After the Sunday tragedy at the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Accra, Ghana, the Police on Tuesday ordered the Church to stop hosting worship sessions at its Spintex Road venue.

According to reports, the Ghanaian police ordered the church, owned by Nigerian pastor, T.B. Joshua to relocate to a more convenient venue.

Accra Regional Police Commander, Mr Christian Yehonu, said in a statement that the recent tragedy in the church could have been avoided if the church had been located at a bigger worship centre.

A stampede occurred at the church premises on Sunday leading to the death of four persons while several others were injured.

The Ghanaian media had reported that the stampede occurred when worshippers rushed to collect `anointed water’ given to members of the church during the worship.

Ayodeji Dedeigbo, Yusuf Mohamed & Sulimon Mojeed-Sanni

The Lagos State Police Command, southwest Nigeria, Tuesday paraded four suspected human parts sellers.

The suspects identified as Ajibade Rafiu aka Dudu, 30, Fatai Akiwowo, 30, Kazeem Sanni 25, and Agboola Kolawole, 40, were arrested at Owode-Idiroko in Ogun state and Badagry in Lagos state.

The suspected leader of the gang, Jamiu Adeleke Alias Alpha, before his death, allegedly confessed to have sold six human heads to his clients.

Adeleke was apprehended by men of the Lagos State Special Anti-robbery Squad led by the Officer in charge S.P. Abba Kyari. He died shortly after his confession.

suspected human parts sellers

Kyari told P.M.NEWS that ”last week Monday, when I received this information I quickly deployed one of my teams led by Supol Adetarami Adegbehin who really performed very well.

“Jamiu, who was a traditional herbal medicine seller was arrested on Monday, 13 May, 2013 at about 11.30pm, with human parts that can be identified to belong to a woman because of the painted nails.

“Our investigations revealed that he specialised in selling human parts to yet to be identified buyers in the society. Following a tip-off that human parts were being sold in Owode-Idiroko, we moved in and arrested the suspects.”

P.M.NEWS sources at the Police Command revealed that the men of the Command while carrying out the operation, had to disguise as potential buyers of human head.

In the course of the negotiation, one of the two suspects on sensing danger took to his heels while the other was arrested with different human parts.

Following interrogation, Jamiu led the police to Ilobi Ereni in Badagry, Lagos, where a 30-year old man called Rafiu Ajibade was also arrested.

Another suspect Agboola Kola aka Ola, a local traditional masquerade attendant was also arrested in Badagry.

The young man was said to be the most recent buyer of a human head.
.
Agboola Kola allegedly confessed that he was only given N1,500 for his role in the business, and that he did not know what the human part was used for.

Rafiu Ajibade in his alleged confession to the police said he cut off his two dead brothers and sister’s heads from the grave.

One of the suspects, Kazeem Sanni, said ” I dont know they were human parts dealers. I am an Okada rider. I was unfortunate to have been arrested with them. I know nothing about it.”

All the suspects are being detained at SARS for interrogation after which they will be charged to court very soon.

MADUABUCHI NMERIBEH/Kano

Kano state Governor, Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso on Tuesday blamed governments at all levels, politicians, traditional rulers and religious leaders for the insurgency threatening peace and development in northern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso who spoke at the Government House of the northwestern state said the failure of leadership is responsible for the insecurity facing the country.

The Governor who was receiving members of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of security challenges in the North also blamed parents for abandoning their responsibilities of raising their children properly.

“The parents, the communities, the Local Government authorities, state government and the Federal Government are all guilty of the insurgency that is facing this country—we are all guilty.”

“Parents no longer take responsibility of their family. We have a situation in this part of the country where parents give birth to 20 to 30 children, chose only two out of them and send the rest away to God knows where.

“Children are sent to places that they don’t know. They are left to fend for themselves. We have a situation where you go round the city and find garrison of children—able-bodied youths begging.

Rabiu Kwankwaso: blames all for Boko Haram

Abubakar Shekau: Boko Haram leader

“These children were abandoned by their parents and they were sent away and brought into the state. They grow up to hate themselves, hate their parents, hate the leaders, and hate the government and the society. They feel they were deprived, they feel injustice and they become enemies of the state and constituted authorities; and thereby becoming vulnerable to crime and violence.

“These are the bitter pills we must swallow—that we are all guilty of what is happening today. We have to wake up and rise up to the challenges. What started in Yobe and Borno is everywhere in the North, it may eventually envelope the country if we don’t check it now. It is a national issue that must be addressed,” Kwankwaso noted.

He called on the government and politicians to shun greed and ensure even distribution of democracy dividends.

“We should keep our eyes on what is happening; our leaders must plan properly—long-term planning. We must also do away with the issue of planning for a second-term while the business of governance suffers.

“As a former Defence Minister, I advise that the rule of engagement must be strictly followed by soldiers deployed to those areas we have emergency rule. I appeal to those affected in this insurgency to come to the table and dialogue. We have to reduce the issue of greed, if we cannot eliminate it. We have to ensure that the right thing is done under the worst circumstance. We also have to control our emotion,” Kwankwaso noted.

He also kicked against the issue of 13 per cent awarded to Niger-Delta states, Onshore/Offshore dichotomy and the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, describing them as unjust to the North.

The chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Kabiru Taminu Turaki said Kwankwaso deserve praises for putting in place a mechanism that engaged the youths in terms of economic empowerment and self-reliance, pointing out that such efforts goes a long way to discourage youths from making themselves available to elements whose business was to destabilize the country.

He said the mission of the Committee to Kano was in furtherance of its nation-wide consultation aimed at commencing the process of dialogue for peaceful resolution of the crises and insurgency rocking the country and the North in particular.
Parts the Committee’s terms of reference include constructively engaging Boko Haram members to dialogue and in the process restore peace and stability in the country.

Turaki said the Committee will also find comprehensive and workable framework that will ensure total disarmament within a period of 60 days.

“We have seen changes taking place as far as the insurgency and insecurity is concerned. Security has so much improved. We want to learn from you (Kwankwaso) how you have been able to do this.

“We are satisfied that Kano is well-secured. We also observe that the state government has rebuilt most of the structures that were affected. We thank you for the bold step you have taken to finding the root causes of the insurgency, by empowering the youths. We have seen how you have been making bold steps to creating opportunities to youths to become self-reliant,” Turaki stated.

He said the recommendation of the Committee will touch on serious issues that will put an end to the insurgency, while soliciting for the cooperation of all stakeholders and Nigerians.

The University of Nigeria, Nsuka, UNN, southeast Nigeria, Tuesday honoured the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe when it held a Special Senate session and academic procession.

Thrice the Registrar called, but grave silence followed the mention of the name of Emeritus Prof Achebe on the roll of members during the Special Senate Session and Academic Procession.

The solemn event took place in the main hall of the university’s Enugu campus.

Chinua Achebe: honored by varsity

Okolo continued: “For the avoidance of doubt, may I call his name just one more time: Emeritus Professor Chinua Achebe!” There was no response as the hall fell deeply silent at the further calling of Achebe’s name.

“Truly, this is a solemn confirmation that the earthly sojourn of our revered colleague, Emeritus Professor Chinualumogu Albert Achebe, our compatriot who rose to become a citizen of the world has come to an end. It is therefore with profound grief and regret that I preside over this special Senate in his honour,” the Vice Chancellor added.

Prof Christie Achebe, the late author’s widow, his son Dr. Chidi Achebe and other members of the family sat in the front row facing the high table and the casket at the solemn event.

At the other end of the high table annexed to the table for the University administration sat Prof T. Uzodinma Nwala, Achebe’s erstwhile colleague at UNN and member of the Organising Committee for the funeral as well as Prof Oye Ibidapo Obe, vice chancellor of the Federal University, Ndifu Alike, Ebonyi State.

Academics from neighbouring higher institutions also featured at the event.

The Special UNN Senate Session and academic procession was one in a series of programmes for the funeral obsequies for the late author of Things Fall Apart.

Members of university administration, faculty, staff and students of the University where Achebe taught for six years and lent his name to its lustre attended the event.

He will be buried at Ogidi, his birthplace in Anambra state, on Thursday.

Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

The political crisis in Rivers State has taken another dimension with the Special Assistant to Governor Amaechi on Conflict Resolution, Mr Obinna Anyanwu resigning his appointment.

In a letter dated 20 May, 2013 and addressed to Governor Amaechi, Obinna Anyanwu said his resignation was occasioned by “recent political development in our great party PDP Rivers state chapter and my father’s position as regards to his call for your resignation as the Executive Governor of Rivers State.”

“I wish to tender my resignation with immediate effect since it is only natural and incongruent to still remain in office.

“I therefore thank you very much for the opportunity you offered me to serve in your administration,” he stressed.

It would be recalled that recently Obinna’s father, Prince Emma Anyanwu had called on the governor to resign from office.

Prince Anyanwu said his call for the governor to resign was predicated on the governor’s alleged loss of the party structure that brought him into office and his inability to manage the political crisis in the state.

The Nigerian government said Tuesday it would release many suspects held for “terrorist activities,” including all women in custody, in what it called a peace gesture to the Islamists it is battling in the north.

The announcement came as the authorities pressed ahead with a nearly week-old offensive against Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast, while the Red Cross said at least 2,400 people had fled violence in the region.

“Consequent upon the directives of the president … the Defence Headquarters will be releasing from detention a number of persons being held in connection with terrorist activities,” a defence statement said, adding it included “all women under custody.”

Boko Haram has previously demanded the release of women prisoners, though the defence statement made no mention of the demand.

Shekau: fredom for female detainees

The statement said the move was linked to recommendations from a panel set up by the presidency to explore options for dialogue with the insurgents.

“The measure, which is in line with presidential magnanimity to enhance peace efforts in the country, will result in freedom for suspects including all women under custody,” it said.

Nigerian authorities have been accused of unlawful detentions and indiscriminate arrests in connection with the Islamist insurgency.

Residents caught up in the violence were given a measure of relief on Tuesday, with authorities relaxing a round-the-clock curfew in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, Boko Haram’s stronghold.

The relaxing of the curfew, initially imposed on Saturday, allowed residents to begin venturing out between 7:00 am (0600 GMT) and 5:00 pm to restock on food and supplies.

“I have been indoor since Saturday night because of the 24-hour curfew,” one resident said. “I have to come out today to get money in the bank and purchase food items and other essential commodities for my family.”

However, the government gave no sign that its offensive would let up and requested support from neighbouring Niger.

