July 28,2015

Newspaper of the Year

•EFCC gets team for Saraki’s wife, Yar’Adua’s daughter •Forgery: Senators jittery over police investigation •AMCON to publish list of loan defaulters August 1 •Workers excited as Oyo begins payment of salary •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3289 TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

N4b debts: P4 WAEC may Page 6 P11 seize results P8 in 19 states P4

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•INSIDE: ROW OVER LEGAL FEE: GADZAMA DENIES COLLECTING N950M FROM BPE P6

Buhari to APC Reps: obey party’s directive on offices Oyegun, Dogara, Gbajabiamila: there’ll be good news today From Austine Ehikioya, Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reiterated his stand on the National Assembly’s leadership crisis. The party’s position is supreme, he told members of the troubled House of Representatives.

Buhari is said to have told the lawmakers: “Obey the party.”

The main actors in the crisis appeared to be ready for peace. That was the feeler after a meeting the All Progressives Congress (APC) House members held with the President ended in a deadlock.

The feuding parties - headed by Speaker Yakubu Dogara and former House Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila - refused to shift ground on the sharing of principal officers’ positions.

The meeting, which was held at the new Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, began at about 5.40pm. It lasted just 20 minutes.

Dogara and Gbajabiamila led their groups to the meeting, which was attended by some members of the APC National Working Com-

•Mother of the missing child Mrs. Elizabeth Ogundele...yesterday

•A bungalow in which fetish objects were discovered while searching for Master Ogundele in •The missing boy, Master Opeyemi Abeokuta...yesterday. Near the bungalow was a dump of human parts and clothings.

Ogundele

Continued on page 4

•P8

Fury as toddler goes missing at naming ceremony U.S. officials said Jonathan’s minister stole $6b, says Oshiomhole

President plans to name oil thieves

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that his administration is close to ending the sharp practices in the oil and gas sector.

The perpetrators will be named, he said.

He also spoke of his ongoing search for “decent”, “patriotic” and “selfless” politicians and technocrats who will be ministers. The President has promised to name his ministers in Sep-

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

From Augustine Ehikioya,

From Augustine Ehikioya,

Abuja

Abuja

tember.

Buhari, who spoke on his vision for a greater Nigeria on “Good Morning Nigeria”, a Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Abuja, pragramme, said oil was still being illegally exported by July 3.

He said the Federal Government was working assiduously to expose those behind the reported underhand dealings in the oil sector, promising to update members of the public on the government’s investigation into Continued on page 4

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•Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Denzil Kentebe (right) congratulating Managing Director, Energy Works Technology Ltd, Emeka Nnadi (left) at the unveiling of the first in-country built 90mm Stainless Steel Clad Separator, fabricated by EWT, in Port-Harcourt...at the weekend. With them is National Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, Emeka Ene.

MINISTER in former President G o o d l u c k Jonathan’s administration stole $6 billion, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole said yesterday, quoting United States (U.S.) officials.

Oshiohmole, in a chat with State House correspondents shortly after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said: “The PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) deContinued on page 4

•E-BUSINESS P13 •TRANSPORTATION P17 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P44 •FOREIGN P59

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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Civilian JTF

•President Barack Obama (second left) with (from left) co-founders of the Global Spark Coalition, Jonathan Ortmans, CEO of the Global Entrepreneurship Network; Tony O. Elumelu, CON, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation; and Sriram Bharatam, Chairman, Africa Growth Initiative during the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi, Kenya... at the weekend.

United States Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday presented the 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report. The report shows that Nigeria has not achieved much in its efforts to combat human trafficking across its borders.

The report, which shows that does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, indicts the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) for using children illegally to fight insurgents. It thus recommend that government must cease provision of financial and in-kind support to the CJTF until the group ceases the recruitment and use of children; investigate and prosecute all individuals suspected of recruiting and using child soldiers and perpetrating other trafficking abuses against women and children

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•Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (middle), Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga (left), Group Managing Director, Lafarge Africa Plc., Peter Hoddinott (2nd left), Head, Geocycle Africa, Pierre Delcroix (right) and Managing Director, Peju Babejo during the visit of the Lafarge team to the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta...yesterday.

•Head, Environment Compliance & Public Relations, Etisalat Nigeria Oluseyi Osunsedo (left)congratulating the Star Prize winner of the Etisalat-Digital Sense Africa 2015 Students Essay Contest, Nicodemus Onah at the presentation of prizes to winners of the Etisalat-Digital Sense Africa 2015 Students Essay Contest on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) in Lagos...at the weekend. With them are Lead Strategist, Digital Sense Africa, Remmy Nweke and Contest Judge, Yetunde Johnson (right).

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN.

•From left: Head of Flight Operations, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Capt. Samuel Asare, Accountable Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo, Aviation Safety Inspector (GCAA), Mrs. Dorothy Tackie, and Aviation Safety Inspector (GCAA), Capt. Daniel Adjare during the validation of Foreign AOC inspection of Dana Air by GCAA in preparation for the commencement of Dana's regional flight operations to Accra, Ghana at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

ATALIE and Dara, eager to earn money and go to school, left Nigeria with the help of men who arranged their travel and convinced them good jobs awaited them in Cote d’Ivoire. Once there, Natalie and Dara were instead forced to have sex with men every night to pay back a $2,600 “travel debt.” After two years of being subjected to sex trafficking, Natalie and Dara contacted a UN Police officer (who was in the area to investigate other suspected cases of human trafficking) and escaped. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime helped the girls return to Nigeria, where they participated in social service programs supported by regional NGOs. Their traffickers were convicted in 2014 and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and a $2,000 fine.

Aisha was at a friend’s wedding when she was abducted by Boko Haram, along with her sister, the bride, and the bride’s sister. They were taken to a camp where her friends were forcibly married to Boko Haram fighters.

Aisha, at 19 years old, had to learn how to fight; she was trained how to shoot and kill, detonate bombs, and execute attacks on villages. She was forced to participate in armed operations, including against her own village; those that refused were buried in a mass grave. Aisha saw more than 50 people killed, including her sister, before she managed to escape.

Natalie, Dora and Aisha are just three of the victims of human trafficking captured in the 2015 Human Trafficking Report released yesterday by the State Department. As it was last year, the report shows that Nigeria is still a source, transit, and destination country for women and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking.

It shows that Nigerian trafficking victims are recruited from rural and, to a lesser extent, urban areas: women and girls for domestic servitude and sex trafficking and boys for forced labor in street vending, domestic service, mining, stone quarrying, agriculture, textiles manufacturing, and begging. Young boys in Koranic schools, commonly known as Almajiri children, are subjected to forced begging.

The report says Nigerian women and children are taken from Nigeria to other West and Central African countries, as well as to South Africa, where they are exploited for the same purposes. Nigerian women and girls are subjected to forced prostitution throughout Europe. Nigerian women and children are also recruited and transported to destinations in North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, where they are held captive in the sex trade or in forced labor. Nigerian gangs subject large numbers of Nigerian women to forced prostitution in the Czech Republic and Italy; EUROPOL has identified Nigerian organized crime related to trafficking in persons as one of the greatest law enforcement challenges to European governments. Nigerian women are transported to Malaysia, where they are forced into prostitution and to work as drug mules for their traffick-

ers. West African women transit Nigeria to destinations in Europe and the Middle East, where they are subsequently subjected to forced prostitution. Children from West African countries are subjected to forced labor in Nigeria, including in Nigeria’s granite mines. Nigeria is a transit point for West African children subjected to forced labor in Cameroon and Gabon.

During the reporting period, an NGO alleged Nigerian officials subjected children in internally displaced person (IDP) camps in northeast Nigeria to labor and sex trafficking. A Nigerian soldier also allegedly engaged in the forced labor of a child.

Boko Haram, noted the report, forcefully recruited and used child soldiers as young as 12-years-old and abducted women and girls in the northern region of Nigeria, some of whom it later subjected to domestic servitude, forced labor, and sex slavery through forced marriages to its militants. An NGO also reported a civilian vigilante group, identified as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), recruited and used child soldiers, sometimes by force. The government prohibited the recruitment and use of child soldiers and issued official statements condemning such use; however, the CJTF continued to recruit and use child soldiers during the reporting period. The Borno State government continued to provide financial and in-kind resources to the CJTF, which was also, at times, aligned with the Nigerian military in operations against Boko Haram.

Painfully, the government of Nigeria, shows the report, does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. During the reporting period, the government sustained strong anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts by enacting amendments to the 2003 antitrafficking law, which restrict the ability of judges to penalise offenders with fines in lieu of prison time; by investigating, prosecuting, and convicting numerous traffickers; and by providing extensive specialized anti-trafficking training to officials from various government ministries and agencies.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) identified and provided services to an increased number of victims and continued extensive awareness campaigns throughout the country. The government also created an inter-ministerial presidential taskforce to coordinate anti-trafficking activities across the government. Despite these efforts, during the reporting period, the Borno State government provided financial and in-kind resources to the CJTF, which recruited and used child soldiers.

Recommendations for Nigeria Cease provision of financial and inkind support to the CJTF until the group ceases the recruitment and use of children; investigate and prosecute

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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recruiting children, says U.S. Report •Kerry speaking during an event releasing the “2015 Trafficking in Persons Report,” at the U.S. State Departmentin Washington, DC…yesterday.

PHOTO:AFP

all individuals suspected of recruiting and using child soldiers and allegedly perpetrating other trafficking abuses against women and children; continue to vigorously pursue trafficking investigations, prosecutions of trafficking offenses, and adequate sentences for convicted traffickers; take proactive measures to investigate and prosecute government officials suspected of trafficking-related corruption and complicity in trafficking offenses; ensure the activities of NAPTIP receive sufficient funding, particularly for prosecuting trafficking offenders and providing adequate care for victims; implement programs for the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former child combatants that take into account the specific needs of child ex-combatants; continue to provide regular training to police and immigration officials to identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, such as women in prostitution and young females traveling with non-family members; fully integrate anti-trafficking responsibilities into the work of the Nigerian Police Force and the Ministry of Labor; and continue to increase the capacity of Nigerian embassies to identify and provide assistance to victims abroad, including through regular and specialized training for diplomatic and consular personnel.

Prosecution The government, the report observes, maintained strong anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts. In March 2015, the government passed amendments to the 2003 Trafficking in Persons Law Enforcement and Administration Act, which increase the penalties for trafficking offenders. The law prohibits all forms of trafficking. It prescribes a minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of one million naira ($5,470) for labor trafficking offenses. The law prescribes a minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment for sex trafficking offenses and a minimum fine of one million naira ($5,470); the minimum penalty increases to seven years’ imprisonment if the case involves a child. These penalties are sufficiently stringent and commensurate with other serious crimes, such as rape.

NAPTIP, it said, conducted 509 trafficking investigations, completed 56 prosecutions, and secured 30 convictions during the reporting period, compared with 314 investigations, 43 prosecutions, and 42 convictions in the previous reporting period. The decrease in convictions is likely a result of a three-month strike by the judiciary. An additional 150 prosecutions remained pending at the end of the reporting period. All prosecutions occurred under the 2003 anti-trafficking law, and prison sentences upon conviction ranged from three months’ to 30 years’ imprisonment. Of the 22 convictions, 17 resulted in imprisonment without the option of paying a fine.

Trafficking in persons an insult to human dignity, says Kerry In presenting the Trafficking in Persons Report 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry described the act of trafficking of fellow human beings as an insult. Excerpts:

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RAFFICKING in persons is an insult to human dignity and an assault on freedom. Whether we are talking about the sale of women and children by terrorists in the Middle East, the sex trafficking of girls lured from their homes in Central Europe, the exploitation of farm workers in North America, or the enslavement of fishermen in Southeast Asia, the victims of this crime each have a name. And they each have been robbed of their most basic human rights.

The fight against modern slavery matters deeply to me.

When I was a prosecutor outside of Boston in the 1970s, I worked to put people behind bars for rape and sexual assault. We were one of the very first jurisdictions in America to set up a witness protection program so that people weren’t twice victimized—once by the crime and once for daring to tell the truth.

My time as a prosecutor brought home to me the simple lesson that justice is not simply a matter of having the right laws on the books; we have to back those words with resources, strategies, and actions that produce the right results. As Secretary of State, I am proud that the United States is using the tools at our disposal to deter, expose, apprehend, and prosecute those who seek to profit by trafficking in their fellow human beings.

Modern slavery doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s connected to a host of 21st century challenges, including the persistence of extreme poverty, discrimination against women and minorities, corruption and other failures of governance, the abuse of social media, and the power and reach of transnational organized crime. That is why the United States is working with our international partners at every level to

The government also collaborated with law enforcement agencies from Finland, Niger, Norway, and the United Kingdom on investigations involving Nigerian nationals during the reporting period. The government commenced an investigation against a Nigerian soldier who allegedly engaged in the forced labour of a child; the investigation remained ongoing at the close of the reporting period. In response to an NGO’s report that Nigerian officials subjected children in IDP camps in northeast Nigeria to labor and sex trafficking, the government convened a multi-agency taskforce— including NAPTIP, security forces, and an international organisation—to investigate the allegations; ultimately, the government concluded there was no evidence of child trafficking. The government did not report any other investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of government officials complicit in trafficking offenses; however, corruption at all levels of the government remained a pervasive problem.

The government conducted extensive training sessions throughout the reporting period. NAPTIP, in collaboration with international partners, provided specialized training to approximately 159 government employees,

attack the root causes of trafficking, warn potential victims, put perpetrators behind bars, and empower survivors as they rebuild their lives.

One thing is clear: No nation can end modern slavery alone. Eliminating this global scourge requires a global solution. It also cannot be solved by governments alone.

The private sector, academic institutions, civil society, the legal community, and consumers can all help to address the factors that allow human trafficking to flourish. But governments have a special responsibility to enforce the rule of law, share information, invest in judicial resources, and espouse policies that urge respect for the rights and dignity of every human being. Human trafficking is not a problem to be managed; it is a crime to be stopped.

This year’s Report places a special emphasis on human trafficking in the global marketplace. It highlights the hidden risks that workers may encounter when seeking employment and the steps that governments and businesses can take to prevent trafficking, including a demand for transparency in global supply chains.

The bottom line is that this is no time for complacency.

Right now, across the globe, victims of human trafficking are daring to imagine the possibility of escape, the chance for a life without fear, and the opportunity to earn a living wage. I echo the words of President Obama and say to them: We hear you, and we will do all we can to make that dream come true. In recent decades, we have learned a great deal about how to break up human trafficking networks and help victims recover in safety and dignity.

In years to come, we will apply those lessons relentlessly, and we will not rest until modern slavery is ended.

including judges, prosecutors, and officials from NAPTIP, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. These programs offered specialized training on victim identification, investigation of trafficking cases, and child protection. NAPTIP officials assisted Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and various African countries with their anti-trafficking efforts through training courses, joint intelligence sharing, and mutual legal assistance.

Protection According to the report, the government increased efforts to protect trafficking victims. The government and NGOs identified 914 trafficking victims within the country, including 336 victims of sex trafficking, and 578 victims of labor trafficking, compared with 777 victims identified in the previous reporting period. NAPTIP provided initial screening and assistance for all victims it identified and referred them to government-run care facilities for further medical care, vocational training, education, and shelter. The

government has formal written procedures to guide law enforcement, immigration, and social services personnel in proactive identification of trafficking victims among high-risk populations. Police, immigration, and social services personnel received specialized training on how to identify victims of trafficking and direct them to NAPTIP. Additionally, the government’s national referral mechanism provides formal guidelines for law enforcement, immigration officials, and service providers to improve protection and assistance to trafficking victims in Nigeria.

In 2014, said the report, the government allocated approximately 2.4 billion naira ($13 million) to NAPTIP. NAPTIP spent roughly one-fifth of its operational budget, or 96.5 million naira ($528,000), on victim protection and assistance during the reporting period. State governments also contributed an additional five million naira ($27,300) to support state antitrafficking efforts. NAPTIP operated nine shelters specifically for trafficking victims, with a total capacity of 313 victims. Through these shelters, NAPTIP provided access to legal, medical, and psychological services, as well as vocational training, trade and

financial empowerment, and business management skills. Victims who required additional medical and psychological treatment were provided services by hospitals and clinics through existing agreements with NAPTIP. NAPTIP shelters offered short-term care, generally limiting victims’ stays to six weeks, though victims were allowed to extend their stays under special circumstances. If victims needed longer-term care, NAPTIP collaborated with two shelters operated by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, as well as NGO-run shelters. Victims in NAPTIP shelters were not allowed to leave unless accompanied by a chaperone. NAPTIP provided funding, inkind donations, and services to NGOs and other organisations that afforded protective services to trafficking victims.

The report observed that per provisions of the 2003 anti-trafficking law, Nigerian authorities ensured identified trafficking victims were not penalised for unlawful acts committed as a result of being subjected to trafficking. On rare occasions, authorities initially detained individuals involved in prostitution or other unlawful acts before they were identified as trafficking victims. Once identified, NAPTIP, the report said, worked with security services to remove victims from custody and provide them care. Officials encouraged victims to assist in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases, and NAPTIP reported 36 victims served as witnesses or gave evidence during trial in the reporting period. Trafficking victims were guaranteed temporary residence visas during the pendency of any criminal, civil or other legal action. All victims were eligible to receive funds from the victims’ trust fund, which was financed primarily through confiscated assets of convicted traffickers. During the reporting period, the government disbursed 4.1 million naira ($22,400) among 17 victims for various purposes, including vocational training and school tuition, although not necessarily in equal amounts.

Prevention According to the report, the government sustained efforts to prevent human trafficking. NAPTIP continued to conduct extensive national and local programming through radio and print media in all regions of the country to raise awareness about trafficking, including warning about fraudulent recruitment for jobs abroad. NAPTIP also carried out advocacy visits with community, traditional, and religious leaders, as well as government officials at both the local and national levels.

The government increased coordination between NAPTIP and various relevant ministries through the establishment of an inter-ministerial presidential taskforce; this taskforce met twice during the reporting period. In October 2014, the government adopted a national policy and action plan on labor migration and instituted a licensing requirement for all private labor recruitment agencies managed by the Ministry of Labor. The government did not make any discernible efforts to decrease the demand for commercial sex acts. In January 2015, the attorney general issued an advisory notice reiterating the Nigerian government’s stance against the use of child soldiers and warning anyone found to be using child soldiers would face prosecution. The Borno State governor also warned the CJTF that the recruitment and use of child soldiers was prohibited; however, state government support for the group continued.

The government, with foreign donor support, provided anti-trafficking training to Nigerian troops prior to their deployment abroad on international peacekeeping missions. The government also provided anti-trafficking training for its diplomatic personnel.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

NEWS Buhari to APC Reps: obey party’s directive on offices Continued from page 1 •Dogara (left) chatting with Gbajabiamila during the APC House of Representatives members meeting with President Buhari at the meeting... yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

mittee (NWC), led by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Gbajabiamila’s group is demanding that the APC’s position on the selection of principal officers be implemented by the Speaker, whose Consolidation Group believes that federal character must be reflected in the sharing of offices.

But, at the end of the 20minute parley, both groups were optimistic that the end to the crisis was in sight.

On emerging from the meeting, both camps agreed with the President’s counsel that the party should not be undermined.

The President was said to be unequivocal that the “unity of

the APC in the House is central to ensuring that the party delivers the promised change to Nigerians”.

Dogara told State House correspondents that his loyalty to the party remained unshaken, adding that he was open to a quick resolution of the crisis.

He said: “I have always stood firmly by the party, there has never been a time that I never stood firmly by the party.

“So, like my chairman has explained, we are going into consultations with the party and I am sure sooner than later, we will have good news for Nigerians.”

Gbajabiamila said party supremacy was exhaustively disContinued on page 58

Probe: EFCC raises team to grill Saraki’s wife, Yar’Adua’s daughter

Oshiomhole: U.S. officials say Jonathan’s minister stole $6b Continued from page 1

stroyed the country. I mean from the lips of American officials; senior officials of the State Department said one minister under PDP cornered as much as $6 billion.

“The man said even by Washington standard, that is earth-quaking.

“So, PDP is a party that presided over the liquidation of our nation; destroyed all our institutions; converted the Armed Forces commanders to use them as if they were

political thugs; converted NTA to a party megaphone; destroyed the SSS; went after opposition as if we were rabbits to be pursued into our holes; compromised even student unions and destroyed everything that you can think of; and elevated religion to a state affair.

“Under the party, Israel became a place you visit every week; they placed pastors against Imams, placed North against South, East against West - just to retain power; elevated Obas and Obis with

dollars.

“You guys were reporting dollars that were changing hands; when NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation) was spending much more money than was available to the Federation Account.

“We are a very patient people. If we were not a patient people, anybody wearing the tag of PDP ought to feel very unsafe because you are all victims – all of us here.

“Mr. Carson, who was the Assistant Secretary of State,

when we visited him in the company of Senator Saraki, then as Chairman of the Governors’ Forum – that was on the eve of President Obama’s first visit to Africa – and we went to complain, ‘why is Nigeria not on the list?’

“What he said, for me, was quite instructive, compared to what he said last week.

Then I was present when he said ‘you know, we who see ourselves not just as friends of Nigeria, each time we think there is light at the end Continued on page 58

Chadian forces in ‘violent clashes’ with Boko Haram

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HERE were reports that Chadian army engaged Boko Haram insurgents in cross-fire yesterday on islands in Lake Chad. Security and local sources confirmed the clashes last night.

“Violent clashes” were underway near Baga Sola, one of the main Chadian towns in the lake that straddles Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger, a Chadian security source told the AFP. It added that Chadian forces had earlier “intercepted fleeing Boko Haram

elements” around 20 km (12 miles) to the southeast.

A source close to the local authorities said a “major search operation” was underway for Boko Haram militants hiding out on the lake’s islands.

According to the security official, the clashes between militants and Chadian forces eruptedSaturday on Midi Koutou island, leaving six Boko Haram fighters dead and 15 wounded. A Chadian soldier was also said to have been killed.

The source said Boko

Haram “kidnapped many women and children” as they fled the battle field, and added Chadian forces had “around a thousand men positioned to occupy all the islands and neutralize Boko Haram.”

The source close to local authorities said that, following a request from the central government about two weeks ago, an operation was launched “to evacuate the islands’ populations,” and that about 90 per cent of residents had been moved to the mainland

since.

Boko Haram fighters have staged several bloody attacks in recent months on islands in Lake Chad, which they have begun using as a rear-base after being routed from their traditional Sambisa Forest strongholds in Borno State.

Nigeria troops in collaboration with regional armies known as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have on February 14 launched an offensive against insurgents.

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday raised a team of crack investigators to grill Senate President Bukola Saraki’s wife, Oluwatoyin and the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s daughter, Hajiya Zainab Dakingari.

Mrs. Saraki has written the EFCC seeking to appear today or tomorrow.

Expressing her readiness to cooperate with the anti-graft commission, she had never received unlawful public funds.

A source in the commission

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

said: “We are ready for Mrs. Oluwatoyin Saraki and Hajiya Zainab Dakingari - if they honour our invitation.

“We have a crack team of investigators that will handle their matters with fairness and objectivity.

“Our invitation does not presume them guilty. There are petitions against them; we want to hear their side too. If there is no prima facie case against them, the EFCC will release these women. So, we are still at a fact-finding Continued on page 58

President plans to name oil thieves Continued from page 1

the matter.

