Nigerians react: UK plan to send Nigerian prisoners home

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY Gbenga Adeniji, Motunrayo Joel and Yetunde Brown

Prisoners’ll prefer UK prisons

This is an issue that should be looked into critically. Though there has been an agreement between Nigeria and the UK authorities on the issue, I think the prisoners will prefer to serve their jail terms in the UK than in Nigeria.

— Saheed Akinkunmi

They should be jailed in UK

I think the Nigerian criminals should be allowed to serve their jail terms where they committed the offence. The condition of jails in the country is very poor. Besides, when some of the prisoners are brought back to Nigeria, they are likely to find their way out without serving the punishment. Examples abound of how some influential Nigerians were discharged and acquitted for offences they committed.

— Tunde Ojo

It’s risky

I will not applaud the UK in any way for planning to repatriate 267 Nigerian prisoners. The prisoners committed the various criminal offences in the UK, so they should serve their jail terms there. Sending them back home may put them at risk of diseases. This is because many of our prisons are not in good condition. I urge the Federal Government to reconsider this agreement with the UK authorities.

— Temitope Omoba

Upgrade prisons

Repatriating foreign nationals is not new to world politics. I do not think there should be noise over the decision of the UK authorities to repatriate hundreds of Nigerians to serve their jail terms in the country. As long as there is mutual agreement between both governments and it follows due process, it’s welcome. I just want to appeal to the Nigerian Government to upgrade and decongest our prisons to make it habitable for offenders.

— Ogundimu Olufemi

They are welcome home

When one examines the state of the Nigerian prisons, it will be in the best interest of the prisoners to stay where they committed the crime and have a chance of a better life after their terms. But since they are Nigerians and committed crimes in another man’s land, they are welcome home.

— Omowunmi Ade-Daniels

Our prisons are congested

Nigerian criminals abroad should serve their jail terms where they committed the act. The prisons in Nigeria are congested. So, the idea of bringing in more prisoners would only make matters worse. Instead of planning to repatriate the criminals to serve the jail terms in Nigeria, they should be jailed where they committed the offence.

— Okon Anthony

Bad government responsible

There seems to be an increase in the number of Nigerians who are perpetrating crimes for survival. I am of the view that our bad government is responsible for this development even though it is not the reason for anybody to take to crime. I laud the decision of the UK authorities only that the prisoners would want to serve their jail terms in the UK. One only hopes that this will serve as a warning to Nigerians abroad who are into crime to desist from it.

— Adebo Paul

Nigeria may politicise it

The step would have been a welcome development if Nigerians have respect for the law, especially our leaders but regrettably it is not so. We witnessed how a politician was absolved of wrongdoing in Nigeria only to be found guilty in the UK. The first problem I foresee is that some of those convicted in the UK may come to Nigeria and become free because we politicise almost everything in Nigeria. Even the prison facilities in the country are not enough for inmates not to talk of adding more from the UK. We need to also examine the issue of jurisdiction. The prisoners committed the offences in the UK, why repatriate them to Nigeria? It does not matter whether the UK wants to protect its resources and facilities. I believe that repatriating them to serve in Nigeria is not good enough. They should be jailed where they committed the offences.

— Tunji Odediran

Nigerian prisons breed criminals

The prison transfer agreement between the FG and UK government is a welcome development. But it is vital to note that the prisons in Nigeria are incomparable to the ones in UK. Nigerian prisons do not reform. It breeds criminals. If the UK is sincere about the objectives of what the prison should achieve in the life of prisoners, then they should build more prison facilities than repatriating them into countries known for jailbreaks and employing the services of criminals for political thuggery.  Some of those being sent home may remain unchanged after serving jail terms.  I think the UK would regret this decision in the near future.

— Yekinni Akinkorede

They should come back home

The prisoners should come back to Nigeria and face the music.  It is better to serve your jail term in one’s fatherland than in another man’s. Besides, Nigerians don’t mind going to jail abroad because they believe they would be well catered-for there. I think when Nigerians are repatriated to serve their jail terms, the fear of the prisons would make them to be wary of criminal activities.

— Tene Mayomi

They‘ll become hardened here

When one considers the fact that Nigerian prisons are in a bad shape, the repatriation would not be applauded no matter how good the UK decision may be. The bad state of Nigerian prisons could make the prisoners appreciate the ones in UK better.  At the end of it all, Nigerian prisons could make them hardened. Some of the prisoners went to the UK in search of greener pasture and possibly fell victims of the law there through criminal acts. Hence, they should be allowed to serve their jail terms in the UK.

— Andrew Alex

Our prisons overstretched

I do not see anything wrong with the decision since the two countries have agreed on the repatriation of the prisoners. But what I do not support is that Nigerian prisons would be overstretched since most of them have been choked beyond their capacities.

— Femi Okunnuwa

Being sexy is not about big backside — Mercy Johnson

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY KEMI ASHEFON

Mercy Johnson

Background

 I am Mercy Johnson, an actress. I was born 29 years ago and I am the fourth child in a family of seven. My father is an ex-military officer and I left my mother at the age of two to live with him. Due to the nature of his job, he was constantly transferred from one station to another. I am proud of him because he taught me all I needed to know from childhood to adulthood.

Movie industry

 I have grown with time and there have been good and bad times. There have been rumours and scandals. Sometimes, when I cry in movies, it wasn’t the script that made me cry. Rather, I reflect on my humble beginning and the height I’ve attained now. This makes me cry.

