Nigeria Labour Congress president Abdulwahed Omar told a rally in the capitalAbujathat union leaders wanted people to take a break on Saturday and Sunday.

“In consideration of so many factors, our planners said … that we can get relaxed during the weekend and get energised,” he said.

If government does not reverse its January 1 removal of fuel subsidies, “we are going to come out on Monday very strong. It is going to be the mother of all crowds.”

Unions are due to resume talks with President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday after a first meeting failed to yield a breakthrough on Thursday night.

Oil workers have threatened to shut down production ofAfrica’s top crude exporter on Sunday if no resolution is reached.

Tens of thousands have poured onto the streets for rallies since Monday in a nationwide strike that has locked down the country.

Waziri: ousted EFCC boss

As the year 2011 comes to an end, Chukwudi OHIRI critically examines how Nigeria has fared in the last 12 months, with highlights of major events of the year 

It may not be completely out of place to assert that the year 2011 was a very bad year for Nigeria, perhaps the worst in the country’s post-civil war history. But for a few events that brought cheers and happiness to the faces of Nigerians, the rest were gory tales of woes and despondencies. Amongst those that could manage to pass for being delightful were the general elections held between March and April 2011, which were adjudged both locally and internationally as ‘relatively free and fair’; the launching of the SATX (Nigerian-built Satellite) into space; and, perhaps some major breakthroughs in the healthcare delivery sector such as the reduction in the number of HIV/AIDS-infected persons in Nigeria, the eradication, or rather reduction of polio cases in Nigeria, etc. The rest may not be quite enchanting.

Apart from the ‘perennial and intractable monster’ of the crises in the once peaceful Jos, Plateau State capital, and the unprecedented indiscriminate bomb blasts and explosions in virtually every corner of the country, there was the abysmal performance of the Nigerian contingents in all sporting activities in which the country participated in 2011. Nigeria performed abysmally and failed to clinch any major global trophy for the year 2011, thereby failing to qualify for major championships slated for 2012: the Olympics, the African Cup of Nations, etc.

The economy did not fare any better. Despite the untiring efforts of the National Economic Team that has big names like Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Governor and multiple national and international award winner in the year 2011 alone), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (World Bank Vice-President and Economist par excellence), Barth Nnaji (nationally and internationally acclaimed power and energy guru), Aliko Dangote (business mogul, richest African and the 51st richest person in the world, according to Forbes magazine’s latest release), etc., the country’s economy did not record any significant leap in the positive direction. While oil prices soared in the international market, indicators of the economy did not reflect the dividends. Naira plummeted against the dollar and it is projected that the downward trend may still continue into the next fiscal year. Inflation rate exceeded the single digit projection of the CBN while the 2011 budget, according to analysts, recorded a dismal performance. Ever increasing price (and most times, unavailability) of kerosene and diesel continue to unleash a regime of hardship on innocent citizens. A comparative analysis of the Nigerian economic growth with that of Singapore, one of the Asian tigers which got independence some five years after Nigeria, reveals an unpleasant picture of stagnation. Singapore has no natural resources. According to research findings by Nigerian OrientNews, about 96% of Singapore’s adults are literate whereas Nigeria’s adult literacy rate is put at 57%. In Singapore, infant mortality is 2.0 per 1,000 live births. It is 92.9 per 1,000 live births in Nigeria. Life expectancy at birth in the same Asian country is 81 years. In Nigeria, life expectancy as at 2011 is 47 years.

Although the power sector leapt forward by whiskers, pundits are of the view that the target set by the late President Yar’Adua some years back is yet to be attained some three years after. He had promised to hit the landmark of generating 6,000 megawatts of electricity by the end of 2009 but failed to actualize this promise. During a conference on the power sector roadmap in Lagos in August 2011, President Jonathan promised that electricity supply in the country would be raised to 5,000 megawatts by December 2011, from 2,800 megawatts in May. Accordingly, the Federal Government announced that the electricity supply has increased from the 2,800 megawatts in May to about 4,000 megawatts as at September 2011, leaving a shortfall of 1,000 megawatts promised. By November, it was reported that the national grid added another 300MW. While some Nigerians acknowledge this increase, many others claim they are yet to notice any significant changes from the past.

While the government seems to be celebrating mediocrity, it will be very instructive to note that Ghana, with about 25 million people, already has 4,000MW. “South Africa, with a population of just 50 million, has 40,000 megawatts and Brazil has 100,000 megawatts, with a population of 192 million,” a report from the National Planning Commission states. The report also posited that Nigeria needs an electricity generation capacity of not less than 35,000 megawatts by the year 2020 if it must actualize its Vision 20:2020 and the Millennium Development Goals. “In order to achieve the Vision 20:2020, Nigeria will need an electricity generation capacity of about 35,000 mega watts by 2020,’’ the report, contained in the 2010 Monitoring, Performance and Evaluation Report for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, made available in Abuja sometime in 2010, said.

The war against corruption expected to take a swift and unpunctuated drive following the mouthed rhetoric of the national leadership suddenly stagnated like in previous years. The media was agog, prior to the general elections, with rumours that the EFCC custody may be too small to accommodate the number of alleged corrupt government officials it was going to arrest and prosecute. Months after the elections, only but a few arrests were made, and yet most of the states lament the reckless looting of their treasuries by past administrations. The alleged culprits roam the streets as free men as though they were untouchable. Some of the cases instituted at all got squashed along the line for want of evidence. Others are granted bail and their matters appear dead in the meantime.

