The Nation August 26, 2014

Slow start as doctors return

•Court stops sack of RDs

Newspaper of the Year

Expired drugs seized at Lagos port NEWS Page 11

NEWS

•Container imported as personal effects

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•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 9, NO. 2950 TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

N150.00

Insurgents asked us to ignore curfew, say residents From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

R

ESIDENTS of Adamawa State town Madagali yesterday said Boko Haram insurgents told them to defy the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government.

Acting Governor Umar Fintiri on Sunday announced the curfew after Boko Haram’s fighters invaded the town, which is close to the boundary with Borno town Gwoza, seized by the insurgents.

Residents said the insurgents, who are moving freely in the town, brandishing their guns, asked them to continue with their normal businesses, without fear of attack. ‘’They asked us to ignore the 24 hours curfew, promising not to attack us. They (Boko Haram) told us that they are not after us now; rather, they are pursuing troops being deployed,’’ said a resident of the town who pleaded for anonymity.

A source who spoke to reporters on the telephone said even those who were able to cross the mountain to Cameroon were feared to have been arrested by Cameroon gendarmes. ‘’Many residents are now on the hilltops, while those that were able to cross to Cameroon are reported to have been arrested by Cameroun security operatives. ‘’We are now finding it Continued on page 4

•THE BEST BEST:: Asisat Oshoala (centre) of Nigeria poses with the Golden Ball trophy while Griedge Mbock Bathy (right) and Claire Lavogez (left) of France pose with their silver and bronze trophies during the FIFA Women’s U-20 Final at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday (Monday morning in Nigeria) in Montreal, Canada. Germany defeated Nigeria 1-0 in overtime.

PHOTO: AFP

Jonathan, Tambuwal disagree on polls’ credibility

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal yesterday disagreed on the credibility of recent governorship elections.

To Tambuwal, the polls were more like those conducted by the military regimes

From Joseph Jibueze, Owerri

and were not free, fair and credible.

The Speaker said the elections had been characterised by intimidation, which is undemocratic, causing apprehension among voters.

But President Jonathan in-

sisted that the elections in Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun were not only credible, but demonstrated that electoral reforms were working.

They spoke at the opening ceremony of the 54th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Owerri, the Imo State capi-

tal, with the theme: “Nigeria, a hundred years after”.

Jonathan, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), said the government focused on the reform of the country’s electoral processes to make them

better and more responsive to the people’s yearnings.

“The free, fair and credible elections conducted in Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states is a demonstration of the efficacy of the reforms this administration has instituted in our electoral Continued on page 4

Boko Haram: Row over ‘desertion’ of 480 soldiers

?

WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

No defection to Cameroon, says DHQ Sect seizes Madagali

D

ID 480 Nigerian soldiers defect to Cameroon to avoid fighting Boko Haram?

A Cameroonian official said they did. But the military denied it all, saying the Nigerian soldiers were involved in a “tactical manoeuvre”.

The matter remained unclear last

From Yusuf Alli and Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

night as the Defence Headquarters insisted that there was no defection.

The BBC reported that 480 Nigerian soldiers were in Cameroon, following their alleged refusal to fight the insurgents.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-Gen. Chris Olukolade, in a statement on the alleged disarming of the 480 soldiers in Cameroon, said: “The Nigerian troops that were found in Cameroon was as a result of a sustained battle between the troops and the terrorists around the borders with

Cameroon, which saw the Nigerian troops charging through the borders in a tactical manoeuver.

“Eventually, they found themselves on Cameroonian soil. Being allies, the normal protocol of managing such incident demanded that the Continued on page 4

•TONY ELUMELU IS UBA CHAIRMAN P55 •JEGA RAISES 2015 HOPE, SAYS APC P6

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

2

NEWS

•Former Chairman, UBA Plc, Ambassador Joe Keshi greeting his succesor, Mr. Tony Elumelu (right) at the handover ceremony held at the UBA Head Office in Lagos...yesterday.

•Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro (middle); Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade (left) and FOC, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Goddy Ayankpele during the PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU minister's familiarisation tour of naval formations in Lagos...yesterday.

•From left: Communication Officer, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Ms Bisi Aweda, Public Relations consultant, Mr Agbo Agbo, General Manager, Training and Development, The Nation, Mr Soji Omotunde, Director, Ovie Brume Foundation, Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh and Community Affairs Manager, Coca Cola Nigeria Limited, Mr Emeka Mba during the 13th CampusLife Correspondents’ Workshop 2014 sponsor by Coca Cola Nigeria Limited in Lagos...at the weekPHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN end.

•From left: Assistant Manager ,Youth Segment, MTN, Mr. Joseph Ogbuka, The winners 619 Crew, Obioma Francis, Nzemeke Frankllyn, Nwachukwu Jeremiah, and Kendabor Jolomi during the MTN Battle of The Year B-boy Crew Category in PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN. Lagos.. at the weekend .

Ebola Virus ..

A Liberian doctor was confirmed dead despite being treated with experimental drug ZMapp. Before the Liberian's death, a Spanish woman treated with the same drug also died. But, two Americans who received the same treatment are alive and Ebola-free. This development has raised the poser on whether or not ZMapp has anything to do with the recovery of the Americans, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

O

NE of three African doctors infected with Ebola and treated with the experimental drug ZMapp in Liberia is dead.

Liberia's Information Minister Lewis Brown confirmed yesterday that Dr. Abraham Borbor lost the battle against Ebola.

Last week, Liberia said ZMapp appeared to be helping three Liberian health care workers who were given the experimental drug. They had shown "very positive signs of recovery," the Liberian Ministry of Health said. Medical professionals treating the workers called their progress "remarkable."

Borbor’s case, according to Brown, worsened yesterday. He was the Deputy Chief Medical Director at the John F. Kenedy Medical Centre, Monrovia.

Before the Liberian's death, a Spanish priest who was also treated with ZMapp died. The Ebola drug was flown to Spain to give to the priest named Miguel Pajares, who had contracted the virus in Liberia.

Borbor's death coincides with the beginning of treatment on a Briton who contracted the disease in Sierra Leone. Doctors at a hospital in north-west London are treating William Pooley, a 29-year-old volunteer nurse.

Pooley was flown to RAF Northolt in a specially equipped military aircraft on Sunday and taken under police escort to Hampstead's Royal Free Hospital.

He volunteered to go to West Africa to care for victims of the Ebola outbreak which has killed almost 1,500 people.

It is the first confirmed case of a Briton contracting the virus during the current outbreak.

Pooley, believed to be from Woodbridge in Suffolk, was flown out of Sierra Leone's main airport in Lungi, in a RAF C-17 transport aircraft.

If Pooley survives, he will be the third to have survived the deadly disease after receiving doses of

•Brantly and Writebol

ZMapp.

The first two are two American missionaries, Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol. They were infected with the deadly Ebola virus and flown separately from Liberia to Atlanta's Emory University Hospital becoming the first human patients with Ebola to ever come to the United States.

Writebol was released from the hospital last Tuesday. Brantly walked out of the same hospital with no signs of the virus in his system the next day.Their recoveries seem to offer hope for those fighting the largest Ebola outbreak in known history. More than 2,400 people have been infected by the virus, according to the World Health Organisation, and it's killed more than half.

They were given ZMapp, which is not an approved treatment for Ebola. There is no approved treatment yet.

For Ebola patients to leave isolation, two blood tests had to come back negative for the Ebola virus.

Their bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat and feces, should no longer be infectious before they are let out of isolation.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), some doctors believe the virus can remain in vaginal fluid and semen for up to several months.

A report by CNN said this of ZMapp: "The drug was developed by the biotech firm Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., which is based in San Diego. The company was founded in 2003 "to develop novel pharmaceuticals for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, focusing on unmet needs in global health and biodefense," according to its website.

"Mapp Biopharmaceutical has been working with the National Institutes of Health and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, an arm of the military responsible for countering weapons of mass destruction, to develop an Ebola treatment for several years."

On how the drug works, the report says: "Antibodies are proteins used by the immune system to mark and destroy foreign, or harmful, cells. A monoclonal antibody is similar, except it's engineered in a lab so it will attach to specific parts of a dangerous cell, according to the

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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NEWS

us ...Win some, lose some ‘

The human immune system can react differently than primates, which is why drugs are required to undergo human clinical trials before being approved by government agencies for widespread use

‘ Vietnam quarantines Nigerian specialist over Ebola •The late Pajares

•Pooley

A

NIGERIAN Specialist at Vietnam’s sole refinery has been isolated for monitoring for signs of Ebola infection after arriving from Nigeria earlier this month.

Mojeed Olayinka Agoro, 61, with Nigerian nationality, a production assistant at Dung Quat Oil Refinery in the central province of Quang Ngai, has been quarantined following his return to Vietnam from his home country on August 8, the provincial Department of Health said on Saturday.

In July, Agoro left Vietnam for Nigeria which is one of the four West African countries hard hit by the fatal Ebola virus.

A medical examination on the foreigner showed he is in a normal health condition, but he should be monitored for 21 days from the day he left the Ebola-hit area, department said.

Ebola has an incubation period of two to 21 days, it further explained.

Agoro has been isolated at home and selfmonitored his health under professional instructions from the provincial Preventive Health Center, with assistance from the refinery’s health unit, the department said.

The number of confirmed cases Ebola Virus Disease in the country has reduced by one.

Another patient is expected to be discharged before the week runs out, it was also learnt.

The minister announced yesterday that one of the patients was due for discharge.

Mayo Clinic, mimicking your immune system's natural response.

Monoclonal antibodies are used to treat many different types of conditions."

The drug is produced with proteins made from tobacco plants.

ZMapp manufacturer Kentucky BioProcessing in Owensboro provided limited quantities of this kind of the drug to Emory, according to

•Ebola cases not 14, but 13, says minister •Japan ready to offer experimental Ebola drug From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

He said the fourteenth case has been proven to be false as test indicated that the patient was negative.

The minister, who briefed reporters in Abuja yesterday, said: "You recall that in my previous briefing, I had let the media know that for each case, we run further confirmatory test on each of them to make sure that anybody that has been labeled as Ebola virus positive is actually Ebola virus positive.

"So, the 14th case has turned out to be negative; it is not only negative in terms of viremia, but it is now negative in terms of symptoms. That has now revised Nigeria's number of cases to 13; that include the Liberian-American who was the index case.

So, 13 cases; out of these 13, unfortunately, we have lost five, including the index case.

"The number of death still remains five, including the index case. The total number of patients who have actually been treated and discharged from the isolation ward also remains five.

"Presently, we have three patients receiving

treatment in the Isolation Ward in Lagos. But, certainly, before Wednesday, one of these three will be discharged from the ward because he is tested negative. And, we are now concluding the discharge process that will lead to the discharge of additional case.

"When that will be done, before the next 48 hours, it will bring the total number of patients that have been successfully managed to six."

Japan is ready to offer an experimental drug developed by a Japanese company to help stem the global tide of the deadly Ebola virus, the top government spokesman said yesterday.

“Our country is prepared to provide the yetto-be approved drug in cooperation with the manufacturer if the WHO requests,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been discussing the use of unapproved drugs as a way of getting a handle on an outbreak in Africa that has already cost more than 1,400 lives, with thousands more people infected.

The use of an experimental drug called ZMapp on two Americans and a Spanish

priest infected with the virus while working in Africa has opened up an intense ethical debate.

The drug, which is in very short supply, has reportedly shown promising results in the two Americans, although the priest died.

US company Mapp Bioparmaceutical which makes the drug said this month it had sent all its available supplies to west Africa.

The WHO earlier said a panel of medical experts had determined it is “ethical” to provide experimental treatments.

Mr Suga said yesterday: “Even before the WHO reaches a conclusion, we are ready to respond to individual requests [from medical workers] under certain conditions if it is an urgent case.”

The medication Mr Suga was referring to is Avigan, a drug in tablet form that was approved as an anti-influenza drug in Japan in March and is currently in clinical tests in the United States.

Its developer Fujifilm Holdings said it had received inquiries from abroad but declined to say how many and from which countries.

The company, which has diversified into health care fields, has “no problem” over the amount of stockpiles, according to spokesman Takao Aoki.

“We have sufficient supplies for more than 20,000 people,” he said.

company spokesman David Howard.

With the recovery of two patients who were given the drug and the death of another two after receiving the treatment, many have wondered why it worked in some and failed in others. The CNN report says there is no proof that the Americans survived because of ZMapp.

"The drug had shown promise in

primates, but even in those experiments, just eight monkeys received the treatment. In any case, the human immune system can react differently than primates', which is why drugs are required to undergo human clinical trials before being approved by government agencies for widespread use. These cases will be studied further to determine how the drug worked with

their immune systems," the report says.

Ebola is a rare disease, almost completely confined to poor countries - so funding for drug development has come largely from government agencies.

In March, the NIH awarded a five-year, $28 million grant to establish collaboration between researchers from 15 institutions working to

fight Ebola. Last Wednesday, Wellcome Trust and the United Kingdom's Department for International Development announced that money for Ebola research will be made available from a $10.8 million initiative.

So far, scientists say the efficacy of ZMapp can only be confirmed after further studies.

people, mostly in Sierra Leone, Liberia and neighbouring Guinea, the deadliest outbreak of the disease to date.

The disease also has a toehold in Nigeria, where it has killed five people.

Doctors at a hospital in northwest London have begun treating a Briton who contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone, the BBC reports.

The man has been named as Wil-

liam Pooley, a 29-year-old volunteer nurse, by a United States’ scientist who worked with him.

Mr. Pooley was flown to RAF Northolt in a specially equipped military aircraft on Sunday and taken under police escort to Hampstead’s Royal Free Hospital.

He volunteered to go to West Africa to care for victims of the Ebola outbreak which has killed almost 1,500 people.

It is the first confirmed case of a Briton contracting the virus during the current outbreak.

Mr. Pooley, believed to be from Woodbridge in Suffolk, was flown out of Sierra Leone’s main airport in Lungi, in a RAF C-17 transport aircraft.

He will be treated in a specialist isolation unit for patients with highly infectious disease, the only one of its kind in Europe.

A special tent ensures medical staff can interact with the patient but are separated by plastic and rubber.

Mr. Pooley was described by a colleague in Kenema district, Robert F Garry, as a “remarkable young man and a natural leader.”

There is no cure for Ebola but with treatment of the symptoms, and proper hydration, patients have a chance of survival.

‘

ZMapp fails to save Liberian as Briton’s treatment begins

O

NE of three African doctors infected with Ebola and treated with the experimental drug ZMapp has died in Monrovia, Liberia’s Information Minister, Lewis Brown, said on Monday.

Asked to confirm the death of doctor Abraham Borbor, Brown said: “That is correct. He died yesterday.”

Reuters reports that the hemorrhagic fever has killed at least 1,427

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

Insurgents ask us to ignore curfew, say Adamawa town residents Continued from page 1

difficult to cross to Cameroon.

Many have resorted to stay back here in the town, with Boko Haram hoisting their flag. ‘’We are now living in an atmosphere of despair and

agony,’’ said another resident.

Although, this is not the first time Madagali has been attacked, Saturday’s was the deadliest with a number of residents feared killed, before the insurgents dislodged the com-

munity and established a settlement.

Madagali Local Government Chairman James Abu Waltharda said civilian casualty was minimal, but thousands of residents have been scattered across the state.

He said five churches were set ablase by the assailants in Sabongari and Hembla settlements in the town.

“The insurgents surely are still in Madagali but the military Continued on page 59

No part of Nigeria shall be ceded, says Obanikoro

N •President Goodluck Jonathan waiving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on arrival from a private visit to Germany…yesterday.

Jonathan, Tambuwal disagree on polls’ credibility Continued from page 1

processes.

“While there is room for improvement, the fact that politicians can now congratulate each other at the end of keenly contested elections is glowing testimony to the progress made and the evolving political culture that credible elections have engendered in the polity,” Adoke said.

But Tambuwal said politics, which is supposed to be a pleasant routine for the common good, had become a source of “sickening stress” for the citizenry.

According to him, instead of looking forward to 2015 election with joy and pleasant expectations, the average citizen is apprehensive.

“When the complexion of election conducted by a civilian regime assumes the semblance of that conducted by a military junta, it is obvious that the nation needs help,” the Speaker said, adding: “The nation craves for credible elections, which means elections that are free, fair, transparent and peaceful.

“Elections which are merely peaceful through the instrumentality of force and intimidation

are neither democratic nor credible.”

On the fight against graft, Adoke said the anti-graft agencies had reviewed their operational modalities to make them more effective.

He disclosed that a national anti-corruption strategy had been articulated, in line with Nigeria’s obligations under United Nations Convention against Corruption - and would be presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

Adoke said every aspect of the tracing and recovery of stolen assets around the world, as well as settlement with the Abacha family by the Federal Government, was done transparently.

He urged anyone who has doubts to obtain information from his office under the Freedom of Information Act. “We must discourage the pervading culture of baseless criticism for self-glorification and cheap popularity,” he said.

A former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who will be 80 in October, said Nigeria at 100 years had not achieved its full potential.

According to him, there exists a conflict of ideologies between liberal democracy and Sharia, which must be reconciled.

Gen. Gowon, who chaired the

event, condemned same-sex marriage, saying Nigerians must reject it.

“I find it difficult to accept the notion of same-sex relationship for the simple reason that it negates the law of nature, which created us male and female,” he said.

One of the major highlights of the opening ceremony was the showcasing of the achievements of the outgoing NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN), in a short documentary, with the new NBA House in Lagos topping the list.

The seven-storey edifice was built by lawyer and businessman Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN) through one of his companies, Stabilini Visinoni.

Babalakin, who was also featured in the documentary, praised Wali for his commitment to the realisation of the new NBA House.

Wali blamed insecurity and insurgency what he called the failure of the justice system.

“Creating more divisions of the army, air force, navy, police, DSS etc is not and cannot be the solution for today and tomorrow. It might be for today, but definitely not for tomorrow...

“The fact is that they (patriotic security agents) may very well have been kept off harm’s way

if the needful had been done in the past.

“The core problem is the rot in our criminal justice system.

Anybody can commit a crime and get away with ease.

“It, therefore, becomes difficult, if not impossible, to nip issues like Boko Haram in the bud. There are no security cameras; no finger prints banks, no criminal records.

“Unless and until we ensure the independence of the judiciary and fix our criminal justice system and justice delivery system, we would not have started the journey to making this country safe and secured,” he said.

The keynote speaker, Dr George Kwanashie, a historian, said development would continue to elude Nigeria until there is devolution of power.

In his view, power is too concentrated at the centre. He called for a returning of authority and responsibility to the “lowest level possible”.

At the event were Governors Rochas Okorocha and Emmanuel Uduaghan (who both partook in the showcase session), and Justice of the Supreme Court John Fabiyi, who represented Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Mariam Aloma Mukhtar.

No part of Nigeria shall be ceded to any militant group, Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro said yesterday.

Obanikoro spoke at the Western Naval Command (WNC) headquarters during his maiden familiarisation tour of navy units and commands.

Responding to questions from reporters on extremist sect Boko Haram’s declaration of Gwoza as “Islamic Caliphate”, Obanikoro insisted that “there shall

By Precious Igbonwelundu

never be a republic within a republic”.

He said the Federal Government was leaving no stone unturned in tackling the “madness”. called Boko Haram, adding that huge investments have been made towards equipping the military for challenges.

He said the military were fully geared to tackling and surmounting the security challengContinued on page 59

Islamic scholars describe Boko Haram’s action as treason

T

HE Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the declaration of Gwoza as Boko Haram’s caliphate, describing it as a “mirage”.

Islamic scholar Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’I also described the action as treasonable.

MURIC reaffirmed its faith in the unity and indissolubility of Nigeria.

According to MURIC Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, “Almighty Allah says, ‘Oh you who believe, obey Allah, His Messenger and those in position of au-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

thority.’ (Qur’an 4:59). Islam therefore commands obedience to constituted authority but Boko Haram has chosen disobedience to and belligerence towards the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. Whereas Boko Haram members are aware that the Sultan of Sokoto and PresidentGeneral of the Nigerian SuContinued on page 59

Gwoza: ‘28 trainees still missing’

T

HE police said yesterday that 28 policemen remained missing following last week’s attacks on its Mobile Force training Institute near Gwoza in Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

The authorities had announced that 35 of its trainees were missing after the sect

sacked the Institute but yesterday, it said seven of the men had been rescued.

A statement by Police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu, a deputy commissioner, said “Seven course men have been rescued and brought to safety. Search for remaining 28 being intensified.”

Boko Haram: Row over ‘desertion’ of 480 soldiers Continued from page 1

troops submit their weapons in order to assure the friendly

country that they were not on a hostile mission.

“Following necessary discussions between Nigerian and Cameroonian military authorities, the issues have been sorted out. Subsequently, the troops are on their way back to join their unit in Nigeria.

“The reference to the incident as a defection is, therefore, not appropriate, considering the discussion between the two countries’ military leadership and the series of contacts with the soldiers who have confirmed that they are safe.

“Meanwhile, troops are repelling a group of terrorists who are trying to enter the country through Gamboru-Ngala. A group of them who fizzled into the town are being pursued.”

“We have sorted out things with the Cameroonian authorities.”

A top military source gave an insight into how the soldiers strayed into Cameroon.

He debunked insinuations that the soldiers defected or ran away from confronting book Haram insurgents.

The source said: “To say that 480 soldiers defected is incor-

Battle rages at Gamboru as sect seizes Madagali

B

OKO Haram was yesterday fighting desperately to defend its “Islamic Caliphate” as troops turned on the heat to dislodge its men from a key town.

The insurgents first sacked an army barracks in Ngala before proceeding to Gamboru about three kilometers away.

The Islamist terror group made further advances in territorial grab by once more taking over Gamboru-Ngala, a key township on the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.

Its fighters were heavily armed. It was the second time Boko Haram fighters targeted and seized parts of the town.

In a response to the attacks, the Nigerian Air Force jet dropped a massive bomb in the middle of Gamboru, after hovering for several minutes in the air. The jet then left while the militants began a house-to-house raid in Gamboru.

A contingent of Nigerian troops was later seen massing close to a bridge earlier destroyed by insurgents during their first attack on Gamboru, according to a BBC rerect. That is almost a battalion which comprises 500 soldiers.

We did not see the presence of the soldiers in Cameroon as defection.

“The soldiers had crossed to Cameroonian borders near Gamboru-Ngala axis in pursuit of fleeing Boko Haram insur-

port.

A security source said Boko Haram desperately wanted to seize full control of Gamboru-Ngala because the extensive area offers great strategic advantages. “If they completely capture the township, Boko Haram will be able to use it to transact economic and military business,” said the source. “The township will enable them to freely move arms into Nigeria in order to fortify their control of the seized territories they have declared an Islamic Caliphate.”

In a video released on Sunday, the insurgent leader, Abubakar Shekau, stated that his group did not recognise Nigeria.

Instead, he declared that the sect had established a caliphate, or Islamic geopolitical entity.

Among towns and areas under the sect’s control are Gwoza and Marte in Borno State, Buni Yadi in Yobe State and Madagali in Adamawa State.

The attack forced thousands of people to flee.

gents.

“It is normal to disarm foreign troops when they cross into your country. Such troops must surrender their arms and ammunition. There are military barriers in combat relationship between two countries.”

Asked why the Cameroonian

The attack on Gamboru Ngala came after the town was almost entirely destroyed in May in a devastating assault that also left more than 300 people killed and prompted outrage at the lack of military response.

Many local residents sought refuge across the border in the northern Cameroon town of Fotokol, where troop reinforcements were being sent, a security service source told AFP. Boko Haram, which has been blamed for more than 10,000 deaths in a five-year-old uprising, has in recent weeks sought to take over some towns in Borno State, shifting from hit-and-run tactics to an apparent holding strategy.

Residents said yesterday’s attack began at about 05:30, with the extremists launching coordinated strikes on the main police station and a military base known as the Harmony Camp.

“The sounds (of gunfire) became more deafening as police and soldiers respond-

Army disarmed Nigerian soldiers following recent tripartite understanding by Nigeria, Cameroon and Niger, the source said: “We have to comply with military’s international best practices.

“The agreement in France enabled us to easily recall these

Continued on page 59

480 soldiers.”

But there were indications last night that the DHQ had ordered a probe into the “presence” of the 480 soldiers in Cameroon.

But the Cameroon Army, in a report on the BBC, claimed that the soldiers defected .

Continued on page 59

•Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh

OUR ERROR The photographs of Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano (left), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman Victor Umeh (middle) and former Governor Peter Obi on the Politics page were wrongly caption as Umeh.

The errors are regretted.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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NEWS

Nigeria’s first digital radio station soon

Fed Govt creates Labour desks in seven ministries

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

I

NFORMATION Minister Labaran Maku has said the Federal Government will establish the first digital radio station before the end of the year.

The minister spoke yesterday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, at a retreat for the management and workers of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

He said the station would compete favourably with any other radio station anywhere in the world.

Maku urged the board and management of the FRCN to generate ideas that would keep the national radio at top level.

The minister, who spoke through Mr. Henry Abiodun Angulu, noted that given the prime position of the national network in the nation’s history, a lot was expected from its management, especially as the country prepares for another election.

He said: “Nigeria is going through a very challenging period in its history and the role of the broadcast media, especially the FRCN, becomes even more crucial. The public, therefore, expects some ideas that will improve on the contents and programmes of the broadcast media and help to stabilise the polity.”

Maku said the FRCN, being Nigeria’s flagship broadcast network, is always expected to live up to its billing.

FRCN’s Director-General, Malam Muhammad Ladan Salihu, noted that with full commercialisation of the network, and given the possibility of reduced funding from the government, the retreat was meant to develop a strategic plan for the establishment of a single backbone channel.

He said: “Time to build a national backbone to give credibility to our claim of being the largest radio network in Africa has come. Let’s begin to work for the system; one that will address the core objectives of our calling. This retreat is meant to bring out modalities that will strengthen FRCN.”

Honours for Abubakar, Fashola, Dangote, Ahmed

F

ORMER Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and his Kwara State counterpart, Abdulfatah Ahmed are among eminent Nigerians billed for the Hall of Grace (HOG) induction and award ceremony.

HOG magazine’s Managing Director Rupert Ojenuwa said the award, which holds every four years, “is targeted at celebrating patriotism and hard work”.

In a statement at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Ojenuwa said: “The induction ceremony is unique in the sense that it is a celebration of hard work, commitment and dedication to excellence in public service and in selfless service to humanity as has been profoundly displayed by the inductees.

“We are inducting all our past awardees into the HOG Hall of Fame during this event in September. Top on the list of the awardees are the recipients of the Governor of the Year award, including Fashola of Lagos State (2011), Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam (2012), Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko (2013) and Govenor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State (2014).”

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

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•Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha (second left) greeting House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal at the 54th Nigerian Bar Associaton (NBA) annual conference in Owerri. With them are former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (left) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN).

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Navy seizes vessel with N28.8m ‘stolen’ diesel

HE Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy intercepted yesterday a locally-made vessel, named MV Mercy, with N28.8 million refined Automated Gas Oil (diesel) said to have been illegally refined.

It was learnt that the product was in four big tanks linked together with large hoses and carefully loaded in the giant boat.

The vessel, which was arrested by a naval patrol boat on the Furopa waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, had seven suspected oil thieves on board.

About 180,000 litres of oil

•Seven suspects, boat handed over to NSCDC From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

were said to be in the vessel, valued at N160 per litre, the control price of diesel.

The suspects, vessel and oil were handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution.

In a brief handover statement, the Commanding Officer at the Naval Base in Brass, Yenagoa, Capt. Salisu Jubril, warned oil thieves to stay away from the

area or face the wrath of the law.

He restated the command’s commitment to eradicating oil theft, in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff.

The commanding officer said the Command Officer Commanding (CNC), Rear Admiral Peter Agba, ordered intensive patrol of the waterways to stop illegal oil deals.

Referring to oil thieves, Jubril said: “We are making a statement to illegal ‘bunkerers’ that wherever you are and thinking of perpetrating such illegal act,

you will be caught by the long arms of the law.

“Oil theft is no more a profitable venture because whatever is invested on it will go down the drains. That’s because we are going to arrest you.

“We are warning illegal ‘bunkerers’ to stay away from the CNC. We are going to pursue you through each and every creek.”

The suspects and items were received by the state Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Desmond Agu, who was represented by Deputy Commandant Godwin Miebi.

He said the command would carry out further investigation to prosecute the matter.

Ebola: NLC restricts nine countries from conference

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has written a letter of restriction to delegates from nine countries with outbreaks of the Ebloa Virus Disease (EVD) to stay away from its 12th Rain School 2014 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Adhering to the restriction notice, the countries, including Liberia, South Africa, Guinea and Kenya, are absent from the conference.

NLC President Abdulwaheed Omar spoke yesterday in his opening remarks at the delegates’ conference.

He said the congress barred the delegates from the affected countries to prevent the importation or exportation of the virus.

The theme of the conference is: Inequality and Socio-Political Instability: Issues and Challenges for the Working Class.

Omar said: “We don’t know if they intend coming; whether or not their authorities will

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From John Ofikhenua, Uyo

allow them to come. This is because it is a matter of emergency and national security.”

The union leader explained that the NLC took the decision because the presence of Ebola-infected nationals would scare other participants away.

It was learnt that the only delegate from Ghana, Gladys Osuma, was certified Ebola-free.

Omar said: “It is very unique because I thought for the first time we are holding the school with people only from Nigeria. But we are happy we are able to get our sister from Ghana. Although most of the time you cannot even differentiate between Nigeria and Ghana except that there are two countries in between us.

“But you know for obvious reason why it is only one person from Ghana who is here today. That is because of the unfortunate inci-

dent of the Ebola Virus Disease. Some countries are making efforts to ensure that people outside would not come either to import or export this dreaded disease.

“That is why we made efforts to write to quite a number of these countries, particularly Sierra-Leone, Liberia, and even South Africa. So, they should help us by staying back, because we wouldn’t want to bring in people to scare other people here.

“When you hear that somebody from Liberia is here, all of you will stay away. We asked them to stay back. But I am very happy that our sister from Ghana is hale and hearty and she will also go back hale and hearty.”

The NLC president hailed the Federal Government for containing the EVD spread.

He said: “We are vry happy that the government has done all it could to ensure that this thing is warded off and the spread is not allowed.”

Oshiomhole educates traders on Ebola

EDO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole met with traders yesterday on precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The governor addressed the women in Benin, the state capital, on the reality of the deadly virus and what they need to do to avoid contracting the disease.

He said: “The meeting today is in two parts. First, it is to tell you about the Ebola Virus Disease, which was brought from another country to Lagos. We thank God that the disease has not come to Edo State.

“The disease is difficult to manage. So, I am advising you as leaders of market women to talk to your members to be wary of whom they shake or embrace.

This is because the disease causes serious sickness that can lead to death at short notice.

“So, because of this, it is good that we should know what to do

•Governor advises traders on PVCs as people travel to different parts of the country. People walk about and we do not know those who are infected. That is why we must be prepared and plan so that if anybody sees any victim, he or she should know what to do.”

The governor said the second part of his sensitisation meeting was to let the market women know the essence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) permanent voters’ cards (PVCs).

He said: “The INEC voter registration and collection of the PVCs will soon begin in Edo State. So, I am advising all of you to set outside whatever you may be doing and go to your centres as may be designated by INEC officials and make sure you collect your cards. It is your power as the 2015 general elections draw closer.

“As busy women, some of you may want to procrastinate your collection to a later date. It is risky, because the exercise, according to INEC, will last three days. So, we want to ensure that within those three days, every market woman goes to the designated centres to collect her permanent voter’s card. You cannot vote without it. If you don’t have the temporary voter’s card, you will not be allowed to vote.”

He advised the market women leaders to educate their members on the need to swear to an affidavit to enable them get the PVCs, in case their temporal voter’s cards shad been misplaced.

Health Commissioner Dr. Aihanuwa Eregie told the market women’s leaders that the Ebola Virus Disease had been in existence since 1976.

She said: “The virus can be

found in animals, like monkey, bat, chimpanzee, among others.

Hunters who go to the bush to hunt for animals can contract the virus.”

The commissioner explained that though the virus was not in Edo State, there was need to alter the residents, especially the market women who travel to various parts of the state.

She listed some of the symptoms of the Ebola disease as headache, weakness of the body, waist pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, internal and external bleeding, especially bleeding from the gum.

Eregie urged the people to regularly wash their hands and ensure general cleanliness of their environment.

A representative of the market women from Edo South, Mrs. Blacky Omoregie, hailed Oshiomhole for educating the traders on the deadly disease.

She said: “We thank you our comrade governor on this very

HE Federal Government has approved the establishment of Labour desk offices at its ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to minise industrial disputes.

Such desks are to be established in MDAs with perennial industrial disputes.

Labour and Productivity Minister Emeka Wogu broke the news at a two-day workshop for newly appointed zonal directors of Labour and Resident Labour Desk Officers.

He also said the government had approved the upgrading of the six zonal Labour offices across the country to directorates.

The minister named the affected ministries as Health, Education, Petroleum Resources, Aviation, Power, Transport and Agriculture and Rural Development.

According to him, the decision is aimed at ensuring harmonious industrial relations in the MDAs. Wogu said the move would also strengthen Labour administration in the zones.

The minister hailed the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for approving the desks.

He noted that decentralising Labour administration was the ministry’s proactive measure to check incessant strikes.

Wogu said the move would enable the Federal Government to attain the goals of its Transformation Agenda, especially in the Labour sector.

The minister explained that the focus of his agenda was on policy development and programmes, which would reposition and strengthen the ministry in line with the government’s aspiration to achieve harmonious Labour relations.

According to him, these are the panacea for national growth and development.

Wogu said the ministry was changing its tacticks for handling industrial disputes in line with international best practices.

The minister said there were increasing and sophisticated challenges which demanded a more developmental, pragmatic, decentralised, functional and democratic approach to labour administration in a globalised world.

He said the new approach would reduce routine reports on Labour administration, which were usually forwarded to the headquarters.

•Oshiomhole

important meeting. I want to assure you that our market women will be enlightened on the need to observe precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the state and the need to collect their permanent voters cards when the time comes.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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NEWS

Reps to NMA: apologise to Nigerians

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HE House of Representatives Committee on Health has asked members off the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to apologise to Nigerians for their "unpatriotic" strike.

The NMA ended on Sunday night its national strike after 55 days.

The House committee said the apology was necessary because scores of people died and many others put into hardship of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) that entered the country while the strike was on.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja on the suspension of the NMA strike, House Committee Chairman Ndudi

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

Elumelu said the failure to obey the agreements between the parties was fundamental to the crisis.

He said: "The leadership of the NMA has been described as unpatriotic, even by other Nigerian doctors and the public because of various health challenges confronting the nation and the scourge of Ebola Virus Disease, which erupted during the strike.

"Patriotic Nigerians at home and abroad have passionately condemned the action of the current leadership of the NMA. The committee has a final word for NMA. The NMA has suspended

the strike, but it has failed to do one thing: apologise to Nigerians.

The NMA should apologise to Nigerians for all the inconveniences and lives that were lost during the strike."

The lawmaker noted that although the suspension of the strike was commendable, but it would have been avoided had the agreements between the two parties were obeyed and implemented.

He said obeying agreements was a lesson that must be learnt from the strike.

Elumelu said: "One of such lessons is the need to obey agreements. The law is pacta sunt servanda, meaning: agreements

must be obeyed.

"If parties had obeyed previous agreements executed between the NMA and representatives of the Federal Government, the strike would have been averted. The lesson to learn here is that we must at all times obey contents of agreements freely entered into in order to avert crisis."

The lawmaker urged the government and the NMA to be mindful of the resolutions reached by the House Committee during its third stakeholders' meeting on the suspended strike.

He said: "For the avoidance of doubt, the committee resolved as follows: that the Federal Min-

istry of Health granted the request of the NMA for a new circular, as demanded by NMA; that the Federal Government shall pay two months' salary arrears to members of the NMA on or before July 31, 2014; that the balance of salary arrears would be reflected in the 2015 Budget and paid to members of the NMA; that the new salary structure of doctors would be reflected in the 2015 Budget and doctors will begin to get the new salary structure effective from January 2015; and that in view of (1) and (4) above, the NMA is expected and requested to call off the strike immediately in the interest of Nigerians."

Jonathan back from Germany From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan returned to Abuja yesterday after a four-day private visit to Germany.

Jonathan, who was received by top government officials at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 4.25pm, was said to have been flown abroad for treatment.

He was dressed in a navy blue suit, a white shirt and a hat.

Among those at the airport were: Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Jones Arogbofa (retd.); Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Muhammed and Acting Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abba.

The President was received at the Villa by family members and close aides.

He is expected today to lead the Federal Government delegation to a service of songs organised for the late Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral in Garki, Abuja.

‘ARDs can’t resume now’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof Jesse Otegbayo, has said the hospital was waiting for the Federal Government to revoke its sack letter to the Association of Resident Doctors (ARDs).

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Sunday night announced the end of its national strike, after 55 days, with a directive to the doctors to resume work yesterday.

But Otegbayo said without the withdrawal of the circular suspending the doctors, they might not fully resume work.

He explained that in line with the agreement the NMA had with the Federal Ministry of Health before the strike was suspended, there should be a withdrawal of the circular that suspended residency training programme.

Otegbayo, who also doubles as the hospital’s Director of Medical Training and Research, said he was awaiting the withdrawal of the circular on the suspension of ARDs from the Federal Government.

He said: “The consultants and medical officers have resumed. The ARDs are also on ground. But the Federal Government still has some issues to settle with them in terms of restructuring the residency training. We are waiting for the next directive from our principal in Abuja?”

•Nurses ready for work at a ward at the Benin Central Hospital, Edo State, as doctors resumed duty...yesterday

APC: Jega’s assurances offer hope of free, fair polls if...

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Nigeria may be able to organise truly free, fair, credible and transparent elections in the nearest future, if the recent comments by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, reflect the thinking of the electoral commission.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said three issues stand out in the comments credited to the INEC chairman. These are: that hooded security personnel would no longer be allowed during elections; that the security paraphernalia in future elections should be under the control of INEC and that the commission would use e-card readers for the 2015 general elections.

It said if the INEC chairman meant what he said, this “is a breakthrough of sorts in Nigeria’s long quest to hold elections that are not only free, fair and transparent, but are seen to be so by the local and international com-

By Olamilekan Andu

munity”.

APC said it would hold Prof.

Jega to his promises to avoid a repeat of past elections when promises made by the electoral chief were not kept.

It said: “During the voter registration, Prof. Jega vowed that anyone who engaged in double or multiple registration would be prosecuted. However, some parties, who probably had an advanced knowledge that his statement was an empty threat, apparently encouraged their members to engage in double or multiple registration, thus gaining undue advantage over others.

Yet, they were never prosecuted.

“Also, during the last Ekiti State governorship election, Prof.

Jega announced that colourcoded ballot papers would be used in different local governments to prevent election fraud.

But that never happened and no reason was given for the failure.

This is why we intend to hold Prof. Jega to every word he said in connection with the key issues mentioned above.”

APC recalled that before the Osun State governorship election earlier this month, the party warned that the use of hooded security personnel would encourage hoodlums with access to police or the Department of State Service (DSS) uniform to invade the state and perpetrate mayhem in the name of providing security.

“Sadly, that is exactly what happened during the election. In fact, reports have said at least one person is now being prosecuted after he and others were found wearing black T-shirts with the inscription ‘police’ in front and ‘DSS’ on its back during the Osun election. Is there any clearer evidence that some of those who came to Osun in hoods were actually fake security agents?” the party queried.

It also recalled that on May 26, the APC issued a statement in which it tasked INEC to immediately commence the process that will lead to the use of the ecard reader for the elections in Ekiti and Osun states, if indeed the electoral body is committed to ensuring that the polls are free, fair and transparent.

“If that advice had been heeded by INEC, perhaps the allegations of electoral fraud, and the litigation following the elections in both states, would not have arisen.

“We said in the May 26 statement: ‘Impersonation, multiple voting and endless altercations and associated tension will be eliminated at the voting centres with the use of e-card reader and not by any other means. Also, the e-card reader will ensure the automatic recording of all accredited voters with verified permanent voter’s cards in such a way that does not lend itself to manipulation, thus preventing the falsification of results at the collation centres’,” APC said.

The party challenged INEC to put its money where its mouth is by using October’s governorship election in Adamawa State to test the measures that would ensure credible elections in 2015, including barring hooded security personnel, taking charge of the security men and women to be deployed for the election and using e-card reader to forestall electoral fraud.

Court restrains Fed Govt from sacking doctors

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HE National Industrial Court restrained the Federal Government yesterday from terminating the appointment of over 15,000 resident doctors.

The court restrained the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of 37 medical institutions across the country from sacking the suspended doctors.

President Goodluck Jonathan, last week, in a memorandum through the Federal Ministry of Health, ordered the indefinite suspension of resident doctors and the employment of contract doctors for a renewable sixmonth period.

But the registered trustee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in a Motion on Notice filed before Justice Babatunde Adejumon against the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Health, the 37 CMDs of university teaching hospitals and Federal Medical Centres, challenged the government's action.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

In his ruling, Justice Adejumon ordered that a status quo ante be maintained, pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed by the resident doctors. This means the doctors would also have to call off their strike and both parties return to the state at which things were before the strike.

On the suspension of training programmes for doctors, the court directed the claimant (the NMA) to put all the respondents on notice.

It said the issue would be better addressed when both parties joined issues before the court.

"On the second prayer (termination of appointment), it is the order of the court that since there is yet to be proof that the order has been carried out, the third to 39th respondents (Chief Medical Directors) are hereby restrained either by themselves, agents, privies or any other person from serving member of the Reg-

istered Trustee of the Nigerian Medical Association with any letter of termination if same had not been served on them before today (August 25, 2014)," the court ruled yesterday.

The resident doctors, in a Motion on Notice dated August 18, filed by their lawyer, Alex Akoja, brought pursuant to Order 14 Rule 1(1, 2and3) of the National Industrial Court Civil Procedure Rule, 2007, sought for an order restraining the respondents or their privies from executing or giving effect to the directive contained in the letter of August 13, suspending the Residency Training Programme for doctors, pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

Besides, the resident doctors prayed the court for an interim injunction restraining the respondent, especially the CMDs of teaching hospitals across the country, from issuing letters of termination of residency training appointment to resident doctors.

Abuja hospitals reopen ACTIVITIES resumed fully yesterday at the various government hospitals in Abuja.

Members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), who had been on strike since July 1, heeded the directive of their President, Dr Lawrence Obembe, to to attend to patients.

Our correspondent, who visited the National Hospital and the general hospitals in Wuse, Garki and Maitama, said consultants and medical officers had a busy day.

The doctors were also said to have been surprised by Federal Government’s suspension of the residency training programme.

A few National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members and the house officers were on ground to complement the efforts of some medical officers on duty.

A consultant, who spoke in confidence, told our correspondent at the Wuse General Hospital that he was overwhelmed by the number of patients waiting for him.

He said the situation would be worse as from today, when more patients would seek treatment. The doctor said Federal Government’s suspension of the residency training programme was the solution to the shortage of personnel in the Public Health sector.

He said: “The Federal Government cannot just decide to dispense with the services of about 16,000 doctors. It does not make any sense to me. How do they want to replace them when we did not even have enough human resources in the Health sector?

“The question on the lips of everybody now is: where will the government recruit medical personnel to fill the vacuum? Are they going to spend huge foreign currencies to recruit expatriates?

What is the sense in that?”

Hospitals still quiet

By Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha and Wale Adepoju

CTIVITIES at federal and state-owned hospitals in Lagos State were at low ebb yesterday, despite the suspension of the indefinite strike of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) after 55 days.

The NMA, through its President, Dr Lawrence Obembe, on Sunday night, announced the end of the strike and the directive for the doctors to resume yesterday.

But medical services had not been fully restored in most of the hospitals when our correspondents went round to check the compliance with the association’s directive.

Only few patients were found waiting for doctors at some hospitals. But the doctors were said to be unavailable to attend to them.

Some units, such as the Accident and Emergency (A and E) Unit, the General Outpatient Department (GOPD), the Paediatric Ward and Guinness Eye Centre of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) were opened to the patients but many of the doctors were not available.

Also, not many patients were in the hospital to see the “returnee” doctors.

At LUTH, it was learnt that though the striking doctors had officially resumed work, but none of them was attending to patients.

A source, who spoke in confidence told our correspondents that the doctors were unavailable because “some meetings are still going on”.

The source added: “Hopefully, by tomorrow things would have really picked up in full swing.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

NEWS •Former Senate President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Comrade Ahmed Agbabiaka (left), presenting certificate of commendation of NANS to Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (left) for reducing school fees at the state university in Lagos…yesterday.

With them are Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (third right), NANS Zone D Chairman Comrade Sunday Ashefon (second right).

Couple, children die in road crash From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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MAN identified as Jabari Adewale, his wife and their two children have died in a motor accident on the Owo-Ikare road at Ago Eleye, near Oba Akoko.

The accident occurred at the weekend when the car conveying the deceased collided with a truck parked by the roadside, killing all the occupants instantly .

It was gathered that the couple and their two children were travelling to their village.

A Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. David Ogundana, said the accident was as a result of dangerous driving and loss of control by the car’s driver.

He added that those involved in the crash included two male adults, one female adult and four female children.

He said the deceased family were driving a Toyota Camry with registration number AP 208 FDD, which rammed into a truck marked LSD 547XE.

Fashola urges NANS’ leaders to get set for future roles

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has urged the leadership of the country’s student unions to get ready for future roles.

The governor spoke when representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone visited him at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

He said the actions and inactions of the student lead-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

ers would define their perception of leadership now and in the near future.

The governor asked them to change the style of making their demands, while pledging to always pursue policies to enhance the standard of education.

He said: “We are trying to give you the opportunity that we didn’t have. The opportunity to participate in the decisions that affect your

Ondo courts shut as judicial workers begin strike

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NDO State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUNSUN) began an indefinite strike yesterday over an alleged maladministration by the Chief Judge, Justice Lasehinde Kumuyi.

The industrial action came barely three weeks after the national body of the union called off its nationwide strike.

The JUNSUN chapter accused the chief judge of adopting wrong policies in the administration of the judiciary.

The wrong policies, the union said, included deploying magistrates to administrative positions as well as non-consideration

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

of conversion, advancement and promotion.

Business activities ware paralysed at the high court in Akure yesterday following the strike. The gates to the court premises were locked.

The union’s state Chairman, Mr. Femi Ogunode, in a statement yesterday, said the industrial action was crucial, following a failed negotiation deal between its representatives, the JSC and management of the state’s Judiciary.

He added that the decision to embark on the strike was reached at the union’s congress last weekend in Akure.

He stressed that the con-

Lagos trains 1000 teachers on ICT AGOS State Government has trained no fewer than 1000 of its secondary schools’ teachers in the effective use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the education curriculum.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, at the opening of a workshop in Lagos, noted that the training was part of capacity-building for the teachers in public secondary schools.

She said the quality of education was one of the major planks of national development.

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life.

“We didn’t just wake up one day and decided to increase the tuition of the school, but it was you the students who protested to the State House of Assembly to complain over the state of the school. And based on your complaints, we acted accordingly.

“Part of the recommendation by the visitation panel was that the tuition should be increased for the progress

Mrs. Oladunjoye added that nations that had developed paid great attention to their educational service delivery as they have not only invested in physical infrastructure, but also in the human infrastructure at all levels.

She said: “In Lagos State, our thinking is that while it is right to build infrastructure, it is even of greater importance to build the capacity of staff who will deliver services to the teeming populace.

“The reason behind this is that only competent and committed teachers teach, not bricks and mortar.”

tinuous holding of administrative positions by magistrates was not in the best interest of the workers and the system.

Many workers, he said, were denied promotions, while some who had applied for conversion were not considered.

“The JSC has failed to heed the advice of the Ondo State Head of Service that due process should be followed in fashioning out new scheme of service for the Registrars.

“It is our belief that if the JSC wants Magistrates to acquire administrative knowledge, it should send them to relevant administrative training institutions,” he said.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss.

RACHEAL EMMANUEL EBRI, now wish to be known as Mrs. RACHEAL MOSES OBASI. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADELEYE I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS. VICTORIA KEMI ADELEYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. DADA VICTORIA KEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

of the school.”

Fashola, who also got a certificate of commendation from NANS for his decision to revert to the old tuition in the state-owned university, promised to interface with his Ogun State counterpart, Ibikunle Amosun, to resolve the face-off between him and students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University.

The leader of the delegation, Yakubu Eletu, in his address, appealed to the governor to ensure the release of some students of the Lagos State University

(LASU) arrested during the protests against hike in school fees.

He said: “Some of the students have been asked to face the Senate because they protested over the increase in tuition fees and some are being denied the opportunity to go for their NYSC because the school management withheld their call up letters.

“We want the governor to prevail on the vice chancellor to sheath his sword and allow the students who wants to go for NYSC to do so.”

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS This is to notify the general public on the loss of title documents including the approved building plan of the land located at No. 8, Adeyemi Street, Baba Olosa, Mushin, Lagos belonging to Christ the Saviour’s Church ( Aladura ). These documents got lost in transit and all efforts made to locate it proved abortive.

Singed: Pastor ( Prince) A. Adejare Chairman, Building Committee

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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NEWS ‘Oyo paid N1.7b as WAEC fees’

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YO State has said it did not renege in offsetting the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) fees of Senior Secondary School (SSS) III pupils, who are preparing for examinations.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Solomon Olaniyonu, described Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration as a “responsible and responsive government” that would not toy with the lives of pupils.

Olaniyonu, in a statement in Ibadan yesterday, said the government paid N1.7 billion as WAEC fees between 2011 and 2014.

He said N339 million was paid in 2011 for 60,000 candidates, while N396,548,000,

N446,227,600 and N540,410,400 were paid for 76,786; 55,432 and 54,864 candidates in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

He said the government over-paid WAEC about N75 million, which was later returned by the body.

Olaniyonu added that this underscored that the Ajimobi administration was a responsible government.

The commissioner blamed the unfounded rumours on the opposition, which he said were “all out to politicise everything and set the citizens against the government.”

The government directed all the public secondary school pupils who sat for the 2014 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSSCE) to access their results online.

Group denies call to annul Osun polls

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HE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Justice and Equity Organisation (JEO), Mr. Tunde Bafunsho, has disassociated the group from the alleged call for the cancellation of the Osun State governorship election.

Bafunsho said Mr. James Okoronkwo, who allegedly led a media conference where the demand for the cancellation was made, was “not a member of his organisation and hence cannot represent the organisation in any way, form or manner.”

The right activist, in a statement yesterday, cautioned the media on activities of alleged impostors.

“Imposters will do anything to jeopardise the efforts of Nigerians, the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the people of Osun State who came out to vote for the governor of their choice,” he said.

Bafunsho said the election, which was praised by the Federal Government Nigerians as well as conducted with the support of security agencies, “cannot be overruled by the selfishness of one man.”

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PDP raises panel on Mimiko’s defection

SEVEN-man negotiation committee has been inaugurated to discuss the terms of defection of the Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The news of Mimiko’s defection has been generating reactions in the last few days. Some of his aides confirmed the move while Mimiko is yet to make the plan public.

A source said that the state’s PDP leadership met

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

yesterday at one of the popular hotels in Akure, the state capital, where the committee was inaugurated.

The source did not name members of the committee.

Part of the committe’s agenda, it was added, is to discuss with Mimiko on how and when he would defect to the party.

But the state PDP Chairman, Ebenezer Alabi, said the governor had not met with the leadership of the

party on his purported defection.

Alabi, however, said the party would welcome Mimiko, if he decides to defect.

The PDP chieftain, who spoke with reporters in Akure, said he heard about the defection as a rumour.

Mimiko defected to the ruling Labour Party (LP) in 2006 from the PDP after which he contested and won the 2007 governorship election.

The “governor’s romance

•Mimiko

with PDP and its leadership,” another source said, led credence to the reported move to rejoin the fold.

Ipaye counsels law students on advocacy skills

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AGOS State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ade Ipaye has urged aspiring lawyers to imbibe the ethics of the legal profession through character building, intelligence and personal comportment at all times.

Ipaye gave the advice at the First Appellate MOOT Court Competition of University of Lagos Law Students Association.

He urged them to make hard work and commitment their watchword.

He emphasised that the idea behind the competition was to give opportunity to students to develop

By Adebisi Onanuga

their writing skills, improve on research and sharpen their advocacy skills.

The commissioner said his ministry decided to sponsor the competition to encourage aspiring lawyers to identify and build arguments through research.

The exercise was based on a judgment delivered at the High Court and the students were required to come up with Appellate, Respondent and Reply Briefs of arguments.

Ipaye hailed the level of commitment and extensive research the students displayed during the exercise.

The commissioner, who encouraged more students

to take part in the competition, promised to ensure that his ministry continues to sponsor the competition yearly.

The competition was rated by a four-man panel, comprising Justice Sidi Bage of the Federal Court of Appeal, Justice Lateef Lawal- Akapo and Justice Atinuke Oluyemi, both of the Lagos State High Court. A Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Idowu Alakija, was also a member of the committee.

Justice Bage, in his remarks, urged the students to always respect the law, abide by the ethics and code of the profession.

“There is order, decorum and mode of dressing in court, which must be

strictly adhere to by lawyers,” he added.

The four chambers within the faculty participated in the competition.

They are Kayode Eso Students Chamber, Gani Fawehinmi Student Chamber, Justice Oputa Student Chamber and Teslim Elias Student Chamber.

All participating chambers were presented with cash gifts and certificates of participation.

The overall winning chamber, Justice Oputa Student Chamber - representing the Respondent - got a cash gift of N100,000 books and certificate of participation.

The runner-up, Teslim Elias Student Chamber, got N60,000, books and a certificate of participation.

Man remanded in Agodi prison for defiling minor

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MAN, Arogundade Opeyemi, has been remanded at Agodi prison, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital for allegedly defiling a three-year old girl in a church.

The suspect, 19, was remanded by a Magistrate’s Court pending hearing of the case on September 12, according to a statement by the police.

The statement added that the suspect allegedly defiled his neighbour’s daughter in a church at Kuola area of Apata, Ibadan.

The police stated that Opeyemi took the girl to the church beside the house around 8p.m under the pretence of playing with

From Adebisi Oladele, Ibadan

her as usual.

“The suspect laid the little girl on the floor and had his way with her.

“Immediately he perpetrated the act, he ran away, leaving the crying girl on the floor of the church.

“When her mother heard her, she rushed out to inquire what had happened and she gesticulated by touching her private part and mentioning the suspect’s name,” the statement by the spokesperson, Mrs. Olabisi CletIlobanafor, said.

She added that medical report confirmed that the girl’s hymen had been bro-

‘Immediately he perpetrated the act, he ran away, leaving the crying girl on the floor of the church’ ken.

“The suspect has been arraigned at a Magistrate’s Court for an offence of defilement, which is contrary to and punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. 11, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000,” it added.

Amosun, others for Egba awards

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and four other eminent personalities will be honoured this year by the Egba National Association Inc. United States (U.S.) and Canada.

The event, to be hosted by the Egba Descendants Association, Dallas, will hold on August 31 in Texas, U.S., at the 5th biennial convention of the association.

The theme of the event is “Celebrating our Heritage.”

Amosun will be honoured with the “Award of Excellence” for his “performance, leadership qualities, visionary guidance and dedicated services to the people of Ogun State.”

Other Egba high chiefs to receive awards are: Jaguna, Chief ‘Yinka Kufile; Agba

Akin, Chief Rasheed Raji former administrator of Bauchi and Sokoto states; Asoju Oba Chief Lamidi Sofenwa and Otunbade Aje, Chief Tunji Sunmonu.

The event is part of the threeday activities to mark the association’s convention, comprising Egba and Yewa indigenes of Ogun State, who are living in the U.S. and Canada.

