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DPP is more disposed to merging with PDP than APC –National Chairman

Posted by Unknown Saturday, February 22, 2014 0 comments

*Commends Ogbaburhon, others defection to PDP
*As Delta APC opts for Urhobo Guber candidacy for 2015
By Brisibe Perez

Amidst rumours of a purported defection of former Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) gubernatorial candidate, Chief Great Ogboru and some of his loyalist to the Labour Party (LP), the DPP National Chairman and chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum, General Jeremiah Useni (Rtd) in an interview with the media recently, disclosed that, DPP is more disposed towards merging with the PDP than with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Useni, “We as a party, the DPP, said we would not join APC because we had problem with APC before; well, not APC as it is today. DPP, ANPP and ACN were discussing merger. Atiku was representing ACN, Buhari was representing CPC, Bafarawa and I were representing DPP. We thought the discussion was going on smoothly. We were even trying to woo other parties to come in. Suddenly, Atiku left and said he was going back to PDP. At the meeting, Buhari said he had got his party approved, that he was going to organise his own party. Tinubu now took over the leadership of ACN.
“At the time, a controversy arose. An idea was canvassed that we (DPP) were to join those parties. But I said no, that was not the mandate from our party. They asked us to go and discuss merger, not joining. So, let’s go back to the party for a fresh mandate. The party said, no, that if the merger discussion had broken down, we were free to discuss with any other party or we should stand on our own, so we stood on our own. Bafarawa who supported the idea of joining, went and joined ACN. We didn’t know he was looking for a presidential ticket, which we would have given him, anyway.
“When he went there, they didn’t give him. They gave it to Nuhu Ribadu. He got annoyed and went to ANPP, the party we left to form DPP. Then, when this new realignment started and we were faced with the option of being part of APC, we had the same old players. When they started the merger talks, they didn’t invite us. If they had invited us, we wouldn’t have gone, but they didn’t invite us, so we had an excuse. They didn’t invite us and we felt they were looking for parties with Governors, and we had no Governor.
“Later, they approached us, after they had gone far. When we met, some of us were divided whether we should join them or not; but the majority said no, we should either remain on our own or join another party. Then we said, what about PDP? We were not fighting with PDP. We were not fighting with Labour Party. We said we were not going to APC because it was made of people we were in talks with and they pulled out. It became very difficult for some of us to go back there. So, we said we were not going to APC.
We preferred PDP. We resolved we were not moving from opposition to opposition. We were not going to Labour because it was in opposition. We were not going to APGA; APGA was already divided into two, half in APC and half on their own or somewhere. So, that’s why, even when one of our members from Delta State, in House of Reps too, joined PDP, we had no objection, but commended them because we are already discussing with PDP. We’ve not finalised, but we are discussing. So, when he joined them, we said we’re discussing to move there, anyway, so that’s in order.
Speaking on the essence of power shift in the country today, he said, “There are many interpretations to power shift and every political party has its own power shift, but what is happening is that people take PDP arrangement as the arrangement for the country, which is wrong. PDP arrangement is different from whatever other parties arrange.
“What people are doing now is just looking at Yar’adua, and saying power should come to the North. What some of us are saying is, if late President Yar’adua was alive, he would have been completing his second term by now, but he died and this man took over part of it. People are telling me now that there is a position that says you should do five or six years. He took over somebody’s own, and this is what people are not looking at, all they are saying right now is power should go to the North, power should go to the North and the people of South are saying it is their time. The constitution guarantees eight years of four years each and if the people say he should go for his next four years, he should go.
“President Jonathan should continue, because if he finishes this one, he hasn’t done his eight years, he took over somebody’s part who unfortunately died and nobody prayed that Yar’adua should die, we all regretted it, but God is supreme and no one can challenge God. Why should people now say at the end of this tenure, he has completed his own? To me, it is not fair,” he added.
Meanwhile, with the countdown to the general election, information made available to Urhobo Times have revealed that, the State chapter of the APC is considering on fielding an Urhobo candidacy from Delta Central Senatorial district to fly the party flag at the State Governorship election viz-a-viz postulations on the PDP fielding a candidate from Delta North Senatorial district as a fallout of a supposed “zoning” arrangement in the party.
A source close to a chieftain of the party who is interested in contesting the governorship position of the party on the platform of the APC disclosed that, the options available to the party is basically between Dr. Otive Igbuzor and Olorogun O’tega Emerhor who is the party’s flag bearer in the 2013 Delta Central Senatorial by-election.
Though regarded as undemocratic, the State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan while fielding questions from newsmen during a media chat with newsmen, as regards zoning in Delta South Senatorial district where he hails from, disclosed that, there is an unwritten agreement amongst the tribes in the district on zoning representation at the Senate, adding that based on that agreement, the next Senator from the district, would emerge from Itsekiri ethnicity.