Although Nigeria seemed to have gradually crept into prominence again in the African circles through its leadership role in the newly constituted West African Parliament, its foreign policy direction and international relations still left much to be desired such that President Jonathan had to call for a total overhaul of the Nigerian foreign policy, a call that is yet to be addressed. While the April polls gave the country a new face-lift, subsequent individual state and local council polls are seemingly rubbishing the accolades accorded to Nigeria in the international community after the general elections. Intra-party practices that are purportedly undemocratic are becoming a minus to the attained feats.

The year 2011 also saw the National Assembly constituting several probe panels that posted startling revelations on the decays that have characterized the running of public institutions in the last decade. Although it will not be wrong to say that the probe panels were hangovers from the previous Assembly, which instituted many probe and investigative activities on the Executives as well activities of various government agencies and even the Judiciary, the present Assembly has been more transparent and pronounced. Prominent among these probe panels constituted by the National Assembly and other government agencies are the BPE probe panel, the NNPC probe panel, the NJC probe panel, probe panel on post-elections violence in parts of Northern Nigeria, etc. Unfortunately, like the previous Assembly, the present Assembly is yet to produce practical proof of the dividends and worthiness of the investigative ventures.

In summary, 2011 obviously was a year of mixed fortunes for Nigeria. Below are highlights of some of the key events that characterized the year:

Some Notable Deaths

January 6: Uche Okafor, 43, former Nigerian International footballer.

April 18: Olubayo Adefemi, 25, Nigerian International footballer died in an auto crash in Greece.

April 20: Ashley Nwosu, famous Nollywood actor, died after a brief illness at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

June 18: Echendu Adiele, 32, Nigerian footballer.

June 30: Christy Essien  Igbokwe, 50, famous musician and actress.

July 20: Chief Al-Mustain Abaniwonda, 56, PDP Lagos East senatorial district candidate.

August 7: Sam Loco Efe, 69, veteran Nollywood actor and comedian.

August 1: Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

September 4: Geraldine Ekeocha, Nollywood actress.

September 14: MC Loph, real name Obiajulu Nwaozor, famous Nigerian musician.

November 20: Chief Alex Ibru, 66, publisher of The Guardian Newspapers, former minister and politician.

November 25: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, 78, ex-Biafran warlord.

Bomb Blasts And Explosions

January 1: At an Abuja Army Barracks mammy market.

April 7: An explosion hit a polling booth at Unguwar Doki, Maiduguri, Borno State, injuring more than ten people.

April 8: Bomb explosion at the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, office in Suleja, leaving 11 people dead.

April 15: Youths riding on a motorcycle threw a locally made bomb into the premises of the Maiduguri council office of the INEC.

April 21: Two suspected bomb-makers died in a blast in Kaduna.

April 25: Three bomb blasts ripped through Tudu Palace Hotel and Kano Motor Park in Maidugri, Borno State.

April 27: A bomb blast was averted at an INEC collation centre in Oron, Akwa-Ibom State several hours before the commencement of voting in the state.

May 28: 13 people died and 40 were injured after a blast occurred at the mammy market of Shandawanka Barracks in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital.

May 29: Eight victims lost their legs after an explosion occurred at Zuba, a suburb of Kubwa in Abuja.

June 16: A massive explosion at the National Police Headquarters building in Abuja.

August 26: Bomb blast rocked the UN building in Abuja, killing many.

December 7: A heavy explosion occurred at Oria Apata along Katsina Road by Ogbosho Street, opposite the former Scala Cinema at about 9:30 am.

Other Major Events

February 26: Former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George, regained freedom after serving out two years imprisonment alongside four others for contract-splitting when he was Chairman of Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA.

February 2011: Convicted former Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank International Plc, Cecilia Ibru, regained freedom.

April 9: National Assembly elections held across the nation.

April 16: The presidential polls won by President Goodluck Jonathan were held.

April 26: The governorship and House of Assembly elections were held across the Nigerian state.

May 28: Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, signed into law the Freedom of Information Act as passed by the National Assembly.

June 5: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja.

August 17: Nigeria launched Sat-X (the first Nigerian-built satellite) into space.

October 6: EFCC arrested the former governor of Ogun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as well as his Oyo and Nasarawa State counterparts, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and Alhaji Akwe Doma, respectively, over allegations of fraud to the tune of N101 billion.

October 10: Former governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje, surrendered himself to the EFCC in Abuja.

October 12: Nollywood actor and veteran comedian, Alhaji King Babatunde Ayinla Nurudeen Olasunkanmi Omidina, a.k.a. Baba Suwe, was arrested for alleged possession of substances suspected to be cocaine by the officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. He was later freed after a protracted detention without excreting the suspected substance.

November 21: Senator Ali Ndume was arrested following allegations that he was one of the sponsors of the dreaded Islamist group, Boko Haram.

November 22: Ali Umar Konduga (a.k.a Al-Zawahiri), former spokesperson of Boko Haram, was convicted for felony after he pleaded guilty to the one-count charge against him.

November 23: President Goodluck Jonathan sacked the Chairman of the EFCC, 65 year-old Farida Waziri, and appointed Ibrahim Lamorde as the Acting Chairman of the Anti-graft outfit.

