Tue 06 Aug 2013

Court grants Rivers Assembly leader bail, PDP faction kicks From Kelvin Ebiri and Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt N Ahoada Division High Court has granted the detained A leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, bail and ordered the police to immediately release him from two weeks’ incarceration.

But the Felix Obuah-led faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement in Port Harcourt expressed shock over the bail, stressing that it was a vindication of its fear that Michael Chindah would not get justice in the state.

Besides, the judicial commission of inquiry into the im-

• Another orders police to produce lawmaker • Judicial commission begins sitting in P’Harcourt broglio in the Assembly has implored all factions in the crisis to immediately end hostilities.

One of Lloyd’s counsel, Mr. Emenike Ebete, disclosed that they had filed an application at the court presided over by Justice Charles Wali, seeking to enforce the fundamental human rights of the lawmaker whom the police have slammed with a

six-count charge which includes attempted murder.

Wali’s decision to grant Lloyd bail was predicated on the conviction that the police had held him in detention for two weeks without arraignment and that his health was fast- deteriorating based on the medical report tendered by his doctor to the court.

The judge ordered that the police should never re-arrest Lloyd once he had been released from detention pending the determination of his application on August 12.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Vol. 30, No. 12,640

A scene of air pollution from Gbagada refuse dump in Lagos… yesterday.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

N150

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Some fuel-laden kegs recovered from suspected pipeline vandals by the joint operation of the military and officials of Ogun Command of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at Ogere-Remo, Ogun State… yesterday.

36 feared killed in fresh Borno attacks . From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri FRESH wave of violence has swept across Borno State, leaving three soldiers, a policeman and 32 Boko Haram suspects dead.

The mayhem occurred in two separate attacks by insurgents on the Bama Mobile Police Base (BMPB) and on operatives of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) at Mallam Fatori town in the state on Sunday and yesterday.

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Soldiers, policeman die as Boko Haram suspects raid military, police units Bama and Mallam Fatori are border towns with Cameroun and Chad Republic respectively.

Besides, the state government on Sunday began the fumigation and clearing of

drainages in six areas of the Maiduguri metropolis believed to be the hide-outs of Boko Haram members. The areas include Budum, Kaleri, Shehuri North, Gwange, Abaganaram wards, and the old

Maiduguri in Jere Local Council.

According to Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), the fumigation is to prevent the outbreak of water and airborne

diseases, before fleeing residents can return.

The Guardian also learnt that with the commencement of the fumigation, some residents have started returning to the areas.

Tributes, as Fashola’s father dies at 79 - Page 3 Anxiety over influx of banned frozen poultry products -Page4

An attendant of the Accident and Emergency Unit (E&AU) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) told The Guardian that three soldiers and four policemen were brought in from Bama in two patrol vehicles. A soldier and a policeman later died from gunshot wounds. Five of the wounded soldiers and policemen at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Ministers of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Alison-Madueke (left); Mohammed Adoke (Justice); Olugbenga Ashiru (Foreign Affairs) and Akinwunmi Adesina (Agriculture and Rural Development), during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Green-Tree Agreement (Bakassi Peninsula) presided over by PresiPHOTO: STATE HOUSE dent Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja… yesterday.

Court orders police to produce lawmaker CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 At the time of filing this report, Lloyd’s counsel were on the way back to Port Harcourt to serve the police the order.

But the Special Adviser on Media to the state PDP, Jerry Needam, described the bail and order stopping further arrest and prosecution of Lloyd as a travesty of justice.

Needam queried the logic behind the order in a case properly brought before another judge of co-ordinate jurisdiction in Port Harcourt who is handling the matter and has adjourned it to August 6, 2013.

His words: “This has confirmed its earlier claim and fear that Governor Amaechi and his cohorts are doing all within their power, using his office to want to let Chidi Lloyd off the hook while his victim, Michael Chindah, is dying in a London hospital.

“Why run to far away Ahoada when the offence for which Honourable Lloyd was arrested was committed in Port

Harcourt?”

The party, he said, had therefore urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to immediately begin an investigation into Wali’s activities with a view to unearthing the reasons behind the order.

At its inaugural public sitting in Port Harcourt yesterday, the chairman of the nineman commission, Justice B. A. Georgewill, assured every person affected that they would discharge the task without fear or favour, to the end that justice and truth shall be achieved.

Georgewill said that all parties in the July 9 and 10 crisis that rocked the state following a futile effort by five lawmakers in the 32-member House to impeach the Speaker, Otelemaba Amachree, shall be treated fairly in all the proceedings before the commission.

He explained that the commission shall on the proved facts of the matter as shall be shown by concrete evidence before it make recommenda-

tions that would bring about lasting peace to the Assembly.

According to him, every person found culpable on the concrete facts as may be proved before the commission, no matter his status, shall be apportioned blame and relevant recommendations made.

Georgewill vowed that the commission would be impartial on the facts and circumstances leading to the crisis.

The panel adjourned till August 12 and has extended the date for the submission of memoranda to this date.

Yesterday too, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt issued a definite order to the police to produce Lloyd in court on August 7 to face trial.

The court, presided over by Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, issued the order yesterday following the failure of the police to bring Lloyd to court.

The police counsel, Chika Denwigwe, said they could not bring Lloyd to court yesterday because of a pending

case on a similar matter before a state high court. He said the police had filed a counter-application challenging the jurisdiction of the federal high court to hear the case brought by some human rights lawyers on behalf of Lloyd.

Meanwhile, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, visited Port Harcourt yesterday. But he did not go to the Government House and the state police command.

Abubakar received over 100 vehicles fitted with sophisticated communication gadgets. They were donated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Journalists had been invited to the police command headquarters for the IG’s visit but after nearly three hours of waiting, it was announced that the police chief would not be visiting the state police command again and that he had left Port Harcourt after commissioning some NDDC projects.

Soldiers, policeman die as Boko Haram suspects raid military, police units CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 E&AU are being treated.

A witness at Bama added: “We were woken up by sporadic gunshots at the mobile police base near the Government Science Secondary School in Bama on Sunday morning. Some people caught up in the attacks scampered for safety before the Bama-Gwoza Road was cordoned by soldiers. Some of us ran into the nearby bush, while others shut their

houses and shops for fear of being killed.”

Confirming the incident in Maiduguri, the JTF’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, in a statement said there were two separate attacks on the mobile police base and the MNJTF at Bama and Mallam Fatori, a border town on the Lake Chad shores.

Musa added that arms and ammunition, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), were recovered from the terrorists.

The statement reads in part: “Troops have successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorists’ attacks on Mobile Police (MOPOL) Base. The encounter led to the death of one policeman and 17 Boko Haram terrorists. Two soldiers were also wounded.

“During the incident in Bama, troops recovered the following items, four Toyota Hilux vehicles, 10 AK 47 rifles, two G3 rifles, 10x40mm Bombs, three RPG Tubes, 85 rounds of ammunition, one IED, three motorcycles, 10 AK

47 rifles magazines, one G3 magazines, among others.

“Similarly, at about 10.00 a.m. on August 5, 2013, some Boko Haram terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons attacked a MNJTF location at Mallam Fatori. The attack led to the death of two soldiers and 15 Boko Haram terrorists.

The situations in both places have returned to normal.”

Musa urged members of the public to assist the security agencies with timely and credible information that could check terrorism.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

News Govt declares Thursday, Friday public holidays

INEC uncovers 93,526 multiple registrants in Anambra

HE Federal Government T has declared Thursday and Friday this week as public

From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja

holidays to celebrate the 2013 Muslim Eid-el-Fitri Festival.

The Eid-el-Fitri Festival is usually observed by Muslims all over the world to mark the end of the Holy month of Ramadan.

According to a statement by Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, which was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, “ the Federal Government has declared Thursday, August 8 and Friday, August 9, 2013 as public holiday to mark 2013 Eid-el-Fitri Salah celebration.”

HEAD of its review of the A voters’ registration for the November 16, 2013 Anambra State governorship election, chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Attahiru Jega yesterday revealed that the commission has discovered 93, 526 multiple registrants in the voters’ register.

He also defended the registration of the All Progressive Congress (APC), saying it met all the conditions for registration.

Assuring that the commission would ensure that it eliminates ghost voters in

• Defends APC’s listing 2015 polls, the INEC chairman stated that before the 2011 general elections, the commission uncovered 870,000 cases of multiple registrations nationwide, adding that the electoral offences commission will commence the prosecution of offenders in Anambra State.

Jega, who spoke yesterday at the stakeholders’ conference with media professionals and civil society organisations on voters’ register optimisation plan in Abuja, noted that the figure represents

about five per cent of the total voting population in the state.

He stressed the need for elections to be reformed and citizens votes made to truly count, adding that good governance will continue to elude the nation if the people’s votes were not made to count in the election of leaders.

“We have prosecuted over 200 people; we have asked our legal department in Anambra State to commence prosecution of some of these multiple registrants, because

we want it to be an example before we commence the continuous voters’ registration, that the register has come down by five per cent from what was registered in 2011, is because we removed all multiple registrations in compiling the register.

“Under aged registration is one of those very serious crimes that regrettably occur because of first of all, lack of vigilance by security and INEC staff and also most importantly, largely because of community connivance.

Some time, communities organise and compel, threaten our registration officers to register underaged registrants,” he regretted, adding

that INEC is going to partner with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to jointly commence prosecution of more people who go contrary to the law.”

On the eligibility of candidates from the recently registered APC to contest the Anambra gubernatorial election, Jega noted that the provisions in Section 84 (c) of the Electoral Act qualifies the new party to field candidates for the November 16 governorship election in the state.

“Is clear to us that the APC met all conditions for its registration, we are satisfied that we have done what is right under the law,” Jega noted.

FG tackles cholera outbreak in S ‘West, others

By Chukwuma Muanya to the red alert ItisNonresponse cholera and gastroenteriissued by the Federal Government in four South West states, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba-Lagos, said it has repositioned the Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Group (ERG-RG) to receive all samples sent to the Institute’s laboratories so as to support any affected states to carry out the analyses on such samples.

NIMR in a statement signed yesterday by the Head ERGRG, Dr. Stella Smith, said the analysis on the samples would be carried purposely to confirm suspected cases of cholera in all reported cases of gastroenteritis; to characterise all confirmed cases of cholera to determine the circulating strains; and to do sensitivity tests on all confirmed cases of cholera for effective treatment and also for rationale use of antibiotics.

Commissioner of Police, Plateau State, Chris Olakpe (left) and Area Commander, Metro Jos, Charles Ezeala during stakeholders’ meeting with Muslim leaders in Jos… yesterday.

Jonathan, others pay tributes as Fashola’s father dies at 79 From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Ado Ekiti), Mohammed Abubakar, (Abuja) Tunji Omofoye (Osogbo), Kamal Tayo Oropo, Seye Olumide, Gbenga Salau and Tunde Akinola (Lagos) HE ranks of septuagenariT ans in the country have depleted as the 79 year- old father of Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, (SAN), Alhaji Ademola Fashola, passed on yesterday.

Meanwhile, a torrent of tributes has continued to pour in from prominent Nigerians eulogising the late Fashola’s virtues.

A statement yesterday by the Special Adviser to Governor Fashola, Hakeem Bello said the late Fashola will be buried today at Vaults and Gardens Ikoyi by 1 p.m., according to Islamic rites.

President Goodluck Jonathan in a condolence

message contained in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said: “On behalf of myself, my family, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I convoy my sincere condolences to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on the death of his father.

“As they mourn, I urge Governor Fashola, his family and people of Lagos State to give thanks to God Almighty for late Pa Fashola’s very exemplary and accomplished life and to be comforted by the knowledge that Pa Fashola is returning to his Creator as a very blessed and fulfilled man, who lived to see his son become a two-term governor of one of Nigeria’s most populous and vibrant states.

In his tributes, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications

The late Fashola and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, said the death of the elder Fashola, would leave a huge vacuum in the extended Fashola’s family as well as in Lagos social and political circles.

In his condolence message, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi urged Fashola to be consoled by the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life and to a ripe old age, adding that the late Alhaji Fashola’s death

marked a glorious end to a life well spent in the service of Almighty Allah and humanity.

According to him, Alhaji Fashola will be remembered for being a disciplinarian and a personality who pursued any cause he believed in.

According to Interim National Publicity Secretary of newly registered All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the death of Pa Fashola was a pity although he lived a fulfilled life.

Mohammed described the deceased as a “stabilising factor” that would be missed by the “whole of Lagos.

Former Managing Director and now Editorial Consultant of The Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Lade Bonuola, who also worked with the late Fashola at the Daily Times said: “Our leaders at Kakawa are going one after the other. Yesterday,

it was Allah-De, today Demola Fashola. About this time five years ago, it was Alhaji Jose, our chairman.

“Egbon Demola Fashola was a solid pillar of the commercial success of the Daily Times, the biggest newspaper in Africa south of the Sahara, which was our sing-song and energising tonic. He was our advert manager at the peak of the flourish of our Empire. He was a sunny and dandy man.

He cared a great deal about his appearance.

“Our jokes in the Newsroom, which he frequented whenever he wanted space for late adverts I will like to reserve for a formal tribute which I plan to write, which he richly deserves,” he added.

In the same vein, the Lagos State chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Henry Ajomale also described late Fashola as a father one would hardly

want to miss.”

Lagos APC in a statement by its Interim Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe said Pa Fashola lived a life marked by simplicity and integrity.

“Despite being the father of the Lagos State governor, he was known to have thrown his weight about to reflect that lofty position. He was a principled man who trained and brought up his children through the straight and narrow path.’’

Similarly, the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commiserated with Fashola. In a condolence message, the chairman of the party, Captain Tunji Shelle described the late Alhaji Fashola as his club’s patron and member; one who related well with other members of the club and never underrated any person.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

4 NEWS

Anxiety over influx of banned frozen poultry products

By Moses Ebosele HE continuous influx of T frozen poultry products into the country despite Federal Government’s ban is generating anxiety among nutritionists and other stakeholders because of its possible health implications.

Besides, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned Nigerians to be weary of the products, stressing that it lacks the power to conduct any health check, citing the official ban as a major constrain.

The Federal Government had placed a ban on the importation of the products and directed the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to ensure compliance. However, most of the consumers who spoke with The Guardian yesterday claimed ignorance of the ban of the products and the health implications.

The Guardian enquiry revealed that the products are being smuggled on a sustained basis into the country in large quantities through some land borders, especially at Idi-Iroko, Ogun State and Seme in Lagos State.

A petrol tanker loaded with 1,521 cartons of the banned products was recently apprehended in Lagos, fuelling speculations that smugglers may have devised several means to outwit security agencies.

Stakeholders who spoke with The Guardian yesterday said smugglers allegedly use formalin, a chemical used for embalming corpses, to preserve the banned items.

But the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Nigerian Customs Service, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, said that no stone would be left unturned in its bid to curtail the influx of the products. In an interview with The Guardian, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Uche Ejesieme, also pledged the commitment of Customs to tackle the men-

ace.

While advising consumers of the smuggled products to be vigilant, a Lagos-based nutritionist, Friday Ehimon, yesterday described the sale of the banned item in the open market as “health and security risk” to the nation.

Ehimon said: “This cannot happen in any civilised society. Smuggled poultry products are available in the open markets across the country. The questions are: What is the source of these products? What are the health implications of consuming the products? I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to institute a panel to unravel the source and health implications of the products on Nigerians. The speculation out there is that the smuggled products are being preserved with formalin and other chemicals. The possibility of bacterial and other forms of contaminations cannot be ruled out.

The government should do something before it is too late.”

Speaking in a similar vein, a prominent importer, who preferred to be anonymous, explained that demand for the banned products is high across the country, “the only thing is the health implications. Some of the products spend more than two years in the warehouses at Benin Republic and Togo before they get to Nigeria”.

Also, the Agric and Non-Oil Export Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) advised the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to further create awareness in the fight against importation of smuggled goods, particularly poultry products.

According to the chairman of the group, Wale Oyekoya, the increased public awareness on the health hazards of consuming smuggled poultry products will discourage consumers from patronising smugglers of the products.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Chris Houter, during presentation of a gift to Houter at the PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA State House, Abuja… yesterday.

LAUTECH discharges injured journalists, Sultan, others mourn the dead From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Ado-Ekiti) and Tunji Omofoye (Osogbo) UTHORITIES of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, have discharged six journalists receiving treatment at the health facility following injuries they sustained in last Friday’s auto accident at Osu near Ilesa while returning from union assignment in Abuja.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof.

Femi Fadiora who disclosed this to newsmen in Osogbo, confirmed that the victims of the auto crash were discharged on Sunday after they were confirmed medically fit.

Fadiora said the injured journalists were given the best of treatment at the hospital for three days.

Meanwhile, more eminent Nigerians, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, have commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and families of the three reporters who died in a road accident near Ilesa in Osun State at the weekend.

The Sultan, in a statement, expressed grief on behalf of

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himself and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), saying: “We received with deep grief and sorrow the news of a road accident in Osun State which reportedly claimed the lives of three national officers of the union.

“Coming at this time of our national life, such a disturbing incident only amounts to additional agony for the entire country, especially with daily reports of callous killings in one form or another.

“The incident is unfortunate, although it had been ordained by God and nobody could have stopped it. It is their time to go and we will soon join them. This shows the transience of life.”

The Primate, Church of the Lord (Aladura) Worldwide, Most Rev. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, also mourned the journalists.

Addressing the media at the weekend during the unveiling of the banner for the 2013 and the 77th edition of the church’s Yearly Tabieorar Convention, Ositelu seized the opportunity to declare the agony of the church for the untimely death of the three journalists and prayed

that God grant them eternal rest.

Other mourners include the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeahbe; Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman; Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Ogeahbe, who expressed shock and sadness, noted that as a result, the on-going ministerial press conference by commissioners in Delta State has been suspended for one week in honour of the three officials who paid the supreme price in their commitment to serve their members and improve the climate for media practice.

The suspension affects the briefings scheduled for today and Thursday, August 8, 2013.

It will resume on August 13, 2013.

Also in a statement, AbatemiUsman described the death of the three newsmen as a monumental loss, not only to the NUJ and the victims’ families, but the entire country because of the significant role media practitioners play in nation-building and the sustenance and advancement of democracy.

Jonathan congratulates Mugabe RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday conP gratulated President Robert Mugabe on his victory in last week’s presidential elections in Zimbabwe as announced by the country’s electoral commission at the weekend.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, read that “as President Mugabe and his party, ZANUPF, celebrate their victory at the polls, President Jonathan urges them to re-dedicate themselves to working for the well-being and progress of all Zimbabweans.

Jang consoles families of crushed 14 boys From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos OVERNOR Jonah David Jang of Plateau State yesterday paid a condolence visit to Tudun Mazat in Barkin Ladi Local Council to commiserate with the families of the 14 Boys Brigade members who were crushed to death last Saturday morning when a car ran into their crowd during a fitness road work.

Accompanied by the Senator representing Plateau North Zone, Gyang N.S. Pwajok; Barkin Ladi/Ryom Federal Constituency Reps member, Simon Mwatkong; State Assembly member from Barkin Ladi State Constituency, Keneng Gyang Fulani and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Edward Pwajok, Jang urged the families to accept the development as an act of God.

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VC debunks rumour on patronage of LASU courses

By Ujunwa Atueyi ICE Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, has dismissed the rumour and report being peddled around that low subscription to the institution’s academic programmes is a result of hike in school fees.

Addressing newsmen at the institution yesterday, Obafunwa, who described the report as illogical and incorrect, stated that Medicine, which has the highest fee, has over 400 postUTME candidates, more than other programmes with lower fees, adding that if it has been an issue of hike in school fees, candidates wouldn’t have applied.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Nigeria seeks to partner Cote d’Ivoire in maritime, aviation From Chuka Odittah, Abuja HE Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, says the Federal Government is willing to collaborate with Cote d’Ivoire in maritime, rail transportation, as well as trade and investment.

Umar said the cooperation is necessary not only to boost trade but also to jointly confront the nefarious activities of pirates and armed robbers who use the West African coastline to terrorise sailors.

While receiving the Ivoirien Minister of Transport, Mr. Gaoussou Toure, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, Umar also urged him to come forward with suggestions that could help end piracy and vessel hijacking in the West African coastline.

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Camp HYPE to boost summer experience TWO-WEEK residential A camping programme is set to offer girls and boys living in

Wife of the late Senior Photo Journalist of The Guardian , Mrs. Grace Oloko (left); Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Photography, Sam Olusegun-Alade and children of the deceased in Lagos…at the weekend PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

UNILORIN records first IVF-aided pregnancy From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin HE University of Ilorin T Teaching Hospital (UITH) recently joined the list of teaching hospitals in the country that have performed In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

The test-tube propelled IVF was performed on a 33-yearold woman, Ramat Jamiu, who had been infertile for nine years since her marriage to the 70-year-old Suleiman Jamiu, a professor of Islamic and Arabic Studies at the Kwara State University, Malete.

While the man’s earlier marriage had produced four children prior to the second marriage, the second wife was suspected to be suffering infertil-

ity-related problems.

However, several tests conducted on her at the UITH showed no gynecological deformity that could have made her infertile.

Efforts at getting comprehensive details of the couple’s health situations were rebuffed, as the medical personnel linked with the feat cited medical ethics as constraint. Nevertheless, the Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Reproductive Medicine Specialist and Minimal Access Surgery, UITH, Dr. Lukman Omokanye, said “infertility in marriage should not be the problem for the wife to the exclusion of the husband.”

According to Omokanye, the

couple, especially the woman, was managed in the hospital for about one year before she was delivered of a baby boy via caesarian session last Friday after a period of 38 weeks and weighed 3.25kg. He added that the fetus had presented itself in breech, though the expected delivery date was August 16.

The Guardian learnt that IVF could be effective for those suffering from retrograde ejaculation, especially those who had at a stage in their lives passed through enlarged prostrate surgeries. Suffers have normal erection during sexual intercourse and attain orgasm and ejaculate, but rather than the semen flowing out through the urinogenital path, it returns to the

testis.

The UITH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Abdulwaheed Olatinwo, said that with more dedication and better facilities, the nation could become Africa’s medical hub very soon.

Olatinwo, who yesterday commissioned the BioMedical Engineering Workshop, Obstetrics and Gynecology Laparoscopy Training Room for Endoscopic Surgeries, Central Sterile Supply Department and Phase Two of the 22-room consultants’ offices, said that all commissioned projects were the immediate needs of the hospital.

He added: “The modest contributions of today were made possible by what my predeces-

Only APC can salvage Nigeria, says Al-Makura

Kidnappers demand N50m ransom for teachers

From Msugh Ityokura, Lafia OVERNOR of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, has said the newly registered All Progressives Congress (APC) would work with the ideals of the people and ensure fairness without religious bias or tribal sentiments in order to move the country forward.

According to him, the success of the merger signaled true patriotism for those who struggled for its realisation “to redirect the affairs of the country for the better through visionary development.”

Speaking yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, during a meeting of stakeholders of the defunct parties that formed the APC, Al-Makura assured that the party would bring the nation from the shackles of underdevelopment “and from those who do not mean well for the country, as sacrifice for the generation yet unborn.”

From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole’s resolve to sign the death sentence of any convicted kidnapper notwithstanding, those who abducted three primary school teachers last week at Orhogbua Primary School in Ekenwan, have placed N50 million ransom on their captives.

The three teachers, Patience Osadolor, Momodu Aisha and Patience Oroghene, were abducted at gunpoint during school hours on July 30 and one of them is said to be the wife of a serving police officer.

Police said they were still investigating the matter.

In reaction to the kidnap of their colleagues, other teachers have refused to report for duty until the unconditional release of their fellows. State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Patrick Ikosimi, said the kidnappers opened dialogue with families of the victims at the weekend.

In another development,

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• Edo varsity gets N500m facilities’ boost • Oshiomhole swears in new council boss

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Oshiomhole has sworn in Saturday Ogbeide as the new Chairman of Esan-West Local Council in place of Henry Irumudumu, who died of an undisclosed ailment a few days ago. Ogbeide was his vice.

The swearing-in came three months after 17 other council chairmen were sworn in.

Oshiomhole, who expressed shock at the death of Irumudumu, appealed to party leaders in the council to rally round the new chairman, while urging Ogbeide to show courage and strength of character to deliver the promises of good governance to all the wards council.

Meanwhile, Governor Oshiomhole yesterday approved the sum of N500 million for the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) for the upgrade of its facilities.

Speaking at the inauguration of eight-member AAU Governing Council, chaired by Prof.

Greg Akenzua, Oshiomhole said the money would be paid in installments,

beginning from this month and spread over a couple of months, leaving the council to decide how best to put it to use.

He said: “There are a lot of challenges in Ambrose Alli University, which is why I appreciate your acceptance of this appointment. For institutions to change and drive changes, you have to find the courage to take decisions that may be painful to some but beneficial to the institution.”

He noted that the employment statistics in the school showed lopsidedness, with many non-academic and nonresearch staff, at the expense of academic staff, but that he was confident that the council would administer the school properly.

Other members of the council are Professors Thomas Audu and Tom Imobighe, Dr. Andrew Isegwe, Andrew Okwilagbe and Godswill Ogboghodo, Dame Esohe Jacobs and Prince Tony Omoaghe.

sors had done in the past and the dynamism of the present Nigerian Government over the health sector.”

Meanwhile, Mrs. Jamiu said her song had changed with the birth of the baby, as she thanked God who made it possible. She also thanked her husband, who was very patient for nine good years.

She further thanked the management and staff of UITH for their efforts and input in the whole process.

or coming into Nigeria on vacation an international summer camp experience, as Mirror Entertainment Marketing and Events Company Limited, partnering Eko Tourist Beach Resort, Akodo, launches Camp HYPE. Harnessing Young Passion and Energy (HYPE) is Nigeria’s first full-fledged indigenous residential summer camp with a primary focus of helping the children unleash their gift and talents in an atmosphere of learning and fun.

Kids, who recently started their experience at the camp, could participate in a range of activities such as swimming, horseback riding, football, dance choreography, theatre, life skills, art and craft, fashion, baking, African percussion, as well as life skills, public speaking, film making and photography.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

6 NEWS

NPAN condoles with NUJ over death of journalists Death of the trio is a monumental loss not just to the fraternity of the pen profession, but also to the country HE Newspapers T Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has condoled with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the death, in a vehicle accident on Friday, of three journalists on their way from Abuja to Lagos.

In a letter by its General Secretary, Dame Comfort Obi, NPAN lamented that the enormity of the tragedy is underscored by the fact that while the accident claimed the lives of Adolphus Okonkwo of The Voice of Nigeria, Kafayat Odunsi of the Nigerian Television Authority and Tunde Oluwanike of Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Network, it also left no fewer than 10 others injured, some very critically.

The statement continued: The “death of the trio is a monumental loss not just to the fraternity of the pen profession, but also to the country. We sympathise with you in this moment of our shared mutual loss since NPAN is equally touched by the calamity by virtue of its position as employer of journalists.

“We commiserate with you, members of your council, the entire journalists in the country as well as the families left behind by the departed colleagues on this great loss.

“Finally, permit me to convey to you condolences of the Executive Council of our association.”

Former Military Governor of Lagos, General Raji Rasak (rtd) (left); an industrialist, Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao at the 2013 closing prayer Ramadan Tefsir of Gbadamosi Adesina Memorial Mosque in Ibadan on Sunday.

PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

Chaos, as passengers struggle for luggage at Lagos airport

By Wole Shadare OR several hours yesterday, FMurtala passengers arriving the Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, had a herculean task retrieving their baggage owing to the new policy of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which empowers the agency to charge passengers for luggage brought into the country that could pass for cargoes.

Over 150 passengers who

arrived aboard Emirates Airlines could not get their luggage, just as some claimed that they only had two small baggage each that arrived with them but were dismayed that their light luggage could not have passed for cargo.

The Guardian learnt that FAAN, in its new policy, imposed certain levies that included N2,000 on cargoes that come through the terminal rather than the airport’s cargo terminal.

One of the stranded passengers, Richard Ibilola, alleged that some passengers were maltreated by security personnel at the arrival hall when they inquired where their luggage were taken to.

He explained that the plea that their baggage could not have qualified for cargoes fell on deaf ears, forcing some of

them to pour unto the airside in search of their baggage, a situation that threatens the security to the area.

Airport airsides are restricted to unauthorised persons and could only be accessed by people working in the area, with their On Duty Cards on display.

Ibilola said: “We arrive from Dubai at about 11 a.m. today (yesterday). As I speak with you (at 3.30 p.m.) over 150 of us are yet to see our baggage.

We learnt that they arrived but the airport authorities are withholding them, claiming we need to pay duties on them. They told us it is the new policy.

“We do not have problems with their new policy. Some passengers, including diplomats, even told them that they only had a bag of about 35 kilogramms. At a stage,

nobody was willing to listen to us. It was really frustrating and not the best way to treat your people.”

In a swift reaction, however, FAAN denied that it charges travellers N2,000 per luggage on arrival at the international airport, Lagos.

Its spokesman, Yakubu Dati, said the charge does not apply to all passengers but only cargo agents, who use passenger planes to transport their cargoes – often times 20 to 30 pieces of luggage unaccompanied or accompanied by proxies.

According to him, “the fraudulent practice puts untold pressure on the conveyor belts and shortchanges the agency.” He added that cargo agents were aware that all cargoes must go through designated terminal for safety and security procedures.

NEMA seeks collaboration in disaster management From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stressed the need to re-strategise and foster

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stronger collaboration on principled and effective disaster management.

Speaking at the zonal flood awareness campaign in Jalingo, Taraba State, the

NEMA Director General, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, represented by the Deputy Director, Research and Forecasting, Fagbemi Kayode, revealed that over 363 persons lost their lives while over 597,476 houses were destroyed or damaged in the 2012 flood disaster that affected several parts of the country.

Therefore, the agency tasked all a sundry on the need for “disaster risk reduction,” adding that the 2012 record showed that over seven million people were affected while 2.3 million were displaced.

The awareness campaign had in attendance stakeholders from Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba states and aimed at defining an “effective mechanism that will enable stakeholders to prepare adequately to mitigate as well as respond to the anticipated 2013 flood and secondary hazards that may arise.”

Oye-Ekiti varsity to admit 550 from 7,000 applicants From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti NLY 550 students out of the O 7,000 that sat the Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, will be offered provisional admission in the 2013/2014 academic year, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Asuzu, has said.

He explained that the institution’s low admission capacity is down to inadequate facilities in the new university, which began academic session last year. He said the school needs N1.5 billion to provide facilities in the Faculty of Engineering and was already making contacts with corporate organisations to aide the institution.

He disclosed that a committee has been set up to reach out to corporate bodies and international organisations to enable them actualise the target.

Meanwhile, he explained that the mandatory entrepreneurial courses being offered by the students of the university were meant to correct the impression that Nigerian graduates

Organisers postpone 2013 kids expo ITING the need to global C standards, organisers of the maiden edition of the Nigeria International Children Expo (NICE) scheduled to hold from August 27 to 31, 2013 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos has postponed event.

According to a statement, the organisers said the postponement became imperative “as we have confirmed that most stakeholders and premium brands will require more time to enable them give their best to children and parents. Indeed, all relevant industry players welcomed the NICE initiative with great enthusiasm, acknowledging it as a laudable course.”

NICE is an annual childrenfocused exhibition and fun festival aimed at providing learning, shopping and exciting time for both children and parents in a blissful atmosphere, and to create opportunity for children and their parents to have direct contact with products and services targeted at their wellbeing.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

NEWS

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Researchers warn of virus epidemic in S’West farms From Nojeem Raheem, Ibadan ESEARCHERS have raised R alarm over the increasing spread of banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) across West Africa with more farms in Nigeria, West Africa’s second largest producer, being ravaged by the disease.

“If not checked, the virus will devastate banana farms and jeopardise the income of millions of farmers who earn their livelihoods from the crop,” said Dr. Lava Kumar, virologist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), during a visit to farms ravaged by the disease in Idiroko, a border town in Ogun State, on Monday during a Farmers’ Field Day.

Suswam appoints six perm secs From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi OVERNOR Gabriel Suswam G of Benue State yesterday appointed six permanent secretaries to boost productivity in the civil service.

The permanent secretaries, who took the oath of office, were Nathaniel Alaaga, Shuaibu Ogbodo, Ukeyima Adugu Gbileve, Tsegba Igbalumun and Shiaondo Aaga, as well as Okpe Inalegwu. They are to be assigned postings to various ministries by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), David Salifu, later on.

The swearing-in of the permanent secretaries was to fill the vacancies created by those that retired from the state service.

Martins marks one year as Lagos Catholic Archbishop, flays child marriage

By Kenechukwu Ezeonyejiaku HE Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, has described as “completely out of order”, moves by the National Assembly to institutionalise child marriage into the country’s constitution.

Speaking at the celebration of one year anniversary of his installation as the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos last weekend, Martins said that “it amounts to child abuse and wickedness that a kid who doesn’t know herself not to talk of knowing what life is at the tender age of 13 or 14, should be thrust into marriage that early, thereby denying her the right to live her childhood.”