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How Delta Waterways Security Committee is battling oil theft in Delta

Posted by Unknown Friday, February 21, 2014 0 comments

By Brisibe Perez
Like a smoldering fire, oil theft under the guise of illegal oil bunkery has become an industry of its own as it has been reported that, as far back as year 2000, Nigeria has been losing between 200,000 and 300,000 barrels of crude oil to theft each day.
 Reports also have it that, between 2003 and 2008 alone, N14trillion was lost to theft and disruptions by militants. This onslaught on Nigeria’s economic lifeline has been going on under government’s nose: from pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering to fuel subsidy and other high-level fraud.

According to Nigeria’s petroleum minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, in one year $5billion was spent on pipeline repairs; the loss of revenue was estimated to be at least $11billion in that year. To put it in better perspective, the Federal Government’s 2
012 budget was, for example, N4.69trillion or $30.11billion at the current official dollar exchange rate. This means a loss of a little more than a third of the 2012 budget.
 On the loss in production capacity, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation revealed that, due to bunkering, oil production in the country has dropped to 400,000 barrels per day, instead of 2.5 million bpd capacity level.
The Delta Waterways plays host to different tributaries including the Escravos River, which flows for 57 kilometers, ending at the Bight of Benin of the Gulf of Guinea where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Chevron, a major US oil company, has its main Nigerian oil production facility located at the mouth of the Escravos River. This oil terminal pumps approximately 460,000 bbl/d (73,000 m3/d) making it a target point for oil bunkery activities.
Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua described illegal bunkering as “blood oil’ akin to the trade in “blood diamonds” that fueled the bloody civil war in Liberia and Sierra Leone. In curtailing these excess, in June 2007, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State took his first practical step to tackle the problem of hostage taking and other acts of youth restiveness in the State, when he inaugurated a 19-man Delta Waterways Security Committee with Mr. George Timinimi as the chairman and the former military administrator of Niger-Delta, Brigadier-General Cletus Emein (rtd.), as the chairman of the Advisory Board to the Committee.
He mandated the committee, which he gave six weeks to conduct its assignment and submit its report to the State government to intervene and take appropriate actions to forestall any matter or action it deemed necessary for security and safety on the waterways.
In March 2011, the committee constituted an anti-kidnap task force, headed by Mr. Henry Baro, to provide intelligence information and checkmate kidnappers' activities in the State.
During the visit of the Good Governance Tour in Febuary 2013, the Delta State Governor while receiving the Information Minister Labaran Maku, attributed the end of militancy to the raise in illegal bunkering and other criminal activities in the riverine areas of the State.

It is in line with checkmating this ugly trend that the Governor after disolving the George Timinimi led Waterway Security Committee, on Febuary 25, 2013, reconstituted a new executive of the committee, ably headed by Chief Ayiri Emami. Other members of the committee are; Hon. Opudu M. Boro as Vice Chairman while the Permanent Secretary, Government House Annex Warri, Mr. Patrick Origho, will serve as Secretary.
According to the Governor represented by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama at the event, stated that security agents alone cannot tackle the rising security challenges, adding that the work of the committee include alerting relevant security agencies of any possible threat to peace and security in the state and also taking necessary measures to nip such threats in the bud.
In raising up to the situation, the committee in conjunction with security operatives in the area issued a ban on illegal oil bunkery within and around the Escravos River. The activity of the committee is like using locals who are more conversant with the terrain of the area to man waterways.