According to him, the government’s aim is to identify and prosecute all those found culpable. Shipping documents are being compiled for onward submission to countries of destination of stolen crude oil from Nigeria.

His words: “The search continues; up to the third of this month (July 3), our crude was still being illegally lifted by people who are in government. We are trying to get these documents. We are getting the cooperation of the international community.

“We are going to make sure that those who perpetrated this theft against Nigeria are faced with facts very soon and are taken to our courts.

“We’ve got the cooperation of some of the countries of the destinations of our crude (oil) and we are discussing with them.

“We have to maintain high confidentiality so that we don’t risk some of the loyal Nigerians that are helping us to trace the destinations of this stolen crude and then the accounts into which the monies are being paid instead of Continued on page 58

Forgery: Senators jittery over police investigation

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ENATORS were yesterday jittery over the backlash of the ongoing police probe of the forgery of the Senate Standing Orders 2015.

There were fears that the probe might either force the Senate to start the election of principal officers afresh or create a prolonged crisis in the Upper Chamber.

The National Assembly reopens today. It went on recess on June 23.

Last-minute moves by an APC Governors Forum committee did not yield results. It was boycotted by members of

•Lawan group ignores governors From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

The Unity Forum.

Governors Adams Oshiomhole and Atiku Bagudu met with The Like Minds (pro-Saraki) senators on Sunday night at the National Assembly.

Saraki appeared briefly before the committee and left his allies to complete the talks.

But the session was boycotted by the members of The Unity Forum, who are backing Senator Ahmed Lawan for

Senate President.

The Lawan group retired into a meeting last night to strategise ahead of today’s plenary.

The outcome of the Lawan group’s meeting was unknown last night.

It was, however, learnt that the confirmation of the forgery of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 – in a probe led

by Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Danazumi Job Doma has rattled some of the senators.

A source said: “We are all worried about the establishment of forgery against some officials of the National Assembly because it will be a setback for the Senate. If the Clerk to the National Assembly or any management staff is arraigned in court, it can lead to a stalemate in the conduct of the affairs of the chamber.

“There will also be a moral dilemma for the Senate, if it resists the ongoing investigation of the alleged forgery.

“So, we have a dilemma at hand and the forgery is going to haunt the Senate for a while.”

Another senator said: “The forgery allegation has created tension in the Senate because of a plot to suspend the six senators who wrote a petition to the Senate.

“If they suspend these six senators, there cannot be peace in the chamber. We have a delicate situation at hand.

“There is need to apply wisdom in managing the situation at hand.”

A high-ranking Senator, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are battling to reconcile and save the image of this institution. No one is happy because we may all be the losers at the end of the day.

“The forgery issue is compounding the crisis in the Senate. We are also divided on the investigation by the police.

“The disagreement centres on the fact that Paragraph 110(1) of the Senate Standing

Orders 2007 (as amended) was not strictly followed in producing the so-called Senate Standing Orders 2015.”

Paragraph 110(1) of the Senate Standing Orders 2007 (as amended) says: “ Any Senator desiring to amend any part of the Rules or adding any new clause shall give notice of such amendments in writing to the President of the Senate, giving details of the proposed amendments.

“The President of the Senate shall within seven working days of the receipt of the notice, cause the amendments to be printed and circulated to members. Thereafter, it shall be printed in the Order Paper of the Senate.

“The Mover or Movers of the amendments shall be allowed to explain in detail the proposed amendments.

Thereafter, the Senate shall decide by simple majority votes whether the amendments should be considered or rejected.

“If the decision is to consider the amendments, then another date shall be set aside by

•Saraki

the Rules and Business Committee whereby opportunity would be given to senators to further propose amendments but must strictly be confined to the original amendments.

“Two-third majority shall Continued on page 58

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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Ex-Commonwealth Secretary : Buhari’s govt on promising path F

ORMER Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Sir Shridath Ramphal has described the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as promising.

The envoy spoke with State House reporters after meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“It is a great pleasure and great honour to be back in Abuja again, especially at the start of a new and hopeful, very promising regime. I feel very happy, it’s like coming back home,” Ramphal said.

According to him, the way the Buhari administration came on board with an

agenda gave him the confidence that the President was on the right track.

He said: “The boost is a plus to democracy not only in Nigeria but around the world, certainly in Africa. And it is important to the whole of the developing world that Nigeria should succeed, and that is my message to the President.”

The former Commonwealth scribe noted that there will always be challenges in administration.

Ramphal said the challenges came in different forms as leaders dealt with different persons.

“But, it is the basic challenge to the development, the basic challenge to democracy, the basic challenge to freedom in Africa as a whole.

“The challenges have been there; we have to struggle to be united against challenges,” he advised.

He, however, declined to comment on the problems in Nigeria, saying, “it will be presumptuous for me to at-

tempt to define them.

“What I do know is that from Nigeria this continent and the rest of the developing world expect leadership and we are confident that we will find that.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ramphal spoke well of the Nigerian scribe of the same organisation, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.

He said, “I was formerly Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, succeeded by my good friend, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and together, we helped to steer the Commonwealth with the help of Nigeria to some of its most glorious achievements.”

NHRC foils planned marriage of minor to 40-year-old man

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HE National human Rights Commission (NHRC) has foiled the planned marriage between a13-year-old girl to a 40-year old man in Abuja.

The girl, who was identified as a primary five pupil of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Primary School, Abuja, was to be married to the man identified simply as Ibrahim at a ceremony in Abuja, when officials of the NHRC moved in to stop the event.

NHRC’s Chief Press Secretary, Fatima Agwai Mohammed, said in a statement yesterday that the NHRC swung into action, upon being informed of the marriage, retrieved the minor from the offender’s house and invited all parties involved to the commission’s office.

She said preliminary investigation showed that the intending husband “had full knowledge that the girl was less than the 18 years of age prescribed by law.”

The NHRC said its decision

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

to stop the marriage was supported by sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Child Rights Act 2003 which prohibits child marriage or betrothal and prescribes either five years imprisonment or N500,000.00 fine for offenders.

Mrs Mohammed said NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Professor Bem Angwe referred the case to commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command for prosecution.

She quoted Prof Angwe as expressing the agency’s commitment to ensure the implementation of the Child Rights Act and its enforcement against all persons irrespective of their status or religious belief.

“The Executive Secretary enjoined parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure that their children and wards are not exposed to early marriage, which does not only offend the law, but has psychological, social and health implications.”

‘House crisis ends soon’

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE leadership crisis engulfing the House of Representatives will soon be resolved, a member, Abdulahi Bello, has said.

Bello, representing Okene/Ogori Magogo, said besides several interventions, no leader would be comfortable with a divided house.

The former Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly and acting governor hoped that the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, agreed to an enduring solution to the face-off.

He said: “Being a former Speaker, I can tell you that no Speaker can sleep easy over a divided House. As a result, at this point, I want to believe that the Speaker is willing to accommodate party position on that issue.”

•From left: Labour Migration Expert, International Labour Organisation, Mr Cisse Aly; Policy Development Coordinator, International Centre for Migration, Erasmus Emmerentia; Representative of European Union Delegation, Philippe Peyredieu Du Charlat, at the annual review meeting of member states implementation on the Ecowas plan of action on trafficking in persons in Abuja ...

PHOTO: NAN yesterday.

F

NNPC probe ‘ll bring transparency, ORMER Chairman of curity during our campaigns. the House of Represen- says Peterside There are areas where they

tatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State Dr Peterside Dakuku has said the probe of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will promote transparency and good governance.

Peterside, who spoke to reporters in Benin City at the weekend, said probity was a continuous process in gover-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

nance.

He noted that there would be no attraction for transparency and probity if people were not made to face some consequences.

Peterside called for police reforms because the use of any alternative to provide security would be a disaster.

He said: “The Police did their best of to provide us se-

failed too, even areas where they were accessories to crimes and some of the things that happened.”

“What is the alternative to police protection which is self help. That self help means patronising criminals. I will never patronise criminals.

We will continue to patronise the police. We will rather ask for reforms. They should restrategise and be provided better equipment because the alternative is disaster for us.”

•Peterside

EFCC arraigns 10, vessel for illegal oil bunkering

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned 10 persons and a vessel, for alleged oil bunkering.

They were arrested with 200 metric tons of petroleum products.

EFCC said they conspired to commit the crime by dealing in petroleum products without appropriate licence on April 4.

The accused are the vessel’s captain James Abatan, Wasiu Owonikoko, Patrick Ameh, Johson Ademola, Felix Otto, Chigozie Oguike, Olu Salisu, Jomo Gadagbe, Kunle Saheed and Rasheed Adio.

The alleged offence is con-

By Joseph Jibueze

trary to and punishable under Section 3 (1) (6) (17) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The accused were said to have stored the products without lawful authority, an offence contrary to Section 4 of the Petroleum Act, Cap P10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Defence counsel Dada Awoshika urged the court to grant them bail, adding that the vessel was duly certified by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Naval authorities to operate on

the Nigerian territorial waters.

But EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo said the Navy handed the accused persons over to the commission for allegedly dealing in petroleum products without licence.

He added that samples of the cargo on board the vessel were analysed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

He said it was confirmed that the product conformed to Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and that the accused were unable to produce a genuine licence from the DPR authorising them to deal in the product.

Oyedepo said the vessel

was owned by a company called D Dove Oil and Maritime Services Limited with its registered address at Plot 2, Lateef Jakande Road, Agindingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to him, following further enquiry, the company’s directors hurriedly relocated to an unknown destination.

The commission said the other suspects in the case were still at large, adding that in view of the public interest and mood of the nation, it would be safe to put the accused persons in protective custody.

Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned till July 28 for ruling on the bail application.

Shippers’ Council dissociates self from report

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HE Nigerian Shippers’ Council has disassociated itself from the story with the headline “Council seeks probe of N20b Calabar Port dredging” published in The Nation of Wednesday.

Setting the records straight, its Deputy Director (Public Relations), Ignatius N. Nweke, said in a statement: “Our attention has been drawn to a story in The Nation of Wednesday, July 22, 2015 with a banner headline, ‘Shippers Council seeks probe of N20b Calabar Port dredging’.

“We are terribly embarrassed not only by the headline, but also by the content of the said story which is wrongly attributed to us.

“The first paragraph of the story says that the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) in Cross River has urged Presi-

dent Muhammadu Buhari to probe the N20b contract awarded to Calabar Channel Management (CCM) for dredging Calabar Port.

“The story was attributed to Mr. Mike Ogodo, president, Nigerian Shippers Association (NSA), but which your reporter referred to as President (NSC).

“The Nigerian Shippers Association (NSA) is a trade group within the maritime industry while the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the ports economic regulator, is a parastatal under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Transport.

“The clarification has become necessary given that at no time was the Executive Secretary/CEO nor any officer of the council made such a call nor granted a press conference calling for a probe.”

Students, SERAP sue JAMB, others for ‘excessive’ cut-off marks

By Joseph Jibueze

S

OME candidates seeking university admission have sued the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at the Federal High Court in Lagos over the new policy on cut-off marks.

The court yesterday granted their application for a judicial review of the decision to stop them from writing UNILAG’s entrance examination.

The applicants alleged that JAMB Registrar Prof. Dibu Ojerinde issued a directive stopping them from participating in UNILAG’s post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations scheduled for August 12 and 13.

They also accused Ojerinde of sending their names to other institutions they did not chose.

According to them, they scored above JAMB’s 180 cut-off mark, but UNILAG refused to sell its post-UTME forms to them following the alleged directive by Ojerinde to send the names of all candidates with less than 250 marks to other institutions.

In their ex parte application moved before Justice Mohammed Idris, the applicants prayed for leave to apply for an order of mandamus compelling UNILAG to sell the post-UTME forms to them.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

6

NEWS Row over legal fee: Gadzama denies collecting N950m from BPE

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SENIOR Advocate of Nigeria, Joe Kyari Gadzama, yesterday said his law firm did not collect N950 million from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) as legal fee for the liquidation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

He insisted that the contract was awarded following due process and approved by exPresident Goodluck Jonathan.

Gadzama said the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), was a member of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), which ratified the award of the contract.

He added that the fact that he had handled some briefs for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had nothing to do with the award of the contract to his firm by the BPE during the administration of the expresident. Gadzama made the clarifications in a letter to the Managing Director and EditorIn-Chief of Vintage Press Limited against the backdrop of The Nation running stories on the award of the N1.45 billion contract by BPE. The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had said it raised

•SAN says ex-AGF knew about contract award From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

objection to the award of the contract.

In a June 27 letter to EFCC, the BPP requested the anti-graft commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the award of the contract. In some documents submitted to EFCC, the BPE however insisted that the legal contract was valid because ex-President Jonathan approved it based on a memo from ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, who was the chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

It also said sections II (J) and 55 of the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act Cap. P.38, LFN 2004 exempts NCP from complying with the processes of BPP. Breaking his silence, Gadzama said it was wrong to conclude that he or his firm was involved in any scandal.

He faulted some stories claiming that he had been paid N950 million.

His letter reads: “If you had taken such steps to verify, you would have learned the obvi-

Leadership crisis: House denies plot to bar Loyalists’ Group

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menting fairly, truthfully and responsibly on matters of public interest. This is not acceptable in the slightest.

“You have not mentioned our name, but the innuendo is there, and your meaning is quite clear. While you are free to inform on matters of public interest, you have no right whatsoever to publish statements that are false and misleading and which have the purpose or effect of lowering another in the estimation of right thinking members of society.”

Gadzama said handling some cases for PDP had nothing to do with the award of the legal contract.

The letter added: “What did you have in mind by using the phrase “PDP lawyer”. What role did you discover PDP has to play in the award of the contract?

“The question remains, did your organisation take any steps at all to independently verify the nature of the contract in issue, or the considerations that led to its formulation, or the steps and procedure by which it was concluded and awarded? It appears you did not.”

of advisers for the Winding up of PHCN, Procurement for selection of consultants for training and counseling of old employees of PHCN and Extension of CPSC Transcom International Ltd (BPE’S adviser for the Privatisation of PHCN Successor Companies) held on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at the BPP Conference Room, wherein, a conclusion was reached that; the BPP will consider reversing its decision on the procurement under reference only when further instruction from the AGF nullifying the earlier directive is received.

The conclusion reached in the meeting was consented to by both parties (BPP and BPE), and was in line with the AGF’s letter to the Bureau. Copy of Minutes of Meeting attached herewith please.

“The BPP wishes to state at the moment, no instruction is received from the AGF nullifying the earlier directive. The BPP is, therefore, constrained by the directive of the HAGF, hence cannot reverse the earlier verdict. “In view of the foregoing, “No Objection” cannot be granted to the BPE to carry out renegotiation with Messrs.

J-K Gadzama for Legal Advisory Services for the Winding up of PHCN.”

•Adhoc committee warns ‘erring members’

HE House of Representatives has denied alleged plans to bar some key members of the Loyalists Group from entering the chamber today.

In a statement by Abdulrazak Namdas yesterday, the House maintained that it was the right and freedom of every member to attend plenary, committee meetings and access their offices without any hindrance.

The statement said there was never a time the leadership considered blocking members from the National Assembly.

“The allegations can best be described as baseless, unfounded and figment of their imagination.

“Members are hereby advise to, in accordance with relevant provisions of the House Rules, Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act, and the Code of Conduct of the House, conduct themselves with decorum and in a manner deserving of honourable members of the House, during plenary, committee meetings and other legislative engagements in the House.

“Similarly, the members alleged that the leadership was trying to truncate President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade.

“We find this allegation as uncharitable and unbecoming of a House member. The Speaker Yakubu Dogara’s record of incorruptibility endeared him to the members, which culminated in his election as Speaker on June 9th.

“One of the first major decisions taken by the leadership was to draft the Legislative

H

ous truth that no such money has been paid out by the BPE to any lawyer, for the winding up for PHCN or at all. Not even the N950 million, which you falsely alleged on Page 4, has been paid to any lawyer.

“If you had bothered to verify, you would have realised that the full and formal winding up of the PHCN was consistent with the Federal Government’s power sector reform policy.

“The contract itself was awarded following due process. It was approved by the appropriate authority and signed off on by the President of the Federal Republic. Even the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation, whom your story repeatedly mentioned as kicking against the contract, was a member of the council and present at the meeting where the contract was awarded.

“All these facts are welldocumented and independently verifiable. That you did not care to verify strongly suggests you may have had some motives behind your decision to publish.

“And those motives clearly had nothing to do with com-

The BPP earlier claimed that the AGF did not at any time withdraw his “No Objection”.

Its Director-General, Emeka M. Ezeh, an engineer, said in a letter to BPE as follows: “The HAGF’s position on this procurement clearly indicates that Legal Advisory Service is not needed as all constituent items (1-9) under unnecessary as listed by the HAGF constitute all items under the Legal Advisory Service, as such; no item is left for BPP’s consideration for a further review.

“Moreover, the HAGF in his conclusion further stressed that, ‘I am to reiterate my earlier opinion that the proposed engagement of consultants for provision of Legal Advisory Services for the Liquidation of PHCN and Valuation of PHCN’s Non-Core Headquarters Assets is inconsistent with the provisions and spirit of the EPSR Act and the proposed agreement to this effect should not be executed by the parties’. This is the conclusion of the HAGF letter, contrary to BPE’s agitation for a revised scope of work.

“The BPP wishes to further draw the attention of the BPE to Paragraph 2(v) (i) of the Minutes of Meeting between the BPP and the BPE on engament

OUSE of Representatives Deputy Speaker Lasun Yussuf yesterday reaffirmed his stance not to step down.

Yussuf, who spoke before the meeting President Muhammadu Buhari scheduled with lawmakers, said to make his resignation as deputy speaker the only condition for

Agenda, which is primarily aimed at blocking revenue leakages, introduce anti-graft legislations and help the government in its drive to restructure the country.

“We advise the members who lost out in the election of presiding and principal officers to emulate those who have accepted the olive branch extended to them by Mr. Speaker in the interest of peace, and stability of the House,” the statement said.

It urged the citizens to ignore the allegations, saying they were “baseless and unfortunate”.

But the House Adhoc Committee on Code of Conduct said sanction awaits unruly lawmakers that might want to disrupt procedures in the House.

A statement by its Chairman, Aminu Shehu Shagari, warned that there were laid down procedures for addressing grievances in the House that aggrieved members could explore.

The statement reads: “The committee will no longer tolerate any unruly behaviour by any member of the House, no matter how highly placed.

“The House will deal decisively with any member who violates the rules, disrupts plenary, or is found wanting of misconduct and other sundry offences.

“Members are admonished to demonstrate high standards of ethics consistent with the important role of lawmaking and the Eighth Assembly Legislative Agenda, which places emphasis on the wellbeing of the people”.

•The new Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Abdullahi Muhammadu (middle), being decorated by his wife, Amina Abdullahi (left) and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

N4b debts: WAEC threatens to withhold results of 19 states

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EST African Examinations Council (WAEC) has threatened to withhold results of candidates in 19 states, who wrote the May/June 2015 West African Senior Certificate Examination (WASSCE), following unpaid examination fees by state governments.

The National Head of the Council, Mr. Charles Eguridu, lamented that the affected states owed N4 billion for the May/June 2015 WASSCE and 2014.

Eguridu, who refused to mention the states, gave

•Council gives governors two-week ultimatum

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

them two weeks to pay the money after which the council would release this year’s result.

“As I speak to you now, we are cash-strapped as a result of the delay in off-setting the registration fees owed the council by some states. As a result, we are finding it difficult in meeting our financial obligations, particularly to our supervisors, examiners and service providers.

“We have written to the affected states governments without any response. The poor response of debtor-states is threatening the smooth operations of the council,” he added.

Eguridu noted that the council gave room for the state-sponsored candidates to write the examinations on credit because WAEC was not profit-making.

Of the defaulting states, Eguridu said only one responded to WAEC’s notifications six weeks ago, but was yet to pay.

I won’t step down as deputy Speaker, Yussuf vows From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

peace in the House amounted to injustice.

He added that his emergence was not an appointment, but through an election by 203 members of the House.

The deputy Speaker noted

that having contributed to the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at local and national levels, it would amount to an injustice to ask an Ilobu man to vacate the seat.

Yussuf, who spoke while receiving the Abuja chapter of Ilobu Development Association in his office, explained that his

home town was instrumental to APC’s emergence.

He said: “It is important to state that Ilobu has been a big supporter of our party, even beyond Osun.

“After Osogbo, Ilobu is the only town whose progressive elections have never been rigged.

“When we had the 2015 elections, every Nigerian knew at that time that it was the election in Osun that will probably dictate whether APC will be in existence or would be strong enough to dislodge PDP. “If you recall, everybody moved to Osogbo either as observers or participants. It was

He warned that if the affected states reneged after the twoweek ultimatum, the council would be forced to make the names public when releasing the results of the May/June 2015 WASSCE. The council, therefore, appealed to the affected states to pay the registration fees of their candidates as soon as possible, “as we cannot guarantee that the results of their candidates for May/June 2015 WASSCE will be released along with others”. reported that about 76,000 security agents were deployed to Osun for that particular election.

“Statistically, Ilobu as a town was sixth in quality of votes to the emergence of Governor Rauf Aregbesola with a staggering difference of 7,000 votes out of 100,000 that APC got over PDP in that election.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

7

NEWS FUTA names library after Ilemobade

Lagos Assembly summons HoS

By Oziegbe Okoeki

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HE Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has named its library after its former Vice Chancellor, the late Prof Albert Adeoye Ilemobade, who was murdered by his domestic workers.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebiyi Daramola, announced this at a commendation service at the university’s new auditorium yesterday.

Daramola said the former vice chancellor deserved the honour because of his many contributions to FUTA’s development and education.

The VC said: “It is, therefore, my delight to announce that in recognition of Baba’s scholarly contributions to FUTA’s growth and sustainability, the Governing Council has granted the approval to immortalise Baba Ilemobade by naming the university library after him.

“Henceforth, the library shall be known and called Prof.

Albert Adeoye Ilemobade Library.”

In his homily, Ven Emmanuel Laseinde, pioneer chaplain of the University’s Interdenominational Chapel (Chapel of Faith), admonished all to prepare for eternity.

He extolled the don’s virtues, saying he left his footprints on the sands of time.

The late Ilemobade’s son, Adesola, said despite the circumstances of his death, the family chose to celebrate his father’s life and contributions to humanity.

He thanked the university for the honour, saying the family would forever cherish the gesture.

•The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Samuel ‘Emeka Kanu Uche, (second left) at the investiture of the Knight of John Wesley (KJW) award on Sir Adeola Olufon , Principal Partner of Adeola Olufon & Co (left); Sir David Sunmoni, former Lagos State Accountant-General/Permanent Secretary (second right) and Sir Ayodele Ajayi, Chief Medical Director of Ajayi Medical Centre.

Impeachment: Olanusi seeks accelerated hearing F

ORMER Ondo State Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos for an accelerated hearing to nullify his impeachment.

He prayed the court to hear the rights enforcement suit urgently during the long vacation.

Justice Mohammed Idris granted the application yesterday.

Olanusi’s lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje argued that the suit would become academic, if it was not heard quickly.

