The Nation July 22, 2014

Newspaper of the Year

News Fashola probes attack on BRT P7 Sports Mikel, Moses out of Chelsea ties P24 Business Innoson plans N1.5m new car P11

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•20 D AYS TO D-D AY: Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his Oyo counterpart, Abiola Ajimobi (on top of a bus), acknowledging cheers from the crowd during a campaign rally for DA D-DA Aregbesola’s re-election at Unity School, Ejigbo…yesterday.

Ex-Oil Minister Lukman is dead

F

ORMER Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary-General Alhaji Rilwanu Lukman is dead.

The late Dr. Lukman, also a former Petroleum Minister, died in Vienna, Austria.

States to stop indigenes registration

He was 75.

Details of his death were not clear yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan is leading a rain of tributes on the engineer.

Senate President David Mark, House of RepresentaContinued on page 4

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•The late Dr. Lukman

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has advised states to stop the registration of non-indigenes and “deportation” of others.

Dr. Jonathan has also summoned an emergency meeting of the Council of State – the

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

country’s highest advisory body – for next week on the matters.

A meeting of the National Security Council ratified yesterday the decision to halt the

registration of Nigerians within the country.

Some states initiated the non-indigenes registration to enable them check Boko Haram, the Islamist insurgent sect.

Continued on page 4

Jonathan has declared war on Nigeria, says Buhari

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WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

President: allegations wild, totally unsustainable From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

F

ORMER Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said the nation’s democracy is endangered by the gale of impeachments in

‘

Continued on page 4

The dangerous clouds are beginning to gather ... and these have manifested in Nasarawa where the ordinary people have defied guns and tanks to protest the plan to impeach Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura in a repeat of the bitter medicine forced down the throat of Governor Murtala Nyako

’

•TRANSPORTATION P14 •PROPERTY P18 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P43 •ENERGY P48

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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NEWS

Concerns over c

•National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Director-General Dr. Paul Orhil speaking at a news conference on suspects arrested for impersonating NAFDAC officials in Lagos. With him are (from left) Director, Laboratory Services, Mrs. Stella Denloye, Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Umar Musa and Director, Human Resources and Admin istration, Mrs. Yetunde Oni. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Families of victims of the Malaysian airlines’ crash watched yesterday as the bodies were moved out of the site for preservation and investigation, amid concerns that vital evidence could have been tampered with by proRusssian rebels, reports Daily Mail.

A

•From left:Chairman, Salt and Einstein, Ernest Ndukwe, Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Femi Thomas, National President, Health Care Providers Association of Nigeria, Mrs Adenike Olaniba and Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr Michael Ikpoki, during the NHIS launch of MTN Yello Health Cover Insurance Products in Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN.

•From left: Vice-Chairman, Emerald Energy Resources Limited, Dr Jude Ameafule;Chairman, Gladson Petrogas Limited, Dr Godwin Omene and former Presidential Adviser on Petroleum, Dr Emmanual Egbogah, discussing at the 2014 Abuja Petroleum Roundtable in Abuja ...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

• Winner of 32 inch LED TV at the Star Football Fan Park raffle draws, Adedeji Taiwo displaying his prize after the presentation in Lagos. With him are auditor, Akinsanmi Babafemi & Co, Femi Obanubi (right) and Retail Executive, Lagos Business Unit, Nigerian Breweries Plc Adebowale Adegun.

S if the heartache couldn’t get any worse, families of MH17 victims were yesterday greeted with the most undignified scene imaginable – their loved ones in black body bags being lined up on the side of a road and thrown into the back of rubbish trucks.

Almost 200 victims were piled high in the sweltering heat on eastern Ukraine before being carted off to a refrigerated train after their passenger jet was shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

For three days the 298 victims of the attack were left where they fell, in a field near the village of Grabovo in eastern Ukraine which is controlled by pro-Russian rebels, widely suspected of shooting the plane out of the sky on Thursday afternoon.

Over the weekend a chaotic cleanup operation finally began, where bodies were wrapped in black plastic and lined up along the roadside before being heaped onto dirty trucks to be taken to the train at a station nine miles away. In a further blow, it was claimed the refrigeration on board the carriages has not been working.

A chorus of outrage has been building over the treatment of the bodies, which victims’ relatives have called ‘degrading’ and ‘inhumane’. Today rebels promised that the train would be allowed to move on in the afternoon so the bodies could be examined by experts and eventually sent home.

The chaos surrounding the handling of the crash has compounded the grief of families bereaved by the crash, who have been left unable to arrange funerals or properly mourn their dead.

Repercussions from the disaster were today being felt around the world, as Western powers become increasingly certain that Russia is at least partly to blame for the attack.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary Philip, as well as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, have spoken of imposing economic sanctions on Russia as punishment, while Vladimir Putin spoke in a television address today warning his critics in the West against using the disaster for ‘narrowly selfish political goals’.

Victim’s relatives have made emotional appeals for the bodies to be returned as soon as possible, amid reports that the refrigeration in the carriage has only been inconsistently working.

Relatives of Glenn Thomas, a 49year-old press officer from Blackpool who was on MH17, begged yesterday for the return of his body, saying he and other victims had been “degraded”.

His nephew, 22-year-old Jordan

Row on •R r ow: The bagged victims were gathered and piled onto vehicles before being taken to a train station in rebel-held Torez, nine miles from the crash site

•Tributes: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko left flowers outside the Dutch embassy in Kiev in honour of the crash victims... yesterday

Withers, said: ‘It’s hard one to swallow - that’s my uncle and everyone else’s loved ones are there and they are being degraded and treated inhumanely.

‘They deserve a lot more respect than that. All we want now is my uncle back. I’m sure every other family who’s been involved in this tragedy that’s all they want.

‘It needs to be done as quickly and as peacefully as possible.

Tracey Withers, Mr Thomas’s twin sister, added: ‘We just want them to show some compassion and let people in to try and get the bodies back and the personal possessions.

‘We’re just hoping we’ve got personal possessions that can be brought back, anything that was Glenn’s - even a pen, a letter, a book - anything that resembles what Glenn would have had.’

Barry Sweeney, whose son Liam, 28, caught MH17 on his way to a Newcastle United game in New Zealand, also called for the bodies’ return.

Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the 52-year-old father of seven said: ‘Without going into politics because I think the Government have to sort that out, I just want them basically to bring the 298 people who need to be brought home for this to close.

‘I have seen a little bit of the news, I try to stop watching it only because

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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compromise of Ukranian crash’s site

Rever ence: Mr Poroshenko (background) and Dutch ambassador Kees Klompenhouwer •R erence: (foreground) were seen kneeling in front of the tributes...yesterday.

PHOTOS: AFP

Obama: what’re pro-Russian rebels trying to hide?

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RESIDENT Barack Obama has said Russia must use “its extraordinary influence” over pro-Russian separatists to ensure investigators can access the MH17 crash site.

All 298 people on board flight MH17 died when it crashed over the rebel-held area on July 17. The U.S. and other nations said there was growing evidence of Russian complicity in the crash.

In a statement, Obama said separatists were removing evidence from the crash site, asking “what exactly are they trying to hide?”

He added that in some cases bodies have been removed from the scene by separatists without due respect. "It's the kind of behavior that has no place in the community of nations," Mr. Obama said.

American officials have said that their intelligence shows that the Boeing 777-200 was taken down on Thursday by an SA-11 surface-to-air missile supplied by Russia to separatists. Such a weapon could not be used without extensive training and assistance, the officials have said.

The standoff over the crash site has reinforced American suspicions that Russians played a direct role in assisting separatists who fired the missile or perhaps pulled the trigger themselves.

"Our immediate focus is on recovering those who were lost, investigating exactly what happened and putting forward the facts," Mr. Obama said. "We have to make sure the truth is out, that accountability exists." it is upsetting, especially when you see body bags but I’m hoping Liam is in one of those because I don’t want him to be lying there somewhere where there’s nobody there

He singled out President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia as responsible for the chaotic situation at the crash scene and said the Kremlin leader would be held accountable for ensuring that separatists open the site to international investigators. "He has direct responsibility to compel them to cooperate with the investigation," Mr. Obama said. "That is the least that they can do."

Mr. Obama, who had imposed a new, tougher round of sanctions on Russia just the day before the plane was brought down, held out the prospect of going further now. "If Russia continues to violate Ukraine's sovereignty and to back these separatists," he said, then "Russia will only further isolate itself from the international community and the costs for Russia's behavior will only continue to increase."

The challenge for Mr. Obama will be persuading the Europeans to go along. Until this point, they have not been willing to adopt measures that go as far as the United States has, wary of antagonizing Russia, which provides about 30 percent of Europe's natural gas. The question is whether the plane tragedy changes that dynamic - and that may become clearer on Tuesday when senior European officials meet to discuss the situation.

Republicans in Washington said Mr. Obama needs to do more - not just to bring the Europeans along but unilaterally if necessary. Among other suggestions they have made in recent days were to

to give him a good cuddle, you know.’

‘I think I’m getting through it because I can talk to people, as long as I’m talking, I’m fine; when I stop, the

arm and provide more intelligence and training to Ukraine's security forces, deploy more American military units in Poland, reconstitute missile defense in Eastern Europe, bar Aeroflot flights from American airports and lobby to cancel or boycott the World Cup to be held in Russia in 2018.

Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, credited Mr. Obama for last week's sanctions but said the plane episode means more should be done. "The longer we let this go, the more mistakes like this that are going to happen and the massacre of more innocent civilians," Mr. Rogers said on CNN. "That's why we need to take certain action."

Senator Pat Toomey, Republican of Pennsylvania, said Mr. Obama should do more to target Mr. Putin directly. "The president should come and make it clear that this man should be an international pariah," Mr. Toomey said on MSNBC. "We should have sanctions that go after him personally."

Other Republicans were tougher on Mr. Obama.

"He's out to lunch," Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said on CNBC. "He is President Nero, fiddling as the world burns."

Democrats, unsurprisingly, were more supportive of the president. But even some of them seemed to agree with suggestions that Mr. Obama might want to rethink a schedule that includes a threeday fund-raising trip this week.

tears come.’

Silene Fredriksz, who yesterday begged president Putin live on air to return her children, today repeated her call for the remains of

her son Bryce and his girlfriend Daisy Ohlers.

She said: ‘No words can describe it - Bodies are just lying there for three days in the hot sun. There are

people who have this on their conscience. There are families who can never hold the body of a child or a mother.’

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte echoes the calls today, telling parliament: ‘If the train finally gets going and the bodies get to Ukrainecontrolled territory then we would prefer - and a Hercules is ready at Kharkiv airport - to get the bodies back to the Netherlands as soon as possible’.

The Ukrainian government, based in Kiev, yesterday accused the rebels of holding up the trains at the station. A statement from a government committee investigating the disaster said the return of the victims has been delayed because because ‘terrorists are blocking its exit.’

Meanwhile Russian president Vladimir Putin hit back at his critics, and accused them of taking advantage of the MH17 disaster to further their own political goals.

Yesterday he said: ‘There are already representatives of Donetsk and Lugansk [the rebel factions] working there, as well as representatives of the emergencies ministry of Ukraine and others. But this is not enough.... we need a fully representative group of experts to be working at the site.’

‘In the meantime, nobody should and has no right to use this tragedy to achieve their narrowly selfish political goals.

‘We repeatedly called upon all conflicting sides to stop the bloodshed immediately and sit down at the negotiating table. I can say with confidence that if military operations were not resumed on June 28 in eastern Ukraine, this tragedy wouldn’t have happened.’

It did little to appease his foes in Ukraine’s government, whose prime minister hit back by saying the Russian leader is ‘on the side of the devil’.

Arseny Yatseniuk said today: ‘I do not expect anything from the Russian government. They supplied weapons, they sent in fighters.

Putin should understand that it’s enough already. This is not a conflict between Ukraine and Russia. It is an international conflict.’

‘Russia is on the dark side, on the side of the devil.’

It came as rescuers retrieved more bodies today at the crash site in eastern Ukraine, where a total of 251 victims are believed to have been recovered.

The chaotic rescue effort continued ahead of an expected vote later by the U.N. Security Council on a resolution demanding international access to the crash site and a ceasefire around the area.

The pressure has been growing on Russian President Vladimir Putin, who the U.S. and others say has backed and armed the rebels, to rein in the insurgents in Ukraine and allow a full-scale investigation.

The rebels have been blamed around the world for Thursday’s downing of the Boeing 777.

Local rescue workers yesterday morning piled 21 further black body bags by the side of the road at the crash site. It was unclear how quickly they would be transported to refrigerated train carriages in the nearby town of Torez, where the other bodies are being held.

On Sunday night, Ukraine’s emergency services agency said the total number of bodies found was 251. International indignation over the incident has grown as investigators still only have limited access to the crash site and it remains unclear when and where the victims’ bodies will be transported.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

Boko Haram: Fed Govt stops indigenes registration by states Continued from page 1

•Nursing mothers, women and officials of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc during the distribution of treated mosquitoe nets by the company in Sagamu, Ogun State...yesterday from left: Mrs. Charity Jonah, Paediatric Senior Registrar,Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, Dr.Adekoya Adesola, Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Enuma Okoro, Matron, Ajaka Health Center, Mrs.Iyabo Sogbetun, Public Affairs Adviser, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc; Consultant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Kola Okeowo; Omowunmi Ibrahim, Lagos Public Relations Officer, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Susan Obi and Abuja Public Relations Officer, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc,Grace Ayoola PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

Ex-Oil Minister Lukman dies in Vienna at 75 Continued from page 1

tives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have also paid tributes.

The late Lukman steered OPEC through the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis when crude fell to $10 a barrel. He presided over a record number of OPEC conferences and was the group’s secretary-general for six years, until 2000. He was Nigeria’s Oil minister from 1986 to 1990 and for two-years from 2008.

Born in Zaria, on August 26,

1938, the late Lukman trained as an engineer with university degrees in both Nigeria and Britain.

He worked under four leaders either as minister or energy adviser in more than two decades until he left office in 2010.

Jonathan expressed sadness and a feeling of great national loss over Lukman’s death.

Jonathan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, commiserated with the former minister’s family, the government and people of Kaduna, his

friends, associates and all those he mentored in the domestic and global oil industry.

The statement reads: “As Alhaji Lukman’s soul returns to its maker, President Jonathan joins all who knew him in giving thanks to God Almighty for bestowing him on the nation and for the great intelligence, integrity, competence and humility with which he distinguished himself in all his national and international assignments.

“Nigeria, the President firmly believes, will always owe a huge debt of gratitude to the late Pe-

troleum Minister for his very significant contributions to the development of the country’s oil and gas industry, and for serving with acclaimed distinction as the nation’s representative at the helm of OPEC affairs over many years.”

Senate President David Mark yesterday described Lukman’s death as a huge loss to Nigeria.

The Senate President said: “As a public servant, he was extraordinary. His excellent performance as the then petroleum minister earned him a higher Continued on page 59

Boko Haram holds sway in Damboa as Air force chopper crashes

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HE Boko Haram sect is holding sway in Borno State town of Damboa about 80 kilometres south of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, a local vigilante leader told the BBC. The vigilante force defending the town fled on Sunday as Boko Haram’s black flag is now flying over Damboa, he said.

From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

No fewer than 40 people were killed when Boko Haram attacked Damboa on Friday, the vigilante leader added.

Damboa is one of the biggest towns in Borno state and a busy trading centre.

During the fighting in Damboa, some electricity installations were damaged. This has

left Maiduguri without electricity for three weeks, a local resident told the BBC. A Nigerian Air Force Helicopter yesterday crashed in Bama also in Borno State.

A statement by Director of Defence Information Major General Chris Olukolade, said the helicopter was on a training mission and the crash was due to a technical fault.

The statement added that the crash was not the action of any enemy but purely accidental.

“A Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter on a training mission this afternoon, crashed due to technical fault at a location South of Bama. Investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances that led to the accident. Meanwhile, it is Continued on page 59

But, briefing reporters at the State House yesterday after the NSC meeting, State Security Service (SSS) Director-General Ita Ekpeyong said such deportation or registration is more dangerous than the activities of the Boko Haram.

He also said government knew where the abducted Chibok girls were.

Ekpeyong, who was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, said Nigerians were free to settle anywhere they like.

He said: “The issue of deportation, registration of Nigerians in states of the federation we regard as even more potent than Boko Haram.

“Council discussed in detail the issue of registration of Nigerians in any part of the country, being subjected to registration, being subjected to deportation, being taken away from one part of the country to the other.

“Council discussed the reaction by some groups in Kano State and other parts of the country. Council observed that

this threat was more potent than Boko Haram and could disintegrate the country.

“And we take this very seriously, for people to deport people, for people to take people from one place to the other, for registration of indigenes no matter where they are. No matter where they are, they are free to settle anywhere they like.

“Council resolved that the issue of registration of Nigerians anywhere in the country and deportation should stop forthwith. To re-emphasise the importance the President has attached to this, that is why he asked the IG and I to address the press; this must stop forthwith.”

According to him, security operatives have been directed not to be involved in such process to register people or trying to deport people.

He also warned youth groups to desist from causing trouble over the matter as the government is taking serious notice of the issue.

“Government is doing evContinued on page 59

Nasarawa: CJ insists on due process

M

OVES by Nasarawa State lawmakers to impeach Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura appeared yesterday to have suffered a major setback, with the Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko, insisting on due process.

The CJ is, by law, to set up a seven-man panel to investigate the governor.

The lawmakers are mounting pressure on Justice Dikko through emissaries, including some bigwigs in the state, to raise a “biased” panel.

But the CJ is said to have been avoiding being dragged into politics.

Also, it was learnt that some of the lawmakers have been promised the state’s monthly allocation of N3bilion if they could remove Al-Makura.

Deputy Governor Dameshi B. Luka has been fingered in the

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

plot.

Justice Dikko is sticking to due process - in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

Besides, he would not be dragged into the “murky waters of politics”.

It was also learnt that the CJ is adamant on “substantial compliance with the law” because about three months ago, some of the lawmakers wrote a petition against him which they sent to the National Judicial Council (NJC) .

In the petition, they allegedly faulted the hearing of some matters relating to the conduct of local government elections in the state.

A highly-placed source said: “There is pressure on the Chief Judge to constitute a panel to Continued on page 59

Jonathan has declared war on Nigeria, says Buhari Continued from page 1

the country.

He warned President Goodluck Jonathan against recourse to “induced impeachments” of opposition governors.

He asked Jonathan to apply the brakes because decapitation of the opposition will not help the nation’s fragile democracy.

Gen. Buhari in a statement issued yesterday, said “the dangerous clouds are beginning to gather and the vultures are circling” He added: “Whether or not President Goodluck Jonathan is behind the gale of impeachments or the utilisation of the desperate tactics to suffocate the opposition and turn Nigeria into a one-party state, what cannot be denied is that they are happening under his watch, and he cannot pretend not to know, since that will be akin to hiding behind one finger.

“In my capacity as a former Head of State, rather than a politician, I have spoken to President Jonathan in private over these issues but indications are that the strategy has not yielded positive fruits.”

Gen. Buhari, who said his warning transcended being an opposition leader, raised the alarm over what he described as “palpable uncertainty” dotting the nation’s political landscape.

President: allegations wild, totally unsustainable

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari not to blame him for what is happening to his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement last night by Presidential Adviser Reuben Abati, a response to Gen. Buhari’s comment on the state of the nation, the President described Buhari’s allegations as “wild and totally unsustainable”.

The President said instead of Gen. Buhari and the opposition working to put their house in order and resolve the leadership crises and internal contradictions that have plunged their party into a downward spiral, they have resorted to blaming the President for their woes.

The statement reads: “We have noted with much surprise and regret, the statement issued by General Muhammadu Buhari today in which he made some wild and totally unsustainable allegations against President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

“Although he tries very hard to deny it in the statement titled “Pull Nigeria Back From He added: “I cannot, just because I am an opposition politician, fail to do what is expected of me as a former Head of State to help rescue our nation in times of great trouble and palpable uncertainty.

“History will not be kind to me if I sit back while things turn bad, just so that no one will accuse me of partisanship.

“Yes, I am a politician. Yes, I

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

the Brink”, there can be no doubt that General Buhari has sadly moved away from the patriotic and statesmanlike position he recently adopted on national security, which President Jonathan publicly commended, and has now reverted to unbridled political partisanship.”

“There can be no other explanation or justification for the completely unwarranted and very uncharitable assault on the conduct and integrity of President Jonathan which the statement he issued today represents.”

“General Buhari’s main grouse which clearly motivated his ill-considered statement appears to be what he called “the gale of impeachments or the utilisation of desperate tactics to suffocate the opposition and turn Nigeria into a one-party state”.

Noting that the processes for impeaching an elected Governor are clearly stipulated in the National Constitution which Nigeria has operated since 1999, the statement said that the President of Nigeria is not assigned any

am in the opposition. Yes, there is the tendency for my statement to be misconstrued as that of a politician rather than a statesman. But I owe it as a matter of duty and honour, and in the interest of our nation, to speak out on the dangerous trajectory that our nation is heading.

“I can say, in all sincerity, that I have seen it all, as an ordinary

role in that process and that “President Jonathan has certainly not played any role in the recent impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa or in the impeachment drama currently being played out in Nasarawa State.”

The President, it said, remains fully committed to upholding the letters, principles and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution as he has sworn, and defending the rule of law and integrity of the democratic process with all his might.

“General Buhari talks about anarchy. He needs to be reminded that President Jonathan from his humble beginnings as a Deputy Governor in Bayelsa state to date, has never in his acts, or utterances, recommended or promoted violence as a tool of political negotiation.”

“Contrary to whatever General Buhari and his new friends may imagine, President Jonathan fully respects the rights, powers, authority and independence of elected rep-

citizen, a military officer, a state governor, a Minister, a Head of State, a man who has occupied many sensitive posts and a politician. I have been a close participant and witness to Nigeria’s political history since independence in 1960.

“Our country has gone through several rough patches, but never before have I seen a Nigerian President declare war

Continued on page 59

on his own country as we are seeing now.

“Never before have I seen a Nigerian President deploy federal institutions in the service of partisanship as we are witnessing now. Never before have I seen a Nigerian President utilise the commonwealth to subvert the system and punish the opposition, all in the name of politics.

•Dr. Jonathan

“Our nation has suffered serious consequences in the past for egregious acts that are not even close to what we are seeing now.

It is time to pull the brakes.”

Gen. Buhari said the way and manner the people of Nasarawa State defied military tanks to protest against the plot to impeach Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura signposted ominous clouds for democracy.

He added: “The dangerous Continued on page 59

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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NEWS 2015: INEC to adopt new plans, says Jega

Ogbulafor, two others to know fate July 24

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From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will adopt various strategies to educate the electorate, especially rural and illiterate voters, ahead of next year’s general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, said various platforms would be developed to reach out to the electorate.

Jega spoke yesterday in Abuja at a four-day workshop organised by the United States Embassy for INEC Public Affairs officers, with the theme: The Role of INEC Press Officers: Enhancing Good Governance Through Media and Grassroots Outreach.

The INEC chairman said various platforms would be developed to ensure that the electorate are adequately informed about their roles in the conduct of credible elections.

He assured Nigerians that INEC had put in place measures to enhance capacity of its staff.

Jega said: “It resonates with our thinking that the commission needs to reach out to a majority of our people who live in the rural

NAFDAC arrests suspects

By Wale Adepoju

T

HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested one Mr Oresanya Ademola for posing as the agency staff.

Director-General, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, who spoke to journalist in Lagos yesterday, said the suspect had on him a fake badge with which he defrauded one Mr Reuben, a medicine store owner at Sabo, Sagamu, Ogun State, of some money.

He alleged that the suspect had issued a forged NAFDAC letter and certificate of recognition to Mr Reuben, thereby raising his curiosity.

Orhii said another impostor, one Mr Olawale Nurudeen Shittu, was also arrested by the agency for forgery, false claims as well as illegal advertising of unregistered herbal products.

Fed Govt engages hoteliers, workers to check insurgency From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

T

HE Federal Government yesterday started a two-day workshop to create security awareness among hotel owners and employees.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Presidency, and Special Services Office (SSO) office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

Declaring the workshop open, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki said that one of the strongest strategies to end the security challenges in Nigeria is to raise security consciousness of those in constant contact with the larger populace.

•Prof Jega (left) discussing with U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, at the workshop inAbuja... yesterday

areas, who are largely illiterate and who need to be educated about the electoral process in an elaborate, clear and sustained manner.

“We think that different stategies and platforms need to be deployed to reach out to them rather than the elitist and high brow ones we are used to.”

He explained further that the efforts at building the capacity of staff is informed by the fact that well trained

staff are most likely to exude confidence and to perform their tasks competently.

Jega commended the United States government for providing lead facilitator for the workshop in person of Derwin Johnson.

In his remark, the United states Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle argued that that the training is part of the United States’ support to INEC and Nigeria for all upcoming elections, includ-

ing the national ones in 2015.

The ambassador stressed that the US supports free, credible, inclusive and peaceful process in which democratic principles are adhered to by all parties, candidates and institutions.

He said, “You’re well aware that the U.S. supports a free, credible, inclusive, and peaceful electoral process in which democratic principles are adhered to by all parties, candidates, and institutions.

This process encompasses all

stages in the run-up to elections, including preparation of voter rolls, running campaigns, conducting the actual election, and handling any problems immediately afterwards. We support an election process that protects the rights of Nigerians to use the ballot box to reflect the views and concerns of their communities—a process that helps produce a stable, democratic government regardless of which candidate wins.”

for its intention to do something for them.”

But the NMA said the error in salaries had been on for 22 years, adding that it magnanimously waived N257.03 billion of the money.

The union insisted on at least six-month payment or half of the N13 billion arrears it is demanding.

It said the arrears included the professional fees of nondoctors.

NMA’s First Vice-President, Dr. Titus Ibekwe, who represented the President, Dr Kayode Obembe, said the association would only return to work after getting payment alerts.

He said the issues of Relativity and Skipping had not been addressed.

The NMA president said the points of contention were in two categories: clinical governance and welfare

Obembe said: “We can’t promise to call off (the strike) unless we have a minimal thing we can return to our members with.”

Labour and Productivity Minister Emeka Wogu and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, begged the NMA to call off the strike in the interest of suffering Nigerians.

“I appeal to NMA to suspend the strike, particularly on the side of human sympathy. I appeal to them to consider the reality of the day and suspend the strike,” Nwogu said.

A member of the committee, Babatunde Adejare, suggested funding the doctors’ demands from the Service Wide Votes, but the DirectorGeneral in the Budget Office opposed the suggestion.

House Committee Chairman Ndudi Elemelu suggested that the Federal Government’s wage bills might be reduced, if teaching hospitals were privatised.

Govt: we won’t print money to pay striking doctors T HE Federal Government yesterday said it will not print money to pay the striking doctors.

The government took the position at the resumed stakeholders’ meeting on the doctors’ strike, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Health, to resolve the crisis.

But the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), whose members are on the indefinite action, said unless it is paid, the strike would continue.

Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the Federal Government had no money to pay the striking doctors, adding that the funds to meet the doctors’ demands were not captured in this year’s budget.

She said: “The easiest thing to say is: go and print money.

But you know the implication.

I won’t mention countries that are near us. Some of them are in deep trouble today because of issues like this.”

The minister, who was rep-

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

resented by the Director-General in the Budget Office, Bright Okogu, said: “This competitive wage demand for increase is not sustainable and is not in the best interest of the nation. The wage bill has risen from N857 billion in 2009 to N 1.8 trillion in 2014.”

The minister noted that acceding to the demands of the doctors would lead to an avalanche of requests from pharmacists, nurses and other categories of health workers.

She urged the Ministry of Health to have “a common sectoral approach to this issue”.

Okonjo-Iweala said: “I recognise the 22-year wait.

This government is trying to address it. They (doctors) should trust the government

Chibok girls: Disallow your kids from 100 days’ rally, govt tells parents

F

EW days to the proposed rally by the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners to mark 100 days of the abduction of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls, the Federal Government yesterday cautioned parents and guardians to disallow their children from participating in the rally.

National Information Centre (NIC) Coordinator, Mr Mike Omeri, spoke in Abuja during the routine briefing on the government’s mission to rescue the schoolgirls and the security situation in the country.

Omeri said: “The information available to us is that

Jonathan to meet Chibok parents today

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will today meet with some parents of the over 200 secondary schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, last April.

Also expected at the meeting, which will hold the Banquet Hall of the State House are some of the escaped abducted schoolgirls.

The Pakistani girl-child education camFrom Bukola Amusan, Abuja

some groups are planning to mobilise children across the country to hold rally to

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

paigner, Malala Yousafzai, urged President Jonathan to meet the parents when she met him last week Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

An earlier meeting with the parents, scheduled for last week Tuesday, could not hold as they were said to have left for Borno State.

mark 100 days since the Chibok schoolgirls were abducted from their school.

“It will be wise for parents not to allow their children

to participate. If they want to, they should be conscious of who they are releasing their children to for the rally.”

FORMER Peoples democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, and two others standing trial on a 17-count charge, will know their fate on July 24.

The Independent Corrupt Practice Commission (ICPC), on May 10, 2010, arraigned Ogbulafor, Emeka Ebilah and Jude Nwokoro, before an FCT High Court, presided over by Justice Ishaq Bello.

They were charged with offences bordering on abuse of office and defrauding the Federal Government of N107 million in 2005 by using their positions in the National Economic Intelligence Committee.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The ICPC also alleged that Ogbulafor collected “kickbacks” amounting to N2 million and N28 million from Ebilah and Chris Nwoke, to facilitate the release of the funds.

During Ebilah’s cross-examination on September 25, 2013, he told the court that the ICPC compelled him to refund N4.39 million to the Federal Government.

The accused said his statement to the ICPC was made under duress.

Ebilah said: “I was humiliated and dehumanised with a gun placed on my head when the ICPC took my statement.

I was humiliated, downgraded and put in a room without airconditioner and was also asked by Basil Mohmodu and Prince Hassan to write what they wanted me to write for them. My passport was collected.”

The accused also told the court that he had never met Mohmodu, a worker of the ICPC, before April 2006.

Immigration parades two policemen, another From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

T

HE Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) yesterday paraded three suspects, including two policemen, for allegedly defrauding members of the public through employment rip-off.

The two policemen, Bitrus Gata, Asartia Johnson, both of Gombe State Police Command and one Oluwatayo Komolafe, were said to have issued out fake letters of employment to their victims, after collecting various amounts from them.

Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Parradang, who briefed newsmen on the development said the service is not recruiting and cautioned the public against falling prey to solicitations from fake Facebook accounts for employment into the immigration service.

Parradang said the Presidential Committee on immigration recruitment has yet to announce the date and modalities for recruitment into the NIS, adding that the right information would be made public once the committee concluded arrangements.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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NEWS Don’t turn Nigeria into one-party state, activists warn

By Precious Igbonwelundu

OALITION of rights groups, the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), yesterday accused President Goodluck Jonathan of sponsoring the impeachment of opposition governors to turn the country into a one-party state.

NHRC’s allegation came amid denials by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that neither President Jonathan nor the national leadership of the ruling party was involved in the impeachment of former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and the planned impeachment of Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko AlMakura.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Lagos, the group said it was against the impeachment of governors because the process was driven by the interest of the President to control the states ahead of next year’s general elections.

The leader of one of the groups and Coordinator of Journalists for Democratic Rights, Adewale Adeoye, said the President may be shooting himself in the foot with his recent political moves.

The activist urged Jonathan to retrace his steps.

He said: “There is nothing wrong when governors, who have been genuinely found to have abridged the laws, are removed within the confines of the constitution. It is a bonus for democracy and it deepens democratic culture.

“Our fear is that these removals were financially induced and not driven by the people but by the interest of a particular hegemony. The impeachments, as we have seen, are driven by the fact that somebody thinks he has to be in control of all the states of the country.

“We think this move is unhealthy for democracy. It nozzles the pulse of the opposition and defeats the culture of vibrant democracy and could also be a way of the Presidency shooting itself in the foot without knowing it.”

In a statement read at the event by Kehinde Adegbuyi, the NHRC urged the people of Nasarawa State to recall all the lawmakers found culpable in the plot to unseat Al-Makura for allowing themselves be used by Jonathan to impose the PDP leadership on the state.

The statement reads: “The plot to remove the governor is part of the ongoing campaign to turn Nigeria into a one-party state and suppress the voices of dissent. We believe the allegation that 20 lawmakers have been bribed to remove Nasarawa State governor at all cost. The plot to remove him has nothing to do with justice or corruption. It is a clear case of desperation by the PDP to rule and probably ruin Nigeria.

“Since this move, there have been protests in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, leading to the avoidable deaths of at least two people. Curiously enough, the impeachment move came three days after the visit of President Jonathan to inaugurate the Ola Rice Farm at Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of the state.”

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•From left: Nigerian First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan; Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba; Nigerien First Lady, Dr Malika Mahamadou and Namibian First Lady, Mrs Penehupifo Pohamba, at the inauguration of the exhibition centre during the cancer conference in Windhoek, Namibia…yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Group warns Jonathan against taking $1b loan From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

A •Deputy Director, Information, Directorate of State Security (DSS), Ms. Marilyn Ogar; Director Information, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Major General Chris Olukolade; Co-ordinator, National Information Centre (NIC), Mr. Mike Omeri and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ACP Frank Mba at a news conference at the National Information Centre in Abuja...yesterday •President, Women Arise and Guest Speaker, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, receiving a Junior Chamber International award from Precious Adehu, National Executive President at an interactive session on Leadership and Corruption: the role of the youth at JCI Ota, Ogun State...yesterday.

With them are Nollywood actor (second left)and Ota JCI President Abiodun Babalola

How SSS almost scuttled my London trip, by Ezekwesili

F

ORMER Education Minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili was delayed yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, on her way to London.

The leader of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign almost missed her flight, having been billed to appear today on the BBC HARD TALK programme.

Her passport was temporarily seized by men of the State Security Service (SSS), but it was later released. As she waited for the release of her travel documents, she twitted continuously on her handle @obyezeks.

7.37am Is this a democracy? I am being detained by the SSS @ Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The SSS has refused to give my passport to me.

7.41am On my way to London this

•Ex-minister checked as every other Nigerian, says SSS From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

morning for my @BBC HARD TALK appearance billed for tomorrow and the SSS has detained me by withholding my passport.

8.03am SSS has released it. Just barely made the BA (British Airways) flight. Last to board @7.55am for an 8am flight that is now taxiing. Is this a democracy?

8.04am No one can seize my democratic right. I refused to let the SSS get away with trampling on my constitutional right.

But the Federal Government yesterday trivialised its alleged harassment of the former Education Minister.

The government, through the spokesperson of the State Security Service (SSS), Ms Maryln Ogar, denied reports

that Ezekwesili, who is also the Coordinator of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, was arrested in the morning at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja.

Ogar said Ezekwesili went through the normal screening at the airport, just as every other Nigerian.

At the daily briefing at the National Information Centre (NIC), Ogar urged Nigerians to desist from trivialising security matters, which she said the alleged harassment was about.

The SSS spokesperson said the former minister, who was on her way to London at the time of the briefing, was subjected to security checks, as any other person boarding the aircraft.

She said: “I wonder where Ezekwesili is right now, because we don’t have such

person in any of our detention facilities. Somebody has put same question during Channels TV programme, Sunrise Daily, this morning (yesterday) and they were clearly told that she is already on her way to the United Kingdom (UK).

“I wouldn’t know how people are advocating for her.

You know that statutorily the SSS clears all passengers who travel out of the country or coming into the country.

“Let people stop to aggregate themselves unnecessary importance. When we have serious security challenges in our hands, security issues must not be short-changed for any reason.”

Also, NIC Coordinator Mike Omeri said Ezekwesili’s action was tantamount to ridiculing the country before the international community.

NIGER Delta group, the Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged (CENTREP), has cautioned President Goodluck Jonathan against enslaving Nigeria with his proposed $1 billion (about N165 billion) loan “in the name of fighting Boko Haram”.

Its Executive Director Oghenejabor Ikimi said any loan obtained in the guise of fighting terrorism would go down the drain, just as previous defence budgets.

He said such loans would be frittered away through official corruption and mismanagement in the polity.

Ikimi, a lawyer, noted that it was absurd for Nigeria to resort to taking loans to equip the military.

“We went through a 30month civil war without borrowing a dime from international creditors. We prosecuted same to its conclusion with internally-generated funds.

“We are also not oblivious of the fact that since independence, defence budgets have consistently taken the lion’s share of our national cake such that if the money allocated in the defence budgets were judiciously spent by successive governments, the military would have had no reason to be ill-equipped,” Ikimi said.

The activist recalled that over N960 billion was set aside for defence in this year’s budget out of which, quoting the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over N360 billion was released between January and April.

He said the President also approved another N37 billion for disbursement to the military.

Ikimi said: “Are these funds properly monitored? If yes, by who? The biggest obstacle to successive budgets, since independence, has been official corruption and mismanagement of public funds by those trusted with managing these budgets.”

THE NATION TUESDAY JULY 22, 2014

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NEWS Ekiti SIEC submits referendum’s result to Assembly From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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KITI State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) has submitted results of last Saturday’s referendum it conducted on the creation of 18 local council development areas (LCDAs) to the State House of Assembly.

Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs. Bosede Adelusi, who submitted the report, clarified that it committed no error in conducting the referendum as opposed to claims by the opposition parties.

While receiving the results, the Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, promised the Assembly would accord it accelerated attention.

The speaker, who praised the commission for the exercise, said the move by Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration was meant to draw governance nearer to the people at the grassroots.

He consequently referred the document to the Chairman, Ad-hoc Committee on Local Government Creation, Chief Taiwo Orisalade, who is also the Deputy Speaker for further consideration.

Orisalade promised to hasten the process of consideration of the document and refer same back to the whole House for a final decision.

The SIEC Chairman had in an earlier parley with journalists announced detailed results of the referendum, the breakdown of which showed that in Ado Local Government, total “Yes” vote was 3,521 with nil “No” vote.

Others were: Ekiti East where “Yes” votes were 2,310 and “No” votes (256); Ekiti West “Yes” votes were 8,729 while “No” (one).

Ekiti South West had 17,725 “Yes” votes and nil “No” vote while Gbonyin Local Government had 5,163 “Yes” votes and 26 “No” votes..

Also, Ido-Osi Local Government had 2,845 “Yes” votes and 49 “No” votes while Ijero had 6,059 “Yes” votes as against 1,076 “No” votes.

The commission chairman added that Ikere Local Government had 3,427 “Yes” votes against nil “No” vote, while Ikole Local Government recorded 2,518 “Yes” votes and 1,183 “No” votes.

Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government had a total of 4,926 “Yes” and 223 “No” votes, while Moba Local Government 10,088 “Yes” votes and nil “No” vote and Oye Local Government had 4,398 “Yes” votes and one “No” vote.

Army hands over six suspected vandals to Civil Defence Corps M

Jimi Agbaje joins Lagos PDP

• Justice Adebajo rtd (right), Ogbara and Igbano (left) during their swearing-in in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Daniel, Amosun disagree on Ogun’s economy

EN of the Nigeria Army (NA) serving at Ikere Local

Government Area, Ekiti State have arrested six suspects vandalising telecommunication equipment, including cables.

The suspects were consequently handed over to the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The Corps Public Relations Officer, Mr. Afolabi Tolulope, in a statement, said the sus-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

pect were caught following a search for the vandals inside a tunnel dug to excavate cyber optic cable belonging to a telecommunication company.

The suspects paraded by the NSCDC included a policeman.

Their identities were however not disclosed to reporters.

Items recovered from them included a Nissan Micra car, earthmoving equipment, digger, jack, screwdrivers, saw,

saw blades and ladder.

State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Shem Obafaye, who said the suspects would soon be charged to court when investigations were concluded, noted that efforts were on to apprehend others outside the state.

Obafaye urged the general public “to give viable information on how to curb and arrest vandals before they vandalise critical national asset in their domain.”

He also urged contractors

dealing in electrical and communications materials in the state to desist from buying stolen cables from vandals to discourage them from perpetrating the act.

According to him, the state command would soon embark on the search for dealers in such stolen cables.

The Commandant praised the cooperation between the Army and the corps, which he said had been producing positive results to rid the society of criminals.

Fashola sets up panel to probe soldier’s death, burning of BRT buses L AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has constituted a three-man Tribunal of Inquiry to unravel the July 4 incident between men of the Armed Forces and a BRT driver following an accident along Ikorodu Road in which a soldier lost his life.

Fashola, who emphasised his desire to get to the root of the face-off, charged members of the tribunal to unravel the real and remote causes of the action.

The panel is chaired by Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, a retired High Court judge and has Mr. Nurudeen Ogbara, a lawyer and Mr. Jude Igbanoi, the Deputy Law Editor of ThisDay newspapers as members.

Fashola, while constituting the panel at the State House, Alausa, charged the members to investigate the cause(s) of the accident, how the victim died as well as ascertain the actual

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

perpetrators of the mayhem.

He described the incident as regrettable, especially as it resulted into the loss of life and destruction of property, tasking the panel to submit its findings to the government within 60 days.

He charged the tribunal to do its work without fear or favour, especially as there were reports that the mayhem was actually caused by soldiers.

Fashola described the Army as a composition of disciplined and noble men, saying however that there were bad eggs in the profession who were giving it a bad name.

“Societies and institution will fail, if men and women fail to do nothing. Like the Nigerian

Airways which was the symbol of our pride in 1973, the Nigerian Army was also a symbol of pride to this nation.

“At home unfortunately, some members of the institution have diminished its reputation lately. There are some of them who are responsible because there are officers and gentlemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“Will the soldiers do this?

And if not, who did? I think it is important to note that if it was not the soldiers, Nigerians should know and help maintain and sustain its reputation, and help reinforce the trust the Nigerian People have in the Nigerian project.

“The job of the tribunal is to find out what happened. How the soldier died? What killed

him? And what could have been done to avoid the kind of accident that took his life.

“This and many others are the question that I hope that this tribunal will help unravel and explain to Nigerians.

“It is important to note that if there were other people behind this. Nigerians, especially residents of Lagos, will like to know. I have received some representations from the Nigerian Army, which was the base on which I sort the counsel of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who advised that we set up the panel of inquiry. We also received representation from the bus owners. I hope that you will be able to conclude your findings within 60 days”, Fashola said.

Why our society degenerated, by Ladigbolu

R

ETIRED Methodist Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu has said criminality and culture of sabotage significantly reduced in any nation that treats its nationals as human beings, with self-respect and dignity.

The cleric, who spoke yesterday at a seminar in Oyo town, noted that Nigerians are not inherent criminals, but have capacities for self-determination and self- direction in good and noble things.

He added that due to corrupt leadership, things have continued to fall apart, while the centre ceased to hold.

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

“Education should increase the consciousness level of Nigerian youths and socialise them into the national culture.

But what do we find today, education without morals due to lack of power monitoring and clear-cut policies devoid of political sentiments in regulating education or meaningful development.

“Ideally, politics influences education through the policies and decisions that are made by the political leadership to ensure the realisation of national, state, and party objectives. As a result

of these notions, there are many political problems that jeopardised educational management in the country.”

The priest advised the youths to make accountability their righteousness and justice their watchword as prescription for nation-building.

He pointed out that “the society has degenerated from a community of people with high moral values and dignity to a state of near madness, collapse of moral values and tolerance of immorality.”

According to him, “dignity has been thrown away by both young and the old. Our

society now embrace immorality, sexual sin is freely committed without any sense of shame, and indecent dressing mostly among ladies is now the order of the day. Many young ladies, even mothers, dress to reveal their bodies. It is extremely indecent and very shameful for ladies to flaunt their breasts or expose other parts of their bodies in the name of fashion.”

He also advised parents and guardians to inculcate in their wards the right type of values and attitudes for their survival, and the society.

“Proper upbringing will not only foster respect for the

worth and dignity of the children, but as well ensure the right moral and spiritual values in inter-personal and human relations. Parents should give their children the opportunity to develop whatever talents they are endowed with within the context of aims of their society.”

Education, Ladigbolu noted, is a very personal thing, and the benefit of it flow first to the individual before it can be of any benefit to society.

These benefits, he said, are indirect proportion to the level of education attained by each individual.

THE former Democratic People’s Alliance’s (DPA) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Jimi Agabaje, has formally joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), according to a party official.

Lagos State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Gani Taofik, told reporters in Lagos: “Agbaje is now a cardcarrying member of the PDP. “Agbaje has showed the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party his membership card obtained from Ward B in Apapa Local Government Area.

“He told us that he decided to join PDP as the most viable platform for the desired change in Lagos State.”

Taofik said Agbaje, who came to the party secretariat in Ikeja on a “courtesy visit,” presented the membership card to the party leadership.

The publicity secretary noted that Agbaje’s joining the party at this time would help to further broaden its membership.

According to him, the SWC assured Agbaje and his supporters of a level-playing field in seeking positions in the party.

Taofik, however, said there no automatic tickets for candidates seeking the various elective posts on the platform of the PDP in 2015.

“However, if this is Agbaje’s God’s appointed time, nothing can stop him he said.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

FORMER Governor Gbenga Daniel has again faulted the administration of his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, saying its programmes are destroying the state’s economic base.

Daniel, who addressed a summit of the Labour Party (LP) at Ibiade, Ogun Waterside Local Government area, accused Amosun’s government of steadily plunging the state into debt through borrowing unnecessarily when it should be building on the legacies of the past administration.

According to Daniel, Amosun was frustrating companies he had facilitated by his style of administration.

He cited Dangote Group of Companies, which ought to have built a refinery in the state but changed the idea because of his successor’s programmes, lamenting that had the refinery been established, it would have absorbed no fewer than 30,000 workforce.

Daniel said: “Ogun Waterside suppose to be the industrial base of Ogun State of the future, the result is the Free Trade zone in Ogun State. Many people do not understand the meaning of this Free Trade Zone. This is a very big industrial estate. The whole essence of that estate is for us to have the opportunity to have as many industries as possible in this local government.

8

THE NATION TUESDAY JULY 22, 2014

NEWS

PDP, Omisore group deny alleged rift over campaign fund

LP candidate: I ’ll adopt Chinese model From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

STANDARD-bearer of the Labour Party (LP) in Osun State, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, has pledged to adopt the Chinese model in industrial development if voted as the governor in the August 9 poll.

His Media Director, Mr. Kayode Oladeji, in a statement, noted that proper management and the utilisation of human and material resources was capable of generating several thousands of jobs.

He explained that the Chinese model would provide industrial incubators at small, medium and large scales, noting that incentives would be provided to ease their operations for the benefit of the state and country.

He said: “The abandoned Free Trade Zone (FTZ) will be resuscitated and be made to function as industrial incubators to reduce the initial financial outlay of the investors. Buildings to serve as accommodation will be provided while linkage to machine fabricators as well as banks for loans will be explored.”

Akinbade, who said that the government would serve as a guarantor for viable projects, pointed out that the development would enhance the utilisation of local agricultural products and mineral resources.

Lagos teachers seek payment of outstanding allowances TEACHERS in Lagos State have pleaded with the state government for the payment of their outstanding 11 per cent allowance.

State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Segun Raheem, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that teachers were agitating for the long-expected allowance.

Raheem said his members were still hopeful following government’s repeated promises to pay the outstanding 11 per cent of the Teacher’s Specific Allowance (TSA).

He said though teachers were happy and anxious about the promise, they are pleading with state government to fast-track the payment.

“When government says that they will pay very soon, I believe that their very soon is now,” he said.

Raheem said that after some agitation and petitions written to the government, a Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), comprising of some government and labour officials, was set up to handle the issue.

His words: “The JNC is established by law and is comprised of labour and government officials to look into the review of the welfare of workers.

Party candidate meets Muslim community, others From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

•Omisore

I

YIOLA Omisore Campaign Organisation and the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have denied allegations of a rift over an alleged fund released by the Federal Government to prosecute the August 9 governorship election.

The organisation’s Media

Director, Prince Diran Odeyemi, in a statement, described media reports on the issue as mischievous.

He said: “The wicked rumour is not unexpected because the APC has become desperate ahead of the polls and will continue to tell different lies, having seen that the PDP is coasting home to victory in the election.

“There are a few days left to election. So, Osun people should expect 20 lies from the APC. There is no rift in the Osun PDP over money because no money was released in the first place.

“So, the claim that Senator Omisore and some PDP leaders fought over money and that the campaign of the party was cancelled last week was not only a senseless lie, but it is a reflection of the opposition’s acceptance of defeat. Because the APC is bereft of worthy ideas to woo Osun people who are determined to vote for Omisore, the party has resorted to jejune and meddlesome politics.”

Also reacting to the media report, the state Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, in a separate statement, said: “I would not have loved to dignify

the idle talks in opposition circles that there was a rift in the PDP with a comment, but for the need to sensitise the Osun people about the desperation of the APC.” Olaoluwa, who said there was no acrimony within the party and that the PDP governorship campaign was not at any point suspended, explained that the party’s itinerary was altered last week, because party leaders had engagements outside the state.

The leadership of the state PDP and the Muslim community also met yesterday at the Muslim Council headquarters in Osogbo,

Be vigilant, Oshiomhole’s aide urges youths

Parents rally support for Aregbesola’s re-election

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ARENTS of public primary and secondary school pupils in Osun State have rallied support for the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the August 9 state governorship poll.

The parents, in their thousands, unanimously endorsed Aregbesola, who is the standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After presenting awards to some selected teachers at a colourful ceremony on the football field of the Government Technical College, Osogbo, the state capital, the parents, under the aegis of Parents-TeachersAssociation (PTA), declared their support for the

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

governor.

They said they were convinced that Aregbesola would do more for the state better than he has done in his first term, if given another term.

The state PTA chairman, Dr. Ademola Ekundayo, who spoke on behalf of the over 200,000 parents, said the parents endorsed Aregbesola based on his achievements in the education sector.

Ekundayo, who highlighted the achievements of the governor in the education sector, noted that he has set a pace, which would be difficult to meet.

He assured Aregbesola

that parents in the 30 local government areas would mobilise support for him.

He said “It will be very easy to draw support for Aregbesola as he had already campaigned with his achievements. So, I am calling on the people not to jettison the future of their children by calling for the right candidate. Ignoring Aregbesola for any other candidate would amount to jettisoning the lives of the students and pupils in various public schools.”

Aregbesola, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the parents, pledging to dedicate his second term in office to the development of the state, with special concentration on

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

A •Aregbesola

education. .He promised not to disappoint the people, especially parents of public school children, if given the opportunity to serve for a second term in office, stressing that his administration would remain committed to good governance.

PDP plans to lure voters with expired rice, APC alleges

O

SUN State All Progressives Congress (APC) has alerted the public to alleged plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to lure the residents and voters with expired bags of rice.

The party said PDP chieftains in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs in Ikeja, Lagos have loaded trailers with thousands of bags of expired rice confis-

cated several months ago from smugglers.

The trailer loads of rice, according to APC Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, are meant for distribution to Osun voters.

The party noted that competent sources from the Customs said the bags of rice were unsuitable for human consumption.

“Osun citizens should therefore be warned that

their lives are at risk from PDP poisoned rice,” the party said.

The party added that it had warned citizens earlier of PDP’s boast that they would win the election with a bag of rice and at least N10,000 to each voter.

The APC noted that it was not clear what the PDP intended to do by bringing expired rice to repackage and distribute to Osun people.