Despite the success of the security committee, oil theft still thrives in the waterways. A tour of the Escravos River with most of its shore line lying along Ugborodo Community in Warri South West Local Government Area of the State reveals that, there seems to be a working synergy with the joint operation of Nigeria’s defence outfits known as the Joint Task Force (JTF), deployed to the waterways to monitor the situation.

On its part, in October 2013, the Royal Dutch Shell accused the Nigerian security forces of aiding oil thieves and profiting from such a deal. The company stated that its decision to sell off the blocks was informed by governmental failure to checkmate bunkering in the Niger Delta, as well as the relentlessness of the bunkerers who steal an average of 100,000 barrels of crude per day.

The company, which pioneered Nigeria’s oil business from Oloibiri oil field in 1958, has also closed down its Trans-Niger pipeline that used to pump about 150,000 bpd oil to the giant refinery at Bonney, because the pipeline was holed at different points by oil thieves.

This revelation was further buttressed in October, 2013 by the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), following a report detailing complexities of ongoing massive oil theft in the area. The group alleged that there is extensive evidence that some corrupt members of the JTF actively participate and profit from oil theft and illegal oil refining.
“A consortium typically made up of at least three key parties (security, technical capacity and operational access) own each tap point,” the report said. “During the tapping process, the JTF ensured the surrounding waterways are clear, so workers can install the tap without disturbance.”
The research also suggests that lower ranking officers are criminally involved in the low earning segments of the business. They “share the relatively small “transportation taxes” from distributor vessels as a supplement to their official wages,” the report said.

Reacting to the allegations, the Director, Defence Information, Brig. General Chris Olukolade, said that it was a subtle blackmail and that anyone with real evidence against the JTF should forward such to the appropriate authority for investigation and action.

According to him, the JTF is carrying out its mandate successfully by checking and curtailing illegalities in the creeks and cannot turn around and be doing other things.

He said the military welcomed proof of such allegations, stressing that if such complaints were received, Nigerians would see what happened next.

To verify the claims of the report, a visit to the oil rich Ugborodo Community of Warri South West Local Government Area from Ugbuwangue in the late hours of the night, witnessed the unperturbed activities of illegal oil bunkers with thick flames from illegal refineries, shrewed in different parts of the mangrove with stench of burning diesel in the atmosphere while the locally refined products are transported to their various destinations.

The journey took an average of 1:50mins with atleast three military checkpoints at different strategic locations, checking the content of each boat as they passed. The question nagging for answer is, is it that these illegal refined products as they are being transported become invisible as they pass these checkpoints or someone automatically closes for the day?

In a chat with the State Waterways Security Committee chairman, Chief Ayiri, he said, “We are working in conjunction with the security operatives in tackling the menace of oil theft in the State Waterways.

“Though, there are still some few incidents of oil theft in parts of the waterways, we are working tirelessly for the total eradication of their activities. Our next phase right now is the total eradication of illegal oil bunkery which has currently been reduced to a minimal level.”
Citing challenges facing the committee, he said, “I am under obligation to ensure peace and tranquility in our coastal communities including my own Ugborodo community in Warri South-West council area of the state. I am also obliged to avert incidences of illegal oil theft and the consequent pollution of our waters and devastation of the vegetative and aquatic lives.
“In the course of this arduous and very hazardous task in the creeks, we are confronted with all manners of obstacles from all sides of the divide, as we have caused so many people to undergo security checks and even put a stop to their once flowing business. People have also taken on us severally and vicariously through false allegations and frivolous petitions with the intent to bring us down or at least get us out of their way.
“Some have even taken us to court and when it was time to prove their allegations in the same court, they would be nowhere to be found because, they are aware that all the relevant security agencies have investigated their spurious and frivolous petitions and found them to be baseless and unfounded,” he added.
Though, oil bunkering is a necessity for maritime shipping within the maritime sector, it becomes an illegal oil bunkering when it is carried out without requisite statutory licenses or valid documents, or in violation of the Nigerian Maritime Sector and the guidelines made by the statutory institutions regarding it.