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Bishop, Anglican Communion, Diocese of Bauchi, Musa Tula (left) presenting a meritorious award to representative of the state governor, Pastor Kenneth Masau, at the Diocese 70th Synod in Bauchi…on Sunday

Chief Imam of Bauchi Central Mosque, Mallam Bala Ahmed (third left), during the closing ceremony of 2013 Ramadan Lecture at the Central Mosque in Bauchi…yesterday

Pharmacists seek role in management of govt hospitals From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin RESIDENT of P Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Olumide Akintayo, has cautioned the Federal Government against making health administration in all the governmentowned hospitals the exclusive rights of medical doctors.

Akintayo, in a chat with reporters at the weekend in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, described health sector as a multi-disciplinary one where doctors alone should not be at the pinnacle of the pyramid of treatment of patients and the administration of the sector.

He said there should not be any reason for a contest of superiority among health workers, noting that none of the workers could successfully work in isolation of others.

The PSN, ahead of the national summit of the association slated for Ilorin later in the year, canvassed the replacement of the former Minister of State for Health, Ali Pate, with either a pharmacist or any other health worker, who must not be a medical doctor. Pate had recently resigned his appointment.

The PSN leader, who described strike as alien to

his leadership style, said his body would intensify its persuasive methods with government with the aim of putting the nation’s health system on a very good footing.

According to Akintayo, “Pharmacists are not in any form of popularity context with doctors. I do know that constitutional imperatives are very clear. There are conditions precedents in the 1999 Constitution for you to be a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is not my business if anybody appoints a doctor as his minister, all we are saying here is that government needs to be very careful in the way it runs healthcare endeavours. The health sector is a peculiar one. It is a multi-disciplinary sector.

There is an array of different healthcare providers.”

He added: “We have told government several times that if there are two slots allotted to the Federal Ministry of Health, it can not get it right if it appoints members of a single profession to run that type of ministry. It had never happened in the past. It is only under the current administration that it is happening and it is sickening and disgusting.

“The fallouts are very clear.

Check out some of the things

going on in the Federal Ministry of Health. When President Goodluck Jonathan came on board, he recognised that there were problems in the health sector. One of the first things he did was to set up a presidential committee on harmony for the sector.”

Akintayo noted that the committee members came out with a position that most of the things that have created problems for the sector stemmed from an obnoxious act of parliament allegedly created during the military era by the late Health Minister, Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti.

According to him, “That Act is called Act 10 of 1985. It wasn’t until 1985 that it became the birthright of medical doctors to head hospitals in this country. Hitherto, it was administrators heading hospitals. In places like the University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, what we had were hospital governors.

“We have a legislation that in board appointment, between seven and eight slots have been reserved permanently for only medical doctors and with 12 members’ board. So we have a situation whereby all other health professionals are given one slot.

“Tragically, the current health minister has found it very difficult to allow members of other professions in the sector to be represented in any board. Today, presidential committee on harmony report is being manipulated by him and the Federal Executive Council has thrown that report away.”

Akintayo alleged that the professional regulatory council, in order to weaken other professions, deliberately replaced PSN representatives at the council with a nominee of former registrar of the council, adding that the development had not till date allowed the council to function optimally for more than seven years.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

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AfricanNews Johannesburg apologises to Mandela for billing blunder ITY of Johannesburg, South Africa has apologised to Nelson Mandela and his family yesterday for mistakenly posting a non-payment notice on the former President’s house warning him his electricity was about to be cut off.

The city, which has faced a barrage of complaints from residents for bungled bills, said the notice demanding payment of 6,468.48 rand ($660) was supposed to have been delivered to a different house.

“The city wants to convey an apology to the Mandela family for any inconvenience caused by this unfortunate incident,” it said in a statement.

Mandela, 95, has spent two months in a Pretoria hospital battling a lung infection that has left him in a critical condition.

The location of Mandela’s posh Johannesburg home is one of South Africa’s worstkept secrets. It is frequently visited by media and wellwishers who leave messages for a speedy recovery on painted stones outside the residence.

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Moroccan city’s residents query why child rapist went free Spain arrests paedophile pardoned by monarch S police arrested a A Spanish paedophile who had his pardon revoked by Morocco’s King Mohamed VI after it sparked angry protests in the North African country, residents of the Moroccan city of Kenitra still want to know why the man convicted of raping their children was ever released.

Daniel Galvan Vina, who was convicted of raping 11 children aged between four and 15 and sentenced in September 2011 to 30 years in prison in Morocco, was detained in Murcia in southeastern Spain, an interior ministry spokesman said yesterday.

Galvan, who lived in the midst of residents in Kenitra for years, was found guilty of raping 11 children aged between four and 15, and jailed for 30 years in September 2011.

But last Tuesday, he was among 48 Spanish prisoners pardoned by King Mohamed VI in response to a request from King Juan Carlos, who visited Morocco last month.

Galvan was released and

deported back to his homeland, so that by the time the pardon was revoked late on Sunday, he was beyond the reaches of the Moroccan authorities.

Spain’s ambassador to Morocco, Alberto Navarro, told the El Pais newspaper

that Rabat can now ask that Galvan serve out the rest of his sentence in a Spanish jail.

But for residents of this city of more than 350,000 people, 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of the Moroccan capital, that prospect is scant consolation.

A planned demonstration

in the city centre late on Sunday went ahead despite the announcement that the pardon had been revoked.

Primary schoolteacher, Fatima Imelouane, joined the demonstrators with her daughter.

“We still don’t understand what is behind this affair,”

she said.

“Why this pardon? Why the revocation? Who is responsible and what are the government and the justice minister (Mustapha Ramid) doing?” she asked.

“There is so much ambiguity in all of this.”

Protesters chant slogans during a demonstration in Kenitra against the pardon by King Mohamed VI of Morocco of a Spanish paedophile, Daniel Galvan, who raped 11 local children…yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

S’ Africa’s inquiry on arms’ graft adjourned before Zuma testifies Zuma was expected to 1999 that has dogged Zuma PUBLIC inquiry into a man announced a two-week A multi-billion dollar gov- postponement after a brief appear before the commis- and his ruling African ernment arms deal in South first hearing – to allow the sion probing graft allega- National Congress (ANC) for Africa was adjourned yesterday shortly before President Jacob Zuma was expected to testify.

The commission’s chair-

replacement of judges and the classification of secret military documents.

The inquiry will resume on August 19.

tions against him and several top government officials.

The commission is investigating kickbacks in a $3 billion weapons deal made in

a decade.

The commission, delayed for five months, has suffered a series of controversial resignations – including the departure of two of the three original judges – throwing its effectiveness into question.

The head judge, Francis Legodi, quit last week, citing “personal reasons” and a legal researcher also resigned, saying commission had “incompetent administration.”

Security was boosted around the Pretoria Council Chamber where the hearing took place, with police vehicles and fire trucks stationed outside.

With less than a year before elections in South Africa, the saga risks undermining the credibility of both Zuma and the African National Congress with voters.

Elizabeth Ntsae, a 32-yearold accountant from Pretoria, said government corruption was the reason she would not be voting for the ANC in the election.

“Our government failed us, our government failed us,” said Ntsae. “If the head is corrupt, the whole body will be corrupt.”

Several ex-government ministers, including former president Thabo Mbeki have been lined up to give evidence.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

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WorldReport Over 160 die, others stranded in Afghan, Pakistani flash floods what was termed as one IralNof disasters South Asia’s worst natuthis year, officials yesterday disclosed that flash floods caused by unusually heavy rain across Afghanistan and Pakistan have killed more than 160 people and stranded many villagers in remote areas without shelter, food or power.

A report by Reuters indicated that mountainous area of Afghanistan was the worst hit, with 61 people killed and about 500 traditional mudbrick homes washed away in more than a dozen villages in Sarobi, a rural district less than an hour from the national capital, Kabul.

The report also claimed that in the remote eastern Afghan province of Nuristan, about 60 homes were destroyed across three districts, quoting provincial spokesman, Mohammad Yusufi. No one was killed.

Yusufi added that authori-

ties were unable to get aid to some badly affected villages by land as roads in the area are controlled by the Taliban.

“We have asked the national government for help as have an overwhelming number of locals asking for assistance, but this is a Talibanridden area,” Yusufi said.

No fewer than 24 people were also killed in two other eastern border provinces,

Khost and Nangarhar, local officials said. More than fifty homes and shops were destroyed and thousands of acres of farmland flooded.

In Pakistan monsoon rains claimed more than 80 lives, local media reported yesterday.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon disclosed that inci-

dents of house collapse, drowning and electrocution all pushed up the death toll.

In Karachi, the commercial capital and a southern port city that is home to 18 million people, poor neighbourhoods were submerged waist-deep in water and many precincts suffered long power outages. Deaths were also reported in the north and west of the country.

Dozens admitted in hospital after Norway tunnel fire O fewer than 73 people N were hospitalised with symptoms of smoke poisoning yesterday after their vehicles were trapped by a truck fire inside Norway’s secondlongest tunnel.

Local authorities said victims were evacuated from western Norway’s 11.4-kilometre Gudvangen Tunnel, which links Oslo and Bergen, the country’s two largest cities.

“It’s pure luck that no one

has died,” firefighter Arvid Gilje told national broadcaster NRK. Joern Lasse Refnes, a local police official, told AFP that altogether 75 were evacuated from the tunnel, and all but two had to be taken to hospital.

The situation was under control by mid-afternoon, after firefighters entered the tunnel to search for trapped motorists.

“We conducted a thorough

inspection of the tunnel without finding anyone trapped, and no one is reported missing,” Refnes said. “We assume that everyone who was inside is out now.”

Television images showed a thick curtain of smoke emerging from the mouth of the tunnel, while a photograph taken by a witness at the scene showed the cabin of an articulated lorry engulfed in flames.

U.S., Britain, France extend closure of missions over Al-Qaeda’s threat OLLOWING what United On Saturday, the global Chambliss, appearing on Saxby Chambliss, vice chairFDepartment States (U.S.) State police agency Interpol added man of the Senate NBC’s “Meet the Press,” said a called “out of an to fears by issuing a security Intelligence Committee, said National Security Agency proabundance of caution,” American missions across the Middle East and Africa will be closed through August 10 after intelligence reports found what lawmakers fear is the most serious threat of an Al-Qaeda attack in years.

The U.S. State Department said 19 diplomatic outposts would be shuttered through Saturday, according to a report by Agence France Presse (AFP).

On its part, Britain said its embassy in Yemen would remain closed until the end of the Muslim festival of Eid, the climax of the holy month of Ramadan, “due to continuing security concerns.”

France also said its mission there would remain shut until Thursday.

Eid is due to end at the weekend.

Norway has closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia and Jordan to the public due to threats of attacks by AlQaeda, the foreign ministry said yesterday.

The Scandinavian country has also raised the security level at other diplomatic missions in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as sensitive locations such as Nairobi, the ministry said.

“We have limited public access by closing down, for example, the consular sections (in Riyadh and Amman),” ministry spokesman Frode Andersen told AFP. “The embassies are not closed down. We keep working, and communicate by telephone and mail.”

alert over hundreds of militants freed in jailbreaks.

The U.S. closure list includes 15 embassies or consulates that were already shut on Sunday due to security fears, as well as four additional posts. At least 25 U.S. missions had initially been ordered closed.

U.S. lawmakers on Sunday said the move was prompted by electronic intercepts of high-ranking Al-Qaeda operatives signaling a major attack.

The intercepts were “probably one of the most specific and credible threats I’ve seen, perhaps, since 9/11,” said Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

An attack appeared to be “imminent,” possibly timed to coincide with the last night of Ramadan, McCaul told CBS.

there has been “an awful lot of chatter” among terrorists about planning an attack, all “very reminiscent of what we saw pre-9/11”.

gramme that electronically intercepts mobile phone and e-mail communication helped gather intelligence about this threat.

How U.S. covered up programme used to investigate Americans, by report F a new report is to be relied IStates upon, a secretive United (U.S.) Drug Enforcement Administration unit is funneling information from intelligence intercepts, wiretaps, informants and a massive database of telephone records to authorities across the nation to help them secretively launch criminal investigations of Americans.

Although these cases rarely involve national security issues, documents reviewed

by Reuters show that law enforcement agents have been directed to conceal how such investigations truly begin - not only from defence lawyers but also sometimes from prosecutors and judges.

The undated documents show that federal agents are trained to “recreate” the investigative trail to effec-

tively cover up where the information originated, a practice that some experts say violates a defendant’s Constitutional right to a fair trial.

If defendants don’t know how an investigation began, they cannot know how to ask for review of potential sources of exculpatory evidence - information that could reveal entrapment, mistakes or biased witnesses.

“I have never heard of anything like this at all,” said Nancy Gertner, a Harvard Law School professor who served as a federal judge from 1994 to 2011.

Gertner and other legal experts said the programme sounds more troubling than recent disclosures that the National Security Agency has been collecting domestic phone records.

Turkey’s ex-army chief jailed for life over coup plot COURT in Turkey has senA tenced a former military chief to life in prison and dozens of others including opposition members of parliament to long terms for plotting against the government, in a trial that has exposed deep divisions in the country.

Retired military chief of staff General Ilker Basbug was yesterday sentenced to life for his role in the “Ergenekon” conspiracy to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan.

Announcing verdicts on the

nearly 300 defendants in the case, the judges also sentenced three serving parliamentarians from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) to between 12 and 35 years in prison.

Prosecutors said an alleged network of secular nationalists, code-named Ergenekon, pursued extra-judicial killings and bombings in order to trigger a military coup, an example of the antidemocratic forces which Erdogan claimed his AK Party has fought to stamp out.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Politics Those clamouring for war in the name of Jonathan are his enemies, says Unongo Wantaregh Paul Unongo, elder statesman and erstwhile Minister of Steel is also the spokesperson of the tough talking Northern Elders Forum (NEF),which has vowed to ensure that President Goodluck Jonathan is not re-elected in 2015 and that he would be replaced by a president of northern extraction. In this interview with journalists in Abuja, the Second Republic minister spoke on the politics of the 2015 presidential poll’s, his view on Jonathan’s chances in 2015 and other related national issues. JOSEPH WANTU was also there.

A pro-Jonathan group the Southern Mandate recently accused you who is from the MiddleBelt of siding with the core North to work against the re-election of the President in 2015.What is your take on this? could have said what I normally say about falsehood. I would have said it’s rubbish, but I take cognizance of the fact that what I say and what I don’t say, sometimes, from the behavior of these people becomes a topic that is manipulated. So, the first thing I would say is a general comment about the people who pretend and thought that President Jonathan is their own alone and anybody who would love him, must be from his area. They make Unongo you an enemy if they conjure from their head that you are dreaming that you may not supmy God! What kind of Nigeria are we hoping port him. Whosoever you may be, they take it to produce and leave for the coming generaupon themselves as their job to abuse you tion? and impugn motives and to insult you. I have Apparently, there must be a few people in noticed in many publications I have read this country that would tell Mr. President, from, that they know very little about Nigeria “Our son, you have done well in this area, in and they don’t care. They have a very little this one you have not done very well, try and respect for the truth and they don’t care what- do it this way.” Why do people single out this ever happens to the principal person (the group of people for abuse?

President) they claimed they are protecting, NEF, which you are a chieftain has vowed to his interest etc. replace Jonathan in 2015 with a President of This kind of attitude, this holier than thou Northern extraction. Couldn’t that be the behaviours are in no way helpful to the peace source of grouse in view of the fact that you and unity all of us are striving to build. What are from the Middle-Belt which people say is disturbing about all these is that these peo- has already adopted Jonathan for 2015? ple are playing God by pretending to love the It is really annoying. The President should President more than God who created him. It ignore these kids who ganged up in funny is probably more worrisome when people mushroom groups who know little or nothnotice that the President never came out to ing about history. What is the meaning of condemn behaviours that could make people Northern Nigeria? If you say, “Paul Unongo begin to conclude that that may be these peo- comes from Tiv land; this Tiv man is from ple are reflecting what the President wants.

Jato Aka. The Tiv people are in the North. We These people are doing a disservice to the were the people who started the movement President. for more regions. When the regions then It is a shame that even old men that we used were North, West and East. to know at the time we were young now I am If these people don’t know history, at least about 78, indulge in this thing too! The other those who know should have told them. Paul day, I saw a highly respectable person who Unongo is from the North, a geopolitical was a Federal Commissioner in General area known as the North. Where were these Gowon’s government, heaping abuses on one kids that say I am not a Northerner? Some of the world’s renowned constitutional people have been deceiving them, telling lawyers, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a man I respect a them that we are not Northerners. General lot. I found it very difficult to agree with Chief Gowon is a Northerner; his state of origin Edwin Clerk purporting that Ben Nwabueze what Nigerians called state of origin is didn’t have a right to make a statement about Plateau and Plateau is in the North. Gen. T Y a young man whom God has raised in our Danjuma is a Northerner; his state of origin country to become President. I read through is Taraba. Taraba is in Northern Nigeria. Paul the paper I couldn’t see where Nwabueze Unongo is a Northerner from Northern made offensive statement or where he abused Nigeria. They have run governments of anybody.

Northern Nigeria and they have ties. Late These people don’t know how much we put in Olusola Saraki was a Yoruba by origin but he for this country. And when we make comwas a Northerner as Kwara state from where ments, it is not because we don’t like the he hailed from, is in Northern Nigeria. young men that are ruling us.

Has the Forum ever discussed about the If people could not freely make comments President coming back to the North in 2015? according to what they have seen and accord- Yes, we have. And we don’t discuss it disreing to what they have been trained to observe, spectfully. You mean, if we have a geopolitical interest, we shouldn’t dialogue? Didn’t

I

we vote for Jonathan? When Jonathan came to Benue (for presidential campaign in 2011), who spoke? Paul Unongo! I spoke on behalf of the people of Benue. At that point in time, I was a good person. I gave the reasons why the people of Benue were going to support Jonathan.

We told Jonathan that both in the colonial days and in the self-governing regional days, we and the people from that part of Nigeria where Jonathan comes from, and some people from the then Western region and some others, we joined forces and were collectively called minorities of Nigeria. I advocated the principle if all the minorities could come together they would dominate and dictate the direction of politics in the country. At the same time, I am saying if you get all the people I will describe as Northerner to cooperate and work together, they will dominate politics in any democratic set-up in Nigeria because democracy is a power of franchise and the people are more in number, they will dominate if they act together. The question we should raise is whether it is desirable for all the minorities of Nigeria to work together?

The Ijaw people of Southern Nigeria, now that they have an Ijaw person as the President of Nigeria apparently believe they have arrived at a situation where, we the minorities of Nigeria should avoid cooperating with Nigeria but cooperate only with them because they have oil and they dominate Nigeria. That is what they are saying in effect.

Is that what I worked for? Is that what I went to jail for, from British to the Nigerian military? Is that the Nigeria I was fighting for? No! I was fighting for an all-inclusive Nigeria. But does that preclude me from expressing my views if I feel disappointed with Nigerian political system and governance as it exists and I feel that the governance is impacting on a lot of people from what I call the north in a particular way?

But looking at the administrative distribution or structuring of the country the North is lording it on others in another way.

One thing that nobody can take away from

the North is that it remains the area with the greatest natural and sustainable economic potential for the country. It is not oil which one day would dry off. This is the reason why the North is upset at the way and manner this area with these vast resources is being marginalized in terms of allocations for development. Let’s make a comparison from the budgetary allocation, look at the allocation of the 19 states (in the North), look at the allocation to the rest of Nigeria and I come to the conclusion that the mainstay of this Nigerian system is not oil, it is still agriculture. And the area that has 2/3 of the landmass of Nigeria, that is where agriculture ought to be developed in such a massive way that will contribute even more than oil. I see the allocations and see what has happened and I am intelligent enough to know and say that that this is not fair, this is not good enough? Why did they allocate so much money there and not here?

Is it not funny and annoying that some of these tribal jingoist are shouting war and that they would shed their blood to defend Jonathan. Let me pause to ask them where they were during the Civil War? Who liberated what is called Niger Delta today? Of course my people! The Middle-Belt lost the cream of our people from in the creeks of the Niger Delta. I knew at least 22 young Tiv officers, and young northern Nigerian officers in their droves, lost their lives there. We felt we were fighting for our country, we felt we were speaking for our brothers; we felt we were friends and pals with everybody. What is happening to Nigeria? These tribal jingoists are taking us back; can they stand on their own in a war and defend Jonathan? Do they know the meaning of war?

They should leave the (President) young man alone. Let Jonathan paddle his own canoe in Nigeria. We work for a Nigeria today so that young people that are bright should come and give us leadership and they should give the leadership in such a way that they will cater for all Nigerians not segmented catering.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

POLITICS

11

The colour of Kwara 2015 politics

Saraki

Ahmed

From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin.

the governor to be talking? Why should he be talking when our political leader (Bukola Saraki) is there? He (the governor) is facing the work of governance and that does not require noisemaking in whatever form.

“Saraki is our number one political leader in Kwara. Whatever he says is the best for us. We believe so much in his leadership ability and his disposition to accommodating reasonable ideas and suggestions from loyal party members (Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Besides, the governor once confided in me during one of his trips to Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj operations that he would be eternally grateful to Saraki for making him the governor. He said he never knew he could ever rise to that post in his entire political career.”

Ahmed’s seeming “submission” to the will of Saraki in all fronts has no doubt engendered serene political atmosphere in the state.

Political posts are apportioned peacefully just as salaries of civil servants are promptly paid before the end of the month.

But the state’s chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alhaji Farouk Akanbi, said the workers expected more attention from the governor in the areas of payment of “some arrears” to some serving and retired civil servants in the state.

On provisions of social amenities, Ahmed’s administration has concentrated more on road repairs and construction and provision of rural electricity and streets lightening.

But describing the governor’s performance in the areas of social infrastructure as below average, immediate past chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state, Mr. Kayode Olawepo

HE shape of politics in Kwara T State come 2015 may be a radical departure from the sickening docility that had characterised the political scene of the 46-yearold state in the past.

The major reason for the change could not be divorced from the departure from the political scene of the maverick politician, Dr. Olusola Saraki, who passed some 15 months ago.

‘Oloye’, as his supporters fondly called him, had initiated his son, Dr. Bukola Saraki, senator representing Kwara Central, into politics.

However, some political analysts in the state believe that the forthcoming general elections would be the acid test for the former governor of the state to show the world how much of political lessons he had learned under his late father.

Already, scheming and political calculations have been going on just as alignment and re-alignment of forces have remained the order of the day by the concerned politicians in the state.

What remains a clue though is the situation the incumbent Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed may find himself in the entire political permutations already being touted as the mother of all elections in the state.

Since his assumption of office some two years ago, Ahmed has been taciturn although many observers believe he has prudently managed the scarce resources of the state described as being number 33 among the 36 states of the federation in the order of monthly resource allocations by the Federal Government.

As an aide of the governor asked The Guardian in Ilorin: “You want

Oloye’, as his supporters fondly called him, had initiated his son, Dr. Bukola Saraki, senator representing Kwara Central, into politics. However, some political analysts in the state believe that the forthcoming general elections would be the acid test for the former governor of the state to show the world how much of political lessons he had learned under his late father. Already, scheming and political calculations have been going on just as alignment and re-alignment of forces have become the order of the day by the concerned politicians.

Mohammed said, “we are yet to feel any impart of Ahmed’s administration in the area of provisions of amenities in the state.”

“Do we have good road network across the state? No. Do we have pipe borne water in major areas of Ilorin the state capital? No,” he said.

In his reaction, the state’s secretary of the ruling PDP, Prince Yemi Afolayan, urged members of the opposition to “shine their eyes,” and see the glaring difference in the areas of social infrastructure between some ACN-controlled states and Kwara.

“We know that opposition’s role is pivotal to the survival of any virile democracy but my grouse with those playing the role here in Kwara is their inability to play the role constructively,” Afolayan said.

“They don’t usually acknowledge the positive contributions of the ruling government to the growth of the state. Even where criticism is required, it is done destructively rather than being constructive in attitude.”

He asked: “Which of the governments in the whole of the ACNcontrolled states has given pipe borne water to every homes in such states?

“Besides, who doesn’t know that road construction and repairs are done in phases, considering the enormity of the capital required?

“Again, I think it is high time we would urge them to shine their eyes and see the good works of this administration.”

Despite the accolades poured on Governor Ahmed by Afolayan, wouldn’t it be just and appropriate to ask at this juncture if Ahmed would get a second term ticket in 2015?

Will he follow in the steps of Saraki who is the first in the political history of the state to serve two terms of office?

An extant legislation by the State House of Assembly allows any governor, who had served the state in two-term capacity, to enjoy all full benefits of the office until death. But the salient question is whether or not Ahmed will become one of the beneficiaries of the kind gesture.

Again, Afolayan would not want the issue of the second-term ticket discussed at present, as he described it “a non-issue, as the PDP machinery, under the leadership of our amiable leader and a

Belgore

Afolayan

Sources told The Guardian in Ilorin that the governorship slot might have been shifted to Kwara North senatorial district.

Ahmed is from Kwara South. A governor emerged from Kwara North during the time of Alhaji Sha’ba Lafiagi some 23 years ago. Lafiagi at present represents Kwara North in the Senate.

If the move is real, two persons may, however, slug it out to determine the next governorship candidate of the PDP in Kwara. These are the former senator from the zone, Ahmed Mohammed and a serving member of the House of Representatives, Zakari Mohammed, representing Baruteen/Kaiama Federal Constituency. great visionary, Dr. Bukola Saraki, knows what is best for us and he will surely do what is best at the right time.”

“The governor is doing well and we don’t want any distraction at all. 2015 is still very far; so, we should allow him to be focused,” he said.

In the same vein, the Director of Publicity of the PDP in the state, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe urged, “you media people to shun the issue for now.”

“As you can see, we are enjoying peace here in Kwara and I know the peace is a real one,” he said.

“But don’t forget that we have a leader who will do the right thing at the right time.”

Nonetheless, sources told The Guardian in Ilorin that the governorship slot might have been shifted to Kwara North senatorial district. Ahmed is from Kwara South.

A governor emerged from Kwara North during the time of Alhaji Sha’ba Lafiagi some 23 years ago.

Lafiagi at present represents Kwara North in the Senate.

If the move is real, two persons may, however, slug it out to determine the next governorship candidate of the PDP in Kwara. These are the former senator from the zone, Ahmed Mohammed and a serving member of the House of Representatives, Zakari Mohammed, representing Baruteen/Kaiama Federal Constituency.

Even as the permutations continue in the PDP, members of the opposition in the state are covertly putting their house in order, resolving their crises and preparing grounds for the eventual emergence of the proposed All Progressives Congress (APC).

The leading party among the parties in the merging plan in the

state, the ACN, has two outstanding personalities, who may wish to contest for the post of the number one citizen of the state in the year under review.

These are former governorship candidate of the ACN, Mr. Dele Belgore and the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Oro, Irepodun local council-born politician.

Sources said the party might just settle for Belgore, a son of the prominent Islamic guru in Ilorin, as its consensus candidate ahead of the polls.

The factors being considered include the fact that the people of Ilorin and other settlements forming the Kwara Central senatorial district may prefer one of their own for the plum position.

Besides, one of the sources alleged that the people of Kwara South, too, might cast their votes in support of Belgore, tacitly “protesting the shifting of power from them, if Ahmed does not eventually get a second term ticket.”

But contacted during a recent ‘Tasfir’ programme at Oro, Mohammed debunked claim on the alleged rift between himself and Belgore, who was also at the event bankrolled by Mohammed.

One politician being touted to stage a come back to the scene is Agbamu, Irepodun-born business tycoon, Gbenga Olawepo.

Olawepo, who had announced his withdrawal from politicking, is believed to be receiving “pressure from his people to rescind his decision” by contesting the governorship post in 2015.

Whichever way the pendulum eventually swings, the fact would remain that Kwara politics has become a real contest rather than the compromise of the past.

12

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

TheMetroSection Maid set ablaze dies in hospital • As Police pledges justice

By Odita Sunday

FFORTS by physicians to save the life of Miss Ita Bassey-Eno, a maid who was allegedly set ablaze by her boss Mrs. Nkese Iroakasi in Surulere area of Lagos, has proved abortive as Eno passed on at the weekend at the Burns and Trauma Unit of the Gbagada General Hospital.

Eno battled for life five days after she was rushed to the hospital.

Mrs. Iroakazi allegedly set her housemaid ablaze in Surulere, Lagos for stealing a piece of meat from the pot of soup last week.

Meanwhile, homicide investigators at the State’s Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba have swung into action and arrested the said mistress who is now in their custody.

Sources at the SCID told The Guardian that the matter would be fully investigated to the latter and the culprit brought to justice.

It would be recalled that the incident took place at Iroakasi’s home on No. 7 Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, after Eno rushed out of the apartment with fire on her body, apparently with an attempt to plunge into a gutter in order to quench the raging fire on her body. Unfortunately, her strength failed her as she was said to have collapsed before she could get to the gutter.

Although her mistress, a nurse at

E

an undisclosed hospital in Surulere has denied the allegation at the Bode Thomas Police Station, she admitted that she reprimanded the girl for stealing a piece of meat from her pot of soup.

A resident who simply identified herself as Morakiyo told The Guardian: “ This is dehumanizing to say the least. I was just alighting from the bus last two weeks Saturday, when I saw people gathered in front of the building. When I got there, I saw that Ita, whom we all call Eno, was on the floor. Then, the flame had been put out. You needed to have seen the sight. Two men who attempted to carry her into a car could not because the skin at that time had peeled off.

They had to get a neat slab, placed her on it and rushed her to the hospital. From what I gathered, the girl is barely one month old in Lagos. She was brought from her village in Akwa-Ibom last month alongside another girl called Happiness. Since then, none had seen either of them going to school.”

“We heard that while Happiness was in the sitting room, there was a cry from Ita in the kitchen and before she (Happiness) knew what was happening, Ita rushed out of the kitchen and straight to the road shouting for help. How could someone who has children of her own treat another’s like this? It was even the residents that

From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta

EN from the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Alamala, Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday arrested 28 suspected petroleum vandals, who have specialised in vandalizing petroleum pipelines at Ogere in Remo North local council of the state.

Among the suspects, who were paraded before journalists in Abeokuta, was a female, Miss Yemi Ogungbade, 25, and three males, who the army described as notorious members of the gang.

The trio, Monday Bitrus and two others simply mentioned as Umar and Salisu confessed that

M

PERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have apprehended a 30-year-old Marketer and Career Counselor for drug trafficking.

The suspect, Arinze Ifeanyi John, was found in possession of 2.120kg of methamphetamine during the outward screening of passengers on a Virgin Atlantic flight to London at the weekend.

Arinze, who claimed to be an Alumni Ambassador of Bolton University, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Madona University, Okija Anambra State.

He also has a Master’s degree in International Business at Bolton University, United Kingdom in 2011. He is said to have lived in Bolton for the past three years.

NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar said that four parcels containing substances that tested positive for methamphetamine were found in possession of Arinze.

“The drug which was detected inside Arinze’s luggage was carefully hidden. Officers had to cut open the sides of the bag to recover the parcels of drugs. He claimed to have an interview in London.” Hamza said.

O

Eno alerted policemen who came to pick Mrs. Iroakazi”, Morakiyo said.

A doctor who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed fear at the victim’s condition, revealing that she suffered 95% burns. “ It will take a miracle for her to survive. In any case, we are trying all we can to ensure she gets back on her feet again and that I assure you will entail some surgeries because her private part is badly damaged.

Presently she wears pampers and that area needs immediate surgery after the injuries would have healed”.

Eno was sighted with bandage all

28 pipeline vandals nabbed in Ogun they were working for some Mobile policemen at Ogere, disclosing that their sponsors (policemen) paid them between N5,000 and N10,000 daily for their services.

Monday told journalists: “One Sgt. Aremu used to give me sometimes N5,000 for getting five jerry cans full of fuel and he will guard the road for us. I know his house and family.”

The Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Brig.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime stating that a friend who bought his return ticket gave him the bag.

“I came to Nigeria in June as an Alumni Ambassador of my University. Work was at advanced stage for an exhibition in Onitsha with parents

John

Olujosun, 49, for burial HE death has been anT nounced of Mrs.Thelma Oritsematosan Olujosun -nee Eyeoyibo, who passed on July 28 at the age of 49. Service of songs will hold on August 15 at 46 Ayodele Fanoiki Isheri, Magodo at 6.00pm. Burial will take place August 16 at the Victoria Court Cemetary (VCC) after a funeral service at the VCC Chapel. Thanksgiving service is at Holy Ghost Christian Centre, Plot 3 Kopek Road, off Fatai Atere Way Matori Oshodi. Another service of songs holds on August 7 at Holy Ghost Christian Centre Canning Town London United Kingdom.

over her body, except her face and feet. When a nurse approached her to administer the day’s treatment, she groaned in pains.

The Lagos State Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of police (DSP) said the suspect has been taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti Yaba for further investigation.

“According to Ngozi, “ I can confirm to you that the woman who is the prime suspect in the matter is with us at the SCID and we have started investigation into the matter.”

General D.D. Ahamdu who took newsmen to the scene of the vandalization, said the damaged petroleum pipelines were the ones directly connected from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot at Mosinmi, Sagamu serving the entire Southwest.

At the scene of the crime, a total of 363 25kg jerry cans filled with siphoned fuel, seven vehicles and 200m cable hose used to siphon the product were recovered.

Gen Ahamdu assured that his men would carry out thorough investigation before handing the suspects over to the appropriate security agency.

