The Nation Dec 10, 2013 by The Nation

Newspaper of the Year

Strike: ASUU defies govt’s order to return NEWS

•Varsities shut as NLC intervenes Page 60

NEWS Pages 2 &5

Daughter recounts Mandela’s last hour

•80,000 for ex-President’s memorial www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2693 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Jonathan’s anti-graft fight is weak, says Tambuwal ICPC chief rejects foreign account for public officers EFCC not after President’s enemies, says Lamorde

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal condemned yesterday President Goodluck Jonathan’s attitude to the anti-corruption battle. He faulted the President’s handling of the N255million bullet proof cars scandal, the pension scam and the “rot” in the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC). Tambuwal said the President’s body language was promoting corruption, adding that the administration has not addressed high-profile corruption cases exposed by the legislature. Tambuwal was responding to questions after presenting a paper at a oneday roundtable to mark the International Anti-corruption Day by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja. He spoke on the “Role of the legislature as the vanguard for anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria”. Tambuwal said: “Take the subsidy probe, the pension, the SEC probe and recently the bullet proof car cases. After the House of Representatives did a diligent job by probing and exposing the cases, you now see something else when it comes to prosecution. “In some cases, you have the gov-

Edun: Newspaper of the Year means more work By Joseph Jibueze

EMBERS of The Nation staff got a challenge yesterday—they should strive to stay on top of their trade. Board of Directors Chairman Mr. Wale Edun threw the challenge following this newspaper’s feat of winning the Babatunde Jose Newspaper of the Year prize at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA) on Saturday. Edun, a sports enthusiast, likened the feat to winning the league. “Anybody can win the FA Cup,” he said. Edun, who visited the newspaper’s Head office in Matori, Lagos mainland, said the NMMA is to the Nigerian media what the Oscar is to the American and world movie industry. The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, are a set of high profile awards given annually in the United States for excellence of cinematic achievements.

‘

Take the bullet proof cars case; the NSA, with all the security challenges confronting the country, should not be burdened with a job that can best be handled by the anti-corruption agencies. The government has no business setting up any administrative committee in a case that is clear to all Nigerians

’

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ernment setting up new committees to duplicate the job already done by the parliament. Take the bullet proof cars case; the NSA, with all the security challenges confronting the country, should not be burdened with a job that can best be handled by the antiContinued on page 2

•Mr. Edun with the award...yesterday

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Continued on page 9

It’s bye to PDP, say governors •Kwakwanso, Wamakko to Jonathan: we’re for APC

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s battle to make the five governors who dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reverse their decision has failed. The governors said yesterday that there was no going back on their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governors are Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers). They also asked Jonathan to henceforth invite them for meetings as APC governors instead of PDP. Continued on page 2

•From left: President/CEO, Transcorp Plc, Obinna Ufudo; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu; and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, during the Facts Behind the Figures of Transcorp held at the NSE…yesterday

•PROPERTY P14 •MARITIME P16 •SPORTS P24 •NORTH REPORT P25 •POLITICS P43

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS Mandela memorial holds in 95,000 capacity stadium

•Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (second right), United States (U.S.) Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Linda Thomas Greenfield (third left), Consul General Jeffrey Hawkins (third right), Senior Advisor to Assistant Secretary,Tamara Klajn (second right), Control officer, Lisa Spink (left) and Economic Officer, James Plasman, after a meeting at Tinubu’s office, Freedom House, Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday.

Jonathan’s anti-graft fight is weak, says Tambuwal Continued from page 1

corruption agencies.

“The government has no business setting up any administrative committee in a case that is clear to all Nigerians. What the President should have done was to explicitly direct the EFCC to probe the matter. With such directives coming from the President, I am sure we still have good people in EFCC who can do a good job. “By setting up different committees for straightforward cases, the President’s body language doesn’t tend to support the fight against corruption.” Earlier in his paper, Tambuwal identified corruption as the bane of Nigeria’s development. He said: “For us in Nigeria, the reality that no greater challenge than corruption confronts us as a people is not in controversy. Indeed, if the roots of the overwhelming majority of our woes were traced, they are sure to terminate at the doorsteps of corruption. “This is a commonplace fact known to all Nigerians and requiring no corroboration. Yet, for the avoidance of doubt, it is important to state that in its 2012 Global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by the global corruption watchdog, Transparency International ranks Nigeria as the 36th most corrupt country globally! Nigeria placed 139th of the 176 countries assessed, scoring

27% in contrast with the least corrupt countries; Denmark, Finland and New Zealand, which scored 90%. “A survey of the social media showed that 98% of Nigerians who commented not only agreed with the country’s corruption ranking but, in fact, felt Transparency International was too generous to Nigeria. “A few of the comments read: ‘We don’t need a report to tell us what we already know”, another ‘Wow, I taught (sic) we were No.1. I wonder what country (sic) is before us. We all need prayers and serious fasting for our nation”. The other “to be fair, I always thought Nigeria is the most corrupt country in the world”, yet another, “Me too… 35th is actually being nice”. “A list of manifestation of corruption, especially in the public sector of Nigeria, is legion, ranging from direct diversion of public funds to private pockets, contract over-pricing, bribery, impunity, nepotism, general financial recklessness, fraudulent borrowing and debt management, public assets stripping, electoral fraud, shielding of corrupt public officers; among others. “It is a well established fact that corruption thrives well in any environment or society where there is community indifference or lack of enforcement policies. Societies with a culture of ritualised gift, giving where

the line between acceptable and non-acceptable gifts is often hard to draw. Societies in which values have been overthrown by materialism, societies in which laws are observed more in the breach. “It would appear that these environmental preconditions are all prevalent in the Nigerian society and no wonder, therefore, that corruption has found fertile soil to blossom.” Tambuwal said the legislature had done its best to enact laws to fight corruption. He said if the laws had been strictly applied, Nigeria would have gone a long way in reducing corruption. He, however, confirmed moves by the National Assembly to make the anti-corruption agencies independent. He said: “In the exercise of this mandate, the National Assembly has enacted the Code of Conduct Bureau and Code of Conduct Tribunal, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2002 and The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act 2000' for the purpose of investigating and prosecuting public officers and other persons suspected of involvement in corrupt practices. “In both legislations, the Commissions are given extensive powers of investigation and

prosecution to deal with all cases of corrupt practices and abuse of office that may arise. With respect to the specific objective of injecting transparency and accountability in the management of the resources of the nation, the National Assembly enacted the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the Public Procurement Act 2007. Both legislations make copious provisions aimed at engendering transparency and accountability in the public space. “I make bold to say that if the provisions of these legislations and indeed others were diligently enforced, significant milestones would have been accomplished in the fight against corruption and corrupt practices in Nigeria. Sadly, however, these Legislations are observed more in the breach by the majority, including government and government agencies. “I am pleased to report that the House of Representatives is currently working on some proposals for the reform of these laws, with a view to reinforcing the independence of the agencies administering these laws including their mode of constitution and disbandment. I wish, therefore, to call on members of the NBA and indeed all Nigerians to prepare to buy into these reforms by making their inputs now or when the time comes for public Continued on page 60

HE major events marking the final funeral rites for the late former South African President Nelson Mandela will hold today. No fewer than 80,000 people, including about 60 world leaders will participate in a memorial service at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg. Ahead of today’s event, a special joint session of parliament was held in Cape Town yesterday to allow South African politicians from all political parties to mark the passing of the nation’s first black president. President Jacob Zuma urged the country to remember the values of peace and forgiveness that Mr Mandela lived by and uphold them. His sentiments were echoed by the anti-apartheid icon’s family, who released a statement calling on South Africans to “keep the dream alive”. The huge memorial service is due to take place at the stadium where Mr Mandela made his last public appearance during the 2010 World Cup Final. President Goodluck Jonathan, United States President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron and United Nations Secretary General Ban Kimoon are among the dignitaries. A programme released by the South African government showed that Obama would speak, as would Ki-moon and Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao. Other speakers include Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Cuban President Raul Castro. South African President Jacob Zuma will give the keynote address. Though security remains a concern, an AP reporter walked unsearched into the stadium yesterday by showing only a national press card issued in Europe. It took about three minutes before a security officer asked journalists

Wamakko, Kwankwaso not returning to PDP, says APC

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Governors Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State will not return to the PDP, despite their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Sunday. The party, in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos by its

‘I came to Aso Villa to inform Jonathan of our defection to APC’

Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the governors were at the Presidential Villa at the invitation of President Jonathan, adding: ‘’Being the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there is no reason why any governor will not honour an invitaContinued on page 60

It’s bye to PDP, say governors

OKOTO State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko yesterday explained that he was at the Presidential Villa to inform President Goodluck Jonathan of his and four other governors’ defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wamakko, who arrived for the meeting at the First Lady’s Conference Room with his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso, stayed for the five-hour meeting with President Jonathan and 14 PDP governors. Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting ended around 2.45a.m., he said the forum provided him the opportunity to say the truth concerning their grievances, which led to their defection. But Wamakko did not respond to the question whether he was pressurised by the President to return to the PDP. He said: “Well…the meeting went on very well because some of us came here as governors … in PDP matter and our position has been known. On behalf of the five of us, I have already briefed Mr. President; our position as G-5, that we are no longer in the PDP

to leave the stadium’s field. However, reporters freely roamed throughout the stadium and walked the aisles to see the ongoing stage construction. Officials from the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg also toured the venue, but declined to speak to journalists. From tomorrow, Mandela’s body will “lie in state” in Pretoria at the Union Buildings where he governed as president between 1994 and 1999. A funeral cortege carrying his remains will pass through the capital daily until Friday, with South Africans being urged to line the streets to form a “guard of honour”. The state funeral will take place in Mandela’s ancestral homeland of Qunu in the Eastern Cape on Sunday. Many world leaders are expected to travel to the usually sleepy rural village to join Mr Mandela’s family, friends and former comrades in bidding farewell to the revered statesman. Former US Presidents George W Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and their wives will also be present at the event. George H W Bush is the only living US president who will not attend. His spokesman said the 89-year-old is no longer able to travel long distances. The American leaders will join dozens of other dignitaries, including about 60 heads of state who have confirmed their attendance at this week’s memorial events. Cameron will attend the main memorial service on Tuesday, while Prince Charles will represent Britain at Sunday’s state funeral. Celebrities, including Bono, Oprah Winfrey and Sir Richard Branson are expected to head to the country to pay their personal tributes to the man they considered a friend.

Continued from page 1

The G-5 conveyed their final decision to Jonathan through Kwankwaso and Wamakko during a salvage meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Jonathan, who, watched in bewilderment as the governors made up their mind, offered to prevail on the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, to step aside for the sake of unity in the party. But the governors told Jonathan point blank that it was “too late”. The meeting, which started at about 10.40pm on Sunday, got to a head at about 3am when Kwankwaso and Wammako bade Jonathan and 15 PDP governors farewell. According to sources, when Kwankwaso and Wammako got to the Villa, they met Niger State Governor Aliyu BaFrom Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

and that we are already in another party.” “But as a President of this country, if he calls us, we will come and listen to him and respect him as a leader of our country; otherwise, what we

bangida already seated. It was learnt that shortly after the Presidency got a signal that the aggrieved governors honoured Jonathan’s invitation, other PDP governors and leaders came for the session. At the session were the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih; the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki( a prime facilitator of the peace meeting); Governors Aliyu(Niger); Sule Lamido(Jigawa); Ibrahim Shema(Katsina); Isa Yuguda(Bauchi); Sullivan Chime(Enugu); Saidu Dakingari(Kebbi); Idris Wada(Kogi) and the acting Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umaru. Also there were Liyel Imoke(Cross River); Jonah Jang(Plateau); Muktar Yero(Kaduna); Theodore Orji(Abia);

had there was mostly a PDP affair.” On why he sat through the about five hours PDP meeting, Wamakko said: “We had to tell the President and Chairman of the BOT our position. We can’t just be going about talking; we had to come and tell them the

Godswill Akapbio(Akwa Ibom); Emmanuel Uduaghan(Delta) and Martins Elechi(Ebonyi). It was gathered that the President and PDP leaders came with expectations that they could win back three of the five governors, especially Kwankwaso and Wamakko. Col. Dasuki was said to have done a yeoman’s job in facilitating the presence of the two governors at the meeting. To get a commitment from the governors, the NSA was said to have sent Aliyu, chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, to them with a plea to honour the President. It was learnt that the Presidency acted on security reports that three of the G-5 governors were still disposed to PDP, if certain wrongs were corrected.

truth where the truth must be told and that is why we came here.” The Akwa Ibom State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Chief Godswill Akpabio, said the meeting was part of the on-going dialogue to resore harmony

Continued on page 60

and peace in the party. He said: “I think the meeting we had was part of the dialogue Mr. President … months back at that time we had the G7 governors. The last time we met, we met with the G-2 governors and today we had the G3 and so it is part of the con-

•Wamakko

tinuing dialogue to ensure harmony and peace in the party and Mr. President is not relenting.” “He is very serious about consulting with all strata and Continued on page 60

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS Mandela memorial holds in 95,000 capacity stadium

Jonathan’s anti-graft fight is weak, says Tambuwal Continued from page 1

corruption agencies.

Wamakko, Kwankwaso not returning to PDP, says APC

‘I came to Aso Villa to inform Jonathan of our defection to APC’

It’s bye to PDP, say governors

Continued from page 1

and that we are already in another party.” “But as a President of this country, if he calls us, we will come and listen to him and respect him as a leader of our country; otherwise, what we

Continued on page 60

•Wamakko

tinuing dialogue to ensure harmony and peace in the party and Mr. President is not relenting.” “He is very serious about consulting with all strata and Continued on page 60

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 08099365644, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS NELSON ROLIHILAHLA MANDELA 1918-2103

What South Af By Miriam Ekene-Okoro and Adegunle Olugbamila

L •Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (second right), U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Linda Thomas Greenfield (third left), Consul-General Jeffrey Hawkins (third right), Senior Advisor to Assistant Secretary Tamara Klajn (second right), Control Officer Lisa Spink (left) and Economic Officer, James Plasman, after a meeting at Tinubu’s office, Freedom House ...yesterday.

• Director-General, National Women Centre for Development, Onyeka Onwenu (left) listening to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi when she visited the CBN governor in his office in Abuja.

•From left: Sales Service Manager, Akure Commercial Territory,Nigeria Bottling Company ( NBC), Akin Ojo ; winner of CocaCola Nigeria Prize for Brands and Marketing Reporter of the Year , Adedeji Ademigbuji and Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Emeka Mba, at the grand presentation ceremony of the Nigerian Media Merit Awards at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resorts, Ekiti...at the weekend.

• A past District Governor of the Rotary Club, Richard Giwa-Osagie (right), presenting a plaque to the Lagos State Commisioner for Works Obafemi on behalf of Rotary Club of Isolo during the induction of the 33rd President of the club in Lagos. With them are the President of the Rotary Club of Isolo, Rotary International District 9110, Mr Godfrey Iweka and his wife.

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has said the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela calls for deeper reflection of the anti-apartheid struggle and the role played by the African continent, especially Nigeria in the journey to liberate South Africa. Governor Fashola who made the remark yesterday while addressing journalists at the State House in Alausa said inspite of the role played, Nigeria is currently on the receiving end of policies by the present day South Africa. He said it is expedient for President Goodluck Jonathan to use his presence at the burial of Nelson Mandela to put the nation's leadership role back in the international limelight. He said: "I remember we did not go for Commonwealth Games because of South Africa. I remember we took drastic measures against the foreign collaborators of apartheid regime and nationalized assets. BrigadierGeneral Joe Garba was our Foreign Affairs Minister and Professor Bolaji Akinyemi was the DirectorGeneral of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). There is no home that the anti-apartheid campaign was not then. Our university halls were named after Mozambique and all of these places. We founded all of these organisations in Angola and Zimbabwe among others. "Apart from scholarship to South Africans, I remember when the late President Yar'Adua and I met Thabo Mbeki in South Africa and he was telling me about their relationship that dated back to the days when he was a lecturer at the University of Zaria and former President Mbeki used to come for exchange programme then. "There is no home that the antiapartheid campaign was not then. Our university halls were named after Mozambique and all of these places. We funded all of these organisations in Angola and Zimbabwe among others. "We are the ones being driven out of South Africa. The British can enter South Africa. We have to take a visa. These are deep questions because they hurt me. People like Fela nearly lost their voices, singing about freedom. I hope that as our president is going for Mandela's burial, I hope that it would be to go and take the leadership roles that we deserve or we should ask ourselves if we have really lost it, what is the way back. As I said, history has been revised and our voices are not heard on the international stage. This is our glory because we contributed so much to this course, and perhaps we ask ourselves what the investment pay-off has been. "There are more questions to answer. When you look at the part of the world where ovation is now the loudest, it was the part of the world the pain was the most vicious. In a very cruel irony, history is being revised. The people, who collaborated with the government that enthroned apartheid at that time, are the people that are paying the biggest tribute now. Eulogising the late freedom fighter Fashola said the legacies he left behind has proved beyond doubt that Africans are not inferior. "Mandela has proved we are not. There is nothing wrong with our genes. There is nothing wrong with our blood. It is just our attitude and disposition we must re-examine. Beyond that, there is nothing we cannot do. I believe there must some

• A woman wrapped in a flag watches the joint sitting of the South African Parliament in honour of the late Mandela... yesterday.

•The late Mandela

‘

We are the ones being driven out of South Africa. The British can enter South Africa. We have to take a visa. These are deep questions because they hurt me. People like Fela nearly lost their voices, singing about freedom. I hope that as our president is going for Mandela's burial, I hope that it would be to go and take the leadership roles that we deserve

‘

inspiration from there if any is needed. Really, it is to put spring on our heels so that we can reach the sky."

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS

18-2103

NELSON ROLIHILAHLA MANDELA 1918-2103

h Africa must do after Madiba, by Fashola

•A street child holds up a poster bearing the image of the late Mandela as he begs during rush hour in Mthata near Nelson Mandela's former home Qunu ...yesterday. PHOTOS:AFP.

My father’s last moments, by Mandela’s daughter

ELSON Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe has told the BBC about the “wonderful” final hours of the former president, who died aged 95 last Thursday. Ms Mandela said his wife Graca, the children and grandchildren were all there to say goodbye. South Africa is observing a series of commemorations over the next week,

leading up to the funeral on Sunday. More than 100 current or former heads of state or government will attend the funeral or Tuesday’s national memorial. Makaziwe Mandela told the BBC’s Komla Dumor: “Until the last moment he had us, you know... The children were there, the grandchildren were there, Graca was there, so we are

always around him and even at the last moment, we were sitting with him on Thursday the whole day.” She said: “I think from last week, Friday until Thursday, it was a wonderful time, if you can say the process of death is wonderful. But Tata [Nelson Mandela] had a wonderful time, because we were there. “When the doctors told us I think

Thursday morning... that there was nothing that they could do, and said to me ‘Maki call everybody that is here that wants to see him and say bye bye’, it was a most wonderful day for us because the grandchildren were there, we were there.” Ms Mandela paid tribute to the doctors for the 24-hour care. She said: “It was like there were

soldiers guarding this period of the king - yes my father comes from royalty - without them knowing they were actually practising our rituals and culture, they were there in silence and when we as family members come in they would excuse themselves and just a few of them would be there to give us the time to be around my dad’s bed.”

Afe Babalola, Okonkwo: let us emulate Mandela

ROMINENT Nigerians yesterday urged African leaders and people to emulate the late former South African President Nelson Mandela. Eminent lawyer Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) urged African leaders to emulate the virtues of the late anti-Apartheid hero. Babalola said Mandela’s legacies could turn around the socio-economic predicament on the continent. In a statement, titled: Mandela: The Lessons of His Leadership Style, the legal luminary said Mandela had always been a man after his heart. He said: “When Mandela was sentenced to life in prison in 1964, an unperturbed and unruffled Mandela delivered a powerful speech that became the corner stone of the manifesto of the anti-apartheid movement, to wit: ‘During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society.

It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die’. “When he came out of prison, he did what African leaders would not do by voluntarily relinquished power not because he was no longer strong or able, but largely because he was a selfless, humane and humanistic human being. “He successfully and firmly resisted every attempt to pressurise him to continue in office at the expiration of his first term, preferring instead to become an elder statesman and etch his name in gold and serve humanity in other areas. He did not tread the path of ignominious exit like most African leaders. “He was not a member of the infamous club of sit-tight leaders, a phenomenon which has become the fad in Africa thereby demonstrating in clear terms, that the despicable practice of turning governance in Africa into a personal fiefdom through the manipulation of constitutions and political processes is no longer fashionable.

Aregbesola names Freedom Park after Mandela

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has named the Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital, after the late former South African President Nelson Mandela. The governor, at a second term endorsement rally organised for him by the 31 local government executive secretaries in Osogbo, said the Mandela represents freedom and equal opportunity. Aregbesola said Mandela symbolised anything that is good, adding that his death was a great loss to Africa. The park is located inside the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) premises in Osogbo. “By the way he handled power, particularly his acclaimed acknowledgement of giving younger people like Thambo Mbeki a shot at governance instead of himself fighting tooth and nail to have a second term, stands Mandela out as a shining exception to the Lugardian postulation. “The Mandela style of leadership teaches us that we need committed, patriotic, selfless and disciplined leaders who have self control and have only one goal: that of benefitting the

people they governed. Mandela served his people. He never benefitted from the state. Rather, he gave his all in the service of his people. Like Jesus Christ, he even offered his most precious possession, his life, in the pursuit of the good of the majority. That was the peak of selflessness and service to humanity. “African leaders should not only borrow a leaf from the Mandela persona, they should always have it at the back of their mind the moment they

cannot render the service their people desire and deserve, they should bow out of power instead of being avaricious and stealing people’s patrimony. “Like Mandela, they should use their talents, time, money and goodwill for the good of all. That is why the world is jubilantly celebrating the exit of the Madiba.” The Deputy Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Annie Okonkwo, said the late former South African President was a universal icon and an exceptional Pan-African. The politician said the late Mandela was a rare African whose deep convictions unnerved tyrants to reverse themselves and whose elegant humanism compelled global adulation and praise. In a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Collins Steve Ugwu, the senator said: “As a face to the faceless and a name to the nameless, Mandela bore the light of redemption with an intensity that scared darkness and a courage that conquered oppression without submission.”

My recollection of Mandela, by Gambari

FORMER Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Prof Ibrahim Gambari, has recounted his links with the late former South African President Nelson Mandela and his country, especially in the heady days of Apartheid. In a statement yesterday, Gambari said: “Although we have suspected that the end may be near, the death of Mandela still left me with great sadness. “The word ‘icon’ has been overused in recent times, but if anyone has earned that description, it was Mandela. His impact on South Africa, the African continent and humanity cannot be quantified. “The Almighty does not make people like Mandela anymore: his kind comes only once in centuries. But his legacy would also last for centuries. English Romantic poet, Percy Shelly, put it thus: ‘The One remains; the Many change and pass.’

Cleric urges Nigerian leaders to emulate Mandela

HE Presiding Pastor of the Bible Way Christian Church, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Tunde Tioluwani, has urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the moral virtues of the late Nelson Mandela. He spoke yesterday during a national carnival organised by the church for about 63 orphanage and physically challenged people. Tioluwani, who is also the founder of The

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan Care People Foundation, said the late Mandela single-handedly fought apartheid to a standstill in South Africa. He urged leaders to live the late Mandela’s exemplary life to fight the injustice meted towards persons with disability. The cleric promised that his foundation would continue to put smiles on the faces of people with disabilities.

Mandela was that ‘One’ - a great and good man; humble, compassionate and a man for all peoples, irrespective of colour, creed, nationally, religion or class. May his gentle soul rest in peace, Amen. “...I was the last Chairman of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid and in that capacity hosted him, along with the then Mayor

of New York, David Dinkin, at the United Nations when, following his release from prison, visited the headquarters of the world body in New York. I interacted with him until Apartheid was dead and buried and also represented the UN Special Committee and the Security Council (as the then rotating President) during his inauguration in May, 1994, as the

first elected President of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa. May his gentle soul rest in peace, Amen. “Here are the details of my personal association with South Africa. “As Nigeria’s Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the United Nations, I served as the last Chairman of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid (1990 to 1994), which fought for the release of Mandela and the ending of Apartheid. “In that capacity and also as President of the UN Security Council for May 1994, I represented both bodies in Pretoria at the inauguration of Mandela as the first President of a democratic, non-racial South Africa. “In Pretoria, on October 26, 2011, President Jacob Zuma conferred on me the highest South African national honour for foreign recipients the Companion of the Order of Oliver R. Tambo in recognition of my role as the last Chairman of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid.”

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS

Group backs Adesina for NBA poll

Yoruba must unite against impostors, says Ooni

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•Afe Babalola: maintain peace with other Obas

HE Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has said Ile-Ife remains the source of the Yoruba. He urged Yoruba groups to unite to dislodge those he said “are claiming to be what they are not and what God has not given them an opportunity to be”. Oba Sijuwade spoke yesterday at the public presentation of the Ekiti Historical and Royal Compendium in AdoEkiti, the state capital. At the occasion were Governor Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Bisi; Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu; House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin; and founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola. Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was represented by his Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Samuel Odewumi. Also present were Oyo State Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo; the Yeyelua of Ile-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Ife, Olori Mojisola Sijuwade; Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and the Onitaji, Oba Adamo Babalola; the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti Oba Emmanuel Adebayo; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Chairman, Alimosho Local Government, Lagos, Adekunle Sola and Senator Gbenga Aluko, among others. Oba Sijuwade said those who twist history to associate monarchical supremacy to other sources aside Ile-Ife were only trying to rewrite history and attack the origin of the Yoruba. He said: “Today, even with books and documents, a few senior traditional rulers in Yorubaland are still claiming what they are not and what God has not given them an opportunity to be. Until we put such people in order, it will be impossible to have lasting peace in Yorubaland. “For centuries, Yorubas

have had no other source than the cradle, Ile-Ife, the core centre of the great dispersal. Migrants founded cities, communities and kingdoms and unmistakable references are made to other sources at all times. “It is saddening that today, the wet blankets are at work. Yoruba tradition is being bastardised in all ways. The foundation of the historical antecedents of progenitors and founders of the dynasty are being daily twisted, concocted, reconfigured and rewritten for personal ego, selfish reasons and individual satisfaction. “Books like the Historical and Royal Compendium shall, at all times, put an end to the lie of any mischief maker, who may want to tamper with the properly documented historical origin, antecedents and acclaimed pedigree of the people.” Babalola, who chaired the event, urged Oba Sijuwade to maintain peace with other

•Oba Sijuwade

•Aare Babalola

Yoruba Obas, saying: “Based on the point your imperial majesty just raised on the distortion of history, I advise that you make peace with your brother Obas. This is the only way we can be united and enjoy peace. “Historical accounts of traditional rulers, rather than those written by some authors, will reduce the controversies trailing our history. One thing is valid here; nobody knows the history of parents than their children.” Fayemi described the book as a “rich collection of the his-

tory of the 131 towns in the state”. He said his administration planned to establish a museum within the Ekiti Civic Centre under construction to preserve historical documents and artefacts. Fayemi described the publication as a strong political instrument, adding that the role of history in achieving development, peace and unity cannot be over-emphasised. He pledged to continue to interact with traditional rulers to ensure growth across the state.

Akure women protest indefinite closure of market

RADERS, mostly women, at the Erekesan Market in Akure, the Ondo State capital, protested yesterday the continued closure of the central market after the expiration of the seven days required by tradition to mourn the late Deji, Oba Adebiyi Adesida.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Oba Adesida died on December 1. The Akure Council of Chiefs ordered the closure of markets and shops in Akure for seven days, which is part of the funeral rites. Markets and shops were re-opened on Monday and

activities have resumed fully in Akure, but the Erekesan market is still shut on the order of the Council of Chiefs. Yesterday morning, traders in the market blocked the Oba Adesida Road, insisting that no one would go to work until the market was opened.

Amosun to inaugurate homeowners’ charter

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun will next Monday inaugurate the Homeowners’ Charter in Abeokuta, the state capital. The Homeowners’ Charter is an intervention to ease the acquisition of building approvals from the state’s planning authority by landlords. Homeowners can obtain Certificates-of-Occupancy (C of O) within nine months and at discounted rates, if they apply within six weeks.

•Amosun

ICPC chair, others for honour

HE Abuja chapter of the University of Ibadan (UI) Alumni Association will on Saturday honour five of its distinguished members at its Endof-the-Year Dinner at the Rockview Royale Hotel in Abuja. Those to be given its “Distinguished Alumnus Award” are Independent Corrupt

In a statement, Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning Gbenga Otenuga said the discounts are up to 75 per cent. He said the Homeowners’ Charter is one of the Amosun administration’s initiatives to engender urban renewal. For homeowners, who may not be able to pay the required fees within six weeks, the government is collaborating with selected banks to give them loans, which would be repaid within two years.

Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) Chairman Ekpo Nta; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Henry Akpan; Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie; legal titan Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN) and former Director-General of the Na-

tional Lottery Regulatory Commission Peter Igoh. Chairman of the association Ismaila Alasa, in a statement, said the honourees were chosen for their contributions to the country’s growth. “These are accomplished individuals, who have done the university proud in their various fields of endeavour,” Alasa added.

OSPOLY holds convocation

HE Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, will hold its 4th Combined Convocation on Thursday at the institution’s Sports Pavilion at 10am. The ceremony is for the 2007/2008, 2009/2010, 2010/2011, and 2011/2012 sets. A Convocation Lecture, titled: “Technology and En-

trepreneurship for National Development”, will be delivered tomorrow by the Secretary-General, Commonwealth Association of Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA), Dr. Olubunmi Owoso, at 11am at the school’s auditorium. Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mrs. Evelyn Oputu,

will chair the lecture. Activities for the convocation begin today with a media tour of the institution’s facilities. The Rector, Dr. Jacob Olusola Agboola, will address reporters at 10am at the institution’s Academic Board Complex.

Soldiers and policemen restored order. The traders said the chiefs planned to shut the market until a new Deji is installed, adding that this will ruin their businesses and turn them into debtors. They said many of them borrowed money from micro finance banks to buy goods to sell during the Yuletide.

It was learnt that some traders had moved their goods to neighbouring markets. The Lisa of Akure, Chief James Olusoga, could not be reached for comments as his line was switched off. Sources said the funeral rites of the late Oba Adesida were still on, adding that the Erekesan Market was crucial to the process because of its proximity to the palace.

A GROUP of Yoruba lawyers, “Egbe Amofin”, has endorsed Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) as its candidate for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election next year. At its Southwest caucus meeting, hosted by Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) at Oba-Ile in Akure, the Ondo State capital, 17 of the group’s 23 branches endorsed Adesina’s candidacy. At the meeting were Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Aluko Olokun; Femi Falana (SAN); NBA , Ikeja branch Chairman Monday Ubani; Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Eyitayo Jegede; former Ekiti State Attorney-General Seeni Owoyemi and Adedipe, among others. The group’s Interim Chairman, Ayodele Adebayo, stressed the need for members to speak with one voice and support a candidate from the Southwest. Adebayo said two other contestants, Mrs. Funke Adekoya and Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), who are also members of Egbe Amofin, have good leadership qualities but the group can support only one candidate. Olanipekun (SAN) urged members to be united. Adesina thanked them for supporting his candidacy and sought more support during the electioneering campaign. Adesina, an indigene of Ilawe-Ekiti, is a member of the NBA’s Ikeja branch.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS Nigerians must dialogue, says Kanu

ORMER Military Governor of Lagos State Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd.) yesterday canvassed dialogue among the various ethnic nationalities to keep the country together. Kanu spoke at the presentation of his book, entitled: “Nigeria: The Unfinished Business, Selected Speeches of Rear Admiral Godwin Ndubuisi Kanu,” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on Victoria Island, Lagos. One of the dignitaries at the event, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, an Afenifere leader, said the forthcoming national conference is more important than the 2015 elections. Adebanjo said: “This country needs a constitution that will bind us together. Whether President Goodluck Jonathan is going to contest or not in 2015 is not paramount. It is a secondary issue. We need to have a constitution that the people agree upon, not an imposed one like the 1999 Constitution. Once the outcome of the national conference is implemented the way the people decided through a referendum, without anybody amending it, the unity of the country is certain. “For me, the national conference is more important than the 2015 general elections because we cannot continue to conduct elections on a fraudulent constitution. The 1999 constitution must be changed. We need to have a new constitution that will detail how we are going to live together as one

•Rear Admiral Kanu (third right) cutting his 70th Birthday cake...yesterday. With him are Ekwueme (second right); Mrs. Oluseyi (left); Oselika (third left); Oti (second left); and Mrs. Ndubuisi (right). PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN

Nigeria. It is only the people’s constitution that will tell the future and progress of this country.” The 260-page book containing about 21 selected speeches of Rear Admiral Kanu was coauthored by Ndubuisi Ofondu, Ogbonna Oleka and Kalu Onuma. It was reviewed by the former Deputy Managing Director of ThisDay, Rev. Okey Ifionu.

