May 30, 2015 by The Nation

MORE PICTURES ON PAGE 4

•South Africa President, Jacob Zuma (right) and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda at President Buhari’s swearing-in in Abuja... yesterday Photo: Akin OLADOKUN

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

•John Kerry, US Secretary of State surrounded by security aides at the swearing-in of President Buhari in Abuja... yesterday

Buhari: I belong to nobody

EFORE a distinguished audience comprising seven of his predecessors in office,54 foreign leaders and a cream of the Nigerians society as well as millions of others watching on television,Muhammadu Buhari yesterday took office as the country’s fifth executive President,pledging to belong to everyone. “I belong to everyone and I belong to no one,” he declared in his maiden speech at the Eagle Square,Abuja. Buhari who unfolded his agenda said that though the nation’s economy is in deep trouble it is not beyond redemption. He also said that in spite of the wastage of $20 billion on the power sector without electricity, he would do his best to address fuel and power shortages nationwide. He promised to liberate the abducted 219 Chibok girls alive and crush Boko Haram . Although he said he would not tamper with the freedom of the Legislature, he asked lawmakers in the National Assembly to keep to their brief. He hinted of a far-reaching cleansing of the Judiciary and the public sector. Buhari said the Command and Control Centre of the military campaign against Boko Haram will be relocated from Abuja to Maiduguri. His agenda includes: uniting the nation; adherence to the Rule of Law; no settling of old scores; liberation of the Chibok girls; continuation of the fight against Boko Haram, cross-border terrorism, financial crime, cyber crime etc; curtailing insecurity especially kidnappings, armed robbery, cattle rustling; and fight against corruption. Others are: ending fuel and power shortages; independence of the Legislature and Judiciary; reformation of the public sector; prevention of abuse of the Local Government Joint Account; heavy investment in projects in Niger Delta; Judicial cleansing; fight against unemployment; and a robust foreign policy. Amidst shouts of “Sai Baba, Sai Baba” ,Buhari vowed that he would not be a rubber stamped President. He said: “A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no paying off

THE NATION,

BUHARI’S INAUGURATION

News

•Says economy is in deep trouble •Pledges to free Chibok girls, tackle corruption, insecurity, fuel, power crises Yusuf ALLI, Augustine EHIKIOYA and Tony AKOWE, Abuja old scores. The past is prologue.” He said there is need for Nigerians to be united now more than the case in the past because of challenges at hand. “My appeal for unity is predicated on the seriousness of the legacy we are getting into. With depleted foreign reserves, falling oil prices, leakages and debts, the Nigerian economy is in deep trouble and will require careful management to bring it round and to tackle the immediate challenges confronting us, namely; Boko Haram, the Niger Delta situation, the power shortages and unemployment especially among young people. “For the longer term we have to improve the standards of our education. We have to look at the whole field of medicare. We have to upgrade our dilapidated physical infrastructure.” Buhari however said Nigerians will not regret voting for him as he is determined to fix the nation’s problems. “At home we face enormous challenges. Insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and

seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns. We are going to tackle them head on. Nigerians will not regret that they have entrusted national responsibility to us. We must not succumb to hopelessness and defeatism. We can fix our problems. “No single cause can be identified to explain Nigerian’s poor economic performance over the years than the power situation. It is a national shame that an economy of 180 million generates only 4,000MW, and distributes even less. “Continuous tinkering with the structures of power supply and distribution and close on $20b expanded since 1999 have only brought darkness, frustration, misery, and resignation among Nigerians. We will not allow this to go on. “Careful studies are under

children breaking everything and bringing disorder to the house. “Furthermore, we as Nigerians must remind ourselves that we are heirs to great civilizations: Shehu Othman Dan fodio’s caliphate, the Kanem Borno Empire, the Oyo Empire, the Benin Empire and King Jaja’s formidable domain. The blood of those great ancestors flow in our veins. What is now required is to build on these legacies, to modernize and uplift Nigeria. “Daunting as the task may be it is by no means insurmountable. There is now a national consensus that our chosen route to national development is democracy. To achieve our objectives we must consciously work the democratic system.” He begged the Labour and

‘Nigerians won’t regret voting for me’ •Continued on Page 3 godless group who are as far away from Islam as one can think of. At the end of the hostilities when the group is subdued the government intends to commission a sociological study to determine its origins, remote and immediate causes of the movement, its sponsors, the international connexions to ensure

US ready to send military trainers to Nigeria in Boko Haram fight ABUJA - The United States is prepared to send military trainers to Nigeria to help new President Muhammadu Buhari’s armed forces improve their intelligence gathering and logistics,Reuters reported yesterday,quoting a senior State Department official. Strains between U.S. military advisers and the Nigerian army over human rights abuses and corruption under the Jonathan government undermined cooperation in efforts to counter the six-year-old Boko Haram insurgency. The State Department official said Buhari and U.S.

way during this transition to identify the quickest, safest and most cost-effective way to bring light and relief to Nigerians. “In recent times Nigerian leaders appear to have misread our mission. Our founding fathers, Mr Herbert Macauley, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Malam Aminu Kano, Chief J.S. Tarka, Mr Eyo Ita, Chief Denis Osadeby, Chief Ladoke Akintola and their colleagues worked to establish certain standards of governance. They might have differed in their methods or tactics or details, but they were united in establishing a viable and progressive country. Some of their successors behaved like spoilt

the Nigerian press to rally around his administration to succeed. “However, no matter how well organized the governments of the federation are they can not succeed without the support, understanding and cooperation of labour unions, organized private sector, the press and civil society organizations. I appeal to employers and workers alike to unite in raising productivity so that everybody will have the opportunity to share in increased prosperity. “ The Nigerian press is the most vibrant in Africa. My appeal to the media today and this includes the social media – is to exercise its considerable powers with responsibility and patriotism,” he pleaded. Buhari vowed to keep to the Rule of Law and uphold the principle of separation of powers. “The Federal Executive under my watch will not seek to encroach on the duties and functions of the Legislative and Judicial arms of government. •Continued on Page 5

Secretary of State John Kerry would discuss future security assistance and expanded economic ties in a meeting on the sidelines of Buhari’s inauguration yesterday . The official, speaking on condition of anonymity said initial talks with Buhari indicated he wanted a “close relationship” with the United States. “We have every indication that we’ll be able to start a new chapter. We continue to have advisers there ... what I’m talking about would be new advisers in areas where we would expand.”

that measures are taken to prevent a reccurrence of this evil. For now the Armed Forces will be fully charged with prosecuting the fight against Boko haram. We shall overhaul the rules of engagement to avoid human rights violations in operations. We shall improve operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human right violations by the Armed Forces. Boko Haram is not only the security issue bedeviling our country. The spate of kidnappings, armed robberies, herdsmen/farmers clashes, cattle rustlings all help to add to the general air of insecurity in our land. We are going to erect and maintain an efficient, disciplined people friendly and well compensated security forces within an over all security architecture. The amnesty programme in the Niger Delta is due to end in December, but the Government intends to invest heavily in the projects, and programmes currently in place. I call on the leadership and people in these areas to cooperate with the state and Federal Government in the rehabilitation programmes

which will be streamlined and made more effective. As ever, I am ready to listen to the grievances of my fellow Nigerians. I extend my hand of fellowship to them so that we can bring peace and build prosperity for our people. No single cause can be identified to explain Nigerian’s poor economic performance over the years than the power situation. It is a national shame that an economy of 180 million generates only 4,000MW, and distributes even less. Continuous tinkering with the structures of power supply and distribution and close on $20b expanded since 1999 have only brought darkness, frustration, misery, and resignation among Nigerians. We will not allow this to go on. Careful studies are under way during this transition to identify the quickest, safest and most cost-effective way to bring light and relief to Nigerians. Unemployment, notably youth un-employment features strongly in our party’s manifesto. We intend to attack the problem frontally through revival of agriculture, solid minerals mining as well as credits to small and medium size businesses to

kick start these enterprises. We shall quickly examine the best way to revive major industries and accelerate the revival and development of our railways, roads and general infrastructure. Your Excellencies, My fellow Nigerians I cannot recall when Nigeria enjoyed so much goodwill abroad as now. The messages I received from East and West, from powerful and small countries are indicative of international expectations on us. At home the newly elected government is basking in a reservoir of goodwill and high expectations. Nigeria therefore has a window of opportunity to fulfill our long standing potential of pulling ourselves together and realising our mission as a great nation. Our situation somehow reminds one of a passage in Shakespeare’s Julius Ceasar There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life, Is bound in shallows and miseries. We have an opportunity. Let us take it. Thank you

THE NATION,

BUHARI’S INAUGURATION

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

Buhari draws rare goodwill at inauguration

HE international community yesterday gave a huge endorsement to the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari with the large presence of foreign leaders from across the globe at his inauguration in Abuja. Also at the ceremony were distinguished Nigerians from the political class, the economic sector and the academia. The weather was also notice-

Yusuf ALLI, Augustine EHIKIOYA and Tony AKOWE, Abuja ably bright,even after raining all night on Thursday. As early as 6am, dignitaries started trooping to Eagle Square in Abuja for the epoch making ceremony. Although the event did not start until ex-President Goodluck Jonathan mounted

the dais for the national anthem and salute at about 10.21, there was no dull moment as artistes like Wasiu Ayinde, PSquare, Tiv Kwanghe dancers, Nupe troupe and Kannywood artistes thrilled the audience with good music. By the time the inauguration began, the Eagle Square had been filled to the brim such that some highly-placed Nigerians had to vacate their seats. The event got underway with prayers by the Chairman

of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the FCT,the Reverend Israel Akanji and the Deputy Chief Imam of the National Mosque in Abuja, Alhaji Ibrahim Bakari Guests at the session included the US Secretary of State, John Kerry and the UK Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond. Also on the roll call were Presidents Abdelaziz Bouteflika (Algeria); José Eduardo dos Santos (Angola);

•Jonathan stepped on the presidential fleet (see another picture on Page 71)

I belong to nobody, says Buhari

•Continued from Page 4 “The law enforcing authorities will be charged to operate within the Constitution. We shall rebuild and reform the public service to become more effective and more serviceable. We shall charge them to apply themselves with integrity to stabilize the system. “For their part the legislative arm must keep to their brief of making laws, carrying out over-sight functions and doing so expeditiously. “ The judicial system needs reform to cleanse itself from its immediate past. The country now expects the judiciary to act with dispatch on all cases especially on corruption, serious financial crimes or abuse of office. “ It is only when the three arms act constitutionally that government will be enabled to serve the country optimally and avoid the confusion all too often bedeviling governance today.” While stating his plans to respect the interdependence of the three tiers of government, Buhari said he would check the abuse of Local Government Joint Account at the state level. He said: “Elsewhere relations between Abuja and the States have to be clarified if we are to serve the country better. Constitutionally there are limits to powers of each of the three tiers of government but that should not mean the Federal Government should fold its arms and close its eyes to what is going on in the states and local governments. Not least the operations of the Local Government Joint Account. “While the Federal Government can not inter-

fere in the details of its operations it will ensure that the gross corruption at the local level is checked. “As far as the constitution allows me I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country. For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch.” The President wasted no time in declaring war against Boko Haram insurgents, armed robbers and kidnappers nationwide. He said the command centre for counter-insurgency in the North-East will be relocated from Abuja to Maiduguri to be able to deal with Boko Haram. He said: “The most immediate is Boko Haram’s insurgency. Progress has been made in recent weeks by our security forces but victory cannot be achieved by basing the Command and Control Centre in Abuja. The command centre will be relocated to Maiduguri and remain until Boko Haram is completely subdued. But we can not claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents. “This government will do all it can to rescue them alive. Boko Haram is a typical example of small fires causing large fires. An eccentric and unorthodox preacher with a tiny following was given posthumous fame and following by his extra judicial murder at the hands of the police. “Since then through official bungling, negligence, complacency or collusion

Boko Haram became a terrifying force taking tens of thousands of lives and capturing several towns and villages covering swathes of Nigerian sovereign territory. “Boko Haram is a mindless, godless group who are as far away from Islam as one can think of. At the end of the hostilities when the group is subdued the Government intends to commission a sociological study to determine its origins, remote and immediate causes of the movement, its sponsors, the international connexions to ensure that measures are taken to prevent a reccurrence of this evil. For now the Armed Forces will be fully charged with prosecuting the fight against Boko haram. “ We shall overhaul the rules of engagement to avoid human rights violations in operations. We shall improve operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human right violations by the Armed Forces. “Boko Haram is not only the security issue bedeviling our country. “The spate of kidnappings, armed robberies, herdsmen/farmers clashes, cattle rustlings all help to add to the general air of insecurity in our land. We are going to erect and maintain an efficient, disciplined people – friendly and well – compensated security forces within an over – all security architecture.” On foreign policy, Buhari said his administration is ready to play any role that Africa expects of it. He assured the international community of readi-

ness to cooperate to address the challenges if 21st century. He added: “Our neighbours in the Sub-region and our African brethren should rest assured that Nigeria under our administration will be ready to play any leadership role that Africa expects of it. Here I would like to thank the governments and people of Cameroon, Chad and Niger for committing their armed forces to fight Boko Haram in Nigeria. “I also wish to assure the wider international community of our readiness to cooperate and help to combat threats of cross-border terrorism, sea piracy, refugees and boat people, financial crime, cyber crime, climate change, the spread of communicable diseases and other challenges of the 21st century.” Buhari praised ex-President Goodluck Jonathan for his statesmanship in conceding defeat to him. He said Jonathan has set a standard for political conduct in the country. Also sworn in yesterday was Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. President Buhari returned to power yesterday 30 years after he was ousted as military head of state.He now ranks among African politicians who rose to power after defeating the incumbent.Before him were: Frederick Chiluba (Zambia, 1991); John Kufour (Ghana 2000); Abdoulaye Wade (Senegal, 2000); Mwai Kibaki (Kenya, 2002); Yayi Boni (Benin Republic, 2006); Ernest Bai Koroma (Sierra Leone, 2007); Alhassan Quattara (Cote d’Ivoire, 2010); and Peter Mutharika (Malawi, 2014) .

