The Nation Newspaper

Tag: battle

  • Battle over Abuja prime plots

    What turned Abuja into one of the most expensive cities in the world is greed of our political elite. The vicious battle over Abuja priceless land by politicians who are ready to deploy stolen national wealth into building of mansions, estates and farms where they rear crocodiles has become more vicious in recent years. If we needed any further proof to show how greed has turned a beautiful concept of a city meant for all Nigerians by Justice  Akinola Aguda to a city hijacked by men without character, the planned trial of Mallam Bala Mohammed, the immediate past Minister for Abuja Territory provided just that.

    Following close examination of petitions against Bala Mohammed, some dating back to 2013, initial findings, according to EFCC showed that “the ex-Minister used fictitious companies to award contracts worth N1 billion in FCT; allocated 12 plots of land to his son and 37 commercial plots of land to his business front called Tariq Hammoud”, from which he reportedly made N8billion. They are also re-visiting the controversial N1 trillion Abuja land swap.

    But the travail of Bala Mohammed is a case of who should cast the first stone among our new breed politicians that breed nothing but corruption. If we ‘shine our eyes well’ (apologies to Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State), we will see that land profiteering dates back to 1999 when with PDP assumption of power, the Abuja land policy thrust like all other PDP government policy thrusts such as privatisation, monetization, fuel subsidy and even vehicle plate number modernization were designed and implemented for the benefit not of the people but of those in government and their fronts. Bala Mohammed is therefore no less guilty than past presidents, ministers, lawmakers and governors who have with stolen public funds turned Abuja to the battle ground of who erect the greatest number of mansions, hotels, private estates and private farms.

    What gave us an insight into the recklessness of the political class was the crusade embarked upon by an NGO called Purpose Driven Initiative (PDI), the whistle blower for Abuja land grab by ex-President Jonathan and his Minister for Abuja Territory.  In an advertisement titled: “Let us talk about corruption”, the NGO had regaled the public with the tales of how “A sitting President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, incorporated a company, Ebele Integrated Farms Limited in which he is a major shareholder on December 30, 2011 and applied for and was granted 94.04 hectares of land – Plot 1689 in Cadastral Zone EOS Aviation Village, Abuja on January 13, 2014. Apart from the fact that this was a breach of the code of conduct for public officers, the  whistle-blower claimed: “The farm house which sits on a hill top overlooking the airport at the nation’s capital with rest chalets and presidential conference rooms, and probably managed by Israelis  was said to be worth about $500m.” It was further claimed that crocodiles are some of the livestocks being reared at its aquatic farm.

    Rising in defence of President Jonathan and his minister, a pro- government coalition, New Generation Coalition, justified the breach of public trust by claiming that ex-president similarly also incorporated a company, Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, applied and was granted a 100.12 hectares of land, Plot No.1 Cadastral Zone E09 Kuje, Abuja on June 27, 2005. But even among thieves, there is supposed to be honour, but it is not so with the PDP where Jonathan apologists claimed that, by allocating and signing Certificate of Occupancy for his boss, Bala Mohammed was only following the foot-steps of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Obasanjo’s FCT Minister who allocated land and signed Certificate of Occupancy for Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited on July 24, 2006″. If Obasanjo immorally grabbed 100.12.hectares, why can’t Jonathan also immorally grab 94.4 hectares, they seem to be saying.

    As it turned out, Obasnajo and Jonathan, the greatest tragedies of our time merely created a pathway for their ministers and lawmakers who after confiscating their official residences under dubious monetization policy jointly embarked on massive padding of the budget which started when Dr. Bukola Saraki, fresh from medical school with no relevant experience, was appointed by an all-knowing Obasanjo as special assistant on budgeting in 1999.

    If only for the breach of public trust, Nigerian would have wished the Certificate of Occupancy given to Obasanjo and his godson in respect of the land they grabbed be revoked and the duo sanctioned. But I think cash-strapped President Buhari should just re-evaluate the 200 hectares of prime land and mandate father and son to pay the appropriate economic rate plus the interest that would have accrued to government.

    And following in the footsteps of President Jonathan, the whistle-blowing group also claimed, Bala Mohammed, in clear violation of the 1999 constitution, incorporated Bird Trust Agro-Allied Limited on May 31, 2012. Minister Bala Mohammed was said to have also allocated a modest 40.4 hectares, Plot 1683 in Cadastral Zone E05 of Aviation Village in Abuja on April 11, 2014,” to Minister Mohammed’s company.

    The Secretary to Government, Anyim Pius Anyim was not left out. He and some powerful people in President Jonathan’s government according to Daily Trust investigation were behind the Centenary City Plc, a private company which set out to build a mega-city to commemorate Nigeria’s centenary celebration. The company grabbed for itself 1,262.27 hectares of prime land.

    Again confiscating a prime land three times the size of Maitama or Asokoro districts for private use by those in government and their fronts is greed at its worst form. But we desperately need money and since we are in an era of plea bargaining, government should just play the Shylock by insisting Anyim Pius Anyim, the chief promoter, Abdul Salami Abubakar, the chairman and Dr Ike Michaels the Managing Director, pay the N63 billion in land fees for the Centenary City project which Daily Trust claimed was waived by federal government.

    First ladies were similarly not left out in the vicious battle over Abuja prime plots.  Mrs. Turai Yar’Adua once went to court asking she ‘be paid N1.5 billion as general damages, N100 million as exemplary damages, N100 million as aggravated damages in addition to N261 million already paid for Certificate of Occupancy as well as N454 million paid for building designs’ over her revoked land which was reallocated to Mrs. Patience Jonathan ostensibly for public interest. Mrs. Jonathan also went to court through the Ministry of Justice. In the end Turai floored her rival when the court ruled “The defendants failed woefully to adduce any shred of evidence before this court to support their claims that the allocation of the land was revoked on overriding public interest”.

    But government in desperate need of cash must ascertain if Turai paid the correct charges. This call has nothing to do with the integrity of Turai or her husband under whom she secured the prime Abuja plot. It is just that Nigerians cannot trust any of the FCT ministers.

    And finally since we are cash strapped, government should revisit the illegal and immoral sharing of 29 plots of land in the Maitama District which according to Dino Melaye fell within an area designated for erection of tourist structure for foreign visitors. He listed as beneficiaries President Jonathan, former Justice Minister Muhammed Bello Adoke; ý former Bauchi governor Isa Yuguda; and former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus among others. Since many of these men already have mansions in Abuja, they should be heavily taxed if they must convert land earmarked for public use into private use.

    If we cannot take our nation’s capital back from veteran budget padding lawmakers and ministers who have pumped billions into turning it into the exclusive preserve of the rich, they should be made to pay heavy tax not only to maintain the city but to solve social problems of other cities especially in an age of dwindling economic fortune.

  • The battle of F.M. radio stations

    SIR: The battle of the F.M. radio stations, especially in the South-west and specifically Ibadan is becoming not only more and more interesting but also comical. They spew out all sorts of slogan to boost their ego and increase their listenership.

    These claims include being the first in Nigeria, the first in the Western part of the country, being the most listened to in the world, being at the top of the ladder, and setting new standards in broadcasting.

    Unfortunately there is nothing much to write home about many of them. Their programmes are very similar, with many being copy cats. Their programming often coincides and their wavebands are so close that they sometimes overlap.

    There is a bright side to more F.M. stations however; the creation of jobs in the broadcasting sector.

    Unfortunately, there is also a downside. This is the falling standard of broadcasting. Pronunciations and sentence construction by many of the presenters are atrocious and very discouraging even amongst the so called popular ones. Many do not know the difference between “O” the alphabet and zero “0” the numeral when giving out telephone numbers.

    Nor do they know the difference between “t” and “th”. “Ask” is pronounced “axe”, “world” is pronounced “word”, “salt” is pronounced “sort”, “mother” is pronounced “moda” or “murder” and you hear “talkless of” instead of “not to talk of “ etc.