“Osun people are not hungry and they will not sell their birthrights for stolen public money which the PDP wants to distribute in towns and villages of Osun.

“Those who love their lives should be careful because the PDP will stop at nothing, including the distribution of poisoned rice to win election,” the statement added.

‘We ’ll double youth employment under Aregbesola’s second term’

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SUN State All Progressives Congress (APC) will not relent in providing more jobs for youths as well as take transformational programme to all parts of the state, if Governor Rauf Aregbesola wins August 9 election.

The Deputy Director, the State Bureau of Communication, Mr. Sola Fasure, who spoke to The Nation in Lagos, explained that the APC-led administration plans to create more jobs through selfempowerment programme.

Fasure said the government engaged about 20,000 youths in the last three and half years, adding that a new mandate for the governor

By Musa Odoshimokhe

would take no fewer than 20,000 more youths off the streets.

The deputy director expressed satisfaction that Aregbesola would remain “popular because he is a grassroots’ governor.”

His word: “If it is about stomach infrastructure, Governor Aregbesola has put in place stomach infrastructure in the state. You will recall that for almost three years now, he puts in place an O’meal programme, whereby primary school pupils are being fed, the aged are being catered for and the youths being

engaged.

“The programme is so successful that the British parliament sent a delegation to know about it, with the intension of recommending it to other states in Nigeria.”

Fasure added that government would complete the construction of ongoing roads and undertake new ones to make the state accessible from all parts.

He added that the construction of the airport would open the state to local and international businesses, making Osun the new business hub of the Southwest.

He said the state’s growing agricultural skill would

where Omisore was reportedly promised massive votes at the election.

The party stakeholders also met yesterday on the state of preparedness of PDP for the election. The party agents were later charged to be dutiful in the challenges ahead.

The meeting, according to the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Bola Ajao, took place at Charity Hotel, Osogbo.

Omisore, who was unavoidably absent due to delayed flight from Abuja, was represented by his runningmate, Adejare Bello.

be harness to conveniently feed the people and export to other states that are in short supply of agricultural produce.

Fasure also noted that the effort would make impact in other sectors.

“If you develop agriculture, the processing industries will develop around such environment. So, if you set up one industry, this may lead to the emergence of other 10 industries.

“Already, the construction of the airports is nearing completion; the super highways are advancing simultaneously. We are going to take our education to a higher level,” he said.

LL Progressives Congress’ (APC) youths in Osun State have been urged to mobilise themselves and ensure the sanctity of the ballot process on August 9.

Executive Director, Youths Affairs to Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and APC Youth Leader, Comrade Emma Yakubu told journalists yesterday in Benin.

He said the youth should embark on civil policing of the polling units by ensuring there is no intimidation and irregularities on the election day.

Yakubu said as Edo youths resisted the militarisation and intimidation of APC members during July 14, 2012 governorship election, “Osun State youths should do the same thing because the election is about their future.”

He urged the youths to mobilise themselves and occupy all polling units in Osun to ensure the sanctity of the ballot process.

“PDP attempted to rig the Edo State governorship election, but the youths resisted.

“Youths in Ekiti State were molested, intimidated and the state was militarised by President Goodluck Jonathan. At the end, they had their way with all form of manipulations, which they couldn’t do in Edo State.

“I urged you all to resist any form of intimidation, harassment and molestation. Soldiers cannot kill every person in Osun State.

“They should checkmate all irregularities the PDP may plan to execute, because they are known for manipulation, thuggery and all forms of election manoeuvres,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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NEWS

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We were not paid to sack Nyako, says Acting Governor

DAMAWA State Acting Governor Ahmadu Fintri has said members of the House of Assembly were not “bribed” to remove Governor Murtala Nyako.

Fintri spoke yesterday when he visited President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the acting governor said he was at the Villa to give a “situation report” to the President.

He said: “Who gave the money? There must be evidence. In this country, people are fond of saying it is about money. Who gave the money?”

On whether Nyako was removed to retrieve the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mandate, he said: “You saw the allegations and they have been proved by the panel, so that cannot be the reason why we removed the man.

“There were even so many other issues that we could not bring as part of the allegations that formed his removal.

“But, definitely as a PDP man who has taken over, I have to say that I brought back to my party the mandate stolen by the former governor.”

Momoh: Nyako’ll return to Govt House

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ORMER Minister of Information Prince Tony Momoh has said impeached Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako will return to the Government House.

Momoh said the impeachment of opposition governors is to weaken the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s election.

He told The Nation that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) felt that the best way to confront the APC is decimate the party by impeaching the governors.

Momoh said: “The way to confront the APC is by destabilising, undermining and destroying it. That is the strategy, and PDP has started doing it. They did it with Adamawa State; they have started it with Nasarawa State.”

The former minister said Nyako was only out temporarily.

“Impeachment is a very serious step taken by the legislators, who are supposed to represent the people. When they take that step, then the person who is elected by the people leaves office.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Asked to speak on the allegation that the President was trying to muzzle the opposition, Fintri said: “Nyako is not an opposition man. He only stole the PDP mandate.

“How did the President get

By Musa Odoshimokhe

“So, the procedure for removal must be very thorough and we know that the Adamawa procedure was not thorough. So, I can assure you that the Adamawa State governor is only out temporarily, he will return.

“Look at what is happening in Nasarawa, the Nasarawa scenario is a step to the battle line being drawn. The people who elected the governor say they don’t want him out.

So, look at what we are trying to do to ourselves because of greed of power.

“The reaction that is coming from the people may even lead to a revolution, where due process is undermined because of the greed of power. The presence of APC has established a balance of power, this makes the PDP jittery,” he said.

He warned the political class of the dire consequence of undermining the democracy which they fought hard to achieve. “Nobody should push issues to distract the state to a situation where there will be the balance of terror.”

involved in this local issue in Adamawa? The man “stole” our money. That is the bottom line.”

He also said that he didn’t know if Nyako is on the run.

On the present situation in Adamawa, the acting governor said: “Adamawa is fine, Adamawa is calm. We are into

confidence-building, having removed Nyako and the destruction of infrastructure and moral of our people.

“We have gone into building of confidence. We are trying to pay salaries. Because for months, he has not paid their salaries. That is what we are doing now.”

Niger APC, REC disagree over N44.3m govt cash

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of collecting N44.37million from the government.

The Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Vatsa, in a statement in Minna yesterday said the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) lacked the credibility to conduct free and fair elections owing to his romance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government.

Vatsa said: “Apart from the frequent private visits to political office holders, the REC has continued to make financial requests from the government to organise workshop, seminar and enlightenment campaigns.

“The unfortunate aspect of some of these work-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

shops, seminars or enlightenment campaigns is that INEC has never included any opposition party.”

APC alleged that the governor approved N44,375,850 for INEC to organise what it called ‘National Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (NICVEP)’.

According to the statement, the REC, Emmanuel Onucheyo, in his proposal for the Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity, said “The Niger State government under the able leadership of the chief servant is hereby invited to consider and approve as follows; intensive voter education as a prelude to INEC’s conduct of continuous voter registration and issuance of permanent voter cards.

“Approve the above strategies and their implementation in Niger State and N44,375,850, being the amount required for the implementation of these programmes and activities.

“Please direct the release of N44,375,850 to the committee for timely execution of the programme and activities enumerated above”.

The opposition alleged that the committee, which was inaugurated on June 5, following the release of funds, has begun work.

But Onucheyo denied making any request for funds from either the commission’s headquarters or the government.

He, however, admitted writing a letter to the government for the formation of the committee as directed by the Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega.

“I have never requested or collected any fund from the

North’s situation challenging, says Maitama Sule From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

•Sule

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IRST Republic Minister Maitama Sule said yesterday in Kano that he has written to President Goodluck Jonathan, intimating him of the security challenges in the North.

Addressing the Northern Youth Development Foundation (NYDF) delegation in Kano, Sule said he was

convinced that the North is suffering from humiliation and discrimination.

“I wrote to the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and the President telling them about the prevailing situation. “ I also pointed out that if President Goodluck Jonathan doesn’t stop it, we would have disastrous consequences.”

“The situation in the country is so bad, but I believe what we should do is to get together and tell one another the truth-let us agree to accommodate our differences and put Nigeria above personal interest.”

Sule urged the leadership class to respond to constructive criticism where necessary.

He praised the group for not taking the law into its hands and how it respectfully presented its case to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II. The former minister acknowledged that every religion preaches peace and peaceful coexistence as its first doctrine.

Sule said the ugly things the country is passing through would soon come to pass, just as the Civil War , among other crises, came to pass.

He expressed the belief that dialogue can still solve the problem in the country and is still the best option to any crisis.

commission or Niger State government for the advisory committee. “ I only sent a letter to the government dated May 7 as directed by my chairman for the formation of the committee.

“The letter highlighted the membership of the inter-agency advisory committee, I am not responsible for who represent these agencies,” Onucheyo said.

When asked about the source of funding for the committee, the REC said: “The committee as at now is functional.

“No money has been released from either INEC or state government.”

But the Secretary to the State Government, Sheidu Idris Ndako, said the government released N28.7million to the committee and not N44.37 million as alleged by the opposition.

The SSG said a committee was formed based on the directive from the INEC National Headquarters as conveyed to the government by the REC.

•Fintri (left), and the Principal Secretary to the President, Hassan Tukur...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Why PDP lawmakers are after Al-Makura, by aide

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OME Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly are after Governor Tanko Al-Makura for selfish political interest, it was learnt yesterday.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Public Affairs Abdulhamid Kwarra made the assertion in Abuja.

He described the lawmakers as “lacking legislative decorum and maturity”.

The aide said the aim of the PDP is to take over the state from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He challenged the lawmakers to show to Nigerians what law they relied upon to say that they have purportedly served the impeachment notice on the governor.

Kwarra said: “The issue of serving the governor impeachment notice is no longer news, what is instructive is the fact that as I speak to you now, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly is yet to serve him.

“That is to say, the so-called notice of impeachment has not yet been formally or officially served on Al-Makura.”

On why some of the lawmakers are bent on impeaching the governor, Kwarra who is also a former Majority Leader, accused the lawmakers of being afraid to lose their seats next year.

Kwarra said: “I wouldn’t want to speak for the House of Assembly on what may have been its motive, but let me assume what may be the causes of the political impasse, if I may use that language, or what may have triggered or necessitated or that led to initiating an impeachment process in Nasarawa State. It is a combination of factors.

“One, the Abuja factor: you see the PDP and the Abuja authorities suddenly came to terms with reality that a formidable opposition party, the APC, has emerged and its emergence certainly threatens the status quo.

“Whatever the PDP does to destabilise APC controlled states. It is simply a matter of political strategy because we

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

are heading towards 2015.

“Two, back home in Nasarawa, it is a conflict of political interests, one, between the executive and the legislature. At a point in time the governor wanted to bring back democratic structures in the local governments, the lawmakers refused.

“They preferred a transitional management committee, meaning the governor should propose a transitional management committee where they will approve appointed leadership for the local governments.

“Then there is another interest, that is what I would call the sentimental aspect which is those who are advancing and promoting religion.

“You also have people who have been out of power or out of government for so long and now if you have a new government it is an opportunity to have new appointees coming on board to enjoy government’s patronage.

“So all these things as I said internally it is a conflict of interest. Basically, these are what we will attribute to the causes of the crises in Nasarawa.”

On the security implications, the aide said: “In terms of the security challenges, in fact, everybody knows that the nation’s security challenges are so overwhelming and it is sad that the authorities in Abuja are opening new war fronts simply because they want to satisfy their selfish political ambition next year.

“Let me be more emphatic, if there is a threat to our democracy today, blame nobody for it but the same political class because what is a threat to our democracy today is this selfish desire to hang onto power even when you are not popular, even when you do not in one way or the other deliver services that have any impact on the lives of people.

“Politicians in this country are not thinking of the next generation, they are not thinking of tomorrow, they are not thinking of leaving legacies. . From the day you are elected you are thinking of the next election. It is very sad and that is why today, we are gradually moving to a state of anarchy.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Women of easy virtue seek new life

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OME women of easy virtue in Lagos have said they are ready to quit the trade, if the government resettles and empowers them.

The women, who are operating at the sprawling slum in Ijora Badia by Bale Bus Stop before Ijora SevenUp Bridge, said they took to the trade for want of something better to do.

The densely populated slum is said to be home to close to a million people.

Residents in most parts of the area live in filth. Most of the women are into prostitution. A girl, her mother and grandmother are there in the same trade.

The coordinator of a Nongovernmental Organisation (NGO), Empowering Women to Begin New Life

By Uyoatta Eshiet

Initiative, Ms Anietie Mbosowo, held a preaching/ counselling session in the area.

Men and women were seen smoking. Children who are out of school walked bare-foot in the filthy.

Over 90 percent of the houses are built with planks and each of the rooms has just enough space for a six or eight-spring bed. The plank houses are so closely built that it is difficult passing through the corridors.

While most of the men were smoking heavily; the women, some of them expectant, were waiting for their “customers”, even in the afternoon.

Some of the prostitutes who responded to inquiries

said they go to church or mosque to worship God but they still have to return to the trade because they have no alternative for now.

A woman who is in her 60s, who confirmed that she is a grandmother, said some organisations had been trying to give them another focus to life, but without empowerment.

Some of them said that even when they planned to stop, they are pulled back to the environment as there is no other place for them. The grandmother said recently, a man who pretended to be a pastor, duped them of millions of naira after an Alhaji did same since they are not used to saving their money in banks.

She said some of them pay as much as N18,000 per

month to their landlords as rent and for security.

Mbosowo urged Governor Babatunde Fashola; his wife, Dame Abimbola, women political appointees, the Christian community and every Nigerian to come to the rescue of the women and their children.

Her organisation, she said had tried over the years to cater for some of them but she has limitations as she has no sponsors or support from any quarters, apart from her salary.

She expressed the fear that insecurity in the society might continue as long as those people are left as they are.

She gave her e-mail contact as: newlifefoundations @yahoo.com, and animbos 2005@yahoo.com.

By Jude Isiguzo

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HERE was panic on Sunday afternoon at Alapere in Ketu, a Lagos suburb, following a fire at a police station.

The fire started around 1.30pm and burnt the entire roof of the police station which is located by Alapere bus stop near the popular Oworosoki Expressway.

Police Command’s spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), confirmed the incident.

She said the fire was caused by an electrical spark, adding that it was put out before it could spread.

Braide said nobody was killed or injured in the incident and assured that none of the detainees there escaped.

An eyewitness, Mrs Median Adams, who said she was driving along the route her husband, said: “We saw smoke and we stopped and tried to find out what happened. We could not get close because of the crowd.

Through the transparent cell, the detainees were struggling to escape from the raging fire.

“People outside were also asking policemen to free the inmates so that they did not get burnt to death but they refused. Instead, they were busy calling fire service personnel to come and put out the fire”. However, the burnt roof was said to have been replaced.

Council chief honoured

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HE Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government in Lagos State, Comrade Ayodele Adewale has received an award as the “Best Executive Chairman Amuwo Odofin Local Government Ever Had.” The honoured was conferred on him by the Festival Town Residents Association Community 2, at its last general meeting and the election of new executives to pilot its af-

Four killed as truck rams into market •11 injured

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OUR persons died yesterday when a truck lost control and rammed into a market at Odo-Eran bus stop on LAUIba road yesterday. Eleven others were injured.

Eyewitnesses said the truck’s brakes failed when its driver was trying to negotiate a sharp bend at about 10 am.

The truck was said to have rammed into the market to avoid over-running a tricycle riders’ park.

A male victim described as a Good Samaritan died while attempting to save a woman from being overrun by the truck.

Moments after pushing the woman out of the way, a rod from the truck was said to have struck the Good Samaritan.

The driver, it was gathered, attempted to escape

Fire guts police station

fairs.

The chairman of the association, Comrade Jola Ogunlusi, noted that the award to the council chief is in recognition of his developmental policies that have been transforming the council area positively.

Adewale thanked the association for recognising hard work and promised to continue to make Amuwo an enviable brand.

Lagos to honour entrepreneurs

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

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•GOING NO: The truck as it crashed into the stalls ... yesterday GOING FOR SHOPPING? NO

By Jude Isiguzo

from the scene but traders seized him and inflicted machete wounds on him.

An eyewitness, identified as Balogun Towiwa, said: “The truck driver would have been killed but for the

timely intervention of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).”

The truck was loaded with bags of sachet water belonging to Dammy Pure Water, which is situated at 22, Church Close on Igando

Road.

Hon Salami Adedoyin, a politician, said: “The driver was saved by FRSC. He wanted to run, but was apprehended by traders who used machetes on him.”

HE Lagos State Government is set to mark this year’s Enterprise Day by honouring 10 successful entrepreneurs from different parts of the country.

Executive Secretary, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, Mr. Olawumi Gasper, who disclosed this to reporters yesterday, said the initiative was “to promote networking of successful entrepreneurs with young aspiring entrepreneurs from the technical colleges in a one-day open interactive forum.

He added that the second edition, which will hold on July 23 at NECA House in Ikeja, is devoted “to celebrating legacies and promote immense opportunities in youth-led businesses and other entrepreneurial pursuits.”

“Among the honourees will be “game changers” such as Simzu Shagaya, Ibukun Awosika and Fola Adeola who have narrowed the gap between Nigeria and the global market in their various industrial sub-sectors,” he said.

Alleged kidnap: Police exonerate pastor

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PASTOR accused of kidnapping a sevenyear-old boy has been exonerated by the police.

Pastor Ernest Chukwuemeka Nwankwo of Holy Family, Happy Family Ministry in Ikorodu on the outskirts of Lagos was freed after the police found that he has “no case to answer”.

A woman, Rosemary Chukwu who allegedly

By Jude Isiguzo

kidnapped Emmanuel Emeka on June 25, claimed that Nwankwo sent her on the mission.

When she was apprehended by a mob, with Emeka concealed in a travelling box, Rosemary alleged that Nwankwo paid her N4million to steal the boy.

But, Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Su-

perintendent (DSP), said yesterday that Nwankwo “has no case to answer”.

She said the pastor was granted bail because of lack of substantive evidence against him.

Braide, however, said detectives were still investigating the case, adding that if anything implicating is found against Nwankwo, he would be re-arrested.

Braide said: “The prophet is on bail. We can’t just de-

tain someone because of allegation that cannot be substantiated. From preliminary investigations, we have not found any evidence to detain him. We have also sent the woman who made the allegation to the psychiatric hospital to ascertain her sanity; we are awaiting the result. The children found with the woman on the day of incident are nowhere to be found.

The ministry, through its

spokesman, Evangelist Patrick Adebayo, had earlier denied all allegations made against Nwankwo.

The prophet said the woman found with the boy was neither a member nor a worker of the ministry.

He stressed that the building where some people were found in chains was only used as praying ground for lunatics and not for ritual purposes as alleged.

•Ernest Okonkwo

Hausa community tackles security challenges

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HE Hausa community in Agege, a popular Lagos suburb, has conducted a census to ascertain its population.

The Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, said, the exercise was aimed at ensuring that insurgents are not living there, adding that his domain, which is predominantly inhabited by northerners, is safe.

By Jude Isiguzo

The Boko Haram sect, a fortnight ago, claimed responsibility for the explosion at a fuel depot in Apapa and threatened to attack some unidentified parts of the state too.

However, the community leader said there was no cause for alarm, adding that adequate security measures had been taken to

prevent such an occurence in his domain.

“We have just concluded headcount of our people in Agege”, he said.

Speaking after a prayer for peace in Nigeria, Muhammed said: “We know ourself here in Agege. Nobody comes here and claimed to be Hausa that we would not know his root. You don’t just come

and settle here simple because you are a Northerner, no, you must have an established link with an existing resident, which we must know well.”

The prayer, which was organised by the Abnaul Faidha Islamic Society of Nigeria, took place at the Agege Central Mosque yesterday.

Chairman of the society,

and the Majidadin of Agege, Alhaji Alli Abubakar, said the organisation’s tenets include the propagation of the real teaching of Islamic religion and urged all Muslims to embrace the concept.

He added that the purpose of the prayer was also to sensitise youths in Agege and its environs of the

need to embrace peace.

The Chairma, Agege Local Government, Alhaji Jibrin Muhammed, said: “We have gone a step further to ensure that we have our people’s identities. We have been working together for peace and how it will continue to endure; even after my administration, peace will never elude Agege.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

SON gives cement producers 60-day deadline on labelling

MTN, others partner NHIS on health insurance

By Lucas Ajanaku

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TN Nigeria has partnered Salt & Einstein MTS and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NIHS) to drive the penetration of insurance in the country through the mobile platform.

Speaking yesterday at the flag-off of the pilot programme of the initiative, Chief executive Officer, MTN, Michael Ikpoki said the tripartite partnership is the first in the country, Africa and indeed, the world as it has not been done anywhere.

He said the broader vision of the telco is lead a bold digital world and touch the lives of its numerous subscribers, adding that pursuing this lofty goal requires the innovation and coming up with unique products.

He said the partnership was necessitated by the need to bridge the identified gap existing in affordable, accessible and cost-efficient insurance scheme in the country which would be attractive to many people.

According to Ikpoki, with the payment of the premium of between N250 and N1000 per week, the subscriber is covered with insurance of about 80 per cent, stressing that in the event of an illness, all the insured needed to do was visit any of the health management organizations (HMOs) across the country.

Executive Secretary/CEO, NHIS, Dr Femi Thomas said the step marks the beginning of the digitalization of health in the country, adding that the development will help drive Federal Government’s desire to deepen insurance penetration in the country.

He lamented that formal sector insurance stands at 3.5million people up from 2.3million it used to be in January this year while informal sector insurance figure stood at 1.5million, adding that the partnership will leapfrog health delivery and accelerate penetration.

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

‘Europe is a good market for gas. Incidentally, Belgium has important terminals such as the Port of Antwerp through which Nigeria hopes to get its gas to the rest of Europe. We’ll start marketing our abundant gas resources to Europe,’ •Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu

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ETERMINED to ad dress the lingering issues in the cement industry, as well as check the incidence of building collapse, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) yesterday issued a 60-day ultimatum to cement manufacturers on product labelling and traceability requirements.

Specifically, the manufacturers are expected within the timeline, to indicate on product bags, the date of manufacture, and best-before dates; product application information, as well as the batch numbers of the products.

The cement manufacturers, including, Dangote Cement Plc, Lafarge Nigeria, Unicem, Ibeto Cement, Ashaka Cement and Sokoto Cement, agreed with SON to review the 30 days deadline earlier announced at the meeting to 60 days.

By Toba Agboola

The plea for extension was to enable the manufacturers to retool and procure necessary machine to effect the changes in their processes.

The move, which is expected to enhance traceability in case of product default, also places a responsibility on cement manufacturers to ensure that their products meet required guidelines and health and safety requirements.

In addition, cement manufactures are expected to submit their advertisements and commercials for pre-approval by the SON before they are sent to the media, while processes should be initiated to ensure that products are properly stored by distributors and retailers to avoid a compromise of the product’s integrity.

At a briefing yesterday,

SON Diector-General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, noted that the agency in line with its mandate of protecting consumers from products that may harm them, has taken into consideration a lot of factors and has decided to address the growing concern.

According to him, manufacturers have an ethical role to play in ensuring that products meet consumers’ expectation and are properly applied by users.

“It is necessary to observe that none of the courts has so far made any declaration to suspend the implementation of the new standard NIS 444-1:2014.

Moreover, the yawning communication gap of the last two months in the public domain regarding the sector, which is currently being exploited by the stakeholders, does not au-

gur well for the same reasons we came up with the new standard.

He stressed the need for all stakeholders to meet in a consultative forum to address the contending issues and to expressly declare and reaffirm the mandate of SON to regulate the sector for public safety.

Odumodu explained that it was equally needful to address issues of storage conditions and labeling which do not appear to be in contention at the courts; and as well address, respond and follow up the resolutions of the House of Representatives Special Committee on Cement and to clarify the differences between standards and technical regulations in the context of the powers and responsibilities of the government to make regulations and to enforce them accordingly.

Innoson out with N1.5m cars From Chris Oji, Enugu

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OW and middle class Nigerians desiring to drive brand new cars would have their dreams realised in no distant future Innoson Group of Companies, manufacturers of cars, buses, tankers and other products, would as from 8, August introduce brand new cars into the Nigerian automobile market at the cost of N1.5million only.

The chairman and chief executive of the company, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma who announced this in Enugu yesterday said the cars which would be fully air conditioned with every other gadget were made for most Nigerians to have access to brand new cars.

The costliest of the coming cars, according to him, would be bought at N3.5million.

Chukwuma who was speaking at the road show organized by Empower Nigeria at the Enugu campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka was narrating to the students of the university how he started venturing into diversified enterprise.

“I will launch my own cars in about two weeks time.

And the cars will cost between N1.5million and N3.5million, depending on the cadre,” he assured.

Transcorp’s profit hits N9.75b

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• The Group Head, Marketing and Communications, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Ikechukwu Kalu, (@nd left),presenting the trophy of the Enactus Nigeria National Competition, 2014, to the Team Lead of Ekiti State University, Dolapo Odupele (2nd right). With them are other students of the school, Tade Ayodeji (right) and Ayomide Adesanya (left).

Ethnic feud puts $16b EPZ project at risk

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ROTRACTED disagree ment over the appelation the proposed $16billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) should bear is threating its take-off.

The Gbaramatu Ijaw, coowners of the land on which the project will be sited, are against naming it after Ogidigben (EPZ Ogidigben), an appellation which suggests an Itsekiri landlordship.

Speaking at a press briefing in Warri yesterday, representatives of Gbaramatu kingdom, led by Chief Godspower Gbenekama, rejected the name already placed on the project by the Delta State government, describing it as an insult on the two Ijaw kingdoms, whose

Shola O’Neil, South-South Regional Editor and Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

land will house 70 per cent of the project site.

They accused the Delta State government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of playing games with the project, warning that the development is capable of reigniting the bitter, but rested Ijaw/Itsekiri wars of the early 2000s.

They urged the Delta State government to set up two more interface-committees for both Gbaramatu and Okulagha kingdoms, for the sake of equity and peace.

“The people of Ikpokpo community, which is the

site for the proposed seaport and entry port to the proposed EPZ project, would suffer the most because its entire land would be swallowed up by the project.

What this means is that Ikpokpo would cease to exist,” they said.

The people will become homeless and strangers in other communities, while only the bushes and the peripheries of Ugborodo communities of Madangho, Ajudaibo and Ogidigben, which the project is now named after, would be affected”, they said.

According to the group, more than ten communities of Gbaramatu Kingdom would be losing land to the project, frowning at the failure of the state government

to see the sacrifice of the Ijaws in the area and accused it of working to play a game of mischief by selling the view that all the land on which the project would be sited is owned by the Itsekiri.

The people, however, demanded, among other things that “the name of the project must be changed from EPZ Ogidigben to another name that reflects the joint ownership of the Ijaw and Itsekiri in the project.

We align with GIBABU, as suggestion by the Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chifs. We totally reject the present name because of past experiences and antics of the Itsekiris of Ugborodo in basterdising our communities’ name.

RANSNATIONAL Cor poration of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) continued on a strong growth trajectory in 2014 as it announced Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N8.02bn for six months ended June 30, repesenting a 122 per cent increase against the corresponding period in 2013.

Highlights of the half year 2014 results, showed that Gross revenue for the Group stood at N21.21billion, representing 177 per cent growth from half year 2013 results of N7.67billion.

Also, Group operating profit for half year 2014 was N9.75billion, indicating an increase of 145 per cent against the corresponding period in 2013.

The Group PBT for the period of N8.02billion represents a leap of 122 per cent on PBT of N3.61billion achieved for half year of 2013. Total assets for the Group grew by 6 peer cent from N149.64billion for full year 2013 to N158.18billion for the six months ended 30 June 2014.

Commenting on the results, the President and Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp, Obinna Ufudo said: “Our half year results for 2014 consolidates the significant growth achieved in first quarter 2014 and firmly sets us on course for the attainment of FY 2014 financial targets. We are very pleased with the continued growth in capacity and output at our Ughelli Power plant. The plant’s available capacity and output peaked at 453 MW during the period, up from the 160MW when we took over on November 1, 2013.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-07-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-07-14

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

‘Lagos transit trains are NRC’s cash cow’ B

ETTER days are here again, for the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), which has been making a killing from its Lagos Mass Transit Trains (LMTT).

NRC Managing Director Prince Adeseyi Sijuwade told The Nation that LMTT is the corporation’s “cash cow.”

According to Sijuwade, the LMTT, (which shuttles between Iddo, a Lagos suburb and Ijoko in Ogun State), generates about 50 percent of the revenue from passenger services.

LMTT, which takes no fewer than 1,000 passengers per trip and runs 16 scheduled round trips between Iddo and Ijoko is likely to realise about N4 million daily and N120 million monthly, going by the new N250 fare regime which took effect on June 6.

Sijuwade said the corporation was working towards deepening its internally generated revenue by adopting measures aimed at improving service delivery and plugging all leakages.

He said: “You will be surprised how much revenue that we have recovered from this initiative. It is this revenue that we have ploughed back into the system to further strengthen our capacity to generate more funds.”

The NRC, Sijuwade said, has come up with creating new platforms around all its stations to improve passenger access and exit from the trains. One of such platforms, created at Ikeja train station has drastically improved turnaround time as it reduces the embarking and disembarking of passengers from the trains at the station.

He said the NRC management would soon introduce the same platforms in all its stations across the country beginning with Ijoko, which he described as the busiest station in the country.

He said: “We are going to build the platforms in Ijoko, Agbado and Oshodi and all other major stations in Lagos. Then we would begin the re-fencing of these stations one after the other. That will go a long way in checking the influx of hooligans. Ijoko and Agbado stations top our priori-

• Passengers queuing to board the train.

Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

ties at the re-fencing stage because that is where the bulk of the hoodlums

N

IGERIA Railway Corporation (NRC) workers have shelved their planned strike billed for July 28.

They said their action followed the intervention of NRC Chairman Dr. Bamanga Tukur. They gave the board a month, beginning from July 30, to address their demands for improved welfare or risk an industrial action.

A statement signed by the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers (NUR), Mr. Timothy Segun Esan, said the strike which should have taken off after the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum as contained in their June 30 letter was suspended by a joint Central Working Committee

who are threat to our operations are.”

According to Sijuwade, the injection of two new Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) and six coaches were part of

Railway workers shelve strike Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

(JCWC) of the NUR and the Senior Staff Association (SSA) of the Nigeria Railway Corporation in deference to Tukur.

The statement said the workers gave the board an opprotunity to intervene and work with the NRC management to respond to their demands.

“This is a clear demonstration of the unions’ commitment to the wellbeing of the corporation and in reverence of the NRC Board Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, and all other board members who have promised to help in actualising the unions’ legitimate demands before the man-

T

By Olalekan Ayeni

talking, charisma/composure, manner of approach etc) on the road, on how they are viewed and accepted by the public. It also involves relationship between commanding officer and members of his command on how to effectively motivate his officers/men not to just work to achieving the goal, but to exceptionally put in their effort in becoming the best among other commands.

He disclosed that the zone has also introduced inter command motorised patrol on Mile 2-Iba-Badagry Expressway and Lekki-Ajah-Epe Expressway, adding that a Special Intervention Patrol (SIP) will take off on the routes before the end of the year.

Meheux added further that a child safety campaign initiative has also taken off in every command within the zone, adding that the campaign tagged: “Safe route to school,” will continue to see marshals detailed to zebra crossings close to schools to ensure compliance of motorists to zebra crossing rules. “This is to ensure safety of our children as they go to school,” he said.

The guest lecturer, Assistant Corps Marshal, Research and Statistics at the Headquarters (RSHQ), Abuja, Dr. Kayode Olagunju, challenged all officers to remain committed to reducing crashes on the highways. He said: “Our task is to reduce road crashes that unnecessarily claim lives. We, therefore, must be strategic in our approach.

agement,” the statement said.

“We have temporarily put our industrial action on hold and have graciously given the board one month, from July 30, to enable the Chairman have enough time to resolve our demands that have been lying before the management for over a year,” the SSA President-General, Comrade Mohammed Yunusa said.

His NUR counterpart Comrade Raphael Okoro said the action was taken during a three-day meeting convened by Tukur between the NRC Management and the representatives of the unions, and

expressed the hope that the board’s intervention would lead to the amicable realisation of the workers’ demands.

“Our chairman is an honorable man who respects his words. We strongly believe in him and out of great regards we have for him, we have decided to suspend the strike temporarily so as to allow him and his members work things out for the workers. The truth is that railway workers are suffering but our joy is that we have a board that has conscience and has promised to pull us out of the woods. We are waiting”, Comrade Okoro added.

Apapa-Oshodi gridlock bad for business, says LCCI

Crashes have reduced, says FRSC HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said there was a reduction in crashes in the first half of the year.

According to statistics reeled out at its second quarter retreat for its commanding officers in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the corps said road traffic crashes (RTC) which were 114 in 2013, was reduced to 97 in the corresponding period in 2014.

Also, enforcement of traffic rules the corps added, is equally yielding results as the total traffic offenders which stood at 79, 827 as at second quarter last year was reduced to 67,666 in the second quarter of this year.

The Zonal Commanding Officer, RS2 Lagos, Mr John Meheux, said the Corps is achieving the mandate to reduce fatalities during accidents in the zone.

Meheux, an Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) said the Corps has reduced its response time to accidents especially on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, one of the major arteries of the zone’s operation to less than 15 minutes, adding that the spontaneous response to crashes have aided the Corps’ capacity to rescue victims.

The retreat, he said, was aimed at strengthening the Corps’ corporate goals and action plan to improve on its supervision, regulatory and enforcement capacities, carry out road safety audit and motor vehicle administration, public communication and road use education.

He said: “It intends to strengthen our officer’s disposition (dressing,

the NRC’s strategies to carve new markets for itself adding: “They are not meant for our traditional customers who have been used to our serv-

ices. We are targeting bankers and other white collar workers in Marina and elsewhere in Lagos, who desire another travelling experience. So it’s a completely new market.

“What we are telling our old customers is that look, we still have the old coaches and the price is still relatively low, that is what is called market segmentation. We are not asking our old customers to start boarding the expensive DMUs if they cannot afford it.”

He said to avoid being overwhelmed, the NRC has embraced outsourcing, adding that issues such as security, ticketing, cabin cleaning which are hitherto handled by its workers are contracted out to others, leaving her workers to concentrate on its core competence.

He added that though much of the NRC’s march in this direction is still being hampered by the railway bill, the outsourcing is a transitional process that would ultimately lead to concessioning of these operations to the private sector.

“We have constraints as to why we cannot concession immediately, one of such is the railway bill, but we have realised that railway bill or not, we cannot fold our arms to events that are unfolding every day,” Sijuwade said.

T • Meheux

“Zero crash is always our dream, it is achievable, only that we need the commitment of all our men. We need to be very serious in our activities, we need improvement on our strategies and introduce new ones in all major corridors to arrest unnecessary loss of life,” he said.

He therefore, warned against the illegal use of siren, adding that 75 percent of road users are illiterate and may lose control whenever siren is blown unexpectedly.

The CSR/Sustainability Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc Ms Emete Tonukari, thanked the FRSC for always being in the forefront of ensuring safety on highways.

Emete said, Nigeria Breweries Plc in the last six years has been partnering with FRSC on the “don’t drink and drive campaign.” She promised that the company will continue to support the FRSC until the zero crash vision on the roads is realised.

HE perennial gridlock on the Apapa-Oshodi expressway has been described as potentially dangerous for the economy and the well-being of businesses.

During its 2014 quarterly assessment of the economy, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said the blockage of roads to the ports and tank farms in Apapa poses a danger to the economy if not urgently tackled.

LCCI President Remi Bello said the collapse of transportation logistics and access to the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports has brought about an urgent need to relocate the tank farms to the outskirts of the city.

Bello noted that getting to the ports has become a nightmare and moving out of it is even a greater nightmare, adding that the entire system has become dysfunctional and delivery and evacuation of cargoes has become a terrifying experience.

He said: “Current location of the tank farms is a major factor in the huge traffic congestion. They also constitute a serious safety hazards to citizens. To fix this, there is urgent need to relocate the tank farms to the outskirts of the city,” he advised.

Bello, who equally called for the reactivation of the nation’s refineries, said functional refineries would lead to a reduction in the importation of petroleum products and a reduction in the convergence of tankers at the various ports.

He also renewed the call for the revival of the rail system for the purpose of evacuating cargo from the Lagos ports, and an urgent need to improve the reliability, safety and integrity of pipelines across the country as a means of moving petroleum products.”This, in fact, is the most efficient and cost effective mode of transportation of petroleum products,” he said.

He noted that the gridlock has been taking its toll on the private sector and the entire economy, resulting according to him, in frequent accidents resulting from fallen containers in transit because of the state of the roads and high demurrage resulting from the slow evacuation of cargo.

He disclosed that charges by haulage vehicles had increased astronomically because of the long travel time as well as turnaround time resulting from the slow pace of cargo evacuation from the ports and the paralysis of other businesses along the axis because of reduced patronage by customers.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Customs impounds N75m vehicles

Oyo govt worried over T Container Depot’s ‘neglect’ T HE Oyo State Government has cried out over the neglect of the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Ibadan, the capital, urging the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) to ensure its smooth take-off.

Speaking during a visit to NSC the management in Lagos, the Secretary to the State Government, Lekan Ali said they are not happy that the Ibadan ICD project has been abandoned for too long.

He said the resuscitation of moribund infrastructure and the establishment of a viable transport network through collaborative efforts with the Shippers’Council will make the ICDs in Ibadan and other parts of the country functional and promote business.

He identified the absence of a functional rail line connecting the ICDs as one of the major factors impeding the smooth take-off of the project.

“One thing that is very germane

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

is the issue of the rail which is about 1.5 kilometres from Eremu from where you could have the connection and we have written a long while that the Ministry of Transport should please consider through the Nigeria Railway Corporation the possibility of linking the dry port by rail so that when goods come into the country, they can be transported by rail.

“We believe this is the time we want to get to that level of industrialisation. To check unemployment and move in many investors as much as possible,” Ali said.

Replying, the NSC boss, Mr Hassan Bello, said the idea of dry ports was conceived to decongest the port and boost the nation’s economy.

He however said the delay in the take off of the Ibadan dry port was due to the fact that the Council does

not have the legal frame work to establish the dry ports as ports of origin and ports of destination so that cargo can be consigned to the ports.

“It has not been easy for several reasons chief of which is the argument or gap in the legal frame work. These ports are supposed to be designated and gazetted as port of destination and port of origin.

This has been going on because we have been steadfast in pushing and promoting the idea of dry ports.

We have been pushing for this to be done. The Minister of Transport set up a committee and the committee has made some recommendation and the Minister has forwarded it to Mr President.

“But all pressure is now there and your Governor and other Governors who show concern on this should come together so that this designation would be done,” he said.

HE Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C,’ comprising SouthEast and Southsouth has seized vehicles with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of about N675 million.

The zone made 155 seizures between January and June this year, of which 86 are vehicles. Among the seized vehicles are 51 cars, 25 jeeps and 10 trucks.

The Customs Area Controller, Victor David Dimka, said 19 suspects were arrested in connection with the seized items, while 24 cases are in court, adding that the action was taken to serve as deterrence to others.

He said the seizures were made in Benin, Agbor, Asaba, Owerri, Enugu, Port-Harcourt and Calabar.

Also intercepted, Dimka said, was a truck with 600 bags of 50kg wheat flour and 150 gallons of empty rubber Jeri cans and drums which were deceitfully used to conceal 492 pieces of 225/65/R15 used car tyres, the tyres, explained, pose a serious danger to commuters and other road users as some of the tyres have expired.

Dimka said two other trucks carrying over 1,200 cartons of foreign soap and bags of imported rice were intercepted.

He said though some of the drivers of the seized vehicles are still at large; his unit has spread its

dragnet to track them down wherever they might be hibernating in line with the renewed efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service to drastically reduce smuggling to the barest minimum in the country.

Dimka said the driver of one of the trucks, has been apprehended by his officers and he has been charged to court.

“Some of the seized vehicles were taken in as abandoned seizures because their drivers absconded at the point of arrest. But they will be fished out through our intelligence network and will be subjected to the full weight of the law,” he said, adding, “I feel so sadden when some people cannot use their money for something meaningful and beneficial to themselves and their families, instead of resorting to smuggling which is injurious to the economy of our dear country, Nigeria.”

He said people are bent on circumventing the new automobile policy of the federal government by smuggling in vehicles and warned that most of the smugglers who run away when their smuggled vehicles are being caught will be traced through the information on their fake registration papers.

The smugglers, Dimka said, should note that the NCS is better equipped today to tackle such challenges and many more.

Terminal delivers 35,124 containers

T

•Vehicles stuck at the failed portion of the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway in Lagos.

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Residents raise the alarm over port’s bridge

R

ESIDENTS are worried over the state of Ijora bridge leading to the Apapa Port in Lagos, urging Governor Babatunde Fashola to save it from collapse.

The bridge, the residents said, is old, adding that it is being stressed by heavy trucks daily.

The bridge, it was learnt, was constructed by the British colonial masters before independence in 1960.

A resident, Chief Joseph Abayomi blamed the parking of articulated trucks and tankers on the bridge for its deterioration.

In 2003, the Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers (NISE) warned that the parking of vehicles on the bridge might result in its collapse if left unaddressed.

To stop the practice, the Lagos State government imposed a N50,000 fine on those who park their vehicles on the bridge.

But a truck driver Isa Ibrahim said they stay long on the bridge because of the traffic congestion leading to the ports.

A resident, Biodun Oludayo, identified some major reasons why the trucks stay long on the bridge, urging Governor Fashola to save it

from collapse.

His words: “The gridlock is as a result of four major factors namely; increase in the volume of business activities at the ports and jetties without corresponding increase in road infrastructure by the Federal Government; lack of hold-

ing bays for truck drivers; collapse of Apapa-Oshodi expressway; and the collection of bribe from the truck drivers by security agents,” he said He alleged that Police, Army and other security operatives are milking the truck operators.

NIWA holds conference in Uyo

T

HE National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is organising a two-day National Conference on the Inland Waterways Transportation Code from tomorrow to Thursday, at Le’ Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The conference, NIWA said, is to fashion out a new Inland Waterways Transportation Code that will provide navigational regulations and guidelines as it relates to safety and other sundry matters on our inland waterways.

The conference, it was learnt, will provide recommendations that will enable Nigeria to domesticate the International Maritime Organi-

sation (IMO) Conventions and Protocols as it affects navigational regulations on inland waterways and allows the country to qualify meet the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidelines on safety and therefore, conform with the Global Best Practices.

Alkwa State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio is the Special Guest of Honour while the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar will deliver the keynote address. The Managing Director of NIWA, Hajiya Inna Maryam Ciroma, is the Chief Host.

All the stakeholders, including the Commissioners of Transport and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are expected stakeholders at the conference.

HE management of APM Terminals Apapa Limited delivered 35,124 imported containers to customers between May and June this year, the Chief Commercial Officer Neil Fletcher has said.

He said the figure represents the largest volume delivered in two months in the history of the terminal, adding that the large delivery volume is as a result of huge investment in plants and modern container handling equipment made by the firm.

Fletcher said the operators of the terminals also met with truck operators to address the challenges they are facing as a result of the traffic gridlock in the Lagos ports areas.

The traffic gridlock, Fletcher said, was as a result of the bad road condition leading into and out of Apapa.

He said truck drivers have resumed at the port after the meeting with the operators who had suspended operations because of

the challenges they face on the road.

He said: “At present, we operate with 22 (RTGs) Rubber Tyre Gantry cranes, 17 reach stackers & empty container handlers and 75 terminal trucks. This is unmatched in any other terminal and is sufficient for our level of operation.”

Fletcher said truck turnaround times at the terminal have reduced from one hour 53 minutes in February, this year to one hour 40 minutes in June.

“Dwell times for laden imports have reduced by three days from May to June 2014. Our current civil project which has cost $135 million is within two months of completion and has resulted in a superior service to our land side customers.

“We have been and are working closely with the Nigerian Ports Authority and other stakeholders to ease the problem of the congestion in Apapa,” he said

LCCI cautions on auto policy

T

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has cautioned the Federal Government against the new automotive policy, saying that the policy may affect the economy negatively.

Speaking during the chamber’s quarterly press conference in Lagos, its President, Alhaji Aderemi Bello, said the increase in the import tariffs and levies on motor vehicles is harmful, not only to the economy, but the welfare of the citizens as well.

He linked the uncertainties in the business environment in the second quarter of the year to epileptic power supply, security challenges and the high cost of securing credit.

“It is inappropriate to begin to pursue a self-reliant automobile industry with the imposition of high import tariffs, where there are fundamental supply issues to contend with.

“The creation of a sustainable automobile industry should be premised on high local value addition and capacity for backward integration, strong engineering infrastructure especially on iron rod, steel

and foundries.

“Also, it depends on affordable finance of between 25 and 35 per cent cost of fund to investors, creation of sound infrastructure like power and transportation.

“A lot needs to be done on these key issues if the economy must grow at the least desired rate in the subsequent quarter.

“We urge stakeholders in the political space to manage the transition programme to boost the growth of the economy which seriously includes the cost of doing business and job creation,” he said.

Bello said that power supply, insecurity and credit were the major challenges that stifled investment and growth in the second quarter.

According to him, the chamber’s Business Environment Survey revealed that key sectors in the economy like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas have experienced poor growth.

“Manufacturers, especially SMEs, still have major challenges as sticky access to credit, influx of fake and substandard products, regulatory infractions, and worsening power supply.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION Airports are key to accelerating socio-economic development. The N11.5 billion Dutse International Airport built by the Jigawa State Government is expected to drive economic activities in the agrarian state where a perishable cargo terminal is underway. KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR reports.

Why we built airport, by Lamido A

RE there enough airports in Nigeria? What is the driving motive for state governments to embark on hugely capital intensive air transport infrastructure ?

These were the questions some of the stakeholders were asking last week when the Jigawa State Government inaugurated commercial flights into Dutse International Airport.

The first commercial flight into the airport was operated by Overland Airways.

Apart from Overland Airways that has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government to operate commercial flights into the airport, other airlines it was learnt, are considering following suit. There are plans for charter flights.

The Dutse International Airport, in the state capital brings to 29 the number of airports in Nigeria.

It is the ninth airport embarked upon by a state after Akwa Ibom, Delta, Katsina, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Bayelsa and Taraba.

Other states that have proposed to build airports include: Osun, Ekiti, Anambra, Ogun and Lagos.

The viability or otherwise of these airports has continued to elicit reactions from players in the aviation industry .

But, Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido explained that the Dutse airport would open up the state for economic activities .

Lamido explained that the airport would serve as one of the agro allied airports built by government to open up states for anticipated economic development.

He said the government built the airport to serve as a gateway to move passengers, cargo and agro allied produce out of the states in the North West zone.

Apart from Jigawa, Lamido said the airport would service Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and surrounding states as a gateway into the world.

He said the airport was not built to compete with other airports, but to serve its unique role of move agricultural and livestock produce out of Jigawa and other states into the international market .

Investigations revealed that the total cost of the airport is put at

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

N11.5 billion. The first phase gulping over N7 billion, while the second phase is above N4 billion.

The Federal Government, it was learnt, has contributed over N900 million to the project, while other costs were borne by the Jigawa State government.

Also speaking a member of the Aircraft Owners Association of Nigeria ( AOAON ), Alhaji Ibn Na ' Allah, described the Dutse International Airport as an air transport infrastructure that would jump start the economic development of the Jigawa State.

The former House of Representatives member said airports play a key role in the development of states where they are built.

He said: "The Dutse Airport is a world class facility . I think it is very important for Jigawa State.There are a lot of countries that do not have this as their international airport. I think this is a very important development for the state.

"A lot of people don't understand the economic importance of airports.

Airport is one of the strongest security and economic infrastructure for any community. Let me tell you what this would do, today, if somebody is sick and needs to be evacuated, he can be evacuated out of Jigawa within the shortest possible time.

"They can use this airport for export and this is an agrarian state.Of course, like I've always said, the people of Jigawa will find it convenient to come home and definitely boost the economic activities of the country.That is the way the economy of a country is developed.

"That is why an airport is an important asset for any community."

Speaking in an interview, the Jigawa State Director of Press, Alhaji Umar Kyari, said the airport is an attempt by the government to boost the economic activities of the state.

According to him, the airport would also go a long way in attracting more investors, based on the World Bank's report which described Jigawa as an investment haven because of the prevailing peace

•The front view of the Dutse International Airport.

in the state.

He noted that Katsina, Gombe and Kebbi states which were created out of Kaduna, Bauchi and Sokoto states respectively have built their own airports which have opened up commercial activities in their state.

He said :" Air transportation impacts economic, environmental, cultural and social ways of life worldwide. More people and more companies depend on air transportation than ever before.

Airports play an important role in regional economic development.

If a city is equipped with an efficient airport, including extensive passenger and cargo links, it would certainly have comparative advantage. Cities and airports can attract economic development through airport business parks.

"Transport infrastructure provides defined channels of movement for the physical interaction of goods and people between places. The flow of goods and people is the crux of economic functioning and it is possible with transport infrastructure.

The functioning of an economy requires the use of air transport .

"Apart from the direct employment generated by the airport, there is indirect employment associated with activities that support the airport, airlines and passengers."

"Viability of airports is for the users/owners to determine.

"Airports are not just for passenger travels there are other major business that can grow around an airport."

According to the project Consult-

P

"We want to be a travel agency that is unique and that has utmost concern for its client, unlike online bookers." he added.

Keith noted that the award was based strictly on review and votes by industry practitioners in the UK as well as the evaluative research always carried out by the awarding magazine.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Peacock Group, Mr. Segun Phillips dedicated the award to God and customers of the company.

He said the gesture is testimony of the world- class service that had been the trade mark of Peacock Travels.

Phillips said: “For a subsidiary of the company to win such a reputable award in the United Kingdom, it means the core value of the company in rendering qualitative and unparallel service will continued to be maintained.

projects initiated by the current administration to transform the North-West geopolitical zone with an agro-allied airport. The airport was designed specifically to develop unique economic opportunities for different states in the region."

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, said that "the commencement of scheduled flights operations on the AbujaDutse-Abuja route in addition to the existing routes is part of Overland Airways' objective to facilitate air transportation between the major cities of Nigeria".

Boyo lauded the Jigawa State Government for the vision to embark on and complete in record time the project.

He assured that Overland Airways will serve the good people of Jigawa State efficiently.

Overland Airways, he said, will commence thrice weekly flights.

Overland Airways managing director Edward Boyo said the Dutse Airport is one of the projects built in all the key political zones in the country with the vision to drive agricultural products.

"Through collaboration between the Ministry and Aviation and the Ministry of Agriculture working together to bring about some integration for cargo, you will find that Nigeria will become a major exporter of fresh produce because we have the capacity to produce it.

"In addition, as a derivative of that, you are going to create more jobs aviation related."

Agents threaten legal action over illegal charges

Peacock wins award EACOCK Travels and Tours has won the Sustained Excellence Corporate Travel award for the year.

According to a statement by the travel firm, the award presentation was done by the Mayor of London Borough of Richmond, Jane Boulton last week in London.

While presenting the award, Boulton commended Peacock Travel for the hardwork of its staff .

She said: "This award is a result of the hard work of Peacock Travel staff".

She expressed happiness for having a forward-looking establishment like Peacock in her Borough and pledged her support at all times.