Former Health Minister, Dr Tim Menakaya, spoke with Sola Akingboye in Abuja on issues relating to Ojukwu’s death

How did you receive the news of Ojukwu’s death?

His death came as a rude shock and surprise to me, having seen him less than a month before then. I went to see him in London and we stayed together for two days. I felt he was getting much better, he was sitting down and looking better but death can come anytime. It’s a big loss to us, to Nigeria and the Igbos. We thank God for giving him to us and we thank God for all his contributions towards the Igbo people which should not be emphasized, because he came at the right time for us. When we were being pursued like wild animals in Nigeria without any provocation, he came and brought us together and saved us from the slaughter. Because of that we are most grateful to him. Also, he was a wonderful Nigerian that believed in a strong one Nigeria. I am surprised that most people in Nigeria up till now did not understand the reason for the war, it is a shameful thing and history will one day tell the history of what happened.

Now, now that Ojukwu is dead, do you think there is any one that can fit into the shoes he left behind as a great leader of Ndigbo?

Ojukwu’s shoes are Ojukwu’s shoes; getting somebody to fit into it can only be Ojukwu and no other person, but leadership is entrusted to us by God and we believe that one day, he will be able to give to us who will be able to lead, and it is not sacrosanct to any person. It can happen at any time.

Sir, looking at what people like Ojukwu believed in and fought for as regards the issue of federalism, could we say the civil war and its resolution have actually addressed the political problems facing Nigeria?

I don’t believe it has been addressed, mostly with the utterances of some people who are even leaders in this country, and probably leaders who witnessed the war, what they are saying about remorse or things like that. It sound so stupid that any person at that level will ever mention a thing like that. If there is anybody to be apologized to, Nigerians should apologize to the Igbos. Alright, Nigerians should mourn the death of the people they have slaughtered; Nigerians have slaughtered their fellow Nigerians because they are called Igbos. And most of the time they don’t even use the word Igbos; they are called Easterners because they killed a lot of people including those from Rivers, the Ijaws, people from Akwa Ibom, people from Cross River, and many others. They slaughtered a lot of people outside Igboland. At times, if you believe a few things, it may be why Nigerians still have a lot of problems. We have to cleanse ourselves and cleanse the country. What happened that pushed the Igbos down to their own enclave and made them resist complete elimination has not been addressed in this country; there is still marginalization. There are still some Nigerians who still open their mouth and talk nonsense about what they don’t know anything about; you cannot ask somebody whom you are pursuing not to defend himself.

In what way do you think President Jonathan, whose people, the Ijaw, were apparently also victims of the civil war massacres, can address some of these issues for a genuine reconciliation now that Ojukwu is dead?

I am very happy with his actions. Though he must be a very young man at the time of the war, I am sure he understood what happened. His actions have showed that he wants to build a solid Nigeria where we can be our brothers’ keeper. He is doing that very well. He should remain focused and keep working hard. We believe that what other distractions he is having would be overcome.

Finally, the debate whether Ojukwu should be given a national burial or not has been settled. But the Igbos are asking that he be given a national honour. What do you think about this?

Well, let’s look at Ojukwu’s antecedents in Nigerian history. When the first coup occurred, he was selected to be governor of Eastern region. Then we had four regions: the Western region, the Northern region, and the Mid-west region. Ojukwu led the Igbos and tried to get them back into the Nigerian nation, and that is something that is laudable, that is something that he should be honoured for. There is every reason for Ojukwu to be honoured and I strongly appeal to the federal government to let that be done. I am also very grateful to the National Assembly that honoured him. I believe the country should do the same.

Christmas celebrations include spending time with the family, decorating the entire house, inside and outside, and shopping for oneself, friends and relatives. Spending Christmas with the family is very important. On this day, all family members spend time in baking cookies, making fudge and preparing a big Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings. The children love to see each other and spend the day playing games and sharing their new gifts and toys that Santa Claus brought for each of them. Everyone feels fortunate to have their family at Christmas time. The year’s most celebrated holiday on December 25 is important, both for homes and churches worldwide. The meaning of Christmas is to recognize Christ’s birth, of which the exact date is not known. The celebration of Christmas incorporates the following:

Christmas Tree

A Christmas without the Christmas tree is incoherent. The fragrance and essence of the Xmas trees have been an integral part of the celebrations as well as of the family unit since time immemorial. The celebrations usually begin with the selection of the tree and carries on with the decorations till the day of Christ when all the revelry takes place in front of this very tree. Gifts are placed under the tree as family and friends gather around to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Santa Claus

The whole persona of Santa Claus is well etched out and is a very attractive icon of children. Christmas is a festivity most awaited by children and this has immensely helped in the survival of the legends of Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Klaas. The Dutch settlers in New York brought this fun and lively tradition to America.

Christmas Decorations

There are many things that can spark the Christmas spirit. The arrival of cold weather, the smell of cookies baking in the oven, and the presence of family are all examples. But nothing seems to trigger the magical feelings of the holiday season quite like holiday decorations.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas. The celebration of Christmas begins on the evening of December 24. The importance of Christmas Eve in terms of popular customs is greater than that of the day itself. On this day, the Christmas-tree is manifested in its glory; then, the Yule log is solemnly lighted in many lands; then often the most distinctive Christmas meal takes place.