Rear Admiral Kanu said: “One phase will be peaceful. That is the phase where we must dialogue. Beyond that phase is the one that will not be peaceful and we all should not pray to have that come to pass. “If by any chance, we get to the stage that is not peaceful, it will last for some time, but I strongly believe that we will still get back to the other phase because there is too much a

thing holding us together.” Dignitaries at the event included former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; Anambra State Governor Peter Obi was represented by Hon. Oseloka Obaze; Commodore Jim Egbede; Col. Tony Nyiam; Dr. Walter Ofonagoro; Senator Annie Okonkwo; Chief Ferdinand Achonu; Mrs. G.T. Nwachukwu; wife of Senator Ike Nwachukwu; Gen. N.C. Ali; Chief Emeka Anyaoku;

Dr. Frederick Fasehun; Maj.Gen. Emmanuel Abisoye; Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Ladi Balogun; Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa; former Minister of Transport Olawale Ige and Prof. Adebayo Wiliams. Others were Chief Guy Ikokwu; Chief Fred Agbeyegbe; Chief Chris Ucheji, representing Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime; Mrs. Josephine Will-

iams, representing Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Mr. Ayo Opadokun; Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Oti; Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Uma Eleazu; Rear Admiral G.A. Anyapkepere, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff; former Kwara State Governor Cornelius Adebayo and Rev. Ndu Akuchie.

Osun education policy: Traditional worshippers caution CAN

HE Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State has urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to be

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

cautious of its comments about the state’s education policy.

•PFN dissociates self from comment It said CAN’s negative utterances could cause discord among adherents of various religions. Speaking with reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, the association’s President, Chief Idowu Awopetu, said: “We read with shock and dismay a statement by Osun CAN, wherein the Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, said public school reclassification was capable of triggering terrorism in the state. However, with the banality of the claim, the CAN chairman did not offer any reasonable ground for his peace-threatening assertions.” The association warned CAN against “campaigns of

calumny” against the government’s efforts to revamp the education sector. The state chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dissociated itself from the comment by the CAN leadership. At a meeting in Ibokun, PFN described the comment as a distraction to the government. The State PFN Chairman, who was represented by his vice in Ijesa Zone, Pastor Joel Balogun, said school reclassification was part of the government’s strategy to effectively monitor the education sector within its limited resources.

He said: “We see the assertion that the school reclassification can trigger terrorism as a mere rumour and we can never be carried away by it. “We understand that the reclassification is aimed at cutting cost and ensuring proper monitoring of schools to get the best out of our children. Though we are not politicians, we have seen that this government is doing well in terms of development and we are praying for its success. Instead of spreading rumours, we, as men of God, owe it a duty to evangelise to the people and bring them to our fold. That is what we should be doing.” Pastor Balogun urged the government to ensure that the

merged schools retain their names as promised, adding that this would settle the issues generating tension. PFN Chairman in Obokun II Evang. Remi Adediran warned religious leaders against misleading the people. House of Assembly Leader Timothy Owoeye; the lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency, Samson Fafiyebi; Commissioner for Environment Prof. Bukola Oyawoye and Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture Festus Agunbiade said school reclassification was designed to give the best to pupils. The meeting was hosted by the Assistant Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye.

Ekiti begins council creation process

HE Ekiti State government began yesterday the process of creating Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs). The Ministry of Justice submitted a document containing the various legal steps to be taken to actualise the dream to Governor Kayode Fayemi. The development followed requests for LCDAs by many communities during the governor’s tour of the state last month. Presenting the document to the governor in his (Fayemi’s) office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapounda, said Sections 3 (6), 4(6); 7(7); 9 and 162 (3),(5),(6) of the 1999 Constitu-

•Falana: I’m shielding no one

tion explain conditions for the creation of LCDAs. Fapounda said a bill must be presented to the House of Assembly on the issue, with a proposal for the creation of the councils approved in a referendum by, at least, two-thirds majority of the people where the new councils are demanded. Fayemi directed Fapounda and Secretary to the State Government Ganiyu Owolabi to set up a panel to get the input of the people and communities for the proposed councils. Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu; activist lawyer Femi Falana; members of the State Executive Council

and the House of Assembly were present. Also yesterday, Falana lashed back at his critics, who accused him of maintaining “criminal silence” over some killings in the state. He said he was not shielding any official of the Fayemi administration as is being alleged. Falana spoke in Ado-Ekiti at the presentation of awards to winners of the Femi Falana Human Rights Essay Writing Competition. He said he was trained to work based on evidence and had no cause to point accusing fingers at any government official, when those

making the allegations could not provide any information linking them to any killing. Falana said: “To those, who, out of sheer blackmail, have accused me of keeping silent over human right violations in Ekiti State, I make it clear that there is no government in the state’s 17 years, that has been more harassed by me than the Fayemi administration, but the difference is that unlike previous governments, I have the listening ears of the governor.” He urged residents as well as his accusers to give him and law enforcement agencies information on the killings, so that the perpetrators can prosecuted.

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS

• Edun (middle); Ifijeh (sixth left); Odunewu (right); Omotoso (fourth left); Omatseye (fifth left); General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye (fifth right); General Manager (Training) Soji Omotunde (third left); Online Editor Mr Lekan Otufodunrin (second right); Editor, Saturday, Mr Dele Adeosun (third right); Deputy Editor (Sunday), Yinka Oyegbile (fourth right); Deputy Editor (Saturday) Vincent Akanmode (left); Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni and Deputy Editor, SportingLife Ejiro Femi-Babafemi…yesterday

Awards mean more work, Edun tells The Nation staff •Board chair felicitates with the Newspaper of the Year •Continued from page 1 The Nation, Nigeria’s “widest circulating newspaper” was the toast of the media, as it won six top awards from a record 15 nominations at the 21st NMMA at the serene Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort at the weekend. Edun was received by a team, led by Managing Director/Editor-inChief Victor Ifijeh; Executive Director (Finance and Administration) Ade Odunewu; Editorial Board Chairman Sam Omatseye; Editor Gbenga Omotoso; and Online Editor Lekan Otufodunrin, among others. The other prizes won by The Nation were Editor of the Year, Capital Market Reporter of the Year, Money Market Reporter of the Year, Editorial Writing Prize and Power Reporter of the Year. This newspaper’s reporters were also finalists in categories, such as Columnist of the Year, Tourism Reporter of the Year, Human Rights Reporter of the Year, Telecoms Reporter of the Year, Oil and Gas Reporter of the Year, Investigative Reporter of the Year, Newspaper Reporter of the Year and Foreign News Reporter of the Year. Omotoso won the Dele Giwa Prize for Editor of the Year. The Editorial Board, which has won laurels for its editorials on critical issues, won the prize for Editorial Writing. Three of its editorials were finalists in the category. The winning entries were “Systemic rot”, “The real sacrifice” and “A time to clean the Augean sta-

bles.” Assistant Editor (News) Olukorede Yishau won the Intercontinental Bank Prize for Capital Market Reporter of the Year. Assistant Editor (Investigations) Joke Kujenya clinched the Peter Odili Prize for Power Reporter of the Year with her entry, “Why govt, workers quarrel over PHCN”, which gave rare insight into why workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the Federal Government were bickering over the agency’s privatisation. Senior Correspondent Collins Nweze won the UBA Prize for Money Market Reporter of the Year with his report, “National Assembly vs CBN.” Omotoso and Omatseye were finalists in the Columnist of the Year category. Serial award winner Olatunji Ololade was runner-up in three categories — Foreign News Reporter of the Year, Newspaper Reporter of the Year and Investigative Reporter of the Year. Assistant Editor Ozolua Uhakheme was runner-up in the Tourism Reporting category. Kunle Akinrinade was also a runner-up in the Human Rights Reporting category. Assistant Editor Lucas Ajanaku was runner-up in the Telecoms Reporter of the Year category. Also, Assistant Editor Emeka Ugwuanyi was a runner-up in the Oil and Gas Reporting category.

•Ifijeh with the award…yesterday

Edun said the awards had placed more responsibility on the newspaper to do even better, adding that they mean more work by management and staff to surpass the achievements and remain the best. The one-time Lagos State commissioner for Finance said the honours the newspaper earned should not be one-off, but should be repeated next year and for many years to come. He cited the English football club, Manchester United, which won 20 league titles under its former coach, Alex Ferguson, but has been struggling this season under a new manager, David Moyes. Edun said many had started calling for the coach’s replacement although he had only been in charge for a short while. The implication is that having won multiple awards at NMMA, the

•Deputy Chairman, Editorial Board Tunji Adegboyega with another award…yesterday PHOTOS: MUYIWA HASSAN

efforts that yielded such reward must be sustained, he said. The chairman went on:”Let me use this opportunity to ask you to do what all successful companies, teams, groups, institutions do, which is that they use their success and the acknowledgement of their success as a springboard to re-commit themselves to what they are doing and to do even better, to go to even greater heights. “As we all know, you either keep growing, keep expanding and keep doing well or you fall back. “How long has Moyes been there and they are already calling for his head? That is because once you get used to success, you have to maintain it. So, well done.” Edun assured the management team and staff of the board’s backing and commitment towards making the newspaper the best.

He said newspapers were important to the democratic process, adding: “We have a mandate to enhance democracy; we are fulfilling it. To do this, you must have commercial visibility. This recognition will enhance our commercial visibility so that we can continue to deliver on our mission. It is the paper to advertise in because we have the reach, the spread and the readership.” He said he was always proud of The Nation team of columnists, editors and reporters and prayed to God to guide them. On welfare, he said: “You have done your best; we will do ours. It is a wonderful Christmas.” Odunewu described the Newspaper of the Year as a thing of joy, saying: “It is the reward of hardwork.”

Lecturers, ASUU officials clash at UNIBEN

ECTURERS at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) are divided over whether to resume work following the expiration of the Federal Government’s ultimatum. Registers were opened at different faculties of public universities. Most of the registers were empty but at the Faculty of Law, some lecturers had signed up. Over 30 lecturers had indicated interest to begin lectures. A near free-for-all was avoided when members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) attempted to stop one Dr. Godspower Ekhobase of the Computer Science Department from taking his students.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin and Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Sources said Dr. Godspower refused to listen to the union leadership when they asked him to stop and it led to a fracas. The source said when the students moved to join Dr. Godspower, ASUU members led by its Chairman, Dr. Tony Emina-Monye, beat a retreat. Contacted on the telephone, Dr. Monye said the lecturer was violent when they got to the lecture hall. Dr. Monye said a former chairman of ASUU was gripped on the shirt by Dr. Godspower before the students made their move.

•Southwest zone adamant

Dr. Monye said: “We are disregarding the ultimatum and threat of sack by the Government. We are still on strike and none of our members has signed any register to resume work. We will continue with the strike until otherwise directed by the union’s national secretariat of the union. The Ibadan Zone of ASUU comprising the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago - Iwoye, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, again defied the Government’s

directive to resume yesterday. Also, students, who had been away for over five months, failed to return, indicating that they were convinced their lecturers would not budge until the government met their demands. At the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, classrooms, hostels and the libraries were deserted. At FUNAAB, the ASUU Chairman, Dr Abiodun Badmus, told reporters that the government’s order amounted to an “empty threat and of no effect. Also, Dr Adesola Nassir,

restated the resolve of the Ibadan Zone of ASUU to remain on strike. Nassir said: “We just want Nigerians to know that ASUU is not going to be cowed, we are very strict as to the reason why we embarked on strike, we want our universities to be repositioned so that they can churn out the type of graduates that would fit into roles that will power the development of this country, “It didn’t take government up to a year to infuse over N2 trillion into the banks that are privately owned, that same government should not find it difficult to inject this amount of money into universities that are publicly owned.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Again, Femi Kuti gets Grammy nomination

FROBEAT musician, Femi Kuti, has been nominated for the prestigious American music award, the Grammy. This is the fourth time the Nigerian artiste will be recording this impressive feat in 10 years. Although Femi has not been lucky to clinch the laurel, his fans are hopeful that he may be lucky this time. Another Nigerian who had been nominated four times for the same award, but had not won the trophy is Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade, popularly called KSA.

By Victor Akande

If there was a Nigerian who could be said to have won the Grammy, it was notable percussionist and UK-based Nigerian singer, Lekan Babalola, whose group bagged the award in 2005. Kuti is being nominated in the ‘Best World Music Album’ category for his 2013 No Place for My Dream album released under Knitting Factory Records. The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on January 26, 2014 at the Staples Centre,

Los Angeles, United States. It will be recalled that the Afrobeat artiste in 2003 lost out to Panamanian salsa singer, Rubén Blades. In 2010, he also got nominated, but lost out to US-born banjo player, Bela Fleck. Again, in 2011, Kuti lost the award to Malian band, Tinariwen. This time, the musician will be contesting the category with the French group, Gipsy Kings; South African male choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Indian musician, Ravi Shankar, among others.

•Kuti

Rapper Jay Z leads the list with nine nominations, including best rap album. Pharrell Williams follows closely with seven nods, while Drake has been nominated in five places.

Calabar Festival: Faze holds revellers spellbound By Babatunde Sulaiman

•Face

AZE, one of Nigeria’s hip-hop musical icons and a member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, thrilled fans at the Calabar Festival over the weekend.

While he went down memory lane with his hit tunes after becoming a solo artiste, the teeming crowd danced and sang along with indescribable excitement. He also used the moment to literally pour effusive praises on the Cross River State government for giving both the established and budding artistes the opportunity to showcase their genres of music. Besides, he also introduced his new songs, Ifeoma and Lambo, to the excited crowd. In the Disc Jockey (DJ) competition, involving nine persons, DJ Spin came tops and carted away the star prize of N100,000, while the second

and third persons went home with N70,000 and N50,000, respectively. By this feat, DJ Spin became the first Calabar Festival International DJ champion. Consequently, he will be defending the title next year. According to the chairman of the panel of judges, Maurice Inok, a.k.a. Doctor Grove, the criteria used for judgment included ability to use the musical equipment, continuity, avoidance of foul languages, confidence and appearance, amongst others. In Calabar’s Got Talent IV, three dancers emerged champions, winning free meal tickets for lunch at Beverly Heels Hotel, Calabar. Also, Sir James, a budding star,

Lancelot Imasuen wins Africa’s slot HILE many in 26-segment movie Nollywood film-

makers are seeking government appointments, with many more struggling with the association’s politics and hinging their excuses on the piracy-ridden film industry, one man who has remained consistent in the art is Benin, Edo State-born filmmaker, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. Known for historical flicks, Imasuen, the director of Adesuwa, is breaking new grounds, not just with his much- publicized epic movie, Invasion 1897, but he is also currently basking in the euphoria of being the only African director among the 26 selected directors making the short horror thrillers of The ABCs of Death series. Only last September, the prolific filmmaker was at the Toronto International Film Festival, where he announced, alongside his associates, the birth of a new project, Feva TV, a 24-hour broadcasting meant to serve North America with African contents and rid that clime of the dearth that had led to huge pirating of Nigerian films. Imasuen’s inclusion in the second part of The ABCs of Death has shot him to global limelight as millions of movie lovers await the next 26 segments of the horror series. The first part of The ABCs of Death 2012 American anthology horror comedy film was produced by Ant Timpson and Tim League, a thriller of 26 different shorts, each by different directors spanning 15 countries. The 26 chapters assigned a letter of the alphabet and the directors were free to choose a word to create a story involving death. The varieties of death range from accidents to murders. The film premiered

By Victor Akande

at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and was released on VOD on January, 31 and in theatres on March 8, 2013, with end credits featuring the music of Australian band Skyhooks’ 1974 song, Horror Movie. Known for movies that focus on the unexplored aspects of the African experience, including tribalism, witchcraft, crime, poverty, religion and folk beliefs, Imasuen has just concluded his own segment for the Alphabet P, a threeminute piece entitled Prince Venom, which explores the horrors of death anthology in Benin. For The ABCs of Death 2, a contest was held for the role of the 26th director. The winner was UK-based director, Lee Hardcastle, who submitted the claymation short for T. The horror anthology runs with the tagline: 26 directors, 26 ways to die. For the first 25 segments, a group of 25 directors were engaged and each was given a letter of the alphabet and then tasked with creating a short film about death inspired by that letter. The result was a string of shorts, including “D is for Dogfight”; “F is for Fart”; “M is for Miscarriage” and more twisted titles to get the viewers’ heads spinning. The filmmaker is expected to be in London later for the British locations of Invasion 1897, featuring Nigerian- born Charles ‘Chucky’ Venn, who is famous for his roles as Curtis Alexander in Sky’s One’s Dream Team; Tremaine Gidigbi in Footballers’ Wives and as Ray Dixon in EastEnders. It also stars the St. Lucian-born English actor, Joseph Marcell, who has acted in over 34 films

emerged the winner of the comedy competition for unknown stars. Artistes, who participated included Smash(R & B); Pat Reel who did a remix of “Mammy Water” by Sir Victor Nwaifo and “Emum Isong Eni Nnyin”, an Efik tune by the late Peter Efiom; Okomokom, who played old school tunes; Shaka Jagger, a UK-based Nigerian hip hop star; Julie Hay, a female R & B star and Rugged man. The memorable occasion also afforded some young boys and girls to exhibit their talents in singing and those who put up excellent performances were recorded with prizes and promises of recording contracts.

BoI funds film distribution with N3.5b

•Lancelot

and three TV shows, including The Santa Trap, Brothers And Sisters and The Bill- he is also popularly known for his role as Geoffrey, the English butler on the NBC sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The top Nigerian stars in the epic include Segun Arinze; Paul Obazele; Mike Omoregbe who played the lead role as Oba Ovoramwen; Charles Inojie and the late Justus Esiri. Invasion 1897 has been endorsed by the Benin monarch, Oba Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopolo and the Edo State government. The film production is cofinanced by Senator Daisy Danjuma and South Atlantic Petroleum Limited and is supported by Capt. (Dr.) Hosa Okunbor, the chairman of FEVA TV in Toronto, Canada. Meanwhile, UK-based J2konsult, which is marketing the movie, is also planning the London unit of the movie. Invasion 1897 (Nogbaisi Ovonramwen), according to the filmmaker, is based on the invasion of the Benin Kingdom by the British Empire in 1897 and the looting of the priceless ancient artifacts of the Benin kingdom, including the famous commemorative head and pendant of ivory mask representing Queen Idia (from court of Benin, 16th century) who was the mother of Esigie, the Oba of Benin who ruled from 1504 to 1550.

HE Bank of Industry (BoI) has moved to stem the issue of distribution, which is one of the major challenges crippling the Nigeria’s movie industry by funding the first credible and verifiable controlled channel of distribution known as G-Media. According to BoI, tackling the issue of distribution, apart from having a multiplier effect on the industry, also guarantees that the whole production process is not jeopardized by market uncertainty. The project, which is in partnership with Nollywood distribution giant, Gabosky Films Inc, is being funded out of the $200m earmarked by BoI from an expected $500million grant from the African Development Bank, AfDB, to revamp and enhance the nation’s industrial and entertainment sectors. Speaking at the pre-launch press briefing of G-media, Ibrahim Ahmed, senior manager, BoI, disclosed that over N2.5 billion had been approved and earmarked for the entertainment sector, adding that about N1 billion had so far been distributed. According to him, the sector enjoys the full support of the bank’s managing director, Evelyn Oputu, who had set up a specialized division manned by dedicated professionals to attend to the needs of stakeholders. “The BoI decided to partner with Gabosky because we see the entertainment industry as a business and we are ready to deal with those who are ready to approach us in that light. Our mission is to transform the Nigerian industrial sector and integrate it into the global economy, in order to attain modern capabilities,” he said.

BUSINESS

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Oando signs 5m euro gas pact with Germany

ANDO Marketing Plc, has signed an agreement with KFW, a German government owned development bank, to invest five million euros (over N1billion) to further enhance availability of cooking gas to low income earners in the country. The agreement was signed in Frankfurt last week by KFW’s Director of the Department, ‘Africa Regional Programmes,’ Dr. Thomas Duve and Oando Marketing’s Chief Executive Officer, Abayomi Awobokun. Speaking on the development, Awobokun, revealed that funds invested through the agreement will be made available to select Micro Finance Institutions that will then lend the funds out to end users of cooking gas as well as micro, small and medium sized enterprises for their LPG investments. Earlier, the firm had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria’s National Association of Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in alignment with the sole objective of making a cleaner and safer cooking fuel more accessible to Nigerians. With the MFB partnership, the reach of the company’s 3-in-1 3kg O-Gas cylinder is now extended and made accessible to virtually everyone as intending end users may approach a wide range of Micro-Finance Banks with only N200 as initial deposit and walk away with the complete set of portable 3kg O-Gas. However, such buyers will be expected to make a N200 daily deposit with any of the partnering micro finance banks for 30 days until they would have completed the payment cycle for the 3-in-1 unit.

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 MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

“Until recently, the Nigerian banking industry had not given much attention to sustainability beyond ticking off environmental impact assessment on checklist for credit risk assessment for evaluation of loan applications, other jurisdictions have for decades been engraving sustainability ethos in their financial system,” –CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Customs revenue drops to N304b, says Okonjo-Iweala

EVENUES from Customs have declined to N304.6 billion as a result of the Federal Government’s fiscal incentives, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has said. Speaking yesterday in Lagos at a breakfast meeting with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) on the performance of the economy and projection for 2014, she said the figure which is for January to September, represents a 14-per cent decline from the N356.01 billion recorded for same period in 2012. Mrs. Okonjo-Iwaela said Federal Government’s revenues in 2014 are estimated at N3.58 trillion, indicating a 13 per cent decline from the 2013 budget estimates. She said the expenditure in 2014

• Excess Crude Account stands at $3.3b By Collins Nweze

is projected at N4.5 trillion, repreenting a 9.9 per cent decline from the 2013 figure . She said addressing revenue shortfalls in 2014 would require eliminating inefficiencies in government expenditure through fighting corruption in the public service, reducing the cost of governance and rationalisation of agencies in line with recommendations of the Orosanye Report, among other processes. She said systems such as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) which enhances efficient personnel cost planning have been put in place to curb wasteful spending.

The Minister said 260 Ministries, Departments and Agencies are on IPPIS as at June 2013, adding that work is on-going to bring in other 321 MDAs not yet on IPPIS. She said government savings on payroll cost to date, is N139.6 billion and that about 46,821 ghost workers have been identified through the introduction of the Government Integrated Financial Management and Information System (GIFMIS) in April 2012. She said the GIFMIS is aimed at improving the acquisition, allocation, utilisation and conservation of public financial resources using automated and integrated, effective, efficient and economic information systems,

adding that 58 per cent of the budget is now executed through GIFMIS and that the figure would rise to 79 per cent by end of 2013 On the economy, she said: “Growth continues to be driven by the non-oil sector. Inflation has gone down in 2013. Inflation was 7.8 per cent at the end of October, showing a continual downward trend for the 10th consecutive month, down from 12.3 per cent in December 2012.” She said the Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at $3.3 billion as at November and may even decline further, adding that Foreign Reserves now stand at $44.7 billion. She 1.6 million jobs were created in the past 12 months.

• Senate President David Mark displaying his National Identity Number (NIN) and his Transaction Slips after his enrolment at the National Assembly National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Enrolment Centre. With him are Chairman, Senate Committee on National ID and Population Commission, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan (right) and the Director-General, NIMC, Chris Onyemenam (left)

Corruption thrives in ports, says ICPC

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission yesterday confirmed that corruption is still thriving on a huge scale in Nigerian ports. It also said huge red-tape is reported by stakeholders in all the ports. The uncovering of large scale corruption is the thrust of a Report of Corruption Risk Assessment in the Ports Sector in Nigeria by the ICPC. The report, which was presented by the ICPC Chairman, Ekpo Nta at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with additional funding from the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN). The report reads in part: “Corruption is reported to be a legitimate and accepted tool to promote business interests. Gifts are accepted as normal

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

and expected even in the port agencies. “An example is the claim by Immigration officers to the Lagos Port Assessment Team that their law allows for receipt of gifts. This also borders on rationalization of corrupt conduct. “No anti-corruption policy, standards or compliance legislation (of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act-FCPA or UK Bribery Act-UKBA type) exist in Nigeria. Companies are not required to put in place integrity system. “In practice, the majority of foreign companies operating in Nigeria comply instead with the local rules and traditions in order to sustain their businesses.” The report also indicated that there are huge administrative bottlenecks which are promoting corruption at the nation’s

various ports. The report added: “Huge red tape within agencies operating at the Ports is reported by stakeholders. Seventy (74) signatures are required in Onne from point of entering the port to the ship leaving the port. “In Nigerian Customs Service alone, 10 signatures are required to clear a cargo. Similarly, 142 signatures are reported to be necessary for the same transaction in Lagos Ports (Tin Can and Apapa). There does not appear to be consistency in procedure or in its application in these business processes. “Payment of facilitation money provides incentives for agency personnel to delay processes so that cargo incurs demurrage which compels agents and their customers to negotiate and offer gifts.” In his address, the ICPC chairman explained why the

assessment was conducted and how it was done. Nta said: “When the project commenced in April, 2013, it seemed a Herculean task. The scope was challenging but the twenty Corruption Risk Assessors, led by a team of consultants and guided by the project Advisory Committee, have proven that when proper plans are put in place, even seemingly daunting tasks can be accomplished. “I would like to explain at this point that CRA – Corruption Risk Assessment, is a major function of ICPC as contained in Section 6(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 which mandates the Commission “...to examine the practice, systems and procedures of public bodies and where, in the opinion of the Commission, such practices, systems or procedures aid or facilitate fraud or corruption, to direct and supervise a review.

2014: Minister seeks more cash for local govts From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

S President Goodluck Jonathan prepares to present the 2014 budget to the National Assemby, the Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has called for improved funding for the local governments. Turaki, who spoke yesterday in Abuja while declaring opening a Forum of key functionaries of Local Government in Nigeria, said the sector remains the closest to the grassroot people. The forum was organised by the Ministry in conjunction with the office of the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP The Minister said the local governments will perform better if properly funded. He said the forum was organised by the Ministry to ensure that participatory development approaches were adopted at sub-national levels for effective local development. He said it imperative to ensure that councils improve their organisational structures and operations towards attracting new talents, expertise and knowhow, while retaining useful organisational memory even beyond retirement for organisational development, he said. The Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme(UNDP), Daouda Toure, said as Nigeria moves into a new centennial, there’s need to take advantage of every opportunity that would address identified challenges that have militated against the country’s leadership position in democratic governance, and address development challenges that will lift the grass roots from endemic poverty and deprivation. He said this will ensure that visions, policies, programmes and projects are translated to desirable local level outcomes, while ensuring peoples engagement to empower them participate and benefit from their own governance institutions and development services. He urged the participants to come up with strategies and mechanisms that would strengthen and sustain dialogue between the three tiers of government on local governance and local development. He said it is gratifying to note that,since the re-emergence of democracy in Nigeria, the government and people of Nigeria have continually been creating a conducive environment for putting the people at the centre of development.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NATION

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate

BUSINESS

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

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email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

•A portion of the disputed land.

A parcel of land measuring 117.188 hectares in Itele-Aiyetoro, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State was given last October to a family, courtesy of an IjebuOde High Court verdict.The same family also got the statutory/customary right of occupancy. The other family in the dispute claims the judge erred in law and it is challenging the verdict at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, Oyo State, reports Seyi Odewale.

Families’ land tussle shifts to Appeal Court T

HE Appeal Court in Ibadan has been asked to set aside the October 8 verdict of an Ijebu-Ode High Court in Ogun State, that about 117.188 hectares of land in IteleAiyetoro community of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state, belongs to the Adogun Atele family, and not the Odutala family. The said judgment was based on suit numbers HCT/7/89 and HCT/212/96, which were consolidated in 2001. Justice O. A. Onafowokan heard the consolidated suits. The grounds of the appeal, according to the family represented by the trio of Mr Abiodun Adeniji Odutala, Mrs Fola Adeniji Odutala and Mrs Agbeke Adeniji Odutala, are that, “the learned trial judge erred in law in holding that the appellants’ family are customary tenants to the respondents’ family in the absence of oral and documentary evidence to buttress same”. They claimed that “there must be direct or circumstantial evidence before the court to substantiate the allegation that the appellants’family are customary tenants;

That: “No cogent evidence was adduced by the respondents’ family as their customary tenants.” The judge, they said, “erred in law in failing to evaluate the entire evidence adduced before the court, or properly before entering judgment for the respondents by granting all their prayers; “The trial judge failed to consider the documentary evidence adduced by the appellants to prove their defence and counterclaim. “The learned trial judge misdirected himself of the laws and facts in arriving at his decision and that the judgment is against the weight of evidence.” They are seeking these reliefs: “An order setting aside the judgment of the Ogun State High Court, Ijebu-Ode Division delivered on October 8, 2013, and an order granting judgment to the appellants as per their counter-claim before the lower court.” No date has been fixed for the hearing. In the first suit, Chiefs Taoridi Dada and Edun Olowookere, on behalf of themselves and Adogun Atele family, sued the Odutalas

and five others representing the whole village of IteleAiyetoro, otherwise known as Alagbeji Descendants family of Itele-Aiyeitoro village. The second suit was between Saibu Olugbode, Chief Kafaru Arowolo, Ayuba Dada and Bili Dabiri, representing themselves and the Alagbeji Descendants family of the same community, and Chiefs Dada and Olowookere, (representing Adogun Atele family) and the Odutalas. In his judgment, Justice Onafowokan held: “This is the judgment in two cases that were consolidated to be heard together. The two cases were filed long before I became a judge of the High Court of Ogun State in October 2000, but the lot to hear and determine them fell on me sometime in 2005, when the cases were assigned to my court. “The trial started in 2006. My involvement in election petitions assignments in Zamfara and Kano states in 2007 and 2008, and transfers in 2008 and 2011 from one judicial division of the High Court to another with attendant consequences, in my view, contributed greatly to the delay in early conclusion of the trial.” The judge said: “The first case, HCT/7/89 was originally commenced by Chief Oluwole Akapo and Madam Owotolu (for themselves and on behalf of the Atele family) against Abiodun Odutala and Madam Agbeke Odutala, claiming damages for trespass and injunction. In the course of the proceedings, the predecessors in the title of the claimants in HCT/212/ 96, on their applications, were on March, 1989, joined as the 4th to 8th defendants (for themselves and on behalf of Itele Community). •Continued on page 15

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Families’ land tussle shifts to Appeal Court •Continued from page 14

•Richmond Gate Estate developed by Haven Homes, Lekki.

