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He promised me paradise, but all I got was hell! (3)

KEL came back from work one day, looking very sad. When I asked him what the problem was, he was silent for sometime, not saying anything.

“Honey, what’s wrong? You have been so quiet since you came home. You barely answered my greeting,” I said when I followed him to the bedroom.

“There’s no problem,” he said brusquely, taking off his shirt and going into the bathroom. Later, after he had eaten and was relaxing in front of the TV he opened up a bit, stating that it was some issues he had in the office that was bothering him.

“We lost a huge IT contract to a rival company and my Chairman is mad at everybody,” he said.

“That’s too bad, dear. Don’t worry too much about it. I bet another one will come,” I said reassuringly. I went to sit besides him on the couch and cuddled up to him, placing my head on his shoulder.

“Thanks, love. I felt really bad because we put in so much effort for us to get the job, but all was in vain,” Kel stated glumly.

“As I said, everything will be alright. God will provide another one,” I said. We watched a popular soap opera on TV for a while before retiring to bed.

Due to the experience I had with my last pregnancy, I was very careful this time around. I avoided things that might pose as a risk such as doing strenuous things like the doctor advised.

That night in bed, when my husband reached for me, I pushed him away gently, giving the baby as an excuse. By then, I was about five months pregnant.

It did not go down well with Kel who grumbled about being denied his marital rights.

“This is the second time you are pushing me away this week. How long will you stop me from making love to you?” he said irritatingly.

“It’s for the sake of the baby, Kel. I don’t want to lose this one too,” I explained.

“Excuses, excuses! That’s all you ever give,” he grumbled. He turned his back on me and soon I could hear him snoring softly.

The contract

About three months later, I was in the kitchen preparing dinner when Kel came home from work. He was earlier than usual and I could see a glint in his eyes that he normally had when he had great news to tell.

It turned out his company was involved in a bidding for a contract with a major Telecoms outfit in the country.

“It’s the same company where your Uncle Thomas is a director,” he announced. Uncle Thomas was one of my late mother’s brothers. He was quite wealthy and had been very good to my siblings and I after our Mum’s death.

“That’s good. I pray you will win this one. God will use this contract to compensate for the last one you lost,” I prayed.

“Thanks for your prayers, dear. But we also need your Uncle’s support to facilitate things for us,” he said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

He shrugged.

“Well, since he is one of the directors, we could ask him to put in a word for my company; that will definitely give us an edge over our competitors,” he said.

I shook my head before stating:

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. You know how Uncle Thomas is; he is a very strict and straight forward man and likes following the proper procedures when doing things especially when it comes to official matters. Remember what happened to Mike,” I stated. Mike was one of my brothers who had applied for a job in my Uncle’s company along with other applicants to fill some vacancies. Despite Uncle Thomas’s position in the company, Mike did not get the job, much to his annoyance. Later, on being asked why his nephew had failed to secure the job, my uncle had explained that he did not perform up to the required standard the company demanded.

‘The fact that he is my nephew is not an automatic license for his getting a job in the company. He failed in the interview. Period,’ he had told me back then.

“So, dear, I don’t think you should put too much hope on my uncle for his assistance. The best thing is to ensure your company puts in a strong bid and with luck on your side, you will win the contract,” I said.

But Kel still persisted on going through Uncle Thomas, stating that the contract was too important to leave to chance.

“We really need to win this contract. The Chairman has given us a mandate to do all it takes to win it and if that includes seeing your uncle over it, then we have to do that. He has even promised to make me the M.D of the company if we clinch the contract. You know the present M.D will be leaving us soon. So, dear, let’s meet Uncle Thomas, ok?”

I was still not convinced but not to make it look as if I did not want to help, I conceded to his demand.

***

As I had predicted, Uncle Thomas was unwilling to involve himself in the bidding process, stating ethical reasons.

“We have foreign affiliations and our bidding process follows the high standards of our foreign partners. So, I cannot influence it. Besides, I believe in fairplay for all the parties involved in the bid. Jessica, you should have explained the situation to your husband, that it’s something I can’t do. If you are lucky to win the bid, then I can help with facilitating payment of the money or anything to do with the execution of the contract. But till then, all I can do is wish you goodluck,” he said with finality.

Kel was unhappy with my Uncle’s stance, believing it was selfish on his part not to assist him, his niece’s husband.

I tried to pacify him, stating that his company might get the job considering the strong bid they had put in. Unfortunately, my optimism was misplaced. Kel’s company lost the bid to a rival. That evening when he came home from work, he looked furious and barely acknowledged my greeting on entering the house.

He blamed the loss of the contract on my uncle, pointing out that if he had put in a little effort on his behalf, the contract would have been theirs.

“Your Uncle is such a wicked person. A simple thing to do to help a family member is too much for him. What kind of man is that? Selfish bastard!” he stated angrily.

I took exception to his calling my uncle names over a matter that he had no control over and when I told Kel that, he got even angrier. This led to a full blown quarrel between us, one of the biggest quarrels since our marriage.

“Stop blaming my Uncle for your failure! There was nothing he could do about the bid and he explained it to you. The man is innocent. And stop calling him names! He’s not your mate, remember?” I said equally angry.

“So, are you now calling me a failure? How dare you!” he shouted at me. He then slapped me and grabbed my neck in a vice choke. I tried to scream, struggling to extricate myself from his grip but it was nearly impossible as he was much stronger than me.

Then, abruptly, he flung me against the wall and I slid to the floor. I must have fainted for when I woke up, I was in…

To be continued…

What next? Details next Saturday!

We welcome comments/suggestions from readers. All correspondence should be sent to 08023201831(sms only), psaduwa@yahoo.com or psaduwa007@gmail.com

Names have been changed to protect the identity of Jessica, her husband and other individuals in the story.

Names have been changed to protect the identity of Jessica and other individuals in the story.

January 24, 2015
He promised me paradise, but all I got was hell! (2)

THAT weekend, Kel took me to a fun spot on the Island. It was an open air restaurant in a secluded area by the lagoon front, popular for its spicy, barbecued chicken and other delicacies. After placing our order, we sat taking in the cool breeze from the lagoon and admiring the view.

“Nice place,” I said as I watched some speed boats racing on the choppy waters of the lagoon.

“Yes. My friends and I hang out here once in a while. Since you like it, we will be coming here more often,” Kel stated.

Soon, the food arrived and we concentrated on eating and chatting.

