The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Interview

  • People said I was crazy when I went into politics — Ex-Imo governor’s aide Adaora Onyechere

    People said I was crazy when I went into politics — Ex-Imo governor’s aide Adaora Onyechere

    Adaora Onyechere, a broadcast journalist, motivational speaker, poet and author, was famous as a co-anchor of Kakaaki, a daily talk show on African Independent television (AIT) until she left her comfort zone to venture into politics. In this interview with select journalists, including PAUL UKPABIO and FRANK IKPEFAN, the former Senior Special Assistant on Information and Advocacy to former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, relives her experience in the murky waters of politics, particularly in the short-lived Ihedioha administration, among other issues.

    It takes some guts to abandon your passion for something else. Why did you leave broadcasting for politics?

    I felt a sense of hopelessness that the engagements and conversations we were having as journalists and broadcasters were creating awareness on issues. But in real time, activation and implementation was a long rope, and I was wondering what could be the problem. Was it that we were not shaping the right narratives or the politicians were willing but were hindered or there was too much bureaucracy hindering activation?

    Talking and having conversations on and off air, at a point, I started to engage in community journalism to see what really was happening back home. What I saw was very startling; the obvious case being that of having a conversation gap between the leaders and the led. The leaders are saying things in their own language and the led are saying theirs in their own language; nobody is meeting the other halfway. The people in power think they have it all figured out. They will just speak and after one week, the whole thing will die down. The people are agitating and talking but nobody is hearing them.

    So I felt that in cases of bills that are being made, looking at CAMA, the NBC bill, Freedom of Information Act, the review of the NBC Code, and all the other bills that are coming out now, people are asking, ‘Where was the conversation line? How did people get involved?’ So my needs at that time was to take it off the television set and just stop having those conversations just with the people who are supposedly in leadership and have the conversation with those that are led. The only way to do that was to participate, which was what made me to run in an election.

    In doing that, there was a conversation and consultation, first with my family and even with my tutors back in school in England. It was a deep self-analytical process for me, because it was a point of no return. And knowing the kind of political environment we have in Nigeria, which is very hostile in terms of even engagement for women, it had to be a decision that was not just as a sense of running but also a sacrifice.

    What was the reaction you got from people when you decided to go into politics?

    People were saying are you crazy? Are you going to leave your job? Do you know how many years you have put into this? You are a queen of the screen, you are this and that. Don’t you think this is a mistake? But then I realised that if we keep talking and no one is helping to shape the conversations real time, we will keep talking for another 100 years. For me, it was to take the narrative from what I used to think and experience down to the field, which was the reason I ran. Getting into the field was a totally different experience and ball game. And I am like, ‘Ah ha, we have come here now, what do we do? How do we re-engage?’ Trust me, the more you look when you get into politics, the less you see, because the narratives you thought were shaping or were supposed to shape those who are in power was not the case scenario in real time.

    What lessons did you learn as a woman in politics?

    I joined a not too popular party because there was a lot of struggle for women to get nomination forms in bigger parties. It was very expensive. Secondly, the internal party mechanism was not shaped to accommodate the voices of women without hostile participation. For me, I felt that more women should begin to think about looking at helping to shape smaller parties, creating the structures that they would like to see, becoming participants in policies that help govern the political parties, which was what drove and really gave me the faith in pursuing my mandate under Action Alliance.

    The election was looking quite good and there was a lot of popularity not just for myself within the party in the Okigwe Constituency which I was seeking to represent, but also for the brand of the party itself.

    How about your family? Did you get their support?

    I think that what made me strong was the fact that I had my family support and I also had my mentors strongly behind me. And one thing they really said to me was, ‘Ada, it is not about winning. In fact, you have already won as far as we are concerned for deciding to run, even getting into the field to say you want to change the voices of women, you want to see how women were looked at.’

    At that local level, it was strong enough for them. But for me, I wanted to also help people to understand that for a state that had a lot of misogyny, that was very masculinised, it was not just only a struggle for them to see more women coming into the ring.

    You challenged the result of the election because you felt that you won?

    Yes. I went to the tribunal, and it was a tough case. But I think along the line, the conversation of the traditional rulers came on board. All the Ezes of Okigwe Constituency summoned me for a meeting with the candidate who was in court with me, and there was a conversation like, ‘You know you have done well as a daughter, this is your first time, you have made us proud and we are remarkably behind you. But we are all one and the same, you are from the same place, you are the same tribe and we want you to understand that whatever happens after this, we will definitely be behind you. But in this matter, you people should not be exposing yourselves…’, and all those fatherly and elderly talks. And you know I went in the entourage of some elder statesmen and some elders of the party (AA). Some people said I should not have withdrawn the case; that I should have fought on.

    So, you withdrew the case from the tribunal?

    There were three demands that came up: one was to see that some of the policy, the issues that concern the Okigwe people would be taken on board, secondly, that the traditional rulers would also see to it that during elections, it will no longer be about the male chromosome but about the capacity of those who are running, even though I know that culturally and stereotypically, traditional rulers will naturally side or be keen to side a male candidate rather than a female. But I would also tell you that being a politician or running for election does not de-feminise a woman.

    But beyond that, I think for me as a first timer as well, and understanding the political environment in Okigwe where I come from, which is not a place you overwhelmingly stomp into with a show of bravado but must be emotionally intelligent to be able to also look at the modus operandi of those who are your supporters and those who are following you, what their body language also says. So it was not a decision that was mandatorily left to me; it was a collection of voices to say, ‘You see, election is not a do or die affair. Winning is not about winning at the polls alone but about the people who come out, standing tall for the sake of those who cast the votes for you.’

    What can you say about Ihedioha?

    I had followed him for quite a while and had seen several of his leadership indices even at the National Assembly level and at the national space level, and I felt that that was the man that could go very far if he was consistent in his vision. I joined him and the journey of service began. So, before you knew it, the government took off. We looked at several of the agenda of his Excellency from agriculture to sports, to youth empowerment, women engagement, infrastructure and road network. We began to look at the visions and mandate of his Excellency under the Rebuild Imo conversation platform, and it began to take shape with the people slowly but surely.

    After three to four months, it became a vibrant conversation. There was a re-ignition of hope. You could see the enchantment had left people of what used to be – an abuse of public office space. People were beginning to become bold enough to say this system works, and I think for me, that was what I could take away in the seven months. Because beyond the effectiveness and being part of the beneficiaries of good governance from within the Rebuild Imo system, to even being part of the Imo citizen, I think one of the key things was the modeling of the leadership style of His Excellency by other state governments, by other platforms, and by other leadership status quo, because it was working and you could imagine that seven months of engagements and make it into four years what we would have achieved in that space. I am saying that for what the administration was able to achieve in seven months, some people take two to three years to achieve it. That, for me, is significant. And as per my role as the SSA, it was not about the title or about the office; it was about the activation for service for those who my principal called to serve and my admiration for his wife, Ebere Ihedioha, who was very visible and also very passionate about the plight of women in Imo State.

    During the rebuild Imo project, was there a time the governor felt his administration was standing on one leg considering that the election that brought him to power was before the Supreme Court and that the case could go either way?

    I doubt it. We had the voice of the people in Imo. The citizenry were with us. There was a body language of this is going to continue, so there wasn’t any inkling of whether there was going to be a right or wrong judgment.

    In other words, the Supreme Court judgment came as a rude shock to the administration?

    It was a bounce of an edge for the whole world; not just to him or the people in the state or myself. It was like, what the hell is going on? The question on how it happened, the conversations that happened in-between the line was there for you to see. I mean it wasn’t just an Imo state dilemma, it wasn’t a conversation about us or about him (Ihedioha), it was about the system (judiciary), it was about the government of Nigeria, it was about our beliefs as a people, it was about our faith in the judiciary.

    It has been several months after the judgment. Has the Rebuild Imo team abandoned the former governor?

    The Rebuild Imo team is an exceptional team. You can’t take that away from His Excellency. I think he deliberately chose the team significantly to meet the needs of his vision, and that, for me, wherever you are or whoever you are, you must applaud him for that. Beyond the state, the team has continued to work collectively and individually to be able to continue to speak and possibly to bring to bear the capacity that he (Ihedioha) saw in them in the larger space as they have begun to do several things that they also have strength in. But beyond that, as a team, we also have conversations.

    So what have you been doing since you left government?

    It has been a bouquet. First of all, Covid-19 came and slammed us with that, so we had to spend five months indoors. Now post-Covid, there are a lot of activities. Things are getting re-engaged. My programme, Talk to Adaora, took off in the heat of Covid-19 because I saw a gap and a need.

    Going by your experience in 2019, do you think women are getting enough support to challenge men in this political space?

    Women need more support. There needs to be enough funding. But how do you do that? That is why I said mainstreaming women across all sectors, ensuring that they are empowered gives voice, gives bite to women who would support other women during elections. Whether we like it or not, the money that you save in the bank as a woman to go into an election can never be enough against a male counterpart. Even if it is, you also need to understand that consultation and a range of support stages happen during politics, during your campaign. When you think you have done and achieved your final conversation, another one comes up!

    So you are saying if the level of violence during elections reduces more women will embrace the political space?

    Absolutely! If they are prepared financially, if there is preparation to support women financially by the women themselves, knowing that elections are unfortunately not cheap in Nigeria, there would also be a need for that. But just like someone said to me a few days ago, men have godfathers. What is the definition of godfatherism in Nigeria? How is it positive in terms of connotation for a female counterpart? I believe there should be, like I said, an awakening of mentors for mentees.

    Will you be trying again in 2023?

    I am already running. What do I mean by that? Every woman who is in service one way or the other in the public space, defining and redefining the citizens’ voice, helping to shape the ideals of citizens’ participation is already running. I feel that politics and running for elections from my experience is no longer about picking up a nomination form or going to meet yourselves at the ballot. You are already a participant in the public space politically. If you become deliberate about helping to shape the ideas of the citizens, about helping to bring service that is missing in a particular gap, about meeting the gap and the interest line of a particular sector or gender, for me, that is how to look at it.

    If in the process of my service there is a definition of that capacity of fitting into a platform, then I would oblige if it is to the privilege of the people. I also believe that if one just sits down and hopes that come 2023 or 2022 they begin to rally around and pick up the form to go and run in an election, I think that is where we miss the link. The link should be that you are serving and prepared to even do more if called into a responsible position to activate those capacities for the benefits of the people.