The recent upsurge of oil theft or illegal bunkering has become an issue that now gives the Government, oil producing companies and Nigerians in general sleepless nights. As such, Nigeria’s economy has continued to dwindle, even though the country is the biggest oil producer in Africa.
 Finally, the Federal Government cannot allow illegal bunkering to continue without finding lasting solution to the problem which is affecting the economy of the nation. More decisive steps should henceforth be taken to combat the illicit business, while those found guilty in this regard, no matter how highly placed, should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

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Time to Check Excesses of Military Brutality in Delta State

Posted by Unknown 0 comments
Brisibe Perez
With the birth of the Nigeria Army in 1960 which originally was a fallout of the Lt. Glover Royal Navy in 1863, used by Glover, while he was Governor of Lagos to mount punitive expedition in the Lagos hinterland and to protect British trade routes around Lagos to boost its economic (Slave Trade) and commercial activities, the military, though claims to be the “Pride of the Nation” which can be interpreted to mean the “Pride of every Nigeria”, could be said to be brutish on civilians who are supposed to be proud of its formations.
I stand to be corrected based on my assertions, but at the end of this piece, you would concur with me based on recent happenings that, though there might be some “Angelic Soldiers”, but a handful out of a majority can’t reflect on the saintly nature of our uniformed gun tooting brothers (this includes the police and other military agencies).
It has been said that, having metamorphosed into the current Nigeria Army from its Governor Glover days, the Nigeria Army, especially it’s ‘Foot Soldiers’ still treat the Nigerian civilians as ‘slaves’ that they are during the British Colonial days.
There is a saying in the local parlance that, “The fear of a soldier, armed or unarmed, is the beginning of wisdom”. No doubt it is following the wanton use of firearms by these gun tooting brothers on armed-less civilians who in most cases are not alive to tell their story, after being brutally cut down in the prime of their lives by the ‘unknown’ soldier.
The recent killing of a motorcycle rider popularly referred to as Okada simply identified as Dafe and an innocent traffic volunteer in a market place at Ughelli, Delta State during school rush-hour by the soldiers attached to SETRACO Construction Company leaves more to be questioned on the level of professionalism and ethical rules of engagement of personnel of the Nigeria Army.
Let’s play Devil’s Advocate and toe the storyline of Lt. Col Victor C Ibeh, Commanding officer of 222 Battalion based in Agbarha-Otor, where the military men in question are stationed. He stated that, the dead Okada rider (herein referred to as the suspect) attacked and literarily demobilized ‘two armed soldiers’ hence,he was gunned down with a shot on the head (which reflects a shot to kill) by the Unit Commander.
“That prior to being shot in the dead, the unarmed suspect had succeeded in making away with the magazine attached to the riffle of one of the soldiers.
“That the unarmed suspect who was not known to the soldiers present, stormed the scene with a brand new motorcycle, unnumbered, with the sole aim of attacking the soldier unaware that there are other soldiers around.
“That in making his attack, the suspect arrived the scene from God knows-where with a helmet which he used on the soldiers.”
According to him, as a result of these, the actions of his men were justified.
Hmm, nice line of defense for his men, but on the contrary, I do not mean to debunk the claims of Lt. Col. Ibeh, but in trying to be liberal to all parties involved, one may be forced to question the level of professionalism and combat competence of the soldiers in question.
First, in a town where the only medium of transportation in the day is ‘Okada’ hence the high number of motorcycles, is it possible for a soldier (who is not resident of Ughelli) to know the faces of Okada riders? Well maybe outside their line of duty in guarding the Lebanese expatriates they are attached to, they embark on memorizing the faces of Okada riders.