The Travel Manager, Peacock, Mr. Keith Lloyd said it is assuring that the travel firm would continue to maintain the high level of service the company had been known for.

ant representing El-Mansur Atelier Company, Mr. Victor Obatu ,the Dutse International Airport will create job opportunities for Nigerians, boost the economy of the state in particular and the country in general .Conducting journalists round the airport last week, Obatu disclosed that the construction of the airport started in February 2013 .The airport, he said has capacity to handle a wide body aircraft such as Boeing 747. He said, the airport has a three kilometre runway in length while the runway width is 60 metres.According to Obatu, the first phase include the construction of the terminal, runway, control tower, two ambulances, two fire tenders, conveyor belt, ticketing counters a mall and lounges for Very Important Persons among others facilities.

He explained that the second phase will include the expansion of the apron wing and installation of airfield lighting for night operations, which he said had already been awarded by the government.

According to him:" This project was completed in a record period of 18 months, having begun in February 2013.

"The airport complex has a very functional control tower with all the Air Traffic Services in place, the fire station is equipped with two fire tenders full scale category two firefighting tenders, the runway navigational aids are also installed.

As it is, it can accommodate a Boeing 747 aircraft. "he said "However this project is one of the

• Shittu

T

HE Association of Licensed Customs Agent ( ANCLA) has vowed to seek redress in court over the collection of illegal charges by international cargo airlines flying into Nigeria.

The association described the controversial collection of such illegal

charges by the carriers as an avenue to steal money from Nigerians .

The body said it would enlist the global partner, World Customs Brokers Organisation, to press charges against the foreign carriers which are exploiting spurious excuses to extort money from cargo agents in the country.

Speaking in an interview at the Lagos Airport last week, the National President of ANCLA,Prince Olayiwola Shittu, said the cargo airlines were acting against the regulations of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which since 2011 cautioned the carriers against collecting the illegal charges from clearing agents .

Shittu said the so-called consolidated charges introduced by the cargo airlines was a ploy to extort

money from cargo agents, saying it is against global best practices to collect such charges.

He, however, insisted that clearing agents would no longer pay the charges, which he described as arbitrary.

He warned that any attempt to further impose the charges on its members would be resisted.

He said: “The foreign airlines have been using Nigerians to commit scam by collecting money illegally.

They collect money several billions of Naira on a daily basis under the guise of documentation.

“As at 2011, NCAA wrote these airlines that the money is illegal and asked them to reverse it, but unfortunately, the agency did not enforce the order and this is due to Nigerian factor.”

TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

18

THE NATION

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BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com 08062722507

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FMBN boosts housing delivery in Enugu

T

HE desire to tackle headlong, the challenge of an estimated 17 million housing deficit currently facing the country appears to be the new driving force behind the renewed vigour of mortgage institutions, federal and state governments across the country.

From the LagosHOMS scheme, a housing initiative of the Lagos State government, to the Home Charter initiative of the Ogun State government and several others across the country, the frenzy has assumed a higher pitch.

For instance, the initiative of the Federal Government to set up the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Commission (NMRC) has brought brighter hope of more housing opportunities for Nigerians. The Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at a stakeholders meeting in Abuja earlier in the year, said 10,000 Nigerians would own houses in the year through the NMRC. This optimism is buoyed by the World Bank’s $25 million (N4.1 billion) support for this mass housing initiative.

But even as Nigerians patiently await the commencement of the NMRC initiative meant to have taken off on June 30, the country’s primary mortgage financial institution, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that mass housing for all is achieved. The recent inauguration of a 324-housing unit in Elm estate, Enugu, is a further testimony to this. The Elim Estate project, though developed by NBP Projects Limited, a firm of private property developers, it was fully financed by the FMBN through a

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

construction loan it granted the developer. The FMBN gets its funding through the contributions generated from the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme, which comprises mainly 2.5 per cent contributions from the monthly income of workers.

Elim estate comprises 128 units of one bedroom terrace units, and sells for N3.5 million each; 32 units of two-bedroom terrace units at the cost of N4.5million each; 89 units of two-bedroom blocks at the cost of N5.8million each; and 75 units of three bedroom bungalows costing N10million each. All the units are said to be delivered with good quality finishing, in addition to accompanying infrastructures of a good road network, electricity, sewage and other facilities to guarantee a comfortable and decent environment for its prospective occupant. The Estate equally has perimeter fencing, police post, tarred access roads, dedicated 500 KVA transformer, water reticulation, indoor sporting facilities and a shopping centre.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the inauguration of the Elim Estate, which is the latest effort of the FMBN, reiterated government’s commitment to the housing sector. He noted that the housing sector is vital to the socio economic development of any nation because it constitutes an important element of job and wealth creation.

Sambo, obviously impressed by the composition of houses in the estate, praised the FMBN and the developer for ensuring that the

• Elim Estate, Enugu

scheme catered for affordability issues of individuals with its offering of one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom units, and at affordable prices to both low and medium income earners.

“This inauguration signifies the usefulness of synergy and corporation between government and the private sector. It underscores the effectiveness of the NHF as a veritable source of long term funding and justifies the need to strengthen the scheme through the recapitalisation of FMBN,” Sambo said, even as he expressed confidence that the NMRC which was launched last year, will bridge the cost of residential mortgages, stimulate availability of good houses to Nigerians and reduce affordability and gaps to finance.

The Managing Director of FMBN, Gimba Ya’u Kumo, also used the occasion to assure Nigerians of a better tomorrow concerning their housing needs. He said that the FMBN, in line with its mandate to provide affordable housing to

Rainbow Town phase 1 ready next year

T

HE sprawling Port Harcourt Housing Estate, otherwise known as “Rainbow Town”, has been described as Nigeria’s flagship urban renewal project and the largest construction site in subSaharan Africa.

Property developer and architect, Chima Ucheya, who is also the managing director and chief executive officer of Rainbow Town Development Limited, noted that the bourgeoning estate has many unique attributes and remains a synergy of public policy, urban renewal, housing and economic development.

Located near the Trans-Amadi business-industrial area of Port Harcourt, the project was conceived with many good quality 1,181 residential units with terraces, detached homes and 25 high-rise towers. The units address various lifestyles and family sizes with two and three bedroom condos, fourbedroom terraces and five-bedroom detached duplexes, all en-suite and with domestic aid quarters.

Ucheya said construction of the first phase, which commenced in 2009 with an estimated budget of N82 billion, is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of next year.

FirstBank Nigeria Plc, partners to the project, has a dedicated mortgage for access by investors and purchasers.

“Rainbow Town is creatively designed to offer a total well-being experience. The master plan reflects some of the live-work-play ideals of new urbanism communities worldwide,” he explained, adding that the project was designed to offer

By Muyiwa Lucas

a well-being experience comprising a medical clinic, primary school, outdoor recreational facilities, clubhouse, security post, fire station, and shopping arcade.

Besides, its iconic tower presents a good commercial hub of office space, movie theatres, conference facilities, shops, restaurants and helipad. The township is serviced from the eco-centre, a supply hub for power, water and sewer plants, broad-band wireless internet connectivity and data service.

Ucheya said the success of the project execution is grounded by the exemplary corporate governance policies and ethical standards established by a Board of accomplished professionals in finance, construction and law.

Up from the ashes of a township constructed in 1964 by the former Eastern Housing Corporation, Rainbow Town is today, according to Ucheya, “an ambitious upscale transformation of a blighted infrastructural challenged community, through a bold land-use

programme and visionary design lifestyle programme of an avantgarde, mixed-use development of residential, recreational, business, educational, healthcare and retail facilities”.

Beyond its appealing aesthetics and tectonics, the economic development objectives of Rainbow Town are achievable through construction and allied trades and business job creation; and by tenement, property and business taxes.

At present, Rainbow Town site is a beehive of construction activities, as it now provides employment opportunities for people in the state, who either work as labour on site, or as artisans.

With construction at about 60 per cent, and feeder and arterial road improvements, neighbourhood properties are already witnessing rebounds and upsurge in values.

Experts said infrastructure and mega real estate developments, such as Rainbow Town, will drive Nigeria from its position as the largest economy in Africa into the noble target of one of 20 largest economies in the world by 2020.

‘The bourgeoning estate has many unique attributes and remains a synergy of public policy, urban renewal, housing and economic development’

SAVE AS PROPERTY PAGE /22-07-2014-TUESDAY- News 9

Nigerians, has started the process of ensuring that participants on the NHF scheme had access to mortgage loans across the country.

Specifically, he said NHF participants and applicants to the scheme in Enugu are to be supported to buy houses in the Elim Estate scheme and others that would be developed.

He assured that low and medium

income earners who qualify to own houses based on being regular contributors to the NHF scheme will benefit from a six per cent interest mortgage loan, which is repayable over a 30-year period. This is in line with the mandate of the FMBN which includes ensuring that Nigerians have access to cheap funding to owning their own houses.

Student architects hold conference tomorrow

T

HE Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, is expected to deliver a keynote address on the “Future of architectural education and practice in Nigeria,” at the maiden ASAFEST 1.0 organised by the Architecture students of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu.

The four-day event, which begins tomorrow will end on Saturday.

Also expected at the event is the Enugu State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Victor Okolo.

President of the association, Mr. Chika Maduako, said: “This event will also provide all participants and partners excellent opportunities to discuss and exchange ideas on the future of architectural education and practice in Nigeria.

About 10 schools of Architecture have indicated

interest to attend to the event, which holds at the main auditorium of Architecture Department of the University at its Enugu Campus.

They include Enugu State University of Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State University of Science and Technology, Yaba College of Technology.

Maduako said apart from the Head of Department of Architecture, Ude, who is the chief host of the event, other guest speakers include the Second Vice President, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Adibe Njoku; former Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeazor Akaraiwe, and the state Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), E. C. Onoh.

NIESV chief becomes RICS Fellow

T

HE Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Lagos Branch, Pastor Stephen Jagun, has been elevated to a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor (RICS) of the United Kingdom.

RICS is an international professional body with over 100,000 members and represents professional and ethical standard in land management, property and construction. It is reputed to have the highest educational and professional standards. The RICS Fellowship is a mark of distinction,

which is highly sought after by professionals and recognised worldwide.

Jagun, who is also a Fellow of NIESV and Chairman of the Property and Facility Management Faculty of the institution, was able to pass through the rigorous process to distinguish himself among his peers.

A past President of the Nigerian Chapter of the International Facility Manage-ment Association (IFMA), Jagun is also a Certified Facility Manager of the United States-based IFMA.

NGO advocates clean,safe environment

T

HE National President, Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), Ubina Ubi has called on Nigerians to discard the habit of abusing the environment by littering it with polythene bags, cans and other materials that are hazardous to the environment.

He said: “Empty sachet water polythene bags do not have to end up in the streets or refuse

dump or the neighborhood. We can manage it by recycling them to generate jobs for our youths. Let our youths engage in the recycling as it is been done in other countries.

Government should enforce environmental laws on the use of polythene, because polythene bags and water cans can cause degradation of the environment.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

A worthy gesture, but…

•U.S. Consul-General Hawkins and other election monitors must observe beyond the E – Day

T

HE United States (U.S), the European Union (EU), Canada and a good number of the countries of the West have proved to be good allies to Nigeria in her quest for nationhood. Particularly so in the last quarter century that Nigeria has grappled with what seems like an onerous task of establishing a democratic system of government. These bastions of democracy have lent helping hands in seeing to the building of sustainable civil institutions in Nigeria, for the electioneering process, anti-corruption regimes ands civil society groups.

It must be noted that the US has been in the forefront of what seems like a crusade to steady this seemingly shambling giant and get her on the track of respect-

‘While E – Day monitoring is good, there may be need to pay some attention to certain conditions precedent to the Election Day. For instance, there has been complaint in Osun about the flawed process of voters’ registration right now and the use of heavily armed soldiers to ‘shock and awe’ some sections of the electorate ... A free and fair election does not start and end on the Election Day, lest we confer legitimacy on a fraud’

able civil rule and good governance. Since the ‘90s, it could be said that Uncle Sam has been particularly anxious to see that one of the key ingredients of democracy – electioneering – gets off on an even keel in Nigeria. The US has therefore supported the electoral body, both materially and in fortifying its institutional integrity.

She has also consistently made a ritual of hands-on monitoring of elections across the country over the years. These are no doubt worthy and laudable gestures; remarkable labour of love worthy of commendation.

We are however, recently minded to call for caution following a statement credited to the US Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, in which the top diplomat declared he would be leading a team of about 30 American observers to monitor the governorship election in Osun State on August 9. It was at the opening session of a four-day workshop for press and public affairs officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held early last week in Lagos.

At the event which was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Hawkins enthused that the US government was happy with the successful conduct of the June 21, 2014 Ekiti governorship election, urging INEC to exhibit greater transparency as it seeks to replicate the feat in Osun State. Again, we applaud the concern and kind gesture of the US government and the enthusiasm of Mr. Hawkins.

We acknowledge and appreciate particularly, the financial cost and logistical efforts required to have such large number of American observers, first in Ekiti and now Osun, but we call for a more holistic approach.

While it is largely believed that the Ekiti election was ‘successful’, some of the parties in the process are not so persuaded.

They are sure something was amiss and one of them, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has sought legal redress. Also, we are witnesses to the overly militarisation of the state in the period running up to the election and how movement was restricted, especially with bias to the chieftains of one of the major parties while those of the ‘favoured’ party moved freely. Thus, the Ekiti election may have been free, it cannot be said to be altogether fair.

In other words, we insist that while E – Day monitoring is good, there may be need to pay some attention to certain conditions precedent to the Election Day. For instance, there has been complaint in Osun about the flawed process of voters’ registration right now and the use of heavily armed soldiers to ‘shock and awe’ some sections of the electorate.

We urge INEC and all concerned stakeholders not to overlook some of these complaints and other untoward dealings leading up to the Election Day. A free and fair election does not start and end on the Election Day, lest we confer legitimacy on a fraud.

Dud CCTV cameras •Reps’ probe is good, but will it amount to much?

G

IVEN the humongous amount of resources expended on tackling insecurity in Nigeria over the last few years, there is no excuse for the continued widespread rate of crime that has put the entire country under siege. Apart from the festering Boko Haram insurgency that has practically crippled significant parts of northern Nigeria, criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings, assassinations, rape and communal violence, to name a few, are all over the country. It would appear that the necessity to contain the scale of insecurity in contemporary Nigeria has provided unscrupulous public officers with an avenue to enrich their pockets to the detriment of the public good.

Thus, the more resources that are channelled into the fight against crime, the more insecure the country becomes, in what is turning out to be a disturbing vicious cycle. The scale of this problem was, once again, highlighted by the decision, last week, of the House of Representatives to probe the $470 million purportedly expended by the Federal Government on Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Projects to help detect and stem the tide of crimes in major Nigerian cities, particularly Abuja and Lagos.

The contract for this project, known as Public Security Communications System, was reportedly awarded to ZTE Nigeria Limited by the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and funded under a finance agreement with the China Export Bank. Saviour Friday-Udoh from AkwaIbom State, who raised the issue on the floor of the House, said that

the project included the installation of 1,000 solar-powered cameras each in Lagos and Abuja; the installation of 37 switch rooms; provision of 37 emergency response systems; 38 video conference sub-systems; 37 e-police systems; six emergency communication vehicles and 1.5 million subscriber lines. According to the legislator, the CCTV can produce video, digital or still recording images for surveillance purposes. It has been alleged that the projects had been completed and handed over to the government since 2012 but that “no criminal activity has ever been detected through the security cameras”.

We commend the House of Representatives for mandating “its committees on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Public Safety and National Security to investigate the failure of the Video, Surveillance and Close Circuit Television to detect criminal activities in Nigeria’s cities and report back to the House within two weeks”. However, until a thorough investigation is conducted and all the affected parties given the opportunity to state their case, the conclusion cannot be reached that the facilities are non-functional or that they have never detected any criminal activities.

Given the sensitive nature of the project, it is not impossible that the relevant security agencies may be reluctant to disclose the location of the devices in order not to compromise their integrity and efficacy. The onus is on those who awarded and executed the contracts to demonstrate to the committee that the

facilities have indeed been procured, installed and are helping to achieve the desired objective.

One benefit of the probe will be to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the project. Has the money invested in the venture been worthwhile? In what way have the CCTV cameras contributed to crime detection and prevention, especially in Abuja and Lagos? Could this project not have been more effective and efficient if the states had been empowered to undertake it in their respective jurisdictions rather its being centrally controlled from Abuja?

It is important to note, however, that the national legislature does not have an enviable record when it comes to investigating perceived malfeasance by public officers. We hope the integrity of this probe will not be compromised by corruption, in which case it will end up another exercise in futility.

‘It is important to note, however, that the national legislature does not have an enviable record when it comes to investigating perceived malfeasance by public officers. We hope the integrity of this probe will not be compromised by corruption, in which case it will end up another exercise in futility’

The world must know whose weapon destroyed a passenger plane

I

N RECENT days there has been abundant evidence of Russia stepping up supplies of heavy weapons to rebels in eastern Ukraine, including advanced anti-aircraft systems. The Kiev government reported that two of its military aircraft were shot down in the past week, either by separatists, Russian planes or batteries operating from across the border. On Thursday came a greater tragedy: the destruction of a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet with 295 people aboard.

Ukrainian authorities charged that it had been struck by a missile fired by a Russian-made surface-to-air battery supplied to Moscow’s Ukrainian proxies.

If the reports are confirmed, the Ukrainian separatists and their sponsors in Moscow will be responsible for a heinous crime. The United States and its allies must insist that those responsible be held accountable — including those in the Kremlin.

Predictably, the Ukrainian rebels were doing their best Thursday to cover up what occurred.

They denied shooting down the plane, though the wreckage landed in territory they control near the Russian border. Their commander, a Russian citizen and former military officer named Igor Strelkov, claimed in a blog post published Thursday to have shot down a Ukrainian military transport plane, then removed the message.

Russia’s state-controlled media joined in the obfuscation, casting blame on Ukrainian military forces and even suggesting the Malaysian plane was hit by a missile aimed at an aircraft carrying Russian President Vladi-mir Putin. For his part, Mr. Putin disingenuously claimed that Ukraine was at fault because it resumed military operations against the rebels — ignoring Russia’s supply of heavy arms to the insurgents.

The United States and its allies must not allow Russia and its agents to carry out a coverup. Instead they should insist on an international investigation, sponsored by the U.N. Security Council, to determine how the plane was downed and where the weapon used against it originated.

The Putin government should be challenged to support such an investigation or be seen by the world to block it.

At the same time, Western governments should stop allowing special interests and their excessive caution to impede robust sanctions against Russia for its behavior in Ukraine. To its credit, the Obama administration announced new sanctions Wednesday afternoon. Targeting two Russian banks, two energy companies and a number of defense firms, they were the strongest yet taken.

But the administration acted only after weeks of internal debate and negotiations with European governments that failed to produce comparable European Union action.

The White House continues to avoid measures that could inflict crushing damage on the Russian financial system and force Mr. Putin and the elites around him to choose between aggression in Ukraine and Russia’s economic future.

Wednesday’s measures stop two banks from obtaining long-term debt financing in U.S. markets, but the treasury has not excluded those banks from the financial system nor taken measures against the largest banks. Though its bank was sanctioned, the energy operations of Gazprom, Russia’s giant, remain untouched.

Even before the tragic loss of the Malaysian plane, it ought to have been clear to the West that Russia’s aggression in Ukraine could not be overlooked or wished away. It is both criminal and intolerable and should be treated accordingly.

– Washington Post

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: Despite the fact that the tenure of most of the current elected political gladiators will not end until May 29, 2015, the race to get political relevance in the post-2015 political dispensation has already gathered momentum.

More than half of the present elected governors across the 36 states of the federation would not be eligible to contest for governorship offices in 2015 as they would have expended two terms of four years each as governors of their respective states as provided for in the constitution.

One of such states is Cross River, where Senator Liyel Imoke has presided as governor since May 29, 2007. The fact that Imoke has been acclaimed as one of the most impressive governors in Nigeria since the current political dispensation makes him a very important factor in the race for the 2015 diadem at

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Money politics in Cross River?

Diamond Hill, Calabar.

Yet as they say, all manner of knives are invited to an elephant’s funeral, the race in Cross River State is not short of all shades of characters. One name that has continued to make appearance on the list of candidates declaring interest in the governorship in the state is Goddy Jeddy Agba. Even without formally declaring for the exalted position, the man is said to have started throwing money about. Indeed, there was a lot of buzz in the state

last December with claims that Agba was dishing out millions of naira to all the chapter chairmen of the PDP. Even before picking his party’s ticket, he has started producing souvenirs like mugs advertising himself. Much as several hangers-on would like to identify with someone who calls himself a reigning “Billionaire” in town, just for the complex politics of the stomach, not many have bothered to ask who Goddy Agba is. Other politicians

from the northern part of the state (where the governorship slot has been zoned to) who are interested in the contest have granted interviews to the popular press to sell their plans, ideas and worldviews.

This is to enable the electorate know them and study their respective programmes in order for them to make intelligent and alternative choices.

Agba has done none of the above.

The only known identity Goddy Agba has is that he worked with the NNPC where he was in charge

Calling on the nation’s youths

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IR: There is this widely accepted saying that the youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

There is no gain saying the fact that the youths who constitute the majority in the Nigerian polity are the most important human resource of the country. The upbringing given to them will obviously determine the ways they will steer the ship of the nation in the nearest future.

Today, the situation in the country is very worrisome because of the rate of crimes and insecurity. This could be adduced to the fact that majority of our youths are not gainfully employed. There is an urgent expectation on government to create jobs and put other developmental programmes in place to drastically reduce the suffering of the masses. Institutions of higher learning are producing graduates every now and then but, with the arbitrary age limits and or work experience set as standard requirements by majority of employers, coupled with scarcity of vacancies, it is obvious that a good number of our graduates will never be employed in this generation.

As it were, it is no longer news to say that the youths have engaged themselves in various crimes and societal vices ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings, traders in innocent babies, cultism, to mention but a few. In whichever ways we look at the situation on ground, it is obvious that the youths are aggrieved and disgruntled be-

cause our leaders have let them down. However, taking to crimes and all other vices is not and can never be the solution.

Rather than engaging in all sorts of vices, we should start thinking of what to contribute towards rejuvenating our democracy and ensuring that the benefits are felt by all and sundry. If we agree that the youths constitute majority of the country’s population then, it means that our destinies are in our hands. If democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people, it means, it is the government of the majority of the electorates. So, why can’t we use our numerical ad-

vantage to RIGHTS the WRONGS? I will enjoin the youths to shun all vices and come together to decide our future. Let us start by participating positively and actively in politics. Register your membership with any political party of your choice so that you will be eligible to nominate and be nominated for elective positions. Also, ensure that if you have attained the voting age, you should register so that you can vote and be voted for in future elections.

Unlike in the past where most people vote just to make up the numbers and or because of inducements from politicians, we should all have it at the back of our minds that our

votes is our power that can make or break our future so we must use them wisely. Henceforth, voting should be based on conscience, principles and concrete developmental programmes that will assuage our sufferings. If we continue to allow ourselves to be used for violence and other electoral malpractices, then, our relevance ceases as soon as we are paid for the dirty jobs. In this situation, it will be unjustifiable if we turn back to complain of misrule by our leaders in the events after.

• Raymond Oise-Oghaede Lagos.

of the lifting of Nigerian crude oil to the international markets. What was he before he joined the NNPC as an employee?

If Agba is to stand any chance, his campaigners who are currently interested in what they can get from him, must change their strategy.

Presently all they do is abuse and insult people with contrary opinion to him. A case in point was the unbelievable claim by the state chairman of the PDP, Ntufam John Okon that Agba was not a card-carrying member of his party. The reaction of Dr Sandy Onoh, the Director-General of Agba’s campaign organisation was very uncouth.

The truth is that Cross Riverians need to know who Goddy Agba is beyond being a money bag. Rather than spend time insulting people with contrary opinions to theirs, or second guessing the incumbent administration which is on its way out, can Agba’s handlers unveil their blueprint if at all they have any?

If he is a democrat as the jesters and political jobbers hacking around his court would have us believe, why are they attacking people with contrary views on him?

Recent events have shown that media fireworks don’t translate to votes in an open election.

Stupendous wealth also does not guarantee success in a free and fair election, especially in a state with a long history of an enlightened culture like cross River State. The people of Cross River State do not kowtow to pressure from money politics. It is alien to us.

• Barister Obasesam Eyong, Abuja

Tackling examination malpractices

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IR: Examination malpractice can simply be referred to as a deliberate misconduct or improper practice or motive, before, during or after examinations with the aim of attaining good grades through dubious means.

According to studies, parents, guardians, teachers, proprietors and proprietresses of private schools, external examiners, in the case of external examinations such as WAEC, GCE, JAMB etc have been identified as agents of examination malpractices.

Some parents and guardians pay to purchase examination questions for their wards. Others prefer to bribe examiners or invigilators to

aid or facilitate the chances of their wards during examinations.

If credence is to be given to certificates from Nigerian schools, colleges, universities, etc; and if the products are to be given the muchdesired respect in the international labour market, there is a great need for radical steps to be taken by stakeholders in the education sector, and the society in general, to eradicate the crises of examination misconducts currently pervading the Nigerian education set up.

In view of the role of parents, guardians, teachers and school owners as the main custodians of students, there is an urgent need to carry out pragmatic counseling interven-

tions on these groups of stakeholders in order to avert imminent disaster in the education sector. Perhaps, more importantly, governments at all levels need to give education the attention it really deserves. In doing this, there is a need for government and other stake holders in the sector to device and embrace new ideas that could bring about the much needed reforms that will give birth to the entrenchment of an education system that enhances character and learning, devoid of examination malpractices and other such negativities.

Ethics and integrity are core aspects of the teaching profession. It is, therefore, important for teachers at all

levels of the educational ladder to, as a matter of necessity, make integrity, probity and honesty their watchwords. It is disgraceful and, indeed, degrading for any teacher to get involved in collaborating with parents and students to compromise examination process. Any society that encourages such is already moving on the brink of self-destruct. The teaching profession, all over the world, thrive on discipline and morality and ours must not be an exception. Hence, teachers in the country must brace up to update their professional competence from time to time.

• Olalekan Olagunju Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

21

COMMENTS

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AIUS Marcius Coriolanus, in And if all that failed — as Shakespare’s historical Roman they seem to be failing — play play, Coriolanus, was a young the religious card: Christiansgeneral. The play was written c.1605 don’t-vote-for-that-mullah, as but was set in 509 BC Rome, just after allegedly ordered by Aso Rock the expulsion of the last of the Tarquin and PDP hierarchs, as claimed kings. by some news reports.

In today’s Nigeria, politics and For all you know, these demagoguery have contrived to throw might all just be high-voltage up another Coriolanus, in Iyiola partisan allegations. But with Olakunle Omisore, the PDP gubernatorial Omisore protégée, Jelili lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola candidate for the August 9 election in Adesiyan as Police Affairs Osun. minister and Musiliu It is a classic case of history repeating Obanikoro, the Lagos itself as outlandish farce. prodigal, as Defence minister Coriolanus was truly noble, heroic of state, the wondrous deeds and intrepid, so much so that his of the duo in the Ekiti electoral blitzkrieg, and an would appear to cringe from Mr. Omisore’s public persona. unconscionable Jonathan Presidency that thinks nothing of Coriolanus, among the rabble, exuded fear, while the glorious capture of Corioli, a city of the Volscians, Rome’s throwing the security agencies into partisan fray, hardly any Roman nobility had nothing but admiration for the callow mortal enemies, earned him the agnomen, Coriolanus. allegation sounds so fantastic. youth. What Mr. Omisore emits, among the masses and the He was a soldier and no meddler. Soldiering was what he Still, not unlike Fayose before him, at least from media elite, could best be seen from the reported masked gunman was and ever wanted. To boot, he had noble contempt for the coverage of the Osun electioneering, Mr. Omisore boasts no captured on photo, trailing him at campaign stumps.

Roman plebs with their reeking breaths — and an over-size cutting-edge vision or rigorous articulation of policy over But it is in the post-Ekiti Debacle frantic Fayose-wannabe pride that curried nothing but self-destruction. the Aregbesola governorship — just a dark hint that federal that Mr. Omisore best replicates the Coriolanus vote comic.

Still Volumnia, his mother, wanted her son to transit to might would fix it, no matter how dull or uninspiring his To be consul, even after securing the Roman senate’s nod, politics and run for consul. But for Coriolanus, the path to ticket comes across to the Osun voter.

Coriolanus was condemned to showing off his war wounds, consul was the beginning of the end.

Ironically, the Aregbesola camp too, with the shock of the for the votes of the rabble he despised with all his noble soul.

When, to win the consulship, Coriolanus needed to show Ekiti debacle, was almost pressing the panic button: what Like the Roman Coriolanus, the Osun variant has, in frantic his war scars, and fresh Corioli wounds, to earn the sympathy with Mr. Fayose bragging he would lead PDP to “recapture” search of votes, also condemned himself to acting his newly of the plebs of stinking breaths, goaded to rebellion by the South West; and Mr. Omisore staging his Fayose-wannabe acquired man-of-the-people demagoguery, ala Ekiti’s Fayose, subversive tribunes, Coriolanus fatally blew his tops. That burlesque. with tragic comedy. pretence was simply too much for his noble soul!

Still, Governor Aregbesola has hit back with a carefully Man-of-the-people Omisore jumps on the next available The result: banishment from Rome; a Coriolanus-Volscian choreographed mix of politics and policy, rolling out, mintOkada to the next campaign stump. But what comes across is siege on Rome, aborted only by plaintive pleas from Mother fresh, newly completed school complexes, commissioning extremely bad acting that craves cheap sympathy.

Dearest, Volumnia; and Coriolanus’ eventual murder at of the school bus programme, launching a micro-business Man-of-the-people Omisore stopped to grab popcorn from Antium, the Volscian capital. credit scheme with sheer pomp; aside from glittering the roadside. Yet, lurking behind him was the sinister shadow But so long for Rome and its near-boy soldier! How does infrastructure — thanks to the governor’s massive urban of a hooded gunman.

Iyiola Omisore, a former senator of the Federal Republic, renewal programme; and no less massive suburban and rural Man-of-the-people Omisore sank his teeth in two roast compare to the original? roads. corncobs, in double-handed felicity with the masses. But what For starters, while the tribunes, voices of the Roman rabble It is a classic case of a governor that has a lot to show in four came across was a hideous scowl: some suppressed rage at in the Shakespeare play, goaded the plebs to anti-Coriolanus years — and is not at all coy about showing them! pawning such personal humiliation for votes. passion, a Nigerian Tribune slants Mr. Omisore’s case — hardly And the campaign crowds? Simply intimidating, perhaps In Nigerian political history, it is so reminiscent of an a crime but hardly journalism virtue too — as positively as sending raw panic to the other camp. If Governor Fayemi Ahmadu Bello, feeling dust in his nostrils, swearing to deal the Roman tribunes negatively twisted Coriolanus’. could be charged with aloofness, which has proved fatal for with Obafemi Awolowo for dragging him to beg for votes Then, the nobility-villainy continuum. Coriolanus’ nobility his second term, Governor Aregbesola has proved himself a before his own subjects. But the Sardauna was, at least, royalty! was beyond doubt. Mr. Omisore’s friends and acquaintances consummate man of the people, an effective mass mobilizer Man of the people Omisore did violence to basic dress sense; could well claim for him similar virtues, with their intensely (and his massive rallies are proof) and a policy wonk cum his own very cynical proof that he numbered among the private knowledge of his persona. Still, respectable society visionary, all rolled into one. All these, he has deployed masses. Yet, what emerged was ludicrous self-ridicule that against the staid Mr. Omisore, who looks even more pathetic more scorn than love.

‘Aregbesola has proved himself a harvests by the day.

Blind panic was never executed with a bolder face!

Aside from the sorcery of federal might (beginning to echo And all this melodrama for what purpose? Reported consummate man of the people, an the bubble of Shakespeare’s Macbeth’s three witches), the Osun snorting at the people not to waste their votes, since it would effective mass mobilizer and a policy allegedly not count; alleged threats that gwodogwodo (strange Coriolanus continues to look like some luckless lamb led to wonk cum visionary. All these, he has and ruthless soldiers and police) would be unleashed on slaughter. He has neither the sharp mind to match Aregbesola’s policy articulation nor the personal day, in a complete partisan militarisation ala Ekiti; deployed against the staid Mr. Omisore, election effervescence to match the governor’s charisma. and wilful bad-mouthing of glittering achievements by Rauf As the August 9 election draws near, how would the federal who looks even more pathetic by the day’ Aregbesola, the sitting governor, in the fond hope that the fixers fiddle this one, as Mr. Omisore is allegedly boasting?

Osun people are deaf, dumb and blind to the obvious!

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epublican ipples

HANKS to the outbreak of the latest strain of the virus of political delinquency, the nation marches perilously towards its long predicted unravelling year 2015. Although, the twists, turns and high-wire intrigues had long been expected, what no one could have predicted was the latest strain in which the impeachment instrument would become the main driver of the process with barely six left months of the current tenure of elected public officials.

But then, like an untreated flu that would spawn other opportunistic ailments, what was initially assumed to be a play of political delinquency has since metastasised into full-blown political pathology, spreading so fast across the polity as to pose grave threats to the health of the republic.

It is not as if the nation did not pay enough attention to the farce which started in July last year in the Rivers State House of Assembly during which five renegade members moved to impeach Hose Speaker Otelemaba Amachree, in their bid to pave the way for the removal of Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Indeed, it wasn’t that they failed to recognise the virus when it resurfaced in Edo State in June this year when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plotted to upstage the leadership of the State House of Assembly, in their bid to get at the comrade governor.

Perhaps, the problem was to assume that simply because the wily lawmakers in the two instances met their matches in their equally foxy governors, a permanent antidote of sorts had been found. That costly misjudgement would seem partly responsible for what now threatens to be full-blown epidemic of impeachment.

No doubt, many expected that Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, an ex-military brass-hat would not only anticipate the desperation of those determined to do him in long after he parted ways with President Jonathan, particularly after he followed this with the accusation that the Jonathan administration committed genocide against the North, but would actually take pre-emptive steps to foil it.

Too bad that he failed; now, he is not only down and out, he suffers the collateral damage of being a potential fugitive on the run from charges ranging from graft to treason. And from the look of things, his neighbour and fellow APC governor, Tanko Al-Makura, seems set to share his fate following the quit notice served by the PDP-dominated House of Assembly. As it appears, not even the factor of the aggrieved citizens taking to the streets for nearly the whole of last week to protest the lawmakers attempt to oust their governor looks likely to change anything with the lawmakers again serving the notice and that the process would go ahead as planned.

Now, the issue really isn’t that the use of the weapon of

Coriolanus of Osun

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

It’s Jona country, period! impeachment is anything new in the nation’s democratic practice. After all, we saw how the weapon was used in the Second Republic of Shehu Shagari by the implacable lawmakers of the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to truncate the PRP administration of Balarabe Musa in the old Kaduna State. It was even more so in the Fourth Republic under the Obasanjo administration, when without any pretences to the niceties of process, it found it a ready tool to nail those deemed as political foes as we saw in Joshua Dariye’s Plateau State and of course, in Bayelsa where Jonathan would be the beneficiary.

The difference under President Goodluck Jonathan goes a tad beyond cynical manipulation of process for political advantage; what we have is vintage Jonathan opportunism –a hubristic conversion of national institutions for regime perpetuation, an outright subversion of the democratic process.

This is where those who currently feign surprise either failed to pay heed or chose to ignore the tell-tales signs of the budding fascism. We have certainly gone a long way from the time the president played the meek and humble card. I recall here that my colleague Sam Omatseye long ago warned Nigerians about the danger of falling into the ‘homeboy’ seductions of the man from Otuoke. That when it was still fashionable for officials in the Presidency to encourage the boss to play the victim. Not anymore. The true victims can roast in the merciless sun with no one giving a damn. The once coy regime is off the leash, and with it, an awesome sense of unchallengeable power. Once it was content to merely sow divisions in the polity, now it seems

determined to take on its foes by means more foul than fair.

For the opposition, the message ought to be clear enough: for every trouble, they had better prepare for the double.

Truly, the race to 2015 has begun!

By the way, does anyone still remember the administration’s serial promises on the power sector that has remained un-kept? I do not mean the nebulous claims about power stabilisation but its own self-advertised delivery target of 10,000MW power generation by 2013 or is it now 2014?

Does anyone still remember that the infrastructure of Africa’s fastest growing economy in 2014 still belongs in the Stone Age? And lest I forget, that the economy since 2013 has virtually remained hostage to the cartel of oil thieves said to be responsible for the industrial-scale theft of Nigeria’s crude on account of which the 36 states are now visited with the bizarre financial scorched-earth policy ever in perhaps the nation’s fiscal history?

More questions. I hope we’ll get around to these and many more – including the question of how a President invested with a broad pan-Nigerian mandate a little less than four years ago has shrunk almost beyond recognition – before everything else.

These sort of put everything in perspective, or what do you think?

$1 Billion to fight Boko Haram?

It’s no longer news that President Goodluck Jonathan wants a $1 billion loan package to fight the Boko Haram. Having thrown in something in excess of N3 trillion in the last three budget cycles with limited results to show, it seems reasonable to expect that citizens would demand, hard probing questions about the overall conduct of the war on the insurgency.

First, we have not been told where the loan is coming from and on what terms. Second, we have also not been told why the loan request is coming outside of the normal budgetary cycle. Clearly, that the nation is at war should not alone vitiate the requirement for due process.

Beside the two, I have, times without number, expressed what I consider, a fundamental reservations with the framework of our so-called foreign loans. By this I mean the idea of taking a loan at say five percent or more interest, whilst locking up one’s investment at a measly two percent.

Can somebody explain the sense in making a deposit at two percent while paying five percent on loans?

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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COMMENTS

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HEN the Independence building opposite the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos went up in smoke during the General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime, not a few were shocked that the headquarters of the Nigerian Armed Forces could burn for hours with the military high command helpless.

Though the multi-storey building then housing the Ministry of Defence was eventually saved from total ruin, the effect of the fire did expose the toothlessness of our military in defending itself. I remember one top Iraqi diplomat in the country then expressing surprise that the so called giant of Africa could not fight common fire outbreak at its Defence headquarters, wondering what would happen if there was an enemy attack on the building, or may be the country.

As a defence Correspondent for National Concord newspaper at a time during the Buhari/Idiagbon regime in the 80s, I was part of the annual Naval Week and was privileged to be there when then Head of State and Commander-In-Chief, Major General Muhammadu Buhari in company with the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, service chiefs (can’t recollect seeing then army chief Major General Ibrahim Babangida there) and a host

‘I am not against Nigeria taking the loan being requested by Jonathan, but before the Senate approves the request, serious questions must be asked and adequatae answers given as to what happened to all the billions appropriated to our military in the past. If this is not done the loan might just be money in the pockets of Jonathan and his PDP to fight the 2015 general elections’

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That $1billion loan of other top military chiefs came for the ceremonial Fleet Review by the C-in-C. The flag ship NNS Aradu, with the full compliments of its helicopters, was there leading other battle ships and boats. I remember a happy Fleet commander of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Allison Madueke proudly showing his fleet to the Commander In Chief. Everybody was happy and proud of our Navy. NNS Aradu was reputed to be one of the best during World War II and there was none like it in Africa, with perhaps the exception of then apartheid South Africa.

But as we were beating our chest, tragedy struck; one of the boats, the one ferrying the Commander In Chief caught fire and within a twinkle of an eye, Buhari and his team were moved to another boat, the fire put out and the fleet review continued. We again applauded the Nigerian Navy.

Contrast this with the Defence headquarters fire narrated above which happened much later, and you begin to appreciate the progressive decline that has been the lot of the Nigerian Armed Forces over the years.

As I write this piece, I doubt whether NNS Aradu is still sea worthy. One after the other its three helicopters crashed under Babangida’s watch and I am not sure they were ever replaced. And if the flag ship is bad you can imagine the state of the entire fleet and the Navy itself.

As Aviation Correspondent much later on, it was with pride that my colleagues and I used to go the Nigerian Air Force hangar at the Ikeja airport to see our C-130 transport aircraft fleet, the helicopter fleet; they were many. Each time our soldiers were going on peace keeping missions around the world

HESE past weeks have not been any different from the past months; Nigeria has been stumbling from one crisis to another, from one killing to another, from one scandal to another from one distasteful act of impunity to more disquieting acts of impunity and so on. In all of these there is no hope that things will quieten down anytime soon or indeed that we have seen/heard the worst. Things happen with such varying degrees of absurdity and at such frenetic pace, that it is not feasible for any ‘breaking news’ to grab our attention for any length of time. The military clampdown on some media organizations and seizure of their newspapers is distant memory. The infamous tragicomic only you waka come rendition has had its screenplay hijacked and adapted only for pure comedy away from the horror show that it so cruelly depicted. The Chibok saga is still in the news thankfully because of the #Bring back our girls campaign.

Even at that, the fact that Onyeka Onwenu and Kema Chikwe both frontline national women leaders publicly doubted the fact of the Chibok abduction is faint memory.

The bombings in Abuja have receded from our memory to be replaced for now with the apprehension of where next.

The Ekiti election has come and gone and any messages, if at all, drowned out by contrived public commentary which very much mirrors a situation where a commentator watching a football match at Onikan Stadium will be commentating on a basketball match at National Stadium. If the election itself is distant memory, then talk less of the interview, Senator Ayo Arise gave, penultimate day to the election, on national breakfast television where with the typical arrogance of ‘today’s people’ he boasted of certain victory. His deep insights included the fact that the President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan had made money available to the Fayose campaign and so they will outmatch the APC cash-wise! That kind of talk has not been worthy of any further analysis, not even in the short-lived post-Ekiti debate.

The polarization of the country has obviously fractured every institution and every profession and it takes the deeply discerning to have a fair idea as to what is really going on because in most cases reportage or public discourse is only the end product of serious back room strategy by various interest groups. So when in the past few weeks, personal attacks and ‘damaging’ reviews, overviews and opinion pieces started appearing regarding Senator Bola Tinubu, my senses went into auto alert. When the brilliant Rudolf Okonkwo of Sahara Reporters joined the fray, I knew the onslaught was akin to the Ekiti election, ‘operation blanket cover’ and like the Ekiti version with seamless execution – no blood, only tears which dry very fast!

Many commentators even blame Tinubu for the APC Ekiti ‘loss’, tracking his overbearing godfatherism as responsible for the revolt of the Ekiti people. The line of argument being that Ekiti people do not want to be ruled from Lagos.

under the UN blue helmet, it was the Nigerian Air Force that was flying them there with pride. Our military planes were flying all over the place, either supporting our soldiers in ECOMOG in Liberia/Sierra Leone (delivering supplies or bombing Charles Taylor rebels) or taking part in joint military exercises with the Nigerian Army and the Navy.

Years after, especially after the failed Vatsa coup against Babangida, the systemic decimation of our Air Force it does appear began and today the Nigerian Air Force is a shadow of itself. I remember then Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Ibrahim Alfa (late), lamenting the sorry state of our military at his flying out ceremony saying it is a military of anything goes. Not much has changed since then, and if anything did change, it was for the worst. The Air Force that supposed to be the teeth of our armed forces is today lying prostrate while Boko Haram terrorists move about at will killing and maiming Nigerians especially in the north east region. We’ll come to that later.

I can’t say much about the Nigerian Army because I’ve had very little or no contact with them in my over three decades of practice, but the little relationship I developed as a reporter tells me that is just a shade better than the rest of our armed forces in terms of operational capabilities and meeting the modern day threat to our existence as a nation.

If the experience of that fire at the then defence headquarters is anything to go by, I don’t think much has changed; Boko Haram has proved it. And Musiliu Obanikoro, the Minister of State for Defence seemed to have confirmed this in his interview with journalists this past weekend.

Is Tinubu the problem with Nigeria?

By Edo Ukpong Presumably the security cover for the election was provided by proud independent Ekiti people. Also the money referred to by Ayo Arise did not carry any ‘foreign’ stamp. Indeed the argument stretches to cover the proposition that the Ekiti loss is the signpost of APC’s impending death because of an overbearing godfather, which has suddenly become exclusive to Tinubu and a cardinal sin in Nigeria’s politics! What confuses me further, is deciding whether to be persuaded whether Governor Fayemi lost because of Tinubu’s unpopularity or Fayose’s popularity in Ekiti? In my view a marriage of both positions is contradictory and will remain so even in this era of same-sex marriage. Still more confusing is the general, albeit grudging admission that Governor Fayemi governed Ekiti conscientiously and prudently and transformed Ekiti State even if not to the level of ‘uncommonality’ but definitely beyond the scope of the states resources. So if Ekiti was being run from Lagos, are we also insinuating that Tinubu should be seen as the non resident architect of that rare example of good governance? At times I wonder what to make of public discourse in Nigeria; it gets too complicated and confusing.

Excuse the digression, but in truth that is what this piece is about. It is about our inability as a people to correctly tune in and stay focused on issues for any length of time, the issues that affect our overall well being as a people. It is so easy to divert our attention and I give it to the strategists of the government, they are getting better at the art. How can we in all good conscience analyse the Ekiti election without analysing the fact of misuse of military power and its bearing on our nascent democracy. So in a boxing match if one boxer is tied to one spot and consequently pummelled to submission by his mobile opponent, we should take the view that the restraint was not important because being smaller in stature and lacking crowd support he would have lost anyway! Or perhaps that his coach was too overbearing! Why do we not surmise rather that the people who put the restraints are not fools and that if victory had been assured they will not have resorted to such absurdity? If Fayose and PDP were so popular, and Fayemi, APC and Tinubu so unpopular, why the resort to all manner of crudity? I know Fayose may be rough but is not foolish, PDP may be ‘anything goes’ but is not a stupid

The truth of the matter is that as things stand today, there is a serious doubt about the capabilities and abilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces as an effective fighting machine. If there is a serious threat to the territorial integrity of Nigeria as a country today, very little from the look of things can come from our military. That is the truth; though not palatable. And if in doubt, ask yourself why Boko Haram is still waxing stronger more than three years after we declared war on the terrorists, or rather the terrorists declared war on the rest of us?

The problem with our military cannot be laid at the doorsteps of one person, definitely, not President Goodluck Jonathan, but he cannot exonerate himself from the sorry state our armed forces have found themselves today as the Commander-In-Chief. Years of neglect and looting of the massive financial resources allocated to the armed forces in our national budgets have left our military just a shade better than Boys Scout. Poorly kitted, badly armed, maybe not properly trained, and now ethnically and religiously divided, what better thing can we expect from this bunch of people? The officers and men are not to blame though as the leadership of the country, both political and military has failed them, it has let them down. The question is where did all the money appropriated to the military over the years go? Why did we require another $1billion (N160billion) loan to equip our armed forces to be able to confront Boko Haram and other threats?

I am not against Nigeria taking the loan being requested by Jonathan, but before the Senate approves the request, serious questions must be asked and adequatae answers given as to what happened to all the billions appropriated to our military in the past. If this is not done the loan might just be money in the pockets of Jonathan and his PDP to fight the 2015 general elections. And if the Ekiti experience is a pointer to what is to come in 2015, with more ‘legitimate’ money Jonathan can and will buy the military, don’t forget his Ijaw kinsman is Chief of Army Staff, deploy them to ‘enemy’ (APC) territory, terrorise the opposition, distribute bags of rice (even if expired) to the ‘hungry’ voters and spread some cash too and you capture their votes. I hope this is not what the $1billion is meant for. David Mark’s Senate must do its work here and Nigerians must ‘shine their eyes’.

party and my dear president Jonathan is clued up on winning elections.

Tinubu has been accused of many things and not having sufficient information, it will be foolhardy for me to attempt any defence. That is also not the objective of this piece. It is a notorious fact that Tinubu is living large today and being a party leader of a formidable party in the Nigerian setting, with the attendant ‘responsibilities’. I will not argue with anybody who takes the view that his stint as governor and now party godfather has conferred other benefits for which many will not mind the attendant sleepless nights!

My view though is that the ruling party sees Tinubu as the single most significant factor that can threaten its continued dominance of power in Nigeria. His energy and organisational ‘never say die’ determination has in their view been allowed to go too far. So time to take him out. Take him out and the opposition will fracture and evaporate. So there is a concerted effort not only to criminalise opposition politics but also rubbish Tinubu the arrowhead and even blame him in crocodile tears fashion, for his party’s simulated impending death so as to create doubt and confusion in the ranks of its supporters and other opposition politicians. In Nigeria’s fickle and monetized political culture, it will take genius, guile, money, luck and superhuman perseverance to overcome the desperate antics of a party with no qualms about using every trick in its huge divisive bag of tricks.

All the talk of godfatherism and definition of who is or not a progressive are just to goad the opposition to restructure APC into another National Conscience Party, a party populated with only progressives but which is yet to win any election. Of what use are all the progressive ideas in the world and saintliness of operators if the result is not access to the power required to effect those progressive ideas?

What seems to scare the PDP is the realization that APC also understands Realpolitik and that Tinubu a product of the NADECO struggle who survived, Babangida, Abacha and later Obasanjo has a few tricks up his sleeve too and may just lead APC into Aso Rock by road whilst the PDP machinery is deployed at the airport!

• Ukpong, is a Lagos-based legal practitioner

Of what use are all the progressive ideas in the world and saintliness of operators if the result is not access to the power required to effect those progressive ideas?

TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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While the impeachment of a political office holder is a legitimate political weapon to deal with recalcitrant public officials within a polity, it becomes an undemocratic invasion, when forces beyound the precincts of a polity, induces and enforces impeachment as a means to settle political differences.

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See page 38

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

The outgoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership is perceived by many, including lawyers, as not living up to expectation. They acussed the leadership of, among others, not speaking truth to power. Last week in Abuja, a new leadership, which will be sworn in next month, was elected. How can the incoming Augustine Alegeh-led NBA make a difference? What should be its focus? Lawyers set agenda for the incoming executive. PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU collates their views.

Wanted: A vibrant NBA •Lawyers set agenda for incoming executive

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HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) used to be the voice of the voiceless; a thorn in the flesh of bad leader. But in the eyes of many, the association has lost its voice.

The national body seems to have become so withdrawn that some branches are now more popular, especially when it comes to taking positions on national issues.

From being actively engaging and holding government at all levels accountable, the NBA has in the view of many become a political tool rather than the nation’s conscience.

Unlike in the past when lawyers ran for elections to serve the interest of the majority, even with their own resources, leadership positions in the NBA have become avenue for those elected to enrich themselves.

Hence, observers believe it was not surprising the intrigues and tension that characterised the campaign periods of the recent NBA election, which saw Augustine Alegeh emerging as president with over 691 votes.

Although the presidency was zoned to the West, the disharmony and inability of the Egbe Amofin to produce a consensus candidate paved the way for Alegeh’s victory.

Now that the elections are over, lawyers are of the view that there are many tasks ahead, which must be achieved to return the association to its glory days.

In her concession speech, one of the candidates, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN), said her goal was to restore the profession to its revered and respected status as the voice of the voiceless Nigerian people and the defender of the interests of legal practitioners.

Congratulating Alegeh, Mrs. Adekoya demanded probity, ethical conduct, policies that are in the best interests of lawyers, as well as holding officers accountable to the highest standards.

