Category: Features

Nigerian Teenager Sets New Record, Flies Benin to Lagos hiding in tyre hole of Commercial Airline

Daniel Ihekina, the Mysterious Nigerian teenager on free fight

This incredulous story should go into the Guinness Book of Record. Daniel Ihekina, a young Nigerian teenager outsmarted airliners, passengers and security personnel in airport and had a free flight, hiding in the tyre compartment of the commercial aircraft from Benin to Lagos. From his picture he doesn’t look like a witch or wizard. He looks every inch human, wearing a simple, white cross necklace. One wonder if he should be punished or rewarded for his daring exploit.

The story in the Punch newspaper read:

A teenager beat airline and airport security at the Benin Airport and sneaked into the tyre compartment of a Lagos-bound Arik plane, where he flew safely to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Saturday morning.

There was, however, pandemonium at the airside of the Lagos airport when passengers disembarking from the aircraft saw the teenager as he emerged from the undercarriage (aircraft tyre hole) to join fellow travellers.

The adolescent stowaway, identified as Daniel Ihekina, was immediately arrested by security officials at the airport.

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and Arik Air confirmed the incident.

Although the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said full and urgent investigation had commenced into the mysterious circumstances that led to the huge breach in airport and airline security, the situation has continued to beat the imagination of aviation authorities in the country.

The situation, which has become a major source of worry among the authorities, has also led to a blame game between FAAN and Arik.

FAAN, in a statement on Saturday, said it held “Arik Air liable for the circumstances leading to the stowaway of a teenage boy on its aircraft at the Benin Airport.”

In a statement signed by Dati, FAAN, said, “Arik Air acted with impunity by not stopping the aircraft to check when the crew and ground personnel’s attention was drawn to an abnormality on the tarmac.”

According to the FAAN spokesman, the procedure for such infraction is for the crew to abort the flight and return to the apron for check-up.

He blamed the airline for the alleged impunity, warning that the airport authority would not tolerate such infraction from any operator.

He said, “This is arrant display of impunity. The aircraft should not have taxied further, but return to the apron until a proper check is carried out on all parts of the aircraft. FAAN will not tolerate such impunity henceforth from Arik or any airline. Any violation would be met with applicable sanctions.

Dati, however, said the teenager was already giving useful information to unravel this ‘misnomer.’

In a swift reaction, Arik, in a statement, blamed FAAN for the huge breach in security, noting that the incessant cases of security breaches at the nation’s airport had become a major source of concern to the airline.

The statement quoted Arik’s Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue, as saying, “We are worried by the incessant security lapses at our airports. We are appealing to the management of FAAN to immediately address the problem.

“The management of Arik Air has expressed shock over the incident, wondering how the teenager beat the aviation security personnel at the Benin Airport to get to the runway.”

Arik said its pilot had reported to the control tower the presence of a strange boy in the bush about 200 – 300 metres at the end of runway before leaving the airport.

Ndulue said the control tower had told its pilot that they were sending security men to the place to arrest the boy.

Ndulue, however, said, “As the captain was making his final turn, preparatory for take-off, a cabin crew called his attention to the information by some of the passengers that they saw a boy running towards the airplane. The First Officer confirmed that they had observed it earlier and alerted the control tower which responded that they had sent the patrol team to arrest the boy. The captain again reported to the control tower and was informed that the situation was under control and that he had been cleared for take-off.

“On arrival at the domestic wing of MMA, Lagos, a teenage boy, who apparently had sneaked into the aircraft main wheel well jumped out and was arrested by Arik personnel and handed over to FAAN security.”

The Arik aircraft with registration number, 5N-MJG Flight 44, which left the Benin Airport around 9am for Lagos, was said to have on board top officials of the Edo State Government.

A passenger aboard the flight, who spoke with Sunday Punch on the telephone said, “We felt the signs in Benin when the plane was about leaving and as it was moving slowly, we heard a loud noise as if the tyre crushed somebody on the ground and we all started shouting. It means the boy was already inside that tyre compartment before we left. We left for Lagos, but when we landed at Lagos Airport, the boy came out from the tyre hole, everybody started shouting.

“But speaking seriously, this shows that we have a serious problem as regards securing our airports. This is a serious security breach. If that boy was carrying bomb, it means he would have succeeded in blowing up the plane. How can somebody be in an aircraft without being detected; we are in trouble in this country.”

Though no official at the Benin Airport volunteered comment on the issue, it was gathered that the teenager may have gained entrance into the airport from the Akenzua road axis, where perimeter fencing is non-existent at different points.

In 2010, a desperate young Nigerian, Emeka Okechukwu Okeke, who tried to smuggle himself to the United States, died in the tyre compartment of a Delta Airlines aircraft and was discovered on arrival in New York.

Okeke, sneaked into the place at Lagos airport.

In 2012, the dead body of a young Nigerian man was also discovered in the wheel well, the undercarriage compartment of a domestic airline, after it returned from South Africa.

August 25, 2013
Debating Goverment-Media Relations

Debating Government-Media Relations
By Yushau A. Shuaib

The debate over whether the government and the media are friends or foes was rekindled at a recent interactive seminar on Responsibility to Report (R2R) organised by the Development Research and Project Centre with funding from the Dutch Government in Abuja.

The seminar was similar to the recently concluded National Civil-Military Dialogue, where the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki sought the cooperation and understanding of Nigerians on the ongoing military’s intervention in fighting insurgency in the country.

Unlike the Military-Civilian where former Heads of States and top public functionaries were in attendance, participants at Responsibility to Report were mostly spokespersons from emergency response agencies like the military, police, NEMA and volunteers. The media too were adequately represented with editors, producers and bloggers in attendance.

