Nigerian tops Russian medical varsity exams with 5.0 CGPA, tipped for National Honour

Following his outstanding performance at the Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, a Nigerian student, Dr. Olalusi Oladotun Victor, has been recommended to the Presidency for National Merit award as Ambassador of Academia.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwabioala, the 27-year old indigene of Ondo State, Olalusi, graduated from the Russian University in 2013 as the best student with a CGPA of 5.0 out of a possible 5.0, bagging a Doctor of Medicine with Honours.

He disclosed that the Olalusi who got a Federal Government scholarship award to study in Russia under the aegis of the Russian-Nigerian Bilaterial Education Agreement (BEA) in 2006 has made the nation proud and deserves to be given a national merit award.

Olalusi had led a team of other International students from Russia, Italy, Greece, Morocco and bagged the “Best Captain of the Year” award at the University’s annual Quiz competition. His team – International United – won Silver at the University’s annual Quiz competition.

Olalusi, who represented Nigeria in the University’s Hall of Fame, delivered a valedictory speech as the best graduating Student in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences with a grade point of 5.0. The year 2012 saw another Nigerian student, Ganiyu Sanusi bagging the “Best Student of the year” award at the University’s quiz competition. He graduated as the best student in the faculty with first-class honours and a CGPA of 5.0. Ganiyu Sanusi now works as an Intern in one of Nigeria’s teaching hospitals.

Nigeria-born Alonge Olanike Omotola, who in 2010 represented the country on the University’s Hall of Fame, bagged first-class honours degree in Medicine and Surgery and was the best Graduating student and valedictorian for that year. She proceeded for her Masters Degree at Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA.

Over the past five years, Nigerian students at the Russian National Research Medical University have consistently topped the graduation chat, bagging honours and contributing their wealth of knowledge to the University’s academic status.

Killer of Famous African Lion, Cecil Identified

The hunter said to have lured a beloved lion named Cecil out of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, to be shot and killed as a trophy, has been identified by authorities as Walter James Palmer, a Minnesota dentist.

The July 1 killing of a Cecil, a 13-year-old black-maned lion that held iconic stature in the wilderness preserve, sparked outrage as details began to leak about his death and how the lion was killed.

The lion was said to have been lured out of the park with an animal carcass tied to the bumper of a vehicle belonging to the hunting party, which was on private land outside of the park.

Cecil was shot with a crossbow, then stalked for several hours and dispatched with a rifle.

Two arrests were made before Palmer was identified as the triggerman Tuesday, by the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force and the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe.

Later Tuesday, Palmer issued a statement that reads: “I hired several professional guides, and they secured all proper permits. To my knowledge, everything about this trip was legal and properly handled and conducted.

“I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt.”

Cecil had been wearing a GPS collar as part of a longstanding research program. It’s illegal to hunt collared animals, and the collar was illegally removed after the lion was skinned and beheaded.

According to the Star Tribune, Palmer was once convicted of poaching a bear in Wisconsin. His dental office was closed Tuesday, so he could not be reached for further comment.

The Telegraph in the U.K. was first to name Palmer as Cecil’s killer, reporting that two independent sources, one of which reviewed the hunting permit, confirmed the identity.

Palmer is a globe-trotting big-game hunter. Photos of him posing with animals he has killed–many of which appear on his Facebook page–are being shared on hunting blogs and other websites.

His dental office website was disconnected early Tuesday, and he was being harshly criticized on social media. Paul Blume of Fox 9 tweeted a photo of the outside of Palmer’s office, showing stuffed animals placed against the building by critics hoping to fashion a sort of memorial. The office had closed for the day, presumably because of an overwhelming amount of criticism leveled toward the hunter.

SOURCE: http://www.grindtv.com/wildlife/hunter-who-killed-cecil-the-famous-african-lion-identified-as-minnesota-dentist/#2ziQMOq4oCtqP0FB.97

Full transcript of Presidents Buhari, Obama joint briefings on Monday

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, it’s a great pleasure to welcome President Buhari and his delegation here to the Oval Office for his first visit since the historic election that took place.

Nigeria is obviously one of the important countries in the world and one of the most important countries in the African continent. Recently, we saw an election in which a peaceful transition to a new government took place. And it was an affirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, a recognition that although Nigeria is a big country and a diverse country with many different parts, nevertheless the people of Nigeria understand that only through a peaceful political process can change take place.

President Buhari comes into office with a reputation for integrity and a very clear agenda, and that is to make sure that he is bringing safety and security and peace to his country.

He’s very concerned about the spread of Boko Haram and the violence that’s taken place there, and the atrocities that they’ve carried out, and has a very clear agenda in defeating Boko Haram and extremists of all sorts inside of his country. And he has a very clear agenda with respect to rooting out the corruption that too often has held back the economic growth and prosperity of his country.

On both these issues, we’re looking forward to hearing more about his plans and how the United States can partner with Nigeria so that Nigeria ends up being an anchor not only of prosperity and stability in the eastern part of the continent, but can also be an outstanding role model for developing countries around the world.

And we very much look forward to talking about security issues, how we can cooperate on counterterrorism. We’re looking forward to discussing how we can be helpful in addressing some of the corruption issues that have held Nigeria back, and unleashing the incredible talent of the Nigerian people. We all recognize that some of the best businesspeople in the world are from Nigeria, and they thrive as they travel to other countries, but we want to make sure that they’re also helping folks thrive in Nigeria.

We’re also going to have an opportunity to talk about some of the other areas where Nigeria has taken leadership — in public health issues, fighting tragedies like Ebola. Nigeria has an outstanding track record working with us to eradicate polio, and that gives us a framework and a template to continue to work on public health issues throughout the western part of Africa, as well as throughout the subcontinent.

We’ll have a chance to talk about issues of climate change, electrification. As many of you know, Power Africa is one of our top priorities, making sure that we’re electrifying the continent so that it can grow faster and more people have access to the power that they need.