“As you know, there are operations in progress in Nigeria in three states very affected by the problem of terrorism, and we are hoping to have support from the Republic of Niger in the battle to defeat these terrorists,” Nigerian junior foreign minister Nurudeen Muhammed said.

Speaking in Niger after talks with President Mahamadou Issoufou, he did not specify what type of support.

Nigeria launched the sweeping operation on May 15, deploying thousands of troops across three states — Adamawa, Borno and Yobe — where President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency after the Islamists seized territory.

Fighter jets targeted Boko Haram strongholds in the offensive seeking to end the deadly Islamist insurgency underway since 2009. Telecommunications in affected areas have been out of service since the weekend.

On Monday, Nigeria’s military said it had re-established control in five remote areas of the northeast. About 120 of the insurgents had also been arrested, the military had said.

Nigeria’s military has previously been accused of major abuses in its fight against Boko Haram, and activists as well as the United States have raised concerns over the latest fighting.

The Boko Haram conflict is estimated to have cost 3,600 lives since 2009, including killings by the security services.

At least 2,400 people had fled violence in northern Nigeria and were being provided with emergency supplies in the Diffa area of Niger, the Red Cross said Tuesday.

“These people, most of whom are originally from Niger but settled in Nigeria some time back, in some cases decades ago, are completely destitute,” said Jean-Nicolas Marti, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross’ regional delegation for Niger and Mali.

“They have been taken in by families that are sharing their meagre resources with them.”

The Red Cross noted that the Diffa area was the scene earlier this year of severe flooding.

“If population displacement were to continue at the current pace, or to increase, there is a risk that the delicate economic and food balance in the area could be destroyed, with consequences for the resident population,” said Marti.

In neighbouring Cameroon, authorities have tightened border controls to prevent fleeing Boko Haram insurgents from taking refuge there.

“But it is not easy to track down suspected Boko Haram members because of the porosity of the borders,” a police officer in the Fotokol district told AFP.

“With the massive influx of Nigerians last week, it is absolutely necessary to intensify patrols so that certain members of Boko Haram do not infiltrate into our territory.”

Motorcycles and Cameroonian vehicles are not allowed into Gamboru, a Nigerian border town.

Residents are only allowed to cross a bridge linking both borders by foot between 0900 GMT and 1700 GMT.

Arik Air staff Temitayo Olubunmi Daramola was found in possession of 6kg of cocaine while Delita Abibimgbi was found with 60 packets of cigarettes, NDLEA said in a statement.

The agency said the Arik Air flight reportedly took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, Monday with ten cabin members.

“Eight out of the ten crew members that travelled with the flight have been cleared while the remaining two are still being held in London,” NDLEA said.

Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, has ordered the investigation.

“We have received report of the arrest and I have ordered a full scale investigation of the incident. Anyone found wanting shall be brought to book as no effort shall be spared in protecting the image of our country,” Giade said.

On 8 August, 2007, officials of the NDLEA arrested a Virgin Atlantic crew member with drugs in a London bound flight. The crew member,  Mohammed Ibrahim Wudil, was caught at the Lagos airport with 1.743kg of cocaine.

The drug which was concealed in a black polythene bag inside a hand luggage was found in the flight compartment.

—Simon Ateba/Aviation correspondent

The accused, who hails from Ndanaku village near lade in Edu Local Government Area of the state, was alleged to have inflicted the 16-year old deceased, Chumo Mohammed, with machete cuts, resulting in his death.

The attack followed a misunderstanding between the two of them over the N1,500.

Babangida was arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable homicide, contrary to section 221 of penal code law.

Police First Information Report, on the matter revealed that the accused had callously killed his nephew over an issue of N1,500 which came up between them.

Magistrate Michael, who upheld the submission of the prosecutor, Inspector James Odaodu, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Federal Medium Security Prison, Mandala in Ilorin, pending the outcome of police investigation, while adjourning the case till 30 May for further mention.

Chief Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, has declared that the team would not miss the services of Chelsea of England player, Victor Moses and Kasimpasa of Turkey star, Kalu Uche in the high-profile friendly match against Mexico, the World Cup qualifying matches against Kenya and Namibia as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament.

Kalu Uche: Miss Nigeria’s friendly match against Mexico

Uche claimed to have been playing with injury for sometime now in the Turkish League, and on the advice of his doctor, will be using the opportunity of the off-season to undergo treatment, while Moses is said to be dropping out in order to treat a recurring injury and won’t be fit in time for the World Cup qualifiers and the ‘Festival of Champions’.

Keshi, who was not happy with the fact that the players did not inform him earlier of this development, said that he is unperturbed with the latest development, stating “we have the players to deliver the World Cup ticket, and to make Nigerians proud in Brazil.”

Corroborating Keshi’s stand on the issue is former member of the Nigeria Football Association, NFA, Barrister Godwin Dudu-Orumen who said that Uche has been wasteful for his club and sees no reason the player was invited in the first instance.

Dudu-Orumen noted that he does not know the formation that Keshi hopes to adopt in the coming fixtures, but he feels that the coach is in a better position to decide the replacements for Moses and Uche.

“I think both players would not be missed by the team because they are not indispensable. There are other credible players that can perform better in the team,” he said.