Secondly, is it not a known fact that an average of 40% of commercial motorcycle in Ughelli is not registered? Is it wrong for a commercial motorcycle to be brand new? Thirdly, in reference to the Kokori Crisis as stated by Ibeh, hence the influx of supposed associates of Kelvin, if with the actual intention of attacking the soldier, would the Okada rider storm the scene armed with just his helmet rather than being combat ready for battle as experienced in Kokori?
Finally, is it not funny and indeed preposterous that an unarmed civilian would demobilize an armed soldier by slamming him on the ground, grabbing hold of his rifle and ejecting the magazine from it? Is it not witty to the hearing that, on getting hold of the magazine according to Ibeh, the suspect decided to make a run for it before he was felled with a shot from a cleverly observing Unit Commandant within the scene?
According to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence, of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.” Based on this, the guilt of the suspect needs to be interpreted by a court as against being found wanting by a ‘kolofo’ who passes judgement with his riffle.
Similarly, the fear of the army in Sapele is the beginning of wisdom, as the soldiers seems to be having a field day breaching the constitutional rights of citizens.
Late last year, I was opportune to stumble into a picture of a soldier in Sapele, who during his routine check on motorist, singled out a male passenger from the cab, got a scissors and used to wantonly cut his hair. Reason being that he had styled his hair in what is popularly referred to as ‘Galas’.
Digging deep, I also found out that, these same soldiers in Sapele, taking it upon themselves in what most persons refer to as “enthroning proper dress scenes” amongst residents of Sapele. Persons that have in one way culpable of their “enthroning proper dress scenes” includes those who seem to have embraced the tattoo rave, those who take delight in hanging their trousers mid-way down their butts popularly referred to as sagging amongst others.
Though am not a proponent of lewd dress sense, especially as reflected by the youths, my question is, in as much as we are in a democratic system of governance, since when was it enshrined in the constitution, that soldiers should be mandated to enthrone proper dress scense amongst Nigerians on whose tax funding these soldiers are being catered for? Is it not sheer over zealousness or joblessness that would make a soldier, take up the role of a barber with one hand, while holding his rifle in the other?
With series of military check points crisscrossing different parts of Delta State, especially in areas where motorcycle popularly known as Okada still operates, it is admirable to see the cleanliness of the surroundings of these check points, but what begs for attention is the oppressive modus operandi used in actualizing these cleanliness. Being opportuned to be around these check points in the early hours of the morning, it is indeed shocking to discover that, okada riders are used like slaves with brute force to sweep these surroundings. Protest by any of these okada riders in refusing to sweep, leaves him at the mercy of the soldiers.
With all these scenarios, you would agree with me that the average Nigerian soldier sees his/her self like a demigod, especially when they bark out that phrase, “You Bloody Civilian!”
Based on the above circumstances, lets imagine the countenance of the average soldier posted to the ‘crisis torn’ Kokori community in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State which has been under siege by our gun tooting brothers. If they could feel insulted and vexed in their rapport with armless “Bloody Civilians” according to them, what would be the clime, when they are being challenged?
Our military men including its women should know that, the organization they stand for was formed by its founding fathers “To win all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protect her national interests, and accomplish other tasks in aid of civil authority” anything short of this is a slave and master relationship.
Brisibe Perez is Delta State based journalist
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Mr Shem of the "My Oga at the Top" saga finally opens open