$2.9tr needed for infrastructure, say experts G

OVERNMENTS have been urged to focus more on packaging good deals that can attract private financing rather than seek to contribute land or provide cash equity participation in Private-Public Partnerships (PPP). They should also play leading roles in subsidising user fees where they are unaffordable or could be severely resisted. This was part of the communiqué by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) at its 25th Biennial Conference in Abuja. The conference, which witnessed a change of leadership in its executive, noted that there is a direct link between the quality of life and the quality of infrastructure. “Nigeria is poor because it lacks infrastructure, it doesn’t lack infrastructure because it is poor,” the body said. It noted that the gap between the nation’s infrastructure endowment and what is required to attract investment, undertake competitive economic activities and provide jobs, is calculated at $2.9trillion and PPP can make a significant contribution to closing the gap by creating wealth and improving the quality of life of Nigerians. The principal causes of the failure of PPPs in Nigeria, the body observed, have been lack of transparency in procurement, deficient procurement and poor project packaging. “Nevertheless, there are many successful PPPs in Nigeria through which useful assets have been built and useful services are being delivered,” they said.

Stories by Seyi Odewale

They said PPPs could help reduce corruption in infrastructure procurement because many more parties are involved. These parties, according to them, include government, developers, financiers, users and others. “All parties normally have access to all information-pricing, technical specifications, quality standards, etc. Furthermore, private financiers have no interest in over-paying for construction work. Private infrastructure investors also have an incentive to complete projects on time and not invest in projects that will be abandoned as they cannot change users for projects until they are completed,” they said. Noting that the flow of investment into core or hard infrastructure from the country’s financial sector has been poor, the nation, they said, requires an infrastructure bank that will through active government support, raise long-term lower interest funds through bonds and other instruments for investment in infrastructure. Telecommunication and oil and gas sectors, they noted, have attracted 84 per cent of the $100 billion raised by Nigerian banks through syndication between 2008 and 2013. Quantity surveyors (QS), they said, should be involved in PPP projects in order to assure the public of trans-

parency and value-for-money. The QS as cost economics and managers of cost and quality on construction projects play a critical role in project planning and execution in all economies where PPPs are transparently packaged and successfully delivered. The new executives of the body are being led by Mallam Murtala Aliyu as president; Mrs Mercy Iyortyer as deputy president; Mr Gbemibo Ogunfidodo as vice president and Mr Femi Balogun as the secretary-general. Others on the executive include Mr Ruya Fadason, who will serve as treasurer; Mr Jide Oke - secretary, marketing/corporate affairs; Mr Kolapo Adeyemo-secretary, International Affairs; Mr Ejike Anosike-secretary, professional development/library and Mallam Abubakar Alkali, Assistant Secretary-General. Mallam Aliyu in his acceptance speech said the body will enhance interface with national political institutions as developments in today’s world are driven by sensible investor friendly national policies. The body, he said, would also interface with the general public in order to improve public perception of the profession and what the body can offer. “We will work with other professional bodies to ensure we project collective capacity of our professionals for nation development to train and enhance the capacity of our various members to enable us compete favourably in the global market,” he said.

Firm sells estate celebrities

REAL estate firm, Haven Homes Limited, has secured a two-year off plan commitments from prospective buyers to exercise patience to get delivery of the homes of their choice. The deal, according to its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Tayo Sonuga, is coming at a time when the property market appears saturated with varying high end products on the shelves begging to be purchased and many developers getting stuck and having their investments tied down owing to poor demand. Sonuga, who in a statement, said his firm achieved the remarkable feat on his prime estate, Richmond Gate located at Alma Beach in the Lekki Peninsula, Lagos.

“We are deeply humbled by the soaring demand for our houses which have become very appealing among the celebrity class, but it does not come to us as surprise, because the pattern has been building up over the years with our home brand. To have celebrities queuing up for our products is absolutely humbling and remarkable,” he said. He said his firm’s appealing brand has enabled the firm grow tremendous good will to consistently roll out units off plan on several projects over the years. “The difference this time is that whilst previous developments were on smaller scale, Richmond Gate comprising 50 units of four-bedroom homes built in two phases is of a higher magnitude,” he said.

On whether his firm would deliver the houses on time, he said: “That’s not a problem at all. We will meet every request at the time we promised. However, being signature homes, we do not hurry through our projects, but we can expand our scope of operations to cope with increased demand. In any case, our houses are worth waiting for because we always aim to satisfy our home owners.” Two celebrities, he said, have already had their homes delivered to them. “We have successfully delivered home units purchased by our roving ambassador and musical artiste, 2Face Idibia and popular Comedian, Ay,” he said.

Commission, borehole drillers seek safer EMBERS of the Association association, said it is part of environment ofthethecommission’s of Water Well Drilling Rig mandate to regu-

owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) have pledged to cooperate with the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC) to curb indiscriminate drilling of boreholes. The association President, Michael Ale, who led members of his executives to the Commission in Lagos, reiterated the need to standardise the sector, because Nigerians deserve the best in terms of water consumption. He stated that 97 per cent of fresh

water is found under the ground and can only be accessed through drilling. He then called for effective patronage of services of borehole drilling professional contractors. This, according to him, would help the country meet the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LSWRC, Mrs. Tanwa Koya, while soliciting co-operation

late borehole drilling activities in the state, taking into cognizance people’s health and environmental safety. Koya, whose agency is saddled with ensuring proper delivery of water supplyandsewerage(wastewatermanagement services) in Lagos State, said effective collaboration between both parties would ensure that the sector is fully sanitised, adding that more of such collaborations would be pursued for the commission to achieve its mandate.

“Notwithstanding their joinder, they proceeded to institute another action in Suit No: HCT/212/96; this time, suing for themselves and on behalf of members of Itele people, otherwise altogether known as Ogungbemi Alagbeji descendants’ family against the plaintiffs and 1st to 3rd defendants in HCT/7/89.” In the first suit (Suit HCT/7/89), according to the judge, the plaintiffs declared, as opposed to those of the defendants, that they “are the persons entitled to customary/statutory rights of occupancy in respect of the vast area of the land situate, lying and being at Aiyetoro Village, Itele in Ogun State of Nigeria, which is more particularly described on plan no. PEG/06/2001/ 025 dated 28/12/2001 drawn by J.O Olorunkunle (registered surveyor); “That the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants are customary tenants of the plaintiffs on the land in dispute.” They then wanted “an order for forfeiture of the customary tenancy of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants or of whatever interest or interests they have in the land in dispute on the ground that they have committed acts inconsistent with and in defiance of the plaintiffs’ title to the land in dispute; “An order for recovery of possession of the land in dispute from the 1st , 2nd and 3rd defendants by denying the title of the plaintiffs to the land in dispute and by selling and leasing part of thereof, and by various other forms of misconduct; “A declaration that all sales, leases or purported sales or any other forms of alienation made by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants affecting the land in dispute is null and void and “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants-their privies, servants or agents from further selling or leasing the land in dispute or any portion thereof or from going on the said land for any purpose at all or from doing anything whatsoever on it.” In the 1st to 3rd defendants’ counter claims against the plaintiffs and the 4th to 8th defendants (Kafaru Abudu Arowolo, Chief Raufu Ilo (Baale of Itele), Mr Saibu Olugbode, Mr Ayuba Dada and Mr Bili Dabiri), claimed “that they are trustees of Odutala family and are entitled to the issuance of the statutory/customary right of occupancy in respect of that area of land situate and being in Aiyetoro and described and delineated by Survey Plan No OGE/ABB/90 prepared by S. Akin Ogunbiyi Esq. Licensed Surveyor on 20/9/90 and known as parcel A,B and C (measuring respectively 88.294 hectares; 2.511 hectares and 26.383 hectares)”; “A declaration that the claimants nor the 4th to 8th defendants have any title to the area claimed by the 1st to 3rd defendants.” They then sought “a million naira damages against the claimants and the th 4 to 8th defendants for trespass committed on the land” and “a perpetual injunction restraining the claimants, the 4th to 8th defendants, their servants, agents and/or privies from further committing acts of trespass on the land”. The 4th to 8th defendants also filed their counter claims against both the plaintiffs and the 1st to 3rd defendants. Against the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs, they declared that “the ‘Itele people’ described in another Suit No. 17/43Alimi Akapo and others versus D.D Olukogbon “are the ten branches of the 4th to 8th defendants’ families in Suit No HCT/212/96, comprising (1) Ipotobo families (2) Iliwo families (3) Isunba families (4) Ijaganna families (5) Ilekemo families (6) Ilegbede families (7) Ilogun families (8) Isalu families (9) Idotele families and (10) Idomo families called ‘Itele people’ who are otherwise all together known as Alagbeji Descendants family of Itele town.”

They declared: “The first plaintiff (Jimoh Arowolo) is not a blood relation, nor a family member of any of the 10 units of families known and described as ‘Itele people’ (the owner of Itele Village and its vast area of land), who are otherwise altogether referred to as Alagbeji descendants’ family of Itele town.” There were other declarations by them. They then sought the “forfeiture of the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs’ customary rights in Itele village for denying the plaintiffs’ family title of Itele village/ town and its whole land.” They also sought an “order of possession (by the 4th to 8th defendants) of any portion of land held by the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs within the said entire Itele land as in Survey Plan no. BAC/ 44/OG/97.” In their claims against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants (Abiodun Odutala, Mrs Fola Adeniji Odutala and Mrs Agbeke Adeniji Odutala), they declared that their ancestor, Erigi Odutala is a customary tenant of the 4th to 8th defendants; That: “First, second and third defendants are not entitled to any statutory right of occupancy in respect of any portion or parcel of land situate, lying and being at Aiyetoro Village which formed part of the whole land belonging to the 4th to 8th defendants as landlords of the said 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants.” All these, among others, were the prayers sought by them at the lower court.” When The Nation visited the town there was unease. Some people spoke in hushed tones, others expressed fear that the victorious family could ask them to vacate the land, especially, when Chief Abiodun Adeniji Bada – Odutala (1st defendant) has been asked to stop parading himself as the head of the community. “Properties are at a risk, not only our lives,” said Adewumi Adeniji, a resident. “We heard that the opponents had hatched their plans to destroy landed property built here, but I am promising you that they will not go far as we have all documents to back our landed property up,” he added. Another resident said: ”I have been living here with my family members for seven years and there was peace until recently when some hoodlums are saying we must vacate our land and relocate to another place because our community head had lost the case. Are we going to leave here and relocate to another area or where are we going to?” But the Baale appeared not disturbed by the judgment. “I have gone to the Appeal Court to appeal the case because the judgment of the High Court was improper and could be a mistake. It was the Alake of Egbaland who made me the community head of Ayetoro-Itele and seven months after my installation the Olota of Ota made one Edun Sunday Olowokere, who is an Awori the head of Ayetoro to cause confusion. I am the 8th Baale, and this Olowokere was the first to be pronounced as Baale. “They tell a lot of lies against us. All what Olowokere said in some newspapers are tissues of lies. The Egba own Aiyetoro by conquest and history is there for all to see. Alake is still alive to testify to this. I have never heard how a tenant becomes a landlord,” he said. “This town has been in existence for about two centuries, having been founded by the Egba warriors known as the Ajagunnas between 1836 and 1842 and for a judgment to now tell us that we are tenants to people whom we had never paid any tribute to and no demand of such had ever been made; for any judge to say we are tenants on our land is not acceptable and we believe it is a rape of justice. And that is why we are pursuing the matter legally to the highest level the law can take us,” he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

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BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Fed Govt releases fresh import guidelines T

HE Federal Government has issued fresh guidelines for cargo clearance at the ports and borders nationwide. Under the new regime, all documents must bear the product name, country of origin, specifications, manufacture, date and batch number, standards of production (e.g. Network Information Services (NIS), British Standards PD. International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), International Energy Standards (IES), Documentation Identification Number (DIN). All goods, according to the guide lines, must be labelled in English, in addition to any other language of transaction; otherwise they will be confiscated by Customs. In a December 3 memo, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told the Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, that the guidelines took effect from December 1. According to the letter, all imports shall be accompanied by the following documents: • Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO) contain the following information. • e-Form ‘M’ No: • Adequate description of goods; • Port of destination. (The actual port shall be specified e.g Tin-Can, Apapa, Kano, Onne, etc); • Shipment identification, date of shipment, Country of Origin, Country of Supply. • Packing List. • Shipped/Clean on Board Bill of Lading/Airway Bill/Railway Bill/Road Waybill. • Manufacturer’s Certificate of production, the Phytosanitary Certificate or Chemical Analysis Report, which must state the standards. • Laboratory test certificates for chemicals, foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, electrical appliances, and other regulated products are also required from importers. The letter, signed by the Director, Home Finance, K Zaji, said any intending importer should in the first instance, process e-Form ‘M’ through any authorised dealer bank irrespective of the value and whether or not payment is involved. The first validity period of the eForm ‘M’ for general merchandise, Zaji said, would be six months,

• Goods to bear English label

• Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

• Abdullahi

Customs chief excited over new clearing regime

USTOMS ComptrollerGeneral Dikko Abdullahi is excited over the clearance of goods under the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). Announcing the take-off of the scheme at a town hall meeting with importers in Lagos, Abdullahi said the first PAAR was issued in 58 minutes. This, he said, was different from what obtained in the past when the service providers issued the

By Oluwakemi Dauda

which he said, may be extended for another six months by the dealer. The government, however, gives an initial validity period of 365 days to capital goods with approved e-Form ‘M’, and the maximum extension of another 365 days is allowed.

Risk Assessment Report (RAR) in five days. Under the PAAR, importers will clear their consignment in less than six hours, thus reducing the cost of doing business at the ports. Abdullahi said: “This is to announce to the trading public that we have started. The first PAAR has been issued within 58 minutes. It is really encouraging and promising that we can issue a PAAR document in 58 minutes.

Before now what is happening during the RAR regime is like five days which is only official, we know it is more than that. “The trading public has been complaining about the RAR issue, but with this, that is now a thing of the past. This PAAR is going to be issued before the arrival of the cargo and for those who ensure compliance, they will get their cargoes in less than six hours.”

But any subsequent request for revalidation and consideration of e-Form ‘M’ after the maximum 365 days extension period, can only be granted by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Supporting documents shall be clearly marked “Valid for Forex”

or “Not Valid for Forex” as appropriate i.e. whether or not foreign exchange remittance would be involved. Also, all applications for goods subject to Destination Inspection (DI), Zaji said, must carry the “BA” code, while those exempted shall include “CB” in the prefix

of the numbering system of the e-Form ‘M’. Importers intending to make payments for goods exempted under the D I scheme, the government said, would not be allowed to do so in the Foreign Exchange Market, except there is a prior approval from the CBN. Importers are also advised to ensure that the e-Form ‘M’ and the relevant pro-forma invoice carry a proper description of goods to be imported to facilitate price verification as follows: • Generic product name i.e. product type, category: • Mark or brand name of the product, where applicable; • Model name and/or model or reference number, where applicable; • Description of the quality, grade, specification, capacity, size, performance, etc; • Quantity and packaging and/ or packing. The letter said the e-Form ‘M’ would be valid for importation if it is acceptable to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Authorised dealers were therefore, advised to confirm registration of the e-Form ‘M’ from Customs before proceeding with other import processes. Where import items such as food, drinks, cosmetics, drugs, medical devices, chemicals are required for health or environmental reasons, the new law demands that such items must carry Expiry Dates or the shelf life. A minimum of half-shelf life of such products are necessary as at the time of importation and the active ingredients must be specified, where applicable. Electrical appliances such as fluorescent lamps, electric bulbs, electric irons and ties, the government said, must carry information on life performance while cables shall carry information on the ratings. All electronic equipment and instruments, the guideline stated, must carry the following: • Instructions Manual; • Safety information and or safety signs; • A guaranty/warranty of at least six months. Importation of blank products by any importer is no longer allowed as such goods would be seized and destroys by Customs without warning, and the importer if arrested, would be prosecuted.

Naval chief seeks provision of helicopters, patrol vehicles

HE Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, has urged the Federal Government to provide helicopters and operational patrol vehicles for the Navy to curb criminality on the waterways. Speaking after the inauguration of some projects undertaken by the Eastern Naval Command, in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Ezeoba said the Navy needed equipment for requisite surveillance. He also called for the enforcement of the laws against criminalities on the nation’s waters, saying that those that have been arrested for engaging in act of illegality are prosecuted in courts of competent jurisdiction

By Oluwakemi Dauda and Christopher Eboh

and appropriate punishment meted to serve as deterrent to other. He canvassed the prosecution of suspected oil thieves and other criminals engaging in illegal activities along the waterways. He said lack of prosecution of the suspects was one of the operational challenges the force was facing in its fight against criminality in the nation’s maritime domain. He said the enforcement and prosecution of the suspects would serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions. He said the Navy has the challenges of inadequate platform, but

added the challenges were being addressed. His words: “To police our large maritime boundaries requires a lot of platforms in the right places. We need helicopters, operational patrol vehicles, human capacity and above all, technology that will provide us with a requisite surveillance. “Very soon we will begin to see a very high level of compliance by Nigerians, particularly, as it pertains to rules and regulations governing the maritime industry.‘’ The Naval chief said the Eastern Naval Command had been able to check illegal activities along the waterways within its area of operation.

“The ENC from the demographic that we have and the operational chart, would have been able to reduce to a very large extent the act of vandalism, particularly along the Calabar River and Akwa Ibom River. “This has given seafarers and commuters, who use the waterway more confidence,‘’ Ezeoba

said. He said the command had lived up to expectations by adding value, which had enhanced professional capability of the officers towards attainment of the strategic objectives of the force. He solicited the full cooperation of the public to enable the force to succeed.

Agents complain of ‘low business’

HE Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Idiroko border is unhappy with what it calls “low business”. Its Chairman, Mr Timothy Ayokunle Abel, said smuggling at the border was killing business. He said: “The border is virtually

operating at snail speed due to the porosity of the area. Furthermore, most of the revenue yielding cargoes and imported vehicles are being divided to bush part through the aid of security agencies. This has an unsalutary effect on revenue generation from the command.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Deadly gamble

Oil crisis (2)

•Wasting opportunities in local refining epitomise the NNPC as waste. Local refining is where the corporation can add value

ISIT the “Refineries and Petrochemicals” portal, on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) website, and be amazed at the glad tidings on local refining: “The downstream industry in Nigeria is well established,” declares the portal’s opening sentence. “NNPC has four refineries, two in Port Harcourt (PHRC) and one each in Kaduna (KRPC) and Warri (WRPC). The refineries have a combined capacity of 445, 000 bpd (445kbpd). A comprehensive network of pipelines and depots strategically located throughout Nigeria links these refineries.” To be sure, the facts are mechanically correct. NNPC does have four refineries. The installed capacity of 445kbpd too is correct. Also, the comprehensive network of pipelines are there - in any case, those not yet blasted by sabotage or ruptured by old age. But the interpretation of these facts is willfully wrong, bordering on deliberate deceit. The claim that “the downstream industry in Nigeria is well established” is clear fiction - except “downstream” is narrowly defined without local refining (or “midstream”) activities, which would be fraudulent. With “well established downstream”, there would be no question of Nigeria, though a crude-exporting country, importing white fuel from even noncrude producing country. It is in the non-domestication of refining, with its tantalising spin-offs in petrochemicals, plastics and allied industries that NNPC stays legitimately indicted as a grand failure and bastion of waste. Indeed, 52 years after the country’s first refinery, that NNPC has failed to establish the Nigerian petroleum midstream is its

chief failure - aside from operational and accounting opacity - for NNPC’s core vision at creation was to add value to Nigeria’s crude. That remains a dream. Still, NNPC’s Greenfield Refineries projects, which it has bandied since 2005, are proof the corporation has given serious thought to this core but evasive business. By that project, NNPC proposes at least three additional refineries: in Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi states. The three were projected to add 400-550 kbpd in refined products, to the installed capacity of 445 kbpd, from the comatose local refineries. According to information on the NNPC website, Nigeria spends between US $12 billion and US $15 billion yearly to import refined products to meet the country’s daily consumption of petrol (35 million litres) and kerosene (10 million litres), among others, and the new refineries were meant to address this shortfall in imported fuel. With a consumption growth rate of three to five per cent, by 2016, Nigeria’s imported refined products need would hit 500-560 kbpd, thus the need for the three new refineries. Since 18 refinery licences granted private investors since 2002 have virtually amounted to naught, NNPC (holding minority shareholding) proposes to go into partnership with local and foreign investors, to promote investment in Nigeria’s oil midstream. The Greenfield Refineries projects were also conceived to turn Nigeria into the refining hub in West and Central Africa, from Mauritania in the North to Angola in the South. A grand dream, no doubt. But between conceptualisation and implementation, little seems to be happening, aside from the Dangote refinery now in the works -

and 2016 is only three short years away! NNPC’s public perception as a black hole and the thick whiff of corruption that accompanies its image are heavy dampeners that these projects would leave the drawing board in a hurry. Then there is the choking government influence which, ab initio, drives most of the corruption. That explains the scandal of the heinous opacity in NNPC’s operations and accounting, and the widespread angst suggests NNPC is uncontrollable; and could do virtually anything with the public money at its disposal. With this debilitating perception grounded on hard reality, the omens are not so good for NNPC delivering a vibrant local petroleum midstream. Yet, not delivering on refineries and adding value by exporting refined products and generating thousands of jobs along the way, is tantamount to NNPC pronouncing its own irrelevance.

‘With this debilitating perception grounded on hard reality, the omens are not so good for NNPC delivering a vibrant local petroleum midstream. Yet, not delivering on refineries and adding value by exporting refined products and generating thousands of jobs along the way, is tantamount to NNPC pronouncing its own irrelevance’

Needless guarantee

•N50bn public funds to the GENCOs won’t let them put in their best

HE Federal Government, through the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) Plc signed a N50billion needless escrow guarantee account agreement on power with three Nigerian banks. The banks: United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Bank Plc and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc are to act as custodians of the funds and to ensure adherence to due process in the bid to access it by owners of the electricity Generation Companies (GENCOs). The generating companies are successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The money, to be administered by NBET was part of proceeds from the pri-

‘This should not mean a denial of the fact that power generation requires a lot of financial investment. Dikki’s costing puts the average cost of installing a megawatt at about $1.3 million which we consider to be quite huge. But didn’t the GENCOs conduct due diligence before purchasing that part of PHCN? If they did, then the duty of providing guarantee should not be that of the selling government’

vatisation of the defunct PHCN and is expected to insure the generating companies against revenue loss in their effort to boost electricity generation. According to Benjamin Dikki, Director-General, BPE, the Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) expected from the World Bank could not be secured in the prevailing circumstance. Obviously, the Federal Government has shown understandable anxiety over the need to improve electricity generation in the country. This is because of the importance of stable power if the economy must truly develop. However, the way to go should have been for it to use whatever money at its disposal to develop infrastructure in the sector rather than acting as insurer to the GENCOs. The N50billion Naira would go a long way in helping to boost desired infrastructure in the power sector. This should not mean a denial of the fact that power generation requires a lot of financial investment. Dikki’s costing puts the average cost of installing a megawatt at about $1.3 million which we consider to be quite huge. But didn’t the GENCOs conduct due diligence before purchasing that part of PHCN? If they did, then the duty of providing guarantee should not be that of the selling government. And if they did not, the GENCOs are presumed to have voluntarily taken over the risks under the legal principle of volunti non fit injuria (voluntary assumption of risk) which should not be the fault of the government. It is this fear of loss

that would make them put in their best to ensure the success of their business ventures in the power sector. The best the government ought to do is to provide the enabling environment through tax incentives and duty waivers on necessary machineries, among others, that could boost the generating capacities of the GENCOs, over a specific period of time. This policy negates the best tradition and spirit of free enterprise, and such guarantee will not instill discipline in the GENCO ranks. Going by the country’s awry antecedents in the handling/management of such funds, the sad result of this huge fund can easily be predicted. Despite government’s assurances that the money is not a gift, we have little or no confidence in a policy initiative whereby the government stands as surety for the GENCOs. The official fears that whatever is generated might not be bought by the public is unfounded as there is already in existence a huge market for whatever power may be generated by the GENCOs. This booty comes across as another illconceived policy grandstanding and misplaced priority by the government. Again, on this issue of power, the government should not be seen to be approbating and reprobating at the same time if truly it understands the whole essence of privatisation. We ask: What is the purpose of transiting the power sector from public to private enterprise when the government knows that our money would still be deployed to guarantee these investors?

ILLIONS of lives have been wrecked by the civil war that destroyed the Somali state, and many more by the policy of indefinite conscription that now brutalises Eritrea. A harrowing feature of such conflicts is that few of those desperate to flee are able to find refuge in neighbouring countries. Even those who consider this tragedy unavoidable must surely recoil at the way in which EU governments allocate asylum to victims of turmoil on the other side of the Mediterranean. Escapees from war zones generally benefit from protection under international law once they arrive in Europe. But reaching European shores can entail an arduous journey in the hands of criminal gangs. Border patrols try to deter refugees from joining these caravans of despair by forcing them to take difficult and dangerous routes. In the past two decades, as many as 25,000 migrants have died attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean. Yet it is a passage chanced every year by thousands who are without hope. European officials have long ignored the refugees’ plight. But the sinking in October of a migrant boat carrying 500 people from Africa to Europe has concentrated minds. Brussels is now considering allowing people in conflict zones to claim refugee status before reaching Europe, allowing successful applicants to travel safely by official means. This well-intentioned policy would not change the fact that there are more victims of international conflict than bystanders are willing to help. Nor would it replace the high-stakes endurance test that the EU currently operates at its borders with a less callous way of rationing asylum awards. People denied help in their war-torn home countries would flock to Europe’s gates just as before. Stepping up border patrols, as Brussels also proposes, would make it harder for refugees to reach Europe. This policy, while less obviously humanitarian, is more likely to prevent deaths. Indeed, given EU governments’ international obligations, it is the only way of deterring people from embarking on a voyage that may claim their lives. Democracies have a noble tradition of sheltering exiles who would otherwise be at risk of persecution because of their beliefs. However, none has proved willing to offer such protection to the population of an entire country. European policy should recognise this. There are other ways for the EU to prove that it is a force for good. – Financial Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

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THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

When Nelson Mandela died on December 5, at the age of 95, diverse encomiums were poured on him. Comment/lamentation by the first Black President of USA, Barak Obama: “he left legacy of freedom and peace; a profoundly good person; sacrificed his own freedom for the freedom of others; reconciled himself with those who jailed him”- for 27 years. My question to the current President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma is: What happens to Mandela’s legacies, with particular reference to reconciliation, equity, and freedom in South Africa? I found it distasteful when Zuma said of Pa Mandela’s demise: “South Africa lost its greatest son”. At 95, whose son was Mandela for God’s sake? And then, “Our people have lost a father” – must he exclude himself because he is President? He calls him “The first President of a free South Africa.” Yes, but much more than that. As someone said, Mandela was and he is still the father of a democratic South Africa. Yes, if only because he was the acknowledged leader of all those who were imprisoned for South Africa’s sake. Pa Mandela shares the honour with those with whom he was imprisoned, and with P.W. de Klerk, who was used by God to facilitate end of apartheid. David Cameron of England de-

scribed Mandela as a “unifier”. With what adjective will people describe Zuma as South Africa’s PresiSEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF dent? I was impressed by another NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. commentator who said on BBC International that Mandela could have E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net made himself a life President, but handed-over after five years, saying it was time to retire. People are apprehensive what becomes of South Africa after the magnanimous Mandela. He must have been scribed Pa Mandela as “the hero of ages.” Ancestrally speaking, that is otherwise. The ancestors are spirplaying a stabilization role! our time”; is he not? As a dignified not correct. All the encomiums that itual beings; like Martin Luther Pa Mandela was a “unifier”; a stanonagenarian, Mandela was a liv- people are pouring on the faithful King, Jr., Mandela is alive. bilizer. Nigerian rulers, what are departed indicate that he joins Afing African ancestor. The last White President of South you? Indiscipline is making you The only reservation I have on rican ancestors, and together with Africa, who handed-over to shun rotational presidency. You are Obama’s comment, and he is much God, they will continue to watch Mandela in 1994 as President, destabilizers! more pardonable than Zuma, is and judge what we do with their Frederik Willem de Klerk, said • Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D, what he added that Mandela “no legacies, with particular reference something challenging to President University of Ilorin. longer belongs to us but to the to being our brothers’ keepers or Zuma in my understanding. He de-

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

Zuma, whither South Africa?