The association’s National Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Adesola Abeke Ayoola, who is also the Social Secretary of Olumo Progressive Association Canada Inc, stated that the event begins on Friday, August 29.

The award will be attended by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo,

•Amosun

CFR, Okukenu IV and other Egba high chiefs.

Delegates from the 17 chapters of the association are expected to attend the convention, which will include lecture and symposium, Egba-Yewa Evergreen Night, feeding the homeless, donation to Salvation Army, and award/youth night.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

NEWS

•Participants at the passing out of course SH:876B, Community Support Brigade Volunteers in Jos...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Lamido’s presidential posters flood Kano

‘Double your commitment to Navy’

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HE newly-promoted naval officers serving at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in Warri, Delta State, have been urged to see their elevation as a call to service.

The Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Musa Gemu, spoke at the weekend in Warri at the decoration of the seven officers.

He said they were promoted in recognition of their hard work and dedication to service.

Gemu advised the officers, one of whom is the Base Information Officer of the Warri Naval Base, Lt.-Com. Tope Odunaike, not to relent. Said he: “Your elevation to higher ranks shows that you have been given more responsibilities. I am happy to decorate you today. Do not rest on your oars.”

The commanding officer said the Navy was watching its personnel, adding that the officers were recommended for promotion by the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin.

HE presidential posters of Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido are flooding Kano streets.

The posters are everywhere, on Club and Hadejia roads, as well as at Bompai and other strategic locations. They read: ‘Vote for Lamido as PDP (Peoples Democratic Party)

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

presidential candidate in 2015.’

Governor Lamido has not declared any intention to run for the Presidency on the platform of PDP. Political observers believe the posters may have been pasted by Lamido’s loyalists and friends, who

are convinced he has the charisma and is qualified to run for the Presidency.

One of the governor’s loyalists, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, said there was nothing wrong if the governor contested the poll.

Asked about the possibility of President Goodluck Jonathan contesting,

he said: “For now, Mr. President has not declared his intention to contest.

But if he does, there is nothing wrong if anybody slugs it out with him at the primaries.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been tactically campaigning for Lamido to contest the presidency on PDP’s platform.

Doctors yet to resume at FMC Lokoja

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DAY after the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) called off its nationwide strike, doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja, Kogi State, are yet to resume.

When The Nation called at the hospital about 11:52am yesterday, patients were waiting for resident doctors.

A source said members of the local chapter of the NMA were deliberating on the issue.

An attendant at the front desk confirmed that patients

From James Azania, Lokoja

were yet to be attended to because resident doctors have not resumed duties.

Said the source: “These are their (patients’) cards, but resident doctors have not resumed. We are still expecting them.”

The Chief Medical Director, Dr. Dada Gbadebo Eleshi, said he just came out of a meeting with resident doctors, adding that other issues were involved.

He said the doctors “will

resume duty.”

His words: “They have just left my office. They will resume, although they still have some issues to address.”

The former Chairman of the local NMA, Dr. Kazeem Oluwamuyiwa Davies, described the call-off as momentary.

He said the national body, among other things, agreed with the government for the recall of the resident doctors before it suspended its strike.

“We are suspending the strike based on an understanding that the resident doctors will be called back.

Without the resident doctors, the consultants cannot work and as it is now, I cannot see any activity going on.

“Over 70 per cent of the doctors at the hospital are resident doctors.

“They don’t even have medical officers, so government has to do the needful. It is not as if resident doctors were employed without a legal backing.”

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

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Dansharu emerges Kano PDP chair

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kano State chapter, elected yesterday Alhaji Rabiu Dansharu Kiru as the chairman.

Ebonyi State former Governor Sam Egwu, who supervised the election, said Dansharu defeated Senator Masuad Doguwa with 1,109 votes against 458 votes.

The winner thanked members for giving him the mandate to lead the party.

He pledged to operate an

T

From Barnabas Manyam Yola

other security operations through the former aide to the governor, which started in November 2013, and joint funding by the state government and local government areas for the N30million given to the Ministry of Health to buy customised drugs for expectant mothers and children on a monthly basis, which started in 2011.”

The ministry also said approvals were given by JAAC for a N10.5million given to the Ministry of Information for the funding of media establishments in Adamawa State, especially Adamawa

Television (ATV), Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and APL, starting from 2011.

The permanent secretary refuted the fraud of over N2billion as alleged by media reports, asserting that they were false and wicked.

He observed with dismay, the reports that the ministry was unable to account for N10million in its submissions to the commission.

Dauda expressed shock that “such baseless report that the former ADC to Nyako was collecting N2billion annually from the ministry is sheer mischief and paucity of knowledge because nothing

From James Azania, Lokoja

T

•Nyako

like that happened.”

He said it was a lie to say the former ADC collected N2billion monthly from local governments for the police.

ACCA urges Nigeria to justify ‘MINT’ status

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HE Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the global body for professional accountants, has urged Nigeria to live up to its status as a new economy hub.

Nigeria, Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey are referred to as the next economy frontiers with an acronym, ‘MINT’.

The country is expected to take a cue from the BRIC nations - Brazil, Russia, India

By Precious Igbonwelundu

and China. It is expected to increase opportunities for accountants.

“Many people will be aware that Nigeria, alongside Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey, forms part of a new acronym, ‘MINT’, the next big thing. They will also be aware that the world is watching to see if the ‘MINT’ countries will become an influential group as their

‘BRIC’ predecessors.

“This highlights the increasing role Nigeria is playing in the global economy,” Goldman Sachs Bank said.

ACCA hoped that through its Nigerian branch, the nation would create a platform at the BRIC Summit to address increased training of Nigerian accountants to create more opportunities for them at the global level.

“It is an issue which members of ACCA Nigeria’s Na-

open-door policy to strengthen the party and give members a sense of belonging.

One of the party stakeholders, who preferred anonymity, said the election was to reposition PDP for the general elections.

He said the party would win the governorship poll, stressing that the leadership was planning strategies to realise the dream.

‘Stop insulting Imo govt’

Nyako’s ADC did not collect N2b’ HE Permanent Secretary, Adamawa State Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Mr. Kennedy Dauda, has denied a report accusing an aide to former Governor Murtala Nyako of collecting billions of naira monthly for the police and other security agencies.

Dauda, who spoke before the Justice Bobbo Umar Commission of Enquiry probing the former governor, said the report was a misrepresentation of facts.

He said: “JAAC’s approval is N6.5million from the local government areas for the services of Operation Tsaro and

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

tional Advisory Committee (NAC) discussed at a meeting. ACCA Nigeria will work with NAC to ensure that employers, businesses, students and parents are aware of the scope of work that ACCA members can undertake and will speak to the government and the regulators to ensure there is clarity over the contributions ACCA members make to the Nigerian business community,” ACCA added.

HE Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Ohiri, has described as falsehood and unprofessional, the publication in local tabloids that two monarchs from the state were detained in Abuja.

Eze Ohiri, who addressed reporters at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, on his return from Abuja, said he and Eze Chijioke Okwara of Nkwere were only invited for interrogation by the Director of Operations, State Security Service (SSS), on August 21.

The royal father said they repeated their visit the next day, as they did not see the director the previous day.

He said the visit was in connection with a petition by Chief Cletus Ilomuanya, the deposed traditional ruler of Obinugwu autonomous community, alleging threat to his life.

Although Eze Ohiri said he was not privy to the petition, questions concerning the Iriji cultural festival performed by Chief Ilomuanya were raised as well as issues on the traditional institution and security in the state.

The monarch said no one constituted a threat to Ilomuanya, stressing that the deposed traditional ruler had no right to perform the Iriji ceremony as the ‘Obi of Obinugwu’, since he had been dethroned by the government.

PVC: Group seeks extension

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SOCIO-POLITICAL organisation, Oyo Advocate Group, has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Attahiru Jega, to extend the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration by two weeks.

It said it would be an opportunity for every eligible voter to register.

The group’s Chairman,

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Comrade Sayo Alagbe, in a statement, enjoined the INEC boss to extend the registration.

The body frowned at the slow pace of the exercise, saying the call for the extension followed INEC’s slow beginning caused by the late arrival of personnel at polling units, distribution of defective computers and weak batteries.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

10

CITYBEATS Two Beninoise held with human parts O

PERATIVES of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two Beninoise, Gerard Djassau and Sassau Djimon, for allegedly being in possession of a human skull.

It was gathered that Djassau, a native doctor in Benin Republic, was arrested on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway with a human skull concealed in a box.

Following interrogation, Djassau, 32, confessed that he got the skull from a herbalist friend in his Cotonou home.

Djimon, also a native doctor, who resides at Owode Egba in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, was said to be expecting Djassau to deliver the human parts to him when he was arrested.

The suspects, it was learnt, were first arrested by policemen from the Badagry Police Division on August 1, before their case was transferred to the Special Anti-

L

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

Robbery Squad (SARS).

Djassau, a father of two, said he brought the skull to Lagos for Djimon, for them to use to “get more spiritual powers”.

Speaking through an interpreter, he said: “I have come to Nigeria only once - last year. During that visit, I came as a native doctor to see a fellow practitioner in Abeokuta. That was also the time I met Djimon. So, I told him I was travelling and would come later to meet him.

“I needed more powers to treat more ailments; and I said I was going to get the parts which would be needed to seek these powers. I knew very well that it was a crime because my heart was not even at rest as we approached Lagos. Eventually, I was caught. I did not kill the person. We don’t kill

people in my community.

They get the parts from whoever was killed by any mysterious means such as thunder, lightning and other spells. Such people are not to be buried so that they will not defile the land.”

Djimon, 28, claimed he was truly expecting Djassau to visit him, adding that he was not aware that he was coming with a human skull.

Djimon, a father of five, said: “Although I am a Benin national, I grew up in Lagos; that is why I can speak Yoruba. I work as a native doctor too in the Owode Egba area of Abeokuta. I treat barren women and people with epilepsy, blood pressure and other ailments.

“When Djassau came to my house last year, he consulted our fellow native doctors and said he needed more powers for his work. When he was leaving, he told me he would be bringing an idol for me from Benin Re-

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Council chief dismisses ‘suspension’

By Basirat Braimah

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•The suspects with the skull ... yesterday

public, which would be used to get the powers. I did not know he was bringing a human skull until policemen stormed my house to arrest me.”

Their arrest, it was learnt, followed an order by the former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Umar Manko, directing the SARS, to take over the case.

Three Lagos communities lament bad roads

EADERS and residents of Oshorun, Ilemere and Orupodi in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Government Area of Lagos State have decried the poor state of their road.

They said the bad IbesheOshorun, Ilemere and Orupodi road is affecting socio-economic activities in the communities.

The communities urged Governor Babatunde Fashola to look into their

complaints.

During a protest last weekend, they blamed dredgers, who use heavy-duty vehicles for destroying the road.

Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA), Mr. Martins Leye Adedipo and Secretary, Mr. Sam Olawa Sigbeku, said the major road and other adjoining roads were deplorable, while sections that are motorable are in “poor

state”.

Adedipo said most commercial vehicle and motorcycle operators had abandoned the road; the few remaining “hike their fares astronomically.”

Adedipo said: “Private vehicle can no longer ply this road and other access roads since the vehicles are constantly taken for repairs.

“Residents, often times, resort to trekking long distances in the morning while

going to work and coming back, leading to valuable man-hour lost and increasing the stress level of the residents.

“Most times, school buses breakdown, taking its toll on the children’s education and health. Pregnant women sometimes give birth on the road while being taken to hospitals.”

The communities called on the government to quickly come to their rescue to fix the

road and reduce their suffering.

They claimed that Ilemere is under Lagoon threat, because of the dredgers’ activities.

Another community leader, Pa Joseph Adeola, said entreaties had been made to the government to assist the communities, all to no avail.

“We resorted to self-help most times but the project is far more than what our resources could fix,” he said.

URULERE Local Government Area of Lagos State, Chairman Tajudeen Ajide has dismissed his purported suspension by his councillors.

The councillors reportedly sent a letter to his office yesterday, suspending him indefinitely.

Sources said the “suspension” was aimed at denying the chairman the opportunity of being appointed the executive secretary after the expiration of his tenure in October.

The councillors are said to be acting the script of some people, who are fighting the chairman over some issues.

Yesterday’s move, a source said, may not be unconnected with the success of Ajide’s poverty alleviation programme despite those people’s effort to abort it.

In a telephone chat, Ajide said he was “on top of the situation.”

He said the councillors earlier asked him to defend himself over some phoney allegations, adding that he was surprised to receive another letter suspending him from office indefinitely.

Ajide described the development as unconstitutional, insisting that he remained the chairman.

He urged residents, especially his supporters, to go about their legitimate businesses, saying the matter would be resolved urgently.

Ladipo traders to Fashola: fix our roads

By Basirat Braimah

T •Ashafa (in black) flanked by some of the beneficiaries at the event.

O

VER 1,000 loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been empowered at a Mega Empowerment Programme initiated by Senator ‘Gbenga Ashafa.

The event, which took place at the Iberekodo Primary School in Ibeju-Lekki, drew beneficiaries from the 11 wards in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government area and Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Among items distributed to the beneficiaries are: deep freezers, vulcanising machines, hair dryers, barbing kits, power-generating sets and sewing machines. No fewer than 500 women got cash grant.

Joy as lawmaker empowers constituents

By Wale Ajetunmobi

Ashafa, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, said the gesture was aimed at reducing unemployment, adding: “Before now, we have done a general empowerment programme throughout the five council areas and 11 LCDAs across the district. At Epe and Eredo on March 8, 2013, over 300 women benefited. We have put in place a weekly empowerment programme since March, last year, where men, women, youths and various associations received business tools and equipment.

“This is our own effort to ensure that unemployment is considerably reduced by discouraging our people from seeking white-collar jobs that are visibly unavailable. If every individual can rely on his skills rather than certificates, unemployment will reduce in the society.”

He noted: “Our weekly empowerment programme is just one of the numerous initiatives we have implemented since 2011. Till date, we have successfully executed 76 constituency projects across the district.

Some of these projects include:30 boreholes, 11classroom blocks, two drainage

channels, four ambulance points; 22 transformers, three street lamps on arterial roads, one skill acquisition centre and one science laboratory.”

Advising the beneficiaries, Ashafa said: ”It will be a thing of joy to see all the beneficiaries doing well with these empowerment tools within a few months from now. Our monitoring team will visit the beneficiaries to ascertain how they have utilised the tools and devise a way of assisting them in the event of any challenge.”

The chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Kemi

Surakat, APC chieftains and traditional rulers in the area, lauded the initiative.

A beneficiary, Miss Adebayo, said: “I am more than glad at the moment. I wasn’t expecting this at all; now I can go to any length to announce that the APC is the true party that can bring the dividends of democracy to the common man in the street. I pray that God Almighty will continue to enrich Senator Ashafa for doing this for us”.

Mr Hassan Sodiq, who had been hiring his vulcanising tool to survive daily, showered encomiums on the senator.

HE authority of the Ladipo Auto Spares Market yesterday urged Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to fix the bad roads linking the market.

The roads are: Akinwunmi linking the market with the Five Star bus stop on OshodiApapa Expressway; Ajibade Close, and a long portion of Ladipo Street, linking Toyota bus-stop, Oshodi.

The President of the Ladipo Central Executive Committee (LACEC), Mr. Iyke Animalu, who spoke during the traders’ monthly sanitation, said their containers could no longer access the market because of the bad roads.

He said the traders might not be able to meet their obligations of paying their taxes and rates to the state and Mushin Local Government if the situation persists.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘Nigeria has potential to be among 20 largest economies’ From Franca Ochigbo and Halima Farouk, Abuja

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HE Vice President, Arc Namadi Sambo has said Nigeria has the potential to be among the 20 leading economies in the world, adding that the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) currently standing at $150 billion is a pointer to that possibility.

Speaking during an award ceremony by the National Productivity Centre for 15 individuals and three organisations in Abuja, he said knowledge learnt from the rebasing exercise will help the nation to diversify the economy and increase job opportunities for the youths.

He said: “Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources; we had and still have all that is required to rank among the 20 largest economies in the world.

“The significance of today’s occasion lies in the need to revive and inspire our country men and women to pursue the ideals of higher productivity in every sphere of our personal and corporate national life.

“Against this backdrop, this administration has approved a national policy on productivity in February 2012, the first in our country’s history. This policy seeks to provide for all types of government, a systematic and comprehensive roadmap, a charter for ensuring a planned and balanced, deployment of material and human resources for the benefit and common good of all Nigerians.

“In spite of the daunting challenges, our efforts are yielding positive results. In 2013, we experienced 7.41 per cent in the growth rate of the economy. Power supply is steadily improving and we have our trains back on track with newer more modern system.”

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb RATES Inflation -8.2% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $38.4b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

Sovereign Wealth Funds are managed conservatively.

They don’t borrow money the way banks do, so you can’t compare this business to banking business. This business does not expose itself to that kind of risk. It is not the same thing as private equity •Managing Director/CEO, NSI A, Uche Orji

NPDC’s flow station shut down: Nigeria to lose N2b daily N

IGERIA’S daily crude oil output yesterday decreased by about 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) valued at about N2billion.

This follows the shut down of Erhoike flow station in Ethoipe East Government Area of Delta State by members of Orogun oil producing communities.

The shutdown of the oil facility is coming after weeks of ultimatum issued to the operator of the flow station, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), by the communities.

Leaders of the protesting communities vowed to sustain the face off till the oil firm decided to address their grievances.

Speaking yesterday, the leader of all the oil producing communities in Orogun, Morris Ochuko Idiovwha, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Chief Banet Abafe, Women Leader, Mrs. Mary Umufo, as well as Chief Jettson Efetobor, cited neglect in the provision of basic social amenities,

•Firm alleges blackmail

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

marginalisation in employment and many others as justifications for the protest.

Reacting to the protest, NPDC dismissed it as blackmail, arguing that it was the communities that failed to submit a list of projects they want done when they were requested to do so.

He however added that a meeting to settle the matter had already been arranged, wondering why the communities had to resort to shutting the facility.

Its Manager (External Relations Department),Ugo Atugbokoh, said the protest was in bad taste and done only to get the bad report out through the media.

According to him, when the NPDC reached out to the communities to submit their list of requests so they could be treated along with other host communities of the other eight

flow stations, the Orogun/ Kokori communities footdragged, resulting in their request coming in too late.

“Orogun and Kokori people are just one flow station out of about nine or eight of them in OML 30. When we moved in in January last year we went round all the communities, asking them to give us a list of their projects, some of them sent in their projects like Uzere, so many of them. We have completed so many, some are at advanced stages. Orogun and Kokori didn’t send us their list early. When we eventually got their list to send us contractors to bid for the job was another long journey. The long and short of it is that their request came in very late, management has approved projects for them.

“One of the things they requested was road, we have been to them, even as at last week Tuesday to let us go and inspect this road to update our report

about the road and come up with the detailed BOQ, they refused. Apparently they had this mind to demonstrate and call the press. The Commanding Officer for 222 Battalion invited all of us to a meeting in his office next Wednesday (tomorrow).

There is no need for this demonstration,” Atugbokoh explained.

But according to the leader of the protesting communities, Morris Idiovwha, the action of the people would result in the shortage of the country’s crude oil output up to 44,880 bpd, estimated at about N1.8 billion.

“This Kokori/Orogun flow station has over 42 oil wells.

Recently NPDC made a publication saying that this flow station is the second highest producing flow station in the whole of Delta Central, in the whole of OML 30. In spite of this, the communities are extremely poor without any development. I can tell you that in the whole of Orogun, there is no medical centre. We are saying to NDPC and Shoreline Energy; If they don’t want to heed our demands, they should leave our land.

• Executive Director, Enterprise Bank Limited, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (middle) with the bank’s Regional Head, Lagos Island, Mr. Ijere Oji (left) and its Divisional Head, Retail & e-Business, Mrs. Ori Ogba at the “Enterprise Bank Consumer Fair” at the Idumota Market, Lagos…at the weekend.

Jonathan okays N50b for mechanised farming

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to set aside N50 billion for full scale mechanised farming in Nigeria.

Jonathan said the money will be used to fund the establishment of 1200 agricultural equipment hiring enterprises nationwide.

He spoke at the inauguration of the new 100, 000 metric tonnes (MT) silo complex and the flag off of private sector-driven agricultural equipment hiring enterprises in Kwali Area Council, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Represented by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Goodluck said he had al-

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

ready directed that 590 unit of tractors, 500 power tillers and harvest and post-harvest equipment be used to support women and youths in agriculture.

He said: “As part of our drive to leave behind hoes and cutlasses and to replace them with modern agricultural equipment, I have directed the CBN to set aside N50billion mechanisation intervention fund.

This support fund will speed up the full establishment of the 1200 private sector-driven agricultural equipment hiring enterprises in all states of the federation.”

The president also said the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agri-

culture and Rural Development, had made available N4.5billion to support the refinancing of the acquisition of the tractors by the private sector through the Bank of Agriculture (BoA).

According to him, when fully supported, famers will not only feed the country but will also be a major contributor to feeding the world, adding that 14,000 farmers have been registered this year under the government’s Grow Enhancement Scheme.

The president said: “That is why I launched the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in 2011 so that we will have 20 million mt of food by the year 2015. “Powered by access to new technologies especially the new seedlings and

fertilizers, Nigeria farmers increased national food production by a total of 21 million metric tonnes within the past three years surpassing the 20 million target set for 2015.

“When supported, Nigerian farmers will not only feed Nigeria, they will become a major contributor to feeding the world. As we produce more food, it has become more necessary to expand our food storage capacity and reduce post harvest losses.

“The development of policy grains reserves is central to our policy of stabilising food price for the consumers and assuring guaranteed minimum price and market access to farmers. Much progress has been made in boosting our strategic grains reserve capacity.”

Customs seizes container laden with expired drugs in Lagos

By Oluwakemi Dauda

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HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yester day intercepted a container laden with expired drugs and other pharmaceutical items at the Lagos port.

The items were seized at the Port and Terminal Multipurpose Services Limited (PTML), Tin-can Island Port, by its Area Comptroller, Mr Folorunsho Adegoke.

He said the container was shipped into the country from the United States (U.S.) by a non-governmental oganisation (NGO) as personal effect discovered during physical examination by his men.

According to the Adegoke, the NGO was given duty waiver to import the items as donation but expressed shock when it discovered that most of the imported medicines have expired, while few were on the brinks of expiration.

It was discoverd that majority of the imported drugs have expiry date of 2011, 2012 and April 30 this year.

The imported items included Shiley 6 DCT, Syringe, Novaplus, hand gloves, N-92 particulate respirators, Argon, Nanny clothes, Leparoscopy pack, crape bandages, wheel chairs, Monochrome printer, computers, hospital mattresses , furniture, lab equipment among others.

The items were imported into the country in container number CCNU 47007745GI., Adegoke, who displayed the items, said the drugs were mixed up with medical equipment and other items in a 40 foot container.

Although, the area comptroller did not give the value of the items, sources close to the Command alleged that it was over N20million.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Paul Orhii, who was represented by the Director, Port Inspection, Moreen Ebigbeyi said the agency has taken over the items inside the container for destruction, promising that the importer will not go unpunished.

She said the agency was happy that Customs intercepted the expired drugs at port because it would be harmful to Nigerians if allowed to be cleared by the dubious U.S. importer.

She said the NGO got approval for the importation of specific drugs that would expire in 2015 and beyond but went ahead to bring expired drugs into the country.

“It is very expensive to destroy drugs abroad because of the environmental laws and that is why the items were shipped into our country. The Federal Government will not pay for the destruction of these drugs, the importer will pay for it,” she said.

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THE NATION

BUSINESS

TRANSPORTATION

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

Ebola: FRSC distributes Okada trade is undignifying, protective gears to officers says NLC chief T S HOULD Nigerians accept commercial motorcycle popularly known as okada as a form of public transportation?

No, says Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Issa Aremu. “Okada is very undignifying and the job, very risky,” he said.

Speaking in Lagos, Aremu said okada should be banned outright.

Aremu said: “Let us all continue to give the government the needed support to revive acceptable modes of transportation that would address mass transportation and one that we would all be proud of as a people. Okada is demeaning and dehumanising and can never be an alternative to mass transportation in this country.”

He urged Lagosians to continue to support government’s investments in the public transportation sector, which according to him, remains the way out of unemployment and poverty.

Many, he said, would benefit from jobs that could be created by the inter-modal means of transportation, rather than the risky job of okada.

Facts, he said, showed that the rate of okada related accidents and okada related crimes have dropped across the state, add-

Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

ing that these should be supported and strengthened.

About two weeks ago, the Lagos State House of Assembly initiated moves to amend the Schedule II of the Lagos State Traffic Law 2012, restricting okada operation on the highways, 495 major roads, bridges and pedestrian walkways.

Citing continued operators’ complaints of harassment, extortion and confiscation of their motorcycles even on approved routes by policemen, the law makers, in a resolution, urged Governor Babatunde Fashola to prevail on the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko, (who was then the Commissioner of Police), to order his men to stop apprehending operators, pending the amendment to the law.

The government distanced itself from the move as the Commissioner of Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, denied government’s knowledge of the proposed amendment.

He said: “Okada business is not a decent job, it is not unionised and not pensionable. I admit that people go into it because of economic pressure, but there was a

• Aremu

time in this country when okada was never an option. Let us go back to that era. Let us collectively say no to okada as a form of transportation.

HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has provided its officers with protective tools to protect them from the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Boboye Oyeyemi who stated this in Abuja, said such measures were aimed at protecting them.

He said protective tools such as sanitisers, gloves, nose guards, clinic gowns and others were provided for the officers because they are usually in contact with people in the course of their duty.

Oyeyemi, who spoke at a strategic session with commanding officers at the COMASE Training Hall of FRSC, said: “The Corps’ operatives are in constant contact with victims of road crashes. We equally provide medical services to members of the public at all our road side clinics on strategic highways; hence the need to provide these gears for our men in order to safe guard them from unforeseen circumstances especially the raging Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).”

Oyeyemi said the training and strategic session was informed by the need for the Corps to appraise and strengthen its poli-

Rail workers demand more pay

Nigerian heads Africa Railway Workers union

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OME trainee-staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), have appealed to the Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, for a salary review.

The workers who are undergoing technical and vocational education training, said their N15,000 salary is poor.

One of them said they may review their stand to suspend the strike which was arrived at, on the strength of Tukur’s intervention, if the management failed to meet their demand.

“Based on Tukur’s intervention, our leaders gave the management one month grace, which will elapse on August 28, to enable them act on our demand,” one of them who did not want his name mentioned said.

The workers spoke after the flagoff of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P)-funded Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) for the 1,800 workers to service the Lagos-Kano route.

At the event which took place at the Railway Training Institute in Ebute-Metta, Lagos Mainland, Tukur however assured of the board’s commitment to their welfare.

“The board, and management of the NRC place high premium on staff training and welfare, as this is the best way to enhance productivity and results” he said.

The training cut across major de-

cies as the countdown to the end of 2014 begins. He said the session is a platform to evaluate the Corps’ projections and activities to achieve set goals.

“We are looking to further strengthen our policies that we have been working on. And as we are moving towards the end of the year, there is need for us to appraise the level of patrol operations and the crashes, to be able to take important policy decisions so as to move forward to achieve the goals set for the year. In addition, we are aware of the risk our personnel are involved in both in office and especially during rescue operations on the highway. The essence of this is safeguarding our personnel against contracting the Ebola virus while on duty.”

The management would be providing the necessary tools such as sanitisers, the gloves, the gabs, everything required.

And also our clinics especially the roadside clinics we have already provided protective gabs for them so that when they have contact with members of the public they are protected, because during rescue operations, during removal of obstructions we do have contacts with other people so we must ensure that we protect our personnel which is critical,” he said.

• Cross section of the TVET trainees

partments such as train operations, track maintenance, mechanical, electrical, signalling and telecommunications.

He said the new set of workers would take over from the aging and retiring workforce.

Tukur charged the workers to apply their skills to improve the corporation’s fortunes, promising that they would continue to receive trainings to support ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and modernise railway.

NRC Managing Director Adeseyi Sijuwade said the training confirmed government’s transformation agenda for the railway sector, a consolidation of the huge investments in the rehabilitation of tracks and procurement of modern rolling stock.

He said: “Given the Federal Government’s huge investment in rehabilitation of tracks and procure-

ment of rolling stock, it became absolutely important to continuously train and develop the human resources that will be required to man the railway assets and that is why the corporation is collaborating with SURE-P in organising a training programme for the new cadre of NRC staff on Grade Level 04 to 06.”

The first phase of the training is designed for over 1,800 workers recruited for the Western Line he said, while the second phase would train another 1,600 workers new staff who would be deployed on the Eastern Line.

Sijuwade praised the Fedral Government for the sustained resuscitation of the railway pointing out that the sector would need more financial support to actualise the transformation agenda.

He said the corporation would take delivery of five 68-seater air conditioned coaches next month,

which would be deployed to the Eastern line corridor which rehabilitation is nearing completion.

TVET Coordinator Mr. John Sokwa said the SURE-P intervention has created 5,000 jobs across all sectors in the last three years, adding that the agency’s intervention in the railway would ensure that many youths get firsthand experience of other cultures as they would be deployed on the LagosKano route.

Former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Mr Peter Esele said the SURE-P intervention would not only lead to fundamental transformation of the railway but would create jobs for the teeming youth and strengthen the economy.

Esele praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his commitment to transforming the railway, which he described as the ‘mother’ of workers’ unionism in the country.

HE President-General of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers (NUR), Comrade Raphael Benjamin Okoro, has been elected President of Africa Railway Workers Union (ARWU).

Okoro was elected at the 43rd World Congress of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) in Sofia, Bulgaria.

“The election of our Comrade President-General to this lofty position is in recognition of his experience and exemplary leadership he has been giving at both local and international circles of trade union activities and we strongly believe that this will significantly advance the prominence of the rail transport subsector of the continent and that of our nation at the centre stage of the world in general,” Deputy President-General of NUR, Comrade Yakubu Mohammed said.

ITF was founded in 1896 as a global federation of transport workers’ trade unions. ARWU, African Charter of ITF, is the Trade Union platform through which ITF coordinates its numerous affiliate trade unions in Africa among which is Nigeria Union of Railway Workers.

Okoro began his trade union activities in 1982, when he was elected the union branch Chairman of the Eastern District of Nigerian Railway. He rose to the post of National Trustee in 1999.

He became the President-General of the NUR in 2007 through a keenly contested election. He returned un-opposed as President-General of the NUR in 2011.

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THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

NIMASA acquires equipment to fight oil theft, piracy • Air Force, Navy join battle

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HE game is up for oil thieves and pirates operating on the nation’s territorial waters. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has acquired a surveillance equipment for monitoring illegal activities on the maritime corridor.

NIMASA will operate the equipment in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy. They are collaborating to curb oil theft, piracy and other criminalities, The Nation has learnt.

More than 5,000 international ships ply the territorial waters yearly. Some of the vessels, sources said, violate international laws by engaging in illegal activities.

The Airf Force has acquired three maritime 128-6, F27 and ATR-42-500 jets and other planes to monitor the activities of oil thieves and other criminals.

The high-tech plane ATR-42-500 jet is one of the seven to be operated by NIMASA and the Air Force.

According to Air Force Sergeant Sunday Olalekan Omotosho, the plane is fitted with sensors, radar and Electro-Optic Surveillance and Tracking (EOST) equipment, which houses three cameras to monitor ships in Nigerian waters.

“When fully operational, no vessel can escape our coverage,” he told reporters before a demonstration flight from Lagos to Escravos in the Niger Delta and over offshore platforms in the oilproducing Southeast.

The 20-seat plane can fly as low as 200 feet (60 metres) above the sea and passes on information about maritime traffic to the navy, who can intervene with fast-attack craft if necessary, he

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Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

added.

“Our aim is to fight all manner of maritime crimes in the country. With this aircraft, we can spot any vessel hundreds of kilometres (miles) away,” said Group Captain Enobong Eneh Effiom.

The aircraft is inscribed with the words: “Vigilance over the ocean.”

NIMASA’s Director, Shipping Development, Captain Warred Enisuoh, who led the NIMASA team during an air tour, explained that the cameras installed in the planes function well at night based on their high powered lights.

He said the nation loses 200,000 barrels of crude oil to stealing daily.

“For any sustainable and meaningful growth in the maritime sector, a robust maritime domain awareness system is inevitable.

NIMASA has, therefore, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force to enhance water patrol and aerial surveillance of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“Our collaboration with the Air force will assist NIMASA in tackling the challenges of large and unrestricted navigational areas, small and non-cooperative objects taking advantage of the dense maritime activity to conceal their actions and it would also protect the ports and ships against attacks,” Enisuoh said.

He said the agency is striving to ensure that the government and security agencies have access to accurate, comprehensive and upto-the-minute situation data of the vessel traffic at sea.

The jets, it was learnt, were built

Akpobolokemi and Air Vice Marshal Adesola Odunlade speaking to reporters before taking off for the maritime surveillance tour at Air Force Base, Ikeja.

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

in France and equipped in Italy with radars, cameras and other security gargets.

It was gathered that the Navy has also acquired an equipment called Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Centre (RMAC) to aid the fight against oil theft.

The equipment, findings showed, was imported from Japan for about N2 billion. It has high-frequency radio and longrange cameras, capable of spotting ships up to 48 kilometres away on the water.

“From the domain awareness centre, we can see ships from anywhere in the world coming or leaving our maritime space. It also gives us the ability to ascertain the actual threat the vessel poses,” the official said.

The idea for the tripartite collaboration, a source said, started about two years ago when the Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, spoke of a faster maritime safety and security network.

Ebola: Customs not taking chances, says Comptroller

HE Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is not leaving anything to chance in fight against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The Area Controller, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, has said the Command would ensure adequate security at the border to prevent foreigners from bringing in the virus.

Speaking with The Nation, he said the Command was mindful of the health and security challenges in the country, adding that, it has beefed up security to ensure that there is no economic sabotage, or lapses that could lead to the spread of the virus through the border.

Egbudin said he had instructed

his officers to be extra vigilant, stressing that efforts were being intensified by border health officials to contain the disease.

The command, he said, had sensitised the people of the area, adding: “There are no serious challenges in carrying out Customs duties as officers and men are effectively providing the services as constitutionally required to satisfy all the traders and importers around the border.”

He said the Command was interfacing with other security agencies and stakeholders to maintain peace and security, stressing that there was no cause for alarm with the 24- hour security checks embarked upon by the Command

On smuggling, he said efforts were being intensified to create more platforms for talks involving Customs, leaders of the border communities and the youth to reduce smuggling through intelligence gathering and information sharing.

Some of the youth who have abandoned the illicit trade, he said, were acting as sources of information to arrest smugglers.

Egbudin said his officers and other security agents were working together to secure the country and promote the growth of the economy.

He solicited more co-operation with security agents and stakeholders by the border communities in the fight against Ebola.

It was learnt that NIMASA sought the help of the Air Force when it discovered that the war against pirates was complicated.

With the equipment in the planes, NIMASA can monitor even the “unusual movement of vessels” at sea and keep their records, the source said, adding

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that Air Force officers on board will help in NIMASA’s maritime safety operations, including search-and-rescue (SAR) mission and environmental protection.

The jets, it was learnt, draw on the latest technology to provide a reliable, round-the-clock monitoring.

How to grow Maritime Varsity, by ANLCA

HE Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State, promotes human capacity building.

The university, it said, should develop youths to take up vital maritime jobs.

ANLCA President Prince Olayiwola Shittu said maritime is a global and lucrative business, stressing that the Federal Government must empower youths and enrich the country through the university.

Shittu said it was not enough for the President to inaugurate the university, rather the government must ensure that the university employs staff and admits students for academic activities to begin.

The promoters of the university, he said, must ensure it is alive to its statutory responsibilities.

The institution, Shittu said, must

be made to provide the human capacity required for the sector in addition to serving as a research and knowledge centre for academics and the youths who are interested in the acquisition of maritime training and knowledge.

He noted that the establishment of the university was in furtherance of NIMASA’s passion for building local capacity in the sector and, ultimately, for the export of manpower. He praised the agency, urging the Federal Government, officials of the Ministry of transport and NIMASA to key into the objectives.

ANLCA, Shittu said, was happy that NIMASA also sponsored the establishment of maritime institutes in four universities namely, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Niger Delta University, Amasoma, Bayelsa State, and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State to boost maritime education and business in the county.

Shipowners association to hold election

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HE Nigerian Indigenous Ship-owners Association (NISA) will hold its general election on October 9, this year.

Al the offices are open to contest after the pioneer Chairman of the group, Chief Isaac Jolapamo, pleaded with the members to allow him to step down, after a decade of leadership.

NISA General Secretary Capt.

Niyi Labinjo, sources said, has declared his intention to run for the office of the chairman.

Captain Labinjo said: “I am

ready for the NISA battle.”

He, however, promised to build on the gains inherited from Jolapamo led administration.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), it was learnt, would conduct the election.

Chief Jolapamo, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho and Capt. Labinjo conceived the idea of an association that would represent the interests of Nigerian shipowners, and the maritime industry when the Cabotage Law was established in 2003.

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THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) has concluded plans to implement a new charge regime on ground, office rents, apron pass, terminal car stickers, car permits as well as operational vehicle stickers. This development has drawn the ire of airlines, ground handling firms and other concessionaires at the Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt airports. They argue that the development will not only push them out business, it could force them to cut corners. Aviation Correspondent, KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR , reports.

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HE bid by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to generate revenue has pitted it against airlines, ground handling firms, catering outlets, cargo companies and other concessionaires at the Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt airports.

The operators have vowed to block the airport authority from collecting new rents on ground and offices, car permits and operational vehicle stickers, describing the move as wrong.

The resistance of the operators is coming on the heels of the rise in the charges. Some operators say the new charge might have adverse effects on their business.

Industry watchers warn that the exhorbitant tariff could force operators to cut corners, thereby having serious infraction on air safety and security.

Ground handling firms, domestic and foreign airlines, catering outlets and other ancillary service providers at the Murtala Muhammed,Port Harcourt and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airports have raised the alarm over arbitrary charges rolled out by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

According to investigations, the increase in the charges range from 30 per cent in some categories to over 1,566 per cent increment in others.

However, stakeholders, acting under the auspices of Airport Operators Committee (AOC), comprising the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, (SAHCOL), the Nigerian Aviation Handling, Company, (NAHCo), Plc local and foreign airlines and concessionaires to FAAN are mapping out strategy to resist the authority from enforcing the charges.

Major international cargo airlines, including DHL, Cargolux, Emirates Cargo, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo Airlines, IAS Cargo and Kenya Airways and others are affected by the new regime.

The President, Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN), Mr Kingsley Nwokoma, described the new charges as unacceptable.

He said foreign airlines had written to FAAN to express disapproval to the new rates. FAAN, he said, was yet to respond to its letters.

This development has led airlines and other operators to park some of their operational vehicles outside the apron to avoid payment of the new charges.

But the General Manager, Corporate Communications FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, described the new charges as part of efforts to boost revenue.

Dati said: "The new charges are in line with the general increase of our tariff last year. The new rate was not affected till this year, to give the operators ample notice.

FAAN applied static rate in the last 11 years as its cost recovery strategy. ‘’The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recognises that whatever service is rendered should include cost recovery. The maintenance of runway, terminals and other safety infrastructure has necessitated this measure which is for the sake of

• The terminal building of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Firms reject new airport tariff safety."

A document by FAAN showed that under the new charges, airlines, ground handling companies, airline catering outfits in Lagos are expected to pay N2,000 per square metre as opposed to the old rate of N1,500 per square metre, which represents over 33.333 per cent.

Ground handling firms, airlines and other service providers in Lagos are also expected to pay N60,000 as opposed to the old rate of N30,000 representing over 100 per cent increase.

Operators in Lagos are to pay N150,000 for apron pass as opposed to the old rate of N50,000, representing 400 per cent increase.

In Port Harcourt, ground handling companies, airlines and other operators are expected to pay N2,000 as ground rent per square metre as opposed to the old rate of N500 per square metre representing 300 per cent increase.

For apron pass in Port Harcourt, the affected firms are expected to pay N1.2 million as the new rate as opposed to N250, 000 representing over 380 per cent increase.

The affected firms are requested to pay a new charge of N20,000 and N500,000 for car permit and operational vehicles sticker.

In Abuja, the new rate for apron pass is N250,000 as opposed to N250,000, which represents over 1,566 per cent increase.

According to an official of the affected firms, who declined to mentioned his name in print, such arbitrary increase in charges by FAAN could act as a disincentive to investors in the sector.

He said the new charge is having adverse effects on the revenue of the firms at the three airports, adding that if not properly managed it could affect safety.

He said to avoid the new rates, operators may be forced to cut corners, a development that is inimical to the growth and development of the industry.

He said FAAN should carry stakeholders along in their bid to introduce new charges, such that

operators could adjust.

He said: "What I think FAAN should have done is to carry stakeholders along, while increasing their various charges. I am convinced that these charges just increased for operators in three airports are arbitrary. It is already affecting many firms. There was no effective communication with stakeholders. With what they have done, airlines and others would find it difficult to invest in the airports, because arbitrary increase on operational charges could be introduced anytime.

Such inconsistency in policies confirms the arbitrariness in the system. I wish FAAN would focus on non aeronautical sources of revenue, as it is done in other parts of the world."

Investigations also shows that the new charges are exclusive of the five per cent turnover the agency collects from most of its clients annually while it also receives about seven per cent on each kilogramme of cargo cleared for importation by ground handling services.

Meanwhile, a source hinted that some of the old charges were introduced a few years wondering why the agency would want to increase the fees within barely 24

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months after.

The source said: "We, as AOC members, have met several times with FAAN on these new charges and told them that we won't be able to pay them because they are so arbitrary that we can't afford them. In other developed airports, some of these charges are not paid by operators, but FAAN is forcing them on us.

"However, FAAN officials have been going round disrupting our operations and causing unnecessary delay to our clients, especially at the tarmac. We have even written a petition to the Ministry of Aviation on this, but till now, we have not received any response from them. It is unheard of anywhere that you increase charges yearly, especially in a sector that we are striving to survive.’’

The managing director of one of the ground handling firms, who pleaded not be named, urged the government to create more spaces for operators in cargo business.

The creation of additional space, he said, had become key because of the volume of cargo and equipment they use at the airside.

"We don't need to be begging for space, especially when we said we are giving an option to allow private sector participation, how do

you help them if they continue to beg for space; if they are continually denied of space, how do they expand?

"Warehousing cargo is the duty of handling companies and airlines that are in it,’’ he said.

He, however, said the FAAN might want to build warehouses but it must offer it to a handling company that would manage it.

He said FAAN has no business in cargo handling. He said: "Absolutely, they are our landlord; they are the owners of the airports. FAAN is the landlord; we are the ones to move in, since we say it is private partnership. You want private investors to come in; when they invest, how do they get their money back; if we have a competitor, who is our landlord?"

The chief executive of another cargo company, who also pleaded not to be named, identified erratic power supply as part of the challenges ground handling firms are struggling with at the airports.

He said: "Infrastructure at most of the airports are not in top shape.

Power supply is the biggest challenge. It has increased the cost of operations. We are hopeful that with privatisation of the power sector, things will improve. We are also recommending to the government that there should be an independent power project for the airports. This will enhance power supply to the airports. ‘’This is not our problem alone, but a significant problem for the private sector. It has affected us a bit. We run several generators and provide some infrastructure around the airports such as Closed Circuit Television (CCTVs) and a lot of other things. ‘’At the end of the day, because the primary issue in this industry revolves around safety and security, we cannot but do these things because if we don't, we might not be in business. ‘’If you look at our results in 2011 and 2012, at the profit and loss, you will see that we have been spending lots of money to maintain those things. It's part of the cost of doing business, but we sincerely hope and pray that with the privatisation of power and other reforms being undertaken by the Federal Government, we will see the impacts of those things on our cost profile and we can become more profitable and give our shareholders more dividends."

Air traffic controllers seek better workplace

HE National Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) has expressed concerns over the poor state of control towers at the Jos and Kano airports.

The controllers said the control towers at the airports are bad. calling on the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to improve their working condition.

The President and the General Secretary of the association, Messrs Victor Eyaru and Banji Olawode, stated this in a statement in Lagos.

NATCA said: “The ATCs work environment should be made conducive for controllers. Worthy of mention are control towers in Jos and Kano.

“The installation of equipment at

the Kano new control tower has not been completed after many years of waiting.

“Despite improvements recorded in recent months, the problem with the ATC communication at the two Area Control Centres in Lagos (127.3MHz) and Kano (124.1MHz & 128.5MHz) and that of Kano Centre is worst. It needs further attention.

“The installation of equipment at the Kano new control tower has not been completed after many years of waiting. The complete abandonment of the repair work on centre taxiway at the Murtala Muhammed Airport for over five years has reduced the capacity of the airport considerably, leaving controllers and pilots to sweat it out at busy

periods.

“ATC have not been trained for the past two years while those that have been trained have not been posted for the on-the-job training towards completion of the training up to four years after the commencement of the training. This, the NAMA Management blamed on no money. Training should be taken more seriously if the present level of air safety is to be maintained and surpassed.”

The union proffered that provision of Controller–pilot data link communications (CPDLC) for data communication between pilots and controllers would reduce the sole dependence on voice communication.

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

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Ode Sam Anwu, late of 41 Road, Block 14, Flat 2, Gowon Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2012 at Nigeria Navy Ref. Hospital, Ojo, Lagos.

Popoola Olalekan late of 9, Ayodele Amosu Street, Itoga Badagry, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of January, 2012 at General Hospital, Badagry.

Lawrence Temitope Oyedotun, late of 26, Sefiu Laidi, Agric, Ikroodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

Mrs Christiana Omotoke Bankole, late of 1, Noble Street, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of September, 1999 at Lagos.

Tom Francis Udoh (Otherwise known as Tom Francis Udo) late of 12, Fapowo Street, Ajuwon, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of August, 2012 at Akwa Ibom State.

Mrs Victoria Ozorji (Otherwise known as Ozorji Victoria ) late of 6, Aro Street, Amukoko, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who die dintestate on the 6th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Henry Areghefe Erivradhe, (Otherwise known as Mr Henry Erivradhe Areghefe and Henry Erivradhe) late of 69, Ariyo Street, Ira Quarters, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of September, 2005 at Lagos.

Elechi Godfrey (Otherwise known as Elechi Godfrey Nwagwu) late of 7, Onikewula Street, Shogunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of May, 2013 at Ojo, Lagos.

Abiyere Anthony (Ikweretse) (Otherwise known as Abiyere Anthony) late of Block 53, Flat 9, Amuwo Odofin , Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of October, 2013 at Delta State.

Mrs Risikat Aroyewun, late of Block 514, Flat 3, 2nd Estate, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of April , 2013 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Mr Temitope Sansa Osagie,(Otherwise known as Mr Sansa Temitope) late of 5, Oladokun Street, Morogbo, Agbara, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of June, 2010 at Eko Hospital.

Tijani Musa Atanda, late of 1, Alashe Compound , Agbara, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Okata Obisie (Otherwise known as Okata Obisie Ubani and Ubani ) late of 6,Aiyetoro Street, Clement , Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

Edward Okoro, late of 10, Koya Street, Offin Ikorodu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Romeo Barberopoulos (Otherwise known as Barberopoulos Romeo (MFR) late of 27, Remifani Kayode Avenue, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who die dintestate on the 19th day of April, 2012 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Adenola Opeolu Kehinde, late of 9, Ogundipe Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of December, 2013 at Lagos.

James Udoh John (Otherwise known as Udoh James) late of 1, Alonge Street, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of April, 2011 at Jon Ken Hospital, Akoka ,Yaba.

Michael Akanni Ogunji (Otherwise known as Ogunji Micheal Akanni) late of 16, Adedoyin Street, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Sotubo Babatunde (Otherwise known as Shotubo Babatunde) late of 6, Liasu Road, Egbe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of June, 2008 at Lagos.

Sunday Okonkwo Chiekwe (Otherwise known as Mr Sunday Okonkwo , Chikwe Sunday and Chiekwe Sunday) late of 28, Ado Avenue, Sibiri, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2012 at General Hospital, Badagry.

Adeniji Kehinde Mufutau (Otherwise known as Kehinde Mufutau Adeniji or Adeniji Kehinde Mufu) late of 87, Dopemu Road, Papa Ashafa, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of May, 2013 at Lagos State Univeristy Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

Mr Emeka Nnodu, late of 47, Harison Sholaja, Ago Place Way, Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of August, 2009 at South Africa.

Adesanya Ezekiel Olugbenga (Otherwise known as Adesanya E. Olugbenga) late of 10, Olayiwola Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2013 at Abeokuta.

Mr Adeyemi David Taiwo (Otherwise known as David Taiwo Adeyemi) late of 20, Alhaja Wasilat Street, Ojodu, Off Abiodun Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of March, 2014 at Ogun State.

Njoku Adline Maduanusi (Otherwise known as Adline Madunanusi) late of 57, Isiba Oluwo Street, Orelope, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of July, 2013 at Lagos.

Isiaka Sunmonu (Otherwise known as Isiaka Aremu Sunmonu) late of 76, Suberu Oje Road, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

Micheal Olatunji Otusanya (Otherwise known as M.O.Otusanya and Otusanya Micheal Olatunji) late of Block 351, Flat 2, Low Cost Housing Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Mile 2, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of November, 2008 at Oyo State.

Kassab Paul, late of 8, Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of June, 2008 at Lagos.

Alphonsus Okpalama, late of 227, Pillar Street, Ojo Alaba, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of September, 2013 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Olaniyi Samuel Ogunsan (Otherwise known as Ogunsan Niyi) late of 58, Haruna Street, College Road, Ifako Ijaiye, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of January, 2014 at Lagos.

Eric Frempong Otchere (Otherwise known as Evang Otchere Eric) late of 1, Major Ophiohonren Street, Iba Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of May, 2013 at Iba, Lagos.

Mr Adewale Odegbile, (Otherwise known as Odegbile Adewole) late of 7, Love Avenue, Abimbola Awoliyi Estate, New Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of February, 2014 at Lagos.

Akinbomi Joshua late of 23, Jibowu Street, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of October, 2013 at Randle General Hospital, Surulere.

Aromeh Drisu Yusufu, late of 11, Olawuyi Close, Agbado, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of July, 2012 at General Hospital, Ugwolawo Ofu, Kogi State.

Adegoke Titilola Fatimoh (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Mrs Titilola Adegoke) late of 9, Lateef Sani Street, Ijesha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of June, 2006 at Lagos.

Mrs Shittu Rafiatu Amoke late of 22, Alhaji Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of June, 2013 at Ikorodu.

Miss Ekpe Regina (Otherwise known as Regina Ekpe Oghenelimu) late of 30, Afolabi Brown, Akoka, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of June, 2013 at Luth.

Araba Adepoju (Mr) late of 18, Ajiboye Street, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of July, 2013 at Luth.

Mr Sunday Ajibola (Otherwise known as Ajibola Sunday) late of 26, Fayemi Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of June, 2012 at General Hospital, Isolo.

Jacob Onyeke late of 2, Ade Oluwa Street, Alogba Owode-Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of January, 2012 at Benue State.

Isanbor Blessing Victor late of 24, Galilee Avenue, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of March, 2013 at General Hospital, Ikeja.

Mr Efamka Ojeh (Otherwise known as Mr Efamka Ehima Ojeh) late of 8, Yahweh Street, Isashi, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of November, 2013 at Ogun State.

Mr Edward Ijeoma, late of 1, Adeoye Street, Amukoko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Victor Adesina Sanyaolu (Otherwise known as Pastor Victor Adesina Sanyaolu) late of 16, Oyekunle Street, Meiran, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2013 at 2, Church Street, Iju, Balogun Ota, Ogun State.

Kaka M. Udoka (Otherwise known as Kaka Udoka Micheal and Mr Udoka M. Kaka) late of 22, Olamikan Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of December, 2013 at Delta State.

Esther Oluremi Boye (Otherwise known as Mama Esther Oluremi Boye) late of 1, Boye Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

Aderounmu Taofik Ayinde (Otherwise known as Alhaji Aderohounmu Taofik Ayinde and Aderounmu Taofeek Ayinde) late of 23, Willoughby Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of August, 2008 at Lagos.

Agboh Kosy (Otherwise known as Agbor Kosi and Agbor Kosy) late of 16, Babatunde Oduse Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of July, 2013 at Lagos.

Cletus Samuel Ukpe (Otherwise known as Ukpe Cletus Samuel) late of Block 6, Pedro Police Barracks, Palmgrove, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of August, 2013 at Lagos.

Isaac Adeniji Akindele (Otherwise known as Akindele Isaac Adeniji) late of 34, Mc Cullum Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2001 at Lagos.

Nsobundu Eucharia (Mrs) late of 27, Bisiriyu Lawal Street, Orisunbare, Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of August, 2013 at Enugu.

Jinadu Nojeem (Otherwise known as Kolawole Nojeem Jinadu and Akolawole Nojeem Jinadu) late of 8, Wemimo Street, Ladi-Lak, Bariga, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of October, 2010 at Gbagada General Hospital.

Mrs Fatomide Olanike Silifat (Otherwise known as Aliu Olanike Silifat) late of 14, Seidu Toriola Street, Off Pipeline, Aboru, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of July, 2012 at General Hospital Igando.

Abba-Mustapha (Mr) (Otherwise known as Amarijami Bukar ) late of 2B, Allen Lane, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of July, 2010 at Lasuth Ikeja.

Isiaka Akinloye Omitola,(Otherwise known as Mr Isiaka Omitola Akinloye) late of 38A, Oloto Street, Oyingbo, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of February, 2003 at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.

Sinulo Sylvester (Otherwise known as Mr Sinulo Sylvester Onyemerenaeche) late of 10, Ayinke Street, Shogunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of October, 2013 at F.M.C. Ebute Metta.

Eke Nnenna Ethel (Otherwise known as Eke Ethel Nnenna) late of 11, Adeleke Adegboyega Street, Bariga, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of March, 2013 at Lasuth.

Ajidagba Lawal Rukayat, late of 28, Griffith Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of October, 2013 at General Hospital Lagos.

Mr Augustine Azuka Anisha (Otherwise known as Mr Anisha Augustina) late of Block 61, Flat 6, Ojokoro Housing Estate, Meiran, Bus Stop, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January, 2014 at Abeokuta .

Isaiah Olugbalawole Temenu (Otherwise known as Fadipe Isaiah Olugbalawole Temenu and Temenu Fadipe Isaiah Olugbalawole) late of 6, Jagunmolu Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of September, 2013 at Lagos.

Rufus Adegboyega Popoola, late of 11, Akinosho Street, Apaku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of April, 2012 at Gbogan ,Osun State.

Justina Esogbuzie Okwudarue (Otherwise known as Okwudarue Justina Esogbuzie), late of 6, Airport Close, Apaku, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of November, 2012 at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos.

Olootu Grace, late of 36, Oguntolu Street, Meiran, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of December, 2013 at Ifo, Ogun State.

Mrs Funmilayo Modupe Asoga (Otherwise known as Asoga Funmilayo) late of 4, Anwal Sadat Crescent, Crown Estate, Lekki, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of December, 2013 at Lagoon Hospital, Apapa, Lagos.

Mr Popoola Olushola, late of 22, Alhaji Idowu Street, Egbeda, Akowonjo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of October, 2013 at Lagos.

Lamina Taiwo Arike , late of 33, Awoyokun Street, Onipanu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

Mrs Abimbola Osikanlu,(Otherwise known as Oshinkanlu Abimbola) late of 2nd Avenue 23 Road, S-Close, House 29, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of April, 2013 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Silas Eucharia (Otherwise known as Mrs Eucharia Silas) late of 15, Odonla Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2012 at Lennard Hospital, Ogijo.