  • CAMA fraught with contradictions, inconsistencies — Gadzama

    CAMA fraught with contradictions, inconsistencies — Gadzama

    Life bencher, scholar, world acclaimed arbitrator and Principal Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, points out the myriad of contradictions and inconsistencies in the amended Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and warns the federal government against adopting the alien law without taking cognizance of our local realities. He spoke with INNOCENT DURU.

    There have been so many complaints about the amended CAMA law. What is your take on it?

    There are contradictions and inconsistencies in the Act, particularly when you look at sub-section 1 of section 839 in contradistinction to sub- sections 2 & 7 of the same section 839 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 (CAMA 2020). Sub-section 1, gives the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC or Commission) an unfettered discretion to suspend the trustees of an association and appoint an interim manager or managers to manage their affairs where it reasonably believes that there is or has been misconduct or mismanagement. It is necessary or desirable to protect its property, ensure proper application of the property, public interest; or the activities are run fraudulently.

    The discretion given to the Commission in sub-section 1 is nebulous and subjective and therefore liable to abuse. We may have an objective and reasonable Registrar General (RG) of CAC now, but he will certainly vacate office at the end of his tenure. The concern raised by stakeholders is that this discretionary power enshrined in sub-section 1 is subject to the whims and caprices of whoever is the RG at the time.

    Consequently, when the trustees have been suspended and their only remedy is recourse to the court, they may be vindicated but the damage has already been done or the assets or property of the association dissipated.

    Sub-section 2, stipulates that the trustees shall be suspended by an order of court upon the petition of the Commission or one-fifth of the association presenting reasonable evidence as requested by the court. This avails the petitioned trustees the opportunity not only to come face to face with their accusers but also to defend themselves in line with one of the age long principles of natural justice and the twin pillars of justice in our jurisprudence, which is audi alteram partem (let the other party be heard).

    One of the concerns expressed by stakeholders is that when it comes to the exercise of discretion in this part of the world, it is most times exercised outlandishly or capriciously instead of judiciously.

    Sub-section 7, on the other hand, provides that the Commission may suspend or remove any trustee after it has made an enquiry into the affairs of the association and finds out that the trustee has been responsible or privy to misconduct or mismanage ment or by order of the court establish a scheme for its administration. The analysis of the above sub-sections is that sub-section 1 deals with suspension of trustees and appointment of interim managers, sub-section 2 deals only with suspension of the trustees, while sub-section 7 mentioned suspension but also introduced the word “removal” of the trustees. The import of the above sections and concern of the stakeholders is that the Commission interprets the word “order” as contained in sub-section 1 of section 839 as the order of the Commission and not that of the court. The implication is that the Commission can suspend the trustees without seeking any order of court before taking the action. Sub-section 2 deals with another ground for the suspension of the trustees in which the court can neither intervene nor do anything until and unless the Commission or one-fifth of the association and, of course, the trustees (after suspension or removal) decide to petition to court. This has made the concerns of the stakeholders germane and reasonable to a large extent, as the Commission wields too much power in the extant law.

    But you do believe that the law is not completely out of place…

    There is certainly need for regulation of Incorporated Trustees (IT) and I am also of the opinion that we all need to be regulated even in our private lives as the decisions we take not only affect us and our dependents but also the society at large. Regulation therefore is paramount, especially when it comes to public affairs. As global citizens, there is nothing wrong in embracing best practices. But the bane of our society is bad leadership, lack of corporate good governance and accountability and transparency in public affairs.

    The provision of section 839 (1) of CAMA 2020 is inelegantly drafted. There is need to introduce into the law that before the Commission can suspend or remove trustees and appointment of interim manager/s, it must first obtain an order of court which must be on notice and not ex parte. This means that the concerned trustee/s must be served with the processes of court and be given reasonable time, if it is a civil matter, and adequate time and facility to prepare his defence, if crime is alleged.

    Imagine a situation where the Commission exercises its discretion wrongly and the court subsequently, sets it aside, already damage has been done and same has occasioned injustice.

    The way forward is that in the interim, the registrar general should ensure that there is  proper investigation, the affected trustee is given reasonable and adequate time to defend him/herself, the internal mechanisms like the Administrative Proceedings Committee, whose decisions are subject to confirmation by the board and the Hon Ministers approval are all religiously followed through.

    The leaders/trustees of the ITs must be transparent, accountable and carry the members along to eliminate complaints and bickering. There is need for judicial intervention, and any association that is aggrieved in any way should go to court and seek a judicial interpretation of the concerned sections of the Act.

    They can also recourse to the National Assembly and lobby for an amendment of the Act.

     What has actually changed between the previous law and the amended one?

    Under CAMA 2004, there is no provision for the Commission to suo moto and without recourse to the court suspend a trustee/s, or appoint interim manager/s.

    There is certainly no provision in the repealed Act requesting the bank to make a report to the Commission with respect to dormant accounts of ITs or that empowered the Commission to direct transfer of credits in dormant bank accounts to other accounts.

    These are the two major provisions that were not part of the repealed Act.

    Some people have called for the deletion of some parts of the controversial section. Do you agree with them?

    The new CAMA is a welcome development in the ease of doing business in Nigeria. But the “offensive” section/s especially as regards Part F, dealing with ITs, should be tinkered with. I do not subscribe to the clamour for the deletion of the entire section 839 of CAMA, but will suggest an immediate amendment.

    There are also claims in some quarters that part of the controversial section is inconsistent with some provisions of the Constitution. How true is this?

    There is a violation of the rights against expropriation of property. Section 43 of the Constitution of Nigeria has guaranteed the right of citizens to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria and frowns at compulsory acquisition of such property contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. There is also the violation of the right to peaceful assembly and association as enshrined in section 40 of the Constitution. Furthermore, there is a violation of the right of the citizen to have any matter or question relating to his or her civil rights and obligation determined by the court and not an agency of government.

    Speaking specifically on the section that says government can take over charity organisations’ money that has been dormant for five  years, Prof Chidi Odinkalu during a webinar you hosted recently  argued that the amended law erred. Do you agree with him?

    He asserted that as a result of the peculiar nature of the ITs, which depend on funds from donor agencies, they do not have any choice than to invest the money in the bank or stretch it for five years or more in order to have resources to run the organisation. This is because they may get fund for a year or two and will not be able to get any other funding for the next three, four  or more years. They have office space rent and staff to pay, maintain office equipment, cars etc.

    In the light of this, section 842 of CAMA 2020, which empowers the Commission to direct transfer of credits in dormant bank accounts to other organisations, etc, should be amended to incorporate their peculiar circumstances or even expunged from the Act.

    Some are opposing the law because they felt it is a needless replication of UK Charity law in Nigeria which have different socio-economic and political settings, and that if we can do that with the law, we should be able to replicate other welfarist  programmes of the UK here too. Do you share their view?

    Section 14 (1) sub-section (2), paragraph (b), of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) provides that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people it governs. Apposite to this is the need to ensure that the welfare of the citizens takes precedence and is prioritised by any government in power.

    Government should not be in a hurry to adopt foreign laws without taking cognizance of our local realities and environment. Nevertheless, as the government is working on improving the lives of the citizens, it should also make or adapt other laws geared towards achieving the same objective and not otherwise.

    There were allegations by CAN that the bill was earlier rejected and that they didn’t know how it became law. Some others said they weren’t aware of public hearing on it. Which of these groups do you belong to?

    The National Assembly stated that they held public hearing on the bill before passage in the parliament and the assent of the President. CAN on the other hand has said that they are not aware, and were not notified of any public hearing on this Part F, dealing with ITs. Other NGOs have also come out to state the same fact and it is yet to be denied by any member of the National Assembly or its review committee.

     What advice do you have for the National Assembly and the Federal Government when amending laws in future to avoid the outcry that greeted the present one?

    Laws are made for man and not the other way round. Therefore, whenever there is need to amend any law, the critical stakeholders, being the persons or entities that the law will directly, indirectly or even remotely affect, must be carried along. Their inputs should also be adequately considered and incorporated and not jettisoned for no good reason.

  • ‘It’s both asset and burden to be Duro Ladipo’s daughter’

    ‘It’s both asset and burden to be Duro Ladipo’s daughter’

    From very early age, Solabomi Akinsola has been taking lead roles in theatre productions, having been under the tutelage of her late father and legendary filmmaker Duro Ladipo. It was therefore not a surprise that her name popped up for the lead role when the idea of the epic movie ‘Osun the Queen Mother’ came up. Amidst short breaks in performances, she took time off to share views with PAUL UKPABIO on her career, lifestyle and other issues of interest.  

     

    YOU were recently chosen to play the role of the lead character in ‘Osun the Queen Mother’. What do you think qualified you for that role?

    Many ladies went through the audition process and I came out leading. The prospective writer, the producer and the director believe I was the best person for the lead role. The role did not just come automatically; I worked for it and won.

    Osun the Queen Mother is planned as an epic movie. What is your appeal and enthusiasm about the movie?

    I look forward to it with so much enthusiasm, and I know the result will be so great that it will be known locally and internationally.

    Have you attended the Osun Osogbo festival in time past? What was your impression of the festival?

    Osun Osogbo is a festival of global acclaim, and I am very happy to be associated with such a festival. I have known and attended it since my youthful days.

    Do you think the death of Susan Wenger could affect the movie in any way?

    Yes, Mama has gone back to Olodumare (God), and I was opportune to be in the same room with her several times. In fact, she designed my father’s tomb at Mbari Mbayo in Osogbo. May her soul rest in peace. You must know that she also created so many ‘Susan Wengers’ of which I am one. She was a lover of arts and a promoter of our culture.

    What was growing up like with movie legend Duro Ladipo as your father?

    Solabomi Akinsola
    Solabomi Akinsola

    I have fantastic childhood memories of my father and more fantastic memories with my beautiful mother, Chief Mrs Abiodun Duro Ladipo, who will, by God’s grace, be 80 years on December 25, 2020. My father was a very compassionate and loving father who I so much loved. It’s so painful that I lost him at a tender age.

    What special memories of him do you have?

