesty and dedication, day positively touch the In a statement issued our renewed commitment and night, to ensure that lives of Nigerians. by his Special Assistant on to infrastructural develop- our country prospers and “There has been so Pubic Communications and ment, the 2016 budget that the prosperity benefits much needless brou- New Media, Lere Olayinka, allocates over N200 billion all Nigerians. God bless the haha over the budget the governor had said: to road construction as Federal Republic of Nigeria. which I see more as “There will be nothing against a paltry N18 billion ego trip. They should special to expect from them, allocated for same purpose talk less and do more. even when they pass the in the 2015 budget. The political class, I budget.” Despite the current diffi- think, over-stepped Former Finance Minister, culties we will work extra- Kosoko their bounds by trying , is more hard to achieve our revenue TheNiche 24 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Feature Unceasing fuel crisis and APC internal politics

Tinubu Kachikwu Fuel queue

Persistent fuel scarcity in the country, even after Minister of State (Petroleum), Ibe Kachikwu, had literally been forced to give a shorter timeframe on the matter, exposes the internal contradictions in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Assistant Editor (South South), JOE EZUMA, reports.

he outcry and even calls for res- sion course with certain interests in APC. reasoning in line with his former party, the Harcourt, , and environs. Those ignation on the Minister of State Former , Bola Tinubu, PDP, in actions and words, arguing: “In the selling outside the fuel stations or the so- for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, for instance, descended on the minister, alleg- light of the foregoing, Kachikwu must not be called black market operators sold at N500 over his statement that Nigeri- ing that by his remark he had exhibited total a cog in the wheel of progress and should do per litre with the added risk of consumers ans should not expect a quick detachment with the toiling Nigerians and the needful by resigning honourably.” buying adulterated products. A man was fix to the lingering queues at what the party stood for. South East wing of the party, in a statement recently caught selling kerosene mixed with filling stations, were not without Tinubu said: “Kachikwu’s flippancy was out by its spokesman, Osita Okechukwu, however, palm oil and little petrol as petrol. reasons. of line. He was basically telling Nigerians that disagreed, reminding those demanding the Some professionals who spoke on the situ- That Nigerians still bear the brunt of fuel they should be lucky that they are getting minister’s resignation not to forget that he ation, expressed sadness at the development, Tscarcity, long queues at stations and high the inadequate supply they now suffer and had brought transparency in the fuel sup- blaming ethnicity, politics, selfishness and pump prices into the second week of May that they should just be quiet and endure ply chain, in the process, saving the country inordinate ambition among Nigerian politi- easily stand as a reason for the unease in the the shortage for several weeks more. about N500 billion. cians for the trend. sector. “Kachikwu’s intervention was unhelpful. In the face of the buck-passing, an Abuja- Eddie Williams, Port Harcourt-based pub- The agitation and call for the minister’s It panicked and disappointed the public as based civil society group, United Nigeria Civic lisher, regretted that over 55 years of nation- resignation incidentally came mostly from the to the duration of the crisis. It insulted the Front (NICIF), intervened and urged Nigerians hood, Nigeria is still grappling with problem ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which people by its tonality. He spoke with the to shun the attempt to personalise the petro- of fuel supply and pricing. He challenged the ordinarily should have risen in support of the imperious nature of a member of the elitist leum crisis, but rally behind President Muham- APC to translate its change mantra to reality in official that is serving its government. government the people voted out last year madu Buhari and Kachikwu in their effort to making life easy for Nigerians. Analysts, thus, see the verbal attack on Ka- and not the progressive one they voted in.” find a permanent solution to the issue. He specifically reminded the party that its chikwu as indicative of the schism in the APC. Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources, The group’s Publicity Secretary, Johnson change mantra should also involve being Kachikwu had at the peak of the biting Downstream, joined the fray by summoning Olumide, described the call for Kachikwu’s transparent, working to gain the confidence fuel scarcity in March informed Nigerians the embattled minister for questioning on the resignation as a cowardly attack on President of the people, so that they could be carried that the crisis would linger till late May. The fuel situation. Buhari who doubles as Minister of Petroleum. along in the administration’s policies. minister, a technocrat though a neophyte in At the forum, the minister explained that he “This is actually an ill-motivated and It is also argued in some quarters that with the country’s politics, thought he was being did not make the statement in bad faith but cowardly attack on the President, an at- nearly one year in office, chieftains of the realistic when he made the disclosure. on account of the realities on the ground. tempt to question his capacity to solve the party should start thinking more of how to fix He was, in fact, echoing the position by Even with the explanation, Kachikwu was current energy crisis in the country by those the country in the remaining three years of petroleum downstream sector stakeholders still forced to play the politics of the matter by who lack the courage to assail him directly. APC tenure and not blaming themselves or who had earlier painted a grim picture of the setting two weeks to ease the crisis. We are aware that it has nothing to do with the previous administration. fuel situation. They had at a forum in Lagos patriotism or a wish to see a quick end to the warned that the fuel crisis may linger till the Enter ethnic politics current fuel crisis,” Olumide said. third quarter of 2016. Even at that, entrenched interests in the His words: “It is even a magic that the party were hardly appeased. Party leaders, Motion without movement stations are still getting volume of products incidentally from the minister’s South South, More than 50 days after Kachikwu had they dispense to the public, judging from the insisted on his resignation, even when South urged Nigerians to brace up for more epilep- prevailing circumstances at Nigerian National East members argued to the contrary. tic fuel supply regime, events seem to prove Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). One of the The opposition Peoples Democratic Party him right as supplies are yet to normalise. trainings I did not receive is that of a magician, (PDP), on its own, mocked APC to look inward Survey by TheNiche during the week indi- but I am working very hard to ensure some of and solve the country’s problem rather than cated that products were still not available these issues go away.” clutching at straws. at filling stations. Even where products were That, incidentally, was a casual remark the APC National Vice Chairman, South South, available, the prices had been adjusted for minister made that promptly set him on colli- Hilliard Eta, particularly took on Kachikwu for between N130 and N140 per litre, in Port www.thenicheng.com Judicary How criminal justice system can be strengthened, by Quakers

Norrison Ibinabo Quakers, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was called to the Bar about 25 years ago. Before setting up his own law firm, he worked with Iwelumo and Iwelumo, and later joined Olisa Agbakoba and Associates. In this interview with Senior Correspondent ONYEWUCHI OJINNAKA, he speaks on stringent bail conditions, plea bargain and multiplicity of charges, among others. Quakers

hat is your take on looked into. proach the court ex-parte and get a lenges in criminal litigation. Have we But, what if the jurisdiction of the stringent bail con- freezing order to stop the accused fared well since the law was passed? trial court is challenged? ditions imposed Many of your colleagues accuse person from having access to those I would not say no, because we have The new law says the court will by the courts? the Economic and Financial Crimes funds to fight back. I like to com- tried to the best of our ability. Our not stay proceedings. There are The grant of Commission (EFCC) of multiplicity of mend the EFCC because, to that major challenge has always been settled principles of law in relation bail is constitu- charges. extent, they are working. our attitude, the law can only work to jurisdiction of the court. It is Wtional and there is a presumption of I would not comment on on-go- For me, plea bargain is not a slap when people have positive disposi- trite that once an appeal has been innocence on any accused person. ing criminal cases. I am one of those on the wrist. Because Nigeria is a tion towards it. A law can only be entered, the lower court’s power to When a court grants bail, it is part of who believe that some of the charg- country where we sometimes abuse effective when we believe in it; when proceed is frozen. Reason: the lower the constitutional rights of the ac- es by EFCC offend the rules of draft- certain privileges and take advan- we apply ourselves to it. Our attitude court is expected to defer to the cused person. What is the principle ing. The beauty of our legal system tage of loopholes in our laws, some towards the efficacy of law is what higher court. So, if you stay proceed- for granting bail? It is to ensure that is that we have rules and regulations do not believe in plea bargain. Why has made the law to appear ineffec- ings, it is to await the outcome of an accused person is present in in terms of judicial process that we do you plea bargain? It is because tive and inefficient. For example, if the matter at the Court of Appeal. court for his trial. In the event that file and in terms of information in a you want to avoid the rigour of trial. the law says, once criminal trial com- So, the trial court is expected to he absconds or he is not available charge. We must comply with those How many former governors have mences, it must be heard day to day, stop. So, you do not go on appeal for his trial, the assets involved in rules. I find it shocking that we could been convicted from 1999 till date? as defence counsel, I am enjoined to for the purpose of stalling the trial at the bail attached will be forfeited to have 50-count charge, 150-count It is only one. Rather we have trials co-operate with the prosecution in the lower court. the state. That is the principle. But charge, and 200-count charge. For that have been lingering. Are we ensuring that the matter is deter- Criminal trial enjoys speed, even some schools of thought are of the me, it offends the rules of drafting. saying we do not know what to do? mined day to day. Assuming one day at the appeal level. So, a lawyer opinion that the condition attached I think the time has come for pros- I leave for court and I am held up in must show industry for the court to to the grant of bail presupposes ecutorial agencies to get experts in Suggest ways the criminal justice traffic. I am unable to get to court for hear the matter once and for all. In that an accused person is adjudged legal drafting to micro-manage the system can be strengthened? the matter to be heard and the mat- a jurisdictional issue, the Supreme guilty without a hearing because case put forward to the court. First, you cannot strengthen ter is adjourned. Can you attribute Court has said in plethora of cases the bail conditions sometimes Most times, hours are wasted the criminal system without the that to a deliberate attempt to delay? that a man must not be subjected appear to suggest that a court has in reading out the counts and by reinforcement of the institutions. Assuming the judge on the day fixed to the rigour of criminal trial when taken a position and that the ac- the time they finished reading President Barack Obama said the for hearing of the case suddenly gets you do not have jurisdiction to cused person is guilty of the alleged out the 120-count charge to the challenge with Africa is that our a call that he has to be in Abuja and entertain the case. Because, if at the offence, and it is for him to establish accused persons, you have already institutions are not strong. . I like I get to the court only to be told that end of the day, it is found that you his innocence. spent hours. So, aside conducting that. It is like a situation where the court is not sitting. did not have jurisdiction, you have There is, however, a provision in-house training, our prosecutorial institutions are built around human Again, if a charge is defective, why wasted precious resources and time. that says that if an accused person agencies must also be exposed to beings. And when a particular head must I go through the whole gamut For instance, if a case of copyright feels that his bail conditions appear international best practice in crimi- of such institution is no longer of trial? Those are the issues. We must is filed against a person at the state harsh, he could approach the court nal litigation. We cannot continue there, it will nose-dive. EFCC under not be seen to unnecessarily apportion high court and the defendant filed with cogent and verifiable reasons. doing things the way we are doing Nuhu Ribadu was quite effective; blames. Criminal trial is serious work. I a preliminary objection challeng- Sometimes we compound very it. I am one of those who believe but when he left, EFCC began to remember one of our judges that said ing the jurisdiction of the court to simple legal issues. So, if you feel that when a case is very clear, there nose-dive. The institution became “it is better for 10 people to walk away hear the matter, but the court says that the condition is too harsh, you is no point wasting precious judicial another story entirely. free than for an innocent man to be no, under the administration of can go back to the court. If the court time, an accused person could enter When the institutions are re- convicted”. So, we need an all stake- criminal justice law, the matter must that granted the bail refuses, you into plea bargain. formed, the laws become effective. holders’ meeting. We must all believe in be heard day to day. The accused can go to the Court of Appeal, and if In America, it is not about the man the Administration of Criminal Justice person has the constitutional right the Court of Appeal refuses, you can How would you react to the sugges- heading the institution, people may Law. If we are driven by the mindset to go on appeal over that decision. proceed to the Supreme Court. We tion that plea bargain is like giving a not know you, but the point is there that foreigners must have trust in our Once you get the nod of the court, have what you can call hierarchical criminal a slap on the wrist? is more emphasis on the institu- justice system, we will work together. you compile your records. court structure to review condition It is because we have not done tion itself. What I am saying is that Take a look at the Civil Procedure Rules, of bail. it well. You do not strike a deal the laws are there, all we need is to whose primary objective is to ensure For instance, a man has been that will make people feel that the strengthen the institutions. that things work smoothly. But how arraigned for stealing N500 million accused has kept his loot. There is many trials have we had or completed and you ask him to bring two sure- something called interim forfeiture Can you assess the Administration in record time? If we do it well, no trial ties whose total assets will be N500 of assets. So, what is expected of of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), a year should exceed one year. million. What you are simply saying an anti-corruption agency is to after it became operative? is that the accused person stands investigate and discover the assets Incidentally, I was in the commit- Some lawyers have faulted the ACJA guilty and it is for him to proof his before the criminal case is instituted. tee that worked on the ACJA. It was because it states that court must not innocence. That for me should be Without his knowledge, you ap- passed into law to address chal- stay proceedings in criminal matter. TheNiche 26 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com

» PoliticsXtra With Sam Akpe [email protected] Editorial 0805 618 0195 As Erediauwa joins That headline was a head-turner ancestors n the fast-emerging Abuja traffic of planning a fictitious coup to sack the man he announcement of the death of the Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba this past Thursday, as I made my whose demonic style of governance was way out of Transcorp Hilton, a legendary. n’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo Erediauwa, last week marked the newspaper seller appeared from In fact, it has been said that Obasanjo and beginning of the end of what can rightly be described as the the shadows and thrust a pack of others fingered in the phantom coup were golden era of the traditional institution in Nigeria. magazines straight into my face. billed to have their death sentences con- And it is no wonder that the fact of his death at a ripe old age I can’t really recall the name of the maga- firmed on the day Abacha died. That was has not diminished the grief of the people of Benin. zine since I was on the move. But the head- really the finger of God at work. The man In an era where no one lays stock on values anymore, perhaps the greatest line I saw almost made me hit the car in who was condemned to die became the T front of me. It wasn’t exactly this way, but I next president of Nigeria through a demo- tribute came from his first daughter, Theresa, who said: “My father was a great man. He upheld our values.” can recall seeing something like: Obasanjo cratic process. plots against Buhari. For eight years, he governed Nigeria with That is at the core of Erediauwa’s essence and why his people will never I’m trying to convince myself that it was the strong hand of a military general; but un- forget his era. Formerly Solomon Akenzua, he succeeded his father, Akenzua one of those headlines meant to sell the pa- der the Constitution. He even tried to have a 11, in March 1979 as the 38th Oba of Benin. per without much regards to facts. But what third term. Everything was done by his politi- In all the 37 years he spent on the throne, he brought dignity and panache if it is true that the old war general is already cal jobbers and spin doctors to actualise that to bear on the office. tired of his partner in patriotism! unguarded ambition; but it failed. A quintessential civil servant and bureaucrat par excellence, the then Prince However, it would be interesting to know What Obasanjo did next was to ensure Akenzua reached the apogee of his career as a federal permanent secretary how and why, so quickly, the former presi- that his Deputy, Atiku Abubakar, who before retiring. dent has become tired of his adopted po- spearheaded the death of third term, did not litical messiah. I recall that as President succeed him. He fought Atiku to a stand- One of the palace chiefs and the Obadolagbonyi of Benin, Omon-Osagie for eight years, Olusegun Obasanjo and still; and like everything Obasanjo, he had Utetenegiabi, said Erediauwa was the best thing that happened to the kingdom Muhammadu Buhari were not the best of his way. in both modern and ancient times. friends. To further cement his authority, he went “Erediauwa is the Oba of peace, the Oba who brought prosperity to his However, it is interesting to note that ahead to hand-pick a successor; the late people, the Oba who understood his people. He made sure that no one was both Obasanjo and Buhari are the only two Umaru Yar’Adua. offended. Nigerians to have served as heads of state On taking office, Yar’Adua decided to pull “The Oba could sit in judgment twice. down most of the structures put in place by and give judgment against his Obasanjo was the first to become a mili- Obasanjo in a bid to free himself from the own son for a commoner. It is tary head of state and voluntarily retired political grip of the old war horse. Erediauwa was a in 1979. He handed over power to Shehu Unfortunately, he died before completing rare. Shagari; a democratically-elected presi- his tenure. His Deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, man of peace and “Erediauwa is the best thing that dent. who was equally handpicked by Obasanjo, has happened to Benin kingdom Buhari engineered the sack of Shagari succeeded him. justice who believed in the last 1,600 years.” four years and three months later and took Before completing his boss’ tenure, Jon- The same point that Edo State over power. He brought the nation under athan came under fire from both his party in equity. Perhaps, Governor, , the crushing might of military dictatorship. and some political heavyweights from the made when he described Everybody was a demon. Only those in uni- North who did not want him to seek elec- without him the Erediauwa as “an accomplished form were saints. tion as president. On August 27, 1985, Buhari was sacked Again, Obasanjo stepped him and res- administration Nigerian, a seasoned bureaucrat, by his comrade-in-arms, Ibrahim Babangi- cued his boy from the hawks. One thing quintessential unifier, uniqueda, and his co-adventurers. led to another, and Jonathan was cleared to of Oshiomhole personage and exemplary Omo So, while Obasanjo retired into interna- contest. He did, and won. N’Oba, whose reign brought tional diplomacy, writing books and gaining If Obasanjo thought he was going to con- may have taken a distinction, immense class, recognition worldwide, Buhari was forced trol the Ogbia zoologist from his Ota Farm, different trajectory. finesse and integrity to theinto silence. he must have miscalculated. The honey- traditional institution in Edo State Both of them were farmers. It is not clear moon did not last beyond the euphoria of So, the biggest and the country at large.” what has happened to Obasanjo’s farm; but the wedding. we all know that Buhari’s cows are still mul- After about a year, Jonathan decided to As the people of Edo and their respect the governor tiplying. put his foot down and call the shots as the well-wishers mourn their beloved Then in 1999, Obasanjo became an elect- elected president that he was. That did not can give to him Oba, TheNiche, while empathising ed president. Before then, he had been con- go down well with Obasanjo. He started do- with them also urges them to demned to death by the brutal administra- ing what generals do best: fight back with is to ensure that ensure that his legacies of peace, tion of the late Sani Abacha. He was accused all the might he could muster. good neighborliness, dignity and the upcoming prosperity do not die with him. Erediauwa was a man of peace governorship and justice who believed in Observations from... election is equity. Perhaps, without him the administration of Oshiomhole transparent and the may have taken a different Our leaders need to return to God trajectory. Kindly allow this publication for public pains of their people, they remove the result reflects the So, the biggest respect the consumption of Nigerians. The need for soothing and anti-pain. Leaders should will of the people. governor can give to him is our leaders in all the three tiers of gov- understand this fact, that no matter how to ensure that the upcoming ernments (FG, State and LG) and others long, there is an end to everything, governorship election is in their various helm of affairs to rule in posterity will eventually judge. You may the fear of God and see the staff in their escape giving account to man, but, God transparent and the result reflects the will of the people. hands as an opportunity to serve the will ask. If the political gladiators in the state have any respect for Erediauwa as they masses, just as they are accountable to If you rule with fear of God in your claim, then this is the time to sheathe the political sword and abide by the God is important. domain, it will earn you credits, good rules of the fight. Going through Nehemiah 5 : 14 – 15, conscience, boldness, keep you from The dogfight between Oshiomhole and his Deputy, Pius Odubu, simply on the confession of Nehemiah, the Gov- evils and make you a good leader. Ni- because the latter is aspiring to succeed his principal is uncalled for. ernor in the Land of Judah that, position gerians should pray ceaselessly and fast While the governor has the constitutional and moral right to support any of authority is a position of service and for people in government, so as not to aspirant of his choice, he has no right to use state resources to muzzle other an opportunity for you to strengthen the mislead them – for the destruction of weak, to be a mouth to the dumb and a the plans of the devil in individual’s life, people out of the race as he is trying to do. feet to the lame. work and home, towards a virile nation. That is political corruption and runs against the values Erediauwa lived for. Many leaders were given staff of of- Beaten by hunger and misgovernance, Orchestrating all manner of political shenanigans to achieve predetermined fice like Prophet Moses, instead of using Nigerians have no option but to turn goals is anti-democratic and does not promote equity. it to divide the red-sea for their people to God, to gain God’s favour and seek If the political actors are indeed the disciples of Eradiauwa as they proclaim, to pass, from fear of security, poverty to divine forgiveness for their sins. Both the then they should pause and ask themselves what he would have considered prosperity, failure to fulfillment, they use leaders and followers should repent our the right thing to do in the circumstance and do same. the staff to hit their heads, and to oppress sins and ask God to put an end to the That is the only way they can immortalise him and his pristine values. them, and they only rule instead of serv- fasting of poor Nigerians. The Oba is dead. Long live Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo Erediauwa. ing. Many leaders instead of reducing the • Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel

TheNiche on Sunday welcomes letters, maximum 250 words, from readers. Send to [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected] www.thenicheng.com www.thenicheng.com On the beat Oguwike Nwachuku [email protected], [email protected] 0805 306 9019

Jonathan became so dis- tracted that it took him the Is South East still in PDP? next one year to realise that he needed to muster some he Peoples Democratic The stories we hear are not different from trolled states. Secretary (South West), Deputy National presidential courage and Party (PDP), once a politi- the ones we used to hear before which As Ben Heineman would say, “the Secretary (North Central), National Legal initiate projects that would cal behemoth that loomed are reminiscent of the characters that most mantra for all leaders in crisis manage- Adviser (North West), and Deputy National thrust him into the next large in Nigeria which PDP leaders exhibit during election. ment must be – it is our problem the mo- Legal Adviser (South South). election. But it was getting boasted as the largest party That is why many of the leaders are ment we hear about it. We will be judged National Treasurer (South South), late in the day. in Africa – but now in the calling for the cancellation of the con- from that instant forward for everything Deputy National Treasurer (North West), In 2015, Jonathan was Topposition – is at it again. gresses. we do – and don’t do.” National Financial Secretary (North Cen- voted out of office. The he It is working to recover from what hit Adamu Waziri, former minister of Po- But going by what transpired at the tral) and Deputy National Financial Sec- made that historic phone it in last year’s presidential election when, lice Affairs and a member of PDP Board congresses and the feedback on the new retary (South East), and National Woman call to Buhari, congratulat- surprisingly, it succumbed to the All Pro- of Trustees (BoT), said: “As one of the PDP zoning arrangement, it is doubtful Leader (North-West), ing him for his victory at the gressives Congress (APC), which is now founding fathers of the PDP and long- if the party has learnt anything in crisis Deputy National Woman Leader poll. in the national leadership saddle, basking time member of the Board of Trustees, management and if at all PDP minders (South South), National Auditor (South Meanwhile, having fallen in the euphoria of change. I wish to express serious concern over will see any reason to pursue any chal- West), Deputy National Auditor (North out with Jonathan, Obasan- Last week, it released its new zoning the procedures leading to the national lenge as a common problem. East), National Publicity Secretary (South jo quickly aligned with Bu- arrangement ahead of the 2019 presi- convention of our party; the last Saturday Many PDP chieftains are more inter- West), and Deputy National Publicity hari. He publicly had his dential election which its leaders have congress was a false start. ested in what comes to them, their camp Secretary (North Central), Peoples Democratic Party bragged they will win with ease. “In my state, Yobe, materials arrived or their zone rather than what is public National Organising Secretary (South (PDP) membership card It appears the PDP is yet to learn from there very late; the congresses were not good. They are in complete alignment East), Deputy National Organising Sec- torn as though he was tear- its mistakes and from its new zoning conducted in line with the party’s guide- with Elbert Hubbard’s thinking that, retary. (North Central), National Youth ing Jonathan’s kingdom into formula, another fresh seed of crisis has lines, and being a veteran in the game, “power flows to the man who knows Leader (South East), and Deputy National shreds. been deliberately sowed or about to be I know the congresses were skewed to how, responsibilities gravitate to the per- Youth Leader (North West). It the end, Buhari won the sowed. And that is the thrust of my argu- achieve a particular purpose. son who can shoulder them.” The PDP is simply saying with the zon- election; and Obasanjo be- ment today. “And after due consultation with our To them, they are the ones who know ing that the South East has little to contrib- came a distant kingmaker. Those who analysed the exchanges supporters, I wish to reject the outcome how power ought to flow as well as the ute to its preparation for 2019. So, these two men have between Governor Ayodele Fayose of of the congresses in .” ones ordained to shoulder others’ re- It is sad. This zone has produced na- something in common. My Ekiti State and a chieftain of the PDP, Waziri also frowned on the zoning, sponsibilities without sparing a thought tional leaders, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, concern, however, is that Olabode George, on Politics Today on saying the decision of the National Ex- on how much damage they have done to Michael Okpara, Akanu Ibiam, Mbonu Obasanjo’s candidate has Channels Television last week will eas- ecutive Committee (NEC) did not have the soul of the party. Ojike, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojuk- never been a successful ily conclude that the PDP is still far from input from the PDP BoT and other stake- They have been doing it since 1999 wu, Sam Mbakwe, Chuba Okadigbo. president. From Yar’Adua being cured of the disease that befell it holders. That is the same feeling George and because it has become a habit, which The picture the PDP zoning arrange- to Jonathan, and now Bu- in the build up to the 2015 general elec- holds but which Fayose sees nothing dies hard when formed, they will contin- ment presents is akin to what the APC did hari, the story is likely to tion. amiss. ue at it. a few months ago. be the same. Whoever he The disease that afflicted the PDP in In Ogun, factional executive members Now in interrogating the zoning ar- While George and Fayose were wash- supports has always ended the past? Selfishness. Greed (Avarice). suspended state PDP Chairman, Ade- rangement, which has chiseled the Igbo, ing their dirty linen in public, they made up as a not-very-successful Inordinate ambition. Hatred. Ethnic and bayo Dayo; and Secretary, Semiu Sodipo, a major ethnic nationality in Nigeria, out us understand that it was their personal president. tribal bigotry. Godfatherism. Politics of for alleged gross misconduct. of relevance in political dynamics of the interest or the interest of the zones they While it is too early in the imposition. Crises were said to have trailed Anam- PDP, what comes to mind is what the de- come from that was at stake. day to judge Buhari, we can These and others were the problems bra congresses with state party Chairman, signers intend to achieve. Not surprisingly, on May 4 the South only hope that Obasanjo the APC saw as a window of opportunity Ejike Oguebego, claiming that there was Only three miserable offices – Deputy West PDP leaders came together in Akure will make a mistake this and leveraged on to sell the dummy of no congress election in all the 326 elec- National Financial Secretary, National Or- to back the current zoning arrangement time around; by supporting change to Nigerians. toral wards in the state. ganising Secretary and National Youth notwithstanding that other zones are someone who will make a It is said that a man who does not He alleged that Ladi Edun, the congress Leader – are assigned to Ndigbo. kicking against it. difference; someone he will know when rain started to drench him committee chairman appointed by the na- This is the same South East which, It is about them, their zone, and as far not distract and confuse. may not know when it will stop. tional PDP, sabotaged the exercise by fail- less than a year ago, provided the PDP as Ndigbo are concerned, they can stay We also hope that the Most PDP watchers are looking for- ing to liaise with the state executive. with the shoulder it leaned on when all in the cold. headline in that magazine ward to the so-called zoning arrangement Rising from a news conference in other zones plotted mischief that saw to Rather than go for powerful positions is wrong both in fact and in and by extension, the party’s ward, coun- Awka, 21 members of the state executive the defeat of former President Goodluck that will enable them appear more rel- judgment. If not, the present cil and state congresses to see if what the wrote a petition to the chairman of the Jonathan in particular and, the fall of the evant in 2019, South East PDP members fight against corruption may leaders are saying about their prepared- PDP ward congress appeal panel asking PDP in general. kowtow to the whims and caprices of soon be made to cover the ness to return to power is real or a fluke. for the cancellation of the exercise and Here are the offices zoned: their colleagues from other zones think- period from 1999 to 2015. Feelers from across the nation on its re- the conduct of a fresh one. National Chairman (North East), Deputy ing the vice presidency will come to Watch my lips. cent congresses are hardly encouraging. The story is the same in all PDP con- National Chairman (South South), National them. Who says? Funny World

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Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikechukwu Amaechi

Executive Editor Chief Operating Officer / FM Oguwike Nwachuku Eugene Onyeji Editor, Politics/Features Human Resources Manager Emeka Duru Kehinde Okeowo Editor-at-Large Advert Manager Sam Akpe Vera Iyere Assistant Editor, North Chuks Ehirim Assistant Editor, South West Olumuyiwa Olaleye

TheNiche on Sunday welcomes letters, maximum 250 words, from readers. Send to [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected] TheNiche 28 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Words

&Worlds Remi Sonaiya » Could showing too much honour be bad for a society?