The case was filed at the Akure Division of the Federal High Court but was transferred to the Lagos Division as the judge in Ondo, Justice I.N. Sanni, is on vacation till

By Joseph Jibueze

September.

Olanusi sought an order quashing the proceedings and report of a seven-man panel, which indicted him.

He said he did not commit the offences he was accused of but was only politically victimised.

The ex-deputy governor prayed for an order nullifying his removal as deputy governor on April 27.

According to him, the sitting, conclusion of proceedings and submission of report by the panel within 24 hours denied him the right to fair hearing as

enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

He sought a declaration that the failure to give him adequate time and facility, as guaranteed under the constitution, to defend the allegations was a breach of his right to fair hearing and fair trial.

Besides, he said the panel failed to personally serve him with the allegation of misconduct. He urged the court to declare the notice null and void.

In a supporting affidavit, the applicant said: “The rules of natural justice were not observed by the respondents in the proceedings of the first respondent and the removal of

the applicant as the deputy governor.

“The applicant was shamefully removed and disgraced out of office without fair hearing, regard for due process of law and the sanctity of the law and the constitution.

“The applicant’s right has been unfairly and oppressively trampled upon by the respondents.”

Olanusi was impeached on April 27 after being accused of gross misconduct by a seven-man investigative panel headed by Mr. Olatunji Adeniyan.

Justice Idris adjourned till August 3.

Family in agony as ex-Ekiti RTEAN boss is detained

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ORMER Ekiti State Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Chairman Rotimi Olanbiwonnu, alias Mentilo, has been remanded in prison custody.

He was arraigned yesterday at Magistrate Court 2, in Ado-Ekiti.

Olanbiwonnu was arrested at 12.45 am at his Ado-Ekiti home for the killing of former National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman, Omolafe Aderiye, last September 25.

The defence lawyer, Niran Owoseni, raised a preliminary objection that the matter had been concluded.

The Magistrate, Idowu Aiyenimon, adjourned till Friday.

The counsel said the government’s action was an attempt to incarcerate his client and put him out of circulation.

He said: “What the state is trying to do is to abuse court processes. Some people have been charged to court.

“Why should the state prosecute my client on the same matter again or is it that Omolafe Aderiye died twice?”

But Olanbiwonnu’s family instited that he had no hand in Aderiye’s death.

•APC condemns ‘frivolous’ murder charge •Govt: justice must be served From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

Olanbiwonnu’s wife, Falilat Eniola, attributed her husband’s incarceration to his refusal to support Governor Ayo Fayose’s governorship ambition.

Mrs. Olanbiwonnu wondered how the former RTEAN chief could be arrested and remanded “in a decent society”.

She said: “Fayose has been looking for ways to ‘deal’ with my husband. He is afraid that my husband would disrupt the planned inauguration of the new RTEAN executive.

“The policemen, who came to arrest him, did not produce any arrest warrant.

“I don’t know what Fayose wants again after our houses were burnt last year, our cars destroyed. Why are they doing this again?

“Definitely, it has a political undertone because of my husband’s affinity with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“My husband is not the only RTEAN member on the wanted list but they didn’t arrest others because they

had gone to pledge their loyalty to Fayose.

“Help me beg Fayose to leave us alone and release my husband and look elsewhere for Aderiye’s killers.”

Olanbiwonnu’s son, Olayide, said: “They forced our door open and I was dragged out of the house but they said I am not the suspect.

“Since my father has nothing to fear, he came out and they arrested him and took him away around 12.55 am.”

Police spokesman Alberto Adeyemi said: “I only heard that he (Olanbiwonnu) was arrested and charged to court. That is the only thing I can say for now.”

Commissioner for Information Lanre Ogunsuyi said justice must be served as the government‘s duty was to assist the police and the judiciary.

The APC decried what it called a “reckless clampdown on its leaders and supporters” by Fayose.

It said: “The hounding of APC leaders was a fulfillment of the governor’s declaration at his inauguration last year to run APC leaders out of the state.”

•Mrs. Olanbiwonnu...yesterday PHOTO: ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA

A statement by Publicity Secretary Taiwo Olatubosun said the alarm became imperative in the face of what he described as “persistent victimisation of APC members arrested on trumped-up charges”.

“Fayose at his inauguration last October publicly declared a one-minute silence for the death of APC in the state.

“True to his declaration, 10 party leaders have been hounded out of town. Two are in jail on trumped-up charges even as teachers perceived to be sympathetic to

the APC were transferred to remote areas.

“The governor is still after ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi’s officials to seize their cars even when the matter is in court.

“This is the same way he wants to eject them from their housing estate homes against legal agreement in the purchase of their houses.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to intervene in the various cases against our members because it is clear that the state command is in Fayose’s grip.”

THE Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, to appear before the House today to explain the elongation of the tenure of members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

This followed a letter to the House by members of the commission, stating that they had been confirmed for another four-year tenure by the Head of Service.

According to the House, the continuation of tenure by members of the commission was a flagrant disregard of Section 199 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that tenure of public officers should end automatically when due.

Reacting to the letter, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, said the Head of Service must educate the House on the due process that was followed in the renewal.

He said the Executive has not written to the House to counter its position that the commission should be dissolved as its tenure had ended.

“The Head of Service should be invited to appear before the House on the issue. It would also serve as a signal to other agencies and parastatals that once their tenure ends, they should leave office automatically,” he said.

‘RCCG not responsible for gridlock’ •Convention billed for Aug 3-9

By Adeola Ogunlade

THE Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has said it is not responsible for the persistent traffic jam on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

It blamed the jam on a bad spot on the road, which it said it had spent millions to repair.

The Head of the Public Relations Unit, Pastor Segun Adegbiji, defended the church at a briefing to announce the church’s 63rd convention from August 3 to August 9 at the Redemption Camp, Km 46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with the theme “The All Sufficient God”.

The programme will bring together Christians from 188 countries. It will feature bible teachings, seminars, prayers, prophetic ministration, song rendition and ordinations of deacons, assistant pastor and pastors.

Adegbiyi said: “We’re not responsible for the traffic congestion on the LagosIbadan Expressway. The road is bad. There are bad spots at Ojodu Berger and Mowe Junction. Trailers park without restrain on the roads, which hinder smooth flow of traffic.

“Our activities do not take place on the road. In fact, the new arena where the convention will be held is on Simawa Road. It can contain 12 million people and as much as possible, we want to avoid using the expressway.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

8

NEWS Ambode inaugurates Amirul Hajj, committee

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AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday reiterated his administration’s readiness to improve pilgrims’ welfare.

The governor spoke at the inauguration of the Amirul Hajj and Adhoc Committee for Hajj 2015.

“My administration will improve pilgrims’ welfare. I have approved a decentralised weekly orientation programme in the local governments to develop the right attitude and character worthy of ambassadors of Lagos State.

“The spiritual orientation shall also be held at the state level before August 18,” the governor said.

The Amirul Hajj and Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem, promised the governor that the team would not let the state down.

Other members are Mr. Danmole AbdulHameed Ademola; Dr. Paramole Abdul Kabir; Alhaja Gawat Fatimat Folashade; Alhaja Latifat Adewale Omolara; Alhaja Risikat Ogunbunmi; Alhaji Monzor Olowosago; Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Opeloyeru; Dr Sopeyin AbdulGaniyu Oluremi; Alhaji Jinadu Lawal; Dr. Lateef Adetona and Dr. Nasirudeen Onibon.

‘Prosecute Saraki, Ekweremadu’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has called for the prosecution of principal actors in the National Assembly crisis.

It called for the incarceration of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, for his role in the saga.

A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, said: “David Mark and Ike Ekweremadu were the two principal officers of the Seventh Senate who were also ranking senators in the Eighth Senate and custodians of the ‘Senate Standing Order’ and other documents of the seventh Senate.

“Bukola Saraki, being the first beneficiary of this ‘forged Standing Order’ and other ranking senators, who knew of this criminal act, who ought to have the full knowledge of the contents of the text of the ‘Senate Order’ and other relevant documents in the Senate, must also face prosecution and the full wrath of law for complicity.

“It is not possible that the Clerk and other National Assembly staff, would perpetrate this criminality without been approached by the beneficiaries of this forged document, the leadership of the Seventh Senate with the support of some ranking senators loyal to Saraki.”

•Ambode (middle) with Deputy Governor Mrs. Oluranti Adebule (third left) in a group photograph with AbdulHakeem (third right), the Permanent Secretary, PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Grace Oladimeji (second right) and other members of the committee...yesterday.

Toddler disappears at baby’s T naming ceremony

HERE is tension in Inuosegba community, off Akorede Estate in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, following the discovery of severed human wrist, pupils’ bags, uniforms and women’s underwear in a building.

The shocking discovery was made during the search for a missing 18-month-old child.

The toddler, identified as Hezekiah Opeyemi Ogundele, was playing at the venue of a naming ceremony at 4:10 pm on Sunday.

But while the ceremony was yet to begin, the child was discovered to have vanished.

It was gathered that the naming of Mr. Olusola Osunleke’s daughter was put on hold indefinitely.

Apprehensive guests, including the cleric, who was to officiate at the ceremony, began to comb the surrounding bushes and homes for the child.

During the search, they discovered the severed wrist of an adult human being, ladies’ underwear and children’s items near a bungalow, 35 metres away from the venue.

Approaching the building, the two persons sighted near

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

the premises claimed they did not see a toddler.

It was gathered that later in the day, Ogundele’s uncle returned to the building, forced the door open and saw “strange things”.

Following a surveillance of the building, a commercial motorcyclist, who visited the building, was arrested and handed over to the police at the Lafenwa Divisional Police Headquarters.

The Nation visited the building believed to be owned by a herbalist, Olasile Ifayemi.

The seven-room bungalow was vandalised, the shrine desecrated and over a dozen pots of horrifying fetish objects destroyed.

The bewildered residents said they never knew that a young herbalist lived in their midst.

Operatives of the Special

Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), police battled to control the crowd, which was bent on torching the building.

The 26-year-old fashion designer and mother of the missing child, Elizabeth, said she was preparing to attend the ceremony when she discovered that her son had disappeared.

According to her, during the search she saw two young men in a building adjacent to the Osunlekes’ house and asked them if they saw her son, which they denied.

She said while walking away, she instinctively looked back and saw the two men making strange signals to each other.

This prompted some women to storm the building but the women were scared away when the men stripped.

But before the men got to the building, the occupants

had fled. But one of them who returned later was apprehended and handed over to the police.

Elizabeth said: “I started looking for my son and searched a new bungalow where I saw two men sitting outside the house. I asked if they saw my boy, but they looked at each other and replied no.

“As I turned away, they started laughing. I searched behind the house where I saw many fetish objects. I quickly turned back and I couldn’t find the young men again, so I called my husband Daniel and he reported to the police.”

Police Commissioner Abdulmajid Ali said an investigation had begun.

He said: “The site that was discovered has no relationship with the boy and other human parts found there.

“We will let you see what really happened when we finish our investigation.”

‘Pastor’, 10 others arrested for ‘kidnapping’ in Ekiti

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HE police in Ekiti State have arrested 12 suspects believed to be members of kidnapping syndicates.

They include a self-acclaimed pastor, Babatunde Balogun, two women and 10 others.

Balogun “gave spiritual support” to the suspects in return for a share of ransom money, security agents said.

No road block in Ondo, say police From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

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•Human parts found near herbalist’s home

HE police in Ondo State yesterday denied mounting road blocks, contrary to the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase.

It noted that the officers on strategic roads are only mandated to conduct stop and search on vehicles.

A statement by its spokesman, Wole Ogodo, insisted that the command has complied with the IG’s directive.

The statement reads: “However, officers on beat and patrol have been mandated to conduct stop and search as part of the security architecture for crime prevention in consonance with Force Order 468, Tactical Operation Points (TOPS).

“Residents are once again assured of the security and safety and the ability of state command to protect them.”

•Fayose warns against ‘politicising’ abduction From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

Four others, now at large, have been declared wanted.

They are Kenneth Ozor, Jonathan Ozor, Kehinde Adeleye and Sunday Ogunleye.

They were said to be responsible for the kidnap of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade and an Associate Professor at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Dr. Femi Omisore.

Parading the suspects yesterday in Ado Ekiti with Governor Ayo Fayose in attendance, Department of State Service (DSS) Director Duke Fubara and Police Commissioner, Etop James, said the suspects had confessed to the crime.

James said the state’s AntiKidnapping Squad has been working to prevent a resur-

gence of kidnapping.

Fubara explained that the collaboration between his agency and the police had been yielding fruit.

Fubara said: “We can all attest to the fact that the kidnappers terrorised the state from the first week of May. Their activities brought a lot of trauma to the people.

“Though, some of the victims have been released, we did not give in. We carried out investigations and we increased our network and the result is what you are seeing today.

“What we found with the composition of these suspects was that some of them were some of the inmates who escaped during the last November 30 jailbreak.”

Fayose, who described the war against kidnapping and other violent crimes as a “col-

lective fight”, warned opposition politicians against politicising kidnapping and other crimes.

Lauding security agencies for their bravery, Fayose attributed the upsurge in crimes to the Ado-Ekiti Prisons jailbreak, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to re-arrest the escapees.

Fayose said: “It is a collective fight. We have to fight this together, so that all of us can sleep with our eyes closed.

“Ekiti has been in torment since the jailbreak. But we want you to beam your searchlight on neighbouring states, such as Delta, Osun and Ondo because we suspect people come from outside to train our people here.

“If you study this very well, you will understand that the networks have been widened and we have to do everything to break it”.

Oyo begins salary payment From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

O

YO State workers were in a happy mood yesterday as news of payment of salary arrears filtered in.

The workers were jubilating when our reporter went round the secretariat yesterday.

Though, they were yet to receive bank alerts, the workers were seen in groups discussing the development.

Some of the workers said they were happy as the government was ready to pay the arrears.

“We cannot but express our thankfulness to God for seeing us through all these weeks and months of hardship. And we are glad that eventually the government is now able to pay the arrears. Many of us have been evicted from our houses, many children could not sit for exams due to their parents’ inability to pay school fees. So, you can see why an average worker is happy knowing that the government has started paying our arrears.”

It was gathered that an agreement was reached between the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that payment will begin this week.

Local government workers are owed May and June salaries, others are owed April, May and June.

The NLC State Chairman, Waheed Olojede, said the exercise would begin with the payment of March salary to workers on Grade Level 13 and above.

According to him, the payment would not include the local government staff who have collected their March and April salaries.

He said: “The government and labour talks resume today on other outstanding for April, May and June. Workers are to please be on the alert accordingly.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

9

NEWS

Navy seizes illegal petrol in Akwa Ibom

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FFICERS and men of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday intercepted a Volkswagen Vento car allegedly registered as DUK 144 XA and XW 717 ABC, used in conveying “illegal” oil products suspected to be refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol.

The ship’s commander, Commodore David Adeniran, said three suspects had been arrested.

He said the command recovered, from various criminals’ hideouts, about 8,420

•Three suspects arrested From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

litres of products suspected to be PMS, two generators, one pumping machine and 1-40 horsepower outboard engine.

Adeniran spoke at NNS Jubilee Base in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area when he handed over the suspects, the vehicle, other machines and the products to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The commodore was represented by the base’s Executive Officer, Navy Capt.

Emmanuel Nmoyen.

Adeniran said: “What we did this afternoon was to hand over to the NSCDC the culprits caught with the products and the vehicle.

“We want to use this opportunity to acknowledge the assistance of the communities, because without them, we may not be able to arrest. So, we want to enjoin them to continue to give information to us.”

On the importance of effective collaboration with other security agencies to com-

APC chief writes security alleging threat to life

C

HIEF Sunny Erhengbo, a chieftain of Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) and Executive Director of Special Projects to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, has alerted to alleged threats to his life.

Erhengbo has petitioned the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP); Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG), Zone 5; the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) and Edo police commissioner.

Copies of the petition were given to reporters yesterday in Benin, the state capital.

The governor’s aide alleged that since he

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

was appointed to oversee the security of Oliha Market in May, his life had been under threat.

He said unknown persons, since June, had been using different cars without number plates to monitor his movements.

Erhengbo narrated his close shave with death in the hands of those he called his enemies on June 20 near Mission Road in Benin.

The governor’s aide urged security agencies to protect him and his family from suspected assassins.

Oshiomhole hails NUJ President Odusile

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said the victory of Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile as the president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is a reflection of the commitment of members to move the union to a higher level.

In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the governor said: “Waheed Odusile’s victory at the keenly contested election reflects the wishes of members to effect the desired change in the affairs of the union.

“I have implicit confidence that with you as president of the NUJ, the union will no doubt get a true and selfless leadership needed to key into the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari and bring unparalleled growth to members of your great union.

•‘Fight for journalists’ welfare’ From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

“Your pedigree as a reputed journalist in many media houses and a unionist with experience spanning over two decades have prepared you for the onerous task of leading the NUJ to a higher level.

“Even as we celebrate your victory, I give kudos to the other candidates for a gallant fight, and for the peaceful conduct of the delegates’ conference. There is no doubt that other unions can learn from the peaceful and transparent manner with which the NUJ election was conducted.

“I urge the other candidates to join hands with the new NUJ President to reposition the union as the conscience of the nation.”

Also, a former governorship candidate in Cross Riv-

er State, Mr Patrick Okomiso, has urged Odusile to fight for better working conditions for journalists.

Okomiso told our reporter in Calabar, the state capital, that Odusile needs to take journalism practice to a higher level.

The politician noted that without modern journalism, democracy cannot be sustained.

He said: “Given his antecedents, I believe his election victory as president is a plus for Nigerian journalism. He should improve the quality of journalism in the country.

“I urge him to fight for the welfare of journalists. He must ensure that they are remunerated in a manner equal to what they go through. He should also work for insurance of journalists.”

Akwa Ibom farmers plant five million crops

A

KWA Ibom State farmers have begun the planting of over five million crops to feed major agro-allied industries across the state.

They said the planting was part of their contributions to the Udom Emmanuel administration.

The farmers, under the aegis of Organised Farmers Support Network (OFSN), an affiliate of Ibom Continuous Transformation Movement (ICTM), said arrangements had been concluded for the planting of 5,000,000 dwarf hybrid plantain and banana suckers and 3,100,000 dwarf hybrid oil palm suckers.

In a statement in Uyo, the state capital, by its DirectorGeneral, Prince Ekpuk Jumbo Akpan-unang; Secretary-General, Obong Awai I. Awai and Media Director, Apostle Kingsley Bassey Offiong, the farmers said they would also plant cassava, pineapples, citrus and other fruits.

The farmers said they were targeting 300 per cent increase in poultry production as raw materials for the production of egg powder.

Akpan-unang said the farmers would delve into fish

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

farming, adding that those interested in farming should contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.

The frontline farmer said OFSN intended to create wealth for over 500,000 farmers in Akwa Ibom State and support the governor’s agricultural and food sufficiency agenda.

He described Udom as a farmer-friendly governor for proposing to send farmers to Israel for agricultural training.

Akpan-unang hailed Udom for appointing an agriculturist as Commissioner for Agriculture and setting up a Technical Committee on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency.

bat criminalities, Adeniran said the NSCDC needed to continually cooperate and maintain existing harmonious relationship to strengthen security in the state.

NSCDC’s State Commandant Emmanuel Ojeniyi, who was represented by the Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Ime White, hailed the Navy Commander for protecting the maritime environment.

He said this would stave off those sabotaging the nation’s economy.

Ojeniyi assured the commander that the NSCDC would carry out a thorough investigation, saying the synergy between them would be continually cemented.

Edo NUT house submerged

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HE three-storey building belonging to the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has been submerged, following yesterday’s five-hour downpour in Benin, the state capital.

The rain, which started around 10 am, flooded the premises.

The flood was aided by the construction of the Upper Siluko Road by a construction firm.

The building serves as the union’s secretariat, guest house and 1,000-capacity hall.

NUT chairman’s car and

From Osemwengie Ven Ogbemudia, Benin

a 18-seater bus were submerged.

The dejected union Chairman, Comrade Mike Uhunmwangho, said representations to the construction firm to widen the gutters in the area, following the downpour, had not yielded result.

He urged Governor Adams Oshiomhole to save the secretariat.

Uhunmwangho said property worth over N6 million had been destroyed by the rain.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

10

NEWS

Family decries member’s death in police custody

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E family of a 26-yearold man, Benson Obode, who was arrested by policemen from Lagos State on May 21, has decried his death in police custody.

It was learnt that Obode’s body was deposited at the Central Hospital Mortuary in Benin, the Edo State capital, on the day he was arrested.

His family were unable to locate where the police took him.

A local radio crew, which travelled to Lagos and Abuja on several occasions, was told that the police in Lagos said Benson died from “mob action”.

A member of the crew, Efe Osafamwan, narrated the crew’s findings on air.

He said the police told it that they were investigating Obode’s death.

The elder sister to the late Obode, Mrs Osawaru Izehi, said the family had travelled

•Police: he died in ‘mob action’ From Osagie Otabor, Benin

to Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt in search of where the police took their member.

She said the family was unaware that Obode had been killed.

The late Obode was arrested for allegedly buying a stolen car.

Mrs Izehi said her brother was innocent of the alleged crime, adding that she was at the police station on the day Obode was arrested.

She said she did not know that her brother had been killed when a policeman told her “minus one in your family”.

The distraught woman said injuries on Obode’s body showed that he was shot because there was a big hole on it, indicating a gunshot.

Mrs Izehi said: “My mother has been on the verge of

Forgery: Court refuses to stop probe of Ekwemadu, others

death since we learnt about my brother’s death yesterday (Sunday). Benson sells cars. He goes to Cotonou (Republic of Benin) to buy one car and sell with a little gain. At times, people sent cars from abroad and he helped them to market the cars. He had never been linked with any act of violence. He never told me he had any issue with anybody.

They have been staying with me since our father died.

“Assuming he is a stubborn person, we won’t take it like this. I don’t know what to do again. We are tired; my mother is in my house and she is worried. Once she heard any phone call, she would jump to me to ask: ‘What are they saying about my son? Yesterday, she said I should take her to Lagos.

But to do what? She said I should just taker her there.

We are tired and confused.

“He (the late Obode)

passed the night in my house and, in the morning, he swept the compound and left for his apartment. I was later called that some people were holding him. When I got there, I saw his landlord and other people holding him down. I asked what happened and he said they said the police came to arrest him and that he did not know what offence he committed.

“Not long after, the policemen came back in a Toyota Highlander ash colour. They were wearing earrings and dreadlocks; if not for the police colour in their rifles, I would have doubted if they were real policemen. I asked them what my brother had done and they said I did not have any right to ask them questions. I begged that they should tell me, but they did not talk to me. One of them collected my mobile phone.

I had returned home to dress up and went back to the state command. We saw the policemen and tried to talk to

them, but they did not allow us to talk at all.

“We waited endlessly to see who could talk t us, but nobody did. We went to see Officer-in-Charged (OC) Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Edo State. He did not also attend to us. The policemen only told us that Benson (Obode) bought a stolen vehicle and that he is an armed robber. I was surprised.

“He stayed with me for a long time and he never took my money. If he did not have money, he would request from me and I would give it to him.

“But the policeman insisted that he was a thief and that they were scorpion of SARS from Lagos.”

