Tiwa Savage’s presence at Mavin makes up for Mo’Hits break up-D’Prince, Don Jazzy’s brother

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Ezenwa Enebeli, aka D’Prince, talks about his career, Mo’Hits Records and his relationship with elder brother, Don Jazzy, in this interview with ADEMOLA OLONILUA

My music career

My career kicked off in 2005 with Mo’Hits Records. That was when my elder brother, Don Jazzy, D’banj, and I were living in London. We decided to return to Nigeria and start Mo’Hits. Basically, I come from a music family. My dad was a musician. My mum was also inclined to music, the same as my sister. But I am the only one in the family that took it up as a full-time career.

How my parents reacted to my choice of career

Surprisingly, they supported me from the first day I let them know I would become a musician. They had always known my brother and I would delve into music. We were always attending music festivals. They were not really surprised that we eventually ended up as musicians. They didn’t oppose it, though my dad wanted me to do something else. I studied Business Administration and ICT in London. He decided to let me do what I wanted when he saw that I was really serious about making music.

Insinuations that I can’t sing

Everybody has a right to express his opinion on any subject. Obviously, I cannot satisfy everybody. Some people connect with my music and others do not understand it. My goal is to make sure that I play my part and reach out to those who are ready to listen to my music. There will always be critics.

Challenges

When we started Mo’Hits Records things were not rosy. In 2005, everything was focused on D’banj. After D’banj, we produced a CD that featured D’banj, Wande Coal, Dr. Sid and K-Switch. I was a back-up singer. People used to wonder if I could sing. It is a normal thing. They thought I had everything going smoothly for me because I was the CEO’s brother. If your elder brother was a journalist, especially if he was the boss, people would question your reportorial skills. It took quite awhile before I could understand my sound and the business properly. It wasn’t that rosy till I released my own debut single titled Omoba in December 2009. It was big and I was nominated for many music awards. That CD occupied the number one position on music charts for many weeks. When I uploaded the content of the CD online, it was criticised. Some critics wondered what I was talking about. They asked if I was lyrically competent. But some people commended me. They said I did a nice job. In this world, you always have those who dislike you and everything you do and those who are patient with your work. The same thing happened when I released two other CDs. I have also participated in collaborations. I try to set a pace for myself and I deliver. It has not been easy for me. But I see it as a journey and I always try to stand out in what I do. My fans out there appreciate what I do. That is the beauty about this business.

Treatment by Don Jazzy

Some people thought Don Jazzy accorded me special treatment at Mo’Hits Rcords. If you were present during our production sessions, you would see that they were wrong. During the recording of the CD titled Solar Plexus, I was the last person that picked beats. I did not get any special treatment. We worked as one family. Dr. Sid, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage and I sat down together in the studio. So, there was nothing like saying this or that beat was very sweet and I would keep it for D’Prince. It is very unprofessional and we do not work that way.

End of Mo’Hits Records

It is not something to be happy about. It was a very sad period for the family because we had to experience a change. At the end of the day, we had to move forward. It wasn’t pleasant, but we had to do what we had to do.

Collaborating with D’banj

I cannot tell because I do not know the future, I don’t know how it is going to work out.

Life as Don Jazzy’s sibling

Although he is my brother, when it comes to work, it is strictly business. At that point, we try as much as possible to keep our relationship formal. We don’t allow sentiments to interfere with our work. If you see us working in the studio, you won’t know that he is my brother. We don’t have the time for frivolities. At the end of the day, what counts is the music and hard work. It is a privilege to have someone as talented as Don Jazzy as my brother.

Between Mo’Hits Records and Mavin Records

I don’t think I can spot any difference. When it was Mo’Hits Records, we were one family. Now that Mavin Records is born, the status has not changed. We live and work together. I think we are more focused than ever. Nigerians should expect us to achieve more success than we have done so far.

First female singer on Mavin Records

It is always good to have a woman around, especially a woman like Tiwa Savage, who knows how super talented she is. Her presence on the records label has spiced up the group.

About the song titled Take Banana

It is simply an invitation to take banana, just as you would say ‘take water or take rice.’ People have interpreted it to mean different things. If I had meant it as something else, I would have mentioned it in the song. Some people even allude the expression to sex. They say it should have been ‘take plantain’ because they like plantain. I have a reason for choosing the word banana. I’m encouraging Nigerians to eat healthy foods. I’m glad that the song is well received and it is making waves in the market. It feels good to do something that people will appreciate.

Origin of the concept

Anytime a female friend of mine paid me a visit, she always said that she was on a diet and would like to eat fruits. One day, I went out to get her a bunch of banana and told her that she must eat them all because she always requested bananas. I told her to fetch her more bananas and she must eat up everything. That was how I conceived the idea to sing about banana.

The song titled Amarachi

That is a more conscious song that I wrote for a girl called Amarachi, whom I met in Enugu in 2011. I met her back stage during a show last Christmas and we got along well. But I haven’t seen her ever since. I dedicated the song to her. I heard it is a big in the East.

From rap to straight songs

I wouldn’t call it a complete switch. I combine rap with straight songs. I can rap and I can sing, but I have to stick to what works for me at the end of the day. It is like selling rice and beans. If people like your rice more, then you should reduce the quantity of beans that you sell. That is what I did.

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Suspect inserts 66 wraps of narcotics in private part

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Law enforcement agents and travellers were last week astonished when 66 wraps of narcotics, which tested positive to methamphetamine, were discovered in the private part of Mande Bala, 48, at the screening section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 15, 2012.

The lady was promptly arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency shortly before she was due to board a Kenyan Airways flight to Nairobi.

The NDLEA Commander at the airport, Hamza Umar, confirmed the arrest. He said, “The quantity of drugs that Bala had inserted in her private part was so much that it affected her gait, drawing the attention of the NDLEA officials. No suspect has ever inserted such a large quantity of drugs in the country. Usually, cases of insertion are not more than 300g. The discovery was shocking.”

CRIME DIGEST gathered that in all, the 66 wraps of methamphetamine expelled from Bala’s private part weighed 1kg.