Ogunmodede Muritala (Mr) (Otherwise known as Muritala Ogunmodede) late of 19, Sowemimo Street, Otta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of June, 2013 at Lagos.

Udensi Peter Queen (Otherwise known as Udensi Peter Ester Queen and Udensi Esther ) late of 8, Femi Kufo Street, Sholuyi Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

Chief Daniel Abiodun Onabule (Otherwise knwonas Onabule Daniel) late fo 12, Akinwunmi Street, Dopemu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of December, 2011 at Lasuth.

Ajimuda Ajimola Benson O. (Otherwise known as Ajimuda Ajimola Benson Odunwole and Mr Ajimuda Ajimola Benson) late of 62, Oguntolu Street, Onipanu, Off Shipeolu Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2013 at Ikorodu, Lagos.

Mr David Kolapo Fatanmi (Otherwise known as Mr Fatanmi David Kolapo and Fatanmi David) late of 13, Ayilara Street, Ikotun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of October, 2011 at Luth James Oluyori Osagbemi (Otherwise known as Osagbemi Jones Oluyori) ,late of 31 Kuburat Agbedeyi Street, Kola, Lagos deceased who diedintestate on the 11th day of March, 2004 at Lagos.

Osikweme Abdul (Otherwise known as Abdul Osikweme) late of 12, Isheri Road, Omole, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Mrs Mary Ode and John Ode both of 41 Road, Block 14, Flat 2, Gowon Estate, Lagos , widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Popoola Zainab and Popoola Muhammed, both of 9, Ayodele Amosu Street, Itoga, Badagry, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Oluwakemi Oyedotun and Dr Jaiye Oyedotun both of 26, Sefiu Laidi, Agric Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Olatunji M. Obalade, Prophet Femi Obalade and Mr David Obalade all of 1, Noble Street, Yaba, Lagos, grand children of the said deceased.

Mrs Janet Tom Udo and Pastor Williams Obot both of 12, Fapowo Street, Ajuwon, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Efago Dorothy and Mrs Useh Angela Serah both of 6, Okito Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

Festus Erivradhe and Godspower Onoriode Erivradhe both of No. 7, Irepodun Avenue, Ijesha-tedo , Surulere, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Maryann Chimebere Elechi and Lilian Chikaodi Elechi both of 7, Onikewula Street, Shogunle, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Abiyere Smart Oritsetimeyin and Abiyere Patience Oritsetimeyin, both of Block 53, Flat 9, Amuwo Odofin, Festac Town, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ibraheem Abolaji Aroyewun, Fatima Olaide Aroyewun and Habib Oladapo Aroyewun all of 514, Flat 3,2ndEstate , Isolo, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Selimot Olanshile Sansa of 8, Ladejobi Street, Aga, Ikorodu, Lagos, and Mr Toyosi J. Sansa of 174, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Tijani Oluwaseun Timothy and Tijani Omonike Janet both of 72, Sinatu Ajayi Street, Morogbo, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Okata Christiana and Okata Esther both of 6, Aiyetoro Street, Clement, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Chuka Edward and Osita Edward both of 10, Koya Street, Offin Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Irene Barberopoulos of 27, Remi Femi Kayode Avenue, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, and Vassily Oye Barberopoulos of 5B, Ayo Rosiji Street, GRA, Ikeja, widow and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Oluwakemi Adenola and Adeola Adenola both of 2, Olusi-Agboola Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Prudent E. John and Miss Ruth John boht of 1, Alonge Street, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

Abiodun Ogunji and David Fagbenro both of 1, Adegun Street, Karaole Estate, Ogba, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Shotubo Esther Olutoyin and Mr Olayiwola Kehinde both of 4, Temitope Street, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased Blessing Anwilika Chiekwe and Rita Okolie Uzor both of 28, Adol Avenue, Sibiri, Ojo, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said decased.

Olabisi Ajoke Adeniji and Ganiu Adeniji both of 87, Dopemu Road, Papa Ashafa, Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Nwamaka C. Nnodu and Mr Maduabueke N. Nnodu both of 47, Harison Sholaja, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Adesanya Grace Oluyemisi and Adesanya Elijah Olufemi both of 10, Olayiwola Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Noah Adeyemi and Michael Adeyemi Taiwo both of 20, Alhaja Wasilat Street, Ojodu, Off Abiodun Street, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Angus Obioha Njoku and Nwata Michael both of 57, Isiba Oluwo Street, Orelope Egbeda, Lagos, widower and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Adiyatu Sunmonu and Lukmon Sunmonu both of 76, suberu Oje road, Alagbado, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adenike Otusanya, Mrs Atinuke Otusanya, Mr Afolabi Otusanya and Mr Babatunde Otusanya all of 10, Idowu-Kola Street, Challenge, Ibadan, two widows and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Antoine Maidaber of 979, Saka Jojo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, and Mr Deudas Nair of Km 16, Ikorodu Road, Ojota, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Victoria Okpalanma and Tochukwu Okpalanma both of 227, Pillar Street, Mosafejo, Off Sunny Bus Stop, Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Christiana Ogunsan and Sunday Ogunsan both of 58, Haruna Street, Ifako Ijaiye, Ogba, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Otchere Victoria (Mrs) and Otchere sussana Amoah both of 1, Major Ophiohonren Street, Iba, Lagos, widow and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Yetunde Adebukoye Odegbile of 7, Love Avenue, Abimbola Awoliyi Estate, New Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos and Miss BOlanle Kolami of 15, Akinrosoye Street, Ikotun Egbe, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Akinbomi Mobolaji Daniel and Akinbomi Olabisi both of 23, Jibowu Street, Yaba, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Afor Roseline Aromeh and Akwu Drisu Aromeh both of 11, Olawuyi Close, Agbado, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adegoke Julius Adewale, Adegoke Timothy Adesola and Adegoke Damilola Adeola all of 9, Lateef Sani Street, Ijesha, Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Shofowora Tanimowo O. and Sokotoopole Ebunoluwa both of 22, Alhaji Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Isaac Ekpe and Fredrick O. Umuakpor both of 30, Afolabi Brown, Akoka, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Araba Olusola Damola and Miss Araba A. Temidayo both of 18, Ajiboye Street, Alapere, Ketu Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Adejoke Ajibola of 26, Fayemi Street, Ejigbo, Lagos and Mr Olanrewaju Ajibola of 16, Olasehan Street, Orisumbare, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Maria Onyeke and Michael Jacob, both of 2, Ade Oluwa street, Alogba, Owode Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Joy Ovbohan Victor and Doris Victor, both of 24, Galilee Avenue, Iju Ishaga Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Idowu Ndidi Ojeh and Onyisi Ojeh both of 8, Yahweh Street, Isashi, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Harriet Ijeoma and Kenneth Ijeoma both of 1, Adeoye Street, Amukoko, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Sanyaolu Esther Kemi (Mrs) of 16, Oyekunle Street, Meiran, Lagos, and Adekunle Oludoyin (Mrs) of 55, Shipeolu Street, Palmgrove, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Chika Kaka and Miss Onyeisi M. Kaka both of 22, Olamikan Street, Dopemu, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Olufela Temidayo Boye , Adebayo Omololu Boye, Babajide Taiwo Boye and Dehinde Kehinde Boye all of 1, Boye Street, Oshodi, Lagos , four of the children of the said deceased.

Abikoye Afusat Abeni of 23, Willoughby Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, and Aderounmu Muqadas Adebowale of 26, Alabi Oyo Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Agbor Victoria of 10, Joejeye Street, Oke Afa, Ejigbo, Isolo, Lagos and Elom Patrick of 21A, Okemedu Street, Snake Island, Apapa, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Magdalene Ukpe and Regina Ukpe both of Block 6, Pedro Police Barracks, Palmgrove, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Festus Oyewole Akindele and Titilayo Iyabo Aina both of 34, Mc Cullum Street, Ebute Metta, lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Nsobundu Peter and Nsobundu Okechukwu both of 27, Bisiriyu Lawal Street, Orisumbare, Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Abosede Jinadu of 8, Wemimo Street, Ladi-Lak, Bariga, Lagos, and Mrs Saliu Adijat of 8, Akinpelu Street, Ladi-Lak, Bariga, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased Aliu Kayode Lateef and Aliu Kafayat Temitope both of 14, Seidu Toriola Street, off Pipeline, Aboru, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Amarijami Bukar Abacha of Ala Vill Marte L.G.A. Borno, Mustapha Babagana of Plc "D" Block 7, Industrial Crescent, Ilupeju, Lagos, and Bulama Gado Mustapha of Security Quarters, Opebi Pry School, Ikeja, Lagos, brother and two nephews respectively of the said deceased.

Omitola Omolola and Omitola Omotayo both of 9, Akinsanya Street, Eyita, Ikorodu, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Eziuche Ezeobasi and Mr Sinulo Daberechi both of 10, Ayinke Street, Shogunle, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Eke Peace Amarachi and Eke Chidozie both of 11, Adeleke Adegboyega Street, Bariga, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Alhaji Imam Lawal, Alhaja Fatimat Aigoro and Isiak Lawal, all of 28, Griffith Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Esther Nkem Anishe, Mr Raphael Chukwuka Anishe, Miss Nkemdilia Michelle Anishe and Mr Emeka Louis Anishe all of Block 61, Flat 6, Ojokoro Housing Estate, Meiran Bus Stop, Lagos, widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adenike Temenu of 6, Jagunmolu Street, Bariga, Lagos and Fadipe Eniola of 5, Ogunmade Street, Ketu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Helen O. Alaka of 25, Bankojo Street, Bolade Oshodi, and David A. Popoola of 53, Mosaku Street, Orile Oshodi, lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Miss Onyebuchi Nwamaka Okwudarue and Mr Ogochukwu Amaechi Okwudarue both of 6, Airport Close, Apakun Oshodi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Bola Babalola and Bode Olootu both of 36, Otuntolu Street, Meiran Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Olukayode Titus Asoga and Oluwaseyi Asoga both of 4, Anwal Sadat Crescent, Crown Estate, Lekki, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Femi Popoola , Bioye Popoola and Sunday Popoola all of 22, Alhaji Idowu Street, Egbeda, Akowonjo, Lagos, two of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Alade Sheriff Lamina and Raolat Omotola Lamina both of 9, Durodola Street, Idi Araba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Victoria Oludolapo Lapite of 11, Odewale Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, and Mrs Timothy Olugbamileke Osikanlu of 35, Magbadeji Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Kingsley Mduabughichi Silas and Mr Emeka Ezeagwula both of 15, Odonla Road, Ikorodu,Lagos, widower and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Omoyemi Omolara Ogunmodede and Alhamdu Abayomi Ogunmodede both of 19, Sowemimo Street, Otta, lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

John Nwabueze Udensi and Chukwuemeka Udensi both of 8, Femi Kufo Street, Sholuyi, Gbagada, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Folashade Mabel Onabule, Mr Opeoluwa Olutayo Onabule and Mr Olakunle Oladimeji Onabule all of 12, Akinwunmi Street, Dopemu, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ajimuda Abiola Idowu , Miss Ajimuda Kikelomo Ayoleyi and Mr Ajimuda Oluwatosin Gbemileke all of 62, Oguntolu Street, Onipanu, Off Shipeolu Shomolu, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Juliana Ebunlomo Fatokun and Olayinka John Fatanmi both of 13, Ayilara Street, Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Florence O. Osagbemi of 31, Kuburat Agbedeyi Street, Kola Lagos and Tope Osagbemi of 4, Wale Akano Street, Idimu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Abdul Salami Harrison Osikwemeh of 12, Isheri Road, Omole Lagos and Abdul Salami Abiba Osikwemeh of 33, Oriyori Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION TUESDAY,AUGUST 26, 2014

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

A necessary response to ISIS

Chad to the rescue •That Chadian forces rescued Nigerians kidnapped by Boko Haram is a wake-up call on Nigerian authorities

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EPORTS that the Chadian military authorities had rescued about 85 of the 100 Nigerians abducted in Dogon Baga, Borno State, is an indication that international collaboration between Nigeria and her neighbours is indeed essential in the effort to curb the Boko Haram insurgency. The men, women and children had been abducted in a daring attack on August 10, and an attempt was made to ferry them across the Lake Chad before Chadian troops engaged the insurgents in a gun battle, overpowered them and made the rescue.

It is expected that the plan to have an anti-terrorism military formation put together by the authorities in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroun would, as we had pointed out in an editorial, help to curb the menace.

It is however unfortunate that as the

‘It is however unfortunate that as the Nigerian Islamic militants are becoming increasingly audacious, abducting innocent and vulnerable Nigerians at will, other countries appear to have the right attitude and solution to the problem. When the insurgents made a similar move in Cameroun, they were not only overpowered, the captive was rescued by Cameroun’s soldiers’

Nigerian Islamic militants are becoming increasingly audacious, abducting innocent and vulnerable Nigerians at will, other countries appear to have the right attitude and solution to the problem.

When the insurgents made a similar move in Cameroun, they were not only overpowered, the captive was rescued by Cameroun’s soldiers. The more than 200 Chibok school girls kidnapped by the sect in April are still held captive with no one knowing their whereabouts and the military apparently at a loss on how to curb the growing militancy.

Last week, the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, announced that his men had taken over the Gwoza area of the troubled Borno State and had declared it an Islamic Caliphate. A video released to justify the operation showed the men patrolling the streets and shooting sporadically. And, to drive home the point, a Mobile Police Training School located in the town was sacked and about 35 officers and men of the academy are still missing. This has led the police authorities to review security around its formations and soldiers could be drafted to take over such functions.

One major consequence of these subversive activities is the low morale of men and officers of the armed forces drafted to combat the insurgents. The ease with which they are displaced and sacked, and their men killed has led to dread of the Boko Haram terrorists.

Nigerian troops now reject postings to areas where the insurgents appear strong and those who report refuse orders to

confront the deadly men. Their wives have joined the fray, calling on the leadership of the military to spare their husbands such postings. These are indeed dangerous and could further encourage insubordination and the weakening of the coercive powers of the state.

A major index of a failing state is the inability to enforce law and discipline.

Nigeria is sliding into such a category and that could be tragic not only for the people of the affected states, but the entire country. A country that fails to secure the lives of its citizens and its territorial integrity could easily be overrun by external aggressors. It is even more disturbing that this crisis is heightening a few months to the next general elections.

The body language of President Goodluck Jonathan suggests that he would soon declare his bid for another term of office and that could shoot up the country’s political temperature. Other political parties, in obedience to a detailed time table to be released soon by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would compel all contenders for power at the federal and state levels to go to the field, calling up all available weapons.

We call on the military authorities to brace up to the challenge, effect a thorough review of strategies and boost the morale of the fighting men. The battle is not only to defeat Boko Haram, but prove to the world that the Nigerian State is solid and her territory inviolable.

If money could buy light ...

•A rash of funds for the power sector, yet consumers reap darkness

I

F Nigeria’s power sector were ailed only by funding constraints, the country would probably have been brightly lit up from east to west and north to south. But money could not be the issue as billions of dollars have been ‘poured’ into the quest to power Nigeria properly in the past one decade to no avail. The Olusegun Obasanjo era of 1999 to 2007 reportedly disbursed about $12 billion. Subsequent governments till date must have shovelled in a lot of money too, yet the sector seems to be even more distressed now than ever before.

Last November, the Federal Government divested its interest from most of the generation and distribution facilities across the country, allowing private investors to take controlling stakes in them.

But it was a move many see as mere parcelling out of state assets to cronies and ruling party stalwarts. Such skeptics are being proved right as the new owners have so far failed to make serious financial commitments that would have the plants running better. Nigerians still live in near perpetual darkness while the only thing that seems to ‘improve’ is power tariff.

The more effort government seemingly makes, the more everything seems to come to naught. A slew of power-generating plants and transmission units have been brought on stream, yet there have been no significant improvements in energy delivery to the consumer across the country. Generators still hold sway for the better part of the day. This is despite the fact that in 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan had boasted that be-

fore the end of 2013, most Nigerians would have had to discard their generator sets as they won’t have need for them any longer. But power condition today is no better than it was a decade ago. Indeed, power generation still hovers around 3, 000 megawatts when over 10,000 was to have been achieved going by the government’s power roadmap.

Two little devils seem to dwell in and derail even some modest gains of the government. Some gas-powered generation plants have been completed and would have added a few thousands of megawatts to the pool but channelling gas to these plants has been the new albatross. This of course betokens a lack of thought and planning. Why would anyone build a gas-fired plant without simultaneously taking into consideration, the gas facilities; and to think that Nigeria flares 1.5 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day (bscf)? Yet again, some new plants are belching out wattage of energy but it cannot be evacuated into the national grid because transmission capacity is stumped. Again, a paucity of thought and planning.

Now, there is a newly put-together National Council on Power (NACOP); a new power bureaucracy at best and it seeks a budget of N160 billion to be set aside yearly, solely for funding the still government-held Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Rising from a conference in Abuja, the council seems to have concluded that funding, huge funding is the trouble with Nigeria’s power sector, particularly as applies to transmission. According to it, “Until such a time that a cost-

reflective tariff is established and 90 per cent or greater of annual earned market revenue is received, it should be ensured that annual funding provided for the TCN from the market, appropriations sources, is not less than N160 billion, with 75 per cent of the fund earmarked for capital expenditure.”

We must remind once again that funding is not the first trouble with our power sector, thus the overly emphasis on it will take us nowhere. Second, TCN is still a government agency and ensconced under the umbrella of the council will surely ‘cancel’ the gains made by the TCN so far and we will lapse once again to the days of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). We dare to suggest that the ‘currency’ that is most scarce in Nigeria’s power matrix today is good faith. Are we true to the cause?

‘Now, there is a newly put-together National Council on Power (NACOP); a new power bureaucracy at best and it seeks a budget of N160 billion to be set aside yearly, solely for funding the still governmentheld Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) ... We must remind once again that funding is not the first trouble with our power sector, thus the overly emphasis on it will take us nowhere’

T

HE United States cannot go it alone in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the extremist group known as ISIS whose ruthlessness and killing has dumbfounded and horrified the civilized world.

American airstrikes and other assistance from the United States have brought some measure of relief to religious minorities and others that ISIS has threatened.

But defeating, or even substantially degrading, ISIS will require an organized, longer-term response involving a broad coalition of nations, including other Muslim countries, and addressing not only the military threat but political and religious issues.

The recent persecution of Christians and Yazidis and the murder of James Foley, an American journalist, has brought ISIS’s savagery into full view. On Thursday, Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said ISIS posed an “immediate threat” to the West, in addition to Iraq, because thousands of Europeans and other foreigners who have joined the group and have the passports to travel freely could carry the fight back to their home countries — including the United States.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was equally emphatic. ISIS, he warned, is “beyond anything that we’ve seen” because it is extremely well-financed and has demonstrated sophistication and tactical skill in its campaign to impose an Islamic caliphate by brute force.

Other analysts have gone so far as to describe ISIS as one of the most successful extremist groups in history because of its ability to seize and hold large sections of two countries — Iraq and Syria — with what seems like blinding speed.

While the group poses a risk to the United States and the West, those paying the biggest price are Muslims.

That’s why President Obama was correct to argue that “from governments and peoples across the Middle East, there has to be a common effort to extract this cancer so that it does not spread.” Making this happen will take American leadership, but, so far, neither he nor America’s allies have laid out a coherent vision of exactly what this fight might entail or how to achieve success.

The response to the immediate crisis has been prudent. The United States has insisted that Iraq’s government and army set aside longstanding rivalries and work with the pesh merga militia of Kurdistan to back up American airstrikes by fighting ISIS on the ground. Germany, Italy, Britain and France have promised weapons.

The politics of Iraq, however, remain dangerously unsettled. The United States successfully pressed for a change from Nuri Kamal al-Maliki as prime minister in Iraq because only a more inclusive leader would have any chance of unifying the country against the ISIS threat. And, in a rare convergence of interests, Iran also withdrew its support from Mr. Maliki, resulting in the appointment of a new leader, Haider al-Abadi.

But Parliament has yet to give final approval to the new government, thus prolonging political uncertainties that undermine the fight against ISIS. The prospects of defeating ISIS would be greatly improved if other Muslim nations could see ISIS for the threat it is. But, like Iraq, they are mired in petty competitions and Sunni-Shiite religious divisions and many have their own relations with extremists of one kind or another. ISIS has received financing from donors in Kuwait and Qatar. Saudi Arabia funneled weapons to Syrian rebels and didn’t care if they went to ISIS. Turkey allowed ISIS fighters and weapons to flow across porous borders. All of that has to stop.

Creating a regional military force may be required, including assistance from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Turkey. It certainly will require money, intelligence-sharing, diplomatic cooperation and a determined plan to cut off financing to ISIS and the flow of ISIS fighters between states. France’s suggestion for an international conference deserves consideration.

No matter how many American airstrikes are carried out — Mr. Obama is also considering strikes against ISIS in Syria — such extremists will never be defeated if Muslims themselves don’t make it a priority. To their credit, some leaders are speaking out. Among them is Saudi Arabia’s highest religious authority, the grand mufti, who called ISIS and Al Qaeda the “enemy No. 1 of Islam.”

But they must go further and begin a serious discussion about the dangers of radical Islam and how ISIS’s perversion of one of the world’s great religions can be reversed.

– New York Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The recent clashes between the cliques of the PDP and APC in Rivers State during a slated ward-visit by the governor to Rumuoprikom (later cancelled), home-zone of the supervising minister of education are inexcusable and condemnable.

That some youths in the state decided to uncritically support public figures instead of their respective party’s beliefs is distressing. It is easy to see why it might be difficult for youths of today to wrestle power from the ageing in governance.

How else can you interpret youngsters’ disposition to work with a “group philosophy” that leads to destruction, and anarchy?

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

The problem with Rivers’ politics That a fracas on the go elsewhere snowballed as far as Rumuokuta and Rumuigbo is beyond understanding.

And, that the two principal leviathans (the governor and education minister) have not bothered to douse the tension overtly and covertly is alarming. Unwholesome are the role of party chieftains who for

all time have been fanning the malevolence with fiery speeches.

States chief executives should learn to follow General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd)’s apothegm, when upon retirement, certain retired army officers joined disputes with him in the press: “I do not join issues with people who in God’s infinite mercy I am higher than.”

If the governor assumes rightly that the minister is beneath him, then he should follow the rule and urge his supporters to do same so that Rivers State will be peaceful.

It is also imperative for the minister of state for education, Nyesom Wike, who always elects to castigate the governor at the slightest impulse to act ministerial if that

Understanding the OOU crisis IR: One does not need a stargazer to know that it is the elements within the political opposition that are responsible for the violent protests by some students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), which have now resulted in the closure of the institution by the state government.

It is on record that the students of OOU were having their normal classes before the announcement of reduction of school fees by about 60% penultimate Tuesday by the state government.

Rationally and expectedly, all the students of tertiary institutions in Ogun state reportedly erupted into spontaneous jubilation. Twentyfour hours later, news filtered to the public that the students of the tertiary schools in Ogun state under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Students were organising a "Thank You" rally at the Governor's Office penultimate Thursday.

Sensing that the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has scored a major political point, having not only abolished his predecessor's template of yearly increase in school fees of tertiary students but now reducing school fees payable by 60%, the opposition moved fast.

So, they reasoned thus: "If we allow Amosun to savour another moment of glory, having intro-

S

duced free primary and secondary education, which we could not do during our tenure, then we are done for."

They mobilised a handful of students of OOU, led by one former ex-officio of the school's Students' Union Government (who is no longer a student of the school), to counter the solidarity rally of the overwhelming majority of the students in support of the current administration by demanding further reduction of the school fees and

their retroactive implementation.

Of course, they were no match for the majority in terms of the success of the rally. Then they did the unexpected the next day - violence.

They destroyed property and valuables worth millions of naira.

The government has the paramount responsibility of maintaining law and order. In particular, it needs to protect the majority of OOU students, who, like their counterparts in other higher institutions of learning in the state, saw the 60%

reduction as a huge and unprecedented gesture on the part of Amosun, for which they are very grateful and knew the politics behind the current agitation by a few of their colleagues.

I urge the law enforcement agents to fish out this political and violent few among the OOU students and make them face the wrath of the law so that normal academic activities can resume without much delay.

• Vincent Adeleke Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State

Of Ebola and bush meat

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IR: Up to the first week of August when I left Ghana, that country did not have any Ebola victim, while one or two cases had been established in Nigeria. Yet, too many Ghanaians stopped buying bush meat, because of the claim that Ebola derived from bush animals, with specific reference to bats and monkeys. People who specialized in bush meat trade complained of terribly low patronage and losses.

The same outcry was witnessed about three days ago in Ilorin, Kwara State where I reside.

Even if it were true that Ebola derived from bush animals, we still need to know how that came about.

Did it happen through eating killed and roasted/cooked bush animals?

I eat monkeys and bats killed in forest, and many other bush animals, including certain species of snakes.

As I write this article, some people are hunting, killing and eating bush animals in many Ghanaian and Nigerian villages and farm settlements, without any Ebola crisis in their midst.

Let’s ask some searching questions, following the premise that people were eating bush meat before the Ebola outbreak. Why is it that none of such persons in Ghana, Togo, Republic de Benin, and many parts of Nigeria, is suffering from Ebola, except as spread by people from Liberia, etc?

Why should we entertain fear about bush meat when eating it has not been found to be the cause of

Ebola, and very many West Africans live on bush meat in our villages, farm settlements, and hunters’ camps up till date? Yes, the rumour will preserve wild animal life, but impoverish those who depend on bush meat as hunters, traders, and consumers alike.

In Ghana, Nigeria, and other African (or West African) countries, cows are not different from bush animals, because they are reared in the bush.

Beyond that, given the conditions under which the Ebola organism survives, it is impossible to contract it through a well cooked or roasted bush meat. And so, bush meat is safe, yesterday and today. Why do too many Africans live by emotion, rather than scientific evidence and/ or philosophical analysis? They

office is to be respected and, if he truly means well for the people of Rivers State. Politics after all is not a gladiatorial contest.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi is worthy of respect. He is one amongst a few governors in Nigeria who tolerates the opposition, and has not used his power to muscle them to oblivion. There are states in Nigeria where the opposition do not have a voice; not by choice but because the machinery of state are used to pursue them out of relevance.

In Rivers State, the opposition have access to the states media which they have used to run announcements against the governor.

He has refused to be intimidated by many, and has called off the missteps of others. Almost akin to governor George Corley Wallace Jnr of Alabama who even as a member of the same party (Democratic party) stood up to President J.F.Kennedy during the segregationist crisis at the University of Alabama (though he apologised to blacks later in his twilight years). That is the beauty of democracy: members of the same party do not have to agree all of the time and disagreements should not be misread as subversive criminal act. Will politicians ever act right?

• Simon Abah Port Harcourt, Rivers State

would condemn homosexuals because a holy book says this or that, rather than finding out what is true according to nature and actual reality. They would carry religious sentiments to the academic arena and confuse facts and figures with monumental historical prejudices.

Who spread the falsehood that African traditional medicine has no measurement? Why do Africans demonize their precious ancestral heritages? A competent African traditional medical doctor knows the effect of every ingredient in a traditional medicine. Eschew prejudice.

Critically examine every claim. Those who claim to be African “leaders” are mostly African destroyers. Isn’t it?

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, PhD, University of Ilorin.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

COMMENTS

T

RUST Nigerians to pass off the sacking of the elite police training institution in Dhimankara District, of Gwoza Borno State last Wednesday as just one of those things. Yours truly has been picking the bits and pieces of the accounts together notably that of Leadership newspaper. It seems to me that the Wednesday afternoon attack on the police training facility was predictable. Indeed, it was a matter of “when”, not “if”given that the insurgents had been attacking pockets of hamlets and villages around Gwoza town.

From the accounts, it was clear that the insurgents had better intelligence; they knew when each batch of trainees came in and when those that had finished their training left. It was therefore a question of simply bidding their time for the period betwen the departure of a batch and the arrival of another. And that exactly was when they chose to strike – a case of terrorists at work while our men under arms slumbered.

Again, the story is familiar. The insurgents came riding on trucks and armoured tanks. Not only did they outnumber the security forces, they clearly outgunned them. In the Gwoza attack, the newspaper quoted one of the trainees as saying: “We just arrived the camp and were busy with the documentation process when we began to hear the sounds of shooting at the gate. We later learnt that some of our colleagues, mounting guard at the gate, were exchanging gunfire with the Boko Haram. Most of us were not armed, so we had to flee into Dhimankara village, and from there, we all found our way into the bush and headed towards Adamawa State”.

In the operation that lasted the whole of an hour, some 35 persons were reported missing.

Nigerians are by now familiar with the exploits of the ill-clad ragamuffins in the vast ungoverned space described as North-east Nigeria. Again and again, we are told of the ability of their long convoys to sneak into vast communities to wreak havoc without detection. And with it stories of cycles of confrontation with the Nigerian military which makes the latter look like boy scouts.

While we question the strategies being employed in the war on the insurgency to the extent that they neither make sense nor add up, we must insist on having a holistic picture if only to understand how we have become what we are.

To start with, Dhimankara, the base of the Military Police Training School is just barely 16 kilometres from

T

HE tragedy of state apparatus in Nigeria is usually that of blind loyalty to the proverbial piper that dictates the tune. The recent altercation between the spokesperson of the Department of State Security, DSS, Marilyn Ogar and that of the opposition All Progressive Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed provides a sad commentary on what a government agency should not turn itself into.

It’s so sad that history beacons on us concerning state agencies like the police, the armed forces, customs, immigrations as well as, of course, and particularly, the Department of State Services.

Nigerian Security Organization (NSO) was the security and intelligence service of the Nigerian government in those days (1976-1983), set up shortly, in response to, and after the unfortunate assassination of the charismatic military leader, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.

NSO was given a mandate of coordinating both domestic and foreign intelligence. Under the military regime and continuing through the Second Republic, the NSO was accused of carrying out systematic and widespread human rights abuses, especially of those seen to be critical of the government. Of these, repressions against journalists, opposition figures, government officials and the 25-month imprisonment of late musician Fela Ransome-Kuti, are especially remembered.

After handing over power by the military to a civilian government in 1979, the Umaru Shinkafi-led NSO had the difficult task of transforming from a military-era secret police organisation to one which respected the constitution.

Although there was a reduction in the number of human rights abuses committed by the NSO, during the Second Republic, their overall human rights record still remained poor.

Political parties and opposition groups complained of harassment by NSO, particularly the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo – a keen rival of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

President Shehu Shagari later nominated Lawal Rafindadi to head the agency. His tenure as the Director General of the NSO was plagued by arbitrary arrests and detentions of anybody suspected of being a threat to the regime, imagined or real. This attitude crept down the ranks of the NSO and led to

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Stranger than fiction Gwoza – a community which the Boko Haram had not only seized but had declared the seat of its caliphate.

One imagines that a police facility – not least one training the mobile squad – being in close proximity to the base of the terrorists would be in permanent state of heightened alert and with adequate security back up. Were they?

Secondly, there was no doubt that the attackers took them by surprise as they were not in combat form when they arrived. Leadership reports on the account of one of the policemen: “The instructors and armorers had taken over our rifles when the shooting started. Most of us were not with our rifles, and before we could get back to the armoury, it was very late” .

An instructor at the camp was quoted as saying: “The fight at the gate lasted more than an hour before the terrorists blew off the armoured tank that was giving cover to our men at the gate. That was how they succeeded in entering into the premises.” What happened after can only be imagined– the poor hapless souls simply fled into the Adamawa jungle!

Remember, the military outpost in Gwoza had been sacked since August 6; since then, the combined efforts by the military and the air force to dislodge the militants from the town had not only met stiff resistance but had failed. Even then, it seems particularly doubtful that a framework of inter-agency cooperation was in place. Or even a back up or grand preparation in case of possible eventuality.

Why should grand plans be deemed as beyond our

DSS on a sad familiar terrain

By Ayo Akinola heavy handedness among some of the agency's operatives. A good example is the case of Brigadier Abbas Wali, a former defence attaché to the UK and Adjutant-General of the Nigerian Army arrested in Kano by an operative named Bishara and detained at the NSO office for a week without anyone knowing about the arrest – including Rafindadi, the DG and his deputy, Albert Horsfall.

Also, under Rafindadi, the agency began a wire tapping and eavesdropping programme against government officials and military officials including Supreme Military Council (SMC) members. Rafindadi also used his position as member of the SMC to initiate a purge of senior officers in the diplomatic service many of whom lost their jobs and entitlements.

The establishment mission of the SSS is to protect and defend the Federal Republic of Nigeria against domestic threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of Nigeria, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to both federal and state law-enforcement organs. The SSS is also charged with the protection of the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, state governors, their immediate families, other high ranking government officials, past presidents and their spouses, certain candidates for the offices of President and Vice President, and visiting foreign heads of state and government. The SSS has constantly adapted to various roles necessitated by evolving security threats in Nigeria including counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency.

The SSS has been criticised for allowing Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, the "underpants bomber", to board Northwest airlines flight from Lagos despite his father having previously warned security officials of his son’s radical views on America.

The agency was also criticized heavily in the wake of the

‘If a spokesperson of DSS could gleefully allege on national television, that a political party is the sole sponsor of insurgency and bombings in the land, without any credible evidence to support; if the same image maker is alleging bribery of her men without concrete evidence; if a security agency is supporting a faction of labour union against another instead of being impartial; if our own equivalent of Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, chooses to strangely come out in the open to announce its presence and through intimidation of innocent voters and opposing parties, then a lot has certainly gone wrong’

ken?

More importantly – why open for business if the safety of the personnel cannot be guaranted? Or better still, why not relocate the training facility to a safer place at least for the sake of the trainees?

It is of course doubtful that anyone would be called to account for last week’s Gwoza disaster. Yet, the truth that needs to be told is that someone, somewhere, was derelict in the performance of his job. Indeed, some functionaries failed the men. The consequence is the scores forced – against their will – to pay with their lives.

Nigerians deserve full account. Indeed, finding the answer to what went wrong in Dhimankara would in many respects, speak to all that is wrong with us as a people – particularly our continuing regression.

Finally, for a war that has gulped nearly a whole of three trillion naira in the last three years, we expect not only better coordination but greater efficiency from our body of fighting men. As for military high command’s dismissal of Boko Haram’s declaration of caliphate, it means nothing without an emphatic routing at the battle field. If only for the sake of its glittering past record and institutional pride, it just cannot afford to lose the war against the Boko Haram.

‘For a war that has gulped nearly a whole of three trillion naira in the last three years, we expect not only better coordination but greater efficiency from our body of fighting men. As for military high command’s dismissal of Boko Haram’s declaration of caliphate, it means nothing without an emphatic routing at the battle field. If only for the sake of its glittering past record and institutional pride, it just cannot afford to lose the war against the Boko Haram’ August 26, 2011 United Nations House bombing in Abuja.

The Nigerian public grew even more critical of the agency after newspapers ran stories in which they claimed that the agency had received intelligence about the bombing beforehand from the Americans.

Indeed, the Nigerian press ran stories early November 2011, alleging that the United States government had issued a travel advisory on Nigeria. The travel advisory included the threat of bomb attacks at major hotels in Abuja frequented by expatriates. The story generated panic among the populace and accusations of incompetence made against the security agencies, the SSS inclusive.

The SSS has a long history of repressing the political activities of opposition groups. Public meetings are arbitrarily canceled or prevented, including cultural events, academic conferences, and human rights meetings. September 25, 1997, police and SSS agents broke up a Human Rights Africa (HRA) seminar for students in Jos, arrested then HARA director Tunji Abayomi and four others, and briefly detained some 70 students. Abayomi and the others were held for 10 days and then released on bail. A workshop on conflict management in Port Harcourt on May 1, 1998 was canceled when the SSS warned local coordinators that such a meeting could not be held on Workers Day, a local holiday. Similar workshops elsewhere proceeded unimpeded despite the holiday.

So, when a long convoy of DSS operatives arrived in Osogbo, Osun State, weeks prior to the governorship election in the state, not many following the historical atrocities of the agency were amused. If an organisation, serviced through taxpayers money could easily turn against such people, then, something may be wrong somewhere.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed is certainly not the type to be accused of loitering especially on the eve of an election involving a party in which he is a national officer. If an incumbent state governor, in the person of Rauf Aregbesola, a contestant is holed up in his residence by this same organization; if Mohammed could be blindly arrested and detained; if hooded operatives could harass and arrest citizens randomly and members of a political party singled out for arrest and harassment on the eve of an election; if a spokesperson of DSS could gleefully allege on national television, that a political party is the sole sponsor of insurgency and bombings in the land, without any credible evidence to support; if the same image maker is alleging bribery of her men without concrete evidence; if a security agency is supporting a faction of labour union against another instead of being impartial; if our own equivalent of Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, chooses to strangely come out in the open to announce its presence and through intimidation of innocent voters and opposing parties, then a lot has certainly gone wrong.

In the 80’s when yours truly was a young NSO operative in the old Oyo State, being seen as such was like breaking a taboo. Your pride and strength resided in being anonymous.

But today, the bravado of our intelligence agency operatives calls for utter concern. Just like the defunct NSO, it is just a matter of time for the proverbial chicken to come home to roost.

• Akinola is a social commentator

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

22

COMMENTS “Death is a necessary end it will come when it will” ND so death came calling on August 19 for Dr Stella Sade Aneyo Adadevoh, the senior consultant physician who treated the late AmericanLiberian Ebola patient Patrick Sawyer.

Sawyer, you will recall was the one who imported Ebola into our country from his native Liberia on July 20 and infected those that had primary contacts with him at First Consultant Hospital, Lagos where he was taken after he collapsed on arrival at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja.

Dr Adadevoh, an endocrinologist, was one of a few medical personnel that attended to him at the hospital. She was not even on duty on that day but had to come in response to an emergency. She was the fifth casualty of the problem brought on to us by Mr. Sawyer. Two of the nurses I think and a protocol officer attached to ECOWAS office in Lagos that had contact with him had equally died.

As I write this piece, there are some Nigerians in isolation in Lagos being monitored for signs of Ebola after they have had direct or indirect contact with late Sawyer.

A few others not in isolation but are remotely linked to the Liberian are equally under watch and told to report the slightest sign of an outset of Ebola to health authorities once they noticed any.

As public enlightenment on how to avoid contracting Ebola and what to do in case one was infected continues, people are now wary of handshakes and an embrace or bear hug is being avoided like a plague. Connoisseurs of vintage bush meat are beginning to look elsewhere while hunters and sellers of hunted roasted animals are lamenting their plight blaming Sawyer for the calamity that has befallen their business.

But while the rest of us are running away from Ebola some people stayed and confronted the deadly disease in other to save millions of Nigerians that today could have been infected with the virus if Patrick Sawyer had been allowed to leave First Consultant Hospital, Lagos as he requested, even after he had been diagnosed with Ebola. Among this honourable group of patriotic Nigerians was Dr Stella Sade Aneyo Adadevoh.

A

She died to save our lives This patriot could have ignored the call for emergency when Sawyer was brought into her hospital after all she wasn’t on duty.

But she remembered that her duty as a physician was to save life and pronto she rushed to the hospital. If she considered that her colleagues in public hospitals were on strike at that time, she could have refused to attend to any emergency or fresh cases in solidarity with the striking doctors, but she didn’t.

As Ebola presents itself like ordinary malaria fever or typhoid fever, Dr Adadevoh and her colleagues at First Consultant Hospital could have treated Sawyer for mere malaria without running a test and discharge him immediately to go home but they didn’t. They suspected something grave was wrong with the Liberian and when test confirmed he had Ebola they raised alarm and treatment began him. But for Dr Adadevoh and the nurses, it was too late to protect themselves, Sawyer had infected them with Ebola; and now they have paid the ultimate price to save the rest of us from this deadly disease. What a patriotic thing to do!

Imagine what could have happened if Adadevoh and hes colleagues had thought of themselves alone and allowed Sawyer to go home and mix freely with the rest of the society. If he had been discharged and allowed to go to Calabar as he had planned, by now many Nigerians in that axis would be carrying the virus. And with Nigerians penchant for travelling, an infected person could export this disease from here to say Europe, America and the rest of the world.

If that were to be the case the world and not just West Africa could have been facing

I

N the heat of the global human carnage that was the Second World War, Britain’s famed politician and war-time leader, Winston Churchill, gave a famous speech on the floor of the House of Commons to update the House on the progress of the war. He addressed many themes and then rounded off on the pungent rallying note to his compatriots: ‘Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, “This was their finest hour.”’

And on this very note, Churchill gave a significant new insight into the affairs of humankind. He facilitated our capacity to see that every human being, irrespective of his stations in life, must have some moments in his existence that can truly be adjudged to be ‘his finest hour’.

The only difference is that, more often than not, famous men and women enjoy the privilege of public inquest and assessment into their lives such that it is they alone who are most frequently thought to have such moments in their lives.

But the truth is that such moments of indisputably outstanding performance in whatever one does is far from being the exclusive preserve of the famous and the celebrated of human species. Rather, even the most lowly placed and unassuming do have such moments in their lives. The crucial distinction is the fact that such moments in the lives of the ordinary man are unknown to the public and are therefore left unsung.

But then it is one of those uncanny sociological realities of human life that we cannot all have the same share of limelight and public glory. It does not mean that many of us do not have achievements in our little lives that are

‘The election was a battle for the soul of Osun and by extension that of Nigeria in its present political configuration. In a significant way the Osun governorship election outcome would affect the electoral contest for Aso Rock in 2015 between the two leading political parties in the country, the PDP and the APC’

an epidemic by now. But this Nigerian has saved the whole of humanity this calamity. What a sacrifice.

What should we do to immortalize this great granddaughter of the father of Nigerian nationalism; the late Herbert Macaulay? Apart from personal posthumous national honour for Dr Adadevoh, her death to save our lives should draw government attention to the deplorable state of our public health facilities in this country. When Sawyer arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, officials at the Port Health Services could not detect anything wrong in his system (even after he collapsed) to warrant him being detained and quarantined at the airport. He was allowed to enter the country with Ebola and travelled with it as far as Lagos Island from Ikeja. What if the man had detoured on the way to the Island or pleaded to be allowed to go home instead of the hospital, nobody would know that an Ebola patient has entered the country.

The first contact with the patient on arrival in the country should have been Port Health which should detain and quarantine him. But I doubt if there is any quarantine

centre or facility at any of our ports, land, air or sea. What of the state of our preparedness for medical emergency. Sawyer was already in the country and his status known before we began to set up isolation centres for this kind of contagious disease. And how many of such centres do we even have in the country at present?

Part of our preparation for emergency should have been taking a pre-emptive action against the entry of Ebola into Nigeria once it was reported in some West African countries. But we took no action. A responsible and responsive government would have embarked on a thorough screening exercise at the various points of entry for everybody coming into the country from the affected countries, including Nigerians returning home. If this had been done, Sawyer would not have gone beyond Lagos airport before being quarantined.

The importation of Ebola into Nigeria from Liberia should tell governments in West Africa that no country is immune in the sub-region to any crisis or plague in any of ECOWAS member states and as such we should collaborate and see ourselves as one. If the Liberian government had been thinking about the health of the neighbouring countries, it wouldn’t have allowed Sawyer to escape and export Ebola to Nigeria via Lome in Togo.

The fact that any disease could be airlifted across continents via just one intercontinental flight should also alert the developed countries to their responsibilities to the rest of humanity. Ebola has shown that it is no respecter of race or colour of skin or social status. It is an enemy of humanity and the whole world must stand together to fight it, if need be with our lives just as Dr Adadevoh has done with hers to prevent the spread of the disease. ADIEU patriot. We will never forget your sacrifice.

‘The importation of Ebola into Nigeria from Liberia should tell governments in West Africa that no country is immune in the sub-region to any crisis or plague in any of ECOWAS member states and as such we should collaborate and see ourselves as one. If the Liberian government had been thinking about the health of the neighbouring countries, it wouldn’t have allowed Sawyer to escape and export Ebola to Nigeria via Lome in Togo’

Aregbesola’s finest hour

By Folabi Jimoh worthy of celebration; it is just that most of us will have such achievements unnoticed and uncelebrated. But this would not also detract from the truth that the famous and the celebrated do have achievements to their credit that are worthy of laudation. And so it is with the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola –a man whose character qualities have earned him a deserved place in the sun.

At a distance, he is most likely to give you an impression of a non-personable individual and one of those typical ilk of Nigerian politicians. But a close contact with him would reveal a man of strong character and amiability. One who knows exactly what he wants and goes for it. He aims high and matches those high aims with steely determination and doggedness. He is an engaging speaker whose high intellect contrasts sharply with what you tend to see from afar. He is a man of deep conviction who stubbornly clings to his beliefs.

Perhaps this explains why he has the capacity to attract opposite emotions in equal measure of intensity. Those who love him are unflinchingly loyal. Those who don’t are die-hard opponents. But in fairness to the man, and contrary to what one might be tempted to deduce from his political activist posture, he is someone with genuinely accommodating spirit. He engages with the people across all social strata right from the political ‘tree top’ to the grassroots.

All of these have come into play in his political career in recent years. His rise to the governorship seat occurred in extraordinary circumstances that were filled with mortal dangers and high-wire political intrigues. It took over three years of resolute and relentless battle through the courts to prove his victory at the 2011 polls. His re-election for a second term of office on Saturday August 9 happened in no less intriguing political fashion.

The election was a battle for the soul of Osun and by extension that of Nigeria in its present political configu-

ration. In a significant way the Osun governorship election outcome would affect the electoral contest for Aso Rock in 2015 between the two leading political parties in the country, the PDP and the APC. Accordingly, having achieved a largely unforeseen victory at the Ekiti gubernatorial poll barely two months ago, the PDP became emboldened to emasculate the APC in its strongest-hold, the South-west, which would have been achieved with victory in Osun.

Hence, the PDP-led federal government threw everything at it, including placing Osun under a security lockdown, not to mention the inexplicable and inexcusable arrests of APC party functionaries, along with members of Aregbesola’s cabinet on the night preceding the election. But the people of Osun stood firm. They did not succumb to intimidation and the federal government’s unwarranted show of force. They voted massively for the incumbent to reaffirm his genuine popularity among his people.

But Aregbesola’s greatest moment was to come the day after the election on Sunday when he rode triumphantly to the Nelson Mandela Freedom Square to address his supporters. Incidentally, he was formally declared the winner by INEC on that Sunday morning after hours of waiting. The announcement was greeted by a spontaneous outburst and tumultuous gathering of mammoth crowds all over Osogbo who then converged on the Olaiya intersection as the governor’s convoy emerged from Okefia Roundabout.

It was some of the biggest crowd I have yet seen assemble just to welcome only one man. As I watched the man and his crowd inch their way towards Freedom Park at Old Garage, I remembered those memorable words of Churchill. However, as humans, it is in our nature that until we actually cease to breathe, it is difficult to definitively say that we’ve had our most glorious moments. So Aregbesola may yet have greater days of glory ahead of him.

But this much can be said– that irrespective of what greater glory he may still step into in the days, months and years to come, Aregbesola’s triumphant entry to Freedom Square on Sunday August 10, and his grand reception by an enthusiastically massive crowd, would go down in history as arguably his Finest Hour.

• Jimoh is a University of Ibadan graduate student of political science

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

Olaoye Mojisola Taiwo (Otherwise known as Olaoye Mojisola) late of 1, Olaoye Close, Adamo Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased kwho died intestate on the 17th day of March, 2013 at Luth.

Mr Igho Monday (Otherwise known as Mr Monday Igho) late fo 34, Bible Street, Ijedodo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of June, 2013 at lagos.

Moses Oladunni Awodein lateof House AA5, Federal Low Cost Housing, Ibereko Badagry, Lagos , deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of May, 1985 at Lagos.

Mrs Abiodun Amori Adeneye late fo 2, Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of October, 2007 at Ohio, United State.

Mr Jongbo Olugbenga Denien late of Road 22 Plot 6, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Nwachukwu Regina (Otherwise known as Regina Chima Nwachukwu) late of 5, Gospel Church Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of June, 2013 at Luth, Lagos.

Samuel Ayokanmi Adebo (Otherwise known as Mr Samuel A. Adebo) late of Flat 7, Block 2, 312 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of July, 2013 at Festac Town.

Madam Augusta Abeke Adenaike late of 42, Falolu Road, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of December, 2012 at Reddington Hospital, Victoria Island.

Mr Akinniyi Akintoye Felix (Otherwise known as Mr Akiniyi Akintoye Felix) late of 2, Olude Street, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of August, 2010 at Ketu Ejinrin Health Centre, Ketu.

Jiwuaku Kate (Otherwise known as Catherine Chinyere) late of 1, Folajimi Blessing Steet, Alasia Ijanikin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of August, 2013 at General Hospital Badagry.

Mr Manson Ebreneyin (Otherwise known as S.Sgt. Manson Ebreneyin, Michael ) late of Zone 3, Road 1, House 8, Odo ayepe, Comforter Bus Stop, Along Badagry Expressway, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of December, 2010 at Nasms Medical Centre, Ojo, Lagos Pa Ayoola Reffell (Otherwise knownas Reffell Ayoola) late of 39, Eleshin Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of November, 1999 at General Hospital Ikeja.

Wahab Yusuf Oguntola (Otherwise known as Wahab Yussuf) late of 17, Prophet Tola Street, Okerube Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of June, 2009 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Oladipo Segun (Otherwise known as Abikoye Olarewaju Oladipo Segun) late of 13, Arowolo Street, Onike Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of May, 2007 at Debof Clinic Limited , Mushin, Lagos.

Okulate Adeolu Abimbola (Otherwise known as Adeolu Abimbola Okulate) late of 145, Close 7, Mayfair Gardens Ibeju Lekki, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

Alh. Jimoh Solanke (Otherwise known as Jimoh Ishola Sholanke) late fo 56, Jagunmolu Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of May, 1998 at Lasuth.

Mrs Clara Olasumbo Phillips late of 65, Mojisola Street, Ifako Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of July, 2013 at London.

Raimi Balogun late of 40, Taiwo Street, Idi Araba, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of November, 2012 at Lasuth.

Mr Sanni Alamu Akinsanya late of 29, Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

Daramola Sofuran Lekan (Otherwise known as Daramole Lekan , Daramola Olalekan and Olalekan Daramola) late of 13, Olabisi Street, Ojota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of Septembr, 2013 at General Hospital Gbagada, Lagos.

Amusat Olaide Oloye (Otherwise known as Hamzat Olaide Oloye, Hamzat Olaide, Alhaji Hamzat Olaide Oloye, Hamzat Moshood Aremu Olaide Oloye, Amusat Olaide Oloye and Amusat Olaide Oloye (Alh) late of 2, Coker Road, Orile Coker, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of June, 2013 at Lagos.

Alhaji Sulaimon Agbodemu (Otherwise known as Sulaimon Agbodemu) late of 17, Aina Akera Street, Orile Agege, Lagos,deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of September, 2006 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Madam Akhimien Omonzejele Cecelia (Otherwise known as Akhimien Omonzejele Cecelia) late of 22, Nelson Cole Avenue, Church Bus Stop, Iju Road, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2013 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Mr Anthony Fadeni Oludeinde (Otherwise known as Anthony Oludeinde Fadeni ) late of 55, Folami Avenue, Isefun Ayobo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

Ariguzo Franca Ngozi (Otherwise known as Ariguzo Francisca) late of 4A, Obasuyi Crescent, Off Prince Bus Stop Ijegun, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of January, 2013 at Owerri Adebayo Olusegun late of 8, Ago-Otta Street, Agbowa Ikosi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of June, 2010 at General Hospital Ikeja.

Mr Daniel Tinubu late of 195, Agege Motor Road, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of September, 1972 at Lagos.

Mrs Victoria Olayiwola Awodiya late of 4, Wemimo Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of October, 2010 at King Solomon Hospital, Anthony Lagos.

Mr Obayemi Sunday late of 1, Eso Ola Street, Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of April, 2011 at Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

Ogbonna Ifeanyichukwu (Otherwise known as Mr Ogbonna Ifeanyi Christian) late of 1A, Balogun Kuku Street, Off Adetola, Aguda Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of October, 2013 at Umuahia North LGA, Abia State Ahmed -Erinfolami (Otherwise known as Ahmed-Erinfolami Okanlawon and Mr Ahmed Erinfolami) late of 13, Anjorin Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of May, 2012 at Best Hope Hospital,Lagos.

Badaru Omobolanle (Otherwise known as Miss Badaru Omobolanle) late of 1A, Igbe Road, Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of December, 2009 at Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

Mr Benedict Akinlade Asabiyi late fo 17, Soroyo Sowemimo, Ajasa Command, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of June, 2008 at Alalade Memorial Hospital, Agege Abeokuta Expressway Dopemu, Lagos.

Okanlawon Francis Olabode (Otherwise known as Mr Francis Olabode Okanlawon) late of 20, Oshinyemi Street, Ewu Tuntun, Mafoluku, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of Octoebr, 2011 at Lagos.

Goddy Enubukosa Opone (Otherwise known as Mr Goddy Opone Enubukosa and Opone Goddy Enubukosa) late fo 10, Samson Ogunbode Street, Asalu Abaranje Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of Septemebr, 2012 at General Hospital Port Harcourt.

Mutairu Oluwatoyin Abraham late of 55, Hospital Road, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of July, 2012 at Seriki Abimbola Memorial Hospital, Badagry, Lagos Fajembola Bosede (Miss) (Otherwise known as Bola ,Miss Bosede Fajembola and Mrs Akindurodoye Bosede (Nee Fajembola) late of 21 Road, J Close, Block 3, Flat 13, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of April, 2005 at General Hospital Lagos.

Tahiru Kabiru (Otherwise known as Tairu Kabiru) late of 58, Mosalasi Street, Agbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2013 at I.G.H. Kano Olatunji Kehinde (Mrs) late of Flat 3, Low Cost Hoousing Estate, Ojokoro, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of September, 2013 at Lagos.

Ugele Osewe (Otherwise known as Osewe Ugele) late of 1, Adedoyin Street, Kosofe , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 2013 at Luth.

Elder Henshaw Daniel Udoh (Otherwise known as Mr Henshaw Udoh) late of 19, Adeniji Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of November, 2013 at Lagos.

Miss Oluwadamilola Sowemimo,(Otherwise known as Miss Damilola Oluwaseun Sowemimo) late of 1, Agbor Close, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of February, 2012 at Lasuth.

Boniface Isiguzoro late of 6, Ogo Oluwa Street, Iju Ajwon, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Mary Emeka Hart (Nee Agbi) (Otherwise known as Agbi Mary) late of 18, Rotras Crescent, Meiran, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of February, 2007 at Lasuth Johnson Ogboru Ikorgu late of 31, Ajose Street, Mende Maryland , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of July 1989.

Sylvester Ashong late of 10, Oluwole Avenue, Ifako Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Alhaja Shittu Moninuola Amudalat (Otherwise known as Alhaja Moninuola Shittu) late of 3, Oladunni Shittu Close, Odan Era, Ijanikin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of December, 2009 at Luth Mr Samson O. Shofunde, late of 6, Baderin Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of August, 1989 at Lagos.

Ayodele Micheal (Otherwise known as Mr Ayodele Micheal) late of 7, Wosilat Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

Obire Benjamin late of 6, Benjamin Obire Street, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of December, 2013 at Lasuth.

Bello Mutiat Mopelola late of 5, Aregbesola Street, Iba Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

Ogbuta Keoyenum Ngozi,(Otherwise known as Ogbuta Ngozi Koyenum) late of 511 Road, Custom Quarters, Block 6, Flat 9, Gowon Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of August, 2012 at Festac, Lagos.

Mr Peter Ikhiede late of 4, Duro Olaleru Street, Okunola, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of September, 2013 at Lagos.

Okpokpo Monday Joseph late of 42, Ejire Street, Itire, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of September, 2012 at Akwa Ibom.

Abayomi Olatunde (Otherwise known as Mr Abayomi A. Olatunde and Abayomi Akanbi Olatunde) late of 365A, Ademola Ajasa Street, Phase 1, Omole Estate, Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 2012 at USA. Ifekwe Ukoh late of 6, Musa Oyinbo Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of March, 2007 at Lagos.