I had the privilege to be one of the facilitators that included Abdul Raufu Mustapha of Oxford University, and Ms. Femke Van Zeiji from The Netherlands.

Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye the respected Mass Communication scholar, was the Keynote Speaker who dropped the bombshell that triggered a lively interaction throughout the programme. While attempting to be neutral in his assessment of the relationship between the government and the media, the academic dwelt on the power of the media, its influence in the society and the inherent loophole in the freedom of information law among others.

The Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, who was also a facilitator agreed with most of the arguments raised by the Professor and further echoed non-transparent nature of government and the alleged shabbiness in the implementation of freedom of information law in Nigeria.

They both reinforced the general belief that the media is powerful as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, while I also responded that the government seems to be more powerful because all the other Estates: the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary are within its realm (government.)

While the two argued that government and the Media cannot be permanent Friends but LOYAL OPPONENTS, I advanced the view that the spokespersons in government can be friends with the media on behalf of their organisations through mutual respect and dignified reciprocal relationship.

Professor Akinfeleye emphatically supported the submission of former America President, Thomas Jefferson who said that if he was to choose between a Government without a Press, or a Press without a Government, he would not hesitate to choose the latter! This submission I argued, cannot hold if every person is investigating and probing into one another as a reporter, without a law by legislators to protect the people, and the existence of the judiciary to adjudicate over disputes and the executive arm to check excesses and unethical practices. Such a society, I pointed out can only exist in a jungle, where there are no rules of law but animalistic interpersonal relationship.

There is no problem with any government. Antics of some characters in government create the negative perceptions about public institutions. Added to the unbecoming and petty behaviours of some officials in government is the reality that public information management is very weak largely due to unskilled manpower, ill-equipped departments and political interference where a seeming straightforward and truthful information is deliberately distorted for egocentric ambitions of principals. In fact the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) could not have been a necessity if the public information officers have been allowed to discharge their roles responsibly and professionally.

A study and adherence to basic principles of Public Relations could be a clear guide for spokespersons rather than the fire brigade approach and combatant posture of such image managers to simple issue management.

Therefore spokespersons, as the intermediaries between the government and the media, should not only rely on prerequisite and relevant qualifications and experiences but should have humane temperaments and friendly dispositions while discharging their responsibilities.

While a well-trained and well-behaved public officer can easily court friendship of the media and earn the respect of the public, journalists too should imbibe the PR instinct and principle by initiating cordial relationships with officers in government to minimise mutual suspicions and misgivings.

At the end of the seminar, participants issued Guidelines for Communication in Times of Conflict for Government, Media and Civil Society in which they recommended that the media should always separate facts from opinion while urging journalists to be mindful of public and national interest in providing honest, factual and accurate information at all times.

While participants agreed that there are presently neither laws nor regulatory bodies to monitor and check online and Social Media in Nigeria, they strongly recommended capacity building and training on the use of latest technology for effective communication by those in government and the media.

Public officers and spokespersons were advised to establish and sustain a mutually respectful relationship with the media, which should be professional and transparent.

On the other hand, media owners were urged to improve the working conditions of their employees, while journalists were cautioned that “regardless of the circumstances, they should not expect, accept or offer inducements to publish reports.”

The interactive session was not only lively, the active participation of Director Defence Information, Brig-General Chris Olukolade and Police Force Public Relations Officer Frank E. Mba at the event created the enablement for frank and sincere talks between the spokespersons in government and the representatives of the media that included online bloggers.

One message is clear: whether in government or out of government we must protect and promote public and national interests for the economic growth not minding the misdemeanour of few individuals in the media or in public office.

The message in all these which was also conveyed at the Civil-Military Dialogue is the need for harmonious relationship in Nigeria where the citizens live peaceful without fear of misrepresentation which could lead to hatred and unwarranted attacks.

This article by Yushau A. Shuaib has been published by online partnering media and these print media: Economic Confidential Daily Trust, National Mirror, Blueprint, People Daily, Punch, Thisday, Guardian, Nigerian Tribune and Vanguard in July 2013

July 2, 2013
My Writings and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

When I wrote an open letter to the Coordinating Minister in Charge of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over appointments to some top positions, it was, to me, simply the continuation of an age-old hobby that I developed since my student days in the university. I write with the purest of intentions not to malign anyone. I respect characters in my writings and readers’ views.

It was through my opinion and feature writings that I won some awards in the university and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at state and national levels. Though I deferred an admission offered to me by the University of Nigeria Nsukka to pursue Masters Programme in PR after I was honored with Automatic Scholarship for being the best Writer during the NYSC, I accepted automatic employments by both the Delta State Government and the Federal Government in 1993 and 1994 respectively.

In my letter of acceptance, I reflected that I would continue to write opinion articles that will be geared towards making Nigeria a better society that every Nigerian will be proud of. My experiences with great Igbos, Itshekiris and Urhobos formed the fulcrum of my early write ups during my youth service and after I started work at the Government House, Asaba. Their leaders, who took me as their son, protected and provided for my needs. Prof. Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba, Chief Paulinus Akpeki and Ugoh of Okpe Kingdom were among some of the great people that made my youth service year and work experience a worthwhile adventure in Delta State.

When I moved to the Federal Civil Service, I never stopped writing. In fact most of my deployments to different offices were largely influenced by my enthusiasm for generating news items, issuing press releases and producing well-informed features stories.

As a Nigerian and a public official, I have always been conscious of my responsibility to ensure that the general public perceives government in a good light. I have strived to be a good ambassador of the government and people of Nigeria. I performed my roles with the best of intentions.

My writings can be divided into two major categories: official and unofficial. A careful perusal of my writings in the media will show that I sign the first category in my capacity as information/PR officer of the different places that I have been posted to. In the second category, I have been careful to make it clear that I write in my personal capacity as a private citizen. To make that point even clearer I affix my personal home address or email to personal opinions.