Police spokesman Stephen Onwochei, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the matter did not concern the Edo State Police Command.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has declined to stop the police from its investigation of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and others for the alleged forgery of the 2015 Senate Standing Rules.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole, in a ruling yesterday, refused an ex-parte application filed by Senator Gilbert Emeka Nnaji, with which he sought to, among others, restrain the police from proceeding with the investigation and making public the report of the inquiry.

Nnaji had sought interim orders to restrain the defendants in the case - the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) - pending the determination of his substantive suit.

The plaintiff is challenging the constitutionality of the investigation within the context of the doctrine of separation of power.

Justice Kolawole said he could not grant the prayer sought by the plaintiff at ex-parte stage when his court possesses the power to conduct a judicial review of the action complained about in the substantive suit.

He also refused the plaintiff’s request to abridge the time within which the defendants could respond.

The judge held that while the court’s rules allow defendants 30 days within which to respond, a reduction in the period must be with the consent of parties in the suit.

He ordered the defendants to appear on the next day and show cause why he should not grant the prayers sought by the plaintiff in his ex-parte application.

Justice Kolawole adjourned to August 4 for the defendants to show cause.

A

•Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike (third left); Police Commissioner Chris Ezike (second left) and Acting National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Uche Secondus (fourth left), at the parade of suspects by the police commissioner in Port Harcourt...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Wike loses bid to stop hearing of election petition

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IVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday lost his bid to prevent the hearing of a petition challenging the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to return him as the winner of the April 11 governorship election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Dakuku Peterside, who filed the petition, asked the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to, among others, void Wike’s victory on the grounds that the election was marred by irregularities in violation of the Electoral Act. In its ruling yesterday, the tribunal, sitting in Abuja, dismissed Wike’s motion challenging the tribunal’s jurisdiction to hear the petition, having relocated to Abuja from its sitting in Port

•Tribunal dismisses challenge on jurisdiction •Ruling on motions by INEC, PDP, Wike July 29, 31 From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Harcourt, the state capital.

Tribunal Chairman Justice Muazu Pindga, held that Wike’s motion was without merit and substance.

Wike challenged the powers of the President of the Court of Appeal to order the tribunal’s relocation to Abuja instead of sitting in the state where the disputed election was conducted.

The governor argued through his lawyer, Godwin Obla (SAN), that the tribunal’s relocation to Abuja was in breach of Section 285 (2) of the Constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act 2010.

He urged the tribunal to relocate to Port Harcourt in compliance with provisions

of the Constitution and Electoral Act. But Justice Pindiga held that contrary to Wike’s argument, the tribunal had not violated any provision of the law since the relocation to Abuja was for security reasons.

The judge faulted Wike’s argument that proximity and accessibility were major determining factors in deciding the venue of a tribunal.

Justice Pindiga held that proximity and accessibility could not be determined in the absence of security for the tribunal members and litigants.

He said the President of the Appeal Court acted within the ambit of the law, which emphasises the need for a conducive atmosphere for

the tribunal to hold its proceedings.

The tribunal adjourned till July 29 when it is expected to rule on another motion by Wike in which he is challenging Peterside’s qualification to contest the election on the grounds that his name was not sent to INEC within 21 days before his party’s congress, as required.

The tribunal will, tomorrow, rule on a motion by INEC, in which it is challenging the territorial jurisdiction of the tribunal to sit in Abuja.

But it has scheduled the ruling for Friday on a motion by the PDP, which is challenging, among others, the competence of the petition.

PDP denies authorship of petition against Saraki’s wife From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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WARA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday denied the authorship of a petition purportedly sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which warranted the invitation of Senate President’s wife, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, by the anti-graft agency.

Mrs. Saraki is billed to appear before the investigative body today.

Last week, similar development occurred after a statement purportedly issued by the party accusing the state government of not releasing its share of the bailout money to workers.

The party’s spokesperson, Rex Olawoye, whose name was appended on the statement, had disowned it and warned reporters against falling victims of those he claimed were using the party for selfish reasons.

Again, the media was awash yesterday with a statement credited to Olawoye with PDP claiming responsibility for the invitation based on a petition the party had purportedly written against the former Kwara State First Lady.

But a statement jointly by the state party chairman, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, and Olawoye dissociated themselves and the party from the statement.

They said the party had not written any petition against Mrs. Saraki to the EFCC. The statement reads: “The attention of our party, PDP, Kwara State chapter, has been drawn to a report by an online medium and newspapers titled: ‘PDP claims responsibility for Toyin Saraki’s EFCC ordeal’, and credited to our spokesman, Chief Rex Olawoye.”First, Kwara State PDP dissociates itself from the said publications.

The publication is the handiwork of dubious, desperate, faceless and spineless individuals or groups, who are always in the mass and social media to malign characters and damage their superiors in order to gain cheap popularity.

“We want to put it on record that Kwara PDP has never, at any time, written any petition against anybody in the state as far as the party is concerned.

Kwara PDP has no hand in the imbroglio that is going on between the EFCC and Mrs. Toyin Saraki. We therefore emphatically state that all the statements credited to Kwara PDP are products/mechnisations of people who are disgruntled as well as spineless cowards.

“Kwara PDP views the publication credited to the party as being politically motivated and emanating from those who have issues with the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and his immediate family.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

11 ‘The present challenges we are facing should not deter us from growing our economy. It shouldn’t stop us from investing. It’s just a passing phase. Other countries that we refer to as developed started from somewhere’ •President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Nexim supports Benue agro sector with N4b

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• From right: Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe ; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule; President, The Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; President, GBCHealth, Nancy WildfierField and Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, during the GBCHealth 2015 Business Leadership Award dinner sponsored by Access Bank at the Eko Hotel, Lagos...on Friday.

HE Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), has disbursed about N4.14billion in aid of agro-allied industries in Benue State, the Managing Director, Robert Orya, has said., Orya, who made this known during a visit by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Orton, in Abuja, Benue State posesses huge mineral resources, and should be supported in every form of development.

He said, “ The projects supported by NEXIM are in three main sectors. Out of the N4.41bn disbursed between 2008 and 2015, 78 per cent, which is N3.21billion was used.

Manufacturing took30 per cent, agro processing 42.5 per ent, while services, took 27.5 per cent.

Fear grips bad bank debtors as CBN deadline approaches M

ANY bank debtors are jittery as the Au gust 1 deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for them to pay back their loans, or have their names published in the newspapers draws near.

The order, the CBN said, followed the rising trend of non-performing loans (NPL) in the industry.

A debt recovery officer to one of the banks, who spoke anonymously, informed The Nation that there is high level lobbying going on between the debtors and the banks to ensure that their names are not published. The source said that with several banks threatening to make names of such debtors public, the debtors, who are mostly the superrich within the society, have been reaching out to the banks for a truce.

Top commercial lenders, including Stanbic IBTC, Dia-

By Collins Nweze

mond Bank, Sterling Bank, First Bank and Skye Bank, have all given notices to bad debtors to pay up.

A lawyer involved in receivership of bad loans, Chief A.A Aribisala (SAN), said that most of the debtors are untouchable. “Receivership is one of the ways we recover loans. I think the Central Bank of Nigeria and banks are resorting to this approach out of frustration.

They want to protect the banks. You know the CBN Governor, came from the banks. He knows what the banks are going through in terms of bad loans. The debtors are simply untouchable.

Nigerian bank borrowers are simply untouchable.

There are so many of them you cannot touch,” he said.

The lawyer said since most of the debtors are untouchable, the best way is to disgrace them. “Disgrace is enough because when the names are published- that is if they will actually have the liver to publish the real names. You will be surprised the names you will see.

“Those we see as the rich in the society are the ones owing the banks and don’t want to pay back. They are the top newsmakers. They are the ones that owe the banks.

Aribisala said those who want to publish names, know that it is something that those owing will not want to happen. “I only hope the real names will be

Elumelu Foundation, others join forces on global entrepreneurship initiative

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EPRESENTATIVES of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), and Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), have come together to answer President Barack Obama’s call at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, to advance entrepreneurship and economic growth around the world.

The organisations participated in a formal signing ceremony at the Summit, committing to lead the Spark Global Entrepreneurship initiative. Spark is a coalition that is seeking to mobilize likeminded organisations, companies and investors that collectively generate more than $1 billion in private investment for emerging entrepreneurs by the end of 2017.

“The world is full of nascent entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas—but they need stronger ecosystems to help them unleash those ideas and grow them into game-chang-

By Chikodi Okereocha

ing startups,” said Jonathan Ortmans, President of GEN and one of three Spark coalition co-chairs. “Spark increases coordination and collaboration among startup support programs and amplifies their efforts,” he said.

The first wave of companies that have stepped forward include Citi, EY, GE, Google and IBM. Two African companies, Rendeavour, the continent’s largest urban land developer, and SkyPower, the largest provider of utility-scale solar power projects in the world, have joined as well.

“African entrepreneurship has been the missing link in Africa’s development. The actions of just one entrepreneur sends ripples across a community and entrepreneurship lifts people permanently out of poverty and creates social wealth,” said Tony Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

He further said, “We all know entrepreneurship, anywhere in the world, is not easy nor is success guaranteed. All stakeholders – the private sector, governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and donors must make a commitment to use their respective powers to address the hurdles facing African entrepreneurs. That is what Spark is all about.”

Spark taps into the growing involvement of government programs in helping entrepreneurs start and scale new firms.

U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden announced the Spark initiative at the 2014 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Morocco and outlined the commitments of some of the most active and effective U.S. government programs such as the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship, Young African Leaders Initiative, African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program and more.

published, but I doubt it.

The debtors cannot clean up. Even if you give them three years, nothing will happen because they don’t have the money to pay,” he

said.

Meanwhile, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), yesterday, asked loan defaulters to immediately regularise their accounts or it would publish their names in line with a directive by the apex bank.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

He said opportunities exist for NEXIM to deepen collaboration in the state, particularly in the area of agro processing to reduce post harvest losses and increase export revenue, adding that this would also help to create jobs and boost internally generated revenue.

Agro processing through value addition to agriculture produce fruit, oranges, mango, cashew.

“This includes, Vegetables, soya beans, tomatos, hibiscus, cassava, raw yam, cat fish cultivation among others. Creative entertainment industry,solid mineral exploration, etc.

“From inception to date, the Bank has granted loans, issued guarantees to Nigerian exporters with some engaged in green field project to the tune of N107. 48bn.though supporting the creation of 64,096 direct jobs, in addition to many indirect jobs and facilitating foreign exchange general US$1.36bn annually through the projects supported.”

The Benue State governor , Dr Ortom said there are lots of opportunities to be harnessed in Benue State, stating that he will work with NEXIM Bank to ensure the state moves forward.

12

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

BUSINESS NEWS

CBN to recover bailout funds from states’ allocations

A

S indigent states pre pare to receive their bailout funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), indications have emerged that repayment of the soft loan would be deducted from the Federation Account Allocations to benefiting states in graduated manner over a long time period.

The Nation gathered that deducting the bailout from states’ federation allocation is one of the options the CBN is considering among other options, but the deduction would be done in such a way that it will not

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

cause much distress to the affected states.

“The reason the CBN is seriously considering the direct deduction of the bailout from states allocation is because there is no other way the CBN can recover this bailout funds,” a source told The Nation.

The source said the decision to bailout the states was strictly “a fiscal and political decision” that has nothing to do with the CBN, but that the regulator was brought in to make the bailout possible.

Last week at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele warned the affected states that the bailout was not a grant, but a loan. He then urged state governments to design ways of being less dependent on monthly allocations and retool their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) mechanism.

The Presidency source admitted that the state governments might put up some resistance, because deducting the bailout from their federation account allocation will reduce their monthly take home from the

federal purse. However, the argument being considered, the source noted, is that benefiting states must be made to pay back the bailout as the fund is not a gift.

The Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ),Eze Onyekpere, in a radio programmer monitored yesterday morning in Abuja, urged that the state governments should use their IGR to pay workers salaries and use their monthly allocations to execute capital projects thereby reducing, and at the same time spreading the financial burdens.

The Nation reported exclu-

sively yesterday that 27 states have applied to draw from the N300billion approved by President Muhammadu Buhari through the CBN. The facility is one of the threepronged reliefs designed by the Federal Government to help financially troubled states. President Buhari had early this month approved a threepronged relief package to end workers’ plight.

First, the federal and state governments will share $2.1 billion (about N497 billion) sourced from the 2014 Income Tax/Education Tax and dividends paid to the Federation

Account through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited; Second, Buhari directed the Central Bank to prepare a special intervention fund that will offer financing to the states.

The N300 billion, will serve as a soft loan available to states to access and defray the backlog of salaries, and the third package is the instruction to the Debt Management Office (DMO), to help states restructure their commercial loans currently put at over N660 billion, and extend the life span of such loans while reducing their debtservicing commitments.

IPMAN supports unbundling of NNPC

T

HE Independent Petro leum Marketers Asso ciation of Nigeria (IPMAN) has thrown its weight behind plans by President Muhammadu Buhari to split the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into two.

IPMAN saud it is in full support of attempt at probing the oil sector by the administration, adding that the probe should be extended to the NNPC depots in the country.

The Western Zone Chairman, Alhaji Debo Ahmed, told reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, that NNPC’s largeness has made decision making to be extremely slow.

“NNPC is an octopus.

They have to split it to work effectively. The NNPC is doing everything both off-

• Marketer back oil sector probe From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

shore, on-shore, upstream and downstream and it is under only one person-the Group Managing Director. If NNPC is being managed by a private organization it won’t be like this; actually there will be public motive.

“The bigness of this Corporation makes decision taking to become so slow and as such, if it is split into two, it will work more efficiently.

If the organization is split into two, it will be effective, efficient and they will respond to issues.”

On probe of the oil sector,

IPMAN boss said “President Muhammadu Buhari has made his marks in the oil sector in his first coming as Head of State.

“We are in support of the probe of the oil sector and the probe should be extended to all the depots. We marketers pay N120,000 yearly for the renewal of our bulk purchasing and we have over 15,000 marketers nationwide, that is over N1.4 billion; Up till today they have not renewed the bulk purchases. What is bulk purchases just a paper for their legal department to sign.

“They supposed to have used the money in making sure that the pipelines are okay because they are killing the goose that lay the golden egg, we are paying money to give us a license.

• From left: Mr. Babatunde Lasaki, Head, Media & External Relations, FirstBank; Mr. Ismail Omamegbe, Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, FirstBank; Mrs. Bridget OyefesoOdusami, Head, Sponsorship and Events, FirstBank; Mr. Theo Lawson, CEO, Lork Enterprise LLP, managers of Freedom Park, and Ms. Iyabo Aboaba, COO, Lork Enterprise LLP at the launch of FirstBank’s First@arts initiative in Lagos.

ACCA launches online training platform

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HE Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has launched an online training platform to boost financial literacy.

Called th ACCA-X, it will open-up access to financial training and development online to Nigerians, ACCA’s Marketing Manager Mukoso Eddie-Obiakor said, adding: “ACCA-X is all about building and sustaining financial literacy.”

Eddie-Obiakor said ACCAX was launched globally in early April, adding that its business model is based on two clear missions – to open up learning to anyone, anywhere; and to bolster financial literacy for anyone who wants to understand the basics of business and accountancy.

“ACCA-X’s initial offering is totally free and totally accessible. At the heart of ACCA-X’s creation is the desire to provide accessible,

By Joseph Jibueze

affordable and high quality learning that provides ambitious individuals anywhere with the opportunity to obtain the skills and qualifications they can use for a rewarding career.

“Run in liaison with edx and Epigeum, ACCA-X’s courses are delivered on the world-renowned edx platform, an online learning destination founded by MIT and Harvard. ACCA-X’s open access courses feature content developed by Epigeum, a spin-out from Imperial College London.

“Much of ACCA-X’s course functionality is mobilefriendly and supported by tutors who will guide learners through exciting and interactive content that is designed to support individuals gain financial literacy skills,” Mrs Eddie-Obiakor said.

ACCA-X’s will offer three

highly affordable courses in Nigeria, which will be open for registration in July and available from October.

The courses, Mrs EddieObiakor said, are Accountant in Business course, which prepares learners for ACCA’s Accountant in Business paper; Management Accounting Course, which prepares learners for ACCA’s Management Accounting paper, and Financial Accounting Course, preparing learners for ACCA’s Financial Accounting paper.

“Success in these three papers and the completion of ACCA’s Professionalism and Ethics module will lead to the Diploma in Accounting and Business. The cost of each course will be $89.

“The courses offered by ACCA-X have been developed to explain the theory of finance and numbers, but also the practicalities. There are case studies and scenarios that apply to real life.

‘Nigeria insurance industry to become number one in Africa soon

T

HE Nigerian insurance industry would soon become the number one in Africa, outgoing Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel has said.

This according to him is based on the fact that there is huge potential for growth in the country.

He made this statement yesterday at the opening of the Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC) mega conference held in Abuja. The conference fea-

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

tured over 500 delegates across the iindustry in Nigeria, Africa and abroad.

He said the industry also has the potential to be a major driver of advancing national development through freeing Government dwindling resources usually deployed to mitigate losses to citizens arising from natural calamities.

Daniel who delivered the keynote address at the con-

ference which has the theme “Developing Insurance Business for National Growth said for industry to play the above role, it must build its financial and technical capacities to take on large and specialist risks, such as flood, drought, aviation, terrorism and other similar risks.

He noted that the insurance is one of the most cost effective mechanism for absorbing shocks and thus key to accelerating and sustaining economic growth.

14

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

e-Business

Leveraging internet infrastructure for development

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HE World Bank estimates that a 10 per cent increase in broadband access can create a 1.4 per cent increase in gross domestic product (GDP) because access to reliable internet brings services closer to the people that use them. Nigeria needs a national backbone infrastructure that will transport broadband capacities from the shores of its coastal cities where submarine cables such as MainOne, Glo 1 and others are currently berthed to the hinterlands in order to improve Nigerians' ability to innovate.

As countries are faced with changing economic circumstances stimulated by globalisation, falling oil prices, and security concerns, it is more important than ever that Nigerian stakeholders encourage capacity development in established areas of growth. After the telecommunication sector was deregulated, it grew from the monopoly of an inefficient Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and a few dial-up e-mail providers to several mobile network operators and internet service providers (ISPs).

The vibrant information communication technology (ICT) industry now yields 22 per cent of the service sector's 51 per cent contribution to Nigeria's GDP. It also gave rise to the phenomenon of internet millionaires--Nigerians who have the internet to thank for their livelihoods.

An example is Linda Ikeji, Africa's most popular and wealthiest blogger who in seven years turned a rather obscure corner of the internet into a multimillion naira enterprise that attracts about 100,000 visitors daily.

Unarguably, from general information dissemination to skill acquisitions, business growth and mobile banking, social activism and entertainment, further opening of the internet industry has greatly expanded Nigerians' reach.

It is crucial now more than ever, to highlight the lingering challenges of inadequate internet infrastructure. The rapid growth and enhanced availability of internet protocol (IP) has created an explosion in demand for data and Africa is relying on mobile to deliver that. Nigeria alone has over 140 million active mobile phone lines with a rapid transition taking place from feature phones to smartphones but a better mix is required to support the rate of growth taking place and ensure long term sustainability.

According to figures from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), as at May this year, over 146,561,744 Nigerians have subscribed to telephony services while the number of internet users had also moved past 50 million, representing more than 30 per cent internet penetration and seven per cent broadband penetration rates.

Mobile is dominant because fixed infrastructure has not been rolled out aggressively.

While lack of access to electricity and low computer literacy constitute deterrents for both residents of rural and urban areas, high cost of internet access continue to be a hindrance to internet adoption as a majority of Nigerians-112 million of whom the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) described as poor-find it unaffordable.

In both rural and urban areas, those who have internet connections continue to be frustrated by slow or inconsistent internet speed due to insufficient fixed data infrastructure. In rural areas however, internet penetration rates are even lower and almost negligible.

On the supply side, internet service providers (ISPs) require inten-

•EVC, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah

•Opeke

•Jegede

sive capital to build infrastructure.

They are further burdened by the costs of poor electricity supply to power their infrastructure, and the high costs in acquiring Right of Way (RoW). Ineffective distribution and transmission of available bandwidth from the country's shores to inland cities and towns is also a factor that keeps internet costs high.

Infrastructure is needed to reduce pressure on existing spectrum and provide global system for mobile communication (GSM) and other mobile operators with the transmission and backhaul services that will help them support the additional demand on their networks.

In spite of all these hiccups, Nigeria continues to record notable successes; an instance is ICT's contribu-

tion to Nigeria's GDP hitting $50billion last year alone. More so, several companies are rising to fill the gaps in internet infrastructure.

One of such is Phase3, a backbone infrastructure company that has exclusive RoW to operate an aerial fiber optic network along Nigeria's power infrastructure and into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. With its operation of over 7,000km of installed capacity (the largest independently owned fiber optic network in the West African sub-region).

The firm continues to show its commitment to rapidly expanding its existing network across West Africa to address the infra-

structure deficit while offering direct connections to homes and businesses with the use of affordable broadband connection. More so, Phase3's non-discriminatory and neutral base has certainly established it as a "carrier's carrier" and the rallying point for operators.

"For Phase3, to rapidly bridge the 'digital divide' between Nigeria and the rest of the world, as well as rural and urban Nigeria and to improve the lives of our citizens; more must be done to complement recent efforts. As ICT is a proven enabler for rapid growth in the wider services sector, and its adoption in numerous countries has led to innovation and advancements on macro and micro levels,” Chief Executive Officer, Phase 3 Telecom, Stanley

‘For Phase3, to rapidly bridge the 'digital divide' between Nigeria and the rest of the world, as well as rural and urban Nigeria and to improve the lives of our citizens; more must be done to complement recent efforts. As ICT is a proven enabler for rapid growth in the wider services sector, and its adoption in numerous countries has led to innovation and advancements on macro and micro levels’

Jegede said. .According to him, unchecked deficit of internet infrastructure will hamper development and faster growth thus; Nigeria must work harder with stakeholders to implement a clear broadband supply chain that comprises international connectivity, a national backbone network, metropolitan access links, and its local access network.

IT industry players agree that the National Broadband Plan unveiled by former Communications Technology Minister, Dr Omobola Johnson is a document that could be looked at with a view to implementing some of its ambitious targets.

Since ubiquitous availability of broadband internet connectivity at affordable prices are sine qua non for rapid socio-economic transformation of the country, the NBP should not be thrown out, like the baby and its bathe water.

Chief Executive Officer, MainOne Cable Company, Engr Funke Opeke agrees no less. She said: "I think the first thing we should be talking about is really the implementation of the National Broadband Plan. Lots of the great ideas in the plan 100 per cent do not have to be adopted but we have to implement some of the more compelling ideas and see them through to completion and implementation has been slow."

She acknowledged the challenging environment, especially when it comes to the deployment of critical ICT infrastructure. One of the key challenges, as Mr Jegede right pointed out is RoW. This is further compounded by the menace of multiple-taxation by all the three tiers of government and social miscreants that demand payment for the installation of every single base transmission station (BTS) in their communities.

"But I think what we have to do as a society is to come together and see how are we going to deploy this infrastructure for the benefit of everyone. The smart state programme that the previous minister launched trying to address those problems in some states is not enough. If you look at countries such as Rwanda, Rwanda has gone from not being open for business and post-war trauma to having internet access in every public venue in that country today. And how has it happened? It has been through every road that's built has provision for public utility. So, it is collaboration between the regional authorities, the national authorities.