Weep for Africa, not Mandela

IR: Last week’s death of one of Africa’s greatest legend, the man who led the struggle against and eventual elimination of South African white domination in government, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, is painful and, indeed a great loss to the family, the people of South Africa, Africa and all men of truth, who stand on the side of justice. As it is customary among Africa leaders, they have once again cashed in on the passing of Madiba

to make very well crafted statements identifying themselves with the painful exit. No doubt, Madiba was leader’s leader, an icon, a teacher, but how many African leaders learnt anything from the man’s school of thought. Madiba was a selfless leader, who preferring to die for his people if need be, slept in prison for 27 years. He did not amass wealth but laid good example by choosing to do one term when he was favoured to do two terms or could even attempt

to stay put. African leaders should rather make amends of their leadership and governance style. When the nations in Africa have Mandelas in authority, certainly, Africa will become a great, proud, developed and united continent. It is because we do not have people like Madiba that Africa is host to poverty, illiteracy, disease, underdevelopment, corruption and mismanagement. In the abundance of natural

Okotie destroying Christian unity

IR: I read my must-read, Hardball of Thursday December 5, and found Rev Okotie’s outbursts on Catholics interesting. The hardball reported that during his - I would not like to call it preaching of last Sunday, he said Catholics will go to hell, that the Catholic Church is a counterfeit church set up by satan, that Catholics bow to idols and crucify Jesus every Sunday when they eat bread claiming they are eating Jesus’ body. It is amazing that the so-called pastor, who even read law has no sense of history and he has to be educated. Catholicism is the pri-

mary christian religious denomination founded by Jesus himself. Before his death he instituted the celebration of what is called the ‘Eucharist’. Chris should read the last supper account and appreciate the Eucharist that perpetuates Christ’s mysterious presence with us when it is celebrated. He can read the Lucan version of the last supper account found in Luke 22:7-20. The Catholic Church at a certain time, been a human as well as a divine institution, erred along the line and that has brought about Protestantism. Fortunately, many

of the orthodox christian denominations are doing all they can to foster christian unity. But it seems some cultist groups that have been using the word ‘church’ wrongly in reference to their church, to conceal their intention of destroying Christendom, are bent on posing a hurdle to this unity. The utterances of the so called man of God, Chris, may be a pointer to this direction. In many countries around the globe, the issue of denomination does not surface among religious people. As God is love, Christians of all denominations try to foster that spirit of love to address the

problems of the world. It is said that when people are throwing stones at a particular orange tree in an orange orchard, it is sweet. The sweetness of Catholicism makes counterfeit Christians to throw stones at it. However, even at the time that Catholics were persecuted and killed, Catholicism continued to grow and it is still growing from strength to strength. He may rather be digging a grave for his gathering mistakenly called church. • Rev. Fr. Kuha INDYER, CSSp Sankera, Benue State.

wealth, African leaders have failed and continue to fail in advancing their countries and its peoples. They should stop this hypocrisy and have a rethink, a change of heart, emulate that which made Mandela tick. A man died and the world stood still? Because of his good deeds, selfless service, considering his people and country far and above his self desires, building a country for all irrespective of colour, tongue. The death of this great African son reminds one of a former late Captain Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso, who lived for his people until he was assassinated by his comrade. African leaders must begin to build Africa, for there is no other great respect that is due Mandela than to build Africa, to transform it to a first world. We can build Africa by developing our health facilities to discourage the practice of flying officials abroad for medical attention; our educational sector to produce well tested graduates and our economy by looking inwards because we have the human and natural resources here. African leaders should please save us the eulogy and go to work. • Uzodinma Nwaogbe Lagos, Nigeria.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

COMMENTS

which bigotry Chinua Achebe, ONG Walk to Freedom, that is the in his famous 1977 essay, “An title of Nelson Mandela’s definiImage of Africa: Racism in tive autobiography that captures Conrad’s Heart of Darkness,” took his life odyssey: a classic of exceptional apart. suffering that cleared the Mandela esThough racism predated sence of any dross of bitterness; and left Conrad’s 1899 work, Heart of only the purity of exceptional grace and Darkness would come as noxmagnanimity. ious understanding, if not outWas Mandela human or divine? Were right justification of the evil, it to be the medieval ages in Europe, this Olakunle with the matter-of-fact rendiquestion would have earned the asker a lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola tion style of a not altogether charge of apostasy, and probably a oneunsympathetic narrative way ticket to damnation. voice. Indeed, were Mandela to be native of But even with all of these, the Yoruba nation in Nigeria, instead of Mandela’s sheer humanity and his Thembu nation in South Africa, his political sagacity came across deification would only be a matter of with two principal statements, among others. He declared, in But only a few are willing and ready to pay the price. time. his post-Robben Island prison years, that never in South AfThe Mandela-Obasanjo parallel is a classic study in greatness He would therefore be in the class of Ogun, Oya and Sango rica would one race oppress the other. He also declared that and non-greatness. phenomenal humans deified after their death for their great what he fought for was not majority, but democratic rule. The one went to jail for 27 years, under apartheid, perhaps deeds, as distinct from Olodumare, the Yoruba Supreme BeThe race-neuter quality of the first statement was not lost on the most evil political system ever imposed on any people, yet ing, Obatala, god of creation and Orunmila, god of divinity: many, for it insisted on equity and mutual respect for all races, as president, after helping to kill that system with rare grace, godheads, according to Yoruba cosmogony, that existed with in South Africa’s rainbow coalition, which Mandela would he felt he owed his nation! Olodumare from the beginning; and Olokun, Osun, Olumo inspire from 1990, after apartheid as state policy since 1948. The other went to jail, for a few years, despatched by the rock, Idanre hills etc, awesome natural phenomena that proThe equity and justice of the second statement is even more same post-12 June 1993 presidential election political contrapvide their communities with spring of life and security. telling. Majority rule would have consigned South Africa to tion of convenience he helped to erect, but as president after, Indeed, such is the infectious beauty of greatness that, at reverse apartheid: perpetual Black rule, which nevertheless felt his country owed him! Mandela’s passage on December 5, the Nigerian ruling elite would not be undemocratic, for democracy, in its most cynical The one endured the harshest of cruelties to, with near-dihave joined, with their empty rhetoric, the band wagon to form, is a game of numbers. vine grace, forgive and forget. The other never lets pass a share in the matter of the moment. Still, Mandela’s stress on democratic rule, as against majorslight, with his graceless vindictiveness. Doyin Okupe, the peculiar master of Okupe-istic cant, has ity rule, is a muted promise that one day, even a white South As for Okupe and his laughable canonisation, it is the same swiftly canonised his boss, President Goodluck Jonathan as African, hopeless minority though he might be, could rule the story of court zealots leading their principals down the road of “Nigeria’s Mandela”! Even for the un-rigorous Jonathan presirainbow nation, so long as he gets the go-ahead of the Black perdition. In the Nigerian power cosmos, so was it at the dency, that claim sounded particularly comical. majority. beginning, so is it now and so it ever shall be, except of course And their Baba, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, No wonder then that while other African leaders would virsome drastic change happens. If Nigerian leaders cannot pay weighed in with stunning self-indictment. He had gone to tually invest anything to get photo-ops with American, Eurothe price for greatness, how can they lead their country to Mandela, he read out a statement with graveness and piety pean and other global leaders, it was the other way with greatness? peculiarly Obasanjo’s, and urged him to go for second term. Mandela, as who was who in the world happily scrambled to Nelson Mandela never bothered about the trappings or gravy But Mandela had told him “Olu” [pronounced with distinctly land a photo-op with him. of power, the Genesis to Revelation for our leaders here. All un-Yoruba accent], “have you ever seen a nation where an 80The African, hitherto a savage in the bigoted White eyes, he went for were fundaments of common humanity: irrespecyear ran the show?” - or something to that effect. Yet, Obasanjo had in Mandela turned a global icon, without whose aura none tive of race, creed or colour. And that he did it as the most did two terms and was plotting an illegal third, before politiof these world figures was complete! An armada of these globally acclaimed victim of a hideous system that dignified cal realities stripped him of the costly illusion! Of course, he leaders would also be at his funeral on December 15. or criminalised strictly on the basis of one’s colour, without denied the third term gambit. But he should tell that to Nasir Nigerian leaders that fatally distract themselves with the betraying any bitterness, was the stuff of which legends are El-Rufai, the no-nonsense, all-conquering hero of The Accidendross of office, instead of seeking greatness, have the Mandela made. tal Public Servant! story to seek redemption and change their ruinous ways. But Mandela was such a force for universal good in the 20th Okupe’s roguish canonisation of his boss and Obasanjo’s perhaps they are beyond redemption? century and beyond simply because he shattered the ingrained holy self-indictment just prove one point: greatness is sweet. In that case, Nigerians must seize the moment and stop sufWestern racial bigotry of the Joseph Conrad school: Africans fering fools gladly, by ending the relay of selfish, arrogant were savages and Europeans were the guiding angels divined “Madiba’s was a glorious life walk to leg- to bring — by cruel force, if necessary — Africans and other and incompetent leaders. Meanwhile, Madiba’s was a glorious life walk to legend — end, the way common South Africans trooped Black peoples of the world out of their savagery. and you could feel that the way common South Africans Though the Afrikaner overlords of Apartheid South Africa to his Johannesburg home to celebrate his would later develop Afrikaner Calvinism, a rogue theological trooped to Mandela’s Johannesburg home, at the announcelife. How many Nigerian leaders would en- ideology on the pedestal of the Dutch Reformed Church to ment of his passage, to celebrate his life. How many Nigerian leaders would enjoy such privilege after their passage? justify their evil, anti-Black racial discrimination would apjoy such privilege after their passage?” Adieu Madiba. When comes another? pear to stem from sentiments from Conrad’s Heart of Darkness,

epublican ipples

Mandela: Life walk to legend

AD last week’s go-back-to-work-or-face-a-sack order handed to the striking university teachers by the federal government not grated sufficient nerves to the point of rage, we should ordinarily be savouring the prospects of an engaging conversation on the future of our ivory towers in the global academe, and the crisis of our education in general. For not only has the latest but most unfortunate tango that has left public universities in utter paralysis for five months running rendered the conversation urgent, it is now such that the nation can only postpone the exercise at its peril. Now, there are those who believe that our nightmare is about ending – barring of course the threat by the unimaginative federal government to dislodge ‘recalcitrant’ teachers should they fail to report at their duty posts at the expiration of yesterday’s ultimatum. They have a good reason to be: with N200 billion in the kitty and the promise of naira rain totalling N1.2 trillion in the coming years; soon it would be time to savour the peace purchased with tears and a precious blood – that is, assuming that the remaining elements in the 2009 sticky agreement, especially the clause mandating another round of negotiation few months from now in 2014, sails without rancour. No doubt, the N200 billion intervention fund – slated to be shared among the three score plus four universities – federal and states – may seem a lot of money at this time. More like throwing water to a parched soul, it is a lifeline, sort of. However, the fund, when spread among the 701 projects dotting our universities’ landscapes as identified by the Committee on NEEDS Assessment of Nigerian Public Universities, which found 163 of them abandoned and another 538 on-going, it comes to pretty little – a drop in the ocean of the universities’ needs. By the way, the universities running costs are an entirely different matter; they are just as inadequate to cope with the demands of modern centres of higher education. It takes only a visit to our supposed citadels of higher education to appreciate the depth of the decay ranging from inadequate classrooms, ill-equipped libraries and laboratories to basic conveniences like lavatories and rest-rooms. The situation, to put it mildly, is unimaginable. The fundamental question remains – what happens after the N1.2 trillion is fully disbursed? Would that also call for another round of strike to press the same point about revitalising the institutions? And by the way, where is the guarantee that the current truce would last particularly as a lot depends on what happens in the coming months? Moreover, to the extent that the same elements of bad faith – which was not in short supply these past years – would

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Averting the fire next time remain a constant factor in the 2014 negotiations and beyond, the road ahead promises to be just as bumpy. The ultimate challenge, in the situation, is to find a lasting solution to the crisis to avert the fire next time. To be sure, the crisis of funding in our universities mirrors the larger crisis of our public finance system, the corruption and the rot, not excluding the warped definition of what constitutes national priorities for a nation that aspires to join the league of the top 20 economies in less than seven years from now. That is why the big question really is what to do – in the environment of competing demands on public funds not just in the context of the abysmal state of infrastructure, but also in the context of the grim reality of declining per capita spend on recipients of tertiary education in the last few years. Put simply: it is how to bridge the observed financing gaps in tertiary education. Now, if you are, like me, persuaded that the nation does not have an inexhaustible vault from where it could always draw upon, you may also agree that it’s time the beneficiaries are called upon to do their bit for the overall good of the system. Coincidentally, as Professor Niyi Akinnaso would have us know in his column in The Punch last year, Nigeria is not alone in this. Drawing his example from his base in the United States where he teaches, he noted that government appropriations, having dropped from over 50 per cent of university budgets in the 1980s to between 12 and 20 per cent in the 2000s has led to the hiking of tuition fees from some five per cent or less to between 25 and 35 per cent of university operational budgets.

In our environment, such a proposition is certainly not popular to push. The truth however is that the illusion that tertiary education could be had for free can no longer be sustained any more now than the loathing of the idea of pricing that level of education like any other economic good. The challenge, to start with, is how to overcome the confounding reluctance by the universities themselves to determine the per capita cost of academic programmes as a necessary step to addressing the problem of funding in a realistic way. I had cause to address the issue on this page when the staff and students of Lagos State University took to the barricades shortly after the institution hiked tuition in that institution. Imagine a situation in which it costs N600,000 to produce a well-rounded doctor and the government is only able to put, say N300,000 on the table. Let’s also say, for the purpose of argument, that the student is made to pay additional N100,000 in tuition and associated fees. Of course, even if we take out the factors of corruption and leakages in the system, only in our typically creative imagination can we conceive of a situation in which N400,000 input would deliver the result of N600,000 input! Has anyone considered the output in terms of the cadaver that our medical trainee would never get to ‘see’ outside of the theoretical anatomy class throughout the entire five-year duration of the course? Here is my simple proposition: let begin with determining the cost of each academic programme. In addition to capital grants, let the government state how much, per capita, it is willing to put in. It is the educated thing to do. That way, everyone knows the gap to be filled. In the long run, the challenge is how to ensure that bright, indigent students are not denied university education. By the way, I have heard the suggestion about transforming the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETF) into an education bank to avail everyone that desires higher education loans. If you ask me, I would not consider it a bad idea. Why should we baulk at the idea only because the Students Loans Board of old failed? And what is so sacrosanct about the TETF bureaucracy?

‘The illusion that tertiary education could be had for free can no longer be sustained any more now than the loathing of the idea of pricing that level of education like any other economic good

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

COMMENTS

HERE were you on February 11, 1990? I mean where were you the day the world’s best known political prisoner and anti-apartheid activist Dr Nelson Mandela was released from prison by the then racist regime in South Africa? It was a wet day in Lagos, one of those weekend days I think, and I was at a hotel lobby that mid morning with other reporters on assignment when the news break came: Nelson Madela, leader of banned African National Congress (ANC) has been released from prison on the orders of South African president Frederick Willem de Klerk. The government also unbanned the ANC setting the stage for the total dismantling of white supremacist rule in South Africa for majority rule four years later. Struggle against apartheid for which Mandela dedicated 67 of his 95 years on earth, 27 of which were spent in jail was about to end and South Africa, finally about to be free. The news wasn’t totally unexpected; it had been in the air for some time that the white only regime in South Africa was thinking of abolishing apartheid and allowing the black majority to participate fully in the affairs of their country. But even after the announcement, it still sounded unbelievable. So Mandela would be released and we’ll see him flesh and blood? I remember the then African Concord magazine was running a cartoon competition asking readers to draw a sketch of how Mandela was likely to look like after 27 years in prison. Such was the expectation and frenzy in the media in Nigeria as elsewhere around the world that we all feasted on the news of his release. And when Tata Madiba as he was fondly called passed on, December 5 2013 at his home in Johannesburg, the whole world rose in unison to mourn and celebrate a rare human being with a soft heart even for his enemies. As Mandela begins his final journey home today recalling all the achievements and the good works he’s left behind would be enormous, but watching the internecine war going on in the Central African Republic reminds one of one of Mandela’s greatest contributions to African unity; restoring place and unity to the warring Burundi. If he could look back Madiba would feel bad that the Central African Republic and indeed the whole of that region in Africa, including the Great Lakes Region, which also includes

XACTLY eight years ago today, 61 students of the Loyola Jesuit College (LJC) were headed home for the Christmas holidays when the Sosoliso aircraft conveying them crashed in Port Harcourt. These students, who had left their school and friends less than two hours earlier, were barely minutes away from re-uniting with their families when the tragedy struck. The crash claimed all the lives on board, except two (one LJC student and another passenger). It was an overwhelming catastrophe that cast a shadow in the lives of everyone involved and the nation as a whole. The scope of that tragedy and the sharp poignancy of its hurt are sufficient triggers to provoke a crisis of faith in those less toughened by the imperatives of love and deep belief in the omniscience of God. But even when we cannot understand why those 60 children were taken away from us, we have taken solace in God’s words in the Bible that His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. Today, eight years may have passed and the scars are gradually healing but we will never forget our children who left us in the most heart-breaking manner. Yet while they live forever in our hearts, we want their memories to enrich the lives of others as we demonstrate that abiding bond between parents and children that is aptly captured in the motto of the LJC PTA: “For the sake of our precious jewels”! However deep our pain as parents, the tragedy of December 10, 2005 was not only for the PTA but also for the Loyola Jesuit College. Having 60 promising lives, 10 percent of its entire student population, cut short in one fell swoop, was too much for any school to bear. Yet out of that tragedy, a new Jesuit Memorial College has emerged, on the

Tata Madiba: 1918-2013 Burundi, are in turmoil again. Since President Francois Bozize was ousted in March by a rebel alliance-Seleka, led by Michel Djotodia, CAR has known no peace as rival ethnic militias fight for control of this landlocked country of just 4.6 million people. With about 3,500 child soldiers in their rank, the rebels have been particularly ferocious in the last few days killing no fewer than 394 people just as the war has taken a sectarian dimension. The pro Djotodia group, mainly drawn from among Muslims now pitted against a mainly Christian militia have virtually divided capital Bangui into two sections, reminiscent of the sectarian divide that tore Lebanon apart in the past and still threatening the unity of the Arab country. There are 2,500 African Peacekeepers in CAR backed by 1,600 French soldiers all trying to restore peace to the country. And according to the United Nations, no fewer than 9,000 Peacekeepers would be required to bring the chaos in CAR which has led to about 10 per cent of the population already displaced under control. Now what are African leaders doing in this respect and what efforts are they making to prevent all these avoidable conflicts and blood lettings in the continent? In particular, what would Mandela have recommended if he were to be alive and able to intervene in the CAR internecine war? While we may never know this, Mandela, wherever he is today would most likely applaud the decision to set up a permanent Stand-By Peacekeeping Force for Africa to intervene and restore peace to troubled countries in the continent and most importantly nip in the bud any simmering crisis likely to

blow into armed conflict. At a Paris summit on Peace and Security in Africa last week, the decision to put in place a wholly African Peace Keeping Force not later than 2015, marked a shift from the reluctance of African leaders in the past to intervene in the internal affairs of another (African) country, even when and where such happenings are likely to have serious consequences for neighbouring countries or an entire region. The principle of non-interference which was included in the charter of the defunct Organisation of African Unity (OAU) by its founding fathers was largely seen by critics as a way of protecting and keeping unpopular regimes in power across the continent. The experience of the Liberian civil war that nearly destabilised the whole of the West African sub region in the 1990s was to change the position of most African leaders away from protecting tyrants to acting in the best interest of the people of the country in question. Were it not for Nigeria and a few ECOWAS member states that braved the challenge and constituted a wholly West African peace keeping force known by its acronym ECOMOG, Charles Taylor and his band of rebels would have plunged an entire sub region of over 200 million nationals of 15 different countries into turmoil. I think the African Union, the African Old Boys club that replaced the OAU must have learnt a lot from the Liberian experience, enough for it to back this new initiative of a permanent African Peace Keeping Force. According to Nigeria’s president Dr Goodluck Jonathan who was part of the Paris

Sosoliso crash and memory of LJC-60 By Ochuko Momoh same ground that our children perished in Port Harcourt. Also, there is now an annual memorial drama by students of LJC Abuja in honour and memory of their departed senior colleagues. At a moment like this, we cannot but draw strength from the courage and resilience of Kechi Okwuchi, the only Loyola Jesuit College survivor of that tragic incident, who continues to remind us of the obligations that the living still owe the dead. Kechi experienced the tragedy and lives it every day but she has refused to allow it to define her and the future that is still within her reach. However, as we mark the eighth anniversary of this tragedy today, our unceasing prayers go out to the parents and guardians of our departed 60 children as well as the Port Harcourt branch of the LJC Parents Teachers Association, the management and staff of Loyola Jesuit College, and indeed all Nigerians. For reasons beyond our knowledge, those beautiful children came to us; and for reasons also beyond our comprehension, they left us. And today in their memory, we have decided to express gratitude instead of grief at the privilege of experiencing their warm companionship. However fleeting their friendship and love, gratitude is a preferable healing force and the path of positive faith. Certainly, those young spirits would wish

‘Taking to heart the core of this rather radical perspective will surely provoke a shift in the understanding and a new appreciation of this journey of life. What’s more; it may force us to deepen and reassess our relationships with others. It will definitely help us to appreciate, perhaps like no other perspectives will, that we are building a monument to 60 LJC spirits that will never die’

this path for us because to live forever in the hearts of those who bore and nurtured them is really not to die. It is from this backdrop of love that the Abuja branch of the Loyola Jesuit College PTA has decided to take a practical step of faith and build other monuments in memory of our departed students. These monuments are to externalize the depth of our timeless ties to these 60 innocent souls. Our purpose is to erect structures that will be an enduring legacy and simultaneously serve a practical purpose for the host school in loving memory of the LJC-60. For us, a day like this also offers opportunity to reflect on some of the challenges of our country, especially with regards to the education of our children. We believe that the PTA, alumni associations and other public-spirited institutions should get involved by coming together to provide solutions to some common problems in our schools. That is the spirit which defines communities that care. December 10, 2015 will mark the 10th anniversary of the Sosoliso crash and the Abuja branch of the LJC PTA has chosen to commemorate the lives of our 60 children with a worthy project, the ”Loyola Jesuit 60 Angels Memorial Buildings” - a staff residence of 60 units of two bedroom flats comprising five blocks with 12 flats each – to be dedicated on the anniversary itself as a lasting legacy in the school for years to come. The architectural concept of the proposed monument will be deliberately designed to speak to the minds and hearts of the stakeholders who lost their loved ones and also be at once a reminder and warning to our society to hold fast to enduring values. We have marked out January 30 next year as the day for the ceremony and cheque presentation. We hope President Goodluck Jonathan who is our special guest of honour will join us on that day as we take a practical

summit, the proposed force “can mobilize quickly whenever we have challenges and there is the need to deploy them…when you have this stand-by force, they now have an operational order covering the whole of Africa. Anywhere there is conflict, it will not require UN resolution, but a host country’s invitation and an endorsement by AU.” This is laudable if it can be carried through and the support of France in particular is also commendable. The French rightly or wrongly have been accused of backing these tyrannical and often despotic regimes in Africa in the past for selfish reasons. French troops stationed in most French speaking African countries have been used in the past by Paris to put down any popular revolt against these unpopular regimes. But the economic and political burden of carrying these countries on her back now appears to be too much for France, hence the resort to backing a permanent African High Command to take care of conflicts on the continent. . But good as this stand-by force idea is, having to rely on invitation by the host (troubled) country before peace keepers can be sent in to intervene could leave the force impotent as these leaders would naturally not support such intervention and never issue an invitation for such even if their countries are bleeding. Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe and Laurent Gbagbo’s Cote d’Ivoire are good examples here. So African leaders must find a way of going above such despotic leaders if the need ever arose to send in peacekeepers and restore peace in such countries. This will make Nelson Mandela happy in his grave satified that Africa is finally taking her destiny in her hands. Good night Tata Madiba. We will never forget you.

‘African leaders must find a way of going above such despotic leaders if the need ever arose to send in peacekeepers and restore peace in such countries. This will make Nelson Mandela happy in his grave satistifed that Africa is finally taking her destiny in her hands’ step in the bid to redefine the role of parents in the schools their children attend. We are also grateful that the Bishop of Sokoto, His Lordship Matthew Hassan Kukah has graciously accepted our invitation as the guest speaker to engage the interconnection between education and aviation, two critical sectors that are seriously challenged in our country today. However, to achieve our objective for immortalizing our departed 60 students, the LJCPTA has set out to raise N500 million by taxing and tasking ourselves and seeking the support of public-spirited individuals and credible institutions. Interested corporate bodies may alternatively opt to undertake erecting a building worth N100 million that would be credited to them. We know we have set for ourselves a big task but it is a deliberate attempt to awaken that spirit of generosity and sense of community that define our people for the sake of our precious jewels. At this existential level on a day such as this, the least we can do is to create a symbol, a structure, a totem that honours our fallen students. For sure, this cannot, and will not annul the hurt we still feel. Nor will it bring back the dead. But this gesture will signify faith in the past and future. Most importantly, it will serve as a healing gesture for our grieving colleagues who lost their children in such a tragic manner. We therefore appeal to moral and political leaders, educationists and believers in the power of the future to donate generously to this project. After all, as the French philosopher and Jesuit priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, incidentally a member of the Society of Jesus, owners of the Loyola Jesuit College, once observed, “We are not just human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Taking to heart the core of this rather radical perspective will surely provoke a shift in the understanding and a new appreciation of this journey of life. What’s more; it may force us to deepen and reassess our relationships with others. It will definitely help us to appreciate, perhaps like no other perspectives will, that we are building a monument to 60 LJC spirits that will never die. • Mrs Momoh is chairperson of the LJC (Abuja branch) PTA

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

A 16-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

PAGE 25

Are Kano groundnut pyramids gone forever? O

NCE, the pyramids were a breathtaking sight in Kano. Apart from the sheer industry of the workers, there was art, if not science, in the groundnut heaps. The workmen laid down one bag after another and in time, they built such stunning structures towering in the sky, with the grandeur of the Egyptian pyramids. Such was their allure that they graced the national currency. Now, the Kano pyramids are spoken of only in the past tense. Is it the end of the memorable heaps? Or have Kano producers simply found better and modern ways of doing what their forebears used to do? Minister of Agriculture Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has told an international audience that Nigeria will regain its leading status in groundnut production. Did he have Kano groundnut producers or their memorable pyramids in mind? For decades, Kano was already a bustling commercial city before the advent of the colonial masters. Economic and commercial activities thrived with the natives engaging in various crafts ranging from weaving, dying, embroidery as well as

Jos: Once upon a model market

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

tanning. From the late 1950s came the boom of groundnut production in the ancient city. Businessmen like the late Alhaji Alhasan Dantata who had connections spanning the West African horizon, exploited the trans-Sahara trade routes to push their wares to the Gold Coast (now Ghana), Niger Republic, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya and even beyond the shores of Africa, up to Saudi Arabia. There was also a heavy presence of foreign businessmen who visited the ancient city every quarter of the year or so for the purchase of such wares as locally made textiles, hides, groundnut and other agricultural products. Then, Kano, unlike other cities in northern Nigeria, witnessed tremendous patronage from both local and international businessmen. As a result of this, most of the foreigners, particularly, the Lebanese who came to do business in the city, decided to buy land, build houses and settle down. This was so because of the striking similarities in Kano’s

•PAGE 26

culture with that of immigrants from the Middle East. The magnificent presence of the high pyramids has now given way to buildings while some commercial activities take place where the nuts once reigned supreme. But one might wonder what is it that we failed to do that killed the production of the one-time pride of the north. Curious minds have had unanswerable thoughts lingering in their minds. Could it be lack of patronage or poor policy on the part of the government? In the era of the groundnut pyramids after the discovery of oil, misfortune befell the groundnut farmers as a deadly disease destroyed their harvest which contributed in the disappearance of the pyramids. Worse, there was no government intervention. Recently, the Agriculture minister said an international gathering of agricultural researchers and policymakers in Patancheru, India that Nigeria would rebound as a leading groundnut producer in the world. According to the global food se•Continued on page 39

Ushafa Pottery Centre left to rot after Clinton •PAGE 30

This Bank of the North building stands where the pyramids used to be

Kilishi: A travellers’ delicacy •PAGE 32

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

Jos: Once upon a

•The market

‘

On completion, the market had shop accommodation for at least 3,500 traders. The open space at the base of the market was meant to accommodate at least 2000 shops. It was constructed with provision for banks, restaurants, police station, fire service station, post office, warehouses, car parks as well as office accommodation for market staff

‘

HE Jos Main Market was more than a trading centre. It was also a tourist attraction. Visitors to the state stopped by to take in its beauty, its extensive size, to say nothing of its architecture. Then one day, the beautiful structure was all but reduced to rubble. Blame it on a mysterious fire. The market was one of two major reasons why people visited Jos, the Plateau State capital. The other reason was the unique cool weather. The beautiful, ultra-modern Jos market was located at the city centre of Jos. The market and the weather combined to make Jos probably the most beautiful city in the country, if not in the West Africa. The exclusive cool weather of Plateau is no doubt a natural phenomenon, but the Jos ultramodern market was a very unique man-made beauty. When the market was constructed even up till 2011, one could not find its type in any state of the federation. The market had a unique design that made it the most attractive tourist site in the state. People travelled from all over the country to catch a glimpse of it. The tourism impact of the market was such that the federal government counted it as one of its topmost tourism destinations.

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

The famous market was constructed by the first military administrator of the state following its creation in 1975, Police Commissioner Joseph Deshi Gomwalk. And indigenous Plateau leader, J. D. Gomwalk thought of a project that will stand the test of time as well as stand the state out. He then came up with the idea of the market. He began constructing it with conviction and maximum attention. Due to the complexity and vastness of the market, its construction lasted more than 10 years. It went on throughout the four years Gomwalk served as the first governor of the state. He handed

the same market project to the first civilian governor of the state, Chief Solomon Lar in 1979. Considering the huge potentials of the market project, all the administrators who inherited the project cannot resist working for the realisation of the dream of the market. On completion, the market had shop accommodation for at least 3,500 traders. The open space at the base of the market was meant to accommodate at least 2000 shops. It was constructed with provision for banks, restaurants, police station, fire service station, post office, warehouses, car parks as well as office accommodation for market staff, among others. A huge amount of taxpayers’ funds and loans running into bil-

lions of naira went into the market project before its completion. But all of a sudden, this market that served as the pride of the nation went up in flames. It took the state fire service two days of intensive battle to put off the fire. When the fire was over, the market was no more, the most beautiful market in the country was gone. The market that took the state over 10 years to complete was turned to ashes by fire within 24 hours. The market lasted for only 17 years. The market got burnt in 2002 when the state was yet to recover its cost of construction. The state had not even paid back half of the loan it acquired from Mid-Land Bank when it got burnt. The cause of the fire di-

saster which occurred in February 2002 remains unknown till date. Nigerians who either know or have heard about the market mourn its destruction. Former governor of the state, Solomon Lar, who played a positive role in completing the market, wept like a baby when he went to see the extent of damage to the market. The disaster sent thousands of traders out of business; it threw thousands of staff out of work, reducing the state tourism to nearly nothing and brought the state economy to its knees. Indeed, no other disaster has affected the state like that of the market. The total loss recorded in the market fire disaster cannot be quantified. Some traders commit-

ted suicide following the huge loss they encountered. A commission of inquiry was set up by the then Joshua Dariye administration to ascertain the causes of the inferno. The report of the commission never saw the light of the day. Knowing how the market had given the state national and global prominence, it was expected that the state government will move quickly to reconstruct the market considering especially it’s huge economic potential to the state. The state government made promises of reconstructing the market through publicprivate partnership, but eleven years after the destruction of the market, such promises have not

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Why rice import

OLITICAL reasons, rapacious importers and low quality produce are some of the factors conspiring against federal government’s efforts to stop rice importation in Nigeria, Regional Representative and Coordinator, AfricaRice, Nigeria and Director, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), Dr Francis Nwilene and Ike Izogu have said. They spoke in Idofian, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, during the opening ceremony of an

‘international training on post harvest machines (rice thresher/cleaner) fabrication organised by AfricaRice, federal ministry of agriculture and rural development and NCAM. Said Dr Nwilene: “The essence of importation is that our rice cannot compete with what comes from outside, because the producers have the cleaners, integrated mills to make the rice very pure. Our rice is not very pure it is full of stones. That is why it is taken across our

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

a model market

•The market grounds turned to makeshift trading posts

‘

The cause of the fire disaster which occurred in February 2002 remains unknown till date. Nigerians who either know or have heard about the market mourn its destruction. Former governor of the state, Solomon Lar, who played a positive role in completing the market, wept like a baby when he went to see the extent of damage to the market

‘

been fulfilled by the state government. At the advent of the incumbent administration of Governor Jonah Jang in 2007, government made a proposal to demolish the remaining structures of the market, evacuate it and replace it with a shopping mall of modern and international standard. Jang is yet to offer any reason why he has not done anything on the proposed international shopping mall. But the government has offered reasons why the market will not be rebuilt at the same site. The governor is of the opinion that markets should be decentralised. Two, that such huge market complex at the city centre will cause congestions especially in Jos, the state

capital. For these two reasons, government has encouraged the construction of two satellite markets in Jos. One is located at Rukuba Road, the other at

Katako, both in Jos North Local Government Area of the state. The government also made deliberate efforts towards developing satellite markets in Bukuru, Farin Gada and

Dadinkowa. Notwithstanding, the construction of the two satellite markets and hope of government to decongest the city center seemed to have failed to yield ex-

rtation thrives, by experts in Kwara borders to sell. “That is why the minister of agriculture is promoting how we can bring the integrated mills into the country so that private individuals can buy. We have a success story in Nigeria like the Ebonyi rice in Abakaliki. If we have more of it in the country the issue of importation will become a thing of the past. “We are here as an international organization to provide the needed support for the agricultural transformation agenda of the federal government. We are out to

provide the breeder seeds, foundation seeds and certified seeds. “The essence is to put a stop to rice importation in Nigeria if everything is done well. That is why it is called rice value chain. We are trying to look at how we can make farming attractive to our farmers. Oftentimes, we have concentrated a lot on production forgetting post harvest which mechanization comes in as a key. “Our mandate is to develop rice varieties that will suite the different agro-ecological zones. As you are

aware that the agricultural transformation agenda of the federal government that rice is a key component of that value chain, as an international organization that has developed a lot of varieties, we are out to support that transformation agenda. “This, we are doing in three key areas, one to provide support staff to the federal government that will work on three main aspects. The second component of our support is seed support for the federal government and the third is mechanisation.” Izogu, an engineer added

that “because of political reasons and rice cartels Nigeria has continued to import rice as the cartels are bent on satisfying their Indian masters; thus frustrating attempts to stop rice importation. “Nigeria must be in a position to export rice to Europe and other countries. There should be a strong synergy across the region to produce food for our teeming population. I have always said that stones are introduced into rice during processing and the cost implication of removing stones is very enormous.”