Since my employment, I have published books, issued over 2000 news releases, wrote news features and personal opinion, all in my bid to promote the activities of government and contribute to the peaceful coexistence of the diverse groups in the country. Most of my writings are accessible on my blog: www.yashuaib.com.

The recent article, which generated a lot of reactions and comments, was not done to malign anyone. Incidentally, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a personality I have a lot of admiration and respect for. I believe that she is aware of this. And so, when I put pen to paper in what has become routine to me to express my viewpoints on some recent appointments into top positions in her ministry, I never expected that it would be perceived negatively. It was to draw her attention to the strong speculations making the rounds which, in my view, she is not only capable of addressing but would do well to be aware of.

Maybe I should add here that during the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration in which Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was also an influential member, I wrote some critical opinion articles on the activities of the president, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Mrs. Oby Ekwesili, and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), among others. During the short-lived administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua, I x-rayed some of the president’s policies and those of Segun Adeniyi, his spokesman. I even wrote critical commentaries on my supervising Minister then, Mr. John Odey, who on some occasions, publicly responded to and addressed some of the my issues raised in my write-ups. As late as 2012, I wrote an article on President Goodluck Jonathan with the title “Flood in the Eyes of the President” and it was published in most national dailies. Following this, I received words of encouragement even from some of his aides and was consequently requested to support my postulations with photographs.

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sani-Sidi, who had intervened several times to resolve the current issue with Madam Minister, is one of the bosses that have tolerated my critical opinions on various issues. We disagree and later agree on issues like normal human beings do.

In essence, encouraging responses that I have received in the past have served as the impetus for me to continue with my cherished hobby. To me, I am simply contributing to the betterment of our country. It was in view of the above, therefore, that I was encouraged to pen the open letter to the Finance Minister on some developments, which I strongly believe she has the capacity to address.

I was initially elated when I received a telephone call from the Minister on Wednesday March 20, 2013 at 6.15pm. Naturally, I was happy that, once again, my effort has yielded fruit. Receiving a call from someone that a reputable international news organization described as one of the most influential women on earth is humbling. I felt jubilant when I heard “Shuaibu, this is Okonjo-Iweala!” However, when she added “Why should you do this to me? You can’t praise me and condemn me and call it constructive criticism. Haba Shuaibu!” I knew that my opinion had not been viewed positively.

Despite the huge difference in age and status, the Minister took her time to explain to me why so much of what I concluded was not the case. During the conversation, the Minister even read portions of my write-up.

While feeling flattered and honored that a world-class technocrat like the minister was humble enough to personally call me and explain her position to me, I couldn’t help wondering why this particular piece attract such concerns and why so much more meaning than I intended has been read to it.

To me, the article was as harmless as every other that I had written in the past. I was still contemplating how to tackle the seeming complications when just a few days afterwards, hate comments and rejoinders pointing out that my article had been inspired by ethnic and religious considerations began to appear in newspapers and Nigerian online forums.

I want to emphasise, once again, that my article was written with the purest of intentions, and even a cursory internet search will reveal that I have done this religiously in the last 20 years. Contrary to insinuations of ethnocentrism, sectionalism and sponsorship in many of the reactions and rejoinders to the opinion, I take full responsibility for the views that were expressed. I have never written with, or caused articles to be published with malice. I am a strong believer in the oneness and potentials of this country, and most of my opinions have been centred on great Nigerians that I admire and will not want to see fall into disrepute.

Despite this, however, I have realised that the said opinion has caused great discomfort to some individuals and groups. I want to reassure my elders and my good brothers and sisters, especially from a section of the country, who might have felt offended by my write-up that I harbor no grudge against them. I will not like to see this discomfort and the continuation of unnecessary hate comments. After all, we are one big family.

Yushau A. Shuaib
www.yashuaib.com

April 22, 2013
Flood in the Eyes of the President

President Jonathan- Picture by YAShuaib

By Yushau A. Shuaib
While addressing the nation in a broadcast over the unprecedented flood disaster that ravaged many communities in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan’s eyes and head movement, betrayed the fact that he was reading from a prepared text, though there was no sign of a speech on his table.

His stiffness said it all. He neither gesticulated nor moved parts of his body as he is wont to in normal discussions and addresses to the rhythm of the broadcast. Aside from the motion of his mouth as he uttered the words and the intermittent sounds of billions of Naira donations to some federal institutions and states, the broadcast was a mere dictation session.

However, an opportunity to study the natural moods of the President to the devastation away from the dictates of protocol, came when he undertook a tour of some selected states affected by the flood. He was accompanied on the tour by Minister of Environment, Hajia Hadiza Mailafiya and Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Muhammad Sani-Sidi among others.

The tour was indeed an opportunity to see him move in flesh and react naturally in his interaction with victims. He responded directly to their plights and walked under the sun to inspect the internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) camps. Uncharacteristically, there were few body guards and security men accompanying him. In fact, any displaced person could easily walk to him and hold his hands as if it is not the same almighty Nigerian leader. The atmosphere was quite convivial.

In all the states he had visited, President Jonathan encouraged leaders of the IDPs to voice out their minds openly on their plights. In response, victims narrated how they lost their homes, livestock and farmlands. They gave gory tales of deaths, missing persons and submerged markets, schools, police stations and places of worship.

In Kogi for instance, President Jonathan was in a melancholic mood. His mien fell further when mothers brought newly born babies to him. He also learnt that some men committed suicide following losses of loved ones and lifelong investments. He admonished victims to desist from taking extreme decisions. He said: “please, don’t commit suicide. You have a government that will assist you. Even, if you borrow money from banks, don’t worry, when the flood is over, we will know how to deal with it. Be rest assured that the government will take care of the situation.’’