In October 1996, I returned to Nige- you have attained a certain position rushing to carry others’ handbags interrogate our culture in the light of ria after a 12-month research stay at in society. or briefcases, the society is not set our current realities. Culture itself is the Johannes Gutenberg University in Part of the reason, to my mind, is up along egalitarian lines. Thus, dynamic, and there is no race on earth Mainz, Germany. It was a very produc- that our culture is one that practi- those who are above assume an air that has not had to change aspects of tive year for me, one which ended up cally worships position. We have no of benevolence while those below its culture given the transformations having a significant effect on the path problem at all with the stratification comport themselves as beggars. A that have occurred in their society. For which my academic career took from of society, and those who are on the photograph was circulated online a example, the constraints of living in then on. I will forever be grateful to lower strata accept that they have to couple of years ago with three world big towns or even megacities entail the Alexander von Humboldt Founda- “honour” those who are above them, leaders: President Barack Obama and realities that are incongruous with tion, the German organisation whose and this they do in a multitude of Prime Minister David Cameron were the practices that prevailed in the T generous fellowship made that life- ways. Since it is our duty to “show shown carrying their own briefcases, hamlets in which we once lived. A big changing experience possible. honour to whom honour is due” (one while then President Goodluck Jona- challenge before us, I believe, is one One interesting difference between of the most frequently used expres- than held a walking stick, followed by of rationality, and I have often seen its my life in Ile-Ife and the one I lived sions in our public life), you find us a military detail carrying his briefcase. apparent deficiency in the conduct of in Germany was brought home to falling down prostrate before obas, When a society does not work to our affairs as a failure of our education me clearly just within a couple of giving titles like “Honourable” and entrench the principle of equality, system. We need to learn to reflect days of my returning to the country. “Your Excellency” to political office how could it ensure that justice would deeply on issues. I had gone to the post office on the holders, never caring to reflect on truly be blind? Is it any surprise, then, As I drove past a security post campus of the Obafemi Awolowo what those words actually mean, nor that the conduct of people who are on the campus of our university University (OAU) where I worked, and checking to see whether the bearers alleged to have looted our treasury sometime last week, the three men had reason to remonstrate with the of those titles portray those quali- and are currently being prosecuted manning the gate and who were sit- attendants for some slackness in the ties in their comportment. When we by the Economic and Financial Crimes ting under a tree all rose up to greet performance of their job. I spoke to hold public gatherings, it must be Commission (EFCC) shows that they me as my car approached them. Why them in an authoritarian voice, and obvious that some people are “more almost feel offended for being called was that necessary, and how many they accepted it humbly, offering equal than others”, like the animals in to answer for their actions? For many, times during the day would they rise their excuses profusely. As I stepped Orwell’s Animal Farm. Thus, it be- their energies are devoted to seek- to greet people driving past? Was out of the post office, a voice whis- comes our bounden duty to transport ing to thwart the legal process and that part of their job? This is another pered into my ears: “When you were huge armchairs to the venue for their wriggle out of it, rather than working instance where one would wish to dissatisfied with the service you got “excellencies” to sit upon comfortably; to prove their innocence. call upon our sociologists to probe at the post office or any other public how could you expect them to sit on Whenever I raise these issues, this kind of social behavioural pattern office in Germany, what could you ordinary chairs? as I did recently during a live radio and show us what consequences it do? Even if you complained, would This issue is being raised here interview, people always raise the may be having upon our progress as a anyone have offered you the kind of because I am beginning to question culture flag, insisting that showing people or as a society. apologies you just got now?” Hardly what effect it has on our develop- respect is an important aspect of likely. It occurred to me that one of ment. Is there not a certain kind of our culture. I hope I am not coming the “benefits” of living in your own attitude necessary for the effective across as someone who despises our country, at least a country like Nigeria, and efficient conduct of society’s busi- culture; far from it. But I believe very is the power you get to exercise once ness? When there are always people strongly that it is our responsibility to Quit politics, face governance

By Fred Nwaozor functionaries, have started debating or defection. It’s no doubt an ignominy that an wonders to take place; the leaders are hu- agitating for who would emerge as the next average Nigerian politician invariably wants man, so there’s need for reminder, criticism, ast time I checked, it was Ecclesi- governor. It’s even more pitiable to observe to be a member of the ruling party. when necessary. Thus, we must be ready astes 3 that said: “There’s time for that the electorate who are expected to be A certain political party cannot rule at all and willing to call them to order whenever everything under the sun.” Need- the main solicitors of governance happen to times or forever; leadership is about ‘soldier they err or go astray. less to reiterate that whatever one be the major actors in the ongoing drama. go, soldier come’. Besides, if everyone rules, The church or mosque, or as the case may intends to do or embark on here To say the least, we seriously need to re- who would serve or stand in as the opposi- be, isn’t supposed to participate in politics, Lon earth, he or she must acknowledge that examine ourselves, both mentally and oth- tion? We really need to note that without a but governance. It’s obvious that the former there is a specific time such intended action erwise. Undoubtedly, there’s urgent need sound and firm opposition trailing a certain begets the latter; but we need to compre- is meant to be taken. for proper diagnosis to ascertain our actual leadership, the administration of the lead- hend that both factors, which are conspicu- The above assertion implies that every ac- plight. We need to ascertain what prompted ers in question would definitely be porous. ously two needed societal recipes, are just tivity, either proposed or ongoing, is highly the proclivity for such lifestyle; we need There are no two ways about it. It’s indeed like two parallel lines that have no meeting and strictly depended on time. In other to find out if it is an inborn anomaly or needless to state that we seriously need point. Politics ends at the polls, where gov- words, every thought, action or inaction self-indulgence, because we can’t continue to learn more about leadership prospects, ernance begins; hence, where politics ends abides by the supremacy of time. like this. Honestly, failure to diagnose this challenges and crisis. and governance takes over. But it’s apparent I have come to realise that the reason we lingering societal endemic may cause us a It’s the opposition and other concerned that in the contemporary Nigerian society, often fail in so many projects we embark on monumental self-inflicted injury. bodies that are meant to motivate the we tend to mix both tools, thus not unlike is simply because we usually do the right Right now, rather than constituting un- followers towards ushering in the desired an aberration. thing at the wrong time; and that is the called political agitations, what is required change. Suffice it to say that good gover- Nigerians must understand that this is the basis of this piece. Unequivocally, we invari- in every quarter, be it a state or national nance is a product of adequate cum reliable time for governance, and not politics as has ably tend to fail in our various endeavours issue, is a viable and proactive opposition. opposition and genuine followership. The being observed in most quarters. Thus, ev- owing to the fact that we take the afore- A viable opposition would strongly help followers would continue to be docile or eryone ought to live up to the expectation mentioned biblical or divine assertion for to ensure that the ruling party maintains a marred by apathy unless they are thorough- towards ushering in the awaited change if granted. participatory democracy in all ramifications ly informed, educated as well as duly acti- we are truly ready to see a changed Nigeria It’s no more news that in several facets irrespective of the circumstance. It’s only a vated; and such role is the function of the in its entirety. Surely, this is the right time across the federation, various politicians participatory democratic setting that can opposition, analysts, civil society, religious for the change mantra to be practicalised. have already commenced politicking yield a wholesome administration. groups and what have you. Think about it! against 2019, thereby making the entire On the contrary; instead of working as- Due to lack of active participation by the polity seem nauseous and unreasonable siduously towards forming a formidable citizenry, presently you would notice that • Nwaozor, public affairs analyst, wrote in when it is meant to be loveable. How do opposition, the politicians are only con- implementation of good governance is usu- from Owerri, Imo State. you reconcile this? Frankly, it’s really pathet- cerned with how and when to defect to the ally a mirage. The citizens need to fully com- ic that most Nigerian politicians are yet to ruling party with a view to ensuring that prehend that the leaders are answerable to contrast between politics and governance. the ‘national cake’ does not pass them by. them; they must note that leadership and In Imo State, for instance, in several On a daily basis, what we hear among the followership are inevitably interwoven. We quarters, people, including government political class remains nothing but outright can’t sit on the fence and expect miracles or www.thenicheng.com

A look at the sexual Email: nwaukpala@yahoo. com Tel: 0805 410 3327 harassment bill OpenCopy » with Emeka Alex Duru

ne thing that is never Senate with its bill against sexual harassment deserves commendation from all. He stage, it will not come as a surprise. lacking in Nigeria is action. in the country’s institution of higher learning. has, in a way, taken the bull by the horn. Some of the senators and the university Whether for good or bad, According to the story surrounding the Sexual immorality and deficiency in learn- teachers are guilty of the same offence. While there will always be certain bill, it was envisioned as part of measures to ing are two major issues currently plaguing the lecturers withhold their marks to have action in the country, at any prohibit sexual harassment of students in the nation’s higher institutions. Gone are the their way, the lawmakers flaunt their influ- time. When the particular institutions of higher learning, and bring to an days when students of tertiary institutions ence for the same action. There is hardly any action is in place, it be- end a major distraction to academic pursuit were easily identified by their cute dressing difference between a lawmaker who engages comes a trending agenda of sorts. on campuses. culture and commendable comportment. in juvenile marriage and the college teacher OOften, the action may not go beyond at- The bill proposes a compulsory five-year jail Gone are the days when college students who forces his way through a student under tracting initial headlines. The essence may term for any lecturer who sexually harasses a exuded knowledge in their fields of study. his care. None of the liaisons, strictly speaking, also not be properly defined or explained. student, while heads of institutions of learning Gone are the days when the relationship is consensual. The same goes for lawmakers But while it lasts, it becomes the topic for the where such activities take place would be between the lecturer and the student was who demand sex from their constituents as season and fizzles out after a while. And life held liable too. strictly defined. condition for attending to them. They are goes on. By the proposed law, vice chancellors of These virtues appear to have gone with the products of intimidation; they are satanic and For the greater part of last week, the domi- universities, rectors of polytechnics and chief winds. There are still responsible lecturers and morally condemnable. nant issue in public domain was the murder- executives of sundry institutions would go committed students, no doubt. But the figure So, in going about the bill, the senators ous invasion of Nimbo, Enugu community, to jail for two years for failing to act within a is few, if not totally insignificant. The trend must look inwards and engage in serious by criminally-minded Fulani herdsmen. The week of complaints of sexual harassments. now is essentially more of trade by barter. The introspection. This may also be the time for incident, which took place late April, left over The bill, introduced by the senator repre- girls trade with their bodies, while the teach- the lawmakers to realise the full import of 50 natives dead and more wounded. senting Delta Central, Ovie Omo-Agege, is ers trade with their marks, and trade off their the gender equality bill that they mocked at In the hysteria of the time, many pro- said to have received sponsorship of other respect. The boys, in some cases, come in as and threw away with ignominy. It should also nouncements were made by state and federal senators from different parts of the country. pimps. provide the sponsors of the rejected bill the authorities. Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Omo-Agege, the only senator elected on Some explain this illicit liaison as consen- opportunity to do the necessary homework Ugwuanyi, who visited the devastated com- the platform of (LP), explained sual. But is it, really? Harassment may not nec- and reintroduce it. munity, got more devastated by the sight of the essence of the bill. essarily come with manifest force. It may be The second attempt should make the sena- broken limbs and dead bodies. And he wept. “We need to protect our students, particu- subtle but aimed at coercing somebody into tors understand that the gender equality bill From Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari larly our daughters, from sexual perverts who an action that he or she would not indulge in, is not aimed at displacing them from their threatened tough actions against the maraud- use unethical and coercive means to instil fear ordinarily. position in the family. It is not for contest over ers. in them and compel acquiescence to sexual For now, it is not known if the bill before the power in the family but about empowering But by the close of last week, no record of liaisons,” he said. Senate covers the entire gamut of the inane our mothers, our wives, our sisters and our any arrest in connection with the cowardly The senator disclosed that the bill was a relationship. It is also not known how far the daughters. By that, they will be in position to incident was known. There really, may be product of research commissioned on the bill intends to protect victims of the dastardly deal with the amorous antics of the ravenous none, after all. It is the injured and bereaved issue, stressing that it has become imperative act, aside encouraging them to seek legal lecturers. in Nimbo that will carry on with their lot. And to restore faith and decency to the country’s redress. the nation moves on. learning environment. Of course, it may not be certain how far the As fate would have it, there is already an Coming at a time academic pursuits in the bill will go in the upper lawmaking house. If it agenda for another ad-hoc national convoca- universities seem to have given way for moral survives the expected intrigues in the cham- tion. This time around, it is coming from the depravity and licentious engagements, Omo- ber, it will remain a mystery. But if it dies at any APC govt: A continuous

[email protected] assessment 0802303488 (SMS only) caust called the PDP, capitalising thereafter. The order was tactless as the situation Vice President, who possesses oratorical excellence on the gullibility of the average today suggests. The PDP was accused of lack of and intellectual endowment to mellow down the Trademark Lines Nigerian and our poor sense cohesion, but the APC has fared no better. With a harsh criticisms of President Buhari as an ethnic/ With PATAZURUNWA of history. The APC provided a majority in the National Assembly, the President religious irredentist and lacking in non-military unique campaign style, sup- has not been able to get the 2016 budget passed. acumen. The political will of the APC government ported by the ‘Change’ mantra, Those accused of budget-padding are not ghosts; to implement the Treasury Single Account (TSA) is The build-up to the 2015 presidential election which we had all expected to be they are most probably APC ministers and other worthy of praise, as it is expected to give govern- provided the premise for an easy-to-predict out- positive. They boasted of bold politicians, cerebral sundry card-carrying members. The trial of the ment the opportunity of knowing at a glance the come. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was go- technocrats working behind the scene, the good- Senate President, Bukola Saraki, does more harm finances of the Ministries, Departments and Agen- ing to an electoral war decimated at all levels. The will of their presidential candidate (now President to the APC than it can be claimed to be a clear cies (MDAs). The increase in allocation from 18 per ward congresses were either inconclusive or results Muhammadu Buhari) and the affluence of some determination to fight corruption. If we endured cent to about 30 per cent of our national budget were announced from Abuja, far from the places of political businessmen and jobbers. darkness under the PDP, what we have endured in for capital expenditure shows a desire to tackle our the contests. There was practically no governorship The APC has been in the saddle for 11 months, the past six months is a total eclipse of the sun. The decrepit infrastructure. primary of the party that was won according to the and it is not too early to analyse the emergent numbest approach of the APC government is the In all honesty, the APC is already living wishes of the accredited delegates. The then leader signs, so that where necessary, all Nigerians can old, irritating, brainless resort to blaming saboteurs tenuously on the residual goodwill of a few of of the party and presidential candidate, former quickly support or condemn any action of the gov- for our lack of electric power and petrol. You are its members, and on the patience of Nigerians. President Goodluck Jonathan, lived up to his self- ernment as dispassionately as possible, to avoid to bring positive change and not to plagiarise the Unfortunately, the PDP has no moral standing to confessed (un)presidential qualities. Nigerians will the type of collateral damage of the past regimes. PDP’s thesis on failure. criticise this government, having itself presided always recall that he had owned up to being just The early signs are worrying, if not traumatising. President Buhari has told us that his age is one over our worst period of developmental inertia. a lamb, since he was neither an Army General, a Many Nigerians are beginning to realise that of his draw-backs, together with our legal system Can the APC government turn things right? It is lion, nor a Pharoah. His weakness was legendary, the APC is made up of mere politicians whom we which has tied his hands in his fight against corrup- possible, albeit the morning does not as yet offer and this aided political and social commentators had inadvertently clothed in a cure-all medicine. tion. This is cheap talk! He did not tell us this during a quantum leap to our “change” expectations. in deriding him. So, the presidential election of The president appears to be a cloned OBJ, seeing his electioneering. The Economic and Financial On May 29 (three weeks from now), let us 2015 presented the electorate with the easiest of every other person as corrupt except himself. This Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of all pay attention to the President’s speech and tasks: vote out an inept, insipid, dour and doomed sweeping belief does him no favours; it rather cre- State Security (DSS) have been hounding Nigerians see what the APC has achieved in 366 days. government. To accomplish the task was almost ates a dual and conflicting personality for himself into various detention camps, accusing some of Hopefully by then, the government may have seen as a divine instruction. In a nutshell, the PDP as a Saint-President ruling over a corrupt nation them of keeping millions of dollars in water tanks, re-purchased the Power Holding Company of went into the last presidential election having a and wooing foreigners to come and do business under their beds, and inside their tummies. Such Nigeria (PHCN), flooded everywhere with petrol self-inflicted (political) eclampsia. The result, pre- with us. We are gradually coming to terms with allegations are now routine and less believable. and begun to deploy the Chinese loan to paying dictable as it was, is now history. how he treats us with contempt, telling us about We have been told that many corrupt Nigerians the N5,000 monthly stipend to poor Nigerians. On May 29, 2015, Nigerians gave the All Progres- ourselves only in foreign lands. Our ministers have have returned looted funds. Instead of making sives Congress (APC) government an effusive largely remained anonymous, maybe, to prove the the details public and receiving some acclaim, the welcome. Not that they were convinced that a President, who had labelled them mere noise- government, not trusting itself, appears to have better party had come to power; they were just makers, wrong. stopped spreading the unconvincing propaganda. prepared to be without a government than have In a fit of unprovoked test of ability, the President Has it been all gloom these past 11 months? Not the PDP continue to misrule them. Credit must be in August last year had ordered the military to see totally. Former President Jonathan’s lack of political given to the campaign team of the APC who very to the end of insurgency in the North East by the sagacity was compounded by an insidious and co- intelligently chronicled the making of the holo- end of November. A post-insurgency reconstruc- lourless Namadi Sambo as Vice President. Nigerians tion programme was announced immediately today have an erudite Professor Yemi Osinbajo as TheNiche 30 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com FREE Between Boko Haram SPEECH and Fulani herdsmen

By Tayo Ogunbiyi ner from their school, Government College a precise position on the appalling activities of cally investigate recent increase in the Chibok, Borno State, have been in the den the Fulani herdsmen. The motive behind such reprehensible activities of Fulani herdsmen. hese, indeed, are strange times of Boko Haram for well over two years. costly silence, in the face of acts capable of In as much as recent directive by President for our beloved nation. Harsh As the nation continues to grapple with disintegrating the country, remains a mystery Buhari for relevant security agencies to ap- economic realities occasioned the arduous task of containing the activities to ordinary Nigerians. It is exactly the same propriately deal with unruly Fulani herds- by sharp decline in global price of Boko Haram, out of the blues came yet pattern of belated response that gave Boko men is welcome, (though belated), it is vital of oil, coupled with incessant another menace of a different kind, but with Haram the impetus that turned it into such a to emphasise that military or police action fuel scarcity, unemployment, an equally potent capability to coldheart- monstrous group in the country. The reason(s) alone might not suffice in thoroughly get- inflation, hunger and poverty, edly waste human lives. Take the back seat our leaders often wait pointlessly for the ting rid of the nuisance of Fulani herdsmen. have continued to make life tough for the Boko Haram; enter Fulani herdsmen, the blood of hapless compatriots to be spilled in Sufficient intelligence must be gathered to Tpeople. To complicate things, political situa- new blood merchants in town! Though the needless circumstances before stemming the really understand their motives, sponsors tion remains as charged and volatile as ever. bloody acts of Fulani herdsmen have been tide would continue to be a mystery. (if any) and grouses. It has been argued in However, of all our nation’s current troubles, around for quite some time, its intensity, of This brings us to the thorny issue of the some quarters that some of those at the insecurity is, perhaps, the most complex. late, is quite alarming. modus operandi of both Boko Haram and forefront of current herdsmen ‘insurgence’ in Until recently, terrorism is alien to our From Agatu in , Akure in Ondo Fulani herdsmen. The method of operation of the country are from neighbouring coun- culture. But recent occurrences have since State, Bukuru area in , Oke the two groups is quite curious. As for Boko tries. This claim must be properly verified altered the equation. No thanks to the das- Ogun area in , Gassaka and Bali Haram, since it has now assumed the status and appropriate action taken if it is found to tardly acts of the Boko Haram sect, Nigeria local government areas in to of a global terrorist body, the sophisticated be real. is, today, a focal point of global terrorism Nimbo in Enugu State, rampaging Fulani nature of their arsenal and operation is no Before Fulani herdsmen transform into activities. Through a series of callously de- herdsmen seem to be on a mission to draw longer unusual. What is, however, odd is the another Boko Haram, thereby complicating signed and devilishly executed bloodletting blood. And blood they are getting. Every- kind of rifles reportedly used by rampag- our peculiar socio-economic and politi- operations, unrivalled in the annals of the where they go, sorrow, tears and blood trail ing Fulani herdsmen across the country. It cal situation, now is the time to decisively country, the sect has thrown the country them. Curiously, they operate in such auda- becomes curious as to what herdsmen could deal with them. According to Aristotle and into protracted volatility. cious fashion that makes mockery of our be doing with such combat-purposed assault Plato, what it takes for evil to triumph in a To underline its wide acclaim as a glob- national security arrangement. rifles like AK47. given society is for evil to continually go ally recognised terrorist body, the sect was From the way things are, there seem to What could be the source of such danger- unpunished. Therefore, appropriate govern- designated by the United States Depart- be a thin line between Boko Haram and ous weapons? If there is, indeed, a source, ment agencies must rise up to the occa- ment of State as a terrorist organisation in Fulani herdsmen. Both are agents of death then, like Boko Haram, there would defi- sion by reprimanding Fulani herdsmen and 2013. In the first half of 2014, Boko Haram that regale in inflicting pains and sorrow nitely be sponsors. If there are sponsors, the their promoters. We have had enough of killed more than 2,000 innocent and hap- on their victims. Think about many orphans next puzzle is: what could be their motives? impunity in the country. This is the time to less civilians, in about 95 attacks. In the last and widows that the duo have unleashed on Could it be that purported skirmishes by act determinedly against Fulani herdsmen. three years, more than 3,000 people have the society. Perhaps more fearful is the fact Fulani herdsmen across the country are just Enough is enough! lost their lives as a result of Boko Haram that they both seem to be above the laws of clever ploys by some ‘evil genius’ to further operations. A recent research claimed that the land. throw the country into prolonged chaos? • Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry Boko Haram attacks have left at least 12,000 Sadly, as it was the case at the onset of Boko Could it be that recent upsurge in Fulani of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja. people dead and 8,000 crippled in the last Haram insurgence, the dastardly acts of Fulani herdsmen atrocities is being orchestrated by three years while hundreds of thousands herdsmen have not been accorded the requi- some ‘powerful’ people with sinister intent have fled their homes for the fear of the site handling by appropriate authorities. For to derail the country? insurgents. The over 260 secondary school instance, it took President Muhammadu Bu- The implication of the foregoing is that girls, kidnapped in a most notorious man- hari ‘ages’ before he eventually came out with appropriate authorities need to methodi- Addressing the dwindling fortune of Nigerian graduates