NDLEA arrests London-based scholar for drug peddling

By Odita Sunday

Briefs

and prospective candidates who are interested in furthering their education in the United Kingdom. In the process, I got an interview request in London, which I had wanted to quickly attend and continue with my assignment in Nigeria.”

“My friend who assisted me in buying my ticket gave me the bag to use for my trip. It was inside the bag that the parcels of drug were found. I am very sorry for what has happened. I want my friends, relatives and business partners to please understand my situation” Arinze said.

Chairman of NDLEA, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade commended the narcotic officers for the arrest and pledged that the war against illicit drug trafficking would be heightened across the country.

His words: “The Agency will continue to counter the modus operandi of drug trafficking cartels. The suspect had perfected his plan but for the professionalism and expertise of the arresting officers, the drugs were detected.

It is sad and disappointing that the suspect could yield to the demand to smuggle drug considering his academic background and profession as a Career Counselor.” Giade said.

The suspect who hails from Anambra State would be charged to court soon.

Olujosun

Breastfeeding award holds today S part of activities to mark A the World Breastfeeding Week 2013, an NGO, Colostrum International, will today at Best Western Hotel, Bar-beach Waterfront Victoria Island, Lagos hold stakeholders award. In a statement , the Project Coordinator, Colostrum International, Dr.Bunmi Ogundimu,said the event which began yesterday with a summit, drew concerned stakeholders on the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding, particularly on the sharp decline in breastfeeding and child rearing practice in Nigeria. Those to be honoured include, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, wife of Ogun State Governor ,Mrs. Olufunso Amosun , Director General, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, among others

Remembrance for Agbana holds today IFE, sons, daughters, relaW tives and associates of the Agbana family of Okeri, Yagba West Local Council of Kogi State, will today, Tuesday, August 6, hold special remembrance prayers in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the death of late Chief Thomas Olayemi Agbana, trade unionist, politician, community leader, philanthropist and former secretary, Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), old Kwara State chapter. He was the former Vice-Chairman, Oyi Local Government in old Kwara State.

Late Agbana

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Photonews

Chairman, Capital Oil and Gas, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah (middle) presenting a fire-fighting vehicle to traders in Lagos at the weekend.

worshippers at the event

Testimony of miracles at Deeper Life programme

By Isaac Taiwo HE recently held monthly ‘Celebration’ programme of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry has, indeed, proved that the power of God never fails.

Uncommon testimonies of God‘s visitation to the camp corroborated the theme that God truly would never fail anyone who trusts Him. Alhaji Kassim Rafiu stunned the crowd with his testimony of how he and the wife came to know Jesus, became ardent believers and have since then vowed never to look back.

“I was seriously sick which eventually led to stroke and I became paralysed hands and legs. I was bed-ridden,” he recalled.

According to him: “In the month of November, precisely 24, 2011, Ifelodun Regional Overseer, Eko Ajala in Osun State led a team of other prayer warriors including Pastor Idowu, Akinwale Aina and a 10-year-old-boy to my house to pray for me. They came purposely to pray for me having heard of my predicament, to prove to me that Jesus can do what no man can do. But immediately they entered my room, they showed displeasure to all the concoctions and charms hung all over the place and told me that the Jesus they have brought to me was holy and would not stay where all those human aids were, assuring me that only if I could get rid of them, then Jesus would do His work in my life and that they were ready to come back the following day. They left. I called my wife and both of us agreed not only

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to dispose those charms and concoctions but we also burnt them.”

“They came the following day as promised. What surprised me was the 10-year-old boy among them whom I later called Prophet Festus. He was the one that first spoke to me and said ‘Alhaji‘, your room is now holy and Jesus is here to heal you because He loves you.

He told me to ask Jesus what I wanted Him to do for me and He would do it. As they started prayer, I, too started praying silently that ‘Jesus, have mercy on me. I accept you fully into my life. Remove this problem of stroke in my life and raise me up within three days. If you do it, I will accept that truly, you are very powerful‘.

“The prayer ended and nothing happened that day and they left. Exactly, the third day, I prayed and reminded Jesus what I said and almost immediately, a strong wind entered

my room, blew on me specifically and pushed me to the other side of the bed. Boldness entered into me and I decided to put one leg down the bed, then the second and I said Jesus, take me up and immediately, I got up and walked with all the paralysis completely gone. Praise the Lord with me,” he said.

Also, Esther Taiwo Bakare of Lagos could not describe her joy as after the June edition, with the theme ‘‘When Mountains Move …” God moved her mountain of joblessness and her letter of appointment that was long withheld, released to her at her place of work.

The messages, The Great Faith – Bridge of the Supernatural, The Believer‘s Decree and The God of All Possibilities by the General Superintendent, Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi sealed the testimonies of every participant as none went home without a testimony.

Director, Welfare Services, James Olaleye (left); Regional Overseer, Lagos, Rev. Gabriel Ajayi; District Superintendent, West and Central Africa, Rev. Bayo Adeniran; Director, Youth Development, Emmanuel Moh and Head, Public Relations, Kayode Adeleye at the Apostolic Faith press conference, Anthony Village in preparation for 2013 Camp Meeting holding from August 4 – 25 at Faith Camp, Ogun State.

Pastor Kumuyi

Armed Forces prepare retiring personnel for civilian life

By Tolulope Okunlola HE Nigerian Armed Forces is establishing resettlement and vocational institutions that will cater for the retiring personnel of the three services.

This is in order to help such retired personnel adapt to civilian life with as little stress as possible.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Entrepreneurship and Management training for the senior military officers yesterday at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Center, Oshodi Lagos, the Commandant Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Center Oshodi, Air Vice Marshal Moses Akinola Akisanmi said retirement is regarded as an

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Group Head, Learning and Development, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mrs. Sena Ayodeji (left); member, Consultative Committee for the 2013 Annual Bankers Conference, Reginald Akujobi-Roberts; and Chairman, Consultative Committee for the 2013 Annual Bankers Conference, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, at the press conference to announce the forthcoming 7th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Lagos.

PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

important stage in human development all over the world and only people who plan their retirement well in advance adjust well to retirement when it happens.

“Changing from military to civilian life-style is not always an easy task but pre-planning can be of big help. It is not only the fact that when a military officer retires, the family changes location, but there could also be a change of means of livelihood instead of depending on pensions and gratuity, increase the income and live a free healthy retirement life.”

He said the objective of the centre is to provide retiring personnel with skills and trades that would empower them to set up and properly manage

their own businesses.

“Also the programme will provide relevant information that will enable them to make plans and makes decision towards their eventual disengagement from service in order to enjoy a productive life in retirement,” he said.

Akisanmi added that the programme is also designed “to create a system that allows you to learn how to plan for retirement and compute what your retirement investment should be in order to meet your goals.” He urged the pre-retirement officers to make good use of the opportunity and adequate contribution during the course and also make honest review and constructive critique on the content at the end of the exercise.

Ejigbo LCDA Chairman, Kehinde Bamigbetan (left); an Islamic leader in Ejigbo; Chief Imam of Jakande Estate central mosque, Alhaji Fatai Shobajo; and Sheikh Muizdeen Salmon Alawiye during the Lailatul Qadri held at the weekend in Ejigbo mini stadium complex.

Pupils of Pedam International School, Obanikoro entertaining guests with orchestra during their graduation recently in Obanikoro Estate, Lagos.

TheGuardian

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011) Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial State of the nation T is just appropriate that the parlous state of the nation has been the focus of reflections by respected elder statesmen. It is urgent for the current crop of leaders to hasten and heed. Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, Ben Nwabueze, Emeka Anyaoku and Maitama Sule have lately in most intriguing ways, warned the country of a looming revolution unless something is done to make room for the full expression of the creative capacity of Nigerians and foster a general atmosphere of peace and prosperity.

Amidst widespread insecurity, Gowon, who led the nation through a civil war called for change of attitude so that the country can entrench the integrative policies of the past years and live in unity. More recently, he reiterated the point that irrespective of the depressing situation evident in the escalating security and political challenges in Nigeria it was not too late to re-order the country.

Miffed by the general disorder in the country, erudite scholar, Nwabueze called for a revolution to achieve ‘wholesome transformation’ of the polity because “corruption has eaten deep and everyone is involved. Only a bloody revolution will remedy the situation; that’s how France was saved.”

Anyaoku was perturbed by the enduring skewed Nigerian federalism and called for a collapse of the existing 36 states in the country into more viable and functional units. Apart from their formal legal status, the states after all lack the wherewithal for sustainability. The dire times were again underlined by Maitama Sule who cautioned the youth against being corrupted by greedy politicians and called for a cultural revolution to put the interest of the country above self and sectarian interests.

Two Nigerian retired generals, Alani Akinrinade and Godwin Alabi-Isama, have also lent their voices to ways out of the deepening disorder in the country. They both recently lamented that the country has learnt nothing from the civil war while the issues that engendered the war have remained unaddressed. Indeed, problems of corruption and unity still stalk the country. In his recent book, Tragedy of Victory, Alabi-Isama asked, “Was the war worth it? If not, did they (those who died) die in vain? Did you or your family come out better, or did the country come out better? He concluded that something is “definitely fundamentally wrong” because disunity, political instability and absence of economic growth have continued to plague Nigeria.

The interventions of these elder statesmen call for deeper reflection on the part of those running the affairs of the country today. What is it that makes men in the twilight of their lives persist in their call for revolutions and a re-ordering of the country? This is a question that should agitate the mind of all patriots. For sure, they are saying what all Nigerians already know: that the country is not working, can hardly work as structured and that it is in a stasis with a likelihood of implosion. Nigeria needs to heed these timely admonitions.

Despite the errors of their time, when they had the opportunity to lead the country, these men at least had visions, which the current realities belie. They were not perfect but they envisioned a greater nation and a happier society that Nigeria is today. They may not have triumphed in their efforts of nation-building, their wise counsel today can only be ignored to the nation’s peril. Perhaps, they have realized and correctly too, that the best legacy they can bequeath to the country is to tell the nation the naked truth about itself. They are speaking. Let the incumbents take heed.

No doubt, today’s Nigeria exhibits all the features of a fragile state: a weak base with a mono-economy based on the export of crude oil dependent on the volatile global market; a deficient stateness underlined by absence of common citizenship and accentuated by the presence of “community of sentiments” built around ethnic and primordial identities; contested legitimacy as the people perceive the state as one based on impunity and run by a rent-seeking elite. In addition to these are a cocktail of evils such as corruption in high places of immeasurable magnitude, poor infrastructure, human rights violations, stunted social development and inept leadership.

The fact that the calls for revolution, political or cultural are coming from a generation of elder statesmen who had been key actors in the country’s affairs and had seen it all, ought to humble the present rulers in the land and nudge them into taking drastic curative measures. The problems of Nigeria have gone beyond constitution grafting and panel beating, which is what the ongoing constitution reform exercise is all about. The country does need a new constitution. Unfortunately, leaders are the problems and have been resistant to the enactment of a genuine process of change. With the incumbent public officials seeing themselves as the repository of sovereignty, and not the people, to rationalize their opposition to a people-driven re-birth of the country, the desired change can only be elusive.

Certainly, the call for a national dialogue to discuss Nigeria, Nigerianness and a new constitution cannot be ignored anymore. It is the ultimate step towards rebuilding the country and remoulding its sovereignty.

I

LETTER

Amnesty cannot tame terrorists To use violence against SestIR:a peaceful man is the greatimmorality and the biggest rot ever – Mehmet Murat ildan.

Those playing to the gallery by citing America’s inability to crush terrorists in Iraq or Afghanistan as template to justify amnesty for Boko Haram are either ignorant of history or doing so in anticipation of pecuniary benefits amnesty will bring. To say America did not win the war against terror is a terrible error of judgment and discernment. America indeed owns the war against terror, succeeded in pushing aggressors off its border while keeping its citizens safer at home.

Like the game of football, we all know it is not going to be a tea party affair winning a war offshore, but whichever way we intend to examine this issue, America’s and Nigeria’s war against terror cannot be compared to justify amnesty for Boko Haram. While the former is external aggression, the latter is an internal insurgency fueled by combination of political interest and religious ideology.

However, to say militancy in Niger Delta is the same as Boko Haram madness as it is been theorised in some quarters is purely insensitive and mischievous. Though violence is a threat to sovereignty of a nation, but many will agree with me that it is instinctively natural for

humans to agitate, lobby, armtwist, fight and in some extreme cases resort to arm struggle to achieve better socio-economic and political status.

It is a well known fact that some highly placed and influential Nigerians have made some treasonable statements during presidential election that if the presidency is not zoned to certain part of the country, they will make Nigeria ungovernable and truly this threat has become a reality. With backing of some external influences and disgruntled citizens they launched a well orchestrated script of bombing, arson and wanton violence against innocent citizens. Those flying the kite of amnesty for Boko Haram today are the same set of people who will benefit from amnesty funds. Nigeria is indeed showing symptom of a failed state if internal insurgency cannot be crushed.

America, France, China, Russian Federations, Spain, England, etc., have one time or the other dealt decisively with internal insurgency.

We are not dealing with external aggression here. Like the proverbial broadway, which leads to hell, amnesty is a road to nowhere. It will only prolong our pain by channeling funds into Boko Haram treasury to re-arm, fight the state harder and those who think that amnesty is final solution to militancy should

carefully examine pre and post amnesty period. Ditto the pattern and level of criminality in Niger Delta before rushing to provide meal tickets for terrorists that will never recognize and respect our ways of life, religion and right to self-determination.

Of course, there should be a solution to Boko Haram menace.

The Federal Government should adopt multi-dimensional solution to tame Boko Haram through community leaders, clerics and other eminent citizens to persuade the sect to embrace peace while repentant terrorists who give vital information to the state about their modus operandi should be rehabilitated. But granting Boko Haram juicy and wholesome blanket amnesty as it was done in Niger Delta (anyway, MEND is till very active) will only confer legitimacy on terrorists, which is a recipe for disaster because our liberty of opinion, worship, freedom from servitude and oppression will be grossly endangered.

The Federal Government should as matter of state policy discourage direct negotiation with terrorists. Amnesty is an ambush, it should not at any time be granted to those who deliberately denied innocent citizens the inalienable rights to live, associate and worship in peace. How amnesty will reintegrate ideologically driven bloody religious bigots and terrorists remains the hardest question.

• Akinola M.A., Verona-Italy.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

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Business Appointments P31 Strengthening economic growth through vocational training

‘Africa attracts $392b foreign direct investments’

By Roseline Okere HE African continent has T attracted $392 billion in foreign direct investments since year 2000, while yearly direct investments has increased fivefold, according the African Development Bank in its yearly development effectiveness review for 2013.

FT report, which was released

• Intra-regional trade hits $108b recently, stated that Nigeria is growing at 6.68 per cent between 2005 and 2012, Sierra Leone, 7.07 per cent, Liberia, 6.36 per cent, Congo Republic, 8.10 per cent and South Africa, 3.87 per cent.

Besides, the continent recorded intra-African trade

of $108 billion in 2012, which the bank said was a clear much faster progress needed to remove trade barriers and create larger markets.

The report, which described Africa as the fastest growing continent in the world, said that it also faced major chal-

lenges, among which climate change was becoming increasingly important.

It stated: “African countries have continued to grow at above the global average of the 20 fastest-growing countries in the world, 13 are African. Of Africa’s 54 countries, 26 have now reached middle- income status, with annual per capita incomes

Director- General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh (left); Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, and Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Solomon Adigbie- Quaynor, at the infrastructure round table conference, held in Lagos, yesterday.

Nestoil acquires IMPaC Oil ESTOIL Plc has announced Nigeria, however, will remain N the acquisition of IMPaC the same, with Denis Bone Oil & Gas Engineering (Nigeria) Limited.

Following the acquisition, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi has become the new chairman of IMPaC Oil and Gas Engineering Limited. The management of IMPaC

retaining his position as the managing director.

Established over 16 years ago, IMPaC Oil and Gas Engineering Ltd is a foremost engineering services firm formed as the Nigerian arm of the larger 25 year old IMPaC

Offshore Engineering GmbH with head office in Hamburg, Germany. The company’s broad based engineering disciplines include process control and instrumentation, electrical, telecoms, automation, drilling, mechanical, pipeline, piping, civil, structural, naval and procure-

ment.

Following the acquisition, IMPaC Nigeria Limited is now wholly owned by Nestoil but will continue leveraging on the expertise and experience of IMPaC Group worldwide since IMPaC Offshore GmbH CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Nigeria seeks $450m from IDB to upgrade power sector

By Sulaimon Salau HE Federal Government T has approved the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) for $450 million (about N72 billion) support to upgrade the nation’s power sector.

A statement from the presidency, on Monday, stated that the Vice President, Nnamadi Sambo made the move when he met the IDB President, Ahmed Mohammed Ali, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

He said the fund would aid the Federal Government’s request to improve the country’s electricity generation capacity to 20,000 megawatts.

Sambo, who was in Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser

Hajj and took the opportunity to meet Ali, stated the government’s wish for more IDB intervention fund in the energy sector was in line with the administration’s transformation agenda.

The statement quoted Sambo’s appreciation on behalf of the government of the bank’s continued support to Nigeria.

According to him, past approvals granted by the bank had been ratified by the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and this tradition would continue.

Sambo’s shopping list with IDB also included the fund for the construction of a proposed road linking Lagos to Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, facili-

ty Ali to support the Nigerian private sector especially initiative’s in education, aviation and agriculture.

Sambo also said the Nigerian government was looking forward to the IDB partnering with states to expedite priority projects involving the Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

According to the statement, the IDB boss was receptive to the idea of increased collaboration with the Nigerian government and pointed out that Sambo’s visit was a platform to boost Nigeria-IDB cooperation.

Ali said in the spirit of cooperation, the IDB had endorsed three of the five projects submitted by Nigeria, including the construction of four new

science secondary schools in Kaduna State, worth $17.9 million; and the building of a 300-bed specialist hospital in Kaduna State, costing $43.15 million.

Other projects funded by the bank are the Zaria water supply project worth $81 million; the Jigawa State Rural Development project valued at $32. 4 million; and the bilingual education programme for Borno, Gombe and Niger states, worth $30.5million.

According to him, the IDB was also involved in the construction of a trans-Saharan highway that would connect several countries including Chad, Niger, Algeria, Tunisia and Nigeria, with a view to enhancing intra-Africa travel

above $1000. In 2012 the growth rate of low-income countries in Africa exceeded 4.5 per cent, and it is predicted to stay above 5.5 per cent over the coming years.

“Whilst population has continued to increase to over one billion people, Africa’s collective GDP per capita1 has reached $953.

Strong growth rates have made important inroads into income poverty. In 2012 the share of the population living on less than $1.25 a day decreased to 39 per cent, from 51 per cent in 2005. Of the ten countries that improved the fastest over the past decade on the Human Development Index, nine were African. A growing number of Africans have achieved middle-class status, with 350 million earning between $2 and $20 per day. This represents a vital structural change in Africa’s economy: internal demand is becoming a source of growth in its own right.

While the overall outlook for Africa appears bright, challenges remain. Growth rates vary across the continent, and not all Africans are benefiting from the growth. Six of the ten most unequal countries in the world are in Africa, and

there is not yet any evidence of progress in reducing income inequality. Poverty rates remain unacceptably high, and over 60 per cent of Africans–many located in isolated and rural communities and in fragile states–earn less than $2 a day. Increasingly, poverty also has an urban face. The number of slum dwellers in African cities is growing at an alarming pace, bringing with it an array of new social and environmental challenges.

It noted that intra-African trade had increased from its low level, more than doubling over the past seven years. If informal cross-border trade–mainly food, handcrafts and simple manufacturing goods–were included, this figure would be higher.

But with intra-African trade worth just $108 billion in 2012, it is clear that much faster progress is needed to remove trade barriers and create larger markets.

Domestic demand for food and other products is growing rapidly. This provides great opportunities for African businesses if they can provide quality, low-cost goods to compete with foreign imports.

THE GuARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

16 BuSINESS

Nestoil acquires IMPaC Oil CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 will continue to provide technical services support to IMPaC Nigeria.

Although the price of the transaction was not disclosed, the acquisition is viewed as a strategic move on the part of Nestoil Plc towards consolidating its position as the leading indigenous Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) provider in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry.

According to a statement by Nestoil, the deal is consistent with Nestoil’s strategy to concentrate its footprint on the oil and gas sector. “This acquisition will add significant resources to our existing portfolio. With the pedigree of both Nestoil and IMPaC in their respective core areas, this acquisition is a positive development for the Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

Nestoil Plc, a diversified oil and gas company, has invested heavily in engineering and major offshore fabrication since its inception over 22 years ago. The company belongs to the formidable conglomerate, the Obijackson Group, which has extensive interest in exploration and production, pressure vessel fabrication, power generation, dredging and marine logistics as well as civil and infrastructural construction.

With very strong financial standing and sound corporate governance, the Obijackson Group, headed by the Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, remains one of the fastest growing business conglomerates in sub Saharan Africa.

Chairperson, WIMBIZ and Deputy Country Representative, Deutsche Bank, Mrs. Adeola Azeez (left); Managing Partner, Brandzone Consulting LLC, Mrs. Chizor Malize; Executive Secretary, WIMBIZ, Ms. Mosun Layode; and Chief Executive Officer, Bestman Games Limited, Mrs Nimi Akinkugbe, at the WIMBIZ organised monthly roundtable lunch/lecture series in Lagos.

DPR generates N470.2b in first half of 2013 . House Committee proffers leeway to curbing crude oil theft

By Roseline Okere OuSE of Representatives H Committee on Petroleum (upstream) has put the total revenue generated by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to the coffers of the Federal Government in the first half of this year at over

N470.2 billion.

Besides, the committee has come up with recommendations, which it expects the Federal Government to implement to tackle the issue of oil theft in the country.

Chairman of the committee, Muraina Ajibola, who made this disclosure yesterday, dur-

ing an oversight visit to DPR, said that the agency exceeded its target by N86.6 billion.

According to him, the DPR was given a target of N383.7 billion for the first half of the year, which it exceeded.

He said that the committee is ready to assist the agency gen-

erate more revenue for its own operations and for the government.

“We want DPR to forward to us proposals on how we can assist it to increase its revenue generation capacity. Our duty is to ensure that DPR is properly funded.

Speaking on the issue of oil

theft, Ajibola stated: “We set up a committee to investigate the incidence of crude oil theft some time last year and come up with a resolution. The committee went ahead and carried out some recommendation and we are using the opportunity to appeal to the government to implement the resolution to bring an end to crude oil theft in the country.

“The resolutions are practicable and they easily implemented. We noticed that there are export terminals through which crude oil ships depart Nigeria and we recommended that the government should send security personnel to these port terminals to monitor the ships and know those that are properly registered to lift crude oil and those that are lifting it illegally.

“We also want government to adopt scientific monitory system to monitor and make it possible for us know where any pipeline is being tampered with. This is also very practicable. We also suggested to the government to make use of the communities to be part of the security men to assist the national security personnel and these people should equally be rewarded for assisting to monitor the pipelines.

“In the process of investigation, we discovered that there was a company which was mandated to monitor all the pipelines across the country and we discovered that the incidence of pipeline vandalism were few when the company was in charge. We have recommended that this particular company should be engaged in the monitory process.

“We also discovered that the private security firms which were engaged to monitor the pipelines where making use of our national security personnel and we recommended to the government to make use of our security forces rather than engaging the private security firms, which may later make use of the state’s security forces”.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

BUSINESS

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NCC seeks Fashola’s support on service quality, RoW challenges

By Adeyemi Adepetun OR improved telecommuniFNigerian cations services, the Communications Commission (NCC), has sought the support of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State in the resolution of identified problems associated with Right of Way (RoW).

Besides, NCC, during a visit to Fashola in Ikeja last week, urged the governore to address the issue of multiple taxes and levies at various levels of government, perceived to have become impediments to realising good quality telecommunication services in the country.

Juwah, accompanied by other senior officials of the commission to Governor Fashola, informed him that the nation has about 119 million active subscribers while teledensity reached more than 85 per cent from some 0.4 per cent, while contributing more than 7.8 per cent to the national GDP, and that Lagos State controls more than 15 per cent of the mobile phone subscribers population in Nigeria, hence its position is seen as critical in matters that affect telecommunications services.

Juwah said while it is important to reiterate that quality of services in Lagos, and indeed other parts of the country is not desirable, there are challenges contributing to this with the Right of Way issues being the most critical.

“We are already aware that you are involved with other governors in the National Economic Council in discussing and finding solutions

to the issue of RoW in the country as currently being championed by Vice President Namadi Sambo. We urge you to continue to support these patriotic efforts so that the objectives of providing easy passage for telecommunications infrastructure, to accelerate and encourage more investments in the country, are realized”.

He also acquainted the governor with the level of the nation’s infrastructure deficit with reference to the paucity of masts and towers in Nigeria with less than 25,000 base stations compared with a country like UK with up to 65,000 base stations, adding that a 2009 survey by the NCC showed that out of a total of 6,196 masts and towers in Lagos, 48 per cent belonged to corporate bodies and individuals, 25 per cent belonged to telecom operators, 18 per cent to banks, eight per cent to unidentified owners and two per cent to the broadcast industry.

According to him, even if the number of base stations owned by operators, which was 2, 975 then, had increased by 100 per cent, it would still have fallen short of what is needed to serve Lagos subscribers alone”, he said.

“Your Excellency, this situation is made worse by multiple taxations and regulations that await the service providers at the various levels of government, including state governments, local governments, and even some communities. In most cases, unfortunately, telecom masts and towers easily become specific targets for multiple taxes and regulations even where there are other masts and towers in existence,

MoneyGram, PocketMoni partner for mobile remittances

By Chijioke Nelson ONEYGRAM International M has concluded arrangements to deploy its network in assisting Nigerians embrace the current cash-less policy directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) without having to face the often touted inconveniences, pains and frustrations of fund transfer under the new directive.

To this end, it has launched a new partnership with Etranzact, one of the leading alternate payment solutions companies in Nigeria, to enable PocketMoni customers in Nigeria receive MoneyGram transfers from all over the world onto their PocketMoni mobile-wallet directly.

PocketMoni is a leading independent mobile wallet solution offered by Etranzact, with more than 3,000 agent locations across the country, providing cash-in cash-out service to customer’s wallet from which customers can then transfer funds directly into their bank account in Nigeria as well as pay bills.

Speaking on the new offering, Regional Director for North West Africa, MoneyGram International, Francois Peyret, noted that the new partnership with Etranzact was in line with MoneyGram’s corporate responsibility strategy aimed at deepening financial inclusion by aggressively developing alternate channels that are seamless, convenient, safe and reliable for cash transfer.

“With about one hundred mil-

lion mobile lines for a population of 150 million, Nigeria enjoys positive penetration of mobile technology.

MoneyGram’s concern is how to help Nigerians derive more value by deploying this huge mobile technology penetration to achieve financial transaction that promotes convenience and unlimited accessibility”, he said.

Also speaking on this service, Executive Director, eTranzact International Plc, Sullivan Akala, said: “eTranzact is at the forefront in ensuring that the CBN cashless policy drive is a huge success. And eTranzact has built an e-payment service platform that meets the need of every Nigerian by providing a secure, convenient and cost effective way to send and receive payment using their mobile phone”.

He further stated that “in the past, there had been cases of MoneyGram customers having a challenge because they could not receive their remittances for hospital emergencies at night or over the weekend due to traditional challenges with brick and mortar.

“However, this partnership with Etranzact therefore means MoneyGram customers can now enjoy the benefits of unlimited access to their remittances via PocketMoni, because under this new arrangement, customers that register for this service at any Pocket Moni merchant location countrywide from August 1, 2013 can access their transfers at any time over their phones”.

or even when appropriate taxes have been imposed at the Federal level.

“Given the scenario of infrastructure deficit that we have painted above, the situation on ground becomes very discouraging as some of the service providers depend on very few base stations to serve the populace. “We have noticed that some of these regulations exist

in Lagos and it is our hope that this progressive administration will be disposed to taking a serious look at some of them with a view to eliminating double and inequitable taxation.

This will in turn engender an enabling business environment that would encourage more investments and accelerate deployment of more telecom infrastructure and facili-

ties”, he said.

Juwah also brought the attention of the governor to vandalisation of telecommunications infrastructure, which has taken its toll on the quality and availability of services, and the need to support the commission in pursuit of the critical infrastructure bill at the National Assembly as Lagos is mostly affected in any of these vandali-

sation incidents.

The NCC boss also invited the governor for collaboration in the implementation of the Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) across the country as the pilots have already been commissioned at Awka and Minna, so that Lagos will be a model city for this national assignment, which the commission has elected to bring to the nation.

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CBN urges Abia to leverage on cash-less scheme for IGR’s growth Stories by Chijioke Nelson HE Abia State Government T has been urged to take advantage of the cash-less policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Speaking during an interactive session on the cash-less initiative at the Government House, Umuahia, the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, represented by the Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo, called on the state government to follow the Lagos and Ogun states’ examples to improve on its IGR base.

He stated that the objective

of the cash-less initiative was to enable the country to rapidly move closer to achieving the goal of becoming one of the largest economies in the world by the year 2020.

According to him, a study carried out by the apex bank during the last banking sector crisis showed that many banks got into trouble as a result of their high cost profile and cash management was identified as one of the major areas that led to the high cost of doing business in banks.

He further revealed that countries with lower cash-toGross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio achieved higher GDP growth rate, citing that

…Takes campaign to Ogun HE Bankers’ Committee T has taken the cash-less policy campaign to Ogun State to enlighten the people on the use and benefits of the initiative.

The scheme, which was introduced to Lagos, a year ago, was extended to Ogun, Kano, Anambra and Abia states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on July 1.

The initiative, which has also entered its second phase, saw the CBN and bank officials staging road shows in six delineated zones (Ilaro, Mowe/Ibafo, Ota, Abeokuta, Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode) in Ogun State, to create awareness on how to use different payment channels such as Automated Teller Machines(ATMs), Point of Sales (PoS), and money transfers.

According to a statement from the Bankers’ Committee, the six-day activities saw market men and women, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) among others, being educated on how to transact business electronically.

The enlightenment programme, according to the statement, was divided into

two segments, the stakeholders’ forum, which involved the various stakeholders and the town storming/neighbourhood activation in all six delineated zones.

“It was indeed a very interactive session across boards as bankers were on hand to throw more light on the puzzles in the mind of stakeholders,” the statement added.

Two brand ambassadors – Patience Ozokwo (Mama G) and Mr. Latin Bolaji Amusan, added life to the event by thrilling the stakeholders with rib-cracking jokes on the cash-less policy.

The cash-less policy, which implementation began in Lagos in January last year, is aimed at reducing the dominance of cash in the system.

The policy specifies penal charges for individuals and corporate organisations that want to withdraw or lodge cash above prescribed limits.

Under the policy, the CBN pegged the daily cumulative cash withdrawal or deposit limit for individual accounts at N500, 000 per day and N3 million per day for corporate accounts.

while Indonesia had 4.5 per cent cash in circulation to the GDP, and South Africa had two per cent cash in circulation to the GDP, Nigeria’s position was 41 per cent cash in circulation to the GDP, which was very high.

Lemo said that CBN and the commercial banks spent about N114.5 billion in 2009 on cash management-related activities and processes, not-

ing that the figure was envisaged to be over the N200 billion mark by the year 2012 or 2013. This, he noted, indicated that Nigeria spends so much in cash management.

He stated that it was as a result of this that the CBN, being the custodian of the Nigerian payments system, and in support of the extant Money laundering Act, is leading the campaign to

migrate from the present cash-based to cash-less transactions policy with alternative electronic based payment system.

The CBN chief listed other benefits derivable from switching over to cash-less policy initiative to include as reduced incidences of election rigging and kidnapping.

According to him, it would lead to more efficient

Treasury management and plug the leakages in government revenue and reduce corruption in government businesses.

Lemo stated that Abia State was chosen among the five pilot States and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC) because of the huge commercial activities in Aba, where famous Ariaria International Market is located.

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THE GUARDIAN, Monday, August 6, 2013

Focus Raising the bar on war against tobacco use From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja ACED with increasing negative effects of the FNigeria use of tobacco on its populace, it appears is placing tobacco control legislations high on its agenda.

To concretise this, President Goodluck Jonathan had said in Abuja, recently that a revised anti-tobacco bill that would provide tougher control on tobacco use was ready for legislative work. The Attorney General of the Federation, he said, had concluded work on the bill. The draft copy, he said, is to be presented to the Federal Executive Council for final approval before delivery to the National Assembly. He assured of the right political will to ensure that it becomes law.

Available data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that over six million people die each year from health conditions associated with tobacco use. Experts have also warned that if the trend continues, tobacco use would kill over eight million people each year by the year 2030.

Jonathan’s message was emphatical as Nigeria last week released what was seen as the first Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted by any African country GATS is the global standard for monitoring adult tobacco use and tracking tobacco control indicators. The findings from the GATS survey are expected to provide up to date information on prevalence of tobacco use in Nigeria. A copy of the report procured by The Guardian shows that 4.7 million Nigerian adults aged 15 years or older currently use tobacco products (in 2012).

An estimated 2.7 million adults who worked indoors had been exposed to secondhand smoke in their workplace. 5.2 million adults in Nigeria were exposed to secondhand smoke at home, the report noted.