Journey into acting

After my secondary school education, I approached a friend for assistance to feature in a movie. He took me to the National Theatre, Lagos, but a role did not come until a year later. My first lead role was in a film titled, ‘The Maid.’ It was quite challenging to interprete because it was my first movie. When I saw the veterans on set, I fidgeted.

A star actress

Life is in phases and I cannot say I have reached the peak of my profession. I have not even won an Oscar yet! There is always a higher mountain to climb, a new vision to fulfill and I am at that point. I want to achieve new and greater dreams.

Fulfillment

The greatest fulfillment is the ability to influence people positively through my acting.

Challenges

Life is not a bed of roses; it comes with challenges which make me stronger and who I am.

Nollywood: Then and now

We have achieved feats which the old Nollywood did not achieve. It is all about progression and I am sure that in the future, Nollywood will achieve a greater feat than it is doing currently.

Relationship

 My husband is loving and he is an understanding man. I am so happy to be married to him. I acted a movie, ‘Baby Oku in America’ when I was heavily pregnant and he didn’t feel bad about it. He understands that I am an actor and sometimes, we need real life situations, like the pregnancy, to interpret a role. Not many men would allow their wife do that.

Scandals

They are all lies. I just think the media needs to do their verification well before they put any story out. Whenever I read all manner of lies about me in the media, I wonder where all of these came from and regret being an actor. But in all, I move on and take it as one of the hazards of the job. I am fulfilled as an actor.

 Mercy Johnson Foundation

I floated the foundation because of my love for the less privileged. One of my greatest joys is to see other people happy. I want to make lasting impact in my society. The objective is to identify the needs of the less privilege, evaluate them and help in our own little way. I strongly believe that as movie stars, we should live beyond the euphoria of stardom.

A sexy woman

It is inbuilt. It’s just how you feel about yourself. For me, being sexy is confidence. It mustn’t be about the hairstyle or the accessories or the big buttocks. It’s about you, liking yourself just the way you are.

 Motherhood

My husband is a wonderful man. He makes my job easier and helps carry our daughter, Purity. He feeds her and she misses him whenever he is not around. As a family, we understand one another and we make whatever adjustments we have to make in order to have a good home.

Success

The challenges I faced have yielded results and I am reaping the fruits of all my efforts. I have grown from nobody in the industry to becoming a top actress from Africa. To God be all the glory.

 To be an actress

Talent is never enough you must constantly brush up your talent but training can come in different form. You only need to ensure that in whatever form, you are not just relying on your inborn talent.

 Projects

There are many but I’m not permitted to disclose them yet. They will start unfolding soon.

 Fear

My worst fear will be to leave this earth without making a huge impact.

Fashion

I don’t wear what is in vogue or what everybody is wearing, I just wear what suits me and I’m lucky to have a physique that encourages everything I wear. My husband is a huge critic, so when he pays compliments to my dressing, I feel so good. He doesn’t believe that exposing anything makes you look better. He feels when you cover up, you look real nice.

 To upcoming actors

Be yourself and let your talent speak for you.  Don’t come into the industry because you want to be famous, but because you love the art of acting. Then try to appreciate those who were there before you.

Fashion is like medicine — Helen Apreala

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY KEMI ASHEFON 

Helen Apreala

Helen Apreala is a fashion designer and has participated in many international fashion shows. The Bayelsa-born, who is armed with a Master’s degree in Marketing, speaks on her passion for fashion

 Q: Don’t you think you are wasting away as a fashion designer with an MBA degree?

A: No, I don’t. I have a deep love for fashion. I have a passion for fashion and I have no regrets following the path my talent has taken me. Though I would readily advise that people who want a special touch in whatever field they chose should get an education.

 Q: Have you always wanted to be a fashion designer?

A: While I was growing up, I had a neighbour who used to make clothes. Most of the clients who came to her house wore a smile on their faces while leaving. After watching people leave her home transformed in their new clothes and with smiles, I wished to be involved in that profession that makes people happy.  But like most kids my age, I dreamt of taking up more conventional professions such as engineering or medicine. I went ahead to study Business Administration up to the masters degree level. But I soon found out that I was miserable. I could tell that my job didn’t give me the same level of joy I felt dressing up my friends. I could tell that the moments my smiles were genuine was when my friends looked beautiful after I dressed them up.  I then made up my mind to go for a career in fashion designing.

 Q: What happened after?

A: I started doing a lot of research on the fashion institutions where I could get a good education on the industry. I studied fashion design and haute couture at Institute Di Moda Burgo, Milan. My studies included jewellery and clothes-making for men and women. Fashion is like medicine where you have physicians who are into general practice and you have those who specialise in certain fields. I think since I love fashion, I am more like a physician.

 Q: Didn’t your family oppose your choice of vocation?

A: They did and none was happy with me. My family and my friends were really upset when they found out that I was leaving all that I had worked for, to start all over in a fashion school. My mum was so upset that I could leave certainty in Nigeria for uncertainty in a foreign land. I had to explain to her that I had been planning my move into the fashion industry for four years.  I told her that I had saved enough money to start a new life in Milan because I wasn’t getting fulfillment with a regular job. Then, I had already paid the fees and I just had to go there to fulfill my passion for a career I knew would make me happy. I have no regrets going to Milan to study. It exposed me to the international fashion industry in a way that only schooling in a renowned institution could have. As a student, I participated in international fashion shows with the biggest names in the industry on display.

 Q: As a student, which of the shows did you partake in? What was the experience like for you?