Adisa Falola Agbolahan (Otherwise known as Falola Adisa Agbolahan) late of34, Ogunjobi Street, Pressure, Ile Epo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of December, 2012 at General Hospital Ifo, Ogun State Miss Isibor Kate, late of 281 Iju Road, Ishaga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of Octoebr, 2013 at Luth Akinsomiro Omojola Anthony late of 4, Akanni Street, Muwo ,Ojo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Fatimoh Atinuke Balogun (Otherwise known as Balogun Fatimoh ) late of 43, Apesin Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of April, 2008 at Lasuth.

Mr Moses Kelikume (Otherwise known as Kelikume Moses) late of 17, Surulere Street, offin, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2012 at General Hospital Ikorodu, Lagos.

Mrs Aurelia Yebode Somefun (Otherwise known as Mrs Somefun Aurelia Yebode) late of 2, Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

Ayodele Gabriel Olasupo (PA) (Otherwise known as Pa Gabriel Olasupo Ayodele) late of 43, Adewale Adenuga Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of December, 2013 at Lagos.

Timiren Sunday Ademuyiwa (Otherwise known as Timiren Sunday A. and Sunday Ademuyiwa Timiren) late of 288, Abaranje Road, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of March, 2014 at Lasuth.

Egwu Happy late of Block "C" Flat 4, 23 Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of September, 2013 at General Hopsital Otukpa Anambra State.

Mrs Marian Eniola Ajijola,(Otherwise known as Ajijola Marian Eniola) late of 47, Addo-Badore Road, Ajah, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of August, 2012 at Chevron Hospital Gbagada Late Mr Eddy Mewe Eyenuro (Otherwise known as Ejenuro Eddy) late of 2, Olufemi Oladunmi Close, Off Tadesa Street, Ojokoro Ijaiye, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of August, 2011 at Gbagada General Hospital.

Pastor Monday Elisha Ojajuni (Otherwise known as Monday Elisah Ojajuni and Pastor Elisha Ojajuni) late of 24, Omobanta Street, Mile 12, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of July, 2013 at Lagos.

Sikiru Coker (Otherwise known as Alade and Coker Sikiru) late of 26, Ibukun Street, Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of October, 2013 at Lagos.

John Aruna (Otherwise known as Aruna John , Tewogbola and Ola) late of 30, Magbagun Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of August, 2013 at Lagos.

Ganiyat Afolabi (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Mrs Ganiyat Afolabi (Nee Ibrahim ) late of 119, Enu-Owa Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of August, 2009 at Luth.

Mr Effiong Esio (Otherwise known as Esio Effiong) late of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of August, 2013 Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta .

Mrs Adeola Idowu Adepegba (Otherwise known as Adepegba Adeola Idowu) late of 5, Soji Adepegba Close, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of January, 2015 at Lasuth, Ikeja, Lagos.

Akinola Oyebisi Elizabeth, late of 6, Muyi Saba Close, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 2014 at Lagos.

Dabiri Obanla Timothy Olutayo late of Oba's Palace, Iyekun Ota, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of September, 2013 at Lasuth.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Olaoye Samuel Wasiu of 1, Olaoye Close, Adamo, Ikorodu, Lagos and Odufowokan Oduseye Peter of 11, Burahimo Alli Street, Ladi-Lak, Bariga, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased 2. Mrs Igho Faith Asana and Igho Peter both of 34, Bible Street, Ijedodo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

3. Mrs Victoria Omolara Awodein, Miss Olubukunola Ibironke Awodein and Mr Adebola Oluseyi Awodein all of House AA5, Federal Low Cost, Housing , Ibereko Badagry, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased 4. Mr Adeneye S. Oluwaseun of 15, Joel Ogunaike Street, G.R.A. Ikeja, Lagos, and Mr Adeneye A. Patrick of 2,Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

5. Mrs Jongbo Francisca Olufunmilayo of Road 22, Plot 6, Gowon Estate Ipaja, Lagos and Mr Sunday Folorunso Jongbo of 5, Veora Estate, Arepo, Ogun State, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

6. Donatus Nwachukwu Udogwu of 5, Gospel Church Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos and Evelyn Eluma of 18, Salako Street, Ilasa, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

7. Monsurat Abiodun Adebo and Oluwaseye Oyekunle Adebo both of Flat 7, Block 2, 312 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

8. Mrs Olufunke Laleye of 6, Oladipo Oshilaja Avenue, Omole Estate, Phase 2, Ikeja, Lagos and Dr Olorunfemi Caroline Pitan of House Q93 Road, 23 VGC V. two of the children of the said deceased.

9. Dorcas Adeyinka Akinniyi and Oluwapelumi Akinniyi both of 2, Olude Street, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

10. Sir Donatus Sonde Jiwuaku and Jiwuaku Emeka both of 1, Folajimi Blessing Street, Alasia Ijanikin, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

11. Mrs Helen Agnes Michael and Emmanuel Manson Ebreneyin both of Zone 3, Road 1, House 8, Odoayepe Comforter Bus Stop, Along Badagry Express way Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

12. Mr Olamilekan Abdul-Muinudeen Reffell of 39, Eleshin Street, Lagos, Mojisola Anthony Reffell of Block 14, Flat 2, Ogba Housing Estate, Phase 2, Lagos, Mrs Toyin Ayoka Balogun of 15, Sinari Daranijo, Victoria Island, Lagos, and Mrs Folakemi Abimbola Ibaru of 5, Atanda Badmos Labora Owode, Lekki Epe, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

13. Wahab Isiwat Adunni and Wahab Yemi Yahya bothof 17, Prophet Tola Street, Okerube, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

14. Sherifat Adunni Abikoye and Oluwakemi Ajoke Abikoye both of 40, Nathan Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

15. Okulate Olamide Modupeola and Okulate Olusola both of 145, Close 7, Mayfair Gardens, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

16. Mr Ganiyu A. Solanke of 36, Yinka Ogunfile Street, Soroga Estate, Ikorodu, Mrs Nusirat Ifegbuyi (Nee Solanke) and Engr.

Lateef Banwo both of 1, Awosede Igbo Oluwo, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children and nephew respectively of the said deceased.

17. Mrs Funsho Akinruli and Mrs Yewande Oladipo both of 65, Mojisola Street, Ifako Agege, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

18. Abiodun Balogun of 40, Taiwo Street, Idi Araba Mushin, Lagos and Barr. Oladipupo Omotesho of 11, Ogunbowale Street, Lagos, Only child and trustee respectively of the said deceased.

19. Lateef Alani Akinsanya and Akinsanya Akanni Sulaimon both of 15, Akinbode Street, Mushin, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

20. Daramola Abibat Olushola and Saidat Funmilola Ademola both of 13, Olabisi Street, Ojota, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

21. Mrs Mulikat Adeola Hamzat of 1, Amazat Close, Awoyaya Ajah, Lagos, Mrs Sakirat Hamzat, Rasheedat Ibidun Hamzat and Adijat Abimbola Hamzat all of 9, Adetola Street, Ijora Badia, Lagos, two widows and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

22. Mr Samod Agbodemu, Mr Aliyu Agbodemu, Mr Nurudeen Agbodemu and Mr Ibrahim Agbodemu all of 17, Aina Akera Street, Orile Agege, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

23. Mr Akhimien Francis, Mr Akhimien Lucky Eki and Mr Akhimien Kingsley Egbonghon all of 22, Nelson Cole Avenue, Iju Road, Agege, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

24. Funmilayo Julianah Fadeni, Miss Atinuke Oluwabusayo Fadeni and Mr Anthony Olanrewaju Fadeni all of 55, Folami Avenue, Isefun Ayobo Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

25. Ariguzo Obinna and Ariguzo Udoka (Miss) both of 4, Obasuyi Crescent, Ijegun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

26. Oluremi Adebayo and Joshua Adebayo both of 8, Ago-Otta Street, Agbowa Ikosi, Lagos, two children of the said deceased 27. Mr Julius Tinubu, Mr Moses Tinubu, Mr Elijah Tinubu and Mr Olufemi Tinubu all of 6 & 8 Odunlami Street, Agege, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

28. Mrs Helen Oluwafunmilayo Ibironke and Mr Oluwole Adeniyi Awodiya both of 4, Wemimo Street, Bariga, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

29. Mrs Obayemi Anthonia Ifeoma of 1, Eroemi Street, Ajerogun, Iyana Ilogbo and Mrs Doris Idioma Nweke of 42, Ipaja Road, Agege, Lagos, widow and sister-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

30. Mrs Grace Ogbonna Onyinyechi and Ogbonna Joy silva both of 1A, Balogun Kuku Street, Off Adetola, Aguda Surulere, Lagos, mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

31. Ibrahim Erinfolami of 26, Anjorin Street, Mushin, Lagos and Shakiru Erinfolami of 10, Daniel Street, Mushin, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

32. Miss Ganiyat Folake Badaru and Miss Badaru Adijat Abosede both of 20, Alade Street, Shomolu, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

33. Mr William Kayode Asabiyi and Mr Emmanuel Ajibola Asabiyi both of 17, Soroye Sowemimo Street, Command Road, Ipaja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

34. Mr Peter Olugbemiga Okanlawon and Mrs Olubukola Yetunde Oyekola both of 6, Somolu Street, Alakuko, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

35. Margaret Opone Npode and Stanley Chukwutem Opone both of 10, Samson Ogunbode Street, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

36. Mrs Comfort Wasiu and Mr Joel Gbenu Wasiu both of 12, Old Nepa Street, Near De James Hotel , Badagry, Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

37. Olayemi Fajembola (Ms) of 21 Road, J Close, Block 3, Flat 13, Festac Town, Lagos, and Yinka Fajembola (Mrs) of 322 Road, H Close, Block 4, Flat 8, Festac Town, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

38. Shehu Kabiru and Aliu Kabiru both of 58, Mosalasi Street, Agbado, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

39. Mr Olatunji Adeniyi Olusegun of Block 213, P3, Ojokoro Estate, Meiran and Mrs Odunjo Taiwo of Block 4, Flat 5, Millenium Estate, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widower and sister-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

40. Mr Williams Ugele and John Okohs both of 5, Okeiwo Street, Ikotun, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

41. Henshaw Etebong Daniel and Beatrice Henshaw both of 19, Adeniji Street, Surulere, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

42. Dr B. Olufemi Sowemimo of 1, Agbor Close, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, father of the said deceased.

43. Isiguzoro Stella and Isiguzoro Oscar both of 6, Ogo-Oluwa Street, Iju-Ajuwon, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

44. Mrs Elizabeth Orieoma Awuletey of 14, Patrick Teke Street, Cashia Estate, Abijan Lekki, Lagos and Mrs Onyekachi Oluwole of 6, Iyana Ekoro Street, Abule Egba Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

45. Mrs Caroline Adeneye of 25, Ajose Street, Mende, Maryland, Mr Bunmi J. Okoya Thomas of 14, Ramat Crescent, Ogudu GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, and Mr Victor Agema of 25, Ajose Street, Mende , Maryland , Lagos, grand children of the said deceased.

46. Mrs Mary Ashong and Mr Nelson Ashong both of 10, Oluwole Avenue, Ifako Gbagada, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

47. Shittu Kafilat Oluwayemisi and Shittu Islamiat Omolabake both of 3, Oladunni Shittu Close, Odan Era, Ijanikin, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

48. Mr Shofunde Kayode, Mr Bidemi Shofunde and Mr Fadeyi Saburi all of 6, Baderin Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

49. Mr Ayodele Olukayode of 7, Alhaja Wosilat Street, Ipaja, Lagos, and Mrs Awolesi Temitayo of 45, Akinola Road, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

50. Daini Grace Onajite (Mrs) of Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Arizika Elizabeth Omonigho . (Mrs) of 6, Benjamin Obire Street, Egbeda, Lagos, and Obire Emmanuel Adogbeji . (Mr) of B8, Topaz Road, Goshen Estate, Lekki 1 , Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

51. Yussuf Bola (Mrs) and Adekunle Bello (Mr) both of 5, Aregbesola Street , Iba Town Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

52. Gregory Isika and Janet Isika both of 511 Road, Custom Quarter, Block 6, Flat 9, Gowon Estate, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

53. Mr Peter Osikemekhai Ikhiede Jnr, Mr Christopher Ereshe Ikhiede, Miss Stella Avedoya Ikhiede and Miss Joy Idara Ikhiede all of 4, Duro Olaleru Street, Okunola Egbeda, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

54. Imoette M. Joseph and John Monday Joseph both of 42, Ejire Street, Itire, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

55. Mrs Folashade Juliet Olatunde and Miss Chinyere Sandra Nwamuo both of 365A, Ademola Ajasa Street, Phase 1, Omole Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and only child respectively of the said deceased.

56. Mr Samuel Ukoh and Ikechukwu Ukoh both of 6, Musa Oyinbo Street, Oshodi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

57. Bashiru Babatunde Falola and Monsurat Falola both of 34, Ogunjobi Street, Pressure, Ile Epo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

58. Mr Isibor Sunday Anthony and Mrs Isibor Blessing both of 281, Iju Road, Ishaga, Lagos, father and mother respectively of the said deceased.

59. Akinsomiro Modupe and Oranye Oluwafemi both of 4, Akanni Street, Muwo, Ojo, Lagos, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased 60. Tajudeen Balogun, Olayiwola Suluka Balogun and Abiola Arike Sowunmi (Nee Balogun) all of 43, Apesin Street, Mushin, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

61. Miss Queen Kelikume and Chukwuemeka Kelikume both of 17, Surulere Street, Offin, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

62. Mr Adetunji O. Somefun and Mrs Bukola A. Aloba both of 2, Hervey Road, Yaba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased 63. Mrs Funmilola Ayodele and Mr Olatunde Ayodele both of 43, Adewale Adenuga Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

64. Abiodun Rasaq Timiren and Rashidat Adebukola Timiren both of 288, Abaranje Road, Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

65. Eneaba Peter (Mrs) and Ujah Audu (Mr) both of Block "C" Flat 4, 23 Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos, sister and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

66. Olabanji Ajijola and Ifeoluwa Ruth Ajijola both of 47, Addo-Badore Road, Ajah, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

67. Felicia Eyenuro and Edith Eyenuro both of 2, Olufemi Olodunmi Close, Off Tadesa Street, Ojokoro Ijaiye, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

68. Segun Ojajuni and Peter Ojajuni both of 24, Omobanta Street, Mile 12, Ketu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

69. Zainab Abdullah and Saidi Coker both of 26, Ibukun Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

70. Atinuke Famade, Adebisi Fadairo and Ayoola Aruna all of 30, Magbagun Street, Ejigbo, Via Isolo, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

71. Mrs Fausat Adebayo and Mr Lukman Afolabi both of 119, Enu-owa Street, Lagos, Island, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

72. Mary Effiong, Patience Effiong, Joseph Effiong and Emmanuel Effiong all of Mudele Road, Ajilete Bus Stop, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

73. Mr Adeseun Adepegba and Miss Abimbola Adepegba both of 5, Soji Adepegba Close, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

74. Akinola Tunji J. and Akinola Olusola Daniel both of 6, Muyi Saba Close, Ipaja, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

75. Dabiri Omolara and Dabiri Temitope both of 19, Adeola Adefolabi Street, New Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos, widow and only child respectively of the said deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 , 2014

25 Appointment should be done on merit. This nation needs to move to

realm of merit and not sectional or federal character. Whatever is ’ the not obtained by merit is usually lacking in experience ’

See page 28

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

After a two-year stewardship, outgoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Okey Wali will hand over to his incoming successor Augustine Alegeh (SAN) on Friday. How did he fare in office? ADEBISI ONANUGA assesses his tenure

Okey Wali: What legacy?

H

INSIDE:

OW did outgoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Okey Wali fare in office? Some lawyers believe he could have done better if he had got his priorities. Others argue that he could not have done more than he did considering the circumstances. Wali came to office with high hopes, promising to make the Bar the voice of the people. But under his watch, the NBA leadership blew muted trumpet on virtually all issues.

The association seemed to be cosy with government rather than being critical of it. To a lawyer, Akintayo Iwilade, Wali would have left a legacy if he ensured the democratisation of NBA’s electoral process.

The Wali-led executive came into office in July, 2012.

In his inaugural speech, Wali said his vision was to move the association forward and went ahead to encapsulate his programme of action in 10 Cardinal Point Agenda as listed: “Branch Capacity Building; Professionalising the Secretariat ; Financial Responsibility; Human Capacity Building; Institutional Synergy with Regional and International Organisations, Bar Associations and Law Societies; Human Rights Programme; Anti-Corruption Crusade; Uplifting Professional Standards; Criminal Justice System and Access to Justice and Robust Legislative Advocacy”.

He set three major tasks for his administration under the cardinal programmes: i)Welfare of our colleagues. The welfare of our colleagues shall be paramount. We will run a Bar that cares and is felt by its membership, whilst ensuring that the best traditions of the profession are maintained ii)A watch dog or Gate keeper for the Nigerian People, we shall definitely intervene on any issues, if and when we believe that the ship of state is adrift and that iii)Justice sector reforms will be kept in the front burner.

He said: “Law practice needed to be better organised and more well structured than it is now. For instance, how many lawyers are in practice in Nigeria? What minimum standard should be approved for a place to be called a law firm or chamber? Why should it take donkey years, as in litigation, to discipline a lawyer who has been reported to the Disciplinary Committee?” , he asked.

“For me these are some of the fundamental issues in our justice sector and my 10-point cardinal agenda very clearly deals with those issues”, he further stated.

Wali went on:“We shall take deliberate and determined steps to stem the tide. More disciplinary Committees will be set up. A situation where lawyers with pending disciplinary matters are elevated, even up to taking silk and judicial appointments cannot be right and must stop. In addition to ensuring that disciplinary matters are heard and determined promptly and adequate punishment meted out, we will ensure more education on professional ethics. Besides continuing legal education for lawyers, we will take steps to ensure that professional ethics is taught as a core subject in the Universities, as a few months of teaching professional ethics at the Nigerian Law School is obviously not enough education on professional ethics.

“We have seen that so many cases of professional misconduct are sometimes, out of ignorance. From dress code, professional confidentialities, fiduciary problems to outright lack of integrity. As a lawyer, your integrity must be your greatest asset, lose it or do not have it, and you have nothing and you are not worthy to be a member of this honourable and noble profession. We will be

Godfatherism bane of judiciary -Page 28

•Wali

interfacing with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission on this all important issue. We must return to the best traditions of the Bar and like I said to my colleagues while seeking this office, if I achieve the return to the ethos of the Profession as President, I will walk away a fulfilled man at the end of my tenure as

Final push for efficient criminal justice administration -Page 38

president of Nigerian Bar Association,” he stated.

Wali promised to look into the rot in the society which he noted was sipping into the profession, and stressed that it must not be allowed to continue.

•Continued on page 26

As APC seeks to outflank PDP -Page 39

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

26

LAW COVER CONT’D •Continued from page 25

“We shall take deliberate and determined steps to stem the tide. More disciplinary Committees will be set up. A situation where lawyers with pending disciplinary matters are elevated, even up to taking silk and judicial appointments cannot be right and must stop,” he said.

With these words and many more promises made, expectations were high within and outside the Bar that his administration would continue in the stead of his predecessors. But, midway into his tenure, members of the NBA started seeing the leadership in a different light. They accused the leadership of timidity in the handling of national issues and, most especially, infringements on the Constitution by the President among other issues.

The administration of Wali witnessed the inauguration of the Governing Council of the Young Lawyers’ Forum. In his speech at the inauguration of the forum in Abuja, Wali had noted that the number of young lawyers keeps increasing every year, without commensurate efforts to meet the challenges these young lawyers face in terms of welfare and professional career growth.

He said that it was to address the issues bothering on the welfare of young lawyers, which have been impeding their professional growth, that led to the establishment of Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF).

Two weeks ago, the Wali-led administration inaugurated a six-storey edifice on high brow Victoria Island, Lagos. The building, erected through Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT), is behind the NBA House and was built by Dr. Wale Babalakin through one of his firms, Stabilini Visinoni Limited. Wali said the property was developed to boost NBA status as well as shore up its revenue, just as he emphasised the need for continuity in governance.

He also made landmark pronouncements on national issues. At the end of a Peace and Security Summit in Abuja last year, the NBA called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the education sector to arrest its decline in the sector forestall the looming horrendous future, 20 to 30 years from, of the country being dominated by ill-educated and ill-equiped citizenry.

To curb corruption by those holding executive positions, the NBA under the leadership of Wali called for the removal of the immunity clause which is vested on serving governors and the President for the fight against corruption to be meaningful.

At the height of the crisis that rocked the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) last year, the NBA advised members of the forum to concentrate on the business of governance so as not to incur the wrath of the electorate. He advised them to resolve their crisis and focus on the delivery of the dividends of democracy. Expressing concern over the crisis of the NGF, Wali warned the Forum against deviating from its objectives adding that the recent activities of the NGF are an eloquent testimony to the primacy of politics over provision of good governance and development for Nigerians.

To improve operations of the judiciary, Wali also last year, called for the use of

‘

Without mincing words, I’ll tell you straightaway that NBA did not fare better than the way it was before the assumption of leadership by the outgoing administration under the leadership of Wali

‘

Okey Wali: What legacy? automated recording system in courts to enhance speedy dispensation of justice. He reiterated the need for the judiciary to improve on court processes in order to meet up with the increasing number of court cases in the country, lamented that that Nigerian courts did not belong to the present dispensation technologically.

“Our courts technologically speaking do not belong to this century and our judges cannot do much in this circumstance.”We do not have the facilities in the courts, so you have a situation where in 2013 our judges still take down notes in long hands and that is horrible.

“If you go outside this clime and you watch court proceedings, you would discover that the whole thing is being recorded. We have to technologically update our courts. There must be automated recording system in the courts”, he said urging relevant authorities to quickly equip Nigerian courts to meet global standards.

Wali declined to participate in the just concluded National Conference to protest the single slot allocated to the association by the Federal Government. At its

executive meeting in Ekiti State, the association said one representative from the body was insufficient for it to make an impact at the conference. “In view of the fact that so many legal issues would be addressed at the national conference, it is only fitting and proper for the umbrella association of all lawyers, the profession with expertise on law making in Nigeria should have more than one slot,” the NBA President, Okey Wali, announced in the communiqué he signed after the meeting.

REACTIONS Iwilade said: “I would have wished the lingering question of full democratisation of the electoral processes leading to choosing the national leadership of the Bar, through universal suffrage, was frontally addressed. But it wasn’t. Unfortunately, that remains the fulcrum on which our moral authority, to sermonise on issues like defense of constitutionalism etc, can sustainably stand.”

However, a former Secretary of a branch of the NBA, who asked not to be named, said the Bar did not fare well under Wali.

He scored zero in some areas, adding that

the outgoing did wellin other areas where he made promises at inauguration .

“Without mincing words, I’ll tell you straightaway that NBA did not fare better than the way it was before the assumption of leadership by the outgoing administration under the leadership of Wali .”

On human rights, he scored Wali zero. According to him, NBA at the national level did not do enough to speak and take action against many mindless violations of the rights of voiceless Nigerians and even the privileged ones who were battered and had their rights violated by government at various levels.

On lawyers’ welfare, he said nothing was done to improve the plights of lawyers particularly the junior ones in the last two years. “So, its zero performance as far as I know”.

He, however, admitted that the “the NBA under Wali’s presidency advocated for discipline in the Judiciary. The praise and glory however should go to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloma Mukhtar who has doggedly battled indiscipline in the judiciary.

“On lawyers’ discipline, the outgoing NBA President actually made discipline of lawyers a top priority of his administration. I’ll however say NBA saw more lawyers being disciplined by way of suspension or outright de-robing. But did that result into a decrease in indiscipline amongst Nigerian lawyers, I’ll say No”.

He said Wali’s scorecard on the defence of the rule of law/Constitution is average, while admitting that there were instances when the outgoing administration took some steps towards the defence of the rule of law, but no serious effort could be said to have been manifestly made in that direction.

“Integrity of the Bar was a serious issue in the last two years. Even those who are not lawyers questioned the integrity of the Bar. It is certainly a very low rating for me.”

On the performance of the NBA as the voice of the down trodden ” it is sadly a far below average performance for me. It will be more embarrassing to start listing instances where an average Nigerian would have expected action from the NBA, but silence was the case”, he said.

•Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola (second right), his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (first right), former Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (first left) at the inauguration of the new Chief Judge of the state, Justice Funmilayo Atilade (second left).

PHOTO: By Moses Omoshein

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

27

BOOK REVIEW

How law can boost entrepreneurship

T

HIS book, titled: “Law, Entrepreneur ship and Corporate Social Responsibil ity” is a collation of articles written in honour of the late Mama Angelina Azinge, a matriarch whose entrepreneurial skills and social responsibilities, improved positively, her community, her family and the lives around her.

This 294-page book, with 12 articles penned by scholars in their fields - gives an in-depth understanding in these areas. The preface offers a feel of the book whilst describing Mama, thus givingus an insight on her life as an entrepreneur. The title of the book is suggestive of the contents, eight articles are devoted to Law and Entrepreneurship and three articles are devoted to corporate social responsibility, one article is devoted to banking.

Pardon me, as you’d continually hear the words ‘entrepreneur’ throughout this review, I have been restricted from using the synonym, ‘mogul’ ‘business woman’ ‘’tycoon’ or ‘industrialist’ as the scholars in this book, draw a clear difference.

Prof Ekiri(Article is titled) Entrepreneurship Development In Higher Institutions: Charting The Path For Successful Achievement in Nigerian universities.

In this paper, Prof Ekiri proposes that, “Entrepreneurship is an obstacle remover” He discussed the current situation in Nigeria where over half of the population live below poverty line, with increased mono-product graduates churned out every year without a suitable job market to absolve the demand.

He recognises laudable steps taken by the government to address this issue.

At this juncture, Prof Ekiri deemed it fit to define an entrepreneur. He describes an entrepreneur as aninnovative person who initiates a desirable product or service and builds an organisation to exploit the product or service. He goes on to differentiate this concept from a micro small medium enterprise (MSMEs) which is mainly a hands on business owned and managed by an owner who isn’t a dominant player in the market. In making this distinction he states that an entrepreneur looks for previously undetected needs and exploits same. Whilst theoretically correct, this is devoid of practicality in a market where there is competition.

I can say for certain that my grandmother falls within his definition of an entrepreneur as with limited academic prowess, she identified a business opportunity, developed a concept and implemented same during the civil war. The product of her bakery dominated the bread market on both sides of the river Niger.

Prof Ekiri emphasises the need for skill acquisition from the university level. He makes recommendations on steps universities can take to ensure excellence in entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. Thus altering the statistics of unemployed graduates He characterises the vision component and notes the possible sources of funding for the centre.

Prof Ekiri typifies the Univerisity of Benin as a model for other universities to emulate whilst taking their peculiarities into account.

The next article written by Osarumwense Iguisi is titled: Subgroup cultures for small business development and poverty alleviation in Africa.

This paper establishes a significant relationship between sub group (ethnic/tribal/family) cultures and small business development and poverty in Africa.

He accentuates the importance of cultural values as central elements of small business and entrepreneurship development. This is because the presence of economic, political and technological factors will not necessarily pro-

Name of book: Law, Entrepreneurship and Corporate social responsibility Authors: Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) and Nkechikwu Azinge Number of pages: 294 Book reviewer: Okafor Emmanuel T.

duce the desired result particularly if some cultural factors were to remain a barrier to entrepreneurship. For instance if Mama went into the business of “Ogbono”, a taboo in Asaba, the success rate would have been dampened not by the absence of finance or prospects, but by culture.

He stresses that addressing culture can solve the problem of unemployment and poverty.

The result of ignoring this is failure. I found this paper intellectually stimulating, prompting further research in this area, I’m certain you will too.

Nkechi Quintine Amintor wrote on Entrepreneurships: Embracing Standards, Innovation, Equality and Diversity Tenets in the 21st Century.

Quite contrary to the previous article, this paper examines modern day entrepreneurship and the need for entrepreneurs to embrace international standards in their activities. It looks at the standards currently in place and the regulatory agencies that support and supervise entrepreneurship. However, it also deliberates on issues that are not naturally considered in this field, some of which are: equality and diversity, inclusiveness, age bias, gender, religion, disability, maternity leave etc.

This paper rightly notes the shortcomings in these areas and makes laudable recommendations, urging for improved awareness to boost participation in entrepreneurship.

A review of this article and the previous article makes it clear that whilst adopting international standards, the peculiarities of countries, ethic groups and customs should be taken into consideration The next writer, Vivian Madu scripted on; Entrepreneurship: Reconceptualising the Concept of Value. This writer recognises the current state of value in Nigeria, on this basis, she states that for there to be any reasonable economic growth, the idea of business value has to be reconceptualised. This must be done by the government and entrepreneurs alike. She states quite briefly that improved branding and packaging, strategic placement and location, marketing research and social investment are steps towards reconceptualising value. Her paper is not blinded by the fact that changes in technology, consumer preferences, competition and localised social and economic conditions can limit the evolution process.

For this reason, the right bodies have to be strategically placed so as to ensure that the post investment legacy is positive.

In light of this, it is pertinent to state that the opportunity has never been better for private sector organisations to actively engage in this form of investment.

LuperLorpez wrote on: The Effect of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Financing On Socio-Economic Development Of Nigeria.

This paper examines the impact of SME’s financing on socio-economic development in Nigeria The writer presents a balanced view on small and medium scale enterprises and their vital role in the process of industrialisation, economic growth and sustainable development in any economy.

He takes the practical stand that the extent of benefits a society or nation would gain from small business enterprises will largely depend on its level of financing. He recognises the established options by

which business owners can raise funds: both formally and informally. Regrettably however, the formal sector, especially banks are banks are usually skeptical to lend in the face of poor collateral.

This study is significant, as it will help the providers of SMEs finance, the government and stakeholders to trace SME funds and ensure that they attract the desired result.

The next article, Informal Institutions As Drivers In Entrepreneurial Activity is written by Esther Ekong.

The writer investigates the impact of informal institutions on entrepreneurial activities and development outcomes. Her thesis is similar to the preposition by article penned down by IGUISI, she states that for democratic and market institutions to function effectively, they must co-exist with certain pre-modern cultural principles. She finds that the law and contract are necessary but not sufficient as pre-requisites for the stability and welfare of post-industrial societies. They must be supported by motions such as ‘reciprocity principle, mutual bonds, and trust, which are based on traditions and customs and not on calculations’ She presents a well-balanced paper, which also discusses the downside to dealing with informal institutions, as they can sometimes prove detrimental to development.

She makes brilliant recommendations, which are interesting and informative. I highly endorse a thorough read by everyone here.

Gary KelechiAmadi wrote on Encouraging Entrepreneurship In Nigeria: Lessons For Government Policies.

His paper discusses the futility in attempts made by the governments in encouraging entrepreneurial activities in Nigeria. He provides recommendations, amongst which are; improved use of microfinance banks to empower entrepreneurs, provision of resources through alternative means, legislation to facilitate loan grants to ensure low interest rates, supportive policies to ensure land allocation, imports and exports amongst others.

Most importantly, he states that these policies and legislation must be implemented and enforced.

On this premise, he advocates for the government to provide an enabling environment in the form of efficient and available basic infrastructural facilities.

Jointly, Anita Nwabuzor and EmekaNwabuzorwrote on: ‘Managing Human Resources: Perspectives for the entrepreneur’ This paper asserts that, ‘whatever the industry, people are a company’s greatest asset’.

His thesis states that an entrepreneur’s competitive advantage lies in his ability to develop human resource management practices aligned with his business strategy thus improving his profit margin.

He gives a fine analysis the five theories of human resources. He stresses the advantages of entrepreneurship for human development. Most importantly, he addresses the challenges entrepreneurs face and makes adequate recommendations.

The next three articles are on corporate social responsibility. These papers are done in recognition of my grandmother’s philanthropic work, which focused on the less privileged.

Olusegun Victor Adesanya wrote on: Concept And Evolution Of Corporate Social Responsibility.

This paper traces the concept of CSR from the period of the great depression till present. It notes that CSR was once focused on environmental issues but has grown to encompass sustainable development and human rights issues amongst others, to the extent that it has dragged into virtually every field of human endeavours. It remains ever expanding.

Nkechi Azinge’s paper titled: Corporate Social Responsibility In Nigeria: Skepticisms and Prospects highlights the fact that there has been a move from the ideology that corporations work in the interest of shareholders to the realisation that stakeholder value is supreme in any corporation. This article analysed the various perspectives from which CSR is defined while recognising that there is yet to be a globally acceptable definition. It discusses the history of CSR in Nigeria with emphasis on the Niger Delta crisis – a strong basis for CSR in Nigeria.

The motivations for CSR in Nigeria are also analysed. This chapter then goes on to examine the skepticism of CSR in Nigeria, it notes that there is a general perception that CSR is a façade and profit remains the driving force for corporations. Despite these drawbacks, this chapter recognises that there are prospects for CSR in Nigeria, which can be effected not necessarily by hard law but by contract.

KaluAnele penned down an interesting article titled: Corporate Social Responsibility As A Tool For Curbing Maritime Insecurity in Nigeria.

This writer emphasised that maritime insecurity is a clog in the wheel of progress in Nigeria’s economic and socio-political development. Thus, he highlights the need to nip this in the bud. To achieve this, he advocates for infrastructural improvement in the oil producing regions thus protecting the environment from degradation, improved CSR by international oil companies – and increased entrepreneurial activities of the youth.

Section on Business Law Sessions today

T

HE Minister of Labour and Produc tivity , Chief Emeka Wogu and the Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Eze Duruihuoma (SAN), will today at the International Conference Centre, Owerri, venue of the ongoing Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), chair the break out sessions of the NBA Section on Business Law (SBL).

A statement from the Chairman of SBL, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode reads in part: “This year, we will look at the topic: ‘The contributory pension scheme as a catalyst for economic development in Nigeria’, which is in line with the theme of NBA Conference this year “Nigeria, 100 years after”.

The Director-General, National Pension Commission, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, will be the lead Speaker in the first session

under the chairmanship of Mr. Wogu. Discussants at this session are: Mr. Kehinde Aina, Mr. Nick Opara-Ndudu, Mr. Misbahu Yola, Mr. M. S. Muhammad and Mr. Bayo Yusuf.

The second session will focus on “ Providing affordable housing in Nigeria: Bridging the funding gap” under the chairmanship of Mr. Duruihuoma (SAN) President, Pison Housing Company and Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Bank, Mr. Roland Igbinoba will lead discussion in this session while Mr. Ken Njemanze (SAN), Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Mr. Iheukwumere Alaribe and Mr. Joseph Jibunoh will lead discussions in this session.

The Annual General meeting (AGM) and election of members of 2014-2016 Council of the Section will follow immediately.

•From left: Staff of Nigerian Law Report Commission, Mrs. Stella Abegunde, Arikhan Aimeya and Mrs. Halima Aliyu at the Adjucating and Sentencing guidelines workshop in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

28

LAW PERSONALITY Though he was born in Mushin, a suburb of Lagos, Olukayode Enitan has shown that something good can come from the area. He has spent 25 years in the profession he dreamt of since he was 10. In this interview with ADEBISI ONANUGA, Enitan speaks on how to appoint credible judges, stem corruption in the judiciary and probe suspected corrupt officials by the EFCC, among other sundry issues.

Godfatherism bane of judiciary T

WENTY-five years after being called to bar, how has the journey been?

The journey has been eventful and there have been ups and lows. There are smooth times, but it has been very eventful. We’ve done all manner of cases. There was a time we were doing cases of land grabbers. And then you go in and find all kind of antics and tactics being played by the opposing counsel and all that. There were cases that we did that you had to more or less cue in. There was a time we were doing a case of recovery and for some reason, the recovery gets aborted. The man was telling us that we should not worry, and that he would meet us in court, but he never did. That was the report that we had until we met him that day. He said the same thing that we can go and that he would meet us in court. But there was this boldness that came upon me and I said ‘no, Alhaji, we are not going anywhere. We are here today and we would settle the matter.

I said to him: “Omo agba l’emi. Ise to’ba ti ya, kii pe mo. Ise ibi bayi ti ya, a ma se lo’ni.” Apparently, he had been putting charms in his mouth to talk to people. But he found out that it was not going to work with me. It was a very funny occasion.

Must a lawyer take every case that comes to him?

For me, it doesn’t mean anything because before taking any matter, I would be sure that my client has a right. I, personally, and on the basis of that right, I can say God, I am going out, back me up. You don’t have to take all cases. If a client comes to me and says he has a case, I would review whatever fact he has. If you don’t have a right, I would tell him prompt and plain. And I would not follow someone to fight for what is not right.

From the beginning when I started law practice, I maintained that position because there is no point working and running about for what is wrong. You must make sure that whatever you are doing is fair and just to your side and to the other side. I usually advice my client on another alternative to any matter if the other side has a better case. I would say why don’t you look at it from this perspective and then let us reach an agreement.

I have an instance. There was this old woman, who should be about 90 years now, and this happened in 1996. She said a property belonged to her and that she built it and had its conveyance traded for C of O in 1978. She said some people came and wanted to take it from her. She said they got a judgment, which she was not a party to its suit and wanted to take possession of her property.

I said let me see the judgment. I read the judgment and its records. I said to the old woman that on this one, your predecessor in the title has been declared not to own the land. That your foundation and the C of O, do not give you anything. I told her that she had no case. She said no and sent somebody to me to collect the judgment. I sent the whole file instead. I said I knew she wanted to go and sought opinion, so go and seek opinion and that she should go and get an interim injunction.

She came back and I said you can go and get an injunction, but you will lose the case with good reasons. I said look, we can approach them because they have written a letter that you should come and pay N500,000 per plot. Let us go and approach their lawyer. So, we approached the lawyer, who is also an elderly person. We explained the situation and the issues in the matter. At the end of the day, what we were supposed to pay N1million for, we ended up paying N100,000. But if we had gone to court as she was advised by some people, she would lose the land because she would lose the case. So, if I feel that there is nothing to pursue, there would always be an alternative and I advise client to seek the alternative.

The EFCC Chairman said it was conducting investigations into the activities of some highly placed judicial officers. What is your take on this against the backdrop of reforms taking place in the judiciary?

The EFCC is empowered to investigate economic crimes, regardless of who is suspected of having perpetrated it, whether the person is a

civil servant, a judicial officer, a member of parliament or a member of the executive or even an ordinary citizen. If judicial officers are suspected validly, not witch-hunted and it believed that the judicial officers have committed some economic crimes, the commission has the right to investigate. But my fear is that investigation will it be in the regular way that the EFCC does its things.

And this is where they also need to be more innovative. Investigations that we are used to in Nigeria are not really investigations. They would want the suspect to provide them with evidence with which they would indict him.

If somebody is alleged to have taken money that he should not take, how do you handle that?

It is not for you to first go to carry the man and ask him to give you his account. EFCC should have access to everybody’s account in Nigeria.

Money, I believe, has footsteps. Its footprints are very large. You have the person’s name, so go round the banks. You don’t have to talk to him.

Ask Banks if the person has account with them.

They would supply you with information. Before you accuse a person, particularly because they are judicial officers, before you go and pull him in, you must have built up what you need by way of account, property, everything owned by that person you’ve already identified and documented.

By the time you are bringing that person in and you failed to do certain things and asked the person, did you do this? Of course, he or she would most likely deny everything you are saying. Then you begin to confront him or her if a certain account in so, so bank belongs to him? By the time there is overwhelming evidence already sourced without recourse to the person, you can be sure that the journey would be minimal. If you invite a judicial officer and then say to him that nothing is found and you let him go, you have already tainted that person’s image. You have put a question mark on his standing as a judicial officer. So, for him and every other person, EFCC needs to get his acts together. They should work at the level they are meant to work.

They have to be scientific and forensic in their investigation and detection of facts.

How can we sanitise the judiciary?

If you have a pool of water that is dirty, the only way you can clean the dirty pool is to ensure a free flow of water from that pool. And if you are running clean water into the pool, you have to keep doing it until the water cleans the pool because there is also an easy flow out of the pool. Bring this in perspective. People keep saying the judiciary is dirty and needs to be cleaned.

What are the hard evidences that have been brought? How many judges have been indicted or dismissed for corruption? They are not up to 10 per cent of the judges’ population. Let’s not make such a whole system faulty, but use what is there, go back to appointment.

When you ensure that men and women of integrity are appointed, you will have a better judiciary.

What is your take on the appointment of judges?

Appointment should be done on merit. This nation needs to move to the realm of merit and not sectional or federal character. Whatever is not obtained by merit is usually lacking in experience. If someone wants to be a judge, set the criteria. If everybody meets the criteria, then set other things that show some to be better than others. Let us stop all these things about somebody’s godson or godfather or this is the candidate of this person. If we don’t, a person may owe his allegiance to the man he believes gave him an appointment. And these are areas where people got influenced unduly.

Giving these backgrounds, what reforms would you like to see in the judiciary to guarantee the hope of the common man?

The reform would begin with lawyers because we are the ones that the common man comes to.

What advice do we give to people when they come? Like what the Supreme Court did recently when Dr. Odili brought an application before the Supreme Court to re-visit Ogboru and Uduaghan, the governor of Delta State. In respect of his election, the case had run to the Supreme Court the first time and it was dismissed. They raised another argument and it was dismissed. They wrote

•Enitan

again, using another counsel, to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court said, look, this matter has been here twice. Gentleman, you should not be here. This also should not be here. The counsel to Ogboru withdrew and it was struck out. That was the third time. Then he came back the fourth time to say that the ground of the amendment used was not properly filed and therefore, the Supreme Court should reverse itself because that act was not properly filed. And they said, we are not the legislature. If you have a problem with what we have done, you either go to God or you go back to Federal High Court if it is about what the National Assembly has done, don’t come to us.

When he insisted, they dismissed the application and awarded cost against him. We, as lawyers, need to tell our clients when they don’t have a case. I was reading somewhere about a situation in the UK where a barrister has been discharged for bringing all sorts of frivolous actions. So, we start with the lawyer. Let us reform ourselves. Then we will move to those that appointed judges. Even if somebody helps you to get there, once you become a judge, you owe allegiance to your oath, to God and to your conscience.

And of course, there must be training and retraining of both lawyers and the judges. Then you also need to go to the registry. What are the registrars doing in the court room, in the filing room, the cash office, the probate section? In every section, you need to go there and ensure that people that are getting there know what it is about.

Of late we have seen President Jonathan deploying soldiers in elections. Is this a duty of the President?

The Nigerian Army is not set up for monitoring elections. The Nigerian Army is set up to defend the nation against external aggressions and internal insurrections. Election is not an insurrection and it is not an act of aggression by an external body. The Army has absolutely nothing to do with it. It is the responsibility of the Police to maintain peace, law and order within Nigeria and every section of the country. When election is to be held, it is still the Police that have the manpower. We have sufficiently empowered the Civil Defence Corps. Why don’t we draft them to join the police? There is Boko Haram insurgency everything. The soldiers brought for election, were they pull from that place? Nobody has told us. Were they brought from their barracks? If we do not have enough men to fight insurrection, where are we drawing them from to do election? It is totally unconstitutional. I want to believe that there is no written mandate for those soldiers to be deployed. I am of the considered view that these things were done without recourse to the proper process of deploying soldiers.

In what context do you see the plans by the state assembly to impeach the governor of Nasarrawa State, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura?

The state house of assembly has the constitu-

tional power to do this where they found out the governor has misconducted himself. Since they cannot impeach him, the state house of assembly, has the constitutional power to ask the CJ to set up a panel that would investigate and confirm if those allegations are true. And how does this work? Once it is the CJ that appointed the panel, they would invite the man who would say these are the offences and as in the regular court, substantiate the allegations and the governor of the state who is the accused person in this case, he too would also come and state his own side of the case. The panel would look at it and if the panel finds out that the allegations are not true, they would send a report to the house and that is the end of the matter and there is no appeal to say that we are not satisfied. If they found out that the allegations have been established against the governor, again they send their report to the house and the house would remove him. He has no recall once he has been impeached properly. AlMakura, they said has done a, b, c, d etc. crimes.

The CJ Sets up a panel, the house said ‘No. They don’t like these people, some of them are card carrying members. Which of them has written in the papers that, even the counsel to the house came to the sitting of the panel and said there that you people here are card carrying members of PDP and that another one is a civil servant or public servant or so. At that point, he should specify among members of that panel who and who are the card carrying members, who is a public servant, who is what and who is not. They did not specify, they did not come to prove what they have alleged. And it is a very basic principle of our adversarial system of the legal system.

Whoever attack must prove. As far as I am concerned it is the governors who are in a position to stop the wind and do they stop it, do what you are supposed to do which is work for your people.

Don’t begin to spend money you are not supposed to spend, because nine out of ten, they have. appropriated it. Don’t begin to spend the money belonging to the state. Because nine out of ten, it is usually that they have stolen, they have mis appropriated. Those are usually the allegation. Be clean as a whistle, do the right thing. Even at that, if they said that the allegations have been established, he stood removed.

So, the house going around saying they should set up another panel, there is no provision for that just as the court cannot stop the house from commenting on that move to impeach a governor by asking the CJ to set up a panel. In the same manner, the house cannot say we want to go to court to challenge what the Chief Judge has done. We all seem to be forgetting that there is check and balances and that these arms are there deliberately.

Some of these things in the constitution were put there to ensure that no arm of government goes to town to do whatever they want. So on these particular allegations, Al-Makura stands vindicated. If they want to impeach him, as they still insist they want to do, they have to go and find other grounds because you cannot charge a man twice for the same offence.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

The general belief is that life on the mountains will be worse than in low undulating plains. But, Senior Correspondent FANEN IHYONGO, who visited the mountains and plateau of Taraba State, writes that mountain tops can also be exciting.

PAGE 29

Philanthropist donates to varsity •PAGE 30

X

Plateau launches cassava nursery farms •PAGE 31

•Some houses on top of the mountains

Life on Taraba’s chain of beautiful mountains

T

HE scenery is beautiful and splendid. Life in this unusually dazzling territory is beautiful. The environment on the mountains is poles apart from that of the cities that are urbane.

As temperature decreases on the mountains, the weather becomes enduringly cold throughout the day and night.

The greenery assimilates most of the carbon monoxide to produce enough oxygen in the atmosphere that keeps the air unpolluted at all times.

Fresh water spurts out of rocks.

Enchanting waterfalls cascade down the mountains covered in fog. There is always potable water for yearround use. The natives believe some of the pools are therapeutic.

The clouds are eye-catching, with rain that falls any time. There is cold even when the sun is intense. At night, the weather becomes chilly, forcing most of the locals to make fire to warm their bodies. That is the kind of life you find on the Taraba Mountains in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Household appliances, such as fan, air conditioners and refrigerators, do not catch the fancy of the people. The weather chills drinks and the rooms. The people wear jackets or cardigans most times.

They drink hot tea and brandy all the time. They eat roasted beef, known as suya, which is rich in pro-

Thrilling splendour of Taraba Mountains ‘The area is free from tsetse flies; the livestock are aptly the healthiest and fattest in the country. Wild animals, particularly monkeys and squirrels, are often seen crossing roads and attempting to talk to humans. The birds fly and perch, as they chirp melodiously. They appear to be conversant with the locals and quick to identify visitors’ tein, to keep warm. Such is life on the chain of beautiful mountains. But there are challenges, too.

The odds The challenges are many for the residents. But there are more than a few impressive and thrilling features on these high attitudes that make

them, perhaps, the most attractive tourist destinations in the country.

Gembu and Bang –the coldest place in the country with temperature hardly exceeding 19°C, are where the Taraba Mountains interlock into the Cameroon Mountains.

At Bang, your mobile telephone line, for example MTN Nigeria,

changes quickly to MTN Cameroon, same with Airtel and Glo line. Communication is always hampered.

It takes strength and skills to hack the hills for construction of public and residential buildings. Schools exist without football fields for youngsters to practise soccer due to the uneven landscape.

The sky appears as though kissing the land surface. There nature is at its best; and one is free from malaria and other diseases of the hot undulating lowlands. The area is free from tsetse flies; the livestock are aptly the healthiest and fattest in the country.

Wild animals, particularly monkeys and squirrels, are often seen crossing roads and attempting to talk to humans. The birds fly and perch, as they chirp melodiously. They appear to be conversant with the locals and quick to identify visitors.

The mountains have long been a sacred habitat for the cultures of the Mambilla, Kaka, Fulani, Panso and Kambu ethnic groups. The natives are generally hospitable. You will love their way of life, including their cultural regalia, songs and dances.

•Continued on page 30

Easing rural transportation •PAGE 32

Dutse Market: Traders lament demolition •PAGE 33

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

30

THE NORTH REPORT

A

S in some other universities, students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna had been grappling with the problem of lack of infrastructural facilities that would make teaching and learning less burdensome. Some of the facilities they lack included hostel accommodation, adequate administrative blocks and lecture rooms. Of all, the latter seemed more important to them.

Gleefully, they had cause to smile as this most important infrastructural need in the institution was addressed

by Caverton Offshore Support Group that donated a 500-capacity lecture theatre to the institution.

Apart from the lecture theatre donated, the organisation also offered automatic employment to the best graduating student of the Department of Engineering who made firstclass or second-class (Upper Division).

The lecture theatre was part of the promises made by the Chairman of the company, Chief Adeyemi Makanjuola who was conferred with the institution’s honorary Doctorate degree.

The donation of the lecture theatre was a great relief to both students and lecturers. This is because, before the ultra-modern lecture theatre was donated, students cramped in small lecture halls, while halls of residence are not only overcrowded but in also horrible state.

In some institutions, lectures are conducted in sports complexes or convocation arena; a development that repulsively hindered atmosphere conducive to teaching, learning and research works.

As a result of this, calls for collaborative effort between the government and the private sector had severally been made in order to ensure that the institutions are not only wellfunded, but also churn out quality graduates.

Chief Makanjuola said the gesture was part of his organisation’s collaborative efforts with the institution towards attaining a height that meets international standard.

He said his organisation appreci-

•Inside view of the lecture theatre

Philanthropist donates to varsity From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

ated the need to invest in the infrastructural requirement of the institution which is one of the reasons that led to the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

He said: “Our collaboration with this great institution will not end with just handing over this building. We are open to offering Internship (IT) positions to deserving students of your institution. Your Engineering programmes have been adjudged as the best by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) with full accreditation status.

“Caverton, therefore, would en-

‘The 500-seater hall will help to address the problem of congestion and inadequate lecture halls in the institution…Beyond giving back to the society, it is also in the interest of corporate organisations to invest in national capacity development as this expands the pool of skilled manpower they can draw from to further their corporate interests’ courage your Engineering students who finish at the top of their class, graduating with first and second-class Upper degrees, to seek employment with us.”

Successive administrations at the 31-year-old institution have assidu-

ously worked towards reversing the infrastructure deficiency and invested massively in physical development of the two campuses of the university.

At an elaborate ceremony, Chief Makanjuola handed over keys of the

sions.

The warm Guinea Savannah climate changes sharply as one begins to ascend the plateau. The atmospheric law of “the higher you go, the cooler it becomes” plays itself out as you climb the mountains. The late Sardauna of Sokoto once climbed the plateau on foot, quite a long time before former military President Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida gave the contract for the construction of the road from Bali en route Serti to the plateau.

The road on the plateau is a metaphorical serpent, meandering and making the distance incredibly longer than imagined. This is where speed kills and you do not need to be cautioned before applying the brakes. Many are said to have lost their lives on this route when they lost control of the vehicles. Some of the wrecked vehicles are seen along

the winding road.

The plateau is located in Sardauna Local Government Area, whose headquarters is Gembu.

Gembu is bordered by the Federal Republic of Cameroon and houses over 15 ethnic groups, including foreigners. It is a place that bubbles with life, in defiance to its characteristic steeply sloping topography.

Climbing to the top of this adventurous and richly-endowed plateau on road is more exciting than by air craft. The plateau boasts of enough expedition sites, as its altitude unveils stunning views of the country as one ascends the mountain tops.

Traveling by bus takes an average of six hours from Jalingo, through Garba Chede and Bali en route Serti.

As you approach the base of the plateau, you will notice a significant departure from the tropical to cool temperate climate.

N55 million lectures theatre to the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Musibau Akanji. While handing over the keys to him, Makanjuola called on other companies and prominent individuals to collaborate with secondary and tertiary institutions in the country in order to improve the lot of the country’s youths.

He noted that the ability of the country to compete favourably in the comity of nations depends solely on how skilled the youth are.

According to him, the 500-seater hall will help to address the problem of congestion and inadequate lecture halls in the institution, adding that his organisation strongly believes that Nigerians can compete •Continued on page 31

Thrilling splendour of Taraba Mountains •Continued from page 29 Residents do not need cement to build their homes. Thanks to their sticky brown soil with which strong blocks are produced. They are as effective as cement blocks. A few wealthy residents have livened up the area with posh homes. They have also joined hands to construct a road, just more than a bush path, for motorcycles to pass through.

So, transportation is mostly by motorcycles. Land Rovers of the old century’s models convey people’s goods. For some locals, horses and donkeys are sometimes used to attend major events, including their markets.

One of such old-century Land Rover trucks was seen conveying fuel loaded in big jerry cans. Without a bridge, the truck amazingly crossed the river to continue its journey. A group of young men laid some sticks on the path where the vehicle was conducted to pass. They had to compact the sand of the river bed using their feet to match over it.

“That’s how we do it here,” one youth who identified himself as Usman gleefully said in Fulfulde language. Usman added: “Not every driver can cross these rivers and drive on the mountain top. It requires special skills.”

Plateau of splendour

•Crossing a river The Mambilla Plateau is one of the greatest tourist destinations in Africa and has one of the best climatic conditions in Nigeria. Rising to a breathtaking 1,840 meters above sea level, the Mambilla is Nigeria’s most accessible high altitude that also offers the largest and most impressive ecosystem sights. The plateau also houses the Chappal Waddi Mountain considered as the highest in Nigeria.

It is 2,419 metres above sea level.

The weather, with temperature bellow 25°C, is usually cool and accommodating all year round. The plateau, the highest isolated rock in the country, is the essence of Taraba that made the state to be categorised under ‘Scenic Beauties’ in the country’s States Tourism Classification Map. The plateau is believed to have been under-publicised despite playing host to the World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration on several occa-

•Windy road to mountain top The road meanders suddenly so much so that careless drivers are advised to employ the services of locals who are experts and conversant with the terrain. It could be terrific at the stage of ascension but you can become scared by activities of birds, chimpanzees and little mammals on the plateau.

For instance, the sight of antelopes and monkeys can draw one’s attention and one can become more scared looking at the unnerving trenches.

On the plateau’s top, there seems to be a confluence between the earth surfaces and the sky. The weather becomes cooler. There are thatch huts that provide shelter for herdsmen.

There are also some hotels that do not provide luxury for tourists.

The fields look beautiful, with evergreen lengthy belts of tea planta•Continued on page 31

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

31

THE NORTH REPORT

Plateau launches cassava nursery farms

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ETERMINED to ensure food security for the people, the Plateau State government has established cassava farms for the breeding of improved cassava stems for commercial purposes. They are located in each of the three Senatorial zones to guarantee accessibility to farmers.

The government said the 100 hectares of cassava seed multiplication and nursery farms are a deliberate effort to boost cassava and make food available to the populace.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Stephen Barko, said this during a meeting with some officials of the ministry, Plateau Agricultural Development Programme (PADP), Fadama III and members of Plateau State chapter of Cassava Growers’ Association.

•Cassava stems From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

He said the multiplication farms are to generate seeds to be distributed to farmers free for massive cultivation of cassava, adding that when operational, the processing industry would be producing 50

Thrilling splendour of Taraba Mountains •Continued from page 30 tions. The “Highland Tea” is the second largest tea plantation in the world after the one in India. Peas, coffee and strawberry yield well, with other temperate tree species that produce bountiful fruits and flowers.