    Yes, it is true that English is not our mother tongue but do we have to murder it? Furthermore English is still a compulsory subject in WASCE and NECO and other examinations. Students writing these examination listen to these presenters and they can be adversely influenced and confused.

    The situation among the Yoruba and Pidgin English broadcasters/presenters is in no way better, and could be regarded as even worse. Many make no attempt to learn how to pronounce foreign (non-Yoruba) names and words.

    To worsen matters, their review of the dailies and presentation of special news or unusual happenings is no longer comical or funny. It has become obscene, obnoxious and insensitive. Or how else will you describe someone who jokes about people being raped (including minors) about kidnapping, about robberies, about disasters and mutilations?

    They describe these occurrences in graphic details with lots of embellishment and laughter. They are so insensitive but believe they are being funny. They show no human feelings, compassion, consideration or sympathy for the victims or their family.

    Are there no standards anymore? Who monitors broadcasting? Is there not supposed to be a Board of Control that can sanction?

    The days of Anike Agbaje-Williams, Kunle Olasope, Nelson Ipeya and other great and decent broadcasters appear to be long gone.

    I wish to appeal to the owners of these F.M. stations, and other radio stations to organize seminar for their staff on enunciation, elocution and how to conduct themselves on the air. Each station can lay down, monitor and enforce its own code of conduct. The standard of broadcasting should not be allowed to fall.

     

    • Dr. Bode Falomo,

    Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

  • June 12: Futile battle for sanctity of ballot box

    June 12: Futile battle for sanctity of ballot box

    Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the lessons of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the flag bearer of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola, the heroic contributions of the pro-democracy movement and the treachery of military collaborators who aborted the dream of a peaceful transfer of power in the ill-fated Third Republic. 

    It is a story of great betrayal; an illusion of hope. The soldiers of fortune and their collaborators yelled as Nigerians cast their votes to draw the curtains on the military rule. The embattled military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, had his game plan. When he criminally annulled the most credible election,  gloom enveloped the country. There was despair. There was commotion. The battle for the sanctity of the ballot box had been won and lost instantly.

    June 12 underscored the miracle of a free and fair election. It was a vote for national unity, mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence by the North and the South. It was a lost opportunity. Since then, the miracle has not been repeated.

    Twenty three after the historic presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola, the candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), was cancelled, the sanctity of the ballot box is yet to be fully restored. Elections are nightmares. At random, winners have become losers. In many instances, the contest has often shifted from the ballot box to the courtroom.

    Had Babangida thread the path of honour, perhaps, the situation would have been different today. His reluctance to relinquish power, which he had acquired through a cunning way, wrecked havoc on the country. As the contest was annulled, the SDP national chairman was aloof. The Publicity Secretary said the party had seen the futility of insisting on its revalidation.

    A pro-democracy battle ensued. Lives were lost in civil-military clashes. But, the gap-tooth General  was later forced out in disgrace. As he stepped aside, he installed an interim contraption; a joke that later collapsed on the head of its symbol, the highly respected technocrat, yet a political novice, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

    Up came the late Gen. Sani Abacha, a dictator who cajoled the gullible political class to team up with him, following his vague promise of handing over to Abiola, the president-elect, who later died in detention after five years of futile battle.

    June 12 was a watershed. Ethnicity and religion were not the factors that shaped the presidential contest. Unlike last year’s election, Nigeria was in one accord. Abiola and his running mate, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, were Muslims. But, Nigerians did not raise eyebrow. Despite the dictatorial foundation of the two parties, as they were imposed on the beleaguered nation, the diverse people resolved to adopt them as platforms. The umpire, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, and his team were up and doing.  The electoral process was tedious. But, it made internal democracy more compelling for the two parties. Both Abiola and his rival, Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC), passed through the stressful nomination processes at the ward, local government, state and federal levels. The procedure was long, but transparent.

    Nigerians were full of eagerness. They were tired of being tossed around by the military. In Nigeria, military rule had become old-fashioned. On poll day, the voters across the six geo-political zones declared a legitimate war against the military marauders.  The popular mood reflected the collective determination to restore civil rule under a credible leadership freely elected by citizens.

    However, the midwife of the elongated transition programme was the main obstacle. When people trooped out for the civic duty on June 12, nobody had a premonition of a looming disaster. On long queues, people endured the tedious accreditation and voting process. According to the civil right activists,  no violence was reported.The open ballot method and two party system made rigging impossible.

    Around 4pm, it was evident that the people had voted to end the military rule.  Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe and religion, had elected Abiola as the President. Hailing the voters for the feat, the legal luminary, the late Chief  Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), pointed out that, even in the barracks, Abiola won. But, on June 23, 1993, the hope was dashed by the annulment. Nigeria was on the retrogressive path. It was the greatest act of betrayal by the military. Nigerians started perceiving soldiers as national liabilities.

    The June 12 saga also unveiled the hypocrisy of the progressive leaders-turned antagonists of the popular will. Many of them are still fighting hard to redeem their dented image after using ‘June 12’ to bargain and trade with military authorities in expectation of juicy appointments, oil blocs and huge contracts. Some influential leaders cleverly suggested the interim government as a way out of the mess, hoping to either head the transitional government or nominate the head. To them, what mattered most were positions, and not principle.

    The division in the military was obvious. Some wanted the military to extend its rule; others said that, in utter sensitivity to the wind of change, their time was up.

    The ‘June 12’ is still a reference point in the nation’s quest for free and fair elections and political stability. It was a tragedy that, when the June 12 struggle later heralded the civil rule, the progressives who were at the front burner were at the back seat.

    Abacha, who disbanded the interim government, and Abiola, the custodian of the mandate, died in the battle. Abiola died while struggling to reclaim the people’s mandate; Abacha died while resisting the people’s will. Under Abacha’s successor, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, the hawks returned to the drawing board. While civil rule was restored in 1999, Nigeria is still in a fruitless search for democracy, 17 years after.

     

    Heroes of June 12:

    The ‘June 12’ battle was not for men of frail will. On the battle field were great fighters who dared the military. These democratic forces were scattered at home and abroad. Many lost their lives and property. When the fight became hotter, some developed cold feet, betrayed the cause and deserted the battle. However, many also endured the heat and fought to the end during the delicate period.  For example, Abacha sent a strong message to Air Marshall Ndubusi Kanu to either desert the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) or face bullet. A General, who hosted the first meeting of the agitators at his Ikeja residence, later demurred. The likes of Senator Abraham Adesanya, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obiorah, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Dr. Amos Akingba and Commodore Dan Suleiman were been hunted by the military. Some of them fled the country. Abiola’s wife, Kudirat, was killed during the struggle. So was Chief Alfred Rewane, a great financier of the struggle. Many crusaders, including Ayo Opadokun and the late Dr. Beko Ransom-Kuti, were detained.

     

    Abiola

     The billionaire businessman had a vision-the abolition of poverty. He was a friend of the military. He knew their tricks, but he could not understand all. Apparently, Abiola may have been underrated too by his soldier-friends. His credential was highly intimidating. He was a household name; a philanthropist and a man of the people.  On the podium, he was electrifying. He demonstrated an uncanny knowledge of the economy. It appeared he had solutions to the problems. Largely perceived as the liberator of the people from the military cage, Abiola received massive support, beating his rival, Tofa in his native Kano State. He pulled 8,341,309 votes, representing 58.36 percent of total votes. When Babangida annulled the election, there was sporadic protest. Up to now, the ghost of the annulment still hunts the Minna-born General. Abiola declared himself President-elect at Epetedo, Lagos Island. He was the martyr.