Thomas Boni Yayi (Benin); Michael Kafando (Burkina Faso); Paul Biya, (Cameroon); Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea); Girma Wolde-Giorgis( Ethiopia); Ali Bongo Ondimba ( (Gabon); John Dramani Mahama (Ghana); Alpha Condé (Guinea); Armando Guebuza (Mozambique); Hifikepunye Pohamba(Namibia); Mahamadou Issoufou (Niger); Paul Kagame ( Rwanda); Macky Sall (Senegal); Ellen JohnsonSirleaf ( Liberia); Faure Gnassingbé (Togo);Jacob Zuma (South Africa); Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe); Dioncounda Traoré (Mali); Joyce Banda (Malawi), Denis Sassou-Nguesso ( Rep. of Congo); Jacob Zuma (South Africa); Idriss Déby Itno (Chad); Jorge Carlos Fonseca (Cape Verde); Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy ( Vice President of The Gambia) Former Nigerian leaders at the inauguration were Gen. Yakubu Gowon, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-President Shehu Shagari, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Others were APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former Minister of Defence, General TY Danjuma; former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Governor Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Governor Willy Obiano (Anambra); Governor Adams Oshiomhole (Edo);Senator Bukola Saraki,Senator Chris Ngige; former Abia state governor, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba; former Kaduna State Military Governor, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali; Senator Isa Mohammed; a former Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Magnus Kpakol; Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; the richest man in Africa, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman of Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola; ex-MD of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia; Senator Khairat Gwadabe; and former Inspector General Of Police, Ibrahim Coomassie. Others included the Senate President, Senator David Mark; Acting Speaker of the House of Representative,Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adeshola Amosu; Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Usman Jibrin; and the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase. Also at the ceremony were a former President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Samaila Isa Funtua; a former Minister of Works, Chris Ogiewonyi; a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Tonye Graham Douglas; Pastor Tunde Bakare; a former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, Mr. Wale Edun; a former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh; Hon. Samson Osagie and Hon. Abike Dabiri, There were also leaders of the APC led by the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie -Oyegun; the National Publicity Secretary, Alh. Lai Mohammed; Senator Osita Izunaso; a former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipriye Sylva and governorship candidate of APC in Enugu State, Barrister Okey Ezea.

News

Inauguration notes •Continued from Page 3

Seven past Nigerian leaders witness Buhari’s swearing-in APART from Jonathan,six other former military/ civilian leaders were in attendance at the swearing-in. They are Chief Olusegun Obasanjo;General Ibrahim Babangida; Alhaji Shehu Shagari; General Abdulsalam Abubakar; Chief Earnest Shonekan and General Yakubu Gowon.

Outgoing ministers shun inauguration NO member of ex-President Jonathan’s Federal Executive Council was at yesterday’s inauguration of President Buhari. The inauguration committee was headed and packaged by the immediate Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim. Findings revealed that all the former ministers were duly invited. The fear of probe is the beginning of wisdom?

Loyal to the end BUT it was a different story at the the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport,Abuja,where the ex-ministers gathered to bid their boss, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife,Dame Patience, farewell to Otuoke.

Fact-Sheet 26 officers and 320 men of the Armed Forces and the Police were on parade. Buhari arrived the Eagle Square at about 9.54 am clad in a milk coloured babariga and was sworn in at about 10.50 am by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed assisted by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Ahmed Gambo Saleh. The national flag and defence flag were lowered at 10.57 am, marking the end of the Jonathan era as the President and Commander-In- Chief of the Armed Forces and handed over to him by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, while a new national flag and defence flag were hoisted marking the commencement of the Buhari era as the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Youths defy security barricade Youths who were initially prevented from getting close to the Eagle Square defied the water tight security around the area.They refused to leave and chose to sing and dance around,waving the broom; APC’s symbol. Their presence scared many guests but security agents were up to the task.

MC’s costly slip The Masters of the Ceremony(MC) failed to introduce or acknowledge the presence of many of the guests.

•Taraba State Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku inspecting the parade during his swearing in at the Jolly Nyame Sports Complex, Jalingo ...yesterday

HE newly elected governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and his deputy, Arch. Barnabas Yusuf Bala, took their oaths of office yesterday announcing that they would sacrifice 50 per cent of their salaries for the development of the state. In his inaugural speech after he was sworn-in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Tanimu Zailani, El-Rufai pledged that his administration would avoid ostentatious lifestyle and embrace transparency, modesty and accountability. Reiterating that Kaduna is the second most indebted state in the country, the governor promised to work day and night to make the state great again. El-Rufai, a former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said: “In recognition of the difficult challenges we face, our Deputy Governor and I have concluded that the sacrifice that change requires must begin with us. We have decided to

THE NATION

GOVERNORS’ INAUGURATION

NEWS

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

•Newly sworn-in Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (right), inspecting a guard of honour in Brini Kebbi ... yesterday

El-Rufai, deputy cut pay by 50 per cent AbdulGafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna take a pay cut and donate 50 per cent of our salaries and allowances, until our fiscal situation improves. “We understand that leadership by example is the most persuasive way to demand sacrifice from all of us as citizens” El-Rufai, who was sworn in as 22nd Governor of Kaduna State, stressed: “We will obey the same rules that we demand of all of you. After all, the law is the difference between civilization and anarchy. We submit ourselves to the principle that all are equal before the law.”. He added: “As we celebrate on this day that God has made, let us remember, with sober senses, exactly what challenges confront us. For far too long, our country has been a place where

•Preach against ostentatious lifestyle hope goes to die, where the future has been stolen from our children, where our leaders have commandeered our resources largely for their own personal enjoyment, and where grinding poverty has become a fact of daily life for nearly all our people. “Our state is no exception. Kaduna State is in a difficult situation. As soon as we have all the facts in coming weeks, we shall lay bare to you just how deep a hole we have dug ourselves in the past several years. But this much we already know. “Our finances are in a shambles. Kaduna is the second most indebted state in our country. Our state is staggering under the weight of billions of naira in debt and other liabilities.” The swearing-in cer-

emony was disrupted by angry youths who almost lynched the Emir of Zazzau and Chairman of Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Shehu Idris and other dignitaries. Events had run smoothly at the Murtala Square venue of the inauguration ceremony but turned violent after the new governor had taken his oath of office as angry youths started throwing missiles at the Emir and calling for his removal. Chanting ‘Sabon Gwamna, Sabon Sarki’ (new governor, new king), the youths accused the Zazzau monarch of partisanship in favour of the outgoing Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who the Emir had turbaned a title holder while he reigned as governor. The angry youths threw

sachet water, shoes and pebbles in the direction of the Emir and other dignitaries at the VIP podium, but human shield was quickly built around the septuagenarian Emir by his traditional guards and other security men, who later smuggled him out through the back door. The security agents later brought in a hot water tank to disperse the irate youths who had earlier defied the tear gas canisters the police fired at them. However, several people, including a police woman, were injured in the ensuing confusion. Some of the injured victims were immediately treated in a First Aid vehicle provided by the police while others were taken out of the venue for treatment.

New Akwa Ibom governor names Uyo stadium after Akpabio

HE newly sworn-in governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Gabriel Emmanuel Udom, played the perfect protege yesterday by naming the Akwa Ibom State International Stadium after the immediate past governor, Godswill Akpabio. The recently completed stadium, previously named Nest of Champions, is now to be called Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium. The announcement, however, did not appear to get down well with the crowd that turned out to witness the inauguration ceremony as dead silence fell on the previ-

Uyoatta ESHIET, Uyo ously ecstatic crowd when the announcement was made. A repetition of the announcement twice by the new governor confirmed the ill disposition of the crowd to it as the people remained dead silent. Some people in the stadium expressed disbelief over the announcement while a woman, who gave her name simply as Grace, said: “This is not a very good start. We hope he will not be a rubber-stamp governor as most people have feared.” Elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP), Udom had earlier promised to work with the All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled Federal Government in order to attract federal assistance to the state. Udom, who presented his 12-point development plan to the state after taking his oath of office, appealed to opponents in the April 11 governorship election to “let partisan spirits yield to patriotism” for the sake of building a great state. He praised Akpabio for taking Akwa Ibom to great heights and supporting him to ensure he emerges the new governor of the state.

He also appreciated the former first lady, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, members of the State House of Assembly, traditional institutions, women, the youth, students and the media for the support they gave him to emerge the new governor of the state. He appealed for continuous support from all segments of the state, promising to keep his own part of the development covenant he had entered into with the people. The governor’s 12-point development agenda include fighting corruption; continuing the infrastructural development of the state; involve-

ment of the private sector to build the state’s economy, using the PPP model; upholding the tenets of democratic governance; respecting party structures and ensuring the security of lives and property of all residents in the state. The governor promised to ensure justice and fair play and to be firm but fair to all. He promise to ensure accountability in government; promote trade and commerce; develop good working relationship with other arms of government and work to industrialise the state and provide employment for the jobless.

I'll make Port Harcourt commercial hub, says Wike

HE argument over who would swear in Chief Nyeson Ezenwo Wike, the governor of Rivers State, and his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo HarryBanigo, was laid to rest yesterday when the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Ibiri, administered the oath of office on both Wike and Ipalibo as the governor and deputy governor of the state. Before administering the oath of office on the duo, Justice Ibiri told supporters of Governor Wike and party faithful at the Liberation Stadium Elekahia, Port Harcourt

Precious DIKEWOHA, Port Harcourt that she was there because the Chief Justice of the federation had asked her to administer the oath of office on the duo. She noted that it was necessary to clear the air on newspapers speculation and several arguments about her constitutional right to administer oath of office as Bayelsa Chief Judge on the governor and deputy governor of Rivers State. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, the first female Deputy Governor in Rivers State and a medical

•Vows to probe Amaechi

doctor is a former secretary to the State government and a former commissioner for health. Governor Wike took his oath of office at 10: 51 am. Delivering his first speech as the governor of Rivers State, Governor Wike said the game of injustice, impunity; administrative decadence perpetrated by Amaechi was over. He said his administration would give priority to education, infrastructure development, security, prompt

payment of workers’ salaries, agriculture, tourism, health and creating policies that will promote healthy environment and social development with the aim of making Rivers state a commercial hub. He immediately ordered the re-opening of courts in Rivers State by appointing the embattled Justice Daisy Okocha, the sister to Justice O. C. J Okocha, as the new Rivers State Chief Judge. The governor also appointed Justice Christy Gabriel Nwankwo as the act-

ing President of Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal and promised to swear them in on Monday. He promises to conduct a forensic audit on alleged poor performance and looting that took place during governor Amaechi’s administration, especially in the area of award of projects. “As a government, we shall be worker-friendly. We shall give priority to prompt payment of workers’ salaries, promotion and training for efficient service delivery,” he said.

New Cross River governor promises new seaport, super highway

EWLY sworn in Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, has promised to ensure that the state capital gets a working seaport within the next four years. Speaking during his swearing in ceremony at the newly commissioned Calabar International Convention Centre yesterday, he said a team of engineers were already on ground. He also said a detailed survey and design was already underway. The seaport project, Ayade said, would be one of his two signature projects, the other being the construction of a dual carriage super highway from Calabar through Ikom and Ogoja to the Ranch Resort in Obudu. He said the present state of the roads, was a source of untold hardship to the people and he would do everything within his power to deliver on this promises. ”This is a promise I am willing to give my right eye for,” Ayade said. He called on all to play their roles in making the state a better place despite challenges. He said: “In the new Cross River of our dream, there is a place and hope for everyone. There will be jobs for the youth and prosperity for the working class. The resurgent middle class shall find anchor for their roots and everyone shall find independence and pride in their work. “The wages of honest labour shall liberate families from the jaws of hardship and no child shall go to bed with an empty stomach. Neither shall any mother be depressed by lack of access to medicare for her children and loved ones. Brothers and sisters, this is our dream! ”This is what this moment requires. The capacity to dream! That is what will give real meaning to our belief. We must all strive to dream, to lift our eyes beyond the horizons of the present difficulties and visualise a better day.”

THE NATION

Crowd pelt, boo ex-Governor Aliyu in Niger

T took the intervention of soldiers who fired tear gas and several gunshots in the air to prevent mob attack on the immediate past Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, at the inauguration of the newly elected governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello yesterday. Aliyu was booed and pelted by the angry crowd which also called him names. The former governor, whose convoy arrived Bako Kotangora Stadium Minna venue of the inauguration ceremony at about 10.15 am, was booed on arrival by the crowd as he climbed the podium to take the salute of the military guard. Shouts of 'Change has

Jide ORINTUNSIN, Minna come' and 'Your time is past, go' filled the air as soon as the former governor arrived the venue. Sensing the tension, the organisers of the ceremony had to drop the idea of the outgoing governor making a speech. Instead, the Secretary to the State Government, Seidu Ndako Kpaki, spoke on behalf of the government. At about 11 am when the new governor was taking his oaths of office and allegiance, Aliyu, who sat beside his estranged deputy, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto in the public for the first time since the latter dumped the PDP, was pelted with slippers and

Youths attack ex-Adamawa deputy gov, Senator as Bindow is sworn in

HE immediate past Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Sa’ad MC Tahir, and the Senator representing Adamawa Central, Senator Bello Tukur, were manhandled by angry youths at the swearing in ceremony of Senator Mohammed Umar Bindow as the governor of the state yesterday. Tahir represented former Governor Bala Ngillari at the ceremony held at the Mahmud Ribadu Square. Our correspondent reports that trouble began as the former deputy governor delivered his speech and was intermittently booed by the crowd. He was later accosted by the angry crowd immediately he alighted from the podium and with the shout of “Bama so, Karya ne, masu Gudu su Gudu, lokacinku ya yi, ina Bala Nggilari” (we don’t want liars. Your ill administration is over. Go away! Where is Governor Bala Nggilari?) The youths were angry that the former governor, Bala James Nggilari, went away to Dubai through Ghana before the May 29 handover date. Security men and party chieftains made efforts to calm down the charged atmosphere while security operatives attached to the outgoing deputy governor had to ferry him to an unknown destination. Some former commissioners who accompanied the former deputy governor to

Barnabas MANYAM,Yola the ceremony sneaked out of the venue on sensing danger. Former Deputy Governor and serving senator who represented the Senate President at the occasion, Senator Bello Tukur, was also not spared as his car was smashed while his clothes were torn as angry youths pelted him with stones. Tahir had earlier in his speech said that the outgoing administration had done much in the area of fighting insurgency and had revived education and youth empowerment, with a call on the incoming government to improve on the situation In his acceptance speech, the new governor, Senator Muhammad Bindow Umaru Jibrilla, pledged to adopt an open-door policy. He said Adamawa State is among the most backward states in Nigeria, calling on the people to assist him with prayers and good advice so that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. “With God on our side, we shall overcome the problems bedeviling our state. I am therefore calling on all to join hands in moving the state to greater heights,” he said. “The APC government in Adamawa will be government for all. Therefore, we will meet with security operatives and other stakeholders on the need to review the ban on motorcycle operators.”

Tambuwal appoints Imam Imam as Special Adviser

NEWS 7

GOVERNORS’ INAUGURATION

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

OKOTO State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has appointed Malam Imam Dalhatu Imam as his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs. The appointment was contained in a statement Tambuwal personally signed and issued to journalists in Sokoto yesterday. Imam’s appointment is the first to be made by Governor Tambuwal few hours after he was sworn in as governor. The newly sworn governor in the statement, admonished

the new spokesman to re-dedicate himself to his new assignment by contributing positively to information management flow in the state. However, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs had served in the same capacity when Tambuwal was the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2011 until few days ago. The appointee, a former Group Politics Editor at THISDAY Newspapers, was born on July 16, 1977 in Gboko, Benue State, although he hails from Taraba State.

sachet water, forcing his security detail to form a human shield around him. But angry youths were not deterred by the security ring around the former governor who was there in company with his wife, Jumai, as he was further pelted with sachet water and stones. Soldiers were later

drafted around the VIP stand of the stadium to put the crowd on check. But when the scourge persisted, the military men fired gunshots into the air while also firing tear gas canisters to scare away the angry crowd, leading to stampede at the stadium. This left room for the ex-

governor’s security detail to ferry him and his wife out of the stadium through the back door. An aide to the ex-governor said security and intelligence reports had advised Aliyu not to attend the inauguration due to the public perception of his administration as non-performing, but

Aliyu was said to have waved the warning aside and insisted on attending the event. Oaths were administered on the new governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello and his deputy, Alhaji Mohammed Ketso, by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Lami Abubakar.