The plateau is also home to “Pure Honey” which is commonly sold by vendors. In fact, the land is so fertile that many crops, including banana, plantain, pineapple, yellow pepper; kola nut, red and white carrots, cassava, cocoa yam, sweet/Irish potatoes thrive well.

Top of the plateau is inhabited mainly by the Mambilla, Kaka, Fulani, Panso and Kambu, with different cultural heritage. However, Fulfulde (Fulani) language is their common language.

Hand-made crafts are still in vogue. There are traditional artefacts that are over 1, 000 years old that are still being preserved. The area is home to oil palms, ‘Christmas’ trees and other shrubs.

Tourists are impressed by the gallery forests and the grassy scenery on which livestock graze. There are signposts often asking visitors to be friendly to the animals. The enabling weather gives rise to varying breeds of goats, sheep and cattle that produce, perhaps, the most delicious dairy.

Historic sites and mythology There are some exciting historic sites on Taraba Mountains and the plateau one would love to visit. One of them is the Ndumyaji Cave in Mbamga. There is the rock with a giant footprint of an ancient warrior at Kabri, the rock with a horse mark at Hienary and the historic site of the ancient blacksmith at Killa Yang that has existed for centuries.

There historic rock of the Mbar people is also stunning. The rock looks like a woman and her daughter, but no art work is applied here.

It is all natural. There are also some creepy forests on the mountains, such as the Ngel Yaki and Ndum-Yaji Forests. These forests are home to uncommon species of animals, snakes, birds and tree which have attracted researchers from around the world

for ‘medicinal tourism’.

Natural water, in its purity, gushes out from the rock all the year round.

But it is not meant to be packaged for sale.

Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, once set up a water bottling company on the plateau but the water ceased its flow. According to local mythology, the water is not for sale.

tonnes of starch.

Barko further disclosed that 100 hectares of the multiplication farm would produce cassava cuttings that would be planted in 1,000 hectares.

Giving the breakdown, Barko pointed out that 51, 30 and 19 hectares would be allotted to the Southern, Central and Northern zones respectively. He stated that the objectives would be achieved through collaboration with relevant agricultural agencies of the state.

He hinted that about 500 bundles

of one-metre cassava cuttings were needed for 100 hectares of the multiplication farm, while 5,000 bundles would be needed for 1,000 hectares.

Barko, who described the development as a win-win situation for farmers, said the ministry would procure the cuttings from farmers to plant in the multiplication farms and later provide them to the farmers free.

He indicated that requisite training would be provided by Fadama III while the ministry would help farmers to obtain soft loans from

‘The multiplication farms are to generate seeds to be distributed to farmers free for massive cultivation of cassava, adding that when fully operational, the processing industry would be producing 50 tonnes of starch’ financial institutions for effective development of the programme.

The chairman of Plateau Cassava Growers’ Association, Bawa Tsenlong, expressed his appreciation over government’s gesture, saying it was the first time the association was included in such programme.

He pledged that with the new development, members would triple the quantity of cassava needed for the industry and ensure that much was achieved in cassava cultivation.

Untapped gold of sleeping giant The wealth of these exotic mountains and the plateau such as their minerals, forests, scenic sites and other tourism potential has remained largely untapped. Some foreigners have been exploring the area for possible investment. They are, however, insisting on buying the territory permanently if they must spend their money on this treasure of splendour.

There are many waterfalls including Mayo Selbe which can adequately generate mega watts of electricity worth thrice what the Shiroro and Kaimji dams can together provide.

There abound precious stones that could be tapped to shore up the revenue profile of the state.

The plateau’s vast landscape provides a unique space for international golf course that can host international tournaments and generate revenue for the country as alternative source of revenue, aside oil. The weather is so clement for sports development.

Mr. Walter Felhamann, a Swiss tourist who once climbed the Mambilla Plateau said: “Nigeria is a sleeping giant of tourism potential and the Mambilla Plateau is gold untapped.”

Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, once said: “Taraba State is blessed with rich and vast natural tourism potential which can help it become a world giant in the tourism sector if properly tapped. But the Federal and state governments must provide the needed infrastructure and machinery that would attract investors for exploration and development to diversify Nigeria’s economy.”

•Chief Makanjuola receiving a plaque from SUG President of FUT MINNA for his philanthropy.

Philanthropist donates to varsity •Continued from page 30 with the best in the world if given the opportunity. This, he said, informed the donation of the lectures theatre as part of their corporate social responsibilities to the institution.

“Beyond giving back to the society, it is also in the interest of corporate organisations to invest in national capacity development as this expands the pool of skilled manpower they can draw from to further their corporate interests.

“We hope that the university, being a specialised institution, will encourage students in the School of Engineering to enroll for training at the school of aviation so that they will become the new breed of Caverton Helicopters Pilots and Engineers that will sustain the professional culture of the company as well as raising the bar in the field.

“We are proud to be collaborating with this great institution to enhance quality of education in the univer-

sity and in Nigeria as a whole.” He added that the company has, in the last three years, trained its local pilots and engineers on both rotor and fixed wing aircraft while the training programme continues every year as part of capacity development of Nigerians.

Responding, Prof. Akanji expressed his appreciation to the company for coming to the aid of the university, maintaining that the 500-seater lectures theatre would be of tremendous help to the institution.

He called on other Nigerians to emulate Makanjuola’s gesture in providing atmosphere conducive to teaching and learning, adding that the institution is in dire need of boarding facilities for the students.

He lamented the sorry state of accommodation facilities in the institution, stressing that out of 17, 000 students, the university could provide only 20 per cent of the required

accommodation for students.

For the students, the Caverton lecture theatre hall could not have come at a better time as most of the lecture theatres could not accommodate the increasing number of students that are admitted yearly.

Abu Sadiq, a 400-level Chemical Engineering student, said the 500seater lecture hall is a plus to the institution and would be very useful to the students.

He said: “We would like other philanthropists to come and invest in the school. The Federal Government cannot provide all we need.”

Another student, Habibu Nasiru said it was a nice effort which is appreciated by the students. He said: “This is appreciated, especially when he didn’t give it out because of political gains neither did it come with any price tag. Such people are what we want in this country, people who give willingly to the community. “

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

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OR residents of Southern Plateau, the problem of moving from one point to the other is over. Before now, they found it difficult to move to other parts of the area or evacuate their goods to the city due to lack of government-owned vehicles, a situation private commercial vehicle owners cashed in on to exploit the people.

This situation had been a source of worry to the local government authorities. Happily, the Chairman of Shendam Local Government Area, Dr. Kemi Nicholas Nshe had provided some buses and taxis in order to lessen the suffering of the rural dwellers.

With a distance of about 300 kilometers to Jos, the state capital, residents of the six local government areas that constitute Southern Plateau had been at the mercy of private commercial operators who cashed in on the absence of government-owned buses to exploit them.

As a result of this, it was difficult for them to get to the state capital at will. Plateau South comprises six local government namely Shendam, Quan-Pan, Mikang, Wase, Langtang South and Langtang North local government areas.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that most of these local government areas could not venture into transport business to alleviate the suffering of people of the zone due to lack of adequate resources.

According to Timothy Nyelong, a resident of Shendam Village, the major problem of the people in the area is lack of means of transportation to Jos. “Most of us need to get to our state capital to carry out one transaction or the other in the state capital. In most cases, we do that with tears be-

•The vehicles and Tricycles

Easing rural transportation in Plateau From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

cause the private commercial vehicles owners charge exorbitant transport fare, and we have no option than to allow them exploit us.

We have been praying for government’s intervention in this area,” he said.

On why the local government had to purchase the buses and taxis, Dr. Nshe said: “We took up the challenge to purchase these buses because we are conscious of the sufferings of our people in the area of transportation.

We find it very essential to intervene because the state government had constructed many roads in the Southern zone, especially in Shendam and all other local government areas in the zone.

“Unfortunately, private commer-

cial vehicle owners are exploiting our people. So, the only solution to that is for us to complement the efforts of the state government by procuring buses and taxis for commercial purposes. We aim at subsidising the fares.

“By so doing, we would have forced down the high rate of fares our people usually pay. In other words, my administration is making efforts to key into the massive transformation agenda of the state government. We have to adopt the state government’s development plan, replicate it at the grassroots so that dividends of democracy will transcend down to the rural dwellers.”

Continuing, he said: “The people of Shendam are full of gratitude to the redemption agenda of Governor Jonah Jang. Our local government area is wearing a new look due to

some infrastructural projects provided by the state government in our locality. The township roads, the expansion of rural roads and the construction of new ones are some of these projects the state government had executed in our area.

“So, all I have to do is to complement these efforts by the launch of these buses so that our people can benefit from the massive road constructions carried out by Governor Jang.”

While inaugurating some tricycles which were distributed to youths of the local government, the chairman said it was a deliberate effort of the council to empower youths of the area in order to reduce rate of unemployment.

He said: “We have teeming unemployed youths here. So, we have to create a means to make the youth

productive and useful to themselves and the society. We are beginning with 20 tricycles in the first phase.

We will follow it up with more tricycles in the second phase of the youth empowerment scheme.”

Also speaking, Special Assistant to Governor Jang on Shendam Local Government Affairs, Isaac Aliyu said: “With the inauguration of these vehicles, Dr. Nshe has, again, proved that he is a truly committed, sincere and dedicated redemption team member.

“His adoption of the transformation agenda of Governor Jang stands him out as a rural transformer. If the council boss continued this way, Shendam will take the lead among the 17 local government areas in Plateau State as a people-oriented leader.”

Day cleric wept for Chibok girls About four months after over 200 school girls were abducted in Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents, the founder, Omoluabi Network, Pastor Ladi Thompson, shares his thoughts with reporters in Lagos. It turned out an emotional encounter, reports DADA ALADELOKUN.

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T was an event to seek divine intervention in the plight of the innocent school girls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, over four months ago by Boko Haram insurgents. Tears flowed freely on the occasion.

Reporters, who were there to get the latest about the girls, also caught the bug of fellow-feeling that momentarily tortured the man in Ladi Thompson, activist pastor and founder, Omoluabi Network, a nongovernmental humanitarian body.

“Who is that sane human being in this country today that is not worried to the marrow over the abuse and bondage of those children is languishing helplessly in Godknows-where? How about their traumatised parents? Why won’t one cry one’s heart out as a parent?” He asked as he went into momentary soliloquy of prayers for the girls. It was at his organisation’s Lagos office.

Breaking his seeming silence over the girls’ “100 days in captivity and the future of Nigeria,” Thompson said: “The case of the Chibok girls is a grave concern that is of paramount importance to the history of a Nigeria.

The issue must not be a platform for inconsiderate adventurism, political jobbery or insensitive mockery. It should be about concern for the missing girls, those who were kidnapped before and after them, their grieving parents and those that have died because of the shock; the relatives that have developed illnesses and diseases including psychological disorders and the ravaged communities that have been under siege since then.

He said: “As a nation we must be educated to know that the satanic device that has swallowed our girls for 100 days is not in the same boat

‘Creative campaigns have to be mounted to pressure the President Goodluck Jonathan-led government fully recognise the fact that we are in state of war. We need to evacuate all civilians from the war zone and concentrate on crushing the menace speedily’ as the problems that were solved by Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jnr and other heroes of the non-violence advocacy. While there is need for us to pressure our government to acknowledge the satanic war form that is threatening our national future, it must not be done in way to deride or denigrate the Nigerian president, his government and the noble soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The real problem behind the Chibok attack is a different kettle of fish and cannot be resolved with a wrong medicine.”

Affirming that the insurgents are Islamist ideologues seeking to destroy the Nigerian state to eradicate women’s rights, the political vote and religious plurality, he said that the mixture of global resurgence of Islamism with an ancient strain in the country is what produced the venomous hybrid known as the Boko Haram.

He described Boko Haram is an “unrelenting, fascistic, vicious and amoral socio-economic-judicialmilitaristic-financial-culturallinguistic hydra, which is masked in a religious garb.

“The level of intelligence at which this war is being waged seems to

beyond the ability of the Nigerian mind! There are nations that would readily sponsor any group that will weaken the Nigerian government and divide opinions in the nation. I dare say that the “Bringbackourgirls” campaign needs to reconsider its strategy because the Boko Haram intelligentsia may have encouraged Shekau to taunt them publicly in order to help their campaign,” he said.

The destiny of the kidnapped girls, he feared, is a pointer to the future of Nigeria if decisive actions are not taken in time, adding: “Creative campaigns have to be mounted to pressure the President Goodluck Jonathan-led government fully recognise the fact that we are in state of war. We need to evacuate all civilians from the war zone and concentrate on crushing the menace speedily.

“Jonathan must be pressured into building bridges across all political divides and persuasions to forge an accord that can dispassionately solve this problem. He must create new machinery that will systematically weed out all the moles and compromised persons in high places. The new machinery must remove the

religious cover of the Boko Haram to free the average Nigerian Muslim from needless pressure and join in the task of nation building.”

Advising Nigerians to look inwards and stop expecting salvation from their colonial lords or any other world power, Thompson explained: “While there is no doubt that the southern half of Nigeria worships the very ground that Americans tread upon, we need to do a critical assessment as to whether the love is reciprocal. We must accept the fact that a large expanse of northern Nigeria worships the Arab culture with equal fervour.”

“The mysterious dealings of the US state department in Nigeria have not helped matters either. Up until 2012, they seemed to see Boko Haram as a freedom-fighting group and they fought tooth and nail to prevent its Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) designation. Nigerians have to accept that salvation cannot come from abroad. Instead of tearing down and disrespecting Jonathan, we need to encourage, strengthen and pressure him to action.”

“We expect the president to offer all his political opponents the olive branch so that individuals like the Osun State governor and many other Nigerian assets can work together on the same table. Governor Rauf Aregbesola in particular had been shouting himself hoarse on the danger that the unattended almajiris’ problems would eventually trouble Nigeria. But all hope is not lost,” he added.

As a solution, Thompson said: “We must call for a formal recognition of the declaration of war that Boko Haram has been waging and suspend all political activities for a season to focus on defending the integrity of

•Thompson our nation and restoration of value to human worth. Nigeria should be the site where the global resurgence of Islamism will meet its Waterloo.”

He, however, warned: “If we ignore the ominous signs in the horizon, Nigeria will be taken by surprise and the curtains will be drawn on the hopes of the West Africa’s giant.”

Thompson, who said the Boko Haram won’t ever be totally defeated until the monster of corruption is tackled in Nigeria, urged the nation to come up with a partnership between government and the grassroots to engineer an Africanised socio-cultural solution to the monster. “By so doing, we will also carpet the dubious foreign interests that wish to distract Nigeria from the true nature of the Boko Haram,” he added.

“Bodies like the Gabasawa Women & Children’s Initiative,” he advised, “should be encouraged because they have served in the North Eastern states for more than a decade, sponsoring children and comforting victims irrespective of creed, tongue or religious persuasions. Applying love with skill and applying pressure with surgical precision we shall surely overcome.”

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 33

•Dutse Market UTSE Market has always been famous, not just because of its proximity to the Kubwa Expressway, or that it is the largest market in Dutse. It is famous mostly because of the human and vehicular traffic.

Most residents of Gwarimpa, Galadima, Kubwa, Dei Dei, Zuba, Suleja and their environs will testify to the level of traffic which, most times, can spill as far as the expressway. Despite the inconveniences which residents experience because of the market, it is of much importance to them.

After the demolition exercise that took place in some parts of Dutse last year, during which some illegal structures were demolished, the rumour had been making the rounds about an imminent demolition of the market.

People, especially traders, hoped that it would remain just a rumour.

However, that rumour became a reality. According to the traders, they woke up one day a few weeks back to the reality that their shops were being demolished by bulldozers.

Some traders claimed that they never had any hint about the demolition.Some claimed they heard about it but thought it would not happen.

The area council insisted that the traders were notified through every means possible, adding that series of meetings were held by all stakeholders. The council added that it would have demol-

D

Dutse Market: Traders lament demolition From Grace Obike

ished the market since last year but it continued to give the traders some grace periods.

Even though the administration had provided a temporary space for the traders beside the demolished market to continue their trade, most of them have refused to make use of the temporary place provided. Rather, they turned the newly constructed fence into stands for their numerous wares.

Some insisted that the new site was not convenient for them as their customers will find it difficult locating them.

Michael Obi, a clothe merchant told our correspondent that he had to make alternative arrangement through which he would take care of his family since he no longer has a shop.

He said: “See, one thing with buying and selling is the ability of a customer to reach you and buy it from you.

“How can I agree to go to a corner where my customers will not

‘The area council sold an empty land to us. We built structures on it. That is the right we have to be shop owners. They gave us allocation letters and we have been paying levies and dues to the area council…Nobody is above the law.

There is no way that the court will restrain me from doing anything and I go ahead and do it because I know that I must obey the law’ be able to locate me? The important thing is to make sales and hiding in the temporary site that they gave to us will not do the job. I have a family to take care of and I will not be alive and watch my children starve.”

Madam Stella, who sells plantain by the road side said: “I am not af-

fected by the demolition because it’s not as if I had a shop before the demolition. The only problem now is that all those people that used to have shops are now dragging the space with us outside here. They are now bringing their goods and displaying them where people like us used to stay.

In a chat with our correspondent,

the Chairman, Shop Owners’ Association Dutse Market, David Okuawo said: “The area council sold an empty land to us. We built structures on it. That is the right we have to be shop owners. They gave us allocation letters and we have been paying levies and dues to the area council.

“For some of us, there was an agreement where ownership was to expire after 15/25 years respectively, while some of the certificates have life durations and have not expired. We have all these information.”

Continuing, he said: “We are the landlords and should be the ones that the area council should address directly. But they had series of meetings with the traders who are our tenants about the proposed demolition. When we realised what was going on, we took the matter to court and they were restrained from demolishing the market until we had come •Continued on page 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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ABUJA REVIEW

Miss FCT unveils programmes

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HE winner of the 2014 Miss Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, Queen Bertha Eke has said she has concluded arrangements to launch N600 million empowerment programmes for youths and the under-privileged in Nigeria.

Nigerians from the six geo-political zones of the country, she said, are expected to benefit from the programmes.

Queen Eke dropped the hint during a courtesy visit to The Nation Newspaper in Abuja.

She said already her non-governmental organisation (NGO) known as “Empower to Empower” has undertaken a tour of the FCT and Benue State and has touched the lives of the underprivileged people.

According to her, 12 prison inmates were set free at the Medium Security Prison in Benue State, while about 2,000 children participated in a sport programme sponsored by the NGO at the National Stadium Abuja.

She explained that each geopolitical zone would benefit to the tune of N100 million once the programme fully comes on stream, adding that for now, the NGO is into advocacy programme on HIV and AIDS, Ebola Virus Disease, female genital mutilation and Viscous Virginal Fistula (VVF).

She said: “Our advocacy is all about empowerment. We have some radio programmes on empowerments that are actually fashioned towards lifting the less-privileged and also catering for the welfare of the elderly in Nigeria.

“We advocate the right for the child to have access to basic education; we also strive for the enlightenment of the youth on the harms and hazards of some •Continued from page 33 to a suitable agreement. But they simply went ahead and demolished the market.”

Reacting to the allegation, Chairman Bwari Area Council, Hon. Peter Yohanna Ushafa insisted that his

From left: Manager of Queen FCT Nigeria, Grace Ogba; Deputy Editor, Nation’s Capital of The Nation Newspaper, Yomi Odunuga, Queen Bertha Eke and Special Correspondent, The Nation, Blessing Olaifa at The Nation office in Abuja.

harmful traditional practices like the female genital mutilation. We try to fight against the Viscous Virginal Fistula (VVF) and against early girls’ marriage.

Early girls’ marriage is one of the major causes of VVF in Nigeria today.

“So, we try to tackle VVF by fighting against the cause. Apart from that, we also try to protect the youth against HIV and AIDS infection by creating more awareness on the scourge. We carry out sensitisation and awareness campaigns.

“During one of our outreach at Government Day Secondary School in Abuja, we did a little demonstration on HIV and AIDS. We had some students dressed in red ribbons. We came together united with hoes and cutlasses fighting against it. That is a demonstration against HIV and AIDS.

‘Our advocacy is all about empowerment.

We have some radio programmes on empowerments that are actually fashioned towards lifting the less-privileged and also catering for the welfare of the elderly in Nigeria…We advocate the right for the child to have access to basic education; we also strive for the enlightenment of the youth on the harms and hazards of some harmful traditional practices like the female genital mutilation’ “We also try to equip the youth with basic vocational skills through empowerment workshops. The workshops have the

hair dressing centre, soap making and tailoring departments” Queen Eke expressed the hope of partnering with government

and NGOs that are already creating awareness on some of the harmful traditional practices that inhibit the growth of the society, stressing that her NGO would not be deterred from visiting the northern states because of the present security challenges there.

She added that she had already established links with some NGOs in the North for the success of the programme. She said she deemed it necessary to visit The Nation Newspaper for support and understanding of the media.

Queen Eke, who was accompanied by her manager, Mrs. Grace Ogba, further stated that without the support of the media, nothing much would be achieved as the media remain the most viable instrument for social change and development.

Dutse Market: Traders lament demolition administration did not disobey any court injunction restraining them from demolishing the market, saying they had been meeting with all

•Participants at the national productivity day in Kaduna

the stakeholders for several months before the demolition was carried out.

Ushafa said: “Nobody is above

the law. There is no way that the court will restrain me from doing anything and I go ahead and do it because I know that I must obey the rule of law. But the reality is that, if they say they were not aware of the demolition then they are not fair to themselves.

“We have had series of meetings with the Dutse Alhaji Market Traders’ Association, Shop Owners’ Association and others. In our meetings, we agreed that the market should be demolished in September last year. But we considered the fact that Christmas was approaching and would be the peak of business; we decided not to bring the market down.

“We invited them to my house recently and they were even asking that it should be done phase by phase. But I told them that it was not going to be possible because paying for the excavation of the market in phases will be more expensive. So, to avoid the cost, I told them that it will have to be done at ones. I told them to move to the alternative place beside the market.

Even if I continued to meet with them on the issue for the next 10 years, they will still complain.

“We have told them that if you have a shop in the market that is being pulled down, when the building is completed; you will

come over and pick a form. Although the form is N10,000, you will take it for free. All you need is to present the former allocation paper and we will tell you what you are going to pay.

“The traffic situation around the market will now end when the market is completed. This is because the market will be fenced and people will not come out of it to sell.

Continuing, he said: “When the shop owners were given lands to build, they were given papers which include the number of years of tenancy. Have they not exhausted the number of years agreed on? I know that in the letter it was indicated 15 years and that market is more than 15years old; so the time agreed on had elapsed.

“We are still looking at them like partners because the market has brought a lot of progress to Bwari.

So, we feel like we are one. We want to ensure that Bwari develops and meets with the standards of the satellite towns so that those living within Bwari will be happy, even as more people can come and live in Bwari.”

So far, work had begun on the new Dutse Alhaji Market. Hopefully, it will meet international standard.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

•From left: Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele; President Goodluck Jonathan presenting an award to the Group Managing Director of Union Bank Plc Mr. Emeka Emuwa at the 8th Annual MSME Finance Conference Entrepreneurship Award at Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Abuja.

•From left: Minister of State for the FCT Oloye Olajumoke- Akinjide; Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke; Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Dickson Dairus and Minister of State for Agriculture, Hajia Asabe Ahmed during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

•From left: Outgoing Head of Service, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, former Head of Service, Alhaji Bello Sali, current Head of Service Danladi Kifasi, Steve Orosanye and Chief Abu Obe both former Heads of Service at the hand-over ceremony of the current Head of Service at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.

•From left: Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Director-General National Centre for Women Development, Onyeka Onwenu and Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Taminu Turaki at the 2014 World Humanitarian Day Commemoration at the Banquet Hall, State House Abuja.

•President Goodluck Jonathan receiving the National Conference Report from the Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi during the closing ceremony at National Judicial Institute in Abuja.

•Vice-President Namadi Sambo presenting an award to Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka during the National Productivity Day in Abuja. With them is Minister of Labour and ProPHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN ductivity, Emeka Wogu.

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HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has attracted N1.8 trillion ($11 billion) worth of private capital investments to the FCT since April, 2010, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, has said.

He spoke while hosting a cross section of the FCT residents to a luncheon at his Life Camp official resident after paying Sallah homage to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Asokoro Abuja.

The areas of investment inflow, he said, include infrastructure provision through land swap, city centre, railway, housing development, commerce, hotel and tourism.

He said his administration has been able to expand the frontiers of development in the FCT, especially through speedy provision of infrastructure.

Senator Mohammed cited the ul-

FCTA attracts N1.8trn to Abuja From Gbenga Omokhunu

tra-modern Abuja International Airport Express Road and the ZubaKubwa-City super highway constructed by his administration as examples of his efforts to open up the nation’s capital and its satellite towns.

According to him, the new super highways rank among the best on the continent.

The minister emphasised that the FCTA has been able to open up the capital territory in an unprecedented manner, especially through collaboration with the private sector operators.

He added that through the land

swap initiative which he introduced two years ago, the administration is opening up about 11 districts within the next four years through injection of private capital by 15 ranking investors totaling over N700 billion.

Also the Satellite Towns Development Agency (STDA) which he reinvented in 2012, has accelerated infrastructure development in the hitherto neglected area councils and satellite towns within the FCT in a manner that would help decongest the city centre.

Another area of outstanding achievement by his administration, he said, was the reform of public transportation through restriction of mini-buses and provision of more modern mass transit high capacity

buses.

On security, the minister said: “Security remains a major challenge for the FCTA, stressing that the administration was developing a security protocol.

“If you are running a business, you must provide some minimum security requirements to safeguard lives and property. These include devices like hand-held bomb detectors, closed circuit televisions and other devices which must be provided in business places of large public gathering,” he said.

Senator Mohammed had, after prayers at the Eid Ground; Airport Road led large contingent of FCT residents to pay Sallah homage to the President at the Presidential Villa.

Speaking at the Villa on behalf of the residents, he said he had always enjoyed the humane disposition of President Jonathan, stressing that informed residents’ crave to pay him homage during all major Christian and Muslim festivals.

He further appreciated the President for the deep sense of responsibility and trust on him, promising to continue to extend his allegiance and gratitude to him. He maintained that no minister had held the FCT portfolio as long as he has under a democratic dispensation.

The Chairman Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Smart Adeyemi commended the minister for his achievements and for promoting unity of the diverse residents of the FCT.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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ABUJA REVIEW

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HE use of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) trial drugs, Zmapp in the United States of America (USA) gave many Nigerians a ray of hope against the deadly disease which the late Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer brought into Nigeria in July.

Currently, there is no vaccine against the disease that has claimed the lives of over 1,300 persons in the West African subregion.The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved untested drugs to be administered as research work continues towards finding a cure to the disease.

Two United States aid workers, Nancy Writebol and Dr Kent Brantly, who were infected with the virus while in Liberia, had responded positively to Zmapp in Atlanta.

While Writebol was discharged on Tuesday, Dr Brantly was discharged few hours later.

Dr. Brantly, who was brought to the US along with his colleagues for treatment four weeks ago, thanked supporters for their prayers at a news conference in Atlanta last week.

Even though the Zmapp trial drug that worked wonders in the two Americans had never been tested on humans, it was not the same story for a Spanish Priest who was given the same drug but died from the disease.

Three Liberian health workers, also given the drugs, are said to be responding to treatment, as the Liberian Ministry of Health declared last week that they have shown “very positive signs of recovery”.

To stop those infected in Nigeria from death, the Nigerian government did not waste time to request for Zmapp as some Nigerians who had primary and secondary contact with the late Sawyer were falling ill.

The request for the trial drugs had not been met even though five persons, including Sawyer, as at last Wednesday, have died from the disease in Nigeria.

During a visit to the Nigerian Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu on Monday last week, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, said his country was not yet in a position to make Zmapp available to Nigeria as the drug was not available in sufficient quantity to go round all the countries requesting for it.

While some Nigerians were not happy that the drug, rather than coming to Nigeria, was given for the treatment of some health workers in Liberia, some other Nigerians believed that the US

Nigeria, US and trial drug for Ebola should not be blamed if it is still more attached to its former colony.

Speaking during the US Ambassador’s visit, Prof. Chukwu revealed that the Nigerian Government was withholding its approval for an anti-Ebola drug Nano-Silver produced by a Nigerian because it did not meet the requirements of the National Health Research Ethics Code.

Briefing State House correspondents early this month on bitter cola as a cure for the disease, Prof.

Chukwu said: “As the Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I say that right now, there is no scientific proof to suggest that if you just eat bitter kola you will prevent the disease or where you have it, it will help to cure it.

“However, we are aware that in 1999, Prof. Maurice Iwu worked along with an administration in United States of America and conducted research which at the level of the laboratory ...

“This shows that some extract they had obtained from the bitter cola which is common in West Africa and in Nigeria .... tend to have some activities against the virus.

But that research was not concluded and therefore, as at today, there is no evidence to link that as a cure or

From the Villa

By Augustine Ehikioya preventive measure against Ebola Virus Disease.”

But some Nigerians have continued to wonder why Nigeria has not pushed forward the Iwu’s research work further since 1999 as it won’t be a curse if Nigeria is involved with the international community to develop a drug and come to the aid of other West African countries that are suffering from the disease.

To tackle Ebola, Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Prof. Karniyus S. Gamaniel has called for urgent upgrade of its laboratory towards researching and producing necessary

drugs to cope with the threat of the virus.

He said: “Our laboratories need a little upgrading with facilities like the P4 bio-safety cabinet which will make the laboratory very competent and very useful, and we insist that the situation is an emergency given the position of Abuja as a centrally-placed city.

“Ebola is a deadly pathogen and the facilities we have needed to be upgraded. We don’t have the P4 facility but we have a structured laboratory suitable for handling the virus and the various studies that are relevant.”

No doubt, Nigeria has been com-

‘We must fence our schools’

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HE Executive Secretary of Local Education Authority (LEA) of the Bwari Area Council, Mr. Solomon Ayuba, has called on the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) and the six area councils in the FCT to give priority attention to fencing of schools in the area so as to protect the students and property in them.

Mr. Ayuba, who spoke on the security challenges in the country, added that fencing the schools would checkmate the movement of people to and from the school compounds.

“Fencing schools, as a matter of urgency, is necessary. We need fences in our schools in order to safeguard lives and property. We also need gates with security guards. Before anybody walks into the school, he or she would be checked. But if there are no fences, we can’t check what is happening. With the fences, our children will be safeguarded. Vehicles and persons will be checked before they will be allowed in,” he said.

He also urged the government to pay more attention to the financing

From Gbenga Omokhunu

of educational sector, adding that the local education authority needed more vehicles that will help it carry out supervision of schools to ensure their smooth running.

“We need to be adequately financed. Government should pay more attention on financing the educational sector; we need more vehicles for supervision, motorcycles and vans. The van could be used for inspections and motorcycles should be used by individual school inspectors,” he said.

Ayuba campaigned for more structures in schools in order to accommodate the number of students.

“There should be more structures to accommodate students because of the inflow of people into Abuja, especially in urban areas. There are hardly enough spaces to accommodate students which makes learning uncomfortable. If there are no spaces for expansion, the idea of building storey buildings should be introduced,” he said.

•On-going expansion work on Abuja-Lokoja road

mended for properly tracing and containing the disease since the virus found its way to Nigeria through Mr. Sawyer, but more needs to be done towards finding a cure in Nigeria.

Bitter cola, which is abundantly available in Nigeria and has been said to be very active in killing the virus, may be the major ingredient needed to find a cure for the disease in human beings.

Nigeria should get its act together now and give those concerned with finding a cure in Nigeria, especially NIPRD and other researchers, genuine supports in all ramifications.

The era must be brought to an end where Nigeria richly blessed with fruits, food crops and other resources like oranges, mango, potatoes, palm trees, oil and petroleum resources continue to import processed fruit juice, palm oil, vegetable oil, potato chips and refined petroleum products.

Even though some of the items are on the prohibition list of the Nigeria Customs Service, they still find their way into the country.

The reversal of the trend should be the case now not only for the economic and financial benefit to Nigeria as a country but also to provide the needed jobs for the large unemployed youths in the country.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

LEGAL OPINION

Court orders firm to pay N60m to clearing agent

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USTICE Ebenezer Adebajo of a Lagos High Court, Igbosere has ordered a pharmaceutical firm, Nichben Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, to pay a clearing agent, Mr. Raphael Okonkwo, N60million it owed him since 2003 for clearing the company’s container load of 655 cartons of Top Gel at Cotonou Port, Benin Republic.

The firm had sued Okonkwo, claiming N51.4million as general damages for the loss of its goods valued at N36.4million that allegedly disappeared on April 25, 2003.

In suit no. LD/673/2006, the company (claimant), claimed interest on the N51.4million at the rate of six per cent per annum from May 2003 until determination of the indebted amount.

However, the defendant, who reportedly cleared 263 containers, in his amended statement of defence dated May 15, 2008, asked the court to declare that the firm owed him N60million.

The defendant, through his lawyer, Mr A. Mpandiok, further asked the court to direct the claimant to pay six per cent interest on the amount with effect from December 2003 till when the judgment debt is liquidated.

Justice Adebajo, while delivering judgment on the matter, dismissed the claimant’s claim, saying he is satisfied with the facts before him that the defendant delivered the one container load of 655 cartons from Cotonou.

“The evidence of the defendant, having been accepted as truthful and Exhibit D1 having been admitted and its evidential value not having been diminished, it is obvious in my view that the defendant has placed before the court credible material to entitle him to his counter-claim. Judgment is hereby entered in favour of the defendant,” Justice Adebajo ruled.

The judge declared that the Power of Attorney, dated November 20,

By Adebisi Onanuga

2002, given by the claimant to the defendant, was binding on both parties.

Justice Adebajo declared further that the claimant is indebted to the defendant in the sum of N60million.

“It is hereby ordered that the claimant shall pay the defendant the sum of N60million within 30 days of this judgment. The claimant shall pay six per cent interest on the judgment sum from January 1, 2004 until the same is liquidated. Cost of this suit is awarded the defendant/counterclaim in the sum of N120,000,” the judge said.

The case was first taken before an Igbosere Magistrate Court. The defendant had earlier reported the case to the Interpol section at Alagbon, but was arrested by men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) and charged on a three- count charge of stealing a 40-feet container, containing 655 cartons of Top gel valued N36,400,000, property of Transpharm Industries Limited.

Relying on the judgment of Chief Magistrate, in-charge of the case, (Suit No. A/55/2004: Commissioner of Police v. Raphael Okonkwo), Justice Adebajo held that “the findings of that court were never challenged on appeal nor was it impeached in this court.

“I accept the findings of the Magistrate Court on the facts of the transactions as between the parties in the charge,” he said.

It was gathered that the former counsel to the claimant, S.O Kolawole, now deceased, commenced the suit with a writ of summons dated April 28, 2006 and appeared before Justice Adebajo on December 3, 2009. His death was announced at later proceedings by another lawyer, Biodun Onikosi, who took over the brief. Onikosi also died on December 23, 2013.

During the trial, the firm’s Chief Executive, Chief Nicholas Onwumere, told the court that the defendant has always been the firm’s clearing agent.

Onwumere, in his evidence-inchief, said his company imports products on behalf of other organisations, adding “the claimant had in fact, imported well over 50 containers of approved MCA products and the defendant has always carried out the clearing of goods from Lagos and Cotonou Ports for agreed valuable consideration and cause the goods to be delivered to Chief Raphael Obi.” Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Onwumere said by a letter on March 28, 2003 he revoked the Power of Attorney given to the defendant to enable him interact with police, customs and NAFDAC officials over faking of his products.

On the modality of their business, the witness told the court that on April 25, 2003, two bills of lading were given to the defendant in respect of 655 cartons of Top Gel at Apapa Port and Cotonou.

He pointed out that the defendant delivered the goods from Apapa Port, but refused to deliver the 655 cartons cleared at the Cotonou Port, adding that the defendant did not return the bill of lading but has received consideration for the clearing and delivery of the 655 cartons.

Onwumere told the court that the business relationship with the defendant took place between 2000 and 2004, noting that once payment is made delivery is usually within two weeks.

“It took three months to deliver the Apapa container. There could not have been problems with the clearing except it was caused by the defendant. The container was not arrested by the customs or NAFDAC,” the witness added.

Rights violation: Court penalises Nigerian Army, two officials

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HE Nigerian Army (NA) and two of its officials have been penalised by a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State for unjustly detaining a man, Samson Owonla for about two months without presenting before the police or court for information.

Justice Phoebe Ayua, in a judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement suit marked: FHC/LKJ/ CS/02/2014 instituted by Owonola, deprecated the conduct of the Commander, Headquarters Command, Army Records, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, Maj.-Gen Alphonsus Chukwu and Warrant Officer Two, S. A. Ndaji ( sued with the NA) in detaining the applicant for an unspecified crime.

Ndaji, according to court documents, had engaged the applicant to “wire his house at Otokiti New Layout, behind Mammy Market, Lokoja,” which he did and was paid for his services. Few days later, the house was burgled and the wires stolen.

The soldier, suspecting that Owonola was behind the theft, led a group of soldiers to arrest him on November 7, last year and had Owonola held in a cell in the Chari Maigumeri Barracks, with a condition that he would only regain freedom should he pay N48,000 being the cost of the stolen wire and what he was paid for installing the wire.

The respondents held on to the applicant despite letters from his lawyer, Lawrence John and the state’s Police Commissioner, requesting that he either be released to the police or taken before the court. The applicant, who said he was tortured and subjected to degrading treatment while in detention, stated that he was only released by the respondents on January 10 upon being served with court processes.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

The respondents, represented by A. U Olubiyi did not deny detaining the applicant. They claimed to have detained him with the intention of eventually handing him to the police, which has the constitutional power to prosecute for criminal offences.

They denied any wrong doing, but were unable to establish that, beyond mere suspicion, the applicant stole the wire. They were also unable to state the offence the applicant committed.

Justice Ayua held that by their conduct, the respondents violated the applicant’s fundamental rights as provided under sessions 34(1), 35(1), (4), (5)(a) and 41 of the Constitution and Articles 4 and 5 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights Act. “It is the finding of this court, and as deposed in the affidavit in support of this application and also admitted by the respondents in paragraph 4 of their counter affidavit, that the applicant was detained by the respondents in their cell at Army Records, Chari Maigumeri barracks, Lokoja from November 7, 2013 to January 10, 2014 without bringing him to court,” the judge held.

Justice Ayua further held that even though the respondents could arrest the applicant, they lacked the power to have him detained for over two months. He also held that the respondents failed to adduce any reason to establish the legality of their arrest and detention of the applicant.

“In my considered opinion therefore, the respondents have failed to show any reasonable grounds for suspecting that the applicant was involved in the alleged criminal offence.

•From left: Deputy Chief Whip, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ebamua Empere, Head of Lagos Family Court, Justice Yetunde Idowu and National Co-ordinator (UNICEF), Vernise Guthrie at a workshop on Child Right Act at the Dova Hotel Lagos.

Falana asks rights commission to investigate death of awaiting trials in prisons

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AGOS lawyer Mr. Femi Falana has asked the National Hu man Rights Commission (NHRC) to demand payment of exemplary damages to the families of prison inmates who had lost their lives on account of medical neglect.

He also urged the commission to demand for the trial of all public officers whose negligence has contributed to the killing of prison inmates.

In the statement issued in Lagos on Sunday and titled, “Illegal Killing of prison inmates in Nigeria,” Falana urged the commission to in-

By Adebisi Onanuga

vestigate the illegal killing of convicts and awaiting trial inmates in prison custody in Nigeria following the failure of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro to ensure the provision of adequate medical facilities in the prisons.

He posited that since the prisons are not well secured the Federal Government is vicariously liable for the premature death of such prison inmates. More worrisome is the fact that several prison inmates who are

terminally ill may soo die due to lack of medical attention by the prison authorities. It is hoped that all measures are being put in place to keep the highly infectious ebola virus away from the prisons!

The statement issued by Falana stated, “ On January 18, 2014, Mr. HamaniTidjani, a prison inmate died at the Kirikiri Maximum Security prison in Lagos. The deceased who was suffering from partial stroke was not given any medical attention by the prison authorities.

“He was a citizen of Niger Republic who was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic and brought to Nigeria in September 2003 for invstigation and trial for some trans-border armed robberies and allied criminal offences.

After a prolonged trial, he was convicted by an Ijebu Ode High Court in 2011 for receiving stolen goods and sentenced to a 10-year jail term. “Although the deceased completed the sentence, he was however not released from prison custody as he was standing trial

for similar offences in the Lagos High Court.

“In the last one year or thereabout four other convicted prisoners of Nigerian nationality namely Messrs Ganiyu Adeniyi, Danda Akanbi, Thomas Odafe and Ariyo Osisanya had died in the same prison on account of medical neglect.

“From the information at our disposal, the killing of prison inmates through medical neglect is not uncommon in all other prisons in the country’’.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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LAW & SOCIETY Lawyers converged on Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja for the launch of Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan’s book, Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa, last week. They emphasised the need to depoliticise and internationalise anti-corruption war.

PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports.

How to end corruption L AWYERS have attributed the abuse of u man rights in Nigeria and Africa to mas sive corruption. They advocated the internationalisation of anti-graft war in the continent when they converged on the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, for the launch of the book: Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa, written by Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan of Amnesty International.

The event, which had lawyers and academia in attendance, saw the stakeholders lamenting the negative effects of corruption in the continent.

They noted that the practice where corruption is only fought through criminal proceedings was no longer effective. They advocated the need for the depoliticisation and internationalisation of war against corruption in line with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The lawyers said Olaniyan’s 368-paged book, came at a time when the continent’s leaders were neck deep in corruption. To them, it was an apt solution to salvage Africa.

They noted that anti corruption movement needs certain strengths the human rights law framework has established. For human rights to be realised, it must root out underlying causes of corruption.

Answering question on why it took human rights time to address grand corruption, Olaniyan highlighted several key points.

He stated the need to attach an appropriate level of moral imperative to war on corruption, noting that: “It is not just an abstract, victimless crime or tool for political revenge.

It is a central cause of human suffering and poverty, and real people are real victims, everyday. The victims are largely neutralised (and virtually anonymous) in the criminal process, with no access to human rights remedies,” he said.

He continued: “Education, health, development, basic freedom to information, association and life, fair trials and private property rights all languish in the hands of a governance structure laced with corruption. Just as in human rights discourse, the socially and economically vulnerable suffer the most.

“But where can we, the people, the “victims of corruption” go for redress? Who will hear our cries for help when we know all too well that our treasuries are being pilfered while public services – from physical infrastructure to fair criminal justice systems and humane, equal treatment of our populaces–are routinely denied?” he queried.

Continuing, Olaniyan said as long as instances of grand corruption continue to be treated solely as particular criminal acts of individuals, various immunities will protect h

wrongdoers from sanctions and the argument of state sovereignty will politicise international efforts at accountability.

“The human rights normative framework, however, has succeeded in limiting otherwise unchecked state power by imposing the duties to protect, respect and fulfill human rights, in effect, realising a concept of public trust.

“The state is entrusted to operate for the benefit and security of the people, not to take what it will from the people’s national coffers. Law protects people, not states; the power of the state is not absolute and cannot be used as a veil for abuse by its agents, but rather is responsible for their acts,” he said.

Instead of struggling through the inept causation standards in criminal law, Olaniyan suggested that “the obligations of the state rather than the corrupt acts of its high-ranking officials” be considered to establish responsibility.

“We could look to a state’s acts, or failures to act, in carrying out obligations and commitments under international treaties on corruption and human rights to determine a nexus of breach of diligence and vigilance, corrupt acts of high-ranking officials and alleged human rights violations. This general form of showing causation is more fitting, considering especially the secrecy within which corruption lives,” he said.

Reviewing the book, Abdul Tejan-Cole, a former head of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission, called it “a coming of age story of the anti-corruption movement”.

Represented by Jude Ilo, Tejan-Cole described the book as a representation of a scholarship that responds to the urgent governance need in Africa; a provocative endeavour that casts a different light on the understanding of corruption and an ingenious exposé that elevates corruption to an existential threat to human rights in the continent.

“The ability of the author to weave this compelling narrative is both profound and commendable. Each year, international anticorruption day precedes human rights day, but in all other ways, the developing struggle against corruption follows the path laid by the human rights movement.

“Anti corruption efforts would be best progressed by relying not only on the shoulders of national criminal law systems, but also thorough recognition by and integration into global and regional human rights law, norms and practice.

“The 368-paged book painstakingly considers the many faceted perspectives of this proposition from a review of existing treatment of grand corruption schemes in domestic criminal law settings to a look at the wide-

•From left: Rep of Gov. Kayode Fayemi, Wale Adeoye; ObaAkiolu and Dr. Olaniyan

•From left Oyetibo (SAN); Mohammed; Prof. Ibidapo-Obe and Falana (SAN)

ranging scope of human rights protected by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international treaties impacted or violated by corruption, to the theoretical bases for applying the normative human rights framework to a problem, which has proven too vast to handle through criminal law alone, results in a reference point for lawyers, judges, elected leaders and civil society alike to take the movement forward.

“The application of this framework to grand corruption is clear, as is Olaniyan’s clear advice that sticking with a strict adherence • to traditional norms of state and sovereign immunity of national criminal law systems will always keep us from touching the lifeblood of corruption,” he said.

According to Tejan-Cole, there should be a derivative proceeding such as practised in corporate shareholders’ actions that would allow members of the public to bring in recovery of stolen assets.

He said though civil society’s experience in initiating and supporting anti corruption proceedings elucidate other complications in getting to accountability, there is still more work to be done in showcasing the damage corruption does to human rights. ”Recent and unfolding experience in international asset recovery and repatriation schemes also reveal a host of thorny issues • that will likely require significant time to develop into norms, which respect not only peoples’ rights to wealth and development, but also democratic values of governance

and decision-making by a truly representative mechanism, lest we devolve into battles between peoples’ within a state and between the people and the state.

“In practice, finding answers to some of these questions will be difficult. Although relating corruption to human rights will enable governments and spirited public citizens to use human rights mechanisms to address the problem of corruption, making corruption a human rights issue will not necessarily on its own ensure that it is eliminated.

“The author acknowledges the limitation of this approach and rightly opines that human rights approach to corruption should only be a part of multi-tiered engagements that should incorporate all other mechanisms for fighting corruption.

“He outlines a multiplicity of strategies for addressing corruption in the region. It is clear, though, that a one-size-fits-all response to corruption cannot satisfactorily or effectively address the problem, especially given its complexities, multidisciplinary and contemporary nature (and the fact that its causes vary widely), and its varying, but devastating effects on human rights in regions like Africa.

At the event were Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu; All Progressives’ Congress spokesman, Lai Mohammed; Tayo Oyetibo (SAN); Prof. Olowole Smith (SAN); Prof. Ibidapo Obe; Mr. Femi Falana (SAN); Bisi OlateruOlagbegi; Richard Akinola, among others.

Final push for efficient criminal justice administration Members of the Panel on Implementation of Justice Reform (PIJR) and other stakeholders met in Abuja to put final finishing touches to a Bill meant to reform the nation’s criminal justice system by also merging the Criminal Procedure Act and the Penal Code. Participants agreed that the future of effective criminal justice administration is secured in the country with the Bill’s passage by the Senate, as already done by the House of Representatives. ERIC IKHILAE reports.

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•Justice Ishaq Bello

•Prof. Akinseye-George

F all goes as planned, the setback suffered by the prosecution in the trial of former Managing Director of the now defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola, among other hindrances to swift disposal of criminal cases in the country, would become history.

The then trial judge in the Akingbola case, Justice Habeeb Abiru was close to concluding the case - he had adjourned for parties to adopt their final written addresses, preparatory to judgment - when he was suddenly elevated to the Court of Appeal.

In view of the judge’s elevation and the provision of the Criminal Procedure Act, the trial had to start afresh. Today, owing to some fresh issues raised by the defence, parties are now stuck at the preliminary stage, about a year

after the trial, which had lasted over two years before the former judge, started again before a new judge.

The development in the Akingbola case is a common occurrence in most criminal cases in the country, particularly those involving welloff individuals, with the financial capacity to manipulate the pliable court system, by engaging the best qualified and most influential lawyer in town, and in most cases, the Senior Advocates.

This however, will soon be a thing of the past should the Senate, before the end of the tenure of this session, passes into law a new Bill which seeks to ensure for the country, a criminal justice system that is fast and efficient while delivering justice and fairness to all par•Continued on page 39

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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LEGAL OPINION

Family asks court to set aside consent judgment on father’s estate

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HILDREN of the late Dr Oladipupo Popoola Sogbetun have approached a Lagos High Court, Igbosere, for an order to set aside the consent judgment entered

by Justice Oluyinka Gbajabiamila on October 5, 2010.

The children, who alleged fraud in the process of securing the consent judgment, also asked the court to set aside steps taken concerning their late father’s estate.

Some of them, who are claimant in the suit are , Mrs Bolaji Delano; Mrs Omolara Bamgbose; Mrs Foluso Ishola; Ms Sumbo Sogbetun and Ms Debola Sogbetun.

Joined as defendants are: Ms Adeola Sogbetun (first defendant); Mr Osokayode Sogbetun (second defendant); Barin Epega&Co (third defendant) and Probate Registrar (fourthdefendant). They also included anyone acting through defendants, or on their behalf, to deposit in court the title documents of all properties forming part of the estate of late Dr Sogbetun.

The consent judgment, which they want the court to set aside, provided that the estate of the deceased should be wound up and all the properties( excluding those expressly mentioned) sold and proceeds from the said sale shared equally amongst the beneficiaries named in the Will dated August 17, 1979 upon, which Probate NO. PHC/27574 dated November 15,1996, was granted by the High Court of Lagos State.

The judgment amongst others provided that the joint firms of Clarks & Moore and Yinka Mosanya & Co (counsel to all parties) shall, in relation to the estate, deal with all legal matters in Nigeria and all title documents to the properties be handed over to the Solicitors for safekeeping In a motion on notice brought pursuant to Order 39 of the Lagos State Civil Procedure Rules 2012, the claimants/applicants are asking the court to restrain the defendants/respondents, their privies acting through them or on their behalf, from man-

By Adebisi Onanuga

aging, administering, interfering, dealing or selling/entering into possession of any property forming part of the estate of the deceased pending the determination of the suit.

The claimants, in the motion filed on August 11, by their counsel, Kennedy Atuenyi of J.D Oloyede’s Law Chambers, want the court to appoint an administrator pendente lite to oversee the estate, pending the determination of the suit.

They also prayed the court for an order directing the defendants to deposit the title documents of all properties forming part of the estate of the late Dr Sogbetun in court.

In an affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Lateef Ayeni, a counsel from Oloyede’s chambers, the claimants averred that they, together with the second defendant, had instituted an action against the first defendant, in Suit N0; M/548/07, to seek the court’s intervention and respite to check the wrongful administration and management of their late father’s estate.

In the earlier suit, they were represented by the law firm of Clark & Moore as applicants, while Yinka Mosanya &Co represented the defendants.

According to them, both parties were disposed to settling the matter amicably, which resulted into the purported terms of settlement dated September 20, 2010, prepared by their counsels.

They, however, contended that the purported terms, which was filed in court, was at variance with the true intendment of the parties and therefore, alleged it to be a fraud.

The terms of settlement, according to them, was signed by the claimants’ counsel in that suit without their authorisations and that both parties were not privy to the said terms before the same was filed on their behalf.

They further contended that the said terms of settlement was moved to be

entered as judgment in that suit by the parties’ counsel without the instruction and/or consent of the claimants, They also contended that the said terms of settlement was entered as the judgment of the court on October 5, 2010.

They averred that despite several admonitions by the claimants to the third defendants (Barin Epega &Co) not to go ahead with the sale of the properties comprising the estate of their late father, the third defendant went on with the sale of the properties and has in fact, sold one of the properties at Itire with the collusion of first and second defendants regardless of the claimants herein’s objection to same.

They, therefore, want a declaration that the consent judgment entered pursuant to the aforesaid terms of settlement on October 5,2010 by Justice Gbajabiamila in the aforesaid suit No. M/548/07 is null, void and of no effect whatsoever, because it was obtained or procured fraudlently.

They further want an order of perpetual injunction, amongst others, to restrain the defendants and/or anyone acting through them or on their behalf from managing, administering, interfering, dealing in and/or selling any property, forming part of the estate of late Dr Oladipupo Popoola Sogbetun and a penalty of N1 million against the first, second and third defendants. Also, in a letter to the third defendant, Barin Epega and Company by the claimants’ counsel, the law firm was asked to refrain from any further attempt at selling or dealing in properties comprised in the estate pending the outcome of proceedings taking out to nullify the consent judgment.

The law firm, in its reply dated October 29, 2013, said the facts culminating in the consent judgment as well as an examination of the case filed belied the facts raised by the claimants that the winding up of the Estate was a germane trust of their instruction to counsel.

•Right to lef: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, at the opening of the the Public Hearing of a bill to amend the 2010 Electoral Act, at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Final push for efficient criminal justice administration •Continued from page 38 ties irrespective of one’s status.

The Bill titled: “Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2013,” already passed by the House of Representatives, and now awaiting its final passage at the Senate, was put together by the Panel on Implementation of Justice Sector Reform (PIJR).

The group constituted by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), is consisted of brilliant legal minds, including Justice Ishaq Bello of the High Court of the

Federal Capital Territory (as Chairman), with Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) as the coordinator.

Aside seeking to merge the two extant laws guiding criminal trial the Criminal Procedure Act (applicable only in the Southern part of the country) and Penal Code (used in the Northern part), - the Bill provides a bouquet of measures intended at eliminating all existing barriers to effective and speedy criminal trial in the country.

The PIJR said it is working at an Act to ensure that “the system of ad-

ministration of criminal justice in Nigeria promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the society from crime and protection of the rights and interests of the suspect, the defendant and the victim.”

When passed, the law will only be applicable in the trial for offences established by an Act of the National Assembly and other offences punishable in the Federal Capital territory, except in states where it is adapted, as had been done by Lagos, Anambra and Ekiti States.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

As APC seeks to outflank PDP

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HE emerging political behemoth, the All Progressive Congress (APC) has every cause to celebrate the successful poaching of five governors, and their electoral worth, from the troubled behemoth, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Many have argued that the country is approaching a state of balance of political terror, with two strong political parties as contenders. That may even prove more correct as far as our country’s political fortunes are concerned, unless the new APC is able to engage in Pauline conversion of the strange bed fellows that it has welcomed to its fold. Of course, the wish of this column that the APC will engage in bottom up expansion of membership based on defined ideology has suffered another major set back, with last week’s development.

But building ideology based political parties is not completely a lost cause. After all who could have contemplated the possibility that through deft political manouvre, the leadership of three completely diverse political parties, at least as far as public perception is concerned, namely the All Nigeria Peoples Party, Congress of Progressive Change and the Action Congress of Nigeria, with a stump of All Progress Grand Alliance, could agree to collapse their structures to form a single political party, the APC. While commentators were still relishing that unprecedented political feat in our country, the APC leadership has again boldly struck a severe blow on the over confident PDP by appropriating a sizeable chunk of its sagging bulk, to add to its own already bulging weight.

So I join other Nigerians to invest hope that the leadership of the two major political parties, particularly the new APC would sit down, to draw programmes that is in accordance with the provisions of chapter II of the 1999 Constitution – fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy. With the tantalizing possibility of gaining power by the APC and the sobering possibility of losing power facing the PDP, there is a huge chance, that the two major political parties, the APC and PDP may begin to context for power based on ideas instead of manipulation as in the present. The new APC or even the PDP can boldly tantalize the electorate by promising to make chapter II of our constitution justiciable, that is, enforceable against the Nigerian state in the same manner as the provisions of chapter IV of the constitution, dealing with the fundamental rights of any person living in Nigeria.