     

    Kudirat

     Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was one of Abiola’s numerous wives. She was a wife in a million. The annulment catapulted her into the pro-democracy movement. She was endowed with a heart of steel and stone. Kudirat faced the odds with determination. She was unstoppable. Whenever she stormed the meeting of the pro-democracy groups, agitators believed that Abiola was around. She was bold, fearless and courageous. She challenged the military over her husband’s  solitary confinement. Her leadership motivated other pro-democracy groups to spring to seek the actualisation of the mandate.  In 1994, Kudirat was actively involved in sustaining the oil workers strike. She was arrested, and later, released on bail. Despite this harassment, she was unwavering. When protesters were detained, she would promptly visit police stations to secure their release. Kudirat knew that her life was in danger. The Amazon was planning to process a visa to leave the country before she was killed. On June 4, 1996, a few days to the third  anniversary of the June 12 election, Kudirat was shot dead by assassins in Oregun, Ikeja.

    Ajasin

     Chief Adekunle Ajasin, former governor of Ondo State, doubled as Afenifere and NADECO leader. He was a principled fighter and moral voice who offered inspiration to the democratic forces. Already an old man, Ajasin, despite the threat to his health and safety, never wavered. The Owo politician had objected to the participation of progressives in Abacha government. Bbut Abiola prevailed on him to give his consent. His bedroom was invaded by former Governor Ibe Onyearugbulem, who had the mandate from Abacha to make Ondo State uncomfortable for the NADECO forces. In June 1995, his house was invaded by soldiers. His followers were arrested. He followed them to the state police headquarters, Akure. They were released 24 hours later. Ajasin was enraged over Abiola’s detention. He passed on when the battle was still hot.

     

    Rewane

     Rewane used his pen and money to fight the military to a standstill. He was a pillar of financial support for all NADECO and many human rights activities. His motive was the de-annulment of the June 12 election. He also personally campaigned against official graft in high places, lack of accountability and gross violation of human rights by the military. But on October 6, 1995, he was murdered in curious circumstances which elicited wide outcry.

     

     Adesanya

      Adesanya, Awoist, lawyer, and Second Republic senator, became the leader of Afenifere after the death of Ajasin. His Personal Assistant was Rev. Tunji Adebiyi. Adesanya’s compatriots in the group who also fought the military were Chiefs Ganiyu Dawodu, Bola Ige, Lam Adesina, Ayo Adebanjo, Olaniwun Ajayi, Solanke Onasanya, Femi Okunrounmu, Olabiyi Durojaye, Cornelius Adebayo and Dr. fredrick Fasehun, the founder of the oodua Peoples Congress (OPC). Some of them suffered bruises. Rev. Adebiyi was bearing a letter from NADECO leaders in Lagos to Ajasin at Owo when he was arrested at 10 pm at Maryland by the police. Persistent pleas by Kudirat Abiola secured his release. Adesina was captured by soldiers during a protest at Ibadan as a “prisoner of war”. Durojaye, Adebanjo and Dawodu were detained. Assassins were also trailing Aremo Segun Osoba. He escaped been hit by bullets by whiskers. In 1997, Adesanya miraculously escaped assassin’s bullets. He remained undaunted to the end. Under his leadership, Afenifere intensified the battle for restructuring and true federalism.

     

    Enahoro

    Chief Anthony Enahoro, a nationalist, was the chairman of NADECO’s Steering Committee. In 1995, he was detained for almost three months without any charge by Abacha. Before he escaped abroad, he was a torn in the flesh of the military. He also chaired the Movement for National Reformation (MNR) and the Pro-National Conference Organisation (PRONACO). Enahoro was the leader of NADECO abroad.

     

    Tinubu:

     In the Third Republic, he was a senator. In the Upper Chamber, Senator Bola Tinubu was the rallying point for senators seeking an end to military rule. He challenged IBB to a duel. When the military leader annulled the poll, he demanded for explanations. Tinubu dared the military, urging the masses to resist the brutal act. He was briefly detained and released. After escaping abroad, he became one of the leaders and financial pillars of NADECO abroad.

     

    Fawehinmi

     Fawehinmi was an outstanding lawyer and world-acclaimed human rights crusade.  He was detained for a long period by the military government.  He provided legal, moral and financial support for freedom fighters. Even, IBB acknowledged him as a man of courage and principle.

     

    Soyinka

     Nobel Laureate Professor Soyinka was one of the brains behind Radio Kudirat. Other frontline activists behind the opposition radio were Enahoro and Dr.Kayode Fayemi, who made broadcasts leaking plans by the soldiers to wipe out freedom fighters from Nigeria. It was the radio that alerted people to the plot to assassinate Ajasin and Adesanya. In 1994, Soyinka lived in exile in the US and France after leaving Nigeria. He mounted a strong international campaign against Abacha’s dictatorial regime. In 1997 he was tried in absentia with other opposition members for a phony charge of bomb attacks against army. The Abacha regime sentenced Soyinka to death in absentia. He still lives to tell the tale.

     

    Akinyemi

    Among those who offered intellectual support for NADECO activities were Professors Akinyemi, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Segun Gbadegesin, Ropo Sekoni, Ade Banjo and Adebayo Williams. They wrote numerous incisive articles denouncing the annulment, military rule and rights violation. They were targets of attacks by the military. They fled the country to continue the onslaught abroad. Banjo had purchased 3,000 riffles to launch a guerrilla war against Abacha. He was caught and detained before he escaped to Ghana.  If the asylum proposed by Prof. Akinyemi had been accepted, Abiola may not have been killed. But, the chief rejected the asylum, saying that the President-elect of the most populous nation in Africa could not be seeking asylum in American Embassy.

     

    Kokori

     Chief Frank Kokori, a fearless Labour leader and former Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) organised the oil workers’ strike that rattled Abacha in 1994. He was arrested by the security operatives and was moved round different prisons, mostly in the northern part of the country.

     

    Carrington

     Walter Carrington  served as United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria between 1993 and 1997. He actively supported the struggle for the validation of the election results, chiding the military for the annulment and human rights abuses. His remarks were weighty and they influenced the United States to mount pressure on the military to vacate power.

     

    Adebanjo

     Ayo Adebanjo,  a fearless politician,  was staunch member of NADECO. Despite the threat to his life and property, he was resolute in the fight for the restoration of Abiola’s mandate. It was ironic, because Abiola and his leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, never politically agreed. Since he passed on, Adebanjo has been calling for the immortalisation of Abiola.

     

    Epetedo Group

     Among the agitators who organised the Epetedo Declaration were  theb late Senator Dosunmu, the late Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Omotilewa Aro-Lambo, Senator Ajayi from Ekiti, Hon. Adesina from Abeokuta,  and Sikiru Shitta-Bey.

     

    Opadokun

     Opadokun was  the General Secretary of the Afenifere and NADECO. For five years, he was in detention. It is painful to him that, after the restoration of the civil rule, military apologists and collaborators became the beneficiaries of the battle in 1999.

     

    Oshun

     Olawale Oshun is a former Chief Whip of House of Representatives. When the IBB regime cancelled the election, he was among the legislators who denounced the criminal act. He was one of the few people that planned the ‘Epetedo Declaration’ for Abiola. When Opadokun was seized by the military, he became the NADECO secretary. He was later released, after which he fled abroad to continue the fight. He wrote his book, ‘Clapping with one hand’, in detention.

     

    Kanu

    The former governor of Imo and Lagos states was at the forefront of the agitation for the actualisation of the mandate. Abacha once told him to deck his khaki and face him with his gun, instead of joining forces with civilians to rubbish him. When he persisted in his NADECO activities, his businesses were crippled by the military. His private residence was searched by security agents. He was accused of planning to importing arms and ammunitions.

     

    Nwankwo

    Among the organisations that formed NADECO was the Eastern Mandate Union (EMU) led by the irrepressible advocate of human rights and good governance, Clement Nwankwo. He shared that virtue of consistency and bravery with Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who were prominent NADECO chieftains. A fierce speaker and prolific writer, Nwankwo was never afraid of detention camps.