By Funmi Fasipe to keep pace with the expanding emony. Now, a brand ambassador much emphasis is on theoretical unemployment in the country. It working age population. for top organisations doesn’t need education. Added to this is the fact has now become quite clear that ccording to the 2006 What makes the situation a bit to go through the four walls of any that some of the courses on offer in certificates alone are no longer provisional census complicated is that employers of institution as long as their identity most of the nation’s higher institu- sufficient for economic empower- figures, Nigeria has a labour now believe that the stan- can attract sales. tions are clearly outdated. We no ment. Thus, every avenue through youth population of dard of education in Nigeria has As a result of frustration mostly longer have any need for them in a which the youth could be empow- over 80 million, or 60 plummeted considerably over the emanating from economic hard- 21st century world. ered for economic survival should per cent of her total past decades and that university ship, some graduates have lost There is, therefore, an urgent be taken hold of. Apopulation. Of this population, degree is no longer a sure guar- grip of their focus and values. need to alter the curriculum of It is equally important, especial- more than 80 per cent are unem- antee of effective communication Some of them have given up and our tertiary institutions to do ly in the case of public institutions ployed while about 10 per cent are skill or practical technical compe- stooped so low to hawk fruits on away with courses that no lon- of higher learning that both fed- underemployed. Data provided tence. These days, graduates who the highways, riding commercial ger fit into present day’s socio- eral and state authorities promote by the National Manpower Board are trained outside the country are motorcycles or tricycles and work- economic reality. Indeed, we need a harmonious relationship with (NMB) and National Bureau of given prominence in terms of em- ing as attendants in supermarkets to lay more emphasis on techni- both academic and non-academic Statistics (NBS) indicate that only ployment and are offered better and restaurants, receiving peanuts cal education as well as courses staff of the various institutions to about 10 per cent of the graduates paid jobs ahead of their colleagues at the end of the month. Capitalis- that de-emphasise the craze for encourage industrial harmony. It released into the labour market from the supposedly best universi- ing on the unemployment situa- non-existing white collar jobs. is no longer a secret that inces- annually by Nigerian universities ties in the country. Mostly, when tion in the country, some employ- Similarly, we should make effort to sant strike actions over various and other tertiary institutions are prospective employers cannot ers simply exploit these young promote entrepreneurship among unresolved issues have, in no small able to secure paid employments. afford to risk training new employ- brains by underpaying them and our undergraduates. This could be measure, hampered tertiary edu- By definition, a graduate is ees because of high operating cost over-using them due to their done through the establishment cation in the country. a person who has successfully and the fear of losing a trained desperate need to find a means of of internship programmes aimed According to former United completed a course of study or employee, they simply source for livelihood. at giving them the opportunity Nations Secretary General, Dr. Kofi training, especially a person who always-available, suitable candi- A major issue in the dwindling to learn valuable skills in contem- Annan, “Education is a bridge from has been awarded a first academic dates overseas. fortune of Nigerian graduates is porary fields such as information misery to hope. It is a basic tool degree in a higher institution. As of January 1, 2016, the that too much emphasis is placed communication technology (ICT), for daily life in modern society. According to a World Bank population of Nigeria was esti- on theoretical applications in most fund development, public rela- It is a wall against poverty, and a statistics, youth unemployment mated to be 182,307,178 people. of our tertiary institutions. But for a tions, programme development, building block of development. It rate in Nigeria is 38 per cent; but This is an increase of 1.94 per cent few, most tertiary institutions in the management and much more. is a vehicle for the promotion of realistically, 80 per cent of Nige- (3,465,943 people) from previous country place heavy premium on Further, there is need to extend cultural and national identity.” It is rian youths are unemployed with year’s 178,841,235. The avail- theory at the expense of practicals. the period spent at the orienta- in view of this truth that all stake- secondary school-leavers mostly able facilities in the universities, This explains why we have con- tion camp by graduates that take holders must unite to give a new found among unemployed rural especially the government-owned tinued to produce engineers but part in the National Youth Service lease of life to tertiary education in population accounting for about ones, cannot accommodate the have not been able to make any Corps (NYSC) programme beyond the country. half of this figure, while university number of students that apply for appreciable technological break- what presently obtains. This is to and polytechnic graduates make admission, thus different measures through as a people. We produce ensure that, apart from the para- • Fasipe, a Library Scientist, wrote up the figure. What seems to be are used to shortchange some engineers and other professionals military training on offer at the in from Anthony, Lagos. more worrisome is that the na- unlucky candidates. Some of the that would end up seeking em- camp, corps members could spend tion’s universities and polytechnics students that are admitted are not ployment in government agencies more time to be trained in differ- continue to churn out more than offered courses of their choice. where they concentrate mostly ent vocations that could make 150,000 graduates –both Bach- Gone are the days when compa- on paper works. There is clearly them economically empowered elor’s degrees and Higher National nies and top organisations select a failure in the school curriculum upon completion of the pro- Diploma (HND) – annually and fresh graduates for employment on to place emphasis on practical gramme. This becomes very vital job creation has been inadequate the day of their convocation cer- concepts of entrepreneurship. Too as a result of the dreadful state of www.thenicheng.com

TheNiche 31 May 08, 2016 Spotlight www. FAITH PEOPLE CULTURE FOOD FASHION PAGE 40 ENTERTAINMENT FAITH TERH AGBEDEH Assistant Life Editor 0805 215 3875 » t.agbedeh@thenicheng. com AS+A signs Shun TEMITOPE OJO unrighteous Women's Editor artistes from 0708 479 6140 social media, Nigeria, Ghana Sister’s Talk admonishes

‘We’re telling the Nigerian story through people’s voices’

PAGE 38 » TheNiche 32 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com : Epitome of life outside public office

The quiet life of the former chief executive of , Donald Duke, bespeaks of the nobility expected of pastpolitical leaders in the country, writes Correspondent, SAM NWOKORO Profile

n Nigeria, the profile of former the Carter Center. political leaders is replete with Gerald Ford is another ex- all sorts: instigation of groups ample. His work outside power for selfish political gains and has transformed many lives in jumping from one political education and entrepreneur- party to another to remain ship all over the world. Same relevant, even if it means sabo- with Rockefeller, Mac Arthur taging the larger interest of his and Bill Gates. constituency. Other abnormal Duke has been conducting behaviours of Nigeria’s past himself to public admiration political leaders include not since he left office as governor finding other vocations to oc- of Cross River in 2007. cupy their time and contrib- ute meaningfully to society Unobtrusive I after power, sowing seeds of In the chequered politics of discord among politicians, Cross River, the former gover- and constituting unnecessary nor had managed to stay out distraction to their successors. of the controversies of partisan Of course such politicians are politicking. He is not known replete in Nigeria, especially to have foisted any political since the return to democratic son on the state, so as to have rule in 1999. a steady access to the seat of Former governor of Cross power and to dictate the man- River State, Donald Duke, is ner his successor should run one political office-holder who the state. Nor is it on record set up foundation to advance that he anointed any succes- the cause of humanity. His out sor. Yet while he was governor, of power engagement has Duke initiated many landmark been exhilarating, sending projects geared towards virtuous message to his col- making the state grow eco- leagues. nomically on sustainable basis. His transformative policies Philosopher leader enchanted even the federal The kind of vocation a government under Olusegun former leader engages in after Obasanjo who was then al- leaving office says so much ways at loggerheads with state about his spirit, philosophy governors who he randomly and, in general, his world accused of living rascally and view. For instance, former squandering their statutory United States President Jimmy allocations. Obasanjo even at a Carter is a famous surgeon. time considered drafting Duke His regime was characterised into the presidential race be- by numerous crises spewing cause of the man’s outstand- out from the international ing policy initiatives aimed at scene, especially from the mitigating revenue shortfalls restive Middle East Arab and accruing to the state after the Palestine. Since he left office, cessation of Bakassi Peninsula Carter has concentrated on to Cameroon following the mending people’s lives all over world court ruling. the world through his various Some of the memorable foundations and philanthropic achievements for which the works. He neither embraced governor would be remem- politics nor romanced with the bered was the development of idea of a come-back. In 2002, tourism in the state to a status he was awarded the Nobel of revenue-earner and global Peace Prize for his work with reckoning. The Tinapa Resort, www.thenicheng.com Donald Duke: Epitome of life outside public office

the , and the Obudu the music, you lose it. I did another his LLM in Business Law and Ad- International Mountain Race were refresher course because my chil- miralty in 1984 at the University of some memorable initiatives of Duke dren all write music.” Pennsylvania. which his predecessors are also He wants a political culture in Having had sufficient exposure ensuring they sustain. The Calabar Nigeria where ideology is ingrained, in academics, business and law carnival attracts not less than six mil- so that Nigeria’s politics would be practice in the United States, Duke lion visitors and generates billions of issue-based. returned to Nigeria and teamed up naira to the state. Duke not only ad- “These political parties do not with some colleagues to establish vocated the development of culture have ideological backing. They are the partnership of Onyia & Duke in and tourism as easier complement only a platform. They are not based Lagos. Being in active law practice, if not total substitute for oil revenue, on ideology. Let’s take the UK for he soon assumed full management he actually practicalised it. example. If you take the conserva- of the family’s shipping business His innovations and popular- tives, they have an ideology, which when he became Chief Executive of ity reached a defining moment is right of the centre. The Labour Hedges International Limited. around 2007 that several Nigerian party is left of the centre or at least Duke entered into public gover- groups emerged in far-flung places centrist. There is an ideological bent. nance for the first time in 1991 when in Europe and America praising the In Nigeria, there is nothing like that. he was appointed a member of the man’s innovation and calling on him Maybe in future, they will evolve. Board of Directors of Voice of Nigeria to contest the presidential election At one time, PDP boasted of being (VON). This was quickly followed by in 2007. He aspired for president the largest party in Africa. That went another appointment in 1992 when in 2007, but stepped aside for the overnight and people moved in Governor appointed eventual winner, the late Umaru droves to other parties. PDP did not him a member of the Cross River Yar’Adua. change its ideology. It just ran out State Executive Council and Com- Duke’s visionary policies also of favour with people. They felt they missioner for Finance, Budget and touched on the development of didn’t have a future remaining in the Planning. The appointment as Com- the many deep seas in the state to PDP.” missioner was unfortunately short- improve regional transportation On April 29, 2016, the governor lived due to the abrupt change in from the state to other parts of the performed his jazz music alongside government in November 1993. country. Virtually all the policies award-winning legend, Kirk Whar- He returned to private life in the his successors have been following lum, to celebrate the International course of which he became the were already scripted by his admin- Jazz Day at Eko Hotels and Suites, chairman of Allied Merchants and istration before he left office, and Victoria Island, Lagos, and his mas- Brokers Limited, a sole Africa Fran- his people have been happier for tery of the strings left the audience chisee for U.S.-based Uncle Ben’s the politics of Cross River which has reflecting on the humanism and Rice. been adjudged generally peaceful communalism embed in leadership. Duke has been praised for his con- without attrition and witch-hunt. He is actively involved in a critical tributions to the fields of agriculture, sector of the Nigerian economy, the urban development, governance, Jazz, music of philosopher-kings transport sector where he is partner- environment, information and com- Perceptive members of the public ing with reputable international munication, unit investment and reason that Duke’s love for Jazz is companies to bring about cable car tourism. Through his work, Calabar inspired by his peaceful nature. Of transport system in chaotic Lagos is seen today as the “cleanest city in course, the quiet spirit which jazz and later other parts of the country. Nigeria”. music radiates only magnates the Donald Duke was born on He created the idea of ​​Obudu spirit of peace-loving people. Any September 30, 1961 at 16 Annesley Ranch International Mountain race wonder that while he ruled Cross Street, Calabar, Cross River State, to which became one of the most River, the state did not have bands the family of Mr. Henry Etim Duke lucrative mountain competitions in of militants as witnessed in other and Mrs. Genevieve Etim Duke. He is the world. parts of Niger Delta, though the the fourth in the family of five chil- Duke started Tinapa Resort state was an oil-producing state and dren. His father was the Chairman project to boost business and tour- then had the largest reserves before of the Board of Customs and Excise ism in the state. Over $350 million the table turned. (now The Nigerian Customs Service) was spent on the first phase before Asked about life after serving as between 1967 and 1975. opening in April 2007. The BBC re- governor, he frankly told journal- He was the governor of Cross ported in September 2006 that Gov- ists: “Like everything in life, you River from May 29, 1999 to May 29, ernor Duke was the only governor go through an adjustment period 2007. specifically mentioned as not being where you decide what to do with The saxophonist was born in the investigated by the Economic and your life. Thereafter, you must East, grew up in the West where he Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC constantly remember that you were had his early education at Corona doing something before then and and Saint Mary’s School in Lagos. these are only phases in your life. So His post-primary education was in you make the adjustment. So I went Sokoto and Ilorin. He returned to the to a music school in England to learn Federal School of Arts and Science, how to write and score music for Lagos, for his ‘A’ Levels. He received four months. I then went to Houston his LLB degree in 1982 at Ahmadu in Sugarland where I did saxophone Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and a recitals. It was fun. But like anything, BL in 1983 from the Nigerian Law if you don’t practise the scoring of School, Lagos. He went further for TheNiche 34 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com nicheEntertainment AS+A signs artistes from Nigeria, Ghana

ward- tions to AS+A’s talent ros- represented on the world winning ter are household names stage,” said George Issa- Nigerian in Nigeria and Ghana. ias, founder and CEO, on actress, Drawing from a wide the new signings. Nse range of sectors, from suc- He said further that Ikpe-Etim; cessful musicians to celeb- Nigeria’s speakers and award- rity TV chefs and tech en- artistes bring their own winning Nigerian director trepreneurs, other notable perspective and insights Aand producer, Tope Oshin; names on its East Africa to international audi- multiple award-winning roster include Erik Hers- ences. Nigerian actor, OC Ukeje; man, technologist and “Our job at AS+A is and popular television founder of Ushahidi, iHub to connect that talent presenter and actress, Jo- and BRCK; Bethlehem to global brands, and selyn Dumas from Ghana Tilahun Alemu, founder to bring them world- are the latest addition and CEO of SoleRebels wide exposure through to African Speakers and Footwear. There is also international events and Artistes (AS+A). Dr. Paula Kahumbu, CEO campaigns. We want It comes on the heels of of Wildlife Direct; Kiran our African performers, the East Africa’s leading Jethwa, TV celebrity chef, successful entrepreneurs speaker bureau announc- and popular afro-pop mu- and creative visionar- ing that it is expanding sic group, Sauti Sol. ies to get their share of into Nigeria and Ghana, “We have been build- voice and the interna- as it builds its portfolio of ing our base from East tional recognition they West African speakers and Africa, where we already merit,” he said. Nse Ikpe-Etim artistes for the interna- represent a host of “I’m quite happy to say tional market. exceptional, and world- I’m looking forward to the Launched in June 2015, AS+A repre- among these are creativity and innova- Headquartered in Nai- class business leaders and dynamic opportunities sents some of East Africa’s best known tion, future and technology, leadership robi, and with an office artistes, but our plan is to and liaisons to be enjoyed business people and artistes. Demand for and diversity environment, conservation in London, AS+A already sign African talent from on this platform. Even African voices is growing exponentially. and development. represents senior business all over the continent as better would be the mu- Universal themes have emerged which leaders, artistes and media we grow, and we believe tual benefits that linger. A AS+A addresses from its roster of inspi- personalities from across that the talent within place called ‘forward’,” said rational speakers and performers. Chief Africa. The newest addi- Nigeria can be better Ukeje. 9ice, ID Cabasa, others to thrill in Lagos

he Lagos City Mall will be gospel artiste is a unique and gifted sion Continental, and the Lagos State agog when Afro hip-hop musician whose style is different from Signage and Advertising Agency artiste, 9ice, leads other others. (LASAA). stars for a ground-breaking Also on the bill are ID Cabasa; Isaac The management of Ace-Olivia, one musical concert as Gaise, Geralds; multi-talented musician, of the sponsors of the concert, said it Tan Afro-fusion musician, unveils his comedian, compere and song-writer, would afford fun-seekers the oppor- record label this evening (Sunday, EmmaohmaGod; Ranti; and Ayodele tunity to get quality entertainment in May 8). The concert, which starts with Okundalaiye, the self-acclaimed Se- a relaxed atmosphere. Chief Execu- a red carpet at 5pm, will be held at nior Advocate of Comedy (SACO) and tive Officer of Ace-Olivia, Mrs. Shola Ace-Olivia Event Hall. a host of other artistes. Akintoye, said the event would bring Gboluwaga Akinade Ibuoye, also Tagged ‘Korinsodi – An Evening together the best in the entertain- known as Gaise or Gaise Baba, is an With Gaise’, the event promises the ment industry. Economics graduate from the Oba- best in music, comedy and other Mall manager, Lagos City Mall, femi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile- forms of entertainment for those Kayode Ogundele, said fun-seekers Ife, who came into the music scene looking for where to catch fun this who have smart phones could enjoy with his self-titled album, GaiseBaba, weekend. The event is supported by free Wi-fi for the first 15 minutes at in August 2011. The Afro-fusion Ace-Olivia Hall, Channels TV, Televi- the venue. 9ice www.thenicheng.com

Favourites Bez Idakula

Song: I don’t think I have a nicheEntertainmentwith Terh Agbedeh favourite song now, but I really like Asa’s last album, Bed of Stone. Music Video: I really don’t know. Book: Outliers by Malcolm

Bunmi Davies Birthday Samantha Iwowo unmi Davies is “From the genuinely beauti- set to premiere ful girls and guys to the ‘I must Screenwriter, film director readyhis latest comedy belong by force’ students, with sit- and movie marketing strate- project, a sitcom right down to the ‘aristos’, gist, Samantha Iwowo, will be entitled ‘Jeka not forgetting the student Play’, on Tuesday, politicians with good, bad and a year older on May 18. The May 31. funny motives, and, of course, Ph.D student of film studies Named after popular a few randy lecturers, it oc- at the University of Bristol, BUniversity of Lagos (UNILAG) curred to me that these every- England, co-produced Runs restaurant and hangout spot, day comedic experiences at with Benedict Alli of Kobo Jeka Play, which he owns, Jeka Play should be promoted the sitcom is based on the to a wider audience, thus the Productions last year. interesting everyday hap- idea for the sitcom was born.” Six women from differ- penings at Jeka Play, which is The show also features ent backgrounds share their the epicentre of the UNILAG cameo appearances from stories of Runs, a docudrama social scene. In ‘Jeka Play’, he popular Yoruba movie actor, that exposes the truth about reprises his role as the owner Hafeez Oyetoro a.k.a. Saka, of the real life place as he Wazobia FM Presenter, Nedu, “runs” in Nigeria, especially on encounters students, lectur- and a host of others. student prostitution. ers, cool kids and assorted Davies’ prior forays into regular patrons at the venue. comedy include ‘Stand Up New Music Commenting on the Nigeria’, a platform for up-and- inspiration behind the show, coming stand-up comedians Davies said: “My experience of to showcase their talents and running Jeka Play at UNILAG gain exposure. has been a very interesting ‘Jeka Play’ premieres at ‘Getting you’ one because by nature of the 6.30pm on Tuesday, May 31, Ghanaian singer Efya’s kind of venue it is and the 2016 on TV Continental, Star single titled ‘Getting you’ campus environment around, Times Channel 115. featuring Ice Prince is sure we get some really interesting Bunmi Davies characters coming in all the making waves. The song time and there is never a dull stands out on her debut moment with them around. album Janesis. Efya released the album at the end of April and it is full of collaborations with Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Shaydee and a host of oth- The future of Location BloodLines

BloodLines, which explores the consequences of mixing business with pleasure, stars Hollywood names like Billy he future of African would get even brighter if only the despite their numbers, they may Dee Williams, Lynn Whitfield, Brian Hooks, Chico Benymon, music is bright, says industry gets better organised on alienate the rest of the world, that’s Doug Williams, Tangi Miller and many more. a CNN report posted the continent. the reason African music and film Stanley, a member of a gang, falls in love with Lily, a girl on May 5 entitled Lira, for instance, said: “My hope industry will be the world’s largest,” with a rich father. He has to choose between the gang and ‘From Afrobeat to is that an African pop star will win she said. setting his girlfriend’s father up. Akon: Why African a Grammy, and occupy the number Makes you wonder why the in- Directed and produced by Pascal Atuma, the film is a music finally has one position on a Billboard chart. dustry has been so slow in actualis- production of the African Entertainment Group (AEG) in the world’s ear’ by At the moment, we work as best ing all of the above. Stakeholders association with The Atuma Brothers Company (TABIC) and Phoebe Parke. An interesting piece, as we can with the platforms that have often pointed to the lack of CraigWal Entertainment. Walter Ojimba, an engineer, is Tbut that is something the continent are available to us, at some point unity among artistes in Africa, but has known for a long time now, the power and influence of African it would seem that all that is chang- executive producer and Oscar Atuma is the producer. what with names like 2face, D’banj, music will be unavoidable.” ing with collaborations taking place Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy and Nigerian artiste, Mr. Eazi, who between artistes on the continent their counterparts on the continent said this is an amazing time for Af- and the internet shrinking distanc- commanding six figure perfor- rican music, predicted that “Artistes es artistes used to have to make mance fees and mega online music will start getting proper publish- across the continent. sales. ing (deals) once the African music But as the report points out, In any case, citing a report by scene gets half as organised as that African music is on the up, as PricewaterhouseCoopers, the writer of the United Kingdom, once there’s evidenced by the diverse range of said income from consumer spend- distribution, once there’s market- exciting and internationally popular ing on recorded music in Nigeria ing.” artistes that come from and are in- and Kenya was predicted to reach For May7ven, language is a huge spired by the continent. And before $43 million and $19 million in that advantage for African music. long, that Grammy for an African order by the end of last year. “When you compare the growth pop star of Lira’s dream will come Quoting artistes like Lira from potential of African countries to to the continent. South Africa, Nigeria’s May7ven and China and India, the major differ- a host of others, the writer makes ence is that English is not the main the case that indeed that the future language in those territories. So TheNiche 36 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com CIPM 47th AGM The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) had its Event 47th Annual general meeting (AGM) at NECA House, Ikeja Lagos recently.

L-R: Director, Professional Development, Dr. Charles Ugwu; Head, Learning and Development, Mrs. President/Chairman of Council, Mr. Anthony Titi Ashiru; Director, Special Projects, Mr. Sola Arabome; flanked by the Immediate Past Joseph; and a member of the Institute, Mrs. Ifeoma President, Mr. Victor Famuyibo (left) and Onwuachu. Registrar/CEO, Mr. Sunday Adeyemi.