So we’ve got a busy agenda, but I want to emphasize how much I appreciate President Buhari’s work so far. I’m looking forward to seeing him put together his team so that we can do everything that we can to help him succeed and help the people of Nigeria succeed. Because if they’re successful and doing well, that will have a ripple effect not only in West Africa, but throughout the world.

So thank you very much.

Mr. President.

PRESIDENT BUHARI: Nigeria will remain ever grateful to President Obama and the United States for making Nigeria to consolidate its gains on a democratic system. The visit of the Secretary of State, when he visited Nigeria to see the President and the whole government of Nigeria, see the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission for Nigeria, and saw the operation was very clear and a positive trend that saw us through for this credible election we had.

And the maintenance of pressure by the United States, mainly, and Europe, to make sure that the elections were free, fair and credible led us to where we are now. It would have been almost impossible if the United States did not maintain the pressure on the former Nigerian government, but they would not accept anything less constitutional as far as the processes of the election are concerned. We will ever remain grateful to you because there are fundamental objectives that are identify all of Nigeria’s people’s Congress — security, economy, employment especially of youth, and then fighting corruption.

We are extremely happy that the United States had made it absolutely clear before the election that they are prepared to help Nigeria in this aspect. And this is why I am here, and I am very grateful for the invitation Mr. President extended to me.

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you so much. QUESTION FROM A JOURNALIST: Mr. President, the Security Council approved the deal (Iran). Will that help you in Congress?

PRESIDENT OBAMA: I think it will send a clear message that the overwhelming number of countries who not only participated in the deal, the P5+1, but who have observed what’s happened, recognize that this is by far our strongest approach to ensuring that Iran does not get a nuclear weapon. There is broad international consensus around this issue — not just among the international community, but also among experts in nuclear proliferation. And my working assumption is that Congress will pay attention to the broad-based consensus.

Nigeria committed to good governance and fighting terror - President Muhammadu Buhari

This month, the world moved a step closer to the defeat of Boko Haram, the jihadist group that has terrorized hundreds of thousands in the northern states of Nigeria. In one of my first acts since taking office as president six weeks ago, I have replaced the heads of Nigeria’s army, navy and air force. Our new military leadership has not been chosen because of their familiarity with those in government, as was too often the case in the past, but on their track records and qualifications alone.

These new military leaders will be based in Borno State in northern Nigeria, where the headquarters of the armed services has been relocated. This shift of resources and command directly to the front line, in addition to the replacement of the head of the State Security Service, Nigeria’s intelligence organization, and a new emphasis on working in partnership with our neighbors, has equipped us to take the fight directly to Boko Haram.

Already we are beginning to see a degrading of Boko Haram’s capabilities as a fighting force. In recent weeks, it appears to have shifted away from confronting the military directly to an increase in attacks on civilian areas, as we saw only last week when an elderly woman and 10-year-old girl blew themselves up at a Muslim prayer gathering in northeastern Nigeria. We should not be confused by this change, hateful as it is: It does not mean that Boko Haram is succeeding in its aims — it shows that it is losing.

While we work to defeat the terrorists, I ask the people of Nigeria and the world for resolve and fortitude. The campaign we will wage will not be easy; it may not be swift. We should expect stages of success and also moments when it may appear that our advances have been checked. But no one should have any doubt as to the strength of our collective will or my commitment to rid this nation of terror and bring back peace and normalcy to all affected areas.

Similarly, my determination should not be underestimated in other matters. This includes instilling good governance and tackling the scourge of corruption that has held Nigeria back for too long.

As I meet with President Obama today — the first time a president of the United States will encounter a Nigerian counterpart following the peaceful transfer of power in a contested election in our history — I will be discussing my plans for critical reforms. So, too, will I discuss why the formation of my administration is taking time and, crucially, why it must. Already there are voices saying these changes are taking too long — even though only six weeks have passed since my inauguration. I hear such calls, but this task cannot and should not be rushed.

When cabinet ministers are appointed in September, it will be some months after I took the oath of office. It is worth noting that Obama himself did not have his full Cabinet in place for several months after first taking office; the United States did not cease to function in the interim. In Nigeria’s case, it would neither be prudent nor serve the interests of sound government to have made these appointments immediately on my elevation to the presidency; instead, Nigeria must first put new rules of conduct and good governance in place.

I cannot stress how important it is to ensure that this process is carried out correctly, just as it has been crucial to first install the correct leadership of the military and security services before we fully take the fight to Boko Haram.

There are too few examples in the history of Nigeria since independence where it can be said that good management and governance were instituted at a national level. This lack of a governance framework has allowed many of those in charge, devoid of any real checks and balances, to plunder. The fact that I now seek Obama’s assistance in locating and returning $150 billion in funds stolen in the past decade and held in foreign bank accounts on behalf of former, corrupt officials is testament to how badly Nigeria has been run. This way of conducting our affairs cannot continue.

Indeed, the failure of governance, it can be argued, has been as much a factor in Nigeria’s inability thus far to defeat Boko Haram as have been issues with the military campaign itself.

So the path we must take is simple, even if it is not easy: First, instill rules and good governance; second, install officials who are experienced and capable of managing state agencies and ministries; and third, seek to recover funds stolen under previous regimes so that this money can be invested in Nigeria for the benefit of all of our citizens.

We seek the support and partnership of the United States in these tasks. The importance of the fight against terrorism and corruption in Nigeria, Africa’s most powerful economy and largest populace, cannot be underestimated. Our allies can provide much-needed military training and intelligence as our soldiers take the war effort to Boko Haram. Similarly, we look to U.S. businesses as well as the Obama administration to help develop governance initiatives that can ensure that Nigeria’s wealth benefits all its people, not just a few. By taking these steps, we will be positioned to benefit from increased investment — particularly in energy and electricity — from the United States.