As Nigerians celebrate the reduction in the potency of the PDP to abuse its privileges, with the emergence of an expanded APC, let me yet again, rehash my prayers, in my piece on this page on August 6, titled: Congratulations to APC, “as we relish the possibilities with the new party, it is of paramount importance, in my humble view, for APC to immediately define its position on those national issues that has held our country down. For instance what is the position of the party on access to quality education, employment and housing? What will the party do with our lopsided federation, with regards to the ownership of natural resources, national infrastructure, federation account and cost of governance, police and the so called indigenship?”

The new APC will need courage and plenty sagacity to deal with the challenges of helping to remake Nigeria, particularly with the nature of its present make-up. My prayer is that it will not be bogged down by internal challenges and contradictions, which have been the bane of the PDP. As things are, our politicians have scant regard for the welfare of the ordinary Nigerians, and as I have severally argued on this page, the cankerworm of corruption cuts across the political parties, and not much national progress can be made without first dealing with that.

Unfortunately with the near abolition of political divides, corrupt political practices are as much a problem in PDP as it will be in APC. The challenge is even more worrisome as it is presently near impossible to determine with certainty, who sincerely belongs to which party, in spirit and in body.

As things are, there is a substantial obfuscation of the dividing line between the two political parties in Nigeria, the APC and the PDP, and what they stand for. Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, captured this comic tragedy. On Tuesday last week, the Osun Prince, was joyously embracing his former political foe, Chief Bisi Akande, the chairman of APC, as he joined other defectors to celebrate their new membership of APC. In the photo shot, with the leadership of the APC, he was standing shoulder to shoulder with Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Murtalo Nyako, and several other former PDP top shots, while the spirit of Wammako Aliyu, and Abdulfatah Ahmed hovered around.

Surprisingly while partisans were yet to recover from the reverie of downed champagnes, to celebrate the new births and the attendant hangover (that word again; apologies to Dr. Reuben Abati, the presidential spokesperson, who has quarreled over such allusion to his principal, who recently allegedly celebrated his birthday in far away London, and became indisposed the next day); Prince Oyinlola was on air, claiming that he was still a member of the PDP and its National Secretary to boot. That means that while he has joined APC, he still retains his position in PDP. With what a senior friend appropriately called a poker face, he made those claims.

In the days ahead, it is going to be a handful to determine those who are moles and those who are members of either party, whether the APC or the PDP. In the meantime, may I congratulate the leadership of APC, particularly Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the unparalleled successes; while praying that their tectonic maneuvers should profit Nigeria.

This piece published last December is republished to underscore Ribadu’s adventure in PDP.

40

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

LAW REPORT

Court declares compulsory retirement unlawful IN THE COURT OF APPEAL IN THE ABUJA JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT ABUJA ON FRIDAY, THE 11TH DAY OF JULY, 2014 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS MOORE A. A. ADUMEIN, J.C.A. JOSEPH E. EKANEM, J.C.A. MOHAMMED MUSTAPHA, J.C.A. CA/A/248/2013 (2014) LPELR-23367(CA) BETWEEN COMPTROLLER ABDULLAHI B. GUSAU ……………………………….….…… APPELLANT AND COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF CUSTOMS & 3 ORS. ……………….... RESPONDENT LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY JOSEPH E. EKANEM, J.C.A.

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HIS appeal is against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja Ju dicial Division (Coram; Oloto, J.) in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/277/2011 delivered on December 14, 2012, dismissing the case of the Appellant against the Respondents for unlawful retirement from the service of the 2nd Respondent. The Appellant was transferred from the service of Sokoto State Government to the service of the 2nd Respondent in 1990 and he rose to the rank of Comptroller of Customs. On 21st December 2009, the Appellant, along with 31 other Comptrollers of Customs, was compulsorily retired from the service of the 2nd Respondent. Aggrieved by the turn of events the Appellant, along with another Comptroller, sued the Respondents at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division claiming as follows: a declaration that the purported retirement of the Plaintiff from the services of the 2nd Defendant is unlawful, malicious, irregular and a flagrant violation of the Plaintiff’s right of employment until the mandatory retirement age; an order of the Honourable Court setting aside the purported retirement of the plaintiff by the 1st, 2nd and 4th Defendants through a public notice as unlawful, malicious, irregular and a flagrant violation of the plaintiff’s right of employment until the mandatory retirement age; an order of the Honourable Court to the Defendants allowing the Plaintiffs to resume back to work and maintain their positions as Comptroller of Customs and to be paid all their benefits and emoluments

therein and also to enjoy their lawful promotions; and an order awarding the sum of N20, 000,000 (Twenty Million Naira Only) to the Plaintiffs as general damages for the trauma, of forceful loss of job occasioned by the 1st and 2nd Defendants. The trial Court dismissed the case on account of service reform of the 2nd Respondent. Dissatisfied by the turn of events, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal. In his brief of argument, Counsel for the Appellant formulated five issues for the Court’s determination of the appeal and the Respondent formulated two issues. The Court, however, determined the appeal on the issues as formulated by the Respondent. The issues are: 1. Whether the learned trial judge was right when she held that the appellant was properly retired from the service of the 2nd respondent and accordingly dismissed his suit?

2. Whether the trial judge was right to hold that the respondents’ witness statements on oath need not be amended notwithstanding the amendment of the statement of defence?”

The Appellant’s Counsel arguing the appeal referred to the findings of the trial court in its judgment that the Appellant’s retirement in 2010 was premature going by his date of birth and date of retirement and submitted that the trial court misdirected itself in falling back on the policy guidelines on the Nigerian Customs Service Reform.

It was his submission that it contradicted Section 8 and Chapter 16, Section 1, paragraph 160001 and 160103 of the Nigerian

Oyebode to deliver 15th Mike Okonkwo Lecture

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ENOWNED professor of Jurisprudence and International Law, Akin Oyebode will on Thursday, September 4, deliver the 15th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture.

Organised in honour of the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the jurist will speak on the theme, The power of Your Vote: A catalyst for a stable and united Nigeria.”

The event, which is hosted by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and chaired by former Nigerian ambassador to the United States, Prof. George Obiozor, will hold at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Lagos by 9:30 a. m.

Coordinated by the Mike Okonkwo Educational & Youth Initiative (MOEYI), the muchanticipated lecture will also witness the presentation of gifts to winners of the 11th Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.

Oyebode, a much-sought-after public speaker and delegate to the recently concluded National Conference, is a respected social critic

•Oyebode whose views on key national issues often resonate with the common man.

Formerly Dean of Law and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), Oyebode is a former Head of Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

•From right: National Technical Expert, Justice Sector Reform, Mrs. Ugonna Ezekwem and Mrs Ukamaka Osigwe, both of the UNODC at action planning workshop for justice sector reform Lagos State at the Dover hotel Lekki.

Public Service Rules and Conditions of Service of Nigeria Customs Service. On the question whether the policy guidelines on the reform can be used to circumvent the supremacy of the Public Service Rules 2000 and 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and whether the trial judge was right to have arrived at the judgment delivered on December 14, 2012 on the basis of policy guideline on extended 10 years as Comptroller of Customs, counsel submitted that for public policy to be effective, it must operate within the milieu of the law.

He cited and relied on SONNAR LTD. v.

NORDWIND (1987) 4 NWLR (66) 520; (1987) LPELR-3494(SC) and EDET V. CHAGOON (2008) 2 NWLR (1070) 85, 108; (2007) LPELR8164(CA) to strengthen his submission. It was his further submission that the Appellant’s employment enjoys statutory flavour. On this, he referred to Section 8 paragraph 0200810 (1) of the Public Service Rules and Section 2 paragraph 2 of the Conditions of Service of the Nigerian Customs Service. He finally urged the court to allow the appeal and grant the reliefs of the appellant.

The Respondent’s Counsel in arguing the appeal affirmed that the learned trial judge was right when she held that the Appellant was properly retired from the service of the 2nd Respondent and accordingly dismissed his suit. He stated that the 4th Defendant is a creation of statute pursuant to Section 1 (1) of the Nigerian Customs Service Board Act, Cap N 100 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Referring to Sections 3 (1) (a) and 4 (2) and (b) of the Act, he submitted that the Board is vested with the power and authority to issue policy guidelines to Reform and Modernise Nigeria Customs Service.

He noted that as at 21/12/2009 when he was retired, the Appellant had served as a comptroller of customs for over 11 years. It was his further submission that court generally defer to the executive on matters within the exclusive knowledge of that arm of government, particularly on policy matters bordering on national security, environmental interest, economic and revenue issues. He, therefore, asserted that the trial court was right to decline to interfere with the Appellant’s retirement based on the policy guidelines of the 4th Respondent. He urged the court not to interfere with the findings of the trial court.

In determining the appeal, the court noted that it is a common ground between the parties that the Appellant’s service was transferred from the Sokoto State government to the service of the 2nd Respondent and that the Appellant rose to the position of Comptroller of Customs. It was also common ground that the Appellant was compulsorily retired from service sometime in December, 2009.

The Court stated that the trial court dismissed the case of the Appellant placing reliance on Exhibit 24- Policy Guidelines on the Nigeria Customs Service Reform. The guidelines were stated to have been made in line with the powers conferred on the 4th Respondent by the Nigerian Customs Service Board Act Cap. 100 and the Customs and Excise Management Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The court noted that the 4th Respondent has the power to formulate gen-

eral policy guidelines for the Nigeria Customs Service. See Section 3 (a) of the Nigerian Customs Service Board Act. The court agreed with counsel for the Respondent that the Board had power to issue Exhibit 24- Policy Guidelines on the Nigeria Customs Service Reform. The court further noted that by Chapter 2, Section 8 and paragraph 020810 (1) of the Public Service Rules, the compulsory retirement age for all grades in the service shall be 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service whichever is earlier and this applies to the 2nd Respondent by virtue of Chapter 16, Section 1, paragraph 160103 and Section 4, paragraph 160401 (a) of the Public Service Rules.

The Court held that a statement of policy, general or otherwise, cannot overrule or wipe away specific provision of the public service rules especially where such policies are not written into the terms of the contract of the employee, as in the instant case. The Court agreed with Appellant’s counsel that a decision of court based solely on policy, as in this instance, leads to uncertainty in the law.

See SONNAR LTD. v. NORDWIND (1987) 4 NWLR (66) 520; (1987) LPELR-3494(SC) and EDET V. CHAGOON (2008) 2 NWLR (1070) 85, 108; (2007) LPELR-8164(CA).

Examining Exhibit 24- Policy Guidelines on the Nigeria Customs Service Reform the court noted that one of the grounds for recommendation for the disengagement by the Board is in respect of officers, who have served for extended periods of time on the same grade, to allow for the innovative potentials of young and hardworking officers and Exhibit 24 does not set out the exact number of years spent on the same grade to qualify an officer for recommendation for disengagement.

The court further noted that in paragraph 7 of the amended statement of defence, it was averred that about 30 Comptrollers including the Appellant, who had spent between 10 - 21 years on the same rank of Comptroller, were retired in line with the reform of the service. The court stated that the trial court found that the Appellant was promoted to the rank of comptroller with effect from 15/6/2000. The Appellant was retired on 21/ 12/2009. And this means that as at the date of his compulsory retirement, he still had about 6 months to clock 10 years as a Comptroller.

He was thus not qualified for compulsory retirement going by the criteria used by the 2nd Respondent.

The Court held that the Appellant’s employment had statutory flavour and so he did not hold office at the pleasure of the 2nd Respondent and his premature retirement was therefore, unlawful, null and void. He is entitled to be re-instated in the service. See IDERIMA V. RIVERS STATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (2006) 133 LRCN 217; (2005) LPELR-1420(SC) and OLORUNTOBAOJU V. ABDULRAHEEM (2009) 13 NWLR (1157) 83; (2009) LPELR-2596(SC).

On the whole, the court held that the appeal succeeds and the judgment of the trial court in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/277/2011 delivered on December 14, 2012 was thereby set aside.

•Edited by LawPavillion LawPavilion Citation: (2014) LPELR23367(CA)

Daudu, Gadzama, Akpedeye for forum tomorrow

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ORMER President, Nigerian Bar As sociation, Mr. Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN), former chairman NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) Mr. Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) are among dignitaries expected at the Lawyers in the Media (LIM) programme tomorrow at the ongoing 54th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) holding at the Hotel Owerri, Imo State.

Former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) will chair the session, while Mr.Dafe Akpedeye (SAN) will be the keynote speaker.

The NBA Conference began in the Imo State capital on Sunday amid several challenges, including late registration of conference participants, late arrival of conference materials, and non completion of the surroundings of the conference

venue.

The Theme for this year is: Nigeria, 100 years after and consequently, the lawyers in the Media Forum will be looking, at the topics: Media, Law and the struggle for good governance in Nigeria in 100 years-the Journey so far and Pronouncing and enforcing legal penalties for the violation of political advertisements in Nigeria: Issues, Prospects and Challenges.

Chairman, Lawyers in the Media Forum, Mr. Charles Odenigbo said: “The objective of the topics is to update and broaden the knowledge of Media Lawyers in the broadcast, newspapers and magazines, Public Relations, advertising, law and ethics and also promote strict adherence to, and advance the frontiers of media law among others” Speakers and discussants at the sessions include the Registrar of Advitising Practioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and Festus Okoye. This will be followed by the election of new officers.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

Amodu Yake Morphy late of 19, Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of November, 2011 at Benue State.

Mrs Olusola Matimoju (Otherwise known as Mrs Matimoju Olusola) late of 12, Dayo Ojikutu Street, Ikate Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of August, 2012 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Felix Kehinde Ogedengbe (Otherwise known as Ogedengbe Felix Kehinde) late of 13 Ibukunoluwa Street, Ayobo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of December, 2013 at Oru-Awa Ogun State.

Olayanju Mercy Iyabo late of 7, Abeokuta Street, New Oko Oba , Ifako , Ijaye Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2013 at Badagry, Lagos.

Mr Olajide Akerele (Otherwise known as Mr Akerele Olajide) late of 9, Tinubu Street, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September, 2013 at Lasuth Dada Joseph (Otherwise known as Dada Joseph Ayo) late of 1, Omolade Close, Meiran, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of February, 2011 at Akowonjo, Lagos.

Mr Akpan Nice Nkanang late of 65, Mobolaji Bank Way, Polcie College, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of February, 2009 at Ikeja General Hospital.

Adebayo Adekunle late of 45, Modupe Johnson Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of April, 2005 at Denton Specialist Hospital.

Late Mr Ojoare Gbadebo Lasisi, late of 47, Costain Road, Ojo Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of Octoebr, 2012 at Badagry General Hospital.

Sani James Okoh late of 2, Association Road, Lekki Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of August, 2012 at Anyigba, Kogi State.

Odiboh Favour Ekoyata late of 6, Adealu Street, Dopemu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

Victor Segun Oseh late of 43, Bayo Oyewale Street, Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of February, 2011 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Ayodele Titilola late of 52, Ire Akari Estate Road, Isolo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of October, 2003 at Luth.

Moteleola Adekunle late of 45, Modupe Johnson Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 1995 at Luth,Lagos Bola Gambo (Otherwise known as Ajijat Bolanle Abubakar Gambo) late of Block 42, Flat 4, LSDPC Ebute Meta, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of November, 2009 at Dublin Ireland.

Rafatu Bakare late of 12, Abibu Oki Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of April, 1989 at General Hospital Lagos.

Okon Ufot Akpan (Otherwise known as Ufot Akpan) late of 7, Mustapha Kosoko Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of May, 2013 at Akwa Ibom.

Mr Odinkemere Kemdielem Oji (Otherwise known as Odikemene Kemdielem Orji) late of 15, Ayeni Village Road, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2013 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

John Idialu Omokhoa (Otherwise known as Pa John Omokhoa) late of 12, Omotosho Street, Okokomaiko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

Otunba Paul Adetayo (Otherwise known as Adetayo Paul) late of 14/16, Ladipo Kuku Street, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of Octoebr, 2012 at Lasuth, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ogundare Aidevo Rhoda (Otherwise known as Mrs Ogundare Aidevo Rhoda, Mrs Aidevbo Rhoda and Mrs Aidebvo Ogundare) late fo 74, Adebola Street, Off Adeniran Ogunsanya Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2008 at Lagos.

Late Rufus Alabi Akomolafe (Otherwise known as Akomolafe Rufus) late of 20, Adedoyin Street, Aguda Titun, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June, 2011 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Mercy Okon Inwang late of 26, Oshodi Street, Yekini Lawal Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of January, 2008 at General Hospital Oron, Akwa Ibom.

Late Obuseh Edward (Otherwise known as Okoh Edward) late of 22 Road, K Clsoe, Block 2, Flat 11, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th dy of March, 2007 at Lagos.

Sobiye Alani Jacob (Otherwise known as Sobiye Alani) late of 13, Adeniji Street, Mulero Bus Stop, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of September, 2009 at Orile Agege General Hospital, Lagos.

Mr Amos Idowu Olubanji Aborisade (Otherwise known as Amos Olubanji and Aborishade Amos Olubanji) late of 54, Ifelodun Street, Weigh Bridge, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 2014 at U.C.H. Ibadan, Oyo State.

Isong Peter (Mr) (Otherwise known as Peter Isong ) late of Sunrise Barracks, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of December, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr Omenihu Nwamara (Otherwise known as Nwamara Omenihu) late of 322 Road, Block 2, Flat 16, Festac, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of August, 2007 at Umueme, Abia State.

Mrs Abiodun Christiana (Otherwise known as Abiodun Christiana Adebola) late of 3, Oke Alo Estate, Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

Theresa Nko Akalugwu late of Plot 770, Block 32, Federal Hosuing Estate, Aboru, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of March, 2013 at St. Joseph Clinic, Ketu, Lagos.

Alhaji Baba Gambo (Otherwise known as Alhaji Baba Na Gambo) late of 58, Nnamdi Azikwe Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of October, 1986 at Lagos.

Mr Adeosun Babatunde late of 1, Jubril Shittu Street, Ayo Bus Stop, Asolo, Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

Elue Augustine late of 1, Okeme Street, Pedro, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of October, 2012 at Luth, Lagos.

Mr Ajadi Rasaq Oyewole (Otherwise known as Ajadi Rasaq) late of 44, Isolo Road, Egbe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Osiebe Sunday late of 2, Oko Oba Road, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of September, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr Ali Tijani Olugbenga (Otherwise known as Alli T. Olugbenga) late of 3, Omotayo Street, Ayobo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of December, 2013 at Lasuth, Ikeja Lagos.

Uwaekwe Chibueze Innocent, late of 17, Ahmed Afolabi Crescent, Obawole, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2014 at Lagos.

Aruna Saliu Isiaka (Otherwise known as Aruna Isiaka) late of 29, Segun Alaka Street, Oko Filling, Igando, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of September, 2013 at Alimosho General Hospital, Lagos.

Ali-Fanohun Rasak (Otherwise known as Ali Fanohun Razak Bankole) late of 1, Olutunu Close, Ijagemo Iba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Anthony Odion , late of 150, Shibiri Road, Ajangbadi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

Tochukwu Silvarius Aniebonam (Otherwise known as Tochukwu Silvarious Aniebonam) late of Plot 1562 , A Close, 4th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 2013 at Okene , Kogi State.

Uwodi Sunday Eshiokha (Otherwise known as Uwodi Sunday and Sunday Uwodi) late of 4, Abudu Oni Close, Off Ijoko Road, Akute, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

Nicholas Anyanwu (Otherwise known as Francis Uzogarah O.A.) late fo 5, Adeniyi Lane, Sari-Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

Hundeyin Emmanuel Sewenu late of 5, James Abiodun close, Agboju, Amuwo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2010 at Alimosho General Hospital.

Babalola Mufutau Olabamiji late of 11, Segun Ogunleni Street, Igando, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of October, 2010 at Osun State.

Osunbajo Oluwafemi Francis late of 12, Idowu Ajayi Street, Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of February, 2014 at Lagos.

Pa Theophilus Folorunsho Ajilore (Otherwise known as Theo Folorunsho Ajilore) late of 10, Wereni Close, Palmgrove, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of March, 2001 at Rally Clinic and Maternity Lagos.

Adekunle Morufu (Otherwise known as Adekunle Adebayo Morufu) late of 5, Ademeso Street, Cele Bus Stop, Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of November, 2013 at Oyo State.

Benson Abiodun Omotuyi (Otherwise known as Omotuyi Benson and Omotuyi Abiodun) late of 7th Avenue, 721 Road, D Close, Block 1, Flat 5, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of February, 1982 at Columbia Hospital, Mushin, Lagos..

Mrs Olusanya Titilayo Enitan (Otherwise known as Mrs Titilayo Enitan Olusanya) late of 12A, Ilaka Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of May, 2012 at Rally Hospital Ilupeju, Lagos.

Garuba Umaru Hassan (Otherwise known as Garuba Umaru) late of 37, Ribadu Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of June, 2008 at Lagos.

Eweniyi Sunday Adeshina (Otherwise known as Eweniyi Adeshina) late of 5, Ajadi Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of February, 2014 at Lasuth Ikeja, Lagos.

Mrs Eunice Abimbola Osunlana (Otherwise known as E.A. Osunlana and Osunlana Abimbola) late of 15, Efon Alaye Street, Somolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of March, 2009 at Isolo General Hospital, Lagos.

Femi Kolawole Odedele (Otherwise known as Odedele Femi Kolawole) late of 1, Adebayo Kazeem Street, Ijaiye, Ojokoro, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of August 2012 at orile Agege General Hospital, Lagos.

Modupe Sabina Akinde (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Akinde Modupe) late of 7, Bankole Oduse Street, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of August, 2013 at Hopehome Hospital, Ikotun, Lagos.

Jude Chukwu (Otherwise known as Chukwu Jude) late of 2, Esa Giwa Street, Coker Orile Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

Abraham Igba Obonyilo, late of 8, Ikoyi Road, Obalende, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of November, 2011 at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

Chief Samuel Ayodele Osijola (Otherwise known as Samuel Ayodele Osijola and Osijola Samuel Ayodele) late of 14, Doyin Omololu Street, Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of April, 2013 at Lagos Okoro Theophilus late of 9, Eloseh Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of August, 1999 at Lagos.

Jegede Francis late of 7, Afolabi Street, Meiran, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of August, 2013 at General Hospital Afuze Alhaji Lawal Adedeji late of 19, Ogunsefunmi Street, Anifowose, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of August, 1995 at Ibadan.

Mr Folaranmi Nofiu Adejumo (Otherwise known as Adejumo Folaranmi Nofiu) late of 27, Ogunjebe Street, Dopemu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

Maria Nkem Onyekonwu (Otherwise known as Maria Onyekonwu) late of 7, Mercy Eneli Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of December, 2010 at United State of America.

Mrs Comfort Subuola Edun, late of 22, George Street, Somolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Sewande Mobee late of 6, Oloto Street, Oyigbo, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Adeniji Rasak Tinuola (Otherwise known as Adeniji Rasak Tinuola and Razak Tinuola Adeniji) late of 19, Olaoluwa Street, Meiran, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Bejide Joseph David, late of 10, Adeboun Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Abdul-Malik Sulaimon late of 6, Anifowose Street, Mile 12, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of November, 2009 at Luth, Lagos.

Oluyemi Omotoso (Miss) (Otherwise known as Omotosho Oluyemi) late of 13, Olabisi Street, Shangisha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of November, 2012 at Luth, Lagos.

Ibrahim Abbas (Otherwise known as Abbas Ibrahim) late of 9, Anofiu Street, Mosan, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of August, 2012 at Alimosho General Hospital, Igando.

Dr Mohammed Shaba Umar (Otherwise known as Alhaji Shaba and Mohammed Shaba Umar) late of 9, Siyanbola Close, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of April, 2013 at General Hospital Minna Ibanga Dan Akpan,(Otherwise known as Mr Ibanga Daniel) late of 17, Adegboyega Street, Olowora, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of October, 2013 at Lagos.

Abiola -Ige Aderonke Silifat late of Block 313, Flat 3, Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, deceased who died instestate on the 9th day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

Modupe Afolake Oyenuga (Otherwise known as Oyenuga Modupe and mrs Modupe Afolake Oyenuga (Nee Jaiyeola) late of 6, Olatunji Akinsanya Street, Gbagada, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of November, 2011 at Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

NAF 12/27022 ACM Ibrahim Maikudi (Nasir) (Otherwise known as Ibrahim Nasiru) late of Block L2, Flat 8, Naf Base, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of July, 2013 at Lasuth.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Amodu Gbade and Amodu Yetunde Ayisat both of 19, Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Samuel Oladipupo Matimoju, Mr Francis Olalekan Matimoju, Mr Anthony Olakunle Matimoju and Miss Regina Olawunmi Matimoju all of 12, Dayo Ojikutu Street, Ikate, Lawanson , Surulere, Lagos, widower and three children respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Kikelomo Ogedengbe and Mr Samuel Ogedengbe both of 131, Ibukunoluwa Street, Ayobo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Michael Oluwole Olayanju and Akintunde Olayanju both of 7, Abeokuta Street, New Oko Oba Ifako Ijaye, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Abiola Akerele of 9, Tinubu Street, Ipaja, Lagos, and Mr Michael Olaoye of 17, Anuoluwapo Street, Agege, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Dada Segun Gbadebo and Funmilayo Oluyemi (Mrs) both of 1, Omolade Adekoya Street, Meiran Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Comfort Akpan Nice and Blessing Akpan Nice both of 65, Mobolaji Bank Way Police College, Ikeja, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Prof. Adedeji Adekunle and Adeyemi Adekunle both of 45, Modupe Johnson Street, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Ojoare Sarah Olabisi and Ojoare Asmou Abidoun both of 47, Costain Road, Ojo Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Sani Mary Ojochide of 2, Association Road Lekki, Lagos and Ugeh Sebastine Obidi of 16, Akinhanmi Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Oseghale Ehis Udoji and Oseghale Patria Gift O. both of 6, Adealu Street, Dopemu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Oseh Eunice Oremeji, Oseh John and Oseh Anthony Adebayo all of 43, Bayo Oyewale Street, Okota , Lagos, widow, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ayodele Oladapo Abolade, Ayodele Morenike Arinola and Ayodele Oluwatosin Anuoluwapo all of 52, Ire-Akari Estate Road, Isolo, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

Prof. Adedeji Adekunle and Mr Adeyemi Adekunle both of 45, Modupe Johnson Surulere, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Alhaji Abubakar Baba Gambo and Hafsat Gambo both of Block 42, Flat 4, LSDPC , Ebute Metta, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Akeem Martins and Mr Olatunde Mohammed both of 3, Benson Street, Surulere, Lagos, grandson and nephew respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Pauline Ebuzoajunwa Akpan and Dolline Enobong Okon both of 7, Mustapha Kosoko Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectivelyof the said deceased.

Mrs Nkechinyere Gladys Oji and Miss Joy Chinyere Oji both of 15, Ayeni Village Road, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Patrick Omokhoa and Anthonia Korede Diyan both of 13, Omotosho Street, Okoko Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Samuel Adetayo of 14/16, Ladipe Kuku Street, Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs Mary Olusola Bepo of 17, Alli Street, Okeira, Ogba, Lagos, and Mr Francis Adetayo of 14/16, Ladipo Kuku Street, Ikeja, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Ogundare Jadesola Abosede and Ogundare Ohimai Oluwaseun both of 74, Adebola Street, Off Adeniran Ogunsanya ,Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mary Ayinke Akomolafe and Ayoola Obafemi Akomolafe both of 20, Adedoyin Street, Aguda Titun, Ogba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Affiong Okon Edet and Okokon Edet Umoh both of 22, Mufutau Adeyemi Street, Egbeda, Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Obuseh Victor and Obuseh Edwin Chiedu both of 22 Road, K Close, Block 2, Flat 11, Festac Town, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Sobiye Agnes, Sobiye Abiodun both of 13, Adeniyi Street, Mulero Bus Stop, Agege, Lagos and Sobiye Oluwole of 33, Lemmy Street, Aralamo Bus Stop Ipaja Command, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Aborisade Mayowa Seun and Olubanji Tolulope Ranti both of 54, Ifelodun Street, Weigh Bridge, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mercy Peter Isong and Thankgod Joseph Peter Isong both of Block C, Room 7, NPPA Quarters , Apapa, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Choice Nwamara, Mr Eze Ginikanwa Nwamara and Mr Ugwuzo Eberechi Nwamara all of 322 Road, Block 2, Flat 16, Festac , Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Nathaniel Abiodun and Morenike Abiodun both of 3, Beckley Street, Gbagada, Lagos, widower and only child respectively of the said deceased Nicholas Emeka Akalugwu, Emeka Anthony Akalugwu both of Plot 770, Block 32, Federal Housing Estate, Aboru and Ijeoma May Onyekwere (Mrs) of 5th Avenue, V Close, House 16, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Alh. Abubakar Baba Gambo of Block 42, Flat 4, LSDPC Estate, Ebute Metta, Usman Mudi Baba of 236, Yalwa Quarter Kano, Alh. Mohammed Lawal Sule of 87A, Anthony Ani Road, Abuja and Bilikisu Baba Gambo of 14, Borno Way, By Oloto , Ebute Metta, Lagos, two of the children and two of the grandchildren of the said deceased.

Mrs Adeosun Ayokunnu and Mr Adeosun Adedayo both of 1, Jubril Shittu Street, Ayo Bus Stop, Asolo, Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Elue Okechukwu Kingsley, Elue Ifechukwude Bright and Elue Anthony Kanayo all of 1, Okeme Street, Pedro, Bariga, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Ajadi Victoria Abosede and Ajadi Yusuf Abolaji both of 44, Isolo Road, Egbe, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Osiebe Peter Ochuko and Osiebe Joy Okiemute both of 2, Oko Oba Road, Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Ali Rachael Modupe and Miss Anuoluwapo Ali both of 3,Omotayo Kuye Street, Ayobo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Evans Chidi Uwaekwe and Justina Ucheoma Enoch both of 17, Ahmed Afolabi Crescent, Obawole, Ogba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Aruna Jemilatu Ologa and Mohammed Aruna Saliu both of 29, Segun Alaka Street, Oko Filling, Igando, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ali-Fanohun Medinat Oluwawemimo and Ali-Fanohun Indiat both of 1, Olutunu Close, Ijagemo Iba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace Anthony Odion and Mr Seun Anthony Odion both of 150, Shibiri Road, Ajangbadi, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said decased.

Barr. (Mrs) Geraldine Ifeoma Aniebonam and Mrs Emmanuella Obianuju Obinani both of 1562, A Close, 4th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Uwodi Joseph and Uwodi Felix both of 4, Abudu Oni Close, Akute, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Jovita Uzogarah and Barr. Athanasius Uzogarah both of House 1A, Close 11, Satelite Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Hundenyin Modupe Sonayon and Hundeyin Tosin Sewanu both of 5, James Abiodun Close, Agboju Amuwo Lagos, two of the children of the said decased.

Samiata Babalola and Olamide Babalola both of 11, Segun Ogunlami Street, Igando, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Abosede Osunbajo and Mr Seyi Jinadu both of 12, Idowu Ajayi Street, Gbagada, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Omotayo Sarumi, Mr Sunday Ajilore both of 50, Ondo Street, Oke-Ira, Ogba, Mrs Folake Longe of 76, Adeyemo Street, Omole Phase 1, and Mrs Tinuola Okenimkpe of 99, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Kehinde Adekunle and Opeyemi Adekunle both of 5, Ademeso Street, Cele Bus Stop, Ijede , Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Adebayo Akindele Omotuyi of 5, Adedoyin Okenla Street, Off Imoru Road, Ijebu Ode and Mrs Florence Ayodele Alajogun (Nee Omotuyi) of 7th Avenue, 721 Road, D Close, Block 1, Flat 5, Festac Town, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Micheal Adewale Olusanya and Abayomi Faniyi Fasanyo both of 12A, Ilaka Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, the only child and brother respectively of the said decased.

Bala Umaru , Hassan Garuba and Abdullahi Tugga all of 37, Ribadu Road, Ikoyi , Lagos, the only child and two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Eweniyi Toyin Opeyemi and Eweniyi Daniel Adekunle both of 5, Ajadi Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Adefemi Jeleel Osunlana and Mrs Damilola Dorcas Osunlana both of 15, Efon Alaye Stret, Somolu, Lagos, widower and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Gbenga Samson Odedele and Mr Adebowle James Odedele both of 1, Adebayo Kazeem Street, Ijaiye, Ojokoro, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased Opeyemi Akinde of 24, Olorishade Street, Ijaiye, Lagos, and Ololade Omowunmi Akinde of 35, Yisa Street, Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Friday Chukwu and Samson Ani chukuw both of 2, Esa Giwa Street, Coker Orile Iganmu, Lagos, two brothers of the said decased.

Mrs Hellen Fatu Obonyilo, Peter Enenche Obonyilo, Lois Ada Obonyilo and Philip Obonyilo all of 8, Ikoyi Road, Obalende, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olufemi Osijola and Olutayo J. Osijola both of 14, Doyin Omololu Street, Ketu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Jimmy Okoro and Adaora Okoro both of 9, Eloseh Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Jegede Sandra Taiwo of 7, Afolabi Street, Meiran Lagos and Jegede Solomon of 45, Opeki Road, Ipaja, Lagos.

Mrs Aunni Adeoye, Mrs Eunice Olujide and Mr Morufu Adedeji all of 19, Ogunsefunmi Street, Anifowose, Ikeja, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Saidat Mojisola Adejumo and Miss Baliqis Omowunmi Adejumo both of 27, Ogunjebe Street, Dopemu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Richard Olisaemeka Onyekonwu and Barbara Ngozi Onyekonwu both of ZA25, Plot Avayi Lekki Country Home, Lekki, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Edun Olufemi and Edun Oluwaseun both of 22, George Street, Somolu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mobee Iyabo and Adetutu Mobee both of 6, Oloto Street, Oyingbo, Ebute Metta, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adebimpe Abimbola Adeniji and Adeniji Oluwaseun Omotayo both of 19, Ola-Oluwa Street, Ajasa, Command , Meiran, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Bejide Modupe Ajoke and Bejide Olanike Olushola both of 10, Adeboun Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Nana Aishatu Shittu of 10, Ogunnaike Street,Shangisha, Lagos, and Mr Bashiru Malik of 6, Anifowoshe Street, Mile 12, Ketu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Folusho Omotosho and Mrs Adebola Omotoso both of 13, Olabisi Street, Shangisha, Lagos, brother and sister-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

Rekiyat Ibrahim and Fatimat Ibrahim both of 9, Anofiu Street, Mosan, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ibrahim Shaba Umar and Umar Shaba Umar both of 9, Siyanbola Close, off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ptience Ibanga and Ibanga Michael both of 17, Adegboyega Street, Olowora , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ige Adeshola Yetunde and Abiola Ige Adekunle Olusesan both of Block 313, Flat 3, Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mr Adeleke Oyenuga and Miss Adetoun Oyenuga both of 6, Olatunji Akinsanya Street, Gbagada, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Suleiman Rabi and Idris Abdulkarim Ibrahim both of Block L2, Flat 8, Naf Base , Ikeja, Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

43

TUESDAY AUGUST 26, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ANAMBRA 2015 The relationship between Governor Willie Obiano and his predecessor in office, Peter Obi, is no longer as cordial as it used to be. NWANOSIKE ONU traces the genesis of the crisis.

• Umeh

• Umeh

• Umeh

Battle of godfather, godson looming THE words making the rounds in Awka, the Anambra State capital, is that the relationship between the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, and the incumbent Governor Willie Obiano is no longer as chummy as it used to be. The duo were said to be inseparable before now. They were both from the same institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, where Obi held sway as the chairman and Obiano as the executive director. It was for this reason that Obi went out of his way to install Obiano as his successor in office.

But, Obi is no longer comfortable with his friends handling of the affairs of the state, because the latter is believed to have started asserting his authority as the governor of the state. The jostling for positions ahead of the 2015 general elections is the major reason why the two friends are parting ways. It is said that those supported by Obi for one elective position or the other are being opposed by Obiano. For instance, Dubem Obaze, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters during Obi’s administration, is believed to be gunning for the ticket to represent Anambra North senatorial district in the Senate under the APGA platform. But Obiano is said to have endorsed Alphonsus Igbeke, who had occupied the seat before now, to vie against Obi’s candidate.

Besides, a source in Awka told The Nation that there would be a cabinet reshuffle soon, and all the people imposed on Obiano by Obi would be dropped. It is said that Obiano has now resolved that he would not be intimidated or used by any godfather and hence his decision to be a man. This is coming after Governor Obiano had scaled the second huddle of Election Petitions Tribunal at the Appeal Court in Enugu.

Virtually all the political offices in the state were allocated to those loyal to former governor Obi, including retaining the incumbent secretary to the state government, Oselloka Obaeze.

The feud between the two has led to the resignation of Obi recently as the chairman of the board of trustees (BOT) of the ruling party in Anambra, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Obi had claimed at the time, via a statement from his media aide, Valentine Obienyem, that it was as a result of family issues and the non ratification of the position by the party.

Furthermore, Obiano, The Nation gathered, recognises the

‘Obi is no longer comfortable with his friends handling of the affairs of the state, because the latter is believed to have started asserting his authority as the governor of the state. The jostling for positions ahead of the 2015 general elections is the major reason why the two friends are parting ways’ factional chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, as the leader of the party and accords him more respect and privileges than his predecessor.

Though the Obi camp has not come out categorically against Obiano, but it has accused him of squandering the resources of the state. The fear, it was gathered, is that Obi is not comfortable with the current high performance credited to Obiano’s government, few months after he was sworn in as the Governor of the state. Obi, an APGA source told The Nation, is afraid that Obiano’s name will soon be on the lips of everybody in the state with the rate he is going with the construction of three fly-over bridges in the capital city of Awka.

The battle of the two giants, it is said, is likely to further destabilise APGA, given the the unending crises in the party which had led to its balkanization. During the twilight days of Obi in office, he began to do things without consultations with other party stakeholders and this earned him honour and respect as prudent person. In the days before the last governorship election in the state, he distributed sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to churches, hospitals, monarchs and all and sundry in the state. Through this act of generosity, as it were, it became a sing-song in the state by his cabinet members,

traditional rulers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and even in the media, that Obi was a prudent governor who had the interest of the people at heart.

But it transpired later that he was only sharing the money that rightly belonged to the local governments. The Nation gathered that local government funds released during the administration of Obi were said to be in the region of N380 billion. One of the new projects initiated by Obi in the last days of his administration was the old Ikenga Hotel in Awka, code-named a shopping mall, which is estimated to cost 2.2 billion naira.

The reckless manner with which Obi was spending money at that time surprised a lot of observers, including Obiano who saw it as a way of compounding problems for him after his election. Even on the day of the swearing in of Obiano on the March 17, 2014, Obi had shared a good number of vehicles to organizations and groups as early as 8.30am same day.

Obiano, The Nation gathered, was not comfortable with the fact that his predecessor was dispossessing such government vehicles and nothing would be left for him to work with when he takes over.

Not only that. The Anambra State governor, The Nation gathered, was also not happy with his predecessor’s resolve to organize local government elections hurriedly less than two months before the expiration of that administration.

The state had not been able to organise the election for 12 years.

The cold war between the two APGA key figures has led to some members of the National Assembly to quit APGA, which according to a source was alleged to have been instigated by Obi. But one of the lawmakers, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, told his constituents last week that it was mere blackmail against Obi, adding that the former governor did not instigate anybody against Obiano and the party. In fact, he said the issue was not discussed with Obi. Ogene used the occasion to debunk the claim that he had joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He added that he was not ready to leave APGA because his constituents who sent him to Abuja had not endorsed such.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

44

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

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Gbenle Simon Opeyemi (Otherwise known as Gbenle S. O. Simon Opeyemi and Gbenle Simeon ) late of Plot 42, Yemi Gbenle Avenue Isheri Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 2014 at Lagos.

Garuba Sefiu Aremu late of 16, Anifowoshe Street, Papa Epe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of January, 2012 at Epe General Hospital Odekunle Christopher Oludare (Otherwise known as Chrisloole Nig. Enterprises ) late of 1, Abigeal Crescent, Meiran Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of May, 2013 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Mrs Florence Iyabo Eyitayo late of 14, Akinola Close, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 1999 at Lagos.

Odutayo Oyindamola late of 21, Oyerokun Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 14th day of March, 2012 at Luth.

Ojoare Taoreed Jimoh late of 3, Araromi Street, Oto Awori Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of April, 2009 at Badagry General Hospital.

Kareem Jolade (Otherwise known as Mrs Jolade Kareem) late of 48, Adepitan Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of August, 2013 at Lagos.

Job Olatunji Ogunmodede late of 15, Kewulere Street, Oke Odo Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of March, 2013 at Orile Agege General Hospital.

Mr Robert Adetokunboh Ishola (Otherwise known as Mr Tokunbo Ishola) late of 1, Aguda Close, Enilolobo, Oke Aro Iju Agege Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Gerald Nzeh Agubo Sin (Otherwise known as Gerald Nzeh Agubosin and Gerald Agubosin ) late of 5, Anjorin Street, Mosafejo Amukoko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of October, 2013 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Mr Eric Desouza(Otherwise known as DE-Souza Eric) late of Plot 1, Block Am Area 8 Opic Estate Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Friday James (Otherwise known as James Friday) late of 52, Maidan Road, Mile 12, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of September, 2013 at Lasuth.Lagos.

Alhaji Musiliu Adisa Dina (Otherwise known as Dina Adisa Mr) late of 6, Olatunde Iposu Street,Epe, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of October, 2009 at LasuthLagos.

Mr Ayodele Yinka late of 32, Old Olowora Road, Isheri Ojodu Berger Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of March, 2012 at General Hospital Badagry.

Apostle Ephraim Oparaji late of 1st, Avenue R Close, House 2, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of February, 2014 at Lagos.

Mr Oyebode Israel Kehinde (Otherwise known as Mr OyebodeIsrael ) late of 7, Bassey Reeves Street, Olowo Junctun, Igbo Olomu, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of September, 2013 at Lagos.

Smith Agbelese Mark Olutayo late of 29A, Afolabi Aina Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of March, 2010 at Lasuth Ikeja.

Joseph Okpala (Otherwise known as Mr Okpala Joseph) late of 17, Ugbe Wanlawo Street, Egan, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of December, 2013 at Lagos.

Okey Oji (Otherwise known as Okolioji Okoli Okechukwu Okolioji Okoli and Okechukwu Michael Okey Okolioji) late of 2B, Agbo Komolafe Street, Egbeda, Lagos deceased who diedintestate on the 22nd day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

Caroline Ajibola Adogame (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Matron and Adogame Caroline ) late of 1, Owolewa Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of December, 2011 at Lasuth Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr Michael Odeyemi Ijadeyila (Otherwise known as Ijadeyila Michael and Ijadeyilla Micheal ) late of 3rd Avenue X Close, Block 1, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of May 2013 at Luth, Lagos.

Louisa Okwuchi Nwachukwu (Otherwise known as Mrs Nwachukwu Louisa) late of 6, Idowu Lane, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

Olaopa Emmanuel Olufemi (Otherwise known as Olaopa Olufemi late of 11, Railway Line, Iju Railway Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of December, 2012 at Idi Aba , Abeokuta.

Mrs Margaret Adunola Ogunyomade (Otherwise known as Ogunyomade Margaret Adunola) late of 24, Adeleke Street, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of January, 2014 at Lagos.

Mr Oguntade Akande Dauda (Otherwise known as Mr Oguntade Akande) late of 4, Aiyeleru Street, Ijanikin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of December, 2013 at Ogun State.

Omilani Joseph late of 5, Ifo Close, Omole Estate, Phase 1, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2013 at Unity Hospital Maternity Home and Industrial Clinic Ikeja.

Ogbolu Lawrence (Otherwise known as Lawrence Chukwunweike Ogbolu) late of 11, Ladungba Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of March, 2014 at Lagos.

Mr Macaulay Samson Awolowo (Otherwise known as Macaulay Samson A.) late of Behinde Limca Bus Stop Ibereko Badagry Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of April, 2012 at Badagry General Hospital.

Sikiru Bamidele Yusuf late of 15, Ajara Farm Settlement Badagry Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Chukwuka Doris Onah (Otherwise known as Doris Onah Chukwuka) late of 3, Yidi Street, Off Era Road, Abule Era Ijanikin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of January , 2014 at Delta State.

Omotoso Elijah Oluyemi late of 1, Stephen Osilalu Street, A.S.A. Estate, Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2013 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Atoyebi Anthony Kayode (Otherwise known as Anthony Kayode Atoyebi) late fo 28 Giwa Street, Fadeyi Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of May, 2012 at Luth.

Akanni Olayinka (Otherwise known as Mr Akanni Timothy Olayinka) late of 12, Egbado Street, Alakuko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

Christiana Abiodun Adetunmbi (Otherwise knownas Mrs Adetunbi Christy) late of 24, Ogunleye Street, Off Balogun Bus Stop, Iju Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of January, 2012 at Ota, Ogun State.

Mr Anuka Daniel late of 25, Akinola Street, Oke Odo Alimosho L.G.A. Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2012 at Abuja.

Umeh Vintus Kenechukwu late of 251, Agbaje Street, Festac, Phase 2, Abule Ado Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 2013 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Mrs Victoria M. Aladeji (Otherwise known as Mrs Victoria Mojisola Aladeji) late of 44, Post Office Road, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of February, 2007 at Lagos.

Uzoechi Okechukwu Benjamin late of 13, Emmanuel Avenue, Ajegunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of October, 2013 at Lagos.

Oluwafemi Olatunde (Otherwise known as Mr Oluwafemi Olatunde) late of 5, Oladapo Olawoyin Street, Ibeshe Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of November, 2013 at Orile Agege General Hospital, Lagos.

Ibeto Esther Uche (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Esther Ibeto) late of 36, Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of June, 2013 at London.

Fatoye Segun Solomon late of 4, Oluwaseun Street, Ibiye 2, Badagry Express Way, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of March, 2014 at Osogbo Mr Udoh Obot Idiong (Otherwise known as Idiong Udo Obot) late of 24, Araromi Vally Akiode Ojodu Berger, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs Florence Ayiloro Adeyemo late of 5, Alhaji Muse Lane, Egbe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of June, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr Popoola Ganiyu Olanarewaju (Otherwise known as Mr Popoola G.A.) late of 32, Okeho Street, Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of December, 2002 at Lagos.

Mike Michael Onwuteaka (Otherwise known as Onwuteaka Mike) late of 5, Unity Avenue, Ilasa Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2013 at Anambra Oladapo Abiola Kingsley late of 49, Abeje Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2012 at Ota, Ogun State.

Ajose Adeogun Akintunde late of 8, Ajose Close, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of December, 2003 at Lagos.

Anthony Nwabueze Amange late of 4, Emmanuel Olorunfemi Street, Ifako Ijaye , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of November, 2013 at Lagos.

WO2 Friday Brownson Akpan (Rtd) late of 14, Adejokun Street, Isheri, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 3rd day of December, 2012 at Lasuth..

Oyebamiji Waheed Olasunbo (Otherwise known as Waheed Oyebamij and Oyebanji Waheed Olasunbo ) late fo 12, Salimi Street, Ijeshatedo Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of March, 2013 at General Hospital Lagos.

Akinlabi Wasiu Olalekan lateof 34, Otambala Compound Aga Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 11th day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

Ajayi Elizabeth Folorunso (Otherwise known as Ajayi Elizabeth) late lof Block 157, Flat 4, Amuwo Odofin Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of April, 2011 at Lasuth Ikeja, Lagos.

Adoga Rasak Kayode late of 5, Olusegun Lane, Lady Lark Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of June, 2012 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Miss Rotimi Yetunde Oluranti (Otherwise known as Mrs Sobande Yetunde Oluranti and Mrs Shobande Oluranti ) late of House 2, Row 2, Lasg Staff Quarters, Alausa Phase II , Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of July, 2012 at St. Claire Specialist Clinic, Surulere, Lagos.

Ajewole Olusegun Babatunde (Otherwise known as Mr Ajewole Olusegun) late fo 22, Olanrewaju Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of October, 2012 at Ilesha.

Late Chief Mrs Victoria Adekunbi Ogunmuyiwa late of Block 42, Flat 2, LSDPC Estate, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of May, 2013 at Fed. Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

Shodunke Munirudeen Adio late of 3, Alhaji Shodunke Road, Off Ashipa Road, Ayobo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

David Friday Dania (Otherwise known as Dania) late of 3, Ikulayo Close, Area 1, Estate Adura Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of January, 2014 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Mrs Monica Iwueke (Otherwise known as Iwueke Monica) late of Block 11, Flat 25, Rabiatu Thompson Crescent, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of April, 2014 at Luth Mrs Oyinade Oni late of 7, Bishop Hughes Avenue, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

Atolagbe Salawu (Otherwise known as Alhaji Salawu Atolagbe) late of 4, Kale Close, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of June, 1994 at Lagos.

Dr Bob Azubuike Anama (Otherwise known as Bob Azubuike Anama and Dr Anama Bob) late of 6, Caulckrick Street, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of August, 2005 at Galaxy Urology Specialist Hospital, Enugu.

Odebode Foluke (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Mrs Foluke Odebode) late of Plot 5, Islamic Street, Ofin Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of October, 2013 at Lagos.

Awe Oluyemisi Victoria late fo 53, Shyllon Street, Ilupeju, Palmgrove, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of April, 2014 at Ogun State.

Ajaegbu John (Otherwise known as John Kanayo and Ajaegbu John Kanayo) late of 13, Demurin Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of March, 2013 at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos.

Ogazi Victoria (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Victoria Ogazi) late of 3, Ibitoye Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of October, 2012 at General Hospital Lagos.

Mrs Kuforiji Yemisi (Otherwise known as Mrs Kuforiji Yemisi A.) late of Block 37, Flat 1, Abesan Housing Estate Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of May, 2014 at Alimosho General Hospital.

Badmus Kolawole late of 143, Gasikiya College Road, Badia , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2007 at General Hospital Apapa, Lagos.

Oludotun Fatoki late of 15B, Ishola Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2013 at General Hospital Lagos.

Awolesi Awoniyi Olugbenga (Otherwise known as Gbenga Awolesi) late of 17, Otanbala Street, Aga Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of December, 2011 at General Hospital Ikorodu.

Olugbemi Yemi (Otherwise known as Yemi Olugbemi) late of 10, Morenikeji Street, Oke Ira, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr Olayinka Oluwakorede Babasanya Craig (Otherwise known as Olayinka Babasanya Craig) late of A18, LSDPC Flat 24, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of September, 2008 at Mayo Clinic Rochester Minneseta USA. Olufunke Omotosho late of 18B, Adeoti Oshinowo Close, Ogunronbi Estate, Idimu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of December, 2013 at Abuja National Hospital for Women and children.

Mrs Ogunsanwo Victoria Omosola (Otherwise known as Mrs Victoria Ogunsanwo) late of 18, Unity Avenue Igbolomu, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of August, 2003 at Ogun State.

Faneye Victoria Bolanle late of 6, Ogunaike Street, Palmgrove Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of June , 2013 at Ota, Ogun State.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Mrs Gbenle Olanrewaju Adenike and Miss Gbenle Oluwabusayo Omolola both of Plot 42, Yemi Gbenle Avenue, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Engr. Garuba Toyin and Garuba Ayodeji both of 16, Anifowoshe Street, Papa Epe, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Rachel Odekunle, Mr Olusola Emmanuel Odekunle and Mr Olumide Samuel Odekunle all of 1, Abigel Crescent, Meiran, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Pa Johnson Afolabi Eyitayo, Pastor Olufunke Elizabeth Dada and Mr Olushola Oladele Eyitayo all of 14, Akinola Close, Abule Egba, Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Bayo Odutayo and Yinka Adewole Ramota both of 21, Oyerokun Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ojoare Kudirat Idowu and Ojoare Haruna Abiodun both of 3, Araromi Street, Oto Awori, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adebusola Owumi, Mr Ajibade Kareem both of 48, Adepitan Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos and Mrs Omolade Adeliyi of 31, Ramotu Oluwakemi Street, Gbagada, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Lydia Ogunmodede and Olabode Emmanuel Ogunmodede both of 15, Kewulere Street, Oke Odo Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Folakemi Tokunbo Ishola of 1, Aguda Close, Iju Agege, Lagos, and Mr Phillip Oluwayemisi Ishola of 10, Oseni Street, Alagbado, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Florence Nzeh, Elizabeth Nzeh and Godbless C. Nzeh all of 5, Anjorin Street, Mosafejo Amukoko, Lagos, widow, two of the children and respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Blessing Ogadinma Desouza of Plot 1, Block Am Area 8, Opic Estate, Lagos and Mr Adokun Aina Bolanle of Road 7, Surulere, Adenuga Ibereko Badagry Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ngozi James and Peter Ngwuta both of 52, Maidan Road, Mile 12, Ketu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Hafsah Adefoyeke Adeola Alabi and Mr Abiodun Dina both of 6, Olatunde Iposu Street, Epe, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

David Ayodele (Mr) of 32, Old Olowora Road, Isheri Ojodu Berger, Lagos and Peju Adejuwon (Mrs) of 1, Alafa Street, Mowo Badagry, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Nkechi Oparaji and Oparaji Ebere Chimere Doris both of 1st, Avenue R. Close, House 2, Festac Town, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Oyebode Abimbola L. , and Mr Oyebode Richard O. both of 7, Bassey Reeves Street, Igbo-Olomu Ikorodu , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Rita Idowu Osaenwe Smith of 29A, Afolabi Aina Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, and Ayo Agbelese of 15, Ezekiel Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Theresa Okpola and Patrick Okpola both of 7, Ugbe Wanlawo Street, Egan Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Okolioji Joy Anulika and Joseph Ngwu bothof Plot 1 Block CL. Federal S. and S. Isheri widow and brother-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

Leslie Adogame of 9, Land Use Road, Maple Wood Estate, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, and Dickson Mifenadi Adogame of 39, Temidire Street Alagbado, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Ijadeyila Yetunde Mary and Mrs Adebowale Caroline .M. Morenike both of 3rd Avenue, X Close, Block 1, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and sister-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

Anthony Nwoga Nwachukwu and Evangeline Ebere Nwachukwu both of 6, Idowu Lane, Opebi Ikeja, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olubunmi Olaopa and Mr Ayobami Olaopa both of 11, Railway Line, Iju Railway Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Dr Yetunde Onojin of 11, Kayode Close, Oto Awori Town, Lagos, and Mr Kayode Ogunyomade of 7, Atinuke Olabenji Stret, Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Bukola Oguntade, Gbenga Oguntade and Olumide Oguntade all of No. 4, Aiyeleru Street, Ijanikin , Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Beatrice Olufunmilayo Omilani, Mrs Oluwakemi Ashabi Olaogun and Mrs Ibijoke Temitope Ilori all of 5, ifo Close, Omole Estate, Phase 1, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ogbolu Margret Aniami and Mr Robinson A. Aka bothof 11, Oladungba Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Macaulay Emiloju Goodluck, Miss Macaulay Omoloro and Miss Macaulay Maria Omolayo all of 4, Ahmed Street, Era Ojo, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Deborah Abiodun Yusuf , Remilekun Yusuf and Adijat Aina Yusuf all of 15, Ajara Farm Settlement Badagry, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Chukwuka Nwamoka Influence and Amuzile Roy Okechukwu both of 3, Yidi Street, Off Era Road, Abule Era Ijanikin Lagos, brother and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Lydia Abosede Omotoso and Miss Ayomipo Deborah Omotoso both of 1, Stephen Osilalu Street, ASA Estate, Gbagada, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Bolaji Atoyebi and Kehinde Atoyebi both of 28, Giwa Street, Fadeyi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Funke Akanni and Mr Ezekiel Akanni both of 12, Egbado Street, Alakuko, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Babajide Adetunmbi and Adekunle Adetunmbi both of 15, Olaiya Street, Ota , Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Joy Anuka Daniel and Mr Sunday Anuka both of 25,Akinola Street, Oke Odo , Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Umeh Ngozi and Ilechukwu Obinna both of 251, Agbaje Street, Festac Phase 2, Abule Ado Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Pastor Oluwaniyi Oluwafemi and Mr Ogunniyi Sunday both of 13, Araromi Street, Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Kingsley Ndubuisi Uzoechi and Emmanuel Onyekachi Uzoechi both of 13, Emmanuel Avenue, Ajegunle, Lagos, two of the brothers of the said deceased.