Bala, who claimed to be a widow and mother of three, told CRIME DIGEST that she was pushed to trafficking in drugs in order to raise school fees for her children. She said, “I am a widow; my husband died in 2007. I have got three children to take care of. I need N45,000 to pay some fees for my child and I also had to take care of my rent because I have a quit notice to leave my house in July. I was actually supposed to swallow the drugs but I was too scared to do so.

“I then decided on my own to hide them instead in my private parts because I was scared I would die if I ingested the drugs. I have heard such things happen. Although it was difficult for me to walk, I had to do my best because there is no one else to take care of my children.”

In his reaction, the chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, described the incident as disturbing. “Apart from the quantity of drugs caught with her, her route is a new development in drug trafficking. Drug barons now adopt a relay approach to drug trafficking. They wanted to use her to take the drug to another African country before using an indigene of that country to take the drug to other continents, where the profit is higher. We are not oblivious of their moves and we are prepared to nip them in the bud,” he said.

According to the agency, no suspect has ever inserted such a large quantity of drugs in her private part since the establishment of the NDLEA in 1989. The suspect, who is a graduate of accounting from a South-West university, lives at Ijoko in Ogun State and is a native of Lagos Island in Lagos State. She will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

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French ship impounded over 8.5m barrels oil theft

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A special naval team has impounded a French ship, MT Vannessa, which has allegedly been stealing 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the country since June 9.

SATURDAY PUNCH investigations on Friday showed that six crew members, including two Britons; two Nigerians and two Togolese, were also arrested.

A top naval officer, who pleaded anonymity, said the arrests were made at Brass Loading Terminal, Bayelsa State.

Since June 9, when it had been loading 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day to Thursday when it was impounded, the naval team suspected that the ship might have stolen 8.5m barrels of crude oil.

It was gathered that the suspects, who had made useful confessional statements, indicted some political office holders, many fuel marketers, some officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Department of Petroleum Resources.

It was learnt that security agents had started discreet investigation of those indicted by the suspects.

The indicted officials, investigations showed, had also been put under surveillance.

The special naval team, it was learnt, was assisted by officers of the National Maritime and Administration and Safety Agency and a private security firm, Global West Vessel Specialist.

The impounded ship is currently being anchored at Bonny, Port Harcourt anchorage.

Our correspondents learnt that the country’s actual OPEC quota is about 2m barrels per day.

But 500,000 barrels are being lost to theft involving some ships such as the one that was arrested on Thursday evening.

Describing the operation of the ship, the naval official, who spoke with our correspondent, said that the illegal loading of crude oil was done with the connivance of a European company.

The source explained that the firm provided personnel and equipment to enable the French ship to discharge the stolen crude oil into a bigger ship of 950,000 barrels capacity on the high sea.

He said, “A piece of equipment, mooring master, provided by the European firm, disturbed the radar of Nigerian authorities.

“This made it difficult for Nigerian security agencies to detect the illegal operation. We are also suspecting that many other ships are involved.”

Investigations showed that the special naval team was set up after the escape of a Libyan ship, MT Alyarmouk, which was impounded on June 2.

SUNDAY PUNCH had on June 3 reported that the Libyan ship was impounded in Lagos for allegedly operating illegally on Nigeria’s waters.

The ship was impounded by a combined team of officers of the Nigerian Navy, the National Maritime and Administration and Safety Agency and a private security firm, Global West Vessel Specialist.

The top naval official said, “There is a strong suspicion that some security agents were involved in the escape of the Libyan ship, which is said to be in Lome, Togo now.

“One thing is certain, there is an involvement of top government functionaries, the NNPC and DPR officials. I don’t think this one (the French ship) can escape because of the involvement of the Presidency.”

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, had, at a roundtable discussion on crude oil production and the state of the oil industry in Nigeria on May 18 in Lagos, said that the country lost $7bn yearly to crude oil theft.

The minister had said, “The country is losing approximately 180,000 barrels of oil equivalent daily at this time. Of course, to the nation, if you look at the international cost of a barrel, it will be estimated at $7bn yearly.”

When contacted, the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu, neither denied nor confirmed it.

He said that he was making efforts to reach naval personnel, who could provide the information in relation with the incident.

However, he later said, “The ship is under arrest and investigation is ongoing right now.”

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Subsidy probe scandal: Gauging the impact on the petroleum industry

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It all started with the New Year day announcement of subsidy withdrawal by the Federal Government and the resultant crises that shook the oil and gas industry and the entire country.

Many saw the protests that greeted the announcement as a clear signal that the centre can no longer hold in the nation’s petroleum industry. Many Nigerians had used excuse of the fuel subsidy removal to vent their pent-up anger and frustrations over the horrendous management of the nation’s vital oil and gas resources, and the revolt that greeted the announcement would reverberate in the industry for a long time.

In the aftermath of the nation-wide protests, many stakeholders have blamed the secrecy and corruption in the management of the subsidy process by government officials and regulators, calling for a review of the entire subsidy regime. In addition to the reversal of this policy, they demanded that the issue of corruption in Nigeria, and in the oil subsector in particular, be addressed at this time.

One of such views was from the leader of the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Mr. Tunde Bakare, who note that, “The subsidy probe is a golden opportunity to clean the Augean stable, which the nation’s oil and gas industry has become.” According to him, “the monumental corruption in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, stinks to high heavens.

As at today, nobody in Nigeria, with the exception of a few NNPC officials, knows how much we make from the oil sector. For example, if crude oil is sold in naira today and payment is made 90 days after at a higher dollar denomination, the figures usually released in Abuja are based on the lower naira denomination at the time of sale. The question is, what has happened to the difference? The obvious answer is corruption.”

The Probe

As part of measures to resolve the crises in the subsidy management, the Federal government had directed a review and investigation into subsidy process and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the nation’s prime anti-graft agency, has since swung into action with visits to the headquarters of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), the agency responsible for the management of the subsidy regime. The EFCC also has continued to grill petroleum products importers and marketers on their involvement in the entire subsidy mismanagement.