“The chicken is so delicious! Soft and succulent too,” I enthused as I bit into a chicken wing.

“I was told its a secret recipe only known to the owner of this place,” disclosed Kel.

“He had better guard it well or he will lose a lot of business if someone else gets to know the recipe,” I remarked.

Just then an acquaintance of Kel came over to say hello. Soon after he left, we finished the meal and were preparing to leave when a lady came over with a small gift bag. She handed it to me stating:

“Someone said I should give this to you.”

I looked at her and the parcel.

“What is it? Who gave it to you?” I queried. I did not know anyone there and wondered who could be sending gifts to me.

“Why don’t you open it and let’s see what’s inside,” Kel said encouragingly.

Inside the bag was a small wrapped gift which I brought out and opened. A diamond- encrusted sparkling ring nestled inside the small jewel case; besides it was a small note with the words: ‘Baby, will you marry me?”

I looked up quickly at Kel who was smiling broadly at me.

“Kel!” I said excitedly, jumping up. He rose, took my hand and repeated the words in the note.

I nodded my head, saying: “Yes, darling! I’ll marry you!” he hugged and kissed me briefly then, unmindful of the other customers around who were looking at us in an amused manner…

***

“Wow, lovely ring! Jessy, you are so lucky. Congrats o!” said Trina as she admired the ring on my return home that night.

“Thanks, my sister. I just can’t believe I’m engaged to be married. Kel really surprised me,” I said happily.

“It’s not a surprise to me. That man really loves you. As I said, you are a lucky lady. I wish I could get someone like Kel,” stated Trina. She had been engaged about a year before but things had not worked out between her and her fiancé.

“Don’t worry; God will bring your man, specially made for you,” I reassured her.

“Amen o! Better guy o! Not all these ‘chop and clean mouth’ types that are all over the place now who are just looking for who to use and dump!” she said.

As I gazed at the ring in admiration, I knew Trina was right: I was lucky to have a man like Kel who cared about me and cherished me so much.

“I love you, Jessica. I promise to always be there for you, to be your shield and to protect you. As long as we are together, I will make sure you never lack. I’ll take care of you and love you forever,” Kel had stated earlier that evening after his surprising proposal.

I believed and trusted him and gave all my heart and soul to him. But who can tell what lurks deep in a man’s mind? Or fathom what he will be like tomorrow? Only time can unravel that mystery and time did just that to me.

***

Our engagement was a short one. Within five months of Kel’s proposal, we got married in a very classy ceremony at my family church. My father had remarried three years before; though my step mum and I did not get along that well, she stood in and played the role of my late mother during the marriage proceedings.

It was a very happy period for Kel and I. In the early days of our marriage, he lived up to his promises and was very caring and loving. About six months after the wedding, I found out I was pregnant. Kel was over the moon when I broke the news to him.

“So, I’m going to be a father again,” he said with a wide grin when he arrived home from work that evening.

“Yes, dear. I got the result of the test this afternoon at the hospital. I have an appointment with the doctor next week,” I told him.

“Ok. I will go with you. You know I will do anything for you, dear,” he said hugging me tightly.

I nodded, at that instant feeling very happy and contented. My joy however was not to last. The pregnancy was about six months old when I woke up one morning in a pool of blood. Kel, who left home very early for work, had already gone out and I was alone in the house. With the assistance of a neighbour, I was able to get to the hospital where I was admitted.

I felt terrible losing my baby. I had so looked forward to the birth and becoming a mother. I wept bitterly, wondering why such a thing could happen to me. I had been attending antenatal classes regularly and there had been no sign of a problem. So, why this, I wondered. Or was it something I had done?

“These things happen. Anything can go wrong with a pregnancy even with the best care,” the doctor had stated when he came to check up on me.

To be fair to him, Kel, my husband was very supportive at this trying time. He was at the hospital regularly throughout the period of my admission and even when I had returned home. I took some time off from work to recuperate and Trina often came to spend time with me.

“You look so pale. Are you eating well at all?” she asked one day when she had come visiting.

“You better talk to her. I’ve been telling her to eat all day but she says she doesn’t have any appetite,” said Kel.

“You need to eat to recover. What has happened can’t be undone. Life has to go on. You are still young and will have more babies in the future,” Trina stated. She then went to the kitchen and prepared some noodles for me which she forced me to eat.

With their care and support, I was able to recover and was back at work a few weeks later. My husband and I put the incident behind us and got on with our lives. Then, five months later, I got pregnant again. Though, I was happy at the good news, it also marked a turning point in our lives that brought unexpected occurrences I never envisaged…

To be continued

Join us next Saturday for more of Jessica’s story. Don’t miss the sizzling details!

We welcome comments/suggestions from readers. All correspondence should be sent to 08023201831(sms only), psaduwa@yahoo.com or psaduwa007@gmail.com

Names have been changed to protect the identity of Jessica and other individuals in the story.

January 17, 2015
He promised me paradise, but all I got was hell! (1)

EVERYONE is inside having fun and you are here, just staring at the garden. What’s so fascinating about those plants?” I had been so engrossed in my thoughts, I had not noticed the man who had come up quietly to stand besides me on the verandah. He was of average height, not much taller than me with a quiet confidence about him.

“Just taking in some fresh air. It was getting too hot in there,” I told him. It was a birthday party of a friend of my flatmate Trina and as the night progressed, the party was getting more raucous by the minute.

“Yeah, I get you. All that loud music, cigarrette smoke and chatter of the guests can give one a migraine. I’m Kel by the way. And you are?”

“Jessica,” I introduced myself.

We got talking after that. He was a friend of the boyfriend of the celebrant, he told me and had been practically dragged to the bash.

“I have a very important presentation to make at the office on Monday and I need a lot of time to work on it. But Jerry said all work and no play will make me develop premature grey hair. So here I am!” he said with a grin.

“Same here. Today is the fifth anniversary of my mother’s death. I wanted to have a quiet time

for remembrance but Trina, my friend, would not hear of it, stating that my Mum would not be happy wherever she is to see me so sad,” I said.

“I think your friend is right. Life is for the living; the best way to honour her memory is to live well. And talking about living, I think it’s time we hit the dance floor. So, lady, can I have this dance?” he said. And taking my hand, he led me inside the house where the Kokomaster D’Banj’s hit tune was blasting from the speakers…

That was how I met Kel. After that evening of the party, we became friends and began seeing each other regularly. Kel was the first man in three years I had become close to and it surprised my friend, Trina. In the past, she had set me up on dates with guys she knew but I had simply not been interested. That was until Kel came on the scene.