I was elected on a platform of change. I know this is what the people of Nigeria desire more than anything else. I know they are impatient for action. I realize the world waits to see evidence that my administration will be different from all those that came before. Yet reforming my country after so many years of abuse cannot be achieved overnight. In our campaigns against both Boko Haram and corruption, we should remain steadfast and remember, as it is said: “Have patience. All things become difficult before they become easy.”

Governor Ahmed: Rising to the challenge of economic downturn

One of the enduring lessons of the last general elections was that power has actually been restored to the people and any politician who dare gets access to the corridors of power does not have alternative than doing the biddings of the masses by fulfilling his or her campaign promises or be showed a red card through the ballot.

Indeed, the era of politicians deceiving the electorate with sugar coated mouths several times in the name of campaigns and naratting bicycle stories at the end of the tenure while seeking another mandate has gone.

Today, political culture in Nigeria has improved. Citizens are more politically conscious and alive to their responsibilities; asking questions from the elected representatives intermittently and getting more interested in the business of governance as a result of social contract between the governed and those who govern.

Across the land, expectations are high, citizens expect rapid change in all facets of human life and improved welfare of the citizenry while most Nigerians are desperately eager to see that things are turned around to enable the country take its rightful position among the comity of nations. As evident across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, the inaugural addresses of the recently sworn-in state governors reflected on their outlined programmes and developmental projects to be executed in the next four years.

The case in Kwara State was not different as Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Maigida nKwara, as fondly called, unveiled his plans for the state in the coming years shortly after he was sworn-in for a second term in office. Governor Ahmed promised to strengthen urban electrification programme with solar streetlights on major roads in major towns like, Omu-Aran, Patigi, Kaiama, Lafiagi, Offa, Share and Tsaragi.

On the security of lives and property, Governor Ahmed said his administration would sustain the strategies designed to reduce activities of hoodlums in the state through job creation and entrepreneurship development. According to him, the International Vocational Centre, Ajasse-Ipo will be fully equipped and become operational this year to provide the youths critical vocational skills for entrepreneurship.

He added that, a 100 megawatt Independent Power Plant would be built in Kwara North senatorial district to power essential service, such as hospitals, government offices, educational institutions in order to free up more energy from small and medium scale enterprises.

Interesting as how these outlined programmes may sound or appear however, it will remain a mirage if nothing is done to increase the resources coming to government's coffer from different sources of revenues because the federal allocation accruing to the state is unreliable as it could not pay the wage bill of the state let alone developmental projects.

The drop from an initial monthly allocation that was a couple of years back a little over N3bn to far less than N2bn leaves no one in doubt that no serious government will continue to hinge its programmes and projects execution on proceeds from the sales of crude oil, the mainstay of Nigerian economy. The drop has become a recurring decimal over the years!

Thus, it is interesting to know that Governor Ahmed made it unequivocally clear that the government would not impose new taxes in its strategy for increasing IGR to N2b per month but by increasing the efficiency of revenue collection. The monthly IGR which stood between 600 and 800 million naira per month is nothing to write home-about when a state like Lagos is generating about N27bn monthly.

At a meeting with state governors over unpaid workers salaries, President Muhammadu Buhari made it crystally clear for the governors to cultivate the culture of prudent management of resources.

President Buhari tasked the Governors to look inwards to secure sustainable ways of increasing internally generated revenue (IGR) and harnessing growth potentials of each state to supplement allocation from Federation account. Hence, the justification for the establishment of the new independent revenue generating agency to champion the new tax regime and drive the state economic policy.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed while signing the new law on Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) in his office said Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS) is a corporate body charged with the sole responsibility for effective collection and management of state and local council revenue.

According to him, the establishment of KSIRS was necessitated by the need to reduce reliance on federally allocated revenue and raise additional revenue to ensure the state government continues to meet its obligations to the people.

Governor Ahmed emphasised that while KSIRS would not be imposing fresh taxes on individuals and businesses in the state, the new service is authorized to assess and enforce payment of due taxes, levies, fees, and charges in the state.

Governor Ahmed said the new law also establishes a State Joint Revenue Committee with the responsibility to harmonize tax administration in the state and deal with revenue matters of common interest to state and local government authorities.

Governor Ahmed also announced the establishment of a Revenue Court to try tax defaulters and evaders as well all any individual or business that refuse to comply with the provision of the law.

On the fate of staff of the defunct Board of Internal Revenue, Governor Ahmed said they had an option of remaining in KSIRS, transferring their services to the core civil service or leaving the service.

To enable the Service meet its target and more importantly to safe various ongoing projects in Kwara state from being abandoned and to ensure execution of more meaningful projects, all residents of the state must brace up for the new tax regime.

This is indeed not a time for desperate politicians fighting tooth and nail to get appointed into juicy offices while lacking prerequisite knowledge and experience to bring government's outlined programmes in such sector to fruition and attract investors into the state.

Kwara and other states in Nigeria should break away from habitual addiction to oil money if Nigeria must develop by tilting to other funding windows such improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), creation of conducive business friendly environment to attract investors into the state and harnessing various mineral resources in the state as well as explore opportunities abound in agriculture and tourism sectors with a view to improving revenue and enhance the state economy.

Since tax is an extraction from citizens income to the government, the government should build the economy by creating environment that would make the citizens prosper and develop their capacity to pay more taxes to the government's coffer.

There are some individuals and corporate organisations who are reaping and benefitting much from the state without paying anything into the coffer of the government. This is not healthy for the state economy. They ought to plough back to the society through regular payment of their taxes for the government to further development the state.

In fact, it is a stupendous injustice against the civil servants who on monthly basis pay their taxes from the source through PAYE system for years while some investors and businessmen and women pay little or nothing as taxes over the years as required by laws. It is believed this new drive will rectify the injustice and inequality in the interest of the state.

Without shadow of doubt, there is fear on the air owing to misplace priority, perceived lack of prudent management of the resources among government officials at all level over the years as well as the issue of public trust on whatever noble novel idea government is unveiling. The questions that usually arise are what has happened to beautiful idea earlier initiated? What brought about non completion of some projects? How did the government manage federal allocations and IGR accrue to the government over the years?