The National Assembly, not to be outdone, also announced extensive inquiries into the role played by different agencies of government including industry stakeholders in the subsidy mess. Expectedly, the investigation by the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on the Fuel Subsidy management led by Hon. Farouk Lawan, opened the Pandora’s box to reveal the massive corruption and fraud that has overrun the subsidy management system, and the general rot in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

The 61-page report by the House committee revealed names of some government agencies and institutions and private enterprises that ran a well-organised corruption regime, where both state officials and their private cohorts denied Nigerians the benefits of the subsidy policy, diverted public funds, over-invoiced fuel imports, and collected rebate for them.

According to the report, some of the industry regulators overpaid themselves under the subsidy regime. In this regard, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), were named as the chief culprits in the looting spree where fuel marketers acted for themselves and also as conduit pipes for state officials to defraud the government.

The panel, therefore, recommended that the NNPC, PPPRA, and other companies, which failed to appear before it, should refund N1.067 trillion to the Federal Government for reaping where they did not sow. The committee further noted that as presently constituted, Nigerians would never get value for money from the NNPC behemoth and therefore proposed that it be unbundled.

But, recent allegations of bribery and corruption against some members of the House Ad hoc Committee appear to have derailed the purpose of the investigation, and may stump the implementation of the report.

Stakeholders in the industry, however, have insisted that the bribery allegation against members of the House Committee should not deflect from the primary purpose of setting up the investigative panel in the first place, nothing that government should readily take action on the report of the committee.

Former Chairman of the National Working Group of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Prof. Asisi Asobie said it may be a little too early to assess the damage or impact of the oil subsidy probe and the subsequent brouhaha on the oil and gas industry, but he stressed that non-implementation of the report of the Committee would not augur well for the sector. According to him, “It may be a bit early to assess the effect of the probe on the industry. But from general practice, it can be surmised that no industry experiences growth when it is faced with headwinds of corruption and general malaise. Corruption and inadequate governance is anathema to growth and development.”

He posited that for an industry that remains the back-bone of the nation’s economy, government needs to do more to ensure there is clear transparency and effective governance structures so that resources from the sector would be used to the benefit of the citizens. Asobie, meanwhile, warned that the report of the fuel subsidy probe should not be thrown aside because of the alleged involvement of House Ad Hoc Committee members in the bribery scandal.

He said, “A lot of people may be tempted to think that because of the recent allegations of bribery, that the report should be discarded. I don’t think so. If you read the report you will find out that some of the things contained therein, especially the critical issue of people getting paid for not supplying petroleum products.

Another critical issue raised by the report is that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was paying subsidy to itself, which is very irresponsible and illegal. There is no law empowering the Corporation to do so; in fact, the constitution says the opposite. So, there are critical issues that were identified by the report that are still very relevant and nobody should rubbish the entire report merely because somebody has allegedly undermined his own integrity and disappointed Nigerians.”

Asobie blamed the current bribery mess in the National Assembly’s on the refusal of the legislators to act on several reports of corruption in the nation’s oil and gas industry presented before it over the years.

He asserted that issues of corruption revealed in the fuel subsidy probe by the National Assembly was “the first time that Nigerians were made aware of the presence of huge reports that have been in the public domain already about the issues in the nation’s petroleum industry, which was produced by NEITI over the years.”

The former chairman of the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) of NEITI, stressed that, “Government owes it as a duty to Nigerians to ensure that the several critical points highlighted by the report are taken apart and implemented diligently. Issues to do with the fiscal regime, subsidy management where people were paid huge sums for products not delivered, and the NNPC issue, these should be addressed and redressed so that people who have been found culpable will be punished accordingly. That is the only way to inspire investor confidence in the sector,” he added.

According to David Ugolor, Executive Director of the Afri-Network for Environmental and Economic Justice, that the probe report pointed out that subsidy was fraught with endemic corruption and entrenched inefficiency in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, was enough reason for government to go ahead with its implementation.

“Over N1.06 trillion was discovered to have been paid out through corruption means, which seriously amplified corruption allegation against the NNPC, a Federal Government’s agency that appeared to be unaccountable to nobody or institution except itself. The other recommendations of the committee, including the unbundling of the NNPC to make it more operational and efficient would only be possible if the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is passed into law,” Ugolor stated.

Ugolor further argued that the subsidy probe had further magnified the state of corruption in the industry, which has led to further loss of confidence by international investors. He added, “This episode has reinforced the notion that for any operator to succeed in the country, he must toe the path of corruption. We have seen this issues before in the Halliburton scandal and several other cases involving both international and local companies operating in Nigeria. In a global operating environment where transparency and best practices are quickly taking root, the Nigerian petroleum industry surely needs to clean house before it can enjoy the level of confidence and trust requied to have the level of investment it needs to grow the sector.”

Stakeholders have also argued that little attention is paid to compelling ideas to reverse the malaise in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry that have been buried in the entire subsidy morass. Indeed, many of these ideas are not entirely new; many of them are contained in the long-maligned Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which has failed to pass the National Assembly in years.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard recently, the Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Engr. Reginald Stanley, pointed out that the nation’s oil and gas industry could be spared a lot of the headache brought about by the subsidy removal if only the PIB was passed into law, adding that the bill contains appropriate and robust legislations that will ensure the sustainability of government reforms in the industry.

“The proposed PIB explicitly provides for the phased deregulation of the downstream petroleum market, which will free government funds for infrastructural development. It also provides for the development of a sustainable Strategic Fuel Reserve Policy for petroleum products as a security against emergency situation in the country,” he stated.

Other ways of getting out of the subsidy mess, he proffered, include the provision of incentives to encourage private sector participation in refining, jetties and pipelines operations, as well as restructuring government owned oil corporation (NNPC) in a matter that her subsidiaries will not hold dominant market positions. He also called for a revisit of the implementation of the aborted Open-Access, Common-Carrier Regime in the operations of strategic logistics facilities to reduce bridging cost, and the monitoring of the Ship-to-Ship transfer at offshore Cotonou by the cargo inspectors, among other issues.