Meanwhile, Keshi has commended the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF for the choice of the Adidas Sport Complex in Nuremberg, Germany as camp site for the team.

Victor Moses in action for Nigeria at the last Nations Cup in South Africa. Photo: AFP

The Eagles before now have been regular visitors to Faro, Portugal to prepare for major assignments but the NFF opted otherwise for Germany this term and the Big Boss reckons it is not a bad choice either.

In the words of Keshi “The Novina Hotel (where the team is staying) is serene and ideal for total concentration, the training facilities are magnificent, equal to the best you can find anywhere in the world”.

Keshi is upbeat that the team would grab the Brazil 2014 World Cup ticket. “By the grace of God, we will do our very best to secure the World Cup ticket and also fly Africa’s flag brilliantly at the FIFA Confederations Cup. We want Nigerians to continue to pray for the team,” he said.

—Adebobola Alawode

It is confirmed that CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa will miss Nigeria’s high profile exhibition game against Mexico on 31 May in the United States due to club commitments.

The former Kano Pillar player told Brila FM that he had been in contact with an official of the Super Eagles, informing him that he will miss the game if the Muscovites qualify for the Russian Cup final.

“I have been in contact with the team secretary of the Super Eagles and told him that if my team qualify for the Russian Cup final, I will not be available for the friendly.

“And when we eventually qualified the secretary called me again to confirm if I will still be able to come and I told him it wasn’t possible,’’ Musa said.

CSKA Moscow will win the double for the first time since 2005 if they overcome Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Cup final on 1 June.

Musa has played an integral role in CSKA‘s run to the title, scoring 11 goals in 25 league appearances.

He however revealed that he will be joining the Super Eagles squad in Germany on 2 June after the cup final.

Sharks FC have cried out ahead of their Week 14 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, match against El Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri tomorrow following the state of emergency imposed on the state by the Federal Government.

Soldiers and other security forces are fighting to dislodge the extremist Boko Haram sect that has almost taken over north eastern Nigeria with gun battles ensuing at random spots.

•Action from the last Federation Cup final between Heartland FC and Lobi Stars which was held at the Teslim Balogun stadium. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

Even with the chaotic nature of the city where a dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed by the military, the League Management Company, LMC, has not deemed it fit to ask El Kanemi to play matches in other safe cities. A distress call early today from Sharks officials has it that the players and officials are not sure of what will happen to them when they arrive the city.

“We know there is a 24-hour curfew in Maiduguri. Telephone lines are not working. And officials of El-Kanemi have told us that when we get to some kilometres before Maiduguri, we should stop there and wait for them to take us into the city,” Sharks media officer Peter Abaje told Goal.

“I don’t know the kind of football we are playing that our lives should now be in danger. We thought the authorities running the League should have taken some measure to make sure that no team is exposed to unnecessary danger,” he said.

Sharks left Bauchi on Tuesday morning on their way to Maiduguri for the tie.

All logistics, both human and material resources, to be used for the Inter-Clubs Competitions in Lagos State between now and the end of the year are ready.

The Inter-Clubs Competitions, which will be organised by the 36 Sports Associations, are facilitated by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development and the Grassroots Sports Development Office.

Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Enitan Oshodi disclosed that all hands are on deck for the organisation of the first set of the Inter-Clubs Competitions from June. He added that all the Sports Associations are getting set to kick start series of sporting activities that would make Lagos sporting arena bubbling after the end of the 18th National Sports Festival.

“June will be a busy month in Lagos sports as the first set of this year’s Inter-Clubs Competition would be rolled out by all the 36 Sports Associations. This will be a nonstop process that will run till the end of the year. “ said Oshodi.

•Action from the athletes during the last National Sports Festival held in Lagos. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

The Commissioner noted that the Inter-Clubs Competitions are coming at a good time when the state just appointed coaches for all the Sports Associations, adding that the Competitions would give the coaches the ample opportunity to select and monitor the state’s athletes who the government is planning to place on monthly allowances.

Oshodi further said that the Inter-Clubs Competitions have added good values to sports development in Lagos State especially last year that the state hosted the National Sports Festival tagged Eko 2012.

“The Inter-Clubs Competitions were part of our preparatory programme for the sports festival. The competitions helped us to keep the athletes busy prior to the Eko 2012. I want to say that the  overall success of the state at the national fiesta spoke volume of the added value the Inter-Clubs Competitions had on our position on the medal table.

“This among other things made Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to give the directive that we should continue with the Inter-Clubs Competitions as basic platforms keep our athletes busy throughout the year and also discover a new pool of athletes for future national competitions,” he said.

Nigeria’s performance at this year’s African Zone III Davis Cup Championship has been given a pass mark by the President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF, Engr. Sani Ndanusa.

Ndanusa said that the fact that the team came second was enough proof that their performance was commendable despite the fact that the country did not move forward in the zonal ratings.

“We did well in the championship having defeated the likes of Zimbabwe and Botswana. We have moved to the next stage in the tournament so, let’s see where we go from there” he said.

Lawal Shehu. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

Henry Atseye, Clifford Enosoregbe, Abdulmumuni Babolola and Shehu Lawal were the four players who represented the country at the week-long tournament in Cairo, Egypt.

Efforts to speak with any of the players on arrival to know what really transpired in Egypt proved futile as their lines were not reachable.