For residents of the state to be encouraged to willingly perform their civic duties, it is pertinently important for the government to justify the judicious utilisation of the state resources and be more transparent in its dealing to the public.

Good news is that the new tax law of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed promises to block leakages in revenue collection and reduce cost with a lean but effective team in order to reduce the cost of governance and guarantee prudent management of the state resources. The new tax administration guarantees improved process of tax administration and management in order to create more funds to drive infrastructural development in the State, create more opportunities for teeming youths and improve the living standard of the people.

The process of stalemating the activities of touts who forcefully or willingly collect taxes from unsuspecting members of the society without receipts has commenced in harness and yielding positive result. In otherwords, all taxes paid must be backed with verifiable receipts to ensure transparency in the tax administration in the state.

All revenue generating establishments such as the Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KWASAA), Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), Bureau of Lands, Harmony Holdings Limited, Vehicle Inspection Office, Kwara State Traffic Management Agency (KWATMA) among others must sit up and brace up for the new challenge in raising the state's revenue profile.

State owned parastatals, agencies and institutions should equally venture into business programmes without derailing from their primary responsibilities in order to augment their internally generated revenue and relieve the state government of the amount of subventions it usually made available. The Chief Executive Officers of the state owned establishments must endeavour to shun reckless spending and be more transparent in their dealings in order to save for the raining days.

Religious leaders, the media, opinion moulders, traditional and community leaders should use their influence to encourage the citizens to play their part by paying their taxes as and when due and perform other responsibilities while they keep the government on its toes to justify the taxes being collected.

Time will indeed tell whether the new IGR drive is a better alternative to financing projects and other people oriented programmes or not!

How God answered our prayers in Buhari’s detention — Koleoso

Veteran politician and former national chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Michael Koleosho, speaks with SATURDAY TRIBUNE’s KATE ANI on his days in military detention and life experiences generally. Excerpts:

Most people from my generation only know you as a former SSG to the late Governor Lam Adesina, former commissioner under the late Chief Bola Ige and also, a prominent and influential Oyo politician, can you give us a glimpse of your background?

I was born in Saki, precisely at Kinikini quarters, Emiabata Compound, on April 30, 1938. My parents, who are now late, Pa Samson Alamu Koleosho and Madam Comfort Subulade Koleosho, were both converted Christians. We are four from my mother and I am the third child. I finished from Ajegunle Baptist Primary School in 1954. In 1955, I entered Local Authority Modern School, Saki, where I spent one year before going into teaching. I was a pupil-teacher in 1956, at Ogboro; which is now a town at Saki-East Local Government. I left teaching in December 1956 and gained admission to Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, in 1957. I was there from 1957 to 1961. In 1962, I became a teacher at Progressive Modern School, Tede, just for a term and was later recruited to teach at Baptist Boys High School, Saki, as their Mathematics teacher. I left in December 1962 when I gained admission to the School of Hygiene, Eleyele, Ibadan. I was in School of Hygiene between 1963 and 1964, When I graduated as Public Health Inspector, I was posted to the then Saki District Council as the Health Inspector. When I left the School of Hygiene in 1964, I did my diploma in Public Health, which then covered the whole of West Africa. It was called Royal Society of Health for West Africa and I was lucky to be one of the few who passed the exam, which made me to have a diploma in Public Health. I was in local government service for 10 years, from 1965 to 1975, when I voluntarily retired and went into business and politics. I was a serial businessman. I was then a factor to PZ, Leventis, John Holt and later, I became a distributor to three major brewery companies and some others too. After I left local government service, around 1978, the then Oba of Saki, Oba Abimbola Oyedokun II gave me the chieftaincy title of the Babalaje of Saki. That is to show you my level of involvement in business. But along the line, I went into serious politics.

As a successful businessman, what made you venture into politics?

I reluctantly joined politics because my people just wanted me to go into politics. I remember that the late Oba Abimbola Oyedokun had to intervene. He even called my father then that he should talk to me that he wanted me in politics and due to what the Oba said, I contested councillorship election in 1976 into the then Saki District Council. It was a thing of joy for me because I was returned unopposed. That was in 1976 and seeing what my people did for me, I was so overwhelmed and I decided to donate my three years salaries and allowances to the ward, who returned me unopposed. That money was used to build a maternity centre at that ward and up till today, that maternity centre is still functioning and has even been extended and modernised. Having seen me extend such kind gesture to the people, when it was time to hold another election in 1979, I contested election into the Oyo State House of Assembly and I won overwhelmingly. I spent just three weeks in the House before I was appointed a commissioner. So, I left the legislature and joined the executive. I was commissioner from 1979 till 1983.

But why did you leave a position you contested for that you won overwhelmingly to be a commissioner, which is not an electoral position?

Well, it wasn’t my making; it was what my people wanted. You see, from our area in Oke-Ogun, we were allotted a position for a commissioner and people thought that I would be more useful as a commissioner than as a legislator. That was why I was appointed a commissioner in the late Chief Bola Ige’s administration as governor of Oyo State. Initially, I was posted to the Ministry of Establishment and Training and was there for 11 months before I was moved to the Ministry of Works and Transport, where I was till the expiration of our tenure then. When we left government in 1983, I decided that I wouldn’t want to be in politics again but my people wouldn’t allow me. So, I was still very active in politics. I remember very well that a lot of things happened along the line. When we left in 1983, NPN came in with Chief Omololu Olunloyo as governor but just three months after he was made governor, the military struck. They took over government in the country and some of us who served then were clamped upon and sent to detention alongside Chief Bola Ige. But glory to God, some of us came out unblemished.

What was your experience like in detention, knowing that it was an injustice to you? We were thrown in Agodi prison in Ibadan alongside the late Chief Bola Ige, the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin; former Governor [Adamu] Attah of [the old] Kwara State and the late Ambrose Alli, then governor of Bendel State. I think about six governors were with us in that prison. Some of us were commissioners. We always said a prayer before going to bed and every morning. One morning, after a prayer session, I told my mates not to despair over what was happening to us; that something told me that those who put us in prison unjustly would be brought there too. As fate would have it, after we regained our freedom, there was a countercoup and [President Muhammadu] Buhari and [Tunde] Idiagbon were brought to Agodi prison.