The experiences were often surreal. I participated in many shows but to mention a few designers, I participated in Giorgio Armani’s show. I have worked at shows by CNC International and Roco by Roco. I have worked in over 20 shows in Milan and Milan fashion weeks. Most of the times, I would be one of the very few blacks backstage at these shows. I often asked myself if I was really the one in the backstage at with super models and great designers people dream of just purchasing their products. Sometimes, I walk up to the few black super models I met at these shows to introduce myself as a Nigerian and African. But at the end of the day, people don’t remember that I am black because of how much they love my work. I worked hard backstage like I was the designer on display. Most times, the people I work with shake and hug me to encourage me to continue working hard on my designs. Despite my being in awe of the scenarios I found myself, I was proud of being a Baylesa born Nigerian representing my people on the global stage.

 Q: You must have been lucky in this job?

I would say you are right in the sense that I was invited by Giorgio Armani for a recognition dinner and it takes an average of 10-20 years in the fashion industry to be so recognised by an icon like Armani. But I got the same invite in less than four years. Like I said, I have worked with some of the really big names in the fashion capitals of the world. And I’ve come to recognise the fact I have been favored.

 Q: What inspires your designs?

 My designs are completely inspired by the Ijaw culture and African art. Despite my many travels, I am an Ijaw person through and through. The Ijaws have age long traditions and a unique culture. We have our fabrics and what you could safely call the Bayelsan way of dressing. I often incorporated our fashion to Western designs and when people take a look at it, they tell me they had never seen anything like it before. And now that I am being invited to fashion shows, I will certainly be projecting the Ijaw and Nigerian style through my collections.  I just have to incorporate the Nigerian fabric to my designs because nothing compares to the reactions of top designers when they see my designs which have a Nigerian-African twist to them. Part of my plans now that I am in Nigeria is to work with the Bayelsa State government in its drive to make our state a tourism and investment destination. In Nigeria we are yet to fully explore the tourism potentials of our growing fashion industry.

 Q: Fashion yielding revenue for tourism? How will this be done?

A: I’ve been in Bayelsa for months and I have seen how much effort the government has put in promoting the state as a tourism destination. Fashion sells like hot cake. If a destination is safe, people will attend a fashion show there and Bayelsa has shed its toga as a rough and unsafe place. Yes, not everyone will travel around for fashion shows, but lots of people who will bring in money to the state will come. I don’t see any reason why Bayelsa cannot host an annual fashion show. I am glad that I have finally gotten in contact with government and they are willing to work with me to host an annual show that will ultimately be a permanent feature in the Nigeria- African fashion calendar.   Already the government is sponsoring me to the first ever fashion show in the Grand Canyon where models will walk on a runway 4000 feet above Colorado river. The least I can do is give back to my state using what I know best and this is why I tagged my collection to the J. Autumn Fashion Show 2013, the Reformation Agenda.

El Clasico: Neymar, Sanchez hand Barca win over Madrid

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY AGENCY REPORTER 

Barcelona players celebrating their victory over Real Madrid at the Camp Nou … on Saturday. Inset: Agony for Madrid’s Ronaldo.
| credits: AFP

Gareth Bale had an El Clasico debut to forget as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Camp Nou thanks to goals from Neymar and Alexis Sanchez.

Bale had been surprisingly selected for just his second start since joining the club by Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, but struggled to make an impression as Barca dominated the first-half.

Neymar gave the hosts a deserved lead with a neat finish from a narrow angle on 19 minutes before Lionel Messi ought to have doubled the advantage when he fired wide moments later.

Bale was replaced by Karim Benzema on the hour mark and the Frenchman nearly made an instant impact when he smashed the crossbar with 21 minutes remaining.

However, Sanchez sealed the points 12 minutes from time with a delightful chip over Diego Lopez.

Substitute Jese Rodriguez pulled a goal back for Madrid in stoppage time, but it was too little too late as Barca moved six points clear of their rivals at the top of La Liga.

Bale’s inclusion was not the only surprise amongst Ancelotti’s starting line up as Sergio Ramos was also moved into an unfamiliar central midfield role.

The Welshman had Madrid’s first effort on goal with a left-footed strike that sailed well over, but it was Barca who settled quicker as Real struggled to come to terms with Neymar’s pace and trickery.

It was no surprise that it was the Brazilian who put Barca in front when he collected Andres Iniesta’s pass inside the area and sneaked his shot from a narrow angle inside the far post with the aid of a slight deflection off Dani Carvajal.

The presence of Cesc Fabregas in the Barca side had forced Messi into an unusual position on the right side.

However, the Argentine should have doubled the lead two minutes later when he was released through on goal only to uncharacteristically slide the ball wide on his trusted left foot.

NCAA may suspend more airlines

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY OYETUNJI ABIOYE  

Director-General, NCAA, Captain Fola Akinkuotu
| credits: File copy

Barely one week after grounding two domestic carriers, ChanChangi Airlines and IRS Airlines, indications have emerged that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority may still go tough on more domestic carriers over issues that bother on safety.

According to sources close to the regulatory authority, the NCAA may also ground the operations of some charter airlines or cargo operators if they are found wanting in an ongoing examination of their operations.

The sources said the recent Associated Airlines’ crash and a series of incidents that happened in the nation’s airspace had forced the regulatory authority to commence strict and tougher safety compliance regime that may see more airlines getting their operations grounded.

The Chief Executive Officer of a non-scheduled domestic carrier, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said, “I think the NCAA is taking things to a different dimension. They almost stopped my operation a few days ago. I had to provide more documents. I think they are adopting a tougher safety regime because of the series of incidents we have been having in our airspace recently. But they need to take it easy. This is getting too much.”

The CEO explained that the NCAA safety inspectors were frequenting the airports’ ramp to carry out routine and random check on parked planes than ever before.