It would be recalled that one of the players, Shehu Lawal complained to P.M NEWS Tennis Special before they left for the tournament about the ill-treatment meted out on them by the federation.

—Damilare Okunola

By Joe Igbokwe

All roads lead to Ogidi in Anambra State , Nigeria the home town of the late (Ugonabo) Professor Chinua Achebe on Wednesday 23 May, 2013 for the sage’s final burial. People from all walks of life will be heading to Ogidi to mourn the one they loved so much, the former life president of Ogidi Town Union, Professor of Letters, Leader, Thinker, Humanist, Author of Things Fall Apart, Arrow of God, The Trouble With Nigeria, There Was A Country, Man of The People, No Longer At Ease, etc. Ugonabo Chinua Achebe, the pride of Igboland, Nigeria and Africa died as an accomplished man, accomplished author, accomplished father, accomplished teacher and an accomplished family man.

His book: Things Fall Apart made me to fall in love with Literature in my Form 3 in secondary school until I came in contact with Merchant of Venice and Macbeth. I could not understand the language of these two books. Compared to Things Fall Apart, the two books became a no go area for me. In form four, I abandoned Literature for Science subjects. Achebe’s Things Fall Apart brought Igbo culture and tradition to the front burner. As we read it in our school in those days, you would think the events are happening in your backyard. You could feel it, you could imagine it, you see it, you celebrate it. We sang Things Fall Apart like songs. Things Fall Apart is un-putdownable, a masterpiece and a must read. It is one of Achebe’s greatest gift to humanity. It is this book that taught me how to put words on paper. It was this book that helped to prepare me as an author and writer today. I thank Achebe for this.

Now, if Things Fall Apart prepared me to be a writer, what did the small but mighty book, The Trouble With Nigeria do to my life as a Nigerian? I read the heavily loaded book in 1995 when I wrote my first book, Igbos:25 Years After Biafra . In that small but prodigious work Ugonabo Chinua Achebe gave us summary of the problems facing Nigeria as a political entity which he traced to failure of leadership.

Today, 31 years after, Nigeria is still being saddled with mediocrity in leadership. Nigeria’s repeated failures in the age of success helped in no uncertain terms to speed up the great man’s journey to the end. The failure of Nigerians to help the country to join the comity of great nations on earth in the midst of plenty led the sage to reject National Honours both from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan. To make matters worse, Nigerian leaders either by acts of omission or commission, fail to redress the injustice repeatedly meted out to a vital and significant section of Nigeria since the end of the Civil War 43 years ago. Achebe waited for 43 years for Nigeria to do some growing up and remove the kid gloves but Nigeria will not change. Ugonabo Ogidi responded with his latest work, There Was A Country. We all saw and read the controversies and dusts raised by this yet another great work from the man of letters. Nigeria cannot change her national bad habits. No wonder he cried out in the Trouble With Nigeria : “No one can do much to change the weather, we must accept it and live with or under it. But national bad habits are different matter, we resign ourselves to them at our peril”

Odenigbo, Chinua Achebe left Nigeria a very sad man and this has always been the trend. Honourable Nigerians die leaving Nigeria worse than they met it. Critical mass of Nigeria must join forces together to stop this mess.

As the king of birds, the elephant, Ugonabo (a red cap chief with two eagle feathers) Ikenga Ogidi, Dike nammuta Ndigbo, Eze Akuko Ndigbo, Odeakwukwo mahadum Ndigbo goes home, let us hope that Nigeria will learn from the immortal words of our Professor Chinua Achebe who saw and did something for humanity.

As Ugonabo goes home to meet his Creator let us hope that Nigerian leaders will rise above primordial sentiments to get Nigeria out of trouble. As Ugonabo goes home to rest, let us hope the lessons of Achebe’s life and times will be ingrained and do something quick to arrest the drift of the Nigerian state. Time is not on the side of Nigeria. Go in peace Ugonabo.

•Igbokwe, Publicity Secretary, ACN wrote from Lagos.

The recent mass failure recorded in the WASCE, NECO and JAMB examinations is a sign of the turbulent times we are in. And it calls for concern considering the fact that it affects the youths who, in popular parlance, are regarded as the leaders of tomorrow. The poor result, succinctly put, means the future of this country is bleak.

While there has been a hue and cry about the colossal failure, the truth is that it is not coming as a surprise because  philistinism, decay in moral values and corruption  have eaten deep into the fabric of our society over time. And these are reflected in the way we lead our lives and conduct ourselves in public everyday.

The recent alarm raised by members of the House of Representatives in the wake of the mass failure recorded in the Joint Tertiary Matriculation Examination, JTME, is not only tantamount to putting the cart before the horse but it also reminds us of the fire brigade attitude of government to pressing national issues.

Though the introduction of computer by JAMB is one of the causes of the mass failure as the members of the House of Representatives pointed out, that reason is not tenable. While it is true that the majority of the students are not computer literate, the fact is, we are all to blame as there has been a gradual erosion of the values in the education sector and other facets of life in the country  over time.

And it is horrendous that our leaders, who are supposed to give the masses a sense of direction and show exemplary conduct are pointing fingers at some individuals and institutions.

Because of the philistinism, moral decay and corruption in our society, the culture of indolence has been deeply entrenched. Everybody wants to get rich quick and nobody wants to work hard anymore. And since the youths see politicians and fraudsters, who corruptly enrich themselves, celebrated in our society, they regard hard work and burning the proverbial midnight oil as sheer waste of time.