Midnight Mass

The Midnight Masses were originally celebrated by the Pope towards midnight in the chapel of the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, before a small congregation. The celebration of Mass at midnight is based on the ancient belief that Jesus was born precisely on the stroke of twelve. Some of the inevitable aspects of Midnight Mass include its solemnity and impressiveness, with the happy sound of pealing bells, with light sparkling everywhere and with hymns of joy.

Celebrating Christmas

Celebrating Christmas has nothing to do with spending a lot of money and having elaborate parties. The biggest celebrations are the most personal ones spent with people whose company we love. A simple thing as watching a beautiful Christmas movie with a special someone can be all it takes. Or maybe share a home cooked meal with friends in front of the decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas Meal

On Christmas Day, a special meal of Christmas dishes is usually served, for which there are traditional menus in each country.

Christmas Songs

Christmas songs stand as one of the most important pillars of holiday music. The vast collection of Christmas songs prompts a lot of lovers of Christmas music to fall in love with it. These songs are sung by one and all and are also presented by famous singers in their incomparable style and timeless voice. Christmas songs capture the warmth of the Christmas season like no other. All the songs are beautiful, bringing that unmistakeable Christmas charm to each and every household.

Christmas Gift

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus for members of the Christian religion. The first celebration of Christmas took place in Rome. Christmas is a wonderful catalyst for enjoying the precious and simple pleasures of being, if only for a brief time, close together in the warm familiarity of friends and family, renewing relationships and sharing memories. People enjoy this festival with lots of love and enjoy Christmas with sweets and gifts.

Christmas Costumes

Christmas cannot be discussed without reference to special Christmas costumes that are worn on this occasion. Christmas costumes are a must if you are getting ready for Christmas and you need to play Santa or dress up as an elf, or playing a part in a holiday play. During Christmas, one can source every kind of costume imagined for adults and children. People dress up in home-made as well as ready-made Christmas costumes that are reminiscent of traditional Christmas celebration.

Lekki Concession Company, LCC, a private sector-driven special purpose vehicle, SPV, set up to actualize the redevelopment of Eti-Osa Lekki Toll road few years ago in Lagos State has said that tolling on the delivered first section of the expressway will start from December 18, 2011. This came following the lifting of the ban on tolling by Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, during his presentation of the 2012 budget proposal at the State House of Assembly recently. While addressing the state lawmakers, Fashola revealed that the state government had lost well over N4 billion due to the stoppage of tolling when LCC first announced resumption on January 4, 2011.

Addressing senior business editors in Lagos recently, managing director and chief executive officer of LCC, Mr Opiuyo Oforiokuma, said the 22-lane Admiralty Circle Plaza had passed all local and international tests and standards. The scheme is coming at N50 billion direct private sector investment expected to be recouped within a period of 30 years from the date of delivery and toll resumption.

Explaining strategic issues relating to the reconstructed alternative road made for motorists that cannot afford to pay the tolls on the new Eti-Osa Lekki Toll road, Oforiokuma said the alternative road to bypass Admiralty Plaza has been redeveloped, stressing that any motorist wishing to avoid the toll can ply the alternative road. The said alternative road can be said to begin from Oniru Estate gate through Market Road and terminates at the second pedestrian bridge on the Eti-Osa Lekki Toll road, about few metres after the toll plaza. Ofiriokuma also noted that though the second toll plaza planned for 18 lanes may be completed soon, tolling will not start until the alternative road, which takes off at Chevron through the swamp to burst out after Okoya Thomas castle home, is completed.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Lateef Ibirogba, who co-chaired the press conference with Oforiokuma, said government has addressed all issues raised against tolling before now, especially the critical concerns of communities on the corridor. He explained that apart from plying the alternative roads to avoid paying the tolls, motorists who access the toll road from the alternative road will enjoy all the merits of the expressway. On the services rendered to road users along the alternative roads, Ibirogba noted that they will rely on the normal traffic services rendered by agencies of the state and not the LCC.

Also speaking, Special Adviser and Director General, Office of Private-Public-Partnership, PPP, Dr Ayo Gbeleyi, said government is proud to associate with LCC in the transformation of Eti-Osa Lekki Toll road considering the volume of private sector investments the redevelopment of the road has encouraged in the corridor. He explained further that the suspension of tolling earlier in the year and prior to general elections had nothing to do with the politics of winning the election, insisting that government stopped the earlier date of January 4, 2011 in order to resolve several complaints and critical issues raised by stakeholders and largely the host communities on the stretch which had now been settled. Gbeleyi therefore called for support from motorists for successful take off of tolling on the Admiralty Circle Plaza.

On the toll tariffs, the LCC boss explained that two major payment systems had been developed. Under the Standard Toll Tariff, STT, option of payment which implies cash transaction at the plaza, motorcycles will pay N50, while saloon cars and tricycles will pay N120. Sports utility vehicles, minibuses and pick-up trucks will pay N150. Also, light trucks and double-axle buses will pay N250 while heavy trucks and buses with two more heavy axles will pay N350 on each crossing. Oforiokuma who advised motorists to opt for the e-payment model revealed that “under this model, there is swiftpass and e-Tag tariffs options, all coming with reduced rates because they entail advance bulk payment with electronic tag which can be decoded on nearing the plaza as ‘drive straight without any delay’”.