Another top airline official explained, “They are not even sparing any category of domestic airline at all. Both charter airlines and cargo airlines are now having their operations and entire system scrutinised to the core. I just hope no charter airline or cargo carrier will have its operations suspended again with the way they are going with the safety regime.”

The nation has witnessed series of air incidents and one air crash that led to the death of 16 people in barely four weeks.

On October 3, an Associated Airlines Embraer 120 plane conveying the remains of a former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, and 20 people crashed near a fuel depot in Lagos.

On October 4, a Saudi Arabia-bound Kabo Airlines’ Boeing 747-400 plane, which left Kano with 512  pilgrims onboard,  made an emergency landing at Sokoto Airport with deflated tyres and damaged the airport’s Instrument Landing System.

On October 13, an IRS Airlines Fokker 100 plane with over 90 people on board also made an emergency landing at Kaduna Airport, after experiencing hydraulic failure mid-air. There were other minor incidents, including air returns made by some domestic carriers.

The situation has forced the NCAA to conclude plans to make the International Air Transport Association’s Operational Safety Audit compulsory for all domestic carriers in the country.

Aside from instituting a tougher safety regime on regular domestic airlines, the NCAA was said to have begun close monitoring of the activities of charter and cargo airlines.

Before grounding Chanchangi and IRS, the NCAA had two weeks ago suspended the operations of Dana Air to pave the way for a safety audit of the carrier’s operations.

Of the nine scheduled operators in the country, four already had their operations grounded. Apart from the remaining five, namely Arik Air, Aero Contractors, FirstNation Airlines, MedView Airlines and Overland Airways, there are several other cargo and charter airlines operating non-scheduled flights in the country.

However, the suspension of Chanchangi and IRS followed a memo signed by the Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, ordering all scheduled airline operators whose fleet size had been reduced to only one operational aircraft to immediately stop flight operations.

The memo, dated October 14, was addressed to all scheduled airline operators.

The memo, a copy of which was obtained exclusively by our correspondent on Wednesday, read in part, “You will recall that recently, the NCAA, through the director-general, expressly suspended the continued operation of airlines possessing otherwise valid Air Operators Certificate, but who were operating with a single aircraft.

“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulations provide for more than a single aircraft for any operator to secure or operate under a valid AOC.

“This directive is, therefore, issued to formalise and clarify that prior order suspending such operations. As such, all AOC holders or operators whose operational fleet has been reduced to a single operational aircraft for whatever reason shall immediately and forthwith suspend their flight operations.

“Such operations may only resume upon clearance from the NCAA that there is more than one operational aircraft for continued flight operations and satisfaction that such AOC holder has the capacity to have safe flight operations prior to commencing any such operation.”

NCAA spokesman, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, on Friday, said, “Safety compliance is an ongoing thing. If any airline violates the rule, NCAA will wield the big stick. It is important for all operators to comply.

“There are sanctions spelt out in our rule. NCAA will not take lightly anything that affects the life of Nigerians. But I cannot tell whether there are specific issues we are dealing with.”

Keshi’s unpaid salaries spark uproar

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY ’TANA AIYEJINA  

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi
| credits: File copy

Stakeholders have expressed varying opinions over the seven months salaries owed Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, by the Nigerian Football Federation, writes’TANA AIYEJINA

The entire football world was held in shock and disbelief when Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi revealed on Wednesday that he had not been paid seven months salary by the Nigerian Football Federation.

It means the former Nigeria captain last got his salary in February, when he led the national team to a third Africa Cup of Nations title in South Africa.

Thereafter, Keshi, who has also managed Togo and Mali, had led the squad to the FIFA Confederations Cup and has remained unbeaten in the African qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup.

In fact, one game stands between Keshi’s team and qualification for Brazil 2014. Nigeria’s fifth ticket to the Mundial looks almost sealed after the Eagles defeated the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia 2-1 in Addis Ababa, in the first leg of the African final qualifiers for the World Cup.

With the nation in jubilant mood ahead of the second leg against the Ethiopians next month, Keshi’s revelation was the least any football loving person would have thought about.

BBC Sport quoted Keshi as saying, “The lowest point of my career is working and not being paid for seven months. I have never had this kind of experience before.

“In Mali, they will never owe you; your salary will hit your account before the end of every month. It was the same thing in Togo,” he said.

“Owing me up to eight months makes me feel I am not being appreciated, it is like they think I am being favoured in what I am doing.

“I am not being favoured. I am giving everything I have to the job — I need to be respected and given my pay.”

The NFF over the years have earned a reputation for its inability to pay coaches of the national teams. In recent times, the likes of Shaibu Amodu, Christian Chukwu, Samson Siasia, Austin Eguavoen, John Obuh and Eucharia Uche have been owed salaries.

Chukwu, who led the Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia, laments Keshi’s situation.

The 1980 AFCON winner said, “It is very unfair not to pay Keshi his salaries. It is an insult to indigenous coaches. How do you expect him to concentrate and perform? He has a family; how do you expect him to take care of them?

 “This issue of unpaid salaries has been on for a very long time and I thought it had stopped. My case has been there and still there. Even Amodu was a victim. It even extended to the Super Falcons and the age-grade national teams.

“Maybe Keshi should have received his salaries ahead because if it was a white man, they would have paid him in advance.”

But ace sports writer and broadcaster, Frank Ilaboya, disagrees with Chukwu on the issue of only Nigerian-born coaches being owed by the NFF.

“Even the foreign coaches have been owed before. The likes of Berti Vogts, Manfred Hoener, Phillipe Troussier and Lars Lagerback have been owed. It’s not about Nigerian coaches; it is an attitude that must change,” Ilaboya said.