What about the proliferation of private schools where students are encouraged to cheat to pass examinations and lack of qualified teachers? Public schools that were known for high educational standards are now centres of mediocrity. Youths these days are so engrossed in following sporting activities such as the English Premiership and the Spanish La Liga that they do not have time to read. The craze for the social media is also responsible for this mass failure. Students spend most of their time on the social media such as facebook, twitter, google plus, etc. rather than face their books.

In the light of all these negative tendencies, it is very glaring that it is not just the educational system that needs an overhaul but the entire society. If the government wants to get things right, there is an urgent need to re-orientate the youths and teach them moral values and the benefits of hard work. Social institutions such as the family, the church, mosques, etc. also have salient roles to play in this regard. Until this is done, whatever measures  government takes would be tantamount to putting the cart before the horse.

Bimbo Thomas

Yoruba actress, Bimbo Thomas, has debunked speculations that her relationship with friend and colleague, Funke Akindele, has gone sour. She said her friendship with Akindele began before they both starred in Omo Ghetto. She said that they not only enjoy a healthy relationship on the screen but off it too.

She explained that people are quick to conclude on matters they have little or no knowledge about. “Funke has always been my friend, even before Omo Ghetto. People are entitled to their own opinion and that is why they say a lot of nonsense. If you are not close to us you can’t really say what is going on between us, you just can’t judge a book by its cover. I do whatever I like to do, I take whatever decision I like to take,” she said.

She added that as friends they can only make suggestions to themselves rather than assert their opinion. “As adults nobody is  boss to anybody. We can only advise and suggest to each other but cannot impose our way on others.”

Away from talks about her friendship with Funke, Bimbo described herself as a flexible actress, contrary to claims that she was only good at interpreting roles of a social miscreant. “I have said it that for an artiste to interpret a particular role very well does not mean she cannot handle other roles in the same manner. I’m supposed to be versatile as an actress,” she said.

According to her the success of Omo Ghetto was a stepping stone to greater things. “We thank God that Omo Ghetto was a success but I just did what I was asked to do; it was like an everyday thing. I did not know it was going to be what it was. I have acted as a wife, doctor, girl etc in other movies not just the violent role,” she explained.

Funke Akindele

She, however, admitted that she still found it difficult to detach herself from her role in Omo Ghetto. “I hope to be better because we learn everyday but to the best of my knowledge, I feel I have acted better roles but people happen to love my person in Omo Ghetto and I think its still hard for people to detach Bimbo from her role in that movie but I hope that with time and better roles they will understand better,” she stated.

For Bimbo, Nollywod still needs professionalism to thrive and she opines that the leadership must take the driver’s seat. “The leadership needs to work on eradicating amateurs because it is hurting the image of professional practitioners. People with money just get two or three actors, hire a camera and shoot a movie within a week or two and then they sell it at Idumota,” she lamented.

She said this is killing the image of the industry and scaring genuine people from investing. “It’s annoying and it is also killing the job because these are people who never had any form of training. It’s obvious that they will end up producing junk and it is not good for the industry. I think the earlier we eradicate such, the better.”

Jeta Amata, a Nigerian filmmaker of international repute, talks about the challenges of Nollywood and his sojourn in the United States of America

Jeta Amata: Nigerian film maker

You have relocated to the US for some years now. Do you have plans to come back to Nigeria?

Of course, all I’m doing is to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Nollywood. So it’s not like I have relocated permanently. I’m only here to learn more about the profession. I’m doing this so that we can make our market bigger and a lot better so that we can all benefit from it. So I am not going to abandon Nollywood.

How do you brand yourself now, a Hollywood director or Nollywood director?

I’m an African film maker, that’s not going to change. You see, Nollywood is not a name that we like, we fought against it in the beginning. But it has become a name they talk about everywhere in the world. Now, tell me why we won’t associate with it?

If I make a couple of Hollywood films, it’s not going to change who I am and where I am coming from. I built Nollywood with people out there, I worked hard for the market, I learnt like other Nollywood directors.

Do you think that the choice of Ibinabo Fiberesima as the president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) is a good one?

I will say yes. All the past presidents of AGN have always been very close friends of mine. These are people that I have grown with. Ibinabo is closer to my age. I have known her right from when she was in the university as a beauty queen. She runs the Club Pyramid on Victoria Island, she owns the club and I go there almost every night. She had a relationship with Fred Amata, my uncle, and now has a daughter for him, so Ibinabo is like my family. There is one thing I know about her, she’s a positive-thinking lady and she is vibrant. She’s an entrepreneur, she understands people. I think part of what she wants to do is bring that acumen which she used in running the club in her tender age. I think she’s going to bring that into the industry, so I feel confident that we’re moving forward the way I’ve always felt, that we are moving forward and will keep moving forward.

But there are factions in the guild?

We are all going to come together when there is a proper structure; that is why we talked about government’sw efforts in putting the structure in place. When the structure is properly aligned, then moving forward is not going to be a problem. We have been moving forward over the years, and we will continue to move forward.

The Ejiros and the Amatas seem to be dominating the movie industry. What’s your take on this?