What led to the clampdown?

Some people wrote a petition against us, those of us who held sensitive positions like finance and transport. When the army came in like that, they would want to act in an overzealous way to show that they were doing their job.

For how long were you detained?

We were interrogated separately. As soon as they finished with a suspect and concluded that he was telling the truth, they would allow him to go. So, some spent three months and others, five or six. The panel set up then asked me questions as commissioner for works and transport and when I satisfied them, they let me go. After that experience, we remained close to our leader and mentor, Chief Bola Ige. One day, he called us and said, ‘my boys, let’s siddon dey look’ and see how far they would go. Every one of us went back to our areas to lie low. We didn’t get involved in politics. But when it was time, we came back in full swing. I was nominated as the state chairman of Afenifere and it was that body that we used for our political activities. I later became the state chairman of the body, which later metamorphosed into [the Alliance for Democracy] AD. It was during my tenure that the late Alhaji Lam Adesina won election as governor. And In his wisdom, he made me the Secretary to State Government (SSG). We were together for four years. A remarkable thing was that throughout the period, Lam and I were very close. We had no misunderstanding. We ate from the same plate as much as people tried to cause disaffection between us. They couldn’t succeed; we were just so close. In 2001, as SSG, I was conferred with the national honor of the [Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic] OFR. The honour made me happy and spurred me to work harder. I think I was the only SSG in the country then that was given that award. Along the line, I was elected deputy national chairman of the AD, while Alhaji Abdulkadri was the national chairman. When crisis erupted in the party, there came two factions. We, from the Bola Ige group were the authentic AD that INEC recognised. I later became the national chairman of the party. Along the line, our own faction metamorphosed into the Action Congress (AC) and from there, we became the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

During your time as Bola Ige’s commissioner, what situation would you describe as the most unforgettable?

There was nothing we did in that government that wasn’t remarkable. With the meagre resources we had, we were able to touch lives. Our scholarship schemes then were so good that many of our children were sponsored to study overseas. Many of them are now in top positions in the country. We built many classrooms. When I was commissioner for works, I introduced the idea of tarring five kilometers of roads in each local government headquarters, Osun State inclusive. Anytime I go out there, I see some of these roads and they are still in good shape. This is something that I cherish so much.

You also had a very close friend then in the late Busari Adelakun, alias Eruobodo, can you share with us the mysterious circumstances that surrounded his death in detention?

Although he died in detention, I believe that it was his time. Those who think they can kill the flesh are not capable of killing the soul. I don’t really believe that somebody killed him. I believe that it was his time to die when he did. It will happen to every one of us when the time comes. I must give it to him; he had a lot of interest in me. Alhaji Adelakun was older than me and we met in government. At a time, I was invited for an interview for the appointment of commissioners. The interview took place at Chief Bola Ige’s house at Oke-Ado. I went to that interview alone. I drove myself to the place and parked my car by a big fruit tree a distance away from Chief Bola Ige’s house. Many people had already gathered at his house and were being called in one after the other. I stood by my car, watching, thinking that when it was my turn, they would call my name. Alhaji Adelakun and the father of our present governor, Alhaji Ganiyu Ajimobi, saw me and walked towards me. They asked what I was doing there and I told them that I also came for the interview. They asked why I distanced myself from the crowd and, I told them that when it was my turn, they would invite me in. The two of them turned away wondering to themselves: ‘This handsome young man, well dressed, is fit to be a commissioner.’ I found that they were saying this to people around before I got there, after my name was called. That was Busari Adelakun for you. He was such a person that wouldn’t hide his feelings on any issue. When we met in the cabinet - he was also appointed a commissioner – we worked as a team.

You announced, around December last year, that you had quit partisan politics, what led to that decision?

I left partisan politics because I felt the game is not being played the way it is supposed to. Although there wasn’t any crisis, when I noticed that the situation of things is not in the right direction, I felt the best thing was to step aside. I stated in a release to that effect that although I had quit partisan politics, I was available to anyone from any political party who wanted to gain from my experience. I am available and that is why you see many of them come here.

But which political party do you have sympathy for? It is alleged that you supported a former governor of the state and Labour Party governorship candidate, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala. You see, you call a dog a bad name just to hang it. Those who feared me or saw me as blocking their way were the ones saying all sorts of nonsense. Where did they see me campaigning for Alao-Akala? I know what I am doing. As of now, I am ‘siddon dey look.’ But that is not to say that I cannot give advice when necessary.

As an APC chieftain, you seem to be distancing yourself from Governor Abiola Ajimobi, are you in good terms with him?

How did you know that I am distancing myself from the governor?

You weren’t heard supporting him during his campaign and you were conspicuously absent during his inauguration.

People read meanings into things. They probably want to cause confusion. During the inauguration, the governor sent me an invitation card but it was the same day and time President Buhari was being sworn in. I couldn’t be in two places at the same time. I don’t know who would say that I should not be in Abuja for President Buhari’s inauguration.

Some people placed a newspaper advertorial, calling for your suspension from the party.

It was not about those people that placed that advert, but those that coerced them to do so. And as an elderly man, did you read me replying them? You don’t need to reply people who are off their senses. If people have decided to be stupid, you don’t need to join them in their stupidity. I am not their equal; we are not on the same platform, in age and experience. Those who placed that advert were misguided because they know my worth. Why would someone say that I had gone to Labour Party without taking the time to find out? What did they know about APC? I told you earlier that I was the national chairman of the AD. I collapsed AD into ACN and to APC. When people are trying to be mischievous, they would say all sorts of things and if they play that kind of dirty politics, it is because they are looking for something to eat. They don’t have any means of livelihood and have taken politics as their business. I have never taken politics as a business. The leadership of APC even phoned me not to reply them. The issue before us now is to manage what God has given us. This is not the time to open old wounds or think of what to gain. They should be serious and see how we can get our people out of the woods. If you go into town, you will know that things are happening. People are really hungry and now that God has given us this national government, the best thing is to work with other people to see that we succeed. That is what we need to be doing now.