    I can say with all authority that my siblings and I had a great and memorable childhood with our legendary father who was literally taking us round the world, even though we were very young.

    How much do you miss him, and how many of his children are in acting profession?

    My father was simply the best and I will forever cherish him and always pray for his great soul. Every moment spent with him was a memory I hold dearly. I am proud to be the daughter of a great international actor, playwright, composer, director and lover of our culture.

    How did acting start for you? Did your Dad force you to join his acting group?

    Not at all. Acting, singing dancing, directing and other areas of art/theatre exist in my DNA. The talents I have are inborn. I can call myself a born Actress. I started my acting career from elementary school. Although I studied Theatre Arts in the University of Ibadan, the talent was already in me. Remember the daughter of a lion is also a lion.

    During the time of Duro Ladipo, there was a combination of acting and singing in his productions. Was that where you learnt to sing too?

    Yes, very much so. In fact, you are making me to grow emotional now, but I won’t cry. To the glory of God, my father Duro Ladipo lives in me. Some of my siblings and I are in the profession, so with that, I connect with my father.

    Would you say it is better for an actress to marry an actor than marry someone from another profession?

    Relationship and marriage depend on the understanding of the persons involved. What works for A might not work for B. My husband of over 20 years is not an actor, and we are happily married and successful with great children, all to the glory of God. What are the challenges faced mostly by female actors?

    There are so many problems female actors face that need to be addressed properly. As it is, only the really tough and disciplined can overcome in the industry. For example, being sexually bullied for role still exists in the industry. Not being properly paid and so on need to be addressed.

    As a celebrity, what are the challenges that you face?

    None that I couldn’t handle.

    If you were not into acting, what else would you have loved to be?

    I have never lived outside acting. Acting, dancing and other areas of art and theatre are my passion and by the grace of God most high, I will live long and die as a Thespian.

    Polygamy worked for Duro Ladipo. What do you think of it?

    Polygamy can work for some people and be difficult for some to handle. Both polygamy and monogamy have their peculiar merits and demerits

    Which do you prefer, stage performance or acting for the camera?

    I prefer stage performance. But I am an all- rounder. So, to God be the glory.

    The producer of Osun, Femi Lasode, is an international filmmaker who expects the film to go round the world. Are you ready for travel and shows abroad after the productions?

    Very well.

    Would you say that being the daughter of Duro Ladipo has opened doors for you?   

    Being the daughter of the legend is an opportunity. It is both an asset and a burden because of the very high expectations in some quarters. But I must say it has opened doors for me.

    Who knows, at the completion of Osun, Hollywood might knock on your door. Do you look forward to working in Hollywood or Bollywood?

    Nobody knows tomorrow, and man, by nature, is a goal seeking animal. My desire is to be the best in my profession. If Hollywood or Bollywood beckons, I’ll gladly heed the call.

    Which international star will you like to be on set with?

    Wow! That would be Chadwick Boseman of Blank Panther. Unfortunately, he is late. May his soul rest in peace. Now maybe Eddie or Denzel Washington.

  • Inside story of separation of Bayelsa conjoined twins

    Inside story of separation of Bayelsa conjoined twins

    By Duku Joel

    • COVID-19 nearly frustrated process, says lead surgeon
    • Why it took only three hours to conclude operation

    In December 12, 2019, a young woman went into labour at the Nembe General Hospital in Bayelsa State. As young couples who were expecting their first child, they were in high spirits as they prepared to welcome their bundle of joy, particularly as the scan earlier conducted on the pregnancy had revealed that the woman would be delivered of twins.

    There was, however, a twist to the story when the unemployed secondary school leaver, Godsgift Ibiyyefa, was operated upon only to be delivered of a set of conjoined twins. The shock and disappointment that stared in the face caused her to faint immediately.

    “When I was told that the babies were conjoined twins after I had undergone an operation, I was scared and I fainted,” she said.

    But her hope was rekindled with the news of a possible solution to the dire condition of her babies after she was revived.

    Godsgift might have gone into coma, but not her husband, Raphael Ayebaiemi, who works as an okada (commercial motorcycle) operator. But while Ayebaiemi’s faith was unshaken by the unseemly sight that confronted him, he could not help wondering how he would muster the funds needed for a surgical operation that would separate the conjoined twins.

    By what magic, he wondered, would a poor okada rider like him fund an operation that would cost millions of naira and still fend for the family in this season of serious economic crunch?

    Looking back now, the 27-year-old secondary school leaver has nothing else to do than give thanks for the divine intervention that saw her conjoined lovely babies successfully separated at the Federal Medical Centre in faraway Yola, Adamawa State.

    “It was a miracle, and I give God Almighty the glory,” he said.

    Asked whether he lost hope at any point about the separation and survival of the babies, Ayebaiemi said: “I was never hopeless. All I was thinking was how to get the money needed for the separation. But I know that God has a purpose for doing anything, so I knew there was a reason for this to happen,” he said.

    From Yenagoa to Yola

     

    In spite of the ultra sound scan that was done on the pregnancy, the much it could reveal was that Godsgift was pregnant with twins. The fact that they were Siamese twins was not revealed.

    So, immediately they were delivered at the General Hospital in Nembe, doctor wasted no time referring them to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Yenagoa, according to the lead surgeon and Chief Medical Director of the medical centre, Prof. Auwal Mohammed Abubakar, who presented a situation report on the operation.

    Upon arrival at the FMC Yenagoa, the babies were carefully managed and stabilised within the first 28 days, which, according to child development process, are very critical, as the babies had to be kept warm to prevent infection.

    According to Prof Abubakar, the management of Federal Medical Centre Yenegoa contacted them at the FMC in Yola where they also expressed the willingness to receive the babies.

    With the FMC Yola agreeing to receive the babies, the challenge became how to transport them from Yenagoa to Yola. It was a task that almost frustrated the entire process.

    Abubakar said: “Moving the children on the road was a difficult option because of the civil strife on the highways. The option of a commercial flight was so expensive and would attract undue attention and pose psychological problems to the family of the babies. Using an air-ambulance was completely out of reach and out of the options.”

    However, with just one phone call to the Air Force, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Mashal Sadiq Abubakar, approved the airlifting of the babies with the parents and three other medical personnel—a neonatologist, a pediatric surgeon and a nurse from FMC Yenegoa—who accompanied them to Yola on January 4, 2020 when the conjoined twins were 23 days old.

    The COVID-19 challenge

    The babies, according to Prof. Abubakar, were scheduled for separation when they were between three and four months old, but the entire process was put on hold by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    He noted that while the pandemic and the consequent lockdown lasted, his team seized the opportunity to carry out more precise investigations to determine if the babies did not share major body organs.

    Abubakar also explained that the outbreak of the pandemic in Nigeria also made it difficult to activate the surgical team from different locations for fear of transporting the virus from different locations to Yola or taking it from Yola to other places.

    He said: “We activated the team in July but it didn’t work. We also picked August 10, 2020 but again because of COVID-19, we still had issues. We had other members of the team from other parts of the country, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Gombe and also a professor of Anesthesia from Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University).”

    To find a way out of the problem, the team had to embark on virtual meetings for debriefing until finally they agreed to carry out the surgery on the 10th August, 2020. He added that all COVID-19 protocols were observed during the operation through live projection.

    “We had a live projection of the separation to our conference room downstairs. Members of the team were called to the theatre any time their attention was needed,” he said.

    Happily, he said, no member of the team had so far manifested any symptoms of the virus three weeks after the operation.

    Duration of operation

    Although the operation lasted three hours, it did not pull through within such a short time without certain challenges involving human management, modern technology and the less complicated nature of the conjoined.

    According to the lead surgeon, Abubakar, having previously worked together as a team in separating five conjoined twins (two at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and three in Yola) made the work of the team easier.

    Abubakar said that from past experience, most of the members of the team knew exactly what was required of them, which he noted had a very significant impact on time management and proficiency.

    He also said that technology and modern equipment contributed in no small measure in managing organ separation and blood loss during the operation.

    He said: “Experience and technology prevented a waste of time in this operation. It lasted only three hours. This is something we have been doing as a team for a very long time. So, that helped a lot.

    “The use of modern equipment also helped. The contribution of the machine we got from Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation helped in the division of the liver, because the babies had only one liver. That reduced the amount of blood lost and the division was more precise.

    “Another important thing to note is the nature of the conjoining. This one was less problematic as they had separate organs except their liver. So the duration for the operation was less.

    “Don’t forget that some separation can last five days or more, depending on the nature of the conjoining.”

    Recovery process of separated twins

    The recovery process of the separated twins, Grace and Mercy, was very rapid and speedy.

    According to Abubakar, the recovery rate of the babies was dramatic as they were discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) three days after operation, and within five days, they had started playing and were discharged to residential.

    SGF excited with operation in home state

    During the unveiling of the conjoined twins at an elaborate event held at the premises of FMC Yola, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who was the Special Guest of Honor at the occasion, expressed his excitement over the successful separation of the babies at a medical facility in his home state of Adamawa.

    He said: “When I saw on the national network news the evacuation of these twins, Mercy and Grace (what a wonderful set of names) being flown all the way from Yanegoa to Yola, as an indigene Adamawa State and a true son of Yola, the first feeling I had was a sense of pride that in spite of our being stuck at the boundary with the Cameroon, we still have enough to offer this nation.

    “If not, why transport these girls from the coast of the Atlantic to a distance of over an hour, crossing major states and cities, only to be brought to Yola for medical attention?”

    Mustapha also extolled the sterling medical feat of Prof. Abubakar with respect to five successful separations of conjoined twins in his career and still counting.

    The SGF promised to do everything in his capacity to uplift the standard of FMC Yola into a world class medical centre of competitive standard.

    He said: “Doing this exercise for the fifth time is not a mean feat. It is not a joke. It requires diligence, precision, application of intellect and the management of men and resources. Prof. Auwal, you have demonstrated that.

    “On behalf of the President, I must thank you and your team for doing this over and over again. I believe FMC Yola will take the spotlight.

    “We will not lose the opportunity of the moment. We will do everything to ensure that all the necessary support that you require to build an edifice that will compete internationally in terms of the provision of medical services is attained in Federal Medical Centre, Yola.”