The survey was designed to produce internationally comparable data for the country as a whole and by gender and place of residence (urban/rural). The survey was also designed to compare estimates among the six geo-political regions of Nigeria; namely North Central, North East, North West, South East, South-South, and South West.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) under the coordination of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) conducted GATS Nigeria.

GATS enhances countries’ capacities to design, implement and evaluate tobacco control programs. It also assists countries to fulfill their obligations under the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to generate comparable data within and across countries WHO has developed MPOWER, a package of selected demand reduction measures contained in the WHO FCTC: The highlights of the results of the 2012 GATS Nigeria survey include: • 10 percent of men, 1.1 percent of women, and 5.6 percent overall (4.5 million adults) currently used tobacco products.

• 29.3 percent of adults (6.4 million adults) were exposed to tobacco smoke when visiting restaurants.

• 7 in 10 current smokers planned to or were thinking about quitting.

• 3 in 10 current smokers who thought about quitting because of a warning label.

• 51.4 percent of adults believed smoking causes stroke.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu said while launching the survey that: “ If you smoke, chew or sniff tobacco or engage in all of them, please quit! Your doctor and health providers can help you break the habit. If you don’t use tobacco don’t start. I appeal to health professionals to help their smoking patients quit, and be role models who promote tobacco-free lifestyles” He went on: “On my part, I promise that I would do all in my power to ensure that the revised but stiffer anti-tobacco bill which will soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council becomes law.”

He went on: “ I am filled with pride as I address

A typical smoker you on this occasion when Nigeria officially releases her Global Adult Tobacco Survey result to the public. As a nation, we have successfully conducted the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). This success could not have been achieved but for the excellent roles of various stakeholders who provided their maximum support and commitment at every phase of the GATS project that resulted in this huge success.

“Tobacco use whether smoked, chewed, sniffed or however way it is consumed constitutes major threat to public health. Available data show that over 5 million people die each year from health conditions associated to tobacco use. We have made effort to control tobacco use in Nigeria, as you are aware that between 2004 and 2005 Nigeria signed and ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHOFCTC).”

He said the Ministry of Health had commenced the integration of information on harmful effects of tobacco into Primary Health Care services, stressing that this was with the view to take the message to the rural populace.

His words: “Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death globally. It is the only legal consumer product that kills one third to one half of those who use it as intended by its manufacturers, with its victims dying on average 15 years prematurely. As the tobacco multinationals continue to launch new products, apart from other internal strategies, countries also have the global instrument of the FCTC to synergistically fast track the control and eventual termination of the tobacco epidemic.

“We are all aware of the nuisance which tobacco smoke perpetrated by smokers in our public places in contravention of the no smoking in public place law. This calls for a more efficient and effective enforcement of the ban of smoking in public places. I am happy to note that, in 2008 the FCT Administration banned Tobacco smoking in public places and made the FCT a smoke free city. I call on other states of the Federation to emulate this wise step of the FCT administration. I am convinced that we need all hands on deck for effective war against this preventable deaths arising from tobacco use.

Nonsmokers must stand up for their right to a smoke free environment. We must all realize that as ‘’partner smokers’’ (second hand smoking), we are equally at risk to the harmful effect

of tobacco use even if one does not smoke.

Passive smoking (second hand smoking) in homes, work places or public places also kills.”

World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Rui Gama Vaz, stressed that though about six million people die from tobacco use yearly, more than 600,000 people are exposed to second-hand smoke.

He said: “If current trends continue, by 2030, approximately 80 percent of the eight million projected yearly deaths from tobacco use will occur in low and middle –income countries.

“Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death, killing up to one half of all its users. Tobacco use cause disease, disability and premature death and has no known health benefit. In wealthy countries, strong public health tobacco control policies and preventive programmes have been put in place but these are still weak in developing countries where the tobacco industry is still thriving.”

He praised Nigeria for being the first-ever African country to conduct and release GATS results that provide an unprecedented opportunity for tobacco control momentum in the country and on the continent.

“The good news is that Nigeria now has the opportunity to prevent initiation and avoid the social and economic burden that tobacco use has proven to cause by passing and implementing a comprehensive set of tobacco control policies and legislation,” he noted.

He went on: “As a party to the ratification of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), Nigeria can fulfill its international commitments and protect the health and lives of its citizens by implementing and enforcing FCTC strategies. These effective strategies aim to prevent and reduce tobacco use, including prohibitions on tobacco advertising, large pictorial health warnings, bans on smoking in public places, and increased tobacco taxes. WHO will continue to support and provide technical guidance in these regard.”

His words to Nigerians: “Do not use tobacco and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. For those already using tobacco, please quit. Lead a healthy lifestyle and don’t let your life be stolen away by tobacco.”

On its part, Lagos State Government intensify-

Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death, killing up to one half of all its users. Tobacco use cause disease, disability and premature death and has no known health benefit. In wealthy countries, strong public health tobacco control policies and preventive programmes have been put in place but these are still weak in developing countries where the tobacco industry is still thriving

ing work on the regulation of smoking in the state.

The Bill for a Law to Provide for the Regulation of Smoking in Designated Places in Lagos, when passed, would restrict any person who smokes in the presence of a child, and any such if any offender is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N15, 000 or to imprisonment for a term of one month.

Relatedly, anybody who owns or drives school buses or vehicles meant for public conveyance shall post in appropriate, in a clear, conspicuous and sufficient manner, ‘No-Smoking’.

The bill also provides that any owner/Occupier must put up a ‘No Smoking’ sign in a conspicuous area on his or her property. Anybody smoking in the area commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine N100, 000 or imprisonment for six months or both.

Also, where a body corporate, firm or association commits an offence, any person who is acting in any such capacity shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of N250, 000.

Interesting, the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), has declared support for the Lagos State bill.

The company feels that it was in the interest of all stakeholders to ensure the passage of a balanced, workable and evidence-based Bill.

Speaking at a recent public hearing in Lagos, Head of regulatory Affairs, BATN, Mr. Sola Dosunmu, said the organization had always supported appropriate regulation for the tobacco industry in Nigeria and have cooperated and collaborated with government agencies towards ensuring that existing regulations were enforced.

He, however, stressed that any proposed regulation must not force the legal and regulated businesses out of operation as this would leave the market at the mercy of smugglers and illicit traders.

His words: “In countries where harsh legislation have been considered, statistics on smoking prevalence and consumption, as well as academic and government commissioned studies evaluating the impacts of smoke free legislation have shown that complete smoking bans had no impact on smoking prevalence and consumption, but in some cases, smoking consumption among adults has increased.”

Mrs. Betty Aba of the Environmental Right Action (ERA) noted that about seven million people die yearly as a result of smoking.

Her words: “This bill is a welcome development in the state and I will say that if the state government can ban cigarette smoking out rightly in the state it will be good for us and the generation unborn, just like it is been done in some Western countries.”

But some stakeholders are worried that passing laws restricting smoking is not all that matter, but dedicated implementation and enforcement.

For instance, a concerned public affairs commentator, with effect from May 31, 2008, smokers who indulge in the act in public places within the Federal Capital Territory started risking jail terms if arrested, thanks for a ban on public smoking.

Experts are in agreement that the tobacco epidemic has adversely impacted the public health of developing countries, including Nigeria.

Tobacco use is a major cause of preventable premature death and disability, mostly affecting our economically productive population in both the urban and rural communities. In Nigeria, the Ministry of Health estimates that tobacco use would soon surpass all other risk factors combined as a major agent of premature death and disability, unless strong policies are put in place to dissuade youths from starting its use, while encouraging users to quit.

Former Minister of State for Health,Dr. Muhammed Ali Pate, described the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) as the first nationally representative survey of adults (men and women aged 15 years and above) in Nigeria for systematically monitoring adult tobacco use (smoking and smokeless) and tracking key tobacco control indicators.

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UBA launches personalised debit card O further aid the drive T towards a cash-less society, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has formally introduced a personalised debit card that allows its customers to carry around their fond memories while using their debit cards.

Tagged the UBA ‘All About U’ card, the bank explained that the customised debit MasterCard was designed to give customers the opportunity to create a “one-of-a-kind card with their favourite photograph or image and gives them the privilege of branding their payment card.

Divisional Head, e-Banking, UBA Plc, Dr. Yinka Adedeji, while speaking at the launching of the card at the weekend, stated that with the product, the bank intended to introduce a bespoke look and feel to card issuance.

According to him, UBA has been at the forefront of driving the cash-less initiative in the country and would develop innovative schemes to encourage cash-less transactions.

He further explained that cardholders could upload their favourite pictures online to the bank’s portal or choose from a gallery of contemporary pre-selected images available at the specialised product portal and these designs would be

adjusted to their satisfaction.

“Using design software which seamlessly integrates with the bank’s card management system, the UBA “All About U” card perfectly blends in the UBA brand with the customer’s creative imagination, making the customer a ‘partner-indesign’ while creating a sense of loyalty and enhancing affinity,” he added.

On his part, Head, Cards section, UBA Plc, Adedeji Olowe said: “As the name suggests, it really is all about you -the customer. We all have a picture that makes us smile. It could be a holiday snapshot or family photo, a picture of a pet, or an image of a special hobby or that special car.

Whatever it is, customers can create a personal card design with any image of their choice or one chosen from UBA’s contemporary and extensive image library.”

He added that the product, which has as its target market, the teeming youth customers, was introduced at a time of the year when many Nigerians prefer to travel for the summer break.

He assured customers that the increased security features of the card as well as the bank’s online payment systems would help customers protect their transactions anywhere in the world.

How skills gap inhibits flow of investments to Nigeria, by expert

By Femi Adekoya XCEPT the gap in knowlE edge on the operations of the Nigerian capital market and product offerings by financial institutions is properly addressed, it may be difficult for the country to attract the needed investments to the country.

This was the view of the Acting President, Davids Graduate School of Finance, Tunde Adeyemi during a chat with The Guardian recently.

According to him, many stakeholders as well as investors do not a have a proper grasp of product offerings on the capital market, while investors find it difficult to invest in an economy where there are few skilled manpower to manage such investments.

He said: “many of the product offerings in the market today are not attracting investors as stakeholders cannot even market them properly. There is a need for capacity building for stakeholders in the nation’s capital market.

Since the global economic downturn, which also affected Nigeria, things are yet to change.

“It is worthy to note that lack of skills inhibits flow of foreign direct investments to the capital market and economy.

Nobody wants to invest in a place where they are scared of how funds would be managed. That is why the capital market continues to experience low listings of new and

existing firms. For instance, we have a dearth of corporate finance lawyers with experience on activities of the capital market and this is a key issue that should be addressed.

“Innovations are not being embraced because people are not properly enlightened on product offerings. This also affects the delisting of shares that have become moribund.

Many today are still not aware of certain product offerings and this affects how companies and their products perform.

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ERA tasks FG, Shell on UNEP report on Ogoniland WO years after the release T of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) assessment of Ogoniland, the Environmental Rights Action (ERA), an NGO, has urged the Federal Government and Shell to act on the report.

Executive Director of the organization, Godwin Uyi, made the call on Monday at a one day Civil Society meeting held in Abuja to mark the second anniversary of the release of the report.

Uyi demanded the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to implementing the recommendations of the UNEP report by compelling Shell to clean up its mess in Ogoniland.

He said it was shocking that two years after the UNEP assessment was submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan and having set up a committee on its implementation, nothing had been done. ``There is still virtually nothing meaningful on ground to show that the Nigerian government is ready to compel shell to take responsibility for its environmental crimes of ecological disaster in Ogoniland.”

The News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) reports that the UNEP findings on Ogonland were released on Aug. 4, 2011, which confirmed claims of ecological disaster by locals’ communities and civil society groups.

The report also showed hydrocarbon pollution in surface water throughout the creeks of Ogoniland and up to eight centimetres in

groundwater that feed drinking wells.

Uyi, however, drew the attention of the Federal Government to the issues of total neglect of the protection of human life and the survival of Ogonis from what he described as a wrecked environment.

He accused Shell of promoting what he called ``cosmet-

ic approaches’’ to remediation measures recommended by the UN. ``We demand that Shell immediately clean up of all impacted sites to ensure remediation, restoration and compensation.

Uyi said that to address the recommendation of UNEP, ERA was demanding the immediate release of one bil-

Branch Chairman, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Bolade Agbola and the Chairperson, 2013 Lagos Bankers’ Nite organising Committee, Mrs. Mojisola Bakare-Asieru, at the press briefing for the 2013 Lagos Bankers’ Nite which took place in Lagos, last week.

UNECA seeks new agenda to address MDGs missing links HE UN Economic T Commission for Africa (UNECA) has urged African countries to intensify effort in building peaceful environment and accountable institutions as platforms for achieving the Post 2015 development agenda.

The Executive Secretary of the UNECA, Calos Lopes, made the remarks at the launch of the `High Level Panel Report’ on the Post 2015 Development agenda yesterday in Addis Ababa. ``In forging global partnerships, we must take into account the need for good governance at the local, national, regional and global level. ``As the MDGs are set to expire in less than two years, a flurry of activities has been ongoing at the global, regional, and national level, aimed at identifying what should be included in a development agenda in the post MDGs era. ``The High Level Panel

Report that is being launched today in Africa is one important aspect of these multilevel activities.’’

He said Africa must work to transform economies for jobs and inclusive growth echoes as a vision to ensure a structural economic transformation, focused at diversified economies that would create employment and add value to natural resources.

He said the MDGs Programme was silent on issues of equality which put ``sustainable development at the core and recognises the significant inter-linkages between economic, social and environmental sustainability, as well importance of tackling climate change.’’

Lopes said the new report was based on Meeting of the High Level Panel that took place in Monrovia, where dynamic ideas and determination were expressed towards ensuring that Africa took a centre stage in the Post

Registration of freight forwarders will eliminate quacks, says Council HE Council for the T Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) says the ongoing registration and enforcement of operations of freight forwarders at the ports will eliminate quacks from the profession.

The Head of Administration and Human Resources, Terna Segher, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.

Segher said the exercise involved the use of valid identity cards and practicing licences for freight forwarders.

It could be recalled that the

council began the enforcement of the operations of registered freight forwarders.

He said the council’s enforcement team in collaboration with law enforcement agencies would raid the ports as from Sept. 1, to evict unregistered freight forwarders and those who were yet to pay their fees. ``We want to ensure that only registered freight forwarders will be allowed to operate in the ports, cargo airports and land border stations on all aspects of freight forwarding.

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2015 Agenda. ``High level policy makers, academia, UN colleagues and CSO representatives came together to discuss the contours of the global post 2015 agenda. Taking place in Liberia, the conversations tended to focus on Africa’s future, and what Africa wants’’.

He said the theme ``National building blocks for sustained

prosperity``, gave a special focus to economic transformation. The Panel was able to discuss aspects of structural transformation necessary for sustained growth and development.’’

According to him, some the shortfalls of the MDGs had been highlighted in the report and they should form parts of the lessons learned to form the post 2015 agenda.

lion Ogoni restoration of fund by Federal Government and Shell.

Other demands were that shell should commence immediate commissioning of its abandoned facilities in Ogoniland, take responsibility for the clean-up of impacted, sites among others.

Also speaking, Dr Otive Igbuzor, the Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership and Development,called on ERA to adopt multiple ways of fighting their cause, rather than a one way approach.

He said that for Civil Society to bring change, there must

be a multiple approach, which include political, environmental and social organisation, adding that if there were no such things some people would have sold the country.

He called on ERA to create more awareness and consciousness, adding that through this, they could achieve the desired results.

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Chevrons’ N1.5tr gas project to come on stream soon

By Sulaimon Salau ARRING any unforeseen circumstances, the long awaited Escravos-Gas-To-Liquids (EGTL) project, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, will come on stream before the end of this year.

The $9.5 billion (about N1.52 trillion) project has 33,000-barrels per day gas-to-liquids project, designed to process 325 million cubic feet per day of natural gas from the Escravos gas plant expansion.

Already, Chevron has invested over $4 billion (about N640 billion) in the regional economy through contracts for goods, services, employment and regulatory fees on the project as at 2012.

Chevron, in its latest 2012 Corporate Responsibility Report made available to The Guardian, said that the project represented a world-class venture that would become a showcase project on ways to empower local communities through large scale project development.

It stated that the huge socioeconomic empowerment generated on the project had contributed to the current peace

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and security in Delta State and to some extent, the Niger Delta region.

“As at the end of 2012, the Nigerian content value approached 40 per cent of project spends. This is approximately $4 billion invested in the regional economy through contracts for goods, services, employment and regulatory fees,” it stated.

The Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria/MidAfrica Strategic Business Unit, Andrew Fawthrop, expressed the company’s commitment to further investment in Nigeria, with focus on growing local capacity.

He said: “Chevron companies have demonstrated commitment to the social and economic development of the country, because we recognise that success in business is linked to human progress. Our investments in Nigeria are an expression of our confidence in the enormous potential of this country.

“The past years and 2012 in particular, have been remarkable for us with the delivery of world-class projects and performance. We look forward to

the future which promises to be even more fulfilling,” he said.

Chevron’s net daily production in Nigeria averaged 238,000 barrels of crude oil, 165 million cubic feet of natural gas and 4,000 barrels of Liquefied Petroleum Gas in 2012.

Giving updates of the onshore and near offshore projects, it stated that work to rebuild the Olero Creek production facilities and lay a new pipeline to transport natural gas from Abiteye to the processing facilities at Escravos was completed in late 2012. The production facilities have a design capacity of 48,000 barrels of crude oil per day, and the startup is expected in 2013.

On the Dibi Long project, Chevron said that the ‘Term Project’ was designed to rebuild the Dibi facilities that were vandalised in 2003 and replace the existing early production system facility, placed in service in 2007. The facilities have a maximum production capacity of 70,000 barrels of crude oil per day. A final investment decision was reached in early 2013, and startup is expected in 2016.

CIBN strategises to position Nigerian banks for global competitiveness HE Lagos Chapter of the T Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has concluded arrangements to position the nation’s banks for global competitiveness

through a forum tagged ‘Lagos Bankers’ Nite’.

Speaking at the media briefing on the programme, the Chairman, CIBN, Lagos Branch, Bayo Olugbemi, said many banks that barely made profit during the turmoil years returned to profitability in 2012.

According to him, global economic prospects continues to improve despite the slower and bumpy recovery of the advanced economies as the emerging economies continue to record reduced but impressive growths.

“With the conclusion of the banking reform which has strengthened ownership management, operational and regulatory frameworks of our banks, there is no gainsaying the fact that Nigerian banks are ready to take their positions on the global scene and national development”, he said.

The event which will hold in Lagos on August 4, will provide

a unique opportunity for exchange of ideas on contemporary issue that would take the banks to the next frontier of national development and global competiveness.

Agboola added that the event with the theme: “Positioning Nigerian Banks for Global Competitiveness and National Development,” will also provide an avenue for bankers to interact with one another and network with the Nigerian business community.

He said that the Governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola, will be the guest of honour at the event while the Chairman of the occasion will be Fola Adeola, Chairman, Fate Foundation.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria PLC, Olabisi Onasanya will give the keynote address while the guest speaker for the event will be Bismarck Rewane, Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivations Company Limited.

Registration of freight forwarders will eliminate quacks, says Council CONTINUED ON PAGE 27 ``As a matter of fact, in Apapa port for example, no freight forwarder enters the port without identification. ``We use a biometrics identity card and by the time you want to enter the port, your identity car will be scanned before you are allowed in,’’ Segher said.

He said the council would produce a formal register of licenced forwarders at the end of the registration exercise.

According to him, for one to become a forwarder, the council must accredit him or her, before a licence is issued. ``The licence is granted by the council at individual and organisation levels. The next

thing we do is to train the licenced freight forwarder according to best practices and international standard. ``Anyone who has no licence from the CRFFN cannot transact freight business at the ports,’’ he said.

He said CRFFN had been working with the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) to ensure best practices in freight forwarding in Nigeria.

Segher said the council planned to accredit more training institutions to train freight forwarders.

According to him, CRFFN will soon call for the establishment of a tribunal to try and sanction offenders.

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Nigeria, others account for 9.3 per cent of ZTE’s global revenue • Terminal sales for operators hit $50m Stories by Adeyemi Adepetun IGERIA and other African countries might have accounted for about 9.3 per cent of Chinese telecommunications equipment and systems company, ZTE’s global revenue.

ZTE, which claimed to have earned over $50 billion globally, informed that in terms of region, China; Europe, America and Oceania combined; Asia (Excluding China) and Africa respectively accounted for 47 per cent; 24.7 per cent, 19 per cent and 9.3 per cent of its total revenue.

Besides, ZTE, whose core products includes wireless, exchange, access, optical transmission and data telecommunications gear, mobile phones and telecommunications software, disclosed that in terms of product categories, carrier networks, terminal and telesoftware and service and others respectively accounted for 49 per cent, 31 per cent and 20 per cent of its total revenue.

In an interaction with the media in Lagos at the weekend, ZTE’s Deputy Managing Director, Brielle Gao said the Chinese firm has since completed the $417 million Nigerian National Public Security Communications System, which was awarded

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in 2010.

Gao explained that the contract, which had five components including delivery of Global Truncking Architecture Subsystem (GoTa); Video Surveillance Subsystem (VSS); E-Police Subsystem across the whole states and FCT; Video Conferencing Subsystem (VCS) and Coalition Emergency Response Subsystem (CERS) noted that the project started in 2011 and got completed in 2012.

However, when confronted that the project has not been successfully implemented as expected, Gao said the project has been helping the Nigeria Police Force in mitigating the increasing security lapses, stressing that it was successfully completed. “ZTE was even given a certificate of completion by Nigeria. It is government that knows what happened thereafter”, she stated.

The Deputy Managing Director said ZTE delivered 696 GoTa sites; 2000 digital cameras; 37 Switch rooms; 37 Coalition emergency response subsystems; 38 video conferencing subsystems.

Specifically, Gao said the application of National Public Security Communications Systems helped the NPF to capture a

suspect on May 21, 2012 at the police headquarter in Abuja.

With a claim of over 1000 workers in Nigeria, Gao said 70 per cent of them are Nigerians, stressing that the firm is ready to establish cooperation with the coun-

try’s ministries of education, Aviation, Interior among others.

She informed that ZTE is currently working with some telecommunications firm including Globacom; MTN Nigeria among others.

Gao, who said ZTE started selling its terminals in Nigeria since 2002, noted that its terminal yearly sales amount could reach $50 million for all the operators.

She disclosed that in Etisalat Nigeria, ZTE provides

$6 million terminals now in each year adding that the firm’s terminal have taken over 60 per cent in Etisalat and Glo; over 80 per cent in Visafone and Starcomms and over 50 per cent in Airtel, MTN and Other Operators.

Microsoft seeks closer collaboration with govt on ICT development further growth in FC oOR Nigeria’s Information and mmunications Technology (ICT) sector, devices and services giant, Microsoft Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to collaborate with the federal government and other stakeholders in the technology industry to put structures in place.

National Technology Officer, Microsoft Anglophone West

Africa, Olayinka Oni said this in Lagos at the Lagos Business School where he addressed the Executive MBA class as a guest speaker.

While delivering his keynote address titled ‘Nigeria in the Information Age: The Role and Capacity of Government’, Oni said that for Africa to improve its economic and global competitiveness, it was pertinent to place ICT at the nerve centre of

its activities. He drew example from advanced countries with an explanation that they enjoyed their present status because of their technological advancement.

Oni commended the strides taken by the present administration in advancing ICT, one of which was the inauguration of the Broadband Council to drive the implementation of the recently-

approved National Broadband Plan 2013-2018 by the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson.

Another noteworthy effort of the ministry, according to Oni was the funding of incubation centres created solely to foster innovation and the development of locally relevant apps by people with great ideas but without the wherewithal to execute.

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Appointments Strengthening economic growth through vocational training

Uche

By Yetunde Ebosele HE role of technical and T vocational skills in manpower development cannot be overemphasized.

According to experts, technical and vocational skills seek to enhance and adequately address manpower requirement in a work environment.

Technically, vocational training focuses on the practical application of skills and in most cases unconcerned with theory.

Besides, technical and vocational manpower, according to experts seek to optimise organisation’s human resources coupled with numerous multiplier effects on economic growth.

Human resources experts have repeatedly argued that to guarantee economic growth, basic knowledge in vocational and technical manpower should be encouraged.

Indeed, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) recently identified technical and vocational skills development as its current projects and priorities.

Speaking at the 2012 yearly general meeting held in Lagos, NECA’s President, Chief Richard U. Uche, explained that the technical and vocational skills development initiative was put together in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

According to NECA, the technical skills development, which started in 2009, was designed to address the identified skill shortage “with the view of ensuring the availabili-

Osinowo

Wogu ty of well-trained and knowledgeable technical manpower industries”.

The objectives of the projects are: • promote public-private sector model in technical and vocational skills training and contribute to capacity building; • to equip trainees with business start-up skills which would empower them to establish and manage their own businesses as a viable option to seeking salaried employment; and, • to mitigate youth unemployment.

Uche described current youth unemployment in the country as scary, adding that it is a ticking time bomb, “if we fail to defuse as quickly as possible, may erode whatever semblance of social harmony and stability that is left of our polity”.

He added: “We are of course not short of initiatives at all fronts: Federal Government, state government, agencies and ministries, employers bodies, United Nations agencies among others.

“However, outcomes seem to have been very miserable. In terms of quantity and quality of jobs created, we are merely scratching the issue on the surface. While those various initiatives are commendable, I believe we need to go back to the fundamentals of our economy where such big issues like diversification of the economy, backward and forward integration, policy coherence, policy consistency and crosssectoral local content policy

will be given their pride of place and execution impetus.

“Every policy action and decision of government should be judged on the basis of its impact on job creation. We cannot, of course, ignore the factor of good governance, as aptly exemplified by the Lagos State success story, which has created the most basic of skills”, said Uche.

According to the NECA president, Nigeria should aim for a political structure where federating units will contribute to the centre, “thereby assuming the status of multiple centres of productive economic activities and development.

This surely will spin off jobs in there millions and create sustainable employment”.

Making reference to the cost of governance and Nigeria’s economy, Uche who spoke on sundry issues said: “It is worthy of note that the share of recurrent spending in total expenditure has reduced from 74.4 per cent in 2011 to 67.5 per cent in the 2013 budget.

Conversely, capital spending as a share of total expenditure has increased from 25.6 per cent in 2011 to 32.5 per cent in 2013. We commend the government for this modest achievement. We, however, believe that more can still be achieved and a good starting point will be a speedy and faithful implementation of the white paper on the Oronsaye Report”.

He added: “The economy grew by 7.78 per cent in 2012 as against the projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 7.2 per cent. We failed to attain

According to experts, technical and vocational skills seek to enhance and adequately address manpower requirement in a work environment.

Technically, vocational training focuses on the practical application of skills and in most cases unconcerned with theory.

our targeted Crude Oil Production of 2.48 million barrels per day and only realized a production level of two million barrels per day.

“The exchange rate was relatively stable all year round and inflation was at about 12.1 per cent. Against a global GDP growth rate of 3.3 per cent, we

might, indeed, want to congratulate ourselves on a sterling performance.

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Strengthening economic growth through vocational training

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 “However, with our Human Development Index ranking 153 (out of 186 countries), coupled with lamentable ratings in health, education, and per capita income, Nigeria remains one of the poorest countries in the world and still bunched with the 30 poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa”.

He also used the opportunity to commend the DirectorGeneral, Olusegun Oshinowo, and his team for being resourceful and dedicated to the cause of our association.

“What really would I have been able to do without the unalloyed support of my colleagues on the management committee?”

In his submission, the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, who was represented by the permanent secretary, Clement Illoh, while commending NECA explained that the ministry in the discharge of its mandate interacts with other relevant agencies, the three arms of the government and other international organisations.

He explained that ministry is confronted with the core mandate of addressing the challenges of social justice, employment creation, social dialogue and “tripartism including the promotion and institutionalisation of the fundamental principles and rights at work”.

Explaining further, he said: “Enterprise development remains the cornerstone of our strategy for promoting job

growth and poverty reduction. There is the need to support and improve vocational training, skills acquisition and upgrading to enhance labour intensive growth.

“There is urgent need to develop the informal economy as a major source of employment generation in view of the limitation of the formal sector.

“The decent work agenda should be extended to this level of the economy especially through social protection, training and retraining of the actors as well as facilitating access to finance through rejuvenated cooperative societies and other microfinance programmes.

“In all of these, NECA has an onerous responsibility to contribute as a critical stakeholder”, said Wogu.

Uche in his presentation to stakeholders pointed out that in the past five years NECA worked “assiduously to refocus our Association beyond the traditional value proposition of Industrial Relations and social matters.

“In this regard, three things have been of paramount interest to us: first, to develop a NECA that will protect both the enterprise and employers’ rights of members; and secondly, to evolve as an organisation that will showcase to government, as much as resources and opportunity permit, a practical demonstration of governance initiatives expected of government on key issues of interest to employers. And finally, to promote the concept and idea of decent work as a key element of sustainable enterprises”.

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Lagos partners NGO on life skills’ coaching AGOS State Government has LFoundation granted Rescue Educational (REF), a Lagos based NGO, the use of its classrooms to run a series of life skills training classes for preteens and teenagers in all secondary schools in the state.

The approval came on the hills of the preparations to hold the 3rd edition of the annual programme slated for 5th-7th August, 2013 in Lagos. This year edition is holding at Immarculate Heart Senior High School- Maryland Lagos.

Coordinator of REF, Seyi Oladimeji said the approval by the state government on the use of any the classrooms in any of the public school is a boost to the efforts of the foundation.

Inaugurated 3 years ago, skills coaching classes for preteens and teenagers is specifically designed and packaged to communicate real life applicable principles of success to young people within the secondary school age bracket. It seeks to prepare young people for success in life irrespective of their chosen endeavours, and provide them with tools to respond effectively to life challenges.

The programme is aimed at bridging the knowledge gap that exists among young people in regard to their attitudes to life and respect for values.

Since its inception in 2011, the programme has impacted a number of young people and continues to guide them in making right decisions.

Testimonies from past students and their parents have been encouraging and inspiring.

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Dale Carnegie announces new franchise in Nigeria ALE Carnegie Training, a D global training and management-consulting firm with over 100 years of operation, has announced plans to open new franchise in Nigeria as from September 2013.

According to a statement, Dale Carnegie Training emphasises practical principles and processes by designing programmes that offer people the knowledge, skills and practices they need to add value to their business.

“The addition of Dale Carnegie Training of Nigeria means that Nigerian businesses will have access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise”, says Jean-Louis Van Doorne, senior vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with Dale Carnegie Training.

“Through individual courses, as well as corporate solution strategies, we focus on giving people in business the opportunity to sharpen their skills and improve their performance in order to build positive, steady and profitable results.”

“We are thrilled to bring Dale Carnegie Training to Nigeria,” says Patrick E. Nwakogo, Country Managing Director of Dale Carnegie Training Nigeria.

“Joining the community in such a way to boost the Nigerian economy is a

According to a statement, Dale Carnegie Training emphasises practical principles and processes by designing programmes that offer people the knowledge, skills and practices they need to add value to their business. dream come true for us.

DCT Nigeria will be a great resource for all local businesses and individuals hop-

ing to, among other things, engage their employees, improve sales statistics and become great leaders.”

BRIPAN gets new executives HE Business Recovery& T I n s o l v e n c y Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) has announced renowned chartered accountant, Mr. Bamidele Babaunmi Odunowo, as its new president.

Odunowo, one of the founding members of BRIPAN, and Council member took over from renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), Chief Tony Idigbe, whose tenure expired this year.

He had his article ship with Pannel Kerr Foster & CO between 1967 and 1973, and qualified in the November 1973 diet of the Institute’s Examinations.

He later joined Peat Marwick Ani Ogunde & Co.

in April 1974 as a qualified senior and rose through the ranks to become a partner in July 1982.

He was the resident manager and later partner of the firm in Kano from 1979 to December 1985.

He returned to Lagos in 1986 to take up the position of the partner in charge of Insolvency and Financial Advisory Services. He was trained in the UK offices of Peat Marwick where he had the opportunity of understudying the partners and acquiring knowledge on the best practices in the procedures and documentation of insolvency work.

He left the firm in December 1988, to set up Dele Odunowo & Co. where he is managing partner.

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Industrial Court stops moves to remove IPMAN acting leadership From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE crisis rocking the T Midwest Zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) is still ragging as the National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja and presided over by its President, Justice B.A. Adejumo recently threw out an application to restrain the Acting Zonal Chairman of IPMAN, Mr. Solomon Ogbewe from acting as chairman.

In a case with suit No NICN/AK/55/2013, the plaintiffs/ claimants, Izedonmwen Osazee Danson, Charles Aiworo and Godwin Iroghama for themselves and

on behalf of IPMAN through their counsel, A. Osayomwanbor Esq in a motion ex-parte prayed the court for an interim injunction restraining the defendant (Ogbewe) from parading himself as the chairman or caretaker committee chairman of the Midwest Zone of the association.

A copy of the ruling by Justice Adejumo made available to The Guardian explained that there was no proof of election that brought the claimants to become executive committee members of association but restrained both parties from involvement in any activity that would threatened the peace in their areas of opera-

tion pending “the determination of the Motion on Notice.”

The Motion on Notice and the substantive matter has been assigned to Justice Ubaka of the Akura Division of the Industrial court.

But in another development, the claimants had also filed a notice of discontinuance under Order 19 Rule 17 against the defendant and therefore prayed the court to strike out the suit.