In Adamawa State, he disclosed that the government plans to construct more buffer dams on rivers Niger and Benue to check the menace of flooding in communities along the river banks and from neighbouring countries. He disclosed that the flood this year was a natural phenomenon due to climate change occasioned by global warming and pointed out that government would take steps to prevent a future re-occurrence.

In Delta State, President Jonathan inspected a camp, equipped with a skills acquisition centre where displaced persons were learning trades, artwork, music, drama, hair dressing and computer skills. While he believed that such facilities could make them useful after leaving the camp he disclosed that the government had initiated measures for proper resettlement of flood victims.

While addressing displaced persons in Anambra, he advised them not to worry as the Federal Government was collaborating with sympathetic groups and individuals to make life better for them after leaving the camp.

In Rivers and Bayelsa states, President Jonathan confessed that the flood disaster, which destroyed property worth billions of naira, was beyond the capacity of the Federal Government to solely remedy. He therefore solicited the supports of development partners and international bodies.

In Taraba State, while assuring that the European Union and the World Bank have indicated their readiness to assist Nigeria, the President stated that the water level was gradually reducing. He gave the assurance that government would provide farmers with maturing seedlings that would guarantee early harvest of farm produce as an antidote to the much anticipated food crisis.

President Goodluck Jonathan cuddles a baba at IDP Camp for flood victims- Pic by YAShuaib

In all the states he had visited, President Jonathan allowed governors to present their opening address and thereafter, stood and listened attentively to the victims. His responses were calm, re-assuring and warm as he sometimes cuddled new born babies while addressing the mostly women and children victims.

The President had also explained that the inauguration of a high power committee on Flood Relief Fund co-headed by billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and human rights activist, Chief Olisa Agbakoba was to raise funds, which will mitigate the effects of the devastation. He explained that membership of the committee included “individuals who could not steal people’s money because they include philanthropists and advocates of transparency and accountability who will not also condone injustice.”

While most of the utterances and actions of President Jonathan over the flooding are commendable, the establishment of the Dangote’s committee should have been in consonance with the enabling laws. As former Chairman of the governing council of NEMA, the President would recall that there is a provision envisaging such development in the law that established NEMA: Act 12 as amended by Act 50 of 1999. Among other things the law empowers NEMA to “co-ordinate the activities of all voluntary organisations engaged in emergency relief operations in any part of the Federation; Receive financial and technical aid from international organisations and non-governmental agencies, for the purpose of disaster management in Nigeria; Collect emergency relief supply from local and foreign source and from International and non-Governmental Agencies; and distribute emergency relief materials to victims of natural or other disasters and assist in the rehabilitation of the victims, where necessary…”

In view of the above therefore, the government could delegate and designate the Dangote Committee, as National Fund Raisers, to assist in the mobilisation of funds for the relevant established agencies including State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) to manage the processes judiciously. The secretariat could be in NEMA. If government is still more concerned about the selected individuals, the President could nominate them into membership of NEMA governing council.

It does not augur well to relegate established statutory institutions to the background due to vague misgivings. No-one is infallible, our leaders need to be supported and guided appropriately to take rational decisions to better the society without entertaining any fear whatsoever.

This article by Yushau A. Shuaib has been published in the print edition of the New Nigerian October 22, Punch October 22, National Mirror October 22, People’s Daily October 23, Leadership October 24, Blueprint October 24, Vanguard October 24, Daily Trust October 25, and Daily Sun October29, 2012

October 21, 2012
Boko Haram and Political Elites in Northern Nigeria

Boko Haram

Boko Haram and Political Elites in Northern Nigeria
By Yushau Shuaib,

For those observing recent events in Nigeria, it came as little surprise when the announcement was made of the arrest of an alleged Boko Haram commander, Shuaibu Muhammad Bama, by Nigeria’s military officers in the residence of a high profile politician in Maiduguri, the capital and the largest city of Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria.

Boko Haram seeks to create an Islamic state in Nigeria and has used violence to achieve its goals since 2009. There have been strong suspicions that politicians and top government functionaries are behind some of the atrocities perpetrated against ordinary Nigerians by armed groups across the country.

Ahmed Khalifa Zannah, a senator representing Borno Senatorial District and member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Ali Madu Sherif, the previous governor of the state and member of the opposition All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), are two individuals who have traded accusations as to the identities of the real masterminds of the Islamist group.

The invitation of the two prominent citizens from the state by security agencies over their roles in the formation, funding and activities of Boko Haram have further exposed the government corruption in the crisis. Their desperation to exonerate themselves is a further testament to their possible complicity.

The controversy could linger but the fact remains that atrocities being committed in the name of Boko Haram group is alarming. This group claims to champion Islam yet most of its victims are attacked in major enclaves of Borno and Yobe states and are actually Muslims.

While attacks on Christians and churches in Bauchi and Kaduna states are quite worrisome with obvious wide media coverage, the attackers do not discriminate against their targets. There have been recorded killing of Muslims, traditional rulers and other religious leaders. In fact, the majority of the victims during the Ramadan fasting period and towards the Eid-Kabir festivities in Borno and Yobe states were either retired or serving public figures who were Muslims. Not only were they killed along with their family members, but their houses were also razed.

Consequently, other undesirable elements have obviously capitalized on the chaotic scenario created by the Boko Haram for economic extortion and other forms of criminal activities. Armed robbers and kidnappers now easily use the name of the group to advance the pursuit of their sinister agenda.

Genuine religious leaders, especially Christians who are able to read between the lines, have continued to decry the killing and destruction of properties by the attackers. They also counsel their followers to be wary of undesirable elements who could be fanning the flames of disunity and disintegration of the country.