     

    Ige

     The Cicero of Esa-Oke had shunned the IBB transition programme, following Awo’s admonition to his followers to learn to dine with the devil with a long spoon. However,  the entry of the late Chief Bola Ige, after the expiration of ‘siddon look’ period, inspired the pro-democracy agitators to fight on. He was a leading fighter under NADECO and Afenifere, where he was deputy leader. Ige had a caustic tongue, which he used to bite the Abacha regime. It was he who described the five political parties of that period as five fingers of a leprous hand. He was detained at Epe.

     

    Balarabe Musa:

     The former governor of Kaduna State refused to join the bandwagon of tribal egoists. He believed that June 12 offered a redemptive option to the country in its quest for legitimate leadership. To him, the annulment was a national calamity and the struggle was not a sectional affair as wrongly projected by military spin doctors. On few occasions too, prominent northern leaders, including the late Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, spoke forcefully against Babangida regime for foisting an avoidable crisis on the country.

     

    Abubakar Umar

     As military governor of Kaduna State, he had shown the tendency of a radical. The political scientist was of the view that the military had overstayed in power to the detriment of the masses. Col. Abubakar Umar Dangiwa (rtd) spoke forcefully in defense of the Abiola. To him, the symbol was not the main issue, but the seizure of the nation’s collective passport for a genuine flight to the horizon of democratic progress.

     

    Ondo NADECO

     These were NADECO members based in Ondo State. Prominent among them were Chief Segun Adegoke, a lawyer and Awoist, the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, who later became governor, Mrs. Bolaji Osomo before she joined Abacha cabinet, and Senator Okunrinboye. When the late military governor, Onyearugbulem, and some soldiers invaded the Owo country home of Ajasin, an encounter ensued between the governor and Adefarati. The governor asked Adefarati  whether he was a NADECO member. Adefarati, beating his chests three times, answered in the affirmative. The soldiers could not arrest him in Ajasin’s room.

     

    Falae

     The former Secretary to the Federal Military Government and Finance Minister was very active in Afenifere and NADECO. He was one of the ardent supporters of Abiola during the battle for the revalidation of the annulled results. Other Afenifere leaders who were active during the struggle included Senator Ayo Fasanmi, who resigned from the Constitutional Conference Commission set up by Abacha, Chief Supo Sonibare, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Baba Omojola, Chief Rafiu Jafojo, Chief S.K. Babalola, and Rev. Tunji Adebiyi. Before they joined Abacha government, the duo of Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Chief Ebenezer Babatope were also at the forefront of the clamour for the de-annulment of the june 12, 1993 election.

     

    Lam Adesina

     A disciple of Awo and former federal legislator, Adesina was always opposed to military rule. He had used his column to spite the soldiers of fortune who milked the country dry. For participating in the anti-military demonstrations at Ibadan, Oyo State capital,  Adesina was ‘captured’ by the Military Administrator, Col. Usman, as a prisoner of war. He languished in detention. Adesina later served as governor.

     

    Bishop Gbonigi:

     The activist-cleric, Rt. Rev. Bolanle Gbonigi, was nicknamed the ‘NADECO Bishop’ because of his principled position on June 12. He decried the injustice from the pulpit and offered moral and spiritual support to the pro-democracy agitators.

     

    Akinrinade:

     Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd) was one of the leaders of NADECO abroad, who committed enormous time, energy and resources to the struggle for justice. His private residence at Ikeja was torched by suspected government agents. The same tribulation befell his compatriot, Dr. Akingba, a former university don. He was harassed by the military. His residence was also attacked in Lagos.

     

    Labour, right groups and media:

     Human rights leaders-Dr Beko Ransom-Kuti, his brother, Prof. Olikoye Ransom-Kuti, Femi Falana, Femi Aborisade, Chima Ubani, Joe Igbokwe, Olisa Agbakoba, Ayo Obe, Rev. Fr. Mzathew Kukah, now Bishop Ebun Adegboruwa,  Joe Igbokwe, Clement Nwankwo, Felix Tuodolo, Debo Adeniran, Akinola Orisagbemi, who was Personal Assistant to Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, Innocent Chukwuma, and numerous activists under the banners of the Nigeria Bar Association, Nigeria Medical Association, Nigeria Labour Congress, NUJ, PENGASSAN, NUPENG, Lagos Justice Forum,  and NANS made invaluable contributions to the struggle.

  • Nigeria battle FIFA over Bafana friendly

    Nigeria battle FIFA over Bafana friendly

    NIGERIA still hope to convince world football governing body FIFA to approve a proposed friendly against Bafana Bafana of South Africa next month, top officials have specially informed AfricanFootball.com

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) wish to stage three friendlies during the FIFA-friendly window next month as all hands are now on deck to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which begin in October.

    The Bafana friendly is to be played in Lagos with home-based players.

    A top official told AfricanFootball.com that FIFA are not disposed to Nigeria playing three matches during the friendly window as it will be “an unfair way” for Nigeria to improve their FIFA rankings.

    However, the NFF said the match against South Africa will be played by only players drawn from the Nigeria Professional Football League.

    “We still hope to convince FIFA to allow us play the match in Lagos,” another official disclosed.

    Nigeria and South Africa last played in a 2015 AFCON qualifier in November 2014 in Uyo, which ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

  • Yoruba Art and its battle of methodologies

    •Continued from last week

    The focus of Blier’s book is on works she categorizes under Florescence and Post-Florescence eras. She ties the Florescence era to Obalufon II, an Ife king noted in Yoruba tradition as a major art patron and who Blier describes as the king and art patron that encouraged the marriage of old and new Ife, the period before and after the ‘emergence’ of Oduduwa. Drawing connections between Ife rituals such as Oramfe and Olojo in particular, Blier identifies the preoccupation of ancient Ife sculptures with the theme of conflict, change of political order, and reconciliation of both losers and winners of the struggles for power over the kingdom. By relating the works of other cultures: Ugbo-Ukwu, Tada, Benin, and Igala, for example, Blier suggests that ancient Ife was undoubtedly a cosmopolitan center for a large section of precolonial West Africa. Similarities in artistic motifs and style, she affirms, must have affected the creative industry in a city-state that was in its own time a melting pot for several nationalities and their cultures. The suggestion that the art of ancient Ife was enriched by contact with neighboring cultures should not surprise observers of influence of other cultures on the Lagos of today.

    Without doubt, readers will find these two books insightful for different reasons. Both of the books cover a wide range of visual objects, ranging from memorialization of monarchs to depiction of animals. In an ancient society that was characterized by animism, it is not surprising that totem of power, such as leopard, elephant, horse; totem of peace such aseja-aro (a sub-specie of cat-fish) and snail; as well as totem of alterability or change such asagemoor oga(chameleon) featured prominently in the samples examined by both Blier and Abiodun. Similarly, the Yoruba habit of elaborate dressing that includes layers of clothing and adornment of dress with elaborate embroidery acknowledged byAbiodun andBlier in ancient Ife art is also a major part of Yoruba fashion today.

    On the surface, especially with reference to the introduction to both books, readers are likely to find the messages of the two books to be counter-signs, but the body of each of the two books makes the authors’ analyses act more like co-signs than counter-signs. Both books have substantial significance to the study of Yoruba culture, especially its aesthetics and iconography. Abiodun in his book combines old and new Yorubaaesthetic concepts and vocabularies to make Yoruba visual art—naturalist, stylized, and idealized—intelligible to both specialists and people with interest in understanding the relationship between Yoruba thought system and artistic production.  He provides new analytical techniques that can provide models for art and culture scholars not only in the Yoruba world but also in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as forthose in other parts of the world who need knowledge of indigenous perspectives to enrich their understanding of African visual culture.Abiodun popularizes an area of study of African cultural production that has been kept on the back burner for long; development of emic or indigenous perspectives and concepts that explain nuances (and sometimes the so-called mystery) of visual art in Africa produced by artists who practiced largely in the era before their contact with Westernepistemology and hermeneutics.Abiodun does effectively with Yoruba art what Western art scholars do with theirs: art interpretation in relation to Western worldview: philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, values, and language. His work is in good stead to motivate others working in the field of African art and criticism.