"This is how we are going to do this and all of us agreed that we are going to do this thing and it's not just a means of generating money from government but it is a solution to the collective betterment of our people. So in terms of the National Broadband Plan; I think that is the discussion that still needs to take place. It's national but how do the state participate? How do the local authorities participate?

"What are all stakeholders prepared to do to see it happen? Is it the critical infrastructure bill that says the police and law enforcement would ensure that infrastructure when is built is not damaged?

Is it that states are not going to impose arbitrary and high fees?

When someone is given a license to build, is it that there would be transparency and openness with respect to some of these spectrum that is being awarded? I ask these questions so that more people who are truly prepared and able and have the capacity to deploy services are given the opportunity to do so. We don't have to implement everything but let's take the top three ideas in that plan and let's implement it for the betterment of Nigeria," she said.

15

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

e-Business FirstBank unveils Loop app for customers’ delight

How to fight e-payment fraud, by CBN, Winigroup N T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Winigroup, an information technology (IT) security provider, risk management solutions firms and experts in the banking and financial technology industry have urged stronger collaboration among regulatory authorities, banks to secure the electronic payment system from cybercriminals.

Director, Banking and Payments System, CBN, Mr. Dipo Fatokun, who spoke at a fraud protection forum organised in Lagos by Winigroup and Easy Solutions to sensitise the banking industry about latest threats from hackers and efraudsters, said the apex bank is not resting on its oars at securing the epayment system. He said the CBN is exploring ways to establish an industry Security Operations Centre and a Risk Information Centre, to consolidate its grip at reducing epayments fraud to the barest minimum and enhance trust in payments system. He said the CBN is partnering relevant stakeholders to achieve this.

Fatokun said WiniGroup has been a partner in the journey towards combating e-fraud and secure e-payments ecosystem.

A former deputy governor at the apex bank, Mr. Tunde Lemo, urged banks to create a secured environment, brand and fraud intelligence, safe browsing and device analytics.

"I recall that fraud incidence on magnetic stripe was as much as 90 per cent until we introduced chip and pin. We can only fight fraud if we work together. Unless we have a forum for cross-fertilisation of ideas, we may not know what the other guys are doing," Lemo said,

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

adding that the CBN should quickly galvanise banks to get better technology solutions to deter e-frauds and take up consumer protection.

Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Easy Solutions, Mr. Jeremy Boorer, said Nigerian banks are up in a battle with e-fraudsters who are daily devising new strategies to steal financial information and money from bank accounts. The firm is the only security vendor focused on the comprehensive detection and prevention of electronic fraud across all devices, channels and clouds.

He called on the banks to urgently deploy mobile fraud prevention, transaction risk monitoring, fraud intelligence, cloud and email authentication, safe browsing and clientless malware detection on their electronic channels. He said banks need to take proactive mitigation for account takeover, internet scams and malicious activity against their brands.

He said banks need to have proactive malware detection and threat analytics on their customer devices, real-time transaction anomaly detection and risk evaluation, transparently deploy multilayered security in their mobile banking application as well as stop email spoofing with fastest path to full DMARC application.

He also advised that they deploy transparent malware protection for all clients with zero friction, multi-factor authentication for web and cloud applications. He also warned that there are fake apps claiming to come from banks, saying once downloaded and financial information entered in-

•Akano

cluded credit/debit cards details and personal identity numbers, the bank customer money is gone as the fraudster will clone the cards or transfer monies immediately.

Mr. Tim Akano, vice chairman, Winigroup, convener of the anti-fraud forum said fraudsters are using Bank Verification Number (BVN) policy and other means to dupe customers. He welcomed CBN's collaboration with experts within and outside the banking industry as well as law enforcements agencies under the Nigeria electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) to take advantage of new ideas including the ones expressed at the forum.

Akano further expressed his appreciation to the CBN for partnering with WiniGroup to ensure that the e-Payment anti-fraud event will be a regular annual event. He closed by thanking the well over 30 organisations represented primarily from the financial sector and promised that they should expect something bigger in the next edition

• Mrs. Animashaun (cutting the tape to declare open Tech+ Conference & Exhibitions). She is flanked from left: GM, Enterprise, MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka; Mr. Ikpoki, and CEO, Connect Marketing Services Limited, Tunji Adeyinka, during the conference in Lagos at the weekend.

IGERIA's leading lender, FirstBank, said as part of its ongoing commitment to support its customers' goals, it has introduce Loop, a lifestyle application (app) that delivers premium content from across the world right to its customers' mobile phones.

According to the lender, this innovative new service, gives the customers access to the latest articles and videos across a wide variety of categories, including but not limited to tech & gadgets, life & travels, the economy, local news, luxury goods, business, health, sports, entertainment, shopping and more Loop provides our customers with up-to-date information on the latest news and lifestyle trends. Loop ensures that our customers are the first to know about the topics and events that matter most to them.

Speaking on the initiative with The Nation, an official of Yellow Brick Road, a firm that partnered with the bank on the initiative, Mr. Babajide Ogunnoiki, said application is another way that demonstrates FirstBank's customercentric focus, adding that it showed that the lender is an active partner in their fast-paces and constantly evolving lives styles.

He said users could customise their Loop feed, choosing from a broad range of international and local content providers, including Bloomberg, ESPN, Viacom,

•CEO, FirstBank, Bisi Onasanya

Reuters and more. This ensures that customers only receive content that they are interested in which would be relevant to their lifestyle. This is premium content that users would ordinarily have to pay for or subscribe to. We are offering it to our customers absolutely free.

"Loop sits right on your phone, giving you one-touch access to a world of information, entertainment and lifestyle content.

Simple to download and easy to navigate, the app brings all the content the user wants in one place. Loop is currently available on the Android platform and can be downloaded from the Google Play store. It will be available on all mobile platforms in the near future.

"Loop will also give our customers access to special offers and discounts from a broad range of travel, hospitality, retail and lifestyle partners. The app delivers great deals along with great content," FirstBank explained.

Student, others win houses in MTN Trutalk promo

M

ORE lucky winners have emerged in the MTN Trutalk Best 11 promo. At the final prize presentation ceremony at the weekend in Victoria Island, Lagos, some lucky winners were presented with gift of houses valued at N15million each.

Among the lucky winners are Mr Seun Olola, a 25-year old student of the College of Health Tech, Akure, Ondo State, Mr Christian Okereafor, a fresh graduate from the Abia State University, Uturu and Mrs Adekoya Bolatito Khadija from Lagos.

One of the winners, Seun Olola was full of praises for MTN and thanked the company for the noble gesture. Seun stated that he was in total disbelief when he received a call from MTN, informing him about his winning.

Another winner, Christian Okereafor also showered praises on Nigeria’s leading telecommunications and ICT Company, MTN for what he described as a surprise of a life time. “Many of my friends told me it is a lie, but now, they will be surprised to discover that I have become a landlord, courtesy of MTN” Christian said.

Speaking on the rationale behind

the MTN Trutalk Best 11 promo, the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Mr. Richard Iweanoge, while addressing the press after the presentation, stated that the Company, in its bid to ensure that its subscribers connect with the people that matter to them regularly, without any hindrances, introduced the MTN Trutalk, a value proposition that enables subscribers to register 11 numbers and make calls to those numbers at 50 per cent discount. Explaining further, Richard said, subscribers on the MTN Trutalk proposition therefore qualified for the MTN Trutalk Best 11 Promo, where MTN have so far given out eleven houses, cars and huge cash gifts among other fantastic prizes.

Also on hand to witness the occasion are the Director, Regulation and Monitoring, Prince E.O Jeminiwa and the Assistant Director/Coordinator, Lagos Zonal Office, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr Fidelis Aigbogun the who both expressed their satisfaction with the conduct and execution of the MTN Trutalk Best 11 promo, right from its inception.

Expert urges entrepreneurs to embrace tech trends

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MERICAN technology expert and co-founder of Square, Jim McKelvey, has called on Nigerian entrepreneurs to commit to deployment of innovative technologies in achieving business enterprise successes.

McKelvey made the call while speaking on The Shark Instinct: How Entrepreneurs Smell Opportunities at a two-day TECH+ Conference and Exhibitions in Lagos.

According to Mr. McKelvey, who is credited with some technological innovations, entrepreneurs owe themselves the duty to move with current technological trends and avoid the pitfalls of overlooking the importance of technology in driving business growth.

He also noted that following the fastpaced advancement in technology

By Modupe Elegushi

which has heightened the threat posed by competition, visionary entrepreneurs should embrace, and keep up the pace to remain relevant in business and challenge market equity.

“As you find opportunity, use it to solve problems. As you think about technology think about the problems and the many things you can solve with technology,” he said.

McKelvey challenged entrepreneurs to painstakingly study what experts in related fields have done with a view to positioning their businesses in good stead but cautioned against unbridled copying of existing business models of some entrepreneurs, while stressing that such does not guarantee a repeat of success as conditions under which a model succeeded may vary

from place to place.

He said: “You don’t have to start everything by yourself; there are others who have done such things before, so learn from them. Figure out yourself what they have done, but be cautious not seek to copy everything they did.

The reason is that there are factors that enabled them to succeed some of which may not be available to you.

No leader is going to be able to tell you how absolutely everything works.”

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs Nike Animashaun, reiterated the commitment of the state government to deploying technology in managing its complexities occasioned by the high volume of economic activities as the nation’s commercial capital.

Mrs. Animashaun also stated that

the state views technology as a critical factor in youth and enterprise development.

“Lagos views this field as critical to youth development and enterprise development. We have seen several applications developed out of Lagos by young technology start-ups who are working to create a name for themselves,” she said.

Managing Director, MTN , Michael Ikpoki gave support for an ICT sector-driven economy.

Ikpoki stated this in his welcome address at the TECH+ Conference and Exhibitions at the weekend. He noted that the ICT sector has been critical to the economy with significant contribution to the GDP and predicted its readiness to contribute more.

He said: “Our oil and gas sector is

75 per cent of our Federal Government revenue and 95 per cent of foreign exchange and just 12 per cent of the GDP. So, how do we power other sectors? We can only do that with technology by coming up with relevant apps that make us do business better. That is what we do at TECH+.

We are creatinga platform for us to improve our economy.”

Tech+ conference and exhibitions featured exhibitions, gaming sessions, the digital school, programming, plenary and break-out sessions, as well as panel discussions.

The exhibition covered products and services in various areas such as healthcare and wellbeing, automobile, entertainment, education, computing, smart homes, wearable, security, gaming, 3D printing, and displays, among others.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

16

e-Business

Terrorism: Expert seeks ICT community’s support for Buhari

T

HE Chief Executive Officer, Teledon Group, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, has called on information communication technology (ICT) practitioners to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his fight against terrorism.

Dr Ekuwem, who spoke with our reporter in Lagos, lamented the needless loss of lives of soldiers due to ill-equipment.

According to him, ICT can be used to tackle insecurity by equipping the toll gates, sea and air ports and borders with ‘fire gates’ that will screen through vehicle, detecting lethal objects, including acid, dangerous chemicals, guns, explosives, arms, and ammunition.

“Terrorists have to move their weapons from one place to the other to execute their plans; they do not carry these weapons physically, they weld it into the body of the car, sandpaper and spray the car body. No matter the distance they travel, no one would see the arms. But, with the use of ICT tools, we would reduce terrorism, identify the weapons and prevent them from coming into the country,” he

By Olatunde Odebiyi

said.

He said it is the duty of ICT professionals to equip armed forces with the right knowledge, inform the Presidency about the latest technologies that are available to detect crimes and act proactively.

He lamented the absence of criminal data base in the country, adding that it is not helping in the fight against criminals.

He said: “Wherever a criminal or serial offender is stopped by the law enforcement agents, it is a new case because there is no criminal data base. Everybody is arresting criminals, interrogating them and letting them go.

All they can do is to write a statement. Each police station, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) should have their own criminal data base and it should all be interlinked, just like banks are doing globally.

“There is the need to bring the Nigerian security apparatus to the same level of ICT as a tool to boost

performance, high level delivery and output like in the banking or telecoms. It is the duty of the ICT industry to collaborate with the Presidency and the various governors. CCTV, camera among other ICT tools can also be put around the country to detect crimes and criminals.”

He lamented that technophobia has prevented the use of ICT to fight insecurity, adding that the people in charge of the various arms of the national security system are not comfortable with technology.

“They see technology as being too complicated or too complex.

Instead of seeing it as a tool, they prefer to do what they are used to doing in the manual way.

“Cyber security must also be looked into. It is an indispensable component of national security. It is very important that we provide security in the Nigerian cyber space. The challenge is to overcome technophobia, and to have skills and competences.

“The regulators need to be much more aggressive and have the need to push,” he said.

•From left: Mr Banuso; Market Development Manager, Intel, Mrs Olasimbo Olatoregun, Mr Hassan; Channel Marketing Manager, Dell, Mrs. Annie Odo-Effiong and Principal Consultant IT Transformation and Cloud Computing, Dell, Mr Bamidele Daniel during the Dell CIO Breakfast Event in Lagos.

We’re not laptop, desktop firm, Dell tells CIOs

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ELL has told Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in Nigeria that it was wrong to limit its capability in the information communication technology (ICT) space to the manufacturing of laptops and desktops.

It said it is a complete ICT firm involved in offering solutions that are tailor-made to address the emerging needs of the information age.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting it organised for the CIOs drawn from different companies in the country at the Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, it said it has a range of offerings that come with standard-based systems which do not lock users solely to its platforms, by providing them with an open approach ecosystem, flexible scalability and modular systems as well as end-to end-solutions.

Its Enterprise Product Manager, Mr. Shams Hassan, said Dell is also a major player in the areas of networking and storage, adding that it was not correct to see the firm as

By Modupe Elegushi

solely into manufacturing of high quality laptops and desktops.

He said: "Dell is not only into laptops and desktops as most people believe. Dell is also a very strong player in server and storage as well as networking." He added that the peculiarity of Dell's offerings in these spaces is evident in the users' open access to other vendors, unlike competitors whose platforms are not shareable.

He told the CIOs that Dell has strength in storage and networking environment, adding that its PowerEdge VRTX integrates servers, storage, networking and management into a single officeoptimised chassis and delivers greater simplicity, efficiency and versatility.

He added that VRTX's Chassis Management Controller (CMC) resolves the problems of systems management tool proliferation and complexity with converged management of server nodes,

shared storage, networking and power in a unified tool, all in a single console.

Its Country Manager (Nigeria), Akin Banuso, told the CIOs that the Dell Precision Workstations, which he referred to as the continuous evolution of technology, helps users to boost productivity by integrating latest industry-standard technologies into a highly-reliable platform.

He said: "Dell understands that downtime is costly. That is why we strive to provide a workstation you can depend on, day-in and day-out. Should a problem arise, Dell has the expertise and services to minimise your downtime and get you back up and running quickly."

The participants expressed satisfaction with Dell's offerings, especially in providing efficient and effective end-to-end solutions which help organisations run well, while also charging the company to do a lot more in the creation of awareness for its effective solutions.

GADGET REVIEW

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL

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ICROSOFT Lumia smartphones hit the midrange hard, in fact they often do the low end nicely too.

With the Lumia 640 XL you get a big screen phone and a set of quite good cameras for 99 cents on contract or $249 full retail. The phone is available worldwide, and here in the US AT&T just added it to their lineup.

For those who don’t follow closely, Lumia Windows phones are now branded as Microsoft rather than Nokia products. Nothing has changed in terms of design aesthetics, camera tech or software (you still get Lumia Camera, Mix Radio and other compelling apps), rather Microsoft has jettisoned the Nokia name post-acquisition.

Design, build quality This isn’t a sexy phone like the 6" Nokia Lumia 1520—to be fair the 1520 was a much more expensive phone.

Overseas you can get the 640 XL in the usual playful Lumia colors including Cyan, but AT&T offers just black and white. I’m sure you can find colorful back covers on eBay, if you’d like to jazz things up. The back cover is removable as is the battery. Under that cover you’ll find a micro SIM card slot and microSD card slot. The surprisingly loud and full speaker fires from the rear.

The look is typical Lumia low to midrange, with a rubbery plastic back, clean lines and a solid feel in the hand. The phone’s headphone jack is up top, the micro USB connector is at the bottom and a volume rocker and power button are on the right side. There’s a raised ring or hump around the rear camera, but surprisingly it doesn’t make the phone wobble when placed on a table.

The raised plastic ensures that the lens cover doesn’t touch the table.

Display The Lumia 640 XL has a 5.7" display with outdoor visibility enhancements and Gorilla Glass 3. This is a $249 phone, so don’t expect whopping high resolution, in fact we’re looking at 1280 x 720 here, for a not wildly impressive 259 PPI. Still, the display’s colors and contrast are good and unless you have eagle-eyed vision, you probably won’t see individual pixels or jaggies (Microsoft’s attention to typography helps too). Simply put, the display actually looks pretty good, and it’s not grainy or budget looking. When the phone is asleep it can display the time and selected notifications (faint white text and icons on a black background). I love this Lumia feature, and there’s a night mode so it won’t be overly bright in the night.

Horsepower, performance The budget element kicks in again for the processor, and the 640 XL runs on the aging 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core CPU with Adreno 305 graphics (we do wonder why Microsoft didn’t go with it’s current replacement, the Snapdragon 410).

That processor has graced many midrange Android and Windows Phones. Since Windows Phone 8.1, much like iOS, is a highly optimized OS that runs well without flagship

CPUs, the phone feels responsive. Demanding 3D games like Modern Combat 5 (demoed in our video review) don’t have fantastic frame rates, though they’re still quite playable.

The phone runs Windows Phone 8.1 update 2 with Lumia Denim, and it will get the upgrade to Windows 10 for phones. It has 1 gig of RAM and just 8 gigs of internal storage. Thankfully there’s a microSD card slot under the back cover so you can extend storage.

Cameras The Lumia 640 XL is the supersized version of the Lumia 640, and it also boasts camera improvements. The front camera moves up to 5MP resolution, and it can shoot 1080p video, which results in sharper Skype video chats. It’s a wide-angle lens that’s perfect for group selfies, but it will distort facial features given that wide angle (noses grow, hairlines recede).

The rear 13MP camera has a Zeiss lens, BSI sensor, HDR and it too can shoot 1080p video 30 fps. It won’t beat the pants off the Lumia Icon, LG G4 or Samsung Galaxy S6 cameras, but for the price, it’s a solid camera with plenty of software features like Lumia Lenses and the capable Lumia 5 camera app. There are other goodies like the background defocus app, though I find that one a bit heavy handed— backgrounds are excessively blurred, which looks artificial.

Still, it’s better than nothing since camera phones lack shallow depth of field for pleasing bokeh. The camera handles low light well, and in harsh outdoor lighting it suffers from some blown out highlights, but nothing out of the ordinary for camera phones lacking flagship imaging hardware.

1080p video is detailed and sometimes a bit over-sharpened, and audio recording quality is impressive

Battery life Big phones have space for large batteries, thus the Lumia 640 XL has an ample 3,000 mAh battery that’s removable should you wish to swap in a spare. Given the relatively low resolution and midrange CPU, battery life is simply stellar for a big phone. We couldn’t kill it in a full day of use, and it generally lasted two days on a charge. Of course, if you play Real Racing 3 or Modern Combat 5 for hours, you’ll drain the battery sooner—we’re talking average use that includes email, web, taking photos, social networking, a few calls and streaming a 30 minute video. The AT&T model with the stock back does not support wireless charging.

Conclusion The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL is a very likeable and solid phone at a reasonable price. If you’re in the market for a big screen phone on a budget and are a fan of Windows Phone or are hankering to try that OS, it’s a great introduction to the platform.

Though the resolution won’t win a specs war, the display is pleasingly sharp, bright and colorful, and the size is fantastic for watching movies and viewing photos. Both cameras are quite good for the price and we really enjoy Lumia imaging software. Call quality is good and data speeds are par for the course on AT&T’s 4G LTE network.

Courtesy: Mobile Tech review

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

17

THE NATION

BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

‘Tanker drivers record zero accidents’

Task Force swoops on Okada riders as Lagos begins enforcement

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AGOS State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences Unit has begun the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle (otherwise known as okada) and tricycle operation on major highways and bridges.

The enforcement, which is coming six days after the expiration of the deadline barring them from major highways and bridges, caught many operators unawares.

A source at the state’s Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and other Offences, a detachment of the state Police command, confirmed that the enforcement began last Wednesday.

The source said the men are working morning and night to ensure that defaulters are brought to book. He said major roads and bus stops such as Oshodi, Mushin, Ojota and others are being heavily policed to apprehend those who might break the law.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not entitled to speak on the issue, said the enforcement will continue until otherwise directed by the governor.

He said: “The governor gave three weeks notice to these people to leave all non approved roads and bridges and we have started the enforcement in full. Even those operating in non restricted areas must put on their crash helmet. No one is allowed under the law to put a commercial motorcycle on the road without a crash helmet, and the passenger must also be provided for. Anyone caught would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”

Last weekend many major roads and highways witnessed a heavy presence of men of the state’s Task Force.

On Agege-Fagba road, one of the roads barred by the law, okada riders were seen riding against the traffic and branching into side streets to avoid the Policemen, who positioned themselves at the Jungle bus stop junction.

The Lagos Traffic Law, enacted in 2012, restricted motorcyclists and tricyclists to only 475 out of the 9100 roads in the state. It also barred them from all bridges.

All operators, according to the law, must wear standard crash helmet and provide same for their passengers. They are also barred from carrying more than one passengers, carrying children and/ or expectant mothers and must not operate beyond 8 p.m on Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Ikeja, and must not go beyond 10pm in other parts of the state.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had on June 25 given the motorcycle union leadership 21days to enlighten their members on the enforcement of the law, which comes with a forfeiture of their motorcycles and a three-year jail term for offenders.

The jail term could, however, be commuted to community service.

Most motorcyclists, who spoke with The Nation, said they were unaware of the deadline and called on the governor to give them more time.

A commercial motorcyclist, Audu Jamiu, urged the government to leave the okada riders alone as their operations have become the source of livelihood for a sizeable population of youths. ‘

•An articulated vehicle involved in an accident

FRSC pegs age of trailer drivers at 26

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EW measures to check road accidents have been an nounced.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said: “Any underage driver caught driving on the highway would be prosecuted; the vehicle owner will also be prosecuted and the vehicle will be impounded.

The Oshodi Unit Commander of the Corps, Mr Eko Taiwo, said at the weekend in his office, that it was all part of the resolutions at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commission to find solutions to the worrisome rate of accidents involving heavy duty vehicles.

He said the age of driver of heavy duty vehicle drivers has been pegged at 26. The driver must possess a valid drivers’ licence.

Taiwo said underage drivers with poor and inadequate driving knowledge constitute a major cause of crashes on the road.

No vehicle owner, according to him, should permit any underage driver to drive most especially, articulated vehicles, otherwise known as trailers, and other heavy duty vehicles.

The Corps, according to Taiwo, will no longer tolerate trucks/trailers drivers driving under duress. “Each trailer/truck embarking on a long journey is expected to be accompanied by two drivers, to avoid abnormal driving hours that could stress the driver,” he said.