pected results for government. Thousands of traders have refused to vacate the premises of the Jos main market. Only few of them moved to occupy the satellite markets. The demise of the Jos ultra modern market has only created another ultra-modern problem for the state government. A visit to the market site in Terminus Jos shows the clusters of shops erected by traders at the foot of ruined market. Other traders who do not erect any structure takes on the streets to display their wares for sale. So much so, that vehicles contests usage of the roads with trader’s wares. Rather than going to the satellite markets and trade under a roof, traders rather rejected the offer and preferred to trade around the burnt market using umbrella as roof. Any visitor to Terminus today will behold a sea of umbrella roofs used as markets by traders. The umbrella roof remains the most prominent features at Murtala Muhammed way, Ahmodu Bello way, Tafawa Balewa streets, old Bukuru Parks, etc. These features provided by traders have made Jos city centre look like a huge refugee camp. This scenario was made possible with buyers trooping to Terminus daily to purchase wares. Today, 70% of buying and selling takes place in Terminus within the vicinity of the

main market. In other words, the market that was a tourist delight in Jos is now a source of nightmare to government as activities around the ruined market site now constitute an ultra modern abuse of the state tourism potentials. The skeleton of the ruined market stands tall and it’s stores serves as bunks that provide accommodation for all manners of criminals in the city. Now even amorous activities take place at night in the night. The edifice is also a den for rapists. Several teenage girls have been lured there and attacked. It is also a hide-out for armed robbers who converged there to plan and attack innocent citizens. Parts of the market have been converted to refuse dumps, some other parts used as public toilet by traders. The ruin of the market site is now a huge embarrassment to government and citizens of the state. As a matter of fact, the much talked-about Plateau State tourism was gone with the absence of the famous market edifice. Apart from the 2007 assurances of Governor Jang that his government will turn the ruin of the market into an international shopping mall, no action has been seen. It appears the Jang administration is keeping their plan on the market close to their chest.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

‘Nigeria producing more paddy rice’

R. Akinwumi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said on Sunday that Nigeria was “producing more paddy rice than ever before“. Adesina, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said owing to the enhanced production of paddy rice, the Federal Government planned to end rice importation by the year 2016. The minister said that Nigeria was the largest importer of Thailand rice and that by so doing Nigeria was making its local farmers jobless while creating jobs for farmers in the Asian country. “We have set a target that in 2016, we will come to zero in terms of import because we are producing more paddy, what we just need to do is to process more of that paddy in to finished rice. “That is why Government is working very hard to get new integrated rice mills from China to have in the country so that we can mill all that. “So the issue is I want to make sure we are increasing the share of the domestic paddy being milled over time; that means that imported rice will go down as that goes up; I want to ensure Nigerians that we are well on track to be rice self-sufficient.“ Adesina said because Nigeria had the capacity to be self-sufficient in rice production, the ministry would not relent in its effort to ensure that local farmers were encouraged to produce and protected from unnecessary competition. “It is not just about what you eat; it is about your future; and whether you are willing to sacrifice that future just for the convenience of the present. “If we cannot grow rice I can un-

•Rice derstand that; but we can grow rice - upland rice, lowland rice, fadama rice, irrigated rice, and mangrove rice in the Niger-Delta; everywhere in this country, we can grow rice.“ Adesina said 1.1 million tons of paddy rice was produced last dry season, and that if all of it was milled, it would meet at least 30 per cent of the rice the country was importing. He added that in the 2013 wet sea-

son, not less than 960,000 tons of rice was produced. According to the minister, government plans to produce 1.6 million tons of paddy rice in the 2013/ 2014 dry season. He acknowledged the challenge of inadequate infrastructure for both farmers and the millers in the country and said government would help to establish rice aggregation centres to ease millers’ access to

paddy rice. He said the rice aggregation centers would clean the rice, bag, and standardise it, so that millers could buy tons of it at subsidised price to compensate for certain infrastructure challenges, including transportation. Adesina said the tariff policy was being reviewed to encourage investors in the rice project and to deal with the issue of importers and

Hospital in dire need of doctors From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

food and even bring to me here”. The story of Magaji and Theodora is just a tip of the iceberg at the General Hospital, Makarfi. Owned by the Kaduna State government and designed to cater for Makarfi Local Government Area and some other surrounding local government, The Nation was informed that despite the shortage of medical personnel, it daily receives patients from local government areas in Kano and Katsina states. Investigations revealed that the hospital has only four medical doctors, one of which is presently on study leave, leaving three, including the Chief Medical Director to attend to all the patients that daily besiege the hospital in search of medical attention for their ailments. Apart from the three available doctors, the hospital has only 14 nurses in three different shifts to attend to all the patients in the all the departments of the hospital, including the HIV testing and counselling centre. When The When The Nation visited the hospital, only one nurse was on duty attending to the army of patients in the Out Patient Department (OPD). When asked why she was the only one attending to the patients, she said: “This number if even small because I have finished with many of them and they have left. The ones that have left are more than the ones you are seeing here”. At the HIV counselling and testing centre in the hospital, the staff on duty were so overwhelmed with work that they could not even acknowledge a greeting especially because they wanted to make quick use of the power from public supply to carry ou some vital test. One of the staff of the unit told The Nation that “this is what we go through here daily. With light available from PHCN, we have to carry out some vital tests because once the light goes, we will be help-

‘

We don’t have a stand-bye generating set. The one we have is down and there are no resources to fix it. Even when you are at home with your family and power is restored, you have to rush to the hospital to try and carry out some of these tests. We need not less than 12 staff to man these facilities at any given time. But sometimes, the Head of Department will have to come and man some of the machines. The situation is not encouraging for us at all

‘

UMA’ARE Magaji stood in the ward, surrounded by patients and their relations. He had about 50 of such patients to attend to alone. He is not a medical doctor, just a nurse who is supposed to provide care for patients. He is helpless, having been working several hours without rest. He had just finished attending to an emergency case when he returned to see another patient whose family were not happy with him. They felt that he has abandoned their brother to attend to others. His attempt at explaining to them that he did not abandon them, but went to attend to an emergency case was rebuffed. He is not a young nurse, but by his looks, he cannot be less than 60 years of age. A few metres away from where Magaji stood trying to calm down the patient relations is Theodora Ninyio, a nurse who is forced to work almost 24 hours monthly. Looking exhausted she is grateful to God for giving her a husband who understands her professional calling to save lives. Sometimes, her husband has to do the cooking and bring her food in the hospital because she has no time to go home because of the number of patients she has to attend to. She said that only four of them are assigned to work in the Labour ward where they take over 50 deliveries on a weekly basis. At the moment, only three of them are working, with one of them on sick leave. “I had to ask her to go because she has been looking for a child for several years after her marriage. Now she is pregnant and was diagnosed of threatened abortion. I don’t want her to lose the baby and so, I ask her to go on leave while I cover her duties for her. Sometimes, I work 24 hours throughout the month. “I thank God for the kind of husband he gave me. No husband will take what my husband is accommodating. Sometimes, he will be the one who will go the market and cook the

less because we don’t have a standbye generating set. The one we have is down and there are no resources to fix it. Even when you are at home with your family and power is restored, you have to rush to the hospital to try and carry out some of these tests. We need not less than 12 staff to man these facilities at any given time. But sometimes, the Head of Department will have to come and man some of the machines. The situation is not encouraging for us at all. To make matters worse, there is embargo on employment and so, more staff cannot be employed to join us here”. The Nation also discovered that the entire hospital has only one pharmacist who must work round the clock to meet the drug needs of the hospital. However, it was discovered that they have enough supply of drugs in their store, but some of the equipment being used are gradually becoming very obsolete and need urgent replacement. Although the Chief Medical Director of the hospital was not on seat when The Nation visited the place, it was observed that the hospital was clearly lacking in staff especially medical staff to deliver quality health care. Investigations revealed that for quality health care, a nurse is sup-

posed to take care of between four and ten patients at every given shift of eight hours, while nurses working on the morning shift are supposed to more in number because of the increase in activities during the day. But that is not the case at the Makarfi General hospital which also lacks money to fuel or repair their generating set. Some of the workers of the hospital want the government to employ more staff nurses and other medical personnel to complement their work or transfer such staff from the hospitals in the metropolis to them. One of them said: “If you go to the hospitals in Kaduna, you will see that they are over-staffed there. Sometimes, you will see some nurses doing other things because the work load is low or there is no work at all. But that is not the case here. We also want to live and work in Kaduna, but since this is where we are for now, the best the government can do is to employ more staff for us. Please tell the governor that we are dying here trying to give quality health care to the people here. I know that the governor has a listening ear and I know that if you tell him, he will do something about it”. The Nation also noticed that apart from the fact that the roof of the hospital seems to have been changed in

smugglers who he said, were not creating jobs in the country. The minister promised that the Federal Government would not abandon farmers in the country, saying that if the governments of other countries supported their farmers, Nigeria had no reason not to do otherwise. He said the government would guarantee the price of farm produce for farmers. the not too distant past, the environment was untidy and not condusive for quality health care. Some of the doors and windows are threatening to give way, while the environment stinks. There was only one immoveable ambulance packed beside the administrative office as well as an old bus which The Nation could not ascertain whether or not it in good condition. One of the resident of town spoken to said “I am happy that you are here to see things for yourself. If we had come to Kaduna to tell you about the condition of this hospital, you will not believe us. But now that you are here, you have seen it. Let me say that with a hospital like this, we cannot have quality health care here. So, if the people die of avoidable ailments, you will understand why. We are appealing to the government to come to the aide of this hospital. Like you can see, this hospital drawS patients from local government councils in Kano and Katsina. The hospital does not even have a functional mortuary even though the road in front of the hospital goes to Kano. It is a federal road leading to Kano. The mortuary here is not functioning at all. So, there is a lot to be done for this hospital and the government should not fold its hands. The first thing we are appealing to the government to do for us is to employ additional nurses and other medical personnel”. Another staff who would not want his name in print said “we need more staff. Even if you can give us 100 nurses now, we will appreciate it because it will go a long way to aiding our work here. In addition to employing more staff, the government should improve on the salary scale in the state. If possible, we should have a medical salary scale for medical workers in the state. If this is done, we will not be losing staff to other states and the federal institutions. Many people have left to join ABU Teaching Hospital or other state governments. If we have a good salary structure, we can retain these people and we will not be suffering like this”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

•The abattoir

OST people probably find it difficult to believe that an abattoir can generate any form of revenue for a government. Although it was confirmed a few weeks ago by the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development secretariat (ARDS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs Bema Madayi that the Karu abattoir provides the FCT an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N5m monthly, people still wonder why the abattoir is still an eyesore. The road leading to the facility and its surroundings is unsightly during the rainy season. Even though The Nation visited in the dry season, there were still indications of the types of health hazards to resident’s miles away. When the rain comes, the abattoir becomes extremely muddy, smelling to the high heavens as the rains wash animal dung and bones into neighbouring houses, since it does not have a proper drainage system. Faeces is washed to the road nearby, making it impossible for residents to get by without waddling in the thick mud of faeces. Unfortunately, behind the tiny fence of the abattoir is a primary health centre that caters to the health needs of residents nearby and after it rains, all the waste from the abattoir floods the health centre with the smell of dung and rotten meat prevalent. Patients and staff will have to leave the premises to avoid suffocation and infection that might have come with the waste. An attending nurse at the health centre, Margaret, explained that it is horrible being close to the abattoir. She said, “during the rainy season, we and patients do not enjoy coming here because of the smell due to the cow dung that washes into the health centre and normally, we can’t stay here for more than 6-7pm, because most of them smoke and take hard drugs by the fence, they stab one another when they get high and will refuse to

Karu Abattoir: A dirty, money-making facility From Grace Obike

pay after treatment but instead threaten us with the knives that they always carry about.” When The Nation caught up with the chairman of the Karu abattoir Magaji Kata, he confirmed that they WEre aware of the health hazard that the abattoir could cause its surrounding community, but insisted that they are not to be blamed because they faithfully pay their revenue when due and it will be good to see the result of what they are paying for, it is left for the government he said to do something about the environment they operate in. Kata stated that, “Our biggest problem in this place is the lack of drainage that should wash our waste into the stream instead of the way that it ends up on the streets, defiling the environment, if only we can get a huge gutter that will be directed to the stream and away from residential areas, we have a stream that does not dry up and flows as far as river Lokoja. “The problem we have here that causes people around to think of the abattoir as a nuisance is that, the environment is filled with sand instead of it being cemented like other standard abattoirs in the country, if you walk into the Agege abattoir, you will find that it is cemented, which is because, we deal with meat which easily gets dirty and is not hygienic for it to fall to the sand. “Another reason for the smell that people complain of is the fact that we do not have a cattle ranch in this place, our cows are dumped in the mud during the raining season which inflicts them with ill health, diseases and we will have

to wear rain boots to get access to them but the worst part of the mud is that we have witness several accidents were some of our boys taking care of the cattle will stumble and fall into the mud, maybe the person passes out but we wake up in the morning and find their dead bodies because the mud prevented them from breathing when they fell. “If our cattle ranch can be done properly and drainages made for free flow of water in the rainy season, the residents around us will no longer complain because about our waste getting into their

houses, during the rainy season.” He also explained that the Agege abattoir is actually the type of abattoir that they wish to have, as it has a cattle site on one side, slaughter house on the other and a well cemented segment for the meat to be distributed and sold. Kata explained that the problem with the abattoir is the level of people you found there, who smoke all kinds of things, including some drug addicts who enjoy starting trouble. He also and they can have two sufficient gutters; all the problems the abattoir experience will be resolved.

Alhaji Gambo a butcher at the market who believes that the government is playing with their intelligence by making promises to them that it is not ready to keep said, “We whole heartedly accept all the policies introduced by the government, but all the things they tell us that should be avoided are the same things that they turn around and do, so now, he look at it and wonder what kind of a thing this is, whether the government was telling lies in the first place and made us support them.” They all agreed that a committee was set up sometime back by the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Olajumoke Akinjide to look into the standard of the abattoir which they cooperated with completely and they all hoped that the report will be considered and something done soon to prevent an epidemic in the environment come rainy season.

Twin calves for Minister’s cow

HERE was an unusual excitement at the farm of Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Samuel Ortom, located along Naka Road in Makurdi when one of his cows gave birth to twin heifers. The rare occurrence took place on November 19. Cows usually give birth to one at a time. The incident is as rare in these parts as someone becoming a chief and being succeeded by his son. When such a thing occurred in Mbaduku in the present Vandeikya Local Government Area with Kyaagba Akpeye emerging Ter Jechira, his two sons, Chenge Kyaagba, District Head of Mbaduku, and later Feese Kyaagba, also Ter Jechira the Tiv established a proverb that in Mbaduku a cow gives birth to triplets. Such a feat of three chiefs emerging from one family in an egalitarian society such as that of the Tiv has never been repeated elsewhere among them with the same popu-

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

larity. Mr. Aondohemba Amanger, herdsman of Chief Dr. Ortom’s herd of 65 stated that in his six years of tending cows in Taraba and other parts of the state he has never come across twins. Several herdsmen and cattle owners who are much older and more experienced collaborate his

Ortom’s herd and the twin calves

story, saying that twin calves are indeed a rare natural miracle. Chief Ortom described the birth as an indication of special blessings from God which symbolise positive things and enormous blessings that lie ahead. The heifers are a male and a female. At the time of filing this report veterinary doctors had not been reached for professional comments.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 30

Ushafa Pottery Centre left to rot after Clinton From Grace Obike

unrecognisable, forgotten and left to rot. The centre which creates skilfully made works of clay like traditional pots, vases, flower pots, eating utensils, etc, is now abandoned. Most of the huts that shelter the workers are falling apart; some of the furnaces built for these women to harden their finished products have given way. The women still use the crude method of pottery making, which is so taxing and time consuming. Alhaji Mohammed Baba, the district head of Ushafa, who spoke with so much emotion, said that he had personally taken Clinton round the village, he had showed him the only clinic they had, which could hardly serve the growing community and the government had promised in front of Clinton to provide them with a better hospital but nothing has been heard after then. He said, “I told them that we needed a hospital, better schools for our children, for them to modernise the pottery centre so the women there can work with Morden day equipments and a bridge into the village, they promised to do something but that was 23 years ago and we are yet to get any feedback. “The bridge linking our village

to the world is in such bad state that about 6 people died during the rainy season and yet, no one is making any attempt at helping us. We ask that the government come to our aid like it promised.” As at the time that The Nation visited the centre which was on a Monday afternoon, the centre was empty and the doors left wide open, the few women found in the huts at the far end of the centre were busy pounding clay like one pounds yam and sweating from the excessive work. None of the workers had resumed work after the weekend break and the man in charge of the building was sick and unavoidable. One of the women who pleaded anonymity said, “They are suppose to be here but as you can see, they are not, we are the only ones around

and have to come here to earn our living.” The women complained that business is no longer booming and peoplehardly visit the centre to buy their products unlike before when they were sure of making sales every day. One of the potters Kasuwa Joseph, who insisted that she loves the work, said that she will still leave it for something better if she has the opportunity even though she learnt the trade as a child and it is all she knows because the job is too difficult, since they still use the crude means of pottery making at the centre, she said that life here is difficult and they have to manage to get by. Mrs Joseph said, “After Clinton, nothing changed, it even looked lik

after Clinton came, he packed our customers and left, as Clinton came, customers began coming in great numbers for awhile but now things have changed and people don’t visit as before.” Another potter, Saratu Daniel said that she began making pottery as a child, she was taught by her mother but the problem associated with their work is that people no longer buy them like they would have loved to; they have to manage to survive. Mrs Daniel who was excited to tell our reporter how she met the white man called Clinton, that the government does not assist them at all and most of the people who came to buy from them after his visit stopped after awhile.

‘

The centre which creates skilfully made works of clay like traditional pots, vases, flower pots, eating utensils, etc, is now abandoned. Most of the huts that shelter the workers are falling apart; some of the furnaces built for these women to harden their finished products have given way. The women still use the crude method of pottery making, which is so taxing and time consuming

‘

ELEBRITY visitors think there is magic in the potters’ fingers. They shapen and fashion earthen vessels in the most amazing fashion, and they do it in their natural setting just the way their forebears did it. That is something to charm a tourist. Ushafa, the potters’ haven, is tucked inside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a fact which also raised its tourism potential. Back in 1991, Mrs Maryam Babangida, wife of then military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, inaugurated it as a tourist attraction, incorporating the traditional pottery centre into her Better Life for Rural Women pet project. Indeed, the First Lady did her best to market the pottery centre, attracting world leaders to the humble setting. In 2000, US President Bill Clinton visited, drawing huge local and global attention to Ushafa village and its creative potters. The village came to be known as Bill Clinton village. Soon, other world leaders followed. Egypt President Hosni Mubarak came, as did Swiss Vice President Ruth Metzier and many others. Those were days of glory. The centre bustled with life, boasting over 15 well-trained and paid staff. Today, Ushafa is almost

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

•From left: President Goodluck Jonathan; Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio; Benue State Governor Gabriel Susuan; Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe during the Presidential Launch of the third edition of Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (Youwin3) at the Banquet Hall of the State House Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

•L-R Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Deziani Alison Madueke, Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, Minister of State Finance, Dr. Yarima Ingama and Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen during the Federal Executive Council Meeting at the State House Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

•Federal Polytechnic Bauchi Sango Cultural Troupe performing at the Yoruba Day in Bauchi

•Cultural display by the Veleng dancers at the conferment of chieftaincy titles on three Mwaghavul people by the Mishkaham Mwaghavul in Plateau State.

•Chairman, Simple Pay, Alhaji Kabiru Tijjanni Hashim (left) Chairperson Better Life for Rural Women, Erelu Aisha Babangida and Chief Executive Officer, Simple Pay, Simeon Ononobi during the launching of Simple Pay an Electronic PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Business Transaction Organisation in Abuja.

•Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Arts and Culture, Lincoln Douglas, Chief Martins Agbaso, Chairman, Chrome Group, Chief Emeka Offor and Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador to Nigeria, Nyahuma Obilsa during the reception for Trinidad and Tobago Contingent in Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

•Former Executive Director (Editorial Matters), News Agency Of Nigeria, Mr Segun Aribike; Executive Director (Editorial Matters), Mr Isaac Ighure and the acting Managing Director of NAN, Otunba Jide Adebayo at the wedding of former Anuoluwapo Adebayo, the acting Managing Director’s daughter, in Omu-Aran, Kwara. PHOTO: NAN

•Bishop of Jos Catholic Archdiocese, Rt. Rev. Ignatius Kaigama (middle), praying at the inauguration of office complex of the Church of Immaculate Conception Parish, Zaramaganda Jos during his pastoral visit to the parish

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

•Kilishi •Kilishi

•Kilishi

Kilishi: A travellers’ delicacy M

ANY travellers to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have always longed for their departure date. They look forward to a huge bite of the flat-shaped delicious meat which the Hausas call Kilishi. The stands are fascinating spots following the inviting broad smiles of the vendors and the sounds emanating from the knives they hone at regular intervals. Their nostalgic and eager customers are never disappointed to get their free of charge slice of the meat for quality taste. The prospective buyers not only buy for themselves alone but also for loved ones in other parts of the country and abroad. Kilishi is made by cutting fresh beef into thin, wafer-like slices, seasoning with ground pepper, groundnut and other spices. It is thereafter dried in the sun or oven. The unique taste of this source of protein is derived from the sun drying, which keeps all the nutrient locked within it. It is mainly taken as a snack and the process of its preparation makes it preservable. Today, kilishi has gone beyond a local delicacy to an international snack. This was confirmed by our correspondents who paid a visit to the area 1 kilishi proprietors. According to the chairman of Kilishi seller’s association in Area 1, Mallam Nurudeen Katsina: “Most of our customers are foreigners. People from different parts of the countries come here to patronise us. They sometimes send us money to send them the meet abroad. Each of us has a complementary card. “We also make home delivery services. We supply to recognised Hotels and super stores within Nigeria.” The secondary school leaver said he went into the business

From Chioma Onyia and Eneh Abbah, Abuja

when he could not further his education due to financial incapability. “I am a secondary school graduate and had the zeal to further my education but due to some odds I went into Kilishi business and I have been in this business for the past fifteen years. After my second-

ary school in 1998, to the Glory of Allah, I am the chairman of this association today, I have a house of my own, also a wife and kid all from this Kilishi business.” The Kilishi association boss appealed to government to improve the martetability of the snack by providing a permanent site for all proprietors and also lease loans to them. His words: “We are tired of running from environmental per-

sonal who always come to throw our goods away. We want the government to come to our aid to repackage kilishi business. “We need a shop where we can stay permanently and show-case to make our business look repackage and more unique. Mostly during raining season we suffer a lot of loss. We are pleading with the Government to help us with loan to boost our business and a shop where our customer can locate us

easily.” Another Kilishi vendor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa who spoke to our correspondents, said kilishi business is lucrative but regrets that the lack of sufficient capital has made the business less profitable. He said: “If I have money at hand, I will buy a cow at N180,000 but because I buy on credit, I pay N200,000 and this is a huge setback to our business and after

the sale of each cow we make N20,000 profit and it takes us three to four days before we could sell and return the money for another cow.” He added that business is no longer the way it used to be as they have no conducive place to stay. Appealing to government, Attahiru said: “We have a union, Association of Kilishi Sellers. We want the government to consider

us, promote our business to the next level. If the government can give us loan which we will be paying certain amount monthly or there about to enable us buy cow on our own in order to make more profit instead of paying extra charges of N20,000-N30,000 when we buy cow on credit. We will appreciate it. “We also want the government to help us build a conducive shed where we can permanently stay to

do our business.” Attahiru who has lasted 20 years in the business said he feeds his three wives and 12 children from the business. Meanwhile, a buyer, Madam Benedict Nwachukwuoke said Kilishi she prefers kilishi because of its fatty lack but regrets that the ones prepared in Nigeria are exposed to jams. She said: “Go to places like Ghana, London and so on, not

kilishi alone fish, meat and so on are well preserved and protected from fly. So Government should provide a place for the sellers and educate them on how to preserve the dried spicy beef from flies and other insect which could be harmful to the body system.” Another buyer who refused to disclose her name said: “You can’t believe that personally I don’t like kilishi but my grandchildren

like kilishi. As I was going back to Lagos, they said grandma, please buy Kilishi. They like it. Also kilishi is part of beef seasoned in a different way and a lot of people like it even in England we buy Kilishi. If you go to London and other foreign countries, you will find Kilishi there but not exposed like the ones here because they are always displayed in a show-glass.”

cards and the fake cards in circulation. Invariably, many of those with the real cards got here only to discover that the whole space has been taken up. What kind of a country is this where everyone wants to take advance of every situation to the detriment of the major-

ity? On the way forward, Bello-Osagie, whose daughter was one of the youngest in her class said, as a lawmaker, mere complaints would not make any difference but that no matter how little, concerted effort should be made to correct whatever

anomaly there is. “As it is, if we continue to lament our plight from now till thy kingdom come would make no difference until concrete steps are taken. As a lawmaker, with what I went through today, I will confer with my Speaker and my other colleagues

on how to make events like this better and memorable for those that attend it. My intention is to see how a motion or whatever my colleagues felt would be more effective can be instituted and passed so that we kick-start a culture of seamless and stress-free execution of

events in line with global practices. We cannot continue to delude ourselves that this is Nigeria and allow ourselves to be left behind in a globalizing world. Technology is deployed in everything and those with the expertise should be encouraged to handle such things,” he said.

Anguish at Abuja call-to-bar

HE joy of seeing their children become full-fledged lawyers was almost marred for parents of law graduates called to bar at the prestigious International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja as all facilities effectively ground to a halt. The two-day event where over 5,000 lawyers were called to the Nigerian bar, organised by the Nigerian Law School, was described as pathetic by some aggrieved guests that were denied the thrill of the moment by bad management of the event. The ventilation in the main African hall of the ICC was almost at zero level but for opened door at several points of the hall as the air conditioning system appeared to have packed up due to the excess human traffic in the hall. Every available space in the hall was taken including the gallery that seldom get filled up. There were more parents and well-wishers outside than those in the hall. People were seen lying on the carpeted ground within the hall due to exhaustion from worsening ventilation and lack of space where to sit. About two people were seen being fanned by sympathisers as they seemed to be on the brink of collapsing.

From Dele Anofi

Outside the hall, the situation was worse. Though there was no complaint about ventilation, but finding chairs to sit was the major problem. Some smart Nigerians took advantage of the situation to extort money for providing chairs for the tired guests who had no option than to be happy to have seen where to rest their tired body on. Mrs Augustina Anjorin, who flew in from Sweden and Honorable Razaq Bello-Osagie whose daughter, Arafat, a 2.1 graduate of Nottingham University, UK relive their experiences to Abuja Review. Bello-Osagie, expressed disappointment at the shoddy organization of the event saying, there were many parents and relatives that would have wished they were not at the event due to the harrowing experience they were subjected to. He said: “There were many parents as well as friends and family from far and wide, many from abroad that want to celebrate this moment with their loved ones but denied the moment. The condition in the hall was horrible. I am a parent but I couldn’t get in despite having my valid invite. “But the question is, what does it

take to organize a crisis-free event devoid of complaint when’re everyone involved would go home happy and fulfilled? This is not the only place where events of such magnitude were organised, we have to other places and witnessed how they do things like this. If the school cannot handle it, what stops them from commissioning an event expert to execute it? With that, if there is any mishap, there would be somebody to hold responsible. Apart from that, what stops the Law School from staggering the event into three, four or five days instead of two so that there will be less crowd at any given day. “If you go outside the ICC to the road now, it’s a chaotic situation, even the road management agencies have reached their limits as the lines between the human and vehicular traffic have blurred. Must we subject ourselves to stress in everything we do in this country?” Another parent who flew in from Sweden, Mrs. Augustina Anjorin she would have stayed back in Lagos. Had she knew that she would not be able to gain access to the main hall. “The arrangement was shoddy and it is not just annoying but very frustrating. Why couldn’t I gain entrance i to the hall? I have my invi-

•The uncomfortable crowd at the event

tation card with me. Yet I could not get in. I inquired because I was angry and I was told the management had specific number of guests but that someone hacked into the system and printed more. The consequence is that there were almost equal number of official invitation

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

ESIDENTS of Kwaita community of Kwali area, a settlement between Kwali and Abaji township, have decried infrastructure decay in the area, just as they complained of government neglect over the years. Some of the residents expressed displeasure over the attitude of the construction company handling a 27 kilometre road, which was awarded to one ABDEC company since 2005 by former Kwali Chairman, late Samuel Gwamna. “Since this road has been awarded over ten years ago nothing tangible has been done by the contractor, if the contractor cannot handle the road it should be revoked,” said Ilu Gabriel a resident of the area. A woman who pleaded anonymity said: “they said this road will be repaired, our houses were demolished because of it, no compensation, till today the construction work is not completed.” Another road from Kwaita to Kujekwa a village under Kuje Area Council of about 3 hours drive is also in a bad state. Poor electricity supply and lack of safe drinking water is another source of worry to the community. ”At the other side of the road there, I think they had supply of electricity, eight years ago, go to Gengere and see the situation yourself,” said Emeneke, a shop owner in Kwaita. Another person who runs a business within the community said: “‘ Here we don’t have safe drinking water, we usually go to the stream to fetch drinking water and you know this is not good in the FCT’.” According to the former councillor Yebu Ward, Kwaita Abednego Aliyu several letters of complaint have been sent to the Minister of State FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide without response. His words: “I have written letters of complaints to the FCT ministers and National Assembly about the plight of Yebu ward all to no avail. I equally informed the immediate past chair-

Kwali community decries infrastructure decay From Gbenga Omokhunu

man Joseph Shazin but he didn’t do anything about it and the current chairman is also aware of the challenges of Kwaita community” Hon. Aliyu therefore appealed

both Kwali Chairman and the Ministers of FCT to safe the people of the community from their current ordeal. Kwaita access road which connects over 100 communities to Kujekwa, home town of Kuje Chairman, Shaban Tete and

Nassarawa State, if completed would ease movement of farm produce to the city centre. The road would also serve as alternative route from that axis to Nasarawa State and Kuje area council. However all efforts by Abuja

Review to speak with the Chairman Kwali Area Council, Ibrahim Daniel on the efforts of his administration to find remedy to the ugly development were futile.