A dark past

At the beginning, she seemed to like him too, stating that I must have been waiting for someone ‘like him’ that’s why I turned down the other men who were interested in me. Then, about four months when Kel and I began dating, she told me things she said she had heard about his past that nearly ended our growing romance.

“I know you will say it’s none of my business, Jessy but you are my friend and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. Kel is a nice guy and he’s loving too but there’s something you need to know about him,” she said one night at home. I had just returned from work and I was having a late dinner.

“What are you talking about?” I asked her as I took a sip of fruit juice.

She gazed at me for a while before speaking.

“I heard he was married in the U.S when he lived there and even has a child.”

“I know. He has told me about it. The boy is about seven years old and he lives with the mother- they are divorced. So, what about it?” I queried.

“Did he tell you why they got divorced?” she said.

I shook my head.

“He only told me they were having problems and he left and returned to Nigeria when he could not cope with the situation anymore,” I told her.

“That’s not the whole story,” she noted. She then went on to give me the full gist of what happened to Kel while he was abroad, how he used to regularly abuse his wife physically to the extent that the police became involved.

“I learnt he served a short time in prison for wife battery, domestic violence and other offences,” she added.

I was shocked at her words. While Kel had told me a lot about his time in the States, first as a student, then as a staff in an IT firm, he never mentioned his going to prison for domestic violence. My Kel, a wife beater? I found it difficult to believe that the gentle looking man I had been seeing these past months was capable of beating a woman, much less his wife.

Trina assured me she had got the story from an authoritative source, ‘someone who knew him from his days in the U.S,’ as she stated.

That he had spent time in prison was bad enough but keeping it from me was worse. How could he do that, I fumed.

“He should have told me about it,” I murmured to myself feeling upset.

“I think it’s best you ask him. I can see you like him a lot and he is obviously smitten with you. I see the way he looks at you; it’s the look of a man in love. But before you guys go further in the relationship, you need to be more open with one another. Keeping secrets can ruin a good relationship,” Trina advised.

The following day, a Saturday, Kel came in the evening to pick me up for an outing we had. I sat him down in the living room and confronted him with Trina’s story. Initially, I thought he would deny it and call it the handiwork of ‘idle gossips’ but to my surprise, he readily admitted to serving time in prison.

“I know I should have told you about it, but it’s in the past, and it’s a time of my life I want to forget. Some bad things went down while I was abroad; I used to drink and smoke a lot and I did some things I’m not proud of today. But I have put it all behind me. And I want you to do the same, Jessy. I’m a changed person and have put behind me my rough past. I’m sorry for keeping it from you but I felt it might affect the way you feel about me. And I don’t want to lose you now that I have found you,” he stated.

“No matter what my reaction might be, you should have still told me about it. I don’t feel good hearing about it from someone else,” I grumbled.

“I know, dear. It was bad of me. Please forgive me,” he pleaded earnestly. He sounded really contrite and my resolve to take a break from the relationship, to cool things a bit, died at that moment.

At that point, I realized I was in love with him and the thought of leaving him at that stage was unthinkable. He had become an important part of my life and I just could not leave him then. Besides, as he had pointed out, it was all in the past and he was a changed person. So, who was I to judge him based on things in his life that happened years before I met him, I reasoned.

***

Instead of breaking us up, the issue of his past brought Kel and I closer. Though very busy because of his job, Kel nonetheless created time to be with me. Most times, we would go on some outings like parties or visiting friends or just stay at home chilling. At a point, I was spending more time at his apartment than in my own place and Trina began to complain about my long absence from home.

“I never knew when you started seeing Kel that he was going to snatch my best friend away from me,” she said one Saturday morning at our flat.

“What did you say? Who is snatching who?” I asked, looking at her wonderingly.

“Is that not what he has done? I hardly see you these days! I’m practically living alone in this house because you are never around,” she stated.

“Ha, ha ha! You are funny Trina! Nobody snatched me from you. You will remain my friend till eternity,” I assured her.

“It’s easy for you to say. I don’t even see much of you now. What will happen when you two get married?” she queried.

“Who’s talking about marriage? Anyway, wait till that time comes. Stop stressing yourself now over that,” I told her.

“I have to. You are my best friend. Until your Kel came and has taken over your life. Now we hardly see,” she said in a grumbling tone.

“I know your problem. You are just jealous!”

“Jealous ke? I’m just saying the truth. And the truth is that he’s nothing but a best friend snatcher!” she declared.

I laughed and went to my room to get my dirty clothes for washing. I wanted to finish all my chores that morning as Kel was coming round in the afternoon to take me out to some where ‘special’ as he had put it…

To be continued

We welcome comments/suggestions from readers. All correspondence should be sent to 08023201831(sms only), psaduwa@yahoo.com or psaduwa007@gmail.com

Names have been changed to protect the identity of Jessica and other individuals in the story

January 10, 2015
All set for Heaven’s Hell premiere

After about two years of being in the works, Heaven’s Hell, a psychological drama, set in Lagos, will premiere on Friday, January 23, producers have announced.

According to the producers of the movie, the new flick is out to effect a change in the African movie industry, with a message supporting the fight against woman and child violence.

Written by Tenyin Ikpe Etim, Uyai Ikpe Etim and Katung Musa Aduwak, Heaven’s Hell tells the story of two housewives and best friends; the loquacious and miserable Alice Henshaw, the pleasant and compliant Tsola Aliu and their husbands, the affluent and kind Edward Henshaw and the egotistical and brilliant Jeff Aliu, whose lives are held together by rock-solid friendship and unwavering love, yet laced by betrayal, deceit and a lurking darkness.

Among the artistes featured in the movie are Nse Ikpe Etim, Bimbo Akintola, Damilola Adegbite, OC Ukeje, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Chet Anekwe, Kalu Ikeagwu, Femi Jacobs, Gideon Okeke, Treasure Obasi, Bimbo Manuel, Wole Coker, Waje as well as Sarah Majekodumi.

The Nigerian and foreign partners of the flick include One-O-Eight Media, BGL Asset Management Company Limited, Hashtag Media House and Del-York International.

The movie is directed by Katung Musa Aduwak and co-produced by Katung and Tenyin Ikpe Etim.