He appealed to trucks/trailers’ owners to ensure that retro-reflective tape is properly pasted on their

•BARRED: Okada and tricycle

Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

vehicles to serve as cautionary sign to other road users, while speed limiter is also expected of all trucks/trailers and tankers.

Taiwo urged the transport unions to ensure full monitoring of their members’ activities to enable them checkmate reckless driving habits.

Drivers are also advised to use vehicle warmers during cold weather to help moisturise the vehicle and ensure that its headlights are on when raining and experiencing poor visibility.

He urged all drivers to maintain minimum speed during wet season, ensure that they use good tyres, wipers, windscreen, brakes, lights and pointers, adding that they must ensure that other parts of their vehicles are functioning well before embarking on any journey when raining.

Drivers, he said, should avoid hazard parking, alcoholism and exercise cautions in case of any break down of their vehicles to avoid crashes.

“Compliance with passengers manifest on inter-city trips if any crashes is highly essential,” Taiwo said.

Meanwhile, the Corps Mainland Unit Commander, Mr Olu Afolabi, urged drivers to be guided by the rules guiding driving, especially during wet season.

Afolabi, who spoke at a public enlightenment/sensitisation programme organised for road users at Yaba Motor Park, Lagos, said driving at night is more dangerous than day, especially at rainy season,

with bad roads, poor visibility and lack of appropriate warning signs.

He said: “Rain reduces visibility and traction as the road becomes wet and slippery. It is, therefore, advisable that stopping distance may be four or more times while driving on wet roads than dry ones.

The FRSC boss advised drivers to always reduce speed to avoid accident.

He urged them to always ensure that they lower the beam of the headlamps for proper visibility of the coming vehicle and those in their front.

According to him, full beam should be used only when it is safe to do so, especially when approaching a vehicle.

Drivers, according to Afolabi, should drive following the tracks of other vehicles ahead and avoid looking directly into the headlamp of oncoming vehicles. He also urged them to properly adjust and focus their headlamps, advising them to always slow down when facing the glare from oncoming vehicles’ headlights and keep their vehicles windscreen clean.

To Afolabi, night driving for drivers is not for over speeding, but the time to be more careful, knowing that one is driving not only against the weather, but against poor road conditions and other impediments, including stationary vehicles.

He, therefore, cautioned motorists to the safety guidelines and assist in creating a safety environment for other road users.

He urged road users to always be patient and obey traffic lights and avoid driving against the traffic.

PHOTO: POINTBLANKNEWS.COM

ETROLEUM Tanker Drivers (PTD) have been praised for recording zero accidents in recent time. The body is a unit of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG).

Its National President, Comrade Salmon Akanni Oladiti, said an appraisal conducted by the union showed that there had been a remarkable reduction in tanker accidents in the last six weeks.

Oladiti, who spoke in Lagos, said it is gladdening that despite the fact that all drivers were busy distributing petroleum products across the country in the last few weeks, especially during the last Sallah holidays, no accident was recorded. He said this was a departure from the past.

He said the record has shown that his men are trainable, adding that the union has embarked on aggressive training of its members in line with its commitment to reduce the rate of petroleum tanker accidents.

The ongoing retraining in each of the six zones of the union, he said, is being conducted in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

He enjoined his members to be careful on roads and ensure that their trucks are road worthy.

Oladiti said the union will continue to build on the success of the training in order to ensure that its members internalise the tenets of safe driving.

He said: “Our union is committed to the reduction of carnage on our roads, We are as concerned as all other stakeholders to ensure that the nation’s roads are kept safe and that our members keep to the rules of driving for the safety of all road users. That is why we have directed all our zones to begin the retraining and any driver, who did not undergo this is prevented from getting on the road.”

The union, according to him, will stop at nothing to ensure that all its members are retrained because of its commitment to the safety of lives and property.

“We are committed to safety at the PTD. We will not rest on our oars in ensuring that our vehicles are fit, but would also continue to enforce the retraining of our members to make them responsible road users. We shall also continue to ensure that truck owners employ only mature drivers and ensure that each trailer on a long distance have two drivers in compliance to traffic regulations,” Oladiti said.

He said the union will continue to work with truck owners to ensure that only road worthy tankers are on the roads. He said his men have been directed to stop driving any vehicle that have failed road worthiness test.

The PTD, he assured, will continue to work with the government in ensuring that petroleum products get to all nooks and crannies of the country to address the shortages of the product in some states.

•Oladiti

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

18

THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Customs makes $20m monthly as revenue loophole is plugged T HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is saving the nation over $20 million (about N4 billion) monthly through the PreArrival Assessment Report (PAAR), The Nation has learnt.

The country was hitherto losing money until Customs took over the processing of import transactions – in line with the amended Import Guidelines of the Destination Inspection Scheme.

A senior Federal Ministry of Finance (FMoF) official confided in The Nation that the last administration paid $2.4 billion (about N480 billion) in eight years to former service providers at the seaports before Customs Comptroller-General (CCG) Dikko Abdullahi introduced PAAR. Customs, it was gathered, was contributing N30 billion to the Federation Account before Dikko was appointed. It is now generating over N100 million monthly following the automation of its operation by Dikko.

The Customs’leadership, the ministry official said, is implementing a critical reform and has repositioned its men for trade facilitation.

The NCS, he said, provides timely, authoritative and accurate information about trade to business communities worldwide through the Nigerian Trade Portal (NTP), which it created.

“The leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in response to the numerous challenges militating against smooth cargo clearance at the ports, came up with an indigenous data base known as the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS), which is the platform for generating Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).

“For eight years, the Federal Government had to pay the former scanning service providers $2.4 billion. The amount was paid before the PAAR was introduced by Alhaji Dikko.

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda MaritimeCorrespondent

“PAAR is a risk management tool that replaced the Risk Assessment Report (RAR) and was borne out of Dikko’s desire to boost the economy, instill discipline in the service, to facilitate trade, build better business relationship, transform cargo processes and see to the free flow of trade at the nation’s sea ports based on the global trend.

“The majority of us in the Ministry of Finance are happy that the PAAR initiative has brought hope after it has allayed the initial fears of the stakeholders and other agencies of the government.

“PAAR is a game changer for Customs. Aside simplifying the clearing processing by ensuring things are done professionally at our ports, it has enhanced the nation’s revenue.

“We have seen the difference between what was generated during Risk Assessment Report (RAR) regime and what was generated by Customs after the introduction of PAAR by Alhaji Dikko. The man and Customs high command have done a good job in boosting revenue profile of the country.

“For instance, the Nigeria Customs Service witnessed a huge improvement in its revenue in December 2013 with the raking of N85, 455,977,095 (N85.46 billion). Not only that the revenue accruing to the Federal Government was up, the government also saved N4, 653,374,259 (N4.65 billion) the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS), which hitherto would have been paid to the service providers.

The new cargo clearance regime has also received international acceptance and kudos as sister West African countries are sending del-

egations to now understudy the home grown scheme that was introduced by Dikko,” the official said.

When The Nation visited Cotonou port last week, a Nigerian, Felix Ayantuga, praised Dikko for his trade facilitation scheme.

Ayantuga said importers shipped their pipes to neighbouring countries because of the huge tariff in Nigeria.

“We don’t have problems with the Nigerian Customs. Once you make genuine declaration, officers and men of the Nigerian Customs Service are ready to release your cargo. The introduction of PAAR has made cargo processing and release easier for genuine importers. If an importer makes genuine declaration at any seaport in Nigeria, his container would be released to him in less than two hours after examination.

“Those that are complaining about Customs procedures are those involved in shady business which the Nigerian Customs is out to correct. For instance, once we load our pipes from here and we pay correct Customs duty at Seme or Idi-Iroko, we would be allowed to go without anybody disturbing you on the road.

“Since we are the users of PAAR, I want to confirm that we were surprised at the level of competence of Alhaji Dikko in handling of the scheme so far. The delay at the ports in clearing goods had been taken care of and importers are allowed to do a self-assessment in clearing their goods subject to post-audit,” Ayantuga said.

The President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Prince Olayiwola Shittu described PAAR as the best option to facilitate trade through the ports.

Agents petition IGP over practitioners’ fees row

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HE Association of Nigerian Customs and Licensing Agents (ANCLA) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), protesting the new fees regime at the ports,’ The Nation has learnt.

ANCLA’s petition, it was learnt, followed the Federal Ministry of Transport’s directive to the Council for the Registration of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN) to collect Practitioners Operation Fees (POF) at seaports, airports and borders.

The order, it was learnt, varies with the agreement reached by the five freight forwarders and the CRFFN when they were invited to Abuja by the police on July 2.

In a July 22 letter, obtained by The Nation, ANCLA alleged that some individuals were planning to disrupt the peace at the ports, urging the IGP to place his officers on red alert.

The letter, signed by ANCLA reads: “At an interview, which was held in your office with all parties involved in attendance, it was agreed that all actions towards the commencement of the collection of the POF should be suspended, while efforts should be intensified to ensure that election is held into the Governing Council of the CRFFN. This is sequel to all acknowledging that the governing council is imperative for a com-

• Shittu

plete CRFFN as approved for in its Act 16 of 2007.

“Surprisingly, we received a letter from the Federal Ministry of Transport purporting to authorise the immediate commencement of POF collection.

“We, therefore, wish to call your attention to this apparent reneging on the agreement reached in your office and the threats it portends to the freight forwarding industry,” Oparah said.

ANCLA’s National President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, told The Nation that association’s board has ordered its members to resist any attempt to collect the fees from them since the election and composition into the Governing Council of the CRFFN as required by its Act are yet to be met.

He said ANCLA had sued CRFFN over the plan to circumvent the law setting up the Council.

Meanwhile, ANCLA’s National Publicity Secretary Dr Kayode Farinto has raised the alarm over the appointment of a consulting firm to collect the fees Farinto also alleged that the firm would retain 40 per cent of the fees.

“We have just received information that there was an arrangement to give a company the collection of the controversial POF. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the firm was that the company will collect 40 per cent of the money generated.

“Some of those behind this company are high-ranking officers in the Ministry of Transport. That is why they are insisting that the POF must be collected by all means,” Farinto alleged.

“The last time I travelled abroad, some Nigerian importers over there asked me to tutor them on how to embark on quick cargo clearance from the seaport. I explained to them what PAAR is all about and the need for them to make genuine declaration when they bring their cargoes to Nigeria.

“They were all elated after my explanation and full of praises for Dikko and his officers,” Shittu added.

Nigeria, he said, is one of the 17 countries of the 179-member World Customs Organisation under the shackles of Destination Inspection agents before the introduction of PAAR.

• Dikko

Buhari urged to reposition maritime

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HE Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reposition the maritime sector.

The Chairman of the council, Otunba Kunle Folarin, urged the President to assist the industry to arrest its declining fortune.

Speaking at the roundtable on the Maritime sector and the port industry, tagged: “Setting maritime agenda for the attainment of Vision 20:2020” in Lagos, Folarin lamented that the sector had not achieved its goals over the years.

He said the forum was not aimed at criticising the government, but to set a roadmap for the Buhari administration on how to develop the industry .

“We are coming against the backdrop of repositioning the maritime industry because in the last 20 years the maritime industry has seen gradual decline. So, what we hope to achieve is to reposition and refocus the industry within the region.

“We are giving a road map and we are the pathfinders. The stakeholders are the owners of the industry. We are the only ones that can tell government what we need. We are the professionals; we are the practitioners. That is why the choice of delegate is deliberate. We want to give government a roadmap to create a pathfinder that will deliver, we don’t want a situation where government

will come and act in a vacuum. They will have a document and position that will drive the maritime economy and the industry.

“There must be a reference and it must come from discussion. There must be a document that will guide the industry. You cannot just create a policy without having to know what the stakeholders want; that is why we are discussing.’’

He added: “We are trying to build the maritime sector, create a sector that will stand out within the region if not in Africa and beyond.

That is what we are trying to do, trying to deposit a roadmap and a pathfinder to the promise land.

“If you look at the table, we have over 500 years of experience; people who have lived all their lives in the maritime sector. That is what we are bringing to the table. It is a very formidable task that we are gathering these men and women in the room. That is what we are trying to do,” he said.

At the roundtable were the Acting President, Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA), Alhaji Aminu Umar; President, Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Greg Ogbeifun; former chairman, Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) Planning Committee, Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi and former Commissioner for Transport, Lagos State, Prof. Bamidele Badejo, among others.

‘Open ports at weekends, public holidays’

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HE Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) has advised the Federal Government and other interested parties to ensure that the seaports are open on weekends and public holidays to promote efficiency and boost revenue.

Speaking with The Nation, STOAN Chairman Vicky Haastrup said the concession agreement stipulates a 24hour operation at the ports, a position, she said, was reiterated by former Minister of Transport Senator Idris Umar at a meeting with operators, shipping firms, representatives of government agencies and port users on September 27, 2013.

At the meeting at the Western Ports office of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Apapa, she said Umar emphasised the need for all parties to turn up for cargo examination and delivery on weekends and public holidays.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) had also, at various times, reiterated the importance of weekend and public holiday operations at the port.

“For example, on 2nd October, 2013, the NPA issued a public statement to the effect that there were cargo clearance operations at the various terminals on October 1,” Haastrup said.

The chairman said it was in the interest of the port community that the ports remain open daily for both ship and landside operations.

“Twenty-four hours operation provides the necessary spread to eliminate congestion and unnecessary backlog of consignments inside the terminals. It makes the ports a lot more efficient and is mandatory.

“The terminals are open for full operation on weekends and public holidays and many consignees take delivery of their cargo on such days,” she added.

The spokesman of the group, Mr Bolaji Akiola urged importers and clearing agents to key into the quick cargo delivery system to boost efficiency and make the ports attractive for business.

“Traffic is lighter and the rush is not as bad as what you see on week days so we urge those who are not taking advantage of these days to do so,” he said.

The association said since terminals are open during weekends and public holidays, terminal operators are bound to apply relevant charges if port users and other stakeholders fail to make use of the low traffic opportunities provided during the weekends and public holidays.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Thankless tanker drivers •They must obey Lagos State governor’s order

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ILL Lagosians ever be spared the agony of the gridlock on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway?

This question becomes pertinent given the latest order by the Lagos State Government to the state police command and the state task force team to rid the highway of the petrol tankers that have made plying the axis a nightmare. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who renewed the order asked both organisations to restore sanity to the road and ensure smooth flow of traffic that has been hampered by the tanker drivers who park indiscriminately on the road in their bid to lift fuel at the Apapa ports.

The latest order by Governor Ambode was the second since his assumption of office on May 29. About three weeks ago, he gave a similar order during a visit to the Apapa corridor. His predecessor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, did the same thing time and again before leaving office. Unfortunately, just as in the Ambode case, the tanker drivers disappeared from the road only for a while. This time around, they took advantage of the change of the commissioner of police in the state, which made the task force to retreat in the enforcement of traffic law because it was not sure of how favourably disposed the new police commissioner would be to the matter.

It is good that Governor Ambode had reminded the security personnel of the need to enforce the state traffic law and ensure that traffic moves unhindered on the road within 48 hours. No sane government would allow the magnitude of

impunity perpetrated by the petrol tanker drivers in its domain, particularly on a busy artery as the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. We must hasten to add, however, that this time, the compliance must endure. Never again should the tanker drivers return to the road to constitute nightmares to other road users.

No doubt, the tanker drivers are rendering an invaluable service to the nation; but so are many others whose businesses they cripple whenever they park indiscriminately on the busy highway.

And, since this is now becoming a recurring decimal, the governments, particularly the Federal Government, has to think out of the box. In the first place, it is a misnomer that Nigeria, a major crude oil producer, has to be importing the bulk of its petroleum products, necessitating the establishment of many tank farms in the Apapa ports axis, hence the huge number of tankers in the area.

The Federal Government makes a lot of money from the Apapa ports. The problem is the lack of transparency in its management, especially as Nigerians hardly know how much comes in and how much of it is remitted into the Federation Account, if any. With the new dispensation, it should be possible to ensure that the right things are done with the revenue coming into the ports coffers. It won’t be out of place to suggest that part of the revenue realised from the ports be made to solve the perennial problems on the highway.

Moreover, we need to relieve the Apapa ports of the burden of carrying all the load.

In this regard, we note the collaboration among the Federal Government, the state government and a private investor to develop the Lekki Deep Seaport in Akodo, Ibeju-Lekki Local Council of the state. We are glad too that the Lagos State Government is planning another port for Badagry. The railway from the ports should also be resuscitated to link the Iddo Terminus for onward ferrying of products from the ports to other parts of the country.

Ultimately however, the Federal Government has to do something about the country’s refineries. Importation of petroleum products for us is not only shameful and embarrassing as a major crude oil producer, it is also unsustainable because of the subsidy element that has remained a source of corruption over the years.

‘Ultimately however, the Federal Government has to do something about the country’s refineries. Importation of petroleum products for us is not only shameful and embarrassing as a major crude oil producer, it is also unsustainable because of the subsidy element that has remained a source of corruption over the years’

Handshake across the Caribbean •The long-overdue restoration of US-Cuban ties finally takes place

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HE renewal of diplomatic relations between the United States of America and Cuba is yet another welcome demonstration of the superiority of negotiation over military confrontation and the triumph of common interest over mutual suspicion.

US-Cuba relations have over the past five decades been shaped by Cold War dynamics, America’s problematic relationship with Latin America, Cuba’s status as one of the world’s few remaining Communist nations, and a very vocal Cuban-American lobby in the US. This fraught relationship was to reach its nadir during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1961, when the Kennedy administration forced the Soviet Union to remove ballistic missiles that were stationed in Cuba. The imposition of a trade embargo by America upon the island only entrenched a

‘In all, however, the restoration of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba has positive implications which far outweigh the problems of its full implementation. As was seen in the ground-breaking negotiations with Iran, the potential for cooperation to succeed where conflict has failed has been demonstrated’

mutual antipathy continually refreshed by both nations’ active meddling in the internal affairs of the other, as well as fraternisation with each other’s perceived adversaries.

The aftermath of the collapse of global communism in the late 90s however demonstrated the increasing unsustainability of US-Cuba hostility. America was rebuilding relations with former opponents in Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. Its justified concerns about Cuba’s human-rights record were being undermined both by the lack of diplomatic contact and the fact that it happily did business with nations with even more dubious reputations.

This new era in US-Cuba ties comes with obvious benefits. The increased social and economic links between the two countries will result in investment inflows, tourism and educational opportunities, all of which will enhance greater understanding and tolerance, as ordinary citizens engage one another away from inflamed political rhetoric. US relations with Latin America are also likely to improve, given the removal of what had been a major sticking-point for the region.

Both the US and Cuba emerge from the process with enhanced reputations. Obama cements an increasingly significant foreign-policy legacy with another landmark achievement.

America will obtain renewed access to a hitherto valuable trading partner.

Cuba renews relations with the

region’s dominant power largely on its own terms, as well as badlyneeded trade, investment and technology that had long been denied it.

There are, however, several issues which are yet to be settled. The trade embargo is, amazingly, still in place; its continued existence significantly undercuts much of the benefits of the restoration of diplomatic ties. It cannot be lifted without the authorisation of the US Congress, whose Republican majority is very likely to fight for its continuation. Then there is America’s continued occupation of Guantanamo Bay, unsurprisingly seen by Cuba as the barefaced occupation of its sovereign territory.

In all, however, the restoration of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba has positive implications which far outweigh the problems of its full implementation. As was seen in the ground-breaking negotiations with Iran, the potential for cooperation to succeed where conflict has failed has been demonstrated. The belief that nations should focus more on the things that unite them rather than those which set them apart has been seen to have merit. The idea that old animosities need not continue to shape contemporary relationships has proved its durability.

As the United States and Cuba move towards a mutually beneficial era in their relationship, it is to be hoped that other countries learn from their example and seek to build bridges where they have put up walls.

Winning the fight against corruption IR: President Muhammadu Buhari needs to carefully map out a strategy for tackling corruption that will not be seen as witch-hunt but rather, one that will effectively destroy the cankerworm. This is Nigeria’s opportunity to lay a strong foundation for ending corruption.

So many corrupt individuals and political elite will stop at nothing to see that the Buhari administration does not succeed in the fight. Every well meaning Nigerian would support an effective government anticorruption drive that will be a departure from what obtained under previous administrations. Those who benefit from these corrupt practices would love the status quo.

President Buhari must win the war against corruption regardless of these people’s resistance, opposition and tactical political ploys. They cannot be more powerful than the president, the Nigerian political system and anti-corruption institutions. The president must exert his powers against them by reviewing the existing legal framework for financial crimes and corrupt practices as well as institutionalizing and deepening the war against corruption. Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the incoming Attorney General of the Federation should lead a team of experts that would work on providing a concrete and sustainable legal framework for fighting corruption. Every politician and legislator must support the amendment of both the EFCC and ICPC Acts and also assist in the passage of new laws to make the anti-corruption institutions stronger. No matter which side of the divide everyone belong, we must cooperate as a people towards eliminating the cankerworm that is destroying the fabric of our country.

The EFCC under the chairmanship of Ibrahim Lamorde has just woken up again.

They went to sleep during the Jonathan administration. This is not the kind of institution Nigerians want. Nigerians want an institution that will duly perform its functions according to law regardless of which administration is in the saddle or the body language of the person in power. Winning the fight against corruption is critical to Nigeria’s economic development and this is why the economy has not experienced a steady growth over the years.

President Buhari should walk his talk on the fight against corruption and set Nigeria on a path of economic independence so that we would truly be the leader that other African countries look up to in times of social, political and economic crisis. This is one of the reasons the Nigerian people elected President Buhari to the position of trust.

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• Bolaji Samson Aregbeshola, Lagos

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I read the above piece in your highly esteemed newspaper, on page 28 of the July 21, 2015 edition. Quite apart from the factual inaccuracies contained in the said report, the law regulating the Judicial Service Commission, does not support the position canvassed therein.

The composition and powers of the State Judicial Service Commission, are set out in Part II of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, for a five year tenure.

The previous members of the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, were appointed on February 26, 2010. Thus, their tenure expired on February 26, and same has not been renewed, according to law.

Under and by virtue of section 198 of the 1999 Constitution, the Governor is to appoint LSJSC members, subject to confirmation , by a resolution of the House of Assembly of the state. Thus, even if the LSJSC members have been purportedly appointed, by the former Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, such an appointment is inchoate and will remain invalid, in the absence of a

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Re: Will Lagos judicial service commission be dissolved? confirmation, by the House of Assembly. No such confirmation has been undertaken, either by the past House of Assembly or the present House of Assembly. Thus, there are no ‘current members’ of the LSJSC. From the point of view of the constitution therefore, there is no valid or existing Board for the LSJSC. However, on July 2, the present House of Assembly of Lagos State, passed a unanimous resolution, calling upon the Governor, to dissolve the LSJSC, with effect from the expiration of their five year tenure. Being the confirming authority under section 198 of the Constitution, the House of Assembly is perfectly entitled to pass such resolution, for the governor to implement, in the

circumstances.

From the foregoing therefore, the question posed in the said piece, as to whether the LSJSC will be dissolved, when the members tenure has not expired, is no longer relevant, as any purported tenure that is not confirmed by the House of Assembly, amounts to no tenure in law.

Thus, if at all the members of LSJSC were ever bequeathed with any further tenure, by the past administration, the resolution of the House of Assembly of July 2, effectively puts a seal, on the coffin of such illegal tenure.