Like Mrs.Adekoya, lawyers want the new NBA leadership to focus on rebuiding the Bar and returning it to its position of pride.

They want the Alegeh administration to restore the sanctity and supremacy of the law by ensuring that court orders are obeyed.

They want corrupt lawyers and judges to be severely sanctioned, with the NBA lending its voice without fear on issues affecting the common man.

Among those who spoke on the issue were Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) Joseph Nwobike (SAN); Dr. Fred Agbaje; a former NBA Ikeja Branch chairman Monday Ubani; NBA Lagos Branch chairman Alex Muoka and a Constitutional lawyer Mr Ike Ofuokwu.

Lawyers’ expectations

INSIDE:

Okutepa said the new leadership must focus on the state of the Bar and the judiciary.

His words:: ‘‘We must focus on ourselves. Why is it that honour, integrity, discipline and respect for ethics, value and dignity have all disappeared from the sub consciousness of almost all lawyers old and young inclusive? ‘‘The Bar under Alegeh SAN must find answers to this.

Why are some lawyers no longer men of honour? We must find solutions to the corrupt electoral process. Why is it that the followership makes open demands on candidates for election? We must beam our search lights on discipline in the profession. ‘‘It cannot be business as usual. Why is it that the asso-

Alegeh vows to reform electoral process -Page 27

•Alegeh

ciation has nothing to offer its members in terms of welfare? Why for instance will the association not pick the bills during delegate conference for all delegates? We must discuss the state of the judiciary. We must expose those who are bad and punish them. ‘‘NBA must be above board. The elders of the profession must be brought back to attend NBA functions. We must ensure that NEC meetings discuss issues and with seriousness too. The current manner of discussing issues must change.’’

However, Nwobike argued that the NBA was still vocal and active, just as he noted that the association was not a trade union. ‘‘The truism is that NBA is not a trade union. Its activism must be located within the context of the current and prevailing challenges and issues facing the nation. In the past when the country was under the military rule, several issues bothering on interference with the fundamental rights of the citizenry and disobedience of court orders were rampant. ‘‘These and other issues made it compelling for the NBA

NBA election: A post-mortem -Page 28

at that time to find itself confronting governments at all levels on a regular basis. Now, the issues have changed thus making the current leadership of the NBA to dwell on the issues that are now prevalent in our society. ‘‘It will therefore be unfair to accuse the NBA of today within that paradigm. It is also important to understand that the primary objective of NBA is to tackle the challenges being faced by its members. ‘‘That primary responsibility is what I consider very paramount and the appropriate parameter in evaluating their performance and not on their activism on public interest issues. Granted that their role in addressing public interest issues is equally important, it should not be the sole benchmark for assessing their performance and relevance,’’ said Nwobike.

Agbaje expressed displeasure that previous leadership of the NBA has remained conspicuously silent in major national issues happening in this country.

•Continued on page 26

Impeachment as political whiplash -Page 38

‘Abia gov’s sack of local govt officials illegal‘ •Continued on page 26

-Page 40

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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LAW COVER CONT’D •Continued from page 25 He said the leadership of the NBA could ot afford to play the role of a Pontius Pilate by pretending not to be concerned about the threats and various abuses to which democracy and the rule of law have been subjected to. ‘‘It is part of the fundamental and unquestionable responsibility of the NBA leadership to ensure that our political leaders at all tiers of government subject themselves to the rule of law and principle of constitutionalism as enjoined by the NBA rules. ‘‘The last time the NBA was assertive of this major constitutional responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people of Nigeria was the regime of Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, who did not only bring activism back to the NBA but also ensured vibrancy in the activities of the NBA leadership and by extension, putting the various governments of Nigeria on their toes. ‘‘Hence, the present leadership must ensure that its goals include the strict adherence to the rule of law and principle of constitutionalism by the political leaders; that the judgment and orders of court from Customary to the Supreme Court including Sharia/Alkali courts are implemented and where damages are awarded against the government or its agents, in the absence of any appeal, must be paid within three months. ‘‘Welfare of lawyers must also be given paramount consideration including insurance, which can be taken from our various practice payments. ‘‘Government must be encouraged to create more employment opportunities for Nigerians and lawyers; principle of democracy and the underlying philosophy behind our federalism which must include fiscal federalism must be urged on the government at all times. ‘‘The NBA leadership must insist on government and its agent going to court rather than resorting to self help as was done by the federal government through the unlawful clampdown of media houses. ‘‘The rights of Nigerians as enshrined in the constitution, including the fundamental objectives in chapter two must be respected by the government as a way of deepening democracy in Nigeria. ‘‘The NBA must work assiduously to ensure corruption is fought to a standstill irrespective of whether those involved are serving judges, lawyers, civil servants or private individuals. Lawyers who deliberately delay or frustrate hearing of corruption matters should be sanctioned adequately,’’ said Agbaje.

Ubani, a former Ikeja branch NBA chairman, said the electoral reforms and the welfare of lawyers, including continuous legal education, should be pursued with utmost zeal and religiously too. ‘‘He has no time at all as two years is short a time. He should reach out to all the losers especially the presidential candidates and bring them on board in order to move the body forward. ‘‘Alegeh owes the body the duty of reforming the Bar comprehensively by carrying every one along. The NBA must speak truth to authorities at all times especially where there is failure of leadership in governance. We pray for God’s wisdom upon him and his fellow executive members,’’ he said.

To Muoka, the NBA Lagos branch chairman, respect and trust must be built by the NBA to effectively act as the ombudsman it is. ‘‘The reputation of lawyers and the bar is at an all-time low. Corruption and indiscipline have become so rife that the average man doesn’t trust a lawyer. How can a mistrusted ombudsman speak for the people? ‘‘My charge, therefore, for the new leadership of the bar is to (as a matter or urgent necessity) reform the bar. We must deal with ourselves first. We must reform our elective processes and make them universal, transparent and credible. We must ensure that corruption and indiscipline in our midst are decisively tackled. ‘‘We must increase the skill set of our members and safeguard their welfare and earning capacity. We must make the bar relevant - not just to national officers, NEC members, and delegates, but to all 90,000+ lawyers. ‘‘We must return the bar to its glory days and enthrone its importance first as a professional association and then as the voice of the common man,’’ he said.

Although Ofuokwu said it was unfair to criticise the NBA for not being vocal and active, he acknowledged that the era of ju-

•Okutepa

•Nwobike

is now the key to getting fat briefs from governments. They lick the boots of government officials.

“The implication is that the members of the executive are fettered in their ability and objectivity to speak to or against authority. They should be banned from also being appointed to any government position during their tenure and at least two years after leaving office. SANs and intending SANs are the worst culprits.

“The electoral processes need to be reformed completely. The present situation encourages ineptitude and cabalism.

Elections into national offices should be by general suffrage meaning that every qualified lawyer having paid his practicing fees as at when due should be qualified to vote. It should not take rocket science to get every lawyer to vote directly for the candidate of his choice. The alternative may be voting by means of Electoral College specifically elected by general suffrage for the purpose of electing national officers.

“Again, every lawyer should be given equal opportunity to contest for national positions as against the present syndicated method being used. There also should be established electoral appeal panels that are independent enough to upturn any election result found to be wanting or not satisfactory of the requirements of the electoral guidelines.”

The man Alegeh

•Omoyinmi

•Ofuokwu

Wanted: A vibrant NBA dicial activism was long gone attributing same to ‘‘better adherence to the rule of law even though much still needs to be done. ‘‘One expects a very vibrant bar that will be vocal and active in all national issues without being partisan particularly as it affects the ordinary man on the streets; that will stand firmly by the tenets of democracy and the rule of law and that will condemn very loudly all acts of executive lawlessness and impunity. ‘‘The new exco should focus on restoring the integrity of the judiciary and the bar by strengthening its disciplinary arm towards erring members and they should in addition see to the fiscal autonomy of the judiciary to make it truly independent,’’ said Ofuokwu.

A member of the Ogun State Judicial Council, Abayomi Omoyinmi, said the new NBA leadership must ensure the rule of law is protected.

“It must stand firm towards making sure that the indices of what the law and the third arms of governance stand for is protected, including separation of power and interference from any other arm of governance. The NBA must make sure that any attempt by any authority to subvert the rule of law is jealously protected.

“The NBA must also make sure that their ultimate stand towards sanitizing the country and making sure that rule of law prevail especially in a democracy is

paramount. The NBA must bring back that glory time and spirit that made it to stand out in the country, that which was evident during the military era, and which ultimately led to the collapse of that type of governance.”

A former Ikorodu Branch chairman of NBA, Sahid Kolawole Shillings, said: “The main causes of docility concerning national issues and rule of law are: fraternity with ruling class to sustain support for programmes, deficiency of opinion aggregation in the association and the wrong focus of leadership on purely barqua-bar matters.

“May I suggest a social-media-powered Law Bureau where lawyers can express opinion on variety of issues and may, by the strength of such opinions, compel attention of our leadership to address them.

Further, the individual lawyer or lawyers working in concert must begin to live up to the billings of our calling regarding socio-political responsibility to this failing nation. The vibration of the pockets of action will impact on our association.”

A lawyer and activist, Mr Ikechukwu Ikeji, said it is important to break the cabal holding NBA in the jugular.

“The first step to take is to pass a law that all members of the National Executive of the body should be disqualified from taking or accepting briefs from governments at all levels. You find that being a member of the national executive

NBA PRESIDENTS SINCE INCEPTION Christopher Sapara Williams (1900–1915); Sir Kitoyi Ajasa (1915–1937); Eric Olawale Moore (1937–1944); E.J. Alex Taylor (1944–1950); Sir Adeyemo Alakija (1950–1952); Jubril Martin (1952–1959) Frederick Rotimi Williams (1960–1968); Peter Thomas (1968–1969); Chief B.M. Boyo (1969–1970); Chief Richard Akinjide (1970–1973); Chief Adebayo Ogunsanya (1973–1974) Dr. Mudiaga Odge (1974–1975).

Dr. Nwakanma Okoro (1976–1978); Chief B.O. Benson (1978–1980); Chief Adetunji Fadairo (1980–1982); A.N. Anyamene (1982–1984); Prince Bola Ajibola(1984–1985);

Ebele Nwokoye (1985–1987); Alao Aka-Bashorun (1987–1989); Charles Idehen (1989–1991); Chief Clement Akpamgbo (1991–1992); Dame Priscilla Kuye (1991–1992).

Chief T.J.O. Okpoko (SAN) 1998-2000; O.C.J. Okocha, (SAN) (2000–2002); Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN) (2002– 2004); Chief Bayo Ojo, (SAN) (2004–2005); Prince Lanke Odogiyo (2005–2006); Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) (2006–2008); Chief Olurotimi Akeredolu, (SAN) (2008– 2010); Joseph Bodurin Daudu, (SAN) (2010 - 2012); Okey Wali, (SAN) (2012 -2014)

• Between 1992 and 1998 the NBA had no president, and functioned only in branches.

Simply known as counsel to convicted former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, not very many people knew that NBA President, Augustine Alageh wanted to be a Catholic Priest.

Born in Warri, Delta State on August 10, 1964 to the late DCP & Mrs. Matthew Alegeh, the Ikabigbo, Etsako, Edo State indigene attended Saint George’s Primary School, Falomo, Lagos.

After his primary school in 1974, Alegeh proceeded to St. Paul’s Seminary, Benin City in the hope of becoming a Reverend Father but fate had other plans for him as his parents in 1975, transferred him to Edo College, Benin City to continue his secondary education.

He obtained his West African School Certificate (‘O’ levels) from Edo College in 1980 and proceeded to the Federal Government College, Warri in January 1981 for his ‘A’ levels where he gained admission into the University of Benin to study law in same year and graduated in 1985.

He was among the 1985/86 Nigerian Law School batch and was called to the Nigerian Bar on October 16, 1986 after obtaining his Bachelor of Law Degree B.L (Hons.) from Council of Legal Education; as well as winning the Bola Ajibola Prize for Civil Procedure at the Bar qualifying examinations.

Between 1986 and 1989, Alegeh practiced in the law firm of Sadoh & Co. (Legal Practitioners) and rose to becoming Managing Partner sequel to the elevation of his principal to the bench as a Judge of then Bendel State High Court. From Sadoh and Co., the law fi r m m e t a m o r p h o s e d t o A l e g e h , Agun and Co., and since 1990, is became Alegeh and Co., following the departure of the Firm’s Partner (Francis Agun) to practice in the New York Bar. Appointed a Notary Public in 1994, Alegeh is an active member of the NBA who has since 2012, chaired the NBA’s Database and Documentation of Nigerian Lawyers Committee; former chairman, NBA Election Petition Review Workshop; Alternate Chairman – Technical Committee on Conference Planning, 2012; member, NBA National Executive Committee, 2010 – 2014. He is a member of The International Bar Association (IBA).

In 2007, he was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and in 2009, awarded a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration after studying at the Kebel College, Oxford University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, United Kingdom.

Actively engaged in appellate litigation, Alegeh has successfully argued such landmark cases as Omagbemi vs Guinness (Labour Law), among others.

Presently, he sits at the board of a host of companies with vast interests in Construction, Information Technology, Engineering, Real Estate and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) as well as represents the federal/state governments and their agencies in certain matters.

He is married to Mrs. Ferishat Alegeh and they are blessed with children.

27

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

NATIONAL BAR

Alegeh vows to reform electoral process •Opponents greet president-elect

P

RESIDENT-ELECT of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr. August ine Alegeh (SAN) has pledged to reform the association’s electoral process to allow for electronic voting.

Speaking after his election, he said he would work to make running for an NBA office less cumbersome and inexpensive.

Alegeh was last week elected the 27th NBA President, bringing to a close several months of intrigues ahead of a keenly contested election.

The NBA Presidency was this time zoned to the West, which in NBA nomenclature includes the Midwest. Consequently, four contestants aspired for the office, namely Alegeh, Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN), Dele Adesina (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) and Osas Erhabor.

Other elected officers are: Francis Ekwere (First Vice-President); Taiwo O. Taiwo (Second Vice-President); Akintokunbo Oluwole (Third Vice-President); Mazi Afam Osigwe (General Secretary); Olatunji Salawu (First Asst. Secretary); Ephraim Adimabua (Second Assistant Secretary); and Amina Ibrahim (Treasurer).

The rest are Welfare Officer, Mas’ud Alabelewe; Publicity Secretary, Gbolahan Gbadamosi; Financial Secretary, Kelvin Ejelonu; Asst. Financial Secretary, Cecilia Ugbuji, and Legal Adviser, Bisi Enoch Ayeni.

Alegeh’s election marks the emergence of a new power block at the Bar. Even though regional fora adopted candidates for the election, their influence was not readily manifest like in the past.

Alegeh had an overwhelming support.

He polled 691 votes, followed by Adesina (370), Adekoya (255), Akintola (126) and Erhabor (17).

Some analysts believe had the Egbe Amofin (Yoruba Lawyers Forum) been able to present a consensus candidate (which would have pitted the West against the Midwest, assuming Alegeh did not step down), it would have avoided the split

By John Austin Unachukwu

votes of 768, which is 77 more than what Alegeh polled.

However, other candidates who contested for the office of NBA President have sent in their congratulatory massages and pledged to work with Alegeh to move the Bar forward.

Adesina said: “I wish to say that though the contest was intense, it is now over and a President –elect has emerged. There is a clear and present duty on us all to move the Bar forward and advance the course of the legal profession.

“As a key member of the NBA family, I wish to once again assure our new President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) of my support and co-operation. In declaring closed my campaign organisation, I thank God for your support. May God bless us all and bless our association.”

Akintola congratulated Alegah and assured him of his co-operation. He added: “We all have learnt our lessons from the result of this election.”

Erhabor: “In everything, we give thanks to God Almighty. We congratulate all the contestants and delegates. In a sense, we all have pursued our diverse convictions with courage and audacity. We congratulate in particular, the President- elect, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) and other elected officers, we wish the entire Bar well.”

Congratulating Alegeh, Adekoya urged him to ensure probity, ethical conduct, policies that are in the best interests of lawyers, as well as holding officers accountable to the highest standards.

“To the incoming President, I offer my congratulations. May the Almighty be your guide. Our members have spoken and I bow to their will. However, we must continue to interrogate the pressing issues that assail our Bar Association; we must demand probity, ethical conduct, policies that are in the best interests of lawyers, and hold our officers accountable to the highest standards,” Adekoya said.

•From left: Alegeh, Osigwe, Ekwere and Oluwole

•From left: Amina, Ayeni, Gbadamosi, Ejelonu Ugbuji and Taiwo

•From left: Chairman, Eastern Bar Forum Ogbonna O. Igwenyi; Elder Wilcox, S. I. Ameh (SAN) Minister of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and former General Secretary NBA Ibrahim Eddy Mark

Lawyer seeks electoral reforms

T

HE outgoing Assistant National Pub licity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar As sociation (NBA) Mr John Austin Unachukwu has urged the incoming executive, led by Mr Augustine Alegeh (SAN) to reform the electoral process to make it seamless, less rigorous, transparent and credible.

Unachukwu, a candidate for the Publicity Secretary, was disqualified on the eve of the election because he was yet to clock 10 at the Bar. The Electoral Committee said he would be 10 at the Bar in October to be eligible to contest as provided for in the NBA constitution.

This was after the NBA Lagos Branch, where he belongs, had asked him to pay dues as required of one who is 10 years at the Bar, which he did since last year. He, therefore, wants a clarification on how the year of call is calculated.

Unachukwu, in a statement, described the situation as “disqualification by ambush”, adding: “Results of screening were not made known to candidates, only for some of them to be told of their disqualification on the eve of the election when they came for accreditation and presentation of their manifestoes.

No formal or prior information of disqualification was given to the affected candidates “Some other contestants were disqualified and nobody told them anything except that they did not find their names on the list of

By Precious Igbonwelundu

qualified candidates .

“It has become imperative for the NBA National Executive Committee (NEC) to pass a resolution on how the number of years of call to the Bar is computed in the association.

Does it include the year of call? This will reduce or completely eliminate the ambiguity surrounding the interpretation of the years. “ A situation where candidates travel to all the nooks and corners of the country on campaign, only to be told that the list of candidates was just posted and their names were not listed as contestants, with no opportunity to appeal, is highly undemocratic, condemnable, dictatorial and amounts to disqualification by ambush ‘’The time for NBA elections are provided for in the constitution. Elections should be properly planned and electoral time table and guidelines released, so candidates for the elections should be screened on time and given opportunity to appeal and be heard by the NEC before elections, in the spirit of fair hearing and democracy.

“This will also reduce the tension and spate of law suits that trail the association’s activities. A situation where lawyers stand on a queue for almost four hours in the sun before casting their votes is not too good and should be improved upon.”

•From left: Former President MULAN Tajudeen Oladoja; Mrs. K. Ajose, former President NBA Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Ofoma Nneka, Theodore Jr., Ezeobi, Ada-Obinna Edozie, Chinenye Okongwu and Maduchesi

•Former President FIDA, Chief Stella Ugboma; former President NBA O.C.J. Okocha (SAN), Chief John Ochoja and Chief Lucius Nwosu (SAN)

Why I ran for NBA presidency, by Adekoya

O

NE of the contestants in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN) has explained why she ran for the presidency.

She said: “I sought to restore this profession to its revered and respected status as the voice of the voiceless Nigerians and the defender of the interests of legal practitioners. But it was not to be. Our members have spoken and we now have a president-elect.

“In this race, I have had the privilege of meeting

colleagues from all over our great nation and cultivating life-long friendships. Let me, therefore, thank all my many supporters who stood by me and what I stand for, who remained true to their conscience, and who stood up to be counted when it mattered most.

“I appreciate your tireless efforts, sacrifices, encouragement and prayers.

The unprecedented support in various forms that I have received in the last two months has

renewed my faith in humanity and in our innate nobility as lawyers.

“I recall that an ardent supporter and colleague sent me five recharge cards in support of my campaign, with an apology that she could not afford more.

“To all of you who keyed into our vision, I can only sincerely thank you and pray that the Almighty God will honour you in due season. You all are the true winners.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

NATIONAL BAR Following the election of new national officers of the NBA last week, a civil society activist and Chairman National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu examines the election, the outcome and implication for the legal profession.

NBA election: A post-mortem

A

T the end of the contest for the Presidency of the Nige rian Bar Association (NBA) two years ago, I wrote that “the mechanisms for electing the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) are out-dated, scandalprone and liable to whimsical capture”, pointing out that they are “too dependent on government and the elections into leadership at the Bar were too prone to manipulation.” For four days from July 14, 2014, delegates from the various branches of the Bar gathered in Abuja to elect a new leadership. It was also an opportunity to show how the leadership selection processes at the Bar had evolved, if at all.

At the conclusion of a special conference in Abuja on 15 July 2014, the delegates elected Augustine Oyarekhua Alegeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from the NBA’s Benin Branch, as the new President of the Association.

Alegeh polled 691 votes to beat four other candidates for the leadership of the Bar. Three other Senior Advocates on the ballot, namely: Funke Adekoya, Dele Adesina, and Niyi Akintola, polled 370, 255 and 126 votes respectively. Osas Erhabor, former Chair of the Ilesha Branch of the Bar, polled 17 votes.

In the ballot for Secretary-General of the Bar, Mazi Afam Osigwe of the Abuja Branch polled 684 votes to beat off the combined challenge of Steve Abar of the Jos Branch who polled 401 votes and Reuben James of the Kaduna Branch who polled 242 votes.

Ethnic Bar Politics This was a very keen contest. A slate of five candidates on the ballot for the presidency of the Bar is unprecedented, surely not since the restoration of the NBA in 1998. At the turn of the millennium, the NBA instituted two measures designed to diminish the acrimony and sleights of hand that drove it into near-terminal crisis in PortHarcourt in 1991. First, in place of universal suffrage for all lawyers, it instituted a delegate-based electoral system. Eligible delegates comprise the 13 elected officers of the Bar, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria, members of the Body of Benchers who are not serving or retired judicial officers, other members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NBA, and branch delegates. Each of the 109 branches of the NBA is entitled to send 10 delegates to the election.

To account for disparities in the size of branches, branches with more

than 100 members are entitled to one additional delegate for every 100 members. This system was designed to give branch delegates a decisive edge in determining who leads the Bar. It also makes the branch chairpersons beautiful brides and brokers of delegates and votes. In the just-concluded elections, there were 1,728 registered delegates. Some were unable to show up for the actual ballot.

Second, the Bar instituted an informal convention of rotating its Presidency among fields of aspirants confined in succession to the three historic regions of Nigeria at Independence – East, North, and Western regions. This began in 2000. In NBA-speak, this is called “inclusion”. Nigerians understand it more popularly as “zoning”. After two rounds of this rotation among the three regions, the position was to return on this occasion to the Western region. There was a snag though: the three zones invented by the Bar were in arrears of Nigeria’s contemporary political architecture. In 1963, the MidWestern region was created from the Western Region. By 1967, Nigeria had become 12 States. By the turn of the Millennium, Nigeria’s 36 States were clustered into six, not three geo-political zones, supposedly designed to advance national equity and inclusion. NBA’s own inclusion policy based on three instead of six geo-political zones easily became fraught, fragile and controversial.

As with the wider politics of Nigeria, the convention of rotating the Presidency of the Bar in this way encouraged the emergence of regional, ethnic, and tribal bar forums. Many people considered the emergence of these ethnic and tribal Bar forums to be contrary to the declared commitment of the Bar to promoting the rule of law on a non-discriminatory basis. It was also seen as injecting narrow ethnic interests into what increasingly became a contest for the capture of the Bar as an influential professional group. Indeed, in 2012, a committee to review the system of leadership selection at the Bar chaired

by Prince Lanke Odogiyan, a Life Bencher and former President of the NBA, had recommended the abolition of these sectional forums. The National Executive Committee of the NBA adopted the Odogiyan Committee Report but its recommendations remain shelved.

For their part, 13 Branches of the NBA from the former MidWest region (now Delta and Edo States) had always protested the fact

that this arrangement was inherently unfair to them. Although they were historically part of the Western Region, the branches in Delta and Edo states were excluded from the forum of NBA’s branches of the old Western Region where the preferred platform for organising was ethnically branded and called “Egbe Amofin”. In Yoruba language, this translates literally into “Group/ Forum of people learned in law”.

A showdown on zoning The Mid-West Bar chose this most recent contest for the Presidency of the Bar as the moment for an electoral showdown on these claims of injustice. They could not have picked a better moment. According to the conventions of the Bar, the Presidency of the Bar for the two year period beginning 2014 was “zoned” to the old Western Region.

Historically, South-West Nigeria produced the first lawyers in the country. It also has the highest concentration of lawyers. At the beginning of this election cycle, it comprised 23 branches. The Mid-West Bar had 13 Branches. If the SouthWest could produce one candidate, that person was guaranteed to be a winner. But it could not.

For these elections, the 23 branches of the South-West produced four candidates: Funke Adekoya from the Lagos, Dele Adesina from Ikeja, Niyi Akintola from Ibadan, and Osas Erhabor from Ilesa. Several and successive attempts by the leadership of the Egbe Amofin to “harmonise” the ambitions of the respective candidates proved frustrating and ultimately futile. Each of the candidates had good reasons for putting their ambitions in the laps of the electorate. Propelled by a sense of injustice meanwhile and by deftly exploiting the geo-political alliances with the branches in the States of the Niger Delta and of SouthEastern Nigeria, the Mid-West Bar rallied solidly behind the candidacy of Augustine Alegeh.

The numbers prove it. Together, the candidates from the South-West polled 762 votes, 71 votes more than Mr. Alegeh. Mr. Alegeh’s candidacy thus benefitted immensely from the uncharacteristically egalitarian outcome of the Egbe Amofin’s efforts to “harmonise” the ambitions of its members ahead of the vote.

Money Talks A major reason given for the establishment of the delegate system for electing leadership at the NBA was to reduce costs and expense. If this was the intention, the NBA

•Odinkalu

needs to urgently re-think its rationales. The delegate system has made the elections into offices in the NBA more not less expensive.

Long before the election cycle began, candidates invested considerable resources in influencing the creation of new branches, emergence of branch chairmen and determining the composition of branch delegates. Candidates spent freely on the transport, accommodation and subsistence costs of their delegates.

Arguably, for the first time in the NBA’s history, some candidates deployed private jets as they rushed around the country canvassing for the delegate count to get them across the finish line. In these elections, money spoke very loudly. By some estimates, the NBA’s 2014 elections were the first in which the campaign expenditure easily crossed the One billion Naira mark.

Many people will wonder why leadership elections in any professional or civic association such as the NBA would be this expensive.

Clearly, the NBA is not an ordinary organization. The President of the NBA has huge powers of patronage, with a privilege to nominate members into the boards of choice constitutional and statutory bodies.

Whether this is sufficient reason for excess of money sloshing around the NBA elections is a different matter. In its 2013 report, the NBA’s Committee on the Professionalization of the Secretariat complained about a disturbing “tendency of the Bar and its leadership sometimes to contract potentially problematic relationships with politically exposed per-

sons (PEPs) who sometimes have partisan interests in compromising an independent Bar.” Quite clearly, the influence of outside money in this leadership contest makes this a clear, present and continuing worry.

Out-dated and Arbitrary Processes Defined by this landscape, the outcome of this ballot for the Presidency of the Bar was not entirely unpredictable. Yet, the manner in which the NBA conducts elections saddles the in-coming President with a moral burden from which he can, nevertheless, retrieve an agenda for reform and leadership.

The concerns first expressed about NBA’s leadership processes in 2012 remain unaddressed. If anything, these elections advertised them on a grand scale. The hallmark of democratic politics is that elections are governed by pre-determined rules designed to guarantee the credibility of outcomes, which are indeterminate. Within the NBA, however, there is ample reason to believe that the rules are indeterminate in order to facilitate outcomes that are designed to be pre-determined. This is not a criticism of any candidate. Rather it speaks to the failures of an Association whose methods and reputation are no longer of any concern to its leadership or membership and whose dominant governance mores now hew closely to the anything-goes predilection of Nigerian politics. This is tragic.

•To be continued next week

•From left: R.O. Asadu, T.O.Attama, Sunny Okoro, A.U. Agbo, Chairman EBF Igwenyi Ogbonna, Chairman NBA Nsukka branch, Gerald Ezeh, Fabian Nnamani, Oji Obinna, M. A. O. Iyamanboh at the Seminar and Award Night organised by EBF in Owerri.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

PAGE 29

Yobe vaccinates 5m animals

•PAGE 30

Lawmaker’s jobs tools lift Kwara community •PAGE 31

•Queen Amina father’s tomb.

Inset: Queen Amina

Turunku: Queen Amina’s forgotten hometown

O

F all the neglected sites in Kaduna State, Queen Amina’s hometown, Turunku, is probably the most painful. Centuries after her reign and exploits, the warrior queen continues to stir the mind.

Primary school pupils study her as much as researchers probe into her intriguing war past. Today, the queen who mastered the art of warfare on horse back, humbling one community after another, is regarded as one of Africa’s greatest women.

Shouldn’t her birthplace, Turunku, therefore be a money spinner, an irresistible destination for tourists?

But successive governments in the state have routinely looked away from the town, leaving it an ungainly settlement.

The neglect of Turunku is almost as legendary as its illustrious heroine.

First, she was always called Queen Amina of Zaria though she never really lived in the town, which was named after her younger sister. Also, many do not know that the Zazzau emirate did not originally start from its present location, but at Turunku in present-day Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

What does all that fetch Turunku and its residents? It seems pretty little. The

From Abdulgafar Alabalewe, Kaduna

town which would have been generating huge revenues for the state government has been abandoned. The only sign of government’s presence there is the fence round the tomb of Queen Amina’s father. Worse, the fact that the famous warrior queen and her people ever reigned in Turunku may never be known to future generations, due to lack of efforts to protect and promote the site.

When The Nation visited the tomb of Queen Amina’s father in Turunku, it

‘

was covered with weed, even though it was fenced by the government. It was clear that few visitors or tourists will be attracted to the place. Also, the tie and dye wells (known as ‘Rijiyan Rini’ in Hausa) which were used by Queen Amina and her people were also covered by grass, while farmers have taken over the entire area leaving little space by the Turunku-Farakwai roadside.

There is nothing to indicate that such a warrior ever passed through the place, let alone reign there.

When The Nation visited, it was discovered that the villagers had made their own arrangement to conduct

The tomb of Queen Amina’s father is covered with weed. Few visitors or tourists will be attracted to the place. Also, the tie and dye wells which were used by Queen Amina and her people are also covered by grass, while farmers have taken over the entire area leaving little space by the Turunku-Farakwai roadside. There is nothing to indicate that such a warrior ever passed through the place, let alone reign there

‘

would be visitors round the remaining sites, which included the mountain where Queen Amina is said to have lived.

It was also discovered that there is no designated route to the top of the mountain, but the tour guide attached to this reporter disclosed that there was an easy route to the top. It was an interesting, but scary expedition. At the base of the rocky mountain was the game board used by Queen Amina and her people to relax. There is also a big, flat rock with several holes, which they used to play the game known today as ‘ayo’.

Also close to it is what is known as ‘Zakzak’, where Bakwa, Amina’s father from whom she learnt the art of warfare is believed to have buried his sword.

It is believed that Bakwa never went beyond this point whenever he saw his visitors off.

There is also the ‘Dutsen Hiya’ and ‘Dutsen Boyewa. While Dutsen Hiya is said to be the place where she prayed for victory before she went to battle, Dutsen Boyewa is a covering for an underground tunnel where they hid their children during war.

While these sites still exist, there is no effort to protect them from extinction.

At the top of the mountain is the rock bed used by Queen Amina and her •Continued on page 30

Prisoners pardoned, prisons officers promoted •PAGE 33

Home of child labourers •PAGE 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

30

THE NORTH REPORT

Yobe vaccinates 5m animals

O

VER five million animals have been vaccinated in Yobe State, in keeping with Governor Ibrahim Gaidam’s health policy.

It took less than two years into his administration for the governor to start implementing the plan to provide the residents with a good health plan, especially the free medical care for children under five and expectant mothers.

Gaidam also followed up with free vaccination for animals. His health policy was widely celebrated by the people of the state The governor spoke of the need to have healthy animals at a mass vaccination campaign at Dikumari village on the outskirts of Damaturu, the state capital. He assured that no animal will remain unvaccinated in the state and directed the Ministry of Animals and Fisheries to ensure that the exercise covers all the local government areas in the state.

Gaidam also expressed happiness over the improved relationship between pastoralists and farmers in the state, announcing that government will construct two international livestock markets in Garin Alkali and Nguru, to boost livestock production and revenue.

He called for strict monitoring of influx of animals into the state to check the spread of diseases.

He said “the vaccination of the animals in the state is apt”.

Programme Manager of the Yobe Livestock Pilot Development Programme, Dr. Mustapha Gaidam said the gesture has considerably improved livestock production in the state.

He said: “I wish to inform you that despite the security challenges that we have in the state, livestock production has been on the increase because of the free vaccination initiative of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam for animals in the state. This has in turn also boosted trading in this sector significantly. The inter-town roads constructed by the state government have facilitated easy movement to these areas with large concentration of goats, sheep and cattle. There are livestock farmers in every household in all the 17 local government areas of the

‘

Despite the security challenges that we have in the state, livestock production has been on the increase because of the free vaccination initiative of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam for animals in the state. This has in turn also significantly boosted trading in this sector

‘

•Governor Gaidam vaccinating a cow at Dikumari in Damaturu with Dr. Mustapha Gaidam assisting him.

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

state. Naturally, our people have the passion for livestock farming and we have been supporting them with drugs, food supplement and adequate water to improve the capacity of the farm-

ers.”

Dr. Mustapha said the programme also trained farmers on animal health and fattening, pointing out that the excise has improved the quality and value of livestock with good returns to the

farmers. He said further that “We have also recorded improvement in meat and dairy production.

Yobe is definitely moving away from subsistence farming to commercial livestock farming.”

He stressed that 5.2 million live-

stock have been vaccinated against various diseases since 2009 to date in the state. He also said that 1.7 million cattle, sheep, goats and dogs also benefited from free mass vaccination in the 2013, adding •Continued on page 31

Queen Amina’s forgotten town •Continued from page 29 bodyguards.

However, while it was noticed that the rock bed was much wider than beds used in those days, the tour guide, Abubakar, told The Nation that people of Queen Amina’s generation were 10 times bigger than their modern counterparts.

She was the chief protector of her community and this is evident by the placement of her stool located at the northern entrance to her community regarded as Kofar Arewa and another located in the southern entrance to the community known as Kofar Kudu. From these seats, she could see an enemy coming several kilometres away. A big grinding stone said to have been used by the community also sits on top of the mountain. There is also a well to provide water and a poison mortar used to prepare poison for their arrows when preparing for war.

One interesting discovery was a big hole said to be snake hole in the rock where a big snake is said to have lived for over 100 years. Even though the snake could not be seen, a strange odour which was said to be its breath welcomes visitors to the place. Abubakar told The Nation that the snake usually came out every Sunday and that it stopped coming out since a visiting journalist took its photograph some years back.

The mention of the giant snake

•The present Sarki (village head) of Turunku sent jitters down the spine of this reporter and the tour was brought to an abrupt end, but that was not before Abubakar disclosed that there was nothing else to be seen.

After about three hours journey to and from the seat of Queen Amina, the traditional ruler of Turunku, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi told The Nation that if the government had taken serious interest in the sites, climbing the mountains would have been made easier.

He described Queen Amina as a very successful warrior, saying she always took her war booty to her sister’s settlement in Zaria. He added that over a period of time, her many conquests and subsequent annexation of territories extended beyond the borders of Zaria.

One of the tour guides who gave his name simply as Ahmed told The Nation that Queen Amina was never married and had no children of her own. He noted that instead of having a husband of her own, the brave Amina always took a temporary

•The Queen chair

mate from the legions of vanquished foes after every battle, spent one night with the man and executed him the following morning to prevent him from ever speaking about his sexual encounter with her.

Ahmed, a young school leaver who said his ambition is to document the history of Turunku, also said that the legendary “Amina committed suicide during a military campaign at Dekina in the present Kogi State and was buried in Idah”.

According to him, Queen Amina who had a successful military exploit in Dekina took a temporary husband in the place and could not kill the man after their sexual encounter. He stressed that “a soothsayer had predicted Queen Amina’s coming to Dekina and told their ruler to bury his young daughter and a young man alive to prevent their land from being conquered by the female warrior. And that was what led to her failure to kill the man who spent a night with the warrior queen. The man, it is said, sneaked out in the

middle of the night. Worried by that development, Queen Amina refused to return home. She jumped into the river and died at Dekina and was later buried at Idah.”

Life and times of the warrior Queen The Nation’s findings revealed that Queen Amina took after her father as a warrior and leader of her people. Her father, known to the people simply as Bakwa was the 18th ruler of Turunku and their family wealth was derived mainly from trading in leather goods, cloth, kola, salt, horses and imported metals. It was also learnt that Amina’s younger sister, Amamatu who was also known as Zaria left Turunku because of water scarcity and settled in the present-day Zaria, a place that was later named after her.

Amina who was said to have been born in 1533. In 1576 she became the ruler of Zazzau.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

31

THE NORTH REPORT

Lawmaker’s jobs tools lift Kwara community ‘

I

T took the agrarian community by surprise. Most residents of Omupo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State were said to be going about their daily routines when some political heavyweights in the state visited.

It was not a political campaign rally. Their representative in the House of Representatives, Dr. Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, was coming to town to give the people jobs tools.

With the tools, they will be able to fend for themselves and, possibly, become employers. Senator Bukola Saraki, a former governor of the state, was among the visitors.

The community is one of those under the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal constituency which is under the control of the All Progressive Congress. It was also an event organised by the lawmaker to present his scorecard to the people apparently ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Dr. Adebayo is not unaware of the threat posed by the Peoples Democratic Party to the aspiration of the APC in the area and only a comprehensive scorecard will ensure victory for them in the elections.

Several items were presented to the people by the lawmaker. They include three Sports Utility vehicles (SUVs) for APC chairmen in the three local government areas; eight cars for party faithful; 100 TV sets for ward chairmen and coordinators; 373 units of grinding and sewing machines; 370 sets of small generating set and 370 units of clippers. Others are 25 units of freezers; 10,000 copies of exercise books, 15,000 units of clothing materials; 15,000 units of T-shirts, face caps and souvenirs.

Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, Dr Ibrahim urged the beneficiaries to use the items given to them to unify the APC at all levels. He told the gathering that he has spent about N130 million on empowerment scheme, scholarship and bursary award for students in his constituency during the year under review. He said that “Registration of students for the junior West African Examinations Council (WAEC), bursary awards to various students of tertiary institutions including law school and school fees assistance to thousands of stu-

Dr. Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim came to give the people jobs tools. With the tools they will be able to fend for themselves and possibly even become employers.

Senator Bukola Saraki, a former governor of the state, was among the visitors From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

‘

•Senator Saraki (left) and Dr Ibrahim at the event

dents within the constituency and beyond has so far amounted to nothing less than N30 million. So far, nothing less than 10,000 people have benefited in the financial assistance for various purposes including burials, naming, medicals and festive packages ( Eid Fitri, Eid Kabir, Christmas and New Year; year in year out as well as relief materials running into nothing less than N90 million.”

He listed other constituency projects and empowerment programmes to include sinking of thirteen motorized boreholes; seven hand-pump boreholes; rehabilitation and expansion of waterworks (dam), supply of eighteen energised transformers; supply and installation of 136 solar streetlights.

The House of Representative member said further that during the period under review, he constructed 5 nos of classrooms; construction of modern acquisition/vocational centre for training of unemployed youth in Ilemona, Oyun local government area; facilitated the employment of thirteen youth as well as the donation of eighteen vehicles to party stalwarts, loyalists and aides and twelve self-sponsored Hajj/Umrah slots for the Alfas and Imams. He paid tribute to Senator •Continued on page 32

•Grinding machines distirbuted

Yobe vaccinates 5m animals •Continued from page 30

that ”800,000 herds of cattle were to be vaccinated against Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia (CBPP) and Black Quarter (BQ). He stressed that 900,000 sheep and goats will be vaccinated against pest de petit ruminants and 2,500 dogs will be vaccinated against rabies,” he said.

The programme manager said an intensive sensitisation campaign is been carried out for livestock farmers across the state for participation in the mass vaccination program of the state. One of the reasons for the mass vaccination according to Dr. Mustapha Gaidam is to protect the animals against any cross border disease because of the cross boundary

•They have been innoculated

grazing of the animals into neighbouring countries like Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Mustaphq also said that “The cross boundary nomadic livestock husbandry practice makes the livestock vulnerable to diseases”.

Speaking on the perennial farm-

ers and herdsmen conflicts, the programme manager disclosed that Yobe State has demarcated over 1000 kilometres of cattle routes and beaconed same to check against encroachment and conflicts among these group of people.

“We have consistently cultivated

mucuna beans and stylosanthesis in Dilawa, Gumsi, Tarajem, Alagarno, Mashio, Gumsa, Nasari/Jakusko, Gujba and Nguru grazing reserves to promote livestock food supplements,” he said.

He solicited the cooperation of

livestock farmers, opinion leaders and veterinary officers to work for the success of the 2013 vaccination campaign in order to ensure increased meat and dairy production in the state”. He noted that the volume of traders from all over the country visiting Bayamari, Potiskum, Gaidam, Yusufari, Garin Alkali, Gashua and Nguru livestock markets had increased significantly.

A beneficiary of the free vaccination campaign Umar Musa, a resident of Dikumari village told our correspondent that he has never benefited from any free vaccination of animals from government since he started rearing animals. He explained that he spends the sum of N30, 000 annually for the vaccination of his animals, stressing that the financial burden is now off his shoulders. Umar thanked the governor for the gesture but added,” I hope that all the other Fulanis in faraway places in the bush will also benefit from this gesture.”

32

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

E

DUCATION is believed to be the bedrock of development in any nation but in Nigeria it is facing serious challenges. Not much attention is paid to the development of skills and capacities through information and communication technology (ICT).

It is in the face of these challenges that the digital revolution of Hon. Usman S. Bawa, popularly referred to as Shehu ABG, in Kaduna is worthy of emulation by all stakeholders in the education sector. Shehu ABG, the member representing Kaduna North in the House of Representatives, is the son of Alhaji Bawa Garba, a Kaduna-based business tycoon and telecommunications magnate who founded the first Cable Satellite TV in West Africa.

As a businessman, his father digitalised TV network with the state-of-the-art technologies in Nigeria, at a time when cable network was out of the reach of many Nigerians.

Although, he is a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he has brushed aside partisan politics and political sentiments to develop the education sector in Kaduna State, not minding that the state is governed by the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is indisputably responsible for the development deficit in the state. Shehu ABG sees his mission as a partial fulfilment of his covenant with the people of Kaduna North, his primary constituency and the state at large.

In the first phase of his digital revolution, eight schools in Kaduna were selected for the laudable ICT Programme. The schools include Kaduna State University; Kaduna Capital School and Sardauna Memorial College; Government Secondary School, Doka; Government Secondary school, Ungwan Sarki and Government Girls’ Secondary School, Independence Way Kaduna.

Others include Nuruddinil Islamic Society school, Malali and Government Junior Secondary School, Badarawa. Importantly, letters have been sent to these schools, notifying the appropri-

•Hon. Usman Bawa

A digital revolution in Kaduna ‘

By Mukhtar Muhammad

ate authorities about the timely commencement and implementation of the ICT projects in their respective schools few weeks from now.

From available statistics, over 100 computer sets have been donated and distributed to each of the selected schools by Hon. Shehu ABG. In addition, Kaduna Capital School and Kaduna State University each boasts a new ICT complex constructed by Hon. Shehu ABG to house the ICT centres with brand new power plants. The other schools have not been left out, as they have

equally benefited from renovation of blocks of classrooms that have mostly been converted to ICT centres, in addition to the

solar panels provided to power the centres. Considering the importance ICT to effective learning, the computer sets provided

Over 100 computer sets have been donated and distributed to each of the selected schools by Hon. Shehu ABG. In addition, Kaduna Capital School and Kaduna State University each boasts a new ICT complex constructed

by Hon. Shehu ABG to house the ICT centres with brand new power plants

‘

to the selected schools have been accompanied with unlimited internet access.

Personally, I happen to be part of as an external observer when the lawmaker paid a courtesy call to some of the schools. It was, for me, an eye opener to the noble cause of the honourable member and his faithfulness to his covenant with the people. I, therefore, wish to commend the lawmaker for his impressive contribution to education in my state, especially Kaduna North.

•Muhammad writes from mukycent@gmail.com

Lawmaker’s jobs tools lift Kwara community •Continued from page 31 Bukola Saraki who he described as his inspirational backbone, the state governor, AbdulFatah Ahmed, party stalwarts and members for their encouragement.

Speaking at the event, Senator Saraki appeal to all elected or appointed office holders to let the people at the grassroots feel their impact, adding that politicians who distance themselves from the people cannot wine election. He noted that the political structure of the state held sway because of the love that exist among the people of the state, saying that the people of the state are now politically awaken and it would be difficult for anybody to take over the state from the existing platform. The former governor called on political office holders in the state to redouble their empowerment and mass mobilization drives to ensure the victory of the party in the next year’s general election. Speaking on the 2015 elections,

Senator Saraki ask the people to be wary of those he regarded as ‘Abuja politicians’ who will only come around during elections. He said: “I told you severally my people in Kwara state election will come and go. My people don’t let anybody to come and deceive you. Our royal, women and youth, we are here all seasons, we don’t come and we don’t go. Since May 2011 till date who do you see? Now you will see many people, but you know those who are consistent.”

The Elerin of Erin-Ile (Oyun LGA), Oba Abdulganiyu Ajibola described Dr Ibrahim as a man of vision and mission. He said: “He is a humble man who is full of accomplishments. He contributes very well in the National Assembly. He consults constantly with his constituency and makes contributions that reflect the opinion and aspirations of his constituency. I think we are lucky and happy to have him as our representatives. He executed many projects in Erin-Ile community like drilling of boreholes, so-

•Some of the cars distributed lar lights, supply of transformers and building of classrooms with toilets. He promised and fulfils, this man has been supportive of the youth. He is taking care of the needy and we the traditional rulers are also well taken care of from his personal resources,” the first class monarch added.

Also speaking, Elese of Igbaja (Ifelodun LGA), Oba Amodu Arepo

said: “Hon Ibrahim is a gift to this generation and to the people of Igbaja. As legislator representing our constituency, he has performed creditably well within the period he has spent in the House of Representatives. He has provided for us in Igbaja land 500KVA transformer, five hand-pumps in five wards and a motorized borehole at the Elese’s palace. He is a God-fear-

ing and humble person. I wish to use this opportunity to appeal through him to the National Assembly with the support of Senator Saraki and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to look into the creation of another local government from the present Ifelodun local council which is too large as we spend about fours to get to our council headquarters.”

TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

A

S at December 2012, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has evacuated an estimated 199,425 tons of waste from Abuja.

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed revealed this while receiving a delegation of the Botswana Defence Command and Staff College, Course 7 that visited the FCT Administration on a study tour.

The Minister who was represented at the occasion by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Chukwu, an engineer, further revealed that 18 companies are engaged in daily collection of these wastes.

Mohammed disclosed that the Federal Capital City has been sub-divided into 21 Lots, in addition to the 35 Housing Estates to ensure effective waste collection of the city.

According to a statement issued

Page 33

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

‘199 tons of waste evacuated annually’ From Grace Obike

by Assistant Director and Chief Press Secretary Muhammad Sule, the minister also disclosed that the FCT Administration has awarded contract for 3 Nos Waste Transfer Station at Mpape, Kubwa and Gudu Districts.

According to him, construction of perimeter fencing of the 90.8 hectares waste disposal site at Goza was concluded, with 35 per cent completion of Transfer Station Project and 60 per cent completion of the perimeter Fencing.

The Minister remarked that there are additional three waste transfer stations being planned for Kuje and Nyanya/Karu axis to complement the ongoing three waste transfer

stations.

On strategies for development, Senator Mohammed said that his Administration opted for private sector infrastructure finance called

‘

the Abuja Land Swap Initiative.

He stated that the initiative has given birth to 15 private sector enabled projects providing infrastructure in 2 sector centers and 8 dis-

The Minister said that there are additional three waste transfer stations being planned for Kuje and Nyanya/Karu axis to complement the three waste transfer stations there

‘

tricts in the Phase IV (South) of the Federal Capital City.

The Minister emphasised that development in this area is based on contractual agreement with 15 Private Investors on the basis of the Land-for-Infrastructure Swap Framework.

His words: “The total land area for the development is 4,283.2 hectares and projected to require a minimum of $3.8 Billion private sector capital”.

“The distance of this area is averagely 20 minutes from the city centre and 15 minutes from the Airport,” Senator Mohammed stressed.

The head of the delegation, Brigadier Shadrack Mokoi thanked the Minister for the warm reception accorded the team.

•Some of the 29 pardoned prisoners

I

29 prisoners pardoned, 3,700 prisons officers promoted ‘

T is a gesture the benficiaries are unlikely to forget. No fewer than 29 prison inmates in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been granted amnesty

by Minister of the Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed. The inmates’ sentences had an option of fine. Also, over 3,700 officers of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) have been promoted across the country.

The prisoners had been serving in Kuje Medium Security Prison and the Suleja Prison.

Mohammed, who was represented at the ceremony at Kuje Prison by the General Counsel of the FCT Administration, Mr Ima Okpongete, a lawyer, said the clemency was purposely designed to signpost the Ramadan season.

The gesture, he said, is in tandem with the disposition of his administration to impact posi-

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

tively on the welfare of the people, particularly the less-privileged.

In a statement issued by the Special Assistant, Media, Nosike Ogbuenyi, the Minister said he decided to grant the convicts amnesty by offsetting their various fines because he believed that many of them could still be reformed and contribute positively to the development of the society.

He enjoined the beneficiaries of the gesture to permanently keep away from crime, so as not to return to jail. According to him, their freedom represents their last chance to chart a new path of orderliness, civility and good conduct as responsible members of the society.

The prisoners were convicted with varying amounts of fines, ranging from N55,000 to N3,000.

Mohammed enjoined the beneficiaries of the gesture to keep away from crime, so as not to return to jail. The minister said that their freedom represents their last chance to chart a new path of orderliness, civility and good conduct as responsible members of the society

‘

However, due to their lowly economic backgrounds, they were unable to pay the fines and had to be committed to prison. The Minister took the decision to grant amnesty

to the prisoners following his recent inspection of the prisons to ascertain the condition of inmates as well as facilities on ground.

In approving the unconditional release of the convicts, the Minister

offset the total of N543,500 being the combined fines of the 29 affected prisoners.

He also presented the sum of N10,000 to each of them to enable them transport themselves home.

A breakdown of the amount shows that 10 prisoners whose combined fines totaled N149, 500 were released from Medium Security Prison, Kuje, while 19 others whose total fines amounted to N316, 000 were released from Suleja Prison.

The Controller of Prisons, FCT Command, Gwagwalada Abuja, Mallam K.O Yusuf in a special letter of appreciation to the Hon. Minister thanked him for the kind gesture, which he described as special Ramadan gift for the affected inmates.

He thanked the Minister for the •Continued on page 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

34

‘

ABUJA REVIEW

T

Home of child labourers

HERE is enough to engage your interest in the nation’s capital. You will find the rich and powerful but so will not miss the segment that is always threatened by prohibitive rent. Now, add to that the army of child labourers, especially those who, instead of being in school, hawk all manner of wares on the streets and highways of the glitzy capital city.