Posted by Unknown Sunday, August 18, 2013 0 comments

NSCDC Commandant Obafaiye Shem became massively popular, thanks to his ‘Oga at the top’ interview with Channels TV.
In a recent interview Obafaiye Shem spoke about  ’Oga at the top’, his new posting and even marriage.
Excerpts:
What is your assessment of the security situation in Ibadan and Oyo State in general?
The security situation in Oyo State is relatively peaceful and I must tell you that the synergy among the security agencies here is very superb. We relate well; the Commissioner of Police carries me on well and indeed refers to me as his brother. I do the same to him. Anything that affects one affects all.
At a time, there was a clash between my men and the police. Immediately I told him about it, he promptly took it up and resolved it. My bosses were amazed. That’s the level of rapport that exists between us.
How would you compare the work situation in Lagos to the one in Oyo State?
Lagos is very riotous. What I am trying to say is that there is so much stress in Lagos State when compared with a state like Oyo. Oyo State is a more peaceful state. Ibadan is particularly peaceful. Life here cannot, in any way, be compared with life in Lagos. But just as God backed us up in Lagos, He is still doing the same here in Ibadan. The way He made me succeed in Lagos, is the same way He has started making a success of my work here in Oyo State.
My achievements have been positive. It has always been my desire to do my best as much as possible on this job and wherever I find myself, and God has been good to me. This is what I always tell my subordinates. Since all of us cannot be president; we cannot all be Commandant General, we can all contribute our quota to the growth and development of Nigeria in whichever corner we find ourselves.
This is what I always tell my subordinates. I always tell them that if they are cleaners, they should clean well. The Bible instructs us to do our job as unto the Lord. We should do all with the fear of God. That is, if no one is watching you, God is. My wish is to do my best, to leave a good legacy behind for my generation and everyone coming after me.
Would you rather work here or in Lagos?
Our job is with the federal government. So, it is not about where anyone prefers, it is about where we are posted to. And the rule is that we must be ready to work anywhere; we must adapt to whichever environment we find ourselves. It is a service and we must do it well at all times. There is nowhere I cannot work.
You were posted to Ibadan shortly after the “My Oga At the Top” interview. How about your family? Did you move them down to Ibadan or they are still in Lagos?
They are here. They joined me barely a week after I resumed here. It makes the job easier because there won’t be any divided loyalty.
What are the challenges of your job?
Life is a risk and so is every job. Our own job is no exception. Even the Army, advanced as they are, they still have challenges. In our own case, we are making do with what the federal government has been giving us. We have men on ground and with good leadership, we are showing commitment and doing well. God has been very faithful. In the course of our job, we arrest tankers with arms and ammunition among other major things. We have challenges, but they are minimal.
How would you rate the success of the NSCDC so far?
Am I not too small to rate the NSCDC? Generally, I would say, of all the agencies, ours is the closest to the masses. We live with them, interact with them and we have a good intelligence gathering network. We are doing well in all ramifications. On some different occasions, we are the first to get to scenes of fire incidences. In the area of disaster management, we help manage situations, rescue and rehabilitate. In the area of preventing the activities of pipeline vandals, we are also doing well. If I am to give a mark, I would give 75%. That is an A.
As security officer, what tips would you give to individuals for safety?
We must observe personal security in our homes. It would be wrong to switch on your light before leaving home; people should be conscious of strangers around where they live; they need to call the attention of neighbours if they see strange faces; they should put bulbs in their surroundings to illuminate the environment. I would also advise that you don’t just leave your gate open. Your security man should be registered with a security outfit so that they will be able to capture his data.
This is to enable them to trace him. It is risky and not ideal to just employ somebody just because he claimed to have worked as security officer in some place before. He might have been sacked for one misdemeanor or the other before or may even be telling lie just to feed himself. He may not be able to handle the job and you may end up suffering for this at the end of the day. And for those who employ house helps, they must be careful of who they leave their children with. A lot of underground work need to be done to have these kids placed in safe hands.
What is your opinion about the Channels Television interview that brought you instant fame?
I have nothing much to say other than to bless God for everything. I thank God for all that happened; I thank God for my boss, his support and love. He is a good boss and I appreciate him. As far as I am concerned all things work well for those who love God and in all things, the Bible says we should praise God.
The people that thought they were going to ruin me did not know that they would end up in announcing my destiny. In the history of humanity, there had never been any human being that had instant fame like I did especially in a case that was meant to end negatively. My brother-in-law in London is even so excited about the incident that he promised to assist me make big money out of this supposed mess. He had already handed the matter to an agency over there to trade mark “Oga at the Top.” But I just asked him to forget it. There is no need for that.
Many of my class mates are in top positions in Nigeria currently, yet, they said I did not go to school. I can mention a lot of them here, including the Attorney General in Lagos State, Ipaye.