It is therefore clear that, the governor is competent, to dissolve the LSJSC and appoint new members and present them to the House of Assembly, for

confirmation.

The other point to make is that, in the new dispensation of fiscal prudence and budgetary discipline, there is no need to retain members, for a commission such as LSJSC, that meets only once in a month, on a permanent salary basis, allocate offices and cars to them, when they have always been functioning as part-time members in the past, and indeed in all other states of the federation.

In my humble view, service to the state, as a member of LSJSC, should be a sacrifice rendered on the basis of self patriotism and commitment to the progress of any administration.

• Ebun-olu Adegboruwa, ESQ Lagos.

BSU medical student did not commit suicide IR: Since the death of Idoko Nicholas, a 400 Level medical student of the College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi in a ghastly motor accident on Friday, July 24, there has been growing controversy surrounding his death and protests were held by his colleagues to show their discontent.

Nicholas has spent well over 10 years as a medical student in the university. That is the lot of all the medical students of that institution.

Since the inception of medical studies, no student has graduated. Plans are only on the way to graduate the first set of students later this year.

That will however be possible only when the final accreditation team pays a visit.

The policy in the college is that a student who fails an examination will have to re-sit such examination

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within three months. However, the new provost said the college does not have money to conduct such examinations within three months.

It made it an annual exercise. Nicholas had issues with Pharmacology and Pathology. He wrote the exams a few weeks ago, and the result came out negative and was therefore withdrawn from studying medicine. After 10 years? It is frustrating!

Despite his seeming frustration, Nicholas remained his vivacious self. There was no dull moments when he was around, and he tried not to foul such atmosphere with his problems. That unfortunate day, he visited his friend and there was no sign he was going to die in few hours time. They joked, discussed and words of encouragement were shared. In fact, his friends mother called him (Nicho-

las) that day and encouraged him.

He made to leave, to go get something. His friend asked him to stay longer, but he insisted on leaving.

While on the International Market road in Makurdi, he tried to avoid a truck which was parked beside the road, and then the unfortunate happened. He was thrown out of his car through the windscreen.

I spoke several times yesterday with his friends and colleagues. One thing that featured in my conversation with them, is that Idoko Nicholas was not suicidal. He did NOT kill himself. The protest held on Friday and Saturday was aimed at bringing the plight of medical students to the fore, and not because Nicholas killed himself. Their protest paid off, as the Vice Chancellor has cancelled any form of withdrawal.

It is unfortunate Idoko Nicholas

had to die for a new policy to be implemented. He was martyred for his colleagues in the medical school Yes, Idoko was probably distracted by his problems while driving, but he Did NOT kill himself.

It shows lack of consideration for his grieving family and friends, if we continue to allude his death to suicide.

Finally, I urge the management of Benue State University to take issues affecting their students with the seriousness it deserves. Students of the medical school have all been making motion without movement. That is unfair. Let it do what is required to ensure medical students graduate and move on with life, instead of just keeping them there.

• Frank Ijege frankijege@yahoo.com

Your stery on Shippers’ Council

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IR: Our attention has been drawn to a story in The Nation of Wednesday July 22 with a banner headline ...Shippers Council seeks probe of N20 billion Calabar Port dredging.

We are terribly embarrassed not only by the headline but also by the content of the said story which is wrongly attributed to us.

The first paragraph of the story says that the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) in Cross River has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the N20 billion contract awarded to Calabar Channel Management (CCM) for dredging Calabar Port.

The story was attributed to Mr. Mike Ogodo, President Nigerian Shippers Association (NSA) but which your reporter referred to as President (NSC).

The Nigerian Shippers Association (NSA) is a trade group within the maritime industry while the Nigerian Shippers’Council (NSC), the ports economic regulator, is a parastatal under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Transport.

The clarification has become necessary given that at no time was the Executive Secretary/CEO nor any officer of the council made such a call nor granted a press conference calling for a probe.

We hold The Nation in high esteem but we were embarrassed by the story.

We therefore disassociate ourself from the said story and request for an urgent retraction in order to set the records straight.

• Ignatius N Nweke Deputy Director(Public Relations) Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Lagos

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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COMMENTS

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But his complex idea of fuel OR once, perhaps in eons, a stumps, administered by Nigerian leader has not traded off designated fuel stations, his humanity for political power. portends an even more soulless That about captures President racketeering!

Muhammadu Buhari’s take on fuel The numbers ensemble have subsidy. also weighed in, in the subsidy “I have received many literature on the removal debate. To this clinical need to remove subsidies, but much of it class, if imported fuel costs x at has no depth,” President Buhari declared. the global pump price, why “When you touch the price of petroleum Olakunle should Nigerians buy it at a products: that has the effect of triggering lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola lower pump price of y — the price rises on transportation, food and subsidy price — simply because rents. That is for those who earn salaries, Nigeria produces crude? And but there are many who are jobless and the scarecrow clincher: crude, will be affected by it.” that is even progressively losing A sitting president, worried about its market niche? Such is the subsidy removal affecting transportation, numbers ensemble’s infallibility! food and rents — when the state has marketing subsidy parasites, is only a symptom.

But wait a minute: what if local refineries processed the crude, Now, how can a country solve a problem by, with a frenzy, provided his free! — as well as the jobless? That is rare and you didn’t have to import refined products — would those attacking the symptom, while blissfully forgetting the root presidential humanism around here! disease? That is the long-and-short of the subsidy removal numbers still add up, infallibility and all?

Still, for the anti-fuel subsidy orchestra, with their infallible hysteria.

That leads to the real contention. If crude were locally refined, neo-liberal doctrine, Buhari’s take is pure heresy: crass populism, But the mother philosophy remains unchanged. President to feed Nigeria and to export the excess — if any — the debate symbolising nothing but ancient thinking.

Obasanjo, in opting for his flawed policy, declared his might just automatically change. If fuel importation stops, fuel That has been the regnant temper since 1999, when pioneer government powerless against petty rats, that fed fat on turnimporting parasites would vanish with their hosts, wouldn’t 4th Republic President, Olusegun Obasanjo, laid down the rules around maintenance (TAM) contracts; which crippled Nigeria’s they?

— though, in truth, the ill-fated Umaru Yar’Adua (Allah bless local refineries. So, for the abject failure to kill those big rats, So, if President Obasanjo had strategically invested in more his soul!) did a somewhat heretic foxtrot, reversing the 51% sale subsidy must go; even if that was grave collateral damage to the refineries — despite the ready excuse that private investors that of Kaduna and new Port Harcourt refineries to Blue Star, an law-abiding majority. got licences did not build — would there still be the raging Aliko Dangote-led group of investors. But his ill health put The latest strain of that philosophy: because subsidy thieves passionate debate over subsidy’s oil marketer “thieves”? paid to any further heretic rascality. cannot be checkmated, subsidy must go!

Then the clinching Obasanjo’s fitful flight from duty (on local refining), on BretonPresident Goodluck Jonathan would appear far too dazzled moan: subsidy does not get to the poor, anyway! by the Breton-Woods tantrums of her economy empress, Ngozi Woods doctrinal fancies, has come back to haunt the polity!

Now, that explosive mix of fact and emotion has registered a Okonjo-Iweala, with her persistent hollering: “save, save, save Even then, to many local neo-liberal ideologues, the solution is rather shrill presence in the long-running subsidy conundrum. for the rainy day”! A crucial part of those “savings” was the more Breton-Woods, and not a wise change of policy direction.

In the impassioned exchanges of January 2012’s Occupy Nigeria imperative to remove “subsidy”. Well, the rainy day is here, That explains all the renewed “remove subsidy” passion. protests, embattled President Jonathan alleged that the pushers and there appears pretty little savings!

That is why President Buhari should shun another round of a of the strike were over-fed Lagos denizens, whose monster cars Even formal subsidy removal “savings”, epitomised by SUREbarren oil subsidy debate. He should rather — and fast — explore guzzled fuel, monster lungs gulped choice victuals and brutal P, in some states like Lagos, have proved nothing but lethal building more local refineries; and ensuring the existing ones, lips swilled bottled water, the tri-luxuries his poor Otuoke folk chop-pey (easy loot) — a partisan-powered slush fund, to kill and though ageing, work to their maximum present capacities. would never dare imagine, despite their state’s status as crude maim opposing partisans, in an abortive bid to “capture Lagos”!

As Ripples always notes, the government can build refineries producer.

Gen. Obasanjo, on his part, was an apostle of state-driven and hand them over to private sector agents who can profitably Bayelsa senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has returned to that economies, during his first coming as military head of state run them — if such chores are beyond Nigerian public servants! regional hysterics, in his latest road show against fuel subsidy.

(1976-1979). But at his second coming, he played the classical Even if after attaining local refining, and petrol still sells for While the Lagos poor had access to cheap fuel, he rued, his Bayelsa neophyte, with vigour, pushing his new neo-liberal conversion, N300 a litre — which however is unlikely — all the petropoor (and for geographical balance, the Boko Haram-harassed selling off about everything he had insisted the state must own chemical spin-offs from petroleum downstream would still have North East poor!) had never benefited from it.

— or run — before he saw the light; perhaps on his way to been beneficial to the local economy.

But to his credit, in a piece he wrote for This Day newspaper, economic Damascus!

That cannot be said of the present net-loss of exporting crude “Tame fuel subsidy or it will tame Nigeria” (July 24) he erected The apogee of that frenetic privatisation was his fuel cheap, but, at a premium, importing refined products. a scaffolding of initiatives, of how to pay “transport subsidy” to liberalisation-by-importation policy, en route to selling off the That, not the so-called fuel subsidy, is the real tragedy of the transport owners and managers, after stopping fuel subsidy as local refineries — which organised Labour nevertheless resisted. extant energy policy. we know it now; and getting rid of the fat fuel-importing rats.

So, that single energy policy — liberalisation-by-importation — is the issue. The so-called fuel subsidy, alleged host to oil-

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epublican ipples

Subsidy: before another barren debate

‘How can a country solve a problem by attacking the symptom, while blissfully forgetting the root disease? That is the longand-short of the subsidy removal hysteria’

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HIS must be a difficult time for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and its helmsman, Dibu Oyerinde – a professor. If you can imagine the miracle moment when Jesus Christ had the arduous task of feeding 5,000-throng band of followers with two fishes and five loaves of bread, you will probably understand the dilemma of the egg-head on whose head lies the burden of placing 1,475,600 individuals in barely available 500,000 spaces in the nation’s tertiary institutions. Unfortunately, not even the knowledge that he is no Jesus Christ – nor a miracle worker – seems likely to spare him the sentence that befell the Christian avatar with hundreds of thousands already demanding his sack – if not his head on a platter!

We saw a bit of that at the University of Lagos gate last Wednesday when hundreds of angry, placard-carrying candidates and parents marched to demand the removal of the professor over the so-called new policy. On that day, yours truly actually received nearly a dozen calls from friends and relations – all frustrated parents – alleging that their wards were denied opportunity to write post-UTME tests into the University of Lagos for reasons which, according to them, they found difficult to comprehend. There was a specific case of a parent, who claimed that his daughter who had applied to study Mass Communications scored 254 – a figure slightly above the University of Lagos adopted cut-off point of 250 – and yet was excluded in the list forwarded by JAMB to the university authorities for the post-UMTE test. The gripe of the protesters was that by raising their cut-off point to 250 as against JAMB’s 180, the University of Lagos authorities changed the rules midway.

The protesters obviously deserve a sympathetic ear. After all, last year, the cut off point was the same 180 – and everyone was invited to the meal that everyone knew would barely go round a quarter of the famished souls lined up for the feast.

Now, everyone wonders why things would be different this year. Imagine, we are back to the same cycle of recriminations; the futile search for solution of the arithmetic of making 500,000 spaces go round 1.5 million candidates. They forget the basic difference between an academic and a miracle worker!

And the new policy? Allow individual universities to determine their cut-off points while JAMB redistributes applicants!

Yes, they have a point – as always even if in the end they win the argument and come critically short on the issues at stake.

Let’s also admit that the defence by JAMB is just as persuasive. JAMB’s head of media, Fabian Benjamin, for instance, told us last week for instance that the national cutoff marks of 180 for universities and 150 for polytechnics, colleges of education and innovative enterprise institutions in the 2015 UTME were merely benchmarks to set the tone for

Remison: no small jobs, just small persons

Thespians always say: no small roles, only small actors. Segun Remison, a security personnel with The Nation Lagos head office who just died, proved exactly just that. Can’t remember exactly when he burst into our consciousness. I just remember, and vividly too, a beautiful spirit, who carried himself with uncommon dignity; and soared, with his job, to heights hitherto unknown. But it was all too fleeting, like a comet! Rest in peace Segun, in the bosom of your Lord -- and may the good Lord comfort the family you left behind. Adieu!

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

JAMB of trouble this year’s admission exercise. They were, according to him, no more than ‘guides’; ‘pruning’ tools to give the institutions manageable candidates to choose from.

As far as his JAMB is concerned, “universities and other levels of tertiary institutions are at liberty to go higher, but not lower, depending on their peculiarities and the performance of candidates that choose them…”

Really?

On the widespread criticism that has greeted the new measure, he insisted that the decision… was done in good faith not to jeopardise the right of candidates due to individual cut-off set by some Nigerian tertiary institution. Those candidates who do not meet the cut-off marks of such institutions will be placed in needy institutions within their geopolitical zone depending on available space in such institutions”.

The man in the eye of the storm, Dibu Oyerinde, was, as one might expect, conciliatory, if not altogether defensive. He says “Father forgive them, for they know not what they are saying...We are actually helping the candidates not only to get admission but to get it on time. The big universities are overloaded. Can you imagine 8,000 students seeking for admission to study law in a university that will take only 250 candidates for law? The remaining 7750 candidates will wait endlessly and hopelessly till the end of the admission. Or imagine 7500 candidates seeking for medicine in a university.

Of these 7500 candidates, 2000 scored above 250 in the UTME. The university has a carrying capacity of only 150 candidates for medicine. The remaining 7350 who scored above 200 will be wasted. Particularly, 1750 candidates who scored above 250 will be wasted while other universities either do not have enough candidates or high scoring candidates. Courses like Biological Sciences, Agric Engineering and related courses are lacking in candidacy!”

Not done – he says “We are saying, let’s give them a feel of chance somewhere else that has not gotten enough candidates

by sending the names of these HIGH scorers to “needy” universities. The names of such surplus candidates are being distributed to first, federal institutions, then state and finally private institutions in that order depending on – availability of space in other universities, choice of the course of the candidate, geographical zone of the choice of the candidate, and performance of the candidate”.

See the huge cost of being misunderstood? Or why the search for a fall-guy or the attempt to skirt around the main issues at the heart of the brouhaha merely postpones the evil day?

A quick one for JAMB. Can anyone explain the essence of asking candidates to indicate their preferred institutions only to have JAMB redistribute them for whatever reasons? Why should it be JAMB’s headache that one million candidates applied for 1,000 spaces in Lagos even when there are 100,000 spaces to be filled in Kaura Namoda? A case of the god of bureaucracy insisting that things could only be done its way?

Questions of course remain. In today’s Nigeria, tertiary level admission is akin to a fundamental human right. Yet, we know that the performance paints a different picture across the board. In the 2015 UTME for instance, only 455,639 of the nearly 1.5 million actually scored 50 percent and above. That was the minimum threshold in the good old days. Why not stick to this manageable number? Why make things worse by lowering the threshold when available spaces are not enough?

More fundamentally – why not raise the profile and number of technical colleges to shore up the pool of technical manpower? And what’s the big deal churning out hordes of certificated illiterates only to have them end up pounding our cities in search of jobs? Why not bring back the old Trade Test system under which artisans and skilled trades were graded and remunerated as befitting their status?

‘Why not raise the profile and number of technical colleges to shore up the pool of technical manpower?

And what’s the big deal churning out hordes of certificated illiterates only to have them end up pounding our cities in search of jobs? Why not bring back the old Trade Test system under which artisans and skilled trades were graded and remunerated as befitting their status?’

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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O matter the shape and shade of a development or an experience, be it negative or positive, there is always one or two lessons to learn. It is in this context that I situate the scenes and scenarios that have been playing out at the Eighth National Assembly in Abuja, since the controversial inauguration of the august body on Tuesday, June 9.

What brought us to this junction of confusion? The answer, which I believe many sincere and objective minds would share, is simply, the resolve of Senator Bukola Saraki, on one hand, and Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on the other, to defy the decision/directive of their political party - the All Progressives Congress (APC) - on whose platform they contested and won the National Assembly Election held on Saturday, March 28.

The resolve of the two, to disobey the party, and consequently, the mode and manner of the election of foremost principal officers of the National Assembly - Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, have thus brought us to the threshold of another constitutional crisis - party supremacy in conflict with independence of the legislature, the plank on which the duo and their supporters rests the rebellious stance against their party.

A peep into the archives revealed that party supremacy was the main theme of the address of Chief Obafemi Awolowo to the Oyo State Conference of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) on Saturday, November 8, 1980. The sage, among others stated that: “…. our constitution clearly makes a registered political party the cornerstone of the activities of all the members of that party, including those of them in the legislature and the executive, as well as those of them operating outside these two organs of government. Indeed, the registered political party is the sole source from which candidates for election, and elected members of the legislature and

NASS imbroglio: Beyond Saraki and Dogara

By Ayo Akinyemi executive, derive their lifeblood for acceptability, public status, and legitimacy…. In other words, by express provision, as well as necessary implications in the constitution, the registered political party is supreme and absolutely decisive in the conduct of our public affairs.

“If the party is supreme, then it is simple logic that in the matter of dispute, conflict, or antithesis between the legislature and the executive, the party in power should have the last say whenever a consensus cannot be reached between them.”

If I have my way, instead of brooding over the least expected potent elements of national dislocation and destabilization of the polity, brewing in the National Assembly, I would advocate that the development be seen as a veritable opportunity to resolve lingering interwoven issues that had bedevilled the growth and development of true and sustainable democratic culture and principles, in this land, towards firming up the loopholes often exploited by politicians for crass opportunism.

Some of the salient issues and questions begging for answer and clarification, as well as constitutional provisions for which judicial interpretations are required to put the politicians in check and stabilize the polity, are still flying in the air.

First, should the Clerk of the National Assembly have gone ahead with the inauguration of the Senate with half of the number of expected elected senators in attendance?

‘’I would advocate that the development be seen as a veritable opportunity to resolve lingering interwoven issues that had bedevilled the growth and development of true and sustainable democratic culture and principles, in this land, towards firming up the loopholes often exploited by politicians for crass opportunism’

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INCE 1999, for many citizens of Kogi State, stasis has been a constant denominator in most actions of all its past leaders in government. From Governor Audu Abubakar to Ibrahim Idris and now, Idris Wada, nothing seems to have changed. The leadership of the state have been clouded by allegations of corruption and poor performance.

The November governorship election therefore presents a fresh opportunity and high possibility for the revival of the fortunes of the state provided a set of quality leadership is introduced into Kogi politics.

Luckily, for Kogi citizens, the problem and pains of having an Audu Abubakar as their next governor seems delightfully settled.

This is so because the present political power tussle in the Kogi APC makes it very unlikely that an Audu Abubakar will emerge victorious against the wishes of many party heavy weights that are assumed to have already taken their case to the ears of President Muhammadu Buhari, a no nonsense man on corruption.

Presently, the expectation is that President Buhari will neither be too deaf nor blind to the long list of Audu Abubakar’s alleged past atrocities. Already, the red signals from the National leadership of APC are pointing towards Audu Abubakar’s direction in line with President Buhari’s recent declaration to the world that his fight against corruption is not a respecter of political affiliation.

On the other side of the political divide, is the incommodious intention of the incumbent governor, Idris Wada to seek a second tenure under the PDP. The reality on ground reveals that Wada’s desperation for a second term in office has already given rise to a revolt within the PDP as witnessed by the cancellation of the conducted state PDP ward congress which he was accused of manipulating and most recently, the imposition of his ‘men’ in the rescheduled election under the watchful eyes of Olisa Metuh – the National Publicity secretary of the PDP. Within the PDP party and in general, the

Should the 10a.m indicated by the President in his letter for the Proclamation of the National Assembly be iron cast? Could it not have been taken that the event should not hold earlier than 10a.m? Would it have been unconstitutional for the clerk to exercise a measure of discretion to give some minutes of grace for the other members to come on board? If the President were to be present in person for the proclamation - like some governors did in the state - what would have happened if, for one reason or the other, he was not able to arrive at the venue at 10a.m?

What would have happened if the clerk, owing to an unforeseen circumstance, was unable to arrive for the exercise at 10am?

Should the one-third quorum Clause (Section 54. 1, of the Constitution) for decision making while the senate is in session, be validly applicable, at inauguration (when the Senate/House is not in session yet) for election of the Senate President? If as stated in Section 50 (2c) of the constitution, as amended, it would require votes of not less than twothirds majority of the members of the House to remove the Senate President, should he have been elected by a lesser fraction of members?

It is instructive to note that for the President to be elected, he is required, according to the constitution, to win majority of votes and not less than one-quarter of votes cast in each of at least two-thirds of all the states in the federation and the FCT (Section 134). In the same vein, as provided in Section 144 (1a) of the constitution, a resolution passed by at least, two-thirds majority of members of the Executive Council of the Federation would be required to affirm incapability of the President, and same two-thirds majority to endorse the resolution to remove the President from office - Section 143 (9) of the Constitution (as amended). Notably, in all these instances, - not less than two-thirds majority is constant and consistent.

The main contentious issue in the National Assembly crisis, on which so much revolves,

is party supremacy. One of the requirements stated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) for qualification for election as a member of the Senate/House of Representatives is that, the candidate shall be a member of a political party, and is sponsored by that party – Section 65 (2b). Also, as explicitly stated in Section 221 of the Constitution, “no association, other than a political party shall canvass for any candidate at any election…..”

Furthermore, such political party can neither be so recognized nor function unless “a copy of its constitution is registered in the principal office of the independent national electoral commission …. “ – Section 222(c).

In this wise, should the party constitution and its provisions not be respected by party members? Should sanctions prescribed therein for disobedience to the party constitution not be visited defiant members? In all honesty, there is the need to put the Constitution to test, to untie ambiguous knotty ends, tighten exploitable lacunas and settle issues that were not envisaged by the constitution, as was the case in the issue of tenure of governors involved in re-run elections, resolved by the Supreme Court and consequent birth of Sections 135 (2A) and 178 (2A) of the Constitution (As Amended).

It is logical to assume that APC has been cautious in its handling of the Saraki and Co.’s matter, exercising restraint in the imposition of sanctions, as prescribed in the party constitution, for fear of the unknown. One can safely assume that Senator Saraki, Honourable Dogara and members of their group have been so emboldened, to be so brazenly defiant to the position of their party because the likely Plan B could, characteristically, be to defect to the PDP. The implications are better imagined.

Defection or cross-carpeting (in the language of old) has been the stock in trade of our politicians, in the present political dispensation. This immoral act of political prostitution is ventilated by the loose end provided by the questionable bile of a caveat to Section 68 (1) (g) of the constitution, that has been the bane of the stability of the polity.

For the growth of the much desired truly democratic culture, there must be an end to the adventure of nectar seeking butterfly politicians, moving from flower to flower.