Leaders of the Institute at the voting station in preparation for elections Members at the AGM

First Vice President, Mr. Azuka L-R: Director, Membership Development, Mrs. Toyin Ojudun; Mr. Adeyemi; Mr. Arabome; Council Diali (right) with Past President, Member, Mrs. Nkiru Adesogan, and a Full Member, Mr. Niyi Aromolaran. Mr. Abiola Popoola

L-R: Mr. Adeyemi; Vice President, The Registrar and a Fellow Mr. Udom Uko Inoyo; Mr. Arabome; of the Institute, Mr. Segun National Treasurer, Mrs. Ifeoma Adeniyi; Osinowo. and Mr. Famuyibo www.thenicheng.com TheNiche 38 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Close Up ‘We’re telling the Nigerian story through people’s voices’

Ore Disu runs the Nsibidi Institute. Currently involved in the documentation of the Nigerian culture through the Memory Project, her film,The General, screened at this year’s edition of iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival in Lagos. She tells Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, the story of the institute and its Memory Project. Photo: Terh Agbedeh Terh Photo: Ore Disu n the documentary, The General, struck you in the course of making The rian culture and knowledge. out of it. I suppose it was, on my in a similar way of focusing on the you focused on a family from General? But I would say that I don’t person- own part, trying to study other films personal history of her parents and South South Nigeria; is it that It was fascinating to meet a ally support that in the sense that I and say, okay, this is the form that I then on into the actual process Remi your work is basically on that woman who had enlisted in the Biaf- think that there are many disruptions think works; finding an editor that Vaughn Richards went through in region? ran army. At that point, I didn’t even that affect people at the end of the understood that division and willing archiving their works. It was coincidence that it know that Biafra was producing its day. So if it is the case of taking it to work with me and realising it. Ihappened to be a family from Calabar, own petrol, had an industry set up. forward and saying, ‘look, let’s actually This is the fourth film we have Are these films part of the Memory especially one from the Efik royal fam- Which actually explains why they remember’, that is the importance of made. The other ones are a lot shorter, Project? ily. But really, we are actually looking were able to last so long (in the war), documentaries like this one. If you but it is still an experiment and the They predate the Memory Project nationwide; we are also interested in especially being cut off from the want to become a flag-bearer of a new next one we will do may be differ- in the sense that we started filming stories from the Nigerian Diaspora supply network. So, for me, it was movement, unless you really under- ently. We may involve a different cast mostly to tell the story of the insti- who have a way of shedding light on particularly interesting finding out stand the impact it has on everyday altogether. tute and also found that, you know how we see ourselves as Nigerians, that this lady who associated with so people, I really don’t think you have what, this is a very powerful format. where all of that came from, our place many different people was also quite any right to be in that position. So we What about the other films? Why not, why don’t we get people in such a fast-changing world. So, to inspiring. For me, we sometimes un- are trying to let people know that it is They were – I don’t know if you involved? clarify, we are not focused on just Efik derstand Nigerian tradition as very not really about supporting any politi- know Remi Vaughn Richards; we actu- The General is actually part of the culture, we are really about the Nige- conservative. Women are supposed cal agenda, either pro or anti, but to ally sat with her and had a conversa- Personal History Series, while the rian society at large. to be quite toned down; we are sup- say, this is the impact it has on people. tion to do with her own parents. Her Memory Project is a project of its own posed to defer to our husbands. But This is how they remember. The pro- father, an interesting personality, was but is related in the sense that it is Is it just documentaries you do or you here is a woman who comes from a cess of actually recovering from that an architect here in Nigeria; a British also focusing on the memory of the plan to do books? very traditional setting in the sense trauma is important to also document architect, came here, I believe in the everyday ordinary Nigerian. The idea We actually just published a that she was part of the royal family, as well. That is our contribution to this. 1950s, and was part of this movement is really telling the story of Nigeria book in January. Although we focus so she had to portray its etiquettes on tropical architecture. This idea of through the voices of the people who very much on culture, we see the and yet she didn’t feel any need to The documentary looked very profes- having the modernist approach that live them. It is not a filmmaker’s proj- Nigerian society as leading a lot be demure; she didn’t bend over sional; apparently, you worked with was local in terms of the materials, ect; it is really for anyone – students, more engagement beyond that. backwards. And that is part of her professionals to produce The General? consideration of environmental fac- journalists, bloggers, photographers So, we look at other topics that are personality, and what I found out lat- I have an aesthetic professional tors and also portraying the culture. – to come on board and take your relevant to our development, our er is that it is also part of Efik culture. background, so to speak. One of the own devices; if you need help, we perception of ourselves, includ- She is in herself a head of her own things that I find personally interest- Sounds so much like Demas Nwoko. have some technical provision. We ing focusing on urban centres and sub-family in the Efik kingdom and ing is that there are so many ways of Yeah, but then, her mother as well are also doing short training courses how we are shaping the spaces the question of her being a man or telling a story and I prefer the pen. I was a socialite of sorts. She was also for people who want to take part. that have become the basis for our woman was not being raised. research, I write, but I think pictures one of the first nurses to be trained society. Also, when we talk about are extremely powerful because here and also established a nursing innovation, what is our approach to What is your take on the Biafra issue? there are so many things being school herself. She was very vocal that to create things that respond We encourage critical questions. communicated to you in a sensory about environmental issues and I to our own local condition and We don’t involve ourselves in politics, manner. It was good to find people suppose because she was married to aspirations? So, culture, yes, but but we believe that if people have who had produced films before, but someone who was not a traditional also development, urban issues and questions and have things to say, that they weren’t really your up-market, Yoruba or conventional man in that everything that we find relevant to should not be silenced because of fully-formed established cameramen sense, she got more opportunities the society at large. something that is uncomfortable. I or sound guys. They were really just to express herself. They used to have think that is one of the fundamental people who are passionate, young fashion shows in their yard. I thought What were some of the things that problems in how we approach Nige- and out to also make some money that was very interesting. It started www.thenicheng.com Relationships Trust and transparency; Tinu Agbabiaka foundations of marriage Certified relationship expert 0817 313 7189 Therefore, rejecting all falsity test of time. marriage, because being honest When you notice you are [email protected], [email protected] and being done now with it, let Trust is when you know and with each other alone shows starting to get attracted to everyone express the truth with you are also assured that your that they are both united, and someone else, either physically his neighbour (Eph. 2:25a). spouse is dependable, that they regard, and respect one or emotionally, it is paramount together for the financial well- is based on mutual understand- he/she can come through for other. you tell your spouse. Apart being of the family. ing, so it is important to share Trust, simply put, is the total you, be there for you and has Deception erodes trust and from your spouse having the It is important to share money your most sincere feelings. belief, confidence and reliability got your back. He or she must leads to a breakdown of the right to know, telling even issues such as large debts, In conclusion, the whole placed on someone or some- belief the same with you too. relationship. It is therefore im- helps break up this attraction bankrupts and credit issues, so essence of trust and transpar- thing, a belief that someone will Trust and transparency, put portant not to keep secrets. that might cost you your rela- that they can be addressed col- ency in a relationship is for your do certain thing(s) or not. together, means the ability for I am not saying, share every tionship. lectively. spouse to know what is going While transparency means people to be confident in what second or minute details about You must let your spouse Your hidden feelings should on with the real you, without be- the ability to do things in an you do, or what you intend or your life with your spouse; know of any ailment/health be communicated with your ing judged, and you getting the open, honest and clear way, propose to do. Trust and trans- because that’s just not realistic, condition you might be going spouse, so there is no reason for support your spouse can offer. without secrets, whereby your parency are both foundations of and it’s even impossible. How- through. It is totally not fair to it to be hidden in the first place. People enter marriage with motives are not being ques- marriage. ever, there are some things that your spouse to come home one If you are carrying around bag- hopes that it will be loving, tioned, because they must Being honest creates a solid are just a must to disclose. day and find you curled up in gage, resentment, forgiveness or happily ever after, which can already know exactly what you foundation in marriage, and this These include money, your a foetal position, screaming in anger towards your spouse, it is be achieved only when there are doing or trying to do. allows you and your spouse to differences, addictions, family, agony and pain, due to the fact important you communicate it. are no secrets between you and In a relationship, trust is es- maintain a healthy relationship. personality, and so on. In many that you’ve kept this ailment The longer hidden feelings your spouse. sential. It is actually a form of For example, when a couple cases, it is advised to share with from him/her from its onset. linger, the greater the likelihood Secrets and its consequences intimacy. You need to trust one already does things based on your spouse things you know In marriage, ‘the two become that those feelings will com- can weigh a relationship down another in order to make the honesty, it will be hard for any might impact on how you relate one’ extends to your finances. pound and eventually erode the and/or kill it outright! relationship work and stand the outside force to come into their with each other. Both parties will have to work unity of the marriage. Marriage I seduced my best friend’s Auntie husband; now am pregnant Agatha Dear Agatha and don’t ever want to let go of him unlike all the other 0805 450 0626 men in my life. About three houses away from where I live, there is a I deliberately got pregnant to keep him. He was happy at (sms only) very secluded guest house where men wishing to hide their first but in these last couple of weeks, he seems to be with- [email protected] affairs come to now and then with their dates. drawing and don’t pick my calls. I know he is my friend’s But for the heavy traffic in the evenings to that place, husband but I have always wanted him. nothing about the house gives the impression of what it is You may condemn me but try to understand that I love from your friend as well as think of an imaginary father in a used for. Being in a very responsible estate completes the him too and help me overcome this. far away land who is dead to give your child. camouflage of secrecy. Idowu. This way, you would be leaving the choice of exposing On my way from work one evening, I noticed a very your affair to this man just as you must be prepared to go to familiar car. Since it was about three cars ahead of mine Dear Idowu your grave with this secret. I couldn’t be sure by the time I drove through our estate This option gives the child a free and fair foundation security. Try putting yourself in the shoes of your friend. Even if to begin life and exist as a product of true love and not a I know it entered into the guest house. There was no way you are trying to justify your reason for obviously charming smeary one you planned for it. I could go and check since I had work to do. Being a single this man into your bed and arms, the fact remains that he You also have the choice to open up your can of worms mother of two daughters from two men, I take my job seri- isn’t yours to keep. by telling your friend you are the woman who not only ously. If you had done boyfriend swapping as young girls, is stole her husband but also destroyed the peace of her I almost forgot until my friend called me around 11.30 it an excuse for you to do what you are now doing to her? home. that night to complain that her husband isn’t back from How would you feel in her shoes? And to think she still You can trust this option won’t be without a dirty fight, work yet. confides all her matrimonial problem in you? one in which both of you would expire untimely. According to her, he was busy with a new project. I No matter how attractive this man is he can’t be the only Before you consider this option think of your daughters almost told her I saw a car like that of her husband in my one with such charisma. Getting old and more experienced, who need you around, who may not be as strong as you estate but I kept quiet. the ways of life should have told you that the world is gov- might have fortified yourself spiritually. In the first place, the husband doesn’t like me too much. erned by responsibilities. Your girls may be targets of reprisal attack from a friend if He thinks I am a very bad influence on his wife because of There is no way we can ever get all that we want from she has your kind of heart and wishes to hurt you as much my two failed marriages. life. It would have been better this hurt is coming from an you have hurt her. Second, he doesn’t even know where I live. For some unknown person and not one she considers her intimate It is unfortunate you didn’t think beyond the immediate, strange reasons I don’t want him to find out because friend. but you must now if you even want to be alive to enjoy around him, I can’t trust myself to behave. His maleness is That she did her charms and got away with it doesn’t seeing this child you are carrying. It is only the living who that potent. mean you will get away with the one you have done on get married and have children. I immediately knew what his new project was. That him. You have made a costly mistake; don’t complicate things night, I didn’t sleep but kept vigil in the bedroom that In the first instance, God is very fair in His judgement. further. Life is too fragile, and its tomorrow very pregnant. looked directly over the compound. He left at about She didn’t hurt another woman to get her husband. For now, go away until you have the baby. Change your 12.30am. You are hurting another woman, your friend, her children number so this friend of yours won’t be able to get through For a month, I kept tab on him. I didn’t know what I and home in the process of you having your wish fulfilled. to you for a time. By the time you resurface, too much time wanted to do with the information I was gathering because This isn’t right. would have gone for both of you to have the time to be I would be the last to tell his wife anything. Well, you are old enough to handle the pregnancy. It close again. The wife remains my oldest friend and we have been was your choice to get pregnant, so be prepared to face the Since apart from the fact you actually want to end this through some wildlife together, boyfriend swapping, and challenges of telling that child how the husband of your relationship, your also going away would help your friend all those naughty things we did as young women, visiting friend became its father. and her husband reconcile their differences. spiritualists to make men fall for and stay with us as long as Begin from now to defend yourself against the condem- Over time they would find a stable ground to put this we wanted. nation of that child whose foundation is already faulty. time behind them. Once both parties are determined to It was this charm my friend actually used on him the first How do you expect that child, if he turns out to be a boy, make it work, incidents like this can be forgiven. time they met. to feel among his siblings and relatives? You have had your wish to have a child for him, let him I honestly didn’t mean anything to happen until one As a mother you should worry about that time when the have her wish of a happy home. Having gone through two night I gave in to the temptation inside of me. I called him child is old enough to understand the politics, intrigues and broken marriages, you should have an inkling into how she and gave him the name of the guest house on my street. shame that followed his or her birth. would be feeling now; her tension, fears and aches. Since I knew when he would be coming, I waited for him If this pregnancy turns out to be a girl, what moral au- You said so yourself that she is suffering emotionally. outside my gate. That started the illicit affair between my thority would you have to caution her against following in Don’t you feel something die inside of you anytime you friend’s husband and me. your footsteps? Don’t forget by then, you would no longer behold the face of someone who trusts you so much and It is been a year now. My friend, unknown to her, tells view life from this angle unless of course you think your thinks you are on her side? me everything happening between her and her husband, ways remain the best. Sincerely, this is the least you can do in this situation and how he doesn’t come home anymore. I am always the one There is nothing you can do anymore but to confront the the most honourable thing for you to do first as a woman, visiting her to prevent her from coming to my place. ghost you have exhumed. and second for the good times you once shared as true Seeing how old and depressed she has become I want to It is either you make the choice of staying out of their friends. end it all but I discover that I am deeply in love with him lives, conceal the identity of the father of your unborn child Good luck. TheNiche 40 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Faith Shun unrighteous social media, Sister’s Talk admonishes

By Temitope Ojo girl, everyone wanted to said it would make him made a bet with his he had cut my breasts up Nonetheless, she cau- follow me. I didn’t care more committed to the friends, that I would real bad that the doctors tioned all internet users hristian if it was virtual, it felt visit and would convince actually pay for him to had to take them out like to be cautious in what youths good; checking out my him of my seriousness. have sex with me, just to I had cancer. There was they post online. For a must shun profile and having well “I bought it all. He was prove how stupid I was. no record of who I was, Christian, she stressed, all forms of over 2,000 followers, smart, he was cunning, “I attempted to regain because he had taken what is posted online unGodly more than half of which and I was stupid. any little dignity I had my bag, containing ev- must conform with the addiction were guys,” Chinwe said. Tobi eventually made left, and so I tried to erything I had.” Word of God. Cand explore all means One particular man, it to Lagos and they met mouth off at him. Sud- Programme host, She quoted the follow- to feed on worthy things Tobi, caught her atten- at the hotel. denly he punched me in Adenike Lamai, a pas- ing Scriptures: that will build and tion among her followers “He was tall, hand- the face, and I tripped tor, counseled all not to “Philippians 4.8 clearly sustain the God-purity and she began pestering some, and he con- over and hit my head on follow trends blindly, as says ‘Finally, brothers in them. They must be to meet him in person. vinced me to spend the a stool. the internet is meant to and sisters, whatever is determined to stay pure “At this point I had night with him. I told “The next thing I re- be a tool for great good. true, whatever is noble, even online.” lost my mind. I assumed him I couldn’t, because member was waking up She said Daniel (12:4) whatever is right, what- This was given to the I was in love with him, I had a test the next on the bed, I was tied foretold that “knowledge ever is pure, whatever large turnout of women and when my boyfriend morning. up, and he was staring at shall increase”, and the is lovely, whatever is at Sister's Talk 2016, after at the time broke up “Now, at this point I me. His eyes were dark internet is part of civili- admirable – if anything they watched a true life with me, I really wel- don’t know what trig- and he had a sinister sation. is excellent or praise- clip of a single Christian comed it. For me, it gered his anger, but he smile on his lips. However, she added, worthy – think about lady, Chinwe, 26, who meant no more sneaking started to call me foul “He stood up and it is becoming more dif- such things.’” got careless with her life around. names, and kept going walked towards me. ficult for someone not to “Psalms 1:1-2: because she wanted a “Tobi eventually on and on about how I tried to scream and have an online presence, ‘“Blessed is the man that Blackberry for her birth- agreed to come to Lagos he always knew I was realised my mouth was given the global drive walketh not in the coun- day. to meet me. All this cheap, and he knew I tapped, my head was towards e-commerce, e- sel of the ungodly, nor The venue was at The while he had made me was sleeping with other aching, the unfortunate banking, e-learning, and standeth in the way of Maker’s Church, Osu- to believe he was in men. part was that no one so on. sinners, nor sitteth in the poro Close, Ojodu-Berg- Calabar, and would take “The same man who knew where I was.” Lamai noted that over seat of the scornful. But er, Lagos. time off work to spend had swept me away, Days later, Chinwe the years, social media his delight is in the law Chinwe quickly gained a weekend with me in slammed me on the woke up in hospital with and cyberspace have of the LORD; and in his followers on numerous Lagos, when I heard this floor. He told me of how swollen eyes. It took evolved to become user- law doth he meditate social media, especially I was excited. he had shown his friends more days for her to friendly, personalised, day and night.’” men, mostly because of “He told me to make all my nude pictures and open her eyes, and then and easily accessible “James 1:13-16: ‘Let her erotic pictures on a hotel reservation for how they had watched realised the damage Tobi across different plat- no man say when he is her timeline. She was him, stating he would the videos and listened had done. forms; and have be- tempted, I am tempted popular. pay me back as soon as to the voice notes. “He had plucked out come fun, especially for of God: for God can- “I felt I was the main he arrived; and also he “He told me he had my eye, and cut my face; young people. not be tempted with www.thenicheng.com

Shun unrighteous social media, Sister’s Talk admonishes

evil, neither tempteth he any man: values must be able to ask herself thians 6:19-20; Ephesians 5:29). can still sprout again – even the lady But every man is tempted, when he these questions to help her establish She urged everyone to be mindful of in the clip can still make something is drawn away of his own lust, and standards when faced with life’s dif- the things they get exposed to, where meaningful of her life. The only thing enticed. ficult choices: they go, and what they yearn for, lest is “never allow the wounded soldier ‘“Then when lust hath conceived, it “1. Is it putting God first, conform- he that thinks he stands, fall. die.” bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is ing to His authority and glory or of Marvelous Lamai, senior pastor of The programme was impactful and finished, bringeth forth death. Do not the world? (Matthew 6:33; Colossians the church, prophesied into the lives inspiring, more than words can con- err, my beloved brethren.” 3:17; 1 John 2:15-17). of women. vey. Lamai said it is important for every “2. Would my Lord Jesus Himself do He said women should stop writing Sister’s Talk, which began five years Christian lady to have her values right. it? (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6). themselves off, no matter their circum- ago, is an interactive session where “When we have our values in place, “3. Would it be a good example? stance. women aged 21 and above are en- only then can we make the right deci- (Matthew 5:14; 1 Timothy 4:12). Citing Job 14:7-8, he said no mat- couraged to share knowledge. sions. A Christian lady with the right “4. Could it hurt my body? (1 Corin- ter where anyone is now, he or she TheNiche 42 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Moving the Becoming the best Ituah Ighodalo Senior Pastor, Trinity House Zion Center hand of God (2) e-mail:[email protected]

• Continued from last edi- ing to make an agreement hands upon tion. Bible says that God will sick all the time, then per- with God. His hands will him. stretch forth His hand to be upon you. In Genesis 28 9. If you are generous, haps God has not moved in In Second Samuel 24:14, be upon you. In 1 Chronicles your direction. Matthew 9:20 when Jacob was running away God’s hands will be upon 4:10, the Bible says that ‘Jabez David told God, ‘let us fall into from Esau, (running away from you. You must go back to tells us the story of a bleeding the hands of the Lord for His was sorrowful because his woman. She was physically his calamity and destruction,) sacrificial giving. The only way mother bear him in sorrow and mercies are great’. When you he ran into God and had an that you can get is if you give. sick and was an emotional are in a difficulty, it is the hand Jabez looked around him- wreck because God had not encounter with God in Bethel. If you give to God and give self and said ‘why is there so of God that you run into. Jacob made a vow and the vow to the work of God, you give moved in her direction. David had committed a much sorrow upon me’? Jabez Matthew 17:14 tells us the ensured that Jacob was pre- to the man of God, you give prayed, ‘my God bless me crime, God had become angry served. to the poor on different levels, story of the epileptic boy who with him and God came to indeed and let your hand be because God’s hand had not 5. If you avoid sin, God is duty bound to give back upon me’. David and said, choose three God’s hands will be upon to you. moved in his direction, he was things; either the pestilence And the Bible says that God constantly throwing himself you. Isaiah 59:1 says, that “Be- It was when Peter gave his answered his prayer. destroys you, I put you in the hold, the LORD's hand is not boat to Jesus that he got a down, foaming in the mouth hands of your enemies or let shortened, that it cannot save; breakthrough. and about to kill himself. me deal with you myself. If God does not move His neither his ear heavy, that it 10. If you are ready to hand in your direction, And David told God, “let me cannot hear: But your iniquities go through anything and It is possible for God to fall into the hands of God be- certain things may happen transform your life because have separated you from your suffer anything for God’s to you: cause His mercies are great”. God.” sake, God’s hands will be when the Lord’s hands are upon you, anything can hap- 6. If you are in sin, upon you. The Bible says that 1. You may be still How do you attract the God’s hands will not be they put Daniel in the Lion’s pen. In life, there are some hand of God? born. That is you will have fin- things that you can do. upon you: sin is like an insula- den but God’s hands were ished at the starting post. Da- tor, it prevents God from being upon him. But then also in life, there 1. When you build vid’s child born by Bathsheba are lots of things that only God able to touch you. 11. When you know who in 2 Samuel 12:15-19 was still God’s house. If you are work- 7. If you are totally God is to you. Psalm 23 says can do. ing for God, God has a duty to born despite David’s fasting A lot of people do not ap- obedient to God. Accord- that David, because he knew and praying for him to live. help you. ing to Genesis 26:12 & 13, the who God was, God stretched preciate this fact and think 2. When you have If life has been tough for that most things that they have Bible says that “Isaac sowed in forth his hand and blessed him. you, you may be still born, touched God in prayer. that land, and received in the David said, ‘the Lord is my achieved have been by the When you have touched God spiritually dead on arrival. power of their own hands. same year an hundredfold: and shepherd, I shall not want’; and 2. If God does not in the place of prayer, the Bible the LORD blessed him. God said ‘Amen’ to that. Why then are you struggling says that God will make His move in your direction, with life, when all you need to “And the man waxed great, 12. If you are humble, your future may be stolen hands to be upon you. 1 Kings and went forward, and grew God’s hands will be upon do is to put yourself in God’s 18:41-46 from you and you may good hands because it is the until he became very great”. you to protect you, promote never get to where you are 3. When you are will- 8. If you are ready to you and to lift you up. hand of God that will direct the ing for God to lead you, going. In Genesis 27:35 Isaac path of your life. be used of God, God’s hand 13. If you are kind and told Esau, “God did not work God’s hands will be upon will be upon you. In Judges considerate to other people, The hand of God is a meta- you. Genesis 12:1-3 tells us in your direction, your brother phor for the power of God. Let 6:12 the Bible tells us that, God will stretch forth His hand Jacob has taken away your that the reason why Abraham Gideon though was hiding un- to lift you up when you are the hand of God begin to work prospered was that he was blessing. for you today. der the winepress was ready to down. 3. If you are in con- willing to be led by God. be used of God and had God’s 14. If you ask God, the 4. If you are will- stant pain, and your body is What Are the Heavens Self-discovery Kavikarnapura Das Like? (Part 2) [email protected] 0706 601 1800, 0812 324 5864 lthough our re- In the Koranic description of Many of the mystic abilities sponsibility is to the heavenly planets, it is stated for which we hanker in the lead you to the that a man will be able to enjoy material world are common spiritual world seventy virgins and that each attributes of the beings of the association that you have had this planet because even here rather than the person will have 80,000 servants. heavenly kingdoms. in the past with agents of those some people are worshiping one heavenly king- There are amazingly gorgeous They have the ability to make heavenly kingdoms. You have an of these aspects of the Godhead. Adoms, we will describe some women and extremely handsome their bodies very small or very insatiable In some cases it’s due to some things about the heavenly king- men. large, or even very light. Some desire once again to be able to previous experience on a planet doms. Your sexual experiences on of the heavenly beings can enter function on that level. where that particular aspect is The Bible describes heaven as earth would be like pain when into this environment and reori- Because of being too preoc- dominant and worshiped with a place full of light where there is compared with those pleasures. ent their atoms and molecules in cupied with these mystic per- reverence and distinction. no sorrow, or pain; there is only In terms of childbearing, when order to manifest in certain ways. fections, you have been denied If the heavenly environment joy. In the Koran, or more spe- there is a desire for procreation Some of these entities have the access to them so there can be a sounds exciting to you, then cifically, in the Hadees-E- Qudsi, in the heavenly kingdoms, a ability to travel to other planets focus on the real homework you maybe that’s what you need the heavenly kingdoms are also child can be brought forth in a or other universes and the ability are to do here. to pursue in this lifetime. If it discussed. matter of minutes. to acquire things from outside If you want to focus on these doesn’t sound quite so exciting, According to the Hadees-E- The child is not a small baby, of their immediate environment perfections while on earth, when consider that there is something Qudsi, when one goes to the but a healthy and vibrant youth. instantaneously. you leave here you will go back even beyond that environment. heavenly kingdoms, one will There is also a special kind of in- Entities of the higher kingdoms to the heavenly planets where These descriptions of the heav- never age past thirty-three years. toxication there that doesn’t leave have all of these abilities. These those kinds of abilities are com- enly realms can give some stimu- People typically don’t like to an unpleasant aftereffect. are just normal for them – the mon. lation, if you want it. Remember, growold, especially when the ag- In the higher of the heavenly science of energy conversion. In these higher planetary though, that you’ll be settling for ing process brings on all kinds of planets, the living entities some- Some people who are now in this systems, a different aspect of a mere vacation, because life in bodily and mental dysfunctions. times live for millions of years, universe have the ability to sum- God is worshiped according to the heavenly planets has to come So in the higher pleasure abodes and in the highest of these, the mon souls back into their bodies the evolution of the beings on to an end. you will not have to experience living entities live for trillions of – commonly called bringing the that particular planet. In some Sometimes after a vacation is old age. years. (Keep in mind, however, dead back to life – just as Ezekiel, environments, the aspect of God over, you get more work than Here one is constantly pursu- that this is all relative. It’s all a Elijah and Jesus did. with which people are familiar is you ever expected, and you may ing sexual involvement because matter of the time frame in which All of the demigods have this the god of the sun, the god of the even question if it was wise to orgasm is basically one of the we view things as to whether ability. moon, the god of water, or the have taken that vacation in the highest of pleasures in these we consider a time period to be Some of you have a hunger for god of air. first place. realms. short or long.) mystic perfection because of the We can see the influence on www.thenicheng.com Health How to avoid being a glutton