He further highlighted some of the design and delivery specifications of the roads, saying the road is currently comparable with tolling roads anywhere in the world. He said using the road will amongst other things aid faster journey times and improve safety and conveniences. “It will also reduce wear and tear and drop vehicle maintenance cost with the attendant lower fuel consumption which translates to lower emission for our environment. There will be round-the-clock Incident Management Services, IMS, which include route patrols, tow assistance, ambulance service, and customer care helpline,” he added.

By Stanley AZUAKOLA

Politicians live to win elections. If there was a zeroth law of politics, it would be: Anything is possible, doable and sayable when it is politically expedient.

Consider Atiku Abubakar. A sitting PDP vice-president in 2007, he decamped to the Action Congress to run for president, famously labelled the PDP “a den of killers” on the campaign trail, lost the election, then crawled back into the PDP in time for the 2011 elections which he also lost. But that isn’t my point of contention. Abubakar, from his choice of wives and spread of business interests, does not come off as a man guided by tribalism. Yet in 2011, in the thick of his bid to unseat President Jonathan, he submitted himself to a group of Northern elders under a nonsensical arrangement to choose a Northern consensus candidate who’ll compete in the PDP primaries. He had no qualms whatsoever, when it suited his politics, to convert into an ethnic champion. Neither did Bukola Saraki or Ibrahim Babangida, both of whom also signed up for that arrangement.

The easiest way to start a fire in Nigeria is to invoke tribe or religion. Yet these are the arsenals most readily employed by politicians in need of cheap political points. Before anyone runs to town declaring that this is peculiar to the PDP, let us consider for a moment the uproar with which the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, greeted the recent nomination of Roli George as board member of the National Population Commission, NPC. Roli’s husband is the burly ex-convict and Lagos PDP chieftain, Chief Olabode George. That the ACN would be wary of Chief George is understandable. That they would want to take it out on his wife by opposing her nomination to any high office makes sense as well. But that their argument against her qualification would be that she, the wife of a bona fide Lagosian and a resident of the city, is not a Lagosian, is simply absurd. It’s a good thing that the ACN has soft-pedalled on that pin-headed position in recent days.

Public officials easily act as both nationalists and tribalists, unifiers and dividers, depending on which side is paying at any given political time. This chameleon-like values system has repercussions for the polity. Most noticeable are the ethnic themed violence like that which has almost turned Jos into a huge killing field. There are, however, some less combustible repercussions which could prove deadly in the long run. I’ll cite two examples.

A senator, Ali Ndume, presently stands accused of being one of the funders of Boko Haram, the violent Islamic sect whose roughshod attacks in the North have left many dead. Shock cannot begin to describe my reaction when I read in the papers that some of Ndume’s kinsmen had gone on a protest, alleging that their “brother” was being victimised. Agreed, Sen. Ndume has not been convicted of any crime, but phone records have shown that he has a case to answer. It is disturbing that whenever a politician is arraigned for any crime in this country, a band is immediately assembled to cry wolf. The complaint is usually the same: they are persecuting him because he is “our brother” or “our son.” Law enforcement agencies are perpetually kept on the defensive because tribal motives are read into every arrest or arraignment. Nigerians need to realise that turning a blind eye to a man’s offence because of his tribe is just as criminal as prosecuting an innocent man for the same reason.

Prosecuting innocent men is the best way to describe what recently happened in Abia State. In one fell swoop, Gov. Theodore Orji fired all “non-indigenes” working in the state civil service, not because they were incompetent or redundant. No, the state needs money to offset its huge wage bill. So his solution was to sack the aliens. The governor didn’t consider that Abians are one of the most widely travelled and dispersed people in the country. Or what happens if every other state governor retaliates? Hitting out at people who we see as not being “one of us” is the easiest reaction to challenges and the most dangerous.

Contrast Gov Orji’s actions with the inclusive model adopted by his Rivers State colleague, Rotimi Amaechi. Through the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency, RSSDA, the Rivers State government has sent thousands of Rivers school-leavers to universities abroad, tuition free. This year, the qualification net was expanded to include children of “taxpaying non-indigenes” who have been resident in the state for up to ten years. This is the kind of forward thinking governance suited for the Nigeria of our dreams. Initiatives like that should be commended and encouraged and politicians put on notice that rhetoric and actions which seek to divide have no place in our country.

That’s why it irks me to see men like Tonnie Iredia, former DG of the NTA, who should know better, act like tribal warlords. Iredia recently whined in his Vanguard newspaper column that his Benin people were being marginalised in “their own state, Edo” by minorities. And what was his evidence? No Benin man has ever been ordained Catholic Archbishop of Benin, the governor of Edo State is not Benin, a Benin man was only finally appointed as vice-chancellor of the University of Benin about three years ago, you know, things like that. Conveniently, he made no mention of Lucky Igbinedion, the Benin ex-governor of the state who chaired the Nigeria Governors’ Forum at some point. I can understand why Iredia wasn’t eager to incorporate Igbinedion in his arguments. Igbinedion’s woeful performance as governor which eventually culminated in his arrest, arraignment and conviction on corruption charges, would have blown away the sand on which Iredia built his arguments. Pundits with large megaphones have a duty not to abuse the privilege by championing primordial tribalism.