Ilaboya frowned at a statement reportedly credited to the NFF saying that the allowances and bonuses Keshi earned were enough to sustain him.

He said it was unfair to treat the national coach in that manner after having gradually turned around the fortunes of the Eagles.

“I can’t believe this is happening now. If what I read about an official of the federation saying that his (Keshi) allowances were enough to take care of him is true, then it is unfortunate. How can anyone say that?

“The coach is entitled to his salaries; just as he is entitled to his allowances and bonuses.”

Observers say Nigerian coaches have a role to play in their unfortunate predicament. A domestic league coach, who pleaded anonymity, said most of the coaches who get national appointments get carried away, without signing their contract papers properly.

“Our coaches exert their energies in trying to undo other local coaches for a particular national team job and they then sign contracts that enslave them,” he said.

But Chukwu, an assistant to Dutchman Clemens Westerhof when the Eagles won a second AFCON title and qualified for their first ever World Cup in 1994, strongly disagrees.

The 1980 Green Eagles captain, popularly known as Chairman, said most times the coaches fall victim because of patriotism.

He said, “That is not true. We sign the right contracts. You know, because you are patriotic, you don’t want to take the federation to court. Foreigners won’t take that.

“We have worked outside Nigeria before and nobody owed us. I got all my entitlements and was treated like a king when I worked in Lebanon and managed the Harambee Stars of Kenya.

Interestingly, former Falcons coach, Eucharia Uche, has appealed to Keshi to be patient with the football running body.

The former Nigerian striker won the 2010 African Women’s Championship title but was booted out of office for her failure to qualify the side for the 2011 All-Africa Games in Mozambique and the 2012 London Olympic Games.

During Uche’s time as coach of the Falcons, the NFF hired a German, Thomas Obliers, as her assistant.

Obliers reportedly collected $63,000 while with the women’s national team for a very short time.

But the NFF allegedly owed Uche, a widow and mother of two, two years salary. She was supposed to be paid N300,000 ($2000) monthly.

Uche said, “Keshi has done very well but I will advise him to be patient with his employers. Definitely, delay is not denial. Maybe they are trying to sort out some things. There is no cause for alarm yet.”

An Eagles midfielder, who pleaded anonymity, said the NFF’s attitude could affect the national team psychologically.

“If they don’t pay the coach his money, how are we sure they will pay our allowances and bonuses. What they are doing can make the players not give their best to the team. Personally, if I get injured while on national duty, will anybody look my way again? This is not good for our football. Pay the coach his money,” the player stated.

The issue took a new twist on Thursday when the National Sports Commission gave the NFF 48 hours to explain why the national coach was owed seven months’ salary.

The NFF receives its funding from the sports commission.

“As far as I am concerned, it is a national embarrassment. If they are having challenges with raising money, they should have come to us. But they have not complained to us that they cannot pay,” NSC Director-General, Gbenga Elegbeleye, was quoted as saying.

He added, “The coach is not like the secretariat staff, he is on a contract. Because their staff have not been paid does not mean the national coach should not be paid.

“If he gets sacked today, there is no gratuity, so why should he suffer?”

Probe of bulletproof car scandal belated — Afenifere Renewal Group

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY GBENGA ADENIJI

 

Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah

A Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere Renewal Group, has described as late in the day the presidential investigation into the purchase of two bulletproof BMW cars worth $1.6m (about N255m) for the Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday inaugurated a three-man administrative panel of enquiry to probe the allegation.

The group’s Publicity Secretary, Mr.  Kunle Famoriyo, in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Friday, said the effort to shield the minister would fail.

He  said, ‘‘The presidential investigation is late in the day. The King is already dancing naked. It will burst loose one day. For us in Afenifere Renewal Group, we say ‘no’ to financial terrorism in Nigeria. The spirit of man will not be caged forever.’’

The group also observed that the scandal was a pointer to the fact that morality in governance had been relegated to the background.

 According to the group, the scenario has shown that Nigeria  as it was configured has always been a big time scam.

‘‘They are shamelessly unconcerned about the people. As far as the likes of Oduah in Abuja are concerned, it is God that has ‘buttered their bread’, the children of the poor can go to the gutters or wait for their turn to loot the government treasury, since government is the only profitable business in Nigeria today. Ordinary Nigerians can make do with ‘acts of God’ and acts of men but those in power make up their own acts,”  ARG said.

The group said nobody should be deceived that the country was sustainable at the rate at which financial recklessness was being perpetrated by those in power.

Besides, it said such amount of money could have been useful in financing scholarship opportunities for students and people-oriented projects for the citizenry.

ARG added, ‘‘It is shameful that in a country where the majority can barely afford three-square meals a day, one person is appropriating such an amount for her comfort and vanity. In a civilised country, the culprit would have resigned immediately the story broke.’’

Meanwhile, the President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Mr. Yerima Shettima, has said the minister should be sacked or prosecuted if findings of the panel indicted her.

Shettima said, ‘‘In a country like ours, anything is possible. Our stand in AYCF is that since a panel has been inaugurated, we will await its findings and should the minister be found culpable, she should be sacked or prosecuted.’

ICPC seizes 94 houses from top civil servants

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY FRIDAY OLOKOR

 

Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta

There are strong indications that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has launched a manhunt for corrupt senior civil servants who defraud the country.

Already, the commission has seized over 94 houses and choice property including assorted state-of-the-art vehicles concealed in different states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Out of this figure, one person alone has 62 houses.

Sources in ICPC informed SUNDAY PUNCH that the seizures were pursuant to Section 45(4) (a)-(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Act 2000.