While some children are seen going to school, reading hard and having lesson teachers come home to teach them after school hours or during holidays, others can’t wait to leave classes and go out to sell one or two things in order to sustain their families.

With the influx of people into the capital city and the high standard of living experienced by residents, it is very common to see children as young as six or seven carrying wares on their heads and walking about trying to sell their products, in either traffic or street corners.

Just like you will find in any Northern part of the country where young Hausa girls carry little wares like vegetables, pepper, tomatoes, okra, etc and selling on behalf of mothers who are not allowed outside the house, it is now slowly becoming a trend in satellite towns of Abuja like Kubwa, Zuba and Nyanya, among others.

Unfortunately, most of these children barely go to school and begin

With the onset of the groundnuts and fresh corn season, children have become the most peddlers of these food items.

Visit the Kubwa market and you will see a lot of them selling corn, groundnut, vegetable, yam, cooked cassava flour or fufu, among others, all trying hard to sell and supplement their family earnings

From Grace Obike

their trade very early and can be seen sometimes dosing or lounging under trees when the sun becomes unbearable.

Some banana sellers at the satellite towns do not come out to sell alone, you find most of them and all of their children especially at night selling banana and groundnut especially at the phase 3 traffic in Kubwa, even on school days, young children are seen in traffic as late as 10pm trying to sell their bananas to motorists and passerbys, these children that have so mastered the trade that they can be seen convincing people to buy even under the rain or when the weather is extremely cold.

With the coming of groundnuts and fresh corn season, most of the peddlers of these food items are mostly children. Visit the Kubwa market and you will see a lot of children selling corn, groundnut, vegetable, yam, cooked cassava flour or fufu, among others, all trying hard to sell and supplement their family earnings.

Another popular trend is common on Fridays before prayers Children lead disabled relatives to places close to popular mosques to beg for alms and sometimes even fight over people trying to give them money, even though it seems like the almajiris are not in Abuja, a visit

‘

•Business partners, not schoolmates to most of the satellite towns will prove to a visitor that they are gradually taking up a stand in these parts of the city. Here young children with their famous plastic bowls go about singing to residents for money. Some of them hang around parks and overhead bridges. The overhead bridge at the

famous Second Gate in Kubwa is popular for accommodating these children; they lounge around the steps and yell greetings at passersby. Most times, when a passerby ignores and refuse to give them money after their rendition of praises, some of them will begin insulting the innocent person in

Hausa.

With the level of hardship on the increase and the almajiris making less and less money, some of these children have found alternatives to begging, some hand around the Kubwa market, following people around and asking to carry heavy •Continued on page 36

Hotels to submit guests’ list to security agencies From Gbenga Omokhunu

I

From left: Deputy Comptroller, Kuje Prisons, Mr. Tanko Musa; Special Adviser, Media to the FCT Minister, Mr. Nosike Ogbuneyi; Comptroller, Nigeria Prisons Service, FCT Command, Mr. K. O.Yusuf; General Council/Secretary, Legal Services of FCTA, Mr. Ima Okpongete; Director, Advisory Services, FCT, Mr. Abdullahi Kuyambana and others at the granting of amnesty to the inmates of KujeOpulence Suleja prisons

Prisoners pardoned, prisons officers promoted •Continued from page 33 cordial relationship existing between the FCT Administration and the Nigerian Prison Service.

In his remarks, the Deputy Controller of Prisons in charge of Kuje Prison, Mallam Musa Tanko who spoke on behalf of the Prison Service, Kuje and the inmates, thanked the Minister for the kind gesture.

He particularly thanked him for giving each of the pardoned inmates the sum of N10, 000 stressing that it would help them to start free life afresh. He urged the lucky

inmates to ensure that they were leaving the prison confines for life.

Also present at the event was the Director, Advisory Services, FCT, Mr. Abdullahi Kuyambana.

Meanwhile the Controller General (CG) of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Ibrahim Zakari has said that the service is operating with other security operatives to avoid jail break.

Zakari disclosed this in Abuja at the decoration ceremony of promoted officers and men of the NPS. His words: “You can be decorated or promoted if you exhibit a high

level of diligences, hard work and dedication. They will be entrusted with higher responsibility; it means they will double their effort. They have to work harder. Their loyalty is to be complete. They must be obedient to their duties and they must accept responsibility.

“Congestion is one of our major challenges in the prisons. We experience this with the Awaiting trial prisoners. This is because of the slow pace of the criminal justice system. But from our end we are building more cells in other to decongest the cells that we have. We

are increasing our synergy with other security operatives to ensure that we experience speedy trial.

“We are seeking the support of lawyers to assist us in this regard.

Some of them do not have money.

“Where you keep criminals under lock and key surrounded by walls they would want to escape.

So in prisons all over the world we have the challenges of escape. We have armed squads guarding the prisons across the country. We are training staff. Promotion is a moral booster for officers and I hope this will ginger them.”

N his determination to ensure that life and property are better secured in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed has directed all hotels in the Capital City to forward the list of their guests to the FCT Directorate of State Security Services (SSS) and the FCT Police Command on a daily basis.

The hotels are equally required to install their individual security cameras within their vicinity and ensure thorough check of all vehicles entering the hotels and within their surroundings.

According to a statement issued by Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of FCT, Nosike Ogbuenyi, the minister also directed all residents and associations in various parts of the territory to embark on “operation-know-your-neighbour” campaign. The measure is to ensure that all criminally-minded elements are detected easily within the FCT. The security department of the FCTA is to liaise with the various security agencies in the FCT on modalities for implementing the ministerial directive.

The minister directed all traditional rulers in the FCT to, as a matter of necessity, start conducting periodic meetings with various communities within their domains to take stock of strange faces living with them, as well as report all new comers within 48 hours to the local Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and State Security Service (SSS) office. This is in furtherance of “operation-know-yourneighbour” campaign.

He enjoined all residents to be vigilant and cautious of strange objects or movements of persons and vehicles around them, as well as stationary vehicles. They should report same to the nearest security agencies.

The minister further directed that all trailers/lorry operators bringing goods to the city shall no longer be allowed to offload their contents at night.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

35

•From right: President Goodluck Jonathan; Committee Chairman, Theophilus Danjuma and Deputy Chairman, Fola Adeola after the inauguration of the Committee on Victims Support Fund at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

•Minister of State Agriculture, Hajia Asabe Ahmed; Minister of State, FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide and Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onmuliri at a meeting in Abuja.

•From left: Minister of Trade and Investment Olusegun Aganga; Minister of State, Niger Delta, Dairu Ishiyku; Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello and Minister of Interior, Abba Moro during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

•Proprietress, Kings and Queens International School, Joke Oladokun (right) celebrating her 50th birthday at GraceLand Baptist Church with her children in Abuja.

•From right: President Goodluck Jonathan; Initiator of Malala Fund, Malala Yousafzai; the father, Ziauddin Yousafzai during the Malala Group visit to President Jonathan at the PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN Presidential Villa in Abuja.

•Chairman, Banking and Currency, Hon. Jones Onyerere (left); Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Account, Hon. Adeola Solomon and Chairman, House Committee on Debt Management, Hon. Yinka Ajayi after the plenary at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

•From left: Commandant, Botswana Command and Staff College, Brig. Gen. Shedrack Moloi receiving a souvenir from Speaker, House of Reprsentatives, Aminu Tambuwal during a courtesy visit of the participants of the college to the House of Represtaives. With them are Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Garba Mohammed and House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola in Abuja.

•Head of Plant, Abuja, Tijani Iliyasu (left); Head, Number Plate Production, FRSC; Assistant Corps Marshal, Hyginus Foumsuk and Corps Marshal, FRSC, Osita Chidoka during the Commissioning of National Vehicle Identification Scheme Plant in Abuja.

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

36

ABUJA REVIEW

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan last week missed an opportunity to rub minds with some parents of the over 200 secondary schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State.

Worried that the girls’ disappearance was causing great pain and psychological trauma to their parents, the Pakistani Girl-Child Education Campaigner, Malala Yousafzai, who met with President Jonathan last week Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja insisted that the President should see the parents.

But the meeting could not hold on Tuesday as the parents did not turn up for the 4.p.m. fixture. They were said to have left Abuja in the early hours of the day for Chibok, Borno State.

Earlier on May 4, a similar meeting convened by First Lady on the abducction saga was fruitless, as many interested parties also failed to honour it. The development twice drew tears from Mrs Jonathan.

But it is not clear whether the President was also moved to that point as journalists were not opportuned to be where the news was broken to the President that the Chibok girls’ parents were shunning the meeting. Only his handlers would really know his immediate reaction.

The President, however, at every given opportunity had claimed that the abduction of the girls is causing him so much pain as he is also a parent.

Some Nigerians have however pointed out that the President did not need a Malala or needed to wait for three months after the abduction before making moves to see the parents of the abducted girls.

Reliable sources in the Presidency had claimed that the President’s moves in the past to see the parents were thwarted.

Speaking with State House correspondents on last Tuesday’s botched meeting, the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe blamed the BringBackOurGirls and the opposition for the development.

He said: “The meeting was scheduled for 4p.m today at the instance of the request that was made by Malala and the President graciously agreed within 24 hours to meet with them but unfortunately the BringBackOur Girls leadership prevailed on the parents of the girls, stopped them from coming therefore what happened was that they actually shunned the meeting with Mr.

Jonathan versus Chibok girls’ parents President because the foreign media and everybody was waiting for this meeting and since they were no longer coming and they made it expressly clear that they were no longer coming, infact that the girls were just few minutes away from Chibok, the meeting was aborted.”

“It was the leadership of BringBackOurGirls that brought them to Abuja and that gives them some leverage, they accommodated them, it is obvious now that the BringBackOurGirls in Nigeria are interested in showmanship not genuinely concerned with the plight of the children and that of their parents.”

Continuing, he said: “That is was has become clinically clear by this action because if the parents of the girls travelled so much from Chibok to get to Abuja, why will it be impossible for them to meet with the President who has graciously agreed to give an appointment within less than 24 hours to meet with them.”

“We are just coming from the President and he has authorized that an official letter be written to the parents inviting them to for-

From the Villa

By Augustine Ehikioya mally to come and meet him and it is going to be sometime next week.” He said But the #BringBackOurGirls Coalition, which had always insisted that the Federal Government was not doing enough to rescue the girls, last week denied aborting the Jonathan, parents’ meeting.

In a statement jointly signed by former Minister of Education and coordinator of the group, Oby Ezekwesili, and Hadiza Usman, the group said it was merely informed about the decision of the

Home of child labourers •Continued from page 34 loads, some that sit around the overhead bridge carry heavy loads across the bridge for stipends while of almajiris in town have now taken up another trade, they hang around traffic in town, they can even be seen at the Central Area, here they wait patiently for the light to turn red and as soon as it does, you will find little boys, some as young as six or seven struggling to wash the windscreen of cars with their readymade detergent water and stick. They do not bother to ask permission from motorists but simply dive on the windscreen and begin washing, most angry motorist drive them away while some allow them to finish and hand them stipends.

Mr Benard, a taxi driver who takes Nicon junction to Secretariat route insisted that the children are a great nausea and need to be flushed out of the city centre. “ they are so annoying honestly, they won’t even take permission but use that their dirty

water to stain the windscreen that you have already washed, i don’t give them anything oh, i just yell at them anytime they come close to my car.

What they do is very dangerous and they could easily be hit by a car but they never listen and security operatives simply watch them without chasing them away.”

A resident of Kubwa, Mercy Kalu called parents that allow their children sell things in the traffic late at night careless. Her words, “how much is it that the children are going to make for their families that they are being kept out late selling bananas that people don’t even want, some parents can be very careless and you see them crying when something happens to the children. These children rush through traffic most times not even checking properly to be sure that the road is clear. The government of the Federal Capital Territory needs to do something about taking these children off the streets because it is child abuse.”

•Children at work

parents and was not in attendance when the invitation to the Presidential meeting was extended to the Chibok parents.

The group expressed surprise at what it called “the escalation of the pattern of the campaign of calumny by the government officials on our citizens’ movement, advocating for the rescue of the abducted 219 schoolgirls from Chibok Secondary School, 93 days ago.”

While maintaining that the parents did not request to see the President, Spokesperson of the

Abuja Chibok Community, Dauda Iliya last week said that they only received the invitation from the Presidency after the parents had left Abuja for Chibok.

He said: “These parents and escaped girls did not come to Abuja at the instance of government or its representatives for a meeting with Mr. President but on the full understanding that they were coming to meet with Malala.”

“In the course of their interactions with Malala, neither the parents nor escaped girls asked for a meeting with the President or any government functionary, rather the narrative back home was to persistently ask why the President has not visited them in Chibok since the abduction. It is obvious that 12 fathers and 5 girls only constitute about 2% of the parents of the abducted girls and the 57 girls that escaped.” He said While the ongoing accusations and counter-accusations would immediately stop as soon as the girls are safely rescued, it is hoped that the next meeting with the parents billed for this week will actually hold and go a long way to ameliorate the problems that followed the abduction.

37

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22 , 2014

LAW & SOCIETY

•From left: Legal Adviser British American Tobacco Nigeria, Mrs. Odiri Megisson-Erewa; Director-General Consumer Protection Council (CPC) Mrs. Catherine Dupe Atoki; Ambassador Musa, Chairman ABUCCIMA Solomon Inyagba.

•From left: Senior Legal Counsel (West Africa) Nigerian Bottling Company, Mr. Ore Olajide, Prof. Sarah Anyanwu, Dimgba, Andzenge and Prof. Adeyemi Oyejide

To ensure an orderly development of the economy, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has presented a draft policy on competition and consumer protection to stakeholders, reports JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU

Ministry presents draft policy on competition T HE Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has pre sented a draft National Policy on Competition and Consumer Protection to ministries and agencies.

The event was the second leg of the efforts to produce an encompassing policy to regulate business competition in the country. The first leg for the South was held in Lagos in May. One of the organisers, Mr. Terhemen Andzenge the aim is to have a good policy to regulate businesses in the country.

The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment Mr. Olusegun Aganga, represented by a permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa, said: “The Federal Government beginning in the 1980s undertook major valiant attempts to combat the economic crisis that were precipitated by internal and external problems ranging from recession, high unemployment, inflation, rising fiscal deficits to recurring balance of account deficits and a huge debt overhang. These economic reforms led to the liberalisation of the economy and the opening up of erstwhile monopoly sectors to the private sector.

“The dire situation the nation was in then threw up a sense of urgency that did not allow for a coherent sequencing of these reforms. There was the need, as is consistent with global trends, for a robust legal and regulatory framework to govern consumer protection and competition that would underpin the reforms. This would in turn forestall and/ or minimise the emergence of private monopolies who would replace the public monopolies that Government was moving away from.

“The Government of President Goodluck Jonathan in due realisation of this vital missing link, has, in the past two years worked assiduously to produce new legal and regulatory framework for competition and consumer protection. There is currently a draft federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill being considered by the Federal Executive Council for onward transmission to the National Assembly for passage into law. The draft bill delineates the institutions, laws, regulations, orders, rul-

ings and other implementation and enforcement tools that will allow competition and consumer protection matters to be dealt with. Mindful of the need to chart a coherent policy direction that will guide any future direction and legislative initiatives in the sector and conscious of the need to make the reforms sustainable there is a need to spell out a Policy Framework that will regulate consumer protection and competition matters in Nigeria. Towards this the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade has prepared a draft National Policy on Competition and Consumer Protection which is contained in this brochure.’’

“The need and benefits of a national policy for competition and consumer protection are many. These include encouraging enterprise, innovation, efficiency and a widening of choice. This, will in turn address cartel-like entities, anti-competition tendencies, protect the investing public and consumers; enable consumers to buy the goods and services they want at the best possible price; and contributing to national competitiveness.‘’ Nigeria does not currently have an overarching framework for competition law and policy, although there are a number of legislations at federal and state levels which touch upon consumer protection.

In seeking to meet the need for a unified framework of competition and consumer protection law, the Policy is erected upon a number of keys principles which are the effective prevention of anti-competitive conduct; fair market process; (z) competitive neutrality, (xx) fair pricing and national and international co-operation. ‘ It’s objectives include: Promotion and maintenance of competitive markets in

the economy, promotion of economic efficiency, protection from unfair trade practices generation of employment; and advancement of social and economic welfare.

The policy shall apply to all market transactions and to all entities engaged in commercial transactions, including governmental agencies. Any exceptions to the scope of applicability of the Policy must be explicitly set out, and be directed at social or national objectives.

In terms of institutional framework, the policy contemplate a synergy among the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, on one part and on the other a Competition and Consumer Protection Authority, as well as a Competition and Consumer Protection tribunal, which are to be established.

The ministry said: “The Competition and Consumer Protection Authority will act as an independent body responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the proposed Competition and Consumer Protection legislation.

The tribunal, in line with international best practices, shall be constituted to adjudicate over disputes arising from the proposed enabling legislation and to hear appeals and review decisions taken by the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority. The Ministry of Trade will for its part act as the coordinating government ministry responsible for competition and consumer protection.

“In implementing Policy, regard is to be had to the need to ensures synergy with other governmental policies; coordinate the Policy with related policies at the other tiers of Government; promote advocacy and support for competition and consumer protection

‘Like other policy documents, the National Competition and Consumer Protection Policy contains a set of ideas, aspirations, goals and instruments visions towards an orderly development of Nigeria economy’

enforcement; and create liaisons among the proposed Competition and Consumer Protection Authority and other sector-specific regulatory agencies such as the securities and Exchange Commission, National Communication, Central Bank of Nigeria etc.

“Like other policy documents, the National Competition and Consumer Protection Policy contains a set of ideas, aspirations, goals and instruments visions towards an orderly development of Nigeria economy, and the promotion of competitive markets that protects and promotes the interests and welfare of consumers through the provision of completive prices and product choices to consumers. The policy document is therefore at expression of intent, and the commencement of a journey intended to be a process rather than a blue print. As its implementation proceeds fresh issues may arise. While this will be addressed through appropriate policy directives, a policy review will be undertaken where the need arises.

“Indubitably, the Nigerian economy today stands at a historic crossroads. The widespread economic reforms programe pursued with consistency and calibration over more than two decades now, has unleashed an unprecedented growth momentum and pushed the development frontiers of the economy. The time has come to undertake the second wave of growth oriented reforms which can help in bolstering economic growth and tap the creative energies of our vibrant entrepreneurial force. The National Competition and Consumer Protection Policy can assist in realising this vision. It will help in reaping full growth dividends in various sectors of the economy and respond to the needs and aspirations of our people.”

Andzenge urged all stakeholders and the public who have input to make into the draft policy to do so in writing and forward to the committee soon.

This, he said, would enable the committee to produce a better draft the would form basis for an all-encompassing Competition and Consumer Protection law.

38

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

LEGAL OPINION

Federal High Court workers may join strike T

HERE are stong indications that Federal High Court workers may join the strike by their state high court counterparts under the aegis of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

Workers embarked on the strike to enforce their demand for the financial independence of the judiciary.

It is also to show solidarity judiciary workers in Rivers State who are protesting the presence of two heads, one appointed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the other by the state government.

It was learnt that JUSUN officials have started mobilisation of their Federal High Court members across the country and have put them on red alert should the federal government fail to meet their demands.

Since the strike commenced last week, Judges of the High Court of Lagos state, lawyers, police and prison officials for instance, have not been able to access the court rooms.

As a result, activities had remained paralysed as no court room was opened for adjudication of cases.

The two main gates of the headquarters of the High court of Lagos state along Oba Akinjobi road and Old Secretariat road, GRA, Ikeja remained under lock by the workers to prevent litigants and their counsels from going into the court premises.

Many cases which ought to have been heard, including high profile ones involving oil marketers, chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited Chief Olawale Babalakin and Chairman, Cross Country Transport Company, Chief Bube Okorodudu were stalled by the workers’ strike.

Chief Okorodudu, for instance, who came to Ikeja High court last week, in compliance with an or-

By Adebisi Onanuga

der of the court presided by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo could not gain entrance into the court premises.

Justice Lawal-Akapo issued a warrant for the arrest of Okorodudu to appear in court yesterday to answer alleged theft charges of N82.8million preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Okorodudu’s counsel Godswill Mrakpor said his client’s absence from the court was because he travelled out on health grounds.

He said Okorodudu, immediately on arrival in the country last week reported himself to the police at Zone 2, Onikan and was in court as ordered by the trial judge.

Workers at the other divisions of the High Court of Lagos State, including Ikorodu, Lagos and Badagry also locked the gates against judges and lawyers in compliance with the directive of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

JUSUN last week directed its members to shut all courts with the exception of federal courts for failure of the Federal Government to implement the judgment of a Federal High Court on the financial autonomy of the state judiciaries councils.

In a communique at the end of an emergency meeting, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the union, JUSUN also asked Federal judiciary workers to be at alert because they may be requested to join the strike in solidarity with their state counterparts.

The communique, jointly signed by the National President of the union, Marwan Adamu, and the General Secretary, Isaiah Adetola, also stated that the national secretariat of the union has taken over the industrial dispute embarked upon by the Rivers state JUSUN recently over leadership crisis.

JUSUN further described as “unfair” for both the National Judicial Council, (NJC) and the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), to issue two separate directives for and against returning to work.

The union said they had to solidarise with their colleagues as the workers cannot serve two masters at the same time.

He said the union members in Rivers would not resume unless the critical stakeholders in the state amicably resolve the matter so as to ensure security of the workers.

According to the communique, “the security and protection of our members is no longer guaranteed in this leadership crisis that engulfed the Rivers State Judiciary in the last one year”.

It also said: “After the exhaustive deliberation on the refusal/failure of state Governments to respect/ implement the Federal High Court Abuja, judgment /orders in respect of financial autonomy of state Judiciaries as well as failure of stakeholders to abide by the decision to set up a technical implementation committee of the FAAC meeting of June 17, it is resolved

by NEC: “That all Judiciary staff at state level nationwide should proceed on an indefinite strike with effect from Friday, July 11.

“That the National secretariat of the union shall notify Federal Judiciary workers to join the action as events unfolds.

“That the National Executive Committee of the union after a review of events in Rivers state Judiciary also resolved that JUSUN members in the state should continue and sustain their current strike until the major stakeholders, fine an amicable resolution of the leadership crisis in Rivers state judiciary.

Meanwhile the NEC in session has announced total takeover of action in Rivers State”

•From left; Former Chairman NBA Nnewi branch, O. J. Okeke, Chairman NBA Aguata branch E.N. Ezeonwuka (Onowu) and chairman NBA Aguata law week Committee, Mr. K.C. Ezeanyika at the NBA Aguata law week held in Ekwulobia

Nigeria’s Top 100 Lawyers for presentation soon

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COMPENDIUM, “Nigeria’s Top 100 Lawyers”is set to be presented in Lagos.

Published by City Lawyer Publishers Limited, it is the first attempt to rank Nigeria’s most accomplished lawyers.

It is also a product of painstaking research and nation-wide Peer Review Rating and is designed solely to celebrate legal excellence in Nigeria.

It is edited by Emeka Nwadioke, a former banker and award-winning journalist-turned-lawyer, the compendium which coincides with Nigeria’s 100 Years Anniversary is a culmination of over 12 months intensive research and survey.

According to the publishing firm which also publishes City Lawyer Magazine, “Nigeria’s Top 100 Lawyers “ is designed to provide the most transparent, most respected, useful and definitive referral guide on legal excellence in Nigeria. The publishers do not accept payments of any kind from lawyers, law firms or third parties for listing in the Compendium.

It said that “Because the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of its voting pool, nominations were obtained exclusively from the ranks of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and acclaimed Solicitors who also constituted the entire candidate pool.” The

results of the online survey were then collated by the Board of Editors who double checked the ranking through independent research and discreet interviews with pre-eminent legal experts. The compendium is designed as a full colour, all-gloss publication in book format.

With an Advisory Board made up of highly respected experts including renowned professor of Jurisprudence & International Law, Prof. Akin Oyebode; former UNILAG Dean of Law Prof. Chioma Agomo, and Prof.

Akin Ibidapo-Obe, currently Dean of Law, University of Lagos, the publishers pride themselves on the fact that lawyers cannot buy entry into the publication.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

Impeachment as political whiplash

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AST week, Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa state, finally got the boot from the state house of assembly. According to reports, the former Governor and his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) instead of being despondent, remain defiant, and have vowed to challenge the governor’s impeachment in court. Their argument is that the process was fraught with irregularities, and had failed to meet the requirement of section 188 of the 1999 constitution, as amended. The party also contends that President Goodluck Jonathan has turned the scepter of impeachment, into a political arsenal, to destroy his political opponents, and that Adamawa is just the first of the several minefields that the PDP led federal government has planted.

Without doubt, the Governor and his party are entitled to challenge the alleged infractions in court. That will be in tandem with the pronouncement of Chukwuma-Eneh JCA (as he then was), i n Adeleke vs Oyo State House of Assembly, when he held: “The court is empowered by section 1(3) of the constitution to pronounce null and void any acts of the executive or legislature including any purported legislative acts done under section 188 … where the acts are inconsistent with the constitution as the supreme law”. According to the learned Justice, “A legislative act done in the process of removing of governor or deputy governor is legally passed where it has complied strictly with the procedure prescribe under section 188”.

The inviolable integrity of the constitution was affirmed by the Supreme Court in Attorney General, Abia State vs Attorney General, Federation, by Tobi JSC when he averred: “ The constitution of a nation is the fons et origo, not only of the jurisprudence but also of the legal system of the nation. It is the beginning and the end of the legal system…. In line with this kingly position of the constitution, all the three arms of government are slaves of the constitution, not in the sense of undergoing servitude or bondage, but in the sense of total obeisance and loyalty to it.” So it is the duty of the courts to critically examine the impeachment process in Adamawa state with respect to the provisions of section 188; and where there is any irregularity, the court should not hesitate to shoot down the impeachment, after as Akaahs JCA held in Dapianlong vs Dariye (No. 1) “The impeachment of a Governor is a serious business and must not be reduced to child’s play.”

Further down Adamawa, closer to Abuja, the seat of the federal government, controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is enjoying a sudden risorgemento, the Governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, another APC state, has been served impeachment notice by the PDP controlled house of assembly. Again, according to the national chairman of the national opposition party, Chief John OdigieOyegun, the PDP led federal government has also primed its impeachment arsenal against the governors of Edo, Borno and Rivers state. If the PDP as alleged succeeds in this unconstitutional gambit, then by what may be described as a sleight of hand, the party would have a clear national majority going into the fearful 2015 ‘do or die’ general elections.

Commentators across the country have been distraught that the present national political odyssey have followed similar trajectory as the previously doomed democratic experiments in the 1960’s and 1980’s. Recall that the Northern Peoples Congress controlling the national legislature in the post-independence parliamentary democracy, increasingly became obsessed with retaining their majority as the 1964 general elections approached, and in their desperation, short-cuts, under-cuts and upper-cuts were employed. Similar tactics were also employed by the National Party of Nigeria, the national ruling party in the second republic, and while the party was able to capture quite a number of states from the opposition parties in the 1983 general ‘landslide’ election, the resultant seismic tremor took decades to settle.

So, should we carelessly ride on that road again? My contention is that President Jonathan and his party must in the interest of our tottering democracy examine the allegations of the opposition, and if they are responsible for this gale of impeachments, should immediately apply the brakes. While the impeachment of a political office holder is a legitimate political weapon to deal with recalcitrant public officials within a polity, it becomes an undemocratic invasion, when forces beyound the precincts of a polity, induces and enforces impeachment as a means to settle political differences. Indeed President Jonathan, who is from a minority political sub-group, must be careful not to employ any underhand tactics in his political gamesmanship, to avoid the majority learning from him, and resorting to the same game against him in the future.

Even more pressing is that the resort to impeachment as a political whiplash may so unsettle the polity as to lead to major national crisis.

Just as I pen this piece, it was reported that the civil society in Nasarawa state and the leaders of APC across the country were mobilizing to challenge the threat of impeachment against governor Al-Makura. If history is any guide, the crisis that culminated in the Nigerian civil war started with the undisguised attempt of the then majority party, the Northern Peoples Congress, to forcefully expand their political horizon across the country, particularly in the south-west. It will be foolhardy to pretend that the national fault-lines have substantially changed from that of the 1960’s.

I therefore urge President Jonathan and his party apparatchik not to be cajoled, by the hawks amongst them, into falsely believing that all is well with an obtrusive interference with the political fortunes of any part of the country, in a manner that could trigger national crisis. As former President Obasanjo learnt, Nigeria has its way of dealing with political chicanery.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

39

LAW & SOCIETY PENGASSAN urges court to dismiss members’ suit

A courageous soul departs

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AMIDELE Aturu’s many ideologically deep analysis were laden with sincer ity. He is not known to espouse one thing in public and thereafter do things fundamentally opposite in private practice.

To him, service to God was essentially to be found in how well you serve humanity’s cause especially those of the cheated, dispossessed and impoverished. His practice of Law was thus dedicated to ventures that advance these noble ideals.

He was courageous and genuine.When he percieved there were a ‘catalogue of errors’ in the circumstances that knitted some sort of degeneracy into the judicial crises in Rivers State- he spoke frankly, and ably identified where he felt each participant went wrong, without mincing words or being needlessly patronising. On the need for democracy at the Bar, he spoke very frankly against what he termed ‘Cabalisation of the NBA’.

Though an ultra-conservative may disagree with him, prescient thinkers can well tell that Bamidele Aturu would be proved right someday that there can be no progress without genuine democracy.When he saw a need for the Justice system to learn from the conduct of the South African system in the ongoing Oscar Pistorius Trial, he drove home his points on gender equity, Counsel and Judicial conduct etc, in his characteristically firm, unpatronising manner. It is public knowledge that he has taken up countless cases in

By Joseph Jibueze

By Iwilade Akintayo

defence of many dispossessed workers and oppressed artisans. His Chambers also organises an annual Law and Social Development Lecture Series which are part of his efforts at driving home the point that Law is only useful, if it is used in the service of the people.His regular interventions will surely be inspiration for many as the details of his life and times gradually engender deeper reflections in the years ahead. He has lived his principles from the time of his first notably recorded intervention, i.e; his courageous refusal to accept a handshake from one of the then symbols of democratic subversion as represented by Military Administrators, during his National Youth Service days.

So, one may sum up, among many other imperishable deeds, that the golden threads running through Aturu’s forthright messages are: (i) Imperative of the military to remain subject to civilian authority. (ii) True democracy as a condition precedent to be enthroned in every facet of public life to achieve real development and (iii). The dismantling of all retrogressive policies and laws that foster primitive income and social inequality within the society. All these clearly testify to an activism driven by deep ideological convictions.In all, I think the deliberate under-development of this Country by those ruling it obviously put pressure on those who have taken it upon themselves to shoulder the difficult burden of trying to agitate

T

•Aturu and raise public consciousness to avert an imminent collapse. One of those who sincerely shouldered such burdens of conscience was Aturu. May his courageous soul be free of burdens. May he rest in undisturbed peace and may those inflicting under-development on Nigerians never know peace until the mass of the people eventually find their voices, and if need be, also their arms and ideas, to take back their country’s dignity and to restore the humanity of all its citizens.

Adieu Aturu.

Will: Judge okays transfer of case file

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USTICE Olajumoke Emeya of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja has ordered the de fendants in a suit contesting the Will of the late Madam Isabella K. Akinhanmi, to apply for the transfer of the case file and exhibits to the Court of Appeal.

The judge gave the order after quashing an earlier application filed by the defendants, seeking to stay execution of a court’s ruling on the matter.

The defendants in the suit are Akinhanmi, representative of the family of the late Pa Joshua Akinhanmi family; the Probate Registrar; administratotrs of the estate of Pa Akinhanmi; Incorpotarted trustees of the First Anglican Mission and the Adninistrator general of Lagos state.

The claimants, John Babatunde Alani Soluade and Funmilayo Akinbayo (nee Joaquim) had approached the court, by an amended general form of writ of summons and an amended statement of claim dated March 30, 2010 seeking a court declaration that the Will of late madam Akinhanmi dated July 9, 1984 and prepared by Abiola A. Oshodi be regarded as her last Will and testament and for the court to recognise them and three others as beneficiaries of the estate of the deceased, in particular, the property at 174 and 186 Murtala Muhammed Way, Ebute Metta.

They had also sought a perpetual injunction restraining the first and third defendants as administrator de son tort

By Adebisi Onanuga

their agents, caretakers, privies, successors in title or assigns or whatsoever from collecting rents, annuity, royalty or any form of revenue whatsoever from or ejecting tenants or managing, controlling or interfering in any form or manner with the management of the Ebute Metta property or constituting themselves as beneficiaries of the deceased estate among other prayers.

In her ruling on March 7, Justice Emeya not only granted the claimants prayers, but also awarded N25,000 costs against the defendants.

She had also ruled that the first defendant has no title or interest whatsoever to the estate of the deceased at 174 and 186, Murtala Muhammed Way, Ebute Metta and to render account of management of the two properties to the Administrator General of Lagos State pending probate.

At the resumed hearing of the matter, counsel to the first defendant, Rotimi Omolesi sought to withdraw the application for stay of execution of the ruling pointing out that it has been overtaken by events.

Omolesi said his client has entered into appeal and that the court can no longer entertain the matter in view of the development.

He, therefore, appealed that the case file and all related evidences and exhibits be transferred to the Court of Appeal

in line with Order 4 Rule 10 and 11 of the Court of Appeal Rule.

Counsel to the claimants O. O. Adeleke objected to the request and insisted that they were in court to argue against the application for stay of execution of the ruling of the court filed by the defendants.

She said the fact that an appeal had been entered into by the defendants should not lead to stay of execution of the ruling of the court.

Adeleke said they were not aware of the decision of the defendants appealing the ruling of the court and insisted on cost if the court was no longer going to hear the application for stay of its ruling.

She argued that the defendants had enough time to inform the claimants of its intention but failed to do so.

But Omolesi countered her and said that their application was filed within record time and that two adjournments the matter suffered after it was filed was not at their instance but that of the court.

Justice Emeya over ruled the claimants request for cost and stated that the request for transfer of the case file to Court of Appeal can not be made through oral application on the floor of the court.

The trial judge agreed with the defendants on their right to appeal but directed their counsel to file a formal application for the transfer of the case file, evidences and exhibits for proper documentation.

•From left to right: Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and former Chairman NBA Ikorodu, Sahid Shillings at the 2014 Law week

HE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has urged the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) to dismiss a suit filed by two of its Chevron Nigeria branch members, John Nwanosike and Jonathan Omare.

The plaintiffs are seeking to nullify the association’s delegates’ conference because it was held in violation of a court order.

Justice Kenneth Amadi had granted an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from holding the conference until the plaintiffs’ suit is determined. But effort to serve the interim order on the National Secretariat of PENGASSAN at 288 Ikorodu Road was frustrated, as the association went ahead to hold the conference.

The claimants jointed Chevron Branch of PENGASSAN, Mr Esanubi Frank and Mr Ayanate Kio as the defendants.

The defence counsel, Mr Sola Iji, said he had just filed his processes opposition to the claimants’ suit.

The claimants’ lawyer Mr Festus Aifeyodion said he was yet to be served with the papers. He urged the court to hear his motion.

Justice Amadi, however, urged parties to return on a further date when all pending applications would be heard.

The plaintiffs said they were duly elected as delegates to the PENGASSAN conference with their tenure valid for three years, only for their names to be struck out by the defendants, denying them the right to vote and be voted for at the conference.

The plaintiffs said in a bid to also prevent them from exercising their franchise, the defendants set up a disciplinary committee to try them after they complained that their rights were been trampled on. The panel subsequently found them ‘guilty’ even when there was no evidence of any offence against them.

The plaintiffs are, therefore, seeking a declaration that the removal of their names as delegates to the zonal and national conference was unconstitutional; as well as an order mandating the defendants to include their names as delegates.

They also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining PENGASSAN from holding the conference until the illegality occasioned by their removal was redressed.

Justice Amadi adjourned till September 25 for hearing.

Court cites council officials for contempt

By Adebisi Onanuga

J

USTICE Adeniyi Adebajo of a Lagos High Court has convicted the Ojo Local Government, its chairman and eight others for contempt.

The council chiefs and other defendants were charged for contempt in a suit filed by a Lagosbased businessman, Chief Chika Elile and his company, Chika and Sons Limited.

The council, its officers and some defendants were charged with disobeying an order made on April 15, 2008 over a land at Alaba International Market, Ojo Area of Lagos State.

Ruling, Justice Adebajo also imposed N7.5 million fine on the council while its four other top officers are to pay N1million each.

Others convicted of the charge were also fined N100,000 each.

According to the judge, all the defendants must pay the fines within 30 days of the judgment.

Earlier, Justice Adebajo, in a suit filed by the businessman, restrained both the state government, the local government, its officers and other defendants in the suit from seeking or making acquisition of the said property in dispute for any purpose whatsoever as it runs contrary to the principle of the plaintiffs’ pendens.

He restrained the local government from introducing any innovation or interfering with the land the subject matter of various disputes.

The judge also suspended the Certificate of Occupancy granted to the council during the suits and declared it as of no effect until the final determination of all the suits.

The court heard that notwithstanding the service of Forms 48 and 49, the council through its chairman has not budged from its acts of illegality by continuing in triple fold, to disobey the order/judgment of the court up to date.

The court also noted that other defendants had placed hoodlums and members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) with dangerous weapons on the land.

40

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

LAW REPORT

‘Abia gov’s sack of local govt officials illegal‘ IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA HOLDEN AT ABUJA ON FRIDAY, THE 11TH DAY OF JULY, 2014 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS WALTER SAMUEL NKANU ONNOGHEN, J.S.C. SULEIMAN GALADIMA, J.S.C. BODE RHODE-VIVOUR, J.S.C. KUMAI BAYANG AKA’AHS, J.S.C. JOHN INYANG OKORO, J.S.C. SC. 209.2010 (2014) LPELR-23276(SC) BETWEEN HON. CHIGOZIE EZE & ORS. …………………….…… Appellants And GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE & ORS. …………………………………... Respondent LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY BODE RHODES-VIVOUR, J.S.C.

T

HIS is an appeal from the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division deliv ered on the 23rd day of April, 2010. The Appellants were elected by the people of Abia State to serve as Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and Councilors in the State’s Local Government Councils. The tenure was for a fixed term of three years (3 years). The Appellants assumed office and commenced the work for which they were elected. On the 16th day of June, 2000 the Governor (1st Respondent) dissolved all the Local Government Councils and appointed Caretaker Committees. As at the date of dissolution of the Local Government Councils in Abia State by the 1st Respondent, the Appellants had a residue of 23 (twenty-three) months of tenure as the Appellants were running a 3 (three) years tenure. The Appellants as Plaintiffs aggrieved, on the 12th day of September, 2000 sued the Respondents as Defendants on an Originating Summons claiming amongst others an order compelling, the 1st Defendant/ Respondent to reinstate the Plaintiffs as Councilors of Aba South Local Government Council to complete the residues of their respectively tenures. After considering written addresses filed by both sides, the learned trial judge delivered a considered judgment on the 10th of October, 2002 wherein he refused to reinstate the Appellants because their tenure had lapsed by effluxion of time but however, ordered that the Plaintiffs be paid salaries and allowances as Councilors for the unexpired tenure of their office as Councilors. Dissatisfied with the judgment the Plaintiffs/Appellants appealed to the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal found that the Governor of Abia State (the 1st Respondent) was wrong to remove democratically elected Local Government Chairmen and Councilors and replace them with unelected Chairmen and Councilors, and the Chairmen and Councilors removed by the 1st Respondent still had 23 months left to complete their tenure at the time they were removed from office. The Court of Appeal granted all the reliefs of the Appellants except for the relief asking the Court for an order compelling the 1st Defendant/Respondent to reinstate the Plaintiffs/Appellants as Councilors of Aba South Local Government Council to complete the residues of their respectively tenures.

The Court of Appeal refused to grant the relief on the ground that it was now impossible to grant as the Appellants said tenure had lapsed by effluxion of time. The Appellants still aggrieved with the decision appealed to the Supreme Court. The sole issue for consideration formulated by the Appellants is: Whether the lower court was not in error when it failed to make a consequential order, directing, the payment of salaries and allow-

ances to the Appellants, after granting all the Appellants reliefs except relief No. 8, which sought to reinstate them to their offices.

Learned counsel for the Respondents’ adopted the sole issue formulated by the Appellants.

Arguing the appeal, learned counsel for the Appellants observed that it is futile to grant all the declarations in favour of the Appellants without granting any consequential order that would be of benefit to them, since they won the case.

He argued that the Court can grant a relief that is incidental necessary to the relief claimed even if such incidental relief had not been expressly claimed. Reliance was placed on Nneji v.

Chukwu (1988) 3 NWLR (Pt. 81) 184, (1988) LPELR-2058(SC). Concluding learned counsel urged the Court to make a mandatory order directing the 1st Defendant/Respondent to pay the Appellants 10,451,989.00 (Ten Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Nine Naira per year to each of the Appellants in lieu of their reinstatement into office to complete the residue of 23 months of tenure, being their salaries and allowances for the period.

Learned counsel for the Respondent contended that it is misconceived for the Court to order payment and allowances to the Appellants since there is no power in the Courts to grant unclaimed reliefs. He observed that the Court and the court below are not Father Christmas that dole out unclaimed reliefs. Relying Awoniyi v.

Amorc (2000) 6 SC (Pt. 1) 103, (2000) LPELR655(SC); and Akinbobola v. Plisson Fisko (1991) 1 NWLR (Pt. 167) 270, (1991) LPELR-343(SC).

Learned counsel observed that since the Court held that the claim of the Appellants had elapsed by effluxion of time the only remedy is to strike out the appeal as monetary compensation cannot possibly follow consequentially from a suit that is academic and spent. He urged the Court to discountenance the Appellants’ arguments in this issue.

First the Court noted that the findings of the Court of Appeal which remain inviolate in the absence of a cross-appeal by the Respondents is that the Governor of Abia State (the 1st respondent) was wrong to remove democratically elected Local Government Chairmen and Councilors and replace them with unelected Chairmen and Councilors, and the Chairmen and Councilors removed by the 1st Respondent still had 23 months left to complete their tenure at the time they were removed from office.

In determining the appeal, the Court held that on a careful reading of Section 7(1) of the Constitution of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria it becomes clear that it is the duty of the Governor to ensure that the system of Local Government continues unhindered. The Court further held that dissolving Local Gov-

•Left to right Justices of the Court of Appeal, Abimbola Obseki-Adejumo, Uzo MNdukweAnyanwu and Rita Pemu at a one day conference on delay in justice administration.

•CJN, Aloma Mukhtar

•Governor Theodore Orji

ernment Councils and replacing them with Caretaker Committee amounts to the Governor acting on his whim and fancies, unknown to our laws, clearly illegal. The Court stated that it is the duty of the Governor to ensure their existence rather than being responsible for destroying them. The Court held that it amounts to Executive recklessness for the 1st Respondent to remove from office democratically elected Chairmen, and Councilors and replace them with unelected Chairmen and Councilors under whatever guise. The Court found the findings of the Court of Appeal to be correct and that such an act by the 1st Respondent should on no account be ever contemplated.

That it is illegal, and wrong.

The Court went further to consider whether the Appellants are entitled to be paid their salaries and allowance etc. On this the Court noted that all Courts in the land are courts of Law and Equity. The Court stated further that elected persons for a fixed term of years can only be removed from office if found to be in breach of the rules governing the office or for infamous conduct and if such a person is removed from office in a manner the Court finds to be wrong he shall be entitled to all his entitlement, to wit: salaries, allowances etc. The Court stated that the Court of equity will not allow the executive to get away with wrongful acts rather it would call the executive to order and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

The Court finally considered the question whether the Court can give a consequential order that the Appellant’s entitlements be paid?

In deciding this question, the Court stated that consequential means following as a result of inference, following or resulting indirectly. A consequential order the Court stated is an order that gives effect to a judgment. It gives meaning to the judgment. It is traceable or following from the judgment prayed for and made conse-

quent upon the reliefs claimed by the plaintiff.

The Court stated further that a consequential order must be incidental and flow directly and naturally from reliefs claimed. That it is an offshoot of the main claim and it owes its existence to the main claim. It gives effect to the judgment already given. See Obayabona v. Obazee (1972) 5 SC p. 247, (1972) LPELR2159(SC).

In this case the Court stated that the Appellants’ salaries flows naturally from the relief which sought reinstatement as a result of wrongful termination and that a consequential order can in the circumstances of this case be made to order the payment of the Appellants’ salaries for the residue of 23 months.

The Court cited Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act which reveals unlimited power available to the Court to do substantial justice in deserving cases. The Court held that a consequential relief can be granted by the Court in the interest of justice even where such has not been specifically claimed. The Court stated that equity regards as done that which ought to have been done and since they were illegally removed as elected officials of the Local Government Councils, their entitlements should be paid to them.

On the whole, the Court held that in the absence of a cross-appeal from the decision of the Court of Appeal that the appellants were wrongly removed from office, the Appellants are entitled to be paid all their outstanding salaries, allowances etc for 23 months. For the avoidance of doubt it was ordered that the 1st Respondent pays immediately to all the Appellants’ their Salaries, allowances for 23 months. The appeal was allowed.

•Edited by LawPavilion LawPavilion Citation: (2014) LPELR-

Firm faults BPE, others on NITEL, MTEL privatisation

A

FIRM, Basbsim International Limited has faulted the ongoing process to sell the assets of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited Plc (NITEL) and Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications (MTEL).

It alleged that the process being handled by the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) is devoid of transparency and tailored to favour certain interest.

The allegation is contained in court processes in relation to a suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/517/2014 filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja by the firm through its lawyer, Christopher Eichies. Sued with BPE are its Director-General, the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), NITEL, MTEL and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Basbsim stated that it learnt about the sale of assets of NITEL and MTEL via an advertorial published by BPE on page 49 of the June 9 edition of Thisday newspaper where the advertisers invited expression of interests from the general public.

It further stated that on the strength of the advertisement, it undertook to bid for the assets by putting in a first financial and technical proposal. It added that in line with international best practices, it took it made to submit its bid at the offices of the BPE on June 30 as requested in the advertorial, but was prevented.

The plaintiff said its head of operations in

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Abuja was refused entry into the premises of BPE located at plot 11, Osun Cresent, Maitama, and that all entreaties made by it to the BPE and its officials to accept its proposal fell on deaf ears as the security operatives in BPE’s Abuja office said they had instruction from the management not receive any proposals.

It alleged that by its conduct, BPE gives the impression that it had already predetermined those companies to whom the assets of NITEL and MTEL would be sold, and that there was a plot to exclude credible investors from partaking in the sale of the assets.

The plaintiff argued that the assets of the two public companies, valued at billions of United States dollars, belonged to Nigerians and not personal estate of those whose responsibility it is to sell them.

It urged the court to order the BPE to accept its interests to be prequalified in the privatization process and to declaration that the BPE’s refusal of its expression of interests on June 30 is unlawful.

Basbsim is also seeking a declaration that the NCP possesses the power to prevail on the first and second (NCP and its DG) defendants to accept its prequalification bid.

It equally seeks an order directing the first defendant to accept its expression of interests and those of other companies earlier rejected.

The defendants are yet to respond to the suit.

43

TUESDAY JULY 22, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

KWARA POLITICS The Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party is in a fix. The bitter struggle for the governorship ticket by chieftains has polarised the fold. As the gladiators work at cross-purposes, ahead of the next election, the party’s efforts to regain power may hit the rock. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

• Senator Ajadi

• Belgore (SAN)

• Senator Gbemi Saraki

• Prof. Oba

• Mrs Shagaya

Kwara PDP: Torn apart by ego and strife K

WARA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not recovered from the tragedy of mass defection that hit the chapter last year. Since Senator Bukola Saraki and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed left the troubled chapter, the party has been seized by crisis. Now, the crisis has escalated, following the struggle for the governorship ticket by aspirants.

The chapter has set two objectives for members since last year. The first is to draw the curtains on the Ahmed Administration next year. Ahmed is an All Progressives Congress (APC) governor. He was elected on the platform of the PDP in 2011.The second is to halt the influence of the Saraki Dynasty. The PDP chieftains are emboldened to achieve the two objectives, with the active backing of an insider, Senator Gbemi Saraki.

To achieve the goals, the chapter also relies on the federal might. President Goodluck Jonathan has been assured by the chapter that power shift is possible in Kwara, if the national leadership can make it a priority.

The President, who is the PDP National Leader, has also promised to lend the support to the chapter to recapture the seat of government.

However, the chapter is suffering from selfinflicted wounds. As the race to the Kwara Government House gathers momentum, PDP appears to be in disarray. The clogs in the wheel of progress are mutual suspicion, distrust, politics of blackmail and bitterness and character assassination. In an atmosphere of strife and rancour, Kwara PDP’s predicament is compounded by lack of a formidable leadership capable of effecting crisis resolution and reconciliation among the warring chieftains.

The chapter is factionalised. Although the chairman, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, who emerged at the rancorous congress held in February, has denied this, the facts on ground suggest otherwise. Oyedepo has said that his executive committee has succeeded in maintaining party supremacy and discipline, but he has not been able to nip the activities of antagonistic caucuses in the bud.

Today, Kwara PDP does not have an arrowhead. There is an executive committee in place, but the members perceive themselves as representatives of caucuses that nominated them. Therefore, their obligations go to the factional groups. There is little that Oyedepo, former Chief Whip of the House of Assembly, can do to whip them into line Party chieftains have attributed the inability of the President to appoint another min-

ister to replace sacked Sports Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi to the internal crisis. Although a section of the party said that the lack of representation at the federal cabinet was due to presidential prerogative, the delay in appointing a minister has to do more with the tussle over leadership among key leaders of the chapter.

For instance, Hajia Bola Shagaya has emerged a significant factor, owing to her close relationship with the Presidency. But, the fact that she has not been active politically in the state is a major reason other party leaders refuse to accept their leadership.

Across the three Muslim-dominated districts, party chieftains are not ready to accept a woman’s leadership. Yet, from all indications, it appears that the national leadership is rooting for her candidature for the ministerial slot.

Senator Gbemi Saraki, a former governorship candidate, is also interested in the position. Sources said that she has started to work against Mrs. Shagaya to reduce her chance of being picked by the President. Thus, the disagreement between the two strong women may affect the party.

According to sources, Senator Gbemi Saraki is coveting a ministerial job, having acknowledged the futility of insisting on her governorship ambition. GRS, as the former senator is fondly called, dumped her ambition because of her 2011 experience. She was rejected by voters at the poll due to gender reasons, despite the fact that she had the backing of her illustrious father and Kwara kingpin, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki. She was also said to have rejected an ambassadorial position so that she could monitor her constituency.

Thus, the only option for her is the ministerial appointment. Sources said that the position had been promised her by her brother’s close friend and the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Amadu Adamu Mua’zu. But, the obstacle now is the Shagaya factor.

Another reason why decided to jettison her

ASPIRANTS Prof. Shuiab Oba Senator Makanjuola Ajadi Mr Dele Belgore (SAN) Mr Ben Duntoye Senator Gbemi Saraki governorship ambition is that she cannot conveniently campaign against her father’s at the next year’s election. She had expressed reservations at the way some party leaders had criticised her father during the rally held at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority field. Speakers at the rally described her father’s time as a period of political slavery.