But spokesman of the union in the zone, Fred Ufuah said that the only way out of the crisis was the continued use of the constitution of the association drafted and duly signed by the national president and national secretary of the association.

Ogun confirms Saburi as OOU VC From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta HE Ogun State Governor, T Ibikunle Amosun has confirmed the appointment of Professor Saburi Adesanya as the vice-chancellor of the state owned Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa explained that Adesanya, a professor of Pharmacognosy was named the acting vice-chancellor by the institution’s Governing

Council a year ago.

An erudite scholar, Professor Adesanya bagged his Doctorate degree in Pharmacognosy from the University of London in 1984.

He also holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy and also a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and the University of Ibadan respectively.

Professor Adesanya who has teaching experience spanning about 29 years was deputy vice-chancellor

Amosu (Administration) of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife from 2009-2012 from where he was appointed acting vice-chancellor of the Olabisi Onabanjo University.

He said that contrary to claims by the Ogbewe-led interim executive committee’s claims that his leadership was backed by a new constitution by the union, Ufuah alleged that the said new constitution had not been signed and therefore was not yet in operation.

He told The Guardian, “before a constitution can be accepted in this country, it must have passed, signed and

accepted by all members of that association. Our association did a good job; our forefathers did a good job in bringing to existence the constitution in 1983.

“Today, I heard that people are parading some illegal documents all about. Well, those matters are still subject to litigation and until the court dispenses judgment on the case, I am not in a position to speak on them.

“But as far as we are aware, the constitution that we know is in existence that is equally registered with the CAC does not provide for as caretaker at any level of the association.”

Ufuah said that national leadership was courting trouble by supporting a leadership structure that was alien to the constitution of the association.

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ASUU launches ‘operation save public education campaign’ From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan The Academic Staff Union of Universities has vowed to resist any attempt by the federal government to cripple public universities for private tertiary institutions to thrive.

ASUU has therefore declared what it called “Operation Save Public Education Campaign (SPEC)” aimed at mobilising

global support against antipeople policies of the federal government.

The Chairman, University of Ibadan Chapter of the union, Dr. Olusegun Ajiboye who disclosed this on a radio interview programme said that the ongoing strike was a struggle by university teachers against government’s plan to deny children of the masses univer-

sity education.

While calling on Nigerians to join the struggle by ASUU, Ajiboye said that the strategic plan of the powerful in Nigeria was to cripple public education so that their privately owned universities could thrive.

He said: “What we are defending in this strike is operation safe public education. Let me

tell you the truth, Nigerians should be very careful. Some people who have the resources and are well to do, they can afford to send their children to these private schools and abroad for university education. Majority of Nigerians cannot do that. These people are intentionally trying to destroy public education, so that your own children and my own

Global Chairman & CEO Dale Training; Peter Handal, Country Managing Director Dale Carnegie Training Nigeria; Patrick E. Nwakogo, and Senior VicePresident Europe, Middle-East & Africa (EMEA)Dale Carnegie Training,Jean-Louis Van Doorne, at the company’s corporate headquarters in New York, USA, finalizing plans towards the launch of the company’s franchise in Nigeria.

children will not have access to university education.

“And if that happens, only their children will be educated.

This strike is aimed at sensitising Nigerians on the danger that is looming. Some people are trying to destroy what is common patrimony. The intention is to destroy public universities so that private universities could thrive. I tell Nigerians to note that the public primary education and secondary education have been destroyed and people no longer have trust in public primary and secondary schools despite the presence of quality teachers at these schools. Now they are targeting public universities because majority of them own private universities.

“A sitting president established his own university in Ota at a time, a vice president established his own in Yola including a sitting senate president who is establishing his own outside the country in Ghana. What we are saying is that their intention is to destroy public universities so that their own universities can thrive.

“The intention of every investor is to make gains at the expense of a strong competitor and we are telling Nigerians to stand up and defend what generally belongs to all of us.

“People should therefore not see this strike as just a strike

but should rise up to save public education. The call by ASUU is a nationalistic call and people should join forces with the union to save public universities. We are concerned with how well we can end the strike and not how quickly. How well is when government has been able to inject substantial fund into the universities.”

Ajiboye said that the character of a good leader should be seen in his ability to keep to his promises saying that the strike was avoidable had the government kept to her side of the bargain.

“Government was pleading with ASUU to go back. The government does not need to apologise to Nigerians on everything. The president apologised on the LagosIbadan road last month. He has apologised for bad health care system. He should stop apologising but put things right. Our strike has passed the level of appeal. Our agreement is sacrosanct and we want our universities to rank at par with others around the globe. They know what is good for their children education. Let them do it for our children’s education too.”

He said that there was no going back on the strike until government had injected substantial funds into the university education to make it worthwhile.

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BP denies U.S. allegations of fixing natural gas market NITED States (U.S.)’s reguU lators have told BP to respond to allegation

s of natural gas market manipulation and threatened the firm with fines of close to $29m (£19m).

BP has 30 days to respond, but said the allegations were “without merit”.

The Federal Energy

Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Office of Enforcement alleges the offences took place in the Houston Ship Channel from September to November 2008.

FERC first posted the allegations in 2011 and is stepping up its inquiry.

Fraud allegation The regulator claims that

BP’s Texas-based Southeast Gas Trading desk bought and sold physical gas at the Houston Ship Channel and Katy gas trading hubs, in a way designed to increase the value of BP’s financial position.

Specifically, it “alleges that BP accomplished its fraud by using transportation capaci-

ty between the two markets uneconomically”.

But Geoff Morrell, BP vicepresident and head of US communications, said: “BP natural gas traders did not engage in any market manipulation in late 2008.

“BP is disappointed that the FERC has brought this action and we will vigorously

China services sector growth steadies in July HINA’S services sector C expanded slightly in July, an HSBC survey showed, indicating that growth in the sector had steadied.

The HSBC non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 51.3, unchanged from June. A reading above 50 indicates an expansion.

The services sector accounts for nearly 43% of China’s overall economy.

The data come amid con-

China HSBC services PMI shows some resilience CTIVITIES in China’s servA ices sector defied the country’s economic cooldown to expand modestly in July, a private survey showed on Monday, as new business orders recovered from a multi-year low in a rare sign of resilience.

But that was tempered by a fall in prices charged by companies to a nine-month low, suggesting demand was still too weak for them to raise prices, and as business expectations hovered near their lowest since 2005.

The HSBC/Markit Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the services industry stood at 51.3 in July, unchanged from June and just a whisker above a 20month low of 51.1 struck in April.

A reading above 50 suggests business grew compared to a month ago, while an outcome below 50 points to contraction.

China’s economy is set to grow this year at its weakest pace since 1990 as flagging foreign and domestic demand weighs on exports and factory production. A slowdown in investment has further dragged on growth.

“China’s service sector has stabilised at a relatively low level of growth,” said Qu Hongbin, an economist at HSBC. “But profit margins continue to be squeezed. Without a sustained improvement in demand, services growth is likely to remain lacklustre, putting downside pressures to employment growth.”

The sub-index for new orders rebounded to 52.3 from June’s reading, which was the lowest in over four years.

Financial markets have grown increasingly nervous about China’s economic health despite reassurances from Beijing that the world’s second-biggest economy is on track to meet its 7.5 per cent growth target this year.

cerns that China’s economic growth rate may slow further in the coming months.

The world’s second-largest economy has seen its pace of growth slow for two quarters in a row.

“China’s service sector has stabilised at a relatively low level of growth,” said Qu Hongbin, an economist at

HSBC. HSBC said that new business orders recovered from a 20month low, but warned that profit margins in the sector continue to be squeezed.

“Without a sustained improvement in demand, services growth is likely to remain lacklustre, putting downside pressures to

employment growth.”

A similar official survey released over the weekend showed growth in China’s non-manufacturing sector quickened in July.

The government’s non-manufacturing PMI rose to 54.1 last month from 53.9 in June, the National Bureau of Statistics said.

defend against these allegations.”

‘Out of context’ Morrell added: “The FERC bases its allegations on a recorded two-minute phone conversation between a BP trainee and BP natural gas trader that the regulator has taken completely out of context.

“The recording does not support any allegation of wrongdoing. In fact, the trainee involved in the conversation states that his characterisation was incorrect and the trader never agrees with nor condones the trainee’s statements.

“The trader also reacts strongly to the trainee’s comments and interrupts him because the trainee’s comments - as the trainee admits on the call - are incorrect and inappropriate.

“The trader also promptly reported the conversation and BP’s compliance personnel acted appropriately in examining the trading at issue.”

The total potential FERC fines include a penalty of $28m and $800,000 in profits and interest made in the alleged trading.

FERC had its powers boosted in 2005 following the California energy crisis and the Enron scandal.

Last month, it settled a power market manipulation case with JPMorgan Chase for $410m.

It also recently brought charges against Barclays for $453m relating to alleged manipulation of western US energy markets.

Barclays has said it will fight the charges.

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Eurozone recession to end this quarter as businesses return to growth HE eurozone’s recession T could end in the third quarter, according to analysts, after official data showed that the region’s businesses had returned to growth for the first time in 18 months.

The Markit eurozone Composite Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) - a combination of the services and manufacturing sectors recorded growth of 50.5 in July, up from an initial estimate of 50.4 and above the 50 mark which signals the difference between contraction and growth.

For Europe, the strong figures offer a glimmer of hope that the six consecutive quarters of economic contraction may be coming to an end. The

sentiment survey of thousands of purchasing managers is widely seen as a reliable gauge of economic expansion.

“The final output index reading of 50.5 confirms a welcome return to growth for the eurozone economy at the start of the third quarter, raising hopes that the region can finally claw its way out of its longest-running recession,” said Rob Dobson, senior economist at Markit.

“Granted, the euro area has experienced false dawns before but the improvements in confidence and other forward-looking indicators warrant at least some optimism for the outlook this time around.”

Euro headquaters

‘Bank of England’s rate policy may highten inflation’ Bank of England’s T expected new policy of forward guidance risks increasHE

ing inflation, a leading expert has warned.

Forward guidance is expected to see the bank pledge to keep interest rates low for an extended period of time.

New governor Mark Carney is expected to announce policy details in August.

But this could risk inflation running higher than the

Bank’s 2% target, says Prof Michael Woodford of the University of Columbia.

“If it’s too successful, maybe it then pushes up inflation more than you want, and that’s obviously a concern in the UK as the Bank of England has been overshooting its inflation target as it is,” he told the BBC. “But the view of undertaking such a policy is that you are concerned enough about

undershooting in terms of the real economy that you do in fact want more stimulus, even if it nudges up inflation a little bit as the price of getting it.”

The Bank of England’s target for CPI inflation is 2%, but it has been above that figure since December 2009. The latest figure, for June, was 2.9%.

Prof Woodford is acknowledged as one of the leading experts on forward guidance, having written a number of

influential academic papers on the subject.

The Bank of England is expected to commit to keeping official interest rates low for a period of time.

This is meant to lead to reductions in interest rates for mortgages and business loans, and encourage companies and individuals to invest by giving them greater certainty over future conditions.

Forward guidance is currently

being adopted by the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. It was also deployed by Mark Carney in 2009, when he was governor of the Bank of Canada.

But Prof Woodford warned against implementing the policy in Britain as he did in Canada. “Announcing [that rates will stay low until] a specific date, as Canada did back in 2009, is a little dangerous, and would not be the best way

to attempt the forward guidance.

“The ideal thing would be to talk about specific economic conditions and say interest rates will stay where they are until certain conditions that are not currently satisfied are reached. And to define those conditions in such a way that if inflation did start shooting up faster than you expected, then that would bring the date forward.”

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Barclays joins UBS in pursuit of African millionaires ARCLAYS Plc (BARC) is joinB ing Citigroup Inc. (C) and UBS AG (UBSN) in targeting millionaire clients in Africa as the continent’s fastest-growing economies swell a rich list topped by billionaires Aliko Dangote and Johann Rupert.

Barclays Africa Group Ltd., in which the London-based bank will hold a 62.3 per cent stake, is seeking to build on experience managing wealth in South Africa after acquiring eight African operations previously run by its parent. That expansion depends on regulators in countries including Kenya, Ghana and Mauritius, said Chief Executive Officer Maria Ramos.

“It’s potentially a very exciting opportunity,” Ramos said in an interview in Johannesburg on July 30.

The number of Africans with at least $1 million of investable assets climbed 9.9 per cent to 140,000 in 2012, according to a report published on June 18

by Cap Gemini SA (CAP) and Royal Bank of Canada. That was the fastest rate of increase outside North America as the economies of countries such as Nigeria and Ghana grew at more than five per cent last year.

“It’s a great time for private banking, wealth management and asset management in Africa,” Mark Mobius, who

Dangote oversees $53 billion as executive chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group, said in an interview on June 28.

About 42 per cent of the millionaires in Africa and the Middle East are prioritising wealth accumulation, a higher proportion than in North America, Europe or Asia, the Cap Gemini report showed.

Ramos UBS, the world’s biggest wealth manager, said in May it will expand its operations in Africa as economic growth rates boost demand. The industries contributing most to wealth creation on the continent include the resources, telecommunications and consumer industries, according to the Zurich-based bank.

Global Credit misled by failed first strut over ratings IRST Strut (Pty) Ltd., which FSouth may become the first African company to default on a bond, misled Global Credit Ratings Co., which assessed the engineering and manufacturing company’s debt, the ratings company said.

First Strut “wasn’t completely honest with us,” Eyal Shevel, head of corporate ratings at Johannesburg-based Global Credit, said in an interview, without giving more details. “We rely heavily on audited accounts. We rely on auditors doing their jobs.”

First Strut is being wound down after attempts to salvage the Johannesburgbased company failed.

Lenders refused more funding and bondholders won a court order to gain control of assets for security, Leslie Matuson and John Louw, appointed to try and rescue the business, said in court

papers filed July 16. Global Credit Ratings gave First Strut’s 925 million rand ($94 million) of secured threeyear bonds an investmentgrade BBB rating, higher than the company’s noninvestment level.

Mark Shelley, who is listed as First Strut’s auditor in court documents filed by Matuson and Louw, couldn’t be reached for comment. Three calls to Indigo Chartered Accountants, where Shelley works according to the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors, weren’t answered. There was no response to an e-mailed request for comment sent to the account supplied by the regulator for Shelley. Calls to phone numbers provided on First Strut’s website weren’t answered and e-mails didn’t receive responses.

First Strut was given clean audit reports with no qualifi-

cations, Shevel said.

First Strut’s liquidation came after the murder of Chairman Jeff Wiggill in June in Soweto, southwest of Johannesburg.

Wiggill’s shooting may have been a contract killing, the Johannesburg-based Star newspaper reported last week, citing the bail application of a man arrested for his death. The company, which was founded more than 20 years ago, had 18 units supplying industries ranging from rail to mining and employed about 5,000 people, according to its website.

Wiggill picked up an employee on the night of the murder and then drove to Soweto where he was found shot dead the next morning, the Mail & Guardian reported, citing surveillance cameras and evidence gathered from his Bentley.

Africa’s increasing wealth presents an opportunity, said Donna Oosthuyse, the head of Citigroup in South Africa.

“In our private bank we have

officers who are dedicated to Africa and in our international personal bank,” she said on July 25. “Just as we see international global companies

needing international capabilities, so do individuals.”

Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is benefiting from the continent’s economic growth, adding $6.7 billion to his wealth this year, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. That lifted the Nigerian, who owns the continent’s biggest cement producer, to 31st on a global rich list with an estimated net worth of $21.3 billion, eclipsing the $18 billion of Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg.

Economic growth in subSaharan Africa is projected to accelerate to 5.9 per cent in 2014 from 5.1 per cent this year, the Washington-based International Monetary Fund said on July 9.

“The growth means pools of savings are being created across the continent in counties like Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana,” said Thabo Khojane, managing director of Investec Asset Management in Cape Town. “I don’t think Africa’s problems are solved, but the trend is undoubtedly in the right direction. I’m an African bull.”

European Commission approves Chinese solar-panel pact HE European Commission T approved trade chief Karel De Gucht’s plan for curbs on Chinese solar panels, allowing import tariffs to be removed in three days in Europe’s largest dumping dispute.

The commission, the European Union (EU)’s executive arm, endorsed a negotiated settlement with China that sets a minimum price and a volume limit on EU imports of Chinese solar panels until the end of 2015.

Chinese manufacturers that take part will be spared EU duties meant to counter below-cost sales, a practice known as dumping.

“This is going to stabilise the market,” De Gucht, the 28nation EU’s trade commissioner, said in a Bloomberg Television interview in Brussels. “I hope that this deal is going to give the necessary oxygen to the European companies, and also companies from other countries, to invest again in research and development so that we can develop a new generation of solar panels.”

The goal is to limit Chinese competition against European manufacturers such as Solarworld AG (SWV) without resorting to antidumping duties that some EU national governments, including in Berlin and London, oppose. The renewable-energy case covers EU imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules or panels, and cells and wafers used in them – shipments valued at €21 billion ($28 billion) in 2011.

With Chinese companies controlling 80 per cent of the EU solar-panel market and German Chancellor Angela Merkel leading warnings about punitive levies to boost import prices, De Gucht announced a settlement with China on July 27 after weeks of what he called “intensive” talks. He didn’t disclose the minimum price and volume limit in the agreement, which then had to be approved by the full commission.

In early June, the commission introduced provisional anti-dumping duties as high

as 67.9 per cent on Chinese solar panels as part of a probe begun in September. The commission decided to apply an initial lower rate of 11.8 per cent for two months to encourage the government in Beijing to negotiate a solution.

As of August 6, without the accord, the provisional levies applied would have ranged from 37.3 per cent to 67.9 per cent, depending on the company. The import taxes target more than 100 Chinese companies including Yingli Energy (China) Co., Wuxi Suntech Power Co. and Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co. Those three manufacturers are among the Chinese companies taking part in the agreement, according to a list published by the commission in the EU official journal.

Other participating producers include Jiangsu Aide Solar Energy Technology Co., Delsolar (Wujiang) Ltd., ERA Solar Co., Jiangsu Green Power PV Co. and Konca Solar Cell Co., according to the list of more than 90 companies.

SAA, Standard Chartered seal deal on regional expansion plans Chartered SningTANDARD through its award winAviation Finance team, Pembroke, has announced a 12-year sale and leaseback agreement with South Africa’s national carrier, South African Airways (SAA), for 10 Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

The aircraft will be delivered over the next two years, with the first two deliveries taking place in July this year (2013).

This is the first aviation finance deal in South Africa

by Standard Chartered and is further demonstration of the Bank’s commitment to South Africa and its strategy of leveraging its global team and world class innovative financial products to support

the international expansion of South African corporates and institutions.

“We are delighted to be able to support SAA in this important transaction and to leverage our investment banking expertise to finance these aircraft, as well as to participate in this new sale and leaseback agreement,” said Daniel Hanna, Co-Head of Wholesale Banking, Southern Africa.

“This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of our first business in South Africa and this deal is further testament to our long term commitment to the country and supporting South African clients.

We look forward to using our full product suite to support SAA’s expansion and transfor-

mation.

“We are truly grateful that Standard Chartered has agreed to be the financiers for the first 10 aircraft in our fleet renewal. The deal will significantly enhance SAA’s domestic and regional growth strategy to become the carrier of choice in Africa.

The Airbus A320-200 aircraft are central to SAA’s plans to provide an efficient and comprehensive regional route network,” said SAA CEO, Monwabisi Kalawe.

The airline’s newly appointed CEO added that the acquisition of the aircraft fits into SAA’s Long Term Turnaround Strategy. “Our Long Term Turnaround Strategy has identified some big-ticket

items responsible for our high operating costs. These include high fuel costs as well as the use of fuel-inefficient aircraft. This deal provides the necessary solution by securing a new generation, fuel-efficient fleet for us,” explained Kalawe.

Kieran Corr, the Chief Executive Officer for Pembroke and Global Head of Aviation Finance for Standard Chartered, said: “We have long-standing relationships with our clients and meeting their needs is our top priority. We are thrilled to support Africa’s largest carrier, SAA, as it expands its fleet across one of the world’s fastest growing regions. This transaction

showcases the capabilities of Standard Chartered to provide tailored solutions to African carriers as they develop their fleets to meet the growing air traffic demand in Africa. This deal should contribute to intra-African trade, which was also an attractive feature of the underlying transaction.”

Pembroke is wholly owned

by Standard Chartered Plc and owns and manages a diverse portfolio of more than 90 aircraft.

This deal builds on the significant investment Standard Chartered has made in South Africa and across the continent. In the last two months, Standard Chartered announced its intention to

acquire the South African custody and trustee business of Absa Bank and the opening of two new wholesale banking corporate offices in Cape Town and Durban.

Standard Chartered is the leading international bank across Africa. In 2012, South Africa was among 10 African markets that delivered double-digit income growth, up 28 per cent. Over the past five years, Standard Chartered’s Africa business has delivered average yearly growth of 15 per cent. In 2012, the region generated income of USD1.6 billion, up 15 per cent, with the Wholesale bank generating USD1.1 billion, up 16 per cent.

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NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at Monday PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 5/08/2013

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PRICE GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE’s market capitalisation sheds weight by N23 b

By Helen Oji RANSACTIONS on the Nigerian Stock Exchange closed on a downward note yesterday, following price losses suffered by most bluechip companies, causing market capitalisation to drop by N23 billion.

Specifically, at closed of trading yesterday, the AllShare index fell by 73.38 points or 0.1 per cent from 38,424.34 recorded on Friday to 38,350.96 while market capitalization dropped by

T

N23 billion or 0.1 per cent from N12, 168trillion to N12, 145 trillion.

32 stocks depreciated in price, led by Transexpress and Neimeth with 10 per cent to close at N0.90 and N1.35 per share, respectively, followed by Pharmdeko with 9.85 per cent to close at N1.83 per share.

Livestock lost 9.83 per cent to close at N4.68 per share.

Deap Capital and Vono shed 9.70 and 9.68 per cent to close at N1.21 and N0.84 per

share.

ABC Transport dropped 9.38 per cent to close at N0.87 per share.

Portland African West Company, Constain West African and May&Baker also shed 7.41,6.47 and 5.97 per cent to close at N100.00, N1.30 and N2.52 per share.

On the other hand, 21 stocks appreciated in price, as Betaglass emerged the day’s highest price gainer with ten per cent to close at N11.99 per share. Prestige Assurance

trailed with 8.00 per cent to close at N0.54 per share.

RT Briscoe added 6.90 per cent to close at N1.55 per share.

GlaxoSmithKline gained 5.83 per cent to close at N63.50 per share.

Unity Bank, Portland Paint company, UPL garnered 5.56,4.61 and 3.29 per cent to close at N0.57,N5.90 and N4.40 per share.

African Prudential gained 2.63 per cent to close at N1.95 per share. Wema Bank and

United Bank for Africa also added 2.56 and 2.14 per cent to close at N1.20 and N8.60 per share.

With transactions exchanged in 2,084 deals, the banking sub-sector maintained its dominance in volume terms with 216 million shares worth N1.5 billion, followed by the conglomerates with 35 million units worth N118 million.

The insurance sub-sector ranked third with 32 million units worth N35 million.

The banking sub-sector was boosted by activities in the shares of united Bank for Africa and Sterling Bank with 67 million shares and 61 million units worth N597 and N173 million while the conglomerates was enhanced by activities in the shares of TransNational Corporation with 34 million units worth N47 million.

On the whole, investors exchanged 375 million shares worth N3 billion in 5,550 deals.

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Opinion ASUU strike: Gainers and losers

By Luke Onyekakeyah S the latest strike by the Academic Staff A Union of Universities (ASUU) enters the second month, the preoccupation by government should not be suspending the strike that would be resumed in a short while. That cycle should be broken this time around for peace to reign on campuses. Taking drastic steps to ensure that the needful is done to stop permanently the frequent assaults on tertiary education in the country is what is required. Enough is enough of the incessant strikes that have made a mess of tertiary education in Nigeria. Nigerians are tired. The world is laughing at us. The concept of university has been totally eroded in Nigeria. The time to act decisively to save the country and its future is now.

Rushing to weld together another ad-hoc phony agreement that is not meant to be kept will not resolve this shame on the nation. That approach has failed several times. It has not worked. If the agreements government reached with ASUU in the past had been faithfully implemented, we would not be in this mess. Something else should be done to achieve a lasting solution. It is time to shift and let the universities take their rightful position in the scheme of things. There is no country in the world where two or more universities join forces to confront the government. It is only in Nigeria. And, it is the system that has allowed it.

Otherwise, why should universities in far away northeast or northwest and those in southeast or southwest of the country have a common ground to fight the system for a common objective? The universities should be independent of one another like in other climes. Each university has its own needs that it should pursue. The need of one university should not be extrapolated to another. The universities should compete among themselves and not be at par without distinguishing features.

Before I say what should be done to stop the

incessant battles in the ivory towers, I would like to examine the gainers and losers in all the ignominious battles that have been visited on this country. For the purpose of this analysis, there are three parties to the battles, namely: ASUU, students/parents and the country as a whole.

ASUU, the belligerent, is a gainer in all the battles. How? In all the battles, ASUU members gain in several ways. First and foremost, they receive all their salaries and entitlements irrespective of how long the strikes lasted. This is the single most potent factor that prolongs the strikes. ASUU members are most comfortable during strikes, even if the entire academic year is lost, so long as they still receive their statutory emoluments. The provision of no work no pay has never been enforced on ASUU. Instead ASUU is paid for doing no work during strikes.

There would have been a different attitude, more introspection by ASUU, if their salaries had been denied whenever they embarked on strike.

There is nowhere in the sane world where an employee is paid salary for not doing any work. It is only in Nigeria. As employees, paid with taxpayer’s funds, ASUU should be made to forfeit their salary whenever they are on strike. Apart from the free salary, ASUU members gain free time to engage in private money-earning businesses. Many also teach in private universities. The strikes provide ASUU members with the opportunity to earn multiple incomes from different sources. It is therefore not surprising that ASUU is frequently desirous of embarking on strikes at the slightest provocation. People who have often been in sympathy with ASUU are concerned with a situation where the system is being destroyed. There is need for order.

At the receiving end of the numerous strikes are the students and their parents/guardians. Students and their parents are losers. Millions of students and their families have been frustrated by the incessant strikes. The strikes have completely

destroyed university calendar such that no student graduates on schedule. Quality is gone. A course programme designed to last for four years now lingers for five to six years.

Some students spend seven years to graduate. Students are frequently exposed to the roads travelling to and fro. Some die in road accidents caused by strikes. The lengthy period means more unbudgeted expenses on the part of the parents. And it is not that the parents would gain anything soon after the students graduate.

Thousands of the graduates are not employable. The frequent disruptions of the academic programme have ruined scholarship. Crash programmes have replaced methodical and ordered teaching.

Handouts have replaced textbooks. Because the students are not properly taught, they are half-baked. They graduate with nothing in the head. Most are unable to write common employment letter. Thousands can’t stand job interview in their field of study. All these have befallen the students because of the frequent strikes.

Another loser in the frequent ASUU strikes is the country as a whole. The country has been made a laughing stock. Certificates from Nigeria’s tertiary institutions are rated low outside the shore of this country. Even within the country, some companies have a list of universities they consider their graduates for employment. Graduates from institutions outside the list are automatically blacklisted.

The assault on education is dealing a deadly blow on the country both now and in the future. It is beginning to show that some key sectors of the economy are manned by foreigners. The oil industry, for instance, is being controlled by foreign experts. After about 50 years of oil exploration and exploitation in Nigeria, the country has not been able to produce experts to man this key sector of the economy. The same fate befalls engineering infrastructural development. Major infrastructural development projects in the country are given to foreign companies.

The in-road being made by the Chinese is a pointer to the future. The country’s universities are there in the catalogue without the capacity to produce well-rounded engineers and scientists needed for national development. The country’s space programme is foreign based. The British, Russians, Ukrainians and Chinese man it. Their Nigerian collaborators are mere on-lookers. Nigeria pumps money into a space programme that is manned by foreigners. Where are the Nigerian scientists? What are the universities doing? As sensitive as space programme is, should it be manned by foreigners?

Which country engaged in space technology doesn’t have its nationals totally in control of it? The Americans, Russians, Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Pakistanis man their country’s space programmes. We’re in this mess because the universities and research institutes have been ruined. What do we do to reverse this ugly situation?

Elsewhere, universities are there to compete with one another. It is like business.

Call it academic business. Businesses compete to outshine one another. No business sells its secrets to its competitors to use against it. Universities in other climes compete to be on top. But in Nigeria, there is no competition. ASUU and government have made all the universities to remain at par – at the same low level. That explains why Nigerian universities are not found among top class universities in Africa or the world.

To break this impasse permanently, government should use the opportunity of this strike to grant automatic autonomy to the universities. Each university should exercise independent control of its day-to-day activities and curriculum. That will engender competition. Government should give the universities grants based purely on specific academic and infrastructural needs. The culture of doling out billions to be shared by the universities is counterproductive.

Once each university is completely independent, there would be no need for ASUU, which should be disbanded because trade union in the university is an anathema.

Managing Nigeria’s currency effectively (2)

By Reuben Eboh • Continued from yesterday FTER talking to state governors, ministers, special advisers, civil servants, military and para-military personnel, bankers, stockbrokers, insurance workers, labour union, etc, who will talk to the business man/woman trader, market woman and the man on the street?

This is where the CBN needs ad hoc staff just similar to what the National Population Commission did during the last population census, using Nigerians to count Nigerians and what the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did, using corps members to conduct elections in Nigeria. The campaign for proper use of the Nigerian naira by the CBN on television and radio is not enough at all to get the message across. If radio and television messages were enough, the banks, telecommunication companies and manufacturing companies would not need to get their staff and ad hoc staff to work in the streets, sometimes organizing road shows to be able to sell goods and services to Nigerians.

Every now and then, one sees bank marketers visiting offices and market places in order to get corporate bodies and individual to open accounts with their banks or come for a facility (loan). We also, every now and then, see different telecommunication companies get ad hoc staff to do road shows, and through that sell SIM

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cards and Internet modems. Some of these ad hoc staff move from one recharge card retailer under umbrellas to sell recharge cards and other products. As the competition becomes stiffer, more companies are getting their marketing staff to market at bus stops and major spots in Lagos. Marketing is like military warfare. The fighter jets start with raids against the enemy while the army finishes off what is left of the enemy using foot soldiers on the ground.

If the CBN can engage young graduates of both sexes and indigenes of a particular state, say 250 of these graduates per state, making 12,950 young graduates for the 37 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja who understand the geographical terrain of each state very well and can communicate very fluently in the local languages and pay them N50,000 monthly (in one year, the 9,250 graduates will earn N5,550,000,000). These young graduates will go as a duo to the market places, motor parks, etc and take the campaign for the use of wallets to the people that are in the states, whether indigenes or non-indigenes.

By moving from one house to another, one office to another, the two ad hoc staff will take the message of the proper use of the naira through the “wallet” to people in an area assigned to them and go over and over again over a period of 6-12 months till the people adopt the ‘wallet culture’. This message becomes like a song in all the states of the federation, a song well known and embraced by market men and women and

commercial bus drivers/cab drivers and conductors. It is noteworthy that a pouch can serve in place of wallets in the case of market men and women and commercial bus/cab drivers and conductors as long as naira notes are not squeezed before being kept inside the pouch.

Apart from the campaign on the proper handling of the naira notes, the CBN ad hoc staff can help enlighten the average Nigerian and the illiterates on the functions of banks, which is beyond just saving of money to lending, mortgage services, financial advisory services, feasibility studies, planning for retirement, planning for children education, etc, a lot of Nigerians still do not know how to use the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards and the POS terminals. The CBN ad hoc staff will be better positioned to explain to the average Nigerian in a language he/she understands.

At this point, cost saving is a wasted exercise if it does not benefit the common man on the street. If cost is saved then the money derived from cost saving should be ploughed back into improving the lives of average Nigerians. The reinforcement theory under the ‘Theories of Motivation’, which I learnt during Masters degree programme states that any action or response of an organism that is reinforced or rewarded will be repeated. Applying this to the naira campaign is that when market men and women under supervision of market women leaders begin to use the wallets or pouches, this action is rewarded with renovation of market places.

These market men and women would now see the need to handle naira notes with more care.

Nigerians appreciate good things and are very appreciative of efforts sincerely geared towards national growth and development for the good of all. The CBN ad hoc staff will not talk much or repeat the message of proper handling of naira notes if what is saved as a result of proper handling of the naira notes is used in constructing decent market places and motor parks and also building of schools and construction of roads. There is indeed great benefit in the proper handling of the naira notes. This will be big business for the local manufacturers of wallets and pouches. We can attain what other countries have achieved and even surpass this because I believe in the strong and determined spirit of the average Nigerian. It is the belief in the true greatness of Nigeria that motivated me to put together this write-up and I believe that Nigeria is indeed the giant of Africa.

Lastly, I believe that with the plan of the CBN to revert to the use of paper currency from polymer currency, the printing of naira notes with all the special and security features will be handled in Nigeria by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, thereby saving foreign exchange and reducing pressure on the value of the naira.

• Concluded.