January 5, 2015
My family went through hell in Liberia: IRETI OSAYEMI

COULD you recall the circumstances surrounding your return to Nigeria from Liberia?

We used to live in Liberia, but had to come back to Nigeria during the Liberian civil war. You can imagine both parents living in Liberia with all their investments there. We came to Nigeria empty-handed, having lost everything to the war. The only thing we had with us when we landed in Nigeria was the Red Cross blanket. We had to start all over again. But it didn’t last for so long. My dad eventually got a job.

My elder brother, who was into stage performances, told me that since I love actors and actresses, he would take me to where I could meet them. So, he took me to Winnies Hotel in Surulere, Lagos. I was so happy that I was seeing every one of them on a platter of gold. Normally, when one has not met them, one just assumes they are ghosts, angels or people you don’t get to see on a normal day. Then, one day, a production manager was passing by and asked me if I was an actress and I said no. He told me he was looking for a girl like me who could act and I told him I wouldn’t mind being an actress. So, that was how I got my first job in 1999 in the movie titled Cassanova. I continued with the English movies until I met my husband. He was more into the Yoruba movies and soap operas. I got more jobs in the Yoruba movies.

When did you meet him?

He was more of a God-sent helper. The first time I met him, I was stranded right in front of his guest house and couldn’t get transportation out of the area. He was like, “Hey! Where are you going?” And I told him I wanted to get out of that area. So, he was like, “Okay, no problem; let me help you.” Lo and behold, he dropped me right in front of my house and we became friends.

Then, we became lovers; and today, we are husband and wife. He came into my life at the right time. He came almost immediately after I lost my dad, so I see him as a father figure. Initially, I used to tell him that I loved him as much as I loved my father. But as time goes on, I found out that I love him more than I used to love my father. He is a wonderful man. He gives out a helping hand and tells me what to do when I am confused. He is very concerned about me, my career and every step I take in life. He is part of every minute of my life and there is nothing going on in my life that he doesn’t know. He’s just a part of my life.

At what point did you discover you could act?

The truth is that I got into acting by accident. Though I always loved watching people act, I never knew I would one day act until the opportunity came. Since then, it has been a wonderful experience.

We know you’re a professional now. But what was it like at the outset?

I used to be scared of the camera, but I have out- grown that now. As you rightly said, I’m a professional now. I thank God for my fans who have been there for me all these years. Now, I can say I’m a star, but the fans are the real stars because they are the ones who make us want to put more effort into what we are doing.

How many movies have you featured in so far?

I have lost count. It’s over a decade, as you know. I had featured in over 20 English movies before crossing to the Yoruba movie genre. So far, I’ve featured in over 100 movies and TV soaps.

What do you consider before taking up a script?

I consider the depth of the story, the director and the cast.

People say you are amiable and modest…

If I’m to describe myself, I think those will be my first choice of words. I’m amiable and modest. It’s my upbringing, really. This is who I am. Sometimes when people meet me and try to chat me up and they see that I welcome it, they are surprised. I am who I am by the grace of God and favour that God has given me in the hands of my fans. So, they deserve my attention.

How would you describe the Nigerian film industry today?

The Nigerian movie industry has grown. But I like to say Nollywood is still emerging. We are yet to have a structure and that remains the major challenge facing the industry. However, the rate at which we have emerged in recent past is commendable; so, I believe with time we will get there.

What does style mean to you?

Let me say, first and foremost, that I do not follow the trend. Style, to me, means being modest and wearing what suits me, irrespective of whether it is a designer or not. I mustn’t wear a designer, if it doesn’t suit me or my body type. Having said that, I love to look good all the time by wearing what suits me.

What stands you out as an actress and producer?

I’m a stickler for perfection. I’m passionate about my works and the film industry. I go the extra-mile to achieve perfection in my interpretation of roles. I am very detailed in my productions.

What do you like about pink colour?

Pink is my favourite colour. I love pink because it is feminine.

How do you unwind?

I love going to the beach and swimming in a pool. I also go out with my husband and friends when occasion demands it.

July 20, 2014
I’m going through hell at Rangers – Obuh

Embattled Rangers coach John Obuh has admitted he has endured a rather difficult time at the club.

But at the same time, he insisted the problems have been more to do with players’ morale than what happens on the pitch.

‘The Flying Antelopes’ are a lowly 15th on the table with 24 points after the first round of the Nigeria Premier League.

However, former Nigeria Under 20 coach Obuh has argued he inherited a rash of problems when he joined the team which he never knew existed and the players’ low spirit had been most worrisome.

“Honestly speaking, it has been very difficult and tough. Unfortunately, most of the events that led to this happened before I joined the team and I inherited all of them,” argued Obuh, who has been handed a four-match ultimatum for the start of the next round of the campaign.

“However, I am not afraid of these problems as I know that they won’t kill me, but rather make me stronger on the job.

“These problems are related to the human mind with regards to the players, who are the chief actors, over the non-fulfillment of their financial entitlements by the management.”

July 18, 2014
Hell of a country

NATURE seems to be furious nowadays.

The floods in Nigeria have spared neither the rich nor the poor, submerging homes and businesses, turning many into refugees and scavengers. Canoes are gliding over flooded asphalt lines that used to be roads. People are dead. As the fear of an apocalypse stalks the land, many are rushing to check the holy book, asking: the days of Noah and his ark again?

But Nigeria is not alone in suffering this anger of the elements. Super storm Sandy has been pounding some parts of the United States, killing people, uprooting trees and smashing them on cars, flooding streets to submerge homes and disrupting power supply. The cataclysmic effect of it all has strengthened the spiritualist’s thought of a world coming to a grievous end and many are screaming: “Oh no; not now, Lord!”.

There is, ironically, a comical side to the furious floods. Nollywood’s old kids, the naughty Aki and Pawpaw, visited the displaced people’s camp in Asaba, Delta State, shaking hands with the people who lined the road to welcome them. It was hilarious seeing the “kid stars” carrying kids they are barely taller than.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said he brought them to the camp to address the displaced people because of his experience when he once visited in the night. He said the people never bothered about his presence as they stayed hooked onto the television, watching the pranksters, Aki and Pawpaw. So he decided to bring them to the camp to address the people. It was a hit.