    Blier in her own book provides additional methods of reading ancient Ife art in a way that can be intelligible to the Anglophone world, which also includes Africans in diaspora and professional art critics on the African continent.She provides insights on the desire of ancient Ife artists to tell stories about the evolution of the kingdom by applying a multidisciplinary analysis to numerous samples of Ife visual art. While recognizing the politics of ancient Ife art, Blier provides insight on the connection between Ife art and desire of its ancient leaders to overcome the division that periodic struggles for power created or could create. She also uses her methodology to suggest a clue to issues that may puzzle the Yoruba world; the role of multiculturalism in ancient Ife and its influence on the flowering of sculpture in the ancient kingdom.

    Each of these two books deserves whatever investment goes into its purchase. The books complement each other in many ways and will be of immense benefit to art and culture scholars who want to deepen their knowledge of an ancient artistic tradition that continues to exciteart connoisseurs worldwide. Students of Yoruba art should read Abiodun’s book before reading Blier’s, as doing so will enhance appreciation of Blier’s book. In addition, it will be a profitable investment in knowledge and culture, if Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, in collaboration with other knowledge centers,guardians of Yoruba culture such as: Ooni, Alaafin, Awujale, Olowo,Osemawe, Orangun, Ewi, etc., and rich collectors of Yoruba art such as OmoobaShyllon,can organize an international colloquium at Ife, to discuss the two books that seek to change for different reasons the study of Yoruba art.

     

    N.B.  Yoruba Art And Language: Seeking The African In African Art by Rowland Abiodun published by Cambridge in 2014 has 386 pages.

    Art And Risk In Ancient Yoruba: Ife History, Power, And Identity, C. 1300. Suzanne Preston Blier also published by Cambridge in 2015 has 574 pages.

    •Concluded

  • Breakthroughs in battle to beat stroke

    Breakthroughs in battle to beat stroke

    New procedures and drugs are offering fresh hope for stroke patients as clinical trials showed encouraging results.

    Major strides have been made in the understanding of stroke in the last few years with significant advances in imaging and medicines. In particular, there are now four oral anti-coagulants to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation patients on the market.

    “The innovation causing the biggest stir among stroke clinicians is thrombectomy, also known as mechanical clot retrieval”

     

    Thrombectomy: mechanical clot retrieval.

    However, the innovation causing the biggest stir among stroke clinicians is thrombectomy, also known as mechanical clot retrieval. The technique involves inserting a catheter into a large blood vessel, usually in the groin, and locating the clot through a cerebral angiography; a device is then inserted through the catheter to pull the clot out.

    At present, thrombolytics are used to dissolve blood clots, but these must be given within four-and-a-half hours of the start of the stroke and only benefit around one in seven people treated, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

    Thrombectomy has impressed clinicians treating patients with larger clots, which are likely to lead to greater disability due to blood flow being interrupted for longer period. The national clinical director for stroke with NHS England, Professor Tony Rudd, said the technique is “top of the list” of recent innovations. “In the last 15 months, we have had five trials, which have shown that it is highly effective,” he said.

    His enthusiasm is shared by Dale Webb, director of research and information at the Stroke Association, who said “over the last year and a half, people have been whooping and cheering on the floors of medical conferences” as thrombectomy data is presented.

    In a Canadian meta-analysis of eight trials, involving more than 2,400 patients presented in April last year, for example, thrombectomy was associated with much improved functional outcomes at 90 days compared with standard medical care using thrombolytics (44.6 per cent against 31.8 per cent respectively).

    How many patients will benefit from thrombectomy in the UK is still unclear, but Dr Webb said: “If you are one of these patients, this is absolutely life-transforming.”

    In February, NICE updated guidance backing thrombectomy, but a full technology appraisal is needed to get the mandate that would help get the procedure routinely commissioned across the NHS.

    Professor Rudd also noted that the challenge is to get enough trained interventional neuro-radiologists to perform such highly skilled procedures. However, the cost of training staff and setting up dedicated thrombectomy units is less than the financial burden of having to treat people with long-term disability caused by stroke.

     

    The use of stem cells

    Another area causing excitement is the use of stem cells to reverse some of the disabling effects of stroke.

    One of the leading lights in this field is Professor Keith Muir of the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, who has been involved in a phase I trial undertaken from 2009 to 2015 involving 11 people with disabling long-term effects of stroke.

    “Cell-therapy approaches are probably acting by modifying the body’s response to injury, stimulating recovery and reducing harmful effects of inflammation”

    Different doses of cells were injected deep into the brain, close to the location of the stroke damage. He said: “We observed improvements in various abilities in several patients, which was interesting given how late after the stroke we included people.”

    Professor Muir stressed that the study was not designed to demonstrate efficacy, “so these intriguing observations need to be further investigated”, he said. To this end, a phase II study has been running at a number of United Kingdom (UK) hospitals since mid-2014, which aims to investigate the recovery of arm function, and initial data is expected to be reported in around 20 patients this summer.

    It is clearly early days, but Professor Muir said: “In general, it is now believed that cell-therapy approaches are probably acting by modifying the body’s response to injury, stimulating recovery and reducing harmful effects of inflammation.” The studies will give detailed information on the safety and feasibility of delivering cells by injection into the brain within a few months of a stroke.

    A small study from Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences found that patients, who were given electrical brain stimulation alongside rehabilitation, fared better than those on rehab alone. The trial, published in the Journal of Science Translational Medicine, involved 24 people who had strokes at least six months previously and still experienced difficulties moving their hands and arms.

    The recovery of function in long-term patients is an important area, but with stroke, time is very much of the essence in limiting brain damage. Dr Webb at the Stroke Association pointed to a microwave helmet, developed in Sweden by Medfield Diagnostics, which is being trialled in ambulances and could slash diagnosis times.

    Professor Joanna Wardlaw, chair of applied neuroimaging and head of neuroimaging sciences at Edinburgh University, believed the next big innovation will be treatments for small-vessel or lacunar stroke, which she said could also have a big impact on dementia.

    A lacunar stroke is caused by damage to one of the small vessels deep within the brain and accounts for around one in four strokes. The British Heart Foundation, which is helping to fund a three-year trial led by Professor Wardlaw, cited researchers, who believe it could be an underlying cause of at least 40 per cent of all dementias.

    There is currently no approved treatment for a lacunar stroke and in the trial around 200 patients will be treated with either cilostazol, isosorbide mononitrate or both, two drugs currently used to treat angina and peripheral vascular disease. By performing MRI scans on people taking part in the trial, Professor Wardlaw and colleagues will monitor whether the drugs have an effect on the small vessels of the brain.

    Thrombectomy, stem cell therapy and testing two old, and very cheap, drugs that could help prevent dementia following stroke are promising developments with the potential of saving lives and transforming outcomes.

     

    •Culled from www.thetimes.co.uk

  • Quadri leads Jura Morez’s relegation battle

    Quadri leads Jura Morez’s relegation battle

    With four matches to the end of the French Table Tennis Premier League, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri will tomorrow lead Jura Morez battle to escape relegation in the European elite league.

    Occupying seventh place in the 10-team league, Jura Morez garnered 24points from 14 matches with five wins and nine defeats, the battle to remain in the elite division of the lucrative French League will commence tomorrow away to SPO ROUEN, a team which is also fighting to escape the drop.