Olowokere F. Olamide and Oluwaseun Olowokere both of 5, Oladapo Olawoyin Street, Owode Ibeshe Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Launa C. Okoh of 25, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos and Mrs Ifeoma Stella Uodibe of 26, Ladeye Street, Omole , Phase 1, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Evang Magret Tope Fatoye and Miss Dorcas Opeyemi Faloye both of 4, Oluwaseun Ibiye 2, Badagry, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Idiong Abasiamada and Idiong Udo Obot Rib both of 24, Araromi Vally Akiode Ojodu Berger, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Dr Mrs Kehinde T. Olaleye, Dr Damilola Abiola Adeyemo, Mrs Mobayonle Alaba Runsewe and Mr Adeyemo Oladotun Oluwamayomikun all of 5, Alhaji Muse Lane Egbe, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Catherine Popoola and Mr Olabode Popoola both of 32, Okeho Street, Ire Akari Isolo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Ogechukwu Onwuteaka , Mr Ifechukwu Onwuteaka and Ms Chiamaka Onwuteaka all of 5, Unity Avenue, Ilasa Mushin, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Oladapo Omobolanle and Mrs Folake Muibat Ganiyu both of 49, Abeje Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Akinremi Ajose-Adeogun, Mrs Kowodola Aderonke Ajayi and Mrs Aderonke O. Adenekan all of 8, Ajose Court, Lagos, Island, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

Mrs Amange Loveline and Mr Amange Anthony Chima both of 6, Fatai Close, Off Balogun Street, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said decased.

Ubong Friday Brownson and Uduak Friday Brownson both of 17, Francis Olatunji Street, Oworonshoki, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Waheed Kafayat Mosunmade, Waheed Lateefat, Waheed Rashidat Oyinade and Waheed Iskilu all of 12, Salami Street, Ijeshatedo Surulere, Lagos, widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

Akinlabi Hamed, Akinlabi Kafilat and Akinlabi Rukayat all of Block 13, Flat 4, Zone C, Iba Housing Estate, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Isaiah Oluwaseun Ajayi and Ajayi Babatunde Emmanuel both of Block 157, Flat 4, Amuwo Odofin Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Adoga Sidikat Foluso and Mrs Balogun Kehinde both of 5, Olusegun Lane, Lady Lark Bariga, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Olumuyiwa Oladipo Sobande and Mr Oluwafemi Bamidele Rotimi both of House 2, Row 2, Lasg Staff Quarters Alausa Phase II, Ikeja, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ajewole Adefunke Abosede and Ajewole Oluwaseun Bolatito both of 22, Olanrewaju Street, Agege, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Omoshalewa Adebisi Ogunmuyiwa of Block 42, Flat 2, LSDPC Estate, Ebute Metta, Lagos, and Mrs Olabisi Janet Adewunmi of Block 482, Flat 5, Jakande Estate, Oke Afa Isolo, Lagos, the only child and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Shodunke Aisha, Shodunke Fatai Ayoola, Shodunke Halimat Olabisi and Shodunke Mutiat all of 3, Alhaji Shodunke Road, Off Ashipa Road, Ayobo, Lagos, widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

Dania Osegbemoh and Dania Omokhose both of 3, Ikulayo Close, Area 1, Estate, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Chukwuemeka Iwueke and Uchechi Iwueke both of 25, Maria Ibironke Street, Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Pastor Kehinde Akins and Mr Olawuwo Olajuwon Oni both of 7, Bishop Hughes Avenue, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Miss Nimota Atolagbe, Mr Saidi Atolagbe, both of 4, Kale Close, Oshodi, Lagos, and Mr Hassan Atolagbe of 9, Salako Street, Mushin, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Godson Chukwudi Anama of 1, Agbola Street, Surulere, Lagos, Chukwuma Sylvester Anama of 7, Ogidan Street, Aja, Lagos, and Chukwuemeka Anama of 7, Omotayo Lane, Oregun, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Dr Odebode Adeniyi Philip of Plot 5, Islamic Street, ofin Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos, and Mrs Lawal Ibukunayo Funke (Nee Owofadeju) of Km 4, Ojutaye Avenue, Okinni , Osun State, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Awe Tokunbo and Awe Olasumbo both of 19, Seke Abimbola Street, Okota, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Rose Ajaegbu and Oluchi Ajaeegbu both of 13, Demurin Street, Ketu, Lagos, widow and only child respectively of the said deceased.

Dominic Ogazi of 3, Ibitoye Street, Ilasa, Lagos, and Longinus Chigbu of 10, Ajike Close, Amje, Agbado, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Omobola Oluwafunmilayo Adedayo and Olakunle Johnson Kuforiji both of Block 37, Flat 1, Abesan Housing Estate, Ipaja, lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Azizat Adenike Badmus and Badmus Olanrewaju Alabi both of 3, Akinremi Street, Kudeyibu Estate, Ijegun, Lagos, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Dimeji Ladi Fatoki and Oluseyi Omoniyi Fatoki both of 15B, Ishola Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Risikat Adunni Awolesi, Awolesi Olumide ,Awolesi Omolara and Taiye O. Awolesi all of 17, Otanbala Street, Aga, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased Mr Oluyomi Olugbemi and Mr Olugbenga Olugbemi both of 10, Morenikeji Street, Oke Ira, Ogba, Lagos, two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Dr. Mrs Kehinde Temilolaoluwa Craig, Mr Olayinka Oluwakorede Craig and Dr. Olamide Oluwasolamipe Craig all of A18, LSDPC Flat 24, Adeola Odeku , Victoria Island, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Abiodun Omotosho and Damilola Omotosho both of 18B, Adeoti Oshinowo Close, Ogunronbi Estate, Idimu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olabisi Olufunmilayo Oduwole and Mrs Titilayo Modupe Osinaike both of 18, Unity Avenue, Igbolomu, Ikorodu, lagos, one of the children and grandchild respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Faneye Oluseyi Adeboye and Mr Faneye Moyosore Ayodele bothof 6, Ogunaike Street, Palmgrove Shomolu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

HEALTH

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

45

THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

What do you need to consider when choosing your baby’s food? OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA gives some tips.

‘Choose the right baby food’ T

HE need to seek professional advice by nursing mothers in the choice of best baby food for their infants has been stressed.

According to the Chairman, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Lagos State chapter, Dr Abimbola Ajayi, exclusive breast feeding for the first six months is the best option for a baby. Where this is not practicable, mothers should talk to experts, such as their doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists or any other qualified professionals on the best alternative baby feed.

“This is because there are different baby formulas for different babies in the market. There are some factors that would necessitate a particular formula for a child. Such factors include the gestation age; family belief, presence of a particular disease, i.e, health status, including for specialised development.

There are a wide range of alternative formulas that support specific aspects of your child’s development. These include metabolic boosters, formula for low-birthweight and premature newborns, and formula that uses the mother’s own milk (especially good for infants with developmental disorders). If your baby has special requirements of any kind, it is even more important to speak with your doctor about the best nutritional strategy.”

Ajayi said for preterm babies, mothers should opt for Preterm Formula. “This type of formula requires doctor supervision. It is specifically designed with extra calories and increased nutrient lev-

•Standing: Alhaja Amodu (second left); Dr Brai (third right) and Dr Ajayi (second right) with the newly swornin exco members of Lagos chapter, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) at the event.

‘In Nigeria, a formula with cow’s milk as its main ingredient is the most common type available on the market. This is cowmilk-based formula. While most cows’ milk is indigestible by babies until their first birthday, the protein of the milk in the formula is altered to make it much easier to digest’ els that are important for the growth and development of preterm or low birth weight infants.

“In Nigeria, formula with cow’s milk as its main ingredient is the most common type available on the market. This is Cow-milkbased formula. While most cows’ milk is indigestible by babies until their first birthday, the protein of the milk in the formula is altered to make it much easier to digest. This type will work best for most infants, as it possesses the ideal amount of proteins, carbohy-

drates and fats – everything that your baby needs.”

According to her, “Some parents choose soy-based formula for cultural, religious or health reasons.

If your family or infant cannot process milk, soy-based formulas are a great alternative. Just like in cow’s milk-based formula, the protein has been modified to make it easier on the young digestive system. One important thing to note is that half of babies who are allergic to milk are also allergic to soy, so it’s still a good idea to carefully monitor your

Hospital to treat fever, others as suspected Ebola cases

T

O prevent the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) from hitting River State, patients will be treated as potential cases of the disease.

At a sensitisation workshop in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) said everything was being done to ensure Ebola did not get into the state.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with UPTH Hospital’s Infection Awareness Committee (HIAC). The event was to educate health workers on the need to be alert in handling patients as potential carriers of Ebola virus.

UPTH Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof Aaron Ojule, said the decision was in line with the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency on Ebola virus.

The move, he noted, would assist the hospital to be alert to prevent further spread of the disease.

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

The hospital, he said must prepare to contain Ebola by raising awreness among its workers because they are more susceptible to the disease.

Ojule warned health workers and residents to be on alert to

‘We must protect ourselves; at the same time we don’t pray that any case should come but what if it comes, the doctors and nurses must be prepared. We must see every patient as a potential suspect. And our work ethics must change especially the laboratory staff’

identify any suspected cases especially within their environment.

“We must protect ourselves; at the same time we don’t pray that any case should come but what if it comes, the doctors and nurses must be prepared. We must see every patient as a potential suspect. And our work ethics must change especially the laboratory staff.

“I’m happy we have many of the hospital staff at the workshop, because we are the greatest risk of occupational hazard. We are working with both the state and Federal Government to see how we can contain the epidemic.”

The hospital, he said, is working hard to improve its diagnostic capability and create more awareness on the deadly virus in various places of the state.

“We must protect ourselves. The health workers will be deployed in rural communities where they will disseminate the information to prevent the disease from affecting our people,” Ojule said.

baby’s digestive health throughout any transitions.

“In the same vein, there are Lactose-Reduced or Lactose-Free formula. Although rare, some babies can suffer from lactose intolerance. In these situations, a family doctor can recommend a formula in which the lactose is replaced with an alternative type of sugar, such as corn syrup. There exists as well. Thickened Formula. This formula is helpful for infants that spit up frequently (more than four times per day). The formula is designed to thicken in the stomach

to help your infant keep the formula down. So also is Amino Acidbased Formula, which is a specialised formula that requires doctor supervision. It is for infants who have physician-confirmed severe cow’s milk protein allergies and/or multiple allergies. For babies that cannot stand cow milk protein, mothers can go for extensively hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein formula. This specialised formula is appropriate for infants who have physician-confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy or malabsorption syndromes. Usage requires doctor’s supervision” she stated.

The chairman said in Nigeria today, the exclusive breastfeeding arte, the standard for which compliance to breastfeeding practice is measured, “improved slightly from 13 per cent in 2008 to 15 per cent in 2011 (source- Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey MICS) and 17 per cent in 2013 (National Health Demographic Survey). Initiating breastfeeding within 30 minutes of child’s life is the ideal and optimal feeding practice for a new born.”

She said breastfeeding alone contains all the nutrients, antibodies, hormones and antioxidants an infant needs to thrive. “Breastmilk protects babies from diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections, stimulates their immune systems and response to vaccination and according to some studies, confers cognitive benefits as well. “ Representative of the NSN President, Chairman Scientific and Technical Committee, NSN, Dr Bartholomew Brai, said it was gladdening that Lagos chapter has come to be, “Lagos is a centre of excellence. Now that NSN has a chapter here, the society as a whole can continue to move on in the spirit of good nutrition for all Nigerians.”

The National Treasurer, NSN, Alhaja Fatimo F. Amodu, said she was delighted that,2014 World Breastfeeding Week, with the theme: Breastfeeding: a winning goal for life, was apt. Appropriate breastfeeding practices and support from all members of the society provides a double action of protection for babies during infancy and adult life.”

‘Vaccination can prevent typhoid’

N

IGERIANS can prevent typhoid fever by being vaccinated with Typhoid Vi Poliysaccharide. Vaccine (TYViVAC).

According to the Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, an innoculation of VIVAC will make an individual safe from typhoid for three years.

Orhii, who spoke at the inauguration of the vaccine in Lagos, said people should avail themselves of the opportunity, adding that the vaccine “can only prevent but not cure.”

He said the appropriate treatment should be sought from hospitals once an individual is down.

The DG said the agency took the issue of typhoid seriously by ensuring that the production aligns with good manufacturing practice (GMP).

He said countries with very high level of personal and environmental hygiene usually don’t have problems with the disease as it thrives mainly in dirty environment.

Orhii said the vaccine came into existence in 1975 when the American in Vietnam used it to protect themselves against typhoid.

“We have been evaluating the vaccine for four years,” he said.

By Wale Adepoju

He described typhoid as a menace the country has been grappling with for many years, adding that the introduction of the vaccine would bring the desired change to people’s health status in Nigeria.

He said the Federal Government takes the issue of typhoid seriously and as such okayed the product for use to forestall the disease.

Managing Director, Fidson Limited, Mr Fidelis Ayabae said the disease has been contributing to manpower loss and meaningless and preventable deaths.

The vaccine, he said, would add value to the lives of the people.

He said typhoid treatment is complicated as patients are often loaded with several antibiotic, which is detrimental to the body.

Managing Director, Creative Ideas Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mr Tonye Briggs said the product is good for adults and children from two years.

“It should not administer on adults and children that are allergic to any ingredients of vaccine.

“In the case of suffering from fever, an acute disease, a progressive chronic disease, the vaccination should be postponed,” he said.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

47

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

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Omojiade Patrick late of 5, Opeloyeru Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of May, 2012 at Luth, Lagos Ibe Ihebuzoaju Celestine,(Otherwise known as Mr Ibe Celestine) late of 20, Edu Street, Epe , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of January, 2011 at General Hospital, Epe Late Nonso Cyril Ayaegbuam (Otherwise known as Cyril Nonso Ayaegbuam) late of 6, Chief Hector Ifekoya Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Maxwell U.Agu (Otherwise known as Mr Agu Mazwell Umeanyo) late of 33, Irone Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of March, 2012 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Ibrahim Adisa Salimon (Otherwise known as Salimon Ibrahim) late of 2B, Salami Street, meiran, Ijaiye, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of January, 2013 atOrile Agege General Hospital, Lagos.

Oderinde Ademolu Jeremiah, late of 1, Oke Eri Street, Oworonshoki, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of July, 2013 at Lasuth.

Ejovbo Joseph (Rtd) L/ CPL,(Otherwise known as L/CPL Ejovbor Joseph (Rtd) late of 17, Tola Odutan Street, Shomolu, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of October, 2013 at Lagos.

Joshua Nenta Gerji late of 7, Ololade Street, Morogbo, Agbara, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of December, 2013 at Plateau State.

Mudashiru Kadara (Otherwise known as Kadara Mudashiru) late of 5, Jacob Shonola Street, Oke Ira, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of December, 2013 at Lagos State Teaching Hospital.

Mr Bashiru Adetoro, lateof 28, Abiodun Osindiya Street, Meiran, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Robert Christopher Elvis late of 6A, Obasooto Street, Salami Bus Stop, Akowonjo, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 10th day of February, 2014 at Lagos.

John Duru late of 49, Kajola Road, Obawole Lagos, deceased kwho died intestate on the 12th day of September, 2013 at General Hospital, Agbor.

Mrs Flora Omoruvigho Edogbo (Otherwise known as Edogbo Flora) late of BB7, Shagari Estate, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of October, 2011 at General Hospital, Benin City, Oredo, Edo State.

Kosin John Bebeton Premobofa (Otherwise known as Kosin John) late of 13C, Ogundimun Street, Iwaya, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

Isaac Adefemi Adebayo late fo 5B, Isaac Olajide Street, Agbede, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs Elizabeth Omolara Badejo, late of 6, Oladele Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of November, 2011 at London.

Evbodi Bernard late of 18, Madarikan Street, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of March, 2014 at Havanah Hospital, Surulere, Lagos.

Madam Adeleye Florence Aduke (Otherwise known as Madam Adeleye Florence Omolara) late of 20, Damigoro , Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of December, 1987 at Lagos.

Badero Ezekiel Agbolade (Otherwise known as Ezekiel Agbolade Badero) late of 29, Ogundana Street, Off Allen Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of July, 2010 at London.

Chief JosephOmosebi Oyewumi (Otherwise known as Andrew Omosebi Joseph Oyewumi and Oyewunmi Joseph ) late of 14, Ogundiran Street, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of August, 2006 at Lasuth Benedict Okpala (Otherwise known as Bernedict Okpara) lateof 43, Marwa Street, Ijegun, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 12th day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Bidokwu Christian ,(Otherwise known as Bidokwu Chukwujindu Christian and Bidokwu Christian) late of 21B, Aduke Street, Ajegunle, Ojo Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of August, 2013 at Luth Alalade Sunday Ayoola late of 29, Sunday Fadipe Street, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of October, 2008 at Orile Agege General Hospital,Lagos.

Sunday Olajide Olagunju (Otherwise known as Baba Sokoto) late of 22, Post Office Road Railway Station, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of July, 2013 at Lagos.

Akinloye Oladupo (Otherwise known as Akinloye David Olasupo and mr Akinloye Olasupo) late of 1, Omotayo Disu Street, Opposite Salawe Avenue, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of December, 2013 at Oyo State,.

Dr Ebenezer Adetola Roberts (Otherwise known as Ebenezer Adetola Uwangueyemi and Ebenezer Adetola Uwangueyemi Roberts) late of 21B, Raji Rasaki Estate Road, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of September, 2006 at Mubarik Hospital, Kuwait.

Adetula Omotosho late of 1, Atunwa Street, Off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of December, 2013 at Luth, Lagos.

Alhaji Mubashiru Adele Toki (Otherwise known as Alhaji Mbashiru Adele Toki and Toki Mbashiru) late of 19, Adeyemi Street, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2010 at General Hospsital, Lagos.

Bello Fatai Olaniyi late of 10, Ajibode Street, Iju Ishaga, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of January, 2011 at Orile Agege General Hospital, Lagos.

Odi Agbafor Moses late of 40, Disu Aina Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of December, 2013 at Luth.

Olaniran Rasaq Adebayo (Otherwise known as Alhaji Rasaq Olaniran) lateof Block 11, Flat 1, Iponri Housing Estate, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Aboloko Obukowho Michael, late of 4, Baye Street, Ijanikin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

Onugbo Lawson, late of 12, Alhaji Oluwalowi Street, Sabo, Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of June, 2013 at Luth.

Onoshama Samuel late of Araromi Ile -Dudu Estate, Araromi, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 2nd day of July, 2013 at General Hospital Badagry.

Adeniyi Isreal Adebayo late of Block T7, Flat 27, Nigerian Airforce Base, Ikeja, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2012 at Lagos state University Teaching Hospital.

Sule Lateef Oladipo late of 44, Ajayi Road, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 24th day of November, 2007 at Lagos.

Obiogbolu Felix late of 7, Cardoso Street, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of November, 2013 at Gbagada General Hospital.

Mr Oputah Pascal Chukwuma (Otherwise known as Pascal Oputah) late of Block 182, Plot 199, Flat 5, Zone D1, Iba Housing Estate, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of August, 2013 at Uwakaego Medumezia Memoral Medical Centre, Asaba.

Sgt. Onuminya Edoh (Otherwise known as Onuminya Edoh and Edoh Abel) late of Ikorodu Police Barrack, Flat 1, Room 3 , Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 12th day of July, 2013 at Benin , Edo State.

Adejare Emmanuel Oluwatoyin late of 3, Adeolu Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of February, 2011 at Ota, Ogun State.

Mrs Deborah Bolajoko Fadiya (Otherwise known as Fadiya Deborah Bolajoko) late of 24, Rotimi Osonaiye Street, Oniwaya, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 17th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Kukoyi Oluwakemi (Otherwise known as Rasaq Oluwakemi Munirat) late of 31, Baale Close, Off Mobolaji Bank Anthony ~Way Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2013 at Crusaints Hospital, Ilupeju Odumosu Demu Haruna late of 2, Ogunowo Street, Imola deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

Williams Nwaokocha Okolie (Otherwise known as Williams N. Okolie and Okolie Williams) late of NW6/118 Ayorinde Street, Ekotedo, Ibadan, deceased who diedintestate on the 17th day of November, 2000 at Ibusa, Delta State.

Mr Kenneth Emenyonu (Otherwise known as Kenneth Emenyonu (Inspector) late of 16, Olori Street, Shogunle, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 9th day of December, 2013 at 68, Narh Yaba,Lagos.

Patrick Onyegbule (Otherwise known as Onyegbale Patrick) late of 34, Summonu Giwa Street, Oke Odo, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of June, 2012 at General Hospital, Agege.

Barrister Robert Chukwuma Eze (Otherwise known as Eze Chukwuma Robert) late of 27, Kakawa Street, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 2nd day of August, 2013 at Alimosho General Hospital, Igando Uyah Anthony Asuquo (Otherwise known as Uyah Tony) late of 103, Moradeyo Street, Mazamaza, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of March, 2014 at Lagos.

Enikanoselu Funmilayo Deborah (Otherwise known as Enikanoselu Funmilayo) late of 6, Igbajo Street, Iponri, lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 12th day of March, 2011 at General Hospital ,Lagos.

Olabisi Oyinloye (Otherwise known as Oyinloye Olabisi) late of 25, Polank Cresent, Off Ita Alhaji , Oke Aro, Ogun State, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Olaleru Joseph Bolanle (Otherwise known as Mr Olaleru Joseph) late of 31/33 Alh. Babatunde Street, Ijegun Via Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of September,2009 at State Specialist Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

Isaac Monday Akpan late of Block B1, Medium Barrack, Kirikiri, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of December, 2012 at New Nigerian Hospital, Lagos.

Sabo Aliyu (Otherwise known as Aliyu Sabo) late of 1, Odogbolu Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 14th day of October, 1997 at Lagos.

Mrs Jemilat Olabisi Yussuf (Otherwise known as Mrs Yusuf Jemilat Olabisi) late of 38, Ojuwoye Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of January, 2014 at lagos.

Abraham Adedoyin Adeleye (Otherwise known as Mr Abraham Adeleye) late of 1, Osuporu Close, Ojodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of November, 2013 at Luth.

Funke Omolara Adeoye Oke (Otherwise known as Adeoye Funke) late of 28, Amusu Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 10th day of February, 2014 at Oshogbo.

Mrs Abasi Freke Etim (Otherwise known as Etim Abasi Freke and Abasi Freke Samuel John and Samuel John ) late of 44, Osho Drive, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 20th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Honourable Mukaila Aluko (Otherwise known as Hon. Mukaila Adio Aluko) late of 19, Davies Cresent, Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2009 at Ikorodu.

Olusola Bada (Otherwise known as Mrs Bada Olushola) late of Block B , Flat 13, Moore Road, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of January, 2014 at Lagos.

Olafisoye Omowunmi Dorcas (Otherwise known as Madam Olafisoye Omowunmi Dorcas) late of 23, Adeye Street Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of February, 2014 at Ondo.

Shokunbi Olabisi Esther (Otherwise known as Shokunbi Olabisi) late of 95, Oko Oba Road, Agege, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 14th day of June, 2011 at Orile Agege General Hospital, Lagos.

Charles Nzete,(Otherwise known as Nzete Charles) late of 16, Ezeocha Street, Ajangbadi, Ojo, LGA, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

Aroyameh Afeaye (Otherwise known as AroyamehAfeaye Bamidele and Afeaye Aroyameh ) late of 11, Taiwo Kehinde Street, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of June, 2013 at Alimosho General Hospital, Lagos.

Mrs Wuraola Fasuyi (Otherwise known as M.W. Fasuyi and Fasuyi Wuraola ) late of 37, Oduduwa Street, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 2009 at Lagos.

Ernest Adekunle Edwards, late of 5B, Ade Ajayi Street, Zone 4, Pako Ogudu, GRA, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of August, 2009 at London.

Alhaja Saudat Beyioku (Otherwise known as Ejide Mabinuori) late ;of 12, Olatilewa Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of November, 2007 at Goodfaith Clinic, Surulere, Lagos.

Mrs Martins Muyinat Ojuloape late of 1, Turton Street, lafiaji Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 16th day of February, 2000 at General Hospital, Lagos.

Akinboni Ademola late of 11, Ebun Ayodele Street, Captain, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 27th day of December, 2012 at Luth.

Mrs Bakare Bolanle Beatrice (Otherwise known as Bolanle Beatrice Bakare and Ogunsemowo Bolanle Beatrice) late of 15, Pastor Fadele Street, Selewu, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 10th day of October, 2012 at Willade Clinic, Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

Safuat Temitope Adekunle late of Block 38, Flat 3, Phase 2, Adeniji Adele L.C.H.B. Lagos Island, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 18th day of June, 2007 at Lagos.

Mr Emenalor Davison Iheanyichukwu (Otherwise known as Emenalor Davison) late of 1, Mosadolorun Street, Iba New site, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day ofAugust, 2013 at Owerri, Imo State.

Ladeinde Abigail Olatoun (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Mrs Olatoun Abigail Ladeinde and Mrs Abigail Olatoun Ladeinde ) late of 7, Ayo Davies Close, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26thday of November, 2013 at D.F.O Clinic Akoka Yaba, Lagos.

Festus Adetunji Adeloye (Otherwise known as Mr Adeloye Adetunji Festus) late of 3/5 Adeloye Close, Akowonjo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of November, 2013 at Luth.

Felix Bamidele Olanase (Otherwise known as Mr Felix Olanase Bamidele) late of 39, Onafuwa Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who diedintestate on the 19th day of November, 2012 at Omotayo Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.

Morinola Abeke Odutolu (Otherwise knonw as Odutolu Morinola Abeke) late of 15, Mosunmola Adekoya Street, Aguda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of February, 1981 at Lagos.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Moses Omojiade Atamhenwan and Omojiade Joseph both of 5, Opeloyeru Street, Ketu, Lagos, brother and father respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Augusta Ibe Celestine and Mrs Esther Edu both of 20, Edu Street, Epe , Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Ndidi Patience Nonso and Nonso Azubuike Celestine both of 6, Chief Hector Ifekoya Street, Ikorodu, lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Anthonia Osinachi Agu and Nneoma Ukamaka Agu both of 33, Irone Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oluwakemi Ibrahim and Kabirat Salimon Ibrahim both of 2B, Salami Street, Meiran, Ijaiye, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Tope Oderinde , Seun Oderinde and Gbenga Oderinde all of 1, Oke Eri Street, Oworonshoki, Lagos, widow , one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mary Bose Oseni (Nee Ejovbo) , Shadiat Oseni and Rilwan Oseni all of 17, Tola Odutan Street, Shomolu, Bariga, Lagos, the only surviving child and two of the grandchildren respectively of the said deceased.

Ruth Funke Joshua and Ishaku Gotan both of 7, Ololade Street, Morogbo, Agbara, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Alh. Tawakalitu M. Kadara, Mrs Latifat Olayinka Lameed (Kadara) and Mr Muhammed Awwal O. Kadara all of 5, Jacob Shonola Street, Oke Ira, Ogba, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Akeem Tunde Adetoro and Idowu Adetoro both of 28, Abiodun Osundiya Street, Meiran, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Iregbeyen Debby and Miss Aburimen Joy both of 6A, Obasooto Street, Salami Bus Stop, Akowonjo, Lagos, mother and aunty respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Josephine Duru of 49, Kajola Road, Obawole Lagos, and Mr Henry Duru of 74, Kajola Road, Obawole Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Gabriel Edogbo and Miss Anthonia Onogwa both of BB7, Shagari Estate, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Kosin A. Mary and Kosin John Junior both of 14, Arowolo Street, Iwaya, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Victoria Orimoloye Adebayo and Miss Oluwatoyin Omonike Adebayo both of 5B, Isaac Olajide Street, Agbede, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Abiodun Badejo , Abolaji Badejo and Mrs Bukola Onafuye all of 6, Oladele Street, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

Evbodi Eguono Gladys and Evbodi Omorechoja both of 18, Madarikan Street, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Omowunmi Adebowale and Mr Oni Olaniyi Johnson both of 5, Oladipupo Street, Ikotun, Lagos, one of the children and grand child respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Modupe Olufunmilayo Badero, Mrs Olufunke Oludayo Ogun (Nee Badero), Miss Olubukola Oluremi Badero and Miss Badero Adedayo Abidemi all of 29, Ogundana Street, Off Allen, Ikeja, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Foluremi Bridget Majekodunmi of 1, Ikorodu Road, Maryland, lagos and Mr Dapo Oyewumi of 14, Ogundiran Street, Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Pauline Okpala and Emmanuel Okpala both of 43, Maruwa Street, Ijegun, Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Sunday Bidokwu , Nnamdi Bidokwu and Arinze Bidokwu all of 21B, Aduke Street, Ajegunle, OjoRoad, Apapa, Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Alalade Adeola Iyabo and Mr Alalade Omogbolahan Iyiola both of 29, Sunday Fadipe Street, Alagbado, Lagos, widow and only child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Kudirat T. Olagunju and Olawale Olagunju both of 22, Post Office Road, Railway Station, Alagbado, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased .

Akinloye Babawale Akinniyi and Akinloye Oyeyinka Tope both of 1, Omotayo Disu Street, Opposite Salawe Avenue, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Dr (Mrs) Omolara Mojisola Roberts of 21B, Raji Rasaki Estate Road, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, and Mr Ibidapo Oyebolu of 35, Okeho Street, Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, widow and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Omololu Adetula and Mrs Omotayo Awa -Ibraheem both of 1, Atunwa Street, Off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, two children of the said deceased Kamoru Adeniyi Toki, Oluwafumbi Akindejoye , Bisola Toki and Oluwaseun Rasaq Toki all of 19, Adeyemi Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos four of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Bello Saolat Mojirayo and Alhaji Oladoyin Tajudeen Adetunji both of 10, Ajibode Street, Iju Ishaga, Ifako Ijaye, lagos, widow and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

Ogbu Ifeyinwa Mary and Uchenna Ogbu both of 40, Disu Aina Street, Ejigbo, lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olayinka Musili Olaniran and Olaniran Oluseun both of Block 11, Flat 1, Iponri Housing Estate, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Aboloko Roseline O. and Miss Onaghene Aboloko both of 4, Baye Street, Ijanikin, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Onugbo Sunday Ebi of 12, Alhaji Oluwalowi Street, Sabvo, Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos, and Mrs Grace Agi (Nee Onugbo) of 1, Safiyatu Street, Ajakaye, Ira Quarters, Volks, Ojo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Elizabeth Owigho Onoshama, Rufus Onoriode Onashama and Maria Onashama Duwal all of Araromi Ile Dudu Estate, Araromi, Badagry, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adeniyi Tinuade Bola and Adeniyi Thomas Ayodeji both of Block T7, Flat 27, NAF Base , Ikeja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said decased.

Sule Saheed Olusegun and Sulaimon Waheed Tunde both of 44, Ajayi Road, Ogba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Susan Obiageli Obiogbolu and Mr Leonard Obiora Obiogolu both of 7, Cardoso Street, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Appolonia Oputah and Miss Ifeyinwa Jennifer Oputah both of 4, Akogun Street, Off Iba, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Onuminya Happiness and Onuminya Aboje both of Ikorodu Police Barracks, Flat 1, Room 3, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said decased.

Mrs Mulikat Oluwatosin Adejare and Adesola Ebunoluwa Adejare both of Adealu Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Fadiya Emmanuel Oladipupo of 15, Okunola Street, Oniwaya Agege, Lagos, and Fadiya Matthew Ayodeji of 24, Rotimi Osonaiye Street, Meiran, Lagos, two of the children of the saiddeceased.

Mrs Idayat Florence Sanni of 25, Ishola Imam Street, Mafoluku and Madam Rasaq Felicia Joseph of 31, Baale Close, Ikeja, Lagos, sister and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Odumosu Fatimah Mojisola and Odumosu Omowumi both of 2, Ogunnowo Street, Imota, two of the children of the said deceased Mrs Coss Williams of 13B, Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, and Mrs Edith Isioma Agbagwu of 33, Orona Street, Oshodi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Blesssing Emenyonu and Ekene Gift Emenyonu both of 16, Olori Street, Shogunle, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Patricia Onyegbule and Ekene Onyegbule both of 34, Summonu Giwa Street, Oke Odo, Agege, Lagos, widow and one f the children respectively of the said deceased.

Eze Chioma (Mrs) and Eze Chinomso Victor both of 27, Kakawa Street, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Uyah Chioma Augustina and Uyah Anthony Junior both of 103, Moradeyo Street, Mazamaza, Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olusegun Edanusin O. and Oluwasogo Edward Oladele Enikanoselu both of 6, Igbajo Street, Iponri, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Olufunke M. Oyinloye and Miss Oluwabukola Toyosi Oyinloye both of 25, Polank Cresent, Off Ita Alhaji, Oke Aro, Ogun State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olaleru Eunice Titilayo, Olaleru Bamidele Omotosho and Olaleru Ibikunle Funso allof 31/33 Alh. Babatunde Street, Ijegun, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Glory Isaac Akpan and Miss Esther Isaac Akpan both of Block B1, Medium Barracks, Kirikiri, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Taiwo Saba and Jelili S. Busari both of 1, Odogbolu Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, one of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Wasiu Adio Yussuf and Mr Idris Raji Bolarinwa both of 38, Ojuwoye Street, Mushin, Lagos, widower and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Bamidele Albert Adeleye of Block 3,Flat 7, LSDPC Estate, Ebute Metta, Lagos and Mojisola Fadakinte of 3B, Kafayat Abdul Rasaq Street, Lekki 1, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Olubunmi Ajiboro Oke and Mr Oluwafemi Ashola Oke both of 28, Amusu Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mr Wilson Etim and Goodness Samuel John both of 44, Osho Drive, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said decased.

Mrs Mutiat Babablola Abiola, Mrs Moriliat Aluko Adenike, Mr Adewale Aluko Moshood and Master Mubashiru Aluko all of 19, Davies Crescent, Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Oladeinde Abisola Abosede and Bada Olasunkanmi Olaseni both of Block B,Flat 13, Moore Road, Yaba, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Olafisoye Abosede Rachael and Olafisoye Omotayo Benson bothof 23, Adeye Street, Ketu, Lagos, two children of the said deceased Shokunbi Abayomi Kazeem and Shokunbi Gbemileke Okikiola both of 11, Shodairo Street, Akera, Agbado, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Augustina C. Nzete and Mr Benjamin Onwelegu Ifesochi both of 16, Ezeocha Street, Ajangbadi, Ojo, LGA, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Aroyameh Mary Evelyn, Aroyamah Abidemi Morenikeji and Aroyameh Oludare Oluseyi all of 11, Taiwo Kehinde Street, Egbeda, Lagos, widow, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Oladapo Idowu Fashuyi and Oluwagbenga Afolabi Fashuyi both of 37, Oduduwa Street, Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Jonathan Edwards and Lucinda Shode both of 5B, Ade Ajayi Street, Zone 4, Pako Ogudu GRA, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Miss Shafkat Abodunrin Beyioku, Mr Taiwo Hillman Beyioku and Mr Kehinde Hikman Beyioku all of 12, Olatilewa Street, Surulere, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Miss Martins Asake of 20, Jayeola Street, Unity Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

Akinboni Olujumoke Olufisayo and Tesanmi Olaleye Abraham both of 11, Ebun Ayodele Street, Captain, Abule Egba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ogunsemowo Adesola A, Bakare Temitope D., Bakare Titilope and Bakare Temitayo O. all of 15, Pastor Fadele Street, Selewu Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

Adegbenro Omotosho Adekunle and Hakeem Adejare Adekunle both of Block 38, Flat 3, Phase 2, Adeniji Adele L.C.H.B. Lagos, Island, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Emenalor K. Chinyere and Mr Emenalor C. Okechukwu both of 1, Mosadolorun Street, Iba New Site, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Rev. Oluyomi A. Ladeinde and Mrs Bolajoko Adeyombo Oniwinde both of 7, Ayo Davies Close, Surulere, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Bolanle Adeloye, Miss Elizabeth Oluwabunmi Adeloye and Mr Adeyinka Adeloye all of 3/5, Tunji Adeloye Close, Akowonjo, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Olanrewaju Augustine Olanase of 30, Oshungboye Street, keke, Agege, Lagos, and Johnson Otiba Collins of 1, Ogundimu Street, Oke Ayo, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Fatai Lawal and Jamiu Lawal bothof 15, Mosunmola Adekoya Street, Aguda, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

49

THE NATION

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate

BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com 08062722507

property@thenationonlineng.net muyiwalucas2002@yahoo.com

The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, has given hope on house ownership to the low and medium income earners under the Federal Government’s housing schemes. In an interactive session with select journalists, she says the initiative will eradicate the pains of securing titles to landed properties. MUYIWA LUCAS was there.

‘Tackling housing deficit challenge’ Affordable housing for low income earners

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HE Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, said several factors are responsible for the rising cost of construction and housing units. She listed cost of land, building materials, titling, among others as militating against the smooth delivery of housing to Nigerians.

Mrs. Eyakenyi agreed that the cost of rent in the country is high for the common person. “It is a fact that in Abuja, you see many buildings lying unoccupied because the rents are high,”. she admitted. giving reasons for this, the minister explained that it is usually hinged on the cost of building construction materials. Therefore, she is of the opinion that if the ministry is able to control, persuade and affect the stakeholders in the industry to bring down their prices for the cost of building materials, the end result, that is, rent, will be low.

Besides, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), is in place to assist more Nigerians get their own house.

The government, she said, is aware of the financial requirement of this institution and that is why it is taking its recapitalisation as very serious matter. Apart from FMBN, there are other Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs), who are also involved in mortgage financing aimed at providing affordable housing for Nigerians, a task she said, necessitated suport for the FMBN. “That is what led to the emergence of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC). The NMRC is not to nullify or affect what FMBN is doing, but to serve as the clearing house of refinancing the PMIs. As the FMBN is undertaking the mortgage of a certain number, other PMIs are also doing. When they (mortgage institutions) defray what they have, NMRC’s responsibility is to refinance them. That’s the essence,”. she explained.

Benef from govt housing schemes Mrs Ekayenyi explained that the mortgage for the “off takers” would be carried by the PMIs. The “offtakers” in this perception, are the civil servants firstly, because they are contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF), through the monthly deductions from their salary. That is the money that goes into serving as down payment for their mortgage, usually either 10 or 20 per cent before the FMBN now take over the remaining amount to pay, and spread it over a tenor. So, she further clarifed, if they were contributors to the NHF, their money will be used to take care of the required 10 or 20 per cent and then the rest will be handled by the FMBN or PMIs. For the private sector, interested companies, she said, can approach the ministry to help initiate a housing estate for them. “We will go put up an estate for them and they will pay.

The non-salaried people or the in-

formal sector mortgage and housing development programme was launched in December 2011 and the intention is to address the housing needs of Nigerians that are not in formal sector, for example mechanics, drivers,” she said. These categories of Nigerians are expected to come through a cooperative society. There are two schemes in this category. The first is the cooperative estate development loan- that is, the loan that is given to the cooperative society itself to build houses. Then the second category is the cooperative mortgage programme. The first batch of this mortgage facility will be rolled out very soon. “We have about 200 housing units in this category that are being built by the First World Community. It is not just the private people that can do cooperative society housing initiative,”. Ekayenyi said. An example is that being done by the Federal Medical Practitioners Cooperative society, Abakaliki, who came together to do contributions, bought land on their own through their contributions, and started the construction of hosuing units with the funds for the over 200 members.

In addition they have also bought a land for another 100 people. The minister said the society have now written the ministry, seeking how to get the FMBN to back them up to complete that structure.

•FESTAC Town, Lagos ... billed for rehabilitation.

Portal for house ownership The minister disclosed that a portal that will give Nigerians access to apply to own a home of their own, housingfinance.gov.ng on the website of NMRC (go www.nigeria.nmrc.ng), has been launched. On the protal is a form to fill by people interested in owning a house of your own through the NMRC process. “You will also have the choice to choose where you want your house to be. If you have a land already, the location may also determine where your house will be,”she said.

Housing data survey Mrs. Ekayenyi said the ministry has developed a framework for conducting a national housing survey with the overriding goal of establishing whether Nigerians are adequately housed or not. The survey will help to establish the actual number of housing deficit in the country instead of relying on forecasts. also, this initiative, she further said, will make government to know the quantum of investment needed to meaningfully address the housing gap as well as the capacity requirement for transforming the housing and urban development sector on a sustainable basis. One advantage of this process, she noted, is that it will also help the ministry of lands and

•Mrs Eyakenyi

housing to know how many people need a house, say for example, in Akwa-Ibom state. The survey will also show the gap as it will reveal housing under occupation and over occupation. Apart from that, through the NMRC, a website for people to register their needs for houses has been opened. “Again another thing the survey will help us achieve is to ensure that one person owns one shelter. We have a criterion that will detect all these needs and so we will be able to tackle whoever tries to be smart by not disclosing the whole truth. We are not saying we would do 100 per cent, but we will ensure that the people that we are targetingthe low income, the middle income have access to the buildings when they are ready,” she assured.

Building code The minister explained that a building code specifies how to construct buildings, how to retain them, how to look after them, the specifications and everything, so it’s not a law.

“Nobody is canvassing for it to be a

law, the law we are asking for is a law to enforce it. So if you don’t follow the code, we can use the law to now get at you. You can be taken to court for not following building code. Building code itself is not a law because if you make it a law, you will have to go back to review it anything you desire to make an amended to building standards,” she said. This is in line with the fast pace of global development which transcend the construction industry.

So the building code is to be reviewed regularly, every two years, minimum. “We have set up a 12-man implementation committee on this.

One of it is the improved land titling process committee. That committee has been assigned the responsibility of getting in touch with the state governors. I have also personally spoken, written letters to the state commissioners on land and housing matters, on the need to release land titles promptly.

It is a fact that if you own a land without the certificate of occupancy (C of O) the title, you cannot have a real value for your house or for the land,” she said.

Encroachment on govt properties Mrs. Ekayenyi cited as a classic example the FESTAC town, Lagos. she explained that government has put a process in motion for the restoration of FESTAC town to its past glory. The same thing, she said, will be applicable to other government properties that have been abandoned and needs restoration. “We have identified that one major problem facing federal government landed properties, is that of encroachment,” she said. The minister further explained that when land is acquired and it is left for a long time, the indigenes of the community, get in to tamper with it not knowing that when government

‘The first batch of this mortgage facility will be rolled out very soon.

We have about 200 housing units in this category that are being built by the First World Community’

acquires land, it is not just for the now.

“It is for the future projection for development, so you wouldn’t expect that a particular administration will complete developing the hundreds of hectares of land acquired; government will only cut a section, develop it, and then the next government that comes take it up again,” she said.

Citing as example the occurrences during the Alhaji Sheu Shagari era, where mass area was acquired in almost all the states for construction of housing schemes, “Shagari estate”.

“A section of it was developed. We have mass areas left which this administration will continue from there. Unfortunately, the indigenes, when they see the land lying idle for a long time, they get in to encroach.

We’ve tried our best to ensure that we check that,” she said. For those who have encroached on government properties already, she said: “where we can demolish we will, where we cannot, we make them to buy into it for us to regularise then give title and get them to pay some penalties for moving into the land without permission.”

Debts to contractors The minister though agreed that the ministry is indebted to contractors, however said in some instances, such debts were not deliberately owed. “You should also know that several factors could have led to that- maybe they (contractors) didn’t finish their work on time, or the money that was released was not enough. But we’ve started paying as the money is released. We owe some people, some dating back to 2010, 2012 and 2013,” she explained. Presently, Mrs. Ekayenyi disclosed that her ministry has secured funds, about N2 billion to pay debts relating to 2012. However, clarified that it is impossible for the ministry to pay all outstanding debts this year due to the allocation to the ministry.

Also, another reason is that at the end of the year, funds that are not utilised are taken back to government purse and some contractors delay in completing their projects early enough and the money cannot be made to wait for them in the accounts.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

‘Why we adopted 42.5 cement grade’ HE Chairman, Technical Committee on cement standards, Prof Innocent Onyeyili, has explained why the committee opted for the 42.5 grade of cement.

He said it is better than the 32.5 grade and could reduce building collapse.

Onyeyili, a professor of Structural Engineering, spoke with reporters in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

He also said quackery was another factor to be eliminated if buildings are to last long like those built during the colonial days.

He lamented the failure of regulatory bodies to keep unqualified builders out of their jobs, and the non-use of professionals to execute construction jobs, poses a bigger challenge for the industry.

“All sorts of people have come into the building industry because of the money, but it takes a registered building engineer to interpret designs and to discover mistakes in a design and to use cement and other materials correctly,’’ he said.

Noting that there is a preponderance of quacks in the industry, Onyeyili said the development is thriving because those saddled with checking projects or construction sites, have neglected their duties.

“We have regulatory bodies but the people should not sit in the of-

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• Onyelili Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

fice dishing out instructions; they should be on the field to check. The government has set up its machinery for the industry; the problem is follow-up. The Federal Government official in Abuja is not the one to follow-up the execution of projects in a local government’s jurisdiction. The local government should ensure that projects in their area are done to specifications,” he said.

Onyeyili regretted that artisans, who might have worked on many projects, sees themselves as structural or civil engineers, and therefore believe that they are can deter-

mine the right mix for building materials, such as concrete. He said artisans recommend a bag of cement for eight head pans of sand and 12 head pans of gravel to give a reinforced concrete. He said this is wrong, adding that the minimum grade of concrete for reinforced concrete is one bag of cement to four head pans of sand and eight head pans of gravel.

“That’s why you touch some beams and some columns (the socalled reinforced concrete structures) and you see them peeling off.

Why won’t such building collapse?” he asked.

He defended his committee’s recommendations on the 42.5 grade of cement as having been made only in the national interest.

He argued that the decision of his committe was based on the fact that when the 42.5 grade of cement is used, the incidents of building collapse would reduce.

He said the 42.5 grade of cement could be an export money spinner.

“If we produce the 32.5 grade, other countries won’t buy it from us, but if we produce the 42.5 grade, they will buy and when they buy, the manufacturer will be able to increase his production; to employ more people and the more people have jobs, the more people are rich.

So, export of cement will bring in more wealth for distribution among Nigerians, ” he said.

Ogun to enforce physical planning laws

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HE Ogun State government has said it will keep a tab on the physical development and environmental activities of industries in the state.

To this end, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD) is to ensure consistency and compliance with the policies and laws on physical development and control of all lands.

The Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Mr. Gbenga Otenuga, spoke during a visit to Sagamu.

He advised developers to ensure environmental stability based on quality environment which is made possible by physical development orderliness.

“The Government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun is industrial- friendly but at the same time due process must be followed in putting up any structure in the interest of both the developer and the citizens of Ogun State,” Otenuga said.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State on Physical Planning, Mr. Femi Ogunsola, who was also part of the monitoring

• Otenuga

team, advised the industrialists in the state to properly document any ancillary development in their building plan and forward it to the ministry for approval.

This, he explained, was to enable the ministry monitor the activities of the developers visa-vis the industries, to forestall environmental hazard which can be caused by neglect of comprehensive land use plan or physical planning.

Some of the developers met on sites promised to obey the state physical planning laws.

Firm to unveil products

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• From left: National President, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mr. Waheed Niyi Brimmo; Executive Chairman, West African Ceramics Ltd, Alhaji Lawal Idirisu; Rao and Product Development Analyst, Pavan Kompella at the AGM/30th Anniversary Celebration of the NIA, Abuja Chapter, in Abuja.

Collapsed buildings: Ahmed urges sanctions for engineer, others

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HE Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, has recommended stiffer punishment for contractors, engineers and others in the construction of any building that collapses.

The governor also wants a law that will criminalise those found culpable of collapsed buildings.

Ahmed spoke at the 44th Builders’ conference/Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB).

He said such punitive measures, if adopted, would reduce the menace of collapsed building.

The conference has as theme: “Construction industry development: Collaborations, innovations and capacity building.”

Ahmed, who was represented by the state Housing and Urban Development Commissioner, Olabode Olayemi, said for safety, economics and aesthetic reasons, a policy, which includes a building code that will be binding on builders and others in the sector, be put in place.

“I therefore recommend that a

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

law be put in place to ensure that only trained professionals and artisans are allowed to construct buildings in the country, based on the proposed building construction code. This will ensure minimum construction standards across the country so that no matter where you are in the country you can be assured of the quality of your buildings,” Ahmed said.

He said the sector is one of the most visible indices of measuring development, and a means to know the quality of life from the quality of houses that people live in.

The governor emphasised the importance of developing the industry, saying it is a catalyst to improving the economy as well as enhance the welfare of the people, adding that the industry will be the first to suffer when an economy goes into recession.

He said the spate of collapsed buildings is enough to stimulate the agitation for a robust construction policy, which should aim at revers-

ing the trend. He charged the NIOB and other stakeholders to sensitise the public on the need to avoid engaging quacks for their building projects, ading that this will help them avoid wastage and tragic loss of lives.

“I am convinced that these incidents are caused by untrained builders and unscrupulous developers, who jeopardise lives and properties while trying to cut corners,” he said.

He lamented the poor quality of work being done at some construction sites.

Ahmed said as part of his administration’s shared prosperity programme, the government was partnering with the private sector and the body to provide low cost housing to the citizens through a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative backed by cheap mortgage services.

Already, a committee has been put in place to work out the modalities on mass housing in Kwara State.

MEL Building Materials, a member of the Emel group, is set to introduce three new productsinto the market.

The products - Stanley Commercial Hardware and Security Systems; Associate Decor Chipboard; and Milano Sanitary Ware - would be on display at the company’s pavilion at the upcoming Archibuilt Exhibition in Abuja.

The introduction of these products may be a mark of the firm’s efforts at providing world-class, innovative and affordable building material products and services.

According to its Managing Director, Mr. Mahesh Asnani, the introduction of the products form part of the firm’s strategy to become leading one stop shop for building materials.

Besides, it is believed that the effort will also reaffirm the manufacturer’s commitment to introducing top-quality prod-

ucts aimed at advancing the Nigerian construction industry.

Asnani said it is because of the group’s desire to plug all loopholes in the market - a situation which hitherto created a vacuum, making it possible for the preponderance of substandard products to hold sway in the market.

“That is why we decided to plug this vacuum by providing high quality, yet affordable products for the benefit of Nigerians,” Asnani said.

The Emel International Pavilion will also showcase premium roofing and door brands, including Tilcor Stone Coated Roof Tiles from New Zealand, Formet Steel Doors from Turkey and Krosswood Real Wood Doors from the USA. Emel Building Materials recently won ‘The Most Trusted Quality Building Material Company Award’ at the Africa Quality Achievement Awards.

West African Ceramics gets award

T

HE Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) Abuja Chapter, has conferred the West African Ceramics Limited (WACL) with a special recognition award for its contributions to the building industry.

The award was bestowed on the firm at the Biannual General Meeting and 30th Anniversary of the professional body in Abuja.

The immediate past chairman of NIA Abuja Chapter, Mr. Stanley Kolo, said the institute recognises the immense contribution of the tile manufacturer in alleviating some of the challenges facing the profession and its footprint in the tile production sector of the industry.

“The company has modern state-of-the art machinery to produce tiles that will adequately serve the needs of architects, so we are of the opinion that there’s no reason to import tiles from China or other countries,” Kolo said.

General Manager, WACL, Mr. Bhaskar Rao, thanked NIA

for recognising the contributions of the company. He said the company considers architects and builders as partners in progress.

He emphasised that its strategic partnership with architects was fundamental to its product design development and through consumer insights generated from working with practitioners, the company’s flagship brands namely, VIT Porcelain and Royal Ceramic tiles.

“I would like to express appreciation for this award and use this platform to reiterate our unwavering will to continue to support the NIA because we consider the professional bodies of architects, builders, and developers as our strategic allies. ‘’We would be relentless in our research and development, particularly in consumer insight to ensure that we produce products that meets the trends and satisfies the needs of our allies and the property owners,” Rao stressed.

51

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

Stakeholders have called for an end to oil theft. This was at the yearly conference of the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) held in Lagos last week. Assistant Editor EMEKA UGWUANYI and AKINOLA AJIBADE report.

N

IGERIA is losing about 400,000 barrels per day to oil theft and pipeline vandal-

ism.

And the figure could go up, if the menace is not tackled, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, has said.

Kuku spoke at the just-held yearly conference of the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) in Lagos.

He said in some communities, oil theft has outstripped fishing and farming. It is damaging and supplanting legitimate economic activities, he said.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander, Maj-Gen Emmanuel Atuwe and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Energia Limited, Mr. Felix Amieyeofori, painted gory pictures of the sector and proffered solution toi the problems.

According to Atuwe, there is need for more collaboration among security agencies. Refineries and filling

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

How to tackle oil theft, pipeline vandalism, by stakeholders

stations, he said, should be built in the riverine areas to give them sense of belonging because they host oil.

He noted that there is need for every kilometre of pipeline to be monitored by the host communities and the oil firms to honour their memoranda of understanding (MoUs).

Atuwe said the JTF and the Ministry of Justice were meeting to ensure that pipeline vandals serve jail terms.

The meeting, he said, became imperative to ensure speedy trial of suspected vandals.

The Federal Government set up the Task force to ensure 24-hour patrol of oil installations to check pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and other criminalities in the industry.

But Atuwe noted that cases abound where vandals were arrested, remanded, and released on bail and they reappear in the creeks to continue their crimes.

“The undue release of these vandals must be stopped if the country would achieve meaningful progress in the fight against pipeline vandalism and oil theft,’’he said.

He said the safety of the pipelines would be guaranteed, when offenders were being brought to book. He said: “Pipeline vandalism, oil theft and associated crimes persist because perpetrators were prevented from facing the law. Cases abound where people are released on bail, when they committed offences that deserve punishment under the criminal code.

The need to ensure that justice prevails, informed the meeting with the

Ministry of Justice. ‘’ Atuwe said the zero tolerance policy declared on pipeline vandals was still in force, despite the surge in the criminal activities.“When I resumed office as the Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield in January 2014, I declared zero tolerance against pipeline vandalism to stop the activities of the perpetrators. The order is being maintained because we want to stop the crime. We are policing the creeks and other areas where there are pipelines. We work throughout the night.

“We arrested a vessel that was used to steal oil two days ago. As a nation, we should get angry with the depletion of oil, protect the industry and the economy. Pipeline destruction is an offence that I think the perpetrators should not be allowed to go scot free. Anybody caught breaking oil pipes deserves a jail term, hence the need to meet Justice Ministry on the issue so they can help us in that regard,” he said.

He said the JTF has enough facilities to deal with the situation, adding that more collaboration among the security agencies is needed to stop vandalism.

According to him, anyone caught stealing oil should not be released until the court gives judgment. The execution of justice, Atuwe said, should not be limited to pipeline vandals, but also to oil bunkerers.

He said the need to look at the terminals through which oil is being exported illegally is imperative to solv-

ing the problem, adding that processes that would lead to speedy trial of oil thieves should be put in place for growth.

He urged the government to establish modern refineries in the Niger Delta to reduce unemployment, noting that the relationship between the oil companies and the communities has become soured in recent times.

“The relationship between oil companies and the communities was symbiotic before. There was trust between the two groups. The oil companies were meeting their obligations to the communities. At a point, trust was lost. Added to this is the impoverished nature of the communities. Poor infrastructure and unemployment in the oil producing communities are some of the factors that made the inhabitants to break pipelines,” he said.