With the disturbing news of storms and floods have come stories of human disasters and wickedness, of graft and greed. Those who have got an insight into the Ribadu Committee Report are shaken at the level of corruption in the oil industry. There is no trace of $183million signature bonuses paid by oil companies. Shell is said to be owing N137.57billion for gas sold. Addax’s debt is reported to be $1.5billion in royalties. Between 2002 and 2011, $5billion is said to have been lost in oil sales to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has said the “final” report, which was compiled by a 21-man revenue task force, is not final because it needs the government’s input. There are also Governance and Control and the Refineries task forces, according to the minister, who said a team had been set up to examine the various reports. It is after the team is done that the issues in the Ribadu Report can be addressed. Now, what is that?

Why has the rot in the oil industry taken this long to uncover? Who are the big cats feeding fat on this? Isn’t this a case of leadership deficiency? Who supervises the NNPC?

The Presidency, after lashing those commenting on the report, has said it is yet to get the document and that nobody indicted will be spared. Good talk. But, can we match our talk with action? Can we really go all the way and clean up the rotten system?

Even as we examine the Ribadu Report, the Halliburton scandal – remember this? – has suddenly resurrected. President Goodluck Jonathan is said to have directed that the book be reopened, two years after the investigation was surreptitiously dumped. The fresh probe is said to have been initiated because of the United States’ insistence that those indicted in the $240million bribe-for-contract scandal must be punished before Nigeria can recover the seized $180million bribe cash. But, there are unconfirmed reports that the President is under pressure from two former heads of state not to reopen the case.

Will Dr Jonathan go ahead with the case? Who are the people asking him not to? Why should it take America to nudge us to action, even as we make a huge noise about fighting corruption? Why do we always allow corruption to slap us in the face before we start boasting of fighting back?

After a brief lull, the suicide bomber returned last Sunday, striking at a Kaduna Catholic church. It was like a Hollywood movie scene; full of action, deadly action, but real. Kids were the worst hit. Eight people died; scores were injured.

The implacable Boko Haram sect is believed to have been the architect and executor of the violence. The world keeps wondering what Boko Haram’s anger is all about. Perhaps there would have been no Boko Haram, if the police had not executed its leader, Mohammed Yusuff. Perhaps.

The sect has the right to demand justice. In fact, there can’t be peace without justice. This is the point that many of our leaders got wrong in their Sallah messages. They urged us to embrace peace and pray for the unity of our dear country. Can there be peace without justice? But, this is not to say any group, no matter how versatile in violence, should take the law into its own hands. No. I think it’s time for Boko Haram to change its tactics.

The wickedness continued in Plateau State where unknown (?) gunmen killed six patrons of a drinking bar enjoying the local brew, burukutu. A week before last Sunday’s attack, two men had been killed in the community, Gindin Akwanti, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. They were on their way from the market when their assailants pounced on them.

In Onitsha, a four-man gang shot dead a car dealer, Chief Emeka Ekwerendu, in broad daylight; 7.30am. The gang trailed their victim to a school where he dropped his kids. They shot his vehicle’s tyres, taking it off control. It hit a parked vehicle and got stuck. The assailants then shot Ekewerendu, opened his car’s boot and carted away a huge sum of money.

Why do people kill for money? Would the chief have resisted his assailants, if they had asked him to surrender the cash? Was it robbery or assassination? Will the police get the killers?

And talking about the police. They lost five men in Ogun when robbers ambushed a team responding to a “distress” call. How will the police differentiate a fake distress call from a genuine one? Poor guys.

In Abuja, a senator and a former governor are quarrelling over who wears the father of Boko Haram crown. The State Security Service (SSS) is questioning Senator Ahmed Khalifa Zanna about his relationship with a suspected commander of the sect, Shuaib Bama. Zanna says the man, his nephew, was not arrested in his Maiduguri home, but in former Borno Governor Ali Modu Sheriff’s. The ex-governor fought back, saying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator is “the engine-room” of Boko Haram, which, according to him, the lawmaker nourished through his hajj-by-road programme.

Why did Sheriff wait till now before speaking? When will the SSS question him, in the light of the new allegation? Could this be why some people insist Boko Haram is all politics?

Also in Abuja, there is the seemingly needless quarrel over the oil benchmark for the budget. The executive says it should be $75. The Senate says no; $78 is appropriate. The House insists on $80. I doubt whether the common man knows how this row will better his lot.

Amid the natural and human calamities, Nigerians continue to see everything as a joke. I don’t blame them. There is so much to cry over; they may have been losing gradually that human feeling that provokes tears. Now, they laugh at their leaders. Consider this sent to my mobile by a colleague:

“Three former leaders – from UK, US and Nigeria – went to hell. The first asked the devil to allow him make a call to London to inquire about the country’s welfare. He spent five minutes on the telephone. Satan billed him $5million. The ex-US leader also made a call and spent eight minutes. The bill: $8million.

“Then, the ex-Nigerian leader called Abuja. He spent two hours. ‘How much be my bill?’ he asked Satan. ‘$1,’ he replied. Surprised, the former leader said: ‘But I stayed longer than them.’ Satan smiled, saying: ‘Calling hell from hell is not expensive; it’s a local call.’”

So long!

A governor and his hobby

GERMAN doctors are battling to save the life of Taraba State Governor Danbaba Fulani Suntai, who crashed an aircraft last Thursday. His five passengers are begging to also be flown overseas.

When Suntai got his licence at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in 2010, this newspaper splashed his “initiation” pictures on its pages. His Excellency, decked in a shirt and a tie with a pair of brown trousers, stood erect like a soldier as an official emptied a bucket of water on him. What a ritual!

People have been wondering what may have happened. Was the weight of office too much for the mind to concentrate on the risky but exciting business of flying? Who owns the aircraft; another of His Excellency’s toys? Will Suntai fly again?

I often wonder how things that are made for man’s comfort easily become agents of pains. May the Almighty restore Suntai’s health. And may the authorities listen to the distress call to fly the others out for treatment. Amen!

November 1, 2012
A hell of a day in Fayemi’s life

What does a typical day in the life of a governor look like? Assistant Editor (News) OLUKOREDE YISHAU, who spent a day with Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, whose administration will clock two years in office next Tuesday, writes his experience

Time was 6am. It was Thursday, October 4. John Olukayode Fayemi sprang out of bed. He had had only two hours of sleep. He was expecting a stickler for time in another one hour. As expected, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, a former governor of the old Ondo State, came calling. He was led into the inner chamber to meet Fayemi, who has been governor of Ekiti State since November 15, 2010.