Well, we do not dominate, because the word dominate comes out in a way I wouldn’t want to be identified with. The Ejiros and Amatas have given a lot in the industry for several years. We have worked hard and we’ve contributed our quota to the industry and inspired a lot of people who are working right now. I would say that is what we have been doing, but not dominating. We are good at what we do. I refuse to identify with the word that we dominate because we don’t dominate.

In what areas do you think Nollywood needs to improve?

What we should do better isn’t what really matters. The quality of the films we make would improve when there is more money and when we can afford better equipment. When we have more Silverbirds and Genesis all over Nigeria, then we wouldn’t need to go anywhere else in the world, because with money in Nigeria, we would be as good as our counterparts in other parts of the world. At one point, Silverbird was the only cinema we have in Nigeria. South Africa has close to 500 or even more. That would be everything we need because with all the money that goes in and out of Nigeria, it is still a shock that government has not identified that Nollywood is a huge success and given it more attention. If we have all that in Nigeria, Hollywood will be begging to come to us, because they know that with us, they can expand their market. The moment they know we have a huge market, they will be begging to do collaborations with us. The US movie industry accounts for about $40.1 billion yearly. These people have identified that entertainment is a serious money-making machine for them, yet we have had lots of leaders who have gone abroad and have not thought of replicating that at home. Put theatres all over Nigeria and you will see the money rolling all over in just a few years. That is what we have to do better. We need partnership so that we can set up distribution properly in Nigeria.

When did you start filmmaking?

I have been making films for about 15 years now. My first film was made in 1995 and was released in 1996 Glamour Boys. It has been a long hard journey but I thank God for where I am right now.

The SNPA also called for a National Conference to be convened before December 2013, warning that the issue of whether President Goodluck Jonathan should run for second term or not should not be allowed to set the country on fire.

The leaders stated this at the third conference of SNPA, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, and attended by the Secretary to Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae; former Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Oladipo Diya; former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife; former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha; former Minister of Transportation, Chief Ebenezer Babatope; and former Minister of Health, Prof. Adenike Grange.

Others are Secretary of Yoruba Unity Forum, Senator Anthony Adefuye; former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife; former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran; former governor of Delta State, Chief Felix Ibru; former deputy governor of Lagos State, Senator Bucknor Kofoworola-Akerele; President of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasehun; OPC National Coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams, among others.

Speaking further, the leaders. insisted on the convocation of a National Conference or National Dialogue to discuss the basis of the coexistence of ethnic nationalities in the country to avoid crisis.

They noted that considering that the country was moving towards the precipice, there was an urgent need for all the ethnic nationalities and groups to have a roundtable discussion.

The group, therefore, called on President Jonathan to take appropriate steps towards the convocation of a national dialogue latest by December 2013.

Part of the resolutions state: That the Assembly reaffirms its support and solidarity with President Goodluck Jonathan in all his efforts at repositioning the country most of which challenges he inherited.

•The choice of who becomes the President of Nigeria in 2015 resides with the Nigerian people and not subject to the authority, whims and caprices of any person or persons.

•That the National Assembly should give expedited passage to the Petroleum Industry Bill without any attempt to compromise the 10% provision for host communities that have persistently suffered the brunt of oil and gas exploitation and exploration.

•That given the fundamental need to equilibrate the existing state structures that are lopsided in favour of the North there should be created two additional states for the south one of which MUST be in the South-East.

•That the observed unease in the polity culminating from the several threats and drums of war is a clear expression of the continually shrinking space for national dialogue.

According to the Assembly, “As we move gradually towards the precipice, our rescue lies only in the convocation of a national conference which shall provide an unfettered platform for Nigerians to negotiate and agree on the terms of living together on the basis of mutual respect and trust. This is the only way to justify and make meaningful our centenary celebrations.

“Accordingly, President Goodluck Jonathan is urged to take every appropriate step leading to the convening of a national conference without further delay. That the prerogative to rewrite and/or review the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria belongs to Nigerians because sovereignty resides with the people.

“The responsibility of the National Assembly with respect to constitutional amendment is limited to clauses and not wholesome review to change the constitution in a fundamental way.

“Therefore, the present exercise of wholesome review of the 1999 Constitution being undertaken by the National Assembly is ultra vires and shall not fulfill the aspirations and will of the people.”

The Assembly further stated that the present skewed federalism based on dysfunctional structures that promote inequitable opportunities and privileges for some sections of the country by the use of states whimsically created as federating units has continued to be the bane of our federation.

It says “the present 36-state structure, 19 of which the North enjoys to the detriment of the south, we must say is undeserving and has no fundamental basis of justification.

“A Committee is hereby established to work out strategies and modalities to assist in the convocation of national conference by not later than December, 2013. Government should take a strategic position at reducing youth unemployment as a way of reducing violence and other social malaise,”  adding that “whereas corruption had been deeply entrenched in our national life long before President Jonathan assumed the reins of governance, it should be stated that he owes Nigerians the responsibility to not only tackle this unwarranted malaise head-on but bring this cancerous scourge to an end.

“Mr. President is hereby urged to regard corruption as national emergency and set up a National Advisory Committee on the eradication of corruption.Government should enact appropriate legislation that defines the parameters and considerations for plea bargaining in view of its persistent abuse by the Nigerian judiciary.”