But why should I do all that. All the same, I give all the praises to God. It was not the first interview I would be having with them (Channels Tv). After that interview we shook hands and I even gave them my complimentary card. I could see that they were not really cheerful. If there was any effect, it was on them and not me. It was the same day I met with Governor Fashola of Lagos State.
Theirs took place in the morning and I met Governor Fashola later in the day. Some people believed they were up to something, but I did not know. I was only being careful with words as a security officer. We apply caution in all that we say and do. It was a live programme, the whole world was watching us, so, I did not want to be too free.
But like I said, I thank God for everything. I blame nobody for anything; I see everything as an act of God. They believe they would use it to destroy my destiny but God turned everything around for me, for the better.
How did your family take the development?
The day of the interview, 16th of March, 2013, was the day my father was buried. It was as if it was designed to destablise me on the day of the burial of my father, but it was not so. It was three or four days after that they apologised and said it was not meant to embarrass me.
Channels felt bad because it backfired. Anybody that wants to go for an interview in Channels will be very skeptical now and henceforth. I just felt it was my time for divine announcement, so I did not take it the way they thought I would take it.
In fact, when I saw the T-shirt, I wanted to buy one. Some had thought that my transfer to Ibadan was a demotion, but they are wrong. It is not. They also claimed that my wife went to Channels over the issue. The question I asked was, to do what? She did not. The whole thing has only turned around to be God’s glory in my life.
What is your philosophy of life and how did it apply in the case of “My Oga At The Top” case?
My philosophy of life is to impact positively on this generation. I want to leave a legacy, a good and worthwhile legacy behind that will not make my family live or walk in fear when I am gone. I want to sustain my good name; and that is what I preach to my staff every day.
I tell them to be open-minded; be determined; do what you will do with your best ability whether people are there or not. Note that there are people watching you and your work will speak for you when you are not there. This is what I always tell them.
What is the lesson to be learnt in your “Oga At The Top” issue?
Everyone should identify a lesson out of the whole saga.
What is your childhood ambition and where were you born?
My dream was to become a military person. In the village, they called me a Soldier because of the way I walk. Talking about where I was born, I was born in Ayetoro Kiri in Kabba/Bunu local government area of Kogi State.
What influence do your parents have on your life as an adult?
My parents are very hard working and well-disciplined. My father was a farmer and made us to work on the farm as early as 4 a.m. and wouldn’t come back until 10 p.m. They were very strict. My father was not that rich, but he was determined and loved his children to go to school. The two of them are dead now but they left a good memory of themselves behind. And you know like it used to generally be in those years, we lived a communal life.
My father lived a very selfless life. He wished all other children that were not even his own the best that he wished for we his children. He wouldn’t let any child that he found at home when others were in school be. That earned him the name- “Baba ki lo n se n le.” He would ensure that the reason why the child was not in school got fixed as much as possible.
This and others we learnt as we grew up. He taught us the essence of hardwork. He was not rich, so, we had to work on the farm very hard to get money to take care of our school fees. My mother was also hard-working.
She was a strong-willed woman who was a popular garri maker of her time. She died in 2009 while papa died in February 2013. They taught us to be solution givers and we thank God that we are on that path. He believed in the power of cane. I remember a time that I and one of my brothers went to work in the farm and we covered so much ground and without food. When he came, we thought he was going to be excited and commend us. He, instead, went wild when he found out we did all that we did on empty stomach. He caned us in anger.
Would you recall any of your childhood pranks?
I was a serious student in UNILAG and so wouldn’t joke with my books. I came from a poor family and I didn’t want to disappoint my parents and myself. I think I entered the female hostel twice throughout my undergraduate days. My success was more important and I wouldn’t want anything to distract me.
How would you describe village life?
It was a communal life. People do things together, but in the city, they want to do it by themselves. There were good and healthy foods in the village. Everything was expressly from nature, the air, water, vegetables and all. Even herbs came handy for ailments that would have cost a fortune in the city. City life has caused crises to marriages whereas this is not common in the village. There is a huge difference between life in the village and in the city.
What attracted you to your wife?
She is beautiful and a good singer. She was leading a chorus at a crusade when I first saw her. She is an evangelist.
How would you describe marriage?
Marriage is a beautiful thing. That is the way I would describe it.
How do you unwind?
I am married to my job and my wife complains about that. When I am not working, I am in church. The last time I went on leave was in 2009.
What is your general advice for people?
Let every individual do his work as ordained by God, believing that he or she is accountable at the end of the race. People should be contended with what they have; they should use all their strength to do whatever is given to them and wait on God for reward. People should put their trust in God and not in human beings. Today, we have so many people derailing because they expect so many things from human beings. Wait for God at the appointed time. Do what you are doing with the fear of God


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