By Oscarline Onwuemenyi

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Corruption on fiery rampage, holds Nigeria hostage

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Corruption has steadily grown over the years, into a hydra-headed monster on a fiery rampage, now holding our nation hostage.

Even though corruption existed from early period of independence when during the First Republic governed by some of our founding fathers, politicians were accused of taking just 10% on contracts, before the military struck in January 1966.

But the incursion of the military into political governance worsened the situation as the rule of law replaced rule of brute force when the craze for wealth and ill-gotten individual prosperity escalated.

As put bluntly by Justice Mustapha Akanbi, one-time Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

“If anything, the various coup d’etat in this country worsened the situation. The direction and course of our history changed, our values and judgement changed, honesty and integrity were relegated to the background. As the years rolled by, so overwhelming was the situation that for some, the worship of money became the order of the day.”

He said that we became more and more materialistic so much so that it was no longer possible to convince the average Nigerian child that we can achieve greatness and position of respectability without necessarily being corrupt or that he can still achieve financial success in business or in life without recourse to corrupt means or corrupt dealings.

IG Abubakar and Ibrahim Lamorde, EFCC chairman

According to the former ICPC Chairman, corruption has become both systematic and endemic so much that the average Nigerian came to accept it as a normal way of life. Indeed, public office is seen as means of acquiring illicit wealth or enriching themselves through corrupt conduct.

Corruption destroys socio-economic life of the nation, makes economic planning difficult if not impossible, stifles implementation of infrastructural project, while it concentrates wealth in the hands of a few individuals.

In addition, corruption promotes widespread poverty and large scale unemployment, inflation, destruction of efficiency in pubic institutions, destruction of ethical, moral, religious and democratic values, in which an unfair, unjust and inequitable environment thrives.

Today, corruption is walking on two legs in Nigeria with a rotten leadership neck-deep in stealth, while about 70 per cent of the people are perceived to be corrupt. So any cleansing of the nation must start from all the citizens. Corruption is killing this country. From the presidency, the executive, legislature, judiciary, local governments, community, the grassroot population, private and public sectors of the national economy, there are brazen manifestations of corruption everywhere.

For the legislature, the National Assembly members who received all types of bogus allowances and excessive salaries paid to themselves which had been described by many well-meaning Nigerians as “looting of the treasury.”

Recently, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General who was in parliament in the First Republic (since 1959) said he had never seen such outrageous allowances, when salaries of lawmakers were higher than that of US President Barack Obama, stating that, “what is happening at the National Assembly nowadays could be aptly described in two words – treasury looting.”

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi alleged that 25% of the overhead of the Federal government budget is being spent on the National Assembly.

Quoting figures from the office of Budget for the year 2010, he said total government overhead was N536,268,49,280. Total overhead of the National Assembly is N136,259,768,112 which is exactly 25.1% of Federal Government overhead.

The country runs one of the most expensive democracies in the world, with about 50 ministers, thousands of special advisers, special assistants, advisers, and so on at federal level, “just finding jobs for the politicians,” all of them corruptly helping themselves to their share of the national cake. The same applied to the states and local governments governance where governors and council chairmen swindled and siphon public funds in billions recklessly. The judiciary is not better as judges receive huge gratifications to deliver judgement to the highest bidders in all kinds of litigations brought before them.

Bribery scandals are so frequent that the nation has lost count with just a few found guilty. There was the $180 million Halliburton bribery scandal in which some government officials received bribes to secure gas contracts at Bonny Island on behalf of some multinational energy companies. The Halliburton probe was later dropped.

There was the N55 million bribery involving one-time Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara,, former Education Minister, Professor Fabian Osuji and a Senator. The lawmakers allegedly demanded and collected N55 million from the Education Minister for the passage of the 2005 budget of the Federal Ministry of Education. All those involved including five legislators were later freed by the Court of Appeal because the prosecution. “Woefully failed to establish prima facie case against them.”

A N5 billion fraud charge was brought against the former Chairman of National Electricity Regulatory commission (NERC) and six directors of the commission by EFCC for allegedly sharing the money among themselves.

There was the 17.5 million Euro Siemens scam in which some officials of PHCN and NITEL were fingered. Former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and two officials of the Abuja Geographic Information System, AGIS, were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged abuse of office and corruption.

He was accused of willfully distorting the Abuja Master plan by irregularly revoking the ownership title of two parcels of land belonging to Power Holding Company of Nigeria Plc (PHCN), and the Nigeria Postal Services, NIPOST.

El-Rufai later dragged the Federal Government to court over his trial, saying that his actions as FCT Minister were proper and valid under Nigerian law.

One-time National Chairman of PDP, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor was charged with N2.36 billion fraud, for allegedly conniving with others to float fictitious companies while in office as Minister of State for Special Duties.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole was alleged to have looted N9 billion purportedly spent on cars and miscellaneous items.

His predecessor in office,
Mrs. Patricia Etteh, was removed as Speaker over alleged impropriety in contract award for renovation of official residence.

Some high profile cases on corruption filed by the EFCC include those of Mr. Boni Haruna, ex-governor of Adamawa State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, ex-governor Oyo State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, ex-governor of Sokoto State, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode ex-minister, Aviation, Dr. Babalola Borishade, ex-minister Education, later Aviation, chief michael Botmang, former governor, Plateau State, Senator Nicholas Ugbane, Mr. Elumelu and others in N5.2 billion REA contract, Alhaji Abdulahi Adamu, ex-governor, Nassarawa State.

Chief Bode George, a former military governor, ex-national chairman (West) PDP and former Chairman of NPA was convicted for corruption. Two-term governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion was also convicted for corruption while his Delta State counterpart is cooling down in a British jail for corrupt practices and money laundering. Former governor of Bayelsa state, Chief Alamaseigha was the first to be jailed for corruption in the country.

Several other governors who left office, some of them even elected into the senate are still facing charges for corrupt enrichment.

There are several high ranking politicians across the country including ex-ministers, legislators, council chairmen, bank chief executives, who have cases to answer bordering on corruption.