A memo endorsed by the ICPC chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, and obtained by our correspondent showed that some of the owners of these choice properties are senior civil servants at the levels of deputy directors, directors and permanent secretaries.

For instance, the commission said it seized 15 properties belonging to a senior employee of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in Abuja.

Also, all the 15 houses are located in an Estate occupied by staff of NSCDC in Abuja and Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Eight choice properties within Abuja and Nasarawa state belonging to another employee of NSCDC were confiscated in similar circumstances.

While most of the houses were seized from the staff of NSCDC, other choice houses were confiscated from a former employee of Skye Bank Plc in Wuse, Abuja.

The properties seized from the ex-banker are located in several places in Gwagwalada area of Abuja, Osun and Niger states.

Another two choice houses in Sun City Estate, Abuja, one Toyota Camry Car, one Toyota Sienna Car, one Toyota Car and a Hyundai Tuscan Jeep were seized from a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Abuja.

The ICPC chairman put the total value of the seized assets including buildings and vehicles at N806.3m, while cash recovered and remitted stands at N469.3m.

Others are beneficiaries (N47.4m) and cash in ICPC Recovery Account (N503.3m).

When contacted on whether further seizures would be made, the Resident Consultant of ICPC (Media and Events), Mr. Folu Olamiti, told SUNDAY PUNCH that investigations were carried out before the properties were confiscated.

He said, “All the seizures we have made were sequel to petitions written to us and the result of investigations that we carried out. As soon as we receive petitions about people living beyond their means, the ICPC will follow up immediately. It stems from the petitions received and investigations that were conducted to ascertain the truth.

“We look at their income and if it is not commensurate with what they have, definitely, we will act according to law and seize such properties.”

The ICPC spokesperson also said the commission would sell all the properties after some years, adding that the seizures were premised on the need to make people see public office as a trust.

He said, “It is part of our preventive mechanism against corruption. We want to prevent people from stealing and let them know that public office is a trust which should not be abused. The ICPC wants to teach people to live within their means and avoid being greedy.

“We want to change the attitude of people towards public funds. Our preventive mechanism is working in Nigeria and that is why people are scared of desperation to own houses using public funds. The systems review into the parastatals and Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government is to ensure that the processes are well laid out and that there is no short-cut to doing things.

“One person alone has 62 houses; we have advertised the houses that have been confiscated. Let them come and give us reason for having those houses. How can a single person own about 62 houses in Abuja? Their prosecution would be determined by our chairman.”

Once upon a N2.2bn banquet hall

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY LEKE BAIYEWU 

President Goodluck Jonathan

Of the numerous challenges facing the country and begging for urgent attention, the Federal Government in 2012 chose to focus on a non-pressing matter by awarding a N2.2bn contract for the building of a new banquet hall in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed, announced that the Federal Executive Council approved the contract sum during its meeting held on November 28.

Wikipedia defines a banquet hall as a room or building for the purpose of hosting a party, reception, or other social events.

The hall would be built in addition to an existing hall in the Villa, where national events are held.

The proposed 150-capacity hall would have walk ways, security post, hall, conveniences, technical and press briefing rooms “that are more and more enhanced, so that national broadcast can be done from there,” said the minister.

Defending the expenditure, Muhammed told State House correspondents that the council awarded the contract because smaller countries had befitting banquet halls in their seats of power.

He said, “The second project approved by council is the building of a 150-seater banquet hall in the Presidential Villa.

“We noticed that it (existing hall) is inconveniencing; it is not in tandem with what is outside the country. Even smaller countries have better banquet halls near their Presidential residences.

“The contract was awarded in the sum of N2.2bn to Julius Berger because they are more familiar with the terrain in the Presidential Villa and for security reasons.”

Reacting to the news, the defunct opposition party, Action Congress of Nigeria and the Transition Monitoring Group criticised the government for not getting its priorities right.

The then National Publicity Secretary, ACN (now All Progressives Congress), Lai Mohammed, had said, “It is interesting that a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is comparing the country with smaller countries when it comes to justifying a project that will only benefit a few elite. Does the minister know that the citizens of the so-called smaller countries enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply?”

Similarly, Chairman, TMG, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, had said it was imperative for the government to be more concerned with poverty alleviation and citizen empowerment, rather than be bothered with “trivial matters like the proposed multi-billion naira budget for the completion of the vice-president’s lodge and another presidential banquet hall.”

He added, “It is saddening and pathetic to see the way and manner public funds are being wasted under President Jonathan administration. We, therefore, call on President Jonathan to be methodological in his fight against corruption by coming up with strategies that will bring about lasting solutions to the plethora of insecurity, as witnessed in recent times in Nigeria.”

The banquet hall contract is one of the numerous jaw-breaking contracts awarded by the FEC for diverse projects almost every week, be they necessary or not.

For instance, the information The PUNCH obtained from the website of the Bureau of Public Procurement, as published in the December 31, 2012 edition, showed that the Federal Government awarded contracts worth about N1.187tn between August 10, 2011 and November 28, 2012.

The figure represented the total value of over 140 contracts spread across various sectors of the economy.

A breakdown of the contracts showed that between August 10 and February 15, the FG awarded contracts worth N700bn; while in the months from May 30 to November 28, it awarded contracts in excess of N400bn.

Apparently worried by what many see as a waste of national resources, the Senate had, in February 2012, questioned the legality of such contracts. It described the FEC’s action as a “sheer illegality.” The upper legislative chamber alleged that the council had usurped the powers of the National Council on Public Procurement Act 2007.