What was life like while growing up?

I used to tell my friends and even my children that I really enjoyed my youthful days. In those days, the popular means of transportation was bicycle. There were only a few motorcycles and cars and they were meant for the privileged. When I was in modern school, I used to ride bicycle to school. Our teachers then rode bicycles to school. As a student then, I was riding bicycle to school too. That is to show you how pampered I was then. My father really loved his children. Although he didn’t have formal education, he could read and write. He made sure that all his children went to school. His friends then would make jest of him that when we become learned, we would neglect him, especially when we get married. My father would reply them that if he trained his sons and they become parents and then show their wives and children love and not to him, there is no problem so far we would not neglect our mother. My late elder brother also played a prominent role in my life. He made me comfortable. When I was at Olivet, I lacked nothing; I was pampered. I give him that credit and that is the reason I can’t forget him. I thank God for my life now because during my youthful days, I was so indulged that I didn’t even know that I could live up to this age (77). Seriously, I did a lot of dangerous things.

Like what?

I have been driving since 1954 and I was very notorious…

With women or with money?

With everything and everybody. I don’t discriminate. I don’t want to know whether you are a woman or man, I was always free with people. That is my life. Life then was so good. You trusted people so much that while drinking beer, you could leave it to go and ease yourself and nobody would put anything into your drink. You can’t do that now. Now, everything has changed. You can’t trust people now. Even somebody very close to you, you need to watch. In those days, you moved with people, ate together, played together but now, things have changed. Your generation has changed everything.

How did you meet your late wife?

God is so kind to me. In 1960, during the Independence Day celebration, my local government organised a party. One of the activities lined up for that party was to choose the most beautiful lady and the most handsome and well-dressed guy. I went to that party that night and was chosen as the most handsome and well dressed guy, while this lady, who eventually became my wife, was chosen as the most beautiful among her peers. That was how everything started. Later, we got talking and began exchanging letters. To cut the long story short, we became so close and when she left college, she was posted to my area. When I left the School of Hygiene, I was also posted to the same area. We were in the same vicinity and in 1965, we got married. It was a big ceremony. Although she has gone to rest, there is no day that I don’t remember her. Something would just cause me to remember her.

When did she die?

Almost 11 years now.

Why haven’t you remarried?

There was no need for me to remarry because my wife gave me seven good children. What would I want to remarry for?

Maybe for companionship. Your children are all out of the country and this mansion you live in seems so quiet; just you and your domestic servants as occupants?

It is not that I don’t have someone that I am in a relationship with. I have a woman that I am in a serious relationship with but I can’t remarry.

Is it because of your children, are you looking out for them when the issue of your will comes up, by the time you are gone?

Everybody knows the implication of marrying more than a wife. If you know the implication, one would always be careful. A woman would always be a woman and that is why it is wise to stick to one wife. Any reasonable man would know that even you should not have two girlfriends at the same time because you would be giving yourself a lot of problems.

You mean divided attention?

Not only that, a lot of evil things can crop up. That is why one must be very careful.

What do you miss most about your wife?

Everything. I miss her every day. If you enter her room, her bed is still there. It is just as if she is still here. Everything is still as she left it. All her clothes are still in her wardrobe. She was so close to me that she spoilt me in all ways. Up till today, I am saying this with pride, it is difficult for me to eat outside. She spoilt me so much with her cooking that I can’t even eat outside.

What of parties?

I don’t eat at parties. The best I can do at a party is to drink water.

What led to her death?

It started like a joke. I would even make jest of her that what is wrong with her. When I saw that it was getting serious, I asked her to go and meet her son in the United States, who is a medical doctor. She was there with our son in the US and was taken to hospital and was operated upon. The operation was successful but she remained at the hospital. I went to the US to see her. Our son told me that she was still unable to talk but was stable. When I got to the hospital, surprisingly, my wife opened her eyes and held my hands. My son was shocked and said ‘what?!’ Although she didn’t talk, she held my hands and I was delighted. We left the hospital and on the third day, I left for Nigeria to prepare for her arrival. When I got to Nigeria, the second day, our son called to tell me that his mother had passed away. Probably she was waiting for me to come before dying. So, I don’t see a reason to marry again. I am fully engaged 24 hours. I am okay and happy.

You still look young and handsome at 77, what is the secret?

It is because I don’t envy people. I am not jealous and I watch what I eat. But more than that, it is just the grace of God. My father died at the age of 105, while my mother died at the age of 102. But what I pray for every day is that anytime I won’t be able to do things on my own again, I pray that God should take me home to rest. I don’t want anybody to go to the extent of feeding and washing me. I want to leave anytime I’m not able to take care of myself anymore.

SOURCE: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE - http://tribuneonlineng.com/how-god-answered-our-prayers-buhari%E2%80%99s-detention-%E2%80%94koleoso

Buhari should involve opposition in his cabinet - Prof Abdulraheem

Prof Shuaib Abdulraheem Oba is a former chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) who contested for the governorship ticket of the PDP in the April 11 elections. The one time vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin explains why President Muhammadu Buhari needs to look beyond his party and include opposition members as well as other qualified Nigerians in his cabinet.

Weekly Trust Saturday: What were the challenges you encountered as chairman of the Federal Character Commission?

Prof Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem: My years in the FCC were an eye-opening experience. The commission was designed to address the issue of equity, lack of proportional representation, and the issue of welding Nigeria into a united nation. The challenge was that of enforcement. We have laws that can bring lots of improvement but we couldn’t enforce them. And to enforce the laws, you must have financial resources. This is a democratic process; hence, according to the federal character law, if you find an offender you are supposed to take him/her to court. But the resources of the commission are so small that to get the services of a lawyer is difficult. If the offender has a better lawyer, it is like a lost case. So for the commission to function properly, it needs government to fund it, particularly its legal department. The FCC recognised that Nigeria is a multinational, multiethnic society, so everybody needs to be carried along.