• Eboh, an engineer lives in Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

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Opinion Anenih: The quintessential leader at 80

By Kenneth Imansuangbon GE, according to the British great philosopher, Mark Twain A is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. For Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih and his family, friends, well-wishers, even enemies across the globe, it matters because Anenih is now an octogenarian. This is a no mean feat in a continent where the average lifespan of a man is less than 45 years. He is a man who was never born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but has steadily and diligently braved all odds to be who he is today, which is nothing, but an eloquent testimony of God’s grace and reward for selfless service to humanity.

As a growing young child in Uzenema-Arue vilage in Uromi, Edo State, Anenih joined his parents in their rubber plantation, which was a major occupation in the region then. Not deterred by enormous challenges in the society, he started his primary education at Government School now Okpujie Primary School also in Uromi from 1944 - 1949. By 1951 he joined the Nigeria Police Force in Benin City from where he diligently studied at home and obtained the GCE ‘O’ Level as well as ‘A’ Level. His professional dexterity and commitment in the police gave him the opportunity to attend Nigeria Police College in Ikeja and other professional trainings outside the shores of the country. Due to the confidence the police authority reposed in him, he was chosen above other colleagues to serve as a Police Orderly to First Governor General of Nigeria, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Before his retirement from the Nigerian Police as a Commissioner, Anenih has made an indelible mark in the force.

Though the Nigerian Police as it is today may be a clear departure from the dream police Anenih and colleagues worked for in the country before their retirement, the history of Nigerian Police cannot be complete without mentioning Anenih’s immense contribution.

A man with a Midas touch, his foray into murky water of Nigerian politics after retirement has been with great achievements and success stories. Believing so much in the words of the great writer, Jim Rohn which says that “whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness – great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputa-

tion, and great joy,” Anenih’s entry into the political space since the Second Republic has been characterized with selfless service to humanity not only to his people in Edo but to Nigerians across the divide. That was the reason he was not desirous of contesting any political offices such as that of governor or President, even when it was obvious that he will win.

Rather in the interest of the generality of the people, he has always remained in the background to play the fatherly role to all and sundry. It is clear that in the country today, he appears to be one of most sought for politicians, not because of his financial strength or deep pocket, but because of his immeasurable experiences and wisdom.

No wonder as the State Chairman of National Party of Nigeria (NPN) between 1981 and 1983, Anenih worked tirelessly and convincingly for the election of Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia as the civilian governor of the then Bendel State. Describing Anenih as an encyclopaedia of the polity called Nigeria is not far from the truth. That was why every successive government in the country since his foray into politics has always found in him a reliable, experienced, nationalistic, detribalized, dependable and resourceful Nigerian to be used all the times in building and rebuilding the country for better.

Having held and still holding various positions such as party national chairman, minister, chairman of boards and others, there is no doubt that Anenih has built bridges not only across the country, but around the globe like no other Nigerian politicians of his age and class. He has established himself as an icon in Nigeria’s politics and democracy, a development that has endeared him to Nigerians from different works of life.

With the return of democracy in the country in 1999, he was among the foundation members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has played and has continued to play major roles in shaping the political space even as an octogenarian. In the face of all odds, he consistently keeps faith with the people, God and his political party, even when the party has lost the governorship seat to the opposition party in his home state Edo, due to some internal squabbles in the party instigated by outsiders in 2007.

Being always conscious of the words of Ralph Waldo Emer-

son, which says: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail,” Anenih has always left a trail on his paths right from childhood to now.

His remarkable achievements especially in the area of human empowerment, peace promotion, dialogue and unity in diversity speak volume of him, and are all there for posterity to see and verify.

He never believed or subscribed to political harlotry as is the case with most Nigerian politicians, who can hardly endure a pot of yam. Anenih has always remained steadfast and committed to his party’s ideologies and principles.

That was the reason when the position of the Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) of our great party PDP which was also the soul and conscience of the party became vacant, following Obasanjo’s resignation, all the members, including the Presidency without hesitation moved for Anenih as the candidate for the plum position. A position, he has used and is still using to stabilize our great party in the face of the daunting challenges in the country’s polity.

It is on record that in all the positions entrusted in him since he joined politics, he has always performed his duties to the best of his knowledge and abilities. That is why he has not been on trial or indicted by any of the anti-corruption agencies or law courts. Even when some people mischievously and politically try to drag his name in the mud for selfish political reasons, he has always come out to put the records straight to the chagrin and shame of his detractors.

In all his life, Anenih has always proved that he was a good student of Elbert Hubbard’s ideology that the final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment. He has always seen reasons to forgive and mend fences with those who have wrongly offended, accused, disgraced or blackmailed him politically or otherwise in the past. An attitude that is very rare among Nigerian politicians who most times see the game as do or die affairs without remembering that power belongs to God. That is obviously the reason why at 80, Anenih is still trudging on undeterred and unruffled. Happy birthday our leader, and many more years ahead.

• Barrister Imansuangbon is the Proprietor of Pacesetter Academy Abuja and PDP governorship aspirant in Edo State.

Rationale behind House’s constitution amendment (2)

By Emeka Ihedioha HE House amendments introduced new Section 84A-84F splitT ting the offices of Accountant General of the Federation, with a five-year tenure to handle the disbursement of allocations from the Federation Account to the three tiers of government and the Accountant-General of the Federal Government with a four-year tenure to administer Federal Government accounts. It is significant that the Accountant-General of the Federation is to be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the National Economic Council, which is made of all the governors of states. This appointment is however made subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

Furthermore, Section 162 was amended to provide for the funding of the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation from the Federation Account pursuant to an Act of the National Assembly. The House voted also to separate the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Attorney-General of the states from the Minister of Justice and Commissioner of Justice respectively by amending Section 173(1) and 2 and introducing new Section 174A– 174L and the equivalent sections for the states.

The new Attorney-General shall be a distinguished legal practitioner with knowledge of the workings of the Criminal Justice System and shall be independent of any authority or person. He shall not be a member of any political party. He will have complete control and authority over public prosecutions. He has a five-year fixed term renewable only for another five years. His appointment shall be on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council for the Federation and State Judicial Service Commission for the states. He can only be removed by 2/3 of the Senate.

In order to check the excesses that may arise following the introduction of Local Government Council Autonomy, an independent Auditor-General of Local Government Councils of a state has been provided for. The House voted in favour of establishment of Electoral Offences Commission in Section 153 as one of the Federal Bodies in the Constitution. This is a bold attempt by the House of Representatives to tackle the hydra-headed problem of electoral integrity and effective sanctions for electoral malpractices. The word “Executive” was expunged as some bodies listed in Section 153 like the National Judicial Council cannot be said to be an executive body. The House also introduced an Electoral Offences Tribunal.

Section 162(2) was further amended to remove the Power of the President to table proposals for Revenue Allocation based on ad-

vice from the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission. The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission is now empowered to table the proposals to the National Assembly directly. This is to remove delays and interference in the work of the Commission so as to serve the whole federation in a neutral capacity. Section 162(6) was amended by the House deciding in favour of abolishing the “State Joint Local Government Account “and establishing instead a “Local Government Council Allocations Account” into which shall be paid directly allocation to each Local Government Council from the Federation Account and from State Governments. This is to ensure financial autonomy for the Local Government Councils in Nigeria.

The House voted by a huge majority to provide for a Role for Traditional Rulers at National, State, and Local Government levels. At the national level, six traditional rulers reflecting the Federal Character of Nigeria are to be members of Council of State for four-year duration. At the state level, a State Council of Chiefs is being established for each state. The functions of the State Council of Chiefs are mainly advisory in nature.

The House relying on the returns of the Peoples Public Sessions which endorsed measures to undertake judicial reforms and quicker dispensation of justice, voted overwhelmingly in the regard. In one of the most significant amendments of the current process, the House altered Section 241 by adding a new paragraph (3) to wit: “A Court or Tribunal shall not stay any proceeding on account of an Interlocutory Appeal”. This could impact in a very effective manner the time spent by litigants in our courts.

With respect to Judicial Reform and welfare of Judges, Section 291 was amended by the House to reduce the age for claiming retirement benefit by a Judicial Officer from 15 years service to 10 years service. This enables judges appointed before Age 55 to enjoy pension before retirement at age 65. In addition, Section 291 was further amended to enhance judges pension entitlements at a rate equivalent to the annual salary of incumbent holder of the offices as opposed to the current provision of pension entitlement of his last annual salary. This will take care of inflation and other cost of living adjustments.

Section 292 was amended by introducing a provision under which before the President or governors acts on the address supported by the 2/3 of the Senate or House of Assembly to remove a Judicial Officer, the National Judicial Council must certify that a Prima Facie case has been made out against such officer. Perhaps one of the most courageous decisions of the House of Representatives in this amendment exercise is the removal of Criminal Immunity from the President, Vice-President, Gov-

ernors and Deputy Governors, leaving only immunity against Civil Proceedings. This was effected by a vote of 292 members for, 26 members against and 30 abstentions. Members simply opted to keep faith with what their constituents decided.

The House further decided that conviction of a sitting President, Vice President, Governor or Deputy Governors is a ground for leaving office. This is why Section 180 was altered.

The House deleted Section 315(2); Section 315(4) (A), (i), (ii), and Section 315(4)(c). This should bring to an end the anachronistic position that allows the President or Governor to act as both the Executive and Legislative arms alone, by way of repealing or altering by modifications any existing laws. It was meant to be a transitional provision but there was no time limit placed on its use unlike the 1963 Constitution where such provision lasted only six months.

The Second Schedule, Part II, Section 4, Concurrent Legislative List was altered by the House transferring some items from the Exclusive Legislative List like railways to the Concurrent List, and certain residual items was moved to the Concurrent List, such as Health and Housing. The rational for moving Health and Housing apart from the extensive practical involvement of the Federal Government on both matters, is that the decision on the transfer of Right to Primary and Maternal Health Care and Basic Housing to Chapter 4 as Fundamental Rights would bring undue pressure on state governments hence the need to share such burdens with the Federal Government.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has been empowered to conduct elections into the Local Councils following the abolition of the State Independent Electoral Commission by a vote of 331 in favour, 16 against, and 11 abstentions.

In conclusion, the House of Representatives has done its job as representatives of the Nigerian people. A lot of work will need to be done to harmonise matters with the Senate. The most crucial test of the amendment process will be when the process moves to the states. Nigerians must continue to be vigilant and engaged.

• Concluded • Rt. Hon. Ihedioha is Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and Chairman, House Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Law

Quote of the week Justice that love gives is a surrender, justice that law gives is a punishment.

——Mahatma Gandhi judicialeditor@yahoo.co.uk/ 08033151041 Desk Head: Ibe Uwaleke

Interview

not win elections can continue being there. These amendments are purely selfish; they are definitely

By Bertram Nwannekanma going to benefit from those amendments in one way or the other. I The condemnation, which don’t see how it helps anybody. If they want to make amendments to greeted the Senate’s attempt our laws, let them go to Oyo State. to amend the Child Marriage Oyo State is trying to amend the old laws, we heard that are unjust to the Act, has opened a new vista people. They are not amending such to the process being adopted laws. The Supreme Court recently made some suggestions about some by the National assembly to judgments they gave, which they further amend the 1999 believed they had no choice in them. They said it is for the legislaConstitution. In this interview, tors to amend those laws. In other a renowned Lagos-based conplaces, once the apex court said that, it does not take more than a week stitutional Lawyer, James for the amendment to be done. Let Ezike, took a swipe at the them make such amendments. Why should the Federal Government owe whole process of amendment me and before I got paid, I must go with a verdict that we need a through the Attorney General? Why new constitution on the prinmust the state have pre-action notice before you can sue any state ciple of complementarities or public officer? And why must it and solidarity. be within three years? They copied this from England but they have SKED his view on the frequent been repealed and changed to make loss of cases by the Economic and everybody equal before the law.

Financial Crimes Commission These are the amendments we (EFCC), Ezike said the mandate given expect from the National Assembly. to the EFCC is an impossible one.

These things they refused to amend “If you see the spread of what they will affect them whether they like it have to do, then you will know that or not in the future. If they want to it is impossible for them to handle make amendment, the amendment it. I have said it before in an intermust be pure legislation. They don’t view with The Guardian that we need to amend the constitution. Let should turn the EFCC into the equivthem leave the constitution alone, alent to the FBI under the Attorney since they are not prepared to allow General of the Federation, so that us create a new Nigeria with a new they do investigations alone. It is constitution by agreement of all segactually within their mandate under ments of the country. But they are Section 6 of the EFCC Act. They not ready to do that. should investigate and let other peoOn whether the intended amendple prosecute. For the prosecution, it ment should be restricted to legislais actually impossible for them to do tions, he said the exercise should be anything about it. We have so many restricted to modernising the laws governors; they have all gone off the of Nigeria and bringing it up to date hook. They were charged to court for Ezike and listening to the courts; wherevso many offences, these have all er the courts say theses thing are not gone. The immediate past EFCC right but we are doing it because chairman said that all the docuthat is the way the law is and we ments were lost as they were. For have so many of it. the EFCC to remain credible, they On the recent visits to the former must pick up a former Head of State Head of States by five states goverand prosecute him. It is so easy. It is nor, Ezike said he liked the visits also provided in the EFCC Act, that because all the pretenses are now you if you live beyond your income, coming out. you are already a thief. Some of the “It shows that Nigeria is still under past Heads of State were born a military dictatorship. These are the orphans; now they live in mansions, secured these things because of the like the Millennium Development training; and above all, prosecuting people who own the party and conown shares through surrogates, con- offices they hold. If any government Goals (MDGs) and many others. of cases is an act. So the best they trol them. So they can go up and they don’t like comes, they organise Many of them are not even estabtrol the economy and we are still can do is grandstanding. down and come back, and organise lished by law. It will require a little to overthrow it and continue to looking for evidence of their being Asked whether he sanctioned the candidates and the rigging of elecenjoy and we are clapping for them. effort to either wipe them or merge corrupt. It is an open secret that so use of private prosecutors by the tions and say we have a democracy. them.

We kept creating agencies. many of our public officers had lost It is shameful. As long as we do not EFCC for their cases, the revered Let them continue and let’s see Why do we have NDLEA and then we lawyer said there was nothing their property in the United States of do this, forget about the EFCC. where it would get them, but I also On Gamaliel Onosode’s recommen- have the police? We have the EFCC, America, because of the same reawrong with that because they are want to remind them of one thing.

ICPC, Immigration and we have dation for the merging of the EFCC son. They asked them a few quescopying it from England.

Today in Nigeria, everybody is a with other anti-graft agencies, Ezike Customs and NAFDAC, all of them tions; they run away from the U.S. “The world changes. I don’t see minority. It is no longer the so-called working in the seaports and the airsaid they should be merged but not and abandon their property because anything evil in using private pros- minorities, it is not just the Igbo, no just the anti-corruption bodies, but ports. When you travel out of the they cannot explain how they ecutors. But if we are well organlonger the Yoruba, and the Moslem some of the superfluous agencies in country and you are coming home, acquired them. It does not require ised, it may not be necessary, North is also a minority in Nigeria. your heart will skip a bit because of rocket science to establish that these the country. because the most aggressive litiSo whatever shenanigan they are up what you have to go through. Of late, gants you will find in the world are to, they cannot do it without conHe said: “If you go to the various people are corrupt and were corthey are improvements in their manministries, you find so many duplicarupt. We fought a civil war, we know the state prosecutors in the USA. sensus. They have gone to see ner of approach but is it way we tions. We have Ministry of those people, who won the war.

They are aggressive and highly Obasanjo; they did not come to se should have these agencies? In South knowledgeable; they make sure Some generals won the war because Information and we have the me. They saw him, because he is a Africa, it is the Police that do all National Orientation Agency (NOA).

I the soldiers, who fought under they do not charge people to court general not because he is from the these. I experienced it when I travdon’t understand what they are them, are living in miseries, while frivolously.

South-West and they have gone to eled for the World Cup. I arrived and there for. The same ministry has so they have oil blocs. They have all On the recent amendment to the see General Ibrahim Babangida and there were other people with me manner of things and some of them many other agencies. I hear of things constitution by the National Abdulsalami, two generals. I found who were arrested by the police and Assembly as it concerns the Child what they have done embarrassing what they were looking for was Marriage Act, Ezike said the and ridiculous. Please these gener“Why should the Federal Government owe me and before I drugs. The police were handling National Assembly is playing to the als, be real, you are going to put drugs and they are also there at the gallery. According to him, the soyourselves into trouble. We have forget paid, I go through the Attorney General? Why must immigration. When they did not called constitution amendment is and forgotten, but you may someone have pre-action notice before he can sue any state found any drug with them, they apol- an exercise in selfishness; nobody given remind us of things. Perhaps this is ogised and took them to their hotels. needs those amendments. We need the time to reap what people had or public officer, and why must it be within three years?

Why do we have to duplicate these? to have a brand new constitution. said in some circumstances: “Those Nigeria copied these laws from England. In England, they Is it necessary? The crucial point is Look at the one they did before, whom the benevolent spirit has that the people working in these have been repealed to make everybody equal before the law. agencies are not properly trained for how they stultified the election cracked their kennels for should petition by introducing the 180 learn to be humble”, but in their These are the amendments we expect from the National the job. Investigations require traindays. Why was it necessary to do own case, they should learn how to ing, drafting of charges requires that? So that those of them who do hide.”

Assembly”.

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‘Constitution amendment should modernise laws’

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

LAW

LawPeople

“Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit his target with his eyes closed.”

Paulo Coelho, The Devil and Miss Prym

‘NJC should fish out more certificate forgers’

By Joseph Onyekwere HERE is no doubt that the National Judicial T Council (NJC) is on a mission. A mission to cleanse the judiciary of all particles of filth and to restore confidence in the highly revered institution acknowledged all over the world as the fulcrum of social order.

One man who believes so much in this mission is Christopher Okeke, a legal practitioner of note, notary public and trademark agent.

According to him, the recent recommendation by the NJC to the effect that the Chief Judge (CJ) of Abia State should retire on account of age falsification, is a welcomed development. He is of the view that NJC should go the whole hog to fish out more bad eggs in the system and punish them accordingly.

“The Abia State CJ’s recommended that compulsory retirement is not a bad idea. However, I will suggest that the NJC goes the whole hog.

There are many more like him who should not be spared”, he declared.

Okeke, who has made modest contribution to the development of law in Nigeria through legal writings and research, said he became a lawyer out of interest. He said: “I became a lawyer out of interest, it was not an accident at all. Even when I thought I could be an engineer as a secondary school student, yet I have always had a flair for the arts subjects particularly, history and literature in English.

“For instance, while I was good in the arts subjects, I was what you could call an all-rounder as I was very good in the sciences. Some of my secondary school colleagues still accuse me of drawing them into the sciences but ran away to pursue a career in law. Physics, chemistry and mathematics were my best subjects.

Notwithstanding, today history and literature in English have proved very useful in my appreciation and response to issues as they arise from time to time. Looking back though, my background in the sciences, as well as in the arts, have combined to make my understandings and practice richer. While I learned empiricism from the sciences, I learnt sequence, logic and good writing skills from the arts.”

According to him, he learnt from Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, that the study and practice of law should germinate from the soil of shared and varied backgrounds because there is no boundary in knowledge.

He is also an author and publisher. One of his major books is: Towards Functional Justice: Seminar papers of Justice Oputa. This book has been variously described as Justice Oputa’s last will and testament to the legal profession. “It is a must read for every one interested in understanding the many confusions in our legal thinking today, as well as the part we must go if our society is to make any progress in the positive direction”, he stated.

He is of the view that Oputa represents what any good lawyer and judge should be aspiring to, adding that his generation and indeed the “core panel” of his Supreme Court years represents what our judiciary should be aspiring to reinvent.

Born in April 27, 1965, at Obeama, Oyigbo Local Council Area of Rivers State, Okeke started his secondary education at Government Secondary School, Umuagbai, Oyigbo Local Council of the state between 1978 and1983. In that school, he earned a West African School Certificate/General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level certificate.

In 1985, he enrolled at the Rivers State School of Basic Studies, Port Harcourt. From there, he got admission into the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, in 1988 to study law. He graduated from the university

Okeke

in 1992 with a Bachelor of Laws Degree, Second Class Honours Lower Division.

In January 1993, he was admitted to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, where he earned his BL in November of the same year.

He was thereafter mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which he did at the Ministry of Justice, Ibadan.

Interestingly, he never had a pupilage, as is the tradition among lawyers. He was daring and courageous to go into personal practice fresh from the Law School.

This is how he captured the experience: “I have not had pupilage as such apart from my NYSC experience. I served with the Ministry of Justice, Ibadan. I also had a stint with Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), within the same period.

I actually set up my practice immediately after youth service and thank God for what He has made of us. I am immensely grateful for His many mercies. The experience has been worth all the effort, learning and progressing with each passing day.

“The point I am trying to make here is that while it is important you learn from seniors, the most enduring ones are the ones you learn from yourself and your failings. Perhaps confirming the saying that experience is the best teacher. To this, I will add that experience is the best teacher only if you understand and learn from his teachings.”

He had his first day in court alone in Ibadan.

He recalled that it was frightful but that he quickly got over it. “I learned the ropes fast and of course, you remember learning is a continuous exercise”, he observed.

Okeke also recalled what growing up was like in his days. “I was born and indeed grew up in my rural community called Obeama. My first Do you know… challenge indeed was to catch up with the trend outside of my community.

Having Federal Government: done this, law studentship was fun. The fun of A federal government will mean what the Constitution writers resuming with the library section and leaving say it means. And this can be procured within the four walls only when they close, as well as the fun of knowing first when any new book is introduced into of the Constitution: See Olafisoye v. F.R.N. [2004] 4 NWLR (Pt. 864) 864, the library. I also had the fun of citing Law [S.C.].

Reports and quotations from the law lords.

“In addition, having not worked elsewhere after NYSC, I made do with all the challenges I faced along the line, learning and improving with each experience. Some were hard, but thankfully I have not found myself in situations of deep regret.”

He said one case he would always relished involved National Agency for Food Drug and Administration and Control (NAFDAC). His words: “I represented NAFDAC against Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue (LSBIR). LSBIR was represented by lawyers from the Ministry of Justice (one of them is a High Court judge now) and they felt so sure they would win.

When we responded to their papers, they saw gaps in what they did and had no choice but to call for negotiations and out-of-court settlement. Our handling of that matter saved NAFDAC so much money and stress. It boosted my confidence greatly.”

He is a member of some professional bodies such as NBA, Intellectual Property Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria, Nigeria/Greek Chamber of Commerce and Otu-Oka Iwu, Lagos.

The astute legal practitioner, who edits the Law Report section of The Guardian since 2001, among other publications, authored Understanding Intellectual Property Law in Nigeria (in print) and the Biography of the Justice Oputa. His scholarly monographs adorn various national journals. He was also a law student leader in his days in the university.

He has also handled some national assignments. He was a member of the National Working Group on the Reform of Criminal Justice Administration in Nigeria in 2005. It was the group that produced a National Blue Print by way of an Executive Bill for the Modernisation of the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria. He is also part of the participating counsel on the Nationwide Decongestion of prisons, appointed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

His hobbies include reading, collecting books, especially those with a good dose of prose and poetry.

He also enjoys watching football. In addition, he loves farming.

Okeke doesn’t have attachment to any particular colour. He enjoys eating vegetable soups and plenty fruits. “I also recalled my mother calling me weaver bird on account of my prowess in corn eating. It is not unusual to find me munching away on corn especially when it is fresh”, he jocularly said, adding that he unwinds by sleeping.

A practising Christian, Okeke enjoys gospel tunes. “I enjoy good gospel music, especially country hymns. I also enjoy the fellowship of Christian brethren.

Filled with myriads of experiences, the learned counsel also has words of advice for young lawyers. “Young lawyers should learn to learn. The successful lawyer is the one that reads. In addition, they should learn to be patient with themselves, their environment and their career. Do your basics and success will come. This is particularly so in litigation, where your success does not begin in cascading flows but rather in regular drops until it becomes a mighty flow of river”, he said.

“For aspiring lawyers, I will say that it should not be becoming a lawyer for the sake of becoming a lawyer. They should also strive to leave footprints on the sands of time. That is if they have chosen law as their defining career”, he admonished.

Okeke, who has earned some awards for professional excellence, is married with children.

The Abia State CJ’s recommended that compulsory retirement is not a bad idea. However, I will suggest that the NJC goes the whole hog. There are many more like him who should not be spared

LAW

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

103

LawReport Once court declares revocation of customary right of occupancy invalid parties return to status-quo In the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Holden at Abuja On Friday, July 12, 2013, Before their Lordships: Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, Justice, Supreme Court; Bode Rhodes-Vivour, Justice, Supreme Court; Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, Justice, Supreme Court; Olukayode Ariwoola, Justice, Supreme Court; Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, Justice, Supreme Court SC.146/2005 Between Major Muritala Gbadamosi (rtd) Rasaki Gbadamosi Muftau Gbadamosi (For Themselves And On Behalf Of Gbadamosi Bandele Eletu Family) (appellants) and H.R.H. Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye Chief Muritala Saka Odofin (respondents) Alhaji Chief Yekini Ola Bakare (For themselves and on behalf of Ojomu Chieftaincy Family).

HE interest, which the respondents sought to protect in Suit No: ID/1883/89 included that of the appellants since the appellants derived their root of title from them and they sued for the whole of the Ojomu Chieftaincy family Land.

When the court declared that the customary right of occupancy vested in the plaintiffs in and over the land mentioned in claim (1) hereof has not been validly or effectively revoked by the military Governor of Lagos State “the interest of the parties returned to status-quo before the purported acquisition. So held the Supreme Court, Holden at Abuja in a unanimous leading judgment delivered by his lordship, Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs (JSC) his learned brothers Bode RhodesVivour, Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, Clara Bata Ogunbiyi and Olukayode Ariwoola (JJSC),

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concurring while upholding the appellants’ appeal.

The appellants were represented by Olu Daramola (SAN), and Ahmed Raji (SAN) with Ademola Koko, Ola Faro, Adesola Adedipe, Ademola Abimbola, Sunday Onubi and Abolanle Alawoya while the respondents were represented by Dr. Adewale Olawoyin.

The facts are as contained in the body of the judgment.

The issue in this appeal is whether the respondents who had earlier sold a portion of land vide a registered conveyance to the appellants can turn round to claim ownership of the same portion simply because the appellants had stood by and allowed the respondents to challenge the Lagos State Government who had revoked all rights of occupancy in and over a vast of land in Lekki Peninsula in the Eti-Osa Local Council Area of Lagos State.

The background facts leading to this appeal are as follows: In 1997, the respondents’ family sold a portion of the Ojomu Chieftaincy family land measuring 254.558 hectares to the appellants’ father, late Gbadamosi Bandele Eletu. The land is situate and known as Osapa Village in Eti-Osa Local Council Area of Lagos State. The transaction done through a Deed of Conveyance dated August 23, 1997, was duly registered as No 36 page 36 Volume 1648 at the Lands Registry, Lagos. By the Lagos State Government Notices Nos: 10 and 14 published in the Lagos State official Gazette of February 19 and 26, 1987, respectively, the Lagos State government compulsorily acquired a vast area of land spanning several kilometers consisting of many villages and settlements. The acquired land included the appellants’ Osapa village.

The respondents brought an action in Suit No. ID/1883/89 (Alhaji Fatai Ajetunmobi and Ors vs the

Justice Mukhtar (CJN) Attorney General of Lagos State) to challenge the compulsory acquisition. Judgment in the suit was delivered on October 18, 1991 i which the court granted the following in favour of the Ojomo Chieftaincy Family: • A declaration that the plaintiffs are the persons entitled to a customary right of occupancy to all that piece of land shown in the plan attached to the statement of claim herein; and • A declaration that the customary right of occupancy vested in the plaintiffs in and over the land mentioned in the claim hereof has not been validly or effectively revoked by the

Military Governor of Lagos State.

After the judgment, the respondents entered an agreement with the Lagos State government wherein portions of Ojomo Chieftaincy family land were granted to the government of Lagos State while the governor revoked the respondents’ right of occupancy over other portions of the aforesaid family land and thereafter excised areas from such portions vesting the same in the respondents. Following this agreement, the Ojomo Chieftaincy family became the holders of a right of occupancy [in and over the entire portions of land excised from the Government acquisition. The respondents then claimed that the present appellants who were neither a party in suit No. ID/1883/89 nor a party to the agreement entered into between them (respondents) and the Lagos State government claimed proprietary rights over portions of Ojomo family land and committed several acts of trespass on the said land and this led the respondents to institute action against the appellants in suit no: LD/262/95. The appellants counter-claimed and averred that the land which was sold to their father was exempted from the Notice of Revocation and by virtue of the excision as contained in Lagos State Official Gazette no. 24 Volume 27 dated June 23, 1994, the title over the affected portion of land at Osapa Village if any reverted to them (defendants).

The respondents as plaintiffs filed a reply to the counter- claim alleging that all interests in the land granted to the defendants by the Deed of Conveyance dated August 23, 1977, abated when the Governor of Lagos State revoked al rights of occupancy in and over the vast area of land in Lekki peninsula in 1981 and that since he revocation was not challenged by the defendants, it remained valid against them.

To be Continued

It is within the competence of a state to legislate on regulation of hotels In the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Holden at Abuja, On Friday, July 19, 2013, Before their Lordships: Mariam Aloma-Mukhtar, Chief Justice of Nigeria; Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Justice, Supreme Court; John Afolabi Fabiyi, Justice, Supreme Court; Suleiman Galadima, Justice, Supreme Court; Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, Justice, Supreme Court; Musa Dattijo Muhammad, Justice, Supreme Court; Stanley Shenko Alagoa, Justice, Supreme Court SC. 340/2010 Between: Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Federation…(plaintiff) and Attorney General of Lagos State…(defendant) Judgment delivered by Suleiman Galadima, JSC) Y an originating summons taken by the Federal Government as plaintiff against Lagos State, as the defendant, the plaintiff challenged the validity of enactment of the following laws: The Hotel Licensing Law Cap H.6, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003; The Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law No. 30, Vol. 42, Lagos State of Nigeria official Gazette 2009 and The Hotel Licensing (Amendment) Law No. 23, Vol. 43, Lagos State of Nigeria official Gazette, July 2010.

Consequently, the following general questions were raised for determina-

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tion: • Whether the Lagos State government and Lagos State House of Assembly can enact law in respect of any item listed under the exclusive legislative list of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; • Whether by virtue of the provision of Item 60(d) Part 1 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which lists the regulation of tourist traffic as a legislative item under the exclusive legislative list the National Assembly is entitled to the subsequent provisions of Section 4(2)(d) of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation Act Cap N137, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which gives the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation the right to licence, regulate, register, classify and grade hotels, motels, guest inns, travel agencies, tour operating outfits and other related tourist establishments situated and located within the geographical boundaries of Lagos State and or the Lagos State government can sign into law any law to license, regulate, register, classify and grade hotels, motels, guest inns, travel agencies, tour operating outfits, resorts, cafeterias, restaurants, fast food outlets and other related tourist establishments situated and located within the geographical boundaries of Lagos State; • Whether the Lagos State government and the Lagos State House of Assembly can enact a law which directly conflicts with an existing law enacted by the National Assembly and where such law is enacted, whether such law or enactment

made by the Lagos State government and the Lagos State House of Assembly can remain valid where such law or enactment is in conflict with an existing law or enactment made by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Assembly.

Suffice it to note that out of these three general questions posed for consideration is a précis of the three issues formulated by the plaintiff for determination of his claim. I shall come to this anon.

According to the plaintiff, in the event of the questions raised above are answered in the negative, they have now adumbrated their claims as follows: “• A Declaration that the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State House of Assembly have no power to enact a law to licence, regulate, register, classify and grade hotels, motels, guest inns, travel agencies, tour operating outfits, resorts, cafeterias, restaurants, fast food outlets and other related tourist establishments within the geographical boundaries of Lagos State or any other place in Nigeria; • A Declaration that by virtue of the provisions of items 60(d) Part 1 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the subsequent provisions of Section 4(2)(d) of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act Cap N137 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, it is only the National Assembly that can legislate, and it is only the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, as established that can control matters relating or pertaining to the licensing,

regulation, registration, classification and grading of hotels, motels, guest inns, travel agencies, tour operating outfits, resorts, cafeterias, restaurants, fast food outlets and other related tourists establishments within the geographical boundaries of Lagos State and any other place in Nigeria; A Declaration that the following legislations, laws and enactments, that is: “i) Hotel Licensing Law Cap H6 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003; ii) Hotel Licensing (Amendment) Law No. 23 Volume 43, Lagos State of Nigeria Official Gazette of July 20, 2010; iii) Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law No. 30 Volume 42 Lagos State of Nigeria Official Gazette of June 23, 2009, in as much as the said legislations, laws and enactments seek to regulate, register, classify and grade hotels, motels, guest inns, travel agencies, tour operating outfits, resorts, cafeterias, restaurants, fast food outlets and other related tourist establishments are in conflict with the provisions of Section 4(2)(d) of the Nigerian Tourism Development Act 1992 (a law enacted by the National Assembly and, therefore, null and void and of no effect whatsoever).