Faulting the boycott of the NCPP, the Senate President, David Mark, had said, “there is sheer illegality here and the earlier it is corrected, the better for everybody.”

Observers have said the  problem is not just about the irrational awards of the contracts but the inflation and abuse of contracts, slow pace of implementation and eventual abandonment of some of them.

The Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Bright Okogu, had also expressed concerns about abandoned projects, scarcity of funds and contract abuses by Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He had hinted that new projects might be outlawed in the 2013 budget.

However, more multi-billion naira contracts are still being awarded regularly.

My great president, if this blog gets your attention, it would be mighty gracious of you to note that I need a contract from the Federal Government of Nigeria worth only N8.8billion pere, before 2015. It would be nice to have you respond on my page sir or you can follow me on twitter @tonyobj.

2015: Northern youths disown rebel govs

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY ALLWELL OKPI 

National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima
| credits: File copy

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has disowned the Peoples Democratic Party rebel governors, who have been opposing President Goodluck Jonathan, with the aim of clinching the 2015 Presidency.

The group said northern youths were not in support of the governors – Governor Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Governor Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Governor Musa Kwankawso (Kano), Governor Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) — saying they had failed in their various states and were not seeking for the Presidency in the interest of the people.

In an interview with SUNDAY PUNCH, the President of the group, Mr. Yerima Shettima, said the governors were only fighting for self-preservation, seeking to remain relevant in politics when their tenures as governors expire.

He said, “The fact is that the northern governors, who are fighting Jonathan for the Presidency, are not fighting for the interest of the average northerner. What have they delivered to the people as governors? The answer is nothing. They are only fighting to position themselves well so that they don’t fall victim of the system when they finish their tenure as governors. They don’t want to account for the things they failed to do in office, because they have not done anything as governors.”

Shettima said apart from massive corruption, there was nothing else that can be said about their administrations.

He added that the average northerner was not interested in where the President comes from, provided he derives benefits from government.

He said, “The problem of the average northern man is not where the President comes from, whether from the North or the South. What they want is a government that will provide dividends of governance; give them free education, ensure that they have food on their tables. It doesn’t matter if the person is a Christian, Muslim, pagan or idol worshipper, nobody cares. If we find a better alternative somewhere, other than the North, we will mobilise and support the person.”

Women who are more powerful than Jonathan

OCTOBER 27, 2013 BY ALLWELL OKPI 

Powerful women in Jonathan administration

Since inception, President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has been accused of impunity, usually caused by decisions and actions of the President, including those of his ministers and close associates.

Most of the glaring cases of abuse of power including reckless spending of taxpayers’ money have been carried out by the women in Jonathan’s cabinet. These women have proven to be more powerful than the number one citizen of Nigeria because despite public outcries that greet some of their decisions, they go scot-free.

Those who fall in this seemingly untouchable category are the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan; the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh; and the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah.

These powerful women have some things in common. They are all from the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones. Four of them had their higher education in the United States and two of them are daughters of traditional rulers. Needless to say they occupy some of the most strategic and ‘lucrative’ positions in the Federal Government.

1. PATIENCE JONATHAN

In Nigeria’s history, Patience Jonathan is believed to be the most powerful First Lady in terms of the amount of influence she has over her husband and his cabinet.

Mrs. Jonathan first gave a glimpse into the enormous power she wields in 2011 when she traversed the country, campaigning for her husband in a way that irked many Nigerians.

Several calls by individuals and groups to the President to restrain his wife yielded no result.

Also, in June this year, in apparent violation of the electoral act, Mrs. Jonathan reportedly started campaigning for her husband ahead of the 2015 elections.

Another show of impunity by the President’s wife is the way she cripples any town or city she visits with her long motorcade, including bulletproof limousines and scores of armed policemen.

She grounded Lagos in 2012 when she visited to say “thank you” to some women groups for their support in electing her husband.

Despite the protest by several Nigerians, who felt that their right to move freely in their country was violated by the movement of an unelected individual, the President’s wife was never cautioned, at least not publicly.

Instead, the Presidency rose to her defence, giving her the liberty to do more in other cities. Her visits and grounding of traffic in Port Harcourt and Warri were also greeted with wide condemnations.

To show how powerful she is, Mrs. Jonathan publicly admitted making attempts to dictate to the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, a move that largely precipitated the ongoing political crisis in the state.

In Aso Rock, where she resides with her husband, the fear of Mrs. Jonathan is the beginning of wisdom as she leaves no one in doubt that she is in charge. There is always a retinue of favour seekers waiting to see her daily.

Mrs. Jonathan, a native of Bayelsa State, was born in Port Harcourt on October 25, 1957 and holds National Certificate of Education in Mathematics and Biology from the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, and a Bachelor of Education degree in biology and psychology from the University of Port Harcourt.

2. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA

Right from when the negotiation to bring her from the World Bank started, it was obvious that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was bound to wield so much power in Jonathan’s government.

With her position as the coordinating minister for the economy (a new position created for her) and Finance Minister, Okonjo-Iweala, who is currently 83rd on Forbes’ global list of powerful women, calls the shots as far as Nigeria’s economy is concerned.

While doing that, she has called the bluff of many including state governors and the National Assembly without any consequence.

The state governors, who have complained about the shabby way the minister treat them, have called for her removal while the Academic Staff Union of Universities has called her a ‘dictator.’ But no matter the protest, Okonjo-Iweala remains a darling of the President.

The sacking of Mr. Shuaib Yushau as the Head, Media and Information Unit of the National Emergency Management Agency, after he wrote what was considered a critical article against Okonjo-Iweala, further showed that the minister was not to be messed with.