—Jamiu Yisa

•Oba Akiolu of Lagos State at war with Wasiu Sanni

Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu is at war with the Lagos Island Local Government Chairman, Wasiu Sanni over the renaming of Kosoko Street after a prince in the area by the council chairman.

Akiolu has described as sacrilegious and a desecration of the customs and traditions of the people of Lagos State Sanni’s move to rename a street named after a former king of Lagos.

The council chairman had informed the public that the end of Ereko Street to Kosoko Street shall henceforth be re-named Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi Street beginning from 3 June, 2013.

Akiolu in a terse letter written to the council chairman, warned Sanni to rescind the decision meant to cast aspersion on the kingship and royal lineage of Lagos as it not possible to substitute the name of a king with that of a prince.

The letter was copied Governor Babatunde Fashola, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the Head of Lagos White Cap Chiefs, Chief Kosoko of Lagos, Chief Imam of Lagos, Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, Justice Ajose Adeogun (retd) and Justice I.I. Oluwa (retd).

Akiolu, in the letter dated 14 May, 2013 said he was surprised that an indigene of Lagos Island who should know and understand the significance of Oba Kosoko in the history of Lagos and the importance of Ereko to the Kosoko family, could do such a thing.

“I am surprised that you could without qualms and trepidation decide to name a street already dedicated to the memory of a past oba of Lagos and substitute it with the name of a prince.

“It is important to note that I have no personal grudge or anything against the naming of a street after Prince Tajudeen Olusi, an illustrious son of Lagos Island who thoroughly deserves same for his contribution to the growth and development of Lagos Island right from his period as a councilor, then as a member of the Federal House of Representatives during the second republic and then to his days as member of the Lagos State Executive Council as a commissioner,” he stated.

According to Akiolu, “my sincere and frank opinion is that on the grounds of politics, the memory of a past oba of Lagos, King Kosoko cannot, should not and must not be obliterated in any manner and should not be obliterated by substitution with the name of a prince or any other person for that matter.

“I am not interested in politics, but it will be highly untraditional and contrary to the revered customs of Lagos and clearly immoral to take the step you (Sanni) are about to take.”

The oba said other befitting monuments or any street on Lagos Island could be named after Olusi but not a street or any streets already dedicated to the honour and memory of a past Oba of Lagos, Oba Kosoko and a Lagos royal family.

He added that he was sure if Olusi had been contacted and his advise sought, he would never have agreed to the change.

“I am placing this protest and observation on record so that history and posterity will testify that I did not stand aloof when a matter which looks to be a desecration of customs and tradition and what to me is definitely sacrilegious, is about to take place. A word is enough for the wise,” he warned.

—Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigeria’s military said Monday it had re-established control in five remote areas of the northeast where Islamist insurgents had seized territory, as it pressed on with a sweeping offensive against Boko Haram militants, reports AFP.

Several thousand troops were last week deployed across three states in the volatile region, and fighter jets have pounded Boko Haram camps as the military tries to rid the country of “terrorist activities.”

The military has “secured the environs of New Marte, Hausari, Krenoa, Wulgo and Chikun Ngulalo after destroying all the terrorists’ camps,” a defence ministry statement said.

All of the areas recaptured in northern Borno state near the Cameroon border were considered Boko Haram strongholds.

President Goodluck Jonathan sent his troops in after declaring a state of emergency in Borno and two neighbouring states of Yobe and Adamawa.

He said Boko Haram — whose shifting demands include the creation of an Islamic state in Nigeria’s mainly Muslim north — had chased out local officials in some areas and removed the Nigerian flag.

Residents in New Marte and Krenoa have told AFP they were among the areas targeted by military air strikes.

“The troops are already interacting with locals and citizens assuring them of their safety and freedom from the activities of insurgents,” the statement added.

The military said that 120 suspected insurgents were arrested while organising the funeral of one of their leaders in Maiduguri, who had “died in an encounter with special forces the previous day.”

The arrested suspects are being interrogated by the military, said the statement, adding that troops had also blocked insurgents trying to flee towards neighbouring Chad and Niger.

Sources in Cameroon said thousands of Nigerians fleeing the fighting had y, they have been coming here,” a Cameroonian security official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

An AFP reporter in the village of Seram, barely a mile from the Nigerian border, saw several hundred Nigerian civilians who had set up camp.

Aly Doukar, a Nigerian driver from the village of Woulgo, said his home was deserted when he returned from work last week.

“When I enquired, I heard the army had been there and fired shots in the air. I was told my family had fled to Cameroon. This is why I am here, I’ve come to bring them back,” he said.

The remote, thinly populated region of northern Nigeria has porous borders where criminal groups and weapons have flowed freely for years, and the army has deployed troops to seal border crossings.

The military on Saturday imposed a round-the-clock curfew in 12 Maiduguri neighbourhoods considered Boko Haram strongholds.

There is a risk of high civilian casualties, with the Nigerian military having been accused of massive rights abuses in the past.

The Boko Haram conflict is estimated to have cost 3,600 lives since 2009, including killings by the security services. Finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Monday sought to assure the international community that despite current security challenges, the nation’s economy, the second largest in Africa, was still strong.

“Economic growth was 6.5% in the first quarter of 2013, inflation is down to single digit, fiscal deficit is only 1.8 of GDP, foreign reserves stand at $48 billion,” her office said in a statement.