    He also praised the intervention of the Nigerian Air Force for evacuating the babies from Bayelsa to Adamawa and back to Bayelsa after a successful operation.

    “It’s my personal delight and honour to be invited to be the special guest of honour. Today, FMC Yola is recording another milestone.

    “I truly want to commend the Medical Director, Prof Abubakar, for yet achieving another feat in the separation of these conjoined twins that came all the way from Bayelsa, the Niger Delta,” he said.

    Mustapha described the operation of the babies in Yola as a unique demonstration of the bond that Nigerians share in spite of differences in ethnic backgrounds, creed and beliefs.

    He commended the Chief of Air Staff for deploying his official aircraft to airlift the babies from Yenagoa to Yola.

    Show of love for twins

    It was indeed a red carpet treatment and huge show of love for Grace and Mercy as they were set for their journey back to their home town in Nembe, Bayelsa State after staying almost eight months in Yola for their operation.

    Members of the hospital community, the medical staff and dignitaries struggled to outdo one another for group and individual pictures with the babies after their unveiling at the Federal Medical Centre Yola.

    After the group picture with the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Chief of Staff to Adamawa State governor, Prof. Maxwell Gidado and other dignitaries, the babies were almost missing in the arena as they kept moving to different groups and individuals who never wanted to miss the chance of photographs with the babies.

    Our correspondent observed that the photo extravaganza had to be abruptly ended to enable Grace and Mercy embark on their journey back to the Niger Delta as the Air Force plane was waiting to fly them home.

    Appreciation, appeal for support

    The father of the babies, Raphael Ayebaiemi, fought back tears of joy as he thanked everyone who contributed to the successful operation on his babies.

    He said: “I am grateful to the Chief Medical Director of FMC Yola Prof. Auwal Abubakar, and the management and staff of Federal Medical Centre Yola for all that they have done for me and my family in separating these babies.

    “I did not pay a dime for the operation, and since we came to Yola, the hospital has been taking very good care of us, my wife and children.

    “I thank the Nigerian Air Force for bringing us to Yola for the operation. Left for me alone, I would not have made it. I understand that they are taking us back to Bayelsa and I can’t thank them enough.”

    He, however, appealed for further support in taking care of the babies, saying that he is only an okada (commercial motorcycle) operator, while his wife is a complete housewife.

    He said that both of them are secondary school leavers who would have loved to further their education to enhance their standard of living.

    He said: “My major priority right now is not even about me, but for me to be able to take care of these children so that they can become better people tomorrow.

    “I am appealing to my state, Bayelsa, and the Federal Government and any individual to come to my aid so as to enable me take care of my children.

    “I am just an okada rider and my wife does not have any work, so it will be difficult for us.

    “I hope to further my education, but the arrival of these children now is a problem.”

  • ‘Why I’ll ever be grateful to Gowon’

    ‘Why I’ll ever be grateful to Gowon’

    Abuome Olu Edeki, an exploration and production geologist and integrated auditor, reflects on the factors, circumstances and issues that have retarded development Nigeria. The successful entrepreneur, who recently clocked 70 years, also told MIKE ODIEGWU how he overcame diabetes after fighting the disease for more than 30 years and how a gesture by former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, restored hope to his penurious life.

    What was childhood like and what would you say has changed about life between then and now?

    I grew up under the most ideal conditions anybody can have. My mates always said I grew up with a silver spoon. I was born in 1950 in the premises of St Stephens Church/Primary School in Inolende, Ibadan, where my mother, Mrs. Olufemiwa Edeki, was quartered as a head teacher. I grew up as the son of the principal of a secondary school. My father, Rev. Imevbore Edeki (M.A. University of London 1956 and B.A. Classics 1952) later became a minister in Western Nigeria and  also a foundation minister in Midwestern Nigeria. He was a Reverend of the Anglican Communion.

    I was a privileged kid, who grew up under strict educational and Christian discipline in the era of Awolowo educational scheme in the western part of Nigeria. I was always the youngest in my class. I entered secondary school at age 11 in 1962. There was strict discipline in the secondary school. I took advantage of mentorship from senior students and this made a difference to how well I performed as a student in a particular class. I started secondary education in Victory College, Ikare but finished in Edo College Benin City after the creation of the Midwest Region.

    In growing up, I took advantage of all of the above and I passed with Grade One in my WASC examination of 1966. Then I took Prelim Entrance and passed to become a Science undergraduate of the University of Ibadan in September 1967, at the age of 17. I repeated Part One in the university as I did not pass one subject in which I had a reference. I obtained a Second Class Lower Degree in Geology in 1972. This was before the NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) started. I was then 22 years old.

    Educational experience in the 1960s and 1970s was a very serious matter, as obtaining your degree was equated to you having your meal ticket for life. Every degree holder had a job waiting for him or her. One chose out of several options in our time. Teaching in the secondary school was the most common. Becoming a university lecturer was for the privileged few, who graduated with upwards of Second Class Upper division. First Class was extremely rare.

    In my time, it was those who could not get admission into Nigerian universities that travelled abroad to study, notably in the USA, USSR, West Germany and East bloc countries. The reverse is the situation today.

     What do you think has gone wrong in the educational system?

    The intervention of the military in governance in Nigeria slowly eroded all the high educational and moral standards that were bequeathed by the British to Nigeria at independence. In my time, there were only four universities whose high standards were recognised all over the world. The number of foreign students in them was very high. The meals we had equalled what you get in a five-star hotel today. Non-academic programmes in the University of Ibadan where I attended were very vibrant. There was no cultism of any kind. The rebels named Ahoys were some of the most brilliant students on campus. That Group was initiated by Wole Soyinka, the Nobel Laureate.

    External examiners came from top universities all over the world. Many selected their brilliant favourites and gave them scholarships straight away for post graduate studies in their own universities abroad.

    Now, Nigeria has over 100 tertiary institutions and international recognition of awarded degrees is at the lowest ebb for most of these Nigerian institutions. It is very shameful. The average Nigerian graduate of today has a low esteem of himself and does not believe in integrity, talk less of wanting to acquire leadership qualities or go for postgraduate studies abroad straight from completing the first degree. The opportunities are not there.

    In my time, the universities produced leaders. We had social clubs from where you learned organisational skills to achieve notable objectives on campus. The Sigma Club, was the most elitist, and they organised the Havana Night once a year from where they raised money to maintain their high life style. I was a member of the Embassy Club which invited Ambassadors of foreign countries to Nigeria to talk on campus about issues of international importance at the time. We learnt the diplomatic way to speak. This club later produced Joe Keshi, and the late Adefuye, to name a few, who became notable Ambassadors of Nigeria.

    In order to improve education in Nigeria, a few universities should be selected and heavily funded for specific specialties. Lecturers in those universities should consist of Nigerian lecturers and professors who have retired from Institutions abroad and who can be enticed home with provision of equipment with which they worked abroad. Those universities should operate only on merit and not on quota as it is in most institutions in Nigeria today. Government can use one of such professors to set up each specilised institution and leave them alone to be self-sustaining.

    For example, the person who started the Indian Atomic Agency was enticed back from New Zealand by an Indian Government official, who in 1958 visited New Zealand for something else.

    What would you say has been your most memorable experience?

    My most memorable experience has been getting married to my wife, former Florence Williams, who had the attributes my father advised that my future wife should have: to be highly educated and to hail from the Midwest. I have been diabetic for over 30 years and yet my sugar level is in the expected normal range.  Florence was a British trained HR professional, who met me at my work place, and we have been very close soul mates since then. She took care of my health through what she gave me to eat, some of which she researched from the internet. I am a survivor of prostate cancer. She gave me comfort and encouragement when I went through surface beam radiotherapy. We go on long walks together and we are both active golfers, even at age 70. I have very good friends, some of who contributed to my cancer treatments abroad.

    What has been the most challenging period in your life?

    I have had many challenging experiences in my life. One challenge came when my father died in June 1970 and there was no means of paying for my university education after his death. Before he died, he reminded the Almighty how he had helped poor students with scholarships meant for us his children. He asked the Almighty to help me and my immediate elder brother through our university education. He died a few days later. My father’s prayer before his death was answered through General Yakubu Gowon, who in November 1970 gave scholarships to all indigent students in the four Nigerian universities. He ordered that first year fees paid by each student be returned to them. I instantly went overnight from a poor and sad student to a ‘rich’ and happy one. We thanked and praised the Almighty for getting us through the eyes of the needle to be able to complete our university education.

    My bosom friend, Olu Dania, was home on holiday from the UK when my father died in 1970. New and interesting information from him was that I could purchase a used car in the UK for £50. I used this information between July and September 1971 when I used the bonanza from General Gowon to go abroad on summer holiday. I did three jobs in one month, saved £70 and bought a Morris Minor which I brought back to Nigeria and used as a Taxi in Benin City while still in the university at the time. I was 21 years old at the time. This was how I learnt at an early age that one could become well off through entrepreneurship and the grace of the Almighty. This is one of the memorable events in my life.

    Do you have any regrets?

    One remarkable regret and disappointment I have was in my career when I discovered that hard work, innovation and integrity could not carry me to top management in the company where I worked. You required a godfather to who you would give damaging information about your colleagues at work, particularly to superiors, and be disloyal to our country in order to make it to top management. Hard work and innovative abilities enabled me to work for my employer abroad, where I made outstanding contributions that increased the company’s profit. On returning to Nigeria, hard work enabled me to obtain the highest meritorious rise in the company for many years up to July 1995, only to be laid off in February 1996. How come? I said to myself. I felt betrayed.

    Another challenging experience was the unwarranted resignation of my wife from the company where we both worked. The European head quarters of our company had arranged that my wife and I would interchange with an expatriate couple coming to work in Nigeria. In the last minute, the boss of my wife substituted my wife’s name with that of his friend. This led to the cancellation of the whole plan. We were very disappointed. This is why I was adamant to take my family abroad when the opportunity later came for me alone to go to work abroad without my wife. This led to my wife learning industrial sewing, which later metamorphosed into our company, Sister & Twins International Ltd. This company produced men’s underwear which was marketed all over Nigeria through the Leventis Group, UTC Stores and other national outlets.