Ortom sworn in as Benue governor •Suswam absent, jets out for medical treatment

HE newly elected governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, was sworn in at the IBB Square, Makurdi yesterday with his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam, conspicuously absent. Suswam was said to have left the county in the early hours of yesterday aboard a British Airways plane. His wife, Yemisi, had left two days earlier for Houston, United States of America (USA). A statement signed by the Media Adviser to Suswam, Dr Cletus Akwaya, however, said the former governor had

Uyoatta ESHIET, Uyo to travel to Germany for medical treatment. The statement added that Dr Suswam left yesterday morning after he had successfully handed over to Ortom, to honour the medical appointment he had postponed twice. “Dr Suswam’s commitment to successfully midwife the transition Programme for smooth transfer of power to the new administration was the main reason for the postponement of the medical appointment. “With the successful handover, he had to rush for

the scheduled medical checkup. The insinuation from a section of the media that he has fled the country is a complete misrepresentation of the circumstance of his travel abroad. “Governor Suswam hopes to return to the country soon after his medical check-up,” the statement said. The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iorhemen Hwande. Some journalists who came to cover the event were manhandled by overzealous security agents who beat them with horse whip like common

criminals. The Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abouno, was the first to take his oath of office. In his brief remark, Governor Ortom assured the people of Benue State that he would rule with the fear of God. He said his top priority would be women and youth empowerment through Job creation and promotion of small and medium enterprises so that people would not depend on government for all their needs. He assured civil servants in the state that their salary arrears would be paid soon.

•Chief Judge of Jigawa State, Justice Aminu Ringim (left), presenting certificate of oath of office to the new governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, during the swearing-in of the governor in Dutse… yesterday PHOTO: NAN

I'll run inclusive govt –Ambode

AGOS State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has urged members of the opposition to join hands with him to take the state to greater heights. He said his government would work with the 20122025 Development Plan, which will prioritise social security, infrastructure development and economic transformation. The governor spoke shortly after he was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. He said his administration would run an inclusive government, which he said would not leave anyone behind, adding that religious or tribal sentiment would not find expression in his government. “No matter your age, tribe of religion, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos work for you,” he said. He commended Lagosians for their entrepreneurial spirit, noting that those who work hard will be rewarded. He said his administration

•Appoints Tunji Bello as SSG Musa ODOSHIMOKHE would create the Ministry of Wealth Creation, which will ensure that jobs and opportunities are available for the youth. Ambode said: “Lagosians are hard working people. The state is striving because of its undying entrepreneurial spirit. However, we must realise that there are no shortcuts to success. “Our youth must nurture good family value. I want our youths and younger ones to learn from my story. Anyone can rise and be what he wants to be. Your background and obstacle cannot be a barrier to your dream. In Nigeria and particularly in Lagos, you can always succeed. “We must embrace new thinking and be determined to succeed at all times. I am ready to nurture that dream in our children, youth and every hard working Lagosian. “We must reward hard work, merit and loyalty to the

state.” He maintained that the dwindling revenue from the federal government has affected the revenue base of many states in Nigeria. “But this state is blessed by the financial autonomy designed by our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, hence the state has been spared the negative trend affecting most states in Nigeria relying on the revenue from the Federal Government to survive.” The governor said for Lagos to retain its financial autonomy, there is need to redouble its effort and commitment to survive without going cap in hand begging the centre for money. He urged the people to be responsible tax payers in order to sustain the tempo of development in the Centre of Excellence. “We shall implement creative ideas and concepts that

reduce the cost of running government. This shall make life better and happier for our people,” he said. Meanwhile, the governor has announced the appointment of key officials of his government. In a statement he personally signed, Ambode named Mr. Tunji Bello as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Mr. Samuel Olukunle Ojo as the Chief of Staff. The statement further said that Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye has been appointed Principal Private Secretary, while Mr. Habib Adamson Aruna was appointed the Chief Press Secretary. Bello, journalist and lawyer is a former Commissioner for Environment. He studied Political Science at the University of Ibadan and later went to the University of Lagos where he bagged a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy. He later read Law in the same university.

•Governors' inauguration in pictures -Pages 10&11

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

GOVERNORS’ INAUGURATION

NEWS

I will be governor of all, Ajimobi promises ITH a promise to be governor for all citizens and residents irrespective of their interests and affiliations, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday took the oath of office for a second term in office. The governor gave the assurance while delivering his inauguration address after he was sworn-in along with his deputy, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, the state capital. The inauguration ceremony was low-key, reflecting the economic situation in the country. Ajimobi, who arrived at the stadium in company with his �family members around 11:36 am, took his oath of office at 12:33 pm. The oath was administered by the state's

•To re-engineer state’s finances n Bisi OLADELE and n Tayo JOHNSON, Ibadan Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ladipo Abimbola. While expressing gratitude to God and voters for giving him the opportunity to be the first governor of the state to take the oath twice, Ajimobi said his victory was a call to re dedicate himself to the good people of the state. His words: "I am eternally grateful that you rose above the massive hate and smear campaigns designed to demonize our huge sacrifices and achievements of the past four years. You cared not for the tale that no governor was ever re-

elected in our state. You would not allow that past history to determine your approaching future. “You chose not to succumb to fear or fable. You voted as your conscience and beliefs led you. You used your votes to break the alleged jinx that hovered over our politics. We clearly heard you when you said that, like every human being created by the Most High God, our human limitations as individuals and as an administration were inconsequential, placed side by side our monumental commitment and passion to make a difference in Oyo State. We heard you clearly. "Since 1976 when our state was created, seven of us have stood

before you to take the gubernatorial oath; 26 in all have administered our state, either as the defunct Western Region or its eventual reincarnation as Oyo State. The Almighty, in His wondrous ways, ably assisted by the audacity of your votes, has made me the only of those numerous men to take the gubernatorial oath a second time." The governor went on to roll out a six-point agenda for his second term in line with the general manifesto of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). They are consolidation on security; deepening transparent governance; widening the scope of infrastructural development; education and healthcare; re-engineering of social infrastructures to

reposition finances of the state, as well as development of agriculture. He said: "The cardinal trust of our administration from today till May 28, 2019, shall be as follows: One; We shall consolidate on peace and security in the state. Two; We shall deepen inclusive and transparent� governance. Three; We shall widen the scope of infrastructure development and build on the 2015 urban renewal initiative. Four; We shall develop our human capital, education, skill acquisition and healthcare delivery service. Five; We shall re-engineer our socio-economic infrastructure for economic emancipation with a goal to repositioning the finances of the state. Six; We shall revitalize and develop our agriculture and agro-allied industry for value addition."

Better days ahead for Imo people, Okorocha promises I MO State governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday took the oath of office for a second term, with a promise to do more for the people of the state. Speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, which held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, the Imo Governor, told the people of the state to expect a more vibrant government that will be committed to serving the people better. He maintained that he kept his campaign promises to the people in the last four years. “Four years ago, I gave you my word. I told you that my word was my bond. I gave my people my word when I assured them that I would keep the citizens safe and secure within the four walls of our peace-loving state. “In two years of the Rescue Mission, kidnapping, baby factory, armed robbery, including bank robbery and other violent crimes became a thing of the past. Those crimes have been eradicated from our great land.” Speaking further, Okorocha, who was sworn-in

•Governor denies rift with Onu over SGF slot n Okodili NDIDI, Owerri n alongside his deputy, Eze Madumere, said: “As regards my second term, we shall consolidate on the gains salready made in the areas of security, free education, healthcare and road construction. “The financial constraint emanating from the shortfall in federal allocation, shortages in oil revenue and escalation of the dollar rate notwithstanding, we shall endeavor to meet up with the foregoing obligations and responsibilities without harming the state’s financial standing.’’ Meanwhile, Governor Okorocha denied rumous of face-off with former governor of Abia State and All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, over the choice of who becomes the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in the

new administration. Okorocha, who denied the existence of a rift while speaking with newsmen at the Government House, noted that his relationship with Onu was still very robust and cordial, stating that the name of the former Abia governor was among the three names he submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for consideration for the office of the SGF. According to him, “when the Ndigbo lost the chance to produce the senate president or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which was initially zoned to the Southeast, we then brought the idea of the SGF, I nominated Onu, Senator Chris Ngige and Professor Anthony Anwuka (Secretary to Imo State Government). But this was before Buhari said he was not going to take any list from any governor.”

Be ready to make sacrifices, Ahmed tells Kwarans n Adekunle JIMOH, Ilorin n

•Governor plans 100-megawatt IPP

S a result of the dwindling revenue from the federation account, Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, yesterday urged the people of the state to be ready to make sacrifices. The governor made this declaration shortly after taking oath of office for another term of four years. The oath of office was administered on the governor by state’s Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Suleiman Durosinlorun Kawu. Addressing the people of the state shortly after his inauguration, Governor Ahmed lamented that the country’s economy was on its knees, adding that “global oil prices, the mainstay of our economy, are dropping daily, limiting our ability to fulfill our obligations.”

Speaking further, he said that “these challenges are enormous, but we refuse to give in to despair. This administration will upscale development and boost entrepreneurship to get a greater number of our youths working. “Starting from today, we will begin the work of transforming our state to the North central’s economic hub. We will achieve this admittedly challenging task by significantly improving internally generated revenue. We will also plug leakages and reduce the cost of governance to boost our capacity to achieve these objectives. “We must all be prepared to tighten our belts, to make sacrifices, and moderate our expectations of government.

Gaidam promises to rebuild communities destroyed by insurgents OBE State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, yesterday urged the people of the state to continue to support his administration with prayers. Governor Gaidam made the call yesterday while addressing the people of the state shortly after he took the oath of office for a second term in Damaturu. Speaking shortly after taking the oath office, Governor Gaidam thanked the people of the state for voting for the APC in the state. He announced that his administration will deploy all the necessary resources at its disposal to fight the insurgency

n Duku JOEL, Damaturu n and rebuild all the communities destroyed by the insurgents so that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) can go back to their homes and continue their normal lives. While unveiling some of the new priority of his new administration, Gaidam pledged the construction of new airport in Damaturu; roads and drainage networks across the 17 council areas, provision of potable drinking water, agricultural transformation, poverty alleviation, improved quality of education and job creation among others.

•Calisthenics display by school children at the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Abiola Ajimobi for second term in office, held at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan ...yesPhoto Femi ILESANMI terday.

Mandate renewal reflects people's faith in us, GUN State governor, recorded in the last four Ibikunle Amosun, yes- says Amosun years. terday took the oath of He noted that it is equally a

office for a second term in office, amidst loud cheers from thousands supporters. Amosun, who adorned a native attire, took the oath of office by 11: 48 am for another term of four years as governor of Ogun State. The oath of office was administered on Governor Amosun by the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, amid heavy security within and outside the stadium provided by a combined team of the army, police, operatives of the Department of State Security Service(DSS) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) among others. Eearlier, the oath of office was administered on his

n Ernest NWOKOLO, n Abeokuta

deputy, Princess Yetunde Onanuga, who was accompanied to the inauguaration ground by her husband, Abiodun Onanuga, and children. In his inauguration speech, Amosun said the renewal of his mandate by the people of the state is a reflection of their confidence in his administration during the first tenure. According to him, the inaugural ceremony is neither for the celebration of the party's victory alone nor just for the administering of the oath of office, but a time to celebrate "unity, freedom, development and progress"

moment to renew vows to move the state further on the path of growth, development and perceptible progress. The governor reiterated his determination to fast - track the developmental processes of the state, and expressed the confidence that with the All Progressives Congress(APC) and in the state, it will evoke the much-awaited synergy required to move Ogun State forward. According to him, it would translate to "adequate and prompt payments of salaries of civil servants in the state, creation of new jobs, better condition of service and standard of living for the generality of the people of the state among others."

Shettima cavasses amnesty for Boko Haram members ORNO State governor, Kashim Shettima, yesterday took the oath of office for another four-year term, with a promise to run an all-inclusive government that would focus on reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation. The governor, who lamented the sufferings inflicted on the people of the state by the Boko Haram insurgency, called for the rehabilitation of Boko Haram members who are willing to embrace peace. He said: “As a government and leadership, in the next four years, we will be dedicated to the promotion of an all-inclusive growth; that would focus on reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction. “This is a matter of principle for us, be-

•Says Jonathan’s administration lived in denial about sect’s savagery n Duku JOEL, Damaturu n cause unless we want to engage in an endless war of attrition that will be hallmarked by the continuing destruction of lives and property, it becomes imperative that willing members of the Boko Haram sect that want to come out of the bush must be given the opportunity to be de-radicalized and then rehabilitated to become useful citizens of society.” Shettima, who took the oath of office along with his deputy, Zanna Mustapha, at the expansive Ramat Square in Maiduguri, lamented the negative effect of the Boko Haram crisis on his people. The low-key ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries from across the state and

neighboring Niger and Chad. Addressing the people shortly after he took the oath of office, Governor Shettima, in a tone that betrayed the mood of the moment, said the people of the state suffered in the hands of the insurgents because the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration did not do enough to save the situation. “The situation was often difficult, especially because we faced a hostile Federal Government, which lived in denial about the savagery of Boko Haram and which also saw the insurgency from the most perverted, narrow and irresponsible prism, that somehow, the insurgency had been fuelled against it by the political and other elite of this part of Nigeria,” said Shettima.

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

MAY 29 INAUGURATION

•Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Oluwafunmilayo Olajumoke Atilade, (left) administering oath of office on Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, during his swearing-in as the 14th governor of Lagos State at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos yesterday .. Photo: Biodun ADEYEWA

•L-R: Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Oladapo Abimbola, in handshake with Oyo State governor, Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, at his swearing-in ceremony for second term in office, at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State Photo: Femi ILESANMI, Ibadan

•Former Governor of Cross River State, Governor Liyel Imoke, performing the symbolic presentation of the state flag to the new governor, Prof. Benedict Ayade, shortly after the inauguration ceremony in Calabar, Cross River State

• Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed (middle), signing the oath of office before the state Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Kawu (left), while the First Lady, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, watches on, during the second inauguration ceremony at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin, Kwara State...Friday.