s many of us know that they find it deeply unsatisfy- system. measure this. to our cost, stuff- ing – and as soon as they finish As a result, you might be un- A good rule ing down huge one mouthful they want more. able to handle digestion, absorp- Regular meals of thumb, some quantities of food However, research suggests tion and nutrient assimilation may seem like a that savouring the flavour and efficiently. A massive lunch may sound say, is to stop good idea, but the sensation of the food, and mak- like a good idea, but you would Areality is somewhat different. ing sure you chew it slowly and More is less be much better eating more eating after Not only will over-indulging thoroughly is not only a more lighter meals throughout the pile on the pounds, it can leave pleasant experience, it will make It is also true that the more day. the first "burp". you feeling bloated, suffering you feel satisfied far more easily. you eat, the more you want to This is your from indigestion, and, if you are Saliva contains a digestive eat. Symbol of indulgence unlucky, having to deal with enzyme called amylase. If you You should try to eat only body's language gastric problems. retain your food in the mouth when you are hungry. Some experts believe that it is But unfortunately, for an longer, the enzyme has more Constant overeating will healthier to eat five very small telling you that increasing number of people chance to start the process of gradually increase the size of meals a day than opt for the you are full. over-eating is not just confined digestion. your stomach due to exces- traditional approach of three big to festive seasons, it has become It takes 20 minutes for your sive stretching of the stomach meals at breakfast, lunch and a way of life. brain to recognise that your muscles. teatime. This has led to an epidemic stomach is full, so if you rush Eventually, you will need to But opinion on which is best foods are absorbed more slowly of obesity, and many associated your food, you can end up eat much more to feel satisfied. is somewhat split. and are more likely to leave you health problems. eating far more than you really However, this does not mean However, it is best to try not feeling satisfied for longer. Gluttony is nothing new. In need. that you can't solve the problem to eat until the previous meal fact, it was such a problem in – given a little bit of will power. has been digested. For most Realism the Roman Empire that Emperor Over-eating can make you Waiting until your body tells people this means three to six Augustus enforced severe laws feel bad you that it needs food is a good hours. Two mince pies, with cream, against extravagant menus or idea. However, it is not a good Eating relatively little all day and a share of the chocolate box exorbitant spending on food. But this is not a problem if idea to put off eating until you and then bingeing in the eve- after dinner can add 1,000 calo- But there are less draconian you mull over every mouthful. are ravenous – you tend to ning is not good at all for blood ries to the day's total. ways to avoid falling foul of Taking it slowly also light- gobble down food, and increase sugar levels. The key is to make It is also important to try to be temptation. ens the load on your digestive the risk of over-eating. sure that you eat regular light realistic. The best way to avoid pigging system. A good rule of thumb, some meals, have moderate portion If you absolutely love cheese, down vast quantities of food in It is also a good idea to focus say, is to stop eating after the sizes and eat the right things. then there is no point in trying a single, rushed sitting is to actu- on eating – and eating without first "burp". This is your body's For instance, some sugary, to give it up completely because ally concentrate on what you are distractions such as the televi- language telling you that you are processed foods release a big the chances are you will fail. eating. sion – at meal times. full. sugar rush, but then your blood The best approach is to eat Many people simply shovel When you engage in other According to traditional sugar comes down, and you feel a lot less of it – and not to feel huge amounts of food into their activities while you are eat- Chinese and Indian medicine, hungry again. guilty when you do. mouth, and gulp it down with- ing, your blood supply will be we should eat only to about It is best to eat foods with a Above all, moderation is the out paying it more than the most distracted to other areas of your three-quarters of our actual food low glyaecemic index such as key. cursory regard. body, leading to inadequate capacity. What is less clear, wholegrain cereals, green veg- • Culled from www.bbc.co.uk Maybe it's not surprising then blood supply for your digestive however, is exactly how you etables, nuts and pulses. These TheNiche 44 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Kiddies Temitope Ojo

[email protected] [email protected] Arena 0708 479 6140 Historical personality Brain tickler Christopher Okigbo (1932-1967)

A bear walks south for one kilometre, then it walks west hristopher Okigbo was for one kilometre, then it walks north for one kilometer, born in 1932 in Ojoto in and ends up at the same point from which it started. What Eastern Nigeria, which at colour was the bear? that time was still Britain's

colony.

which are circles that cross both the north and the south poles. south the and north the both cross that circles are which He received his early education at

distant from the poles. North and south you travel along meridians meridians along travel you south and North poles. the from distant C

Umulobia Catholic School. In 1945, he

-

East and west you travel along parallels which are circles equi circles are which parallels along travel you west and East went for his secondary education at

ing a circle around the North Pole. Pole. North the around circle a ing Umuahia Government College.

- one and it would not make any difference – the bear would be mak be would bear the – difference any make not would it and one Like many other major Nigerian

Actually, the bear could go west two or five kilometres instead of of instead kilometres five or two west go could bear the Actually, writers, such as Wole Soyinka, Elechi and end up where it started is the North Pole. North the is started it where up end and

on earth where a bear can go south, west and north equal distances distances equal north and west south, go can bear a where earth on Amadi, John Pepper Clark, and Cole The bear was white because it was a polar bear. The only place place only The bear. polar a was it because white was bear The Omotoso, he also attended the Univer-

sity College of Ibadan. Answer Okigbo first planned to study medicine, but changed his major to Greek and Latin, graduating in 1956. He edited the University Weekly and translated Greek and Latin Verse. From the university days on he was a close friend of Chinua Achebe. Between 1957 and 1958 he served as private secretary to the federal min- ister of information in Lagos. peared in the literary magazine Black Before taking a job as the West Africa Orpheus. In the same year he also representative for Cambridge University published a pamphlet Heavensgate, and Press in 1961, Okigbo was employed as a long poem in the Ugandan cultural a teacher at Fiditi Grammar School, near magazine Transition which was published Ibadan, and then as assistant librarian at in Kampala. the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Okigbo's early poems reflected the I am a delicious treat. divided cultural heritage of his country, Lick me with your tongue. where he participated in the founding of the African Authors Association. although first influences from Virgil, I come in a bowl or a cone. Ovid, Eliot, and Pound seem to be stron-

Don't eat me too slowly. Okigbo published his first poems in the Ice cream Ice ger than the oral literature of the Igbo. One of my flavours is vanilla. student literary journal Horn which was

edited by J.P. Clark. He occasionally portrayed himself as Solution As a poet Okigbo made his break- a singer-musician, who speaks with the through in 1962, when his works ap- ancient, pre-literate language of drums. Invention

Zipper

It was a long way up for the humble zipper, the mechanical wonder that has kept so much in our lives 'together.' On its way up the zipper has passed through the hands of several dedicated inventors, none convinced the general public to accept the zipper as part of every- day costume. Elias Howe, who invented the sewing machine, received a patent in 1851 for an 'Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure.' Perhaps it was the success of the sewing machine which caused Elias not to pursue marketing his clothing closure. As a result, Howe missed his chance to become the recognised 'Father of the Zip'. Forty-four years later, Whitcomb Judson (who also invented the 'Pneumatic Street Railway') marketed a 'Clasp Locker', a device similar to the 1851 Howe pat- ent. Being first to market gave Whitcomb the credit of being the 'Inventor of the Zip- per'. www.thenicheng.com Kiddies Arena Poem Jesus Loves Me; Easter StarKid Tells Me So By Joanna Fuchs Love and praise to Him I Jesus loves me, this I bring. Name: Favour Nna know; The Easter story tells me Yes, Jesus loves me; Age: Four years so. Yes Jesus loves me; He died for me to bear Yes Jesus loves me; School: Scooby Doo Nursery my sin; Easter tells me so. & Primary School, Gowon Estate He opened heaven to let me in. When I die, I’ll rise up, Class: Prep One too. Career goal: Medicine Yes, Jesus loves me; We’ll all be in heaven, Yes Jesus loves me; me and you. Best colour: Pink Yes Jesus loves me; We’ll see Jesus face to Easter tells me so. face. Best food: Rice and Plantain Up in heaven, that happy Jesus loved me when He place. died, Loved me enough to be Yes, Jesus loves me; crucified. Yes Jesus loves me; But His death didn’t last Yes Jesus loves me; very long, Easter tells me so. Be our StarKid: Send your child's full-sized photograph and details to [email protected]. Because His power is so strong. The Easter story brings much joy Yes, Jesus loves me; To us all, each girl and Yes Jesus loves me; boy. Yes Jesus loves me; Jesus is my Savior now; Easter tells me so. Heaven and earth to Him must bow. Jesus’ came back from the dead Yes, Jesus loves me; I know because the Bible Yes Jesus loves me; said. Yes Jesus loves me; Jesus is my Lord and Easter tells me so. King;

Be our poet: Send your poems to [email protected]. TheNiche 46 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com ‘I want N50m, apology from FG’

Artswith Terh Agbedeh REVIEWS&PREVIEWS

vie Smart has said he is Yar’Adua without prior notice to the occupants. seeking N50 million from The lawsuit entitled ‘Mr. Ovie Smart v A.G. the federal government as Federation and 10 Others’ with number FHC/L/ compensation for the trau- CS/378/16 has Smart trading under the name ma he underwent after his and style of Woodcocks Studio & Gallery as workshop was demolished plaintiff with the following respondents: At- and artworks destroyed at torney General of the Federation, Inspector the NCAC Artistes’ Village, General of Police, Police Service Commission, National Theatre, Lagos over four months ago. and the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of O“I am not asking too much with the economic Denton, Iponri and Ijora police stations. situation our country is facing presently. I am not Others are: Officer-in-Charge of National looking at it as an avenue to make more money. Theatre Police Post; Federal Ministry of Tourism, But, after whatsoever is going to happen, I Culture and National Orientation; Mr. Kabir Yusuf would demand a public apology from these Yar’Adua (G.M. ); National people,” he said in an interview with TheNiche at Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC); and CCECC the Federal High Court, , where he insti- Nigeria Limited. tuted a suit against the federal government and The respondents were not in court at the first its 10 agencies. hearing on April 11 when the case came before Smart’s lawyer, Michael Akinyemi, told Justice Ibrahim Buba of Courtroom 5. The judge TheNiche that the lawsuit was to enforce the adjourned the case till April 28. Unfortunately, fundamental human rights of his client against the respondent had still not been served by that the Federal Government of Nigeria and its agen- date. cies, obviously not a money-making venture. Arterial Network Nigeria, a pan-African net- “We are suing for a paltry N50 million to get work of artistes under the aegis of its brainchild, justice done; others could have gone for more. If ArtWatch Africa, a body charged with concerns we had wanted to go for more, considering the for artistes’ rights, has since shown massive inter- level of hardship Smart has gone through since est and support for this case. Saturday, January 23, we could have gone for The sculptor, who used to be a resident artist Smart more. The money is not the issue, but getting at the NCAC Artistes’ Village, said he had been at justice done is the focal point,” he stated. home and unable to work since January 23. more traumatic was that he was not only shot in they never really wanted any evidence on that He said he was aware of how the federal He recalled that it was a very sad incident that the leg but was also manhandled by policemen. issue,” he said. government shows disregard for court sum- faithful Saturday morning. “I was called upon “I wanted to see what was happening, who Smart, who insisted he was not hit by a stray mons and its many ways of frustrating judicial before 6am and I had to rush from my house in was doing the demolition. On getting to the bullet, said: “People were yelling at them and processes, but assured that his firm “is ready to Ikorodu. The person beside my studio called me front, I discovered that it was the General booing them, I believe that was the offence.” weather the storm and see the case to a logical that there were bulldozers around demolishing Manager of the National Theatre, Kabir Yusuf conclusion”. my studio,” he said. Yar’Adua that led the policemen,” he said. The demolition of the Artistes’ Village, he He explained that on getting to the Artistes’ He alleged that Yar’Adua asked the policemen explained, is a show of power and disrespect Village, he discovered heavy presence of police- to manhandle him. for subsisting contractual laws because his men, construction workers and a lot of people. “They cuffed me with my hands behind my client was a legal resident paying rent, tax and “My studio space was all rubbles and I couldn’t back. Even the people trying to take pictures other utility bills to a government agency, only recognise the place. My works, my tools, my and record videos were manhandled. From for another agency of the government to carry machines, everything was muddled up,” he said. one of the videos, you will see that the person out demolition supervised by one Kabir Yusuf According to him, what made the day even behind the camera was trying to run because Saraba Manuscript Prize announces winner boka Chukwudi Peter is the winner of Babatunde said the stylistic variety of the world. The goal of Saraba is to encourage and the Saraba Manuscript Prize (fiction 10 works longlisted for the Saraba Manu- “The Saraba Manuscript Prize goes to Eboka promote long-form writing by emerging writers, category). Drawn from a longlist of 10 script Prize, as well as their diversity in mat- Chukwudi Peter for his visceral excavations of working in fiction and non-fiction. Up to 10 writers, he won with his manuscript ters of theme and setting, is refreshing. the subterranean anguish of contemporary life manuscripts will be published in print and elec- ‘Mosaic: Stitches of Stories Lived, “Noteworthy in their different ways, the using sinuous, prehensile prose that opens up tronic form. Seed funding for the project was Stories Learned and Stories Told’. works collectively communicate the impres- new aesthetic possibilities in Nigerian fiction.” received from the Miles Morland Foundation. EThe judges also announced a shortlist of four sive creative energies powering the practice of The prize includes an award of N100,000 to The other judges are Azafi Omoluabi-Ogosi other writers to include: Hajara Hussaini Ashara rising voices in new Nigerian fiction. The longlist the winning author. All shortlisted writers will and Eghosa Imasuen. (‘1994’), Amarachi Priscilla Ekekwe (‘Beyond the confirms the abundance of literary potential yet receive a publishing deal from Saraba Liter- Beautiful Sea’), Ebelechukwu Ijeoma Mogo (‘IJBG untapped by publishing in Nigeria. We hope ary Trust, including N100,000 advance against and Other S​tories’) and TJ Benson (‘We Won’t that all the manuscripts, including the ones that royalties. The announcement of the shortlist and Fade into Darkness’). did not make the shortlist, will find a home in winner begins a year-long process of publishing Speaking on behalf of the judges, Rotimi the hearts of readers in Nigeria and around the and promoting the manuscripts in book form. DFM gets new partner he Durban FilmMart (DFM), at the Sorfond Pitching Forum in Oslo later port from Sorfond. The DFM award consists at the pitching forum in October, and the joint programme of the this year. of a confirmed seat at the pitching forum, a promoting the possibility of Sorfond fund- Durban Film Office (DFO) and “The main objective of Sorfond is to in- pitch course, coverage of hotel and meals, ing at the market, we hope to increase the Durban International Film crease film production in countries where and a substantial contribution towards the presence of African applicants in the Festival (DIFF), has added the filmmakers face political or economic travel expenses. 2017 round of Sorfond grants. We are very Sorfond Norwegian South restraints,” said the statement. “Since its first round of grants in 2012, grateful to Durban FilmMart for giving us Film Fund to its roster of The Pitching Forum is held every year in Sorfond has become an increasingly this opportunity to join forces with one of strategic partners for its seventh edition, October during the Films from the South important player in the tough market of the most prestigious film markets on the Twhich runs from June 17 to 20. Festival in Oslo. The event gives interna- co-financing film productions beyond the African continent.” A statement from Sharlene Versfeld of tional producers from countries in the western hemisphere,” said Lasse Skagen, Versfeld and Associates said that as part South the chance to present their projects artistic director of Sorfond. of the partnership, Sorfond will provide to potential Norwegian co-producers, with “Through engaging in a new co-opera- a new DFM award which will give the the aim of entering into a co-production tion with Durban FilmMart in 2016, giving selected project the opportunity to pitch agreement and applying for further sup- a seat to an emerging African director www.thenicheng.com Olisa Agbakoba, Yeni Arts Kuti, others to mentor at ACG

he African Creative from the over 150 years com- and medium-scale enterprises Gym (ACG), which bined experience of our facili- (SMEs), unemployed graduates, will hold classes in tators and programme drivers. intending business owners and the four Saturdays Focus will be on teaching those who cherish the possibili- of June, will have skills to identify opportunities ties of growing existing busi- frontline lawyer within the immediate com- nesses within the shortest time. and Senior Advo- munity and the day-to-day According to the organisers, cate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Ag- real life experience of running those who attend will ignite Tbakoba; music festival director, a successful business. They passion for dreams through Yeni Kuti; and a host of others will also benefit from the wide side-to-side arming of at- mentor entrepreneurs. array of experience and topics tendants with business tricks An initiative of Hubroom dealing with politics, philoso- that would serve as alternative Consulting, ACG also features phy, culture, history, society, revenue generation. Theo Lawson, a foremost inventions, ideas, institutions Classes with each Saturday architect and CEO Total Consult and businesses,” she said. by 10am at Freedom Park, Nigeria; Frank Halim, CEO of The workshop, she added, is Lagos. Hubroom Consulting; Yinka structured around the following The programme is coordi- Osobu, CEO of CMC Interiors Ni- major themes: ‘Understanding nated by Hubroom Consulting geria Limited, Iyabode Aboaba, Yourself’, ‘Understanding Your and powered by Freedom Park, COO of the Freedom Park, World’, ‘Activating Your Dreams: Shekere, and ASIRI magazine. Lagos; and Damola Ogundele, Visioning and Innovation’, Interested participants can CEO of ASIRI magazine. ‘Understanding Your Business: reach the organisers online or at Yaa Asantewa, a representa- The Real World’, ‘Understanding the venue before June. tive of the organisers, said ACG Money’ and ‘The Digital World’. is structured around engage- The programme is designed ments with eminent facilitators, especially for those with a lecture presentations, team- desire to attain uncommon based discussion of readings business breakthroughs and is and field training. aimed at revealing cutting edge “Participants will benefit success tips to start-ups, small Agbakoba Yeni Kuti

he exhibition concrete initiatives in four nalist, reporter and environ- ‘Earth from Above’ by Yann Arthus- sectors: cities, agriculture, mentalist. He is especially Bertrand from his energy transition and cli- well known for his book, famous ‘Earth from mate change adaptation. Earth from Above, and his TAbove’ series will open at Time for the opening film,Home . opens at Moorhouse the Moorhouse, Ikoyi, on reception is 7pm. Friday, May 13. Comprising Arthus-Bertrand is a of 21 photos, it presents French photographer, jour- Book Review Implosion of a divided abode Book Title: What Will People Say hope to leverage her intelligence. drugs and his eventual deflowering when he Author: Rehana Rossouw Suzette, the elder to Nicky and the eldest rapes his elder sister’s friend, Shirley, is one of Genre: Fiction of the Fouries’ three children, believes her the many instances of gangs and gangster- Pages: 332 way out of poverty is to become a model – ism that the society needs pay attention to. Publisher: Jacana Media having been nudged in that direction owing Anthony crosses the Rubicon and gets killed Year of Publication: 2015 to the affirmation by her friends because of in cold blood. His parents want just good Reviewer: Adeniyi Taiwo Kunnu her good looks. She will stop at nothing to at- grades from school and religiousity, but are tain that and live her dreams. Anthony, who handed a dead son. he greater chunk of our world is only son and last of three for the Fouries, Rossouw examines the underbellies of the may be sailing on the winds of has penchant for power and money, but South African society and in very practical the seemingly unending political unknown to only a 13-year-old, the conse- ways, Africa and the rest of the world. She problems, the terrorist attacks, quences of leading a life full of lies could lead boldly speaks to the issue of the family, depletion of both crude and cash to a painful end. which ppears to be getting lesser attention reserves, or better said, the gen- Rehana Rossouw engages the misnomer these days. She obviously opens the reader’s Terality of the bitterness which pervades our of parental guidance, when Mrs. Fourie al- heart to listen more, care more and watch human space. These are realistic aspects of lows her love for Anthony overshadow the one’s wards more. The days on many fronts our troubled lives, but when a work concerns careful attention she would have paid to her are painfully evil, and without being vigilant, itself so much about human lives from the favourite child. Neville, on the other hand, the loss to the family unit could be very dif- very root of it, which is the family, it becomes feels contentment for meeting his children at ficult to heal. Her ability at free expression is obvious that attention is being paid beyond home after work, but the activities that take delicious, even as she employs immense vo- words, although this is word-business. place between after school and his return cabulary of South African emanation, which What Will People Say splatters on each from work appear inconsequential but dire. includes Ouens, Kwaai, befokte, ghafees, flip of the sheets obvious fictional ac- By implication, the author calls our atten- among many others. count, but true to our daily activities and tion to the lapse of not, as in a book, reading The historical juncture in which the interactions in 332 pages and precisely between the lines of the actions of our book is set is also symbolic as much as 32 chapters. Rehana Roussow pitches children. Be there and ahead of their ever- symptomatic of the upheavals that run the conflicts of the home deftly among changing antics. through the pages. The Fouries lose a one another and with the dexterity of What people will say seems more impor- son in Anthony, but his rape produces a a trained seamstress brings all issues to tant to the Fouries, especially Magda, the son from Shirley; one of their daughters, intertwine, as the loggerheads of ‘litluns’ woman of the house, whose high-handed- Nicky, becomes a paralegal with jeopardy and ‘biguns’ wriggle to the fore. Notably, ness allows Suzette cook up lies that work to her dreams of becoming a lawyer and the saying about ‘little leaven leavening for her all the time she sleeps away from eventually not marrying Kevin – her lover. the whole lump’ finds its place in the work home, has sex at a church camp meeting, The Church of Eternal Redemption that of the South African. misses school for weeks to get a job before Magda holds in esteem and pays her tithes The vicissitudes of life visit the Fouries eventually dropping out, has a romp getting dutifully to throws her family out when it and leave them differently, or rather impact high on cocaine and at another time almost needs the church most. Her marriage also them in ways that are permanently altered. gets raped. comes apart after her son’s death rips it to Neville Fourie’s job as a messenger at a law The lessons are replete for parents, guard- shreds, causing her husband to pitch his firm enables some income for the family, ians and every individual to learn, that the tent with a neighbour who already has five the message….” (page 307). when combined with Magda’s take home minds of adolescents differ completely from children from five men. Life is a choice and must be lived consciously by making the right from the clothing factory. Both think their the teenage junctures of young lives. “People got a democratic right to fuck up choice. These musings are no doubt the author’s. family is just well and without worries, until The society also gets flayed for its part in their lives…. They got used to their oppres- the aspiration of their teenage children spur Anthony’s demise. At 13, the first year in the sion, they don’t know any other way. Your • Kunnu is a Lagos-based literary scholar. them in different directions. Nicky, whom teenage circles, not much is known no mat- job is to show them a better life, but you through this work is seen for the greater part, ter how much the teenager claims to know. can’t force them to accept it. You got to keep has aspirations to become a lawyer with the Ougat, the one who lures him into dealing in conscientising them, eventually they will get TheNiche 48 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com

Temitope Ojo [email protected] [email protected] Fashion 0708 479 6140 Olorunfunbi wins Pearl Look Runway crown

lorunfunbi Ayinde-Kodaolu, 23, emerged the winner of the fourth Pearl Look Run- way Model Competition held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos. OPearl Look is the initiative of Doyin Haastrup Olatokunbo, who is also a model. After auditions in Benin City, Port Har- court, Lagos, and Enugu, 20 contestants were selected and trained at a boot camp on catwalk, poise, and style. Olorunfunbi, the winner, has the oppor- tunity to explore international modeling stints in Johannesburg, Milan, and New York. Here is a sample of those who attended the event, which was hosted by Owen Gee and Kayla Oniwo.

Pearl Look Runway Model competition winner

Owen Gee Tafawa-Balewa and Mr and Mrs Agwu

Olorunfunbi Ayinde-Kodaolu www.thenicheng.com Black affair atMode Men 10th anniversary soirée

It was an all-black affair at Mode Men soirée to mark the magazine’s 10th anniversary and launch of the Mode Black Book. Laid up was an exclusive dinner at the private dining room of Milano Restaurant, Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Mode Black Book, according to its publisher, Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa, is a coffee table book from the magazine shoots over the past 10 years being published for the first time. Guests at the event included John Obayuwana, Julius and Ibiere Agwu, Frank Edoho, Ene Lawani, Okey Bakassi, Uru Eke, Bovi, Alex and Lara Adegbenro. Luxury brands Hugo Boss and Bvlgari were also on hand offering exclusive gift bags to all guests.