    The company also produced coveralls for nearly all in oil majors and the biggest oil service companies including uniforms for the major security companies with headquarters in Port Harcourt and Warri in the 1990s till 2011. Proceeds from this company built our house in Port Harcourt and in our village and enabled the university education of our three children in the USA. The wickedness of my wife’s boss led to our success in business later in our life. My character of always pursuing integrity and innovativeness, which disabled my getting to top management in the company for which I worked for 20 years, enabled our success in our private company.

    Is this the Nigeria you dreamt about while growing up?

    I was 10 years old when Nigeria became an independent nation, and as son of a secondary school principal, who read newspapers every day, I was very exposed. We expected Nigeria to be a nation where education and economic progress would be our focus as a new nation. It was so for the first two years until political divisions based on tribal sentiments took control of everything we did, just as it is in the South Sudan of today.

    The military interventions compounded the problems. The northern part of Nigeria thought that taking over the federal systems would make them narrow the gap between the north and the south. The gap arose because at Independence, the south was 40 years ahead of the North in western education and in western economic systems. For example families in the south would contribute money to send one male to secondary school and even to the university. My mother funded my father’s education from financial contributions from Otuo community.

    Northern peoples were comparatively less interested in western education. They preferred Koranic education. Only the children of the northern elite were programmed for western education, and the Northern Nigeria regional government sponsored them. Their wives were on government subvention while their husbands studied. Development of artisans grew very fast in the south. Awolowo’s 10-year educational plan for the western region of Nigeria increased the gap, putting the West far ahead of the other two regions. I, for example, was one of two Awolowo protégés who could enter the university at 17 in 1967. There were many older entrants in their early 20s. Before this time, over 90% of entrants were old married men and very few women. Of course, a job was waiting for you once you obtained your degree. A few very old graduates like my father could become politicians in addition to their primary vocation. It was legally permitted at that time.

    The Nigerian civil service had plans for every facet of Nigerian life, based on the strong advantage of each of the regions. Government under the total control of the centre, which the military introduced in 1965, markedly slowed down Nigeria’s economic development. Unfortunately, the military from 1965 gradually put an end to the efforts put into meticulous economic planning and development of Nigeria. It speedily got worse when a head of state of northern descent assumed the head of the affairs of Nigeria. Well-trained civil servants were sacked and one of them diminished the powers of the permanent secretary by introducing directors-general to each ministry who he personally selected. All the civil service systems just died thereafter. Occupation of strategic position was based on quota and no longer on performance. That is where we are today. We are just a drifting nation controlled very much by outside forces. What a shame!

    How do we solve the problems in this country?

    To solve our national problems will require putting integrity foremost in everything we do in Nigeria. It will take many years to be so. The politicians with their heavy salaries and allowances will delay Nigeria to reach her full potential and take its rightful position in the world. Nigeria in 1965 trained Malaysians, Indonesians, etc in the economic use of palm oil in WAIFOR (West African Institute for Oil Palm Research) near Benin City. Those nations have moved forward. We who trained them have moved backward. What a pity! To solve these problems, we have to accept our failures before agreeing the way forward. Let each part of Nigeria develop at their own pace by consolidating their local strengths.

  • Aisha Lawal: I still attract men despite being married with child

    Aisha Lawal: I still attract men despite being married with child

    Aisha Lawal is not a newbie in the film industry, having been featured in over 100 flicks in the last 10 years. The actress and film producer might not even come across as a lawyer, but she studied Law at the Lead City University, Ibadan, aside from being an actress and businesswoman. The award-winning actress in this interview with ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR GBENGA BADA talks about her career, marriage, and how she handles advances from men.

    You studied law, would you at any point decide to take it up and defend cases in the courtroom?

    Never say never you know; but for now, I like my job because it’s like being paid for your hobby. It can be stressful but it gives me joy though Law gives me joy too, I will stick to acting for now. Maybe later in the future, at a particular age, I might return to law as an academician to teach but not appear in court.

    You were recently named as one of the casts of Biodun Jimoh’s forthcoming film, Luwo Gbagida, what do you look forward to seeing on the set?

    The truth is that there is a difference between an epic movie, a traditional movie, and a historical film. When it becomes historical, it becomes challenging because you are wearing another person’s shoes in another era far different from yours and the good thing is that it’s a story many people don’t know about.

    For instance, if I was acting Efunsetan Aniwura, a lot of leading actresses have taken up the role and you will be compared to this or that or those who have read book will have a picture of who they feel Efunsetan should be and you might not meet their expectation, and that is the major challenge. But again, I started as a stage actor, which has made me more flexible to take up any challenge. It’s easier when it comes to historical or traditional films, so I look forward to surmounting the challenges with my mind and focus all on achieving a great result.

    How supportive has your husband been?

    Ah, men, always claiming they are supportive but it’s the other way round, but we thank God. He knows the nature of my job but once in a while he just calls to say I’m taking too long on the set or what have you, but I try to find a way of balancing it so that no side lacks the attention needed.

    Tell us your love story and how you met your husband

    There’s no love story and I am not romantic. I don’t discuss my husband in the media. It’s a no go area for me. I apologise, no comment on that.

    How do you manage advances from men despite being married?

    It’s always been like that and even the fact that you are married attracts so many people more to you because when I wasn’t married and had not had my daughter, I think some people might be afraid of you tying them down with pregnancy but now, the society is corrupt and it’s a general thing not even a film industry thing. Dating a married woman kind of gives some men peace of mind because they feel she won’t leave her husband to come and disturb yours and the act is so aggressive these days. I get compliments from men saying I look so beautiful even after having a daughter and I just mock them. I ask them to inform my husband that they want to marrry me, and they simply back off.

    Would it be right to say you reside in Ibadan, Oyo state?

    No, I grew up in Ibadan and after my marriage, I relocated to Lagos, so I shuttle between Lagos and Ibadan especially when my husband isn’t in town. I stay in Ibadan so my mum can help with my daughter when I have to go on set or my mother-in-law can stand-in.

    So, how do you cope with a long-distance marriage?

    That has never been a barrier, flying is my hobby. The reason we haven’t seen for a while is because of the lockdown occasioned by the pandemic. Once international flights resume, we are just a flight away from each other. I like flying a lot and I could travel like five times in a month just to be with my husband.

    Can you share the names of some of the directors you respect their work and wish to work with in the nearest future?

    The first director that I yearn to work with is Niyi Akinmolayan. I have seen his movies and they are awesome. I saw The Set Up on an international flight and I was wowed. I had to send him a DM to appreciate his effort. I also like Kemi Adetiba, she’s doing a fantastic job and the fact that she’s a female makes me appreciate her more. Kunle Afolayan is another person. He’s a brother but I have not worked with him yet. There are other people, but I like people who go out of their ways to do great things because we know how harsh it can be working in this environment and not get accolades for your efforts. But these people go out of their comfort zones to break new grounds. Same thing I like about Abiodun Jimoh.

    Looking back now, what would you say has changed significantly in the industry?

    The acceptability from viewers has changed and is more encouraging. We have wider and broadened viewership from different spectrums of life. The complaints they had about the quality of the movie and some non-reasonable make-believe scenes are no more there because we see Jackie Chan or other actors do things we all know aren’t possible and people don’t crucify them but when we do, they say Nigerian films or Yoruba films, you people don’t do big movies.

    If we have to say, for instance, Africa Magic premium that takes big-budget Yoruba films, we would be made to work harder. But when you do a movie of N60 million and you want to rate it with a N600K movie, there would be a big difference. Again, there’s a language barrier, it’s your fault and mine. My kid speaks English and these kids grow up to young adults and working-class and when they have to see a film in the cinema or at home, they won’t opt for a Yoruba movie because they don’t even speak the language, so why would they go and see the movie? And the cinemas won’t even take it. Some renowned filmmakers have tried it and they saw the outcome.

    I tell people to stop sitting in the corners of their rooms and criticise without coming into the sector to see exactly how things are being run. It goes way beyond all the talks, I know we are not giving it all that is expected to take but we need more market and bigger challenges. When you see the Survival of Jelili on Netflix, then you can be assured that you can do this too.

    So, personally, what has changed about you significantly since you began acting?

    I am wiser. I learned a lot in the past, I am still learning in the course of my career. I have learned and still learning from the media, you guys have taught me a lot. I learn from friends, family, and colleagues. It’s a journey into oneself, it’s a discovery of yourself because you are actually on your own. You don’t get to attend family functions as expected, you don’t get to visit friends often and if you are not careful, you will get lost. And you have to also cut down on the job you do.

    Would it be right to say you decided to keep your family away from the public because of your career?

    Yes majorly and then they don’t like it even my siblings. Recently, my brother had his birthday and I posted his picture just to celebrate him and just before we could say jack, someone had already gotten all my family pictures and my brother didn’t like it. So much that he had to tell me not to put up his pictures again, it was not my fault but he doesn’t like it and for my husband, he doesn’t have a social media account. I am in the midst of such people. One time my husband wondered how I got into acting because I’m not a social media freak and I try to keep my personal affairs away from prying eyes. It’s so bad that I even forget to post pictures on my social media accounts.

    How has it been after COVID-19?

    It’s like new dawn, like we are evolving. You know when the westerners came to teach us new things we didn’t know about, that is the way I see it because it’s becoming a default setting with nose masks, hand sanitisers, and all that. I see everything new like we are all starting again. Then I think things more seriously, my horizon has become wider and my perspectives and views on things have changed greatly and I am more attentive to things in my surroundings and grateful for life.

    What did you fall back on as COVID-19 ravaged the land?

    I have a business. I have always been business-oriented aside from the obvious fact that I studied law and public relations before I joined the film industry. I have always been selling fabrics in wholesales, tailor materials, interior decors, and all sorts. And during COVID-19 lockdown, it was a blessing for the society because I did my quota for the people without attracting attention. After all, it’s not my style.

  • ‘How bandits murdered our relatives in our presence’

    ‘How bandits murdered our relatives in our presence’

    Insecurity in the northern parts of the country appears to be taking a turn for the worse as banditry assumes a more worrisome dimension. Besides their penchant for killing for no justifiable reasons, bandits have added kidnapping for ransom to their ungodly trade. Worse still, they are killing their victims after receiving ransoms for them, INNOCENT DURU reports.

    If the battle against banditry is ever won, one woman whose memory will retain the menace of the hoodlums is Ramatu Abdullahi, an indigene of Zungeru, Niger State.