• From left:Wife of Gombe State governor, Hajiya Adama Dankwambo; Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe and the Deputy, Charles Iliya, during the governor’s swearing-in for the second tenure in Gombe on Friday

•Enugu State governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, flanked on his left by his wife, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi, as he takes his oath of office, being administered by the state Chief Judge, Mr. Innocent Umezulike, at the Michael Okpara square, Enugu...yesterday

•Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno State inspecting a guard of honor at Ramat Square Maiduguri, Borno State

•Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, acknowledging cheers from crowd after the swearing-in ceremony at the Jos Township Stadium, Plateau State.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

MAY 29 INAUGURATION

•Former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (right) presenting the handover notes to his successor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (left), during the • Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, signing after taking the oath of office, at swearing-in ceremony, at Shehu Kangiwa Square, yesterday. With them is deputy goverDan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Imo State nor of Sokoto State, Hon. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto (middle)

•Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, receiving the hand-over note from the former governor, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, at the Governor‘s Office, Uyo.

• Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice Tanimu Zailani (left) administering the oath of office on the new Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir-El-Rufai, in Kaduna on Friday

•The governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, waves to the crowd shortly after the Photos: Uja EMMANUEL swearing-in ceremony in Makurdi on Friday

•Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu (left) taking his oath of office, being administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Uzokwe, during his swearing-in ceremony, at the Int'l Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State

•Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun (left), with the state Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Olatokunbo Olopade (right), when the governor took the oath of office for a second term, at the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta...yesterday.

• Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Borno State taking his oath of office being administered by the Chief Judge of Yobe State, Justice Garba Musa Nabaruma, in Damaturu yesterday Photo: Duku JOEL

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

Continued on Page 35

Continued on Page 34

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30 , 2015

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

35 Continued from Page 31

Continued from Page 31

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

•From left: Amedushuaib Bolanle; Tony Nwachukwu and Kehinde Balogun

•Chairman, Editorial Board, The Nation Newspapers, Sam Omatseye (left) and Barrister Christopher Ogeah

•Book presenter, Chief Phillips Asiodu

•Rear Admiral M. A Johnson (left) and Book reviwer, Kunle Ajibade, Executive Editor of The News magazine

•From left: Former Delta State Commissioner for Information, Oma Djebah and Commissioner for Education, Delta State, Dr Tony Nwaka

•From left: Economic Adviser to Governor of Delta State, Afam Obiago; Hon Moses Idu and Chief Onoriode Sunday

•Professor Alele Williams (left) and Chief Executive Officer, Leading Edge Consulting, Dr Ije Jidenma

•Mr Abi Ayida and wife, Ete

•From right: Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; 1st Vice President, Institute of Director Nigeria (IoD), Mr Yemi Akeju; Past President IoD, Chief Olusola Dada and Director General/CEO, IoD, Mr Victor Banjo, at the presentation of a book: "Delta Beyond Oil: A Legacy of Sustainable Development" at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos...penultimate Friday

•Mofe Damijo, Delta State Commissioner for Culture (left) and a guest

•Funke Egbemode of The Sun Newspapers (left) and Modele Sharafa-Yusuf, a journalist

•From left: Lucky Odogun, Mrs Juli Anamaris and Odogun representing Mr Goodie Ibru, Chairman Ikeja Hotel Plc

Asiodu, Alele-Williams, IoD chiefs, others grace Uduaghan’s ‘score card’ presentation I

t was an event with the trappings of a formal setting. Guests turned out in formal dresses and walked quietly as they were ushered into the cool ambience of Iris hall, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The occasion was a ‘Government Meets Business Forum’ organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria held penultimate Friday. The centre of attraction was the then governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was set to give a key note address on “Delta Beyond Oil: A Legacy of Sustainable Development”. It was a two-in-one package, which also featured the public presentation of a book which detailed the eight years stewardship of Uduaghan, titled: Uduaghan: Sustainable Development, edited by Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr Sam Omatseye, and a former Commissioner for Information for Delta State, Mr. Oma Djebah. Typical of a corporate event, the crowd was not massive as attendance was strictly by invitation but it was

n Hannah OJO n

well attended judging by the number of eminent personalities who turned out for the occasion. Prominent among the guests were leaders of industry, foreign investors, top government functionaries from Delta State and leaders of the Nigerian media space. Dressed in a formal attire, Dr. Uduaghan was seated quietly on a high table parading eminent Nigerians such as former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Alele Williams; the 1st Vice President, Institute of Directors, (IoD), Mr. Yemi Alade; The Chairman, Editorial Board, The Nation Newspapers, Mr Sam Omatseye; former Chief Economic Adviser, Chief Philip Asiodu; past President IoU, Chief Olusola Dada and others. Although many close to him would describe him as a quiet man, however, the engaging side of the governor came to the fore when he mounted the dais to address the gathering. Before reading his prepared speech, the former governor successfully captured the

minds of the elite gathering as his speech was interrupted at intervals with applause and nodding of heads as a sign of approval to some of the points he raised. His address touched on various aspects such as agenda setting for the APC government, the shelving of his political ambition for peace to reign, the various experiences which formed the agenda of his government when he came into power, the importance of peace and security in attracting investment, new sense of security in Delta State and the various entrepreneurship schemes which the Delta Beyond Oil initiative is hinged on. When it came to the time of the book presentation, the event took another turn for liveliness. Mr Omatseye, a coeditor, led the audience to a roaring laughter when he used the phrase “Boisterous Exteriority” to describe Uduaghan’s counterpart in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio while introducing the book as a corpus of quiet strength and grace of Uduaghan. Reacting, the governor, who fondly

referred to the Omatseye as a brother and a friend, said their bonding was not on the basis of both of them being Itsekiris but on the basis of the critical analysis that the co-editor presents through his back page column on Mondays. Uduaghan also added to the comical atmosphere when he said he would join Omatseye in advocating and analysing the pulse of governance as his tenure expires. The review of the book was done by no less a professional at the trade than Mr. Kunle Ajibade, the Executive Director of The News magazine. Bespectacled in simple native attire and an Awolowo shaped cap, he jokingly told the audience that there was nothing to review again since Omatseye had almost said everything in his introduction of the book. But this was to be a mock expression owing to the resounding applause which trailed his exit from the stage after his assessment of the book in due time. Even the compere of the event was mesmerised, saying that the review could qualify for another book on its own.

•From left: Chief Edwin Uzor; Commissioner for Higher Education, Delta State, Hon. Charcles Emetulu and Rt. Hon. Tunkekeme Solomon, Commissioner for Works

•From left: Company Secretary, First Bank Nigeria Holding Plc, Mr Tijan Borodo; Victor O. Eburajolo, Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Skills Bridge Ltd. and Dr Uju Ogubunka PHOTOS: Biodun ADEYEWA

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

Evangelist Caroline Nagbo is the Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. In this encounter with SANNI ONOGU in Abuja, she spoke about the tumultuous 2015 elections in Rivers State, the Buhari administration and the need for Nigerians to be ready to make sacrifices. Excerpts: HERE was these apprehension in Rivers State because of the things that happened before the general elections. As the Woman Leader of APC in the state, can you tell us what really transpired during the elections? How did people vote and how did you receive the outcome, especially that of the governorship election? I think your question is multi-dimensional - before the elections, during the elections and after the elections. Yes, as the Woman Leader of APC in Rivers State and as an evangelist, a servant of the most high God, the truth is that PDP did not prepare for election in Rivers State. They never prepared. All the the few rallies they were showing on the screen were all make believe. They never prepared for election nor electioneering. We the APC were the only people that were actually preparing, mobilising and campaigning from village to village, house to house and ward to ward, preparing for our success in the election because, we never actually knew the extent of the plan or evil plan they had. It was during the election we now saw it. Yes, we were apprehensive also because of the militants - the kind of candidates they coopted into their party and gave tickets to militants into the Rivers State House of Assembly and all over. We were apprehensive and we were very cautious. Even when we were provoked, we never reacted. So we used intelligence and strategy during all our campaigns to ensure that we never collided with them. There was one particular incident that even the wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Dame Judith Amaechi, was almost attacked in Ahoda East where the wife of Nyesom Wike (PDP governorship candidate) comes from. But in all of these we used wisdom and tact to ensure, that we never fought with them. Why? Before the elections we knew that guns were being imported into Rivers State. We also heard and knew where they were training their militants but we thought that this time around, especially during the governorship, that the police were actually going to be unbiased and fair to both parties. But of course we know what happened to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police that was withdrawn under 24 hours to give way for rigging. So there was no election in Rivers State; the election in Rivers State was a hoax. Immediately after the elections, women led by you and some of your leaders in Rivers State protested. What was the reason for the protest? First and foremost, before the women came on the street, the the APC gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Dr. Dakuku Peterside, and all the party stalwarts, we all went to INEC to demonstrate to INEC and gave our own petition about the election that we were not given the right to vote and so the election should be nullified. Thereafter, we went on the street, the women also came out to register their grievances that they were not allowed to vote and as we came to the street, we were not even allowed access to INEC. On the road at Waterline Junction, we almost lost three women. Three women went into coma because the police openly teargassed us and chased us away because they were working for the PDP and this was what APC felt that they were unfair to us and that we needed a level-playing ground for us to even demonstrate and show our grievances and this was a non-violent demonstration, a non-violent protest, why were we not even allowed, especially women and we know that international conventions and regulations actually talk against police harassment of women but in Rivers State, the opposite was what we saw. Will you say that your demonstration achieved its objective? Yes. We were not allowed into INEC but the whole world saw the true picture of what was going on in Rivers State. It actually demonstrated to the world that APC in Rivers State, even the women were gagged by the authorities. Now, you contested senatorial elections under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011, what informed your decision because we know that in spite of the fact that Buhari founded the party, it was relatively unknown in places like Rivers State then? My conviction was and is on the candidate - your leader, the personality of the leader determines the followership and coming from the background where I was coming from as the Women Desk Officer of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), I have always been in this agitation for good governance and justice to the people. So, coming from that background, the only party I could identify with, the only party I could be a member and seek my political reality was CPC. Why CPC? Because of the candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. I came into the party, coming from activism background and actually launched the party among the Ogoni people. When he came to

How we almost lost three women in one fell swoop during the polls —Rivers APC woman leader launch the party in Rivers State, the then Deputy Governor of the state then, Tele Ikuru, was the person that came there to receive him at the launching and the book launch because that was also the day that Prof. Tam David-West launched a book on General Buhari. The Deputy Governor came to officiate for the governor at the Presidential Hotel and everybody who came there saw people wearing 'Ogoni for Buhari' Tee-Shirts and caps were all over the place. It was my brain child because Buhari had been seen to be the only leader - and this is not about exaggeration - the only one that is disciplined, the only one that has really carried the problems of Nigeria at heart and that was why when he wept in 2011 - let me use the word wept - people were making mockery of him but I knew that for such a leader to feel bitter or bad for the poor, that Nigeria and even God in heaven is angry. So, I brought in the popularity of the CPC because of General Buhari. I entered the party and contested, I went through primaries and I got the party's ticket for Senate - Rivers South-East Senatorial District. I didn't step down for anybody. I contested but of course, I did not win. Even when I did not win, I did not go to tribunal and people were prompting me: 'Madam, why won't you go to the tribunal?' I said for good reasoning and for wisdom that if I lose now, what of 2015 and 2019? So, I went back to my business, went back to my private life and started recouping and paying my election debt. How did you transit into the APC? Of course, the new party after the merger is the APC. After the the merger, there was a rule or condition given by the party for state exco, if you have to be a state exco in the new party, you must be somebody who contested, a candidate not an aspirant a candidate of the National Assembly, a gubernatorial candidate - so, if you fall in any of these categories in the new party, then automatically you become a member of the state exco in your state of origin and that was how I came in because I was a senatorial candidate of the CPC. I came into the party and we formed - those of us from the ANPP, the CPC and the ACN - we all came together and formed the merger according to the party's rule and that was how I became an interim exco member and from there, I singularly started the APC Women Prayer meeting in the interim exco. I started the prayer meeting in order to mobilise and sensitise women about the new party until we went to congress and after the election, I emerged as the substantive APC Woman Leader. What was your growing up like and how did you grow to become what and who you are now? It is God. Mighty and great men in this world actually have not been known to come from silver spoon homes - only very few. Every great man or woman in this world comes from a humble background and that is the background that is conducive for easy growth. I am from Bane, in Kana Local Government of Rivers State and that is the same community that Ken Saro-Wiwa came from. I am from the same village with him and he was actually married to my aunt. That being my background, I went through government schools and as the first daughter of my parents, I was encouraged by my grandmother, grandfather and it was like they were looking for a girl child having had some male children and then I came up, so I was the love of the family and they encourage the me through school and I did not disappoint them. As a girl, growing up in such a background, I am accustomed to the pains of the poor. I am accus-

• Evang. Nagbo

tomed to injustice. I am accustomed to women deprivations. I am accustomed to so many issues of everyday person. So, growing up among people like that, for goodness sake, it gave me the compassion up till today that poverty is a bad thing, injustice is a bad thing and that equal opportunity should be created for everybody and that is why there is need for good governance because if there is good governance, we will use our available resources to create an enabling environment for children and adults, men and women and youths to excel and actually become what God created them to be. So, that was my background and I am happy that I continued to identify with the poor. It is not a class issue whereby people feel that if you are whatever you are, then you look down on the poor. After all, it is the poor that brought us to power now. Isn't it? In the last election, poor women, poor people in the villages filed out to vote President Buhari into power and that is why APC has come to change the lives of the Nigerian poor and to balance the lives of the Nigerian rich, it is all about equity. From your days in CPC up till now in APC, you seem to have some attraction for Buhari, what informs this? I am a woman of God and where there is no godliness, I will never identify. Somebody has track record, his integrity is my attraction, his discipline is my attraction, his forthrightness is my attraction and like I have always said, even if in this 2015 he didn't win, I will still be following Buhari because there was no party to defect to wherever he goes, I go (prolonged laughter). What is your message to Nigerians considering the fact that they are expecting so much from Buhari? People are saying from May 29 women without husbands will be given husbands and that school children will no longer need lunch parks because Buhari will feed them in schools. The change story is a big thing in Nigeria today. What is your take? We are not General Buhari or the APC, but sincerely speaking, we are not going to disappoint Nigerians. But I also want Nigerians to be realistic, with N60billion debt hanging to inherit, let us be realistic, how is he going to pay off this debt and then to create an equilibrium or a balance for change and for growth? It takes a lot of tact, professionalism, commitment and sacrifice. So, it is not expecting the heavens to open. So, it will take some time because it is not a level playing ground. There are debts and I am talking about debts to be addressed. Nigeria’s economy is dead and for him to resurrect this economy, there should also be sacrifice on the part of the Nigerian people but one thing we promised and I know is that there will be zero-level corruption. Nigeria’s money will be used for Nigerians.

with Email: bineharriet@gmail.com

Escapades of fun-loving city ladies Co-ordinated by Patience Saduwa 08023201831 (sms only) psaduwa@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

SPANISH LA LIGA..SPANISH LA LIGA...SPANISH LA LIGA....

ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A...