Some minutes into their meeting, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin arrived. He too went into the inner chamber.

Inside the waiting room of the Governor’s Lodge, Fayemi loomed large in a life-size photograph. His infectious smile radiated from a scroll. The inscription on it shows that it was presented to him by the Senate, Staff and Students of the Osun State University, Osogbo after he delivered their second convocation lecture on July 23.

As they were in, the governor’s security aides, including the Aide De Camp (ADC), Adeyanju Ajayi, were getting set for him to begin what turned out to be, perhaps, one of his busiest days in the last two years.

“Oga’ ll soon go out,” one of them announced around 725am. But, it was not until 8.15am that bespectacled Fayemi, Olumilua and Omirin sauntered into the waiting room. His security aides began to jump over one another.

Waiting outside was a metallic black Land Rover Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). An aide opened the rear door of the car and Fayemi , who was dressed in a blue buba and sokoto, with a pair of black shoes, hopped in. The ADC, dressed in a well-starched mobile police khaki uniform, jumped into seat beside the driver.

The car made its way to the office of the Ekiti State Fire Service, opposite the Governor’s Office, where Fayemi participated in the closing ceremony of a five-week training for newly-recruited fire fighters and paramedics.

Immediately Fayemi got to the venue, he inspected a guard of honour. The National Anthem and Ekiti Anthem were sung, with the governor singing along, his left hand on his chest. The anthems over, the Master of Ceremonies (MC) took the microphone and began heaping praises on the governor, who appeared unmoved by the accolades. He, however, bowed when the MC asked the people to welcome him by clapping their hands.

Around 8. 48am, Fayemi presented prizes to outstanding trainees. It took him 12 minutes to complete the exercise. He was up standing again around 9.10am to see the trainees demonstrate their new-found skills. His speech came around 9.30am, with Ajayi standing some steps behind him after giving a salute and handing over a prepared speech.

By 9.50am, the programme was over. But, the governor’s day was just beginning. He had waiting in his office a team from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), led by its president, Adedoyin Owolabi, the first Ekiti indigene to lead the umbrella body of accountants. They were waiting at the Executive Council Chambers.

Before going to meet the ICAN team, Fayemi went to his expansive office, almost the size of an Olympic stadium, on the second floor- which has corridors, ante-room, a waiting room and the secretary’s office, where security aides ward off intruders. The Governor’s Office was originally meant to be an hotel before former Governor Ayo Fayose’s administration converted it into an office. Fayemi says it must return to original plan.

Mrs. Toyosi Omope, the secretary’s office is next to the governor’s.

He quickly attended to some matters in the office, which has a conference table and swivel chairs. By 10.05am, he made for the EXCO Chamber. The National and Ekiti Anthems were read, with the governor singing along and placing his left hand on his chest.

Fayemi was accompanied to the session by Secretary to the State Government, Ganiyu Owolabi. Introductions over, Owolabi took the microphone. He described Fayemi as his brother, friend and result-oriented personality. He hailed the governor for the infrastructure development in the state, the professionalisation of accounting in the civil service and so on. He also solicited his participation in the institute’s annual conference due for Ado-Ekiti later this year.

Almost all through the time Owolabi was speaking, Fayemi was busy writing on a jotter, with a red biro. When it was his turn to speak, he expressed his delight at the fact that an Ekiti indigene is head of ICAN. He said he has what he considered too many accountants in his administration, joking: “You know they can be difficult for an average politician to deal with when they put on their professional caps.”

He added that accountancy is a profession built on integrity, observing that brilliance without integrity means nothing to him and that intelligence without character would yield next to nothing.

Speaking on why he declared his assets openly the day he was sworn into office, Fayemi described the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) as a shenanigan. According to him, “there is no sense in declaring assets without making it public.” He argued that dictionary meaning of declaration means making public.

After the governor’s extempore speech, Owolabi presented him gifts, including ICAN instructional materials. Some minutes to 11am, the National and Ekiti Anthems signaled the end of the meeting. But, the ICAN team would not let him go without picturesque evidence of their visit. After he shook hands with the entourage—no fewer than 40—he took photographs with them inside the EXCO chamber and outside of the Governor’s Office.

He retired to his office. But not to rest. He had the Public Private Partnership team, made up of Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) and Sir Remi Omotoso, waiting for him. They had come to present a report to him. As he was busy with the team in his office, a security aide eased out a gate-crasher, with Mrs. Omope urging the plain-clothed aide to be civil about it.

Around 11.17, Mrs. Omope

asked the governor’s Chief

Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, to invite the Press Crew in. When after some minutes, the crew was nowhere near the office, Mrs. Omope said: “E pe awon press wa (Call in the press). “ Oyebode soon led them in to document the presentation of the report by the Aare Babalola-led team.

At 11.35, when the Babalola team was presenting their report, the Chief of Staff, Yemi Adaramodu, and Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Biodun Akin-Fasae, went into Mrs. Omope’s office. After Fayemi saw off Babalola and co, he went into his office. Oyebode followed him. He was telling the CPS some people needed his attention.

As he was speaking with Oyebode, his security aides, some commissioners and Special Advisers, including Information Commissioner Funminiyi Afuye and Akin-Fasae, were getting set to accompany him to townhall meetings in Ekiti East and Gbonyi local government areas. Omirin, whose Aisegba hometown was part of the itinerary, was also getting set. A white luxury bus was waiting outside for the team.

A little after mid-day, the governor, Omirin, Afuye, Akin-Fasae, Ajayi and security aides climbed into the bus for the ‘long’ journey to Ekiti East, which shares a boundary with Kogi State. But, as the bus was about leaving the Governor’s Office, Fayemi’s sharp eyes caught side of veteran journalist, Mohammed Haruna, dressed in a light blue buba and sokoto. Bespectacled Haruna was accompanied by another veteran journalist and governorship hopeful in Abia State, Chief Ikechi Emenike.

“That is Mohammed Haruna. He is supposed to be in this bus,” he told the ADC, who jumped down to fetch Haruna and Emenike. Haruna took the space beside Fayemi. Emenike made himself comfortable beside Omirin.

The governor and Haruna started talking and after some minutes, the ace columnist called the governor’s attention to Emenike’s presence. He turned round to greet the man he called ‘Oga Ikechi’. They spoke about Haruna’s column on Ikechi’s failed bid to be Abia State governor and other issues, as the bus glided through the road to Omuo.