Amieyeofori said there are about 6000km of flowlines and pipelines in the Niger Delta; about 400,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) are stolen.

Between 2009 and 2011, $10 billion and $12 billion was lost to crude theft, he added.

He said about 100,000 bopd worth about $7 billion is lost yearly.

Nigeria, according to him, follows Mexico, Iraq, Russia and Indonesia on the top five countries most plagued by theft, adding that about 75 per cent of the stolen oil is being exported with the rest being refined in illegal at “artisanal refineries.”

Who is responsible for oil theft? He said it includes some unscrupulous Niger Delta indigenes who colaborate

From left: Commissioner, Government and Consumer Affairs, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Abba Ibrahim; Conference Chairman and Managing Director, Niger Delta Petroleum Company, Dr. Layi Fatona; General Manager, Competitive Analysis, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC), Bello Rabiu; Special Adviser on gas to Minister of Power, Frank Edozien; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State, Taofik Tijani; NAEC Chairman, Yusuf Yunus; and Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), Reuben Okeke at conference in Lagos.

S

EVEN Energy is targeting 2.3 trillion cubic feet of gas from oil mining leases (OMLs ) 3, 38 and 41 in Benin, the Edo State capital, its Chief Executive Officer, Phillip Ihenacho, has said.

Seven Energy, an indigenous oil and gas exploration and development firm, and the National Petroleum Development Corporation (NPDC) entered a Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) that saw it holding 55 per cent interest in the oil fields, while Seplat Petroleum Development Company, the operator of the assets hold 45 per cent interest.

This is coming as Seven Energy and Frontier Oil Company partnered to

Seven Energy eyes 2.3 tcf of gas

By Akinola Ajibade

build the Uquo gas plant, which boasts of 650 billion cubic feet of gas reserves.

The facility financed with N90billion sourced from various financial institutions, was inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ihenacho told The Nation that the average production expected from the fields is 51,600 barrels of oil per day, adding that the gas potential are immense.

He said: “OMLs, 4, 38, and 41 are part of Seven Energy’s upstream businesses, and the company is expecting 2.3 trillion cubic feet of gas from the fields.

The potential in the fields are immense, and we hope to leverage on it to increase supply of gas to users across the value chain for growth. Power generation, fertiliser, and other companies that use natural gas for production will benefit whenever works are completed on the fields. We are working with Seplat in Benin on the issue and we believe

that there would be substantial gas investment in the fields. ‘’ According to him, the country can meet its gas to power needs when investment in gas infrastructure is galvanised.

“Improving investment in gas pipeline construction will help in transporting the product from the plants to the power and other companies that need it for production. That has been a major obstacle to the utilisation of gas in the country,” he said.

with foreigners.

These theft, he said, take place at oil terminals, pipelines and wellheads at night and the people who buy it include illegal artisan refineries in the mangroves.

He said stolen crude goes through the creeks at night with the aid of vessels that transfer into internationally registered vessels, sold to international buyers, processed international oil refineries and paid for using international accounts.

He said products from illegal refineries are sold locally at very low prices. He quoted Reuters as saying: “Stolen Nigerian oil worth billions of dollars is sold every year on international markets and much of the proceeds are laundered in world financial centres like Britain and United States.

“In the study done by Chatham House, it was found that the countries with the most imported stolen oil from Nigeria include the United States, several WestAfrican countries, Brazil, China, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Balkans. The thieves are able to import the oil through the roles of commodity traders that work in the industry.”

A

A

T

A

‘Insecurity, lack of regulation threat to offshore business’

A

BSENCE of regulatory framework and insecurity are two major threats to the offshore oil and gas business, the Vice President and Managing Director, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, Baker Hughes, Ayo Shote, has said.

Speaking on the sideline at the Baker Hughes Techno Day Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, Shote explained that the delay by the Federal Government in providing answers to the challenges has affected offshore exploration.

He said offshore activities have remained dormant, noting that Nigeria’s huge offshore oil and gas resources were yet to be exploited. ''Nigeria boasts of huge offshore oil and gas resources yet to be exploited amid regulatory and security risks.

Exploration activities in Nigeria are mostly focused in the deep and ultradeep offshore areas with some activities planned in the Chad basin, located in the Northeast of the country,' he said.'

He however assured that the firm would continue to explore opportunities offshore in spite of the challenges.

As he put it: "Going forward, offshore continues to be important.

There is no way we can take our eyes off that. For us, that is one of our biggest growth areas, and we will continue to invest in people, in infrastructure, in equipment and in technology to ensure that we remain a major player in the industry. Nigeria's offshore space is bigger than what we have done in the past. We have fields out there that we have not taken advantage of.”

He said Africa cannot be left out in the entire global energy landscape.

"We will continue to remain important and grow. We have been in Nigeria since the beginning. In Nigeria we are seeing the increasing importance of indigenous participation," he said, adding that the company will leverage on its huge presence in the continent to support the increased investments in Africa's oil and gas business.

52

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

55

MONEYLINK

N

NBS: second quarter GDP to be delayed

IGERIA will delay the release of the second-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data by a week, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

The statistics body said the delay is because of backlog of work caused by the rebasing exercise.

It said GDP data is scheduled for release 45 days after the end of each quarter, though the NBS does not always keep to a precise schedule with data releases.

NBS Chief Executive, Yemi Kale, told Reuters that “the rebasing in April took us off our normal quarterly schedule” by creating a backlog of adjusting work. The rebasing almost doubled the size of the economy to $510 billion, making Nigeria Africa’s biggest economy, surpassing South Africa.

The GDP rebasing is expected to lead to new growth forecasts across board. In the interim, while the development would see a reduction in the Debt to GDP ratio, it would

T

•Naira weakens against dollar Stories by Collins Nweze

also mean a reduction in Nigeria’s growth rate from the previous average levels of between six to eight per cent to about four to five per cent.

Meanwhile, naira eased against the dollar, with last week’s move

by JP Morgan to include the country’s 10-year bond in one of its indexes failing to stimulate strong dollar inflows.

The local unit closed at 162.07 to the dollar, compared with Friday’s close of 161.98, the same level it closed on Thursday prior to JP Morgan’s announcement.

The 2024 bond is due to be added to JP Morgan’s Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets on August 29, in addition to five other bonds already listed, potentially triggering more offshore interest.

•Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Dealers said local bond trading was muted on Monday due to a holiday in Britain, where a number of foreign investors who trade Nigerian debt are based. Yields on the 2024 bond climbed to 11.99 percent, as against 11.92 percent on Friday.

Citibank said in a note it expected the naira to get support from potential oil company dollar sales and foreign portfolio inflows this week. The local unit of Italian oil firm Eni sold $12 million on Monday, to start the month-end dollar sales.

Sterling Bank appoints Ighodalo as chair

S

TERLING Bank Plc has appointed Asue Ighodalo as its new Chairman of its Board of Directors.

He succeeds Dr. S.A Adegunwa, who retired from the bank after 12 years of service. In a statement, the bank’s Chief Executive, Yemi Adeola, commended the outgoing Chairman for contributing immensely to the sustained growth of the bank.

“During his tenure, Dr. Adegunwa provided purposeful leadership and demonstrated his undivided commitment to ensuring that Sterling Bank occupies its rightful place in the banking industry, whilst bringing his diverse experience in international busi-

ness to bear on the fortunes of the bank,” he said. Commenting on the appointment of the new Chairman, Mr. Adeola expressed optimism that the bank would benefit immensely from Asue Ighodalo’s wealth of experience.

He further stated that his selection was based on his track record as an accomplished professional and astute businessman – who typifies the Bank’s value system which is hinged on integrity, dynamism, and purposeful leadership.

Asue Ighodalo is the co-Founder of Banwo & Ighodalo, a leading corporate and commercial law firm in Nigeria, founded in partnership in 1991.

His core practice areas are Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers and Acquisitions, Banking & Securities, Foreign Investments & Divestments, Energy & Natural Resources, Privatization and Project Finance.

A product of the prestigious Kings College, Lagos, Asue obtained a BSc. in Economics from the University of Ibadan, an LL.B from London School of Economics and a BL from the Nigerian Law School. A member of several professional associations, he currently sits on the Board of notable public and private companies including Dangote Flour Mills Plc, among others.

Shareholders optimistic as Elumelu emerges UBA chair

HE investing public yesterday responded with optimism and excitement as former group managing director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and proponent of Africa-focused entrepreneurship, Mr. Tony Elumelu, was appointed to lead the board of directors of the bank.

Against the downtrend that saw the stock market closing with average decline of 0.54 per cent, UBA’s share price rose marginally at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as the late-hour news filtered into the stock market.

UBA opens today at N7.23 per share.

Elumelu, who also chairs and manages Heirs Holdings, the panAfrican proprietary investment company he founded n 2010, succeeded Ambassador Joe Keshi. Elumelu’s Heirs Holdings holds stakes in a number of companies including Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc. President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr Farouk Umar said the appointment of Elumelu signifies a better future for shareholders of the bank.

According to him, Elumelu has a track record of good investors’ relations and value creation for shareholders.

“We are delighted with this ap-

• Elumelu

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,118.84 121.30 121.16 1,117.51 1.2564 1.2237 0.9034 1,0739

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,118.03 120.45 120.30 1,116.70 1.2475 1.2237 0.8857 1.0739

SYMBOL

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 30/07/2014 23/07/2014 21/07/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

8.2%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

RTBRISCOE

0.86

0.90

0.04

PREMBREW

1.58

1.65

0.07

COSTAIN

1.13

1.18

0.05

MANSARD

2.50

2.61

REDSTAREX

4.60

IKEJAHOTEL

0.78

SKYEBANK

Amount Offered in ($) 400m 300m 400m

Amount Sold in ($) 381.27m 272.9m 399.01m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES August 21, 2014

Inflation: June

GAINERS AS AT 25-08-14

pointment. It bodes well for UBA and the banking industry, now and in the future. Elumelu is a transformer and value creator for shareholders. We are excited about his return,” Umar said.

Managing director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, Mr Bismarck Rewane, also applauded the appointment as one that could create better returns for shareholders and enhance the competitiveness of the bank.

According to him, Elumelu has shown to be a courageous visionary who can both, think for the long term, and create significant shareholder value.

“The drive, dynamism and competitiveness that we saw during his period as chief executive of UBA, was one of the catalysts of the enormous changes in the Nigerian banking sector,” Rewane said.

Group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Phillips Oduoza, said the return of the erstwhile CEO to the board would complement the growth of the bank at this crucial stage.

“Tony Elumelu ‘s track record at UBA speaks for itself, his return to the board brings a depth of knowledge and experience in the African financial services industry that is second to none. We are privileged to have him lead the board at this critical stage in our development,” Oduoza said.

Elumelu said he would work to stimulate the bank’s long-term growth strategy.

“I am looking forward to returning to the Group - UBA represents a tremendous investment opportunity, and is at an inflection point in its growth path,” Elumelu said in his response to the appointment.

DATA BANK

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.4b

US Dollar

154.73

155.73

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

256.7744`

258.4339

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

Euro

205.2493

206.5758

0.11

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N16.76 trillion

Swiss Franc

169.4557

170.5509

4.80

0.20

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Yen

1.4898

1.4994

0.80

0.02

CFA

0.2944

0.3144

2.90

2.97

0.07

FIDELITYBK

1.96

2.00

0.04

234.9759

236.4945

DANGSUGAR

8.70

8.85

0.15

Yuan/Renminbi

25.1503

25.3137

WAPIC

0.76

0.77

0.01

LOSERS AS AT 25-08-14

SYMBOL UPL

O/PRICE 4.37

C/PRICE 4.10

CHANGE -0.27

CAVERTON

5.60

5.32

-0.28

LEARNAFRCA

1.60

1.52

-0.08

JAPAULOIL

0.53

0.51

-0.02

EVANSMED

2.00

1.93

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

10.500

Riyal

41.2569

41.5236

1M

12.175

12.101

SDR

235.4372

236.9588

3M

13.328

13.225

6M

14.296

14.-85

FOREX RATES

-0.07

0.59

0.57

-0.02

R-DAS ($/N)

34.00

33.14

-0.86

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

BERGER

9.20

9.00

-0.20

LIVESTOCK

3.21

3.15

-0.06

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

175.54

172.51

-3.03

CORNERST ASHAKACEM

NB

WAUA

Rate (%)

157.29

157.29

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

56

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

‘

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

NEWS

57

Ribadu, Fintiri, others beat PDP deadline From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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•From left: Mrs. Olubunmi Fabanwo, Director-General, Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Lagos State, Jide Ologun, Mrs Ify Onwuachu, Chairman of Personnel Practitioners’ Consultative Association, Ikeja, PPCA and immediate past chairman PPCA, Mr. Henry Awodele (fourth right) when they visited the agency in Lagos.

APGA leaders rise against Umeh in Anambra

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HE crises rocking the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) seem not to have abated, as the leaders of the party have named its factional chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, as the architect of the problems.

The APGA Elders Forum, which spoke through their leader, Chief Sylvester Nwobu Alor, accused Umeh of running the party as a one-man show.

Also, youths have vowed to stop Umeh’s senatorial ambition in Anambra Central.

Umeh declared his inten-

•Youths vow to stop his senatorial ambition From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

tion to contest the election on the platform of APGA. The seat is occupied by Senator Chris Ngige of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking with The Nation yesterday in Awka, Chief Alor, who is former Governor Peter Obi’s uncle, said he fought Umeh because of the way he ran APGA. He said: “He is qualified to contest any position, but members of the party have

been complaining about his style of leadership.

“I’ve been fighting him all along. But some people did not know why. It has now dawned on them. They have seen the handwriting on the wall, which is coming late.

“They have a right to stop him, as he also has a right to contest any position. He should know that contesting an election is not like leading a party.”

On Umeh’s face-off with

Obi, the elder statesman said it was wrong, adding that “this is the time everybody should come together and bring the party back to life.”

“The problem against the former governor is not good.

I don’t know why Umeh is fighting him. It should not be so because APGA has been one united family,” Alor added.

Youth organisations have started mobilising to thwart Umeh’s ambition next year.

Leaders of the organisa-

tions, who spoke with The Nation on condition of anonymity, said Umeh had been going about the issue as if he was an unopposed candidate.

“But we will show him that APGA is not his property. We saw how some youths celebrated his 52nd birthday in Awka. But let him come and win election in Anambra Central.

“Even if Senator Ngige fails to re-contest, there is no way Umeh will win the poll because he has not run APGA well. Nobody fights Obi and survives,” they said.

A

est disservice to the constitution and would undermine the impeachment clause in the 1999 Constitution “and this will create the impression in the global community that Nigeria has become a ‘chicken republic’ whereby anything goes.”

Citing Section 188(2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) the rights group said there was no where the rearing of chickens at the Government House in the country constituted an impeachable offence.

It asserted that the response of the embattled deputy governor had exposed

the dare-devil political undercurrents surrounding the sinister plot to unseat the deputy governor just to satisfy the whims and caprices of the little ‘political god’ of Enugu State and his hatchet plotters, who were bent on foisting their choice candidates for political positions in the 2015 general elections.

HURIWA, in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director, Ms. Zainab Yusuf, urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and political stakeholders in the Southeast to stop the cha-

rade in the House of Assembly and save the Southeast from the opprobrium the illegal impeachment process had attracted across the globe.

It said: “We condemn this attempt by the Enugu House of Assembly to undermine the provisions of the constitution in their hasty but thoughtless attempts to satisfy their pay master by removing the deputy governor, who in the last seven years has served the state meritoriously even in the periods of ‘mysterious absence’ of the governor, who often travelled for ‘medical’ reasons.

NURTW praises govt on removal of road blocks

T

HE National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), under

the leadership of Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, has hailed the Federal Govern-

ment for directing the inspector-general of police (IGP) to remove illegal road

•Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi(R) took the former FCT Minister and All Progressive Congress(APC) chieftain Mallam Nasiru El Rufai(L) to see some of his administration projects in Port Harcourt, Monday. Among the landmark projects visited are the Elekahia Primary School and Health Centre, Obi Wali Convention Centre etc

blocks on the highways.

Yasin praised Vice President Namadi Sambo and the 36 governors, ministers of the FCT, National Planning, attorney-general of the federation and the Central Bank of Nigeria governor for the stand they took on the report by the Ministerial Implementation Committee on the harmonisation of taxes, submitted to the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He urged states and local governments to strengthen their revenue laws to meet up with the present reality, adding that they should discontinue the use of consultants in revenue collections, which is contrary to Section 2, taxes and levy acts.

Yasin enjoined members to cooperate with all tiers of government to succeed in the revenue drive to complement the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

Suspected Gunmen ‘kill’ one in Kaduna From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

S

USPECTED gunmen allegedly killed yesterday one person and injured others in a community in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to information, the attack occurred at Ungwar Malam when the gunmen, who were armed with sophisticated weapons, shot sporadically.

A resident, Mike Sanga, said: “The gunmen came with sophisticated weapons, shooting. One man was killed and another victim is hospitalised. Many people have been displaced.”

APC accuses PDP of double-dealing

‘Enugu ‘chicken’ impeachment a ruse’ PRO-DEMOCRACY non-governmental organisation, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has condemned as political gambling and a ruse, the move by the Enugu State House of Assembly to impeach Deputy Governor Sunday Onyebuchi over alleged ownership of a poultry at the Government House.

The group said should the decision of the ‘kangaroo’ impeachment panel be adopted and the House of Assembly impeached the deputy governor, the action would amount to the great-

HE former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Adamawa State Acting Governor Umaru Fintiri were among the aspirants who beat yesterday’s deadline by the Peoples DemocraticParty(PDP)forthesubmission of nomination forms.

It was a flurry of activities at the Abuja national secretariat of the party, as 12 of the 14 governorship aspirants scrambled to return their nomination forms.

The aspirants, who took turns to speak with reporters after submitting their forms, described the contest as a “serious business”, saying they were not leaving anything to chance.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast has accused its Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart of double-dealing and hypocrisy.

The accusation followed the cry at the weekend of neglect

by PDP at its gathering in Umuahia.

APC spokesman in the Southeast, Osita Okechukwu, said in a statement: “Whereas the Southeast zone of the APC can never support the neglect of the good people of Southeast or any zone for that matter; however, we cannot reconcile the crass parody or the hopelessness exhibited by the Southeast zone of the PDP, a party that is not only in power at the federal level, but whose adopted son is our dear president.

“In a well-attended meeting in Umuahia at the weekend, the PDP governors, ministers, senators, state and federal lawmakers and other stakeholders in the Southeast rose from a meeting and bemoaned the neglect of Ndigbo in the police promotions and other matters, and on the other hand endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.”

APC warned on the danger of putting “all our eggs in one basket and the futility of adopting a clueless, incapable and less than transparent president once again and expecting different result.”

The party said: “For the avoidance of doubt, we have nothing personal against our dear president, but our candid assessment is that he is clueless, incapable and less than transparent to fix a complex country.

“Otherwise, neither the Police Service Commission and the Police Council nor the Inspector-General of the Police Force can promote top officers to the rank of DIG and AIG without the perusal of the C-in-C. “We are yet to hear from the Southeast PDP on the cogent reason adduced by our dear president for the unceremonious sack of Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.

“On the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allocation of new polling units, we challenge the Southeast PDP to unravel what transpired, for they nominated our National and Resident Electoral Commissioners, who represent the zone. Senator Andy Uba heads INEC Committee in the Senate and we have members in the committees.

“Or is it not appropriate to also remind the Southeast PDP that their adopted son, President Jonathan, rejected the core recommendation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, which proffered that it is better to openly and democratically appoint INEC commissioners through public advertisement to avoid corrupt officials?

“We must be guided by an ancient maxim that we cannot act like the chicken that bends its neck to pot cooking it instead of the knife that killed it.”Therefore, to avoid further neglect, why re-elect a president who condones inequality or is careless over crucial matters of national importance where justice and fairness are sine qua non for equity?”

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THE NATION TUESDAY AUGUST 26, 2014

NEWS Free my husband, woman begs kidnappers

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RS. Grace MagicKingdom, whose husband, Otuke, was abducted by gunmen in Bayelsa State on August 16, is begging his captors to release him.

Otuke is one of the four Setraco workers, who were abducted at a project site and taken away on a speed boat.

The others are Caleb Agein, Gabriel Oghene and Godwill Udodong.

Speaking to reporters in Benin City, Mrs Magic-Kingdom said her husband was receiving malaria treatment

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

when he was abducted.

She said life had been miserable for her family since his abduction, adding that they need to pay house rent and buy food.

The victim’s elder brother, Oke, said the kidnappers were demanding N50 million ransom.

Wondering where the kidnappers expected them to get the money, he said Otuke’s salary is less than N90,000 monthly.

Oke urged the kidnappers to release the victims.

Gunmen steal 25 rifles from police station

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UNMEN have stolen 25 rifles from a police station in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

It was learnt that the hoodlums attacked 12 policemen on duty and stole the weapons from the armoury.

A source in Onna, who did not want to be named, said:

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

“I was sleeping when I was woken up by a loud noise, which lasted for almost an hour. It was in the morning that we learnt that armed robbers invaded the police station and stole 25 rifles.”

It was learnt that 11 of the 12 policemen on duty had been taken to Abuja for interroga-

tion. The 12th policeman, a driver, was exempted because he is not qualified to hold a gun.

Another source, who pleaded for anonymity, said the divisional police officer, a woman, had been demoted and transferred.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Posi Ajuwa, who has

been overseeing the command since the Commissioner, Umar Gwadabe, retired, could not be reached for comments.

However, police spokesman Etim Dickson said no station was attacked.

He said: “It is false. Disregard it. No rifle was stolen by anybody. I am not aware of what you are talking about.”

Youths rally support for Dickson

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From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

HE Bayelsa Youth Leaders’ Forum (BYLF) has endorsed Governor Seriake Dickson for a second term.

Speaking with reporters in Yenagoa, the group said Dickson deserved a second term based on his performance, including the construction of the Yenagoa flyover, airport project, the building of roads and award of scholarships to students.

The forum’s Chairman, Mr. Oborku Oforji, and Secretary Okosikeme Ayibakuro said the group was formed to canvass for Dickson’s re-election.

Oforji said: “We are moving into local government areas and wards to drum up support for the governor. He needs to come back to ensure more development.”

He debunked rumours that the group was being funded by an aide of the governor, saying the Dickson administration has impacted positively on the people.

Rivers PDP members join APC

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From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

OME Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Obio/Akpor and Emohua local government areas of Rivers State defected yesterday to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Many PDP members, led by Mr. Francis Egbulajor, defected in Emohua council.

Mr. Ogbondah Amadi also led his supporters from Obio/ Akpor Local Government to join APC. They defected during the local government and ward inauguration of new executives of the Ikwerre/Etche People’s Forum, a group canvassing for an Ogoni governorship candidate in 2015.

The president-general of the forum, Emmanuel Amadi, who received the defectors, said the group was not a political party, adding that it promotes justice, equity and fairness.

Amadi said: “We welcome you to our great party. Thank God you have identified the difference between light and darkness. We will communicate to the state APC leadership, which will formally receive you into the party. You all have made a wise decision.

“Our objective is to support an Ogoni candidate in 2015. It is ideal to look for constituencies or a place where the people have not led the state. Former Governor Peter Odili is from Rivers West Senatorial District. Governor Rotimi Amaechi is from Rivers East.”

“Okrika produced Chief Rufus Ada-George. We are expecting Southeast Senatorial District to produce the next governor. Opobo/Nkoro, which is in Southeast Senatorial District, has produced a deputy governor; Adoni has also produced one, but Ogoni has produced none.”

Ebulajor said: “Today, I have defected from the PDP to APC with my supporters and family. Anybody that pulls out from the darkness called PDP will not go back again. We cannot be deceived any longer; we are tired of following betrayers.”

Amadi said: “We won’t go back to the PDP. It took us time to take this decision. Now that we have joined the APC, we will mobilise people for the party.”

The defectors and members of the forum visited the Paramount Ruler of Omagwa Kingdom, Eze Jacob Orji, who said Amaechi’s successor must be “fearless like him (Amaechi)”.

Cleric warns against violence

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From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

IVERS State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and General-Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church Apostle Zilly Aggrey has cautioned politicians against “inciting crisis” in their quest for power.

Apostle Aggrey warned that politicians would face “God’s wrath”, if they cause unrest in the state.

Speaking in Port Harcourt yesterday on the 22nd Grace and Glory Convention of the church, which begins tomorrow and ends on Sunday, he said: “It is God that makes kings and if God has chosen one to lead, nothing can stop it.”

To curb the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease during the convention, he said a leaflet containing the basics about the disease would be distributed to people at the beginning of the programme.

He hailed the government’s effort to prevent a spread of the disease.

•Oshiomhole presenting the staff of office to Etokhana...at the weekend.

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No apologies to defectors, says Oshiomhole

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said he has no apologies to those who have left the All Progressives Congress (APC) because he did not “put money in their pockets”.

Oshiomhole said he would never share resources meant for developing the state to a few individuals.

He spoke at the presentation of a staff of office to the Oghieavhianwu of Avhianwu, Alhaji Jackson Etokhana.

The governor urged the people to support politicians who stand for the interest of the majority, rather than personal interest.

He said: “We must educate our people. I am not asking you to carry party cards; I only ask you and your chiefs to educate our people on the need to distinguish politicians who will stand only when it is good for their family, not when it is good for the larger community.

“Our people must start to

‘Our people must start to distinguish thieves from real politicians.

They must begin to interrogate all manner of political miscreants, who come, wanting to cash in on the poverty of our people. I always say that to be poor is not to be crazy, so we must be clear’ distinguish thieves from real politicians. They must begin to interrogate all manner of political miscreants, who come, wanting to cash in on the poverty of our people. I always say that to be poor is not to be crazy, so we must be clear.

“For those who are defecting because I do not put money in their pockets, let them continue to defect; I have no apologies. Everybody will be remembered when they write

the history of politics in Afemai land.

“You will always be governed by politicians, whether you like it or not, but you must carefully select leaders who understand that state power is not for the private comfort of those around the state operators.”

Oshiomhole said his administration would never interfere with traditional matters or sponsor any petition against any monarch, adding:

“The foundation for peace and stability requires that we respect not only the traditional institution, but traditional rulers who sit on the various thrones.”

Etokhana said: “I see my installation as a call to complement the laudable efforts of our governor at bringing peace and development to the people. As the paramount head of Avhianwu, it is my duty to act as a pathfinder, a rallying point and coordinator-general of our individual efforts to promote peace and development.”

He thanked the governor for the provision of boreholes, building and renovation of schools at Iraokhor and Ogbona.

At the ceremony were All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman Anselm Ojezua, Etsako Central Local Government Chairman Emmanuel Momoh and top government officials.

‘Operation Light Up Bayelsa’ on course, says Dickson

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has said his administration’s “Operation Light Up Bayelsa” is on course.

Speaking with reporters in Yenagoa, Dickson noted the significance of power to industrial growth, adding that the government had awarded contracts to connect eight local government areas to the national grid.

Responding to a question on electricity projects in Brass and Sagbama local government areas, the governor said they

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would enhance the standard of living.

He said: “Our policy is not to abandon any project. No project that will make life more meaningful to our people will be abandoned. For the project in Sagbama, work is going on at the sub-station.

We have awarded the contract.

The investment we have made is to take light to Ofoni, because we are connecting all areas in Bayelsa.”

Ogbogoro, Akaba, Ogu, Ayama and Famgbe (Yenagoa Local Government); commu-

nities in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government ; Trofani (Sagbama LGA); Amassoma (Southern Ijaw LGA) and Ogbia LGA are beneficiaries of the projects.

Dickson said the contract for the resuscitation of the power sub-station at Angiama had been awarded, adding: “We have awarded contracts to take light to Nembe. All Ogbia communities that were not connected have been connected or are being connected. We have awarded the contract to resuscitate the Angiama pow-

er sub-station and its environs.”

Reaffirming his administration’s determination to provide electricity in rural areas, the governor said by next year, electricity would be extended to all local governments.

He called for understanding from the people, adding that the government would continue to provide basic amenities for them.

Dickson urged communities to protect infrastructure in their areas.

Youths barricade quarantine centre

OUTHS in Emohua, Rivers State, barricaded yesterday the quarantine centre set up by the government to treat any case of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Although there is no EVD

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

case in the state, Commissioner for Health Samson Parker said the government does not want to be caught unawares.

The youths barricaded the centre with palm fronds, expressing fear that the community could be exposed to the virus.

One of them said: “We all know that Ebola has not come to Rivers State and we are

praying fervently that it does not come. However, we are worried that the government has chosen to locate the quarantine centre in our community. We are afraid. We hope the government will understand our plight.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

NEWS No part of Nigeria shall be ceded, says Obanikoro Continued from page 4

es facing the country either in the Northeast with Boko Haram or in the maritime domain by pirates and sea robbers.

Obanikoro said: “Even delegates at the just concluded national conference agreed that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.

“This madness we are witnessing today is temporary. Be rest assured we have all it takes to make it as temporary as it is.

“The commitment of the President to ensure this has started.

We are having massive injection of funds into acquisition of equipment that will raise the performance level of our military across board, including other security agencies.

“Just dealing with today is no longer attractive to the President.

Yes, we will confront the issues of today, but dealing with the issues of tomorrow, today, is what the President is doing to ensure those coming after him will not inherit the kind of liability he inherited.

“The threat of piracy in our maritime domain is a challenge

and we are taking it seriously.

We cannot have piracy as a challenge in our maritime domain, and Boko Haram in the Northeast as, if allowed, they will pose great threat to our economy.

“We cannot have piracy as a challenge in our maritime domain because 80 per cent of our economic activities revolve around our martime environment.

“A lot is being done to ensure our men and women perform optimally. The president is doing that and I can assure you it is an investment that will take Nigeria to the future.”

“In every endeavour, there would be issues and challenges but we are ensuring that the challenges are conquered and the issues mitigated,” he added.

While touring facilities at the Naval Training Command, Obanikoro promised that the government would speedily rehabilitate the navy’s swimming pool, noting the dangers of a dysfunctional pool for the force.

The minister also stated that special dispensation would be made to ensure that jetties are provided for the military.

“In developed countries, most solutions to problems that defy civilian reasoning are provided by the military. The best schools and hospitals are owned by the military. So, I want to urge you people to do more in this regard so that our people will no longer pride themselves in travelling abroad,” he said.

“When I was young, countries like Pakistan were at par with us and in some areas, we were even more developed than them, but now, we are so backward that people now desire to travel to such countries. We need to do something about this and fast track our development process,” the minister said.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade, said the tour was to provide the minister with onthe-spot acquaintance of the command’s activities.

He said the command had continued to carry out its statutory responsibilities, in spite of daunting operational challenges, adding that cases of piracy and sea robbery had reduced drastically in the Lagos waters.

‘Insurgents ask us to ignore curfew order’ Continued from page 4

is near. I spoke with them. I did not hear any encounter between soldiers and the assailants but people will not return to their

homes until they are certain the insurgents have left completely. Our people have run to Michika, Shuwa other areas even in those towns people are running,” he said

According to reports, after hoisting their flag at the military base, located at the secretariat of Madagali North Development Area, the insurgents patrolled streets in the town.

Sect seizes Adamawa town Madagali Continued from page 4

ed to Boko Haram,” said witness Hamisu Lawan. “Most of our people have fled into Cameroon.”

Others locked themselves in their homes, voicing fears that the militants would turn their guns on civilians once they had overrun the police station and the military camp.

Residents in Fotokol, which is separated from GamboruNgala by a river, also reported

“intense” fighting throughout the morning. “(Cameroonian) soldiers are at the bridge,” one said.

Cameroon said on August 18 that it had closed its vast border with Nigeria to guard against the spread of Ebola, which has caused five deaths in the country’s financial capital, Lagos, in the far southwest.

But few believed that Cameroon had the resources needed to seal all the possible cross-

ing points along the roughly 1 600km frontier.

Local officials and residents in Borno said Boko Haram might be in control of a key road that connects GamboruNgala to Maiduguri, the state capital.

Establishing which parts of the area have in fact fallen into rebels’ hands is difficult in the remote region, where travel is dangerous and prolonged fighting has hit mobile phone networks.

Boko Haram: Row over ‘desertion’ of 480 soldiers Continued from page 4

Cameroon Army spokesman Lt. Col. Didier Badjek said the soldiers had been disarmed and were being accommodated in schools.

Clashes were continuing in the border town of GamboruNgala.

Boko Haram on Sunday released a video in which it said it had established an Islamic

state in the towns and villages it controls in the northeast especially Gwoza.

The Nigerian soldiers are in the Cameroonian town of Maroua, about 80km (50 miles) from the Nigerian border, Lt. Col. Badjek told the BBC. Thousands of civilians have also fled across the border.

In May, about 300 people were killed in an attack on Gam-

boru-Ngala, which left much of the town in ruins.

It is near Gwoza, the largest town under control of Boko Haram. In the most recent census, in 2006, it had a population of more than 265,000 people.

In the 52-minute video released on Sunday, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau said Gwoza was now “part of the Islamic state”.

Islamic scholars describe Boko Haram’s action as treason Continued from page 4

preme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar is the indisputable leader of all Nigerian Muslims, they have refused to heed all his appeals. Instead of giving honour to Muslim leaders and Emirs, Boko Haram has killed some of them and attacked some others.

“Whereas all-encompassing education is one of the basic tenets of Islam (Qur’an 96:1-5), Boko Haram forbids Western education. Whereas Prophet Muhammad commands education for all, Boko Haram seeks to alienate women from education. “Again, whereas the Prophet honoured the girl-child and commanded his followers to do same, Boko Haram kidnaps and enslaves young and innocent girls thereby exposing them to wild life and subjecting them to unimaginable psychological trauma.”

Akintola, who described Boko Haram’s declaration as a statement of secession, said it must not be allowed.

Gwoza, he said, must be liberated within days.

“Boko Haram or no Boko Haram, we cannot compromise

the territorial integrity of Nigeria to anyone, no matter how barbaric. We charge the Nigerian Armed Forces to be more focused from this moment. Boko Haram must be flushed out with microscopic accuracy from all the villages occupied in Borno State. But there is a caveat: it must be done professionally so that innocent civilians do not fall victims,” he said.

MURIC reiterated that Boko Haram’s declaration is outrageous and unacceptable in Islam.

Akintola said: “Gwoza Caliphate is definitely not the caliphate which we desire; the caliphate of Prophet Muhammad which he established in Madinah was based on justice, love and peaceful coexistence. MURIC therefore rejects Boko Haram’s caliphate. It is a mirage.

It exists only in the figment of Shekau’s imagination. Like a good surgeon who will not hesitate to amputate a rotten limb from a patient’s anatomy, MURIC urges President Jonathan to immediately don the garb of a good surgeon.”

He assured Nigerians that Muslims want to live in peace and tranquility with their Christian neighbours and their tradi-

tionalist brothers and sisters in one and indivisible Nigeria.

Sheikh Shafi’I the Mufti (Grand Sheikh) of Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) said the insurgents deserved death penalty once caught.

He likened the latest statement of the sect to that of Islamic State in Iraq (ISIS) which declared an Islamic caliphate recently.

According to him, the world Muslim scholars and bodies have also rejected ISIS because of its unIslamic declaration.

“This is not the way to go about caliphacy; it has procedures. You do not wake up one day and declare caliphacy. Boko Haram action is about creating chaos in the polity and no right thinking scholar will support their evil action. Prophet Muhammad said whoever calls for disunity in a united environment should be killed, hence the insurgents have committed a treasonable offense that amounts to death penalty,” he said.

Boko Haram, he said, has become a fitnah (trial) for the nation.

Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Lagos Missioner, Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla, said the sect declaration is alien to prophetic teachings.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

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FOREIGN NEWS Ukraine: Russian tank column enters southeast

Gaza: Abbas, Egypt mull new truce P

ALESTINIAN President Mahmoud Abbas will hand over to US Secretary of State John Kerry a proposal to end the Gaza crisis in the coming days, Palestinian lawmaker for Fatah Movement Abdullah Abdullah said yesterday.

Abbas held consultations with the Palestinian leaders and factions as well as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, following which a set of options were reached at, MENA quoted Abdullah as telling the Washington-based Radio Sawa.

These options will be handed over to Kerry in the

coming days and will likely end the Gaza crisis.

Abdullah, however, denied that the Palestinian proposal included any ideas of demilitarising Gaza Strip, asserting the Palestinians have the right to fight against occupation by all legitimate means.

Israel wants to eliminate all militants in the coastal enclave, mostly under Palestinian militant group Hamas, while the Hamas seeks end to Israeli occupation and removal of blockades in the conflict-torn Gaza Strip.

Egypt had called on Israel and the Palestinians to go

for ceasefire indefinitely and immediately resume talks in Cairo to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement that ends the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Egyptian mediators have proposed a new ceasefire in Gaza that would open the blockaded enclave's crossings and allow in aid and reconstruction materials, a senior Palestinian official said Monday.

The Palestinians, including the de facto Hamas rulers of the enclave, would be willing to accept such a deal if Israel does, the official told AFP.

Syria warns U.S.: No unilateral airstrikes

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HILE offering to assist any international effort to fight Islamic State militants, Syria’s foreign minister warned the U.S. Monday not to conduct airstrikes against the group inside Syria without Damascus’ consent, saying any such attack would be considered an aggression.

Walid al-Moallem’s words appeared timed to try to preempt any U.S. military action in Syria.

President Barack Obama has resisted ordering U.S. military action in Syria for three years, even after a deadly chemical weapons attack a year ago near Damascus he blamed on President Bashar Assad’s government.

But now, Obama faces pressure from his own military leaders to go after the Islamic State group inside Syria.

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Obama remains wary, however, of getting dragged into the bloody and complex Syrian civil war that the United Nations says has killed more than 190,000 people.

Al-Moallem’s remarks at a news conference in Damascus also marked the first public comments by a senior Assad official on the threat posed by the Islamic State group, which has captured large swaths of Iraqi and Syrian territory.

The foreign minister said the Syrian government repeatedly has warned of the threat of terrorism and the need to cut off resources and funding but “no one listened to us.” Syria’s government has long described the rebels fighting to topple Assad as “terrorists” in a foreign conspiracy.

There is not much Syria can

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•Abbas

The proposal would defer to a later date negotiations on disputed points that have prevented a long-term ceasefire deal, he added.

An Egyptian official confirmed that mediators have contacted the Palestinians and Israel with a new proposal.

COLUMN of Russian tanks and armored vehicles has crossed into southeastern Ukraine, away from where most of the intense fighting has been taking place, a top Ukrainian official said yesterday.

Col. Andriy Lysenko, a spokesman for Ukraine's National Security Council, told reporters that the column of 10 tanks, two armored vehicles and two trucks crossed the border near Shcherbak and that the nearby city of Novoazovsk was shelled during the night from Russia. He said they were Russian military vehicles bearing the flags of the separatist Donetsk rebels.

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday he had no informa-

Mourners gather in St. Louis for Brown funeral

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•Assad

do, however, if the U.S. does decide to strike. U.S. officials revealed last week that U.S. forces had tried to rescue U.S. journalist James Foley in a failed operation in Raqqa in July.”

Had there been prior coordination that operation would not have failed,” alMoallem said.The minister also denounced “in the strongest terms possible” Foley’s killing last week by Islamic State militants, while asking: “Has the West ever condemned the massacres by the Islamic State and Nusra against our armed forces or citizens?”

UNDREDS of people lined up in sweltering heat yesterday to say goodbye to Michael Brown, the 18-year-old shot and killed earlier this month in a confrontation with a police officer that fueled almost two weeks of street protests.

More than an hour before Brown’s funeral was to begin, a steady stream of people started filing into the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis. Among them was Will Acklin, a black man from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Brown was unarmed when he was shot Aug. 9 by officer Darren Wilson, who is white.

A grand jury is considering evidence in the case, and a federal investigation is also underway.

Police have said a scuffle broke out after Wilson told Brown and a friend to move

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out of the street and onto a sidewalk. Police said Wilson was pushed into his squad car and physically assaulted.

Some witnesses have reported seeing Brown’s arms in the air — an act of surrender.

An autopsy found Brown was shot at least six times.Family and friends say Brown was an aspiring rapper with a gentle, joking manner who dubbed himself “Big Mike.”

He was good at fixing things, liked computer games, the rapper Lil Wayne, Drake, the movie “Grown Ups 2,” and the TV show “Family Guy.” Brown’s great uncle, pastor Charles Ewing, was to deliver the eulogy at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Al Sharpton was also expected to speak.

President Barack Obama is sending three White House aides.

tion about the column.

The reported incursion and shelling could indicate an attempt to move on Mariupol, a major port on the Azov Sea, an arm of the Black Sea. Mariupol lies on the main road between Russia and Ukraine's Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which Russia annexed in March. Capturing Mariupol could be the first step in building a slice of territory that links Russia with Crimea.

Although Mariupol is in Ukraine's separatist Donetsk region, most of the fighting between separatist rebels and Ukrainian troops has been well to the north, including around the city of Donetsk, the rebels' largest stronghold. A full offensive in the south could draw Ukrainian forces away from the fight for Donetsk.

Ukraine and the West say that Russia is supporting and supplying the rebels and that since mid-August, Russia has fired into Ukraine from across the border and from within Ukrainian territory. Moscow denies those allegations.

Ukrainian forces had made significant inroads against the separatists in recent weeks, but the rebels have vowed to retake lost territory.

Russia announced plans, meanwhile, to send a second aid convoy into rebel-held eastern Ukraine, where months of fighting have left many residential buildings in ruins.

Russia's unilateral dispatch of over 200 trucks into Ukraine on Friday was denounced by the Ukrainian government as an invasion and condemned by the United States, the European Union and NATO. Even though the tractor-trailers returned to Russia without incident on Saturday, the announcement of another convoy was likely to raise new suspicions.

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NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Asa releases third album

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HE much-awaited third album by award-winning singer, Bukola Elemide, aka Asa, hit the music shelves yesterday, amidst high expectations.

Entitled Bed of Stone, the new work, which was officially released for download, is a 14-track album described by promoters as riveting and soul-stirring.

Made available on iTunes, Deluxe CDs, Vinyl and with vendors worldwide, opportunity for preorder digital download had been opened to fans since June 30, this year.

The tracks include Dead Again, Eyo, Satan Be Gone, Bed of Stone, Moving On, Grateful, Society, How Did

•Asa

Love Find Me, Ife, Situation, New Year, The One That Never

Comes, Sometimes I Wonder and Shine Your Light.

Winners emerge in AMAA Media Recognition Awards

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HE Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) Media Recognition Awards, a reward system designed to celebrate journalists in Africa who have helped to project the awards and the motion picture industry to the rest of the world, has announced winners in its maiden edition.

At the recently held Africa Film Academy Charity and Praise Night, Akintayo Abodunrin of the Nigerian Tribune emerged tops with a $3000 cash prize.

Abodunrin’s winning entry titled Catalyst to greatness: How AMAA aided their rise to

the top led the pack and was described by Dr. Ifeoma Amobi of the Department of Mass Communications, University of Lagos, Akoka as the entry that “captures and embodies the very reason for the existence of AMAA as an enabler of professionalism and success for motion picture practitioners.”

Funke Osae-Brown of Business Day came second with $2000 cash prize with her entry: Peace Anyiam-Osigwe on a show beyond the continent while Biodun Kupoluyi of E247 Magazine and Isabella Akinseye of NollySilverscreen tied for the 3rd position with

a cash prize of $1500 each.

Collins Ukaonu of Galaxy Television and Njenga Micugu of Nairobi Digest won the two consolation prizes of $1000 each.

AMAA’s Media Recognition Awards’ three-man committee was coordinated by Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the chairman of AMAA 2014 Jury.

Other members of the screening panel for the media awards were Thisday newspaper columnist, Mrs. Onoshe Nwabuikwu and Dr. Ifeoma Amobi of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos.

Beverly Naya, Moet Abebe, others star in Oasis

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IK Zulu Films, in conjunction with The Incubator, has concluded plans to start screening its new TV drama series, Oasis.

Zik Zulu Okafor, CEO of the production outfit, described Oasis, which is a sequel to the rested sitcom, Heaven’s Gate, as an unusual drama that borders on a story of change through Christ.

At a media screening last Saturday at Zenith Water Margin Restaurant, Surulere, Lagos, Zulu also described Oasis as a story of violation, rape and loss of confidence. He further revealed that the 35episode drama would start airing sometime in October.

Oasis tells the story of KK (Sean Faqua), a young man rooted in campus cultism. He

By Ovwe Medeme

has never loved a girl; so, when he meets Paris (Beverly Naya), it seems he has found his first love. But brainwashed by the characters around him, what would have been an amazing love story turns out to be a turbulent and devastating encounter that will leave Paris blind from KK’s violence.

While Paris denounces God, KK surrenders his life and everything to God, having escaped a near fatal accident. Fastforward three years, KK is a businessman and roving preacher, while Paris is still that devastated girl. As events unfold, his past comes to haunt him.

On the other hand, Kaylah Tomi Savage falls in love with Oreva Amata (Tope Tedela), a

•Naya

law student. When he mentions his name to her mother, Olufunmi (Monalisa Chinda), a sad memory of her father’s betrayal and mysterious murder in prison is evoked. The former lovers find themselves in opposing sides of a war they didn’t start.

Oasis stars the likes of Beverly Naya, Moet Abebe, Tope Tedela, Segun Arinze, Monalisa Chinda, David Nnaji, Ifeanyi Williams, Mary-Jane Ugbaja and Zik Zulu Okafor.

New film premieres in Ibadan From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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ISTRIBUTORS of Half of a Yellow Sun and October 1, FilmOne Distributions, have announced the coming of another flick, A Silent Cry (Ekun Asunsinu), a Yoruba language film, which they said would make waves among several films produced in Nigeria this year.

Speaking at the premiere of the

movie in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the weekend, Managing Director of FilmOne, Mr. Kene Mkparu, described the film as a “unique, intricately crafted story delivered with dexterity by the finest of thespians in the Yoruba movie industry.”

According to Mkparu, the film will capture the visual attention of Nigerians, irrespective of their sex, tribe and political affiliations.

“We believe in good organic content, whether told in the official or indigenous language, that can boast of good production values.We want to support diligent producers with fresh ideas whose works speak for themselves,” he said.

Planned for theatrical release on September 5, A Silent Cry, from the stable of Titan Productions, revolves around Tomiwa (Toyin Aimaku), a young lady from a rich home who falls for a deceptive lover. Having eloped with her father’s money to assist the boy friend, she is thrown into the sea of loneliness and battles with waves of indecision and betrayal.

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9

NO. 2,950

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

F

ORMER military president Ibrahim Babangida has been giving interviews to mark his 73rd birthday, which would otherwise have passed almost unremarked in the news media. Unlike the time when he subordinated the National Day, October 1, to his birthday, the news media were not crammed with congratulatory messages from hustlers of every hue.

Back then, his birthday was the occasion for grand pronouncements and major policy initiatives or changes. The National Day featured for the most part desultory parades of school children and working people, and Babangida would send a message of goodwill to his compatriots, like a potentate in a distant capital out to assure the natives in a far-flung corner of his empire that he had not quite forgotten them.

Ah, the instability of human greatness!

Babangida said nothing new in the interviews and provided no insights. Where he was not obfuscating as is his wont, he was dissembling.

Not a squawk of regret escaped from his lips on the chain of events that his brazen annulment of the 1993 presidential election set off – the killing of hundreds of Nigerians protesting the annulment, the flight into exile of hundreds of prominent Nigerians marked for elimination, the murder of prominent opposition figures, among them Alfred Rewane and Kudirat Abiola, the framing and jailing of General Olusegun Obasanjo and General Shehu Yar’Adua and some prominent media figures on bogus charges of plotting a coup, and the murder, in captivity, of President-elect Moshood Abiola.

Instead, Babangida teased and taunted the entire Nigerian public and put the blame for all the mayhem on them. Ah, if only they had agreed to have another election within six months after the annulment. After all, an Interim National Government (ING) had been set up to govern the country and a constitution had been fashioned specifically for the period that would lead to the election of a president and the restoration of democratic rule at the centre, to complement what was already in place in the states.

But those hotheads, those extremists and spoilers in the so-called pro-democracy movement would have none of it. It was their way or no way at all, and now, see where it landed the country. If only they had listened to him, the course of Nigerian history would have been different; the country would have travelled far on the road to greatness.

Anyway, all was not lost. Nigeria had finally embraced the two-party system he decreed into existence during his transition programme; the privatisation and commercialisation that were key elements

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

IBB @ 73: The dissembler at work

•The late Abiola

•The late Rewane

of his much ballyhooed Structural Adjustment Programmed (SAP) had finally taken a hegemonic hold on the economy and on social policy.

In retrospect, you would have to grant that he was far, far ahead of the time.

Thus did Babangida tease and taunt his interviewers and through them the Nigerian public; thus did he berate his compatriots, this man who spent eight years and N40 billion building a house of cards, an exercise that the noted scholar, Richard Joseph, called “one of the most sustained exercises in political chicanery ever visited upon a people”.

Babangida has never been able to give a reason for the annulment. At one time, he said he carried it out in “absolute fidelity” with the rule of law. At another, he said if the winner of the election had been allowed to take office, the military would have toppled him in a matter of months. The way he framed it, it was as if he did President-elect Abiola a favour.

At yet another moment, with the loathsome Sani Abacha conveniently dead, Babangida’s son said Abacha, who wanted very much to take power for himself, had

RIPPLES I LIKE LOOKING SEXY IN PICTURES-Nollywood Actress

That’s nice, but BEWARE of those PHOTOGRAPHERS

‘The importation of Ebola into Nigeria from Liberia should tell governments in West Africa that no country is immune in the sub-region to any crisis or plague in any of ECOWAS member states and as such we should collaborate and see ourselves as one.’

WAHEED ODUSILE

literally held a gun to his father’s head and threatened to blow it off if he allowed the election to stand.

Some two decades later, Babangida, oblivious of the excuses he had confected in the past for annulling the election, claimed that the same election was the freest and fairest ever conducted on Nigerian soil, and that the credit belonged to him and his Administration.

That is the mindset of the man who ruled Nigeria virtually unchallenged for eight years, wasted it and was scheming to return to finish the job until he was forced into a ragged retreat by the very forces he could not suppress nor bribe even at the height of his usurpation.

It is of a piece with Babangida’s stock response to questions on the parcel-bomb murder of the journalist, Dele Giwa, in which he remains a prime unindicted suspect. The socalled human rights activists prevented the police and law-enforcement agencies from doing their work, and the media that should have led the search for the killer of one of their brightest stars went missing in action.

The truth about the annulment is that Babangida did not want to quit. He did not want to give up power, according to Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), who was in formal terms Secretary for Education in Babangida’s so-called Transitional Council, but morphed unaccountably into the regime’s legal strategist for eviscerating the sovereign will of the people.

“His behavior in the last days of his regime left a rather strong impression of a man forced to quit against his will, of one un-reconciled to quitting in the last days of his rule and in the face of defeat, he cut the figure of someone unwilling to reconcile himself with composure to the adverse torrent of events, of an angry and bitterly disappointed man,” Nwabueze wrote of Babangida in his book, June 12, 1993 Election: Problem and Solutions More tellingly, Nwabueze added: “His mind, his motions and his actions seemed

HARDBALL S anyone perchance feeding on the grave of ex-Biafran soldiers? In a clime where nothing is sacrosanct anymore, would some morbid fellows in government exhume the better-forgotten Biafran debacle and profit by it? Hardball fears so. Why? The Nigerian civil war, also known as the Biafran war, ended about 44 years ago with the war generation aging and passing away, while some scars of battle remain visible and in some cases unhealed. Many compatriots from the Biafran side still feel hard done that as not much reconstruction and rehabilitation have been achieved over these years.

In fact, most must have moved on with their lives, knowing that Nigeria is a wayward entity where government is apt to provoke its citizenry to strive and contestation. Explains why government keep poking stick in the eye of the Biafran wound. If it refused to attend to the wound, dress it and in fact find out the anatomy of the wound, why rake it up after more than four decades? Yes, the recent story that the federal government is paying pension to exBiafran soldiers reads like a hoax.

According to the report, government has

I

On the grave of Biafra started paying pension to soldiers of the Nigerian Army who fought on the side of the secessionist Biafran army during the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970. The freshly appointed chairman of the Military Pension Board (MPB), Air Commodore Mohammed Dabo, told his visiting boss, Musiliu Obanikoro, who is the minister of state for Defence, that the MPB had enrolled 160 ex-Biafran soldiers for the payment of monthly pensions.

Strange things happen daily in Nigeria and desperate things stranger than fiction would happen when big elections are nigh. This scheme seems so strange even a rat would smell a rat. Now the civil war ended 44 years ago; no one remembered the ex-Biafran soldiers till the year 2000 when the government of the day deigned to have pardoned the soldiers. But between then and now, nothing was heard of the hapless soldiers anymore.

Then out of the blue, a very ‘magnanimous’ Goodluck Jonathan administration is sud-

to have become somewhat disoriented, and no longer governed by disinterested, patriotic considerations. In the event, he quit office in a rather undignified, unceremonious manner . . .”

So, there you have it.

The ING, the vehicle that was supposed to lead Nigeria to democratic bliss through an election, was a ramshackle contraption.

Babangida said not long ago that he knew little of the doddering ex-UAC chief executive, Ernest Shonekan, whom he named to head it. He had heard nice things about Shonekan, but the man had turned out to be a disappointment. Entrusting the destiny of a country to a man you hardly knew is nothing, if not indicative of Babangida’s contempt for the collective destiny of the people of Nigeria.

In whatever case, it is illustrative of the conspiratorial and utterly opaque manner in which the Babangida regime governed the country. Hard copies of laws purported to be in operation were often not available to the Government Printer, or were available only to commissioned government lawyers who employed them to ambush petitioners and the courts alike. The printing of decrees was often farmed out to Heritage Press, said to be owned by Babangida or his proxies.

Thus, there were in circulation at least four versions of the decree setting up the ING, each claiming to be authentic. The one I saw contained a blank, to be filled by the military president, stipulating the name of the person to head the body. Babangida had declined to furnish the name of the appointee to those who drafted the law. He simply identified the office.

It has been speculated that he was creating room for himself to hang on to power in another guise. When it became clear that his time was up, he named Shonekan to the post. For good measure, he inserted in the draft a clause mandating the most senior minister to assume the office of head of the ING if the substantive office became vacant Only one thing about the ING was true: it was interim, lasting only 83 inglorious days. Everything else about it was false through and through: it was not national, and it was not a government.

Yet, that was the body Babangida expected to conduct a presidential election just six months after the one he had annulled without fear and without probable cause, with more than 14 million Nigerians who had voted in the previous election trooping to the polls again, thankful for another chance to exercise their franchise.

Anyone who believed this then or believes it now is either incurably naïve or practically unconscious.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above denly paying pensions to some unknown and forgotten soldiers?

Hardball would wager that the Nigeria Army does not have proper data of its current soldiers, not to speak of those who fought in the civil war in what must be like dark ages now. A few weeks ago, Nigeria Army retirees protested in Kano, Ibadan, Taraba and Abuja over 39 months of an unpaid 20 per cent of their pension. The protest was carried out under the aegis of the Retired Army, Navy and Airforce Officers’ Association. They had protested to the president in 2013, who promised to see that their outstanding was captured in the budget of 2014. Now the year is more than half way gone yet, nobody cares. As you read this, those soldiers are still being owed.

Nothing can be fishier than this ex-Biafran soldiers’ pension story. It would be nice to see the remnants of the Biafrans. It would be salutary to publish their names, addresses, local government areas, hometowns and states of origin. It would be wonderful if MPB could give Nigerians more information, including the sum paid to these ex-soldiers so far. This is the only way to prove that some soulless people are not feeding on dead

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