SPANISH LA LIGA..SPANISH LA LIGA...SPANISH LA LIGA....

ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A...

FIXTURES

SPANISH LA LIGA..SPANISH LA LIGA...SPANISH LA LIGA....

ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A...

Saturday Verona v Juventus Atalanta v Milan Sunday Cagliari v Udinese Torino v Cesena Sassuolo v Genoa Sampdoria v Parma Roma v Palermo Napoli v Lazio Inter v Empoli Fiorentina v Chievo

SPANISH LA LIGA..SPANISH LA LIGA...SPANISH LA LIGA....

ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A...

ITALIAN SERIE A... ITALIAN SERIE A...

NATION S P O RT

SATURDAY, MAY, 30, 2015

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

SOCIETY

OOD deeds beget good reward. So it was last Friday when Chief Olusegun Oshunkeye, former Lafarge Africa Plc chairman was celebrated after bowing out. It was a twin event as his successor Mr Mobolaji Balogun, son of eminent banker Otunba Subomi Balogun was ushered in. It was all at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos. Guests were the cream of society. The women were in high heel shoes and lovely hairstyles. They moved to the red rug at the entrance to take photographs and exchange pleasantries before entering the hall. Women in green ankara, sewn in Oleku style, ushered guests to their seats. The hall was tastefully decorated. Osunkeye was in white agbada with light blue cap; Balogun was in suit. They were the cynosure of all eyes. They sat on the front row with top members of staff of the company. The waiters, assisted by ushers, served guests snacks, foods and drinks at intervals. Frank Edoho, the Master of the Ceremony, ensured that guests had a nice time. Yinka Davies and her band led guests to recite the national anthem. Yibs Ensemble presented a play titled: “Grip Aim” written by the late Ola Rotimi. After the play, the firm’s Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Roux said the gathering was to celebrate Osunkeye who has remained committed to Lafarge Africa. Ogun State governor’s wife, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun, who delivered her husband’s goodwill message, said Osunkeye has been supportive to her, her foundation and the state. She congratulated Mr Balogun on his appointment, saying he is capable of stepping into Osunkeye’s shoes. A director Mr Adebayo Jimoh, read Osunkeye’s citation. People eulogised Osunkeye. Another director, Joe Hudson, read Balogun’s citation. Osunkeye’s first child, Mrs Kemi Adewole described him as God-fearing. “God is everything to him, he loves God, he is very passionate about God, he is Godly and he puts God in every single thing he does. He serves in church and that tells me he is a humble man. He is a rare gem, patient, diligent, compassionate, hard working and long suffering. He is a man, who brings out the best in everybody and especially his children and our spouses. He has time for everybody; he is an attentive father and attentive grandfather. He meets each of us at the point of our needs. He is generous. He is interested in what you are going through, at work and at home. He has a solution to anyone’s problem and he does not take anyone for granted. He is a leader by example. I want to say today that on behalf of my siblings, our spouses and everyone that has taken you as a father, we are proud of you, we are honoured to be your children and thank God that a day like this has come.” Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Otunba Bimbo Ashiru described Osunkeye

Cement giant Lafarge Africa Plc celebrated its outgoing chairman, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, and welcomed his successor, Mr Mobolaji Balogun, in Lagos penultimate Friday. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

Change of baton at Lafarge •From right: Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Mr Guillaume Roux; Chief Osunkeye; Mr Balogun; Adepeju Adebajo; Mrs Kemi Balogun; Mrs Abosede Osunkeye and Mrs Amosun

•The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, HRM Oba Micheal Dosumu Gboyega

•Joe Hudson (left) and Prince Onafowokan

•From left: Mrs Abigail Sanusi; Chief Sanusi; Chief Sikiru Bakare –Otun Itori and Olu of Papa Oba Rasaki Jimoh

•From left: Ibrahim Zitta; General Manager Sales and Customer Services Lafarge, Sam Ndionyenma and Customer Manager Lafarge, Nathaanel Shofarasin

•From left: Prince Ade Adefioye, Jean –Christopher Barban and Alhaji Umar Kwairanga PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

as a supportive father. A former Central Bank of Nigeria governor and former director of the company, Chief Joseph Sanusi proposed the toast. He described Osunkeye as a man who excels in everything he does. “I was on the board of Lafarge with Chief Osunkeye for about 10 years, he never came late or missed any meeting. He is always fully prepared for the meeting and he will always find an answer to every question raised. It is my pleasure tonight to propose the toast of Osunkeye, a great Nigerian, a good leader and a jolly good fellow,” he said. He asked the gathering to rise for the toast amid singing of the popular

bless, keep and make his face to shine upon you. May success, joy and satisfaction be yours.” Balogun, after thanking guests and apologising for his parents’ absence, said: “I’m delighted today to have the opportunity to step into the shoes of a remarkable man and I am tremendously humbled by the opportunity that I have to follow the foot step of one of Nigeria’s greatest citizens and I am extremely blessed by the opportunity to have sat on the same board with Osunkeye for over a decade.” “To be asked to chair this company, short of my 50th birthday is a remarkable opportunity for a young man like me,” he said. He hoped that in the next five or

song, “For he is a jolly good fellow”. Guests clinked glasses filled with wine. Sanusi congratulated Balogun, wishing him a successful tenure. Responding, Osunkeye said he was overwhelmed by the show of love for him, adding that the gathering surprised him. He invited Balogun to the stage and introduced him as his successor. They hugged amid applause. Osunkeye described Balogun as a thoroughbred, corporate multi-tasking, solutions bringing and result-oriented man, full of vitality in the board room, and also in the business world. He prayed that Balogun will take the firm to greater heights. “May God

seven years he would have taken the company higher than he found it. Osunkeye was appointed to the board on October 24, 2000 and became chairman on October 1, 2009. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Institute of Directors and the Nigerian Institute of Management. He is also president (and a fellow) of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria and the immediate past chairman of International Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria Chapter. He was Nestle Nigeria Plc and GlaxoSmithKline chairman for 14 years. He is a past president of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

FUNERAL

BIRTHDAY

•From left: The Regent of Olotin, Ikole Ekiti, Chief Bose Olaniran; Mr Boye Famoroti; Olori Comfort Famoroti; Mrs Funmilayo Esan and Mrs Labake Awofadeju during the burial ceremony thanksgiving service of the Late High Chief Amos Akiola Famoroti, The Olotin of Ikole held at Methodist Church (Nigeria), Ikole Ekiti

•The celebrator, Snr Apostle Festus Olawale Omomowo; his wife Sabaina and family members during his 80th birthday at Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Council Secretariat, Lagos

REVIEW

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

Tame environment, save life

? &

With OZOLUA UHAKHEME

Email: ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com 08023058761

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

& OTHER STORIES ‘I ended up in police cell for man I caught with my wife

CRIME Man hangs self after stabbing wife to death

n Kunle AKINRINADE n

T was double tragedy at Owode,Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State penultimate Thursday when a man stabbed his wife to death and then proceeded to hang himself. Joseph Ajaka,it was gathered ,had on the morning of the fateful day attacked his wife ,Toyin ,with a knife at Alakara area of the town. The suspect immediately absconded from the scene. Toyin was later found by neighbours in a pool of her own blood having been stabbed in several parts of the body. The neighbours reported the incident at the Owode Police Station while the police launched a search for Joseph whose lifeless body was found hanging in an uncompleted building in the area . A source who asked not to be named described the incident as shocking. The source said the victim had about 20 wounds all over her body. “I have a strong feeling that the man must have acted under a spell. He fled their home in order to escape arrest but committed suicide by hanging himself in a building in a remote area of this community, perhaps to escape the consequences of his misguided action,” the source said. Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the Ogun State Police Command, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, said: “No one can tell why the man (Ajaka) stabbed his wife to death, but what we heard was that he stabbed his wife more than 20 times. Unfortunately, Ajaka committed suicide by hanging himself in a building when our men were on his trail.”

32-year-old man arrested by Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command, for allegedly deploying street urchins and thugs to fight a total stranger he met in a hotel has insisted that he is innocent of the robbery allegation over which he is being detained. Emmanuel Owotutu, who is now cooling his heels in SARS’ cell at GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, said he merely challenged a man he sighted at a hotel in New Era part of of Iyana-Ipaja, a suburb of Lagos, coming out with his wife. But he said he was accused of masterminding some looting and armed robbery carried out in the hotel by some urchins and thugs he deployed to fight the man. Explaining why he was being detained by the police, Owotutu, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, who resides at No 37, Adealu area of Agege, said: “I am a DJ and I do commercial entertainment or what we call public show for people who hire us. I am married with two children and all of them are living with me in Lagos.” Asked why he was arrested, he said: “Nobody arrested me. I was the one that went to Moshalashi Police Station to report people who beat me up and damaged my bus for challenging them for taking my wife to a hotel without my consent. The police station is in Gowon Estate, Iyana Ipaja. Instead of listening to me, they said that I was under arrest and ended up detaining me after telling me that some people had already lodged a complaint of vandalisation, stealing and armed robbery in a hotel bar where I confronted them with the people I had called to help me avenge the beating they meted out to me and for destroying my bus. “They told me that I was being arrested because those who had misunderstanding with me had reported at the police station before I came to lodge my own complaint, hence I was tagged the suspect while they were tagged the complainants. The complainants are two women, one Hellen Okewu and another. “The incident occurred on May 4 and I was

n Ebele BONIFACE n

transferred to SARS’ cell on May 5 this year. I became the suspect only because they reported at Gowon Police Station before me. They said I stole a laptop, a phone and N6,000. “I told them at the police station that somebody took my wife to a hotel around New Era side from Iyana Ipaja and that I was just performing in a showbiz when somebody called me on the phone that somebody had taken my wife to the hotel. So, I ran to the hotel and found that it was true. “When I got to the hotel, I waited outside. Less than 30 minutes later, my wife and the man came out. I did not know him. He was holding a toothpick. I asked him politely what he was doing there and why he took my wife to the hotel, but the man just removed the toothpick from his mouth and pushed me aside. “Since the guy did not answer, I faced my wife and asked what she was doing at the hotel at that time of the day. It was between 8.20 and 9.00 pm. She said she wanted to collect money from the man. I slapped her. “When I slapped her again, three guys who were seated in the hotel’s bar with the man and drinking beer became aggressive. I would not know whether they were bodyguards to the guy who took my wife there. “By the time I slapped my wife again, the three guys stood up and asked why I was beating that girl? Imagine, they called my wife that girl. “Before I knew it, the three guys descended on me, beating me to a pulp. They punched me in the eyes and wounded me. I was bleeding profusely. When the people around noticed what was happening, they came nearer and helped to stop the fight. That gave me the opportunity to run away because they were trying to beat me again. I left my bus and ran away. “But I did not run far. I hid somewhere around. I later decided to go to where I was

playing so that I would come back later to carry my bus. When I got there, I told them that I would not be playing again and that I wanted to return my instruments. They asked me why I did not want to play again and I told them that somebody took my wife to a hotel and that three people beat me up for asking them what they were doing with my wife, the mother of my children. “The people were angry that they did that to me and said we should go and see them. Four men followed me from where I was playing. When we got to the bar, I showed them the man that took my wife and his two bodyguards who beat me up. “The men who followed me scattered their drinking table and the two bodyguards ran into the hotel. I saw a guy in the hotel who begged me to talk to the four men that came with me on revenge mission to stop fighting and scattering the table. “I did not know that the two bodyguards who ran into the hotel had gone to call the area boys in the hotel. They came out with more than six hefty men clutching wine glasses and cigarettes. They came and started fighting the four guys who had come with me. I ran and hid myself and was watching them from a distance. “The four men I brought ran away and the other men started vandalizing my bus. They opened the door of my bus and damaged the glasses. I could not face them alone so I ran to the police station to report them, at Gowon Estate. “At the police station, they told me that the people who fought with me had come before me to report. They obtained my statement and put me in the cell. They called my wife and detained her too. The Police said the men I took to the hotel stole laptops, phones and money and that was why they damaged my bus. I told the police that they were the ones that damaged my bus and that nobody stole any laptop. “They said they should go and get the four men I brought to the hotel bar before they

Fear grips Ogun HERE is palpable fear in Ijoko community of AdoOdo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, following alleged threats by suspected hoodlums to unleash terror on residents. One of the immediate fallouts of the threat to peace is the suspension of the annual Ijoko Day celebration originally scheduled for May 9, 2015. The installation of new chiefs of the community held on May 8, 2015 at the palace of the traditional ruler of the area, Oba Lasisi Ogunseye, was hurriedly concluded after news of the planned attack filtered into the venue. Community leaders have sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) to the law enforcement agencies and the state government for adequate protection in view of the development. Their spokesman and Bobajiro of Ijoko, Chief Wahab Bankole, said they suspected that hood-

•A deserted street in Ijoko

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

olukunle87@yahoo.com

• Owotutu

would release me. I told the police to release me. Since my bus was with them, I would not run, but they refused. “I then told them that I would repair my bus by myself. I also told them that I have an ipad which I use for my showbiz. I told them that I would buy another one and one laptop. “The woman that sells pepper soup in the bar claimed that her pepper soup was wasted as a result of the fight and that she lost N6,000.