    In their first meeting, it was Jura Morez that claimed the victory at home with Quadri recording an emphatic wins over Ruiwu Tan and  Jesus Cantero Juncal in their 4-2 triumph.

    Having joined Jura Morez from Portugal, Quadri will be the cynosure of all eyes in the four matches as the 2014 ITTF Star Player has continued to inspire the team this season while his presence has also motivated his teammates.

    In their last league match against Garde Du Voeu Hennebont in March, it was Quadri that marshaled Jura Morez 4-2 win after defeating highly-rated Greek, Kalinikos Kreanga and Frenchman, Quentin Robinot.

    Sportinglife leant that the management of the Jura Morez has given the Quadri and his teammates an ultimatum to win their matches as they have vowed to disband the team, if they fails to beat the relegation battle.

    “We are still topping in the Portuguese league and we have remained unbeaten this season. But in France, we are going to fight well to remain in the Premier League next season. I need to be at my best and hoping that my teammates will also work hard so that we can be among the teams that will campaign in the top division next season. I must also admit that it won’t be easy because the gap between us and the other lower teams is not much. So we need to win at least three out of the four matches to escape being relegated,” Quadri said.

  • Battle for consumers’ pockets

    Customers have become retailers’ toast. They are being wooed with low prices in order to boost sales in these hard times. How long will this romance last? TONIA ‘DIYAN asks.

    Raphael Chukwuma, an unemployed graduate, likes to look trendy.“The way you dress is the way you are addressed,” is a regular phrase  of his uncle who he grew up with.

    But looking trendy comes at a price. This is why Chukwuma, takes his time to window shop for the best prices on offer before making purchases from the stipends he gets  from his uncle and occasional tips from running errands in the neighbourhood. He structures his shopping around clearance sales, or promotional sales periods when goods, which ordinarily he couldn’t have been able to afford, are sold at discounted rates.

    “I notice a reduction on items at Twice as Nice,” said Chukwuma, who explained that he has equally noticed price reduction on items at Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Cash ‘n’ Carry and Life mate in recent weeks.

    Realising that pricing is the number one factor consumers consider when shopping, retailers are now evolving more strategies to outwit themselves. One of such is the introduction of rounds of price cuts, especially on competitive items. This development has made the market literarily a theatre of price war, as the contest for shoppers’ pocket intensifies among retailers.

    The retailers on their part, determined to remain competitive and avoid losing sales, are offering mouth-watering and irresistible discounts to existing and prospective customers. This is why some retailers have already taken their prices to an all time low, leaving competitors in the cold as they brace up with the need to adjust their price tags in favour of price conscious shoppers.

    Checks by The Nation Shopping revealed that the competition cuts across virtually all sectors in the retail segment. For instance, contenders in the clothing sector seek to win back budget-minded customers, who have migrated to discounting shops like retailers, who recently started lowering the prices of selected items and giving out 50 per cent discounts on its items purchased.

    Max store is also launching what is called a ‘significant’ reduction in prices of all items. It said the decision to slash prices is to satisfy their loyal customers and make new ones. Similarly, Red Tag is also offering discounts on several of its products. For instance, a plain designer Polo shirt with small logo, which used to sell for N8, 000 in the store now sells for N4, 000. A striped collar polo shirt used to be N4, 995; it is now N3, 245. A single breasted suit was N24, 495; it now sells for N14, 995.

    Accessories 2 die 4, situated in most of the Lagos malls, is offering 10 per cent discounts on all gifts items at the store. Grocery chains are doing much the same. Shoprite is giving a face-lift to its price structure and customer reward programme to grab back market share from competitors like Super Saver, Justrite, The Bazaar , Home Affairs supermarket and Grocery Bazaar, who are its major contenders in grocery business. It has also lowered the prices of perishables and products that are among the most purchased items in its shelf.

    In the Home and Furniture section, there is a renewed effort that seeks to win back budget-minded customers, who have migrated to outfits known to give good discounts such as Life mate and Bedmate, who recently lowered the prices of over 7, 000 items on its kitty and still discounting it. Also, Svengali another furniture outfit has launched what it called a ‘significant’ reduction in prices of often-purchased items, saying the decision is to satisfy customers and possibly entice new ones.

    Chief Executive Officer, Delightsome Gifts Concept, Modupe Shopeju said her store has stepped up its game to satisfy customers at this time of the year leading to its slashing of prices with generous discounts. Adding reasons for this development, Shopeju explained that the strategy will help the store sell all old stocks to allow new ones. “We also want our customers and prospective customers to experience sales of cheap, but quality items, which we always make available. We encourage shoppers to buy from our store today instead of our competitor’s store tomorrow,” she said.

    Explaining the rationale behind this development, the former Centre Manager of Leisure Mall, Surulere, Mrs Debola Majekodunmi, revealed that retailers have been lowering prices because they are aware that the consumer is price-conscious. Another Centre Manager of one of the Lagos malls, Sander Norman, explained that retailers decided to lower prices because they are aware that the consumer is price-conscious and because it is one of their many strategies to improve sales at strategic times. “Price reduction has to do with timing, planning and sacrifice; being ready to give out at cost price or below cost price most times,” he said.

    Sander cited Shoprite, saying that the store is priced about three per cent below the other grocery retail, and that is one reason it has gained a fraction of a point in market share since it entered the country in 2005 at the Palm in Lekki, Lagos, where it tops the grocery market.

    Investigations by The Nation Shopping show that retailers, who refused to be part of this strategy, are likely to experience a drop in demand and low sales. This is so because price conscious shoppers are already moving to discounters or are purchasing less-expensive items from such stores as substitute for items they are used to buying or would like to patronise.

    Some retailers have already taken their prices to an all time low, leaving competitors in the cold as they face the need to adjust their price tags in favour of price conscious shoppers. A retail analyst, Nnena Onwuka attested to the fact that price is the number one factor consumers consider when picking where to shop. According to her, it is the reason why more people are found in shopping places during promotional periods. “People actually look forward to times like this to make the best of it. Some save towards sales period, some follow the trend and are able to know when sales are on, some do constant checkse on items in-store to find out if these items are discounted aside finding out what is trendy or new in the market,” she explained.

    And shoppers are happier for this trend. “It is encouraging,” said Adewale Odunayo, a shopper, who bought dresses and shirts from Mango store, thinking it was best to wait for a time like this to shop. “I am enjoying every bit of shopping at this season. For instance, a David Wej shirt ordinarily sells for N6, 500, but its price has dropped to N5, 955 saving N505. The ongoing price slash made me buy more shirts than I planned,” he added.

    Even online stores woo customers daily with constant price changes to teach their ‘brick-and-mortar’ (traditional retail shops) competitors the need to use price intelligence solutions if they want to compete. Savvy retailers also monitor their online competitors’ prices every day to remain competitive and avoid losing sales.

    Yet, there are fears around this trend. Maku Oladele, who sells baby items at Alade Market in Ikeja, Lagos, confirmed this. He explained that the price war has become a permanent feature in the retail segment such that there has been one price war after another without making profit. For this reason, she submits that the trend may be very difficult to sustain.

    And some of these price wars are deliberately induced. Oladele revealed that big retailers still seem fully prepared for price battle as conventional festivals like Christmas and Valentine’s Day are no longer enough to keep up with the demand for discounts, so they create event out of nothing, just to initiate new price wars. This, she warns, may soon become a battle for survival for small retailers, most of who aren’t making much profit.

    Behavioural economists say promotions have a huge effect on the consumer. And that more than 40 per cent of groceries are bought on special offer, so regardless of what’s on a shopping list, the consumer ends up buying items on special offers. That means what the customer buys is always cheaper, or at least, not much more expensive than it would have been elsewhere.

    According to players in the industry, promotions appear more about point scoring against competitors than engaging with customers and their needs.