As the two amazons bicker over the ministerial slot, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi decided to remove the lid over what many party leaders have been concealing. He told reporters that his Southern Senatorial District must produce the next PDP governorship candidate. He said this is necessary to boost the chance of the party. Ajadi explained that, if the PDP want to succeed in its quest for power shift, the Central District should allow the South to enjoy the slot for eight years. Already, the governor, who is from the district, would have enjoyed the slot for four years by next year.

Many chieftains tend to agree with this suggestion by the presidential adviser. The thinking is that, if the Central District is allowed to produce the governor in 2015, the new governor will want to spend eight years and later, the slot will go to the North, which will also hold it for eight years. The implication is that the South may not taste it for 16 years.

‘The chapter is suffering from self-inflicted wounds. As the race to the Kwara Government House gathers momentum, PDP appears to be in disarray. The clogs in the wheel of progress are mutual suspicion, distrust, politics of blackmail and bitterness and character assassination. In an atmosphere of strife and rancour, Kwara PDP’s predicament is compounded by lack of a formidable leadership capable of effecting crisis resolution and reconciliation among the warring chieftains’

However, some people believe that Ajayi made the suggestion because the odd may favour him. He is a veteran governorship contender. It is believed that the choice of the flag bearer from the Central District may nullify his ambition to rule the Northcentral state. But Ajadi is not alone in the equation in the Kwara South. The former President of the Nigerian Youth Council and delegate to the National Conference, Ben Duntoye, is in the governorship race. He is relying on his connection with the Presidency to have a shot at the Government House.

But, the proposal by Ajadi and Duntoye is creating bad blood in the Central District, particularly among supporters of Mr. Dele Belgore (SAN), who left the APC for the PDP to realise his governorship ambition.

Four more years for the South and North will affect his aspiration. Also, if this route is taken, it will be a major slap on Mrs. Shagaya, who according to sources, has become the major campaigner for a Belgore ticket.

It was gathered that she had personally led the former ACN candidate to President Jonathan for an endorsement. Many believe that the recent suggestion by Ajadi was a sort of protest and warning to the party’s national leadership over the consequence of the endorsement.

The Belgore factor is also a sour grape to the aspiration of Professor Shuiab Abdullahi Oba, who has set up campaign structures. Oba is the former University of Ilorin Vice Chancellor.

He is the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission. He is bold, brave and fearless.

He was the first member of the Saraki camp to openly challenge the strongman and withstand the storm it generated. Perhaps, this may also become his undoing. Party members are saying in hush tones that it may be difficult to control him, if he becomes the governor.

However, chieftains rooting for his candidature have said that he is a loyal party man, who had sacrificed for the party, unlike Belgore who recently defected to the fold from the APC. Indeed, many supporters of Oba are unhappy that the same issue that chased Belgore out of the APC is what he has come to the PDP to preach. In the APC, Belgore had said that the party structure should not be handed over to people who had just joined the party at the expense of those who had laboured to build the structures for years.

Analysts have predicted post-primary crisis.

This can only be averted if the cracks in the party are mended, ahead of the election. But, will the gladiators sheathe their swords, shun personal interests and promote the collective interest of the party? Time will tell.

44

THE NATION TUESDAY JULY 22, 2014

POLITICS Former Oyo State Governor Omololu Olunloyo spoke with BISI OLADELE and TAYO JOHNSON on his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Jonathan Administration and the recent Ekiti governorship election.

He predicted that the tricks employed by the PDP to recapture Ekiti will fail during the Osun State poll.

‘PDP’s tricks ‘ll not succeed in Osun’ W

HAT is your view on the cur rent political situation in the country?

In my opinion, this is one of the worst periods in the history of this country. There is a government of mediocrity. In the first instance, you can interpret that anyway you like. There is the enthronement of mediocrity, fraud and all sorts of malversation.

Anybody who has been connected with murder, arson and theft should not be allowed to contest any election in this country, especially when the matter has not been settled. Anybody who has been connected with fraud, serious fraud and is under the watchful eyes of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should not be allowed to contest any election. I’m referring to the entire contestants. Ayo Fayose is my protégé. He attended the school I set up. He is a nice man, a rascal and he likes to enjoy himself. He supplies water when the people need water and meets their needs. He was good, but people misled him and asked him to go and do dangerous things. I’m saying you can’t contest any election from Agodi Prison and come out and be a senator. This is not possible, although Nkrumah went from prison during the colonial days. But, that is different and what I am saying is quite clear.

No matter whose name it is, you can’t contest election from prison. We now have people convicted of fraud, arson, at the level of the EFCC, brazenly displaying their posters all about. Anybody can be accused at any time, but they have to clear their name first. A system that does not clear their name and allow them to move forward is moving the country backwards.

You were a member of the PDP. Why did you leave the party?

I left the party because the party was not serious. The party was not serious and I don’t think the party is still serious.

It is better for one to join no party than to join the PDP. First, they have no idea of reward. I have worked for this country for more than 50 years.

We have been in positions for more than 50 years, in various positions. I was a commissioner at 27 years old.

We were energetic, we were serious, and we had role models. In education, where I was and even then, I was not in Awolowo’s party, I would go to his house at Ikenne, Oke- Bola. Every member of his family can testify to that. I would go to his house and argue with him, talk with him and all that. I would go to UNESCO in Paris to see Awokoya, to also talk to Ajasin, those were the people responsible for the educational sector. We had people who inspired us. I tried to rejuvenate the education sector and ginger it up.

Now, look at what the education sector has become. What I am saying in essence is that I have not been adequately rewarded.

We made a mistake, a bad one.

Umaru fell ill, we did not know how to replace him. We did not know what to do.The slot of the Presidency belongs to the Northwest, and you cannot be a President without a running mate. It is in the constitution, you can’t just go alone. Anyway, he finished his tenure. The party then committed a holler crime by choosing Jonathan. He is not from the Northwest. The ticket belonged to the Northwest. Not only did they choose Jonathan, they chose him in a way that I find revolting.

What is revolting? they chose him unanimously. It was not as if it was the choice of his zone. Obasanjo, who preceded him, was a beneficiary of what one can say of all the efforts of Awolowo. I believe it was a crime for the PDP to have chosen GEJ. First of all, I believe it was the Northerners, if not Northwest that should have been chosen.

What should we expect during the 2015 election?

There will be multiplicity of mysterious tricks, which we have to prepare for now. As an old and experienced man, I know that all that glitters is not gold. An example is the Ekiti State election. Mr Fayose is a personal young friend of mine. He has concern for youths and development, but when one wins the entire local governments in an election, I can’t explain. He has been changed from a Paul to Saul. He has been associated with about two murders and also the issue of his impeachment, and I am not so sure he is even qualified to contest an election, but being a politician, it seems everything goes in Nigeria. But, being a gentleman, I think he has pluses and minuses, and I’m not so sure he has the requirement to even qualify.

Apart from raising the issue of qualification, can you identify what you call other mysterious tricks?

Yes, the materials used during elections. Ekiti has what we can refer to as ink history. Earlier, it was red ink versus black ink but it is now allegations about erasable ink, and all sort of papers used as ballot papers during elections. This trouble goes on all over the world - in Malaysia and in various countries. I am not so sure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully up to the task of monitoring all the tricks that politicians can play. I’m not so sure at all; there is some kind of naivety. Something psychological bothers me. That is the fact that Nigeria might break up by 2015. Somebody has forecast this and it is exactly 50 years after the 1965 election. So, I am altogether pessimistic about the whole election issue. I don’t think people are serious at all. If the attacks of the Boko Haram eventually engulfs the country, then, any election will not be conducted in the country. The Federal Government must improve on leadership. The issue of insurgency like Maitasine and all sorts of insurgent groups which Lt. General Danjuma will call cowboy insurgency, has now become cowboy coup, a scout coup. Though Boko Haram is not in any way related to scout, it is not a scout issue because of their exponian system and firework approach. They seem to have better arms, better intelligence, better concentration of mind than the Federal Government.

There was a time I thought I heard something like there were members of Boko Haram in the government. And the way Gen. Patrick Aziza perished also worries me. One can never know if it is an enemy action, which is coincidence or something else in this country. What is more important is that, as far as my mind is concerned, it is negative.

Is there a meeting point between what you call mysterious tricks and the APC allegation?

It is not the same thing: one is superficial and the other is deep. What the APC is saying is about improper practices while the other is about the technology of ballot papers, ink and related issues.

The APC is absolutely correct, not because I am a member of the APC. There should be members of the opposition party and the Federal Government just hovering around the state whose movements are most annoying. Examples are Mr Andy Uba, who moved about the state under the guise of being the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the INEC and also Jelili Adesiyan, the Minister for Police and also Musiliu Obanikoro, the Minister of State for Defence. They have no business there.

They are not members of INEC, and they do not live there. They were just agents of intimidation. The use of the

• Dr Olunloyo

police and other unexplainable security operatives is for intimidation.

That intimidation was a major factor used in unprecedented manners during election in Nigeria. Once there is intimidation, election cannot be free, fair and credible. If there is an intimidation with the police and security officers. The election cannot be said to be free, if it is not free, the election cannot be credible. All the policing and arrest of some people who are kingpins of the party are new tricks and I think they should play evil only once. The Yorubas have an adage that says you can only trick a woman to bed only once.

In the Osun election, there are two major candidates; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Iyiola Omisore. What is your opinion about them?

They are more than two. We have another contestant, Mr. Akinwusi, dyed-in-the wool civil servant. The candidate of the Labour Party, is also one to be reckoned with, Mr Fatai Akinbade, who was an SSG. These SSGs have a way of knowing the entrails, the very innermost part of the government. They have access to information and the likes. So, many of them have become governors in the past. I think the President of the APC now, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and his Delta State counterpart, Emmanuel Uduaghan, were former SSGs. But, I think far above anyone, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has carried out some very bold moves. He has done some hard works. He has done more work than politicking. He has been nurtured and trained in Lagos for eight years under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Aregbesola has done very well. The first time I came across him was in the aspect of education. If I am to go through the achievement of Aregbesola and all the attempt to isolate and embarrass him, it will take time but, I will make an attempt, to talk about part of it. There was an attempt to stigmatize him as a religious fanatic and that he wanted to Islamise Osun state. That is an absolute and complete nonsense. This gentleman is disciplined and principled. In his family, he has five siblings, two are Christians, one is deceased and he is a devout Muslim and he also has a brother, who does not even care about religion at all like me. Religion is a private thing and is one of the dangerous things in the world used to divide people. I do not see how Christians are better than Muslims. When they have nothing else to do, they start fighting. Aregbesola is not involved in that. They brought up the issue of hijab. Aregbesola’s wife is a Muslim.

She does not wear hijab. Likewise his daughter. Aregbesola never made the use of hijab compulsory. He has had two first class appreciative funerals for a learned Judge, Justice Kayode Esho of the Supreme Court, and Apostle Obadare, who despite that he was blind, influenced people during his life.

Aregbesola gave them a fantastic funeral each. Everyone agreed that they are worth it. He did not say there must be Muslim funerals as well. Some people who are making trouble for the governor as regards religion in Osun State are doing so in vain. As a one-time Commissioner for Education in the Western Region, who still has interest in education, I see a lot of development in education. The people, who have been most critical of him, are the Baptist, and I do not see the point they are making. He decided to restructure the school into lower, middle and senior schools to which they do not agree. But, that is the decision of the government and they also raised the question of hijab in their schools. I do not think they have a point at all. But, one must be polite and gentle in handling them as Aregbesola has been handling them. The governor has not told them to their face in the manner in which could be said that they do not own the schools. The government has taken over the schools and is not running it irresponsibly. In Yorubaland, every family is also like Aregbesola’s family.

My father was a church organist, my mother was a Muslim. My mother died as a Muslim and my father as a Christian. Almost every family in Nigeria has Christians and Muslims in their family.

What Aregbesola is trying to do is to build high quality schools. If you build just 25 good schools, that is an achievement. How many schools were in existence in those days? He has done very well in education and he has brought Awolowo’s work into fore. Even though Awolowo was not a head of state, he attained the level of GCFR, based on what they have done in education.

Aregbesola is a compassionate person.

He has shown that, through the fantastic care of the elderly that he embarked upon in Osun, I do not think anything like that has ever been done before in Nigeria. The state will be a beneficiary of his second term, in their education and development, which is better than infrastructural development: building roads and other things, although they are also important. That is what I can say about him from what I have seen in Lagos and Osun states. I also think human development is also his forte in the State of Osun.

What about the other candidate Omisore?

What I can say about it is that he is from an illustrious family. I will not like to say more.

What can you say about the election in Osun state?

I see a clear win for the hardworking incumbent governor because there are many things that go on in Nigeria. The Bible says the race is not for the swift, nor the strongest. A prophet deserves honour at times in his own country and I think he should be honoured. If you take a statistical review, he has a large number of supporters, a large percentage in the rural areas like the conservative party in England. He also has not less than 50 percent support in not less than seventy-five percent of the state.

Is a free, fair and credible election possible in Osun State on August 9?

The remedy is partly in the hand of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? When he came to canvass in Ekiti, there was nothing wrong with it except that the canvassing was very biased.

There is, in this country, a National Security Council and there is also in every

‘Anybody who has been connected with murder, arson and theft should not be allowed to contest any election in this country, especially when the matter has not been settled’

state, a state security committee, but some of the unwritten rules were broken. The governor is the chief security officer of the state. It is very dangerous for the President to move about in a manner that he is accompanied by people who represent wicked force in the communities, even when such forces could be unleashed by the state security committees too. All this little argument about state police, if this country is truly a federal republic and there is a state election, and the governor starts canvassing for votes and the Vice President starts talking about insurgency and so on, there will be chaos. There must be give-and take. There must be gentlemanly exchanges. We have to be very careful with all we do in this regard. In Osun, there is some kind of envy of Osun State. Some people are very envious of Osun State. Some people are even afraid of Osun State. Why do I say so? In the last election, Osun State came out uniquely as one in which the incumbent President did not get 25 per cent of votes, but he got more than that in Lagos because it is a cosmopolitan city with multi-ethnic groups. You can almost ignore the indigenes there. I think that this time the president must be careful with what he does and what he leaves undone. The Vice-President must be ‘Mutantis Mutandis’ meaning that he must also be careful. I believe that the state security committee has a very important role to play in this election and if they decide to flex their muscle as the Federal Government seems to have flexed his muscle in Ekiti, they will be right to do so on their own peril. This is a federation and everybody knows that.

Security is on the concurrent list, and the Attorney General in the 1979 constitution in the federal as well as the state, the Attorney General can only hold two positions though the two positions are separated in England. He is the Minister of Justice, and Attorney General. The Attorney General is the lawyer of the government, the commissioner is the lawyer of the people. The government is a body of cooperate groups who can sue and be sued. Now, under the 1999 constitution, the Attorney General can only be appointed through a political post. The Attorney General is the Attorney General, Commissior for Justice and the Chief Law Officer. Some of these things will be incompatible without having a state police. Even in the colonial days in Ibadan here, we had three kinds of police. We had the Akoda who were in Mapo, we had the local government police in Yemetu, then, we had the Nigeria Police Force at Iyaganku.

Each one of them knew their level of jurisdictions. What can spoil an election is the clash between the state and federal security committee. I think the federal are the people to be reminded that there is a certain security apparatus that contains some laws and also which is entitled to oversee the security of the state, and should not just sit down and watch while they are overrun by overzealous federal officials.

Sir, you talked about integrity of ?ballot papers in Ekiti State election. But, the same INEC is going to conduct the election in Osun State. What do you think is the implication of this on the Osun State governorship election?

I think they are making some omissions. I think the representatives of each political party must see same sensitive materials of the INEC. There must be transparency in it. If you think you are smart, somebody can be smarter, if you think you can run, somebody can run faster. In clear terms, the representatives of each political party must have access to some of the so-called sensitive materials that are being used during the election. For example, during the Ekiti election, the Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro was sited at Akure airport with some boxes and so on. What the boxes contained? Don’t ask me because I will not be able to tell you the answer.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

There are many Nigerian doctors practising overseas. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes on the return of one of them, Prof Anthony Bamgboye, and his efforts at building a quality health facility to impart knowledge.

Reproductive health: Lessons from abroad G

YNAECOLOGY and reproductive medicine got a boost, last week with the establishment of Louismed Hospital in Lekki, Lagos by Prof Anthony Bamigboye.

The Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, who recently came back from South Africa, is bringing his experience, spanning over 25 years in the Diaspora, to bear on the field.

The inauguration of the hospital last week attracted many personalities in the medical profession. In spite of misgivings expressed by several guests on poor infrastructure, such as epileptic su pply of electricity and socioeconomics challenges, the professor said he had come to lend his hand to raise the health of the people.

According to him, he was met and persuaded by the House committee Chairman on Diaspora Affairs, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to return to Nigeria. He hails from Erin-Ekiti from Nigeria.

Bamgboye, an egghead in gynaecology and obstetrics, is an ardent researcher and clinician with special interest in evidencebased approach.

Bamgboye has started experiencing what many call “9ja factors”, as he was held up for five hours from the International Airport to Victoria Island in a traffic gridlock and had been ripped off by unskilled technicians, among other unpleasant experiences.

He minced no word as he said: “It has been like a nightmare. I brought in a lot of high-tech equipment but power supply has been quite a headache. I put up those equipment for just three days and had to put them down again due to epileptic source of power generation; they just did not work.

Another is my discovery of unskilled people. The people that came to install these equipments do not have the skill at all, they did not install them well, yet they

W

HO should be a consultant?

Doctors believe the term is the exclusive preserve of their profession. Other health care workers, such as pharmacists, physiotherapists and radiographers, among others, think differently, saying the title should be commonplace.

A consultant, according to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, is a person who knows a lot about a particular subject and is employed to give advice about it to other people.

Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State chapter, Dr Francis Faduyile, said only medical doctors should be called consultants because they link doctors and patients.

Consultants, he said, are experts in various medical fields, with educational qualification and long years of practice.

Former chairman NMA Lagos State, Dr Edamisan Temiye, said “consultant” is unique and sacred, thus it serves as a bridge between the doctor and his patient.

“So, it serves as a bond between

posed as highly skillful and charged high fee. They are not honest. Most of these people see one as moneybag, it is unfortunate. Their target is to drain one. When I realised this, time and money are lost. I also have problems with water supply.

The government’s supply is not so fantastic in terms of quality and supply. The water smells and has colour. I have to expend money again to purify the water and the reinstallation. In the area of transportation again, I could not believe it. It takes me six hours to fly from Johannesburg to Lagos. From Airport to Lekki, it was five and half hours. It is incredible. Those are wasted man hour. Those challenges are there and I have to face them. This is because of my resolve to be efficacious.”

Yet he braced up to these challenges, as he said, “I have brought with me the healthcare expertise and empathy I have developed over the years in the Diaspora. I want to make impact on the healthcare system here in Nigeria.

Loiusmed Hospital set up to be a Centre of Excellence in Gynaecology and Reproductive medicine and where a partnership with medical schools will ensure that medical registrars can have skills acquired without clamouring for overseas posting as well as undertake important scientific research.

He intends to assist patients from other hospitals with obstetrics or gynaecological problems, as he said, “the surgical endoscopy unit, that is, unit for keyhole operation otherwise called minimally invasive surgery is quite advanced. Doctors, nurses and other medical workers at the new hospital are carefully selected in Nigeria and South Africa. After this project fly, I intend to open more shop despite intimidating challenges.”

In his keynote address titled: The Diaspora and the Future of the

•Prof Bamgboye (third right) at the inauguration. With him are from left: National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, former Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Dr Leke Pitan; Mrs DabiriErewa, Mrs Bamgboye and daughter, Dara.

Medical Care in Nigeria, the immediate past Permanent Secretary (PS), Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Femi Olugbile, who x-rayed the current medical care in the country and the need for Nigerians in the Diaspora to get involved by establishing health facilities would restore hope to the nation’s health sector.

Olugbile, who pointed out the huge number of highly skilled Nigerians in medical practice in various parts of the world, stressed the need for these professionals to bring their experience and capital home to create good quality health facilities in the country.

On her part, House Committee Chairman on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who was the guest speaker and chairman of the occasion, challenged Nigerians to demand the best from their leaders, especially in

•Dr Olugbile and a Consultant Radiologist, Dr Biodun Kuti at the event

the area of health care delivery.

She recounted her experience with Professor Bamigboye when she had an emergency gynaecological problem saying, there is need for Nigerian doctors

abroad to come back and invest in the country’s health sector.

Dabiri- Erewa encouraged Nigerian medical doctors in diaspora not to be discouraged by insurgency in the country.

Experts differ on ‘consultant’status

By Wale Adepoju

the doctor and the patient,” he noted.

He said not many doctors can become consultants because there is a process which must be followed.

This process, he said, takes a couple of years with specialised training in a given discipline.

“This issue is clear. It is stated in the Scheme of Service about who should be called a consultant,” he said.

Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) President Olumide Akintayo said professionals who have distinguished themselves in their job with the right education and qualification can become consultants.

To the President, Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), Taiwo Oyewumi, medical doctors and their associations need to understand that every profession is evolving and, as such, there can

be changes.

Physotherapists, he said, provide consultation within their expertise and determine when patients/clients need to be referred to other healthcare professionals.

He condemned Health Minister Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu’s resolve to appoint only medical doctors as consultants.

Oyewumi said it should not be a must for every profession to conform to a single process or means to be appointed a consultant.

Explaining who a consultant is, Oyewumi said: “It refers to any individual who possesses high level of expertise in an area of study, be it in engineering field, agriculture or medical field.

This term, he said is not synonymous with the doctors alone but other professionals as well across various disciplines of human endeavours.

He said: “One could take time to read bill boads erected at construc-

tion sites where names of consultants to a project are written.”

Oyewumi further said consultants with in and outside the country visit Moore Plantation in Ibadan, Oyo State, on consultancy to teach staff on how to improve agricultural yields.

He said people attain a particular level of proficiency in the area of patient management through higher studies and longer years of clinical practice.

This, he said, is because a consultant orthopaedic surgeon does not understand what consultant neuro-physiotherapists do to put stroke patients back on their feet.

“It is the expert that will apply his clinical expertise to put him back on his feet,” he added.

Oyewumi said this would include giving instruction to a surgeon who would handle the patient’s recovery process.

“So, people can attain a particular level of proficiency in a particular area of patients’ management

by way of higher studies and longer years of clinical practice are called and appointed “consultants” across the world. It should not be different in Nigeria,” he said.

The revised Scheme of Service for physiotherapists, he said, should be implemented.

“The scheme of service expressly stated that Chief Physiotherapists serve as consultants,” he noted.

He demanded for the implementation of the clause to the letter, adding that physiotherapists can be trained to become specialists and appointed as consultants or clinical specialists.

Medical doctors, he said, should recognise specialisation and specialised services by physiotherapists and other professionals in the sector.

President, Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), Mr Felix Faniran said every profession has consultants who grew to that position through education and long years of distinguished service on jobs.

46

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

HEALTH ‘Healthcare delivery improving’

By Wale Adepoju

•Gbarada (fourth from right) and other participants at the event.

Women advised to do breast self examination W

OMEN have been advised to do self breast examination as a first step to preventing cancer.

Mr Olugbenga Gbarada, Director of Initiative for Peace Building and Social Change (IPSC), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), said at a seminar/public health awareness programme on breast and cervical cancer, held by the Community Birth Attendants Association of AIDS workers in Lagos, that one way of preventing breast cancer is to be “breast aware” through regular “Breast Self Examination” (BSE).

He describd BSE as a “comfortable way of getting to know your breasts”, adding that every woman should understand that her breast functions beyond aesthetic/breast feeding purposes.

Gbarada said: “So many cases of breast cancer detected early have led to the high survival rates and chances of an individual, the signs and symptoms of having a breast cancer include change in breast skin colour or texture; change in

By Inimfon Otung

size and texture of breast/nipple; change in appearance of the nipple and lump or thickening of the breasts.”

He said research has shown a relationship between age and the risk of developing breast cancer as it is more common among older women.

Gbarada said recent studies and reports seem to indicate the rising incidence of advanced breast cancer in young women at an alarming rate.

He said: “In the world, the rate of cancer deaths are more than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria death.

“The risk factor to breast cancer is being a woman and being older than the age of 50 and also the risk increases with age.

“The key to reducing breast cancer rates is: reduction of tobacco consumption, a healthy lifestyle, breaking the barrier of cultural silence and early detection through screening, particularly

for breast and cervical cancer.

Also, in finding breast cancer early detection and early screening is a way of preventing it from progressing to a worst stage.”

Gbagada, also spoke on the risk of having cervical cancer or Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, saying a woman can be at risk when she smokes or has many sexual partners. A woman may also be susceptible when she uses oral contraceptive for a long period of time and also if the individual is taking immune-suppressive drugs after an organ transplant.

Cervical cancer, he said, is an abnormal growth of cells that originates in the tissues of the cervix, which is the muscular opening of the uterus into the vagina, which he defined.

He identified some of the advanced signs and symptoms of cervical cancer as vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause, pain during sex and increased vaginal discharge.

GENERAL Electric (GE) has said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the Federal Government five years ago to transform the healthcare delivery system, among other sectors, is yielding results.

According to its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Lazarus Angbazo, the organisation’s programme has changed the face health care, especially in the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5.

Angbazo, who spoke with journalists on the Progress Report on GE’s landmark Country-to-Company agreement in Lagos, said healthcare is one of the five focus areas in the MoU. He said the company has trained no fewer than 300 clinicians in seven hospitals across five states in the country, adding that hospital administrators were also trained.

He said specialists facilities were provided to improve on treatment, adding that technology were deployed to the rural areas for early detection of complication during pregnancy.

This, he said, has helped to reduce the incidence of maternal and infant deaths, adding that Nigeria, is still behind in world ranking among countries making progress to attain MDGs 4 and 5.

Angbazo said the company has developed a financial scheme which is business plan to help medical experts in the areas have additional infrastructure.

This is another public-private-partnership (PPP),” he said.

He said human capita development was needed to sustain capacity utilisation.

Clinic gets auto haematology analyser

By Adegunle Olugbamila

TOTAL Foundation, an employee initiative programme of Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria (TUCN), has donated an Auto-Haematology Analyser to St. Kizito Clinic in Lagos. St. Kizito Clinic is operated by an independent not-for-profit organisation, Loving Gaze.

The medical equipment is said to be capable of using one blood sample to achieve different result. This means it is a critical improvement to the service rendered to the patients by the clinic as it allows complete screening of data sets of blood cells, both qualitative and quantitative.

St. Kizito Clinic, has provided basic health care for the most unprivileged in Lagos over the last 25 years in Jakande, Lekki; Idi-Araba, Mushin and Oreta, Ikorodu areas. The clinics provides maternal care, ante and postnatal services, immunisation, pharmacy dispensing. It also runs two malnutrition centres for children, in addition to daily consultation and treatments of common diseases like malaria, diarrhoea, pneumonia, measles, skin infections, eye problems, as well as non- communicable diseases-HIV and TB Speaking at the handing over the equipment to the hospital, the TUCN, Project Head of Communications, Silvia Polski, said: “Total as a group and TUCN in particular, have a long tradition in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Via its Foundation, Total enables its employees to commit themselves towards non-profitable associations. It is an honour, undoubtedly, to be able to contribute to the help given to less-privileged people in the country we are working in.”

Responding, Loving Gaze General Manager, Barbara Pepoli said: “We are grateful to Total because the beneficiaries of this equipment for the first year will be roughly 60,000 patients as against our initial 10,0000 patients “, adding that the device would support the medical care of the most vulnerable patients: children, pregnant women, HIV/AIDS and TB patients.

The machine, she further noted, will also allow diagnosing in a complete and detailed way which particular anaemia or infections the patient is suffering from.

Allergies and asthma: connection, prevention

A

LLERGIES and asthma: They often occur together. You may wonder what allergies and asthma have in common besides making you miserable.

A lot, as it turns out. Allergies and asthma often occur together.

The same substances that trigger your hay fever symptoms may also cause asthma signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. This is called allergic asthma or

allergy-induced asthma.

Certain substances, such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander, are common triggers. In some people, skin or food allergies can cause asthma symptoms.

How does an allergic reaction cause asthma symptoms?

An allergic response occurs when immune system proteins (antibodies) mistakenly identify a harmless substance, such as tree pollen, as an invader. In an attempt to protect your body

from the substance, antibodies bind to the allergen. The chemicals released by your immune system lead to allergy signs and symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes or skin reactions. For some people, this same reaction also affects the lungs and airways, leading to asthma symptoms.

Are allergies and asthma treated differently?

Most treatments are designed to treat either asthma

or allergies. But a few treatments help with both conditions, for example: Leukotriene modifier Montelukast (Singulair) is a medication that eases both allergy and asthma symptoms. Called a leukotriene modifier, this taken-daily pill helps control immune system chemicals released during an allergic reaction.

In rare cases, this and other leukotriene modifiers have been linked to psychological reactions, including suicidal thinking. Seek medical advice right away for any unusual psychological reaction to one of these medications.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) Allergy shots can help treat asthma by gradually reducing your immune system response to certain allergy triggers. Immunotherapy involves getting regular injections of a tiny amount of the allergens that trigger your symptoms.

Your immune system builds up a tolerance to the allergens over time, and your allergic reactions diminish.

In turn, asthma symptoms decrease as well. This treatment generally requires regular injections over a period of three to five years.

Anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy When you have an allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific substance as something harmful and releases antibodies, known as IgE, against the culprit allergen.

The next time you encounter that allergen, the IgE antibodies sense it and signal your immune system to release a chemical called histamine, as well as other chemicals, into your bloodstream. The medication omalizumab (Xolair) interferes with IgE in the body and helps prevent the allergic reaction that triggers asthma symptoms.

You may need other medications to treat allergies or asthma, especially if your symptoms become severe at times. However, recognizing and avoiding the allergic substances that trigger your symptoms is the most important step you can take. ·Who’s at risk of allergic asthma?

A family history of allergies is a major risk factor for allergic asthma. Having hay fever or other allergies yourself also increases your risk of getting asthma.

•Source: www.mayoclinic.org

Nigeria, US partner on children’s health

M

ISSION Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nigeria Michael T. Harvey has joined Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Zainab Maina to mark the end of USAID’s Communitybased Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CUBS).

The beneficiaries and partners of CUBS highlighted the achievements and the way forward for Nigeria’s orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs).

Speaking at the event, Mr. Harvey said USAID would continue to facilitate lasting partnerships and systems to promote tangible policies for OVCs in Nigeria. He said that “the work for disadvantaged children in Nigeria is far from over.

We know this because the 2013 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey indicates that nine percent of children in Nigeria are orphans or are vulnerable due to illnesses of adult household members.” Mr. Harvey added that USAID would continue to work with the government of Nigeria on successor programmes.

The dissemination meeting highlighted how partnerships with the government of Nigeria and civil society organizations (CSOs) can strengthen social welfare systems for OVCs in Nigeria.

47

TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

I

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

BPE: Sale of refineries will take two years

T will take two years to privatise the four refineries, the Bureau of Public Enterprise (PBE) has said.

BPE Director-General Benjamin Dikki said the explanation became necessary to enable Nigerians understand the complexities of selling the Kaduna,Warri and Port Harcourt 1 &2 refineries, which have combined capacities of 445,000 barrels per day (bpd).

He said the 10 investors that got licences have not done anything because of poor investment climate.

Last January, this year, the government privatise the refineries but later changed its mind, following an outcry.

The organised labour, including the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), kicked the plan because the government did not follow due process.

Dikki told The Nation that the government has not decided on

By Akinola Ajibade

whether to privatise the refineries or not because the issue is multifaceted. He said there are various stages in privatisation, adding that each stage requires at least two months to enable the Bureau do a good job.

He explained that a committee comprising representatives of the fiscal agencies would be set up to provide modalities for selling the refineries. The committee, he further explained, would request for expression of interests from prospective financial advisers, who will submit their proposals, which will be opened by the committee who will evaluate them and announce the preferred advisers. This exercise alone, Dikki said, would last about three months.

The successful advisers, he said, would after the processes of expression of interests and submission of bids by prospective investors, carry out due diligence

on the bidders.

According to him, the advisers will look at the technologies/ equipment the bidders are using, their technical capability, viability, drilling, piping, and pipeline network at their disposals, among other factors. The advisers will also study the dynamics in the sector, after which they will submit their recommendations to the committee for necessary actions.

Dikki said the due diligence will capture these variables, adding that the exercise would last about nine months.

He said: “The committee will review the reports of the advisers, and determine the options needed to make them workable. The committee would submit the reports to the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) who will provide the recommendations to the President.

The actual privatisation starts after the President has approved the recommendations.

“Even if we start the process today, privatisation would not start until next year. Thereafter, we determine the transaction structures/modalities and advertise for expressions of interests. At this point, we would give investors six weeks to express interests and shortlist those we think have the capabilities to run our refineries, and pipeline networks for oil and gas. Besides, we will reach an understanding with labour and that would also take some time. We are still a long way off.The implementation of the privatisation procedures will take a longer period of time.”

According to him, failure to reach an understanding with the labour would affect the transition from public to private ownership of refineries.

Dikki explained that the Minis-

try of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), play regulatory roles, stressing that the development is inimical to the growth of the gas industry.

“There is the need to separate policy formulation from regulation to achieve results in the industry as we have done in the telecomss sector.

The policy formulation lies with the Ministry of Information and Technology, while the regulation lies with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC); while the operators include Etisalt and MTN, among others. No person should play two roles. An operator must not involve in policy formulation; a policy formulator must not be involved in policy regulation,” he added.

Court jails man, son for attacking Ikeja disco worker •Equipment vandals remanded

T

•From left: Mr Taofeek; Mrs. Kekere Ekun, recipient of free gas cylinder; and Programme Coordinator, Gas to Health Initiative (GTHI), Mr. Benedict Oji, during the presentation of free gas cylinders and accessories at Auchi, Edo State.

Fed Govt may revive gas cylinders firms

T

HE Federal Government is planning to revive the Nigerian Cylinder Manufacturing Company and Midland Cylinder Manufacturing Company, the President, Nigerian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA), Dapo Adesina, has said.

Their planned revival is to boost the production of new gas cylinders ahead of the phase out of old cylinders by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

Adesina said the revival of the firms located in Ibadan, Oyo State and Abeokuta, Ogun State, would help in implementing the policy.

He said the SON and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) would find it difficult to achieve the policy until the firms were revived.

He said: “We had talks with the governments on issues affecting the liquefied petroleum gas sub-sector and we were told that plans to revamp the companies were underway. The government is taking a holistic approach to revive the companies by addressing problems, such as power and materials. ‘’It would be difficult to regulate

By Akinola Ajibade

those that are selling sub-standard gas cylinders when we cannot produce them locally.”

He said the cost of procuring steel, power and other components used in producing cylinders is high, adding that the development resulted in the closure of the companies.

“The companies have divested into areas where they hope to get comparative advantage since it was not economical for them to produce gas cylinders. For them to produce gas cylinders again, the bottlenecks must be removed,” he added.

According to him, the gains of removing the old cylinders from the market will be immediate giving the problems in the oil and gas sector. He said it had been difficult getting the required gas for domestic market, adding that the issue has multiplier effects on the economy.

Adesina said SON is required to monitor the marketers of gas cylinders and further ensure that they comply with the policy.

Efforts to get Bede Obayi, the Head of Enforcement, SON, to comment on the issue proved abortive as the phone calls and short messages sent to him were not replied.

WO men, Suleiman Amusa and his son, Owolabi, have been jailed for attacking a member of staff of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) with a machete while on duty at Agbowa-Itokin Road, in the outskirts of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The company’s spokesman, Pekun Adeyanju, said the conviction came on the heels of increased surveillance by security agencies who have pledged to prosecute offenders as well as safeguard the lives and property of owner companies following rising cases of assault by restive youths and groups.

In a judgment by Magistrate P. L. Hopeto at the Badagry Magistrate Court 2 under the charge number IKD/C/24C/2010, both defendants were convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

In another development, Adeyanju said three men were almost electrocuted in Ilasamaja, Lagos State while attempting to steal an erected electricity pole on Limca Road, Isolo. The leader of the suspects has been remanded at the Kirikiri Prisons awaiting trial process while the two others who were affected by electrocution are being treated in an undisclosed hospital.

He said IKEDC had been receiving support of the law enforcement agencies in the state to protect its workers aginst assault.

Consequently, a model for increased surveillance and rapid response support is being adopted to ensure protection of the investments and safety of workers in IKEDC and other power companies across the country.

In one of its stakeholders’ engage-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

ment meetings with security agencies, IKEDC officials were assured of the support of the Lagos State Police Command.The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Umar A. Manko, pledged to assist the company by working out strategies to combat vandalism. He urged Nigerians to adopt an ownership approach to critical infrastructure by reporting cases of vandalism to security agencies.

During a visit to the IKEDC Corporate Headquarters, the Director of State Security Service, Lagos State Command Mr. Ben Achu pledged to assist the company in combating vandalism.

“Power is at the heart of all development and we are on course in achieving this in Nigeria. We will work with IKEDC in the area of monitoring and soliciting the support of community leaders in protecting electricity equipment in their domains,” he said.

Also, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also pledged its support to IKEDC during a visit to the company. The NSCDC team led by the Commandant Critical Infrastructure Protection and Mr. J. I. Iyogho, assured that it would mobilise its personnel for monitoring and surveillance of IKEDC network and installations.

IKEDC’s Managing Director, Abiodun Ajifowobaje, praised security agencies in Lagos, adding that the company will continue its ongoing community relations and engagement to carry along the customers.

NIPCO gives gas cylinders free in Auchi

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O boost liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) use, the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) has given gas cylinders and accessories free to some women in Auchi community of Edo State during its ‘switch over to gas’ campaign.

NIPCO’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Lawal Taofeek, who represented the company’s Managing Director Mr. Venkataraman

Venkatapathy said the event, which took place in the palace of the traditional ruler, the Otaru of Auchi, Haliru Momoh, was organised with a non-governmental organisation called Gas-to-Health Initiative (GTHI).

He said the objective of the event was to strengthen calls for a paradigm shift of the market to LPG. The Managing Director, Pipelines & Products Marketing Company

(PPMC), Prince Haruna Momoh, in his good will message to the beneficiaries of the cylinders, assured the community that the government would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting safe and healthy use of LPG, which the nation is richly endowed with and the interest of Nigerians.

Momoh ,who was represented by the Manager, LPG PPMC, Betty Ugona, said the rural dwellers and

the semi-urban communities are main priorities of the government in view of the large cooking they do. ‘’This initiative will encourage them to use gas for their cooking,’’ he said.

The PPMC chief, who is also the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the GTI, praised NIPCO for supporting the initiative, stressing that the cylinders would help boost efforts of the NGO and, ultimately, deepen gas by beneficiaries.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

PHOTOS

•From left: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Director/Principal, Queens College Yaba, Mrs Ekwutozia Osime; Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Onyenma Kalu during the Valedictory Service/send off organised by Queens College, Yaba, Lagos.

PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

•Comrade Jola Ogunlusi, ougoing Chairman, Festival Town Residents Associatiaon (FTRA) Community II (second left); presenting award to Amuwo Odofin Local Government chairman, Comrade Ayodele Adewale (second right) as the “Best Chairman Amuwo Odofin Local Government Ever Had” at Festac Town, Lagos. With them are FTRA Vice Chairman Chief Mike Ogbogu and General Secretary Comrade Kehinde Adeoye.

•Chairman, Community Development Association (CDA), Ifesowapo, Mr Esuruoso Olusegun; Chairman, CDA, Fadayomisi, Engr. Bola Afolabi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC), Mrs. Tanwa Koya, Chairman, LSWRC, Taiwo Shebioba; and Chairman, Committee of CDA Chairmen, Mr R.O Ajayi at the town hall meeting on water supply and sanitation organised by the commission at Owode Onirin/Irawo, Lagos.

•Director Rehabilitation Office of Youth and Sports, Lagos State Mr Olabode Ajao ((second right) in a handshake with Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities Mr David Anyaele (second left) at the stakeholders forum on the Lagos State Special Peoples Law, organised by Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, at Chevron Recreation Centre, Gbagada, Lagos. With them are Director Chid Guidance and Special Education, Mrs Oluwatogun Olayinka and Mr Adewale Russel. PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

•Special Adviser on Education Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Pastor Charles Olowoeye (right) congratulates Mrs Olaleye MaryGreen, winner of Greenlife Network cash prize in Lagos.

•From left: Member, Advanced Management Pogramme (AMP) 24 of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association, Mr Dele Alimi; Bayo Yusuf; Principal, Pacelli School for the Blind, Sister Jane Onyeneri; AMP24 President, Ijeoma Okoro; Ngozi Nlebemuo and Folu Oshodi, when AMP 24 donated gifts the school in Lagos.

•Officials of the Omenka Foundation during an health mission in Orlu, Imo State.

•Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Deputy Corps Marshal Technical Services, Ayodele Omidiji (right), decorating Bisi Kazeem as Corps Commander in Abuja. With them is Kazeem’s wife, Adejoke.

•Lagos Island Local Government chairman Hon Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni (second left) assisted by APC chieftain, Alhaji Rasak Balogun (second right) to present cash and food items to the beneficiaries at the 11th edition of social security for the elderly at the council secretariat.

•From left: Agbowa Police Station Divisional Crime Office, Mr C. Omafuma; Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA chairman Prince Segun Adetola and Elder Sangosanya during the Sensitisation/Awareness programme on insecurity at the council secretariat in Lagos

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL Tesco boss Philip Clarke expresses relief over exit ESCO’S chief executive Philip Clarke has told the British Broadcasting corporation (BBC) that he feels “enormous relief” over leaving the supermarket giant.

The retailer announced he would be leaving in October amid news that it would miss profit forecasts.

Speaking to BBC ‘s Business Editor Kamal Ahmed, Clarke said it was clearly an “emotional” time.

Clarke, who had previously insisted that he was “not going anywhere”, would be replaced by Dave Lewis of Unilever.

Tesco said trading had been “more challenging” than anticipate, adding that sales and trading profit for the first half of the year were “somewhat below expectations”.

Asked about whether it was his choice to leave this week, Mr Clarke told the BBC’s business editor, Kamal Ahmed, that: “[The date]

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is not one of my choosing but it is a choice I would willingly make.”

A party to mark Mr Clarke’s 40th year at Tesco was planned for tomorrow night - suggesting the news was unexpected. The party has now been cancelled.

Clarke had worked his way up from the shop floor and became chief executive in 2011, after taking over from Sir Terry Leahy.

He said he had “nothing to regret, only positive thoughts”.

Clarke had been trying to revive Tesco’s fortunes through a £1billion turnaround plan, but a trading update last month showed a 3.7 per cent fall in like-for-like sales, which he admitted were the worst figures for decades.

At the time, Mr Clarke spoke of his intention to stay with the store and outlined that he was “going to see through a fundamental reshaping of Tesco”.

China suspends McDonald’s and KFC’s meat supplier

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HINESE branches of fast food chains, including McDonald’s and KFC, have stopped using meat from a supplier in Shanghai following allegations it sold them out of date meat.

According to Xinhua, the stateowned news agency, authorities in Shanghai have ordered the suspension of operations at Shanghai Husi Food Co. Reports by local media said that Husi had re-processed expired meat products.

McDonald’s and KFC said they had stopped using meat from Husi.

In a statement posted on its website, translated from Mandarin, the Shanghai Municipal Food and Drug Administration said it had “decided to investigate claims of the al-

leged use of expired raw food material production and the processing of it in food”.

Shanghai Husi is the Chinese unit of United States-based food supplier OSI Group.

According to OSI’s website, the company’s unit in China “started to provide high-quality products to McDonald’s China” in 1992.

The unit began supplying Yum China in 2008. Yum China manages the KFC and Pizza Hut chains and its sales have been hit by recent health scares.

Yum’s sales dipped after a report in 2012 said two of its suppliers were providing chickens with excessive levels of antibiotics.

Just as the firm was recovering from those allegations, fears of an

outbreak of bird flu in the country dented its sales.

Benjamin Cavender from consultancy China Market Research Group, based in Shanghai said: “Yum has just started rebuilding credibility and had some decent sales which just came out for the second quarter.

“I think this is really going to set them back.”

According to figures from research firm Euromonitor, McDonald’s and Yum are the two leading fast food chains in China, based on sales.

Speaking to Reuters a spokesperson for McDonald’s in China said: “If proven, the practices outlined in the reports are completely unacceptable to McDonald’s anywhere in the world”

Sky buys 70% stake in Bake Off and Benefits Street firm

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KY has bought a majority stake in the independent production company behind programmes such as the Great British Bake Off and Benefits Street.

The satellite broadcaster has acquired 70 per cent of Love Productions citing a strategy “to grow a broad, international content business”.

Love Productions was founded in 2004 by Richard McKerrow and Anna Beattie, who will stay on to run the company.

It will continue to produce programmes for all major UK broadcasters.

But Sky’s distribution business, Sky Vision, will promote Love Production’s formats and programmes to networks overseas.

Sophie Turner Laing, managing director of content at Sky said: “This is a significant step for our growing

international content business.

“Love is one of the UK’s most innovative and creative independent producers with a track record of success.”

There are already versions running in the United States of two of Love Production’s formats: The American Baking Competition on the CBS network and The Baby Borrowers on NBC. Love Productions is behind some high profile formats including the Great British Bake-off, the Great British Sewing Bee and Benefits Street, which provoked controversy over the way it portrayed inhabitants of a street in Birmingham.

It has also produced documentaries on sensitive issues such as My Last Summer on the subject of dying, and Make Bradford British about multi-cultural integration.

China’s Huawei reports 19% jump in sales

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HINESE telecom equipment maker Huawei has reported a 19 per cent jump in sales to 135.8billion yuan ($21.9billion; £12.8billion) for the first six months of the year.

It said it expects to make an operating profit margin of 18.3 per cent for the period.

Huawei has traditionally concentrated on making telecoms network equipment, but has benefited by diversifying into fast-growing sectors such as smartphone manufacturing.

It is one of the world’s largest smartphone makers.

Cathy Meng, the firm’s chief financial officer, said the firm “achieved quality and sustainable growth in our consumer business thanks to the increase of brand awareness and smart devices sales worldwide”.

According to research firm IDC, Huawei shipped 13.7 million smartphones in the first three months of this year - making it the third-biggest smartphone vendor in the world.

Huawei did not give a breakdown of its latest sales numbers.

Huawei has also been looking to tap into the market for wearable technology and introduced its hybrid Talkband smart device earlier this year.

Furthermore, China’s investment in fourth-generation mobile network technology has led to a steady stream of revenue for the firm.

“Driven by increasing investments in LTE networks worldwide, Huawei has further solidified its leadership position in mobile broadband,” Ms Meng said in the statement.

Hungary c.bank close to last stage of ‘battle’

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HE National Bank of Hungary (NBH) will reduce its base rate by 10 basis points to 2.20 per cent, but only a few more of such cuts will follow, both due to external and domestic factors, analysts’ consensus estimate showed in a Portfolio.hu poll.

The respondents believe that a “premature” rate hike in the United States and a pickup in Hungary’s inflation are the two main risks that might keep the NBH from keeping its benchmark policy rate extremely low for a long time after the end of the easing cycle.

Several analysts acknowledged, however, that if the Eurozone economy keeps on bumbling ahead then due to further easing by the ECB the Hungarian central bank could even find itself having

a larger manoeuvring room with regard to rate reductions.

Every rate poll, Monetary Council statements after policy meetings and comments by rate-setters have been saying for months that we are really very close to the end of the easing cycle that was started in August 2012 - almost two years ago.

Then something happens and the Monetary Council finds itself in a position where it can lower the base rate cautiously one more time.

In June this “happening” was the European Central Bank’s (ECB) easing measures creating a good external environment and now it is the most recent Hungarian CPI reading that gives the MPC an argument to reduce rates, commented Gergely Gabler, a Budapestbased analyst at Erste Bank.

•From left: United States’ Consulate Economic Officer, James Plasman; Managing Director, Procter & Gamble (P & G) Nig, George Nassar; US Consul-General, Jeffrey Hawkins and company’s Communications Director, Khulu Mabaso, during a visit to P&G plant at Agbara Industrial Estate, Ado-Odo, Ota, Ogun State.

100 express interest in Holcim, Lafarge assets C EMENT makers Holcim and Lafarge have received more than 100 expressions of interest in assets they must sell ahead of their planned merger, the Swiss company’s chief executive said.

The two companies proposed a multi-billion euro series of asset sales two weeks ago in their efforts to get regulatory approval for the planned merger, unveiled in April, which would create a combined group with $44 billion in annual sales.

Holcim Chief Executive Bernard Fontana told journalists at a briefing in Zurich on Monday that the companies had received more than 100 expressions of interest, including from private equity funds and other cement makers, with several parties indicating a desire to buy

the entire portfolio of assets.

This is up from the 50 notifications of interest they had received when they published the list of disposals on July 7.

Fontana said the companies would start discussions with potential bidders in August, but declined to say when the deadline for bids would be.

The two cement groups are seeking buyers for operations in Austria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Britain, Canada, the Philippines, Mauritius and Brazil to address competition regulators’ concerns about their combined market power.

The sell-off will affect some

10,000 workers out of a global total of 130,000 and account for around 3.5 billion euros ($4.7 billion) of sales.

Fontana said “several people” had shown interest in buying all the assets put up for sale, but said the final decision determining the choice of buyer would depend on the price.

European labour unions have asked both cement groups for specific employment guarantees that would be binding for the buyers.

Asked whether Holcim would give preference to any bidders which guaranteed they wouldn’t cut jobs or close sites, Fontana declined to be specific but stressed the assets for sale were not restructuring cases.

‘How to survive competition in marketing’ MARKETING communications expert, Mr Akin Adeoya, has said for any company to survive the competition, it must have a killer instinct.

He said this was a wake-up call for marketing practitioners to take both scholarly and intellectual approach to the job.

Speaking at the unveiling of a marketing book, Kill or Get Killed; The Marketing Killer Instinct, in Lagos, he said the smooth prose in the book is a must for people in business as the author took time to analyse what happened between the major telcos in the country.

Author of the book, and General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Mr Kolawole Oyeyemi said after writing about four books, he was prodded to do prose work on the marketing profession which is his first love.

According to him, it an ‘accidental exercise’ adding that not many people will agree with some of the

A

By Miriam Ala

things he had written in the book but happy that it will provoke intellectual debate that will see the industry grow healthier.

He lamented the dearth of skilled manpower in the country, blaming the rot in the academic sector for this.

Those on the occasion were top marketing professionals and practitioners in Nigeria, including chief executives of some of the leading multinational companies in the country.

Others were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN, Mr Michael Ikpoki; Lolu Akinwunmi, Group CEO of Prima Garnet and former Nigeria Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) President, Chief Lugard Aimiuwu.

The book, according to observers and analysts, is the first marketing book of its kind, written by an African for Africa. Kill or Get Killed consists of masterfully written case stud-

ies depicting a multitude of brands fighting for market space, mind share and the dynamics that shape success or failure in different African markets.

Of particular note is the effort the author has made to identify the key differentiating factors affecting or determining mode of operation in the African environment, excluding South Africa and Africa north of the Sahara; which have fundamentally different tendencies in terms of culture, human psychology, climate and history.