I asked how much everything would cost so that I would pay and end the trouble, and he said N200,000. “I asked where I would see N200,000. How much do I charge for my showbiz? I told them I have the highest mixer for my DJ thing and I can sell it for N450,000. I said they could keep it and she said no problem. They said they would release me. “I called my brother and he said he would arrest those people. I have been in cell for close to three weeks now. My lawyer and the girl came and said they would go to court. “I kept my son somewhere. My mother came and wanted to pay the complainants N100,000 to settle everything but they refused. They say they want to go to court. “I am starving. I want to go home. Tell them to release me. I want to go home.” The police said Owotutu would be charged for malicious damage, stealing and robbery, saying that the complainants are two women that were robbed. Even the person he accused of taking his wife to the hotel was said not to have shown up yet.

challenging a in a hotel’

( 08167164657 or 08023910970 )

I have been paying one year advance rent since I moved into the house a few years ago. This time around, I explained my inability to pay a one year advance rent and offered to pay six months’ rent and she agreed. She gave me receipts for the payment. My rent was to end by June, but I was shocked to receive a quit notice from her a few days after she collected the money from me

Tenant tackles landlady over illegal ejection notice

Lagos-based barber, Damilola Aden Kunle AKINRINADE n bowale, of No 23 Major Akinola before my rent is due. Street, Aboru, a suburb of Lagos State, A copy of the ejection notice signed by Barr has accused her landlady, Mrs S.O Sodimu, Bola Owosho reads in part: “I M.B.A Owosho of planning to forcibly eject him from the hereby as solicitor to your landlord, Mrs S.O house. Sodimu, do give you notice to quit and deAdebowale said he was shocked to receive liver up possession of the one room (aparta quit notice from his landlady shortly after ment) with appurtenances situate at the he paid a six month rent. above address which you hold of him (sic) as It was learnt that Adebowale had commumonthly tenant on or before the 31st day of nicated his inability to pay one year advance rent to Mrs Sodimu, following which he paid May 2015.” In a telephone conversation with our correfor six months covering up to the June. spondent, Barr Owosho said:” It is true that I He said the woman collected the money issued the quit notice to Adebowale, but I for him and subsequently issued receipts for cannot tell you the reason why his landlady the payment. instructed me to do so. The landlady is my He said that he was surprised to receive a client and the rationale behind the quit notice warning from his landlady to vacate his is not meant to be revealed apartment by May 31, 2015. to anybody.” “I have been paying one Meanwhile, Adebowale’s year advance rent since I counsel, Barr Omobolaji moved into the house a few Adejumo, cautioned against years ago. This time forcible ejection of his client. around, I explained my inAdejumo in a letter to ability to pay a one year adOwosho, said:” Our brief revance rent and offered to vealed there is a subsisting pay six months’ rent and and valid yearly tenancy she agreed. She gave me reagreement between our ceipts for the payment. My client and your client rerent was to end by June, but served the right to termiI was shocked to receive a nate such tenancy quit notice from her a few agreement. Our client does days after she collected the not wish to detain possesmoney from me. “ sion but will however insist “The quit notice was ison his legal right of being sued by her lawyer called served the statutory six Bola Owosho and I believed that it was wrong for her to •Kayode Aderanti, Lagos State month notice of a yearly tenant.” eject me from my apartment Police Commissioner

community as hoodlums threaten attack n Kunle AKINRINADE n lums supporting one of the contenders to the Ijoko throne were behind the threat to peace. He said “some strange faces” were sighted in the community just before the May 8 ceremony “but we thought they were new residents.” “It occurred to us a few days ago that they are not new residents but thugs who have been contracted to launch a fresh attack on our community,”Chief Bankole claimed. He alleged that some of the suspects are supposed to be facing trial in connection with the December 2014 violence which led to the destruction of property and vehicles in the community. He said:“Information reaching us indicated that some of the suspects currently standing trial in court for their involvement in the December 23, 2014 attack, who we learnt have regained their freedom are also part of the

plot to carry out another attack on innocent residents of our great community. The hoodlums threatened to carry out the attack in order to unsettle our community which has enjoyed relative peace lately. “While we do not know how the suspects managed to secure their freedom in court when the case has been adjourned till next month, we have reasons to believe that something was cooking considering the events which trailed the installation of new chiefs in the town on May 8, 2015. “The Ijoko Day celebration was to hold the next day (May 9), but it had to be cancelled when words got to us during the installation that some hoodlums were on their way to the town on several motorcycles; information we have confirmed to be true.” Some residents expressed fear for their lives and means of livelihood. A shop owner in the commu-

nity, Mrs Radeke Taiwo said: “ We had to hurriedly close our shops a few days ago when information got to us that the hoodlums were on their way to attack residents while the installation of chiefs was holding at the palace of Oba Lasisi Ogunseye. Personally, I am yet to get over the shock and I have decided to be more vigilant so as not to be caught unawares, if the hoodlums make good their threat to launch another attack on this community.” Spokesman for the State Police Command, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, advised the community leaders to formally lodge a complaint on the matter to the Ota Area Commander or state police headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta if their information is genuine. “Instead of talking to press or media, the community leaders should be free to report the matter to the office of the Area Commander in Ota or better still the

state police command, Abeokuta, and appropriate action shall be taken to contain any attack on the community,” he said. During the December breach of peace ,Oba Ogunseye’s palace was burnt down and the vehicles of several people holding a meeting there vandalized by hoodlums. The police subsequently arrested nine suspects in connection with the incident and recovered arms and ammunition from the palace of a rival oba. The butt of a locally made gun was also recovered from the palace of Oba Ogunseye. Mr Adejobi in a statement on the December incident said: ”Following the recent crises that rocked Ijoko town in Ado Odo/ Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, the state police command has embarked on proper investigation by pouncing on

the perpetrators of the crises that lasted for days and arrested nine suspects with arms and ammunition. “The investigation prompted the police teams from the Department of Criminal Investigation and Police Mobile Force, coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police(DCP) in charge of operations, Mr Egberebi Egbuson to conduct search and raids on the palaces and premises of the two disputing rulers, Oba Matanmi and Oba Ogunseye in the night of December 27,where nine suspects were arrested and 12 locally made single barreled guns,; two pump action guns,191 cartridges, two cutlasses, one axe, charms and masquerade clothing were recovered in the palace of Oba Matanmi and one butt of a locally made single barreled gun was recovered in the palace of Oba Ogunseye.

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30 30, 2015

â&#x20AC;˘Rabih Jaafar

Apapa Amusement Park: T

Coming alive again

he children milled in front of the gate to the park in expectation not minding the stern looking policemen stationed to man the gate. They waited impatiently not necessarily because there was an invitation extended to them to come there. They must have heard the fun spot is ready and being Children's Day, what better place was there to spend the day than the park? The day was far gone, but the children kept hope alive. Finally, around 3:00pm, a lady in yellow top and black jeans came and informed the policemen that the children should be allowed to go in. They overheard her and rushed to enter. They milled and pushed themselves in and sprinted from the parking area down to the main gate of the park. Inside, there were cups of chilled Coca- cola products to refresh with. They then dashed to the fun area. It was very obvious that these children

Tourism in Lagos received further boost as the managers of the reconstructed Apapa Amusement Park threw its doors open for the Children's Day celebration. Okorie Uguru, who was there, writes that the leisure facility would further enhance the tourism profile of the state both from rich and poor homes had been longing for a place like this. The first impression one gets on entering the park is the feeling that one is in one of those fun spots that dot the city. The buildings are built in the Arabian style architecture. The flat top with horns, the dark yellow paint and the rough wall all remind one of Dubai Jumeirah. This is a kind

of mini Jumeirah tucked inside Apapa. Some years ago, the Apapa Amusement Park used to be the number one leisure spot for family entertainment. Families trooped to the leisure spot for healthy family entertainment. That was before the rot set in and the park fell into decay and at the end of the day collapsed. Years after, just as the Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola administration in Lagos was winding up, a couple of tourist offerings were added to the state, giving residents and tourist visitors options for entertainment and relaxation. A few weeks after the commissioning of the family fun park at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lekki, another major family fun spot was added. The Apapa Amusement Park is back and better. The park tucked opposite the Apapa General Hospital, the new place has upped the ante in terms of choice fun spot for family. The park has just done a soft opening last Wednesday in honour of former Governor Fashola. The Lagos State government had concessioned it to the company to redevelop and bring back the former fun of the place. The new Apapa Amusement Park is

bigger and with better facilities than what were there before. In addition, there has been an addition of conference centre and indoor game facilities. There is also a minifootball field for visitors. Entering the game area, on the right is the rocket, the tea cup, carousel, pirate ship and many other games were all available. It is a place that one could easily spend the whole day without knowing. The managing director of Crystal Cubies Construction Company, the company the park was concessioned to, Mr. Rabih Jaafar, spoke about the new Apapa Amusement Park. He said the company had to start from the scratch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we came here, our engineer, that is our partner, had the vision of an amusement park that he had seen in Dubai. All these buildings you see, they are like what you see in Dubai's Jumeirah, so he had the vision of building a kind of a smaller version of Jumeirah becau se of the lan

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30 30, 2015

Southern Sun Ikoyi gets 2015 Certificate of Excellence

“That is what we have done here. For the rides, we went through children and adults. It is not only for children. There are amusement facilities for teenagers and adults also. They will be improved upon in the near future,”Jaafar said. He talked about the facilities so far put in place and what would be added in future. “There is the disco ride. It is for adults. It can take 24 persons. There is also the bumper cars for adults and children, the carousel for children and adults, the rockets, the pirate ship for children, the spinner and the tea cup for children. “ We also have an air bicycle for fun and exercise. It is not electrically operated, you paddle it. With the children playing at the carousel, the adults could have fun with the air bicycle and still monitor them from the top. “It is a total fun spot for the family. You can come here and spend your day easily having fun. We will have snacks, pop-corn and ice-cream points. “There is the 7-D cinema facility. We have indoor games. We are going to add an arcade in the next two or three months. Hopefully there will be gym and conference facilities. “With what we have here on ground, there is no need to go out of Lagos. Sorry to say it, now there is not a place to go and spend the

outhern Sun Ikoyi Hotel has won its fifth consecutive Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2015. The Certificate of Excellence, which is earned only by receiving consistently great reviews from the hotel's customers and international travellers, posted onto the world's largest travel portal trip advisor. The hotel says the award “fully reaffirms Southern Sun Ikoyi's commitment to delivering quality, consistent and leading service within Nigeria's thriving hospitality sector.” Reflecting on the thrill of receiving the desirable international certification, General Manager of Southern Sun Ikoyi, Mark Loxley, commented that “the much coveted certification is indeed a great honour, continuing that, “the fifth consecutive win for the hotel is of particular significance being that this distinctive certification does not only celebrate the hotel's excellence in hospitality services but more importantly that the award is voted for, by the esteemed guests, travelers and visitors to the hotel ”. Mr. Loxley encapsulated allby stating that “Southern Sun Ikoyi will not rest on its oars rather, it will continue to raise the bar of quality service delivery and standards to its valued customers”. The recent win comes with an added merit to the hotel as it also signifies Southern Sun Ikoyi's official adoption into the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, Hall of Fame, an outstanding international accolade of distinction, granted only to businesses that have won the Certificate of Excellence for five years in a row.

Lufthansa sets fuel efficiency record

full day in family entertainment. That is what we have here. It is a good place for tourists to come to while in Lagos. “ We brought in experts to put this together. They have done it in Lebanon and in Senegal. This is their second construction in Africa. In Lebanon, they have done about seven. This is the second one in Africa. “If things go well, we are thinking of building others within Lagos and later out of Lagos. We have offers to build outside Lagos, but we first want to put this one on sound footing”,he said. Some of the parents that brought their children to the park commented also. “It is a pleasure to have such a place here in Apapa. It is a place that I will always bring my children. They really had a good time” said Mrs. Atinuke Ajao who came with two children. Although almost every thing needed for families to have a good time has been put in the place, the management of the park said what was done on the Children's Day was simply a soft opening for children to also feel the facilities and enjoy themselves for that day. The doors of the park would be fully thrown wide open to fun lovers in the middle of July at the end of the Ramadan.

Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc begin joint business

atar Airways has signed a business partnership agreement with Royal Air Maroc, a statement by the Moroccan carrier has said. The statement quoted the Qatar Airways' Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, and the Royal Air Maroc's Chairman, Mr. Driss Benhima, as saying that the agreement involved commercial cooperation, which would result in significant benefits for passengers of both airlines. According to the statement, Royal Air Maroc will operate three weekly flights between Casablanca and Doha. The agreement was signed at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in the presence of journalists and travel trade partners. It said the join business would benefit passengers by providing better links between Qatar and Morocco, greater choice of flights to more destinations and enhanced frequent flyer benefits, adding that with the new agreement, passengers would be able to purchase a single itinerary combining flights on both carriers' global networks, affording them the ease of one stop ticketing and baggage check in. The statement read: “Royal Air Maroc will be operating three weekly flights with a Boeing 787

Dreamliner to Doha complimenting Qatar Airways' existing seven times weekly to Casablanca, giving passengers the flexibility of using a combination of flights from both airlines and aligned fares on their journey to and from Qatar and Morocco, significantly increasing their options. “Qatar Airways and Royal Air Maroc will also be improving flight transfers for passengers through enhancing and expanding the code share network beyond their respective hub cities of Doha and Casablanca” The Royal Air Maroc boss was quoted as saying that “the Moroccan company is pleased to conclude the historic partnership that consolidates fraternal relations between the two countries” He said:“This agreement is a crucial phase in the history of the Royal Air Maroc since it allows a bridge between Asia and African that will facilitate the movement of customers in the best conditions due to the extensive network of Qatar Airways in Asia and the dense network of Royal Air Maroc in Africa by transiting through the hubs of the two companies”.

ufthansa Group airlines has set a new fuel efficiency record of 3.84 litres per passenger and 100 kilometers. Lufthansa Cargo is also transporting freight more efficiently than ever fleet modernisation is progressing The airlines in the Lufthansa Group have once again set a record for efficiency: In 2014, the planes of the passenger fleets only used an average of 3.84 litres of kerosene (2013: 3.91 l/100pkm) to carry a passenger 100 kilometres. This represents an improvement of 1.6 per cent over the previous year. As in previous years, the Group has thus met the demanding aerospace industry target of annual efficiency gains of 1.5 per cent. Whether Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines or German wings - all airlines in the Lufthansa Group have continued to improve their specific consumption values. The cargo aircraft of Lufthansa Cargo were also more efficient than ever, with 0.183 litres/tonne kilometres - an improvement of 5.2 per cent over 2013. In 2014, Group-wide efficiency in cargo transportation was increased by 0.8 per cent. In the reporting year 2014, the absolute fuel consumption in the Group increased slightly by 0.7 per cent with an increase in

transport capacity of 1.9 per cent, so the trend towards the decoupling of transport capacity and fuel consumption was also continued successfully. The further reduction of specific fuel consumption is foreseeable through the investment in new, more efficient and low-noise aircraft. Lufthansa has now put the last of 19 Boeing 747-8 aircraft into service. The aircraft is 15 per cent more fuel efficient than its predecessor model B 747-400. By 2025, the company will receive 272 aircraft at a list value of 38 billion euros. This is the biggest fleet modernisation programme in the history of the Lufthansa Group. In 2015 alone, 17 aircraft will be delivered to the Group. The basis for further achievements in environmental performance is the fourpillar strategy established for climate protection, which combines different environmental measures. In addition to numerous programmes for the more efficient use of the resource kerosene, the Group is also focusing on the research and use of alternative, low-CO2 fuels.