    Whether the trend gives good returns to the retailer is obviously not a concern for the shoppers, who is only interested in retailers offering the best quality at the lowest prices.

     

  • Succession battle in Imo

    Succession battle in Imo

    The next governorship election may be three years away in Imo State, nicknamed the Eastern Heartland. But, the race to succeed Governor Rochas Okorocha appears to have started. Correspondent OKODILI NDIDI examines the phenomenon and the chances of the frontrunners. 

    There are strong indications that the race to succeed Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State when his tenure expires in 2019 may have started in earnest. The battle for the plum job started earlier than anticipated, after the governor listed the names of 11 persons as his likely successor. The aspirants are from the three senatorial zones of the state. The governor has advised the shortlisted persons to begin to sell their agenda to the people. Okorocha emphasised that their fate will be decided by the people.

    The governor listed the criteria for the nominations. According to  him, these include age, competence and the ability to continue with his Rescue Mission Agenda. On age, he disclosed that those above 50 years are not likely to emerge as the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019.

    However, Okorocha dismissed the idea of zoning the ticket to any of the three districts — a factor that many aspirants had hinged their hopes on to emerge as the candidate.  Going by the controversial Charter of Equity signed by political leaders in the three zones of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe, it is the turn of Owerri zone, which had never produced a governor. The  governor is from Orlu zone, while his predecessor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, is from the Okigwe axis.

    Okorocha had indicated during his chat with reporters that the motive was to avoid the mistakes of his predecessors, which made it impossible for them to produce their successors.

    From Owerri zone, he tipped  Deputy Governor Eze Madumere, Hon. Uche Onyeaguocha, Chief Jerry Chukwueke and the Secretary to Government, Sir Jude Ejiogu. In Okigwe zone, the names that came up are: Senator Ifeanyi Ararume; former Speaker of House of Assembly Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu; House of Representatives member from Okigwe South Constituency Deacon Chike Okafor; and the Speaker of the  House of Assembly, Hon Acho Ihim.

    Aspirants from Orlu zone are: the current Chief of Staff, Chief Uche Nwosu; the APC National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso; the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Kingsley Uju.

     

    Madumere

    Prince Madumere is from Mbaitoli Local Government Area and he is unarguably one of the aspirants with the greatest chance of succeeding Okorocha. This is so because, apart from being the deputy governor, Madumere has a long standing cordial relationship with Okorocha. This explains the seamless working relationship between them, which is particularly remarkable, given the cat and dog relationship between Nigerian governors and their deputies.

    Another factor that makes Madumere the man to beat in the race is his unrivalled sense of loyalty and humility, which has earned him the governor’s trust and the people’s admiration.

    Also, the emergence of Madumere, according to major stakeholders, will guarantee a seamless transition and continuity of Okorocha’s programme.

    Consequently, the governor at different fora had openly described the deputy governor as his begotten son in whom he is well pleased; a statement that has been decoded within the political circle to mean a subtle endorsement of Madumere as his likely successor.

    Another selling point for the deputy governor is the fact that his zone, Owerri, is favoured by the public opinion to produce the next governor, irrespective of the fact that the governor may not to be swayed by such sentiment. The Nation’s investigations suggest that there are subterranean moves by stakeholders to ensure that only one person emerges as governorship aspirant from the zone, irrespective of the party affiliation.

    But, one major challenge that may mar his chances is the growing in-fighting among Okorocha’s men. Many of them are not favourably disposed to the idea of Madumere succeeding Okorocha, because according to them, he has had more than a fair share; having served as the Chief of Staff and the deputy governor for six years so far.

    This group is believed to have engaged the support of the First Lady to prevail on the governor to adopt their preferred candidate.

     

     Ejiogu

    The Secretary to  Government, Sir Jude Ejiogu, may not have openly indicated interest, but his body language speaks volume about his veiled ambition. One of his greatest strength is his growing popularity among the traditional rulers from the three zones. Past records have shown that the traditional institution, to a large extent, plays a prominent role in deciding who governs the state.

    Another strong point that may work in favour of Ejiogu is his closeness to the First Lady, who openly fraternises with a group of young and upcoming politicians.

    Besides, the fact that he is also from Owerri zone, like the deputy governor, puts him in the frontline of those that may likely succeed  Okorocha. The grand reception held in his honour recently attracted renowned politicians from various political platforms. Their presence at the gathering, according to observers, was a sign of solidarity and a tacit endorsement of his ambition.

    However, going by Okorocha’s  criteria, Ejiogu may not get by the governor’s nod; he is far above the 50-years benchmark.

    Besides, given the fact that many political leaders in Owerri zone have bought into the Madumere project, they may prevail on Ejiogu to drop his ambition in the overall interest of the zone.

     

     Nwosu

    Another strong contender is the  Chief of Staff and the governor’s son-in-law, Chief Uche Nwosu, who is fondly called Ugwumba. The youthful politician from Okigwe zone has continued to gain acceptance in the political sphere. According to political observers, he is a rising star that may soon become a formidable political power to reckon with.

    His popularity among the people, especially the youths and women groups who have benefited immensely from his generosity, appears to be his major strength. This is coupled with the fact that most politicians, especially political appointees, are indebted to him; having gotten one favour or the other from him, as the Commissioner for Lands and now Chief of Staff. So, they may support his ambition as a way of showing gratitude.

    Already, his main political structure, the Ugwumba Movement, which cuts across the state, has commenced widespread consultations with major political leaders to support his governorship ambition in 2019. Most of the leaders have been wooed with huge amounts of money and promises of prime positions if he emerges governor.

    Nwosu is also one of the few aspirants that have the financial muscle to challenge any contender for the position and his age is another added advantage.

    However, the fact that Nwosu is the son in-law to the current governor is one of the things that may work against his ambition. Already majority of the political leaders and other powerful stakeholders are seeing the governor’s mere mentioning of his name among his likely successors as an affront and insult to the sensibility of the people.

    To them, it is not only unthinkable but morally wrong for the governor to nurse the idea of handing power over to his son in-law, after governing the state for eight years.

    Moreso, the fact that the zoning arrangement does not favour Okigwe zone where he comes from, coupled with the fact that a section of the elder statesmen consider him too young and fragile to govern a state as delicate like Imo.

     

    Hon. Chike Okafor

    The member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency and former Commissioner of Finance is one of those touted to likely replace the incumbent governor, due to his growing political fortunes and cult-like followership among the young politicians in the state.

    Okafor from Obowo Local Government Area in Okigwe zone, may not have voiced any intention to join the race, but it was reliably gathered that he has been picked for the job by the First Lady’s camp.

    One of his strongest selling points is his seeming acceptability among the people as a result of his philanthropic dispositions, having donated many school buildings and healthcare centres to some communities.

    However, one of his greatest challenges is the fact that, although he was among those named by the governor as his likely successors, he has been pencilled down as a running mate to anyone that may emerge as the  candidate.

    Besides, he is generally considered too inexperienced to govern the state by majority of political leaders. The banker-turned politician has been asked by critics to give an account as the former Finance Commissioner.

     

    Senator Ifeanyi Ararume

    Another politician to watch is the senator that represented Okigwe zone. Ararume is one of the frontline politicians that determine the political equation in the state. Having started his governorship ambition in 2007 and remained committed to the course till 2015, Ararume has one of the most formidable political followership and structures in the state.

    The advantages he have over others are his wealth of experience and rich contacts, which are invaluable in the game of politics.

    Another fact that stands him out is his role in Governor Okorocha’s re-election, which made people to think that the governor owed him a debt of gratitude. Ararume was a governorship aspirant in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was tipped to win the primaries before it was given to former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

    Out of anger, Ararume pulled out his supporters and directed them to vote for Okorocha to teach the PDP a lesson for manipulating the primary election against him. He vowed to use everything within his disposal to ensure that the PDP candidate failed the election. True to his threat, Ararume aided Okorocha to a resounding victory in Okigwe zone, despite the strength of the PDP in that zone.