The nation is contending with the pension fraud in which top government officials swindled or stole pension money to the tune of about N273 billion. There was the power project whereby some prominent persons helped themselves to the tune of $16 billion fraudulently without supplying any equipment or constructing power plants anywhere. Nobody has been charged for such massive embezzlement of public fund.

No wonder that the United States has dismissed Nigeria’s war against corruption, saying that “massive widespread and pervasive corruption affected all levels of government and the security forces.”

According to its 2011 Country Reports on Human rights Practices submitted to Congress by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, while acknowledging that the law provides criminal penalties for official corruption; however, the government did not implement the law effectively as officials frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity. The report didn’t mince words, saying: “Public officials including the President, Vice President, governors, deputy governors, cabinet ministers and legislators (at both federal and state levels) must comply with financial disclosure laws, including the requirement to declare their assets before assuming and after leaving office. Violators risked prosecution, but cases rarely came to conclusion.”

The judiciary was not spared either: “There was a widespread perception that judges were easily bribed and that litigants couldnot rely on the courts to render impartial judgements. Citizens encountered long delays and alleged requests from judicial officers for bribes to expedite cases or obtain favourable rulings.” It is no longer a secret that the same people who stole public funds mostly end up as governors, minsters, senators, members of the House of Representatives and even ambassadors to foreign countries, because after leaving political office, they are sent abroad as ambassadors.

It’s like a vicious cycle.

To make u-turn, Nigeria must embark on total cleansing of the polity in the form of attitudinal change, character reformation, welfarism for all to share in the national we lath, leaders becoming pro-active. People are now going into politics not to serve but to amass wealth.

By Emmanuel Edukugho

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Jonathan, Obi, Chime, eulogise Olusola

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President Goodluck Jonathan was among several Nigerians who paid tribute to late Ambassador Segun Olusola, one-time Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and a cultural icon yesterday. Olusola, 77, died in a Lagos hospital Thursday.

Aside Jonathan, those who mourned Olusola included Governors Peter Obi and Sullivan Chime of Anambra and Enugu States respectively, the Minister of Culture, Chief Edem Duke, and Oba Dejumo Lewis among others.

Olusegun-Olusola

He was a renowned broadcaster and playwright who produced the popular television drama series ‘’Village Headmaster” which ran on Nigerian television stations for many years.
His death coming on the heels, also early in the week ,of the sad demise of another significant cultural Amazon and accomplished socialite, Ms. Angela Onyeador in faraway, United States of America, become for the culture and tourism tribe, a death too many to comprehend.

In his tribute, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan extolled the virtues of late Amb. Olusola, saying his commitment to the promotion of excellence in the arts and culture sector, broadcasting and public service, are worthy of emulation.

Jonathan recalled that the late Ambassador Olusola’s popular television drama series, “The Village Headmaster”, thrilled television viewers for decades, while commending the selflessness and professionalism he demonstrated in broadcasting and all his other ventures, including his frontline role as a member of the Iperu Remo Community in Ogun state.

President Jonathan also acknowledged Chief Olusola’s distinguished role as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, as well as his promotion of peace in Africa under the auspices of the African Refugees Foundation, AREF, which he founded.

He noted that Amb Olusola’s dedication to selfless service and his peace-loving nature, even at an advanced age, will surely be missed.

While commiserating with members of the Olusola family, President Jonathan asked them to take solace in the fact that the late Ambassador lived a fulfilled, memorable and exemplary life, and prayed God to grant his soul peaceful rest.
Governor Peter Obi described Olusola’s death as a tragic loss to the country.

In his condolence message, Obi described Ambassador Olusola not only as a former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, but a worthy ambassador of Arts and Culture of all times. He said that though he died at the ripe age of 77, he was one of those he wished had lived a little longer because of the experience he garnered over the years which was always valuable in nation-building.

He however prayed for the repose of his soul even as he condoled with the government of Ogun State and the
immediate Olusola family.

Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State in his own message to the family of the deceased expressed regrets over the death of foremost Nigerian broadcaster and former Ambassador to Ethiopia Chief Olusola, describing it as a huge loss to the nation.
Chime in his message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Chukwudi Achife, described Ambassador Olusola as a committed and influential patriot who inspired many leaders in different walks of life.

Expressing his condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased statesman, Chime however urged them to find consolation in the solid legacies he left behind.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke described the death of Ambassador Segun Olusola as a monumental loss to Nigeria. In a statement issued in Abuja last night, the Minister said Chief Olusola was a total man of culture who used all resources at his disposal to promote indigenous values and norms.

Duke further said that the late Culture Icon and Ambassador was a man of peace who believed strongly in Nigeria and in using the mechanism of culture to attain peaceful coexistence and enduring development. He also noted the late Ambassador’s untiring contributions to activities and policies of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation and other national and international culture agencies.

Also reacting, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, founder of OYASAF described the late culture icon as a great man of tradition and culture who spent his time promoting tradition and culture. He stated that he was a very amiable and sociable human being who related well with all.

“He has done his own bit but like other mortals has gone to meet his ancestors. We will all miss him for all that he has done. I had interactions with him on many occasions and found out that he was a great man who loved culture”.

On his part, Dejumo Lewis, a.k.a Kabieyesi of the Village Headmaster fame said that an elephant has fallen.
According to Lewis, “his death calls for mourning because no one expected it at this time. The last few occasions we attended together, he was hale and hearty. So, it is shocking news to me and others. But we are consoled by his achievements and the life that he lived while on earth. He lived the life of a great man, a mentor and a leader. He was a great man, a culture man who spent his life promoting culture to the highest level. In fact an elephant has fallen and we will miss him.”

In the same vein, the Director General of the Centre for Black African Arts and Civilisation, CBAAC, Professor Tunde Babawale described the late Ambasdor Segun as “ an intellectual per excellence whose contributions to debates are deep and influenced decisions regarding cultures issues,” saying, “ he was a barometer which was used to gauge the feelings of Nigerian people on issues relating to culture. As journalists, he was a broadcaster par excellence, world class broadcaster with an in impeccable diction.”

Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Martin Adaji described late Olusola as one of the most consistent supporters of the arts,” pointing out that he ‘’never turned down any invitation regarding the arts. He was very supportive of all art activities and we must appreciate him.”

Also, Bolaji Rosiji, a former President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that the late Olusola was an icon whose shoes would be difficult to fill.

He described him as a legend, statesman, philanthropist and universal ambassador, who was a very close ally of the arts industry.

He was always there for anyone whenever he was called upon to assist in any form in any event.

“He came early when invited to events and I wonder where he got his strength from,” he said.
Rosiji said that Olusola also played a remarkable role in African peace by helping displaced people and would always be fondly remembered.

’’A musician and actress, Ms Stella Monye, told NAN that the late Olusola was an upright and serious-minded person in whatever he did.
“He contributed to anything arts and he was passionate about it. He did not get involved in anything shaddy and was always ready to help positively,” she said.
This was even as a veteran artist, Bruce Onobrakpeya, said that Nigeria had lost a great man and the arts sector, a huge icon.
“The arts sector will greatly miss his contribution following his sudden exit.

His literary advice will be missed,” he said.
In his own message, a poet and playwright, Odia Ofeimun said that the late Olusola stood up for the arts at all times.“It is sad, we will miss him,” he said.

The Chairman, National Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP, Lagos State, Mufu Onifade, also told NAN that the late Olusola was “a mighty tree with deep roots in virtually all areas of the arts.

He was a market with many roads leading to him and every individual chose his own route to benefit from him. He was more than an icon,” Onifade said, describing him as a “cultural legacy personified and a compulsory factor in the media.”
The NANTAP chairman noted that Olusola’s play, “Tears of Sympathy”, culminated in the establishment of AREF.
“He is a great loss to the Nigerian theatre, arts, diplomacy, humanitarianism and the Nigerian nation at large. “He is a great loss to Africans too,” he said.

NAN reports that members of the Pro-National Conference, PRONACO, also described the death of the ace broadcaster, as a big blow to the organisation.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr Wale Okuniyi, the PRONACO expressed regrets that Olusola was to participate in a parley of its national steering committee next Tuesday in Lagos.

”Olusola, an illustrious son of Ogun and a close associate in the struggle to restructure the country for harmony and stability, died at a time when he was most needed by the country.

”While commiserating with his family and the entire citizens of Ogun, we regret the reality of missing his usual robust and ebullient interventions.”

”Olusola has already indicated his interest to participate fully in the renewed process of stemming the ongoing bloodletting and killings in some parts of the country before being suddenly snatched away by death,” PRONACO stated in Lagos.

It described the late ambassador as a role model with unparalleled diligence and commitment to issues affecting the masses.

”He was hardly provoked on any matter; rather, he devoted most of his adult life to settling disputes.
”He is indeed an eminent leader of thought and remains one the greatest Nigerians who bestrode the social plane of our country with first class impacts.

“Olusola is indeed a hero in death.

“One of the ways Olusola can be honoured is for eminent national leaders meeting in Lagos next Tuesday to ensure that the latest process of national consultations lead to proper negotiations and reconciliation,” it said.
Mr Afolabi Adesanya, the Managing Director, Nigeria Film Corporation, NFC, also described the death of Mr Segun Olusola, creator of popular television drama series ‘Village headmaster’as tragic and painful.
In a statement issued by its Head of Public Affairs,Mr Brian Etuk, in Abuja yesterday, Adesanya said that Nigerians, enthusiasts of television drama, theatre and film would surely miss the brilliant and ebullient personality.
According to him, Olusola, along with other Nigerians spearheaded the revolution that also aided the emergence of the present day Nigerian motion picture industry.

Adesanya said that because of the depth and passion with which the late Olusola carried on his trade, and his quest for excellence, NFC had instituted one of the coveted prizes of ZUMA Film Festival after him, adding that he would be remembered for his television credits namely: “The Palm wine Drunkard”, “Song of a Goat”, and “The Trials of Brother Jero” among others.

By McPHILIPS NWACHUKWU, BEN AGANDE & JAPHET LAKAM with agency report

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Falcons won’t treat Banyana Banyana with kid gloves – Ikhana

5:34 AM Sports No Comments

Having defeated the Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe 4-0 last Saturday in Lagos to qualify for the 2012 Africa Women’s Championship,AWC, Super Falcons coach, Kadiri Ikhana is confident his team will beat the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in an International friendly holding today at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Ikana who was delighted with the performance of his team last Saturday, said they are battle ready for today’s game, adding that the friendly will serve as a good test for the girls who are looking to defend the African title they won two years ago in South Africa.

“I am happy with the recent development in the team. I won’t say they(team) are now perfect but I know they are above average and could contend with any team in Africa. In Saturday’s (today) tie, we are not going to underrate the South Africans despite it being a friendly match.

We are going to take the match seriously as it is part of preparation for the forthcoming AWC which comes up later this year,” he said.

He added that he and other members of the technical crew would ensure that the team get better and are able to defend the AWC title by inviting more players.

“We want to get the best legs for the team ahead of the competition. Right now we have 20 new players and I assure you that within a space of time, myself and the technical crew will bring out the best in the team,” he assured.

By KATE OBODO

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T-e-r-r-o-r-! Family of 6 killed in Jos

5:33 AM News No Comments

A family of six including a six-month old child and a 70-year old grandmother were yesterday brutally murdered by gunmen at Kumpun village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. In Lokoja, capital of Kogi State, the police command has discovered a hideout in Koto – Karfe area of the state where guns were being locally manufactured.

In Kano State, the Joint Military Taskforce, JTF, also yesterday discovered a high calibre Improvised Explosive Devise, IED, in the premises of Waje Friday Jumat Mosque in Fagge Local Government Area of the state. The JTF also arrested four persons while allegedly trying to plant the bomb in the mosque.

This was even as there was pandemonium in the Zone 5 area of Abuja, yesterday evening, following a bomb scare, with some offices in the ever-busy environment quickly evacuating as business men and women also hurriedly closed shops and residents scampered for safety.