Ghana's AW Airlines partners Akwaaba for Accra Weizo

frica World Airlines (AWA) and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra will be the official airline and hotel sponsors for Accra Weizo 2015. The one-day event slated for July 3 will also feature award for top 20 travel personalities in WestAfrica. These individuals were selected from a list of 100 top travel personalities in WestAfrica based on their impact, legacy and influence in tourism promotions, aviation, hospitality, conservation, transport and travel business. Some of the awardees are Otunba Wanle Akinboboye-CEO, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, ( Tourism Man of the YearNigeria) Sir, Joseph Arumemi-IkhideChaiman, Arik Air (Aviation Personality of the Year West-Africa), Dr. Kwabena AdjeiFounder Kasapreko (West African Personality of the Year) Mr.Adeseyi SijuadeMD, Nigeria Railway Corporation( Travel Personality of the Year-Nigeria) to mention a few. The AWA Commercial Manager Katherine Tosan Woode received Weizo document from Mr Ikechi Uko in Accra. Official airline for Weizo-Africa World Airlines is adjugded “Domestic Airline of the Year” by the Ghana Tourism Awards and is Ghana's fastest growing regional airline commanding a sizeable share of the domestic traffic and operating flights between Accra and Lagos. It has also offered chartered services for renowned world leaders, including the President of Liberia. Accra Weizo, 2015 seeks to bring to fruition the dreams of former DG of the

Nigerian Civil Aviation Agency, NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren who said in Abuja at the Bantaba event 2012, while receiving the award of Travel Personality of the Year that West Africa should be single domestic aviation environment integrating safety regulations, airline connections and airports. Dr. Demuren has since left NCAA, but his vision for the seamless integration is still far from reality. This vision of a seamless travel experience is the main focus of a one-day travel event slated for July 3 at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana. The event is to be hosted by the Honourable Minister of Tourism and Creative Arts, Ghana, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare. With the theme “Seamless Travel in West Africa”, Weizo is targeted at the founding vision of ECOWAS to create a region of one people integrating and growing together. It is coming as ECOWAS celebrates 40 years of existence. With a population of close to 300 million people in 15 countries and a fast growing economic block, West Africa started the regional integration race in Africa since the 1970s but has since lagged behind East and Southern Africa. With over 40 airports the economy of the region can sustain a viable travel and tourism industry. Weizo seeks to bring travel professionals together to share knowledge and work out a future path of success for the region.

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

By Professor Dayo Oyekole Ph.D. (Ibadan), NMD, FNCP Tel: 0803-330-3897 Website: www.holisticlifecare.com E-mail: kolemetric@yahoo.com

From left: The Managing Director/CEO of NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, Mr. Akin Lawal; Acting Chairman of the bank, C.P Usman Isah Baba (rtd); and DIG (Mrs.) Florence Adebanjo (rtd), chairperson of the bank at her send-off organized by the bank at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

Blatter re-elected

• Says I'll bring FIFA back on course

EPP Blatter has been reelected as FIFA president after Prince Ali conceded defeat, despite forcing the vote into a second round. The 79-year-old has been handed a fifth term in office and will stand for another four years as the head of football's world governing body. Many members, including UEFA president Michel Platini and FA chairman Greg Dyke, called for Blatter to be removed from his role following the latest corruption scandal. On Wednesday, seven football officials were arrested in Zurich on suspicion of corruption, money laundering and racketeering following allegations than more than $100m (£65m) was accepted in bribes from the 1990s to the present day. Prior to this week's scandal, Blatter was widely expected to be re-elected with two third of the vote, but Prince Ali came closer than expected and forced proceedings into a second round of voting.

However, moments before member associations voted again, Prince Ali announced to Congress that he was withdrawing from the race and thanked those "brave enough" to vote for him. However, Blatter has admitted that he's "not perfect" but is determined to bring FIFA back "off shore" following the latest corruption scandal. The 79-year-old failed to win a majority vote, but before the second round began, challenger Prince Ali withdrew from the presidency race. Many members, including UEFA president Michel Platini and FA chairman Greg Dyke, urged for Blatter to step down, but the 79-year-old has vowed to stay in office for the next four years. In his acceptance speech, Blatter said: "First of all, I would like to give compliments and express gratitude to Prince Ali, because he was a challenger and he has obtained a very good result. He could have said 'no, let's go

further and perhaps I would have received more votes'. "But I thank you for accepting me for the next four years. I will be in command of this boat called FIFA and we will bring it back off shore. We have some organisational problems. We need women in this committee we have to do more. I will not touch the World Cup, it is too important. "I take responsibility to bring back FIFA, with you we will do it, I am convinced. I am a faithful man, now God, Allah or whoever we believe in, they will help us to bring back FIFA. I promise you at the end of my term I will give FIFA to my successor in a very strong position. "The age is no problem. Some people are 50 and look old. I like you and I like my job and I would like to be with you. I am not perfect, but we will do a good job together. Let's go FIFA, let's go FIFA!" Blatter will now stand for a fifth term.

Eagles need change too

<<<<<<Continued from back page that we don’t want to take those not playing for their chances is cheap, especially clubs should be dropped. when many of the foreignThey expect that those with based players are bench proven injuries (either recuwarmers in Europe. perating or in PoP) are ruled Indeed, the coaches must out. They also want to see tell us where they saw Kennew players making their neth Omeruo, for instance, marks at their clubs to be play in the last one month? listed. Most importantly, the How regularly do Onazi and expectation is hinged on the Oboabona play for their clubs? number of local boys from the How did our coaches feel domestic leagues who will be watching the Coca Cola selected. Indeed, most counChampionships’ playoff at tries measure the growth of Wembley in England on Monthe domestic game by the day afternoon, with Omeruo number of local boys in their not good enough to sit on national teams, especially the Middlesbrough FC’s reserve senior team. players’ bench? If Omeruo Interestingly, the quest for was good, he would have home-grown players inbeen selected for the creases when the opposition Middlesborough side in its of a country is underneath most important game of the such countries. The reason is season. Monday’s match dethat they can use such games cided the last team to be proto truly gauge theirs and see moted to the elite Barclays Enif the FIFA ranking is worth glish Premier League next seait. son. I don’t need to be a coach I’m not a coach but I know to know that it is undeservwhat to expect from any ing for Omeruo to make the coach picking our national Nigerian squad ahead of othteams. Flipping through the ers who play in his position list of home-grown players across the globe. This is how picked for the June 13 game our coaches make us the against Chad in Kaduna, I laughing stock. We are tired was impressed because it had of this gimmick of rebuilding. some of the performing playNigeria is blessed to have ers in the domestic league. over six teams of very However, I was livid when talented 23 players, only if the release came from the NFF our coaches are sincere with that our chief coach had their selection. picked 15 foreign-based playIf we cannot beat Chad ers for the match. with home-grown players, I reached for my calculator then the NFF must look for to do the arithmetic of multicoaches who can do the job plying $10,000 (the price for for us. How can we spend winning matches) by 15. My $13,000 on each of the 15 inheart sank. Using the black vited foreign players because market rate of the naira to the we want to beat Chad? We dollar, I intuitively asked mymust cultivate the culture of self – how much is Chad’s challenging our home-based football worth, with due replayers. It is no news beating spect? I became very sad Chad with three-quarters of when I tried to add up the the players from Europe. cost of tickets refund to each The home-based stars can of the foreign players (most beat Chad resoundingly, if times $3,000 each) and I told that they would earn asked again – why are our $10,000 (N2.1 million in 90 coaches so wise? Why can’t minutes) for the victory. For they emulate the foreign players who earn N30,000 coaches who painstakingly monthly, the thought of watch the domestic league to counting $10,000 is enough discover new players who motivation. can rejuvenate the team - not Missing in the Eagles is the those tiring stars who send motivation to perform. The spectators to early sleep in the players lack the vision and stadium and at home? cannot understand how the Why do we need 15 forfans feel anytime they lose eign-based players to play matches. Would you blame against Chad? What would them? We lost to Uganda and we do against Egypt? The talk a particular player opted out

to Europe. That is the trend. The home-based players remain here and see how a win for the Eagles is celebrated. They know that they dare not lose at home because they would have nowhere to hide. History is replete with instances of uninvited players paying their way to train with the Eagles, and making the team. The late Sochukwuma Samuel Okwaraji paid his way to Enugu to train with the Super Eagles. Okwaraji earned his shirt and introduced a new trend for players who knew their onions. Need I recount how Michael Emenalo broke into Nigeria’s senior team to the 1994 USA World Cup, in spite of the fact that he wasn’t part of the team that lifted the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations? If bench warmers, such as Omeruo, think they deserve a shirt in the Eagles, they must emulate Okwaraji and Emenalo by paying their way to camp. Playing for Nigeria shouldn’t be anchored on what players did before but on what they can contribute now. However, one is excited with the reports from the Home Eagles’ game on Tuesday in Katsina. They created chances which were fluffed. One didn’t expect them to win the game, given the short times they spent together. But they showed that they could play football. They showed passion and the willingness to learn. They were ready to compete, a trait missing in recent Eagles’ game. Sadly, we were told that a goal was disallowed. Rightly or wrongly, what this trend showed me was the future of the game, especially with the Flying Eagles and Dream Team VI stars lurking is bright. The Eagles need new names at the Russia 2018 World Cup. The old stock cannot take us to the new heights that we desire. We must utilise our gains in New Zealand and Rio d’ Janerio (2016 Oympic Games) next year to reshape our senior team for the good of the game. I hope the coaches are prepared for the country’s new mantra – change. The Eagles need change too. Let somebody say amen!

THE NATION SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY MAY 30, 2015

News 71

How IPMAN crisis contributed to fuel scarcity—President

•The immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan second right), and his wife, Dame Patience (right), being received by the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, and his wife, Rachael, on his arrival at the Glory Land Helipad, Yenagoa, shortly after a successful hand-over ceremony in Abuja

HE Independent Market ers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President, Lawson Obasi, yesterday revealed that the disunity in the association, which denied its members petroleum products allocation contributed to the lingering fuel scarcity. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Obasi assured the citizenry that upon the return of peace to the association, fuel scarcity would become history. He said: “This problem that has engulfed the IPMAN for quite a long time is one of the causes of this scarcity. I can assure you that with this peace, there will be no scarcity anymore.” According to him, 60 per cent of the downstream petroleum market-retail outlets and stations and 10,000 workers are of the IPMAN that were faced with a prolonged crisis . “ We control over 60% of the retail outlets across the nation. And our members are so wide.

Jonathan arrives Yenagoa to rousing reception •Ex-President restates: I’ll devote rest of my life to peace F

ORMER President Goodluck Jonathan yes terday received a rousing reception from his kinsmen when he returned to Bayelsa State after handing over to President Muhammadu Buhari. Dressed in Ijaw attire, Jonathan and his wife, who wore a flowing red gown, walked gracefully into the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, the venue of the grand reception organised in his honour by the Seriake Dickson government. Colourfully dressed Ijaw women, Ijaw leaders and youths trooped to the arena to welcome their kinsman whom they described as the hero of democracy and ambassador of peace. The crowd let out cries of joy as the former President and his entourage entered the almost congested hall at about 3:13pm. The Bomo Council of Chiefs and People, Women for Change Initiative (WCI), the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association (UPAS), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) were among the groups who came to welcome the former President. Jonathan and his wife were accompanied by Dickson and his wife, Rachel, former governors, former ministers and some members of the National Assembly. Among dignitaries who followed the former President to his home state were the former Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Pius Anyim; Governor of

Faith YAHAYA, Olugbenga ADANIKIN Abuja and Mike ODIEGWU, Yenagoa

Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi. The former President told his kinsmen that he would henceforth dedicate the rest of his life to the promotion of peace. He said: "I am grateful to all Nigerians. The best I can do now is to dedicate the remaining part of my life to peace across the country. "Nigerians have given me so much that I cannot pay back and that is why I maintain that we need peace in this country,“ he said. He expressed confidence in the ability of Buhari's administration to make Nigerians happy. He said he was particularly impressed by Buhari's bold statement that he would work for all Nigerians. He thanked Dickson for honouring him with the reception, adding that he was encouraged by the love extended to them by the people of the state. The former President gave an insight into how he embraced politics saying he only wanted to render community service to his people. He said: "I really don't have anything to say. The only thing I can do is to thank all Bayelsans, all people from

Suicide bomber kills six at Borno village wedding

HE Police Commissioner in Borno State, Mr Aderemi Opadokun, has confirmed the killing of six people by a suicide bomber in Borno State. According to him, the bomber struck at a wedding venue in Tashan Alade in the Hawul Local Government Area. Hawul, which is about 215 kilometres from Maiduguri, has suffered a series of Boko Haram attacks in recent time. CP Opadokun also said that 30 people were injured during the attack and had been

Duku JOEL, Maiduguri hospitalized. His words: “I confirm the report on an alleged suicide bombing in Tashan Alade in the Hawul Local Government Area. The incident was reported to be at a wedding. “Currently, six persons, all males, whose identities are unknown, were confirmed dead, while 30 others were injured,'' he said. He added that the police had commenced investigation into the issue.

the South South and indeed all Nigerians for giving me the opportunity to serve.” Dickson in his opening remarks described Jonathan as the hero of democracy in Nigeria, Africa and the emerging world. He said: "Today, all your brothers and sisters say welcome to you. For over three

days, your brothers and sisters have been waiting to honour you. The elders will join me to lead you to Otuoke". Earlier, former President Jonathan left the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport on the Nigerian Air Force Aircraft, flight 5N-FGW. Some of those who bade him farewell at the presiden-

tial wing of the airport were the former Vice-President, Namadi Sambo; former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki;former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke; former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka; and former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed.

PDP congratulates new president

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has joined millions of people around the world to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari on his inauguration as President Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic. In a statement yesterday by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh the PDP wished the new President success in piloting the affairs of the country for the next four years. "The PDP wishes President

Gbade OGUNWALE, Assistant Editor, Abuja Buhari a successful tenure as President of our dear nation. Indeed, we appreciate the fact that his success would be to the benefit of Nigeria as a nation. It is against this backdrop that we wish him good health, vigour and wisdom to pilot the affairs of the nation for the next four years. “We also join millions of Nigerians and the international

community in commending and applauding immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan for a smooth transition as well as his democratic credentials and enduring legacies in ensuring the stability of the nation”, the statement said. The statement added that as a party that has nurtured and sustained democracy in the last 16 years, the PDP would remain committed to the democratic ethos as well as the unity, stability and prosperity of Nigeria at all times.

We have over 10,000 members and over 30,000 petrol stations throughout the nation,” he said. During the crisis, said Obasi, the members could not get its allocations from the Pipeline Product Marketing Company (PPMC) which resulted in giving allocations solely to Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DPPMA) that were coincidentally on strike.