NTA’s Makanjuola, eight others honoured N For me, ‘ it is beFrom Grace Obike

The Convener, who is the President of Life Changers Club International, said the 2013 Women of Influence Award Ceremony was put together to encourage, inspire women who are using their influence to impact humanity and make peoples’ life better. “The basis of the award is influence. Leadership is influence and influence is leadership. Not everybody in position of authority is a leader but these people in their various industries. These people use their status to impact life and these nominations come from people they have impacted. “We hear the voice of the people, we live among them and we can explain what these people do. This award will inspire them to do more,” she said. Mrs. Akpe of Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative felt honoured. She described discrimination against women as her toughest challenge. She admitted there have been numerous challenges especially in situations of mentoring women to change their mindset to a better, more fruitful world. “For me, it is becoming one of the best things that have ever hap-

coming one of the best things that have ever happened to me. It’s been success. I am really happy. I dream to be a solution to women who are downtrodden

‘

INE eminent women in the Federal Capital Territory FCT including prominent television personality, Moji Makanjuola, were celebrated in Abuja. The women bagged awards for being role models, having impacted the society positively, especially the women folk. All experts who showcased excellent performances in their disciplines, they were celebrated like queens and applauded like amazons. Among the honoured women was, President, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barrister Hauwa Shekarau, National Coordinator, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWDI, Ogolo Patience Ukpe, Founder, Nungsto Charity Foundation, Mrs. Jerusha Danladi Kisafi and Mrs. Mercy Macjones. Others were Television Presenter, Nancy Illoh, Mrs. Comfort Adesoye, Mrs. Marion Okpanachi and Mrs. Felicia Sani. Organiser of the award, Miss Joy Lifechanger said the distinguished women were chosen by members of the public for making a difference in a society largely dominated by their men counterpart. She said they had used their influence to impact life and advocated for the course of women in the society.

pened to me. It’s been success. I am really happy. I dream to be a solution to women who are downtrodden.” While she expressed optimism to do more for women and improve their lives to a better standard, she

•Makanjuola (left) and Ilo

encouraged women to be strong and be positive irrespective of the challenges. Nancy Illoh said there was need to encourage other women to grow and succeed like those awarded. She hopes to witness a ballroom

filled with women of influence not just within the country but in the global space. “I wish to see more women who will be bold and confident about leadership,” she said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

ORE Nigerian billionaires in high numbers will in the next 15 to 30 years lead the global Forbes list if the declaration by President Goodluck Jonathan last week Monday is anything to go by. Aliko Dangote and very few other Nigerians have only been able to make the list of the richest men and women in the world. Jonathan made it clear that the present set of young entrepreneur Nigerians and others coming behind them will not become billionaires through advanced fee fraud or other illegal or illicit businesses, but through legitimate businesses under the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN) and other programmes his administration has lined up to revolutionalise creation of jobs for the teeming Nigerian youth. He was particularly happy to announce that the YouWin programme alone has been able to create over 27, 000 entrepreneurs in the country, who have in turn employed thousands of Nigerians in their businesses. Declaring the third edition of the YouWin programme open at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Jonathan said: “The success rate in the implementation and operation of the YouWIN is commendable. The exhibition by few of the awardees which we inspected today is quite encouraging and it confirmed that Nigeria has very great youths, from interior decoration to art work to chemical engineering, technology and ICT and electrical engineering, we are all fascinated.” “We believe that these youths can take this country to a greater height. The products here will compete with the best in the world. We are gradually building a middle-class of Nigerians. In the next fifteen to thirty years, some of the top billionaires in this country will be among you,” he added. At the occasion, the President also declared that the era of god-fatherism experienced in many aspects of Nigeria’s daily life has been 100 percent eliminated in the YouWIN programme. He said: “The YouWIN programme demonstrates this administration’s commitment to reward merit and performance. YouWIN grants recipients have confirmed that they received the award without knowing anybody.

Presidency and the future billionaires There is no room for god-fatherism in this programme. Nigeria is the god-father of everybody.” “With this programme and other programs that we are coming up with, we are gradually moving our country from the belief, because sometimes young people don’t believe in themselves again because they have tried and seeing people they are better off than getting opportunities they are not getting, they begin to lose hope that without knowing the god-fathers, they can’t get anything from their country. We will all collectively change that focus,” Jonathan said. While 3,600 youths are expected to win grants of between N1 million and N10 million in the third edition of the YouWIN grants for their businesses, the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson encouraged Nigerians to apply online, stressing that winners are

From the Villa By Augustine Ehikioya

blindly selected based on their business ideas and proposals. It is not only good to create billionaires assisting the country to move away from its overdependence on oil revenues, acts of god-

fatherism should be checked especially in every sphere of Nigeria’s economic life. It will really be commendable if these Nigerians who have so far got these grants under the YouWIN programme actually

emerged winners without any manipulation from any quarters. For this alone, I will say Nigeria is on the right path. But the government should also begin to carry out this ‘No godfatherism’ revolution in the civil service in order to ensure that employment into the service, promotions, selection for foreign and local courses and trainings, and retirements from service and other staff benefits and disciplinary actions are purely done on merit. The private sector is not exempted from the menace of god-fatherism as a contractor who knows no one in the system or refuses to grease the palms of some civil servants may have his or her contract payment file stagnated in a director’s table for several months or in a worse scenario, the file may be declared missing. This must change too.

A day of protest, tear gas in Abuja

IGERIA Police in Abuja dispersed protesters who responded to the call by the Stop Impunity Nigeria, (SIN) and Citizens Wealth Platform (CWP) to raise the consciousness of Nigerians on the high level of financial mismanagement in the country. Members of the civil society organisations who had assembled at the Millennium park, venue for the peaceful protest were forcefully dispersed by the combat ready policemen who stormed the venue ahead of the planned take off of the protest ride. One of the Abuja Urban Mass Transportation Company (AUMTCO) buses hired to convey protesters to the National Assembly and other routes of the city for the sensitization was directly shot at leaving two teargas canisters exploding in the bus generation fumes that created a stampede as all panicking occupant made their way out of the bus. An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity told Abuja Review that the police drove into the venue in two vehicles. This was besides the other trucks which were stationed outside the venue waiting for further instructions. Fearing for their lives the protesters ran out of the venue towards the road a relocation to another take off point close to the initial venue to wait for there other members who were yet to reach the venue, this was also

•The protesters From Gbenga Omokhunu

aborted as more canisters were shot in that direction further forcing the protesters out of the second point of convergence. Convener of the protest, Eze Oyenkpere said the peaceful protest was to further raise the consciousness of the public on the huge losses incurred on the commonwealth which have hampered on developmental projects of the country. He said the action of the police offends every rule of civil interface with her government especially as the people had only come out to say enough is enough on the way public funds are being managed. He said the law never said that the police should stop them from protesting more so that it was to be

•The protesters

peaceful protest for which they have complied with the law by informing the police who were to provide

them protection. ”The police were suppose to escort us to the place where we were

doing to submit our petition,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT Don’t shy away from funding tertiary education, don urges Fed Govt From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

OVERNMENT’S continuous shifting of funding of the educational sector to the schools makes the institutions lose focus, a Professor of educational management at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Noah Oyedeji has said Oyedeji spoke this at the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital at 140 th inaugural lecture entitled “Education Anomaly and the Educational Administrator” he delivered at the university. Prof Oyedeji also recommended that “all educational administrators such as head teachers, principals, provost, rectors and vice chancellors should acquire post graduate diploma in educational management so that they can be familiar with theories and principles guiding educational administration.” He said that the government’s directive that the institutions should source funds through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has made the institutions to abandon their major role of human capital development to seeking fund for sustenance. The don said though the idea of the IGR is good because it in a way, through production of goods, help in training students in entrepreneurship, it should not replace government’s subversion as the major means of funding the institutions so that the institutions do not abandon their role. He said that the federal government allocation to education in the past two years were grossly inadequate and called on the government to increased its funding of the sector. He stated: “The government has abandoned its traditional role of substantially funding education which is a social institution. “The government directs the institutions to source funds through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the extent that many tertiary institutions abandoned their major role of human capital development (training) to the establishment of organs for the production of goods that can be sold to generate funds for sustenance.” “The government should go back to the good old days when institutions obtained substantial finance from government subventions while their IGR should be pegged to 20 per cent of their budget in order not to abandon their major role to the pursuit of Internally Generated Revenue. “The United Nation’s (1976) recommendation of 26 per cent budgetary allocation to education may be difficult to achieve due to the economic meltdown and other competing sectors. However, allocations of 8.43 per cent and 8.7 per cent in the past two years are grossly inadequate.” Oyedeji advised that educational administrators should work with government to prevent strike so that stable academic calendar and standard are maintained. He said that when strike occurs school activities are disturbed leading to such problems as lowered students’ academic performance, social menace by idle students and National Youth Service Corps programme dislocation. The lecturer said to avoid this anomaly there is the need for constant dialogues between government and teachers. He added: “There is the need for the educational administrators to work with government to prevent strikes in institutions of learning because of the future consequences such strikes are most likely to have on the nation.”

•From Left: Executive Editor, Editorial Operations, News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Isaac Ighure; Deputy Editor-in-Chief in charge of South East Zone and Supervisor, Agriculture and Environment Desk, Mrs Nkechi Okoronkwo and Minister of Agriculture And Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina in Abuja

Hunters on display at the conferment of chieftaincy titles on three Mwaghavul people by the Mishkaham Mwaghavul in Mangu Local Government of Plateau State

Board cracks down on unregistered video, film viewing centres

HE National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on Sunday said it would clamp down on operators of unregistered video clubs and film viewing centers in the country. Mr Yunusa Abdullahi, Deputy Director and Head Corporate Affairs of the board, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He said the clamp down would check the proliferation of unregistered video clubs and film viewing centers. Abdullahi decried the increasing clandestine and nocturnal operations of the unregistered video clubs and film viewing houses. “At times, some of them operate in the midnight; most of them operate illegally underground.

“And those are the ones that might show films that don’t have proper classification. “Most of the clandestine, unregistered video viewing centers are illegal. What they do is illegal. The premises are illegal. Those are the ones we have issues with“, he said. He stressed the need for intending operators of video exhibition center to obtain approval from the board before establishing video clubs He added that all video clubs and film viewing centers must meet the board‘s criteria and qualification before such centers could be certified fit for film and video exhibition. “Every exhibition center must be registered and must be licensed by the board for you to use the premises

as a place to show films. “ There are criteria, there must be a proper structure, and it must have a sitting arrangement that does not hinder movement, in case of emergency. “It must have fire escape routes; it must have fire extinguishers certified by Nigerian Fire Service. “You must make sure that the lighting and the electrical equipments are not flammable“, he added. He urged landlords and property owners to be wary of people who want to use their properties as viewing centers without formal approval from NFVCB. Abdullahi said the NFVCB had carried out sensitisation programmes meant to educate landlords on leasing of property as video viewing center.

“We have done sensitisation workshop, we have a jingle that was running for quite a long time on radio, on this issue. “ If you give your house or property to someone for video exhibition, you must find out if he has license from NFVCB to exhibit firms on those properties. “ If he does not do that and we find out, we will seal the property“, he said. He urged Nigerians in the film and video industry to always seek the advice of the NFVCB in carrying out their businesses. According to him, stakeholders should engage in legitimate businesses instead of carrying out illegal and criminal activities that will ultimately attract sanction from the board. (NAN)

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

•Pupils of Doveland Internatioal School performing at their Cultural Day celebration in Abuja Yesterday .

Jos Metropolitan Board generates N27m revenue

HE Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) has generated N27 million as revenue between January and Dec. 1. Its General Manager, Mr Mathias Hata, told the New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos that the figure doubled what was generated in 2012. “In 2012, we generated a total of N12 million. You can see that we have surpassed that record this year,” he said. According Hata, annual revenue generation by the board has never gone beyond N4 million. “If you recall, I told you last year that we are going to do better in 2013 because of the modalities we put on ground. “You can now see that we have generated almost three times the amount we generated in the whole of 2012,’’ he said According to him, the improvement in the revenue generated is due to the tremendous support of the state government which provided the board with vehicles and other logistics. He said that the revenue was generated mostly from property tax on businesses, including shops at the Terminus market, Ahmadu Bello Way and other areas in Jos and Bukuru. He said other board also generated revenue from fees paid for the processing of building plans, permits for the right-of-way and probate violation charges. Hata expressed optimism that the board would do better in 2014, and called on the occupants of its properties, especially its shops, to be up to date in the payment of rents. (NAN)

PHOTO : ABAYOMI FAYESE

Free screening, treatment for diabetics

UCKY residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja recently benefited from a free diabetes testing and treatment by the Senator Lee Maeba foundation. Maeba who described the disease as a silent killer said there is an urgent need curb the prevalence of diabetes amongst FCT residents. Senator Lee Maeba spoke recently in Abuja at the Kick-off of the Free Screening for Diabetes organized by his foundation, “Senator Lee Maeba’s Foundation” in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health. He pointed out that “attention is diverted to HIV/AIDS, while diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure are taking many lives”, saying diabetes kills more than aids and cancer put together. He therefore tasked government at all levels on the need to create a special centres for testing and treatment of diabetes in the country. Maeba said that a lot of funds have been pushed to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to fighting HIV/AIDS, while other killer diseases that

From Vincent Ikuomola

have sent many Nigerians to their early graves were neglected. He therefore called on government and other relevant stakeholders to commit reasonable resources to diabetes as according to him, such commitment would help in reducing the spread of the disease in the country. The senator who is also the president of the foundation enjoined Nigerians to live diabetes free lives by eating balance diet, reducing alcohol intake, avoiding cigarettes, exercising regularly and by reducing sugar intake. Stating that the World Diabetes Day is marked yearly on the 4th of November, the senator said the day was created by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. Earlier, while declaring the exercise opened, the minister of health, Professor Christian Onyebuchi Chukwu said that the

Federal Government was very much committed to reducing the burden of diabetes and other None Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria but cannot do it alone without the cooperation of the relevant stakeholders in the country. He said it was for that reason that the ministry is into partnership and collaboration with well-meaning organizations, while commending Senator Lee Maeba’s Foundation for organising such an important event as part of the activities to commemorate this year’s World Diabetes Day. The minister quoted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to have estimated that over 346 million people worldwide have diabetes and this number is likely to be more than double in 2030 if nothing urgent is done. He explained that most of the deaths from diabetes (more than three-quarters) occur in low and middle income countries including Nigeria, adding that the 19901992 national survey put the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus at 2.7% (1.05 million Nigerians over 15 years of age).

Represented at the occasion by the permanent secretary, Ambassador Sani Bala, the minister said only 21% (225,000) were aware of their condition and only 18% (198,000) were on treatment. The minister maintained that the striking figures showed that millions of Nigerians have diabetes and many more are at the risk of developing it in the future. According to him, other factors associated with the risk for developing diabetes (particularly, type 2) include: overweight, age greater than 44 years, having a parents or sibling with diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), tobacco use and excessive use of alcohol. He advised Nigerians to start protecting themselves and their families from diabetes by Identifying risk factors and take small steps to avoid them. For those who already have diabetes, the minister said it was very important to follow doctor’s advice and be regular with check-up appointments

Resettlement camp coming for disaster victims

HE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set to build resettlement camps in three different locations that will accommodate victims of any disaster that may occur within the territory. These camps that will be set up in Gwagwalada, Maitama and Kuje areas will be equipped with all the necessary facilities needed including a school and clinic, for people affected by any form of disaster that may have displaced them from their homes. This was disclosed by, the Director General (DG), FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Abbas Idris in an interview, where he said that the FCT is prepared to manage all emergencies and disasters within the territory in order to avert or mitigate it. His words: “We are now trying to put up permanent resettlement camps so that by the time, there is any form of disaster we will simply evacuate people, instead of taking them to schools like is normally done, we will take them to permanent camps which

From Grace Obike

will be equipped with all facilities, like water, light, we will have a clinic there and their education will be taken care of as well so that children of those affected will not miss out on their education, that will be in next year’s budget. “The camps will be in three locations of Gwagwalada, Maitama and Kuje, this is an emergency contingency for disasters that can happen at any time.” He said that the agency which was set up about 6 months ago has some emergency equipment that it inherited from departments within the FCT administration that were carrying out such functions and who have always had equipment. Idris said: “such as the fire service which is fully equipped and have equipment that can put off fire in as far as a fifth floor, some forecasting facilities, ambulances etc when such emergencies happen, these departments which are also stake holders will be there to help out.

“What we are doing right now is the prevention of emergencies; we are getting the equipment, setting up the camps because preparation leads to prevention if possible or mitigate where we cannot prevent. “We believe that prevention is more cost effective so we try to spread our tentacles to the grassroots to make sure that everyone is enlightened, we are planning on having a massive educational and enlightenment program through the media, we will also engage voluntaries to educate the people in their own languages to enable them be aware of what to do in terms of disasters.” He confirmed that the agency collaborates with National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in all things as the national body. He also said that FEMA is constantly in touch with parts of the FCT that were affected by the last flooding on the river Niger during the raining season in conjunction with the development control in the FCT to ensure that people do not return to the river banks.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

Abuja Airport-Kubwa Road gulps N288b

HE sum of N288 billion has been spent on the rehabilitation and expansion of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (Airport Road) and Murtala Muhammed (Kubwa Road) Expressways. Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed disclosed this while addressing delegates to the 3rdCapital Market Committee Annual Retreat at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama. Mohammed said that the project has so far been funded through a bond floated by the Debt Management Office (DMO) to showcase the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Asst. Director/ Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Sule, the minister said: “Other physical infrastructures that are either completed or at an advanced

From Gbenga Omokhunu

stage includes B6 & B12 Circle road; Complementary Engineering Infrastructure at the FCC stage II; Extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX); Construction of Southern Parkway to Ring Road I; Construction of 33 KVA line, water line from Kukwaba Injection substation to Abuja Technology Village”. On the water sector, the Minister revealed that his Administration has completed Phases III and IV of the Water Treatment Plants that can simultaneously treat 20,000 cubic meters of water per hour at the Lower Usuma Dam with its access road. He said that the FCT Administration has signed a N19.438 billion agreement with SCC Nigeria Lim-

ited for the construction of a new water scheme in Karshi Satellite town. According to him, “Karshi Water Scheme is designed to have two dams, one low lift pumping station, raw water conveyance system, treatment plant, pumping station, rising main, and regulating reservoir with a capacity of 6,000 cubic meters”. The Minister recalled the giant stride recorded in the Abuja Transportation Sector, which includes the fast track of the Abuja Light Project, 400 Abuja Taxis as well as 200 large capacity buses procured and put to use in the Federal Capital Territory. ”We are facilitating partnership with Nigerian Banks to provide additional 1,000 taxis and 400 high capacity buses to reduce commuters’ travel time by the middle of 2014", he stressed.

Mohammed emphasized that the engagement of 15 competent investors participating in the Abuja Land Swap Initiative have completed the survey plans, detailed land use plans and engineering designs at no cost to the FCT Administration; thereby saving the government over N4 billion and created huge investment opportunities for the private sector to the tune of N600 billion. The Minister appreciated the management of the Security and Exchange Commission for organizing this forum in Abuja ; noting that Capital Market has remained a veritable engine of growth in the economy of any nation. Speaking earlier, the DirectorGeneral, Security and Exchange Commission Ms. Oruma Oteh thanked the Minister for sponsoring the Annual Retreat and commended him for all the developmental strides achieved so far.

•Mohammed

Kuje residents lament demolition

ESIDENTS of Pasalli community in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are lamenting over the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) railway demolition exercise taking place in the area without due compensation. Some of the residents who spoke with Abuja Review lamented that they are not being enlightened by the FCDA, because of the unexpected bulldozer demolished two of the affected houses, that they never expected the demolition will take place until after the Christmas and New Year celebrations, when the landlords have been compensated. Emmanuel Omo, an occupant of one of the affected houses said that despite they all saw the demolition marks on the houses, they were not told when the demolition was going to commence, until they saw a bulldozer demolishing two buildings, that was when it dawned on them that the demolition exercise can take place anytime, even without compensation. According to Omo, the painful

From Gbenga Omokhunu

thing is that most of the landlords of the affected houses are not telling their tenants anything, and the entire community is in complete confusion, because, they have never experienced such a thing in the council before. “When I saw the markings and confronted my landlord, he told me not to worry, that the demolition is not immediate. But, the ways things are going, nobody knows what would follow, because, most affected areas in the FCT have been demolished. Now, it is our turn. I do not know what to do, I am very confused,” he said. One of the landlords who pleaded anonymity expressed pains that there are rumours that immediate demolition will commence soonest and it is beyond their expectation, since they expected that they would be compensated before any demolition takes place. “But since they have gradually started the demolition, nobody knows what to expect any more. I

•Kuje do not see any reason why the FCDA will come to demolish our houses without compensation. We got our land legally and we have to be compensated if there is going to be any demolition. We spent money

to build these houses and we have to be compensated, for us to start afresh. “I was told we will be having a meeting with the council chairman, Hon. Shaban Tete, the Gomo of Kuje

and other stakeholders in Kuje town, because, we cannot just sit down and allow our houses to be demolished without compensation. We are human beings and we should be treated as such,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

•Continued from page 25 curity index, Nigeria is rated the 80th among the top producers of protein food crops, ranking third in the production of groundnuts after India and China, but one wonders why groundnuts cannot earn valuable foreign revenue exchange for Nigeria. The production of groundnuts in large quantities actually gave the ancient city a coveted position in the economic map of the world as the wares were dramatically displayed in a pyramidal shape as a way of storage. Apart from being an economic asset, the famous Kano groundnut pyramids added spice to the tourist prowess of the state as visitors from the world over would visit the groundnut pyramids just for sightseeing. But after the civil war, the military government of General Yakubu Gowon split the regions into 12 states and Kano became one of the states in the federation. Gradually, the symbol of groundnut pyramids began to die off. Today in Kano, there is no groundnut pyramid anywhere. Many writers have opined that since the effacement of the groundnut pyramids, Kano has lost its position as the highest groundnut producing state in the country, but a Kano-based groundnut farmer, Alhaji Yakubu Manzali disagreed with this notion, He said that the state has rather devised a modernised method of storing groundnut instead of arranging sacks of groundnut in a pyramidal form, a method which he described as not only archaic but out of fashion. Also speaking, Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hajia Baraka Sani noted that the fact people do not see sacks of groundnuts piled up in pyramidal form does not mean that Kano has lost its title as number one state in the production of groundnut. “When you see the re-appearance of groundnut pyramid in the physical form, it means we are in trouble. During the days of the groundnut pyramid, Kano served as a collection centre for the product; that was when we had famous traders like Alhaji Alhasan Dantata and their like; we had a vibrant commodity board in Kano when people served as middlemen between industrialists and the producers. And the products were being exported from here. But now, there are a lot of agro-allied industries in the state that make use of groundnut as raw material; the only thing that needs to be done is to expand the production output so that we can help our farmers to improve their yields so as to be able to meet up with the high market demand and to also help the farmers to fight diseases that could attack the seed. By doing this, the agro-allied industries will continue to boom while we will have even more than enough to export. However, the fact remains that we now use modern mechanisms to store and preserve groundnut in Kano.” The Nation, however, visited some of the sites where the groundnut pyramids were erected located in Brigade, Dan Agundi, Kofar Mazugal, Dawakin Kudu, Bebeji Those pyramids are no longer there as the one in Dan Agundi now bears the former Bank of the North structure, while the Kofar Mazugal Groundnut Pyramid site is now used by criminals and social miscreants as their hideouts in the night, while in the day time, it is used as a driving school field. The one in Brigade is occupied by Kano Oil Mill, a moribund local factory.

Abuja is haven for expectant mothers I

T was a sunny day. The time was 1pm, in the middle of November. The sun was at its hottest. Bus stops were filled with passengers but no buses to convey the ever relentless commuters. To escape the scorching heat was survival of the fittest. An expectant mother who had waited tirelessly suddenly caught the attention of a driver. Before I said Jack, a brown Toyota Camry drove by, asked for her destination and spirited her away from the scene. This is a reflection of the kind of love expectant women in the Federal Capital Territory enjoy, especially as the dry season sets in. They are favoured mainly by the opposite sex without second thoughts. They are mostly considered as special people. Some will even address them as ‘Iya Ibeji’, meaning mother of twins. Despite the non-caring attitudes of residents in the territory, the so called higher class in the society tends to bury their ego to assist these special people. This phenomenon, not limited to road side experiences also extends to public places such as banks, cafeteria, religious places, public transports, and offices among others. Commuters in public transits, out of sympathy would choose to stand in the bus for them to sit. Bankers at the counter, often express their compassion in a special way. Especially the male folks, they tend to discourage expectant mothers from being on the usual long queue before being attended to. They break barriers and breach protocol on their behalf. The preferential treatment they enjoy is so alarming that some single ladies gets jealous and those who had experienced the situation wondered if they were the first to be pregnant. Women who had more than two children seem to have a different feeling such that they felt they passed through the situation unlike the male counterpart who had no experience but hears their agony. Miss Chioma Obi, who narrated her experience said: “About two

‘

It is surprising the number of advertisement slots I have gotten since I got pregnant. The help and favours are just coming from all around me, especially from the male folks

‘

Are Kano groundnut pyramids gone forever?

From Olugbenga Adanikin

weeks ago, we were at a bus stop. We waited for so long, there was no vehicle going towards our direction. After some time, a private car stopped and everybody rushed down. The man refused to open his door until the pregnant woman got there then he opened the front door. As soon as she entered the vehicle he drove off.” An advert executive, who doesn’t want her name in print, attested the favour she had been enjoying since she became pregnant especially from the male gender. Describing her experience as such beyond expectations, she said Ministries, Departments and Agencies she had covered for more than a year, with scanty patronage for adverts suddenly developed special attention for her welfares. “It is surprising the number of advertisement slots I have gotten since I got pregnant. The help and favours are just coming from all around me, especially from the male folk,” she said. An expectant woman, Mrs. Onyinye Atnadu shared her experience. She had enjoyed favours that would not have been in the normal circumstance. Apart from the normal pains of pregnancy, she hoped being an expectant mother should be frequent. This is not farfetched from the en-

capsulating goodies. She said: “As a pregnant woman it is natural for people to easily take pity on you and if there is any strenuous exercise or anything they would exempt you. For instance, if you enter a bus, you will see people getting up for you to seat or even give you the best seat even if you don’t know them before. Some offices where they would have stressed you so much before, once they see you, they will say, ‘Ah Iya Ibeji’ please come through before you give birth to that baby here. “You enjoy quite a lot, like the other day, I beat the traffic not on purpose, the police entered my car and insisted they will take me to the station, immediately they saw my stomach they said haba, this woman why you do like this? I started laughing but if not they would have insisted on taking me to the station. It only took sorry to solve the problem and they let me go. “As a pregnant woman you enjoy a lot of favour. They wouldn’t want to see you carrying anything. They would always want to help you carry it whether it is heavy or not, they will take it from you.” When asked if she has experienced any violence from people, she denied having such unpleasant experience. “The pregnancy

•Kogi State Governor Idris Wada shakes hands with a patient during a visit to an hospital

has rather brought a lot of favours and open doors rather than when i was not pregnant. In fact I am free to do you anything i feel like, in disguise of being pregnant. Although i have heard stories of people being beaten by their husbands and forced to go to undue labour but i have not experienced that. “In fact my husband has been very wonderful. I am blessed among women. “I feel like I should be pregnant everyday. Even in the hospital, they try and tell us not to provoke people. Some men don’t even care; they ask you, are you going to give birth to Jesus.” But it was gathered most women will tell you it is not a big deal, after all they have passed through it, but the men will always be compassionate. Incidentally, the mystery behind this generosity is given different perspective. But in this case, it permeates through the gender differences. Some individual believed when such kind gesture is extended to pregnant women, it attracts favour in return. Most times, those who have challenge with infertility attached spiritual intent to it. They strongly consider the fact that the act will lead to their procreation. Mrs. Faith Edughie patronised this school of thought, she said it is only an irresponsible man that will forgo a pregnant woman in odd situations. She observed the expecting mothers are offered special treatment also in the market place, adding that they tend to enjoy discounts in price of commodities. “You do not have to know them. It is an avenue to get your marital desire especially when in need of a baby except on rare occasions if the man has ulterior motives,” she said. For residents of the FCT, this is a behavioural attitude worth applauding and necessary for the survival of our humble society, largely eroded by selfish interests and cultural ethnicity.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

THE NORTH REPORT

Abuja, FRSC campaign against road carnage T

HE FCT sector comprising the 8,000-square-kilometre Federal Capital Territory and its three major entry and exit highways currently has the highest fatality rate in the country resulting from road traffic crashes (RTC). These facts emerged when the chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Felix Chukwu led members of the board on a courtesy call to the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed at his conference hall. The Minister was represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Chukwu, an engineer. To stem the unsavoury trend, the Minister directed that the FCT Administration and the FRSC enhance their synergy towards reducing the high accident rate in the FCT especially during the current ember months of the year. Senator Bala Mohammed decried the high rate of accidents on the FCT roads which is said to be among the highest in the country. He however attributed the high accident rate to the high quality of roads within the Territory which makes driving more pleasurable, tempting and susceptible to overspeeding. He further called for more effective use of pedestrian bridges where available stressing that concerted efforts were on to complete the ongoing construction of more pedestrian bridges in the Federal Capital City . The bridges are being built through collaboration

Nigeria Ambassador to Canada, Ojo Maduekwe (right) with Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka during an advocacy visit on National Bicycle Week to the Ministry of Environment in Abuja. PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

From Gbenga Omokhunu

between the World Bank, the FCT Administration and the Federal Ministry of Works.

The FRSC Governing Board Chairman, Felix Chukwu attributed the high accident rate in FCT sector to the excellent state of its roads which tempt many motorists

to over-speed. He cautioned motorists plying the ever busy routes in and out of Abuja to always adhere to speed limits. He identified the accident prone routes as the

Abuja gets N5b from SURE-P in two years

Fed Govt hailed on solar power in councils From Gbenga Omokhunu

HE Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has commended the Federal Ministry of Power for installing a set of new Photovoltaic Solar Power Systems for generating electricity in some villages of the Area Council. This is part of the Light-Up Nigeria, Access-to-Power for rural areas of Nigeria. In a letter of appreciation to the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Micah Jiba described as amazing, the execution of the prototype Lighting technology in Durumi community recently. He said the people of the area were grateful to the Federal Government for efforts to provide access to electricity to all Nigerians. Jiba promised to support the Ministry of Power with necessary logistics to enhance the smooth running of the ‘Light Up-Nigeria Project in the Area Council, just as he assured that his administration will support other means of alternative energy to complement the national grid. It will be recalled that the Hon. Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo had last two weeks, flagged off a special Federal Government Rural Electricity Project tagged ‘Light-Up Nigeria - for villages without access to the national grid, with the inauguration of the solar-powered electricity facility in the FCT. The Durumi pilot project is expected to cover at least 1050 households, while also providing refrigeration for delicate hospital supplies and other ancillary points for charging of phones and street lights for the village square. Also the major inlet roads and the roads leading to the Chief’s palace and the community school will be provided with street lights.

ever busy Abuja-GwagwaladaYangoji-Abaji-Lokoja axis, AbujaNyanya-Keffi axis and Abuja-ZubaSabon Wuse-Kateri-Kakau-Kaduna axis as well as the city.

From Gbenga Omokhunu •Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance Hon Moruf AkinderuFatai chatting with Hon Mathew Omeagara during a committee at the National Assembly, Abuja.

•From left: Emir Of Lafiya, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai; Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu at the graduation ceremony of Chief Imam Of Bauchi Islamic School in Bauchi

HE FCT Administration has received a total allocation of N5,567,024,161.44 from the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SUREP) from May 2012 to October 2013. The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed disclosed this while briefing the Senate Committee on SURE-P. Mohammed revealed that the sum of N309,278,350.52 was received on monthly basis from May 2012 to December 2012 totalling N2,474,226,804.16. He said that the FCT Administration also received the sum of N309,278,350.52 on monthly basis from January 2013 to October 2013 totalling N3,092,783,505.20. He explained that out of this amount, the sum of N500,000,000 and N140,916,347.38 have been expended on the, Abuja Taxi Cap Scheme and Public Mass Transit Scheme Phase II respectively. According to him, the Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo recently commissioned 160 vehicles being the 1st Phase of the Abuja Taxi Cap Scheme, while the 2nd Phase with 180 vehicles on its fleet will soon be commissioned to improve the transportation network of the Federal Capital Territory and empower the less-privileged in the sector to own and operate vehicles of their own. The Minister said that the sum of N500,000,000 each had been set aside for the 2nd Phase of Abuja Taxi Cap Scheme and counterpart fund for additional 300 high capacity buses now being negotiated in China. He stated that the sum of N216,742,550.00 has been spent by the Health & Human Services Secretariat for Free Ante Natal Programme from the SURE-P fund. The Minister pointed out that so far N3,059,322,313.61 has been expended with N1,573,494,273.68 as committed funds; while N934,207,574.15 is the available balance as at October 30, 2013.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

POLITICS

TUESDAY, DECEMBEER 10, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been jolted out of its delusion that a vacancy does not exist in the Presidency in 2015, following the recent explosion that shook the party to its foundation. Now, embattled party leaders are strategising on how to prevent more defections to the opposition, reports Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU.