Realizing that various other groups are hiding behind Boko Haram to perpetrate their violent motives of extortion, robbery and national disintegration on ethnic and religious lines, some interfaith groups have also sprung up to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. These groups promote healthy dialogue and interaction while encouraging joint observation and celebration of religion festivities.

This major security challenge confronting Nigeria has also weakened the economy of the affected states as schools, banks, factories and other institutions remain closed.

While Nigeria’s security challenges are real and complex, they are not insurmountable. It is a stage of development that was also similar to experiences in other countries but the good news is that realistic efforts are now underway to ensure that the country is returning to its peaceful past.

This article by Yushau A. Shuaib was a special contribution to Global View website: http://www.sharnoffsglobalviews.com/boko-haram-and-political-elites-in-northern-nigeria/

October 20, 2012
The Incorruptible Civil Servant and National Honours

Muhammad Tahir Zakari

By Yushau A. Shuaib
In a country where everybody is perceived as corrupt, especially in the public service, Mr. Muhammad Tahir Zakari has distinguished himself as an incorruptible civil servant. He was among the 148 individuals who were conferred with Nigeria’s National Honours Awards by President Goodluck Jonathan on September 17, 2012.

Recently the online economic journal, the Economic Confidential in an investigation reveals that of those that got the National Honours Awards for 2012, he was the only person who was nominated on the basis of honesty by returning N6.2 million, which was overpaid into his salary account back into treasury.

The report also indicates that about 75 percent of the 148 recipients actually occupy public offices either as appointed or elected figures in the executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government. Some categories of the awards seemed to be reserved for particular groups of officers. For instance Supreme Court Judges are beneficiaries of CFR; CON are conferred on Governors, Ministers and Senators; OFR are bestowed on Members of House of Representatives, Deputy Governors, Diplomats and Legal Practitioners; OON are given to top management staffs in the public and the private sectors; while MFR is meant for security personnel, civil servants, local traditional rulers, community and religious leaders. Most of the nomination or final recommendations are done by the power-that-be. In fact one of the listed beneficiaries, a deputy governor was removed from the list by the order of the boss. In the face of all these, there are also allegations that in Nigeria some individuals and groups could pay anything to get any kind of awards even for doing nothing.

Muhammad Zakari, who is recognized for his incorruptibility, got decoration in one of the least categories as Member of the Federal Republic (MFR). He is a Grade Level 10 officer with the Federal Ministry of Information, on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

The story of Zakari’s emergence as most deserving of the national award started in November 2011, when he received a credit alert on his mobile phone of the sum of N6,241,469 instead of his usual monthly pay of N62,000. He thought he was having a sweet dream not nightmare. At the time he got the alert he actually had N400 as his credit balance.

A dazed Tahir immediately rushed to the bank where it was indeed confirmed that he had the millions deposited in his account. Back home, he then narrated his discovery to both his mother and his wife about what could be considered as “Manna from Heaven.” A deeply religious family, the two women in his life all encouraged him to report and return the millions and not spend what did not belong to him.

He admitted that as a human being, something was telling him that “God has many ways of blessing and enriching individuals. I initially thought probably that was the way God wanted to intervene in my life by mysteriously depositing money in my bank account. But long years of religious and moral education reinforced by admonishment from the females in my life prompted me to immediately report and return the money which was N6.5 million.”

When friends learnt about the refund of the whopping amount of money, some withdrew their friendship while others taunted him as “a typical of the remaining few Nigerian Mumus (fool) that could get free money and return it when he earns a meagre salary.”

“I could feel others jeering at my resolve. As a human being, the temptation was high, considering the kind of environment we live in. But sometimes you just need to take a most dignifying action and take joy in that which I did sincerely.”

Blessed with eight children comprising of seven boys and a girl, Tahir further admitted: “I was also afraid to tarnish my family name if I spent the money and the error was later discovered by the authority. That could be very shameful too!”

His action was reported to the Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Head of Service and the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation.
Subsequently he received a letter from Office of the Accountant General of the Federation commending him for his “show of honesty by returning an error payment to the tune of N6.2 million.” It was on August 27, 2012 that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim sent him a letter to inform him that the Federal Government had approved the conferment of the National Honours in the rank of MFR on him. In honouring him, President Goodluck Jonathan said the award was in recognition of Zakari’s outstanding virtues and in appreciation of his service to the country, Nigeria, without adding “where many are presumed to be corrupt.”

A graduate of Mass Communication from the reputable Bayero University Kano, Zakari was born on March 20, 1971 in Garun-Mallam, Kano State. He did his National Youth Service in Enugu before he was offered appointment into Federal Civil Service as Information Officer. He was then seconded variously to the National Films and Video Censors Board, Ministry of Water Resources and now in Ministry of Agriculture, Abuja.

While we celebrate a young civil servant as incorruptible, we only hope some of our leaders who are mostly disdained for their excessive wealth from sophisticated corruption would not be laughing at poor Zakari, who believes an honour in the face of his unrealistic wages is adequate compensations for incorruptibility.

As we are encouraged by the exemplary conduct of Zakari, which should be emulated, it is doubtful if many poor Nigerians would accept the typical Nigeria’s National Honours if they have the option of a million Naira gift. I believe there are many Nigerians out there setting records and good examples but would never ever make it to the seeming National Honours for top public figures and title holders.

This article by Yushau A. Shuaib has been published in the print edition of the the Economic Confidentia October 2012, National Mirror October 8, New Nigerian October 8, People Daily October 9, Leadership October 9, 2012, The Guardian October 16, and Daily Sun October 24, 2012

October 1, 2012
Interfaith Relations: An Encounter with Sheik Khalid Yasin

YAShuaib with Sheikh Khalid Yasin in Sharjah, UAE

By Yushau Shuaib
During the last period of Ramadan fasting, a text message was widely circulated, inviting the public, especially Muslims to a lecture by the internationally-renowned African-American Muslim scholar, Shaikh Khalid Yasin on “Peaceful Coexistence among Muslims and Non-Muslims.” Venue was the International Conference Centre, Abuja and ticket was sold for two thousand naira.