Group urges Buhari to be focused

HE Police Assistance Committee (PAC) has urged in-coming president Muhammadu Buhari not to be distracted, but be focused by following his own intuition and be his own self in taking right decisions to direct the affairs of the country. Speaking at a one-day orientation programme organized in Abuja for PAC members on how to work with the new government, the Director General Dr. Martins John-Oni stressed on the need for the new president to be weary of noise-makers and horde of over-night loyalists who may be surrounding him with unsolicited advices that could derail his good intentions. The PAC boss advised the president not to be bordered with probes and enquiries of the immediate past administration, but should rather put his energy and attention on how to correct the anomalies and provide good governance, particularly in the power and oil sectors of the economy. Dr. John Martins Oni lamented the near collapse of the oil and power sectors in the last two decades whilst urging the new government to critically address both sectors by introducing good policies and appointing tested technocrats with integrity as ministers to oversee the sectors for the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Nigerians should brace up for challenges ahead, APC chieftain

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and Baba Adinni of Ikeja Division, Chief Ayo Akande, has advised Nigerians to brace up for the challenges ahead in the country. Akande gave this advice on Sunday at the turbanning ceremony of Sheikh Sulaeman Bayonle Husain as the new Chief Imam of Aguda Oke-Ira Muslim Community Central Mosque. The party chieftain, who solicited for the cooperation of the Muslim community in praying for the success of the new administration, warned that Nigerians should not expect overnight miracles from the Muhammadu Buhari administration,adding that “the next one year will be tough and sweet”. “For those who are willing to adjust to positive changes in our nation, it will be sweet for them, but for those who cannot adapt to changes and still want to bask in the euphoria of the past, it will be tough”. The APC ,he said, won the last presidential election in the country based on moral grounds hinged on President

Buhari, hence he is the hope of Nigerians. “In the light of this, Nigerians should co-operate with the president to make their hope a huge success”. Akande, who is also the Baba Adinni of Oke-Ira Aguda Mus-

lim Community Central Mosque, implored Muslim clerics to participate in politics to fight bad leadership and the oppression of the poor. He said the philosophy upon which every religion is based “is humanity, hence clerics should

join politics to practise the goodness in religion in order to improve humanity”. He enjoined Muslim clerics to take a cue from the Vice President , Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a lawyer and pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

New govt urged to remove oil subsidy

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to remove subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise called petrol, bec ause a cabal is using it to exploit Nigerians. The Executive Vice Chairman of Broron Oil and Gas Ltd, Lekki, Lagos, Chief Henry Ojogho, who spoke in Lagos yesterday, said Nigerians have been under siege since 1985 when the General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida regime took over the mantle of leadership. He said: “A cabal is exploiting our country under the guise of subsidy. A lot of money has been stolen through subsidy from 1985 to date. “I enjoin the Buhari administration to recover the stolen funds and use them to revive the economy. The new govern-

ment should probe the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). “Fraudulent people in the corporation are exploiting us through the so-called subsidy. They wrecked our refineries and put in place subsidy to exploit us.” Ojogho, whose company is into offshore and subsea engineering, said the refineries should be repaired to enable them produce at optimum capacity. He said after “three months of this government in office, there shouldn’t be need for us to import petroleum products again.” According to him, the local content division of the oil industry should be sanitized and overhauled by the Buhari ad-

ministration, to ensure a levelplaying field. His words: “If the NNPC wants the local content to function, it has to do more work. Operation in the local content is selective. We see no reason why Broron Oil and Gas Ltd’s vessels should be lying idle. It is not ideal for our vessels to be lying idle. Nigerians, who have vessels, should be given preference. The people at the NNPC are using foreign vessels, instead of ours. This is wrong. “They grabbed my job and gave it to a foreign company. This is unfair. Many things are wrong with the bid system. NNPC should deal with the right people. Government should seek our opinion to ensure the development of the oil industry.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY MAY 30, 2015

News 71

How IPMAN crisis contributed to fuel scarcity—President

Jonathan arrives Yenagoa to rousing reception •Ex-President restates: I’ll devote rest of my life to peace F

Faith YAHAYA, Olugbenga ADANIKIN Abuja and Mike ODIEGWU, Yenagoa

Suicide bomber kills six at Borno village wedding

PDP congratulates new president

Group urges Buhari to be focused

Nigerians are heroes of the moment, says Tinubu

HE National Leader of the All Progressives Con gress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, last night maintained that Nigerians who trooped out to vote for the new government are the real heroes of democracy. He made the remark during the 2015 Presidendial Inauguration Gala Night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to him, they shunned monetary inducement aimed at buying their votes and conscience during the election. He said: "Money and open privilege, despite heavy inducement to move otherwise, the people were not induced or intimidated. The people voted for their better destiny at last election. The average Nigerian, decent, hardworking, unseen and anonymous, they voted. "They are the heroes of this glorious moment. Without their faith in democracy and belief in better future, this election would not have been had and we will not be celebrating the inauguration of a new president tonight."

Augustine EHIKIOYA, Abuja He went on: "Congratulations to millions of Nigerians at home and abroad. Congratulations to Africa, Nigeria is ready to lead. Today, we celebrate; tomorrow, we will turn our energy and our polity to the task at hand, giving better life for the people and our beloved country. "A new era is upon us, all here are blessed by the hand of great providence to witness the awakening of our nation. This noble moment will endure for long after we have expired. A new president has been inaugurated, a new government established and a commitment to build a new Nigeria has been consecrated. “We celebrate the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari. In him, we have a leader who is principled, bold, determined, passionate and determined to lead. He is like those leaders who have led their nations to greatness in time past. “We celebrate because his election was a testament to the path of human decency and

sovereignty of the people "We celebrate Nigeria's friends from Africa and around the world joining us today. Your presence is an expression of goodwill that shall never be forgotten. Your presence underscores for us the importance that Nigeria holds in the comity of nations. “That we have accomplished a peaceful transition of administration from one different political party, that is an historical landmark," he added He urged Nigerians to pray for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari and his government. "They come into power at a difficult moment and we grapple with multiple challenges. We will be there for you and with you, Mr. President. May his administration take the first mighty step in reconstructing a new and better Nigeria for all our people. May he begin to lay the foundation for a better house for all of us. “Faith now ushers in a period of light and revival that will guide us to the upper road and a higher purpose. We

thank God for this chance, for it was not guaranteed by our labour or by our effort. But it comes from the power of God Almighty." He said that it was now time for Nigeria to lead Africa. "General Muhammadu Buhari and other African heads of state here. The challenge is yours. We that are looking up to you will continue to do so with great commitment and perseverance and all sense of value that Africans must build Africa to show that Africans can compete," he stated. President Buhari, at the occasion, thanked African and world leaders that came to Nigeria to witness the inauguration of the new government. He also urged for more prayers from Nigerians in order to succeed in office. According to him, one of the quickest ways to boost the Nigerian economy is through agriculture and mining. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun and former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, also gave glory to God for the new dawn.

TOMORROW IN THE NATION PUNCHLINE

At your first coming, you ruled by decrees; you cannot do that now, much as you will be tempted. You must now find ways of persuading people about the rightness of your action and how beneficial it will be for them to swallow the bitter pill you are about to shove down their throat —Oyinkan Medubi

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.10, NO. 3230

ESTERDAY must been one of the low est, loneliest and most haunting days for former President Goodluck Jonathan. He had the not too pleasant duty of handing over power to his democratically elected successor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Only God almighty must have known went through his mind as Dr Jonathan made his final exit from the Aso Rock presidential villa, the luxurious abode that had been his residence for the past six years. Could he wish he had done more things differently? Did he think he should have chosen his inner circle of friends with greater care and circumspection? For a man who rode to power on the crest of a pan – Nigerian sympathy, the lonely trip back to his native Otuoke must have been not a lit bit painful. This column will not join those who have vehemently excoriated and criticised Dr Jonathan for the excesses of impunity, disrespect for the law and sheer mediocrity as well as monumental corruption that characterised his administration and was largely responsible for the resounding trouncing of the PDP at the last general elections. I think it would be uncharitable to hit a man when he is already down. Yes, under the presidential system of government, the buck stops at the presidency’s table. His office and its phenomenal powers constitute the centre of gravity around which government revolves. Where the President is weak, vacillating, lacking attention to detail and deficient in stellar intellect, the government will tend to drift and the society will inevitably descend to the Hobbesian state of nature where life is nasty, brutish, solitary and short. The point here is that Dr Jonathan’s lacklustre approach to governance, his tendency for dilatoriness resulted in a paralysis of will in his administration that gave an assortment of criminals – Boko Haram jihadists, armed robbers, kidnappers, ritual killers etc. a field day to operate with impunity as if the Nigerian state had suddenly disappeared. However, it will be unfair and unrealistic to blame solely Goodluck Jonathan for the myriad of ills that led to his ignominious defeat in the March 28 election. Yes, the framers of the Nigerian constitution deliberately designed the Nigerian presidency to be all powerful and totally symbolic and representative of the country’s authority. One of the reasons for this was to ensure the emergence of a President who enjoys a national mandate and is thus is a cohesive, uniting force in the nation. This was meant to correct perceived lapses in the First Republic, where the Prime Minster only had the mandate of his immediate constituency although he emerged as Prime Minister on the basis of is being the leader of the party with a majority of seats in parliament. Now, the big question is this: The framers of the constitution gave the Nigerian presidency immense powers but they also

Is GEJ solely to blame?

‘

The inordinate powers of the Nigerian presidency can transform the most well -meaning leaders into absolute monsters. It is an institution that by its sheer power, authority and influence can bring out the worst in the best of men

•Jonathan hemmed in that powerful institution with a number of checks and balances obviously aware of Lord Acton’s famous dictum that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Among the formal and non –formal checks on the uses and abuses of presidential power were a vibrant, vigilant civil society, a vigorous media speaking truth to power, a powerful National Assembly and a judiciary with unblemished moral integrity. In the absence of any of these countervailing forces, anybody who occupies the Nigerian presidency, no matter how well intentioned, will end up being power drunk and an utter stooge in the hands of expert manipulators of the system. In the run up to the last general elections, Dr Jonathan was likened in several newspaper adverts and commercials to such worldhistoric leaders as Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela Chairman Mao or George Washington. It would have been understandable if these media outfits had collected the adverts, benefited from the abundant revenue but remained firmly committed in their advertorials and opinion pages to the truth. Unfortunately, in the print and electronic media prior to the elections, truth became indistinguishable from falsehood. Now, if the media fails to rise above clannish, ethno-regional as well

’

as pecuniary considerations, how can anyone in good conscience place all responsibility for the country current malaise solely at the footsteps of Dr Jonathan? The same argument can be made as regards the National Assembly, which most times in playing its oversight role only engaged in elaborate grandstanding in order to feather its own nest without caring a hoot about the public good. Perhaps the only saving grace we have had in this disposition is the judiciary which, in spite of its own fair share of bad eggs, has tried to interpret the laws fairly and dispassionately as well as adjudicate issues between parties without fear or favour. My fear is that if the powers of of the Nigerian presidency are not severely curtailed it has the tendency to turn every occupant of that office into a monster. Let us take Goodluck Jonathan. When he told us most humbly before the 2011 election, that he had no shoes as a child, millions believed him. They saw him as belonging to a background they could associate with – poverty stricken and modest. They were all too willing to cast their votes for one of their kind believing that if Jonathan could achieve the feat, their own children could also in future. Jonathan must also have spoken from the heart when he once declared that he would not like to rule as Nebuchadnezzar or a Pha-

raoh. He would not like to be identified with any of the tyrants of the past. Again, his seeming humility and modesty connected with millions of his countrymen and women. In the final analysis, many would contend that GEJ ended up in many ways worse than Nebuchadnezzar or Pharaoh. They refer to his infamous intervention in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum internal affairs that ended up in breaking the body into factions. Another point was his refusal to reinstate the former Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, even on the recommendation of the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC), which found him guilty of no offences. Until Jonathan’s final day in office, he continued to retain Mr Abba Moro in office despite the tardiness of his Ministry in conducting aptitude tests for applicants for jobs in the National Immigration Service (NIS) at which thousands of applicants cramped into stadia across the country were either killed or wounded. Up till now, no account has been given of the over N1000 each collected from aspirants in what has turned out to be an expensive fraud. Perhaps the greatest culprits in the utter failure that the GEJ administration became, was the civil society. A civil society that played such a crucial role in helping to achieve the democracy we enjoy today simply went into coma with the attainment of civilian rule in 1999. But for he concerted efforts that forced a cabal around late President Yar’Adua to pave way for the emergence of Dr Jonathan as President, in accordance with the constitution as well as the nationwide mass mobilisation against the 2012 fuel price hike, civil society remain practically paralysed. Thus, one scandal was succeeded by an even more audacious one but life continued as usual. Twenty billion dollars was allegedly missing from the nation’s coffers. Life continued as if did not matter. A Minister was alleged to have spent N10 billion on chartered private jets for official and unofficial engagements. Another Minister was given a gracious farewell from the Federal Executive Council when it could no longer contain pressures for her removal for authorising the purchase of bullet proof jeeps for her use without due appropriation. The inordinate powers of the Nigerian presidency can transform the most well meaning leaders into absolute monsters. It is an institution that by its sheer power, authority and influence can bring out the worst in the best of men. The change President Buhari must begin with is that of the presidency itself. Its resources, power and responsibilities must be deliberately decentralized so that the institution of presidency must become a hand maiden rather than the obstacle to development it currently is. I join millions of Nigerians in wishing former President Goodluck Jonathan a safe and fulfilling trip back to Otuoke. He came, he saw, but was conquered by the all too powerful Nigerian presidency.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Eagles need change too

OVE me, hate me, chastise me, I will al ways insist on doing what is right for the beautiful game to grow here. The multiplier effect of our soccer doing well globally is that other sports benefit from firms which cannot secure contracts with the biggest brand in Nigeria- the Super Eagles. I get irritated by the postulation that there is a Nigerian way of doing things. Such ways are fraudulent and that is the reason the country is crawling, even with her enormous human and natural resources. Soccer is the opium of our people. It is the best tranquilliser for the sick - if it is run properly to produce cheering results. Soccer is the best unifying index for Nigerians. It is the only reason why we recognise ourselves as one

people devoid of creed, colour or/and ethnicity. Soccer and other sports are best public relations tools to change people’s perception of Nigeria. I recall with joy how the Europeans and Americans celebrated Chioma Ajunwa’s gold medal feat at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, in spite of the fact that Nigeria was then a pariah nation - no thanks to the jackboot era under the late Gen. Sani Abacha. Nothing was more exciting than the moment everyone stood still while the Nigerian anthem was being sung and Ajunwa, all smiles - incredulous about how her world had changed from being an alleged drug cheat before the event to the crowning glory of being atop the Olympic Games’ winners’ dais. The newspapers splashed on their front

pages Ajunwa’s picture in Nigerian colours. It was the first time something good was being written and celebrated during the draconian Abacha era. I know how we felt inside the October 3 Stadium in Georgia when Nigeria won the Olympic Games football gold medal. It was an awesome feeling. Magical. Simply indescribable. You needed to be there in Atlanta to feel it. Nigeria’s feat in Atlanta rubbed off everywhere we went in America. I recall walking into one mall in Philadelphia, only to be confronted by American security men. I was shocked but didn’t panic because I had the Olympic Games badge on my neck and a valid Nigerian passport inside my track pocket. The American security chiefs were awed to see a Nigerian with the Olympic Games badge and may have thought that I was one of the stars.

They kept talking about Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Celestine Babayaro, Victor Ikpeba, Tijani Babangida and Daniel Amokachi. These were players they knew because they were playing in big European clubs. Indeed I walked tall inside the mall, knowing that at last something good could come out of Nigeria in those dark days. So, when simple tasks, such as selecting players to represent the country, crop up, I don’t hesitate to protest in this column, knowing that bench marks exist on how to pick people for such assignments. Picking players for soccer teams is informed by weaknesses and strengths established through matches. Hence when new squad lists are released, probe them to see if the right changes have been made. They expect at the least that those who failed woefully should be excluded. They expect that

•Continued on Page 69

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025, Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 08034505516. Marketing: 01-8155547, Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, Tel/08099650602. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790 `Website: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: saturday@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: DELE ADEOSUN