PDP: Battling to prevent more defections

AD President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, taken decisive steps to avert the doom, perhaps, the explosion in the ruling party would have been averted. How to halt the spate of defections from the ruling party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is now the concern of members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Working Committee (NWC), who have acknowledged that electoral disaster looms, ahead of the next general elections. As the PDP tries to prevent more defections, the APC is wooing more aggrieved chieftains, promising to address their grievances under the progressive platform. Party sources disclosed that the PDP is exploring a number of options to prevent more embarrassment. A former minister, who craved for anonymity, said that key party leaders have woken up to the reality that power shift is imminent, unless the PDP puts its house in order. ‘There have been defections before from the PDP, but this is going to have a significant effect”, said the party stalwart from the Northeast. Apart from threatening a legal action against the governors and other elective office holders who called it quit, chieftains loyal to the President and Tukur have been persuading federal legislators in the aggrieved governor’s camps to sheath their swords. The legal option, a party source said, was turned down, when some lawyers doubted its efficacy. A former member of the NWC from the Southwest, who spoke on the issues said that lawyers advised the party to explore political solution to prevent the escalation of the crisis. “We were reminded that some governors have previously defected to the PDP from other parties in the past”, he said. Also, the founding fathers and some BoT members have been dispatched to the six geo-political zones to arrest the drift to the main opposition camp. “What we are doing now is to identify the states not affected by the major defection and consolidate our hold there. But we also appreciate that, if we cannot resolve this crisis in a way that will make them return, we should ensure that we minimise acrimony across the chapters”, said the minister. A PDP elder from Lagos State, who expressed disgust at the poor handling of the crisis, lamented the split. “Governors are state leaders and they are powerful. We have not produced any PDP governor here, Therefore, we are not happy that we are losing more governors to our opponents. The crisis was not managed”, he fumed. However, he disagreed that the defection was final, saying that there is nothing that cannot be reversed in politics. “In 2007, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar left the party. But he later came back. Therefore, if the demands of those who left are met, under the right atmosphere, they will return to the fold. That is why we should not relent in this reconciliation effort, I mean, genuine reconciliation”, he added. The handwriting was bold on the wall. But gullible PDP leaders dismissed the anticipated explosion as a feeble threat. When the ‘G7’ governors protested the chairman’s leadership styles, he branded them as rebels. Tukur advised them to embrace reconciliation. But, as Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso, one of the protesting chieftains pointed out, the reconciliation was a shallow step, repeated window dressing and ill-focussed game plan orchestrated to make it appear that the acclaimed largest party could undergo a rebirth. To observers, PDP’s crisis is proportional to its size. State and local government chapters are not insulated from the logjam. Thus, when the aggrieved party faithful realised that the so-called reconciliation lacked the elements of candid dialogue, they withdrew their enthusiasm. Wielding the big stick, the NWC wanted to whip them into line by asking them to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee headed by Second Republic Transform Minister Dr. Umaru Dikko. The panel was still expecting them at the trial when five out of the seven ‘rebel’ gover-

From left: APC leaders: Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Bello Masari, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, Chief Timipre Sylva and Alhaji Kawu Baraje after the APC/New PDP merger meeting in Abuja.

nors -Kwankwanso (Kano), Muritala Nyako (Adamawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Rotimi Ameachi (Rivers)-left the platform. Also, the departure of party big wigs, who worked for the party’s electoral victory in 2011, including Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Alhaji Kawu Baraje and other New PDP chieftains, decimated the ruling party. What is worrisome to the PDP is the analysis of the previous presidential election results, which revealed that the APC now has a better prospect. In the 2011 election,President Jonathan polled 22,495,187 votes as against General Muhammadu Buhari’s 12,214,853 votes. The result revealed a margin of 10,280,334 votes, which gave the President victory, despite Buhari’s impressive showing in the North. While Dr. Jonathan obtained the required 25 per cent in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC), Buhari had 25 per cent in 17 states. In the breakdown, Buhari’s strongholds were as follows: Northwest- Jigawa: 663,994; Kaduna: 1,334,244; Kano: 1,624,543; Katsina: 1,162,919; Kebbi: 501,453; Sokoto: 540,769 and Zamfara: 624,515. The total vote cast in the region was 6,453,437. Northeast- Borno: 909,763; Yobe: 143,179; Bauchi: 1,315,209; Gombe: 459,898; Adamawa: 344,526 and Taraba: 257,986. The total was 3,430,561. The total votes cast from the two zones was 9,883,998. President Jonathan’s strongholds were the Southsouth and Southeast. The breakdown of his votes is as follows: Southsouth- Edo: 542,173; Delta: 1,378,851; Rivers: 1,817,762; Cross River: 709,382; Akwa Ibom: 1,165,629 and Bayelsa: 504,811. The total was 6,118,608. In the Southeast, the analysis is as follows: Anambra: 1,145,169; Abia: 542,173; Ebonyi: 480,592; Enugu: 802,144 and Imo: 1,190,179. The total vote was 4,160,179. The total for both zones was 10,278,865.

Although the PDP strategists had envisaged a scenario where the aggrieved governors would opposed the President’s bid for a second term, they did not anticipate their defection to the APC. It was also evident that the PDP had lost hope in Zamfara, Borno and Yobe, the pre-dominantly Muslim states controlled by the APC. In the North, religion is a crucial factor in political calculation. Therefore, Kebbi, Katsina, Bauchi, and Gombe votes may not go to a candidate not from the North. Some analysts have disputed this, saying that it did not work in Buhari’s favour, as widely anticipated. These states had 4,176,485 votes. Thus, if it is subtracted from Dr. Jonathan’s 22,495,187 votes, they pointed out that the President would still have smiled away with 18,319,702 votes against Buhari’s 12,214,853 votes. By this calculation, they reckoned that Jonathan would still have won with 6,104,849 vote difference. However, in the Southwest, it is a different ball game. The calculation dill definitely be altered. Although the region voted for the President in 2011, it is doubtful, if he can repeat the feat in 2011. The analysis is as follows: Lagos: 1,281,688; Ogun: 309,177; Oyo: 484,758; Osun: 188,409; Ekiti: 135,009 and Edo: 542,173. The Southwest and Edo had 2,941,214 votes, giving the President 3,163,635 votes. “In 2015, we can build these scenarios. Northwest and Southwest, which usually have the highest number of votes, may tilt the pendulum towards the APC, to the disadvantage of the PDP. In the Northeast, the calculation is foggy. Boko Haram problem may result into voter apathy”, said analyst, who added: “Even, in Kaduna, the home of Vice President Nnamdi Sambo, the PDP may not do well. If it does, it is will not be due to the influence of the Vice President because he is not perceived as a strong man”. But, the PDP’s calculation also is that the Middlebelt is not in hot romance with the APC, despite its footing in Kwara and Benue. “PDP

‘In 2015, we can build these scenarios. Northwest and Southwest, which usually have the highest number of votes, may tilt the pendulum towards the APC, to the disadvantage of the PDP. In the Northeast, the calculation is foggy. Boko Haram problem may result into voter apathy... Even, in Kaduna, the home of Vice President Nnamdi Sambo, the PDP may not do well. If it does, it is will not be due to the influence of the Vice President because he is not perceived as a strong man’

may want to rely on the votes from this area to neutralise the votes coming from the Northwest and Northeast zones. But, now that Kwara is not for the PDP, it is dicey”, said a PDP member from Lagos, who also craved for anonymity. In 2015, the expectation of the PDP may be dashed in the Southeast, owing to what observers have described as the ‘Okorocha factor’. The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is consolidating his hold in the state, ahead of the poll. This may undermine PDP’s projection in the region. In 2011, the sentiment in the Southsouth was that Dr. Jonathan needed a home base to launch himself to power. But, it is a disunited region today. Although Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and parts of Delta will gravitate towards the Presidency, it is not certain that Rivers will fall in line. Both PDP and APC have returned to the drawing board. The original APC states remain a nogo area for the PDP. The performance of APC governors have sealed the hope of the conservative bloc to bounce into reckoning. The APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the tempo of achievement will be sustained in the interest of the party and the electorate. In the spirit of the merger, proposals for the harmonisation of party structures are being considered by the party leadership. Lagos APC chieftain, Alhaji Abiodun Sunmola, said the governors will not regret their defection. Echoing the Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, who said the APC will be a party of equal founders and joiners, he said there will be no discrimination against the new members. “In Lagos, we are setting the pace. There is no tension among members of the merging parties. We have resolved to be one and we are acting as one and that will be the situation in other states”, he said. In Kwara, the merger generated ripples. But the national leaders of the party have restored confidence by reconciling the Saraki and Dele Belgore forces. In Adamawa, Nyako and Buba Marwa camps have also been reconciled. A party source said that efforts are being intensified to woo the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) chieftains led by Abubakar. The APC reconciliation train has also rolled into Sokoto and Kano states for the purpose of uniting Kwakwanso and his predecessor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, and Kwakwanso and former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 9-12-13

Transcorp will create long-term value, says Elumelu

•Equities open with marginal gain

RANSNATIONAL Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc will create long-term and sustainable value for investors and other stakeholders as it continues to optimise its diversified assets portfolio, the board of the conglomerate assured yesterday. At the presentation of the operational highlights and recent initiatives by Transcorp to the investing public at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), directors of the conglomerate highlighted the key fundamentals of the company’s business dynamics that has driven its recent impressive performance on the stock market. The market appeared to respond favourably to the presentation as the share price of Transcorp inched up by 0.48 per cent to close at N4.20 per share as against average of 0.02 per cent recorded by the entire market yesterday. Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp), Mr. Tony Elumelu, said the conglomerate’s investment strategy and the diversification of its businesses would provide a stable base for long-term growth. According to him, Transcorp is one of the few ways through which institutional investors can obtain diversified access to Nigeria’s key economic sectors, from power and hospitality to oil and gas and agriculture. “Our long term sustainable investment philosophy re-

By Taofik Salako

mains our ability to create value,” Elumelu said. He noted that Transcorp’s growth strategy was founded on dynamism, globally competitiveness, transparency and good governance. “We promised our investors that they would reap the rewards of their patience, and now we have built a company that is not only sharing the tangible fruits of our labour, it is also a vehicle for all Nigerians to gain access to the opportunities that our country offers,” Elumelu said. In his presentation, president, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, Obinna Ufudo highlighted the company’s investments, which are spread across the key sectors of the Nigerian economy. He outlined that Transcorp had acquired the 1000 megawatt Ughelli Power Plant in November, after paying a bid price of $300 million while the company is making new investments in food processing through its subsidiary, Teragro, following its recent attainment of global certifications in international safety standards for its juice concentrate products. He added that in the hospitality sector, Transcorp has commenced the refurbishment and expansion of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja while in oil and gas sector, the company is expected

to begin production on oil block OPL 281 in 2014. “We believe the Transcorp transformation is only the beginning and we look forward to recording further success for our shareholders, stakeholders and staff. We also pay tribute to the critical role our strategic investor Heirs Holdings has played in catalysing change,” Ufudo said. Transcorp has made gradual and firmer return to profitability in recent years. From a loss of N8.88 billion in 2007, it recorded a profit after tax of N1.26 billion in 2011. Net profit after tax improved to N2.53 billion in 2012. Latest earnings report for the ninemonth period ended September 30, 2013 showed a profit before tax of N5.1 billion. Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market opened yesterday on a cautious note just as investors continued to show preference for low-priced equities. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities increased slightly from opening value of N12.390 trillion to close at N12.393 trillion. The main index that tracks all quoted equities on the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), inched up by 0.02 per cent from indexon-board of 38,738.15 points to 38,747.51 points. Unity Bank was the most active stock with a turnover of 357.73 million shares valued at N189.61 million in 1,506 deals. Transcorp followed with a turnover of 100.15 million shares worth N419.01 million in 421 deals. Total turnover was above average with the exchange of 676.38 million shares valued at N3.49 billion in 4,775 deals. Banking subsector accounted for 463.55 million shares valued at N1.72 billion in 1,506 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 9-12-13

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

MONEY LINK

Trade among D-8 Nations hits $150b

RADING among D-8 nations has hit about $150 billion in two years, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has said. Adesina said the trade is expected to grow to about $500 billion in the next seven years. The minister disclosed this at the 4th D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja. He added that the trading arrangement rose from $68 billion in 2010 to the current sum. Adesina said: “The D-8 accounts for 13 per cent of the world’s population. The potential for trade between our countries is immense. Trade between our countries grew from $68 billion in 2010 to $150 billion in 2012 and is projected to rise to $500 billion before 2020.” He said the organisation was setup to improve developing countries’ position in global economy, diversifying decision making at the international level and providing better standards of

•$500b target by 2020 set From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

living in member countries. The D-8 is an international organisation made up of member countries from Nigeria, Turkey, Iran, Bangladesh and Egypt. Others are Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan. According to him, D-8 would focus on agriculture, energy, environment, health, science and technology, banking, finance and rural development to achieve the set goals. Adesina urged member nations to utilise its population to ensure food sufficiency in the countries. “With rising population of the D-8 countries, nothing is more important to our security than food. Therefore, greater priority must be put on assurance of food security, for any nation or region that cannot feed itself is not sovereign nor can it assert its position in the global economy,” he said.

Adesina highlighted three major areas that required priority attention within the D-8 ministerial agenda. It include: research and development, growing the seed industry and the fertiliser industry. He proposed the establishment of a D-8 Agricultural Research and Development Capacity Building Initiative to strengthen agricultural research, development and technology transfer between countries. Adesina emphasised the need for D-8 to establish a Seed Sector Investment Fund that will support joint investments in expanding size of the seed sector as well as establishing a Fertilizer Investment Fund to accelerate joint investments in fertilizer manufacturing. The Abuja Declaration of the 4th D-8 meeting was further adopted by Pakistan and seconded by Iran Min-

ister of Agriculture. However, Turkey is to host the next edition of the meeting. Secretary General of the D-8, Seyed Mohammad Mousavi identified the need for member nations to partner to eradicate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. He observed that commercialising and specialising in agricultural production, processing as well as retailing have enhanced efficiency to make food available. Mousavi said: “We need to search for and utilise the potential possibili-

•CBN may raise MPR over AMCON bonds Stories by Collins Nweze

appreciation. “Maintaining Retail Dutch Auction System supply of plus or minus $800 million per week will significantly reduce foreign reserves if oil production stalls,” he said. He said the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) would need to rise to counter higher spending that would stoke inflation in lead up to 2015 election. “Hike in MPR would push up the short end of the yield curve. End of 2013 Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) related liquid-

ity increase could undermine naira and add pressure on CBN to raise MPR,” he warned. MPR is the benchmark rate by which the CBN determines interest rate while Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) is a portion of banks’ deposits kept by banks with the CBN. CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido has reiterated that rate cut would not be done at any time soon. “We’re likely to remain where we are but if we’re going to move at all, we’re more likely to tighten than to ease. I would advise against precipitate easing only

BS AG (UBSN), the world’s biggest wealth manager, is targeting millionaire clients in Nigeria and Angola as Swiss rival Credit Suisse Group AG (CSGN) withdraws from some African markets. According to Bloomberg report: “The amount of people on the continent that fall within our wealth-management

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

to turn around after a few months and tighten,” Bloomberg quoted Sanusi as saying in Paris. Meanwhile, many of the banks with illiquid AMCON bonds are also seen to be under serious revenue threat. “We believe this will remain a challenging year for Access given the nature of its balance sheet (large exposure to illiquid AMCON bonds). “We think 2014 should be a year of stronger growth for Access, as most of the AMCON debt matures at the end of this year and will be redeemed for either cash or t-bills – giving Access the opportunity to earn better returns on its assets,” a Renaissance Capital, an investment and research firm said in a report.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Offered ($) 350m 350m 350m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

%CHANGE

COURTVILLE PRESTIGE NPFMCRFBK VITAFOAM ABCTRANS CILEASING TRANSEXPR UPL WAPCO ETERNA

0.62 0.62 0.74 4.50 0.78 0.52 1.20 3.82 103.95 4.18

0.65 0.65 0.77 4.68 0.81 0.54 1.24 3.90 106.00 4.26

0.03 0.03 0.03 0.18 0.03 0.02 0.04 0.08 2.05 0.08

GAINERS AS AT 9-12-13 2013-12-06

2013-12-09

LOSERS AS AT 9-12-13

SYMBOL COSTAIN INTENEGINS MANSARD LIVESTOCK PORTPAINT RTBRISCOE STERLNBANK OASISINS UNITYBNK CCNN

2013-12-06

O/PRICE 1.22 0.60 2.41 4.42 6.25 1.42 2.28 0.52 0.55 10.05

2013-12-09

C/PRICE 1.13 0.57 2.29 4.20 5.94 1.35 2.19 0.50 0.53 9.73

Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

Current After

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

CUV Start %

%CHANGE -0.09 -0.03 -0.12 -0.22 -0.31 -0.07 -0.09 -0.02 -0.02 -0.32

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

bracket is increasing every day,” Sean Bennett, the Johannesburg-based managing director of UBS in sub-Saharan Africa, said adding that there are still tons of opportunities relatively untapped. UBS AG said last month that net inflows from wealthy clients in its emerging markets division, which includes Russia, eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India, slowed in the third quarter. UBS is vying with Swiss banks from Julius Baer Group Ltd. to Pictet & Cie. for emerging market millionaires as a global crackdown on tax evasion forces European and American clients to withdraw funds. While Bennett sees potential to woo superrich customers in Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Botswana, Credit Suisse is planning to withdraw from 83 markets, including Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to cut costs. “The UBS strategy has been that you win market share by being onshore and for a long time,” said Sebastian Dovey, managing partner at London-based research company Scorpio Partnership.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

ties for cooperation and also, equally important, to confront together agricultural challenges ahead of us all.”

UBS targets Nigerian, Angolan millionaires

Exchange rate to remain volatile over rising import demand

HE naira exchange will remain volatile in the coming months as import demand rises and oil revenues drop, Currencies Analyst at Ecobank Nigeria, Olakunle Ezun has said. In a quarterly report obtained by The Nation, he said increase in three per cent plus or minus N155 target range remains possible but currently unlikely. He said further fall in oil production would add pressure on foreign exchange reserves, which in turn would undermine the naira. Ezun said stable foreign exchange reserves and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) more aggressive exchange rate policy have driven naira

•Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Trade and Investment

NSE CAP Index

19-09-13 11.432.09 35,891.90

23-09-13 11.494.75 36,088.64

% Change -

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name Offer Price Bid Price AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 164.78 163.61 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.06 1.05 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.70 0.70 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,603.87 1,603.87 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.83 115.13 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 1.62 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 1.03 KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND 143.11 142.62 LEGACY FUND 0.78 0.76 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS

Sultan launches fatwa committee, 12 others

HE Muslim umbrella body, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), inaugurated yesterday the Fatwa committee, which is saddled with interpreting Islamic jurisprudence and recommending appropriate sanction against offenders. The fatwa committee was among 13 committees, majority of which are headed by traditional rulers in the North, inaugurated by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, at the national headquarters of the body in Kaduna. Speaking at the event, the Sultan said setting up the committee was as a way of uniting Muslims, pointing out that it was important for Muslims to come together as one. He said: “The work of Islam should be taken seriously, as our religion has problems and we should fight towards embracing peace and unity amongst ourselves to achieve what has been before. “I urged the appointees to be proactive as they accept this wondrous task to serve in the different committees, and make sure that you discharge you duties diligently.” The Secretary-General,

COMMITTEE

HEAD

•Central Fatwa

Sheikh Sherrif Ibrahim Sale Al-Hussainy Emir of Suleja, Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim; Emir of Yauri, Zayyanu Muhammad Abdullahi

•Central Da’awah and Mobilisation •Central Education and Youth Development •Central International and Hajj Affairs

Emir of Argungu, Samaila Muhammad Mera.

•Central Finance and Investment •Central Establishment and Disciplinary •Central Research and Planning

Ibrahim Yerima Abdullahi

•Central Health •Central Current Affairs and Publicity •Central Publication Committee •Central Interfaith Dialogue and Conflict Resolution •Central Welfare and Disaster Relief

Etsu Shonga, Halilu N. Yahaya

•Central Women Affairs

Aisha Aliko Mohammed

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said the JNI has gone a long way in propagating the ideals of Islam, unity of the Ummah and protecting the overall interests of Muslims since its inception in 1961.

Emir of Birnin Gwari, Zubair Jibril Maigwari II. Emir of Birnin Gwari, Zubair Jibril Maigwari II. Mallam Mohammed Haruna Abdullahi Umar Prof Nur Alkali Sani Abubakar Lugga

Aliyu added that the committees are to collaborate with stakeholders to source for support or counterpart funding and further articulate a blue print for the JNI. JNI’s spokesman Umar Zaria said the Fatwa Committee was set up to look into

current Islamic issues that do not have clear interpretations in Islamic Jurisprudence. The committee, Zaria said, has the power to proffer advice, even the passing of a death sentence on an individual. He said: “The Fatwa committee will look into areas of modern times and Islam. It would be saddled with the interpretation, for example, whether or not it is Islamically right to eat with fork, spoon or not. “It would look into current trends as they concern Muslims and decide on the kind of judgment they would get. “This would be more practical in areas where Sharia law is now being practised. “Yes, on the passing of a death sentence, even if it is on a non-Muslim, the Fatwa Committee is capable of doing that. “But, as I said, it all depends on whether the issue in question is in Islamic Jurisprudence. But the Fatwa committee is strictly on individual behaviour and not a communal committee. And Muslims are the most affected.”

Lamido: APC’ll give PDP a run From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

IGAWA State Governor Sule Lamido yesterday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would give the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a run for its money in 2015. The governor spoke yesterday when the Kano and Jigawa states chapters of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) visited him. Lamido said: “I now see the wisdom in the formation of the APC since the PDP is really misbehaving; the party will give us a good run for our money.” The governor said he had been vilified by the public in the past and is used to it. “It would not affect my stance and position on what I think is right. I was among the G7 governors for a certain ideology we shared, yet I was called names. “I was called the black sheep from the North, I was called anti-Islam and anti-North in the past because of what I believed in,” he said. Lamido said it was sad that people resort to insult and abuse when one does not do what they think one should do in terms of their judgment.

Shekarau to Kwankwaso: pay my claims From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ORMER Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau yesterday in Kano wrote to his successor, Governor Rabiu Kkwankwaso, demanding the payment of his entitlements. Shekarau, who was also the former presidential candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), demanded the payment in accordance with the provisions of the state’s pension rights of governors and deputy governors’ law of 2007. In the letter addressed to Kwankwaso, Shekarau requested for the payment of his monthly pensions as a former governor, as well as provision of two vehicles and payment of allowances of his four personal staff. Shekarau’s media spokesman Sule Yau Sule said when the law was passed in 2007, his boss requested the House of Assembly to backdate the law to enable Kwankwaso benefit, which was accordingly effected.

Cleric urges Nigerians to pray

ROFESSOR of Medicine and church leader Joseph Otubu has called on Christians and Muslims to unite and call on God to tackle Boko Haram insurgency and other security problems. He gave the suggestion while delivering a sermon: Celebration of Spiritual Rebirth: The Future of Aladura Churches, at the adoption service of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Lagos. Otubu emphasised the need for religious leaders to pray to ward off all security problems, including kidnapping, ritual killings, assassinations, robbery and others. Otubu advised Christians to go back to their God in order to turn things around for good in the country. He added: “Christians must continue to praise God and live a life of praise. We must let God’s goodness to us constrain us to do good to all men.”

NACCIMA holds council meeting •Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) addressing reporters on former South African President Nelson Mandela’s death at Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday. With him are Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello (left) and Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lateef Ibirogba. PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Tackle youth unemployment, say Ahmed, Saraki

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki, yesterday urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on youth unemployment. Both vowed to, in the next four weeks, provide no less than 5,000 jobs. They said: “It is time the Federal Government declared a state of emergency on youth unemployment, just as we have declared a state of emergency on power and security. “We must find a lasting solution to this problem; it cannot be immediate, but we can start a process that will give the youth hope.” The duo spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at a technical summit for unemployed youths, organised by the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Constituency Office. The theme of the summit was “Youth unemployment in Kwara State: The way forward”. Ahmed said: “For us in Kwara State, the solution to this social challenge is twopronged. First, we are creat-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ing a new crop of youth entrepreneurs through capacity building and access to affordable micro-credit funds on the platform of cooperatives. “Second, in line with Dr. Saraki’s vision for agro-led prosperity in Kwara State, we are assertively promoting youth involvement in agribusiness through targeted training, access to funding and mentorship. “I, therefore, call on youths to take up entrepre-

neurship by leveraging on the spaces created by government in the informal sector and in agribusiness. “To own a successful business is as lucrative as it is liberating. It frees you from the dangers of placing your ladder on someone else’s wall, thus making you the architect of your prosperity.” Saraki said: “Individuals cannot do it all, you must be ready to seize the opportunity, you must be committed and you must be serious and see it as a journey to success.

“My hope and dream is that from our discussions, we will find a lasting solution that will provide jobs for over 5,000 people immediately. This will include both entrepreneurship schemes largely and regular white collar jobs. “The entrepreneurship schemes will provide take off grants. I will seek the governor’s partnership in coming up with a solution. My idea is we spend the next four weeks reviewing recommendations and putting together a roadmap.”

Umar ‘sends’ Danjuma birthday message

HE ‘bitterness’ between Taraba State Acting Governor Garba Umar and former Defence Minister Gen Theophilus Danjuma did not allow Umar sign the birthday message he sent to Danjuma yesterday. Danjuma turned 76 yesterday. A goodwill message, purportedly sent by Umar, was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kefas Sule. The message reads: “We, in Taraba State, join millions of Nigerians, even in the diaspora, to wish you a happy birthday and God’s blessings.” According to analysts, the message came

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

tactfully from the government, but definitely not from the acting governor. Sule, however, said the message was from the acting governor and there was no problem with him signing the message. “I am his (Umar’s) chief press secretary, so I can sign anything that has to do with media on his behalf.” Umar is reportedly not happy with Danjuma for consistently referring to him as deputy governor. He is allegedly scheming to become substantive governor, but Danjuma has refused to support his bid.

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

HE importance of sustained relationship between government and the Chamber of Commerce Movement at various levels has been re-echoed by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). This was reiterated by the association’s National President, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, at its quarterly Council Meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He hailed Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio for good governance. The governor, who was presented with a Commendation Award for his uncommon infrastructural development in his state by the NACCIMA boss, said a deliberate policy of business and investmentfriendly reforms and advanced infrastructural development have seen the state laying a solid foundation to move from a mostly civil service economy to an industrialised economy in collaboration with the Organised Private Sector. Akpabio told NACCIMA and its affiliates to consider setting up their businesses and investments in the state to industrialise Akwa Ibom for job creation and employment.

FCTA workers lock minister out From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike, Abuja

GGRIEVED workers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration have called for the sack of the Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed.

They accused him of blocking their career development path. The workers, who blocked the entrance to the minister’s office, displayed placard with inscriptions such as: “Bala must go”; “Staff welfare zero”. They sang “we no go gree o” when the Permanent Secretary, John Chukwu, came out to address them. Chairman, Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC-FCDA) Ajao Adejumo, who led the protesters, said Mohammed’s administration has undermined the progressive path of the workers. He said the Administration does not train workers. Adejumo said the FCTA has not provided workers with incentives, despite several appeals. The Permanent Secretary, John Chukwu, who addressed the protesters, told them that the administration was aware of their demands and has begun discussing with union leaders. He said: “Most of your requests, I have heard. I appeal to all of you to just give us today to talk to the union.”

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS EWS N Oshiomhole presents 2014 budget today

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State will today present the 2014 appropriation bill to the House of Assembly. Speaker of the House, Uyi Igbe, disclosed this yesterday during a plenary. He told the lawmakers that the governor expressed his intention to present the budget in a letter to the Assembly. Igbe also read two other letters, which were to confirm

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Didi Adodo as a commissioner-nominee and the confirmation of Ekiuwa Inneh as chairman of the Edo State Civil Service Commission. Others nominated to the commission by the governor are: Lugard Aimiuwu, Mathew Ogedengbe, Tony Oshionebo and George Akhimien. The Speaker, however, directed the nominees to submit 30 copies of their curricu-

lum vitae to the House Committee on Rules, Business and Government House with one week.

‘Defection of governors good for democracy’ From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and Secretary, Bayelsa State Elders’ Forum (BSEF), Chief Thompson Okorotie, said yesterday that the defection of the five PDP governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was good for democracy. Okorotie, who spoke with The Nation in Yenagoa, said the development would provide a stiff opposition. He, however, said the defection would not affect the fortunes of the PDP in 2015.

O CAVEAT EMPTOR

The general public and well meaning residents of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria are hereby notified and further reminded that the vest tract of land lying being and situate Opposite Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Abeokuta ,Ogun State, Nigeria is the property of Late James Adeoye and his Successor, to wit , his Descendants. It has come to the attention of the undersigned, both beneficiaries of the said Estate, that the said property has been trespassed upon, maliciously damaged, vandalized and demolished, in spite of warnings issued by members of Late James Adeoye family to property speculators that the said property which is FAMILY PROPERTY of LATE JAMES ADEOYE IS NOT FOR SALE. Persons who are on the land through unauthorized agents and/ or entities are hereby warned and advised that their Acts of Continuing Trespass on the land is illegal, unlawful and devoid of any valid title. Necessary machinery of the law is being invoked to effect immediate repossession unless such persons contact the undersigned within reasonable time from the date of the publication of this notice. The general public and well meaning residents of Abeokuta in particular are hereby advised to ignore and disregard any individual or group of persons purportedly acting on behalf of the family without proper authorization. All enquiries concerning the vast tract of land in question should be forwarded to the family Solicitors: Y.O.KEHINDE &CO., 148, AGEGE MOTOR ROAD, MUSHIN - OLOSHA, LAGOS. TEL:08033066496, 08028489340,08062716649,08174965895. BE WARNED We further give notice that all activities and transactions relating to the said FAMILY PROPERTY OF LATE JAMES ADEOYE will be contested by undersigned.

YOU HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WARNED.

Labour suspends strike in Edo

RGANISED Labour in Edo State yesterday suspended the indefinite strike, which lasted seven days. It also shelved the planned week-long mass protest scheduled to begin yesterday. This followed the intervention of the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa. The workers suspended the strike after a meeting of the

•From left: Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Akpabio; Deputy Governor Valerie Ebe; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and his wife, Martha, after the one million women march in celebration of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s 51st birthday celebration in Uyo... yesterday

•Seeks removal of perm sec From Osagie Otabor, Benin

state Executive Council and Labour. Activities in ministries, government agencies, parastatals, schools and hospitals, except the judiciary, were paralysed during the strike. The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress

(NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, who announced the suspension, said they met government four times since last Tuesday to resolve the issues, which led to the strike. He said government has agreed to some of their demands, except the 53.37 per cent salary relativity for public workers.

Ademokun said government agreed to revisit the 20 per cent balance of the Consolidated Salary Structure for health workers, pay the balance 10.5 per cent TSA for teachers as well as release four years promotion for workers. He urged workers to return to work and enjoined government to relieve Maj. Lawrence Loye of his appointment as the permanent secretary.