Though this writer could not attend due to pressing engagements outside Abuja, reports indicated that the venue was jam-packed not only by Muslims, who paid for their tickets but also Christians who were admitted free of charge. The money raised from ticket sales and donations at the venue was according to the organizers (Muslimah Foundation and Light of the Ummah) were intended for developmental projects to assist the less-privileged.

Sheikh Khalid Yasin, who is the leader of Purpose of Life Foundation and Purpose Media Group also visited Lagos and Osun states, where he addressed thousands of faithfuls. Having watched and listened to some of his videos and audio materials, I regretted missing the opportunity of watching the charismatic lecturer who believes strongly in religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among adherents of different faiths and creeds live.

Providence however, intervened a week later when I had the rare opportunity of meeting Sheik Yasin while on tour of United Arab Emirates (UAE). I had been invited as resource person at a Dubai PR programme organized by Zenith Professional Training. The charismatic speaker was coincidentally also on tour of Sharjah. One of the facilitators of the PR programme, Abdul Rashid, who is a friend of Khalid Yasin promised to introduce us.

In company of my wife, I was driven to Sharjah to meet Sheik Khalid Yasin. He is not only charismatic, but eloquent and simply humble. We shared a dinner, had breakfast together and attended the naming of a child named after him by one of his fans in Sharjah.

Sheik Yasin is not just a religious scholar; he is a motivational speaker who is very mindful of his topic and his target audience. He is articulate and sincere but careful never to hurt the feelings of his audience, whether Muslims or non-Muslims. From our close interactions and discussions, one could see an advocate who strongly believes that Muslims and Christians should embrace tolerance and brotherliness saying both faiths are connected.

He attributed the communal clashes and sectional attacks in Nigeria to intolerance and vengeance. He said religious zealots from both sides conspired against innocent men, women and children. Anger and vengeance, according to him, have poisoned the air so that all human life and dignity have been marginalized and compromised. He noted that fanatics abound in every facets of life but that leaders and followers must ensure they contain the excesses of such elements through public enlightment, dialogues and economic empowerment. He admonished that where dialogue fails, it could be necessary to identify the extremists among religious followers and expose them for what they are.

According to him, Christians and Muslims in Africa were living together in peace and harmony for centuries before the arrival of conspirators and dirty politicians who deliberately created enmity and hatred among people of different faiths, tribes and regions for their selfish gains.

Though a religious leader, it was clear that Sheik Yasin is greatly concerned about happenings in developing countries. He expressed alarmed about insecurity, poverty and disease ravaging some African countries. He talked very passionately about Nigeria’s potentials and greatness through its abundant human and material resources that are not being harnessed.

He therefore, called on African leaders to give priority to education, agriculture and industrialization yo galvanize economic development and job security. He urged governments to invest in youth development and make a huge investment in skill acquisition for self-reliance. He also enjoined Muslims to take the advantages of modernization, to take active part in professional training such as engineering, medicine, architecture, law among others in deliberate efforts to be relevant in global politics.

Concerned about the crisis in the Arab world, the African-American lamented the propensity of western-media to twist their editorial contents to make it appear that the crisis is religious whereas most of the issues are political, tribal and economic, which have nothing to do with Islam as a religion or Muslims.

On information technology, he pointed out that there is nothing wrong with social media if parents and guardians closely monitor their wards against evil and negative influences on some of the platforms. He therefore implored guardians to actively engage the youths on the ethics of society, morality and spirituality.

Sheikh Khalid Yasin is an American who, though proud of his nation, expressed reservations about the qualities of some of its leaders. He is an outspoken lecturer on contemporary topics including global politics, youth empowerment, gender issues and economic development in the context of Islam. Born a Christian in New York City, USA, Yasin embraced Islam in 1965 and has dedicated the last thirty-five years of his life debunking misconceptions about Islam and Muslims through diplomatic approaches and respect to the feeling of his audience. Through those tactics, he has won thousands of converts in different nations. He is due to be in Nigeria again to engage youths and women on their potentials.

This article by Yushau A. Shuaib has been published in the print edition of the Economic Confidential September, New Nigerian September 7, Champion September 7, Blueprint September 10, People Daily September 11, Punch September 12, Thisday September 13 and Daily Trust September 14, 2012

September 2, 2012
Namadi Sambo: Between Loyalty and Humility

Vice President Namadi Sambo

By Yushau A. Shuaib
The Nigeria’s Vice President, Arc. Muhammad Namadi Sambo is a man with a strong conviction and unique character. At 60 year on August 2, 2012, he has come a long way as an architect, businessman, commissioner, governor and presently the second most powerful person in the most populous country in Africa.

This writer has never seen, not to talk of meeting Sambo face-to-face, except on the media, like most Nigerians. Nevertheless, this writer has a clear perspective on the person of the Vice President since his period as the Governor of Kaduna State between May 2007 and May 2010.

Working on a project that promote developmental journalism and economic development, with a special focus on the North, the writer was introduced to the then commissioner of Finance in Namadi’s administration, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero by Former Managing Director Bank of the North, Alhaji Yakubu Shehu. Within a short period, Yero made a case on the project to Gov. Namadi who in turn instructed his Principal Private Secretary Mallam Zakari Aliyu to provide all the necessary supports for its success. During the three years of his administration in Kaduna, the project received tremendous supports from the government. In fact Sambo’s spokesperson Mallam Sani Umar, was always on the phone reminding our team of the annually gesture.