    She recently had one of her sons brutally murdered by bandits in her presence.

    The incident, she said, has left an indelible scar in her heart which even time cannot heal.

    “Tears freely roll down my eyes each time I remember how my son was bestially murdered by bandits. They move from house to house attacking and killing people. Besides my son, I have lost an in-law and several others,” she said.

    Ramatu and other survivors are presently taking refuge in a camp without any amenities.

    Some of the people who narrowly escaped being killed by the bandits were said to have died of snakebites while escaping through the bush.

    Ilyasu Musa, another native of Zungeru village, would also not forget in a hurry the terror unleashed on his family by the bandits. He recalled that they started attacking his village about five years ago and it has been a frequent occurrence since then.

    Musa said: “I have lost my blood brother, an in-law and many relatives to the attacks.

    “I am a farmer and virtually all of us are farmers, but it has been long we went to farm because bandits are occupying our farmlands.

    “Before now, the government used to provide food for us in the various camps. But as I am talking to you, they have not given us any food in the past two weeks.”

    Recalling how he survived bandits’ attacks, Musa said: “I escaped being killed in the attacks because I know the terrain more than the bandits. Because of my knowledge of the terrain, I always knew where to hide each time they struck. I took the same advantage to shield my family members from the assailants.

    Musa, who said he was not happy about his continued stay in the camp, added: “Unfortunately, there is no definite time for us to go home, because the problem is not abating.

    Once the security situation improves, we will go back home. But going back home now would mean putting our lives on the line.”

    Musa’s kinsman, Isiaku Wakai, is also saddened by the loss of his family members to banditry. His predicament is worsened by the conditions in the camp he said is unfit for human habitation.  “I am living a very miserable life here,” he said. “We don’t have sufficient food and basic amenities are also lacking.

    “The IDP camp was not prepared for human habitation. We are taking refuge in a primary school where we sleep on bare floor most times. The whole place is hot and unhygienic. It is disgustingly untidy; a breeding ground for all manner of sicknesses,” the father of 10 said.

    Bandits kidnap for ransom

    The Co-convener of Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Kokki, told of how he had to pay a ransom to secure the release of his brother who was kidnapped by the bandits.

    He said: “I have paid ransom to secure the release of some of my brothers. On a number of occasions, I have lost my brothers and had our valuables destroyed.

    “Yes, we pay ransom to the criminals. My biological brother once took the ransom to them around the Zamfara axis to secure the release of one of our brothers. The fact that I have not been personally kidnapped does not mean I have not been directly affected.”

    He continued: “I have lost quite a number of people. Some months ago, there was attack on our village during which some of my kinsmen volunteered to go and confront the bandits. In the process, some of them lost their lives.

    “They have also abducted a number of my kinsmen. People no longer sleep in their houses and are consequently exposed to myriads of dangers in the bush where they are taking refuge. They are exposed to excruciating weather conditions.

    “Some months back, they attacked our village and burnt down some of our houses. As I speak to you most of the people have deserted their homes.

    “Recently when there was an attack in a neighbouring village, people from Grumana decided to run for their lives by crossing to the other side of the river. In the process, the canoe they boarded capsized and five people drowned. Up until this moment, their bodies have not been found.”

    Kokki said the menace started like a child’s play before it snowballed into the monster it is now. “It started like pockets of attacks here and there before it escalated. It is over a year and the attacks have got worse. IDPs are scattered everywhere.

    “The bandits attack at any time of the day. There is no slightest resistance from government, so they attack us at will.”

    Also furious about the intractable state of banditry is Kokki’s colleague, Jibrin, who said he had lost a lot of relations to banditry.

    He said: “Recently, my brother was caught and taken to the camp by the bandits, who later found that he is an Imam in one of the mosques. They decided to set him free but he refused, insisting that they should also free two others kidnapped with him.

    “They said the only condition they would free him was if he would go and bring N100,000 ransom for each of them. He gave them the money and had the two others released.

    “Many of the survivors suffered snakebites trying to escape through the bush. Many of them are rushed to the clinic after being bitten by snakes. Some of them die on the road.

    “Our people also lose their children in the forest while fleeing into safety. It has also been a horrible experience for pregnant women. I remember when Kokochi was attacked, a pregnant woman seized by fear gave birth prematurely. The baby died thereafter.

    Genesis of menace

    Going down memory lane, Jibrin said: “As far as banditry in Niger State is concerned, I will tell you it almost started from my village, Allawa. As far back as the ending of 2014, some villagers close to ours came to say they were seeing strange faces of herders carrying AK 47.

    “Then, some herders were even living with the locals. They could buy something worth of N50 and give you N1,000. They used to go to Binin Gawara /Kaduna Road for their operations and come back to those villages.

    “One day, a herder came to Allawa to charge his phone. One of the villagers checked through his phone (because people were already suspecting them at that time) and saw there was a video of the man and his people gathering around the money they had made. And like Boko Haram members would always do, they started shooting into the air, celebrating that they had successfully operated on Binin Gwari Road.

    “One of the locals rushed to the police station to inform them about it. The police arrested the herder. The OC then was a two-star policeman. He decided to take the herder to the main division in Kagara. Before the officer returned, he discovered that the herder had been released.  The released herder was asking him, ‘Oga, are you back?”

    Jibrin added: “In October 2015, some military men came and told the district head of Allawa that they learnt there were armed robbers camped in one village. The district head said he had heard something like that but had not seen it.

    “When I went to see him, he said he knew that I must have been informed that military men came and he said no to them because of the way and manner he heard that those bandits  were equipped. He said if we should allow the military men to confront them, they might come back to destroy the community. The man later died and was succeeded by another.

    “The successor subsequently had his brother visited by the bandits. They robbed him and he went to report to his brother, the village head then. The village head got someone to lead a team of military men to the camp of the bandits. The military underrated the bandits but on getting there, they ran for their lives. That was how we lost the man that escorted them to the camp.

    “When the bandits caught up with him, they realised that he was from Allawa community. They said okay, Allawa people have started conniving with military. They attacked Allawa community and killed the village head, the police officer I mentioned earlier, and two other people. They operated for five good hours.”

    Jibrin described the atmosphere in the affected areas as very bad at the moment, adding: “Our people are predominantly farmers but they can’t go to their farms now. Because of the military onslaught against them along Katsina and Zamfara axis, the bandits are back to the Niger forest.

    “There is this games reserve in Allawa that the government just reserved without a patrol route or van. This is the forest that is housing the bandits.”

    Killing, kidnapping galore in Katsina, Kaduna

    One of the states that are most affected by bandits’ activities is Katsina. One of the people speaking against the menace in the state, Abubakar Kankia, said:  “Just last night (Tuesday), they killed my friend, a customs officer, and took his wife away. They will demand for ransom before releasing her as they always do.

    “About 16 days ago, they attacked the house of the dean, student affairs of a federal university here and went away with his 11 years old daughter. Up till now, they have not released her. Two days earlier, they kidnapped a former local government chairman and have demanded N10 million ransom. It is very difficult for a night to pass without this issue coming up. That is the truth, but the government is not ready to do what they are supposed to do.

    “Here in Katsina, banditry is getting worse. People in some frontline local governments bordering Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and others linking Niger have left the areas. In Paskari, I have a friend who has moved away with his family to Funtua. Many in the IDP camps here in Katsina have lost their wives, their children or their husbands.” Kankia, who hails from Kancha Local Government Area, added: “There was a business man they kidnapped his mother and started demanding for ransom. People don’t sleep with their two eyes closed here.

    “The worst thing is that after paying ransom, they kill the victim and give you the corpse. On some occasions, when somebody takes ransom to them to free a victim, they will hold the person too.

    “In a village under my local government, one person took ransom to the bandits and they held him too.  One special adviser to the governor who is a former lecturer in Katsina State Polytechnic, had one of his colleagues kidnapped. When he went to pay the ransom, they released the victim and held him back.  He became a victim of circumstances.”

    The bandits, Kankia said, often attack from 10pm.

    “In the case of the dean of student affairs, the bandits came to the town around 9 pm. The bandits always come very confident, wielding sophisticated weapons.”

    He regretted that in a whole local government, “you may not find more than 50 policemen working there. Many have less than 50 policemen. Sometimes, it is local vigilantes that confront the bandits.

    “Many of the IDPs are living in classrooms since schools are not in session because of the pandemic. It is always a pitiable sight when they are collecting food.”

    In Kaduna, where mindless killings have become the order, the president of the Kukum Community nationwide, Yanshen Sunday Titus, recalled how 21 members of the area comprising youths were killed in one attack.

    “The killers struck between 10 pm and 11 pm. The death toll, as we speak, was 21. The assailants killed mainly youths from 22 years downward.

    “The attacks occurred after a marriage ceremony. My first son was injured in the attack while two of my nieces and a nephew were killed, making three people that were murdered in my family. We are one hundred per cent farmers here.

    “While taking the victims to the hospital, I also learnt of an attack on a neighbouring community where they also killed some people.  The attack on our community didn’t last more than five minutes. Two of the victims died on the way to the hospital, two others died in the hospital, remaining 17.

    “Now they have discharged five, leaving 12 in the hospital. Unfortunately, nobody has come to ask us how far about the medical bills. We have been paying them on our own. We contributed money to pay the bills.”

    Fearing that the blood thirsty criminals might strike again, he said: “The women and the children have been moved out of the community, leaving only the men.”

    Asked if they are still going to farm in the face of the attacks, Yashen replied: “How? In the face of all this trauma and tension? Feeding has become a problem.

    “The security operatives only came after the attack. They came, shooting sporadically and further scaring people. The already traumatised people started running helter-skelter, putting themselves in more danger.”

    The embattled man believes that the attackers were not bandits. “They are herdsmen. We have story to write. There are things we cannot disclose, but we have stories to write because the survivors will tell us what they heard during the attack and what they passed through.

    “The people attacking us here are not bandits; they are herdsmen. They only attack the village to kill people. They don’t ask for ransom but come only to kill.

    “We don’t know which village is next. The victims were dancing at the wedding party and we suddenly heard gunshots. One of the victims was calling the name of one of the herders who attacked them.”