Policemen from bomb disposal unit packing defused home made bombs made from cans of soft drinks.

In Minna, Niger State capital and environs, business activities were also temporarily disrupted yesterday afternoon as rumour of attacks by members of an Islamic sect, Boko-Haram filtered into town. The rumour which started barely an hour to the Friday Juma’at Mosque climaxed as some shop owners closed shops for the day’s business while many traders at the Kure ultra modern market and other markets around the metropolis also hurriedly followed suit.

However, six other people were injured in Plateau State when the assailants suspected to be Fulani herdsmen and said to have numbered over 30 stormed the village at about 3.30am wielding guns and machetes.

An eyewitness said the attackers killed six members of the Dakibang family in their sleep and injured two other members of the family who were hit with machetes as they tried to escape before moving to other houses in the village where they injured four other people.

They reportedly shot sporadically while some of them attacked those trying to escape with dangerous weapons and operated for about two hours before escaping through a bush path.

Security men to whom distress calls were made allegedly arrived at the village an hour after the attackers had gone.

Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. John Clark Dabwang who visited the affected village to commiserate with them described the attack as barbaric and wicked.

He wondered why people would hack down fellow human beings in cold blood and appealed for calm among the people urging them not to carry out reprisals.

Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent Emmanuel Abuh confirmed the attack and the six killed adding that investigations were on to track down the perpetrators.In Kano State, the Waje Friday Mosque lies within the expanse of land that separate the predominantly Christian quarters and the indigenous Hausa.

Bomb found in Kano mosque

A statement by JTF spokesman made available to Saturday Vanguard in Kano, Lt Ikediche Iweha stated:

“The attention of the general public is hereby drawn to the latest desperate and despicable tactics employed by members of the terrorist sect aimed at causing public disorder and riots in the name of religion. This afternoon, June 22, 2012, at about 2pm, the attention of the JTF was called by a careful Nigerian to a suspicious package at a mosque in Fagge area just before the Friday prayers. Upon examination, the package turned out to be an IED planted by terrorists to cause death and grievous harm to worshippers at the Jum’mat prayers.

“This latest attempt is particularly disturbing in view of the wider implication it would have had on the fragile peace in Kano and the disruption of economic activities it would have brought with it. It is also equally disturbing in view of the recent events in parts of Kaduna State to which Kano boarders.”

Similarly, the Police Public Relation Officer in the state, DSP Rilwanu Tanimu confirmed the arrest of the four suspects stressing that they were apprehended after they abandoned the IED stocked in a polythene bag.

Taminu further explained that a comprehensive investigation has begun on the matter, adding that the four suspects were in their custody.

Bomb scare in Abuja

As usual with such situations, there were several versions to the cause of the scare with some people saying that a bag dropped from a moving vehicle and those by the road side took to their heels.

Another version had it that a bag was dropped near an eatery in the area where several government offices, and private businesses as well as, the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, had their headquarters.

Some eyewitnesses said they saw a suspicious bag between Top View Hotel and the headquarters of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps office in the area and concluded that it could be an explosive.

The headquarters of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, is located on the other side of the road leading to Alvan Ikoku Way. The incident which occurred between about 3pm and 5 pm caused traffic gridlock in the area as one lane had to be closed to traffic.

However, when Anti-Bomb Policemen visited the place, it was confirmed that there no explosive in the said bag.

Locally manufactured arms

The Kogi State police Commissioner, Muhammed Katsina who briefed newsmen over the incident said three persons, (names withheld), were arrested at the factory where locally made guns were being manufactured.

Katsina said, the trio who had already confessed to have manufactured guns of different categories for men of the underworld were arrested by detectives who swooped on them at their workshop following a tip off.

According to Katsina, 10 locally made single- barreled guns, one locally made double barreled gun, two manufacturing machines and a gas cylinder were recovered at the ‘’arms workshop.’’

He further said the state command also arrested two persons, aged 25 and 26 in connection with the kidnapping of a teenage girl, Racheal Bulus from Jos.

The girl who was a Face book friend of Haruna travelled to see him only for the two to detain her and call her father asking for N200,000 ransom. The duo according to the police boss were arrested while trying to withdraw the money from their bank account in Ogane Iyale, Dekina Local Government of the state

Traders scamper in Minna over rumour of attack

As a result of the rumour of attack, the Friday prayer Mosques which were usually filled to capacity with adherents of the Islamic faith was poorly attended as many moslems chose to stay indoors as part of the rumour indicated that the central mosque was the target of the sect.

Proprietors of private schools, especially those owned by Christians, who were in session,out of fear called or sent text messages to parents/guardians to come for their wards as their fears were further heightened by the presence of soldiers and anti-riot policemen who were patrolling the town.The situation was chaotic as parents who had their wards in schools drove recklessly to pick their children, in the process, causing traffic gridlock along major roads in the city, especially at the Central Mosque-Sabon-Gari round- about linking the Obasanjo shopping complex.

Taxis and commercial motorcycle drivers popularly called ‘Okada’ were not left out in the confusion that ensued. While many simply stopped business to watch the unfolding events, others made brisk business charging more than the normal cost for a drop.

Meanwhile, the police in Niger state have advised residents against spreading rumour over possible attacks and asked them to go about their normal businesses.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO,, Pius Edobor, solicited the support and cooperation of Nigerlites in tackling security challenges by providing the police with useful information to check criminals and people from cause breach of the peace.

Edobor described the rumoured attack as one of the gimmicks by mischief makers and assured residents of the state of their safety at all times.

By Taye Obateru, AbdulSalam Muhammad, Wole Mosadomi, Joseph Erunke & Boluwaji Obahopo

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Jonathan names Sambo Dasuki as National Security Adviser

5:30 AM News No Comments

The escalation in terrorist attack in the country by Boko Haram claimed two major casualties yesterday as President Goodluck Jonathan sacked the National Security Adviser, NSA, General Andrew Owoeye Azazi and the Minister of Defence, Haliru Bello respectively. He named Col. Sambo Dasuki, rtd, as the new NSA. Dasuki who was former Aid- de-Cmap, ADC, to General Ibrahim Babangida is a no-nonsense man.