It was not until 1.45pm that the bus got to Methodist Primary School, Kota venue of the townhall meeting. There was dancing— and singing— as the governor’s entourage arrived. His party supporters, elderly people, who are beneficiaries of his administration’s social security scheme, and women ran to catch a glimpse of their governor, who was flashing his trademark genial, gap-toothed grin and waving his hand.

There were also placard-bearing groups. One declared: “JKF-Governor of the people”. Another screamed: “Ekamefa Youth Forum supports Gov. John Kayode Fayemi for continuity”.

With the help of his security aides, who managed the crowd, he found his way to the high table and sat on a white seat with the coat of arms on it. As usual, the national and Ekiti anthems were sung to open the meeting. After this, the community presented a list of their needs through a representative, Alhaji Shittu Bello. They asked for water, transformers, modern markets and rural roads to ferry their agricultural produce.

As Bello was reeling off the list, Fayemi was busy taking notes. He spoke extempore around 2.30 pm. He acknowledged Haruna’s and Emenike’s presence. He later pleaded to be allowed to speak to the people in Yoruba. He promised the people that their needs would be accommodated. He also received defectors into the ACN before heading to the next point, Obadore, where the needs placed before him were not significantly different.

But, there was a dramatic twist to the list of needs in Obadore. The old man, who said the opening prayer, was the first to give a hint of this. As he was praying, he kept asking God to ensure that the governor sites a higher institution in the town. After the prayer, Fayemi’s reaction suggested that he was not at home with the request.

So, when he took the podium, he chose to address the issue. As he made to talk, the people interrupted him in a manner that suggested they were pre-empting him. But, he chose to still say his mind. First, he declared that he would not lie to them like an average politician would do.

He said: “ I’ll not lie to you.

I’m not that kind of a poli

tician. Omuo is important to Ekiti because of its closeness to Ondo and Kogi states. It is like a gateway. If the Federal Government is planning a higher institution for Ekiti, Omuo will be considered.”

He was interrupted by clappings. Then, he continued: “The state government has no plan to establish any higher institution, for now. We want to build the ones we have already.”

Soon, Fayemi was out of Obadore. On the way to Gbonyin Local Government, he rubbed his hand with a moisturiser, checked his wristwatch and remarked that the time for a dinner he was billed to have with the ICAN team must be adjusted.

As he was approaching Agbado-Ekiti town, which was not part of the itinerary, he received information that some youths were barricading the road. The ADC informed him that it was a peaceful protest by the youths who wanted him to also stop and address them. An obviously fatigued Fayemi remarked that the town was not on the itinerary. The ADC advised him to step out of the bus, address them and continue on his journey.

As the bus got to the town, the road was heavily barricaded. The crowd was huge. It was more than any in even places where he was billed to stop. Fayemi waived at women and children. Some were singing: “Oju ti PDP (Shame to PDP)”. He spent some minutes with them and found his way back to the bus, which headed straight to Aisegba, the last stop for the day.

By then, it was close to 7pm. The event was rushed. As the team was about leaving for Ado, Omirin excused himself, perhaps to spend some time with his people.

Back at Ado, the ICAN team was at the Lady Jibowu Hall, inside the Governor’s Lodge. Fayemi made for his apartment. Still wearing the same dress, he later emerged with his wife Bisi, who was wearing a silver gown. A Toyota Camry car was waiting for him in front of the apartment. The governor noticed that the car’s exterior was dirty. He complained. Ajayi got a driver to bring another one. The governor and his wife hopped in. Ajayi stayed back, but an orderly wearing a black top and khaki trousers sat with the driver.

The dinner ended around 11pm. But the day was not over yet for the governor. He still had some people waiting for him at the lodge. One of them was a white man, probably Briton. Their meeting lasted about five minutes. There was also a two-man team of guests who looked like Israelis. Then, there was a third team of three, who Mrs. Fayemi supervised the kitchen staff to prepare some meal for.

As the governor was leading out the three-man team about midnight, he said: “No sane person should be governor. But, how do you make real changes in people’s life without being in government? You can be outside and pontificate, but it amounts to nothing, if it does not change lives.”

Through with this team, it was time for him to answer some questions from this reporter.

At a point in the interview, Mrs. Fayemi came in, holding a phone. She said, smiling: “Mo le hale mo eyin woyin. Mo fun yin ni 30 minutes. Oko mi koi ti yoju si mi lati aro. (I can harass you guys. I give you 30 minutes. My husband has not had time for me since morning).”

The session was over by 1am last Friday. Fayemi spoke with a two-man team from The Sun immediately after. As he saw both teams off some minutes after 2am, this reporter advised him: “Go and sleep sir.”

It has been one hell of a day. Time was 2.10am.

October 9, 2012
The hell called prisons in Nigeria, by ex-inmates

Prisons are meant to be reform centres. But, over the years, they have been unable to play this role. Ex-inmates of the Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Security Prisons set free on September 18 by the Chief Judge of Lagos State Justice Ayotunde Phillips paint a pathetic picture of the prisons, write ADEBISI ONANUGA and NNEKA NWANERI

Betran Anwagu was in his shop around CMS Bus Stop, Lagos Island in 2005 when he had a misunderstanding with another man and had the story of his life rewritten . Dennis Etim was arrested for robbery, instead of fighting in 2010. Sanni Musa, a trader at the Mile 12 Market, Ketu, on the outskirts of Lagos, was arrested in place of a suspected armed robber in June 2005. And Ifeanyi Nwaeze, an ex-commercial bus driver from Delta State, was accused of robbing someone in Egbeda, on the outskirts of Lagos. They were all kept in a prison cell alongside hardened criminals.

In the bleak, windswept landscape of the rapidly swelling Kirikiri Medium and Maximum Prisons, they withered.

Their looks tell tales of agony. The eyes’ sockets are seemingly loosened. They are the metaphor of lack, the simile of dejection and the apt representation of want. Yet, they just came out of what should be a reformatory centre.

No thanks to overcrowding, caused by high population of Awaiting Trial Inmates, the Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Prisons and others across the country have become the chambers of horror.

Every day, an average of 1000 Nigerians are dumped in prisons, remaining there without trial. There are those who have been there for about three years or more without being taken to court for once. Of the 42,000 inmates in the country’s prisons, 34,000 are awaiting trial, according to Minister of Interior Abba Moro. Some believe that the figures may be inaccurate given the country’s poor record-keeping.