    Asked if there was nothing they could do to stop the attacks, Yashen replied: “There is nothing we can do to stop the attacks. We are just farmers. We don’t know what we have done to the herdsmen.  I don’t know there mission and equally don’t know why they are attacking us.

    “We have no information that they have a camp anywhere.  There was a time we heard that story and mobilised to the place to confirm it but we didn’t see anything.”

  • Michael Omoh: It’s my turn to shine in Israel

    Michael Omoh: It’s my turn to shine in Israel

    Energetic Nigerian midfielder, Michael Omoh is looking forward to making it big in the Israeli Premier League following his transfer to Hapoel Kfar Saba. Omoh quit Romanian club Politehnica Iasi to join ‘The greens from the Sharon’ in the 2020-2021 seasons which kicked off last week.

    The 28-year-old moved to Israel after a promising time in Romania, where he netted four goals and registered four assists in 21 games last season. He wants to follow in the footpath of Nigerian players like Vincent Enyeama, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Dele Aiyenugba, Dimaku Felis, Anthony Nwakame, and John Ogu, who have left a good legacy in Israel due to their soccer prowess.     

    Omoh said: “The league has produced lots of fantastic players from Nigeria. It’s a familiar league to Nigeria players and that’s one of the considerations for me when the deal came. When the offer came I thought about Nigerian players that had made it good there and it gives me the courage to consider it good for myself. Like every other Nigeria player who had done wonderfully well in the league, I want to continue in that direction and keep the good legacy of Nigerian players there. I want to join the league of successful Nigerian players in Israel who have won trophies in Israel.” 

    Omoh, who, previously featured for Dalkurd FF, Ostersunds, Orebro, and Mjallby, all in Sweden and played over 200 matches and scored 40 goals.  He spoke with SAMSON OTI about new adventure in Israel and Europe.

    Life in Sweden

    I started my European journey in Sweden where I was privileged to have great facilities to develop myself. The ability was there for me to prove to everybody on the pitch and fortunately I got the chance to present my game to the world. I have enjoyed and contributed to every team I have played in Sweden. Sweden was a perfect league for me to start. Today, I am a better player because of the process I went through. I featured in over 200 games and scored 40 goals-not bad for a midfielder-if I must say.  And that was what opened the Romanian league for me. On coach that helped me tremendously is Graham Potter (now coach of Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion). He made me feel most welcomed in Sweden.

    Limelight in Romania league

    I had a wonderful outing with CSM in Romania. And that has given me the opportunity to be where I am today. It’s a pleasure playing and expressing myself in the Romania league before the Coronavirus pandemic affected the league. I started well in Romania and scored two goals in six games. I was fit, played a lot and did well. Therefore, it was a bit sad that the league was stopped, but what can you do? The virus has affected a lot, from the economy to the football. The whole world is in the same boat.

    I want to thank to CSM for this past season and the very difficult period we went through together. I really appreciate everything and everyone, from the staff to the players.

    Hapoel Kfar Saba of Israel

    Moving to Israel was a great decision for me. Hapoel Kfar Saba showed great interest in me, having gone through my videos and my experience over the years.  So, it was a good move for me. Aside that fact, Israeli league is a fast and stable league in Europe and I want to give my best there. I am here to contribute to what I met on ground in the team. I’m delighted to sign for Hapoel Kfar and thanks to God and everyone that made it possible.

    Personal target

    My personal target is to play well, help the team achieve good result and improve myself as a player. For now, I want to see how I can quickly adapt to life in the country. I am used to moving around, so I don’t think it would be difficult. I want to remain focused for the job at hand.

    Israeli league and Nigeria connection

    The league has produced lots of fantastic players from Nigeria. It’s a familiar league to Nigeria players and that’s one of the considerations for me when the deal came. When the offer came I thought about Nigerian players that had made it good there and it gives me the courage to consider it good for myself. Like every other Nigeria player who had done wonderfully well in the league, I want to continue in that direction and keep the good legacy of Nigerian players there. I want to join the league of successful Nigerian players in Israel who have won trophies in Israel.

    Childhood dream

    Like most Nigerian players, I started kicking football on the street. Even if you are born in foreign land, you would go through street football before enrolling in academy, and it’s a major process for any footballer.  I have always wanted to play in decent and bigger leagues. My journey over the years has enabled me to gather lots of experience and be a version of my own style. As a midfielder, I have a tenacity to propel my team at any needed time. It’s a passion I derived from my childhood and it has become a part of me. Everybody cannot have the same opportunity of playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid but as a footballer, you must always keep learning for bigger chances, such chances can come at the twilight of your career but the most important thing is to be ready to climb the ladder and let the world see what they have missed. My passion for the game of football has given me hope and consistent joy in my life. I am glad to be a proud soccer player irrespective of ups and downs.  It has been a great and wonderful journey so far.

    Super Eagles door

    Like I said earlier, everybody cannot have the same chance at the same time, all I want to do is to continue giving my best wherever I am and be consistent. I believe one day it could be my turn. The only thing I know is that whenever I have the chance I will grab it well and utilize it.

    Frustrated by Covid-19

    It is quite unfortunately that the notorious pandemic has disrupted a lot of things.  I started well in Romania and scored two goals in six games. I was fit, played a lot and did well. Therefore, it was a bit sad that the league was stopped, but what can you do? The virus has affected a lot, from the economy to football. I pray that nothing of such come into the world again, and God shall bring a permanent solution to Covid-19.

  • Growing up in palace motivated my foray into politics – Moji Ojora

    Growing up in palace motivated my foray into politics – Moji Ojora

    Hon. Moji Ojora, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, recently celebrated her 40th birthday. But because of the Covid-19 restrictions, the celebration was devoid of the fanfare that usually goes with such occasions, prompting her family to organise a private party for her. Still, many of her friends and acquaintances were part of the celebration in a virtual manner, courtesy of the Zoom online platform where it was transmitted live. Ojora spoke with PAUL UKPABIO afterwards about her childhood, her political career and social life, among other issues.

     

    What was the feeling like when you turned 40 recently?

    I felt a sense of achievement when I looked back at the things that I had done and where I was coming from. We had a family party and I recalled that people like President Muhammadu Buhari even became a head of state after turning 40. I felt good as a youth that I belong in such category, making it to the House of Assembly before 40.

    Coming from the famous Ojora dynasty, you have a name that rings a bell. Did the name open doors for you while you were growing up and did you enjoy special privileges?

    Maybe at a point I felt privileged. But we were mostly treated the same way at home. We lived just normally like every other child. My early childhood was at Apapa here in Lagos, and in a way, it was a privileged area. But then, Ijora was also part of Apapa and my dad, the late Chief T. A. Lawal Akapo, was a traditional ruler. He was the late Ojora of Lagos. That was where I started my early life, then moved to Surulere to join his younger sister. From then, it was Surulere for me until I moved back to Apapa much later.

    What memories of childhood do you hold dear?

    Oh, I will say I had freedom to mingle with neighbours and everybody, unlike what we have today where we pay a lot of attention to our children. I would not want to use the word cage, but today, we try to protect our children, unlike then when children were free to move around in the neighbourhood.

    As children then we were cautious not to do wrong, because even when we were outside our homes we knew that if we did wrong, our neighbours could report us to our parents. That does not happen anymore. Today, neighbours mind their business, which is not too good for the society. In those early years, I had lots of friends. But as I grew older, the number of my friends reduced. I am more of an introvert.

    In spite of your privileged background, you did all your schooling here in Nigeria. Was that your choice?

    Yes, it was my choice, because the schools here were okay. There was Queens College, Vivian Fowler. We had good public schools and my friends were there too, so there was no point thinking of travelling out for education. I also had other siblings who had studied here and were already doing well. So there was no motivation for me to go abroad to study. I had everything here that was obtainable over there.

    Why did you choose to study Law?

    I actually didn’t study Law as a degree course. I did a diploma course, though I wanted to be a lawyer. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the cut-off mark required to study the course, so I opted for something else. I still went on to do the diploma course because of the interest I had in Law. But, of course, growing up, I discovered that there were other courses that one could do apart from Law.

    So you went into business?

    It was actually my love for charity that led me into business. Gradually, I realised that I was reaching out to people and that was giving me satisfaction. I love to give and open doors for people to earn a living, but I needed extra cash to do so. So I decided to start something small, which God took control of and it became big.

    When you say small, what business was small?

    I started with cleaning services. I employed people and we were getting jobs. Initially, it was not regular. We asked around for people who needed their rugs washed or offices cleaned. So I bought different kinds of cleaning equipment. After a while, other things started coming in, and it became a general merchandise company.

    Initially to me, it was not really about creating a business to make money, but to use the income to help people. It used to sound strange to me when I met people and they told me that they didn’t have school fees. I believe that education is the most important empowerment one can give to anybody, and if the person does not have the capacity to study, at least let the person be productive in something else.

    And that really helped. Because some of the people we started out with as a team in the cleaning services were able to get some money and went back to school while some used the money to do other things. In fact, recently, one of our legislators in Apapa Local Government asked me if I could recall that he was one of the members of my cleaning team. I had totally forgotten. So those are the kind of results I get now. And such results motivate me more to empower more people.

    What was life like growing up in the palace?

    It was fun. As a child, I had the opportunity of having access to many dignitaries who came around to see my father. That actually motivated me to go into politics and desiring to play a role in the public service. I used to see him hold sessions as people came to lay complaints, and then there was conflict resolution which he played a major role in. Those things gingered interest in me to think of public service.

    As a lady, did you not think that conflict resolution is a man’s role?

    No, I didn’t see it that way at all. I saw politics as a thing of the mind. Before my dad became a traditional ruler, he was also a legislator at the local government level. Perhaps it is in our blood. I just love it. There is a difference between wanting to do something and actually loving what you do.

    Are there other siblings of yours who are into politics?

    Yes, there are. I have two brothers who are active in politics until recently, one became a traditional ruler. Another one is in politics on one side and business on the other side. But there are others too who are into politics.

    Politics is generally considered a dirty game. How do you handle that as a lady?