Alex and Lara Adegbenro

Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa John Obayuwana Frank Edoho Julius and Ibiere Agwu

Bovi Okey Bakassi Uru Eke Goddie Ofose Senior Correspondent 0811 675 9746 [email protected]

TheNiche 50 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com FOOD &DRINK The allure of ofada rice Ofada rice, along with its sauce, is a meal traditional to South West Nigeria. There is a town in known as Ofada. This delicacy is accompanied with the famous ofada stew which consists of palm oil, unripe pepper, onion and locust bean as the main ingredients. It is the local variety of rice with its own unique flavour. The delicacy used to be the rejected and forbidden meal. It was isolated and left for only the poor; but now it is the delight of most social gatherings. These days, no party is complete without it; in fact people are “ob- sessed” with the meal. According to Itoro Effiong-Bright, a professional cook and the ‘Chef’ Executive Officer ofIbomsoups, “the ofada rice is much healthier than the regular parboiled or polished rice”. She added that “Nigerians are now beginning to pay more attention to their health and nutrition”. “People are getting tired of the regular parboiled or polished rice; they want to try something different from what they had been having, and that is where the ofada comes in,” she stressed. “In recent times, the method of cooking ofada rice is now modern, and the packaging has been modified Though so many people eat ofada rice because of its tocotrieonols, selenium, phenolic acids, and phytic acid. from the regular dried fish to assorted meat, which gives taste, some eat it or are confined to it based on health These multi-functional antioxidants come in immedi- people more to chew in the meal.” issues. The meal has been linked to protection against ate-release to slow-release forms and thus are available With the current awareness of the risk of consuming atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, diabetes, insulin resis- throughout the gastrointestinal tract over a long period ‘junk’ meals, Nigerians are focusing on local foods, and tance, and obesity. after being consumed. are taking pride in their tradition. People are now more In addition to the chain of nutrients in ofada’s dietary So, apart from the condiments used in cooking ofada, enlightened that local foods are not just healthier but fibre, the whole grain store includes a wide variety of the rice itself is also healthy. However nutritious and also delicious. additional nutrients and phytochemicals that reduce the nourishing the ofada stew, also known as Ayamase may Gone are the days when pebbles in local rice varieties risk of cardiovascular disease. Compounds in whole be, some people do not like its unavoidably peppery made eating a horror. Because picking and washing the grains that have cholesterol-lowering properties include taste, because it often hurts the mouth and stomach. Ab- rice were a herculean task, meal time turned to a time polyunsaturated fatty acids, oligosaccharides, plants stinence is compulsory for ulcer patients. Some people of cracking shingles with the molars. Ofada rice is now sterols and stanols, and saponins. are also allergic to the locust beans used in its prepara- more refined and processed. It is now a priced meal, so Ofada rice is also an important dietary source of tion, and that makes them stay away from the delicacy muchthat the regular fried and jollof rice are left for the water-soluble, fat-soluble, and insoluble anti-oxidants. altogether. children. The long lists of cereal antioxidants include vitamins E, eating out

La Mango

a Mango is a mini boutique with a There are also the Italian spaghetti with veg- restaurant, snooker bar and events etables and spicy meet balls, grilled catfish and centre – for bridal shower/bash eve, sauteed potatoes, grilled croaker fish with fried birthday party, wedding receptions, rice, shredded beef, Chinese fried rice, banga etc. soup (ofe akwu), egusi soup, efo riro (vegetable) Having hosted remarkable events soup, semolina meal, wheat meal, pounded yam likeL the Arthur Guinness Night, MTN Project and eba. Fame eviction party, and many more, the unique Having being in existence for two years, La selling point (USP) of La Mango is its variety of Mango strives to retain its high standard which is dishes ranging from starters, fish menus, burg- why customers keep coming back. ers, salads, continental dishes, Nigerian dishes, as La Mango is located on Adekunle Fajuyi Way, well as extras that serve as deserts and appetisers Ikeja, Lagos. like green salad, ice-cream. 51 TheNiche BUSINESS UNUSUAL FINANCIAL NICHE PERSONAL FINANCE MARKETING NICHE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK ICT May 08, 2016

www.thenicheng.com BUSINESS

MONEY INFLATION Inflation month March 2016 Broadmoney (M2) 18,718,193.11 OIL WTI Brent SUPPLY Crude RATE Inflation rate 12.8% Narrow Money (M1) 7,148,592.67 PRICE (Trillion) INDEX $$43.93 $45.36 PER BARREL PER BARREL

Kelechi Mgboji STOCK Tourism/Aviation Assistant Business Editor MARKET 0803 469 0996, 0811 181 3047 [email protected] Forex, budget impasse Japan skin divers hit equities eye tourists as market harder depopulation hurts growth PAGE 55 » PAGE 58 » Gold Silver PER OZ Platinum Copper GRADE A Lead Palladium Exchange Rates $16.96 $1,011.10 $2.28 $0.81 COMMODITIES PER OZ PER LB N-$ N-£ N-€ Tin Nickel Wheat Cocoa $608.25 SUMMARY RATE RATE RATE $1,234.18 PER OZT TROY OZ $7.93 $4.28 $467 $3, 132 197 283.4436 221.9205 Fidelity Bank of many scandals

Okonkwo Alison-Madueke EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu

cash may have sealed and They allegedly defrauded Scandal two By Kelechi Mgboji delivered the tier 2 bank as a “When Okonkwo found it one Juliet Uzor. Assistant Business Editor “bank of scandals”. difficult to convert the money It was alleged that a There was another scandal N25.46 million bank draft in the Abuja axis. candal is a rolling Scandal one into naira before the election as payable to AGIS was handed Exclusive Stores, a com- story in Fidelity directed by [Alison-Madueke], he to the suspects. pany based in Abuja, had an Bank. On May 12, 2012, Rather than pay it into the account with Fidelity Bank in A petition a the EFCC arraigned the notified her of the development. draft owner’s account, they Wuse, Abuja. former em- bank’s Branch Manager “She in turn told him to use allegedly conspired among A former manager as- ployee wrote to in Gwagwalada, Abuja, the bank’s fund and then convert themselves to open a fake signed to Exclusive Stores theS Economic and Financial Augustine Odinawo, along corporate account of AGIS to collect sales revenue on Crimes Commission (EFCC) with others at an Abuja High the dollar into naira after the and lodged the draft in it. behalf of the bank for de- alleging fraud by the bank Court. election. This was promptly done After the draft cleared, the posit in the client’s account in 2011, which the EFCC The allegations against accused allegedly transferred allegedly pocketed over hushed up, has even just them included fraud, con- and the fund was distributed as the money electronically to N100 million. come to light. spiracy to commit fraud, directed.” two fake company (Yombor Exclusive Stores discov- But the latest allegation forgery of public sector Bank now Ecobank). Development Administra- Ventures and Aicoor Tao Ni- ered the missing amount that Managing Director and accounts, and obtaining by • Patrick Onyekachi tion, FCDA). geria) accounts from which through account reconcilia- Chief Executive Officer, false pretense N25.4 million. (employee of Equitorial Trust • Abdulmalik Isa Teina they made a massive with- tion. Nnamdi Okonkwo, helped The suspects included: Bank now Sterling Bank). (employee of Abuja Geo- drawal which they shared. The firm took the suspect former Petroleum Minister, • Napoleon Obaje Adofu • Reuben Omotayo (em- graphic Information Systems, Diezani Alison-Madueke, (branch manager of Oceanic ployee of Federal Capital AGIS). Continues on PAGE 52 to launder $115 million TheNiche 52 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Cover Fidelity Bank of many scandals

Continued from PAGE 51 Martins Izuogbe. Alison-Madueke allegedly to the Abuja High Court and deposited the $115 million requested that the account in the bank as preparation be closed but the Fidelity began for the presidential Bank management team election. from Lagos intervened and She allegedly invited agreed to refund the stolen Okonkwo to Abuja, briefed money and settle the case him on the deal, and he amicably. allegedly accepted to receive the money into the Scandal three bank’s coffers despite the fact that Alison-Madueke did Fidelity Bank got into not have an account with another mess over Sure-P Fidelity Bank. Programme. This time, fund allocated to the programme Discovery by EFCC allegedly developed wings and disappeared from the The EFCC claimed to have vault of the bank. made the discovery when The fund was meant for its operatives probing how infrastructure and human officials of the Independent capital development of states National Electoral Com- under the rested SURE-P mission (INEC) in Rivers, programme of former Presi- Delta, and Akwa Ibom States allegedly received N675.1 dent Goodluck Jonathan, Former Fidelity Bank Managing Director, Reginald Ihejiahi but the undisclosed sum al- million a day or two before INEC Chairman, Mahmud Yakubu the ballot. legedly ended up in private Bank. accounts belonging to the The EFCC alleged that Ogboko, a chartered alleged money laundry • The money was traced He claimed in a petition sons and cronies of a former “The to the EFCC dated June 13, accountant, alleged that he scheme. governor. to Fidelity Bank. noticed the discrepancy and “While it seems he (Biu) • Okonkwo confessed shareholders 2011 that the bank did not Some of the bank’s top disclose its true net opposi- notified his former immedi- was planted in the bank to staff allegedly aided the that Alison-Madueke invited ate boss, Boye Ogunbolade, facilitate his elder brother’s him to a meeting as prepara- fund of old tion before it merged with transfer of billions of naira two other banks that formed that the action was not in alleged money laundering into accounts operated by tion for the election began. Fidelity was line with financial guidelines. schemes, his employment • She told him that some the new Fidelity Bank. the sons and associates of overstated by He alleged that top of- He wondered: Who would not have been pos- the former governor who companies would deposit were the real owners of Oil sible but for Maina’s coup in some funds in the bank. ficials deceived the CBN and appointed Fidelity Bank to N6.316 billion. Nigerian Deposit Insurance Recovery and Environmental helping to allegedly move handle the SURE-P account. • She told him she would Services and ERES N.V being the N8 billion police pension give him further instructions This is highly Corporation (NDIC) by not Several wire transfers were disclosing a N6.316 billion shielded by senior bank of- account from First Bank to allegedly made from an Abu- on how the funds would be deceptive. Both ficials and subordinates? Fidelity Bank,” PREMIUM disbursed. loan to two companies – Oil ja branch of Fidelity Bank the CBN and Recovery and Environmental He alleged that the two TIMES quoted an unamend that ran into billions that The EFCC also alleged that loan accounts were omitted EFCC source. after the meeting, the follow- Services (ORES) and ERES were traced to the governor’s NDIC and other N.V. in the Overdraft Report of Those involved in the al- sons and their friends. ing four companies made the bank prior to its merger, leged pension racket, mainly cash deposits into Fidelity regulatory According to the petition, State Security Service (SSS) ORES operated account and expressed disappoint- employees of Fidelity Bank, personnel stormed the bank Bank: bodies, ment with how his petition were rounded up by the • Auctus Integrated number 1210527113 with a in Abuja and apprehended debit balance of N3.289 bil- to the EFCC for investigation EFCC for allegedly helping eight senior staff who were ($17,884,000) including the was compromised. Maina to launder the funds. • Northern Belt Gas Com- lion, ERES operated account detained at SSS headquarters general public, number 1210588228 with a When TheNiche contacted They are Danjuma for several days despite pres- pany ($60 million) Fidelity Bank spokesman, Zubairu (group head, private • Midwestern Oil and Gas were deceived debit balance of N3.026 bil- sure from top politicians. lion as of October 31, 2005. Henry Ndiulo, he refused to banking) and Abubakar It took the intervention ($9.5 million) comment. Gwambe (account head, • Leno Laitan Adesanya by the act.” Ogboko claimed that his of former Fidelity Bank appointment was terminated On hearing that the Abuja branch). Managing Director, Regi- ($1.85 million) enquiry was about contro- Oluwatoyin Meseke (as- Okonkwo himself alleg- after he discovered the huge nald Ihejiahi, before a bank fraud perpetrated by top versial transactions involving sistant banking executive in official made confessional edly received $26 million in the bank’s officials, he hung the marketing unit who also cash. allegedly given to INEC of- officials of Fidelity Bank, statements about how he ficials out of the amount. including Ihejiahi; Willie the phone. doubles as Maina’s account supervised the distribution of Alison-Madueke’s son, officer) was also arrested. Ugonna, allegedly became Among the alleged ben- Obiano (now governor of the money. eficiaries in the EFCC report ); Ikemefuna Forewarning Another report in PRE- the go-between after the MIUM TIMES on November cash deposits were made. were: Mbagwu; Sam Obijiaku; and Scandal four • Resident Electoral Com- Boye Ogunbolade. TheNiche reported on No- 4, 2015 detailed how Fidelity Ugonna allegedly supplied vember 8, 2015 that the top Bank officials at the Abuja the names of the ben- missioner for Cross River He alleged that two loan The latest allegation of the State, Gesil Khan (N185, accounts totalling N6.316 shots of Fidelity Bank might branch allegedly moved involvement of the bank’s eficiaries of the funds, who end up in EFCC cell over several millions of naira to allegedly included INEC 842,000). billion in the books of old Managing Director and Chief • Electoral Officer in Fidelity Bank as of October another scandal also involv- Maina’s companies without Executive Officer, Nnamdi officials, interest groups, and ing another branch manager complying with the law. election monitors expected Isoko-South Council of 31, 2005 were omitted in the Okonkwo, in helping former , Fidelia Omoile Overdraft Report prior to the in Abuja. It stated how Maina’s Petroleum Minister, Diezani to compromise the electoral EFCC officials investigat- bank handlers, relying on process. (N112,480,000). merger of the three banks Alison-Madueke, to launder • Administrative Secre- that formed the new Fidelity ing N8 billion fraud allegedly telephone instructions and $115 million cash may have Okonkwo allegedly committed by Abdulrasheed scanned email messages, confirmed to the EFCC that tary in Delta State, Uluochi Bank. cemented the reputation of Brown (N111,500,000). Ogboko alleged the bank Maina, former Pension Re- allegedly moved hundreds the bank. it was Ugonna who sent him form Task Team chairman, of millions of naira from the the list of the beneficiaries. • Former Deputy Director covered up its deceit of Okonkwo was taken into in Cross River State, Edem regulators and the public uncovered the role allegedly accounts of the three com- EFCC custody for allegedly A source in the EFCC said: played by the bank to facili- panies to bureau de change “When Okonkwo found Effanga (N241,127,000). by overstating shareholders’ presiding over the receipt of • Head of Voter Educa- funds using the two rogue tate the massive fraud. operators. such huge cash and helping it difficult to convert the The bank had employed The operators then alleg- money into naira before tion in , accounts. to distribute it to beneficia- Immaculata Asuquo “This implies that the Aliyu Biu, a younger brother edly converted the monies to ries two days to the general the election as directed by to Maina, who allegedly dollars for onward delivery [Alison-Madueke], he noti- (N214,127,000). shareholders fund of old elections in 2015. Fidelity was overstated by agreed to move N8 billion to Maina. He allegedly violated the fied her of the development. police pension money from The EFCC accused Maina, “She in turn told him to Petition by former em- N6.316 billion. This is highly law by not reporting the ployee deceptive. First Bank to Fidelity Bank. including three companies receipt and warehousing use the bank’s fund and then Biu’s colleagues told the linked to him – Cluster convert the dollar into naira “Both the CBN and NDIC of the cash to the Nigerian In 2011, a former official and other regulatory bodies, EFCC that he was planted to Logistics, Kangolo Dynamic Financial Intelligence Unit after the election. This was run shoddy deals for Maina. Cleaning, Drew Investment promptly done and the fund of Fidelity Bank, Francis including the general public, (NFIU). Ogboko, blew the whistle were deceived by the act,” PREMIUM TIMES, an on- and Construction Company Others arrested alongside was distributed as directed.” line newspaper, also quoted – of corruption and money The total sum in naira then on the rot in the bank before he wrote in the petition to Okonkwo included the its merger with others that the EFCC, a copy of which sources who alleged that laundering, with officials of bank’s Head of Operations, was about N23.3 billion. Not Biu was the fixer for Maina’s Fidelity Bank as accomplices. less than N681 million was make up the new Fidelity was obtained by TheNiche. www.thenicheng.com Financial Niche Zenith, FBN, 5 others make N13b in fees

Zenith Bank Managing Director, Peter FBN Holdings Managing Director, U. FCMB Group Managing Union Bank Managing Director, Amangbo K. Eke Director, Peter Obaseki Emeka Emuwa

Stories by Kelechi Mgboji Unaudited accounts of earnings as current ac- terminated with zero CoT a zero CoT regime was mandate to promote Assistant Business Editor the banks for Q1 ended count deposits dropped charge this year in line to come into effect from and safeguard a sound March 30, 2016 showed due to the economy head- with a directive issued by January 2016.” financial system in Ni- even banks that while some improved winds. former CBN Governor, The CBN noted that geria, banks are by this sampled by earnings from CAM, oth- CAM earnings by Lamido Sanusi. while the gradual phase circular reminded that the TheNiche ers recorded declines. United Bank for Africa But a circular signed by out was being observed, 2016 Zero CoT regime as made N13 Zenith Bank had the (UBA) declined 55 per CBN Director of Financial some banks continued jointly agreed during the billion from highest CAM fees at N5.4 cent, from N2.56 billion Policy and Regulation, to charge Account Main- 311th Bankers Commit- Current billion, followed by FBN to N1.15 billion, Access Kevin Amugo, replaced tenance Fees in addition tee meeting of February Account Holdings’ that rose 119 Bank’s dropped 40 per CoT with CAM subject to reduced CoT, which 12, 2013 has come into Maintenance (CAM) fee per cent, from N1.4 bil- cent to N487 million as to a maximum N1 per amounted to double effect. in Sthe first quarter of 2016 lion in Q1 2015 to N3.07 against N817 million in N1,000 (Mille). charges. “In the interest of stabil- (Q1 2016). billion Q1 2016. Q1 2015. The circular reiterated "The CBN is not oblivi- ity of the banking system, The Central Bank of FCMB Group recorded Guaranty Trust Bank that “the Revised Guide ous of the impact of a Negotiable Current Nigeria (CBN) indirectly N740.9 million, an in- (GTBank) recorded a to Bank Charges (RGBC) declining crude oil prices; Account Maintenance Fee reintroduced Commission crease of about 21 per decline of 32 per cent to which came into effect on operation of Treasury not exceeding N1 per on Turnover (CoT) when cent from N611 million N1.97 billion as against April 1, 2013 provides for Single Account; and other mille may be charged in it came up with CAM after in Q1 2015. Union Bank N2.9 billion in Q1 2015. a phased elimination of market turbulences on the respect of all customer in- CoT was supposed to gained N283 million. The CBN had in 2013 CoT charges in the Nige- viability and stability of duced debit transactions. have been phased out in However, some banks commenced a phased rian banking Industry. the banking system. “Please ensure strict 2016. suffered decline in CAM reduction of CoT which "Under the Guidelines, “In furtherance of the compliance.”

Fraud erases N301.7m shareholders' funds in three banks

enith Bank, N5.3 million in 80 record- financial report that seven the increased adoption of ers are hereby directed to fraud alerts and com- Access ed cases. cases of robbery occurred electronic payments. maintain a dedicated fraud plaints, and redirect them Bank, and Disclosures extracted in 2015, leading to a loss CBN Director of Bank- desk in their respective to the appropriate authori- First City from the bank’s 2015 of N96.6 million. ing and Payments Sys- organisations. ties in line with internally Monu- annual financial report FCMB, which recorded tems Department, Dipo “The fraud desk shall be pre-defined path, while ment Bank showed that it also lost the least fraud and forg- Fatokun, explained that appropriately staffed with preparing and submitting (FCMB)Z lost a total N301.7 N7.98 million in 90 ‘oth- ery cases among the three following submissions by personnel that have requi- reports regularly to the million to fraud and forg- ers’, referring to fraud- banks, lost N13 million in the NEFF and consultation site training on emerging Nigeria Inter-bank Settle- ery in the 2015 financial related cases. 2015, down from N24 mil- with banks and electronic fraud trends on various ment System (NIBSS) on year. Though Access Bank lion in 2014. payments service provid- electronic payments chan- fraud information. The biggest casualty had a higher frequency The Central Bank of ers, it is imperative that an nels,” Fatokun said in a • Sensitise customers with N200.57 million loss of fraud with 323 cases Nigeria (CBN) has directed effective mechanism for circular. on e-fraud and fraud desk was Zenith Bank, where reported, it incurred a total banks to establish fraud receiving and responding The fraud desk is to services as well as man- five employees stole N87.98 million loss. desks to check fraud in the promptly to fraud alerts be • Provide support to age/resolve all intra-bank N155.7 million Of the 323 fraud and industry. set up in banks to manage customers on electronic issues by leveraging on In the bank, a total N31 forgery cases, 280 or 86 The CBN has also and reduce electronic pay- fraud, with a minimum enterprise fraud manage- million involved stolen/ per cent were related to established the Nigeria ment fraud rates. 10 dedicated phone lines ment system. forged instruments while automated teller machine Electronic Fraud Forum “To this end, all DMBs, manned and available at internet banking fraud (ATM)/electronic fraud. (NEFF) to proffer solu- MMOs, switches and all all times. related cases amounted to The bank noted in its tions to fraud arising from payment service provid- • Log on all customer TheNiche 54 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Business Extra

Business Extra. Page 60. May 08 High exchange rate cripples business, ** Okorie laments Blurb

** Obioma Okorie, group Quote 1 managing director of Jeffo Construction Company, Quote 2 Obioma Enterprises, and Dangote Cement

** distributor, tells Special Correspondent, ONWUKWE EZERU, his views on the high exchange rate, what the government should do to boost business, and other national issues.