    Shortly after the elections, the bond between the governor and the senator grew in leaps and bounds and they have become political allies since then. To further cement their reported accord, Ararume defected to the APC with thousands of his followers and since his exit from the PDP, the party has been grappling with crisis.

    It is believed that the governor may be favourably disposed to Ararume getting the APC ticket as a way of showing gratitude to him. However, his major challenge is his perceived inconsistency. Based on his antecedents, at each point whenever he fails to get what he wants, he had always defected and worked against the same party, only to return after he has destroyed the party. So, political observers have predicted that he will fall out with Okorocha and the APC, if he is denied the ticket in the 2019.

  • Battle for consumers’pocket

    Battle for consumers’pocket

    The competition in the retail market has become intense, with price discrimination being used to attract patronage. This trend may continue for a long time given the harsh economic climate. And with retailers struggling to make good sales, and consumers determined to ensure they get value for their money, the real competition may just have begun. Who will be the bigger beneficiary? TONIA ‘DIYAN asks.

    Rapheal Chukwuma, a young Nigerian in his mid-20s,  likes to look trendy. His reason for this can be traced to his young uncle whom he grew up with. “The way you dress is the way you are addressed,” is a regular phrase his uncle used for him. But looking trendy comes at a price.

    This is why Chukwuma, a young and unemployed graduate, takes his time to window shop for best prices  before making purchases from the stipends he gets as allowance from his uncle as well as occasional tips from running errands for older people in his neighbourhood. He, therefore, structures his shopping around clearance sales or promotional sales periods when goods, which ordinarily he couldn’t have been able to afford, are sold at discounted prices.

    “I notice a 40 to 50 per cent reduction on items at Mr. P,” said Chukwuma, who explained that he  noticed price reduction on items at Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Cash ‘n’ Carry and Life mate in recent weeks.

    Realising that price is the number one factor consumers consider when shopping, retailers are now evolving more strategies to outwit themselves. One of such is the introduction of several rounds of price cuts, especially on competing items. This development has made the retail market literarily become a theatre of price war, as the contest for shoppers’ pocket intensifies among retailers.

    The retailers, determined to remain competitive and avoid losing sales, are offering mouth-watering and irresistible discounts to existing and prospective customers. This is why some retailers have already taken their prices to an all time low, leaving competitors in the cold as they brace up with the need to adjust their price tags in favour of price conscious shoppers.

    Checks by The Nation Shopping revealed that the competition cuts across virtually all sectors in the retail segment. For instance, contenders in the clothing sector seek to win back budget-minded customers who have migrated to discounting shops such as Mr. Price and Mango, who recently started lowering the prices of selected items and giving out 50 per cent discounts on its items purchased.

    Max store is also launching what is called a ‘significant’ reduction in prices of all items. It said the decision to slash prices is to satisfy their old customers and make new ones. Similarly, Red Tag offers discounts on several of its products. For instance, a plain designer Polo shirt with small logo which sold for N8000 in the store now sells for N4, 000. A striped collar polo shirt used to be N4, 995; it is now N3, 245. A single breasted suit was N24, 495; it now sells for N14, 995.

    Accessories 2 die 4, situated in most of the Lagos malls, is offering 10 per cent discounts on all gifts items at the store. Grocery chains are doing much the same. Shoprite is giving a face-lift to its price structure and customer reward programme to grab back market share from competitors, such as Super Saver, Justrite, The Bazaar and Grocery Bazaar, who are its major contenders in grocery business. It has also lowered the prices of perishables and products that are among the most purchased items in its shelf.

    In the Home and Furniture section, there is a renewed effort that seeks to win back budget-minded customers who have migrated to outfits known to give good discounts like Lifemate and Bedmate, who recently lowered the prices of over 7, 000 items on its kitty and still discounting it. Also, Sixth Sense, another furniture outfit, has launched what it called a ‘significant’ reduction in prices of often-purchased items, saying the decision is to satisfy customers and possibly entice new ones.

    The former General Manager, West Africa, Mr Price, David Botha, said his store has stepped up its game to satisfy customers at this time of the year leading to its slashing of prices with generous discounts. Adducing reasons for this development, Botha explained that the strategy will help the store sell all old stocks to allow new ones come in. “We also want our customers and prospective customers to experience sales of cheap but quality items, which we always make available. We encourage shoppers to buy from our store today instead of our competitor’s website or store tomorrow,” he said.

    Explaining the rationale behind this development, the former Centre Manager of Leisure Mall, Surulere, Lagos, Mrs Debola Majekodunmi, revealed that retailers have been lowering prices because they are aware that the consumer is price-conscious.

    Another Centre Manager of one of the Lagos malls, Sander Norman, explained that retailers decided to lower prices because they were aware that the consumer is also price-conscious and because it is one of their many strategies to improve sales at strategic times. “Price reduction has to do with timing, planning and sacrifice; being ready to give out at cost price or below cost price most times,” he said.

    Sander cited Shoprite, saying that the store is priced about three per cent below the other grocery retail, and that is one reason it has gained a fraction of a point in market share since it entered the country in 2005 at the Palm in Lekki, Lagos, where it tops the grocery market.

    Investigations by The Nation Shopping show that retailers who refused to be part of this strategy are likely to experience a drop in demand and low sales. This is so because price conscious shoppers are already moving to discounters or are purchasing less-expensive items from such stores as substitute for items they are used to buying or would like to patronise.

    Some retailers have already taken their prices to an all time low, leaving competitors in the cold as they brace up with the need to adjust their price tags in favour of price conscious shoppers. A retail analyst, Modupe Shopeju, attested to the fact that price is the number one factor consumers consider when they pick where to shop. According to her, it is the reason why more people are found in shopping places during promotional periods. “People actually look forward to times like this to make the best of it. Some save towards sales period, some follow the trend and are able to know when sales are on, some do constant check on items in-store to find out if these items are discounted aside finding out what is trendy or new in the market,” she explained.

    And shoppers are happier for this trend. “It is encouraging,” said Adewale Odunayo, a shopper, who bought dress shirts from Mango store. He thinks it is best to wait for a time like this to shop. “I am enjoying every bit of shopping at this season. For instance, a David Wej shirt sells for N6, 500 but its price has dropped to N5, 955, thereby saving N505. The ongoing price slash made me buy more shirts than I planned to buy, he added.

    Even online stores woo customers daily with price changes to teach their ‘brick-and-mortar’ (traditional retail shops) competitors the need to use price intelligence solutions if they want to compete. Savvy retailers also monitor their online competitors’ prices daily to remain competitive and avoid losing sales.

    Yet, there are fears around this trend. Maku Oladele, who sells baby items at Alade Market in Ikeja, Lagos, confirmed this. He explained that the price war has become a permanent feature in the retail segment such that there has been one price war after another without making profit. For this reason, she submits that the trend may be very difficult to sustain.

    And some of these price wars are deliberately induced. Oladele revealed that big retailers seem  prepared for price battles as conventional festivals, such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day are no longer enough to keep up with the demand for discounts, so they create event out of nothing, just to initiate new price wars. This, she warns, may soon become a battle for survival for small retailers, most of who aren’t making much profit.

    Behavioural economists say promotions have a huge effect on the consumer. And that more than 40 per cent of groceries are bought on special offer, so regardless of what’s on a shopping list, the consumer ends up buying items on special offers. That means what the customer buys is always cheaper, or at least, not much more expensive than it would have been elsewhere.

    According to players in the industry, promotions appear more about point scoring against competitors than engaging with customers and their needs.

    Whether the trend gives good returns to the retailer is obviously not a concern for the shoppers, who is only interested in retailers offering the best quality at the lowest prices.