    Well, it depends on how you want to look at it. To some extent, it might be dirty. But then, what definition are we going to give the word dirty, and to what state of dirtiness? My definition of politics is marketing, just like you market your products. For instance, you go out there, you engage people, meet your customers, promote your products and let them see the need to buy your products. You don’t have to hurt your neighbor before you can achieve that, except you think you don’t have that marketing skills or strategy, then you decide that you just have to get there by all means. At that stage, politics becomes a dirty game. But to me, it mustn’t get to that point or stage!

    What is the worst scenario you have seen in politics?

    I have not had it rough like that, maybe because I do a lot of things with levity. I do things my own way. If it works, fine, if it doesn’t, I walk away. It doesn’t have to be at all cost.

    May be because Apapa seems to be a sane area…

    No, I don’t think so, because even in Ikoyi, there are different kinds of people. There are the elites, the middle class and every other kind of person. So it is not about the area because the kind of people here are also the kind of people there.  It is about how I present myself and how well I can engage them.

    Have you ever needed something but could not get it?

    Moji Ojora Moji Ojora
    Moji Ojora

    Yes. In life it is not possible for us to get everything that we want. So whenever I strive to get something and I can’t, I move on. I believe that I should learn from the reason why I didn’t get it and then re-visit the process that made me not to get it and improve on it. I let that rejection, because I wouldn’t want to call it failure, to serve as a foundation, a worksheet to be improved upon. You make a presentation for a project but unfortunately you couldn’t get the contract; you definitely go back to office to ask yourself questions where you went wrong and then improve on it.

    What fashion or style appeals to you?

    I love to dress responsibly and neat. I really don’t bother about how expensive a dress or an outfit is as long as it is presentable and clean. I am not an extravagant person, so excessive fashion does not really freak me.

    But do you do designer wears?

    I am not a freak for designer things. I do anything I like or that interests me. If it is a no-name brand that makes me comfortable and happy, I go for it. On the other hand, if it is a designer brand that makes me comfortable and happy as at that particular time, I go for it. I am not strictly particular about any.

    What fashion accessory would you say you can do without?

    I am not a jewelry freak. So I can do without it.

    Can you recall any special moment you have had at the House of Assembly so far?

    Yes, it was the first time that I walked into the House of Assembly: The day of the proclamation. I was so happy and I said to myself, yes, this is one of the days that I had so much looked forward to. And I thanked God for it.

    As a lady in the House, are you given equal opportunities with the men?

    I will say yes. It depends on how you approach it. The slate is on the board, we all have equal opportunities to make use of what we have all been given.

    No complaints?

    Of course there are one or two complaints, but you know, we have all been given same opportunities. We are all committee chairmen, both male and female. So it really shows no difference. But it still boils down to how you can play your card.

    But the House is still male dominated. Does that mean that the female members are more or less laid back?

    I don’t think so. Maybe the dirty part of it may not attract participation and one could say look, I’m not just ready for that part of it. During the electioneering period, there are challenges. But again, it depends on what you want. You won’t say for instance you are a student in a higher institution and one day you witness a violent riot during a student protest, and because of that, you say you are not going to school again. So we all get involved; no sitting at the back. As a lady, you keep pushing and pushing till you get to the Promised Land. What I want, I want, I go for it. If I don’t get it, life goes on.

    Before marriage, were men intimidated by your family name?

    It is the individual that really would be able to explain that. Some people got to know or heard the name and didn’t care, while some others heard the name and said to themselves, I don’t want to go there for one reason or another. So that’s life.

    But were you affected in anyway by that?

    No, because I believe that if you are not good enough for me, then why are you hanging around? You might as well take a walk!

    What kind of Lagos are you looking at in a few years from now?

    My wish is that we have a Lagos like Dubai; a Lagos like New York. I also believe that we will get there with determination especially if we all play our part and pay our taxes. We should not all the time be waiting for government to do this and that. We should also ask ourselves what we can give back to our communities and the society. We should all be responsible and take charge in our environment and communities, and we will get there.

  • Police, family row over alleged plot to cover up killers of 37-year-old transporter

    Police, family row over alleged plot to cover up killers of 37-year-old transporter

    By Precious Igbonwelundu

    Was 37-year-old transporter, Olatunde Sunmonu, killed by suspected Yahoo boys allegedly related to Sagamu Local Government’s Transition Committee Chairman, Gbenga Baruwa? Did the Sagamu Police Division hide the incident from the family for several days despite the latter filing a missing person complaint two days after their son’s disappearance?

    These are claims Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Inspector General of Police (IG) Mohammed  Adamu and Commissioner of Police (CP) Edward Ajogun will have to investigate as the family of the deceased has alleged foul play.

    Olatunde, a father of four, was said to have been attacked by some boys on Sallah Day near Baruwa’s house for daring to alight from his vehicle to ask them to clear their vehicles from the road for other road users to move freely.

    The deceased, who until his death was a driver with one of the hauling services, was said to have left his home that evening after returning from the hospital with his sick son to meet up with a friend who needed his attention, only to meet a friend who called him on phone.

    There were conflicting accounts on what happened afterwards as one claimed the friend who called him was a relative of the council boss who invited him for the chairman’s party where a disagreement ensued and he was attacked.

    It was alleged that Olatunde ran out of the premises without his car but was pursued by some men who caught up with him and beat him until he fell into coma. Vigilante officials were said to have rescued him and called in the police who arrested the culprits with a baseball bat and a dagger. Tunde was taken to Idera Hospital, a private clinic at Ajaka on July 31 and he died on August 2.

    But the police told the family that Olatunde was beaten up by some motorists who had caused an obstruction on the road after an accident.

    Olatunde’s father, Hakeem Sunmonu, said the police in Sagamu told them that the boys were involved in an accident with a woman and their vehicles blocked the road. Olatunde then alighted from his vehicle and told them to clear off the road to enable other motorists to pass, but his intervention did not go well with the boys, who promptly attacked him.

    The deceased person’s father, who spoke to The Nation, said he was still in shock over the circumstances surrounding the death of his son, alleging a deliberate attempt by the local police to cover up the true situation of the matter.

    Sunmonu said: “My son was killed by yahoo boys who are related to the council chairman, and there have been attempts to cover up what truly happened. We are pained because even the police deliberately withheld information when my young brother went there to report my son missing.

    “They claimed there was an accident that Friday between a woman and some Yahoo boys who are related to the transition committee chairman.

    “They were blocking the road and my son came down from his vehicle to tell them to clear so that other drivers would be able to pass.

    “The woman entered her car and those boys attacked my son. They beat him and used something to hit him and he collapsed.

    “They said they called the police and policemen from Sagamu Division came to the scene and took my son to the hospital.

    They also arrested the two men but the chairman later that day went to the station to secure their bail, which the DPO refused because of the condition of my son.

    “The police also towed his vehicle to the division.

    “He was first taken to a private hospital from where they moved him to Babcock University Hospital where he died and his body was kept in the mortuary.

    “They said he died two days later. My question is how come the police did not search the vehicle they towed from the road to their station since they knew the driver was unconscious? Couldn’t they have got his identity from his particulars in order to contact his family?

    “Another issue is that when they called me that my son did not return home on Friday and that he was not present at the ram slaughtering for his grandparents, I started calling all the people who might know his whereabouts but no one claimed to have seen him.

    “When he had not been seen at the end of Saturday, I told my younger brother,

    Dejola Awosanya, to go to the Sagamu Police Station to report him missing.

    “Note that this was on Sunday and the said accident happened on Friday. Since, the police knew that they had an assault victim who was unconscious and drove similar car as reported by my family, were they not supposed to have told us about it?

    “When they asked my family members to go and bring a picture of my son and they did, couldn’t they identify him in that picture as the same person they rushed to the hospital?

    “It was not until August 4, that the police called my brother, Dejola Awosanya, to break the news of my son’s death.

    “The DPO showed the family Tunde’s driver’s licence and vehicle particulars and Tunde’s picture in the morgue. He told the family that Tunde’s vehicle was towed to the station because they couldn’t find the key.

    “We want to know why there was delay for at least two days without the police informing the family. Why did the police tag Tunde an unidentified person when they had all the information about him, including his driver’s licence and vehicle particulars taken from his vehicle?

    “Why were his two phones taken and later returned by one of the culprits that ran away when the vigilante got there?

    “Why did the DPO release only one phone to the family? Why was the local government chairman, Mr Banjo Baruwa, in a hurry to secure the culprit’s bail?

    “Tunde Sunmonu was the first son of Hakeem Sunmonu and the only child of Yetunde Ajose-Akano. Please help us get justice, because my son cannot die like that. His death should spell an end to incessant killings by yahoo boys in Sagamu,” he lamented.

    Suspects not my relations — Council chair

    Baruwa

    Baruwa, however, denied claims that the suspects were his wife’s relatives, adding that he only went to the DPO to verify the incident when he was told about it.

    “All your information is incorrect,” he said in a text message to our correspondent. “The boys are not my wife’s relations.

    “As the chief security officer, they informed me about it and I went to the DPO to verify. The DPO told me the man was taken to the hospital and I went to see him.

    “The next day, I was told that the man was deceased.”

    The spokesman for the Ogun State Police Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said it is not true that the police attempted a cover-up, adding that the attacker and two others who had the deceased’s phone were in the custody of the Homicide Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran.

    He said the police could not have contacted the family since they did not know who he was until the DPO sighted his picture and realised that it was the same man whose corpse he had seen at the University Hospital.

    Oyeyemi said: “There is nothing like a cover-up in this matter. Also, the council chairman did nothing wrong. Every qualified Nigerian is at liberty to seek the bail of a detainee. It is left for the police officer in charge to weigh the gravity of the offence or issue and consider whether bail will be granted.

    “In this instance, the DPO saw that the victim was lying critical in the hospital and denied bail. The chairman never went back to demand bail for the suspect and the DPO transferred the case to homicide as soon as he confirmed the victim was dead.

    “The police did not know any relation of the victim. He was taken to the hospital as an unknown person, because the focus was to save him.

    “The private hospital he was taken to said he should be moved to Babcock University Hospital for CT scan, but he died there. DPO went there, took the picture of the body and moved it to the mortuary.

    “The following day, someone came to make an entry of a missing person. They were asked to bring picture, and when the DPO saw the picture, it turned out to be the same person. It was then they went to his vehicle, searched and saw his driver’s licence. They recovered his phone from two other suspects.

    As of Sunday, police did not know who they were reporting missing. The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section.”