DTS: Can you say that the commission has been a success?

Prof Abdulraheem: Yes, it is a success because it gives equal opportunities to Nigerians in job placement. It also ensures equitability and distribution of infrastructure. And that has been the most difficult to enforce because some people, especially politicians, know that they will be at a disadvantage. However, this is peculiar to government. If the FCC succeeds in providing infrastructure to every part of the country, the politicians will have nothing to campaign with. Everybody is afraid to touch that side because it exposes the nakedness of our party officials.

DTS: What are the legacies you left behind?

Prof Abdulraheem: The FCC has become better known. It has come to the consciousness of chief executives of MDAs and Nigerians as a whole. Before my tenure, they did a lot of jobs to design a working criterion for the commission, but they didn’t bring it to the consciousness of the people the way it was done in my five-year tenure. Staff welfare was another landmark. We were able to get a property in Zone 5 area of Abuja, but because of some lapses in communication, the property was shared between the Federal Road Safety Commission and the FCC. The implementation of guidelines was another landmark. We worked with most of the commissioners that were there before I got there.

DTS: As an academic, what do you think is the problem with the nation’s educational sector?

Prof Abdulraheem: As a professional educationist, I will say it is like every other sector in Nigeria. Education is the main driver of any society, but you need money to make it work. A lot of money has been pumped into the education sector, but the administrators and the handlers of the project are not really prepared to work. Almost 90 percent of funds put into the sector go to infrastructure, which is actually the award of contracts and buildings. That does not translate into the instrument for training young men and women. The instrument for converting education to national wealth requires a lot of management too. You must have the infrastructure, but most importantly, the human angle is very important. The universities, for instance, are predicated upon competence to promote and pursue research, especially for development. To be able to do that, you must focus on building human capacity within the system, you must invest money in the training of researchers, in the recruitment of top class academics who will contribute for providing the environment for the people to learn. Another place that is very visible is the lower echelon of education, where young children begin what they call basic level. I think the greatest damage done to education is from that level, it is the most abused level of education. It has the challenge of population explosion, but the infrastructure available is inappropriate to the number of person interested. You will have a class with a bench for 30 people, yet it is accommodating 56 people. It is where you have primary schools not properly staffed, no books to read, and even furniture are not there. This opens the gate to commercialists who run private education, where only a fraction of the population can get through. So the issue of accessing admission is also important.

DTS: Some are of the opinion that polytechnics should be scrapped because of certificate disparity and discrimination during employment. What is your take on this?

Prof Abdulraheem: The policy envisages three tiers of education, which include the primary, secondary and tertiary. The polytechnics were meant to service particular needs. They are meant to identify persons with particular skills that are tilted towards acquisition of knowledge. That is why they have technical secondary. These persons are identified at the basic. Where we have the problem is at the point of job seeking. There shouldn’t be any discrimination if we are sure that the quality set out was attained. Among those who attend technical education are geniuses who have not been discovered. They shouldn’t be put at the back quarters because they have not been to the university.

DTS: What is your take on the 2015 general elections?

Prof Abdulraheem: The elections brought lots of eye-opening circumstances. It was proved that elections can hold in Nigeria without violence. It was also proved that the opposition can defeat a sitting government and the government will let go, rather than insist on litigation. I have accepted it as the will of God, but that does not remove me from the People’s Democratic Party. I like the spirit of sportsmanship demonstrated by both sides. The action taken by Buhari prevented his overzealous followers from going into the streets to mock and taunt the opposition. It is the proper environment for real change. Nobody will say there was nothing wrong in the last government. Of course something was wrong. In fact, no government will claim that something can’t go wrong.

DTS: Do you think the All Progressives Congress should run an inclusive government?

Prof Abdulraheem: I am sure that President Buhari knows Nigeria in and out. He has been in that seat before and he has been around for decades. He has a vision of the kind of Nigeria he wants to see. So if he wants to run a Nigeria that will belong to all Nigerians, then he must get the people that will have the same vision. Governance is different from politics, if he is going to run a successful government, like most Nigerians expect, there must be an all-inclusive structure in place. Some Nigerians have an idea of the kind of Nigeria they want to leave for their children. There are Nigerians like him who have the same vision but find themselves at the wrong side politically. It will do Nigeria good if they are brought in.

DTS: Were you surprised that your party, the PDP lost the presidential elections?

Prof Abdulraheem: I am not surprised. This is so because of what happened before the elections. The PDP was a victim of what you can call arrogance of power. It had seen itself as a party that no one could beat. All the echelons of the party were concerned with themselves and the kingmakers, without really testing the mood of the people. There were accusations of corruption on prominent people in the PDP-led government, yet the leadership turned the other eye. You couldn’t expect to win at that point.

DTS: You contested for the PDP governorship ticket and lost. What could have caused this?

Prof Abdulraheem: I cannot say that I lost. I missed an opportunity because something went wrong. There was a misleading circumstance of criticism in Kwara over the PDP. If there was another name you could call the PDP, perhaps, people would have voted for them. We have a problem where those on the seat in Kwara State are anti-people. People were not happy, and they were eager for change. And we thought we could harness that kind of energy and desire for change. Unfortunately, we misread the environment. But there was a very unhealthy use of money, such that those of us who thought we could change things by persuasive argument and demonstration of patriotism realised that the people were not ready to be liberated from oppression.

DTS: What is the state of the PDP in Kwara now?

Prof Abdulraheem: It is still weak and divided. We must go back to the drawing board and see whether we can pick the pieces and still come back strong. Truly, there is going to be hard work to get the PDP back as a credible party.