Battle rages at Rivers council

HERE is a fresh crisis at the controversial Obio/Akpor Council in Rivers State, with the two helmsmen-: the sacked chairman, Timothy Nsirim and the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Singer Azubuike Singer, insisting that they are in charge. Singer, at a news conference yesterday in Port Harcourt, in company with five directors of the council, asked Nsirim; his deputy, Solomon Eke and the 17 councillors to go to court if they are not comfortable with Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s November 28 dissolution of the council. The HLGA also said it was unfortunate that Nsirim had refused to hand over to him, as directed by Amaechi, in accordance with the Rivers State Local Government Law 2012, declaring that the sacked chairman was hold-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

ing the council hostage. The sacked chairman, however, said he remained Obio/Akpor Council chairman and vowed never to hand over to anybody, in line with the judgment of a Rivers State High Court, Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, which reinstated him and others. Nsirim is backed by the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, who hails from Rumueprikom and a two-term Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government as well as the Chairman of the PDP in Rivers state, Chief Felix Obuah. Wike is a former Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt and the Director-General of the Amaechi Campaign Organisation in

2011. He is an Ikwerre like Amaechi (from Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area) and he is also the grand patron of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI). Nsirim asked the council workers to ignore the local government’s dissolution and continue performing their duties without fear. He said his being in office was backed by the November 25 judgment of Iyayi-Lamikanra and that his three-year tenure would end in March. Members of the Obio/Akpor Legislative Council, at the council’s secretariat, earlier passed a resolution that Nsirim remained the chairman and would not vacate his office, while supporters of the sacked chairman had been threatening fire and brimstone, saying there would be bloodbath if Nsirim was forced out. Wike, at the GDI rallies in Omuma and Ogu/Bolo coun-

cils, declared that Nsirim remained Obio/Akpor Local Government chairman, vowing that imposition of a caretaker committee in the council would be resisted. The HLGA of Obio/Akpor council said: “It is important that we draw the attention of the people of Obio/ Akpor Local Government and the public to the fact that Governor Amaechi dissolved Obio/Akpor Council on November 28. “The governor directed that the Head of Local Government Administration, in accordance with the Rivers State Local Government Law 2012 as amended, should take over the management of the local government, pending the appointment of a caretaker committee or whatever. “It is regrettable that up till now, the former council chairman, Nsirim, has refused to hand over as directed.”

Jonathan covering up corrupt practices, says Melaye

OUNDER of the AntiCorruption Network and former House of Representatives member, Mr Dino Melaye, has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of PUBLIC NOTICE I Dr (Mrs) Tolulope Fagorala of bungalow 9 LSDPC medium income estate phase IV, Ijaiy, Ogba. Lagos notify the general public that I have applied to the LSDPC for its consent to change ownership of a 4 bedroom, flat 1 Blk 172 at LSDPC medium income Estate Phase IV, Ijaiy, Ogba. Lagos which was originally allocated to Mrs Abigail Taiwo Doherty.I have made series of efforts to contact Chief Calistus I. Nwawolo the assignor from whom I brought the property, but all efforts have proved abortive. I hereby indemnify the corporation against any future claims that may arise if my application is granted, and undertake to pay cost of any dispute that may arise on same. LSDPC, mrs Abigail Taiwo Doherty and The General public, please take note.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

covering up corruption allegations in his administration. Melaye who spoke yesterday Ibadan, the Oyo State capital commemorate this year’s World Anti-Corruption Day. He described the administration as “the most corrupt in Nigerian history because we have never seen monumental corruption in this manner before”. Melaye said: “Nigeria is not only corrupt but corruption has graduated from the stealing of millions to trillions” It is quite unfortunate that since he became president not only one politically expose person has been prosecuted and jailed,

and all the corruption scandals are still on without judgment” Speaking further, he said: “This particular government romances corruption, embraces corruption, and promote corruption. A lot of ministers has been indicted in this government, Godswill Orubebe, Allison Madueke Dieziani, Stella Oduah, and a host of other ministers but the president has refuse to take any decision. “As I speak to you, Allison Madueke and Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has been indicted by five different reports, which includes, KPMG report, Ribadu report, Farouk Lawan report, Senate report on subsidy and the Naiti report which stipulated clearly that N1.3 trillion is

yet to be remitted into the federation account from NNPC”. Melaye then wondered why in spite of all the damaging reports, Madueke was still attending Federal Executive Meetings and dining with the President when she should have been sacked. “We have convention in this country that once a public officer has been indicted, he should be removed from office until prosecution is completed and we have precedent. When Late Sunday Afolabi was the Minister of Internal Affairs during Obasanjo’s tenure, he was indicted in the National Identity Card scam, he even died in jail” angry Melaye decried.

THE NATION TUESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2013

CITYBEATS NIWEX 2013 opens tomorrow ‘Will I die in this agony?’ A

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

‘I can't get enough to meet my daily needs as most people avoid looking at me twice because of the leg ... I hope I won't die like this’

By Okwy lroegbuChikezie

THE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture Women Group (NAWORG) will tomorrow open the 4th edition of the Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Exhibition (NIWEX 2013). The exhibition, which is slated to last till December 15, will take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The event will be formally declared open by the wife of Ogun State Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Olufunsho Amosun, her Lagos counterpart, Dame Abimbola Fashola is Chief Guest of Honour. The theme of this year's edition is "Women in Business: Challenges and Prospects." Participants are expected from the following sectors: manufacturing, telecommunication, cosmetics/hair products & treatment, import and export; food, beverages & drink,and media sectors. In a statement,the Chairperson of NAWORG, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, said NIWEX was founded to promote entrepreneurship among women to enable them contribute their quota to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and most importantly, to the growth and development of our economy.

S Nigerians count days to the dawn of another new year, Mrs Memunat Abdul, it obviously seems, may not be among the happy celebrants. Reason: A disease elephantiasis - has reduced one of her legs to a mere stump, leaving her to daily writhe in pains without end. She had lived in Kano with her husband and four kids until they had to flee when the dreaded sect, Boko Haram struck, killing and maiming without let. "I was one of the victims of their (Boko Haram's) first wave of attacks; I lost my husband and two of my children in the attacks," she said. Arriving Lagos with her two surviving kids, she had no alternative than to take to the streets begging for alms as there was nobody to accommodate her and her kids with such an ailment. "When we got to Lagos," she recalled, "we searched for some people I used to know in the past, but surprisingly, I found none; so, I hit the streets with my children because we had nowhere to go and nothing to eat" Passersby often had to hold their breaths to walk

Help the disabled, Nigerians told

IFE of Lagos State governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola has urged the citizenry to always show love to people living with disabilities. Mrs Fashola who spoke in Lagos noted: "We all should serve people living with disabilities. It is our responsibility to serve, care, love, celebrate

and share their pains because they are also special gifts from God." She said it was the society's responsibility to help fulfil the potentials God put in such people and for people to make it a habit to help them. She sought more support for special children to discover their potentials for better tomorrow.

By Jude Isiguzo

past her as she trudged along the various streets in the metropolis in pity. Amid tears, people often had recriminations for a system that abandons her likes to their fate. Over four years ago, when her story first broke, she, like most indigent Nigerians, was optimistic that succour would soon come her way as many good-natured Nigerians showed interest in her plight. Sadly, however, she has since remained on the streets begging for survival. Mrs. Abdul, according to her, used to be happily married, but her joy went sour when her right leg got swollen up. Then, her seemingly unending search for reprieve began. She spoke with The Nation at 12, Mobolaji Street, Ifo, Ogun State: "It was a bright morning some years ago that I first noticed this itchy swelling and as a carefree person, I thought it was a mere infection that would soon go after applying some ointments. I also used local herbs and the itch abated temporarily only to return stronger and deadlier." Now, as the infection festers, she has a bigger burden to carry. "I can't get enough to meet my daily needs as most people avoid looking at me twice because of the leg, but I must commend Lagosians for their magnanimity. They try to help, but honestly, I don't want to be a beggar and I hope I won't die like this," she said. Her children are also shar-

• Memunat

ing in the pains as they are with her in the alms-begging business. Abdul, one of them, told The Nation: "I don't like the life we live. I wish I

could be in school like my mates. I sometimes wish I had a house over my head, especially I wish my mother wasn't sick, maybe life

would have been better for us." According to Mr Olawumi Ajao, a medical doctor, Mrs Abdul suffers from a tropical disease commonly known as elephantiasis, a disease of the lymphatic system, characterised by an enormous enlargement of the infected area. The hardened skin of the affected area, he said, resembles the hide of an elephant and that is why it goes by that name. "The disease is usually the result of blockage of the lymphatic system by threadlike filarial worms, usually Wuchereria bancrofti. The parts of the body most frequently affected are the limbs and the genitals. The disease is treated with an anti-filarial drug known as diethylcarbamazine (Hetrazan) and surgery," Ajao explained. Now, according to her, she needs about N2 million for a corrective surgery on the decaying leg. Thus, she wants public-spirited Nigerians to come to her aid. "I have been running from pillar to post for the money, but it has been difficult because I don't have people that can assist me to safe my life." With the help of a Good Samaritan, she opened an account with First Bank Plc under the name: Abdul Memunat, with number 3078028123 for the attention of her prospective helpers.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

am not sexually satisfied. When I got married two years ago, I believed that all my sexual needs would be met and I will be able to have sex whenever I want but that is not the case. My wife and I have sex once or twice a week and that is not enough. I am considering divorcing her and marrying another wife– Musa Dear Musa, the solution to your needs is not divorce so we are not going to discuss divorce. You just want more sex than you are getting right now just like every man out there.Understand thatonce you get married and begin to have kids, stress, activities and responsibilities will increasein your life and the frequency of the sex will reduce. That is how it is with most people and we cannot all divorce our wives just because we want more sex. We have to keep our expectations realistic. Fantasy and real life are not the same thing. The sex you have as a single man or a newlywed is just fantasy. Once your family life settles and the kids come, the sex reduces. A simple solution to your problem will be the use of sex toys for gratification. That is what everybody does and the moment you accept that your wife will never give you all the sex you want, you will calmly seek out solutions within the realm of adult novelties. Visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com for more information on these adult toys or call the numbers below for assistance. Other alternatives to keep both of you in the mood is the use of sexual stimulants, also known as sex supplements. Supplements like Spanish Fly Mints will help make both of you want sex a bit more regularly and can have you both having sex three to four times a week, which is better than what most people are getting. Spanish Fly Mintsare really nice and taste like candy. So pray that your wife will want some. Visual aphrodisiacs are also helpful and by that I mean adult magazines and movies. The challenge as always is getting your wife to explore these novelties with you – Uche Dear Zee, I have a small penis and will like I bigger. My

erections are fine and so is everythingelse - Ken Dear Ken, Extenze Plus penis enlargement supplement is very good for organ enlargement and will improve your sexual performance in the process. So you can give that a try – Uche My husband bought meHorny Honey Arousal Gel for my dryness problems and it has really helped me. I never believed these things work. He also boughtRock Hard Weekend for himself and enjoyed it very well too. So I want to try your vibrators now. I need your two best vibrators – Mrs Ifeoma Dear Ifeoma, get Remote Control rabbit Pearland the Vibrating Black Knight.They are of very good quality – Uche Please do you have any solution for increase sperm quantity? Oba Yes Oba. It is a supplement called Max Load and it increases semen quantity and not sperm quantity. Sperm and semen are not the same thing. Sperm cells are found within a pool of semen. So if you want semen increase, get Max Load or Explosion Ejaculate Volumizer – Uche Hello,do you have like a Vagina shrinker for women who have had children? Sally Yes Sally, there are many types such as the Liquid Sex Vagina Tightener and the Tighten it Up V Gel. Use any of them with NenWa Balls for long term results - Uche I am 71 years old and cannot get an erection. I am hypertensive and diabetic. I cannot take drugs. I have a young wife that I need to satisfy. What else can I do? Wale You can wear an artificial penis for intercourse. Call us for more details – Uche That’s it for today. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08051924159 or any other number here. They can also order them online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

NEWS

ASUU Strike: Teachers defy directive to resume classes

ECTURERS defied yesterday the government's directive to resume classes. The government's ultimatum for the teachers to end the strike was yesterday. Lecturers in Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola, resolved to continue with the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The university's ASUU Chairman, Mr. Augustine Ndaghu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that majority of its more than 300 members, who attended the meeting voted for continuation of the strike. He said "with this development, our members will not respond to the government's directive to resume work. "In fact, none of our members has signed the register to resume work. "Ours is a peaceful strike as far as nobody will attempt to force us back to class." The ASUU Chairman of Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, Mr Molem Ishaku, said lecturers had also agreed to continue the strike. He said "in the first place, it was not the government that told us to go on strike and therefore it should not insist that we must go back to work." The Protocol and Information Officer of MAUTECH, Malam Mustafa Migawa, said the university had received the Federal Government’s circular and had commenced implementation. Migawa said forms had been sent to various departments to

Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos, Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

be filled by lecturers, who wish to resume work. "I can't say how many lecturers have filled the forms. We shall wait and see if the response of the lecturers is positive or not, and that will prompt the school management's next line of action." The MAUTECH and ADSU campuses were empty. There were no students. The story is the same at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as the lecturers also resolved to continue with the six-month old strike. ASUU Chairman Dr Faruk Tambuwal told NAN on Monday in Sokoto that "our position on the strike remains the same. "This is in disregard to the Dec. 10 ultimatum given by the Federal Government for us to resume work or be sacked." He said the union held its congress on December 3 and members resolved to continue with the strike. Tambuwal added that "it was also resolved that nobody will sign any register. "The sack threat is an empty one and it’s not going to work because members are still insisting on the payment of the salary arrears and inclusion of the non-victimisation clause in ASUU's agreement with the Federal Government, among others." The university's management opened registers on the two campuses, according to a statement by the Registrar,

Alhaji Kakale Jabo. The statement quoted the registrar as saying "the salaries of members were stopped since September in line with the no-work, no-pay policy. In Kano, lecturers of the Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday defied the Federal Government's directive to return to work. None of the lecturers resumed work and most offices remained locked. A security guard at the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies said none of the lecturers reported to work as at 11 a.m. "I have not seen any of the lecturers within the premises since 7.30 a.m. when I reported to work." The ASUU secretariat at the old site was also deserted but a security guard was seen watching the structure. ASUU Chairman Dr Mahmoud Lawan said the lecturers would not return to work until their demands were met. "Government did not order the closure of the universities, so how can it order it to reopen? We addressed a news conference and made our stand clear last week "We have not shifted and are not shifting grounds until the Federal Government responds to the letter from theASUU leadership and address the issues agreed with the government," Lawan said. He argued that the issue of whether or not the President of ASUU was from BUK or from Kano does not matter, as long as the strike was declared by the national body and on the basis of the princi-

ple of the union, nobody will decide to suspend the strike or shift its position just because of an individual. At ABU Zaria, the story is the same, as lecturers also defied the Federal Government's directive to return to class. All lecture halls and offices remained closed, as no lecturer was seen at the Samaru and Kongo campuses. Dr Mohammed KabirAliyu, chairman of ASUU in ABU, said the union did not call off the strike. He said: "We didn't call off the strike. We are strictly adhering to the directives of our national body. "The Federal Government cannot give us directive to go back. We will not resume work until the national body directs us to do so." It is the same story at University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), as lecturers stayed away from school. A NAN correspondent, who visited the campus Monday, reports that lecture halls were empty. Dr Musa Abdullahi, ASUU chairman, said the strike would continue. Malam Ahmed Mohammed, the institution's chief Information officer, told NAN that the authorities were waiting to hear from ASUU before taking a decision. He said "we can’t reopen the institution without hearing from ASUU." Lecturers at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi (ATBU) have refused to resume work on Monday.

Alhaji Zailani Bappa, principal public relations officer, said the lecturers were expected to resume work Wednesday and not Monday. He said the decision to ask the lecturers to resume on Wednesday came up after the Senate met on December 5. The Federal Government had asked university councils to meet to decide when to resume. "The council met on December 5 and agreed that lecturers should resume Decemebr 11." He said the council would decide on the next action by the end of Wednesday. But, according to him, if many lecturers resume, then the council would fix a date for students to return. Lecturers at the university of Jos remained on strike. However, heads of departments were in their offices at both the main and permanent site, but lecturers were not on both campuses. A few students came to check if lecturers were around. The University of Jos chapter of ASUU said it had not called off its strike. Its registrar, Prof Jilly Dandam, issued a directive on behalf of the governing council asking lecturers to resume. According to Dr. Jangkam, "we cannot be cowed or perturbed by the threat from the minister of Education and other agents of governments. "We are determined and committed to the struggle and shall not waiver from the strike until government does the right thing."

"Unijos ASUU shall not succumb to such threat, we are committed to ensure government lives up to its responsibilities" said Dr Jangkam. The three universities in Ondo State yesterday resumed normal academic activities. Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo, public relations officer (PRO) of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it had complied with government's directive. According to him, the institution resumed last week and everything was in place to ensure academic activities resume this week. Also at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, the PRO, Mr Victor Akinpelumi, said students and lecturers resumed at the school last two weeks. "We don't have any problems here. Our students and lecturers have resumed and academic work has commenced," Akinpelumi said. The Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, did not join the strike. The institution's PRO, Mr Yinka Adekalu, said the school did not have any union "and since our lecturers are not members of any union, we have no problems". The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government gave the striking lectures up to Monday to call off their six-month old strike over non implementation of an agreement signed in 2009 or face sack.

NEWS Jonathan’s anti-graft fight is weak, says Tambuwal

Continued from page 2

hearings. Tambuwal condemned undue secrecy surrounding government activities. He pleaded with Nigerians to take advantage of the Freedom of Information Act to check secrecy in government. He added: “One other area, which has been of great concern, is the culture of undue secrecy that surrounds the operation of government. Whereas our Constitution enjoins in its Section 14 (2) (c) that ‘the participation of the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution” government business tended to be run like secret societies to the exclusion of the citizenry. “It was clear that this tended and was indeed intended to aid the concealment of corruption, such that even in times of suspicion, members of the public, including gentlemen of the fourth realm, could not access public information. “The National Assembly has passed the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to enhance the right of access to public records and information about public institutions. This is one Legislation that attracted massive public interest and it is my expectation that Nigerians will make maximum use of the right created under this legislation in order to defeat the culture of undue secrecy in the running of government business.” The Speaker took time to justify the oversight functions of the National Assembly. He said: “The other function of the legislature is oversight of the other arms of government. Section 88 mandates the National Assembly to investigate the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, ministry or govern-

ment department charged or intended to be charged with the duty of or responsibility for( i) Executing or administering laws enacted by the National Assembly or ( ii) Disbursing or administering moneys appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly. “The main object of investigation according to sub section 2 (a) and (b) of Section 88 is for law reform and to expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws or administration or disbursement of public funds. Similar provision is made in Section 128 of the constitution for legislatures at the subnational levels. “Another critical role of the Legislature is the provision of adequate funding for Anti Corruption Agencies through appropriation. Unfortunately, efforts to exercise this function by the legislature is often misconstrued by the executive arm and even some members of the public. Yet without adequate funding, the anti-corruption agencies can not execute their functions satisfactorily. I wish to call on the other arms of government and indeed the general public to corroborate with us in the exercise of this mandate. “It is in exercise of this mandate that the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly has been carrying out oversight of government agencies and series of investigations or probes over allegations of corruption and corrupt practices. As you are all aware, the legislature has over the years exposed several cases of corruption. “It is important for me to stress once again at this stage that the mandate of the legislature is to expose corruption. It does not have further mandate to prosecute. That mandate of prosecution lies with the Executive and Judiciary. I have heard public com-

ments to the effect that the public is tired of investigation by the legislature since the people indicted in their findings are never prosecuted and sanctioned. “Let me reiterate that the Legislature will not abdicate its responsibilities on the account of inaction or negligence of another arm of government. If nothing else we will at least continue to name and shame. As noted earlier, the war against corruption is the responsibility of all and I call on the citizens of this great nation to rise in the exercise of their constitutional power to insist on the prosecution and sanctioning of persons indicted by the Legislature or by any agency whether public or private concerned in the fight against corruption. “In the exercise of the mandate of oversight the legislature is able to audit both pre and post expenditure of agencies of government and to give appropriate direction on the administration and disbursement of funds and execution of programs and projects under the Appropriation Act. Indeed the Public Accounts Committee of both the House and Senate has the specific mandate to review the disbursement and administration of public funds by ministries, Departments and Agencies. “As representatives of the people, Legislators will continue to be for all Nigerians their eyes to see, ears to hear and mouth to speak out against corruption anywhere and at anytime it rears its ugly head. “The task may appear daunting but I wish to assure that wit will, zeal, passion and determination, we shall eventually overcome this hydra-headed dragon. Only let us be single minded that it’s a task that must be done in order to preserve the country for posterity.

The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau(CCB), Mr. Sam Saba, rejected moves to legalise operation of foreign account by public officers. He said such a policy would encourage money laundering. His words: “Legalising the operation of foreign account for public officers will further encourage money laundering. In some African countries, refusal to accept asset declaration form attracts three years jail term. But in Nigeria, the fine is only about N5,000. “ And sometimes, a governor can even pay for his aides. We need a stricter law, if we are serious about fighting corruption.” Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) Chairman Ibrahim Lamorde, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Kayode Oladele, said the agency was not going after those with differences against the President. Lamorde said: “It is not true that EFCC go after those who are against the president. Presently, we are investigating some Permanent Secretaries and judges over corruption allegations. “Some have even said the governor of Jigawa’s sons are being prosecuted because their father is part of the G-7 governors. They fail to ask if his sons actually committed the offence.”

‘I came to Aso Villa to inform Jonathan of our defection to APC’ Continued from page 2

all the bigwigs in the party, particularly the governors who are aggrieved, with a view to bringing everybody on board and ensuring harmony and unity of the party and the governors. I don’t think the issue of APC was discussed.” On whether all hope is lost with Wamakko’s declaration to journalists at the end of the meeting, Akpabio said: “Please, you have to distinguish the issue state-by-state. You have to take the issues state-by-state. I wasn’t here when the governor of Sokoto was talking to you and I know that the governor of Sokoto State is just one member of the PDP in Sokoto and if

he says he is leaving the PDP, I am sure there are still thousands of other members of PDP who will say, ‘we are staying within the PDP’. Among governors who attended the meeting which started on Sunday night include Niger, Abia, Kebbi, Kogi, Katsina, Bauchi, Plateau, Enugu, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Taraba states. Also at the meeting were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chairman of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki. The President left the meeting about an hour to the end.

Wamakko, Kwankwaso not returning to PDP, says APC Continued from page 2

tion by the President.’ ‘’There is, therefore, nothing extraordinary about the correct decision of the two Governors to meet with the President, even as we note that the decision by some PDP governors to attend the meeting is purely within their prerogative.” APC warned against any at-

tempt to put an unnecessary spin on the meeting to give the impression that the governors, “who are now proud members of the APC family”, are considering a return to the PDP. ‘’The decision by the governors to leave the PDP is irreversible, in spite of the meeting. Therefore, Governors Wamakko and Kwankwaso remain APC Governors,’’ the party said.

It’s bye to PDP, say governors

Continued from page 2

A source said: “The meeting began on optimistic note but it later turned into a shock for the President and the leaders present. “When the tone for the meeting was set, Kwankwaso stood up and gave a lengthy explanation on why the governors

chose to defect to APC. “He listed the grudges of the aggrieved governors as lack of internal democracy in PDP; hijacking of party structure at the state level; recourse to impunity by Tukur and the National Working Committee(NWC); why Tukur must go for PDP to survive; arbitrary suspension of leaders

/members; and disrespect for the rule of law. The governor complained also of unilateral appointments by the Presidency without consultation with governors or party structure at the state level; and use of antigraft agencies to haunt those with dissenting voices in the party.

THE NATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘The illusion that tertiary education could be had for free can no longer be sustained any more now than the loathing of the idea of pricing that level of education like any other economic good’ VOL. 8

SANYA ONI

NO.2,693

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

S rumours of the imminent release of Nelson Mandela gained ground, several nagging questions must have assailed even his most ardent admirers. What if the man turned out to be but a shadow of the legend? What if he emerged stooped and walked with tentative steps and a shuffling gait after 27 years in prison, most of them in the unspeakably inhospitable conditions on Robben Island? What if his shoulders drooped and his clothes hung on him as if on a peg? What if his speech was slurred and he could not give the rousing orations to the crowds that were sure to gather wherever he stopped? What if his memory no longer served him well? What if he was wizened and could not even withstand the strain of a brief address to the teeming crowd of chanting admirers? What if he had to be helped up and down the dais? His remarkable strength of character and indomitable will are of course well known. But what if prison had sapped his will, his vigour and his spirit, and there was no fight left in him? And surely, he is not superior to the laws of biology? Questions, questions, and more questions. True, the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group, of which our own General Olusegun Obasanjo was co-chairman, had reported some four years earlier that they found him in remarkably good physical shape, in full possession of his faculties and enormously well-informed. But anything could have happened since then to a person of Mandela’s age. Besides, sheer surprise at finding that the man was not so derelict as they had expected might have led them to exaggerate his condition. And, in any case, did they interact with him long enough to be able to make valid judgments about his physical and mental condition? Doubts, doubts, and more doubts. But the answers to the questions and the doubts came when he stepped out of the Victor Verster Prison, near Paarl, in the Western Cape, on February 11, 1990. Age and the prison regimen had taken their toll. The robust frame that once belonged to South Africa’s leading amateur middleweight boxer, the tireless people’s lawyer and guerrilla chieftain had yielded to a spare body. The cherubic face of the heydays of the resistance was now deeply lined. The hair was freckled with grey. But the gait was erect. His steps were measured, firm. His voice resonated with authority. He read from prepared texts with the unaided eye. The fighting spirit that had led his associates and admirers to call him the Black Pimpernel had not waned. Apartheid had got to go. The state of emergency must be lifted. The armed struggle would continue until conditions for meaningful negotiations were created. All political prisoners, including most of those whom the apartheid regime was holding on trumped-up charges, must be released. Sanctions must be sustained. Far too many people had died in communal violence. The killings must stop. Students should go back to their school; workers to their mines and factories White domination must end, but it would not be replaced by black domination. South Africa

RIPPLES JONATHAN: PDP REMAINS PARTY TO BEAT

Yes...in RIGGING

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

The Mandela files (1): The legend lives

outside. Then, on to India and Canada, perhaps the two most unyielding protagonists of sanctions. A lesser man would have headed straight to Britain and the United States, for sumptuous banquets under glittering lights; he would have jumped at the opportunity to be photographed with those we have been conditioned to regard as the high and the mighty. Not Mandela. By now Mandela has shattered all the stereotypes, the fears, the greed, and all the ignorance that have sustained for almost half a century one of the most inhuman systems of government the world has ever known. I hope, for the sake of the apartheid regime that South African television has been presenting a faithful portrait of the man. The disciples of apartheid should study and understand and appreciate him. For, as matters now stand, he is probably the only person who can liberate them from the incomparable prison that is apartheid. First published in The Guardian (Lagos) on February 27, 1990, this is the first installment of a threepart retrospective on Nelson Mandela.

* Thumbs up for our GEJ

•The late Mandela (right), his ex-wife, Winnie and supporters when he was released from jail

would be a home to all who want to live in a democratic, just, non-racial society. By one account, Mandela gave in a single day nine interviews to television crews from across the world. Nobody could have judged from his performance that he had never until a month or two before, seen a television camera. Without the slightest trace of unease, he responded calmly and confidently to questions that ranged from the personal to the public, and from the past to the future. Whether he was sitting in front of television cameras or addressing a huge crowd or receiving endless streams of visitors that poured into his Soweto home, he displaced, according to The New York Times, “the measured dignity” that the ancient Romans called “gravitas.” In a perceptive essay for The Observer, South Africa’s eminent journalist Allister Sparks described him as a “patriarch.” Even The Economist, that consummate master of the elegant putdown, especially of persons and institutions that do not regard capi-

talism in its rawest form as something divinely ordained, allowed that Mandela “turned out a finer man than South Africa” – by which it probably meant the racists “had a right to expect,” Mandela is an authentic martyr who chooses not to come across as one. He is the symbol of the struggle of justice and freedom in South Africa and without question its most authentic spokesman, but he insists that he is only a member of the African National Congress. Even when the rusty Iron Lady was again putting to ridicule whatever pretensions Britain still makes to greatness by calling for an end to sanctions, Mandela said he would have to clear with the ANC before answering her. Mandela’s travel plans also reflect a deliberate sunning of the limelight. His first port of call will be Liusaka, Zambia, to renew ties with ANC leadership and cadres. From there, he will proceed to Sweden to greet Oliver Tambo, his comrade-in-arms, who is recovering from stroke. While Mandela was in jail, it was Tambo who animated and kept the struggle alive from

HARDBALL

INCE we are talking about a road, Hardball posits that what has happened is an equivalence of a horrific carnage. Unless of course you are one of the big men in the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW), the news of that contract variation is bound to make you dizzy. The sheer impunity of the figures is sure to twist your innards to the extreme. You grow instantly impotent as rage takes over your sinews. In your extreme agony, you would probably curse the day you were conceived under the green and white flag, which seems to flutter with so much infamy these days. Contract variation, it must be noted, has become something of a norm in Nigeria since the 80s and most ministries at all levels of government may have adopted this phenomenon as the proper course of doing business. In deed, Hardball would stand to be corrected that any contract that did not ‘enjoy’ a variation especially in the FMoW in the last two decades would be an exception. It would be strangely extra-normal in Nigeria today if any contract is carried out from start to finish and on schedule without any variation of the contract sum. But this case in point of the variation of the Abuja-Abaji-Lokoja Road contract must be the mother of them all. Hardball takes the liberty to term it a ‘terror’ attack of sort on the psyche of the nation.

EMEMBERING especially his dismal performance in an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour and other unflattering outings, many Nigerians must have fretted when the BBC announced that President Goodluck Jonathan was going to favour its global audience with his reflections on Nelson Mandela’s legacy. They need not have worried. It was a lexical triumph for Dr Jonathan. He delivered himself with semantic and syntactic aplomb, even taking a dig at those leaders who, instead of voluntarily relinquishing office like Mandela, sit tight and plunge their countries into chaos – no need for him to name them, said Dr Jonathan; you know them — and those leaders who leave office but continually lurk in the corridors of power. Is this perchance an indication that he intends to “play Mandela” by seeking neither a second term nor an elongation of his current term? In whatever case, I hope he is not scheduled to be in the same room anytime soon with Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe. I can assure him that Mugabe, one of the most gifted polemicists in Africa and indeed anywhere, will respond in kind at the earliest opportunity, and most likely with compound interest. When it came to naming an example of those who, according to Jonathan, vacated office but carry on as if they are still in power, I was stuck. Can you help? •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

FMoW in mother of all variations The FMoW has bent over double trying to explain this monstrous action since the Senate Adhoc Committee ‘uncovered’ it but no explanation would fly. An initial contract sum of N42.55 billion in 2006 was in 2011 ballooned up to N116 billion and they expect us not to cry our eyes out? They say an inter-ministerial committee approved it; they say the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) issued certificate of ‘No Objection’ - whatever that means. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved and sanctioned the variation. But of what use are all these aforementioned vetting processes? Did they not approve the first contract which turned out a disaster? The FWoW ought to hide its head in the muck for seeming to be proud to have initiated and awarded a contract that five years down the line, had to be varied by about 300 per cent. What this means is that no planning whatsoever was carried out. Officials of the FWoW are indignantly suggesting that critics are ignorant of the enlarged scope of work built into the reviewed project but they play down the fact that more that 62 per cent (or N26.63 billion) of the initial contract sum was disbursed. And what value did we get from this? Only 38 per cent. If we add the initial disbursal of N26.63

billion to the current N116 billion we have a total sum of N142. 63 billion to be spent on this singular road project. No explanation will justify this manner of project review, especially if we consider the antecedence of our public service; a service steeped in corrupt practices and a recent unremitting brand of impunity. Another point to be made is that we could count it as ‘all is well that ends well’ if the FWoW manages to deliver this road next year as proposed. We will also live with this grim assault on our psyche if the road, upon completion, stands the rest of time. But Hardball will wager again that this road will not be completed in 2014 and may well be reviewed and re-awarded someday in our usual tradition, especially if it remains unfinished in the life of this administration. Hardball wishes the FMoW would do Nigerians a little favour by helping us with a list of reviewed contracts; a list of uncompleted/ abandoned contracts; a list of reviewed yet unfinished projects in just one ministry. It is sad that our public service has become one huge, kleptocratic, revenue-crunching machine. But a man who steals his patrimony is only clever by half isn’t he?

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