The point from the above was to demonstrate the personality of Sambo who is generous to worthy projects from any quarters.

The politics of his nomination as Vice President in 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan was a shocker to most political groups and factions that were engaged in supremacy battles to control the new administration after the death of President Yar’Adua. There were indeed pressures from various groups including the so-called Obasanjo’s faction, IBB Boys, Governors’ forum, Legislators camp, Danjuma team and other regional groupings. Pressures were so tensed that almost created divisions in the ruling party PDP, before Jonathan decided to pick a neutral and non-controversial candidate that was not in the contention.

Since his appointment as the Vice President, looking at Sambo from a distance, especially in the print and electronic media, one could see a person who has demonstrated ‘excessive’ loyalty to his boss in utterances, acts and deeds. His humility is unparalleled even among cabinet members whom he relates with seamlessly, unperturbed with his ever-smiling trademarks on his face.

He had encountered and surmounted some challenges, especially during the 2011 elections, where, not only was he defeated in his constituency in Kaduna, some groups and individuals were alleged to have booed and jeered at him. Surprisingly with well-armed security guards, he never allowed anyone to use force to fight back in retaliation. While some saw his defeat at the home front as humiliation to his person as a vice president, afterall almost every top elected public figure, governors inclusive used every trick, cohesion, intimidation and harassment to deliver their constituencies, Namadi believes in the will of God and the voice of the people.

Inspite of all that happened in the past, Sambo does not begrudge those that antagonize him but reestablishes and sustains mutual relationship with their leaders. He accords opposition leaders their due respects and attends social gatherings where loyalists and adversaries do converge in the spirit of exceptional statesmanship.

Going by his personality traits, he display no aura of arrogance and desperation for public office as the Vice President. His public outings and statements are devoid of ulterior motives. His position on various issues, whether as representations of his Boss, the President, or personal remarks, are done maturely, responsibly and sometimes eloquently delivered in tune with the public sensitivity and reality on the ground.

Unlike dichotomies that exist among some past Presidents and their deputies as well as governors and their lieutenants in ambitious cat-and-mouse games, President Goodluck is truly lucky to have Sambo as a humble, loyal and unambitious Vice President. Even while sometimes one could read some handwritings on the wall by fifth columnists and political sycophants, the situations are usually maturely controlled with the help of Sambo’s office before damages could be done.

Born on the 2nd of August 1954 in Zaria, Kaduna State, Sambo had his early education at Baptist Primary School, Kaduna in 1959 before moving to Kobi Primary School in Bauchi. He later attended Government Secondary School now Alhuda-Huda College in Zaria Between 1967 and 1971. He gained admission to study Architecture at the Ahmadu Bello university where he graduated with Bachelor of Science Degree in 1976 and Masters Degree (M.Sc.) Architecture in 1978. He was among the first set of architects in Bauchi State after its creation in 1976 where he was involved in the design of various offices and staff housing schemes to accommodate the influx of new government officials. He was the Architect responsible for the upgrade of the Yankari Games Reserve Holiday Resort during the period. He is also remembered for development of master plans for Bauchi Town and environs.

Between 1986 and 1990, he was appointed Commissioner in various ministries including Agriculture, Works, Transport and Housing in Kaduna State. He later left the government to continue with his career in private architectural practice. His firm was involved in the developments of the National Olympic Sports Complex and and other infrastructural facilities at the Games Village, Abuja.

Arc. Sambo currently chairs the councils of National Boundary Commission (NBC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and National Economic Council (NEC). He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Institute of Corporate Administrators of Nigeria among others.

This unassuming and loyal Vice President has shown some qualities that are disparaged by a few and emulated by many who have clear glimpse of his humility and simplicity to life.

This article by Yushau A. Shuaib has been published in the print edition of New Nigerian July 31, Daily Champion July 31, Blueprint August 1, Thisday August 2, Nigerian Tribune August 2, National Mirror August 3, People Daily August 5, and Leadership, 2012

July 12, 2012
Memo to Northerners on Diversification

The Northern Nigeria has been the focus of global and media attentions due to the condemnable acts of terrorism by faceless armed militants, using name of a religion for destruction of lives and properties. Incidentally, up till the Abuja bombing by MEND on October 1, 2010, the Northern region was never known for bomb explosions.

We are aware that such acts of criminalities were common in the South, especially among militants in the Niger Deltawhere kidnapping for ransom, destruction of public infrastructures, like pipeline vandalisation were rampant before Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua introduced and implemented Amnesty programmes for the armed youths.

As you are aware Northern Nigeria has continued to receive verbal attacks as well as negative publicity campaigns from some sectional leaders and tribal groups who believe without their resources, especially crude oil, other regions and states could never survive. They label others, especially Northerners as ingrates, loafers and lazy people,on the allegation that they (Northerners) profit from others’ resources for survival. The critics have deliberately ignored the fact that before the discovery of oil, every region earned enormous revenues and was sustained from other abundant natural resources.

Going by some of the derogatory remarks, Northerners too must have themselves to blame by the ineptitude of some of its leaders who,
rather than invest heavily in non-oil sectors, engage in bogey contract awards and barefaced nepotism where family members and their cronies are given preference in choosy appointments and job executions. For instance, while the North remains one of the most backwards in the area of education, which is the genesis of the problems of Almajiris (city urchins) our leaders send their children to private schools. In fact when individuals and organizations in the South establish private universities in their regions, their counterparts in the North only establish few elitist schools meant only for the children of the very rich.

It is unfortunate that while political leaders in the south use ‘resources control’ and attendant youth militancy for politicking and mischief, some faceless Northern counterparts use religion and ethnic rivalry like indigene-settlers dichotomy as campaign tools. The North had never been like this
when they were truly united in saving Nigeria from disintegration before and after the civil war.