Inmates lack enough bed spaces. So, not all enjoy the luxury of sleeping on the bed. Cells are unclean and without proper ventilation. Diseases are widespread. The government does not perform its role of meeting the daily needs of prisoners, leaving missionary bodies, charity groups and Nong-Governmental Organisations (NGO) to fill the gaps.

The prisons provide for inmates to engage in vocations such as carpentry, tailoring and so on. But not all can benefit from these. Inmates awaiting trial are excluded. They are made to pass time in prisons with nothing to show for it. Some of them have been in detention for much longer than the sentence they would have got on conviction.

Anwagu can confirm it. The 54-year-old, on September 18, regained freedom from the Kirikiri Prisons courtesy of a pardon granted him and 232 others by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, in exercise of the powers conferred on her under Section1(1) of the Criminal justice Release from Custody Act, Law of the Federation of Nigeria.

It was part of the activities marking the 2012/2013 Legal Year. The beneficiaries include those who have been in prison custody for upwards of three years and above, awaiting trial. They were committed to prison custody on holding charges by magistrate courts.

Anambra State-born Anwagu was arrested on March 9, 2005.

He said: “Life there was difficult. The food we were given here was not good. Though we were being fed thrice a day, the food was nothing, especially the soup. Those that had money used it to cook. Someone like me, I didn’t like the food I was served a night before I was released. So, I went to bed hungry. Before I came to prison, I was not married. The woman I was planning to marry, I haven’t seen her since this thing happened to me. “

Anwagu found himself in prison for street-fighting. According to him, a man had come to him at CMS Bus Stop, Lagos Island, where he was selling provisions. He claimed to have fought him.

Anwagu, who lost the opportunity of getting married to his heartthrob as a result of his arrest, said he was first taken to the Police Headquatres annex (Lion Building) in Lagos.

“Two hours later, the police came back with two more people and the following morning, the four of us were taken before the DPO as those found on the crime scene. That very morning, we were charged with armed robbery and remanded at Panti and later we were brought to Kirikiri.”

The unfairness of the justice system was corroborated by an ex-inmate, Etim, 39. The father of four said he had a fight with somebody with whom he had a business transaction. He claimed that in the course of the fight, the other man’s N15,000 got missing and he was arrested for robbery, instead of fighting. That was in 2010.

Etim, who spent two years and nine months in prison, alleged that the police officer, who investigated the matter, asked his mother to bring N250,000 to set him free.

He said: “ The I PO asked me to bring N250,000 so that he can set me free. He negotiated the price with my mum, then later on that day when he wanted to take me to court, he said my mother should bring N20,000 that he will change the robbery case to stealing. Then my mother said ‘no, my son did not steal anything’. So, immediately my mother left that day, he said my mother should come the next morning; it was that very morning, he took me to court, because my mother came late.”

Like other prisons, Kirikiri is congested. Awaiting Trial Prisoners (ATPs) are more than convicts. For instance, the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison has 1,056 inmates. 763 are awaiting trials. The Medium Security Prison has 2,502 inmates; 2,378 are awaiting trial inmates. 124 are convicts.

Most of the ATPs are in custody for petty offences. Musa, one of those freed by the Lagos chief judge, was a trader at the Mile 12 Market, Ketu, on the outskirts of Lagos. He told The Nation that policemen arrested him in place of a suspected armed robber. That was in June 2005. He said of his seven years in prison: “No enjoyment for life here o. Nothing dey here. If I commot here now, I go go back to my brother where he dey sell market.”

Another beneficiary of Justice Phillips’ gesture, Victor Kapan, was dumped in prison when he was 20. He is now 32.

He said: “I was a motorcycle mechanic until I was brought in here in year 2000. Before then, some boys brought a document that I should help them change it to their own. That was all I know. I keep thanking God that I am still alive till this date because he has given me a second chance and I will never do anything that will bring me to prison again.”

The story of his life has been rewritten. “While I was here, my aunt who used to visit me, died. I also lost my junior brother and senior sister while I was there and I wasn’t allowed to attend their burials. As soon as I leave, I’ll go back to my former job but I will first go and see my aged mother in the village. Then, when God blesses me, I’ll come to worship at the chapel here and visit my brothers.”

Nwaeze wasted five years in Kirikiri. The ex-commercial bus driver from Delta State was accused of robbery.

He said: “I was born September 19 1982. They said that I went and robbed someone in Egbeda. So, they came and arrested me in my house but I didn’t do anything. They took me to the station and I spent like six months at the station. While I was there, no one came to make a statement that I actually robbed him. I was taken to a court in Ikeja once and then taken to the Kirikiri Medium Prisons for more than two years before I was brought to the Maximum Prisons.”

His ordeal has made him appreciate God.

“When I was in the free world, I never used to go to church, but I knew I was serving God. But since I came here, I am now serving the living God. Today, I feel a big relief. If my mother hears my voice, she will cry. My sister and I are the only children she has. When I leave, I will go to the East and meet my parents. I can manage some of my father’s property. I don’t want to go back to the life I used to live, living life like tomorrow did not exist. But since I had this problem, none of those ladies I used to waste money on or my so called friends has come to visit me.”

Henry Odus also benefitted from Justice Phillips’s benevolence. Odus was convicted for murder. He admitted committing the offence, which saw him spending years in prison before the chief judge came to his rescue.

Odus said: “ I was married before I came here, with two children. My wife left me and my two children came to visit me once in a while. All I can do now is to have a repentant mind.”

But if the words of Williams Owodo, an inmate serving life at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, are anything to go by, many of those still at the prisons may not deserve to be there.

He said: “Most of us who were sentenced to death are innocent. And Governor Babatunde Fashola should please look into our case. Our statements were written under duress.”

Morro agrees the criminal justice system needs overhauling to decongest the prisons and prevent innocent people from languishing in jail without trial.

He said: “To solve this problem would mean a total overhaul and re-planning of the criminal justice administration system. I must state that the job of decongesting the prisons vested in the Justice Ministry has not been really effective. There should be a redesigning to involve the prisons and the supervising ministry and the police and civil society organisations.”

Until then, the population of those awaiting trial will keep rising. It was 30,000 in 2010. Moro said it is now 34,000. What will it be next year?

September 26, 2012