Sambo Dasuki in

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed this development on a telephone yesterday but did not give details. The new NSA, Dasuki is also, a former Managing Director of Security Printing & Minting Company Limited.

A distinguished retired military officer, he attended American Universities, Washington DC and George Washington where he obtained a BA in International Relations and MA in Security Policy Studies respectively and military training in many institutions in Nigeria and abroad including: Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Oklahoma, U.S Army Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth Kensas.

He resigned in protest from the Nigerian Minting Printing Company following its controversial privitisation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

However, the replacement for the defence Minister has not yet been announced. Azazi’s tenure as National Security Adviser, NSA was uneventful as the security situation in the country deteriorated significantly following serial bombings, killings and kidnappings by gang groups across the across the country.

The bombings and killings of over 1,000 Nigerians and foreigners, especially by members of Boko Haram Islamic sect and his open criticism of the zoning policy of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, further pitched him against powerful forces in and out of government.

Earlier yesterday, heads of security agencies led by the former NSA, General Azazi had briefed President Jonathan on his arrival from Brazil on the security situation in the country while he was away for a meeting of the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development.

The meeting which held behind closed doors was meant to bring the President up to date with the security situation in the country.

A source at the meeting said that the president expressed displeasure with the handling of the challenges and gave his security apparatchik matching orders to get on top of the situation.

Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, who fielded questions from State House correspondents after the meeting, said it was usual for his security chiefs to brief him on such matters.

“He (Jonathan) particularly did not feel too well about the loss of lives. He said we need to do something proactive to stop it at all cost.

”It is a usual security meeting with the Commander in-Chief to look at things in a comprehensive manner and see how the security agencies are fairing. It was a useful discussion on certain areas where we had problems; how to tackle them and how the security agencies can be more effective and the role the populace has to play in assisting in the war against terror.

”We had to re-appraise the other measures we had been taking before now and look at how the populace can be carried along to get more information, so that peace can return to the land. We do not really have to kill Nigerians to sustain peace.

’’The President believes that we need to talk and do what is right to ensure that we calm the nerves and make sure that these incessant bombings are minimised. It is a source of worry to all”, he added.

On the criticisms that trailed the president’s visit to Brazil while Kaduna State was burning, Olubolade said, “Nigerians will normally say what is on their mind. They have freedom of expression, but since we are all Nigerians, things should not be said to set the country aback. He (Jonathan) has a duty to perform with other nations.

”He has confidence in his security apparatus and he is not unmindful of statements from opposition. But by and large, how Nigeria can be at peace is what is of utmost importance”

The former NSA in his own contribution said all the President did was to ask his security chiefs to brief him on the situation in the country.

He said the listing of some leaders of the Boko Haram as terrorists, was a “decision by America. It is not a decision by us. They US probably feels that those are the people who they need to classify as terrorists. I cannot begin to tell you what we discussed at the security meeting. But everything is under control”

Vice President Namadi Sambo and the Minister of Defence, Haliru Bello were also at the meeting.
Other security chiefs present at the meeting included the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin; Chief of Army Staff, CAOS, General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Umar and the Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar.

Nigerians yesterday reacted to yesterday’s sacking of the former National Security Adviser, NSA, General Andrew Azazi and the Minister of Defence, Dr Haliru Bello, by President Goodluck Jonathan with shock and disbelief, hoping however that the action would bring an end to the serious security challenges facing the country.

Those who reacted over the matter included the former Minister of Abuja Federal Capital Territory, and chietain of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, General Jerry Usaeni, rtd, the Coodinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, Joseph Evah, Brigadier- General John Shagaya, rtd, and National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Mr Anthony Sani and Col Abubakar Umar rtd. Umar simply said he would confirm the development before reacting.

Shock greets removal of Azazi, Bello

General Jeremiah Useni wondered if it was news or rumour saying he has not heard any official statement on that as General John Shagaya said it is a security matter he would not want to dabble into.

However, National Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group Joseph Eva said it was wrong to have asked Azazi to resign.

Media spokesman to Azazi Mike Awe

The government appointed him and has asked him to go. The President is under political pressure and not everything is classified and made public. When NSA asked that Buhari be invited for questioning, Jonathan kicked against it. When he suggested that some people be brought in and questioned, he kicked against it saying it is a ploy to scatter his government. So, really, it’s all about the president’s softness (weakness) but he appointed him and he has removed him.

Joseph Evah, coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group.

“It is a wrong advice. The former IGP was removed over the same matter but has it solved the problem? If they remove Azazi, very soon, they would advise Jonathan to resign. Would he do it? I think Jonathan should have adopted the measure the former President, Musa Yar’Adua used on him when he was the Vice President and the militants were causing problems in the Niger Delta. Yar’ Adua then relocated Jonathn to the creeks to resolve the issue. Now, the VP Namadi Sambo has no business remaining in Abuja. He should be on a donkey or camel’s back going to the north to resolve the issue of Boko Harm like Jonathan did with the militants in the Niger Delta then. The northern governors and elders are also key to this. They cannot keep pretending that they don not know the people doing these things. President Jonathan should be more pro-active about security. If he declares a state of emergency in some states in the north, something would happen. Jonathan paddled to creeks in the days of the militants of the Niger Delat. Why can’t he order Sambo to move to the desert? It is wrong advice for anybody to ask him to sack Azazi because that cannot solve the problem.

Gen. Jeremiah Useni
I am not aware of the development and would rather keep mum on the issue just as General Shagaya said it’s a security issue he would not want to comment on it. I am not aware. Is there a pubic statement on that?

Anthony Sani

As long as security challenges are there, the tendency is that those sacked had not performed. Terrorism is not an easy problem to handle. It shows that Jonathan is concerned about the security situation in the country, But whether the changes will bring about the solution is what I do not know.

By Chioma Gabriel, Emeka Mamah and Ben Agande, Abuja.

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