Source: http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/weekly/index.php/politics/21051-buhari-should-involve-opposition-in-his-cabinet-prof-abdulraheem

Buhari meets BBOG Campaigners, laments the falling profile of Nigerian Military

President Muhammadu Buhari today met with BringBackOurGirlsCampaigners at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

Senate President Bukola Saraki attends Tafsir in Ilorin

Senate President, Doctor Bukola Saraki attended Tafsir (Qur'anic exegesis) at the Emir's Palace, Ilorin.

APC holds crucial NEC meeting as President Buhari insists on party supremacy

“Whatever your personal interests, put them in your pocket let APC work. Let the system work." President Muhammadu Buhari.

Past Directors General of the SSS

Lawal Musa Daura, New DG of the SSS

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Director General of the State Security Service, Ita Ekpenyong.

The President appointed Lawal Musa Daura as new head of the agency, which serves as Nigeria’s secret police.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Barrister Danladi Kifasi.

Daura was born in Daura in Katsina State on the 5th of August, 1953 and attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1977 – 1980.

He started his carrier in the State Security Service in 1982 and rose to the rank of Director.

He was at one time the Deputy Director Presidential Communication, Command and Control Centre at the Presidential Villa Abuja between 2003 and 2007.

He also served as the State Director of Security Service at various times in Kano, Sokoto, Edo, Lagos, Osun and Imo States.

He attended various professional courses both home and abroad including the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS) Kuru.

Directors General of the SSS ------- Term of Service

Lawal Musa Daura ------- 2015 (July) – Present

Ita Ekpeyong ------- 2010 (September) - 2015 (July)

Afakriya Gadzama ------- 2007 (August) – 2010 (September)

Colonel Kayode Are (Rtd) ------- 1999 – 2007 (August)

Chief Peter Nwaoduah ------- 1992 (October) – 1998

Chief Albert Horsfall ------- 1990 (September) – 1992 (October)

Alhaji Ismaila Gwarzo ------- 1986 (June) – 1990 (September)

Ambassador Mohammed Lawal Rafindadi (DG NSO) ------- 1984 (January) – 1985 (August)

Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi (DG NSO) ------- 1979 (October) – 1983 (November)

Colonel Abdullahi Mohammed (DG NSO) ------- 1976–1979 (October)

Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal to donate $32bn personal fortune to charity

The 60-year-old nephew of King Salman is at No. 34 on the Forbes list of the world's richest people. Prince Talal said he was inspired by the Gates Foundation, set up by Bill and Melinda Gates in 1997.

The prince, who does not hold an official government position, is chairman of investment firm Kingdom Holding Company.

The money, which he said was his entire fortune, will be pledged to Alwaleed Philanthropies, the prince's charitable organization to which he has already given $3.5 billion. It will be spent on developing communities, providing disaster relief and supporting women and young people, he said.

ELECTORAL REFORM & JEGA'S EXIT AS INEC CHAIRMAN

When he took over the mantle of leadership of Nigeria in 2007, Late President Umaru Yar’adua admitted that his election was characterized with flaws. Thus, he immediately inaugurated a twenty-two man Electoral Reform Panel, headed by a former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Mohammed Uwais with the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, a member, to carry out a comprehensive review of the country’s electoral system.

Inaugurating the Panel, Late President Yar’adua tasked the committee to work out a process that would enable the conduct of elections to meet acceptable international standard and make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) truly independent in name and deed with a view to imbuing it with administrative and financial autonomy and a mechanism to reduce post-election tensions. This is by ensuring the resolution of election disputes before the inauguration of elected officials.

To meet the targets set up by the then President and the entire citizenry with respect to elections in Nigeria , the Panel which had notable Nigerians toured the entire country to demand the input of Nigerians to electoral reform. As expected, the Panel submitted its report to Late President Yar'Adua and subsequently, electoral related bills were forwarded to the National Assembly which brought amendment to relevant sections of 2006 Electoral Act and 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In line with the reform to the nation's electoral process, the immediate past President, Doctor Goodluck Jonathan appointed the former Vice Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano and one-time President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Professor Muhammad Attahiru Jega as the Chairman of INEC on the thirtieth of June, 2010.

Professor Jega, a very calm, bold, courageous, patriotic and intellectual Nigerian distinguished himself from past Chairmen of electoral body in the history of the country by allowing the wishes of Nigeria to reflect on the outcome of the polls and restore public confidence to the electoral process.

The Don conducted two successful elections that take Nigeria more closer to advanced democracies of the world in conducting elections with minimal irregularities, minimal litigation and appreciable outcome adjudged as credible by both local and international observers. Without shadow of doubt, Professor Jega defied all odds to consolidate on the achievements made by the Commission in twenty-eleven by conducting a more transparent, credible, free and fair 2015 polls.

It is on record that Muhammad Attahiru Jega, a Professor of Political Science introduced the use of the Permanent Voter Card and Card Reader machines, starting with the twenty-fifteen general election. The machine no doubt improved the integrity of the last elections by verifying the fingerprint of the eligible voter and the code on the chip of a card. Thus, Permanent Voter Card and the use of card readers must be sustained in a move towards technological advancement and electronic voting in the future.

The role played by the Media, Civil Society Organisations and security agencies during the sojourn of Professor Jega at the INEC must also be acknowledged and appreciated to the conduct of internationally adjudged credible polls in Nigeria. The Media as the watchdog of the must step up advocacy on voter education and the need for all stakeholders to allow the wishes of Nigerians to at all times reflect on the outcome of elections.

President Muhammadu Buhari should further assist the electoral body in consolidating on its previous successful outings by injecting more non-partisan, competent, committed and God-fearing individuals into the Commission in order to improve the electoral process and strengthen the nation's democracy.

The INEC should equally begin the preparation in earnest for some staggered states elections as well as the 2019 general elections in order to avoid some noticeable challenges of late arrival of materials, functionality of card reader machines, alleged compromise by some officials of INEC as well as update of voter register to accommodate more eligible voters.

Abdulrosheed Okiki