The book is replete with many case studies of marketing warfare which shook the Nigerian consumer landscape, spanning many industries, including manufacturing (Bournvita vs Milo, Cowbell vs Peak Milk, Legend stout vs Guinness stout); the major marketing contentions in the telecoms industry spanning over 10 years and involving all the major players, including MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

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EQUITIES Emerging stocks rise on economic outlook

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Transcorp doubles pre-tax profit to N8b

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RANSNATIONAL Corporation o Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc recorded impressive growths in turnover and profitability in the first half, improving the prospects for better returns for the 2014 business year.

Interim report and accounts of Transcorp for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014 showed that turnover rose by 177 per cent while group operating profit and pre-tax profit jumped by 145 per cent and 122 per cent respectively.

The report showed that turnover doubled to N21.2 billion in June 2014 as against N7.67 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. Gross profit rose from N5.99 billion in first half 2013 to N14.96 billion in first half 2014. Operating profit for half year 2014 was N9.75 billion as against N3.99 billion in comparable period of 2013.

Group profit before tax doubled to N8.02 billion in 2014 compared with N3.61 billion in corresponding period of 2013. After taxes, net profit rose from N2.48 billion in 2013 to N6.89 billion in 2014.

The improved bottom-line underlined stronger returns with earnings per share rising from 5.53 kobo to 11.30 kobo. Transcorp paid a dividend per share of 5.0 kobo for the 2013 business year, its first dividend since inception.

Commenting on the results,

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

president, Transnational Corporation o Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, Mr. Obinna Ufudo said the half-year report for 2014 consolidated the significant growth achieved in the first quarter of the year and firmly set the conglomerate on course for the attainment of its 2014 financial targets.

“We are very pleased with the continued growth in capacity and output at our Ughelli Power plant. The plant’s available capacity and output peaked at 453 megawatts during the period, up from the 160 megawatts when we took over on November 1, 2013. We are on course to reach our target available capacity of 715 megawatts by end of the year. In addition, our flagship hotel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja achieved strong revenue growth through increased traffic from its successful hosting of the World Economic Forum for Africa event in May 2014,” Ufudo said.

He pointed out that the conglomerate would remain focused on achieving its medium term objectives to develop new hotels, expand available power generation capacity, diversify and increase scale of agribusiness and exploit opportunities within the oil and gas industry.

“We expect steeper growth rate for the rest of the year as our turnaround strategies take firmer root,” Ufudo

assured.

Transcorp had witnessed similar strong growth in the first quarter with net profit after tax rising by 278 per cent to N3.15 billion.

Key extracts of the three-month report of the conglomerate for the period ended March 31, 2014 showed that profit after tax rose from N833.7 million in first quarter of 2013 to N3.15 billion in first quarter of 2014. Profit before tax increased from N1.31 billion to N3.77 billion.

The report indicated that turnover rose to N10.54 billion in 2014 as against N3.55 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013.

Gross profit stood at N7.69 billion compared with N2.76 billion while operating profit increased from N1.43 billion to N4.67 billion.

The company distributed N1.9 billion as its first ever cash dividends to shareholders following a double in profit to N9 billion during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Extracts of the audited reports showed that turnover rose to N18.8 billion in 2013 as against N13.2 billion recorded in 2012.

Profits before tax rose from N3.9 billion in 2012 to N9.0 billion in 2013.

Speaking recently at the annual general meeting of the company,

chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp), Mr. Tony Elumelu, assured shareholders that the conglomerate had used the 2013 business year to solidify its transformation noting that the very strong financial and operating results in the year were evidences of the success of the transformation.

According to him, the company’s results have begun to show the benefits of the discipline execution of strategy while shareholders have begun to see their rewards.

Elumelu noted that the principal cause of asset growth for the group and company was its acquisition of the Ugheli Power Plant, Nigeria’s largest generating facility and where its influence has already seen a doubling of capacity.

“I believe that we will build on the solid foundation laid over the last couple of years to begin an era of steady and increasing dividend payment to our shareholders,” Elumelu said.

He noted that following Transcorp’s takeover of the Ugheli power plant, power output has more than doubled at the plant from 160 megawatts on handover date to 360 megawatts currently pointing out that the goal of the new board is to increase output at the plant to 700 megawatts by December 2014 by embarking on an extensive rehabilitation programme.

Livestock Feeds grows net profit by 32%

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LIVESTOCK Feeds Plc built on its positive growth momentum in the first half with double-digit growths in sales and profit.

Key extracts of the six-month report of Livestock Feeds for the period ended June 30, 2014 indicated that sales rose by 24 per cent while pre and post tax profits grew by 32 per cent each.

Turnover rose to N3.36 billion in first half 2014 compared with N2.70 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2013. Gross profit rode on the back improved cost management to N430.61 million, representing an increase of 42 per cent on N302.57 million recorded in comparable period of 2013. Profit before tax rose from N95.2 million to N125.61 million while profit after tax increased to N85.41 million from N64.75 million recorded in comparable period of 2013.

Livestock Feeds’ share price yesterday inched up by 0.98 per cent to N3.08 per share at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The first-half underlined sus-

tained improvement in the underlying fundamentals of the animal nutritional-products. Audited report and accounts of Livestock Feeds for the year ended December 31, 2013 had shown that 12.5 per cent growth in sales magnified progressively into 18 per cent increase in gross profit, 28 per cent growth in profit before tax and 46 per cent increase in net profit after tax.

The positive profit outlook of the company had been strengthened by improved underlying profitability indices as well as considerable improvements in financing structure and liquidity. A lower financial leverage, better equity funding and larger working capital underpinned a major balance sheet restructuring, putting the company in better stead to further drive its profit and loss performance.

Livestock Feeds recorded considerable improvement in profitability in 2013 with double digits growths in sales and the bottom-line. Livestock Feeds single business line is production and marketing of animal feeds, with operations in the four regions of the country-Aba, Ikeja,

Benin and Kaduna. Total sales rose by 12.5 per cent from N5.43 billion in 2012 to N6.11 billion in 2013. The top-line growth was driven by increased sales across the four principal locations. Sales in Aba increased from N1.80 billion to N1.91 billion. Ikeja remained the largest sales point with its segmental turnover rising from N1.88 billion to N2.29 billion. Benin witnessed modest growth with N1.38 billion in 2013 as against N1.36 billion in 2012.

Sales within the Kaduna division improved from N402.43 million to N536.83 million. Total cost of sales rose by about 12 per cent from N4.85 billion to N5.42 billion. Gross profit thus increased by 18 per cent to N690 million in 2013 as against N585 million in 2012. Marketing and distribution expenses rose from N185.6 million to N190.9 million while administrative expenses increased from N124.6 million to N146.3 million. Total operating expenses indicated marginal increase of 8.7 per cent at N337 million in 2013 as against N310 mil-

lion in 2012. While interest and other incomes rose by 47 per cent from N86 million to N127 million, finance expenses increased by 41 per cent from N140 million to N196 million.

Profit before tax rose by 28 per cent to N283 million in 2013 as against N221 million in 2012. Profit after tax grew by 46 per cent to N211 million compared with N144 million in previous year. Basic earnings per share remained almost flat at 12 kobo but net assets per share increased by 64 per cent from 53 kobo to 87 kobo. However, the company did not declare any dividend, deciding to plough all its net earnings into its operations.

Besides, underlying profitability indices showed a largely positive outlook. Gross profit margin increased from 10.8 per cent to 11.3 per cent. Pre-tax profit margin also inched up from 4.1 per cent to 4.6 per cent. However, with the larger growths in assets and capital base, return on total assets dipped to 7.7 per cent as against 10.7 per cent. Return on equity also slipped from 22.8 per cent to 12.2 per cent.

MERGING-market stocks rose for a second-day as Brazilian state-run companies gained on speculation a new government will boost economic growth, outweighing declines in Russian shares.

Indonesia’s benchmark rose for a second day before the release of presidential election results tomorrow. The Micex Index fell the most since March in Moscow as President Vladimir Putin faced mounting international pressure after the downing of the Malaysian passenger jet in Ukraine. The Shanghai Composite Index declined amid concern new share sales may divert funds from existing shares.

The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF advanced 0.3 per cent to $44.31. The Brazilian statecontrolled oil producer Petroleo Brasileiro SA led the Ibovespa to a four-month high in Sao Paulo as a voter poll dimmed the prospects for President Dilma Rousseff’s re-election bid.

“Investors got very excited by the prospect of an opposition win, bringing in more businessfriendly measures,” Otavio Vieira, a partner at hedge fund Fides Asset Management, said by phone from Rio de Janeiro. “The market is pricing in a change in government. The possibility is there, as the polls show.”

Bloomberg reported that the MSCI Emerging Markets Index increased less than 0.1 per cent to 1,063.79 points. Six out of ten industry groups in the benchmark rose, led by utility and consumer staples stocks.

OAO Sberbank was the worst performer on the developingmarket gauge by index points.

The Russian lender’s shares sank 4.6 percent in Moscow. European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels tomorrow will consider tougher sanctions on Russian individuals and companies, while Putin said the Malaysian plane crash shouldn’t be used for political aims.

“The risk of more far-reaching sanctions against Russia has increased since the crash,” Maarten-Jan Bakkum, an emerging-market strategist at ING Investment Co. in the Hague, said by e-mail.

The Micex retreated for a sixth day in Moscow, dropping 2.7 percent. The ruble fell 0.2 percent against the dollar, depreciating for the sixth time in seven sessions.

The WIG30 Index in Warsaw fell 0.1 percent, declining for a second day. The FTSE/JSE Africa All Shares Index in Johannesburg decreased 0.5 percent, taking its three-day loss to 1.3 percent.

Egypt’s benchmark EGX 30 Index dropped 1.2 percent in its steepest slide since June 24. North Africa’s biggest stock exchange said today it will double the daily share price movement limit to 20 percent, starting Aug. 7, because of “market stability.”

The premium investors demand to own emerging-market debt over U.S. Treasuries was unchanged at 268 basis points, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. indexes.

The Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) slipped 0.2 percent on concern corporate earnings will disappoint and new share sales may divert funds from existing equities. Eleven companies will start to sell new shares this week.

That may freeze subscription funds of about as much as 766.5 billion yuan ($123.4 billion), according to the Securities Daily.

“News from China continues to be worrying,” ING’s Bakkum said.

“There has been more signs of system stress.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

MONEYLINK

Agusto & Co projects N5.28tr pension assets by year-end A GUSTO & Co, an indigenous rating agency, has projected an upsurge in pension assets from N4.3 trillion to N5.28 trillion by yearend. The agency said in a report released yesterday that the assets are also expected to hit N6.9 trillion by next year.

“We are even more bullish on 2015 when we expect year-on-year growth of 31 per cent to 6.9 trillion as our forecast is premised on the increase in pension fund contributions by 300 basis points,” the report said.

Agusto said Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) typically view this clientele base as cost inefficient be-

Stories by Collins Nweze

cause of fragmentation and poor compliance.

It said PFAs will not be motivated to invest sufficiently in distribution infrastructure to serve this segment of the market. “The increase in employers’ pension contributions to 10 per cent will increase labour costs and associated overheads for small businesses. It will also taper disposable income albeit marginally. the National Pension Commission (PenCom’s) capacity to sanction err-

ing firms in the informal and semiformal levels while boosting compliance is also in doubt,” it said.

It said that going forward, the largest cache of new registrations will come from the public sector. “With only eight state governments in full compliance and 27 states in various levels of compliance, and one state in total abstention, PenCom’s subtle but effective drive at increasing compliance by the state governments could significantly increase the aggregate

Skye Bank’s internet banking offers self-service options

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KYE Bank Plc has launched a new Internet/Mobile banking platform – SkyePlus+ to deliver consistent and personalized experience through a combination of enhanced self service options.

In a statement, the bank said the new Skyeplus+ comes with comprehensive functional coverage to provide the convenience of anywhere, anytime banking thus, giving customers greater control over their finances.

The lender said with the initiatives, customers would be able to carry out banking transactions anywhere anytime with quality service guaranteed.

To enhance its capacity for transaction processing and service delivery, Skye Bank recently migrated to the latest Core Banking System from Oracle Financial Services Systems (OFSS) called Flexcube Universal Banking System version 6.0 to FCUBS v 12.0.

The new Flexcube is an integrated Banking Application that

supports both Corporate and Retail operations. It is tailored specifically to deliver improved systems availability and superior services to customers across all interaction channels.

The bank said the migration stemmed from the fact that banks

the world over are faced with unprecedented changes in customer behavior and expectations as a result of advances in Technology and the fierce competition in a rapidly expanding financial services landscape.

Ecobank to open investment bank

E

BI Investment Corporation Kenya Limited, a subsidiary of Ecobank Capital has been granted an investment bank license by the Capital Markets Authority in Kenya.

Ecobank Capital, registered as Ecobank Development Corporation, is the investment banking arm of the Ecobank Group, with operating offices currently in Abidjan, Accra, Lagos and Douala.

In a statement, the group said it also has dealing membership of five African stock exchanges namely the Ghana Stock Exchange, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Bourse Régionale des

Valeurs Mobilières in Abidjan, Douala Stock Exchange and Bourse des Valeurs Mobilières d’Afrique Centrale in Libreville.

Ecobank Capital’s entry into Kenya follows its acquisition of the investment advisor Iroko Securities Kenya Limited in July 2013 and subsequent application to the Capital Markets Authority for an investment bank license in November 2013.

Ecobank Capital joins a growing number of financial services institutions in Kenya which are moving into investment banking to complement their commercial banking services.

registration numbers. PenCom has increased the compliance of states by barring the PFAs from investing in municipal bonds issued by states that have not adopted the contributory pension scheme,” the report said.

President Goodluck Jonathan signed the new Pension Reform Bill 2014 into law, repealing the previously enacted Pension Reform Act 2004. This new Pension Act consolidates amendments made to the 2004 Act and also includes significant reviews such as the exemption of military personnel and Department of State Security personnel from the current contributory pension scheme.

The 2014 Act also incorporates subsequent reviews to the 2004 Act such

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,663.89 1,663.89 1,05.92 1,087.30 1.3451 1.3635 1.0178 1.1855

OCIAL entrepreneurship has been identified as a platform where prospective investors and business owners can key into for profitable returns on their investments.

This was the outcome of a workshop organised by First Bank of Nigeria Limited and attended by Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and stakeholders at the Lagos Business School (LBS).

Social entrepreneurship is the way companies do business by solving a social need, while making returns in the process.

Lead Consultant at Kasher Consulting, Mrs Adedayo Oluwole, said NGOs can rely on such businesses to raise funds for themselves instead of waiting for donations from corporate bodies. She said that Social Entrepreneurship is still relatively new in the country but has been successful in some of other countries of the world.

“It involves being innovative in

S

167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,663.89 1,663.89 119.71 1,087.00

GAINERS AS AT 21-07-14

By Ajose Sehindemi

identifying a social or community need and going ahead to meet the need, and for a wise investor, it is an opportunity to tap into an unexplored market. It is important to have a funding matrix which would enable NGOs sustain themselves by not completely relying on funding from donors,” she said.

Oluwole, who has over 15 years working experience in international development, said the concept is beneficial to other business owners as steady flow of income is guaranteed if a need to be met can be identified.

Another discussant at the workshop, director, First Bank sustainability center and head of strategy and entrepreneurship, LBS, Dr. Chris Ogbechie, who speaks on Trends and Issues on Sustainability in Nigeria, said, the workshop is not just how NGO’s can sustain their businesses.

DATA BANK

Bid Price

1.3361 1.3635 0.9999 1.1855

as the Universities (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 2012 (which revised the retirement age and benefits of university professors) and the Third Alteration Act (which places responsibility for pension matters with the National Industrial Courts).

FirstBank’s forum supports social entrepreneurship

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

•Ag. PenCom D-G, Mrs.Chinelo Anohu-Amazu

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 7/16/2014 7/9/2014 7/7/2014

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Amount Offered in ($) 300m 300m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 290.9m 279.08m 342.8m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES July 18, 2014

Inflation: May

8.0%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

154.73

155.73

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves

$38.1bn

US Dollar

1.21

0.20

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

264.4336

266.1426

4.67

5.19

0.52

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

MOBIL

154.50

170.33

15.83

Euro

209.3652

210.7183

CCNN

11.26

12.04

0.78

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N16.76 trillion

Swiss Franc

172.2668

173.3801

Yen

1.5262

1.5361

CFA

0.3001

0.3201

237.7336

239.27

Yuan/Renminbi

24.9214

25.0834

Riyal

41.2569

41.5236

SDR

238.4544

239.9955

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

WEMABANK

1.01

REDSTAREX

CUTIX

1.80

1.89

0.09

PAINTCOM

1.40

1.47

0.07

PHARMDEKO

1.50

1.57

0.07

AGLEVENT

1.33

1.39

0.06

CUSTODYINS NNFM

3.80

3.96

0.16

19.79

20.50

0.71

LOSERS AS AT 21-07-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Rate (%)

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

10.500

1M

12.175

12.101

3M

13.328

13.225

6M

14.296

14.-85

WAUA

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

ETERNA

4.35

4.09

-0.26

UNILEVER

53.00

50.14

-2.86

JAPAULOIL

0.58

0.55

-0.03

CONOIL

65.60

62.32

-3.28

NCR

15.20

14.44

-0.76

TRANSEXPR

2.08

1.96

-0.10

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

LEARNAFRCA

1.65

1.57

-0.08

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

-0.06

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

NEIMETH FO CAVERTON

1.24

1.18

238.00

227.00

6.70

6.40

-11.00 -0.30

FOREX RATES

Tenor

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

55

NEWS (SHOWBIZ) Glo features 34 celebrities in new campaign

A

AFRIFF 2014: Xilole Tshabalala appointed brand ambassador •From left: Ikenna Ezenyirioha, Festival Manager; Afie Braimoh, Project Director; South African actress and AFRIFF Goodwill Ambassador, Xilole Tshabalala and Keith Shiri, Artistic Director, at the Tsogo Sun Elengani Hotel forDurban International Film Festival.

A

S the world eagerly awaits November 9 to16 when the much-publicised 4th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) will come up, one remarkable move by the organisers to create a sense of harmony among filmmakers in the continent is the endorsement of notable South African actress, Xilole Tshabalala, as Goodwill Ambassador of the festival.

Tshabalala’s deal with AFRIFF was sealed at the ongoing Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), where she held talks with the AFRIFF team led by its artistic director, Keith Shiri, who flew into Durban from London.

The actress, whose short film, Through Her Eyes, is screening at DIFF, was apparently excited to join the team, having been eager to lend her voice to projects that promote Africa.

“I’m very excited as an artiste and as a female filmmaker. Also, as an African, I am so happy about anything that brings Africa together and puts us on the world map. I’m just overwhelmed with joy for being a part of the AFRIFF team,” she said to reporters at the festival.

Consequently, the star of Mnet’s Jacobs Cross and SABC1’s soap, Generation, joins Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic, and American star, Lynn Withfield, who have both been lifting the banners of AFRIFF, since their appointment as the festival’s ambassadors last year.

Interestingly, Tshabalala resumed duty immediately, talking to people at the ongoing DIFF about the qualities that differentiate AFRIFF from other festivals.

The actress, who has already marked the festival date in her diary, further added that it would be her

second time in Nigeria, when she lands on November 8, a day to the festival’s opening ceremony.

AFRIFF holds at the popular Tinapa Business Resort in Calabar, Cross River State.

The event will feature daily film screenings, workshops, master classes, exhibitions, film premieres, glamorous opening and closing ceremonies. It will round off with an award night that will celebrate winning film entries as well as their cast and crew.

Tshabalala’s Through Her Eyes, a ‘Man’s World’themed film will also be showing at the festival.

Although her first stint with Nigeria was in Abuja, she cannot wait to witness Calabar, a city she learnt is the tourism hub of Nigeria.

“From my experience of Abuja, I love the country and the people. I also love the fact that there are so many people in one place-so many Africans that we can just share our stories with. I love Nigeria from my experience of Abuja and I’m sure Calabar holds greater promises for me.

“When Chioma Ude, the founder of AFRIFF, called me, I had no choice but to jump at

the offer-perhaps, it is also because it’s woman power.

“Yes, the festival is being run by an amazing woman.

So, I just feel excited about an opportunity for me to share my experience and belief about the beauty of Africa.

More importantly, I am excited because it will also offer the opportunity to show the world that we too can run a film festival without the West coming in,” she said.

Born in Vrede in the Free State, the 37-year-old actress is best known for her role as Julia Motene in Generation.

She also played alongside her mentor, Thembi Mtshali, in The Crucible at the Market Theatre.

She enrolled at the National School of the Arts and graduated with the honour of best overall performer. She has worked on other television productions, including Justice for All, Scoop Schoombie, Isidingo, Secret in my Bosom and Soul City, among others.

Xolile, as she is simply called, has received a number of acting awards, including Duku Duku Viewers Choice award( 2003) and People Magazine Crystal Award for Best Soap Actress (2004),

among others.

She took a break from acting in 2005 to attend the New York Film School, honing her skill as a film producer and director.

She played the role of Sister Zama in the seventh season of the SABC1 drama series, Soul City (in 2006) and played a guest role in the fifth season of the American drama series, NCIS, in 2007.

She starred as Mandi Mbalula, Mvelo’s (Yonda Thomas) father’s calculating accountant and second-incommand at Nobela Holdings in the SABC1 drama series, Fallen, in 2011.

She also starred as TT’s gorgeous wife Gugu, an ambitious player development executive who gives the casino’s high rollers whatever they want, but is unable to give TT the one thing he wants- a childin the SABC3 drama, series High Rollers, in 2013.

Xilole is also popular for her campaign about naturalness, leading that line with braids and Afro-hairstyles alone.

S part of efforts to continuously maintain its share of the market, , Globacom, a telecoms company, has launched a new theme campaign tagged Go Ahead.

Go Ahead, which features 34 top showbiz celebrities, depicts the essence of the network and communicates the dynamism of its services in voice, data and fixed lines.

The celebrities who will feature in the campaign include: Saheed Mohammed (Funky Mallam), Morocco Maduka, Charles Awurum, Victor Osuagwu, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, Daniel Amokachi, Daddy Showkey, Dele Momodu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sunday Omobolanle, Aluwe, Zebrudaya, Ovuleria, Bolaji Amusan a.k.a Mr Latin, Madam Ibidun Allison Amebo and Madam Kofo Abiola, among others.

Four of the celebrities, John Okafor (Mr Ibu), Bishop Ime(Okon Lagos), Chinwetalu Agu and Helen Paul were designated as brand ambassadors.

The 34 celebrities will be

expected to positively motivate their fans from all strata of life not only to join the Globacom network, but also recommend its products and services to others in their circles of influence.

To connect the network to the ‘oldies’ are veteran entertainment stars, King Sunny Ade and Sir Victor Olaiya, both world-renowned masters in Juju music and Highlife respectively.

The 22 new faces, who have been appearing in television commercials as well as on billboards, lamp posts and fliers of the network, will complement the efforts of existing ambassadors, including Bisade Ologunde (Lagbaja), Bezhiwa Idakula (Bez), Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth), Jude Abaga (MI ), Wande Coal, Chinedu Okolie (Flavour), Peter and Paul Okoye (P Square), Waje Iruobe, Omawumi Megbele, Funke Akindele (Jenifa), Chukie Edozien (Lynxx), Sammie Okposo and Ego Ogbaro.

The Go Ahead campaign encourages subscribers to believe in themselves and in the uniqueness of their talents, dreams and goals.

Oga Bello to celebrate 50 years on stage

H

OW time flies! That seems to be the general feeling among theatre arts practitioners, particularly in the Yoruba movie sector of Nollywood, as veteran actor, Adebayo Salami, famously known as Oga Bello, will be celebrating his 50th anniversary on stage from September 25 to 28.

According to the organisers, the three-day event will kick-off at the Agip Recital Hall of Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos, with a stage play titled Oloko Oba (King’s namesake), while a grand party will hold on Sunday, September 28, at Time Square Events Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Kwara State-born actor and producer, said: “It feels good to look back and see how far I have come; so, it sure calls for celebration.

The stage play is directed

by Abiodun Abbey and it x-rays the story of a wicked king who derives pleasure in terrorising h i s people.

He even-

tually finds out about a young man who bears the same name with him. So, he is upset and says the man should be beheaded. The young man in his wisdom saved himself by asking the king a simple question he can’t answer.”

The stage play, he said, is for 200 select dignitaries comprising politicians, brand executives, businessmen, veteran movie stars and the media. “The stage play will subsequently lead to the grand finale of the celebration scheduled to hold on Sunday September 28,” he added.

Born on May 9, 1953 in Lagos, he started acting in 1964 at the age of 11 with Young Stars Concert Group led by the late Ojo Ladipo. The group later transformed into Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and then Awada Kerikeri Group.

However, in 1978, he literally picked up the mantle of leadership, following the death of Ojo Ladipo and he led the group until the early ‘90s.

The group became popular with Awada Kerikeri, a TV drama that got many people glued to their TV sets in the 70’s.

The forthcoming event is being packaged by AO21 Media led by Afolabi Oyekoya.

MTN Project Fame West Africa: Bolanle Olukanni joins Joseph Benjamin as co-host

I

T was a night of glamour and suspense as the seventh season of the talent hunt show, MTN Project Fame West Africa, officially kicked off with the Opening Gala at the weekend.

Activities for the night were set in motion with standup comedian, Seyi Law, who took up the centre stage to do what he knows how to do best.

The event, which also served as the audition finals for the 18 contestants, saw dancer Kaffy and her Imagneto Dance Company thrilling everyone with their dance steps.

However, in a new twist,

Bolanle Olukanni (winner of Search for Mo’s Co-host) joined Nollywood actor, Joseph Benjamin, as co-anchor of the evening.

The organisers announced music producer, Tee-Y mix; Kora award-winning artiste, Ade Bantu, and international act, Bibie Brew, as the panel of judges, while the faculty members include Joke Silva, Ms. Ige, Kaffy and Benneth Ogbeiwi.

Also, the top 18 contestants were introduced at the event.

While Sola Ekundayo, Flourish Agu, David Olowojoba, Melvin Okolie, Taiwo Okunola and Deborah Ohiri

•From Michael Ikpoki, CEO, MTN; Mr. Usoro Anthony Usoro, acting Chief Marketing Officer, MTN and Saidat Lawal-Muhammed, Senior Manager, Segments, MTN, arriving for the opening gala of season 7 MTN Project Fame West Africa

had to perform to secure a place in the Academy, the others got automatic entry into the Academy. However, Deborah and Melvin had to leave the competition as the final 16 were ushered into the Academy.

Winner of the competition will go home with a grand

prize of N5million, an SUV and a recording contract; the first runner-up will go home with N3million and a salon car; the second runner-up will receive N2million and a salon car and the third runnerup will get N2million.

Present at the event were MTN CEO, Mr. Michael

Ikpoki; CMO, Mr. Usoro Usoro; Mr. Jibril Aku, Managing Director, Ecobank; media personalities and captains of industry. Also present were MTN Project Fame alumni: Ayoola, Olawale, Immaculate, Tolu, Oyinkansade, Madonna and Monica, among others.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

56

NEWS Ramadan 25, 1435AH

RAMADAN KAREEM Glo introduces Islamic applications

T

ELECOMMUNICATIONS giant Globacom has introduced Islamic applications for Muslims yearning to know more about their religion.

The three products are Ibadat App, Islamic Portal and the Islamic Digest. The Ibadat App, which runs on ios and android operating systems, offers prayer alerts, the Qibla compass, the reading of the Holy Quran, a virtual Tasbih, live relay of prayers from Mecca and beautiful Islamic wall papers.

The app can be downloaded from http://ibadatapp.com and has been widely embraced by the Muslim Ummah just as the special SMS and IVR Islamic services that the company also offers during Ramadan.

According to Globacom’s Head of Value Added Services, Mr Nagasai Saridey, all features combine to assist the Muslim faithful in their spiritual devotion all-year round.

“The Ibadat app, which is very easy to use, is designed to contribute to the spiritual edification of our Muslim subscribers,” Saridey said.

Globacom said its subscribers wishing to use the IVR service to access Islamic Portal and listen to Quranic verses, Qunuts, Duas, Islamic songs, Hadith and sermons should dial 77020 to enjoy the bouquet of services.

The company further stated that Muslim subscribers on the network can enjoy numerous services on its Islamic Digest platform by texting Dua or Reflect or Quran to 50550.

“This gives them access to use any of the three sms subscription plans for daily Duas, daily Reflections and daily Quranic verses,” he said.

Group lifts the aged, widow

•Vice President Namadi Sambo (fourth left) breaking fast at the Masjid Al-Nabawi in Medina during theLesser Hajj..on Saturday.

By Amidu Arije

Gawat’s disappearance mysterious, says don

A

COMMUNITY-based organisation, Mafoluku Youth Alliance (MYA), has donated foodstuffs and cash to the widows and the aged.

MYA President Muiz Akinbola said the gesture is in line with the spirit of Ramadan to make the less privileged happy.

Akinbola bemoans government’s failure to provide for them in their annual budget.

He urged government to include the needy in budget allocations.

“Some of these things we are doing are things that the government is supposed to do. But because they are not doing it, we have to come to the aid of the people. That is why we have decided to shoulder the responsibility of helping the widows and the aged in our community by providing them with foodstuffs,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries and Chairman Agbelekale /Olaiya Community Development Association Alhaji Sikiru Adegbemi thanked the association for the gesture.

“We pray God continues to help them, in fact they have given us more than we expected. We are very grateful for this gesture because government has neglected the aged and widows,” he said.

Another beneficiary and Chairman of Oluyeye/Dosunmu Community Development Association Alhaji Babatunde Emmanuel promised to always work with them in ensuring that the plight of the widows and the aged in the community are attended to.

RAMADAN GUIDE

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

•Gawat

D

IRECTOR of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Prof Is-haq Lakin Akintola has described the circumstances that led to the disappearance of frontline Television presenter Alhaji Rasak Aremu Gawat as mysterious.

Akintola, a senior lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), spoke at a special prayer organised for Alhaji

Religious mischief

W

HEN some religious charlatans otherwise known as professional clerics want to be mischievous, they call Nigeria a secular state. Without being told, they, themselves know how mischievous they are. Such a controversial claim is an example of how to eat one’s cake and still want to have it.

How can a state be said to be secular when her constitution allows for worship according to faith; when most of her public holidays are determined by religious festivals; when her government’s seat of power (Aso Rock) accommodates official Mosque and official Church; when Muslim and Christian pilgrims boards are formally established with full time officials paid from the tax-payers money; when all government public functions start and end with religious prayers and a religious consultative forum called NAREC is put in place to advise government on religious matters?

Shouldn’t some so-called religious leaders show good example via decorum by calling a spade a spade and not a hoe if only to demonstrate leadership in the way of God as they claim? If, for material gains, religious leaders are the ones to tell blatant lies on obvious matters, who will preach the truth to the populace especially the younger generations? Given the undeniable facts chronicled above, Nigeria is evidently a MULTI-RELIGIOUS and not a SECULAR STATE. Therefore, let not our children be taught how to tell lies by our so-called religious leaders. Truth is like the sun. Denial of its rays by blind people does not stop its existence.

tion of selected portions from the Qur’an and supplication.

Shaykh Sulaiman Adangba, the National Missioner of AlFatiu Quareeb Society of Nigeria said: “What happened to Gawat would definitely visit anyone that always say the truth. In as much as we are conscious of what we say, there is need for us to radicalise our lectures for people to understand our message.”

Gawat’s close friend and partner, Alhaji Tajudeen Uzamot hailed MMPN for the idea, saying, “I am optimistic that my friend is not dead, and I believe that through prayers, Allah will bring him back.”

Uzamot described Gawat as a pleasant and God-fearing person. “He is also man of the people, who loves his family dearly,” he said.

‘Do not be Ramadan Muslims’

WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Gawat by the Muslim Media Practitioners in Nigeria (MMPN), Lagos State Chapter, at the NTA Mosque, Tejuosho, Lagos.

The popular television presenter/Master of Ceremonies was declared missing two years ago and efforts to find him have been unsuccessful.

A troubled Akintola said it is sad that the whereabouts of eloquent TV presenter is still unknown.

He said: “It is mysterious.

Mysterious in the sense that it is very unusual for a human being to just disappear without any trace. This is a minus on the part of security agencies.”

According to him, those who abducted Gawat did it be-

cause of his (Gawat) activities, urging journalists and clerics to be conscious of what they write, say and where they say it.

The special prayer, which lasted for hours, was attended

by Muslim journalists in Lagos State. Friends of Gawat also turned out to honour him.

MMPN Coordinator AbdulWarith Solanke thanked the participants, saying: “We are here because of our brother, Gawat, who was declared missing two years ago. We are here to pray for him, and we believe, with prayers, everything is possible. We are also here because of ourselves.

Whatever we do for Gawat today, we do it for ourselves and we will be rewarded for it.”

Shaykh Sulayman Adangba led the prayers, with recita-

A

CTING Head of Insurance and Actuarial Science Department, University of Lagos, Dr Tajudeen Yusuf has urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan, stressing that it should be a guide for them throughout the year.

The Unilag don enjoined Muslims to take advantage of Ramadan to seek Allah’s mercies by increasing worship and not limit good deeds to Ramadan alone.

He said: “In Ramadan, the gates of Paradise are open, that of Hell is closed and devils are chained. This is evident in the multitudes that strive towards righteousness, eagerness to please the other person, being nice to neighbours, doing good to people.

“Ramadan seeks to tame us, to teach us on how to pursue our life in other months.

Let Ramadan penetrate you.

Carry the spirit and extend it beyond Ramadan because Allah’s favour is with us throughout the year and not onlyin the

By Suliat Abodunrin

month of Ramadan.”

Yusuf enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the habit of speaking the truth, noting that it will inadvertently make one to attain the level of righteousness needed to face Allah on the Day of Resurrection.

He stated: “While being truthful at times might not be easy because Shaytan vowed to

be there with us at every turn in our life but Allah is so caring for us. People through the promptings of Shaytan think there’s no manifestation of the Hereafter.

For every event in this life, the Quran has already foretold it and that conflict will continue till the Last Day. “As Muslims, we should not get carried away by wealth and other frivolities of this world.

The belief in the Hereafter

should guide us.

“The belief makes us conscious and righteous on how to fulfil the divine’s injunctions.

Life becomes meaningful when we have empathy. We should try to emulate the Prophet, who at the peak of his glory forgave his enemies and that made people troop to Islam. It shows the magnanimity of the Muslims.

That is how Islam spread, it was not by sword.”

Council distributes items to Muslims

C

ARETAKER Chairman of Ido Local Government Prof Adeniyi Olowofela has distributed foodstuffs to Muslims at the council Secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Olowofela said the distribution followed the state government’s desire to alleviate the suffering of the people, adding that food is considered a major need of the people, especially during this period of Ramadan fast.

Olowofela urged people in the council to continue to support the present administration in its effort at transforming the state.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

"This gesture is from Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi in his attempt to identify with the Muslim community during Ramadan.

The items will be distributed to 10 wards across the council.

"Everyone is called to receive food, especially Muslims who are observing Ramadan fasting. We have food for all, irrespective of group or party affiliation," he said.

APC Chairman in Ido Pastor Samuel Akintokun described the programme as a welcome initiative that gladdened the beneficiaries.

Among the items distributed are 400 bags of rice, 300 bags of garri and 150 bags of beans.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

57

NEWS Six feared killed in Imo oil community crisis •Five in police net

T

•From left: Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka the 3rd of Obosi; Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano; former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; and his wife, Mrs. Ugoma Ebunola Olubunmi Anyaoku, at the inauguration of a school building donated by Chief Anyaoku in Obosi, Anambra State...yesterday

HE Egbema clan, an oil producing community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, was at the weekend engulfed in a crisis.

Not fewer than six people were feared killed.

The clash, according to an eyewitness, was between two rival cult groups known as Degbam and Dewell, which had been terrorising the community for years over who should be in charge of the royalties accruing from the oil companies.

The source said fight started at 6am on Sunday when a faction of the group invaded Obiakpu community with weapons, shooting for hours.

Among those feared killed was a chief, Emmanuel Opara aka Akurulo of Egbema and

From Okodili Ndidi,Owerri

another man and his son, who were killed at Mmahu community.

Six suspects were arrested.

Police spokesman Andrew Enwerem confirmed the incident, saying six suspects were arrested.

He said one of the suspects, who was arrested with bullet wounds, died later, while the remaining five are in their custody.

Enwerem said investigation is ongoing.

Judicial workers to meet today over strike From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Police take over Ebonyi Assembly complex S •House gets first woman speaker •’My impeachment is illegal’

R

IOT policemen averted violence yesterday at the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, following the impeachment of the Speaker, Mr. Chukwuma Nwazunku.

Of the 24 lawmakers, 18 in a commando-like operation, impeached the Speaker and elected Helen Nwaobasi (Abakaliki South) as Speaker.

The members lifted the suspension placed on the three legislators – Frank Onwe, Eni Uduma Chime and Deputy Speaker Blaise Orji.

Chris Usulor (Ezza South) moved a motion for the Speaker’s impeachment.

It was seconded by the Minority Leader, Enyi C. Enyi (Ezza North West).

Thereafter, Eni Uduma Chima (Afikpo South West) moved a motion for the election of Helen Nwaobasi.

The motion was seconded by Jerry Obasi (Ohaozara West).

The members listed seven impeachable offences allegedly committed by the Speaker, bordering on corruption, incompetence and violation of oath of office.

They also accused the Speaker of a conduct likely to cause a breach of the constitution.

The lawmakers said: “Section 104 of the constitution provides that the House of Assembly of every state must sit for a minimum of 181 days in a year.

But as at today under Nwazunku, the House has only sat for 17 times inclusive of today’s emergency

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

sitting.

“The Speaker violated the code of conduct as contained in part one of the fifth schedule of the constitution. As a public officer, the only business he is permitted by law to do is any business in agriculture.

“Nwazunku is the leading real estate businessman in Ebonyi State, and carries out his transactions on land and landed properties. He would proudly show his land measurement tape in the booth of his official car.

At times he even carries beacon of pillars in his official vehicles.

“Incompetence is also a major reason for the former Speaker’s impeachment.

His education is grossly insufficient. After over two years in his former position, his presiding over the House is still dependent on the pieces of papers of guidance from the floor of the Assembly, particularly from the desk of Odefa Obasi Odefa.

“On the other hand, if he found any time from his land vending business, he would attend to his adult education programme with the Ebonyi State University, thereby having almost no time for the business of the House.

“Nwazunku has inferiority complex. This made him to avoid the meetings of the Conference of Nigerian Speakers like a plague.

“The Speaker used his office to corruptly enrich him-

self. Details and figures of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly money he embezzled would be supplied in due course to the committee investigating his matter.”

The House also suspended Mabel Aleke representing (Ohaukwu South), Ogbonnaya Nwifuru (Izzi West), Chukwuma Nwazuku (Ebonyi East) and Obasi Odefa (Onicha East).

The impeachment led to an uproar, which could have turned bloody, as the groups loyal to both camps besieged the Assembly to fight for their candidates.

The impeached Speaker stormed the Assembly with his supporters, but they were not allowed into the premises by the supporters of the new Speaker.

As tempers rose, the policemen attached to the Assembly were forced to shoot into the air to prevent an escalation of the crisis.

The former Speaker then left, but some of his loyal members, especially Odefa, were allowed into the House on the order of the new Speaker.

Minutes later, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, O.S. Faleye, stormed the Assembly with a reinforcement of police officers. This brought the total number of policemen to about 100.

Faleye, after listening to the leaders of both camps, told them that he was in the House to keep the peace.

He said: “Everybody should vacate the premises and aggrieved parties

Power generation to hit 10,000mw by Dec, says minister

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HE amount of power generated in Nigeria will hit 10,000 megawatts by December this year, the Federal Government has said.

Government’s assurance yesterday was despite the erratic power supply witnessed across Nigeria in recent months.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who told an Indian delegation on power, stated that the Federal Government would soon summon a stakeholders’ forum of all electricity distribution and generation companies, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Electricity Management Liability Company and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading

company.

Nebo, according to a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Press, Federal Ministry of Power, Mr. Timothy Oyedeji, also said the government would hold the National Council on Power in August in order to look at measures to boost electricity supply to Nigerians, adding that “Nigeria will hit 10,000MW by the end of 2014.”

The minister revealed that the Federal Government was considering a permanent nature for the NBET, and noted that the bulk trader was conceived as a stop-gap agency for the transitional stage of the power sector.

should seek redress through the court.

“We are not here to judge or adjudicate on any matter. We are just policemen, out to perform our duty.”

The people on the premises quickly vacated the place, while the new Speaker and the lawmakers drove away towards the police headquarters to meet the police commissioner.

Moments later, Nwazunku drove to the Assembly, but he was prevented from entering the premises by the security officers.

Briefing reporters, the erstwhile Speaker described his impeachment as a rumour and an illegality.

Said he: “For me, I know that it is not true, because we are on recess. Besides, I have my members. If I call them now they will come.

“Police are there to protect the Assembly from the people, who are trying to perpetrate illegality. There are procedures to impeach a Speaker and right now, three of the members of their group are out.

“I am not bothered because I have God on my side. One with God is majority. This is why I have the majority of the lawmakers on my side. They are just causing confusion and deceiving themselves.

“They are causing confusion and very soon they will be arrested. It is a rumour to me.

The House is on recess for one month and it is not up to eight days that the Assembly went on recess.”

But the member representing Afikpo South West, Eni Uduma Chima, debunked Nwazunku’s allegation that his impeachment was illegal.

“We are not lawless like the former Speaker. What we did was to invoke the power conferred on the Assembly by Section 101, which gives us power to declare recess, summon recess, conduct emergency sittings and regulate our proceedings.

“And from that power we suspended the House rules, which required seven days notice before you impeach the Speaker,” Eni said.

At 11am, the impeached Speaker drove to the Exco chambers of the Government House where Governor Martin Elechi was having a function. He was, however, prevented from entering the venue.

The lawmakers, who carried out the impeachment, also arrived with the new Speaker and they tried to enter, but they were also prevented.

They attempted to stop the embattled Speaker from seeing the governor. The security operatives prevented the situation from degenerating into a chaos.

Addressing reporters, Enyi said Helen Obasi remains the authentic Speaker and the choice of the people.

The new Speaker and the members later visited the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Josephine Elechi.

At press time, the governor was yet to meet the warring groups.

Obi: developing people’s mindset my greatest achievement

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ORMER Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has said his greatest achievement as a governor was developing the people’s mindset.

Obi, who spoke in Lagos at an interactive session at the Pan-African University Annex, Victoria Island, said his greatest achievement in office was rebuilding the values and the mindset of Anambra people.

He said he felt fulfilled by rebuilding the psyche and value system of the indigenes.

The ex-governor said before he came into office, Anambra people were being looked down upon because of the bastardisation of the people’s values, adding: “But today, we are being taken seriously.”

TRIKING judicial workers are expected to meet today in Abuja to evaluate the effect of their action and consider whether or not to end it.

President of the workers’ body - Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) - Marwan Adamu said yesterday the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) will meet today to decide on the strike.

Adamu said he could not predict the outcome of the meeting.

The judicial workers began the strike on July 11 in state High Courts.

Workers of Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, Sharia Court of Appeal and Customary Court of Appeal, joined on July 17.

The workers are protesting what they called the refusal of governors to obey a judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which granted fiscal autonomy to the Judiciary.

Southeast mothers to meet on ‘baby factory’

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OTHERS in the Southeast will meet to find a solution to the “baby factory” menace.

The Ogbako NdiNne, gathering of mothers will hold at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu on July 26. It is organised by Access Media Ltd, publishers of Working MOMs Africa Magazine a leading publication for working and career mothers.

The Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mary Ikoku, said OgbakoNdiNne is designed to discuss motherhood, with reference to building a safe nation for mothers, infants and children in the Southeast.

College holds awards night THE first valedictory day and graduation ceremony of Rev. Payne Memorial College, Imowo, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State will hold tomorrow and on Thursday.

The Registrar, Rev. Remi Emmanuel, said yesterday that the programme would kick-off with a valedictory session and awards night scheduled for the school premises. He said the valedictory night would feature a stage play, titled: Moremi, by the Rev. Payne School Drama Troupe, while awards would be given to deserving parents and teachers in recognition of their contributions to the development of the school.

The graduation ceremony and prize giving day would hold on Thursday.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

58

NEWS

Jonathan lauds Oshiomhole for investments in Edo

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has praised Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole for attracting investments into the state, saying the governor is an investor’s delight.

The President spoke yesterday at the inauguration of Presco BioGas Power Plant Project at Obayantor, Benin City.

Represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, the President said: “For any form of investment, policies are critical,

‘Lawmaker committed’

but the enabling environment is far more important.

“I wish to praise the government, and in particular the governor, we heard his comments when they said they needed another 20,000 hectares of land, he said it is available, come and get it.

“He is the kind of governor who investors want to work with. A governor who is dynamic, a governor who understands the economics, understands the needs of the people, understands the importance of investments in his state.

“I wish also to praise the people for providing the cordial atmosphere for Presco to operate all these years and to continue to invest in this state and in this country.

“It is my hope that the cooperation that has sustained Presco will be extended to other industrial establishments in Edo State.”

Aganga assured that the Federal Government will continue to partner with states, such as Edo, in its policy to bring about results which Nigerians ex-

pect from governance.

He said: “I also want to say thank you to the governor for your kind support for Presco Company in boosting the agro-allied industry. It is a great honour for me to be here today for the formal inauguration of this bio-gas plant.

“It is important to note that 10,000 Nigerians are among the shareholders of this company. So every penny they make and the dividends they pay have a huge success in maintaining these Nigerians.”

Oshiomhole said: “Part of

the problem of our democracy is that we spend too much time talking politics and very little time discussing the economy, investment, wealth creation among others.

“We need to do more to ensure that there is policy coherence beyond what we see in terms of what we do as government both at the federal and state levels. As you know, trade has never been free, nation-states must formulate policies that are informed by their enlightened self-interest.”

A

MEMBER of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Jim Adun, is committed to the ideals of effective representation through dialogue and consultation with his constituency, his campaign organisation has said.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary of the Jim Adun Campaign Organisation, Evans Aigbedion, said his many developmental projects have made life better for members of his Egor/Ikpoba/Okha constituency.

It said rather than appreciate these people-oriented developmental efforts, some faceless characters had embarked on campaign of calumny to rubbish Adun’s achievements.

The campaign organisation recalled that a group called “Edo Youth for Good Governance” displayed its ignorance when it asked Adun to mention the contracts he had awarded since he became a lawmaker.

Adun explained to them that it is not the duty of lawmakers to award contracts but to make laws for the good governance of the country.

“We therefore call on our supporters to beware and disregard the campaign of falsehood and other mischievous machinations by members of the “Edo Youth for Good Governance”, “Egor Youth Forum”, their faceless sponsors and co-travellers orchestrated against Edun,” the statement said.

Dickson declares Bayelsa accounts

T

HE Bayelsa State government has declared N2 billion as the total amount available in its coffers after deduction of recurrent and capital expenditures spanning three months.

At the monthly transparency initiative briefing for April, May and June, Governor Seriake Dickson, who was represented by Deputy Governor Gboribiogha John Jonah, said the declaration of the state’s monthly income and expenditure was in line with the administration’s policy of transparency and accountability.

In the breakdown, Dickson said at the end of April, the state posted a balance of N14.87billion, including balance brought forward from March, which stood at N7.263 billion.

At the end of May, the state had a balance of N14.621 billion, including N8.938 billion brought forward from April.

At the end of last month, the state posted N2 billion after necessary deductions, which include bank loan re-payment and services, recurrent and capital expenditure.

Hotelier arrested From Osagie Otabor, Benin

THE proprietor of Kenbrill Hyatt Hotel, Ken Owie, has been arrested by the Tax Intelligence and Enforcement Department of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) for allegedly breaking government seal.

The hotel was sealed off for alleged non-remittance of consumption taxes.

Director of Tax Intelligence and Enforcement Department Victor Okube said Owie broke government seal on his hotel as well as in other sealed hotels.

He advised those whose hotels were sealed off to visit the consumption tax department.

Okube dismissed insinuations that the enforcement was selective, adding that over 160 hotels, eateries, event centres have failed to remit consumption taxes, since 2011.

Owie said he had secured a court order preventing the EIRS from sealing off the hotel. He said he was being victimised.

‘Pastor’, six others arrested From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

•Former Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande flanked by his wife, Abimbola and former Lagos State Military Governor Mobolaji Johnson at a lecture to mark Alhaji Jakande’s 85th birthday in Lagos.

Anger in Bayelsa over pirate attacks

T

HERE is anger among residents in Bayelsa State over persistent attacks on travellers on the state’s waterways.

Residents condemned last Friday’s attack on a passenger boat by pirates who killed three travelers, including Awotimigha Iyabi, an aide to the former Commissioner for Information, Nathan Egba.

Iyabi’s killing infuriated stakeholders, who described him as a peaceloving gentleman.

Friends and relatives thronged his Yenagoa home to sympathise with his wife and four children.

H

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Members of the Maritime Workers Union (MWU) lamented the porosity of the Nembe-Brass waterways.

Sailors under the MWU were said to have planned an emergency meeting to review the situation.

There were indications that the sailors were planning to go on strike over what they described as”insensitivity of the government” and “poor” security situation in the state waterways.

Also, the indigenes of coastal communities of

Brass and Nembe appealed to relevant authorities to step up surveillance operations in their areas.

It was gathered that the marine officers of the state security outfit, Operation Doo Akpo, have been deployed in the waterways and creeks.

A civil rights activist and State Coordinator of the Environmental Right Action, Morris Alagoa, confirmed the rising fear on the waterways.

Alagoa said the Brass, Nembe and Southern Ijaw areas had been turned into a killing field by the pi-

rates.

He said: “While we appreciate the efforts by the state and local government councils, it is important for the authorities to redouble their efforts and put adequate logistics in place.

“Funds should be mobilised to take care of equipment and men to go after the pirates.

“Communities habouring these criminals should be identified and turned over to the police and Joint Military Task Force. Also, marine police checkpoints should be beefed up.

Those arrested should be prosecuted.”

Unemployed youths protest in Port Harcourt

UNDREDS of unemployed youths under the aegis of Abandoned Youths of Nigeria Initiative (AYE) marched on the streets of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday to protest alleged government’s insensitivity to their plight.

The protesters from the 36 states and Abuja took off from the School of Basic Studies (SBS) at Rumuola in Obio/Akpor Local Government through the busy Port Harcourt/Aba Road and stopped at the Isaac Boro Park.

They demanded to be included in the N65, 000 monthly allowances being given to ex-militants.

A statement by the National President, Eferebo Opakariari, and the National Secretary, Edwin Essien, sought a declaration of state of emergency on unemploy-

•Threaten to boycott election From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

ment, creation of a ministry of social security and welfare, stipulation of policies and programmes that would address the needs of youths.

The youths threatened to boycott next year’s elections,

if the Federal Government refuses to listen to their demands.

Eferebo said: “The gap between the government and the youth is very wide, and we are saying that if Nigeria wants to have peace, the Federal Government should

extend amnesty benefits to all unemployed youth.

“This would reduce terrorism, militancy, and other crimes. What we are doing here has a lot of impact on next year’s general election.

If President Goodluck Jonathan does not listen to the affairs of this group, we will boycott next year’s elections, we are tired.”