National business environment For example, in the cement sector, Nigeri- ans have no problem because Aliko Dangote he present administration has assured that he can sustain the cement came in with its policies to business. Nigeria now exports cement and change the system. Change that is the type of business we need. is dynamic and a lot of things If you have somebody like Dangote to are involved for change to man Ajaokuta Steel, he would revamp it and take place. the company would stand the test of time Government policy and the ban on the im- and these Indians and Chinese would now T depend on Nigeria. portation of certain goods affect our business. For instance, we import tiles but we can no These foreigners do not have Nigeria’s longer access forex (foreign exchange), and interest at heart. Their concern is to make for many months now there is no importation money and go back to their countries. of tiles. For now, the economy is bad and some Dollar exchange rate is high, making it states cannot pay workers’ salary. Thanks to difficult for business to thrive. Government President Muhammadu Buhari for the bailout policy says if you can source fund anywhere fund. Now that he has promised states full al- for importation, it is okay. Banks cannot give location, there will be money in circulation. you assistance for forex and this is a major challenge. Housing for all In Nigeria, the price of iron rod is on the increase, day in day out, because of high tariff It is possible to provide homes for all Nige- in electricity which affects the production of rians, but for now it is doubtful. Nigeria wants rods. to do so many things at the same time. But Ajaokuta Steel and Delta State Steel com- there is no fund in the system and so many panies are not working, and Oshogbo Steel states cannot pay staff salary. Okorie Rolling Mill is not also working. If the government can concentrate and For now, India and China are controlling make housing policy achievable, that will be the steel industry in Nigeria and they can alright. The only challenge here is that it is increase prices anytime they want. difficult to access the housing fund, including Aliko Dangote has assured that he can sustain the In Nigeria, there is no consumer protection those who contribute to the fund. cement business. Nigeria now exports cement and that agency that regulates the price of goods. The government should make it manda- tory for the contributors to have access to the is the type of business we need. Getting over the challenge fund, make a law so that they use the fund for If you have somebody like Dangote to man Ajaokuta its purpose, and those who want to go into The only way out is for the government to mortgage should also be accommodated. Steel, he would revamp it and the company would resuscitate the ailing steel mill industries. For example, civil servants who contribute stand the test of time and these Indians and Chinese Ajaokuta alone has the capacity to produce to this fund cannot access it. If the govern- not only iron rods but railway rails. If pos- ment can look into this area, it will go a would now depend on Nigeria. sible, give it to a good company to manage, long way to help solve the housing needs of but with the government, it will not survive. Nigerians. mission (NERC) should ensure that electricity supportive. The government should also know who is distribution companies provide adequate qualified for this loan. People could collect power for business to thrive. this fund and pay it into their private ac- The Nigerian National Petroleum Corpora- Contribution to Abia and host communi- Dollar exchange counts without using it for the real business tion (NNPC) should also ensure that fuel is ties intended. available to end the hardship suffered by rate is high, making it Nigerians. A lot has been contributed and very soon difficult for business Business environment in Abia Ikpeazu would commission over 50 housing Assessment of Ikpeazu’s administration units I built near the industrial market. to thrive. Government Abia is enjoying a relatively conducive Apart from this, my company has given policy says if you can business climate. The government of Okezie Ikpeazu has done very well in office. employment to Abians, especially host com- Ikpeazu has put in place some motivational Abians know he would succeed, and that was munities. At least 70 per cent of my workforce source fund anywhere plans. One of such is adequate security of why they voted massively for him. are Abians. This is part of our social respon- lives and property. Tracing his record as the deputy general sibilities. for importation, it is I have the belief that if the national budget manager of Abia State Environmental Protec- okay. Banks cannot is implemented, business will boom and the tion Agency (ASEPA), he made a mark. As Assessment of Buhari’s administration economy will improve. But for now, there is governor, under one year, he has embarked give you assistance not much money in circulation. on 65 roads and actualised 27, among other There is no remarkable change. for forex and this is a The major problem lies in the power sector achievements. The government should block leakages and and infrastructure decay. Go to Aba and see the development and fight corruption proper. Workers should be major challenge. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Com- changes that have taken place. To us in the paid and infrastructure upgraded. market, the state government has been very www.thenicheng.com Stock Market Forex, budget impasse hit equities market harder • Trades shrink 31.57% as investors flee

Stories by Kelechi Mgboji Otedola, who is Forte Oil’s Assistant Business Editor controlling shareholder, has seen his nvestors lost over N83 paper net worth drop from $1.6 billion billion in April as for- when Forbes published its annual eign exchange (forex) crisis, delay in the ranking of the world’s billionaires in passage of the budget, March, to $1.2 billion today, according and battered investor confidenceI combined to bring to the magazine’s real-time billionaire the capital market to its knees. scorecard. Value of shares listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) depreciated by N1.24 trillion licly quoted company, dropped consisting of banks re- between January and April fol- from N9.86 trillion in January mained the most active, lowing large scale sell off by 2016 to N8.62 trillion in April. accounting for 10 billion investors fleeing the market. With the drop in market capi- shares valued at N18.12 Forte Oil Chairman, Femi Ot- talisation, the All-Share Index billion and exchanged in edola, lost more than $400 mil- (ASI) measuring performance 12,010 deals. lion of his personal fortune over of the market also dropped 12.5 It was trailed by the past nine weeks as the stock per cent to close at 25,062.41 ba- premium board, which price of Forte Oil shed 43.5 per sis points end of April, from the accounted for 824.49 cent in value. 28,642.25 basis points at which million shares worth Otedola, who is the compa- the equities market opened this N6.96 billion exchanged ny’s controlling shareholder, has year. in 12,010 deals. seen his paper net worth drop NSE monthly data showed that The conglomerates from $1.6 billion when Forbes market capitalisation in April sector came third with published its annual ranking of also decreased by N83 billion or a total 212.77 million Otedola the world’s billionaires in March, 0.95 per cent to close at N8.621 shares valued at N297.59 to $1.2 billion today, according trillion against N8.704 trillion in million transacted in poor trading. has been battered by a worse to the magazine’s real-time bil- March – due to price deprecia- 2,322 deals. InvestData Chief Operating economic situation. Also, the lionaire scorecard. tion. APT Securities and Funds Officer, Ambrose Omordion, weakness of the naira has led to In late February, the share NSE All-Share Index shed Managing Director, Garba Kurfi, lamented that the 2016 bud- foreign portfolio investors exit. price of Forte Oil hit an all-time 243.81 points or 0.96 per cent to attributed the lull to forex chal- get impasse has slowed down “The volume and value traded high of N342 per share after the close at 25,062.41 basis points lenges which led to withdrawal economic activities, because the within the first four months have utilities and petroleum market- compared with 25,306.22 in of foreign investors from the budget is critical to investment dropped since investor confi- ing company, which is based in March. bourse. decision. dence is yet to return. Lagos, released its impressive Total volume of shares traded Kurfi said the government Enterprise Stockbrokers Man- “Despite impressive earnings 2015 full year result and de- on the NSE in April dropped should open another window aging Director, Rotimi Fakayejo, and robust dividend by some clared an attractive dividend of 31.57 per cent. for foreign investors and genu- told TheNiche that both local listed companies, their share N3.45 per share. Investors traded a total 11.47 ine businessmen following its and foreign investors are still price continued to drop due to However, at the close of trad- billion shares valued at N33.48 stance on naira devaluation. very cautious about participating liquidity challenges in the capital ing Tuesday, April 3, its share billion exchanged in 62,747 He added the current forex in the capital market. market.” price had dropped to N193.46 deals. policy, power sector challenges, According to him, the weak- Fakayejo said the 2016 budget after recording consistent daily The figure was lower than and the stalled budget contrib- ness of the naira at the forex may not have a direct impact losses over the past few weeks. the 16.63 billion shares worth uted to the lull. market makes the situation on the capital market until early Market capitalisation, which N48.16 billion exchanged in Kurfi, a senior dealing mem- worse. October. measures total market value of 73,155 deals in March. ber of the NSE, said there is also He added: “The capital market the shares outstanding of a pub- The financial services sector investors’ apathy, which causes in the first four months of 2016 Interbank rates may rise as Nigeria raises N105b bonds nterest rates at ing in 2026, and N15 billion bonds monthly to support than at the previous auc- which banks of debt maturing in 2020, the local bond market, tion on March 16. lend to one using the Dutch Auction create a benchmark for This prompted inves- another may rise System (DAS). corporate issuance, fund tors to over subscribe at above 5 per cent All the bonds on offer its budget deficit, and help N206.72 billion as against this week on are reopening of previous manage liquidity in the N170.18 billion the govern- expectation that issues. banking system. ment sought to raise. the federal government will "We see further rise A N170 billion bonds In most cases, interbank raiseI N105 billion ($527.90 in the cost of borrowing auction in April was largely rates soar after commercial million) in local currency among banks [this week] oversubscribed by N30.72 lenders make payments for denominated bonds on because of expected cash billion as the government bonds and treasury bills Wednesday, May 11. flows to debt instruments offered investors higher purchases, which usually The Debt Management and possibly foreign yields. drain liquidity in the system. Office (DMO) said on exchange purchases, In its monthly auction in The government has Wednesday, May 4 that while there would be no April 17, the government said that it would borrow plans had been concluded major cash inflow into raised N170.18 billion in about N900 billion locally to sell N50 billion of a the system," a dealer told local currency bonds ma- to finance part of the N2.2 bond maturing in 2036, TheNiche. turing in 2036, 2026, and trillion deficit in the 2016 N40 billion of paper matur- Nigeria issues sovereign 2020, paying higher returns budget. DMO Director General, Abraham Nwankwo TheNiche 56 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Stock Market No respite for investors after N1.24tr loss in four months “When a finger of an investor is burnt, he or she will be careful to release his or her other fingers to be burnt. That is what is really affecting the market. “The decline we are experiencing in our market is somehow normal as some investors are selling their shares to meet up with other NSE Director General, Oscar Oyeama Fakayejo Okezie expectations.”

Stories by Kelechi Mgboji points, shedding 12.4 per cent by April; But they expressed optimism that the Progressive Shareholders Association of Assistant Business Editor NSE Insurance Index closed at 132.69 basis passage of 2016 budget would spur liquid- Nigeria (PSAN) Chairman, Boniface Okezie, points, with a loss of 7 per cent year-to- ity in the economy, as well as actions that said: “The decline in our market is not only uge losses at the Nige- date. would enhance the economy and boost the affected by factors within the economy but rian equities market have NSE Consumer Goods Index ended at stock market in particular. also global issues. continued with investors 611.05 basis points, falling 18.1 per cent Enterprise Stockbrokers Managing Direc- “The fall in global oil price has been a losing N1.24 trillion in the from 746.19 basis points it opened with this tor, Rotimi Fakayejo, said investors, local major factor affecting the Nigerian econ- four months to April. year. and foreign, are still very cautious about omy. So our market has been resilient, The Nigerian Stock NSE Oil/Gas Index decline 11 per cent to participating in the capital market. though there are issues the regulators in our ExchangeH (NSE) market capitalisation (total close at 317.26 basis points from 356.56 ba- He noted that the weakness of the naira market need to address. market value of the shares outstanding of sis point while NSE Industrial Index stood at exchange rate market has worsened the “When a finger of an investor is burnt, he a publicly traded company) dropped from at 1,843.99 basis points, dropping by 14.9 national economy situation. or she will be careful to release his or her N9.86 trillion to N8.62 trillion closing trans- per to 2,166.7 basis points. “The capital market in the first four other fingers to be burnt. That is what is re- action in April. NSE market indices across the board months of 2016 has been battered with ally affecting the market. With the drop in market capitalisation, closed negative, a reflection of the strug- worst economy situation. Also, the weak- “The decline we are experiencing in our the All-Share Index (ASI) also dropped 12.5 gling economy, increased inflation, and the ness of the naira has led to foreign portfolio market is somehow normal as some inves- per cent to close at 25,062.41 basis points delay in implementing the federal budget. investors exit. tors are selling their shares to meet up with from 28,642.25 basis points the equities at These factors impinge on listed compa- “The volume and value traded within the other expectations. which the market opened this year. nies’ share prices, attributed to decline rev- first four months have dropped since inves- “But there is hope that the market will re- Other market indices like NSE Main- enue, hike in operating expenses that led to tors confidence is yet to be restored. bound once investors see a clearer picture Board Index dropped 16.1 per cent from poor profits in the first quarter of 2016 (Q1 “Despite impressive earnings and robust of the federal government‘s policy direc- 1,337.85 basis points to 1,121.94 basis 2016) unaudited accounts. dividend by some listed companies, their tion. points. Stakeholders also blame the dwindling share price continued to drop due to “The Buhari administration has started NSE 30 Index closed at 1,098.2 basis capital market on profit-taking by foreign liquidity challenges in the capital market,” fighting corruption and tackling insecurity. points, down 14.7 per cent from 1,287.67 portfolio investors, unstable monetary poli- Fakayejo added. So these are some of the things that will at- basis points at which the market opened cies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), He said the 2016 budget may not have tract investors to our economy.” this year. and global dwindling oil prices that affect a direct impact on the capital market until NSE Banking Index closed at 235.3 basis listed oil and gas companies. early October. IMF sees 4% growth in Africa in 2017 • Moody’s downgrades Nigeria, others in credit ratings

conomic growth in Africa may slump continues to whittle down the eco- and the external and economic pressures bounce back to about 4 per nomic outlook of a region largely depen- anticipated this year and next, are balanced cent next year despite a sharp dent on earnings from global commodities by Nigeria’s strengths, which exceed those decline to 3 per cent this year. market. of sovereigns rated below B1.” But to actualise the potential, Last week, Moody’s credit ratings of Ni- But the IMF said it is still optimistic about leadersE must embark on substantial policy geria and Angola – Africa’s two biggest oil Africa’s prospects in the longer term. reset in many cases, the International Mon- producers – were downgraded by Moody’s "However, to realise this potential, a etary Fund (IMF) said in its latest economic Investors Service, citing the negative impact substantial policy reset is critical in many bulletin. depressed oil prices have had on balance cases," the Fund insisted. IMF sees the economic growth of the sheets, liquidity, and creditworthiness. Affected countries need to contain fiscal region recovering to 4 per cent next year, Nigeria and Gabon were cut to B1 from deficits as the reduction in revenue from helped by a slight recovery in commodity Ba3 as “the prospect of lower-for-longer oil commodities is expected to persist. prices. prices” raises liquidity risks and external Major oil exporters, Angola and Nigeria, This is despite a 3 per cent growth fore- vulnerability. are hardest hit by the slump in commodi- cast which the Fund ascribed to the region Angola was lowered to B1 and the Re- ties prices, as are Ghana, South Africa, and for this current year, its weakest in nearly public of Congo to B2 from B1 on similar Zambia. two decades. concerns about high dependence on oil Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone are In its African Economic Outlook, the IMF constraining financing options. only gradually recovering from the Ebola said the region would likely grow 3 per Moody’s quoted Reuters as reporting that epidemic, while several southern and east- cent this year – the lowest rate since 1999 – Nigeria was issued a stable outlook on con- ern African countries – including Ethiopia, after expanding by 3.4 per cent in 2015. fidence in the country’s credit fundamentals Malawi, and Zimbabwe – are suffering from It blamed the decline on slump in com- when compared to its peers. a severe drought. modity prices, the Ebola virus outbreak, “The stable outlook is driven by Moody’s and drought in parts of the continent. view that the downside risks posed by the The grave impact of commodities price weakening of the country’s fiscal strength, Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun www.thenicheng.com Carmagedeon

By Jonas Agwu 0805 316 6400 M toring [email protected] FRSC and rear seat Bugatti’s vision Gran Turismo is belt enforcement (1) ometime in 2014, I a vehicle remains a priority. a glimpse of the future issued a press state- This explains why since ment announcing the beginning of 2016, I that the Federal have focused on events Well, this is Road Safety Corps surrounding seat belt such interesting. Now that S(FRSC) would begin in Janu- as the tragedies that befell Bugatti has delivered ary 2015 the enforcement the man who lost his 10- of seal belt for rear seat oc- year old daughter in a crash, all 450 examples cupants of vehicles. with a follow up piece on of the Veyron 16.4, Over 13 years ago when the lamentation of a mother attention has turned the initial announcement whose pain over the loss of was made for the enforce- her daughter and grandchild to what the French ment of seat belt for the still haunts her. carmaker and its driver and front seat pas- I have chosen to write this corporate parent, the sengers, I also had the rare article in continuation of my Volkswagen Group, privilege as head of media promise at the beginning the FRSC to make the same of 2016 to deal with these could possibly do announcement. issues to help us realise that to top this rolling A few days after the 2014 because road safety is no assault on physics announcement, I received accident, it is vital we exer- calls, text massages, tweets cise caution by doing what (and, sometimes, and other sundry contacts is right for the sake of our good taste). ranging from outright con- loved ones. demnation, passive inquiry, We must avoid unneces- his, we’re afraid, isn’t passionate outcry and a few sary platitudes but learn to it. What you’re in fact commendations. avoid the kind of regret of looking at is the Bugatti Just like it was in 2003, the man who in my piece Vision Gran Turismo. the reaction in 2014 was titled “How I killed my It’s a (stunning) virtual the same; mixed feelings unbelted daughter” regret- creation you’ll be able with most of these based on ted that the death of his to Tdownload and drive on the iconic ignorance. 10-year old daughter could PlayStation racing simulator. Here are some of the reac- have been averted if he had You know the formula by now: ev- tions: insisted she buckled up. eryone from Aston Martin to BMW and Yahaya Usman – “I will Seat belts save lives. It VW plus many more have had a crack rather sell my car than to go can’t be put it simpler than at concocting the wackiest concept car for seat belt construction. that. Seat belts have been possible, safe in the knowledge that Make una fear God oh and adjudged to be the most it’ll only be driven via a vibrating con- know the kind of policy you effective traffic safety device troller on someone’s telly. are giving us! for the prevention of death Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo “If you want to save lives, and injury in the event of a This Bugatti is different, though. u know where to go. But if crash. They’re going to build it. Really. you want to inflict pain on Wearing a seat belt can Okay, sort of. Bugatti showed off a us it’s not a new thing. We reduce the risk of crash inju- full-size, one-off Vision GT model at are used to many pains!” ries by 50 per cent, accord- the Frankfurt Motor Show, but it was Tall (Tallyjena007) – ing to the Global National not going to be dolling out test drives. “FRSC did not finish with Safety Council. This is still a flight of styling fantasy. number pleat (sic) issue, For those who insist that Looks cool though, no? now is back sit (sic) belt, the use of seat belt does not The official bumpf claims the Bu- they should think before merit the kind of attention gatti styling team were inspired by making this policies.” being given to it by the the brand’s rich tapestry of historical Akin Raphael Akinsipe FRSC, for those who believe designs, like the two-time Le Mans- says the intention is to make that it is another money winning Type 57 ‘Tank’. money, since having lived spinning venture for the That inspiration seems to have got so in the United Kingdom for FRSC, for those who believe far as the two-tone paint job, because over 10 years, he knows that we are making much from where we’re sitting, this is a Vey- that wearing a seat belt by a noise about nothing, it is ron on steroids. GT3 racing car flavour back seat passenger is only hoped that by the time the ones. compulsory for a child less FRSC concludes its public Eagle-eyed readers will have scrolled than seven years old. enlightenment activities agog through the gallery above and Bassey Unaowo says the preparatory to enforcement spotted a very recognisable track map FRSC is out to exploit Nigeri- opinions and perception front’n’centre in the Vision GT’s 22nd ans again. would have changed. Century interior. The indicting comments On January 1, 2003, the Yup, that’s the Circuit de la Sarthe. are numerous to mention FRSC launched enforcement Le Mans. here. But some responses on the use of front occupant Forgive us for getting a tad excited, support the initiative. seat belt nationwide. It was but what with the racey carbon seat Iffiok Akpanim writes that extremely successful with and F1-style steering wheel already in God used it to save his life about 90 per cent compli- place, is it too much to hope to see a in 2010 when he ran into ance all over the country. Bugatti GT3 racer dicing with the new a deep ditch, was thrown Thirteen years down the Ford GT at the Le Mans 24 Hours in up and rolled sideways. He line, the need arises to take June 2016? came out unscratched. another look at the use of Sadly, it almost certainly is. Eye@cike864 sounds seat belt. The Bugatti Vision GT is just a styling irritated – “For God’s sake Evolving times come exercise – a canvas for Bugatti’s de- seat belts are affordable … with evolving technologies, signers to go a little crazy, and perhaps and are available in all mo- which in turn come with throw us a few clues to how the dif- tor spare parts! HABA NAA! I complications and risks, ficult second album that is the Veyron commend FRSC.” which in own turn require MkII might look. Over a year after that commensurate strategies to The stats are sure to be mighty, the announcement, we have combat. top speed aircraft-spec. avoided chewing more As technology improves in But is Bugatti’s next road car actu- than we can swallow by vehicles and on roads, traffic ally going to be, well, a looker? On this restricting ourselves to one management strategies must evidence, we might be in for more than enforcement at a time, such also be employed to mini- just a new physics lesson. What do you as the speed limiter. mise crash causative factors reckon? However, safety aware- inherent in these. • Culled from www.bbc.com/autos Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo ness campaign on the use of • Continues in next edi- seat belt by all occupants of tion. TheNiche 58 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Tourism/Aviation Japan skin divers eye tourists as depopulation hurts growth

Sea-diver Machiyo Yamashita gathers Wakame seaweed onto the shore in Shima. Photographer: Noriko Hayashi/Bloomberg Tourists in Japan

t the Sea edented steps to stimulate projected from the summer said Tetsuro Ii, chief ex- Record Tokyo popula- where the climate is adjusted People the industry. Olympic Games to be hosted ecutive at Commons Asset tion regularly to maintain the restaurant “Tourism is an area the in Tokyo in 2020. The yen’s Management, which in 2013 optimum amount of bacteria in Shima, a bank has not really had its 26 per cent decline against started a fund with a focus Almost half of the nation’s needed to absorb moisture. hamlet on hands on before,” said Nobu- the dollar from a peak in on companies related to municipal districts have van- “I want people to not just Japan’s east- taka Hashimoto, an execu- 2011 may help. tourism. ished in the past 15 years as see our products as com- ernA coast, sea-diver Machiyo tive at Kiyo Bank, a regional Kiyo Bank has established The new fund aimed at they merged to cut costs. mercial products but feel Yamashita wants a piece of a lender in Wakayama Prefec- a fund to promote tourism investing in 50 companies Shima’s population has the culture behind it, and tourism industry dominated ture on the opposite side of jointly with the government- that show promise in growth declined 18 per cent since discover something that’s by the cities that sapped the Shima Peninsula, east of backed Regional Economy industries. 2004, when it was formed not available in Tokyo,” Ten- her town’s vitality by luring Osaka on the Pacific coast. Vitalisation Corporation of There’s plenty of scope by the merger of five com- paku says. away its youth. “It’s been difficult to resist Japan. for growth. While Japan Na- munities, according to data “It’s our responsibility to “I want to cook and serve the forces of the local econo- The fund aims to collect as tional Tourism Organisation compiled by city hall. show how intangible things customers abalones I caught my shrinking and population much as 1 billion yen ($10 data show the country had Japan’s population de- were passed on.” myself an hour ago,” said declining, and we need to million), with an investment a record 10.4 million visitors clined by a record 244,000 More than the fate of rural Yamashita, 64, over a lunch get going.” period of eight years, and from abroad 2013, that’s still in 2013, according to Health economies may be riding on of shellfish, sea lettuce and is now searching for invest- one-third fewer than island- Ministry estimates, a seventh the success of luring tourists. bowl of seaweed soup, all Investment fund ment targets. state Singapore welcomed. straight year of declines. A way of life is also at stake. featuring items she found in The lender hopes to use The top three destinations Japan’s population as of Neither of Yamashita’s the sea that morning. Australia, which has seen Revic’s expertise and net- in Japan are Tokyo, Osaka March 1, 2014 was 127.1 daughters followed her by “The real stuff is cheap a more extreme example of works to find ways to lure and Sapporo, the biggest million. becoming ama, the term for and delicious, and has to be the slide in manufacturing more people to Wakayama, city on northern Hokkaido Tokyo’s population rose female divers. They moved fresh.” jobs that’s affected Japan, which features mountains, island. 0.3 per cent in the year to to cities after getting mar- Attracting tourists to gets about triple the revenue waterfalls and more than 100 “Tourism is extremely October 2012, reaching a ried. Shima, renowned for women from tourism as a share of temples. important as aging and record 13.23 million. “If the ama feel there is divers who harvested pearls its economy compared with The Abe administration in globalisation have resulted money to be made by div- before K Mikimoto & Co. Japan, where the sector March 2013 charged Revic, in companies shifting opera- Drying bonito ing into the sea, they will set up a farm nearby, would accounted for 1.8 per cent originally a vehicle for help- tions overseas,” said Hide- continue the profession,” help the town counter the of gross domestic product ing indebted small enter- nori Suezawa, an analyst at Yukiaki Tenpaku, presi- says Yamashita, whose years economic decline caused by (GDP) in 2011, down from prises, with providing funds SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. dent of fish-products maker, of diving have made her so the depopulation blighting 2.2 per cent in 2006. and management expertise in Tokyo. Maruten Ltd., wants to intro- flexible she can touch the Japan’s provinces. Australia drew 5.5 per cent for projects revitalising local “One growth strategy is duce traditional methods of floor with her flat palms and With Prime Minister of its GDP from tourism in areas. to make the regions a travel drying bonito dating back knees straight. Shinzo Abe identifying tour- 2011, according to the Japan destination. Without that, 350 years. “If you can’t make money ism as a source of growth Tourism Agency. Economic impact there will be more rural As part of this process, from your catch, there is not for the world’s third-largest Japan is targeting a surge communities that won’t tiered baskets in which the much incentive.” economy, local bankers and to 30 million foreign visitors “Tourism is one area that survive.” fish are dried for up to two • Culled from www. officials are taking unprec- by 2030, with momentum is changing significantly,” years are kept in a room bloomberg.com Leibman steps down as Kerzner CEO lan Leibman will step tive director and CEO of Invest- finalised the appointment of a new rectors, and world-class partners. down as chief ex- ment Corporation of Dubai, and CEO and the details will be an- “After 23 years,” he added, “I ecutive officer (CEO) of chairman of Kerzner, expressed nounced soon. believe now is the ideal time to Kerzner International thanks on behalf of himself and Shaibani will work closely with turn my attention to other chal- Holdings, the company his colleagues to Leibman for his the executive team until the new lenges and fulfilling my personal Ahas announced. “commitment and hard work.” CEO is announced. passions.” He has been CEO since 2012. He also expressed appreciation Leibman said: “I am incredibly He expressed confidence that Kerzner, through its subsidiar- for Leibman’s “dynamic leadership proud of all that has been accom- the company will continue to flour- ies, is an international developer and untiring management” while plished at Kerzner International ish through creativity and innova- and operator of destination resorts, at the helm at Kerzner, and wished over the last 23 years. I am hon- tion, delivering the best hospitality luxury hotels and residences and him “all the very best as he moves oured to have worked with an and entertainment experience and entertainment and gaming experi- on to pursue his personal endeav- amazing team that would always the highest levels of service in the ences. ours.” rise to meet every challenge, an industry. Mohammed Al Shaibani, execu- Kerzner announced that it has incredibly supportive board of di- Leibman 59 TheNiche FOOTBALL ATHLETICS BASKETBALL TENNIS FLASHBACK May 08, 2016

www.thenicheng.com [email protected] SPORTS

FOOTBALLFootball FOOTBALL PAGE 61 PAGE 63 Ayo Bada Senior Correspondent » 0805 410 3980, 0803 332 2615 [email protected] Siasia goes [email protected] What is next for tough on champions Leicester? players Retract call for foreign coach, Bewarang tells Azeez