Competition between ethnic groups, states and even regions cannot be eliminated. In fact, competition can be good for democracy. If a state, for instance, thinks it needs to attract investments by providing stable power for its people, it could ask that the FG permits it to generate and distribute its own power. Stable power would attract entrepreneurs and investors, stimulate the state’s economy, as well as challenge other states. That challenge is healthy and desired. Anchoring competition, however, on ethnic sentiments is counterproductive. Sentiments should never trump democratic ideals, merit and competence. Subtle elements which reinforce our divisions must be minimised or done away with altogether. Why do we need to include our state of origin in forms for employment, banking, university admissions and contract bids? Why do different tribes have different cut-off points when seeking admission into a federal institution like the University of Lagos?

We cheer the Americans for electing the son of a Kenyan man into the White House, yet in Nigeria, a man who was born and has lived all his life in a state other than that of his ancestors cannot claim citizenship of that place. In 2009, and again in 2010, two different members of the House of Representatives sponsored bills that would have corrected this indigene/settler anomaly but the bills were killed. It wasn’t a priority for the legislators. The search continues. WANTED: TRUE NATIONALISTS!

By Odinaka ANUDU

On Saturday, November 26, 2011, the name of the vice-chairman of Urhobo New Face Association, UNFA, and gubernatorial candidate of Citizens’ Popular Party, CPP, in the January 2011 governorship re-run election and the April 2011 governorship elections in Delta State, Chief Ogbe Onokpite, was added to the endless list of those whose lives have been cut short in unfortunate and controversial circumstances in Nigeria. Nobody would have believed that the vibrant young man of 38 would have died in a circumstance which could best be described as terrible and controversial.

According to the findings of this magazine, Onokpite was killed at Beeland Hotel, Orhuwhorun Road in Udu LGA of Delta State by policemen in Warri. The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Tsafe, narrated that two of Onokpite’s boys were arrested with AK-47 rifles and other deadly weapons by undercover officers who intercepted a Honda car with registration number AM 528 JRT driven by one Malik Okorokporo. The boys escorted the police to the hotel where Onokpite was lodged and on seeing them, the deceased tried to escape and was consequently shot and killed by officers and men of the Nigeria Police. The Commissioner asserted that the suspects confessed that the rifles were to be delivered to one Collins Egbara, Chairman of Agaga Community, who is now at large. The police helmsman in the state denied that the killing had political connections and stated that it was just a criminal case that ought to be treated as one.

However, a petition filed by Festus Keyamo, counsel to the deceased’s family, on behalf of the Onokpite family, dated Monday, November 28, 2011, with the caption “Murder of a Governorship Candidate in Delta State: Call for Investigation”, and addressed to The Inspector-General of Police, Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, faulted the Police Commissioner’s submission. It stated as follows: “We act on behalf of the members of the ONOKPITE and IGHOMRORE families of Okpe and Uvwie Local Governments in Delta State respectively represented by Chief V. E. Onokpite who is the elder brother to Chief Ogbe Onokpite. It is our brief that Chief Ogbe Onokpite (born 38 years ago) WHO WAS A GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE OF THE CITIZENS POPULAR PARTY IN APRIL 26TH GENERAL ELECTIONS HELD IN DELTA STATE was lodging at a hotel called Beeland Hotel situated at Orhuwhorun in Udu Local Government Area, Delta State when men of the Nigeria Police attached to the Police Area Command, Warri (in the company of other plain cloth unidentified persons) stormed the hotel to arrest Chief Ogbe Onokpite.

“On arrival at the said hotel, the police ordered the receptionist on duty at the hotel to show them the room where Chief Ogbe Onokpite was lodging. Out of extreme fear, the receptionist obeyed and took the policemen to Ogbe’s room and he was immediately arrested and brought out (to the open still within the hotel premises) and shot in the leg. Chief Ogbe was then carried out of the Hotel premises (still alive) in a vehicle bearing the inscription of the Nigeria Police, Area Command Warri to the Police Station at Warri where he was again shot in other more delicate parts of his body and left thereat to bleed to death…. Need we say that Chief Ogbe Onokpite has a right to life guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and nothing in this Constitution justifies extra-judicial killing of any person no matter the offence he may have committed.

“It is in the light of the foregoing, we are calling on you to employ your good offices to unravel and bring to book the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force involved in this illegal killing of Chief Ogbe Onokpite who, like any other citizen of Nigeria is presumed innocent until proved guilty. The Onokpite family is prepared and are urgently requesting for a Coroners’ Inquest to be made in order to obtain the autopsy report and a full Criminal Investigation Report of the murder of an innocent citizen. The lifeless body of Ogbe Onokpite has been dumped at the morgue in the Central Hospital Warri, Delta State. We look forward to an expeditious treatment of this petition in the interest of justice and for the benefit of the bereaved family members.”

The petition was copied to Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aso Villa, Abuja; the Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Abuja; Chairman, Committee on Public Petitions (SENATE), National Assembly, Abuja; and Chairman, Committee on Public Petitions (House of Representatives), National Assembly, Abuja.

From these accounts, Nigerian OrientNews learnt that many people in Delta State, especially politicians, feel that Onokpite’s killing was strange. It was gathered that the former United States-based Urhobo man had often made it a habit to launch criticisms against the present government for what an analyst called “irresponsible government in Delta”.