The article entitled ‘Still on Okonjo-Iweala over Controversial Appointments’, published on March 6, called on the minister “to ensure that appointments into important positions should be done in credible and transparent manner that can withstand public scrutiny.”

Similarly, Mr. Lawrence Ani, was reportedly suspended indefinitely from his job as Saturday Editor of Thisday Newspaper for publishing a story that cited data that indicated a drop in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product under Okonjo-Iweala’s watch.

In 2011, against the opinion of the majority of Nigerians, Okonjo-Iweala and the  Minister of Petroleum Resources,  Diezani Alison-Madueke, insisted on the removal of fuel subsidy, and literally ordered it on the outset of 2012, resulting in the Occupy Nigeria protest.

Okonjo-Iweala, who also served as finance minister and foreign minister under President Olusegun Obansanjo and as a Managing Director at the World Bank, was born on June 13, 1954 to Professor Chukuka Okonjo, who is the Obi (traditional ruler) of Ogwashi-Uku.

She graduated from Harvard University in 1977, and earned her Ph.D. in regional economic development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981.

She is married to Ikemba Iweala from Abia State.

3. DIEZANI ALISON-MADUEKE

Virtually all sections of the Nigerian society have called for the resignation of the Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, all to no avail.

Most of those who sought her removal had cited several allegations of corrupt practices under her watch as reasons for their demand.

After the revelation of massive fraud in the fuel subsidy administration to the tune of N1.7trn, many had thought that heads would roll, including that of Alison-Madueke, who supervised the rot.

Some heads did roll, but not that of the queen of the Nigeria oil and gas industry.

Till date, the Presidency has not queried or probed Diezani over allegations against her and the indictment of departments under her by several panels, including those headed by Nuhu Ribadu, Farouk Lawan, and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as well as the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative.

Diezani has also not explained to Nigeria, whom she was appointed to serve, what role she played in the massive corruption that led to the loss of huge amounts of public fund.

Apart from the demands for the Alison-Madueke’s resignation and prosecution by civil society groups, who led the Occupy Nigeria protest, the House of Representatives also demanded her removal as minister.

Despite this, the President did not suspend her, and gave no explanation for that. This shows how powerful she is.

Alison-Madueke is the first woman to hold the position of Minister of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria, and in October 2010 she became the first woman to head a country’s delegation at the annual OPEC conference.

She was also the first female Minister of Transportation, and the first woman to be appointed to the board of Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria.

Alison-Madueke was born on December 6, 1960 in Port Harcourt.

She graduated from Howard University in 1992, with a Bachelor’s degree in architecture and returned to Nigeria to join Shell Petroleum Development Corporation.

About 10 years later, she earned an MBA from Cambridge University and was appointed as the first female executive director of Shell Nigeria.

In 1999, she got married to Admiral Alison Madueke (retd), one-time Chief of Naval Staff who was at different times military governor of Imo and Anambra states.

4. STELLA ODUAH

Not many are aware of the tremendous power of the Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, in Jonathan’s government.

For her role in Jonathan’s 2011 campaign, she was reportedly rewarded with a ministerial appointment to the aviation ministry, even though she had no prior training in the field of aviation.

Many believe that the President feels indebted to her for her role as the Director of Finance and Administration of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation and in the establishment of Neighbour-to-Neighbour outfit, which reportedly spent billions of naira on adverts and media propaganda in favour of Jonathan, especially while the Occupy Nigeria protest lasted.

Considering this relationship with Jonathan, it should not be a surprise that Oduah’s response to critics after the Dana and Associated Airlines crashes reeked of arrogance.

The latest revelation that she forced the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to buy her bulletproof vehicles has again elicited calls for her removal and prosecution but considering the way the President has treated public outcries against these powerful women, Oduah is likely to remain minister till the end of Jonathan’s administration.

Princess Stella Oduah was born on January 5, 1962 to Igwe D.O. Oduah of Akili-Ozizor in Anambra State on January 5, 1962.

She got her Bachelor’s degree in accounting and MBA from American universities.

Oduah joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in 1983 and in 1992, she established a petroleum products marketing company, Sea Petroleum & Gas Company Limited.

She was married to the former Minister for Works, Chris Ogiemwonyi.

5. ARUNMA OTEH

Through her battles, the Director-General of the Securities Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, has sufficiently earned the name ‘Iron lady’ even beyond her official sphere of influence.

When she clashed with the House of Representatives Committee on the Capital Market, it was the chairman of the committee, Mr. Herman Hembe, that got hurt.

The committee had accused Oteh of fraud and misappropriation of funds. She fired back, accusing Hembe of demanding bribe from SEC.

The SEC board suspended Oteh in order to investigate the findings of the lawmakers, who probed the capital market and indicted her. She immediately petitioned the President and Okonjo-Iweala.

After two months, the President returned Oteh to her position, following the auditor’s report that said her offence amounted only to ‘administrative lapses.’ The directors and staff of the commission, who had protested Oteh’s alleged high-handedness, were advised to calm down and obey their boss.

On the other hand, Hembe was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and also stepped down as chairman of the committee.

The crisis led to an intense battle between President Jonathan and the House of Representatives. The House demanded the sacking of Oteh but Jonathan refused.

The passage of the 2013 budget was delayed because of the fight. Eventually, the lawmakers insisted on zero budget for SEC to force the President’s hand, but he did not budge.

Calls for her removal by civil society groups also fell on deaf ears.

Oteh, who is an indigene of Abia State, is also a British citizen.

She graduated with first-class degree in computer sciences from the University of Nigeria in Nsukka and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School.