Bewarang Azeez

By Ayo Bada comment and tender an apology to Ni- treated with ignominy.” and the national beach football teams are Senior Correspondent gerian coaches or he may have sown the He insisted that indigenous coaches, all handled by indigenous coaches. seed of discord that will aggravate the despite their poor working conditions, “Let me ask some questions, who he Nigeria Football already charged football atmosphere. exhibit high sense of patriotism and rank trained our past and present players like Coaches Association “The call for engagement of a foreign among the most successful coaches glob- Stephen Keshi, Samson Siasia, Sunday (NFCA) has described coach is coming at a time when top coach- ally. Oliseh, Garba Lawal, Austin JJ Okocha, as unfair and vilifying, es in Nigeria are undergoing the Confeder- “The Nigerian coaches are the handlers Tijani Babangida, Kanu Nwankwo, Joseph the comment credited to ation of African Football (CAF) ‘A’ Licence of the Golden Eaglets who currently hold Yobo, Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Vincent Nigeria Football Referees Coaching course,” Bewarang said. the five-time record of winning the FIFA Enyama and many more too numerous to Association (NFRA) Presi- He acknowledged the roles Clemence Under-17 World Cup.” mention?” dent, Tade Azeez, about Nigerian coaches. Westerhof and Bonfrere Jo played as for- Bewarang reminded critics that the Bewarang added that Nigerian coaches TNFCA President, Bitrus Bewarang, eign coaches engaged for the Super Eagles Dream Team (Under-23) is preparing for will continue to give their best in any expressed disappointment at Azeez’s de- in the past. the Rio Olympics under the tutelage of an capacity and strive to improve with every scription of coaches as businessmen who “The secret of their success, especially indigenous coach, as well as the Flying opportunity given. favour only their players. Westerhof, is that they had the luxury of Eagles who are rated among the best in He counseled Nigerian referees to be fo- He is also surprised that Azeez called time to prepare for the achievement they the world. cused and work on improving their mem- for the engagement of a foreign coach for made. “The senior women team, Super Fal- bers who have been ridiculously excluded the Super Eagles at a time Nigerians are “It is clear that foreign coaches are usu- cons, are the best in Africa and among the from the World Cup over the years. advocating patronage of local goods and ally overpriced and given the required best in the world. The same goes for the He advised Azeez to think on how to services. tools and environment to operate while Falconets and the Flamingoes. improve the officiating of his members in Bewarang asked Azeez to retract his in the contrary indigenous coaches are “The National Under-15 national team the domestic league. TheNiche 60 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Basketball Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship Edo, Lagos win Western Conference Stories by Ayo Bada cheer for as they defeated contribute its quota to the Senior Correspondent, Lagos last year's regional champi- development of basketball on, Yejide Girls Grammar in the country. enson School Ibadan 34-22. He said the company Demon- The two finalists will repre- believes that sport is a suit- stration sent Western Conference able platform for youths School, in the National Finals in to learn values such as Benin Asaba. honesty, teamwork, fair City and It is the first time the na- play, respect, adherence HWesley Girls Senior tional finals will be played to rules, discipline, perse- Secondary School, Lagos outside Lagos. verance, resilience, and a have emerged regional Deji Adeshoga, Nestle strong sense of purpose. champions in the boys Nigeria branch manager, “These are the motivat- and girls categories of the said Milo is a brand that is ing factor behind Nestlé’s 18th Nestle Milo Secondary well known in Nigeria as commitment to this cham- Schools Basketball Cham- the number one supporter pionship,” he stressed. pionship. of grassroots sports. The Central Conference Henson Demonstration "For 20 years, Milo has dunked off in Ilorin on School got the better of been at the forefront of Thursday, May 5 and will hard-fighting Osadenis basketball development in end on Thursday, May Mixed Secondary School Nigeria through the Milo 12. Confluence Confer- in a well contested match Secondary School Basket- ence matches will hold in at the Indoor Sport Hall ball Championship, pro- Lokoja from Friday, May 13 of the National Stadium, ducing many top players in to Friday, May 20. , Lagos. The match the sport," he said. Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, ended 46-37. Nestle Category Business Enugu will host Equatorial Wesley Girls Senior Sec- Manager, Femi Akintola, Conference games from ondary School gave the reiterated the company’s Saturday, May 21 to Friday Lagos crowd something to Edo State team with the boys'' trophy won at the Western Conference in Lagos. resolve to continue to 27. How to turn hope into reality, by Ugoka he future is not a result of significant role in overcoming their great- choices among alterna- est health challenges. tive paths offered by the “Sport is an ideal way to reach, present, but a place that educate, and inspire young people in a is created – created first in language they understand and enjoy. the mind and will, created “Accountability, work ethic, character, next in activity. leadership, and also been a team player “The future is not some place we are are great skills and qualities they will Tgoing to, but one we are creating. The learn and be accountable for in their paths are not to be found, but made, and societies. the activity of making them, changes “We need to incorporate sports in most both the maker and destination.” of our states from primary to secondary With those words of wisdom from John school. A healthy living lifestyle is impor- Schaar, a sociologist, one can easily see tant in the world today. the motive behind the formation of the “Therefore, let’s encourage our young THIR (Turning Hope into Reality) Foun- boys and girls to participate in sports dation under the leadership of national because sports is an integral part of our basketball star, Uju Ugoka. culture around the world. It brings to- The D’Tigeres player, voted the Most getherness, happiness and love. Valuable Player (MVP) in the Italian League for the 2014/15 season, gave an Ugoka’s Hall of Fame insight into the foundation. She said: “Our goal is focused on • Silver medalist in the Under-18 African the training and improving the skills of Championship. young athletes. Turning their hope into • Member of the Under-16 national team. reality through sports. • Member of the senior National team. “We help players get scholarships by • Professional basketball player with promoting them to colleges with our vast Basket Parma in Italy. connections. We train and teach players • MVP of the Italian League 2014/15 on how to be successful on and off the season. courts. • Graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Vir- “We instil the qualities that are re- ginia Tech University. quired to excel not only on the basket- • Appeared in and started 29 games for ball courts, but in the game of life. the Hokies. “The foundation leverages the power • Set the Virginia Tech record with 16 of sport to educate, inspire hope, and double-doubles in a single season. mobilise youth in our community to • Set the Virginia Tech senior season overcome their greatest health chal- records in field goals made (213) and lenges, live healthier, more productive rebounds (277). lives, and be agents for change in their • Finished fourth on the Hokies’ overall communities. single-season record lists in points with “Young people have a vast potential 533 and fourth in rebounds averaged, to create meaningful change and play a 9.6. Ugoka www.thenicheng.com Football What is next for champions Leicester?

he fairytale is brought success, or take a complete. The potentially once-in-a-lifetime movie has its opportunity to lure some ga- perfect Hol- lacticos to the East Midlands lywood end- with the promise of Champi- ing. Now, what ons League football? Tabout that sequel? "It is important to bring the Will it be Leicester: Back with players with the same men- a Vengeance or The Premier tality, our mentality," Ranieri League Strikes Back? has said. The bookies – still reeling "It is too early to say we from the eye-watering finan- need five, six, seven or eight cial gut-punch of a Leicester players. We don't need the title win – are hedging their superstars. bets. “I want to improve the The Foxes are 33-1 to be squad without big stars but champions again, 5-1 to fin- the right players. It is impor- ish in the top four, 15-8 to tant to choose very well for finish in the bottom half, and the lads because now, for 25-1 to be relegated. When it me as well, the lads are my comes to Leicester's fortunes sons." next season, it seems no sce- nario can be ruled out. Style of play And then there's the Cham- pions League. Costly con- On the pitch, Leicester's tinental distraction, or new blueprint for success has frontier to be conquered? been clear: shun possession, Here, BBC Sport examines sit deep, and hit teams at what next season might hold pace on the counter-attack. for Leicester. But can they repeat that approach next season now The squad other teams are wise to it? The big beasts might be Some of the most im- content to let Leicester sit portant work of Leicester's back, but will the defending Ranieri season could be done before champions really be able to a ball is kicked. play on the break against the Much will depend on likes of Watford and West whether Claudio Ranieri can Brom? keep hold of his star trio – "I don't think they should midfielders N'Golo Kante and change," Sutton says. "They Riyad Mahrez, and striker can't rip it up because it is Jamie Vardy. what their achievement has Between them, Mahrez and been based on. Vardy have scored or assisted "They have played to their 48 of Leicester's 64 league strengths and it has worked. goals this season and losing Vardy takes yards off centre- either would be a huge blow. halves so why would you "The priority is keeping not use that threat? Robert what they have got," says for- Huth and Wes Morgan are mer Blackburn and Norwich not the quickest but they are striker Chris Sutton. superbly organised, defend "When you take Vardy the box well and read the and Mahrez – who hold their game, so they will not want goal threat and their creative to get exposed." threat – out of their team, Can their approach work they are still hard to beat but in the Champions League? they will not have the same In recent years, most of Eu- spark." rope's successful sides have However, with a Champi- tended to monopolise pos- ons League campaign coming session, but Sutton believes up, it is not just potential Leicester could emulate the departures Leicester need to success of Jurgen Klopp's worry about. counter-attacking Borussia Morgan (second right)celebrates with teammates after scoring the equaliser in Leicester's game against Ranieri desperately needs Dortmund side, for example. Manchester United some new faces to bolster a "I think their style of play squad that will otherwise be will work in the Champions stretched to breaking point League too," he says. "Why He is experienced in the ball may force him to revisit into freefall if they have that "In fact, they will do well by the demands of fighting not? Their success of late is wiles of European football, old habits. same threat and that same in the Champions League, on another front. based on defending strongly having previously managed "Ranieri will have to tinker way of playing. They defend even though the bigger clubs "I think they need to add and doggedly and being five different clubs in the to some extent," he says. strongly and, if they keep of England will have a better strength in depth," says organised and having that Champions League. In 40 "He might need to prioritise, Vardy, and keep their other chance than them." Sutton, who played in the threat on the break." games, he has won 18 and similar to how they did this key players, they will have Ranieri has warned next competition for Blackburn in lost 11, with Chelsea's run season when they made lots that pace to get in behind. season will pose a wholly 1995. The manager to the semi-finals in 2004 his of changes for the FA Cup." "I still think they will be different challenge. "They are certainly going best result. near the top of the league "The foundations are solid, to need a better quality of Ranieri's calm authority He last managed in the Verdict if they keep players fit and but the Champions League is player squad-wise so people and ability to take pressure competition with Inter Milan don't sell." very hard," he said. can come in and do the off his players was a crucial in 2012. So, how will Leicester fare Southampton Manager, "It burns a lot of mental same job as the first-choice ingredient in Leicester's suc- It was during his tenure at next season? Ronald Koeman, believes energy. It is not easy to play side. In particular, they need cess, but never before in his Stamford Bridge that Ranieri "It is going to be extremely Leicester can acquit them- FA Cup and Charity Shield [as another striker with Vardy's 28-year managerial career acquired the nickname 'The difficult for them to have selves well in the Champions well]." pace." has he defended a top-flight Tinkerman' for his habitual the same level of success League too. Still, even he can't resist So who might Leicester league title. experimentation, but he has because of the volume of "With the spirit and power dreaming. "My career is target? Will Ranieri stick with The Italian, who is 65 in cast that reputation aside games they will face and they have in the team, Leices- fantastic," he said. "But I want the prototype of hard-work- October, signed a three-year this season, making just 27 because so much of their suc- ter are not going to be shown to achieve a little more if it is ing, low-cost signings – such deal when he took over last changes to his starting XI – cess has been down to the up in Europe," Koeman – possible." as Vardy, Kante and Danny year and has so far dismissed the fewest in the league. continuity in Ranieri's team who twice won the European • Culled from www.bbc. Drinkwater – who have talk of an extension. However, Sutton says the selection," Sutton says. Cup as a player – told the com/sport demands of European foot- "But I can't see them going Mirror. TheNiche 62 May 08, 2016 www.thenicheng.com Football UEFA Champions League Final History beckons for Real Madrid

Real Madrid and Atletico fans at the 2014 UCL final San Siro

eal Madrid fano's early goal was swiftly and its cancelled out by Collar. city rival, Puskas struck the decisive Atletico, will blow three minutes before engage in half time to take Real into a their seventh fourth successive final. EuropeanR encounter in the 2016 UEFA Champi- 2013/14 UCL final ons League (UCL) final on Saturday, May 28 at the San Three goals in extra time Siro. ladled a bucket-load of Atletico edged out gloss on the victory that Bayern Munchen on away completed 'La Decima' – goals advantage having Real Madrid's 10th Europe- won the first leg 1-0 but an Cup – but it would have lost the return leg 2-1 to been Atletico's trophy had bring the goals to 2-2 ag- Sergio Ramos not cancelled gregate. out Diego Godin's strike in Real Madrid held Man- the 93rd minute. chester City to a goalless Diego Simeone said: "In draw at the Etihad Stadium life, and in football, you've in the first leg but ran away got everything one day, with a lone goal victory in then you've got nothing the the return leg last Wednes- next." day at the Bernabeu. Real captain Iker Casillas European games between added: "For the effort we've Real Madrid and Atletico put in, I think we deserve are usually close. However, to be kings of Europe." as UEFA.com discovers, Real always prevails in the 2014/15 UCL quarterfi- end. nals Keys The sides have met 200 times in league and Copa Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid as San Siro – will host the 50,000 in 1939. Alicia Keys to perform UCL final, an event that is del Rey games, and while finally picked the lock late 2016 UCL final. • Inter moved into the at San Siro celebrated in every corner Real has the better record after 178 goalless min- It will be the fourth time venue in 1947 and a of the world," Keys said. (W102 D48 L50), it has utes between the sides, the European Cup will be revamp in the mid-1950s Award-winning singer- "This is going to be a not beaten Atletico in six Javier Hernandez scoring decided at the stadium after took the capacity to above songwriter, Alicia Keys, will powerful moment in history La Liga meetings since the following Cristiano Ron- 1965, 1970, and 2001. 100,000. perform at the UCL final and one that represents the 2014 UCL final (D2 L4). aldo's burst into the box, San Siro, opened on Sep- • In 1965, Inter won the opening ceremony – "an spirit of all the similarities with Simeone's Atletico a tember 19, 1926, is home to first European Cup final event celebrated in every we share no matter where 1958/59 European man down following the both AC Milan and Inter- to be held at the stadium, corner of the world". we live and who we are. Champion Clubs' Cup dismissal of Arda Turan. "It nazionale Milan. followed by Feyenoord in In conjunction with I'm honoured to be a spe- semifinals was difficult, as it always is 1970, and Bayern Munchen Pepsi, UEFA has confirmed cial part of such a beloved against Atletico," Ancelotti Stadium facts in 2001. that Keys – who has sold experience." Madrid won the home concluded. • Milan was used as a over 50 million albums – Guy-Laurent Epstein, first leg 2-1, Hector Rial's "When I was a boy I was • Built for Milan in 1925 venue during the 1980 will feature as part of a UEFA marketing director, goal (15) and a Ferenc Pus- taught you have to compete and originally named after UEFA European Champi- revamped ceremony prior added: "With such a highly- kas penalty (33) overturn- in a game and when I gave the district in which it is onship, the same year that to the game on May 28. respected and truly global ing Chuzo's 13th-minute everything and lost, I could located, San Siro. Inter beat it was officially renamed The match will be broad- artist performing ahead of opener. go home happy," Simeone Milan 6-3 in the opening after former Inter and Milan cast in more than 220 coun- the final, it heightens even Atletico prevailed in the said. game on September 19, player Giuseppe Meazza. tries and reach an estimated further the appeal of the return, though, thanks to 1926. • The stadium was over- global live audience of 180 match and consequently Enrique Collar's 43rd-min- Milan's Stadio Giuseppe • Milan owned the sta- hauled as an all-seater with million viewers, making it will reach a broader audi- ute effort. Meazza to host final dium until it was sold to its impressive concrete tow- the most-watched annual ence demographic." That meant a replay six the city in 1935, before an ers for the 1990 FIFA World sporting event in the world. PepsiCo teamed up with days later, played in Zara- Milan's Stadio Giuseppe enlargement that increased Cup. "I'm extremely excited to UCL in 2015. goza, where Alfredo Di Ste- Meazza – otherwise known capacity to more than share my new music at the www.thenicheng.com Football Siasia goes tough on players

s preparation for the men’s these players stay back to for the South Korea Invita- football tournament of the play mid week games. tional Tournament in June, Rio Olympic Games hots “I understand their and he needs to pick play- up, Nigeria’s Under-23 plight that they need ers who will do the nation Head Coach, Samson Sia- these players to do well proud and get them in the sia, has declared that from in the league, but then we mood for the Olympics. Monday, May 9, he will no must draw a line between "From the information at longer release any player in national interest and club my disposal, we are sup- camp to play for their clubs interest. posed to be travelling to A during Nigeria Professional “I have always built the Seoul on May 29. Football League (NPFL) foundation of my team on “It means we have barely mid week matches. home based players, so it two weeks to prepare Speaking after training is the players I have at my adequately for that com- at the practice pitch of the disposal that I will work petition that will have in National Stadium, Abuja, and plan with. attendance other teams Siasia noted that he barely "So, I am appealing to that would be going to the has enough players in all involved to please bear Olympics." camp to start real prepa- with us, because from next He disclosed that he will ration for the Olympics, week, I will not release soon release the names of which is three months any player for mid week foreign based professionals away. games. expected to be part of the His words: "I must “If the clubs cannot preparation, saying he has confess that it has not release these players, then delayed announcing their been easy for me and my I am sorry, no matter how names because he has not technical crew; a lot of the good these players are, been able to get assurances players we need to work they cannot be part of my from their clubs on their with won’t report to camp plans." release. as and when due because Siasia’s call for under- their club chairmen will standing comes on the always call me to beg that heels of preparing the team Siasia Giwa close to NPFL expulsion Pinnick congratulates Ubah igeria Football Federation (NFF) Presi- dent, Amaju Pinnick, has congratulatedN on his election as the chair- man of the Anambra State Football Association (ASFA). The business mogul polled 24 votes in the elections conducted last Tuesday. Jude Obikwelu emerged vice chairman. The following persons were also elected into the board of the FA: • Amuzie Cyprian Chi- buike, Udennanka Anthony Ubah Giwa FC players Bebeto (Anambra Central). • Amene Joe Ifeanyi, Eme- iwa FC failed the lower league if it misses acceptable reason results Monitoring Committee Chair- the elections that took place ka Raphael Udoka, Uduh to honour its another. in expulsion from the top man, E. C. Chukwuemeka, in Awka, alongside Enugu Kingsley (Anambra North) Nigeria Profes- Articles 13.27 and 13.28 flight, and the annulling of confirmed the results which State Football Association • Ifepe Edward Adah, sional Football of the League Manage- the team's results to date. he described as free and fair. Chairman, Chidi Okenwa. Albert Chinye Theodore League (NPFL) ment Company (LMC) say Are we seeing the end of Chairman of Chairmen of (Anambra South). Gtie against Wikki Tourists in missing three matches the Jos side in the NPFL? Nigeria Football, Ibrahim Anambra State Election Ilorin and risks demotion to cumulatively without an Musa Gusau, also witnessed Ebiye hails Ikorodu United players

korodu United forward, ahead for the first time in Moses Ebiye, has admitted the game. he was relieved at his side’s Ifegwu Ojukwu got him- 3-1 victory over Heartland self on the score sheet from FC at the Agege Stadium the penalty spot, after a foul last Saturday. by Zuomana Doumbia on The ‘Oga Boys’ picked up Ebiye. The decision also the second win of the sea- meant that the Heartland son and earned the first win defender was dismissed. in the last 12 matches. Ebiye said: “We were I Anthony Oussou put the solid and did not leave away side in front after 10 any gaps between defence minutes, benefitting from and attack, so that ben- Emeka Atuloma's assist to efited us. score with his head. “We started a little ner- Two minutes before half- vously but the equaliser time, Moses Ebiye found settled us and I thought we Merenini Junior, who curled had a brilliant game. the ball into the corner “It’s a win we must now from the edge of the box, build on to show our fans before Ebiye tapped in after that we are on the right the hour to put the hosts track." Ebiye (in red jersery) against Shittu Lawal of Giwa FC. www.thenicheng.com Candour's Niche 08:05:2016 Ikechukwu Amaechi [email protected] [email protected] 0805 506 9065 Enugu killings: Matters arising

here seems to did not call for ence of Nigeria, led Several weeks after the Agatu be some quiet such broad smiles, by Most Rev. Ignatius killings, not even one person in the South was effusive in Kaigama, the arch- has been arrested. East after the praising the presi- bishop of Jos, had au- Instead, the herdsmen are national uproar dent. dience with Buhari. still occupying the lands from that greeted the “I am very grate- Governors elected which they drove away the massacringT of over 50 indi- ful to … Buhari on the platform of indigenes. They are still herd- genes of Ukpabi Nimbo com- for his prompt and the ruling All Pro- ing their cattle, destroying munity in Uzo-Uwani Local decisive reaction gressives Congress farmlands and the people are Government Area of Enugu to the incident in (APC) went to Enugu too scared to confront them. State by Fulani herdsmen. Nimbo. to condole with the The herders are still clutch- A lot of steps in the right “[He] came out people of the state. ing their AK47 rifles and they direction also seem to have with a clear and Buhari reportedly have not been disarmed. been taken since then. unmistakable con- assured the Catholic It would seem that all the Enugu State Governor, If- demnation of this bishops of the deter- noise by the government and eanyi Ugwuanyi, who was dastardly act and mination of his gov- state officials were attempts summoned to Abuja by Presi- gave clear and ernment to secure all to ward off reprisal attacks, dent Muhammadu Buhari, has definite directives Nigerians, disclosing to calm the victims down and since returned to address the to the security that he had told the protect the murderers. highly traumatised people, in- agencies to fish Inspector General It seems we are all waiting dicting the security agencies out these criminals of Police, Solomon to hear where the next at- for ignoring security report and bring them to Arase, and other se- tack will take place and then that an attack on the commu- justice.” curity agencies to re-enact the condemnation nity was imminent. Buhari is un- deal decisively with ritual. It is this perception He has constituted a judicial deserving of this the herdsmen. that forced the United Nations commission of inquiry “to in- applause. His ac- For the first time (UN) to voice out its worry vestigate the immediate and tions and inac- also, he condoled over the “complete impunity remote causes of all the vio- tions were clearly with the Catholic enjoyed so far by perpetrators lent occurrences in the state not presidential. bishop of Enugu, the of previous attacks.” associated with Fulani herds- He showed no people of Ukpabi How is it that in a country men and recommend appro- empathy when it Nimbo and all other where mass murder has be- priate measures that will be mattered most. He communities that had come almost a daily ritual, put in place to prevent future was uncaring, in suffered fatalities and nobody has ever been suc- occurrence.” fact, scornful of the victims in important state matters to at- other losses from the recent cessfully prosecuted and pun- Traditional rulers and town particular and the people of tend to than to bother himself attacks. ished for such crimes against union leaders from over 400 Enugu State in general. with such inconsequential is- Every well-meaning Nige- humanity? communities also met with If he cared, he would have sue – killing of 50 people – rian has condemned the at- For those who are already Ugwuanyi and resolved to re- visited Enugu State immedi- who possibly had no name tacks. It was as if the Nimbo celebrating that these carnag- activate vigilante groups in all ately the news broke, rather recognition beyond their vil- massacres became the rally- es will soon become history, communities. than summoning Ugwuanyi lages. ing point for Nigerians to vent my advice is that, as Chinua To underscore the impor- to Abuja. The irony is that had this their frustrations over the Achebe (God bless his soul) tance of this initiative, Ug- If Buhari cared, he would attack occurred in any other lethargy of the government to would say, it is morning yet wuanyi pledged to provide have made a national broad- country, especially in the acts of impunity. on creation day. an initial seed money of N100 cast, condemning the wanton West, Buhari would have Taken on its face value, it Why? Because as Nobel million to support the security killings in very strong terms been one of the first world would seem that given the Laureate, Wole Soyinka, said efforts. and outlining sanctions rather leaders to offer his condo- condemnations and govern- in his very strong interven- The meeting urged him to than issuing tepid statements lences. ment’s seeming awakening tion in the matter, “impunity prevail on the state House of through his media aides. Enugu State Police Commis- from its slumber, we are be- evolves and becomes inte- Assembly to amend the law What Ugwuanyi calls sioner, Nwodibo Ekechukwu, ginning to get a handle on grated in conduct when crime establishing vigilante groups prompt and decisive reaction who ignored the security re- things that matter. But some- occurs and no legal, logical to strengthen them and pos- was a halfhearted statement port of an imminent attack, thing tells me that this is all and moral response is of- sibly enable them bear arms, issued by the president’s me- has since been redeployed. motion and no movement. fered.” while the communities were dia aide, Garba Shehu, three Some reports claim that he Buhari is just making the As long as the Buhari gov- mandated to pay security lev- days after the attack. was sacked. right noise so as to erase the ernment is yet to “articulate a ies as counterpart funding. In any other country that The House of Representa- perception that he does not firm policy of non-tolerance But there are also some places greater premium on tives summoned the director care as long as the killings are for the serial massacres that missteps. human life, killings, even on general of the Department of carried out by his kinsmen – have become the nation’s For instance, in his address, a smaller scale, would see the State Security (DSS) over the Fulani herdsmen. identification stamp,” Soyinka Ugwuanyi, whose picture president coming out person- matter and the Senate held a Why do I say so? Almost cautions optimists to be wary. with Buhari in Aso Rock had ally to address the country. public hearing. two weeks after the Enugu I can’t agree less because offended many people who Not in Nigeria. A 16-man delegation of massacres, not even one eternal vigilance, they say, is reasoned that the occasion Buhari had better and more the Catholic Bishops Confer- herdsman has been arrested. the prize to pay for liberty.

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