• A Declaration that the following legislations, laws and enactments, that is: “i) Hotel Licensing Law Cap H.6 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003; ii) Hotel Licensing (Amendment) Law No. 23 Volume 43 Lagos State of Nigeria Official Gazette

of 20th July 2010; iii) Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant consumption Law No. 30 Volume 42 Lagos State of Nigeria Official Gazette of June 23, 2009” in as much as the said legislations, Laws and enactments seek to licence, regulate, classify and grade hotels, motels, guest inns, travel agencies, tour operating outfits, resorts, cafeterias, restaurants, fast food outlets and other related tourist establishments are in conflict with the provisions of Section 4(2)(d) of the Nigerian Tourism Development Act 1992 (a law enacted by the National Assembly) are, therefore, invalid being inconsistent with the provisions of Section 4(2)(3), item 60(d) Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and to the extent of their inconsistency, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

• An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Lagos State government either by itself, its agents, privies, servants, representatives or anybody whosoever acting on its behalf, from further promulgating, passing into law, enacting or legislating upon issues or any matters relating to the licensing, regulation, classification and grading of hotels, motels, cafeterias, restaurants, fast food outlets and other related tourist establishments and from enforcing in any manner or way through itself or any of its agencies, the following legislation; To be Continued

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

104 LAW

FamilyLaw

There are many women with children under five who want to work and who lack affordable, high-quality childcare. ————-Harriet Harman

Choosing between marriage and cohabitation

By Declan Flanagan and E. S. Williams MAJOR social trend of the last three decades A is the decline in marriage and the rise in cohabitation. Over the last 20 years, the number of marriages has fallen considerably, while there has been a growth in the number of couples living together without marrying.

In 1993, the number of marriages in the United Kingdom (UK) fell to its lowest level for 50 years and one in five unmarried men and women were cohabiting. The stigma attached to cohabiting in the 1990s is far less than it was two or three decades ago.

Consequently, many couples are content to live together. Some regard their relationship as a ‘trial marriage’, while others reject the institution of marriage and never plan to marry.

Cohabitation has become socially acceptable although it is contrary to the most fundamental teachings of the Christian faith. This acceptance by society is, perhaps, best shown by the way language has changed - the term ‘’partner’ is now in common usage. Contemporary society seldom distinguishes between cohabiting partners and married couples.

Trends in cohabitation premarital cohabitation The trend in premarital cohabitation shows that in the mid-1960s around five percent of single women lived with their future husbands before marriage. By the 1990s about 70% were cohabiting prior to marriage. In the case of women marrying a second time in the 1990s, about 90% will cohabit before their second marriage.

Prevalence of cohabitation

Prevalence refers to the proportion of people in society cohabiting at a particular point in time. The proportion of single women cohabiting in 1979 was 7.5%, and this had more than trebled to 23% by 1993. Divorced men have the highest rates of cohabitation - in 1993 over 40% were in such a relationship. Taking all unmarried people together, over one in five were cohabiting in 1993 compared to one in seven in the mid-1980s.

The duration of cohabitation The General Household Survey provides information on the length of cohabitation. Of course, the durations measured in this way are incomplete, for it is not known at the time of interview how long each current spell of

cohabitation will last. Nevertheless, the calculated durations do give an indication of trends.

At the time they were interviewed, 34% of cohabiting single women had been in their relationship for less than 18 months. The average length of cohabitation for single women increased from 19 months in 1986 to 29 months in 1993.

Debate in the Church of England The rise in the prevalence of cohabitation has led to a major debate in the Church of England and a report commissioned by the Synod entitled Something to Celebrate gives guarded approval to cohabitation.

According to the report, some cohabiting relationships are marriages in all but name and so the label ‘living in sin’ is no longer appropriate.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, however, expressed disappointment that the report did not maintain a clear focus on the biblical ideals embodied in family life and society. The Archbishop stated, ‘the wisdom and truth of the Christian tradition (is) that a married man and woman and their children should be the basic building block of family life.

Cohabitation is not, and cannot be, marriage in all but name... Those who choose to cohabit on the grounds that their relationship is a private matter and nothing to do with the wider society are, frankly, deluding themselves.

Marriage, not cohabitation, is the institution that is at the heart of a good society and let us not be reluctant to say so. I do not say this in condemnation; I say it as an invitation to a better way.’

Why the church cannot remain silent The Archbishop’s comments are encouraging

for he has felt the need to speak out against the move towards widespread cohabitation.

Yet, the popular view is that it is judgmental to comment on moral issues and consequently, a few people have felt inclined to do so. The right of individual people to set their own moral standards without interference from others is regarded as sacrosanct. Everyone is free to do what they think is right in their own eyes, without reference to the moral standards set out in the Bible. Thus the Christian view of marriage is under constant challenge - the point has been reached in the United Kingdom where most couples cohabit before marriage, and the Church has little to say on the subject.

TO BE CONTINUED

YOU AND THE LAW Dismissing employees with less than two years’ service

By Morton Fraser and Jillian Paton T is a common misconception among employers that dismissing an employee who does not have the qualifying service to bring an ordinary unfair dismissal claim will mean that they are “safe” from an employment tribunal claim. This often leads employers to dispense with their usual disciplinary, capability and redundancy procedures when dealing with the dismissal of an employee with short length of service. However, although it is true that, in many situations, dismissing an employee who does not have qualifying service will be low risk, there are a range of exceptions to the rule.

Qualifying service rule The basic rule is that an employee who started work with their employer on or after April 6, 2012, requires two years’ service in order to bring an ordinary unfair dismissal claim. Anyone who started employment prior to that date requires only one year’s service in order to bring such a claim.

The exceptions Given that unfair dismissal is one of the better known and frequently invoked employment rights, it is often at the forefront of employers’ minds when considering dismissal. The assumption is often made that if the qualifying service requirement isn’t met by the employee, then, there is no risk of a claim arising from the dismissal. However, there are significant exceptions to the general rule that two years’ service is required to claim unfair dismissal, and there are other claims linked to dismissal, which have

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no qualifying service requirement (such as a claim that the dismissal was discriminatory). This means that close scrutiny should be given to the reason for, and circumstances of, dismissal.

As indicated, there are a number of exceptions to the requirement for qualifying service. The following are the key exceptions, which arise most frequently in practice and should be borne in mind: Is the dismissal discriminatory?

Dismissals, which take place for a discriminatory reason, will be actionable irrespective of length of service.

Therefore, although the employee may not be able to claim unfair dismissal if they have less than the qualifying service, they could claim that their dismissal was discriminatory.

Compensation for a discriminatory dismissal is calculated in a similar way to an unfair dismissal claim in terms of compensation for loss of earnings,

but there is no cap on compensation in discrimination cases as there is in ordinary unfair dismissal, and an injury to feelings award is also payable where a finding of discrimination is made.

In light of this, when considering dismissal, employers should consider the reason for dismissal and whether it is linked in any way to a protected characteristic. The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. If there is any concern that the dismissal could be regarded as linked to one of the protected characteristics, then we recommend that legal advice is taken in order to assess the degree of risk involved.

Is the dismissal for making a protected disclosure (i.e. a “whistle-blowing” complaint)?

Where an employee has made a protected disclosure and is dismissed because they made that disclosure, they can claim unfair dismissal irrespective of length of service. A protected disclosure is a disclosure of information made by an employee, which that individual reasonably believes shows that one or more of the six types of malpractice specified in the relevant legislation has taken place, or is likely to take place (commonly known as a whistle-blowing complaint). Therefore, if an employee has made an allegation, which relates to one of the following categories of wrongdoing, and they are

subsequently dismissed, then there is the risk that they will claim that dismissal was linked to the disclosure and bring a claim of unfair dismissal irrespective of length of service: Criminal offences; Breach of any legal obligation; Miscarriages of justice; Danger to the health and safety of any individual; Damage to the environment; and The deliberate concealing of information about any of the above.

This situation sometimes arises where an employee has raised a grievance alleging that they have been mistreated by their employer in some way, and they are subsequently dismissed for being a “troublemaker”. Provided the grievance was made in the public interest and the mistreatment amounted, in the reasonable belief of the employee, to breach of a legal obligation, then it may amount to a protected disclosure. As such, they could then claim that their dismissal was because they had made a protected disclosure and that it is, therefore, unfair, regardless of their length of service.

Is the dismissal for a health and safety reason?

Where an employee has been designated to carry out activities in connection with preventing or reducing risks to health and safety at work, or where the individual is the workplace health and safety representative or member of a workplace safety committee, care should be taken if dismissal is being considered. The law recognises that such individuals may come into con-

flict with their employer by the nature of their appointment and, therefore, protects them against dismissal because of their involvement in health and safety activities.

Therefore, a dismissal relating to the employee carrying out these activities is automatically unfair and no qualifying period is required to bring an unfair dismissal claim in these circumstances.

Has the individual asserted a statutory right?

Where an individual asserts a relevant statutory right, or raises a claim to enforce a relevant statutory right, they are protected against dismissal on that basis. The relevant legislation identifies the various statutory rights, which are captured by this exception. These include asserting rights under the Working Time Regulations (such as the right to statutory holiday or rest breaks), rights conferred under the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 and asserting that an unlawful deduction from pay has been made. If such a right has been asserted, and dismissal is for that reason, then the dismissal will be unfair irrespective of length of service.

Is the employee a trade union representative?

If an employee is a trade union representative or has taken part in trade union activities, and dismissal is for that reason, then it will be unfair regardless of the individual’s length

CONTINUED ON PAGE 73

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Governor Obi asks lawyers to show interest in politics

LAW 105

Dismissing employees with less than two years’ service

know better to reform the political process.”

He described as “intolerable” the level of greed AWYERS have been urged to show more interamong the political class, adding that while pub- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 72 est in politics in order to raise the quality of lic funds enrich all, private wealth and aggran- of service. Care should, therefore, governance in the country. dizement impoverishes all. “The least qualified be taken where dismissal of such an Speaking at the weekend as guest lecturer of Otu among us have now become the role models,” he individual is being considered.

Oka-Iwu, an umbrella body of lawyers of Igbo observed.

Does the employer have a contracextraction, Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter On his inability to conduct local government elec- tual disciplinary or redundancy Obi said the abandonment of political affairs to tions before now, Obi said it was detractors who policy? the least qualified persons has imperiled good deployed the instrumentality of the courts to stall Some employers’ dismissal processgovernance in Nigeria. the elections, saying such persons must have a es are contractually binding. This Obi, who spoke on “Electoral Reforms and the rethink so as not to again derail the forthcoming means that, if the employer does Descent of Values,” warned that unless the elite local government elections. not follow their own procedure in and lawyers especially show more interest in He said that while the state has imposed death Nigeria’s political affairs, governance indices penalty as punishment for kidnapping, this has dismissing an employee, then the would continue to plummet. not been carried through as virtually all the cases dismissed employee may have a claim for breach of contract and be “If lawyers who form a critical mass of the elite of kidnapping involved the victims’ relatives. are not a part of the change process, this deleteSpeaking on the deportation of some persons in a position to claim damages rious society will consume all of us,” Obi said. “I from Lagos to Onitsha in Anambra State, Obi said resulting from the breach of procecommend some of your elders who call me and his administration had to intervene to protect the dure. There is no qualifying service send me emails to criticize me or query some of fundamental rights of the affected persons, requirement in order to bring a my actions. I urge you all to do the same. You adding however that the matter will be resolved claim of breach of contract. If employers do have contractual dismust query our stewardship; that is the only Obi amicably. way to put us on our toes. When political actors The President of Otu Oka-Iwu, Zik Obi II urged missal processes then, it is worththe South East is very low.

You cannot afford to abanare not questioned on waste and corruption, while considering making it nondon politics to the least qualified among us. You lawyers to ruminate over the remarks of the gover- contractual or adding a section to these vices are bound to continue.” nor in their quest for good governance, even as He decried the level of political activism and par- must all get involved and be the change that you Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) noted that the lecture the effect that the rules will not ticipation among Igbo lawyers in particular, say- want to see, otherwise that change will not happen. would galvanize many lawyers towards political apply during the first two years of ing: “The quality of political representation in You cannot expect a political actor who does not activism. employment (in relation to employees who commenced employment on or after 6 April 2013) in order to avoid this risk. It is not altogether straightforward making a contractual policy noncontractual and advice should be tives of the Commission following pirates for their involvement in litBy Ibe Uwaleke taken. anti-piracy raids carried out to erary and broadcast piracy in the These are only a selection of the HE Federal High Court has convicted check the reckless activities of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and most commonly claimed excepand sentenced three pirates to vari- pirates in the country and subse- Lagos State respectively. tions to the normal requirement ous jail terms for the infringement of quently charged to court while susThe Director-General, while assurfor qualifying service and we would the book The Accidental Public Servant pected pirated materials recovered ing stakeholders of the recommend that legal advice is written by Mallam Nasir el-Rufai even from them were presented as Commission’s resolve in the fight sought if there is any doubt in relaas the Nigerian Copyright Commission exhibits. against piracy, urged them to be tion to the potential risk of a dis(NCC) said that it has secured 40 conMr. Ezekude further revealed that, more proactive in supporting its missal. victions. in a recent development, the enforcement and prosecution Minimising the risk Justice Yunusa sitting at the Federal Federal High Courts in Abuja and activities.

In each of these examples, although High Court Ikoyi, on May 10, 2013, in Lagos convicted five suspected dismissal may (on the face of it) be Charge No FHC/L/158C/13 sentenced one El-Rufai for some reason entirely unrelated of the book pirates, Ifeanyichukwu to their protected status, it is open Nweke, to six months’ imprisonment for the tribunal to look behind the with an option of N1, 000.00 (one thoureason given by the employer and sand naira) fine for each count on a explore the employee’s argument two-count charge of infringing the that the reason given by the same book. employer is a smokescreen for the Similarly, on a two-count charge of real reason. having in possession and selling piratFHC/L/149C/13, for both counts with- day convicted the offender and For example, if an employee has Ibe Uwaleke By ed copies of the book, Justice Saidu of out any option of fine to run concur- fined him of three hundred naira made a protected disclosure to the the same court, on May 22, 2013, senHE event had over 600 delegates rently.

The convictions were (N300.00) on June, 20, 2013. effect that their employer is comtenced Akamu Chibueze to three from 160 countries including an sequel to anti-piracy operations carHe added that in another develop- mitting a criminal offence and months’ imprisonment, in charge No: expert Nigerian Delegation, and 60 ried out by operatives of the ment, the Federal High Court, soon after making that complaint FHC/L/149C/13, for both counts without inter-governmental and non-govern- Commission in major outlets in Abuja, on June 19, 2013, in case num- they are selected for redundancy, any option of fine to run concurrent- mental organisations.

Lagos, following complaints earlier ber: NCC/ABJ/CR/90/13 convicted the tribunal could conclude that ly.

NCC secures 40 piracy convictions received from the right owner. and fined one Mr. Emordi Henry the real reason for their dismissal The convictions, it was gathered, were The Nigerian Copyright Commission The Commission had on May 8, Chukwuma ten thousand naira was the fact that they made a prosequel to anti-piracy operations carried (NCC) has secured 40 convictions 2013, raided a printing press in (N10,000.00) for his involvement tected disclosure if it is not satisfied out by operatives of the NCC in major against different copyright offenders Gbagada, a notorious piracy haven, in broadcast piracy. In a recent that the employer has demonstratoutlets in Lagos, following complaints between January 2011 and June 2013. and confiscated an estimated four development, the Federal High ed that the selection for redundanearlier received from the right owner. The pirates were sentenced to various million naira (4,000,000.00) worth Court Ikoyi convicted and sen- cy was genuine.

Speaking during a chat with our corre- terms, including imprisonment, in of suspected pirated books of vari- tenced three pirates to various jail Employers often run into difficulty spondent in Abuja, Director General, some instances, without the option of ous titles owned by different pub- terms, including imprisonment; in because, although they have a genlishers like Evans, HEBN, Learn some instances, without the option uine and legitimate reason for disNCC, Mr. Afam Ezekude, said the NCC fine.

Director General, NCC, Mr. Afam Africa, Nelson, Africana First, among has secured 40 convictions against difof fine for the infringement of the missal, the assumption that disMr. Ezekude further ferent copyright offenders between Ezekude, who disclosed this in a others. missal can take place without any report at the Commission’s revealed that, in a recent develop- book “The Accidental Public Servant” sort of dismissal procedure leads to January 2011 and June 2013. written by Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.

The pirates were sentenced to various Headquarters, Abuja yesterday, ment, the Federal High Courts in Director-General, NCC, Mr. Afam a lack of evidence as to the true reaterms, including imprisonment, in revealed that the Commission Abuja and Lagos convicted five sus- Ezekude who disclosed this in a son for dismissal.

The best approach for employers some instances, without the option of secured three convictions against pected pirates for their involvement statement in Abuja recently pirates in 2011, 26 in 2012 and 11 in literary and broadcast piracy in considering dismissing an individfine. revealed that, Hon. Justice Idris of A breakdown of the conviction profile between January and June, 2013. Also, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja the Federal High Court Ikoyi Lagos, ual who it considers may have one the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, convictand Lagos State. of the protections identified above, revealed that the Commission secured According to him, the convicts on May 6, 2013, in charge No: is therefore, to ensure that the rea3 convictions against pirates in 2011, 26 ed and sentenced three pirates to variFHC/L/159C/13 sentenced Nwoke son for dismissal and the process in 2012 and 11 between January and ous jail §terms, including imprison- were earlier arrested by enforceIsrael to one year imprisonment, followed is as robust as possible. ment, in some instances, without the ment operatives of the Commission June, 2013. Justice Idris of the Federal without option of fine, on a two The more evidence that the option of fine for the infringement of following anti-piracy raids carried High Court Ikoyi Lagos, on May 6, 2013, count charge of having in posses- employer can present to demonin charge No: FHC/L/159C/13 sentenced the book: The Accidental Public Servant, out to check the reckless activities of sion and selling pirated copies of strate that they had a legitimate written by Mallam Nasir el-Rufai. pirates in the country and subseNwoke Israel to one year imprisonment, without option of fine, on a two- Justice Idris of the Federal High Court quently charged to court while sus- the book. He further informed reason for dismissal, the more likecount charge of having in possession Ikoyi, Lagos, on May 6, 2013, in charge pected pirated materials recovered that, Hon. Justice Yunusa also of the ly they will be in a position to show and selling pirated copies of the book. No: FHC/L/159C/13 sentenced Nwoke from them were presented as Federal High Court Ikoyi, on May that the dismissal was for a reason, Israel to one year imprisonment, with- exhibits.

10, 2013, in Charge No FHC/L/158C/13 which does not bring the case into The Commission had on May 8, 2013, out option of fine, on a two-count He informed that the Federal High sentenced another book pirate, one of the exceptions to the two raided a printing press in Gbagada, a charge of having in possession and Court, Lagos, in two literary piracy Ifeanyichukwu Nweke, to six year rule. notorious piracy haven, and confiscat- selling pirated copies of the book. cases, convicted and sentenced two months imprisonment with an It is tempting to fast track dised an estimated four million naira Justice Yunusa also of the Federal suspects to three months’ imprison- option of N1, 000.00 (one thou- missal processes where the individ(4,000,000.00) worth of suspected High Court, Ikoyi, on May 10, 2013, in ment without any option of fine on sand Naira) fines for each count on ual has less than two years’ service, pirated books of various titles owned Charge No. FHC/L/158C/13 sentenced June 11, 2013, in the and in some situations, it is approby different publishers like Evans, another book pirate, Ifeanyichukwu following cases: FHC/L/151C/13 NCC vs a similar two count charge of priate and legitimate to do so. infringing the same book.

HEBN, Learn Africa, Nelson, Africana Nweke, to six months imprisonment Awuru Chukwuma Abel and FHC Similarly, on a two-count charge of However, it is important that First. with an option of N1,000.00 (one /L/152C/13 NCC vs Jonas Ozo, . Also in a employers are mindful of the fact Ezekude further revealed that, in a thousand naira) fine for each count similar case on June 18, 2013, the having in possession and selling that there are exceptions to the genpirated copies of the book, Justice recent development, the Federal High on a similar two-count charge of Federal High Court, Lagos, in charge Saidu of the same court, on May 22, eral principle, such as those outCourts in Abuja and Lagos convicted infringing the same book.

No. FHC /L/181C/13 NCC vs Emmanuel 2013, sentenced Akamu Chibueze lined above, and that additional five suspected pirates for their involveSimilarly, on a two-count charge of Ogudu convicted the offender and protections provided to some catement in literary and broadcast piracy having in possession and selling pirat- sentenced him to three months’ to three months’ imprisonment, in gories of individual. Employers charge No: FHC/L/149C/13, for both in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja ed copies of the book, Justice Saidu of imprisonment with an option of should always keep an appropriate and Lagos State respectively. the same court, on May 22, 2013, sen- N10,000.00 fine. In another case, counts without any option of fine paper trail in order to demonstrate According to him, the convicts were tenced Akamu Chibueze to three FHC/L/153C/13: NCC vs Nwali Sunday, to run concurrently. that the reason for dismissal was earlier arrested by enforcement opera- months’ imprisonment, in charge No: the Federal High Court, Lagos, same not unlawful.

By Ibe Uwaleke

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Infringement on El-Rufai’s book claims first victims

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Nigeria adopts WIPO’s Copyright Treaty for visually impaired persons (2) T

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For The Record Legal issues in university • Ex-officio members and non-ex-officio members; and • External members and Internal members.

The ex-officio members consist of the ViceChancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors and one person from the Federal Ministry of Education. These are all members of the Council by virtue of their offices. All other members are non-ex-officio members.

On the other hand, External members of Council consist of the Pro-Chancellor, the Representative of the Federal Ministry of Education and the four other members representing a variety of interests appointed by the National Council of Ministers. All other members of Council, including the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellors, are normally referred to as internal members of Council. These are members and representatives of the University Community in Council.

The Autonomy Act contains a new provision of subsection (2) which spells out the qualifications of Council members. The subsection provides: “Persons to be appointed to the Council shall be of proven integrity, knowledgeable and familiar with the affairs and tradition of the University” Thus, to qualify as a member of the Governing Council the person must: • be of proven integrity and • be knowledgeable and familiar with the affairs and tradition of the University.

Apart from the moral qualification in (a) above, the Act does not expressly specify any educational qualification for membership of the Council. However, the necessary implication to be gleaned from (b) above is that, for a person to be knowledgeable and familiar with the affairs and tradition of the University, he must at least have gone through the University system. In other words, it can safely be implied from this provision that a member of the Governing Council should be at least a first degree holder from any recognized University

By P. Ehi Oshio Universities in Nigeria NIVERSITIES in Nigeria are creatures of Law. Each Federal or State University is established by an Act or a Law enacted by the Federal or State Legislature. The Private Universities are incorporated as legal entities and thereafter licensed by the Federal Government to operate as Universities under the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act (cap.E3 LFN 2004). The enabling laws of all universities specify the powers, functions and responsibilities of the various constituent bodies and functionaries of the universities. This contribution is an appraisal of some legal issues in university governance concerning the Governing Councils of Federal Universities under their enabling laws with references to State and Private Universities, where applicable.

Legal Framework for University Governance Two major statutes provide the legal framework for university governance of Federal Universities in Nigeria as follows: • The enabling Law of each university which established it, and • The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No. 11, 1993 as amended by The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Amendment) Act No. 55 of 1993; The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Amendment) Act No. 25 of 1996; The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Amendment) Act 2003, otherwise called The Universities Autonomy Act No. 1, 2007 and The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2012.

It is to be observed that the provisions of The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No. 11, 1993 and the amendment No. 55 of 1993 as well as No. 25 of 1996 have been adapted and incorporated into the various enabling laws of the Federal Universities in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. However, the amendments of 2003 and 2012 are yet to be incorporated.

Members of the Governing Councils are enjoined to study and acquire a good working knowledge of these laws in order to perform their duties efficiently and effectively.

Prof. Rugayyatu Rufa’i, Education Minister

Autonomy of Universities Two new Sections introduced by The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2003 clearly proclaim the autonomy or independence of the Universities as they provide as follows: “S.2AA. The powers of the Council shall be exercised, as in the Law and Statutes of each University and to this extent establishment circulars that are inconsistent with the Laws and Statutes of the University shall not apply to the Universities.” and “S.2AAA -The Governing Council of a University shall be free in the discharge of its functions and exercise of its responsibilities for the good management, growth and development of the university.”

The purpose of these provisions is to liberate the universities from the entanglement of the Civil Service and to enable the Council exercise its powers and perform its functions without undue external interference or influence. However, these provisions have not been substantially tested. The first test of Section 2AA above appears to be a recent CIRCULAR No. HCSF/O61/S.1/III/68 of August 26, 2009 issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation entitled: “Tenure of Office for Permanent Secretaries and Directors” to the effect that Directors in the Civil Service “shall compulsorily retire upon serving eight years on post…without prejudice to the relevant provisions of the Public Service Rules which prescribe 60 years of age and/or 35 years of Service for mandatory retirement.”

This was quickly followed by another CIRCULAR No. HCSF/O61/S.1/III/68 of October 21, 2009 entitled: “Applicability of Tenure System to Parastatals, Agencies and Statutory Corporations of Government” which made this tenure system applicable to Parastatals, Agencies and Statutory Corporations of Government.

The question is whether these CIRCULARS are applicable to the Directors in the University System in view of the provisions of Section 2AA above. It is submitted, with due respect, that these CIRCULARS are inconsistent with the laws and statutes of the Universities within the meaning of Section 2AA of TheUniversities (Miscellaneous Provisions)

(Amendment) Act 2003, otherwise called The Universities Autonomy Act No. 1, 2007 and do not apply to the Universities. That this CIRCULAR is inconsistent with the laws and statutes of the universities is clearly demonstrated by the recent enactment of The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2012 entitling Principal Officers of the Universities, namely, Registrar, Bursar and University Librarian to remain in the university system on completion of their terms. This is also the case with the Vice-Chancellors, Deans and Heads of Departments and academic Directors after serving their respective terms.

However, any Governing Council wishing to introduce a Tenure System for non-academic Directors is free to do so in accordance with the Laws and Statutes of the University and should not copy the provisions of these CIRCULARS hook, line and sinker! This would involve an amendment of the relevant statute of the university on non-academic Directors which should provide that such a Director should remain in the university after completion of his term and redeployed to other duties in the university like the case of the Principal Officers. It is suggested that the university should adopt a two-term tenure of 3 years in the first instance which may be renewed for another term of 2 years and no more for these Directors. This will clearly align them with the tenure system in the university which is clearly distinguishable from that of the Civil Service.

The Governing Council and University Governance The enabling Law of each University established the Governing Council and vests the power and responsibility of governance on the Council. For example, Section 15 of the Obafemi Awolowo University (Transitional Provisions) Act established the Council as the governing authority of the University which shall have the custody, control and disposition of all the property and finances of the University, with its functions co-

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piously spelt out under the Section. The effect of this is the vesting of the general and ultimate responsibility for all the affairs of the university on the Council subject to the powers of the Senate as the ultimate authority only in academic matters.

This includes the custody, control and disposition of the university’s property and finances and also setting the strategic direction of the university.

The Council directs and controls the affairs of the university and is the legal custodian of the estates of the university. In essence, the Governing Council constitutes the Government of the University!

Accordingly, this responsibility for governance vested in the Council is clearly distinguishable from management in the university which involves the day-to-day administration of the University. The various enabling laws vest the latter on the “Management” team of Principal Officers headed by the Vice-Chancellor under the general control and superintendence of the Council.

Composition of Governing Councils The composition of each Governing Council of Federal Universities under the Autonomy Act, 2003 remains the same as in the Principal Act, No. 11 of 1993. Under both Acts the Governing Council of a Federal University shall consist of: • The Pro-Chancellor; • The Vice-Chancellor; • The Deputy Vice-Chancellors; • One person from the Federal Ministry responsible for Education; • Four persons representing a variety of interests and broadly representative of the whole Federation to be appointed by the National Council of Ministers; • Four persons appointed by the Senate from among its members; • Two persons appointed by the Congregation from among its members; and • One person appointed by Convocation from among its members This membership may be classified in two different ways as follows:

Tenure of Governing Councils Section 2A brought into the Principal Act by Section 2(3) of the Autonomy Act is a very significant new provision. It provides: “The Council so constituted shall have a tenure of four years from the date of its inauguration provided that where a Council is found to be incompetent and corrupt it shall be dissolved by the Visitor and a new Council shall be immediately constituted for the effective functioning of the University” While the single fixed tenure of four years of the Council is not entirely new, the express provision for the ground for dissolution of any Council and the provision for immediate constitution of a new Council to replace the dissolved one have important legal implications for the University system. Both provisions are couched in the legal imperative “shall” Accordingly, it is submitted that: • There is only one ground for dissolution of a Council under this Act, that is, where the Council is found to be incompetent and corrupt. The Visitor cannot dissolve any Council without this requirement being first fulfilled and, if he does, a suit may lie at the instance of aggrieved Council members to challenge the dissolution.

• The phrase “shall be immediately constituted” leaves no room for delay; the law commands the government to reconstitute a dissolved Council within the shortest time possible. Indeed, it is recommended that Government should be ready with a list of members of the new Council before announcing the dissolution. In this way, the dissolution and reconstitution could be announced the same day. This is the best meaningful way to fully enforce or implement the provision of Section 5(12) of this Act which is against Sole Administration in the Universities.

Functions of the Governing Council The enabling Laws of the universities contain elaborate provisions on the functions of the Governing Council (which usually end with

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governance in Nigeria an omnibus) clause empowering it • to participate in the making, amendment or revocation of statutes pursuant to the provisions of the enabling Law • to govern, manage and regulate the finances, accounts, investments, property, business and all other similar affairs whatsoever of the University, and for that purpose to appoint bankers, solicitors and any other persons or agents as the Council may deem expedient, and to cause proper books of accounts to be kept of all sums of money received and expended by the University and of the assets and liabilities of the University in such manner as shall give a true and fair view of the state of the University and explain its transactions from time to time; • to borrow money on behalf of the University; • to invest any moneys belonging or appertaining to the University and not for the time being required to be expended for any of its purposes; • to sell, buy, exchange, lease or accept leases or otherwise dispose of any real or personal property on behalf of the University; • to enter into, vary, perform and cancel contracts on behalf of the University; • to establish, after considering the recommendation of the Senate in that behalf, faculties, institutes, schools, boards, departments, and other units of learning and research; to prescribe their organization, constitution and functions and to modify or revise the same; • to authorize, after considering the recommendation of the Senate in that behalf, the establishments for the academic staff in the University, and, with the approval of the Senate, to suspend or abolish any academic post except a post created by this Law or the Statutes; • to authorize the establishments for the administrative staff and other staff in the University and to suspend or abolish any such posts other than posts created by this Law or the Statutes • to make the appointments authorized by the enabling Law and the Statutes • to exercise powers of removal from office and other disciplinary control over the academic staff, the administrative staff and all other staff in the University; • to promote and to make provision for research within the University; • to call for reports from the Senate on any matter relating to instruction or teaching or any other academic matter within the University; • to award honorary degrees and other distinctions in accordance with such provisions as may be made by statute in that behalf; • to supervise and control the residence and discipline of students of the University and to make arrangements for their health and general welfare • to perform all such other functions as are or may be conferred or imposed on the Council by this Law; or by the Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations and to carry this Law, the Statutes, ordinances and Regulations into effect so far as they may concern the Council.

What follows is a discussion of some of the important functions of the Governing Councils.

Appointment and Removal of Vice-Chancellor Section 3 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Amendment) Act No. 25 of 1996 had amended Section 3 of the Principal Act No. 11 of 1993 by prescribing a single term of five years for the Vice-Chancellor and the procedure for the appointment.

However, under Section 4 of the Autonomy Act the power to appoint the Vice-Chancellor now vests in the Governing Council, provided that the latter informs the Visitor after the appointment has been made. Similarly, the section vests in the Governing Council power to remove the ViceChancellor from office on grounds of gross misconduct or inability to discharge the functions of his office as a result of infirmity of body or mind after due process.

Section 5 of the Autonomy Act contains a new provision of section 3(9)-(11) specifying the procedure for the removal of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure fair-hearing in the process. Upon receipt of a proposal for the removal at the initiative of

the Council, Senate or the Congregation, the Council shall constitute a Joint Committee of Council and Senate to investigate the allegations made against the Vice-Chancellor and to report its findings to the Council. Where the allegations are proved, the Council may remove the ViceChancellor or apply any other disciplinary action as it deems fit and notify the Visitor accordingly. However, the Vice-Chancellor who is removed has a right of appeal to the Visitor.

Similarly, Section 6 of the Autonomy Act also empowers the Council on the recommendations of the Vice-Chancellor and Senate to remove a Deputy Vice-Chancellor on the same grounds as those of the Vice-Chancellor.

“expel” the Acting Vice-Chancellor from office after six months – he must vacate, leave office and step aside for another person after six months.

He is not eligible for re-appointment.

Where Government Appoints an Acting ViceChancellor Where a vacancy occurs in the office of ViceChancellor and there is no Governing Council in place perhaps, as a result of the dissolution of the Council or expiration of its tenure by effluxion of time, Government has a residual power to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor despite the provisions of Section 5(13) and (14) of the Universities Autonomy Act. Such appointment, which must be based on the recommendation of Senate, is valid; since such appointment cannot wait indefinitely for constitution or reconstitution of the Council.