Nevertheless, the criticisms and bashing of the North and their leaders could be blessings in disguise if the region could wakeup from its slumber and look inwards. This is the time to call the bluff of the so-called ‘resources control’ campaigners by harnessing our immense potentials to greatness.

Our over-dependence on oil revenue for sustenance is not only unbecoming but disappointing as other oil-based resources nations have successfully utilized their earnings to broaden the base of other sectors like development of commerce, hospitality and tourism industries, as is the case with some Arab countries. We should realize that the oil resource, as a commodity, is exhaustible, non-renewable and worse still, easily prone to the effects of international market forces.

In the past, agriculture and mining formed the
backbone of the Nigerian economy, providing employment opportunities and also as the major source of income and foreign exchange before the discovery of crude oil. The country relied heavily on those sectors in providing infrastructures, paying for the cost of administration and executing other developmental projects. But today, the agricultural and mining sectors have been relegated and abandoned. Rather than improving internally generated revenues (IGR), majority of states in Nigeria, with caps in hands, queue up in Abuja monthly to receive cheap and free allocation from the Federation Account without making any contribution to the generation. Free Oil Money (FOM)

Northern Nigeria like other parts of the country is still enormously endowed with vast material and human resources with unquantifiable hectares of arable agricultural land. With healthy, educated and strong population of young men and women, we are capable of sustaining
any industrial endeavor. We have enough resources to ‘control’ if we compel our leaders to look inward and develop the abandoned sectors in the regions.

We need to reposition the economy towards the rapid development of the agricultural, solid minerals and industrial sectors together with the associated technological advancement to completely diversify from the present mono-product status. Most great nations and economic giants are not single resource and oil-producing economies. They are non-oil sector producers who manipulate their budgets to the advantage of the real sector.

Most fast-growing economies in the world today, are not oil-driven. Yet, Nigeria has more potential endowments than most of them considering our abundant solid minerals for a wide range of industries which include clay/kaolin coal, gold, gypsum, iron-ore, marble limestone, phosphate, salt, tin and columbine among others. They are yet to be
fully explored even when exploration of mining industry is by far lesser and cheaper than prospecting for oil mineral. Meanwhile we could also explore other water resources for multi-purpose uses such as power generation, irrigation, fishing and livestock development.

It is necessary to call on our state governments to henceforth provide substantial allocations to agricultural and mining development. Our students should be encouraged to pursue skill acquisition scheme which could make them self-reliant. The government should reduce wasteful expenditures on jamborees like pilgrimages, when such funds could be channeled to other developmental projects. Budgetary allocations should be prioritized and committed towards agriculture, solid minerals, Science and Technology which are considered critical to the diversification of the economy.

There is a lot of apprehension about the fate of the in-coming generations whether they would
be in a united country or in divided federations. If we must genuine and sincerely counter any sectional rhetoric and ensure employment generation, crime reduction, poverty alleviation, foreign exchange earnings, we have no option than to diversify our economy right now. That is the only way we can be respected and be proud of ourselves.

Yushau A. Shuaib
[email protected]
Finance Estate, Wuye
Abuja

February 17, 2012
Corrupt Nigeria’s Legislators in Billion Dollar Scam before the End of tenure

Speaker Bankole of NASS

With few days to the end of their tenure, only God know how much Nigeria’s legislators would cart away in billions of Naira before their eventual departure. Few months ago, this lousy speaker of Nigeria’s legislative chamber and the leader of House of Representatives, Oladimeji Bankole was condemning civil servants as representatives of most corrupt institution in Nigeria. Today just few weeks to the end of the legislators’ tenure, his/their corrupt practices running to billions of Naira, dollars and pound sterling are being exposed.

The Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that it has received petitions against the Speaker over purported misappropriation of N21.3 billion and promised to embark on immediate investigation of the matter.

A body called Youth Anti-corruption League has also sent a petition to the anti-graft agency against the abuse of due process and corrupt practices by Speaker and request for his arrest and prosecution. The body queried why nothing has happened to the Speaker when there have been evidence that petitions have been filed against him since 2008.

The commission has received several petitions against the Speaker about the N2.3billion car scam arising from the purchase of 407 Peugeot cars for the House of Representatives in 2008. Certain members of the progressive group of legislators had submitted a petition against the same Speaker on the abuse of due process and corrupt practices associated with the N9 billion Capital Budget of the House for 2008/2009 sessions.

And now the latest allegation is that Bankole approved a loan of about N10billion for the House of Representatives without any resolution of the House. The loan was allegedly taken on behalf of the lawmakers, while the transaction was allegedly smuggled the money into the 2011 budget. Hon Dino Melaye and his ‘Progressive’ group members had alleged that Bankole inflated contract sums to distribute the said N9billion.

In addition to this workers in the nation’s oil industry have called on the National Assembly to suspend the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) until after the swearing in of the newly-elected officials because they learnt some legislators were demanding for bribery in millions of dollars from multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria.

The lawmakers are now expecting to be paid billions of Naira as their Severance Gratuity allowance. Imagine! The salary of a federal legislator is less than a million Naira but there is wide speculation that their individual monthly take-home pay is about N30 million.

Like one writer noted recently “Members of the National Assembly have imposed enough burden on Nigerians. They are grossly over-paid and heavily under-worked. Several weeks into the second quarter of the year, Nigeria is yet to have an implementable budget. The National Assembly in its spendthrift nature padded its allocation by more than 110 per cent.”

Though it could not be easy to get completely incorrutible and clean Nigerians, some political office holders are just too dirty and “BRUTALLY’ corrupt. The development is not strange considering my recent opinion in this article: Corruption between Legislators and Civil Servants in Nigeria

May 21, 2011

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