One of our reporters was provided with a copy of a local newspaper where the late opposition politician vented his spleen on the performances of the state government and the state House of Assembly. In an interview with Ese Adagbra of Urhobo Voice, the late politician asked the State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan rather than suspend sitting on the basis of the fact that there was non-completion of projects in their constituencies. In that report, the late Onokpite was quoted as saying: “The House is a mess. Deltans do not have confidence in them. Their performance so far has been very poor, whether PDP or DPP. They are looking for money. They are failures, except the member representing Ukwuani state constituency. If they have the guts to impeach Uduaghan, let them do it. Uduaghan deserves to be impeached because he does not have the qualities to be governor. He is squandering our money because he knows the people did not vote for him.”

According to Nigerian OrientNews further findings, the deceased was always criticizing injustices meted to Deltans, especially the Urhobo nation, whether at the federal or state level. One respondent, Ukachi Ebiere, suggested that his death was not unconnected with his severe criticisms of government officials in Delta State who were “after their own pockets”. But there were few who saw no reason why the murder could be linked to the state since the deceased was not the major opposition candidate of the PDP.

As it is, many questions continue to bog the minds of Deltans. One, why did the police shoot Onokpite who would simply have been regarded as innocent until found guilty? Two, does any part of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria justify extra-judicial killing of a Nigerian, despite the offence he committed? Third, even if Onokpite was the kingpin, did the police find any implicating object in his room that would warrant his murder, even if he really ran on seeing them? Fourth, who will conduct an objective investigation into this murder, the police or an independent body? These questions beg for answers. And Deltans, especially the Urhobo nation, would want clear-cut answers so that there would be no room for intense hatred between the Urhobo and another ethnic nationality, such as the Itsekiri.

Fashion is dynamic as fashion trends change from time to time and from season to season. Now that another Christmas is here, what are the fashion trends going to be?

By Oby NNAJIOFOR

Last week, I was chatting with my friend when she threw this question to me: “When are you going for your Christmas shopping, because there are lots of fashion trends for this season that one can’t afford to miss out of?” I was surprised to hear that from an adult, probably because I belong to the school of thought that believes that one can shop at any time whenever the need arises, it doesn’t have to be Christmas. But my friend did not mind me surprise but went ahead to list the items she would love to purchase for the season: Louis Vuitton shoes, tanktops, gypsy skirts, Ankara, beads, Chanel No.5 perfume, and so.

Wow! I thought to myself, what is wrong with this picture? Ladies and the latest fashion trend for every season! She already knows the fashion trend to look out for this Christmas. I thought she would make do with what she has already and maybe buy one or two stuffs to add up, but no, she wants to be in tune with the latest trend and this really got me wondering.

As if that was not enough puzzle for me to solve, I got a phone call from my elder sister the next day requesting me to accompany her to one of the biggest markets in Lagos for her Christmas shopping.

What is this excitement among ladies for shopping for Christmas wears all about? I kept asking myself. I felt like the only right person in a wrong world or the other way round. But whatever the case, I decided I must find out.

Getting to the market exposed me to yet another dimension to Christmas and its correlation with fashion. I discovered that knowing the latest trend for this Christmas would get one equipped for the celebration galore.

In bygone years, shopping for Christmas wears, especially in our part of the world, was usually restricted to children, that is, parents shopping for what their children would wear. The adults often ransacked their wardrobes for whatever was available to throw on during the festive period. Today, the reverse is the case as many designers and accessories’ makers have embarked on series of campaigns to ensure that every lady has their brands on, especially on Christmas morning.

So, for the 2011 Christmas season, the fashion trend to look out for depends on the occasion. For traditional outings, quality Ankara fabrics with beautiful designs and damask clothes that could be sown into some stylish format will be trending this season. Short clingy dress on heels, sexy black and red dress, a lovely leather hand bag, sunshades of different colours, and pencil jeans and top to-match will also be trending, while diamond jewellery and drop earrings with stones are not a bad accessory for this season.

One can get all these locally, but if you are a stickler for foreign brands and products, then the following brands will be trending for this Christmas: Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, Fendi, Versace, etc. And for that perfect hair, the Brazilian, Chocolate, Passion and Black pearl will give you that stylish look you desire.

Why did you go into farming?

I was born in an agrarian area, Item Nwagu in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State, a place established by the World Bank in 1979. There, we have over 4,300 hectares of swampy land for rice cultivation. So, considering my background, I found it necessary for young men like us to engage in agriculture because it is the only venture we have and can never fail in it. It is one venture that when you put your money, you rarely have a loss. This motivated me to go into farming.

What is the vision behind Chiboy Farms?

We are looking at catering for the food production needs of our people and creating jobs for young people. We want to make the youths see a future in agriculture. We are into various forms of agriculture – rice farms, poultry farming, fishery, snailery, grass cutter production, agriculture management, etc. We also produce organic fertilizer from the poultry and fishery which we recycle. We make sure that people develop their skills on those areas. There is no one who acquires these skills that would ever go hungry. They can at least on their own put food on their table. We want to make sure we meet the food security needs of this nation. At Chiboy Integrated Farms, any youth that is willing to gain the required skills in agriculture, we train them free. We have trained a lot of young people including undergraduates from the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike and other institutions. People often say there is so much hunger in the land. I do not believe so. The problem we have in this land is laziness. People do not want to make use of their initiatives. We are urging the Federal Government to be more sincere in their efforts in agriculture. We often hear of billions of naira being pumped into agriculture, but Nigerians do not see the results because of poor implementation. We are urging the Federal Government to create a department to supervise agriculture. They can take a cue from Ebonyi State where the state government is engaging the youths in agricultural entrepreneurship, where many youths are trained to specialize in different areas of agriculture and then given grants, and they are doing well because of proper supervision. We are not supposed to be importing rice from other countries; rather, we should be exporting rice. Our agricultural potentials should be properly harnessed. Irrigation should be put in place. All the three tiers of government should be involved. We should not depend on the oil sector alone. And in Ebonyi State, let the co-ordinators of each of the development centres be able to train one person in agriculture.