Council bosses shun PDP lawmakers

E

DO State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs

Lucky James and the 18 local council chairmen have shunned the invitation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers.

The PDP lawmakers have earlier passed a resolution calling on James and the council bosses to present receipts and expenditure of revenue allocations.

But three of the council bosses appeared before the APC lawmakers to present briefs

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

of their performances.

Those who appeared were Joseph Akeredola (Akoko-Edo), Victor Enobakhare (Egor) and Solomon Eramhahemhen (Esan Central).

Speaker Uyi Igbe urged the council bosses to embark on projects that must be completed within their three years tenure.

The Speaker said the present administration would not want any abandoned projects in the localities.

He said an ad-hoc committee would be set up to visit the councils.

THE police in Delta State have arrested seven persons, including a pastor, for alleged stealing aluminum roofing sheets valued at over N50 million.

Police spokesperson Tina Kalu said the police acting on a tip-off stormed Omirigboma, a suburb of Asaba, and arrested a suspect, identified as Charles Ikebisi.

Kalu said detectives got information that large quantities of aluminum sheets were discovered at Okwe community awaiting evacuation by buyers from Onitsha, Anambra State.

She said six persons were arrested at the scene.

Kalu identified the suspects as Egwu Sunday (24), Pastor Zephaniah Esiobu (54), Osita Uche (31).

Others are Hyginus Dibor (24), David Chukwunyere (32) and Obiorah Okeke (38).

Six hundred aluminum roofing sheets were recovered.

Imoke hailed on zoning POLITICAL leaders from the Northern Senatorial Zone of Cross River State have lauded Governor Liyel Imoke and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for zoning the governorship slot to the zone.

The leaders assured Imoke and the party that they would ensure a level playing ground for all aspirants from the zone.

Imoke urged the leaders to remain focused and not to be distracted by forces that will cause confusion.

The governor enjoined aspirants to begin consultation with leaders across the three senatorial zones, even as he reiterated his earlier position not to anoint his successor.

“Anyone who is waiting for anointment is not prepared to be governor because he is not part of the process.

“Whoever that will succeed me must have the capacity to surpass me. He must understand the most difficult political situations of our state and that the person should be supported.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

59

NEWS Nasarawa: CJ insists on due process Continued from page 4

probe Governor Al-Makura, but unlike what happened in Adamawa State, the Justice Dikko is strictly applying the law.

“He is insisting on substantial compliance with the 1999 Constitution and the law on service of impeachment notice and constitution of a seven-man investigative panel.

“The lawmakers have been trying to sway the CJ to their side. They have also tried to dictate to the CJ who should serve on the investigative panel.

“For instance, they have shortlisted some well-known ‘political enemies’ of the governor as members of the investigative panel to make Al-Makura’s trial a fait accompli.”

Some of the likely members of the panel are a former deputy governor, some permanent secretaries retired by Al-Makura

and a former Head of a state parastatal who had an axe to grind with the governor.

Section 188(5) of the 1999 says: “Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the state shall at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, appoint a panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party, to investigate the allegation as provided in this section.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “I think the lawmakers are jittery about the nonpartisan attitude of the Chief Judge. Some of them have had cause to report the CJ to the NJC for entertaining some applications relating to the conduct of local government elections.

“The CJ is a man of integrity

and he is tough. He also cannot be intimidated by anybody. The lawmakers have found him a judge that cannot be used.”

There were indications yesterday that some of the Assembly members were encouraged to go into the impeachment plot because of alleged promise of the state’s monthly allocation of N3billion as compensation.

A top source said: “One of the brains behind the impeachment plot allegedly told some of the lawmakers that once Al-Makura is out, the next monthly allocation of N3billion meant for the state will be allocated to them to share.

“This is the bait being offered some of the lawmakers. It is, however, impracticable to allocate the entire funds from the Federation Account to the state in one month to the lawmakers. Yet, some of the lawmakers believe in the mouthwatering offer.”

Some of the lawmakers may

Ex-Oil Minister Lukman dies in Vienna at 75 Continued from page 4

responsibility to become OPEC secretary-general.

“As OPEC Secretary General, Lukman demonstrated competence, excellence and high sense of wisdom before the international community and indeed raised the reputation of Nigeria as a strategic and important global player, especially in the oil and gas sector.

“Lukman unarguably left a positive footprint on the sands of time. No doubt, the nation owes him a great deal of gratitude.”

Tambuwal expressed shock and sadness over Lukman’s death.

In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media) Imam Imam, Tambuwal described the deceased as a thorough-bred technocrat who served his country diligently at home and abroad.

He said: “Lukman was a pioneer authority whose deep knowledge of the petroleum and gas sub-sector led to the formulation of various policies that have impacted positively on Nigeria.

“He was one Nigerian who is respected globally for his diligence, creativity, honesty and commitment to duty. We will miss a global ambassador who did his best for his fatherland whenever called upon to serve.

“I wish to extend my sympathy and that of the House of Representatives to Dr. Lukman’s family, friends, colleagues and associates. May the Almighty Allah give them the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Atiku described Lukman as “the best oil minister Nigeria ever had”.

“I will describe (Rilwan) Lukman as the best oil minister we ever had, given his unmatched knowledge of the industry and the integrity with which he ran the ministry,” the statement quoted Atiku as saying.

Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero has expressed profound grief.

Jamaatul Nasril Islam (JNI) is shocked by the sudden demise of Lukman.

Yero, in a statement by his spokesman Ahmed Maiyaki, described the demise of Lukman as a great loss not only to Kadu-

established that the crash is not as a result of any enemy action.

Further details on the crash will be made known as soon as the investigation is completed,” the statement said.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also yesterday said 15,204 persons have been displaced by the weekend’s attack on Damboa.

An epidemic may arise as a result of several bodies left unburied on the streets of the town as the surviving residents were made to flee.

It was also gathered that thousands of people were seen yesterday morning fleeing towards Uba town from Dam-

boa and other areas bordering it that were attacked by the insurgents.

A source from the town said: “Thousands of our people are running in all directions and over 1000 people fled in the direction of Uba to seek solace.”

The Boko Haram sect on Saturday killed over 60 people at Gaidamgari village in Bama local government area of Borno State, following the refusal of residents to allow their young males enlisted as members of the terrorists group.

The sect, it was learnt had embarked on a recruitment drive to shore up its membership, but villagers resisted allowing their children to join.

“The refusal of the commu-

erything possible to stem this from getting out of control. As a matter of fact to show the urgency, the Council of State meeting will be held anytime next week to discuss this issues,” he said.

On fight against terrorism, he said: “The fight against Boko Haram is ongoing. We kept saying that the fight

against Boko Haram is like the footballer. You know when the Germans played Argentina, it was only that one goal they scored that everyone is remembering, the other goals that were stopped, nobody will remember.”

“There are several things government is doing; there are several attacks government has stopped but nobody will

•Al-Makura

have quit the plot because of “intervention” of some traditional rulers and opinion leaders, it was learnt.

Another source said: “Some of the lawmakers have discovered that the impeachment process is unpopular. They have decided to accept the mediation of some traditional rulers and opinion leaders in the state.”

Continued from page 4

•The late Dr. Lukman na State and Nigeria but the entire World.

“Lukman was a nationalist, who dedicated most part of his lifetime working for the advancement and economic development of Nigeria. Future generations of Nigerians will remember him as an astute administrator that contributed immensely to nation building,” he said.

JNI Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar, said the Muslim community received the sad news with shock because his death had created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

nity to allow their children particularly young boys between the ages of 15 to 20 to be recruited into the Boko Haram group, led to the carnage that befell them as the terrorists mobilised and launched a deadly attack on Gaidamgari village,” security source said.

He pointed out that during the attack, over 60 residents were killed, while several others sustained gunshot wounds.

He said, the gunmen that invaded the village were many, using Toyota Hilux vehicles with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Another security personnel, however, said only 29 people were killed.

Fed Govt stops indigenes registration by states Continued from page 4

Continued from page 4

clouds are beginning to gather and the vultures are circling, and these have manifested in Nasarawa where the ordinary people have defied guns and tanks to protest the plan to impeach Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura in a repeat of the bitter medicine forced down the throat of Governor Murtala Nyako.

“The people’s protest in Nasarawa is a sign of what to come if the Federal authorities continue to target opposition state governors for impeachment.

“In the long run, the impeachment weapon will be blunted.

Positions will become more hardened on both sides and Nigeria and Nigerians will become the victims of arrested governance and possible anarchy.”

Gen. Buhari reminded Jonathan that no democracy can survive without a virile opposi-

tion.

He said: “I, along with many other patriotic Nigerians, fought for the unity and survival of this country. Hundreds of patriotic souls perished in the battle to keep Nigeria one. The blood of many of our compatriots helped to ensure the birth of the democracy we are practising today.

“Let no one, whether the leader or the led, the high or the low, a member of the ruling or the opposition do anything to torpedo the system.

“Let no one, whether on the altar of personal ambition or pretension to higher patriotic tendencies, do anything that can detonate the keg of gunpowder on which the nation is sitting.

“It is time for all concerned to spare a thought for the ordinary citizens who have yet to see their hopes, dreams, and aspirations come to reality within the general context of nationhood.”

Allegations wild, totally unsustainable, says President

Boko Haram holds sway in Damboa as Air force chopper crashes Continued from page 4

Jonathan has declared war on Nigeria, says Buhari

remember those ones because we don’t tell you but several things are going on.”

“On the Chibok girls, government is making efforts. We know where they are, but we don’t want to endanger their lives; that is the truth. We want to take it gradually and release them at the appropriate time.

We know where they are; you can go to bed with that.”

resentatives of the people, including the members of the state assemblies who have concluded or initiated impeachment proceedings against their state governors on grounds which they consider justifiable.”

“The constitution does not give the President any power to intervene in such proceedings and President Jonathan has never arrogated such powers to himself or sought to exert any nefarious and unconstitutional influence on state assemblies in Adamawa, Nasarawa or anywhere else in other to secure undue political advantage for his party as General Buhari un-

justifiably alleges.”

“President Jonathan remains true to his declaration that no political ambition of his is worth the life of a single Nigerian. The President has definitely not declared war on his own country or deployed federal institutions in the service of partisan interests as General Buhari falsely claims.

Neither has he been using the common wealth to subvert the system and punish the opposition, as the former Head of State inexcusably asserts.”

The statement also said that President Jonathan has never at any time ordered that any Nigerian should be kidnapped or that anyone should be crated and forcefully transported in violation of decent norms of gover-

nance.

“We therefore urge General Buhari to tarry a while, ponder over his own antecedents and do a reality check as to whether he has the moral right to be so carelessly sanctimonious.”

“It may well be time to pull the brakes, as General Buhari says in his statement, but it is he and others who have resorted to idle scapegoating and blaming President Jonathan for their self-inflected political troubles who need to stop their inexcusable partisanship and show greater regard for the truth, democracy, constitutionalism, the rule of law, peace, security and the well-being of the nation.” It stated.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

60

FOREIGN

Gaza death toll tops 500 as Israel strikes hospital T

HE Palestinian death toll in an Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip jumped to more than 500 on Monday, as the United States, alarmed by escalating civilian bloodshed, took a direct role in efforts to secure a ceasefire.

Despite growing calls for a halt to two weeks of fighting, violence raged on, with Israel saying it had killed 10 militants who tunneled across the border from Gaza, and Palestinian officials ac-

cusing the Israeli army of shelling a hospital.

Israeli jets, tanks and artillery constantly pounded the denselypopulated coastal strip, killing 28 members of a single family at the southern end. Hamas unleashed regular volleys of rockets at Israeli cities, many of them intercepted. A day after he was caught by an open microphone saying sarcastically that the Israeli assault was “a hell of a pinpoint operation”, U.S. Secretary of State John

Kerry flew to Cairo to try to secure an end to hostilities.

Speaking in Washington, President Barack Obama said he was increasingly worried by the conflict.

“We have serious concerns about the rising number of Palestinian civilian deaths and the loss of Israeli lives, and that is why it now has to be our focus and the focus of the international community to bring about a ceasefire,” he told reporters at

the White House.

The Islamist group Hamas, which inflicted the biggest single loss on Israeli forces in eight years when it killed 13 soldiers in Gaza on Sunday, said it would not lay down its arms until a series of demands were met — including an end to a blockade imposed on the territory by both Israel and Egypt.

“The world must understand that Gaza has decided to end the blockade by its blood and its her-

oism,” deputy Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in a televised address.

At Al-Aqsa hospital in the central Gaza Strip, four people were killed and 70 wounded when an Israeli tank shell slammed into the third floor, housing operating theaters and an intensive care unit, the Health Ministry said.

The Israeli military, which has accused Hamas militants of firing rockets from the grounds of Gaza hospitals and seeking ref-

uge there, had no immediate comment.

Non-stop attacks lifted the Palestinian death toll to 518, including almost 100 children, since fighting started on July 8, Gaza health officials said. Israel says 18 of its soldiers have also died along with two civilians.

The carnage energized world leaders to step up efforts to find a way out of the confrontation but a rift among Arab powers may complicate the quest for a truce.

Kenya defence Twitter account hacked

T

HE Twitter accounts of the Kenyan defence forces and its spokesman have been hacked by activists protesting about corruption.

“All of you who have stolen money #Kenya, we are coming after you,” reads one post.

The hacked posts were signed as being from activist group Anonymous.

Kenyan military spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir often uses Twitter to give updates of the war against Somalia’s al-Shabab militant group.

The hackers criticised the government of President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying it only protected the interests of the elite and was not doing enough to tackle poachers and drugs traffickers.

Col Willy Wesonga said no internal military systems had been infiltrated, reports the AP news agency.

He said military technicians were trying to find out who was behind the attack.

The BBC’s Frenny Jowi in Nairobi says the insecurity around the defence ministry’s Twitter feed is embarrassing for a government that has been criticised for its response to a number of security challenges recently.

Clashes between rival militias in Libya kill 47

C PHOTO: BBC

•Mar Behnam monastery in Iraq seized by militants.

South Sudan rebels break ceasefire - Unmiss

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HE United Nations (UN) has accused South Sudanese rebels of violating PUBLIC NOTICE

BOLAJI I Formerly known and addressed as Bolaji Omowunmi Christiana, now to be addressed as Oladele Omowunmi Christiana.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE IFEME I formerly known and addressed as IFEME Uju Precious wish to be known and addressed as KENECHUKWU Uju Precious .All formal documents remain valid. General public take note PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform all concerned and the public that the property/land at No.1 Ontology Road, Surulere (Surulere L.G.A) that used to belong to Mr. Martins Olatunde Marcel has been sold to Alhaja Adebola Taibat Muibi. L.S.D.P.C to take note for record purposes.

a ceasefire by launching an offensive to recapture its former headquarters.

The attack on Nasir town was the “most serious resumption of hostilities” since May, the UN said.

The rebels said they had seized the town in an act of “selfdefence”. The government denied the town had fallen.

Fighting between government and rebel forces broke out in December, leaving more than a million homeless.

President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar met in May and recommitted themselves to a ceasefire negotiated in January by regional leaders.

Rebel spokesman Lul Kuang said they launched an offensive because of several attempts by government forces to arrest their commander.

A South Sudanese child displaced by recent fighting cleans

utensils at the Bor camp in Jonglei state on 29 April 2014 Hundreds of thousands of people are living in refugee camps “The fall of Nasir now paves the way for military resources to be refocused on Poloich Oil Fields, Maban and Malakal,” Mr Kuang said in a statement.

South Sudanese army spokesman Philip Aguer denied Nasir had fallen following clashes between the two sides.

“It is deplorable that this major attack comes at a time when intensive efforts are under way by mediators of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to convince all parties to resume the suspended peace talks in Addis Ababa,” Unmiss acting head Raisedon Zenenga said in the statement.

“The attack is a clear violation of the cessation of hostili-

ties agreement,” he added.

South Sudan is the world’s newest state and became independent in 2011.

Conflict erupted in December after Mr Kiir accused Mr Machar, his sacked deputy, of plotting a coup.

Mr Machar denied the allegation, but then marshalled a rebel army to fight the government.

The UN has about 8,500 peacekeepers in South Sudan.

They have struggled to contain the conflict.

Map of South Sudan states affected by conflict Fighting erupted in the South Sudan capital, Juba, in mid-December. It followed a political power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his ex-deputy Riek Machar. The squabble has taken on an ethnic dimension as politicians’ political bases are often ethnic.

LASHES between rival Libyan militias fighting for control of the international airport in the capital, Tripoli, have killed 47 people over the last week, Libya’s Health Ministry said.

The ministry said on its website late Sunday that the fighting also left 120 people wounded. It also said it had not yet received the full casualty report.

The weeklong battle over the airport is being waged by a powerful militia from the western city of Zintan, which controls the facility, and Islamist-led militias, including fighters from Misrata, east of Tripoli. The clashes resumed Sunday after cease-fire efforts failed.

Television footage broadcast Sunday showed a mortar shell striking a Libyan Arab Airlines plane and a column of black smoke billowing from inside the airport, which has been closed since last Monday.

Libya is witnessing one of its worst spasms of violence since the ouster of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The rival militias, made up largely of former rebels, have forced a weeklong closure of gas stations and government offices.

In recent days, armed men have attacked vehicles carrying money from the Central Bank to local banks, forcing their closure.

The Central Bank had said banks would reopen Sunday, but then remained closed as the fighting resumed.

Libyan government officials and activists have increasingly been targeted in the violence. Unknown gunmen kidnapped two lawmakers in the western suburbs of Tripoli on Sunday, a parliament statement said, and urged the government to intervene to free them.

Last Thursday, a female lawmaker in a liberal-leaning political bloc in the outgoing parliament, Fareha al-Barqawi, was killed in the eastern city of Darna. The motives behind the killing were not known, but such targeted killings rampant in Libya over the past two years have been blamed on the militias, which successive governments have struggled to control.

In the past two days in Benghazi, Libya’s second-largest city, gunmen killed an army officer while he was driving home in his car, and a former special forces officer was shot dead in the downtown Salmani district.

Iraq: PM condemns attacks on Christians

I

RAQ’s prime minister on Sunday condemned the Islamic State extremist group’s actions targeting Christians in territory it controls, saying they reveal the threat the jihadists pose to the minority community’s “centuries-old heritage.”

The comments from Nouri al-Maliki come a day after the expiration of a deadline imposed by the Islamic State group calling on Christians in the militant-held city of Mosul to convert to Islam, pay a tax of face death. Most Christians opted to flee to the nearby selfrule Kurdish region or other areas protected by Kurdish security forces.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis expressed his concern Sunday for Mosul’s Christians, offering prayers in his traditional Angelus blessing for Iraqi Christians who “are persecuted, chased away, forced to leave their houses without out the possibility of taking anything” with them.

Residents in Mosul also say the Islamic State group’s fighters recently have begun to occupy churches and seize the homes of Christians who have fled the city.

These actions stem from the harsh interpretation of Islamic law the group seeks to impose on the territory it controls in Iraq and neighboring Syria. Al-

ready in Mosul, the extremist group has banned alcohol and water pipes, and painted over street advertisements showing women’s faces. It has, however, held off on stricter punishments so far.

The U.N. special representative to Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov, condemned the persecution of all minority religious communities, including Christian, Shabak, Yazidi and Turkmen, in Mosul and the surrounding province of Ninevah. Mladenov said the U.N. will provide humanitarian assistance to the displaced.

Al-Maliki also tried to rally support for those uprooted from their homes, calling on govern-

• PM Nouri al-Maliki

ment agencies to provide “all the necessities for a decent life” for them. He also took the opportunity to urge “the whole world to tighten the siege on those terrorists and stand as one force to confront them.”

62

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

NATION SPORT Balotelli does not live in reality, says Prandelli

Puyol: No defence for Suarez bite THE retired centre-half says that while nobody can condone the Uruguay international's actions, the fact that the forward has apologised should be taken into consideration Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has acknowledged that "there is no justification" for Luis Suarez's bite on Giorgio Chiellini during this summer's World Cup but argued that such things can happen when players lose their heads.

Suarez was hit with a nine-game international ban and also suspended from all football-related activity for four months for sinking his teeth into Chiellini's shoulder during Uruguay's Group D clash with Italy in Natal on June 24.

Despite the striker's actions, Barcelona still opted to sign the 27year-old from Liverpool for a reported •88 million - a move that Puyol is fully supportive of, given the South American's incredible talent.

"There is no justification for what Suarez did, but things like that occur when you lose your head – it can happen," the former Spain international told FIFA'S official website.

•Dunga

Brazil to name Dunga as coach B RAZIL will announce a coach to succeed Luiz Felipe Scolari, who resigned after Brazil failed to win the World Cup eliminated in a humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany in the semifinals.

Reports say Dunga will get the job, although the Brazilian football confederation has declined to confirm the appointment.

Dunga was the captain of Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning team, and coached the national team in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He was dismissed after Brazil lost 2-1 in the quarterfinals to the Netherlands.

The Rio de Janeiro daily O Globo

put Dunga's face across the first page of its sports section on Monday, under the headline: "New Era: The Return of Dunga."

"In a moment when the national team seeks a lost identity, the national federation rescues a symbol of football and results," the paper wrote.

The Sao Paulo newspaper O Estado De S.Paulo put a brief story on the return on Dunga on its first page, and inside ran the headline: "CBF Is Going To Confirm Dunga Tomorrow."

The return of Dunga seems to be linked to the naming of Gilmar

Rinaldi as the new technical director, replacing Carlos Alberto Parreira.

Rinaldi was a goalkeeper on the '94 team, and Globo said he and Dunga had reached a quick agreement for the former coach and captain to return.

The second choice for coach seems to be Tite Adenor Leonardo Bacchi the coach of Brazilian club side Corinthians. He was an early favorite, but slipped after Rinaldi was named.

Dunga was in charge of 60 matches as national team coach. Brazil won 42, drew 12 and lost six.

Neymar: Messi was one of World Cup's top three players •Puyol

James’ volley against Uruguay voted best goal of the W/Cup THE Golden Boot recipient at Brazil 2014 has picked up another accolade, this time for his sublime effort in his country's last-16 win over the Celeste James Rodriguez's first strike in Colombia's 2-0 World Cup win over Uruguay has been voted goal of the tournament, ahead of Robin van Persie's headed equaliser for Netherlands in their 5-1 win over Spain.

The Monaco star - who is expected to complete his •88 million move to Real Madrid this week - controlled a looped header from Juan Cuadrado with his chest before turning and volleying home via the underside of the crossbar from 20 yards out to give Jose Pekerman's men the lead after 28 minutes of play.

James doubled his tally with a tap-in from close range after the break to help Colombia to a quarter-final meeting with Brazil, which they would eventually lose 2-1.

The 23-year-old was one of the undisputed stars of the tournament and netted six goals in five games to scoop up the Golden Boot award ahead of Germany forward Thomas Muller.

James becomes the third successive South American winner of the goal of the World Cup award, which is organised by Fifa's official website, with Argentina’s Maxi Rodriguez having triumphed in 2006 and Diego Forlan collecting the trophy four years later.

A

NUMBER of pundits did not feel that the Barcelona ace should have been voted the top player in Brazil this summer but the Selecao starlet has jumped to his club-mate's defence Neymar has attempted to defuse the controversy over Lionel Messi's Golden Ball triumph in Brazil by arguing that the Argentina captain was "at least" among the top three players at the World Cup. Messi led his country all the way to the final in Rio de Janeiro, where they were edged 1-0 after extratime by Germany.

The 27-year-old was presented with the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player after the match, much to the bemusement of many football fans and pundits, with Argentine icon Diego Maradona even claiming that it had been down to "some marketing plan".

Neymar, though, believes that Messi, who failed to score in the

knockout stages, did enough in Brazil to at least mark himself out as a legitimate contender for the accolade.

"I'm a huge Messi fan, as a player and as a person," the Selecao starlet said of his Barcelona team-mate during an interview with Rede Globo's 'Fantastico'.

"I don't know whether it was fair or not but, for me, he was one of the best players in World Cup. "At least in the top three, anyway. I think [Germany midfielder Bastian] Schweinsteiger and [Netherlands attacker Arjen] Robben were also among the top three."

Neymar, of course, saw his tournament ended by a fractured vertebra sustained in his country's quarter-final win over Colombia and then had to sit on helpless as Brazil suffered a humiliating lastfour hammering at the hands of Germany.

The inquest into the Selecao's capitulation is ongoing but Neymar

does not believe that Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has since resigned, should have been made the scapegoat for what he believes was a cultural failing.

•Neymar

England will miss Gerrard —Hodgson

M

ANAGER Roy Hodgson says England will miss Steven Gerrard's "leadership qualities" following his captain's retirement from international football.

“He was a tremendous captain and an exceptional role model for everyone who was fortunate to come into contact with him ” The Liverpool midfielder, 34, won 114 caps and scored 21 goals, representing his country at six major tournaments.

"We shall miss his leadership qualities as we look ahead to qualification with a youthful group," Hodgson said.

"He is an incredible man and fantastic footballer who we have all been blessed to see in an England shirt so often."

Gerrard, whom Hodgson also managed at Anfield, will now assume a "high profile" ambassadorial role with the Football Association.

Hodgson added: "It is never by coincidence that people reach such a staggering figure as 114 caps. It is a

•Hodgson

mark of his wonderful talent allied to a huge drive and determination to live up to the highest standard.

"He is not only a player to bring crowds to their feet with moments of brilliance; he was a tremendous captain and an exceptional role model for everyone who was fortunate to come into contact with him.

"I wish him all the best in the future, although I know I can count on his continued support and influence as a helpful presence moving forward."

Former England striker and BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker led the tributes to the midfielder, tweeting: "Steven Gerrard has retired from international football. He's been a wonderful servant to his country. A great player who always gave all."

THE former Italy boss claims the striker must learn from his past experiences and feels Serie A sides are getting their priorities wrong Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli lives in his own world "far away from reality" - though he insists he is not a bad person.

Balotelli netted the winner in Italy's 2-1 World Cup win over England, but failed to make an impact in the defeats against Costa Rica and Uruguay and was heavily criticised for those performances as the Azzurri crashed out of the group stage.

"Balotelli is a good guy, really.

He is not a bad person," Prandelli told Corriere della Sera.

"But he lives in a dimension that is far away from reality.

"That doesn't say anything, though. He is only 24 years old and has the possibility to build on this experience."

Prandelli then went on to stress that Italy's biggest problem is that clubs care about their own interests more than those of the national team, whereas world champions Germany benefit from an entirely different mindset.

•Balotelli

Cole happy to get away from English press ASHLEY Cole is looking forward to shaking off his “money-grabber” image after moving to Roma from Chelsea.

Cole moved the Serie A runners-up on a two-year deal a fortnight ago, after a trophy-laden eight seasons at Stamford Bridge.

The left-back’s supreme talent has seen him win three Premier League titles and the 2012 UEFA Champions Leagues, as well as seven FA Cup medals – more than any other player.

Cole also made headlines off the pitch in a celebrity marriage to pop star Cheryl Tweedy, while accidentally shooting a work experience student with an air rifle at Chelsea’s training ground and admitting his disgust at being offered £50,000 a week by previous club Arsenal did little to enhance his reputation.

And having grown tired of the negative press in his homeland, Cole is looking forward to a fresh start in Italy.

He told Roma Channel: “I’m not the guy that people think. If you ask my friends and my family they know me as a kind, caring and considerate guy.

“I’ve made mistakes like anyone else but I’m kind of shy and try to keep myself to myself.

“In England it’s kind of hard with the press, it’s different to here but this was another reason why I came here – to get away from that.

“It was kind of jarring in the end that everyone thought of me as a money grabber, cheat or not a nice guy overall which is totally the opposite of what I am.”

Cole rejected offers from MLS in order to join Roma, who finished 17 points behind champions Juventus last term.

62

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

NATION SPORT Balotelli does not live in reality, says Prandelli

Puyol: No defence for Suarez bite THE retired centre-half says that while nobody can condone the Uruguay international's actions, the fact that the forward has apologised should be taken into consideration Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has acknowledged that "there is no justification" for Luis Suarez's bite on Giorgio Chiellini during this summer's World Cup but argued that such things can happen when players lose their heads.

Suarez was hit with a nine-game international ban and also suspended from all football-related activity for four months for sinking his teeth into Chiellini's shoulder during Uruguay's Group D clash with Italy in Natal on June 24.

Despite the striker's actions, Barcelona still opted to sign the 27year-old from Liverpool for a reported •88 million - a move that Puyol is fully supportive of, given the South American's incredible talent.

"There is no justification for what Suarez did, but things like that occur when you lose your head – it can happen," the former Spain international told FIFA'S official website.

•Dunga

Brazil to name Dunga as coach B RAZIL will announce a coach to succeed Luiz Felipe Scolari, who resigned after Brazil failed to win the World Cup eliminated in a humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany in the semifinals.

Reports say Dunga will get the job, although the Brazilian football confederation has declined to confirm the appointment.

Dunga was the captain of Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning team, and coached the national team in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He was dismissed after Brazil lost 2-1 in the quarterfinals to the Netherlands.

The Rio de Janeiro daily O Globo

put Dunga's face across the first page of its sports section on Monday, under the headline: "New Era: The Return of Dunga."

"In a moment when the national team seeks a lost identity, the national federation rescues a symbol of football and results," the paper wrote.

The Sao Paulo newspaper O Estado De S.Paulo put a brief story on the return on Dunga on its first page, and inside ran the headline: "CBF Is Going To Confirm Dunga Tomorrow."

The return of Dunga seems to be linked to the naming of Gilmar

Rinaldi as the new technical director, replacing Carlos Alberto Parreira.

Rinaldi was a goalkeeper on the '94 team, and Globo said he and Dunga had reached a quick agreement for the former coach and captain to return.

The second choice for coach seems to be Tite Adenor Leonardo Bacchi the coach of Brazilian club side Corinthians. He was an early favorite, but slipped after Rinaldi was named.

Dunga was in charge of 60 matches as national team coach. Brazil won 42, drew 12 and lost six.

Neymar: Messi was one of World Cup's top three players •Puyol

James’ volley against Uruguay voted best goal of the W/Cup THE Golden Boot recipient at Brazil 2014 has picked up another accolade, this time for his sublime effort in his country's last-16 win over the Celeste James Rodriguez's first strike in Colombia's 2-0 World Cup win over Uruguay has been voted goal of the tournament, ahead of Robin van Persie's headed equaliser for Netherlands in their 5-1 win over Spain.

The Monaco star - who is expected to complete his •88 million move to Real Madrid this week - controlled a looped header from Juan Cuadrado with his chest before turning and volleying home via the underside of the crossbar from 20 yards out to give Jose Pekerman's men the lead after 28 minutes of play.

James doubled his tally with a tap-in from close range after the break to help Colombia to a quarter-final meeting with Brazil, which they would eventually lose 2-1.

The 23-year-old was one of the undisputed stars of the tournament and netted six goals in five games to scoop up the Golden Boot award ahead of Germany forward Thomas Muller.

James becomes the third successive South American winner of the goal of the World Cup award, which is organised by Fifa's official website, with Argentina’s Maxi Rodriguez having triumphed in 2006 and Diego Forlan collecting the trophy four years later.

A

NUMBER of pundits did not feel that the Barcelona ace should have been voted the top player in Brazil this summer but the Selecao starlet has jumped to his club-mate's defence Neymar has attempted to defuse the controversy over Lionel Messi's Golden Ball triumph in Brazil by arguing that the Argentina captain was "at least" among the top three players at the World Cup. Messi led his country all the way to the final in Rio de Janeiro, where they were edged 1-0 after extratime by Germany.

The 27-year-old was presented with the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player after the match, much to the bemusement of many football fans and pundits, with Argentine icon Diego Maradona even claiming that it had been down to "some marketing plan".

Neymar, though, believes that Messi, who failed to score in the

knockout stages, did enough in Brazil to at least mark himself out as a legitimate contender for the accolade.

"I'm a huge Messi fan, as a player and as a person," the Selecao starlet said of his Barcelona team-mate during an interview with Rede Globo's 'Fantastico'.

"I don't know whether it was fair or not but, for me, he was one of the best players in World Cup. "At least in the top three, anyway. I think [Germany midfielder Bastian] Schweinsteiger and [Netherlands attacker Arjen] Robben were also among the top three."

Neymar, of course, saw his tournament ended by a fractured vertebra sustained in his country's quarter-final win over Colombia and then had to sit on helpless as Brazil suffered a humiliating lastfour hammering at the hands of Germany.

The inquest into the Selecao's capitulation is ongoing but Neymar

does not believe that Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has since resigned, should have been made the scapegoat for what he believes was a cultural failing.

•Neymar

England will miss Gerrard —Hodgson

M

ANAGER Roy Hodgson says England will miss Steven Gerrard's "leadership qualities" following his captain's retirement from international football.

“He was a tremendous captain and an exceptional role model for everyone who was fortunate to come into contact with him ” The Liverpool midfielder, 34, won 114 caps and scored 21 goals, representing his country at six major tournaments.

"We shall miss his leadership qualities as we look ahead to qualification with a youthful group," Hodgson said.

"He is an incredible man and fantastic footballer who we have all been blessed to see in an England shirt so often."

Gerrard, whom Hodgson also managed at Anfield, will now assume a "high profile" ambassadorial role with the Football Association.

Hodgson added: "It is never by coincidence that people reach such a staggering figure as 114 caps. It is a

•Hodgson

mark of his wonderful talent allied to a huge drive and determination to live up to the highest standard.

"He is not only a player to bring crowds to their feet with moments of brilliance; he was a tremendous captain and an exceptional role model for everyone who was fortunate to come into contact with him.

"I wish him all the best in the future, although I know I can count on his continued support and influence as a helpful presence moving forward."

Former England striker and BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker led the tributes to the midfielder, tweeting: "Steven Gerrard has retired from international football. He's been a wonderful servant to his country. A great player who always gave all."

THE former Italy boss claims the striker must learn from his past experiences and feels Serie A sides are getting their priorities wrong Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli lives in his own world "far away from reality" - though he insists he is not a bad person.

Balotelli netted the winner in Italy's 2-1 World Cup win over England, but failed to make an impact in the defeats against Costa Rica and Uruguay and was heavily criticised for those performances as the Azzurri crashed out of the group stage.

"Balotelli is a good guy, really.

He is not a bad person," Prandelli told Corriere della Sera.

"But he lives in a dimension that is far away from reality.

"That doesn't say anything, though. He is only 24 years old and has the possibility to build on this experience."

Prandelli then went on to stress that Italy's biggest problem is that clubs care about their own interests more than those of the national team, whereas world champions Germany benefit from an entirely different mindset.

•Balotelli

Cole happy to get away from English press ASHLEY Cole is looking forward to shaking off his “money-grabber” image after moving to Roma from Chelsea.

Cole moved the Serie A runners-up on a two-year deal a fortnight ago, after a trophy-laden eight seasons at Stamford Bridge.

The left-back’s supreme talent has seen him win three Premier League titles and the 2012 UEFA Champions Leagues, as well as seven FA Cup medals – more than any other player.

Cole also made headlines off the pitch in a celebrity marriage to pop star Cheryl Tweedy, while accidentally shooting a work experience student with an air rifle at Chelsea’s training ground and admitting his disgust at being offered £50,000 a week by previous club Arsenal did little to enhance his reputation.

And having grown tired of the negative press in his homeland, Cole is looking forward to a fresh start in Italy.

He told Roma Channel: “I’m not the guy that people think. If you ask my friends and my family they know me as a kind, caring and considerate guy.

“I’ve made mistakes like anyone else but I’m kind of shy and try to keep myself to myself.

“In England it’s kind of hard with the press, it’s different to here but this was another reason why I came here – to get away from that.

“It was kind of jarring in the end that everyone thought of me as a money grabber, cheat or not a nice guy overall which is totally the opposite of what I am.”

Cole rejected offers from MLS in order to join Roma, who finished 17 points behind champions Juventus last term.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

63

NATION SPORT

Hummels to join Man Utd this week

M

Ideye’s transfer shows his quality, says Akpoborie

F

ORMER Nigerian striker Jonathan Akpoborie has hailed Brown Ideye’s move to West Bromwich Albion stating that it is a proof of his quality.

The Super Eagles striker became the fifth summer signing of the Baggies and has beat Stephane Sessegnon's 5.5 million pounds record transfer from Sunderland last year.

Akpoborie told Goal that 25year-old's move to England will help improve his game as well as serve as encouragement to other Nigerian players who crave to play in the Premiership.

"His transfer tells a lot about his quality and a lot of things that are under the table regard-

ing Nigeria’s squad going to the World Cup. Ideye missed out of the squad and a lot of questions will go around on why he is moving to a better club while others are staying put,” Akpoborie told Goal.

"It is a very good move for him and I hope at West Brom he will be able to show everybody the talent in him.

"Ideye now knows that he is in the eyes of all Nigerians because in every game he plays, he will be seen and judged by close to about a hundred and sixty million viewers in Nigeria.

"But at the end of the day, it boils down to pressure. He has shown in his last club that he can score goals, though the

English Premier League is a little bit higher than what is obtained in Eastern Europe,” he continued.

"All the same, I think he is capable and this is the right time he needs to show that he is good enough to stake a claim in the Nigeria national team.

"It will further help improve his game and talent. Aside from this, it will serve as an

•Akpoborie encouragement to other Nigerian players trying to get into the Premiership that it can be done not just when playing for the national team but also at club level ,” he concluded.

Ideye becomes the fifth Nigerian after Ifeanyi Udeze, Kanu Nwankwo, Osaze Odemingie and Victor Anichebe to play for the West Midlands team.

Awoniyi rejoins Flying Eagles after Sweden stint

T

AIWO Awoniyi has rejoined Nigeria U20 team, the Flying Eagles, after a short training stint at Swedish club Kalmar FF. He trained with the U20s Monday morning at the practice pitch of the Abuja National Stadium.

Awoniyi, 17 next month, has signed a pre-contract with Kalmar and he is expected to agree a professional contract in August 2015, when he has turned 18.

He featured for Kalmar in an U21 game while he was in Sweden.

The former Golden Eaglets star has returned to fight for a place in the Flying Eagles who will do battle with Lesotho

next month in a final African Youth Championship qualifier.

The Flying Eagles will host the Southern Africans on August 16.

•Awoniyi

NWF backs Olarinoye for Commonwealth job

T •Chrisantus

Chrisantus seals 3-year agreement with Sivasspor

T

HROUGH its official website,Turkish Super Lig side Sivasspor has announced the hiring of free agent Macauley Chrisantus, who last defended the colours of Las Palmas in Spain.

The 23 - year - old has committed his future to the central Turkey team for the next three seasons.

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Chrisantus, a product of grassroots team Mod-

erate Stars Kaduna, had been studying proposals from two unnamed German clubs before he decided it was best he pitched his tent at Sivasspor.

Apart from his stint in Spain, the attacker previously sported the jerseys of Hamburg, Karlsruher SC and FSV Frankfurt .

He will lead the front-line of Sivasspor alongside another Nigerian forward, John Utaka this coming season.

HE Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has thrown its weight behind the bid by Dr Steve Olarinoye, a board member of NWF to be on the board of Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation (CWF).

Election into the board will take place next week during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games which kicks off tomorrow (Wednesday). Olarinoye, a seasoned sports administrator is presently the National Sports Commission (NSC) zonal coordinator for the South West.

NWF’s media committee chairman, George Aluo in a statement made available to the media in Lagos disclosed that the NWF board endorsed Olarinoye for the election based on his experience and the need to have a Nigerian in the international sporting body.

“Olarinoye has been involved in weightlifting for over two

decades and he is respected by other stakeholders from different parts of the world. We hope he will get into the executive board of CWF in Glasgow. Nigeria will gain a lot from his being on the board if elected,” Aluo stated.

Olarinoye is expected to hit Glasgow tomorrow early enough to do some ground works before the elections which will pitch him against opponents from 15 other countries that include Canada, Australia, Malta, Uganda and Bangladesh.

One thing going for the Nigerian is the fact that he had in the past served the Commonwealth weightlifting body creditably. He was appointed into a commission of the weightlifting body between 2008 and 2010. He was also the secretary of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation between 2005 and 2009.

ATS Hummels looks set to join Manchester United this week from Borussia Dortmund for a reported £16million, according to reports in Spain.

The two clubs remain locked in talks ahead of the prospective move, but the Old Trafford hierarchy are confident off thrashing out a deal for the highly-rated defender.

The 25-year-old was in impressive form for World Champions Germany during the tournament in Brazil, and that has attracted interest from new United manager Louis van Gaal.

That what will come as a huge boost to the 20-times champions as they look to get back on the trophy haul following a disappointing season.

With both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand departing the club this summer, United are in desperate need of some experience at the back and despite being just 25, Hummels will provide just that after

playing at the highest level domestically and internationally for many years.

Unless a late twist puts the deal into jeopardy, Hummels will join the likes of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera at Old Trafford, as Van Gaal looks to build a side capable of challenging for major honours.

•Hummels

Barca agrees Mathieu deal

B

ARCELONA have reached an agreement with Valencia over the signing of centre-back Jeremy Mathieu and look set to announce the deal on Tuesday.

The two clubs have been locked in negotiations for several weeks, with the Catalans revealing their interest in the player after lodging an opening bid on July 16.

That offer was rejected as Valencia demanded Barca matched the player's release clause, which stands at •20 million, before the player pleaded with his current employers to sanction a move to Camp Nou. The 30-year-old's wish has now been granted after the two sides agreed a fee believed to be close to Valencia's asking price, and he could even be unveiled as a Blaugrana player on Tuesday.

Mathieu will head to Catalonia as the rest of his soon to be former team-mates head to South America for a pre-season tour on Wednesday.

In signing for the club, the Frenchman becomes Barcelo-

na's fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo, Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez.

The move bolsters a backline left depleted by the retirement of Carles Puyol at the end of the season, with Mathieu set to battle it out for a place alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the back four.

•Mathieu

Madrid to unveil Rodriguez today

J

AMES Rodriguez will be unveiled as a Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.

The European champions made the Colombia international their principle transfer target on the back of the 23year-old's stellar performances for his country at this summer's World Cup in Brazil, with the attacking midfielder winning the Golden Boot after netting six times in just five games.

Madrid reached an agreement with Monaco over an •88 million transfer fee over the weekend and finalised personal terms with the player and his representatives on Monday.

James will now be presented to the press and Madrid fans on Tuesday, with the construction of a special stage for the ceremony at the Bernabeu already well under way.

The club have also confirmed on their official website that the official stadium tour will not follow the

usual route on the morning of June 22 as the Presidential Balcony, where Madrid signings usually make their first appearance, will be off limits to the public.

•Rodriguez

TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9

NO. 2,915

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Aregbesola has proved himself a consummate man of the people, an effective mass mobilizer and a policy wonk cum visionary. All these, he has deployed against the staid Mr. Omisore, who looks even more pathetic by the day’ OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

W

HEN you reach age 40, the New York Times humourist and satirist, Russell Baker, wrote in his engrossing autobiography, Growing Up, you suddenly realise that you can no longer take your immortality for granted.

Baker, since deceased, was writing about a country in which the life expectancy even for persons at the lowest rung of the economic ladder was well above 60 years.

According to the best authorities, life expectancy in Nigeria may be as low as 47, or as high as 54 years. So that if you attain the age of 70, as I did last week, you are at least in a statistical sense doing “overtime,” for which the reward is certainly not an enhanced rate of compensation but an accelerated journey into the arcane world of entropy.

From then on, the trajectory is notorious: Memory falters, eyes dim, reflexes slacken, hearing diminishes, joints creak, body processes slow down and motion is constrained.

Thurgood Marshall, the first black associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, captured this process succinctly in1991 on being asked why he was resigning from the court when he could keep the job until his death.

“Because my body is falling apart,” the great man said. He was 81 and lived for two more years.

There are of course even here notable persons, who have proved superior to that trajectory. I am thinking of Chief Edwin Clark, rambunctious as ever at 82, the irrepressible Chief Ayo Adebanjo, former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. At 80, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has a gait that persons two decades younger will give anything to possess and runs a schedule that will faze persons half his age.

I have not yet begun to feel the full weight of the years. And I am indeed thankful that I have beaten the statistical odds. So, when asked how it felt to be on cusp of 70, I usually responded that it felt not much different from being 65, or 60 for that matter.

Not anymore.

When your colleagues in the newsroom call you “Daddy” to your hearing or “Baba Dare” behind your back; when the young woman you are about to compliment from the purest of motives on her fetching dress and exquisite grooming gives you a look that literally screams: “Don’t even think of going there” ; and when you are on the receiving end of friendly advice to give up your snazzy designer necktie for “the younger ones,” you know that you are now perceived differently even if you don’t feel much different.

Still, the anniversary was worth celebrating.

It was a compact and a starchy affair, marked with a lecture and the launch of what the Germans call a festschrift, an appreciation of a scholar when he turns 65, by fellow scholars, and with the usual reminiscences.

RIPPLES

BOKO HARAM ’LL SOON BE HISTORY-Activist

And HISTORY shouldn’t forget to mention how long they RULED

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

On reaching 70

‘

Although I had heard much about the resolute manner of Gen. Danjuma, it was not until 1991 that I experienced it first-hand. Lagos State Military Governor Raji Rasaki had closed down The Guardian Newspapers, following the publication of a story that the police had shot dead two students during a demonstration at the Yaba College of Technology •Karikari

•Danjuma

It had nothing in common with the owambe outing that the chairman of the occasion, Gen. TY Danjuma, said jokingly he would have preferred.

Although I had heard much about the resolute manner of Gen. Danjuma, it was not until 1991 that I experienced it first-hand. Lagos State Military Governor Raji Rasaki had closed down The Guardian Newspapers, following the publication of a story that the police had shot dead two students during a demonstration at the Yaba College of Technology. Rasaki let it be known that if The Guardian disavowed the publication – which was accurate in every material particular —and apologised, he would allow it to resume business.

The Guardian Publisher, Alex Ibru, had then called a meeting of senior editors to deliberate on Rasaki’s proposal. In attendance were two members of the Board of Directors, Gen. Danjuma and Chris Okolie, the Publisher of Newbreed.

The discussion was going in the way of finding the words to meet Rasaki’s terms when

G

OODLUCK Jonathan is president of where? Aso Rock, the president appears to think. Nigeria, the distraught Chibok parents, whose girls are approaching 100 days in Boko Haram captivity, vigorously insist.

That appears the drama behind the Chibok parents’ reported shunned invitation to the Aso Rock, Abuja seat of federal power, which has also reportedly been rescheduled.

Although President Jonathan’s spinners tried to pin the snub on the patriots campaigning to save the Chibok girls, it was all a moment of truth the president and his men (and women) found rather unpalatable.

Before 17-year-old Pakistani Malala Yousafzai came, the president had bluntly refused to visit Chibok, to share in the pains of the parents, ironically cast into grief by the sheer incompetence of the Jonathan government. Like a bad artisan that blames his tools for his incompetence, President Jonathan gave many reasons why a visit to Chibok was no priority.

To start with, he never believed the girls were kidnapped; his presidential court pushing out the old wives’ tales that the kidnap was an opposition creation.

That wilful — and wicked — living in de-

’

Danjuma intervened.

“We cannot apologise,” he said. “We will not apologise.”

That resolute pronouncement, backed enthusiastically by Chris Okolie, ended the discussion. Rasaki did not get his apology. A week later, The Guardian was back in business.

But I digress.

Not a few persons in the anniversary audience must have been grieved to learn from the guest lecturer, Prof. Kwame Karikari, of the University of Ghana, Legon, and most recently the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, that Ethiopia, freed from the tyrannous grip of Mengistu Haile Mariam and the Dergue, and Eritrea, which at its birth showed inspiring intimations of a new way of governance in Africa, have regressed into stark authoritarianism, along with Gambia, which Yahya Jamme rules as his personal estate.

But these are only the worst cases on a continent in which rulers show scant regard for the rule of law, human rights and freedom of

speech and of the press.

Nor did my fellow Columbian, Karikari, spare the men and women of the press — their predilection for cutting journalistic corners and engaging in sensationalistic reporting, their scant regard for ethics and their often instrumental approach to the business, not forgetting the proprietors who do not pay their workers regularly and thus drive them to seek or accept favours that compromise news work.

Dr. Wale Adebanwi conceived the festschrift, nurtured it, sustained it and saw it to execution in just six months. Just to give some idea of the effort that went into preparing the volume: It features contributions from 25 scholars, media academics and media practitioners on four continents.

It is emblematic of the diligent commitment that has earned Dr. Adebanwi a global reputation for scholarship in just the first decade of his academic career. I thank him and all the contributors to the festschrift. If one follows the German tradition, it is coming five years late. But I take it with grateful thanks.

I claim no entitlement to the significant presence at the anniversary event of my colleagues in the academy and the media, former students and persons who have followed my work over the years. Few things are more gratifying than the approval of one’s colleagues, peers and a discriminating audience.

I am deeply touched.

In the years ahead, I plan to devote my time to spreading awareness about the childhood degenerative disease, autism, with which one of my sons is afflicted, and to use whatever influence I can muster to draw attention to the plight of those so circumstanced.

A Very Special Birthday Greeting

T

HE Hon Patrick Obahiagbon, Chief of Staff, represented his principal, the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, at my birthday celebration.

But it was in his personal capacity that he sent on the eve of that milestone this e-mail, which I crave his indulgence to share with the devoted followers of this page.

Hear it, then, from Himself the Igodomigodo: “Congratulations on your natal day, my brother.

“Only a particolored pantaloon would be didymusian as to the fact that your peregrination thus far in this incarnation has been dedicated to the pax Nigeriana of our dream.

“May your pantagruelian and rabelaisian pen never suffer atrophy that you may continuously dance on the coruscating cadence of the hybla bees. So Mote It Be.” •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

President of Aso Rock

since it wouldn’t bring back the girls. Well, more than 50 days after Paris, the girls are yet to be brought back, except the few that escaped from the terrorists’ den.

But the most annoying reason was the official line that President Jonathan was shunning Chibok for security reasons. Put starkly, the president would not visit Chibok unless and until it is absolutely safe to do so. That is hardly a crime; for self-preservation is natural and instinctive.

Still, these parents have their homes at Chibok. For good or for ill, they still brave the danger to come for summons in Abuja and retreat after to their Chibok homes, even if they had become endangered species in their own country.

So, if after the Malala persuasion, the best the president could offer was to receive the hurting parents in his gilded cave of Aso Rock, enjoying an enclave of safety and security even if these innocent citizens are trapped in open and naked fire line of terror, then it is Jonathan’s moment of truth, which he must live with.

Again, Mr. Commander-in-Chief: Are your president of Nigeria or president of Aso Rock? A visit to Chibok — and now — will truly answer that question.

nial was responsible for the First Lady’s Dia ris God o TV show, ironically (or rather justifiably) after which she turned herself into the butt of global jokes.

How a responsible government would fail in its duty and yet the president’s spouse would turn around to bully grieving parents, just because they are perceived nobodies by a misguided government, beats all imagination.

Then after a belated acceptance that there was indeed a kidnap, and with global attention on the outrage, the president jerked himself awake, since Chibok and a compelling visit was fast becoming a recurrent feature in his power nightmare.

But again, a foreign trip came, with sweet photo-ops; in the Paris, France, summit on Boko Haram; and how to bail out Nigeria and its fumbling president. Mr. President junked Chibok again, even sounding off in far-away Paris that a visit to Chibok would be useless,

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