However, when the Governing Council is constituted or reconstituted, the provisions of Section 5(13) and (14) of the Act would come into force by operation of law to regulate such appointment. Accordingly, with effect from the date the Council is inaugurated, such Acting ViceChancellor is deemed to be an appointee of Council and his six months tenure as prescribed under the Act will start to run from that date. At the end of six months from that date his tenure expires and he must vacate the office in accordance with the provisions of Section 5(14) of the Act whether or not a substantive Vice-Chancellor has been appointed by Council. The Council must then appoint another person as Acting Vice-Chancellor in accordance with the provisions of Section 5(13) of the Act if the position of the Vice-Chancellor is still vacant.

University Librarian.

• With effect from 23rd August, 1993, Act No. 55, 1993 amended the Principal Act. By virtue of sections 1, 2 and 3 thereof, Act No. 55, 1993 deleted (repealed) the provisions of the Principal Act on fixed tenure for the Registrar, Bursar and Librarian.

• With effect from 21st August 1996, the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act No. 25, 1996 repealed Act No. 55 of 1993 which had earlier amended the Principal Act by deleting the provisions on fixed tenure.

Accordingly, by proper interpretation, the five years fixed tenure for these officers had ended with the enactment of Act No. 55, on 23rd August 1993 except for those already appointed under the Principal Act between 1st January and August 22nd 1993. The repeal of Act No. 55 of 1993 by Act No. 25 of 1996 had no effect whatsoever on the abolition of the tenure system in August, 1993.

The Federal High Court rightly adopted this interpretation in the case of Idehen v. University of Benin (Unreported) Suit No. FHC/B/CS/120/2001, delivered on 19th December, 2001). In that case, the court rightly held that by deleting the provisions on fixed tenure in Act No. 11 of 1993, Act No. 55 of 1993 had rendered those provisions dead and non-existent by removing and erasing them from the statute book completely for good. Consequently, those provisions had become ineffectual, ceased to be in existence or in force having been deleted. Accordingly, by the time Act No. 25 of 1996 repealed Act No. 55 of 1993 on 21st August, 1996 those provisions were no longer in existence or in force and there was therefore nothing to be revived or revert to. It was the opinion of the court that the only legally recognized and valid method of reinstating the provisions of a repealed statute is by expressly reintroducing them through the provisions of a subsequent amendment or enactment.

It is to be observed that no Law had expressly specified any fixed tenure for these Officers between 23rd August 1993 when the Tenure System

Appointment of Acting Vice-Chancellor Section 5 (13) of the Autonomy Act provides for the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor as follows: “In any case of a vacancy in the office of the ViceChancellor, the Council shall appoint an Acting ViceChancellor on recommendation of the Senate” Under this provision, the Governing Council cannot appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor unilaterally without the recommendation of Senate. The recommendation of Senate is thus a condition precedent for a valid appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor by the Council. However, for the person so recommended by Senate to be validly appointed by the Council, he must be fully qualified and must not be someone subject to any legal disability whatsoever. The Council is not obliged to appoint such a person if he is subject to legal disability. For instance, if the Senate should recommend an incumbent Acting Vice-Chancellor for re-appointment for a second term of six months, the Council can lawfully decline to appoint such a person. This is because Tenure of other Principal Officers section 5 (14) does not make provision for re-ap- With effect from 1st January 1993, a Tenure System pointment and a legally constituted Council was introduced for these Officers which was also cannot support such illegality. abolished within eight months on 23rd August, 1993. The legal chronology of statutory enactVacation of Office ments is as follows: Section 5 (14) of the Act provides as follows: • With effect from 1st January, 1993, Sections 5 and “An Acting Vice-Chancellor in all circumstances shall 6 of the Principal Act No.11 of 1993, introduced a • Professor Oshio, Barrister, Solicitor and Legal Consultant, is a not be in office for more than 6 months”. uniform fixed tenure of five years which may be Visiting Professor of Law, National Universities Commission The History of this provision must be carefully renewed for another period of five years for Princonsidered in order to discover the mischief cipal Officers, namely the Registrar, Bursar and the TO BE CONTINUED which the provision was introduced to remedy.

The provision was introduced because of the damnable practice of some Acting Vice Chancellors who through various unscrupulous and mischievous methods, try to elongate their tenure in office while enjoying the perquisites of office and exercising the powers of the office of a substantive Vice-Chancellor indefinitely.

Accordingly, this subsection makes express provision for a single fixed term of 6 months only for an Acting Vice-Chancellor without providing for re-appointment or elongation of his tenure howsoever. The provision is clear and unambiguous and must be given its ordinary literal meaning under the Literal Rule of Interpretation.

The subsection contains a limitation, a prohibition and a command and therefore it is mandatory.

• It expressly limits in absolute terms the tenure of the Acting Vice-Chancellor to a single term of six months only.

• It expressly prohibits the incumbent Acting Vice-Chancellor from holding that office after six months from the date of his appointment. This prohibits any direct or indirect tenure elongation in favour of the incumbent by way of re-appointment, re-election or in any other manner howsoever.

• The subsection commands the incumbent to leave or vacate the office or “step aside” after six months from the date of his appointment. He is not eligible for re-appointment.

The subsection even envisages a situation whereby a substantive Vice-Chancellor may not be appointed within 6 months and nevertheless commands the incumbent to mandatorily vacate the office even in such circumstances. The expression “in all circumstances shall not be in office.....” is particularly germane and instructive.

The phrase is peremptory and its effect is far-reaching in consequence: the effect is to President Jonathan

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THE gUArDiAn, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Sports Tunisia 1994 Nations Cup Fall-Out

24 teams vie for honours at COD Omodelig football tourney

Government will redeem houses pledged to you, Abdulahi assures former Eagles From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja and Adeyinka Adedipe iniSTEr of Sports and m Chairman of the national Sports Commission (nSC), Bolaji Abdulahi, yesterday assured the members of the 1994 African Cup of nations winning squad that he would meet the Federal government over the delay in redeeming the houses promised them by the late head of State, general Sani Abacha, for winning the competition.

The minister specifically promised to meet President goodluck Jonathan and ensure that that promise is redeemed as soon as possible.

The minister, who gave the assurance when he received the members of the squad in his office in Abuja, commended the team for being patient in the pursuit of the release of the promised houses, stressing that President Jonathan always rewards any citizen, who brings honour to the country.

Abdulahi, who regretted the delay in redeeming the pledge, noted that the case was mentioned by the president in one of the Federal Executive Council meetings after the death of former Eagles’ midfielder, Thompson Oliha, who was a member of the squad. “i am glad we are meeting on this issue. When i met Victor ikpeba in ilorin, he mentioned this to me and i said he should facilitate the meeting without delay. The President is disposed to redeeming the pledge and this will tell you the direction we are moving. “it is on record that since he became president, the Federal government has honoured athletes or footballers that have done the country proud.

This is because it is the president’s philosophy that anyone that brought honour to this country deserved to be honoured. i must commend

you all for your maturity, which you have demonstrated over the years, with some of you going further to serve the country in other capacities,” the minister said.

Led by the team’s stand in captain in the tournament, Austin Eguavoen, the squad thanked the minister for the role he and the nSC played in the burial of Thompson Oliha, a member of the 1994 Super Eagles squad, who was interred in Benin recently.

Eguavoen urged the minister to use his office to intervene on behalf of the squad, stressing that the members of the team, who chose Abuja for their houses were all presented with their keys while those of them that chose Lagos and other cities could not get theirs.

Speaking after their deliberations, Victor ikpeba praised the Sports minister for granting them audience, while urging the Federal government to come to their plight, especially to the families of the three departed members of the team - rashidi Yekini, Uche Okafor and Thompson Oliha.

champion, Taofeek maya, will face each other in an exhibition game at the launch and fund raising ceremony of Hoffnung Sports Foundation tomorrow.

According to Dapo Akiode, the founder of Hoffnung Sports, the event is billed for the Alake Sports Centre, ijeja, Abeokuta, and involves

Apart from prize money for the winning teams in each category, the best players in each category will also win a scholarship to take part in the City of David HE Season 4 of the City Of T David United organised tournament Omodelig foot-

The late Rashidi Yekini was the top scorer at the Tunisia 1994 Nations Cup.

LMC presents N25m Glo League percentage to NFF From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE League management T Company (LmC) made history in the administration of football in the country yesterday when it presented to the nigeria Football Federation (nFF) a n25 million cheque, which is the five percent of the sponsorship fee for the nigeria Professional Football League title rights the LmC signed with globacom.

This is the first time the nFF would receive any share of the sponsorship money from the country’s league management body.

Speaking while presenting the cheque to nFF President, Aminu maigari, LmC Chairman, nduka irabor said

Quadri, Maya light up Hoffnung Sports Foundation launch mErging African youngE ster, Haruna Quadri and former African table-tennis

By Tony Nwanne

a lecture themed, ‘grassroots Sports Development,’ which will be delivered by Wilfred AllenTaylor Akiode, a former national and Africa junior table-tennis champion, who plays professionally in germany, said there was urgent need to address sports from the grassroots if nigeria wanted to compete successfully on the global stage.

the event was the beginning of the many good things the federation would get from the LmC. irabor, who also presented a 140-page Corporate identity and Brand Standard manual to the nFF, reiterated that the LmC was managing the league in trust for the club owners, stressing that the club owners and the company have started understanding themselves better.

“Our determination to take the League to an enviable height remains unshaken.

We are working very hard to lay a solid foundation on which subsequent administrations can build to make the nigeria League one of the very best in the universe,” irabor said.

He added, “we also intend to present to you in public, evidence that the nFF remains our parent body, as it is being practiced the world over in the modern business of football. “it is meant to express our allegiance to the federation as we present the symbol of the

amount we deposited into their treasury, the sum of n25 million, which is their five per cent share of our earnings from the league sponsorship.” responding, an elated maigari reiterated the nFF’s support to the LmC, stressing that the money came to the federation when it was facing financial difficulties.

“The nFF approves of all that the LmC is doing and we are proud of the steps that you are taking to turn the Premier League around for the better.

ball competition has kicked off amidst pomp and pageantry with a colorful march past by all participating teams at the C.O.D astro turf pitch in Lagos.

The Omodelig competition sees 24 teams vie for glory in three under aged categories U-10, U-13 and U-15.

This season’s competition saw representatives coming all the way from Abia State and neighboring Ogun State as the stature of the tournament continues to grow and attract teams from far and near.

Chief Executive of C.O.D United, Sola Opaleye urged the youngsters to take maximum advantage of the opportunity the tournament presents to talented and hard working players. He cited the example of ismailah Podoh, a player discovered at an edition of the Omodelig, who has now signed a professional contract with the club after enjoying advanced training at Bolton Wanderers and also participating at the 3012 edition of the iber Cup. Apart from prize money for the winning teams in each category, the best players in each category will also win a scholarship to take part in the COD United/Bolton Wanderers Summer Camp, putting them in the frame of enjoying further training in England with Bolton Wanderers.

The competition will run from the 3rd of August to the 18th and will be played only on weekends.

Wrestling banks on changes in rules, governance structure for inclusion in 2020 Olympics

By Eno-Abasi Sunday th

S the September 9 presA entation date draws near, Olympic gold medalist and Commonwealth wrestling champion, Daniel igali says he is optimistic wrestling stands a good chance to be reconsidered as a core Olympic Sport in Buenos Aires Argentina.

Among other factors, igali’s optimism stems from the sport’s history as a founding sport of the ancient and modern Olympics, as well as, a

range of changes to its governance structure rules.

The Executive Committee of the international Olympics Committee (iOC) had voted to exclude wrestling from the 2020 Olympics sometime in February this year. However, there was room to include one sport to the list of 25 Sports at the 2020 Olympics.

Wrestling, therefore, joined seven other sports to make presentations to the iOC executive committee to reconsider their decision in

may this year in St. Petersburg, russia. Before the presentation, international Wrestling Federation (FiLA) made a gamut of changes to wrestling rules and governance structure to accommodate more participation of athletes and women in the governance structure of the sport.

The member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who won gold medal in the men’s 74 kg freestyle wrestling at the 2002

Commonwealth games in manchester, England, was on of the five people selected by the FiLA to make presentations to the iOC on the need to re-instate the sport in the 2020 Olympics.

“Being chosen as one of five persons by the international Wrestling Federation was a surprise, especially because of the sensitive nature of the assignment. Wrestling is as old as man. And in my view, next to walking, is the next most natural sport known to man,” igali stated.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

SPORTS 109

Horizon bright, sponsors now ready to deal with LMC, says Irabor

By Christian Okpara OR two years, the competition formerly known as the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), had no sponsor owing to litigations, bad publicity and general perception of the competition as a bad business being run by ‘corrupt individuals.’

Nobody wanted to do anything with the league body because of the dirty reputation it had acquired over the years. But all that seems to be in the past, as the league is now the bride of many corporate organisations.

Just before the beginning of this season, telecommunications outfit, Globacom Nigeria, entered into a title sponsorship agreement with the new body managing the league, League Management Company (LMC). Now many others are queuing up to join the party.

The LMC Chairman, Nduka Irabor told journalists in Abeokuta recently that the

F

horizon is very bright for the league, which is seen as one of the toughest in Africa.

According to Irabor, there have been so many potholes along the way, but the LMC has succeeded in selling its message to the major actors in the league.

Irabor, who says that changing the peoples’ attitude to the league would go a long way in raising the profile of the competition, revealed that the body still has so many other structural issues to deal with.

Irabor says, “the quality of the games has been good. We have succeeded in driving down our message of fairplay, and I think we will progress as we go on.”

One aspect of the league that has been a problem to the clubs and the league body is players’ transfer, where some agents and their collaborators in some of the clubs go to all length to sell players illegally.

Recently, Enugu Rangers were sacked from the Confederation Cup by Africa’s football ruling body, CAF, for fielding an unqualified player in a game against Sfaxien of Tunisia. This followed a petition by 3SC that the Enugu side poached their player, Emmanuel Daniel, illegality.

Irabor says that such cases would be curbed when the LMC introduces a method that would document all the players in the league and their club status.

According to Irabor, “we are working with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that things arte done properly. Very soon, we will release our plans to create an electronic database for players’ transfer so that the confusion arising every season from the process is eliminated.

“We are also working on a standard approach, which will eliminate this frequent transfer method that nobody can verify. As these are in concert with the NFF and we must thank them for their help and understanding.”

Irabor dismisses the insinuation that the LMC is art loggerheads with the Club Owners, saying that they are working on the same page hence the league has done 23 weeks without hiccups.

He acknowledges that there are still grey areas that need to be sorted out, adding, however, that the stakeholders have realised that it is in their interest for the league to grow into a big business.

On the relationship with Globacom, the league boss says the two parties are getting good values for the agreement, adding, however,

LMC Member, Seyi Akiwunmi (left), LMC Chairman, Nduka Irabor (second left), NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, NFF General Secretary, Ahmadu Musa and LMC COO, Salihu Abubakar, during the league body’s presentation of a N25m cheque to the Federation…yesterday. that it could be better.

He added, “remember, we did two seasons without sponsorship and now we have a sponsorship agreement with a company that has the commitment to do so in the next two seasons. That is good enough, but it is not the best you can find in this kind of situation.

“But don’t forget that it was a shot gun arrangement.

They are putting their acts together and we are in touch with them.”

One of the major arguments of the supporters of European leagues is that fans don’t go to watch Nigerian games. This is despite the fact that the league draws large

crowds at the traditional grounds.

Irabor, who has been traversing all the centres across the country for a first hand experience of the game, says he is satisfied with the attendance being recorded in the games so far.

“I am happy with what I have seen so far, but it can get better. That is why I appeal to the media to talk about the league.

“Don’t sacrifice the league because you can find cheat, easy stories in the Internet.

Spend more time talking about the game itself than the petty squabbles on it.

“As soon as the media does this, fans would identify with

the players being talked about, they would identify with the trends and come to the stadium to watch the games.

“As we progress, they will see steady fixtures, predictable fixtures and fair officiating, which would draw more fans to see the matches.”

He says the fact that five or six players from the local league are consistently in the national team is a sign that the game is on the right track.

“The horizon is bright. More importantly, sponsors are beginning to find faith and the reason to inquire because they want tom be involved ion the game.

Lagos International Chess Classic debuts Thursday HE maiden edition of the T Lagos International Chess Classic, which prize money is

Nigeria’s Isa Mohammed Adam (left) competes with Peru’s Peter Lopez at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in China. NTF hopes to unearth new talents that will replace the likes of Adam

Our focus is on grassroots talents identification, says taekwondo boss

By Olalekan Okusan O complement the inroad Nigeria has made in taekwondo at global level, President, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), George Ashiru believes unearthing new talents at grassroots remains the priority of the federation.

Ashiru, who recently elected as the vice president, C o m m o n w e a l t h Taekwondo Union (CTU) at the just concluded World Championship in Puebla, Mexico told The Guardian that the federation intends to unveil its programme tagged: Strategic Initiative for Taekwondo (SIFT), which he says would help to develop combined grassroots talent identification system.

T

“In the next few weeks, we will be unveiling the “Strategic Initiative for Taekwondo” (SIFT). The idea is to develop a combined grassroots talent identification system and funnel these into an Elite Athlete performance training process, which will if properly funded should both raise the technical standard of training and coaching in Nigeria, as well as, save Nigeria huge funds on international training programmes. It is only this sort of programmes that can help Nigerian sports, not the staccato processes we have been used to. We are rounding up our internal administrative system prior to the introduction of SIFT,” he said.

$10,000, will hold from Thursday to Saturday, the Lagos State Chess Association (LSCA) has announced.

The approval for the tournament was issued at the Board meeting of LSCA last week with the Chairman of the association, Fela BankOlemoh, describing it as part of the push by the Lagos State government to transform the state to an international sports destination in the larger mega city plans.

A statement released by the LSCA Communications Committee Chairman, Harry Iwuala said the LSCA chairman has cleared the dates with the State Sports Council

and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Enitan Oshodi.

“We have the all clear sign now to host the tournament and it is important that we communicate our gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola for supporting the association in our quest to continuously elevate the profile of Chess in the state,” Olemoh was quoted as saying.

“The plans of Lagos Chess is to stage the best and biggest chess tournament in Africa, which we now have the support of the state to do and we will also seek corporate support to ensure that some of the best players attended.

This is why we are staking a purse of $10, 000 for the tournament,” Bank-Olemoh

added.

The board of Lagos State Chess has since inauguration in 2012 organised a number of statewide championships targeted at raising players from the school under a programme of Chess4Change.

Chess4Change was also a

part of the board’s monthly programme to prepare Team Lagos Chess for the 2012 National Sports Festival, which the state hosted. Lagos for the first time in recent history of the festival, won a gold and two silver medals from chess.

MTN battles Etisalat for Telecoms Games leadership TISALAT Nigeria kept up E their chase of leaders MTN last Sunday as Airtel Nigeria slumped to their first defeat on Match Day 4 of the 2013 N i g e r i a Telecommunications Games (NTG) concluded at the University of Lagos Sports

Ericsson’s Funsho Oyenowo tries in vain to beat Etisalat goalkeeper, Chima Nnorom, whose side won 5-0 in one of the Telecoms Games’ matches played at the weekend.

Complex.

In the first fixture of the day, 080Naija boys scored freely in a 5-0 defeat of LM Ericsson, an improved performance on the 2-0 win last season. But it was a late rally for Etisalat as Ericsson had held on strongly to finish the first half with just a goal deficit.

Solomon Ajala scored a brace with David Ore, Khalid Agboola and Osere Osunbor completing the numbers.

Ajala was voted Most Valuable Player for his impressive showing.

However, their leveling up with MTN Nigeria lasted a few hours as the Yehlo Boys regained their three points lead after inflicting Airtel’s first defeat in a 2-0 win.

But it was obviously MTN’s toughest encounter this season as Airtel soaked up all the pressure and fought back gallantly in the game they conceded in each half of the

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

110 SPORTS

United rejects fresh Chelsea bid for Rooney ANCHESTER United has M rejected an improved offer from Chelsea for England striker, Wayne Rooney.

The bid, made late on Sunday, was £25m plus addons but United maintain the 27-year-old is not for sale.

Rooney, who remains intent on leaving United, has been left out of their squad for today’s pre-season friendly in Stockholm with a shoulder injury.

It is understood the striker picked up the knock during a behind-closed-doors match against Real Betis on Saturday.

Chelsea had an initial bid for Rooney, of about £20m, turned down by United in July and have again been knocked back, despite upping their offer.

United Manager, David Moyes has continually stressed that Rooney will stay with the Premier League

champions but Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho remains determined to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Rooney has been left angered and confused by recent messages coming out of Old Trafford, most noticeably the suggestion from Moyes that Robin van Persie is the preferred option up front.

The situation could come to a head later this week with Rooney giving serious thought to handing in a transfer request in order to force a move away from Old Trafford.

In October 2010, Rooney said he wanted to leave the club because of concerns over the strength of their squad, but signed a new five-year contract, just days later.

He flew home from Thailand in July with a hamstring injury and has not played for the club since a substitute appearance in the 1-0 defeat by Chelsea on 5 May.

Suarez

Arsenal playing ‘game’ with Suarez, says Rodgers IVERPOOL boss, Brendan L“playing Rodgers says Arsenal is games” in their purRooney

Ronaldo’s future unresolved RISTIANO Ronaldo’s C future at Real Madrid remains unclear, after the forward refused to confirm reports from Spain that he has agreed a new five-year contract with the club.

Marca has reported that the Portuguese has tied down his future at the Bernabeu until 2018, increasing his salary to 17million euros (£14.8million) per year after tax and negotiating a new arrangement over the sale of his image rights in the process.

Ronaldo has two years to run on his deal at Madrid, who paid a world record £80million fee to prise him away from Manchester United in 2009, but has courted speculation over his future by revealing that he misses English football. United has subsequently been heavily

Ronaldo

linked with the player.

Quoted in AS, Ronaldo said, “the situation still hasn’t been resolved and I don’t think now is the right time to talk about it.

“Perhaps we’ll be able to give more concrete news about this further down the line but now the only thing in my remit is to train and work.”

He also gave little away about his thoughts on Madrid’s pursuit of the Tottenham star, who is expected to break the record Ronaldo set for being the most expensive player in the world.

Madrid is believed to be ready to pay £95million for Gareth Bale but Ronaldo said, “I’m not qualified to talk about new players, but I’m very happy with the players the team already has.

suit of Reds striker, Luis Suarez.

Liverpool has rejected an Arsenal club-record bid of £40m plus £1, a sum, which is thought to trigger a clause in his contract allowing Suarez to be told of the offer and talk to Arsenal.

“I’ve always associated Arsenal as a club with class and so there was a wee bit of a game there,” said Rodgers.

Liverpool says Arsenal’s valuation of the 26-year-old is below theirs.

Suarez, who scored 30 goals for the Reds last season, joined the club in January 2011 from Ajax for £22.7m and signed a long-term contract extension in August 2012.

However, he has told Rodgers he wants to leave in order to play in the Champions League.

Liverpool have made a £21m offer for Atletico Madrid striker, Diego Costa, but Rodgers insists the club has no intention of selling Suarez.

“Obviously Arsenal has an interest and they put that interest in with two bids,

which were nowhere near what the player is worth, and that’s within their right,” he added.

“There is a market in football for players but from us the message is constant - we do not want to sell.”

Sources close to Suarez say the player will consider submitting a formal transfer request and there is also possibility of court action if the dispute is not resolved, because

he believes Arsenal’s bid allows him to leave.

But Rodgers insisted, “I’m extremely confident Luis will be here next season. The offers have come in, as you would expect for one of the world’s leading strikers.

“But as time goes by, I’m gaining more confidence because I have a chance to be with him on a day-to-day basis and he gets the chance to be around his team-mates.

“We’re in total control of the situation as a club and that’s how it will remain.”

Suarez received a rousing ovation at Anfield as he made a second-half appearance during Steven Gerrard’s testimonial against Olympiakos on Saturday.

Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger says he does not want to speak publicly about Suarez and wants relations with Liverpool to remain “amicable.”

Al Qaeda threatens Spurs over Bale transfer saga HE Gareth Bale transfer T saga assumed a dangerous dimension at the weekend when terrorist group reportedly threatened to deal with Tottenham Hotspur over the stars move to Real Madrid.

There have been so many reports surrounding the Welsh international that it’s been hard to dismiss anything, but international terrorism isn’t something usually associated with the transfer window.

According to sportwitness.ning.com, reports on Calciomercato and the Italian media say news agencies picked it up from Abu Dhabi media, with quotes attributed to Ahmed Al Dossari, as threatening Tottenham over the transfer because of their connection with the Jewish community in London.

The report quotes Al Qaeda as describing Tottenham as “unscrupulous merchants.

Jews who will be punished for their greed by the wrath of God and by the sound of arms.”

Spanish newspaper, Marca, had been annoying enough for Tottenham supporters but to have to deal with Al Qaeda trying to get in on the act is even more irritating, and entirely ridiculous.

It said that Al Qaeda could

be trying to use the situation to gain publicity, adding, however, that given that the American government has led a shut down of embassies over the last couple of days, “you’d think the terrorist organisation had more to think about than Gareth Bale.”

Meanwhile, Bale yesterday eased fears he was prepared to go AWOL to push through a world record £100million transfer to Real Madrid.

Tottenham’s squad had given extra time off following their pre-season friendly at Monaco on Saturday and there was genuine concern at Spurs that Bale, who missed the game through

Bale

injury, wouldn’t return as expected today.

His agent, Jonathan Barnett, was quoted in Spanish newspaper AS yesterday saying that the Wales international may not appear.

He said, “Bale is very upset with (Manager Andre) VillasBoas for what he said in Monaco (that the player is going nowhere) and is considering not even going to training this week because right now he is very upset.”

When contacted by Standard Sport this morning, Barnett did deny speaking to the Spanish paper. However, he refused to guarantee that Bale would report for training today.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, August 6, 2013

111

TheGuardian

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Sam N. Edeh EARING of clothes is a distinctive and W exclusive phenomenon of the human race. Of all animals, Homo sapiens are the only ones that wear clothes. Animal furs are not clothes since they are not external to their bodies but natural. In the same wise, even birds that are covered with plumage cannot be said to be wearing clothes as the feathers are part of their natural bodies and which are specially designed for their aerial locomotion.

Adam and Eve, our progenitors, and the first humans that were created, were originally naked in the Garden of Eden. But after consuming the forbidden fruit, they immediately became conscious of their nakedness. They quickly sewed leaves of figs into some clothing to cover themselves. This was the genesis of clothe-making and the wearing of same.

As society grew, different communities adopted different degrees of habiliments.

Some covered the whole bodies; some others, a great percentage of the bodies; while yet others covered only the sensitive/private areas. There were, therefore, varying shades of nudity in different societies. Partial nudity was quite common in several communities.

Years ago, many of these dishabille groups were found on the continents of Asia and Africa. All such societies were labelled as primitive and uncivilised especially by the Western societies.

In recent times, however, in an ironical and curious twist of fate, it is the Western societies of Europe and America that are now going naked in the name of fashion! But this time around, the partial nudity being exhibited by them is seen as civilisation, unlike the case when parts of Africa and Asia were the offenders. It is indeed difficult to do appropriate justice by way of description to what some European and American females especially wear these days in the name of fashion and show business. Suffice it to say that it is partial nudity, although they see it as civilisation and modernity.

There are nudists or naturalists in the world of today. These are individuals and groups that espouse to a cultural and social philosophy of naturalism or total nudity. Members of the groups go about their business of total nakedness within certain enclosures, such as designated nude beaches, naturist resorts or clubs, etc. Although they have occasionally been seen flaunting themselves and their wares on some TV Channels such as Euro Trash, they do not move about the public space in the nude, except during some protests such as the recent (2012) World Naked Bike Ride in London. But this is not the case with “modern and civilised” partial nudity. Those practising it appear to insist, consciously, on poking their anatomical instruments and tackles in our faces, as opposed to flaunting them in some secluded or “members’ only” environments. It is indecent and immoral!

Globalisation has brought the world closer: What with the internet, faster means of travel, instant communication, social media, cable television, etc! Developments in any part of the world are easily and quickly transmitted to other parts, sometimes instantaneously.

And so, all Western practices and cultures, both good and evil, are quickly trans-nationalised and copied by other parts of the world through the influence of globalisation.

Regarding this matter of indecent dressing, there isn’t much to complain about against the males aside from “sagging” and the show business pattern of un-buttoning shirts to show off big neck chains and chaplets. The real problem squarely lies with the females.

The emergent situation therefore, is that indecent dressing/partial nudity has assumed an alarming height among our women folk. You need to visit the campuses of some of our higher institutions to understand what is happening. Clearly, the so called modern dressing of our females, particularly the younger ones, has become a cause for serious concern.

Among our younger generation of females, the major purpose of wearing clothes appears to have been relegated to the background in that very deliberate efforts are made to expose, rather than cover sensitive and private parts of the body. The breasts appear to be at the centre of this conspiracy! There is the gaping dress which is cut straight in the mid-

Please send reactions and feedback for YOUTH SPEAK to:

editorial@risenetworks.org and 07067976667- SMS ONLY

Indecent dressing, assault and morality

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina

dle, baring the chest and its constituents.

Blouses and the upper parts of gowns, the necklines, are cut so low as to show the cleavages and expose at least half the length of the boobs (“absolute cleavage”).

Some other cuts show parts of the breasts through the armpit areas (“side-boobs”).

The spaghetti strap, the cup dress and the sleeveless are the most grievously implicated in this domain. Other cuts expose the whole of the back (“topless back”). In all these cuts, any slight attempt of the female in bending down usually leads to a replication of the famous case of Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction.

Then there is the slit: The front ones expose the whole laps, sometimes reaching up to the groin. The back slit goes up to the buttocks, while the side ones generally approach the waist line. The mini

dress/gown has returned, and this time around with the complement of lawn tennis pants. There is also the low waist trousers which are designed to “show the boot”, that is, expose part of the buttocks.

This was especially worrisome in the days of motor cycle transport in the cities. Then you would see girls on motor bikes with parts of their hips displayed freely for public consumption. Very short knickers are now in vogue, exposing laps of various colorations especially in Nollywood. To all of these, one must not forget to add the body hug. These are blouses, gowns, trousers, etc made in such a way that they stick to the bodies, thereby bringing out all the curves and contours, particularly those of the breasts, groins and buttocks.

The African long skirt and blouse is also beginning to present some problems.

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Ordinarily, these dresses, which are made with lace and African prints, appear nice on our ladies. They could be seen at weddings, parties, various occasions and ceremonies, etc looking adorable and resplendent in them. There are, however, two basic problems with this dress. The long skirt is sewed as a tight-fitting body hug at the hips. The blouse, on the other hand, is usually skimpy and very much in want of more material.

When the woman sits down, the hips draw down the skirt, while the blouse is drawn up by the chest. The combined effect of this diametric contradiction is that a displacement occurs in the midriff and leaves a sizeable clearance at the lower back. The sight of this was a big problem during worships before churches started frowning at indecent dressing and enforcing proper dressing. In those earlier days, “woe betide you” if you are unfortunate to have a sister so dressed sitting in front of you. You will be hard pressed to completely keep your eyes away from her direction. In the attendant confusion, chances are that you will not be able to follow the Bible readings not to talk of internalising the sermon of the day!

A cursory exploration of the attraction between the sexes is apposite here: In the animal world generally, it is the females that initiate sex. This they do through the transmission of chemical messages to the males about their heat and readiness to mate. In the Homo sapiens part of the animal world, this rule also obtains, but with a little exception.

The males are attracted by sight, not chemical stimuli. The females, therefore, attract and captivate their attention by deliberately making themselves very beautiful and attractive.

This female initiative is usually magnetising and irresistible to the males. Genesis 6:2 records how even exalted personages saw how beautiful the daughters of men were and had to marry those they chose! And now, on top of the beauty, to worsen matters, some females add provocative and inviting exposures to the bargain. The sight of this usually sends most men fantasising and out of control. Given that man is attracted to the female by sight, there is, therefore, a correlation between female exposure and male eroticism. It is indeed a straight line equation in which there is a direct proportionality between the degree of exposure and the magnitude of arousal.

Self control is strongly advocated among the males. But the males need to be genuinely assisted by their female counterparts, rather than being constantly subjected to heavy temptations and stimulated through all kinds of exposures. Most young men out there are not priests; even if they were, they are not all of the variety that has sworn to an oath of celibacy. Besides, even the priests themselves are still subject to human feelings, and sometimes do make mistakes.

Some weeks ago, there was a report in some newspapers about a Kenyan lady who wore a skirt that was ultra short. On being sighted, the men within the area advised her to go back home and change to something better.

She scorned their advice and insisted on proceeding to her destination in the very skimpy attire. She was then assaulted and stripped naked. It was only through the kindness of some mature ladies that some clothes were brought to cover her nakedness and save her from further embarrassment. Much as one is not condoning such illegality as stripping her of her clothing, the fact remains that she greatly contributed to the fate that befell her; it was a clear case of victimology.

Of recent there have been many reported cases of rape. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, has lamented the increase during stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja and appealed to the judiciary to handle offenders with seriousness so as to serve as a deterrent. But the big question about the causes of the increase in this anti-social behaviour is yet to be settled.

Inquiries are being made to establish the psycho-social causes of the upsurge. It should, however, be stated categorically that any research finding that does not include indecent dressing among the causative factors will be an incomplete work. Such should not pass the test of academic significance and literary contribution.

• Dr. Edeh is a management consultant in Port Harcourt.