Do you think Nigerian farmers are doing enough?

Individuals are trying, but the banks are not giving access loans to the farmers. We see publications about farmers that receive loans, but who are they? Let the banks come and prove at least one person that they have given loan for agricultural purposes. We have tried as much as we can to make sure we receive loan but no way. Whatever we do is by our personal effort. So the Federal Government should have an implementation committee and supervision committee made up of people of repute to enable farmers receive the necessary financial facilities. Let us harness agronomy, aquaculture, etc. We need to do a lot in this country and we can move forward if we are determined and focused. I assure you, I am not boasting, we can give food to Ebonyi State in general if there is proper financing from FG. We can create jobs for youths and ensure each state can establish a department where people would go and acquire skills and go ahead and set up their own farms under supervision. We need to go back to vocational education. Nigerians believe so much in theory and that is why we are failing. Look at China’s economy which encourages vocational trainings, it is booming. Malaysia came to Nigeria some years back to pick palm seedlings; now we are importing from them. Let us go back to our roots. Let us go back to what our forefathers used to do and engage in it, it would help our economy to boom.

What challenges have you been facing in your farms operations?

Initially, we had problems with water supply but we have been able to solve that problem. We dug up water some kilometres away from the farm and connected it to the farm. Thank God that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration has ensured that electricity is more stable now. The day-old chicks need electricity to keep them warm, although we use manual means in some occasions; the same thing applies to our feed production where we need electricity. This makes the prices of products higher because we use diesel to power our machines at our feed mills. We pray PHCN would improve in their electric power generation.

What about market for the products?

We are doing well. We even have international market for our products. We export cassava products from Calabar port to the United Kingdom and other countries. People around this area are consuming the fish. The restaurants and relaxation centres in Abakaliki come to buy fish and grass-cutters from us. When the First Lady of Nigeria and wives of governors from various states visited Ebonyi State, they booked for grass-cutters, which we packaged and sent to them. Grass-cutter meat does not contain cholesterol. Research has shown that its consumption reduces the risk of hypertension. We pride in its production because it is a healthy meat. For the poultry, this is the time we get a lot of orders because of Christmas. The one we had before, Mr Biggs paid upfront for 2 years. The market is there. We just need to expand.

Not too long ago, the Ebonyi State government sponsored some young farmers to acquire requisite skills in agriculture from Songhai Farms, Porto Novo, Benin Republic and empowered them with loans to start off their farms. What do you think about this initiative?

It is a welcome development. It has helped in reducing crime in Ebonyi State to zero because most of these youths are now focused and engaged. Gov. Elechi has done so much in training most of them. I could take you around most of their farms and you would see the progress they are making. We are supervising them so it is giving a very good name to the state government. And most of them are now employers of labour. Some of them employ up to 5, 10 or 15 people in their farms and this has helped in reducing crime. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. There is no crime and kidnapping in Ebonyi State because we are focused in agriculture.

You are dynamic and focused in your agricultural venture and you are so energetic, what is the secret behind it and how can we learn from that?

I am not a shy person. I do what has to be done. I can go to my farm and pack the chickens’ droppings because it gives me joy. I am very comfortable in the work I do and that is what gives me joy. I manage myself and that is what keeps me energetic. From year to year I do not fall sick. I thank God for that. I always work according to the clock, no time is a waste. I make out time for everything I do.

Is Chiboy into other businesses besides agriculture?

Yes, we are business people, we are into automobiles, we have electromotive and mechanical sections and we handle other technical aspects of automobiles. We are dealers in Toyota and other cars. We are also into financing and exportation of agricultural products. Chiboy Foundation is involved in charity. We give succour to the helpless and help in restoring the dignity of man. We rehabilitate ex-convicts. We also have guidance and counselling section to lead young people in their careers. I was called to be commissioner but I don’t want it. I want a place where I can make sure we turn this country around and that is what I urge young people to look at.

Any advice for intending young farmers?

We are urging more youths to go into farming. It is not all about coming out with degrees and waiting for appointments. I studied medicine up to 5th year, then I left the programme and studied microbiology. I have masters in epidemiology, HND in Public Administration and OND in Practical Agriculture. I do all that so that I could be perfect in what I do. Many youths just brandish certificates and cannot defend it when given jobs to do. Our youths should shun laziness and learn to be good at what they do. Many people are waiting for appointment, but appointment is not the way. Bring the unemployed who keep waiting for white collar jobs to me let me teach them how to make money. Honestly, Nigeria is a big country. It is only River Jordan that supplies water to the whole of Israel, how much more Nigeria with 36 states and Abuja where all the land are fertile? We don’t have natural disasters like earthquake, yet things are not right. Let us put our heads together, make hay while the sun shines and call a spade a spade.