• Akinyemi writes via akinyemiayo@yahoo.com

Kogi: Wada, a significant risk for PDP

By Olufunke Thomas Kogi electorate, Governor Idris Wada seems to have lost on both fronts. Recently, he has come under intense criticism from majority of Kogi citizens due to his compromised credibility and underperformance rating in governance. All these negative attributes have combined to be huge minus for his aspiration and the desires of Kogi people. Even though Wada and his inner circle have made various efforts to project him as a viable candidate in the elections, unfortunately, scandals being churned out on him appear endless and attempts by his lean supporters in the PDP to protect him from criticisms have not been successful because the voices of his critics appear to have grown too loud to be subdued and the facts in their hands on Wada’s inappropriateness cum mismanagement are enough to send even a strong politician to the gulag or political oblivion.

To many analysts, Wada has not succeeded in providing appropriate leadership in both government and his party. Specifically, at the party level, under Wada the PDP has been fractured. In fact, since the elections of 2011which ushered him into office, a lot of PDP members have left the party because they felt aggrieved by his imposition on them and many more are still questioning whether they should leave the party if Wada gets the PDP ticket for the November poll.

Indeed, if this happens, it will be a very deep dilemma for the PDP. As such, with Wada, it has become obvious that PDP has a very scary prospect in the forthcoming governorship election. Furthermore, the ousting of major PDP members from their seats at the National Assembly in the last 2015 general elections has been the lowest point and stark moment of failure for the PDP under Wada.

Again, at the state level, in many respects,

Governor Wada has failed and his inability to sustain the confidence of the Kogi people has also become a major problem for his leadership of the state. Thus, Wada’s continued stay in office will be akin to keeping a Captain that is taking its passengers to a crash destination. This is where many focused analysts believe that the eyes of the national leadership of PDP must be opened to the retrogressive purported decision of making Wada its candidate in the November election, otherwise, the party will be doomed.

Contrastingly, in the past few months, Wada’s priority in the state has been on his political survival through the use of the state PDP structure and enforcers to manipulate the upcoming primaries rather than focusing on the implementation of projects that will reverse his unpopularity in the state. At the party level he seems to have made considerable inroad by installing his cronies in various party leadership positions. However, with a bad record card of governance under the PDP, the ready question herein is of what worth will another PDP governorship ticket be in hands Wada? For many sympathizers of the Kogi PDP, removing Wada on the contenders list is the most credible option because the governorship contest in Kogi State is beyond just producing a candidate from a party but more about projecting the candidate of choice.

A quick recall of history shows that in the past three years, Idris Wada has made headlines in the media for all the negative rea-

sons and there is no indication that his continued occupancy of the highest political position in Kogi State will restore normalcy, hope and appropriate life for Kogi citizens.

Any other choice aside asking Wada to step down will spell doom for the PDP because it will be a mountainous task to convince the majority of Kogi voters that PDP means well for them with Wada on the ballot. Simply put, politics of party destruction leaves the individual with no platform and the PDP cannot afford to hang on to any form of mediocrity that will give room to chances of losing such an important election. Wada has shown that he neither understands politics properly nor does he have capacity for proper governance. So where lies his potentials for good governance?

A PDP governorship ticket to Idris Wada will further split the party and guarantee a bleak future as it will have a very long grim journey to comeback as a viable political party after a highly predictable electoral loss.

For the greater good of the Kogi people, the best advice for the PDP is to pressure Wada to relinquish power and allow someone else that is competent and popular to take over in order to rebuild a united and peaceful party. This may even provide a very good soft landing for Governor Idris Wada as he will still be accorded a leadership status in the party and by extension in the state.

In all, the selection of a next Kogi State governor will depend more on voters’ choice than party sentiments and impunity. Nevertheless, the final decider remains God. •Thomas wrote from Kabba, Kogi State.

‘Any other choice aside asking Wada to step down will spell doom for the PDP because it will be a mountainous task to convince the majority of Kogi voters that PDP means well for them with Wada on the ballot’

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

25

’

As President Obama eloquently said, PMB’s integrity, is perhaps his greatest asset.

’

See page 39

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

Since the news of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s unscheduled visits to Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, broke, it has been the talk of town. Last week, Justice Mohammed moved fast to stop such visits in future. He barred politically-exposed persons from visiting his residence and office. Henceforth, his security detail from the Department of State Services (DSS) and police orderly will be part of his interaction with “politicallyexposed lawyers”. Is the CJN’s directive in order? Under what cirtumstances can a politician visit a judge? ADEBISI ONANUGA sought lawyers’ views.

CJN bars politicians from home, office •Lawyers hail decision

T

INSIDE:

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) is not just any judicial officer. He is the foremost judge in the land and controls all other judges. So, like Caesar’s wife, the CJN must be above board.

CJN Mahmud Mohammed knows too well that he occupies a delicate post and that he should distance himself from anything that will tarnish his image.

This may be why he moved fast last week to ensure that he keeps politicians at bay following Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s unscheduled visits to him on July 6 and 8. The governor did not see His Lordship, but the visit sparked a major row. To many, the visit must be in connection with Wike’s governorship election dispute at the tribunal.

But the governor’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Ipunabo Inko-Tariah, said Wike wanted to discuss the lingering crisis in the state’s judiciary, among other issues.

However, in a bid to protect the judiciary and stave off pressure over electoral disputes, Justice Mohammed barred politicians from visiting him.

The CJN refused to accede to requests for courtesy calls by governors and legislators who had petitions pending against them at election tribunals and the

Unpaid wages: An abuse of labour rights -Page 28

courts.

He also warned High Court judges and other judicial officers to stay away from politicians as they strive to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

Where a lawyer who is politically-exposed is to meet with the CJN, security operatives must be present during such interaction.

The directive is the first of its kind by a CJN and will forestall attempts to drag the judiciary into politics.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers has dismissed the governor’s explanation. Its spokesman Chris Finebone said: ”The excuse by the governor that his visit had something to do with the matter of appointment of Chief Justice for Rivers State flies in the face. That was a mere facade. We understand how government business works and the governor needed not to personally pay any visits to the CJN over that matter in the way it was done.”

Finebone said the APC was aware of Wike’s visit to the CJN but decided not to make it a media issue and based on the party’s unflinching belief in the CJN’s integrity.

The party asked the governor to desist from secret visits to the CJN with a view to influencing the outcome of election petitions in various tribunals.

‘How to recover stolen funds’ -Page 37

The office of the CJN, through its media aide, Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, clarified that no meeting took place between the CJN and the governor.

Isah said the CJN “is veritably committed to upholding the integrity, neutrality and independence of our Judiciary”.

But political observers are contending that as officers in the temple of justice, the offices and residences of judicial officers should not be an all comers affairs but must be insulated from politicians.

They also reasoned that there is the need to effectively protect the judiciary’s sanctity and impartiality.

Is the CJN’s directive in order? Does the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers prohibits such visits?

What the code says Rule 1 of the Code says: “A Judicial Officer should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all his activities; A Judicial Officer should respect and comply with the laws of the land and should conduct himself at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence •Continued on page 26

Can Buhari appoint INEC acting chairman?

-Page 38

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

26

LAW COVER CONT’D

CJN bars politicians from home, office •Continued from page 25

in the integrity and impartiality of the Judiciary.”

On Social Relationships, the Code says: “A Judicial Officer must avoid social relationships that are improper or give rise to an appearance of impropriety, that cast doubt on the judicial officers’ ability to decide cases impartially, or that bring disrepute to the Judiciary.”

The Code added: “ A Judicial Officer should disqualify himself in a proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned...”

Lawyers are of the view that the restriction is welcome and is in line with the oath of office judges swore to uphold.

•Ngige

•Nwobike

‘

As officers in the temple of justice, the offices and residences of judicial officers should not be an all comers affairs but must be insulated from politicians

Lawyers speak To Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), a former Edo State Attorney-General Chief Charles UwensuyiEdosomwan, Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), Lagos lawyer Olukayode Enitan and Executive Director Access to Justice (AJ) Joseph Otteh, the order is a step in the right direction.

Ngige said the directive is not only commendable but timely.

Uwensuyi-Edosomwan (SAN): “It is a welcome development but the circumstances that would make the CJN to come out to give such directive is better imagined than real.

“Nigerian politicians have no respect for the institutions at all.

All they are interested in is their selfish agenda. I think the CJN has made a correct call. There is need for us to protect the integrity of

•Enitan

•Otteh

•Edosomwan

that office and that of other judges as well.”

Nwobike said the entire members of the judiciary should be protected from unholy visitations and interactions by persons with potentially conflicting interests.

“The foregoing notwithstanding, it is not being suggested that politically exposed persons and lawyers cannot meet with or visit mem-

bers of the judiciary in respect of official matters,” he said.

Enitan said the CJN’s directive cannot be faulted. ”A visit to any judicial officer by a public officer for official purposes and in public glare is perfectly in order.

“However an official visit by a potential or existing litigant who is a public officer would definitely raise eyebrows but a private visit

‘ raises alarm bells even though the judicial officer may be totally unaware of the visit as has happened in the instant case.

“The simple reason is that it suggests to the members of the public the possibility of an unconscionable relationship, and as you know, perceptions are very important, particularly in the judicial process.

A

FORMER Chambers Global editor, Mr. Lloyd Pearson, has praised the listing of “Nigeria’s Top 100 Lawyers” by City Lawyer Magazine.

He described the publication as a brave effort by its editor Emeka Nwadioke, a Lagos-based lawyer.

Announcing the ranking on his official website, Pearson who held senior editorial positions at leading legal directories in the United States and UK, recalled that he had taken interest in the ranking since 2014.

“Last year I wrote about a proposed new survey of the top 100 lawyers in Nigeria. News of the planned list – the first to be published in Nigeria by a native company – caused a furore locally,” he said.

Pearson noted that while some “disgruntled younger lawyers” said it was a conspiracy to stop them from competing with older, established names.

“There were even threats to sue the publishers to prevent the release of the list.”

According to Pearson who has held senior editorial position at White and Case, the world’s largest law firm, “despite what appeared to be insurmountable challenges, City Lawyer Publishers bravely went ahead and released the results,” adding that the publishers have assured that “print copies are on the way.”

Hinting on the survey’s methodology, Pearson noted that peer review “was the main way”

•From left: Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary Mazi Afam Osigwe, Mrs Joy Ahmed and Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court at an event.

Ex-Editor hails ‘Top 100 Lawyers’ list in which the awardees were determined, saying “Senior advocates in Nigeria were asked the question: ‘If you could not handle a case/brief yourself, to whom would you, with utmost confidence, refer it?’ And the lawyers with the highest number of nominations (were) selected to the list.”

Pearson has worked on several legal directories including

‘Chambers Global,’ ‘Chambers USA,’ ‘Chambers UK,’ ‘Best Lawyers,’ and ‘Best Law Firms’ survey.

He later joined Herbert Smith, a leading international law firm, and moved to White & Case in New York to manage the firm’s global directories programme. He is the industry’s first dedicated law firm directories manager.

Meanwhile, writing under

“Editors’ Pick” in The Global Legal Post, Ms. Catherine Berney said there was “much ado” about the ranking.

A CEDR mediator and globally renowned governance specialist whose clients include the UK Law Society, Goldman Sachs, and Baker and McKenzie, Berney stated that the publication is envisaged to be “transparent.”

The full list of the Top 100 lawyers

“There are rules that a judicial officer is to conduct himself by and whilst none of the Rules specifically prohibit such visit, the clear intendment of all the Rules prohibit a Judicial Officer from doing anything that will raise a question of impropriety or the appearance of impropriety or partiality or prejudice in all his activities whether privateofficial (judicial and administrative) or social.

Otteh said it is possible some of the CJN’s predecessors may have practised a similar policy of avoiding visits by political office holders although they practised some quiet diplomacy around it.

“I think this is a legitimate resolution: visits to the CJN by politically-exposed persons is fraught with risks that adverse perceptions may be drawn from such visits by members of the public.

“Rightly so, particularly when it is remembered that these persons may have litigations in courts and someday those litigations may reach the Supreme Court.

“Even where they don’t, the CJN has come to be regarded, rightly or wrongly, as being capable of exercising some leverage over how justice services are mediated or delivered in courts nationwide,” Otteh said.

To him, no CJN worth his salt would want to influence judicial outcomes in other courts, but that possibility is not a “never heard of circumstance in our recent history.”

What should be done Ngige said there is an urgent need for review of Code of Conduct for Judicial officers to take care of this type of ‘strange’ visits.

“In the same vein, spouses of politicians in our courts should be recused from hearing political cases in their courts,” he suggested.

Otteh believes the CJN’s decision will help boost public confidence that courts can be trusted to decide cases on the basis of facts and law before them, and not on the basis of “directives from above”.

“The Nigerian public needs that reassurance,” Otteh added. features leading litigators, transactional lawyers and lawyers in the academia who have shaped the legal industry over the years.

They include acclaimed litigators Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN) and ‘new kid on the block,’ Mr. Adeniyi Adegbonmire who, perhaps as a validation of his ranking, was recently listed among those to be conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September.

Others include Nigeria’s oldest surviving Senior Advocate, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN), Prof. Alfred Bandele Kasunmu (SAN), Chief F. O. Akinrele (SAN) and Chief George Uwechue (SAN). Aside from leading human rights activist, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and renowned arbitrator Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN), the nonSANs who also made the list are respected solicitors such as Messrs Asue Igbodalo, Lawrence Fubara Anga and Bankole Sodipo.

According to Nwadioke, the allgloss compendium highlighting the career paths and accomplishments of the awardees will be released soon.

The foreword to the over 100page compendium was written by renowned Justice Emeritus of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice George A. Oguntade (CFR) while the Board of Advisors is chaired

by Prof. Akin Oyebode of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

27

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

BOOK REVIEW

Easy way to resolve election petitions

A

T times like this, lawyers would be craving for literature that can hone their legal skills.

From the traditional laws like Land, Marriage, Matrimonial, Torts, Breach of contract to libel, books abound for their use.

With the increase in election petitions since 1999 general elections, it is gratifying to welcome a new literature on how a petitioner can discharge the burden of proving his or her case.

The arrival to the market of a 102-page book: “Forensic Advocacy and Election Litigation in Nigeria”, by a former Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Omoruyi Augustine Omonuwa(SAN) whom the Ondo State Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) described as someone “in his usual intellectual depth scholarship and analytical mind” should be applauded.

The learned author in the introduction while giving the definition and scope of the subject, quoted the definition of the subject matter by two learned authors: Andrew R. Jackson & Julie in their book, Forensic Science 2nd Edition (2008) as “the application of science to the resolution of legal disputes.

Science is valuable in this context because it has the potential to provide reliable, pertinent and definite information about a given case.”

Omonuwa, therefore, submitted that “Forensic Science has helped in the development of the law in several jurisdictions where it has been fully accepted and practised. In these jurisdictions, it is no longer difficult to prove the identity of a suspect nor his criminal culpability when eventually he is arraigned for the offence... It is no longer in doubt that forensic science is useful to the development of the law in any society”.

He summarised the branches of forensic science as follows: · Forensic Science and Law of Contract; · Forensic Science and the Law of Torts; · Forensic Science and Construction Law; · Forensic Pathology; · Forensic Toxicology; and · Forensic Serologist among others.

The learned author on page 19 defined Forensic Advocacy as the “art of channeling the energies and resources of forensic experts by legal practitioners in proof of his case before a court. The legal practitioners through his mastery of the legal intricacies underlying his case, is able to determine what manner of forensic evidence is needed to prove a particular charge or fact in issue in civil proceedings”.

Forensic Science: The Evidence, Act and Criminal Trials a Nigeria is discussed on pages 20 – 22, while pages 22 – 25 are dedicated to discuss Forensic Advocacy and Election Litigation. Here the tenor of section 138 of the Electoral Act 2010 for the grounds for the nullification of an election where the burden of proof was placed on the petitioners came to fore. He cited the cases of Nwobodo V. Onoh (1984) ALL NLR; Buhari V Obasanjo (2005) 2NWLR (Pt. 910) 24; Awuse V Odili (2004) 8NWLR (Pt. 876) 481 and Ajadi V. Ajibola (2004) 16 NWLR (Pt. 898) 91.

Name of Book:

Forensic Advocacy and Election Litigation in Nigeria

Omoruyi Augustine Omonuwa (SAN) Book reviewer: Gbolahan Gbadamosi Author:

No of Pages:

102

As an active participant in the post-2007 General Election petition i.e. Adams Oshiomhole V. Prof Osunbor & Ors (2007) 18 NWCR (Pt. 1065) 32 CA, Omonuwa devoted 17 pages to discuss Forensic Advocacy as a New Vista in the 2007 Post Election litigations (page 25 – 41).

He refreshed our memory where British Forensic expert, Andrian Forty was a Petitioner Witness in the case of Dr. Kayode Fayemi & Ors V. Segun Oni & Ors (2009) 7NWLR (p1. 1140) 223 CA. The election according to the petitioner was fraught with “irregularities, massive rigging and all manner of electoral malpractices.”

Prior to Fayemi’s case, the author recalled the first time the service of the Forensic expert (Forty) was used in post election litigation in Nigeria. The case of Olusegun Mimiko & Ors V Chief Olusegun Agagu & Ors (2009) 7 NWLR (Pt.1140) 342 CA, was cited. Forty’s report on the case, according to Omonuwa on p. 27 “had to pass the test of relevancy and admissibility in the course of proceedings.

Although the respondents resisted the admissibility of this report, the Practice Direction made pursuant to the Electoral Act of 2006, made it easy to admit the said report. It is no longer news that it was with the aid of this report that the petitioner was able to establish his case at the tribunals”.

On Oshiomhole’s case in which he participated, the author submitted that “The trial court used the voters register as well as the accreditation of voters as a basis for determining the lawful votes, although there was no actual manual recount of the ballot papers, it would have been tidier if the said ballot papers were subjected to forensic analysis to determine the genuiness of the thumbprints on them.”

Subsequent Elections in Nigeria and Forensic Science is another important issue raised by the learned author on p. 43 where he submitted that in the aftermath of the 2011 Presidential Election, there was the allegation by the then Presidential Candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change(CPC) that the election was rigged, ……. “Unfortunately though in view of the time frame allowed under the Electoral Act 2010 and the Practice Direction made pursuant thereto, the petitioner had no time to prove these weighty allegations”.

On Page confession of a Captain in the Nigerian Army that Army and other security agencies were compromised and used to rig the Governorship election that ousted Dr. Fayemi of Ekiti State from the office.

With the use of forensic analysis the voice recording of the suspected conspirator’s and co-conspirators in the rigging plan and execution was instructive though the confes-

sion came too late as the report confirmed an 80 percent accuracy of the voices of the public figures by the Army Officer in the Ekiti rigging incident.

Coming to this year’s General Election and Forensic Advocacy, the learned silk noted the unique strategy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use electronic cards i.e. Permanent Voter’s card (PVC).

He said in all the proceedings going on at the various election petitions, “data from the card readers will be subjected to Forensic Analysis preferably by information communication technology experts”.

He added on page 47 that “It is equally expected that these will form the basis for forensic advocacy by the respective parties, thus making the job of the adjucator (the elector tribunal) less arduous”.

On the way forward, Omonuwa suggested the following points:The proposal for the review of the Evidence Act should be done to take cognisance of forensic advocacy. The rules for the relevancy and admissibility of forensic evidence should be included. The use of the sections dealing with expert evidence would not suffice in the circumstances as the experts contemplated therein are expected to proffer opinions as distinct from a forensic scientist who is expected to present a scientific report. ·Our law enforcement agents should be adequately tutored in the area of forensic science. This would improve on their investigative skills, especially the gathering and protection of evidence in a crime scene. A lot of in-service training and refresher courses may suffice in the circumstances: •Legal practitioner, especially those wanting to be successful in election petitions should endeavour to understand the fundamentals of forensic advocacy within the parameters of the Electoral Act and the Practice Directions made pursuant thereto. No doubt, a symposium in the continuous legal training programme on this would equally suffice.

•he curriculum content of our undergraduate training for lawyers should be expounded to include a training in the fundamentals of forensic science and; •The electoral reforms should include a review of the Electoral Act to streamline and reduce the difficulties involved in the admissibility of forensic reports in election petitions proceedings.

Adequate references were made to the use of Forensic Science in Election Jurisprudence in other jurisdictions, namely the United States, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands where he affirmed that, “ in all of these cases, the point that came clearly, is that election as a process is not error free, even with the use of electronic or digital technology”.

For easy reference the book has four appendixes with indexes.

I recommend the book whom the author dedicated to the immediate past Minister of Justice Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN)CFR “ for restoring dignity and professionalism to the office of the Attorney-General and

•From left: Sub-Dean Faculty of Law, Dr. Kemi Adekile; Bursar, Lateef Odekunle; Registrar, Dr. Taiwo Ipaye; Deputy Governor, Osun State, Dr. Laoye Tomori and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Jide Alo, during the valedictory for the late former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos, Professor Michael Iyiola Jegede(SAN).

MACH NEWS 9 - LAW FOLDER JULY 28, 2015\COVER

Minister of Justice in Nigeria” to all and sundry.

“I, therefore, adopt the words of Jegede (SAN) in the Foreword: “the increasing reliance on electronic register, voters’ Card reader and finger print verification machine the manner and mode of proof of evidence by forensic means makes this initiative and the book itself a worthy companion for lawyers while interest is in Election Litigation and the development of our law”.

In conclusion, I am positive that the desired aim of this book according to the author which “is to create an increased awareness in forensic advocacy and help determine how potentially useful it could be ought to be in the resolution of post-election litigations in Nigeria” would be met.

NBA Ikorodu plans co-operative society, lawyers’ estate

By Robert Egbe

T

HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, is set to establish a Co-Operative Society and Lawyers’ Estate for its members.

The Chairman of the branch, Adedotun Adetunji, who made this made this known during the Annual General Meeting (NBA) of the body, also said the branch had amended its bye-laws, adding that the amended laws take immediate effect.

He said when work on the Co-operative Society was completed, the 166 lawyers on the association’s register, as well as new members, would have a befitting Lawyer’s Estate.

The AGM, which was the 10th to be organised by the branch since its formation, and which held at the branch’s secretariat in Ikorodu, featured the adoption of the branch’s amended By Laws, the adoption of its 2014/2015 Audit, Treasurer’s and Secretary’s, and Chairman’s Reports respectively, as well as a public lecture.

The reports highlighted the Executive Committee’s activities in the past one year, since being sworn into office on July 7, this year. In April, last year, the branch made history by equipping the Ikorodu Court House with 24-hour’ internet services, becoming the first NBA branch in Lagos to do so.

The chairman gave an update on the branch’s website, urging past chairmen to supply the information required by the secretariat, so that the website can be up and running.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

28

LAW AND SOCIETY Lagos lawyer Ayokunle Akinpelu writes on why workers are worth their wages.

Unpaid wages: An abuse of labour rights J

UST when one thinks the ugly past of working without pay, was over for Nigerian civil servants, the workers’ survival and welfare have again come under severe attack for over five months, and this is due to no fault of the workers.

Ordinarily, the average civil servant is usually paid mere pittance by the state. But even the pittance now seems a luxury as about two-thirds of the states of the Federation are unjustifiably in arrears of civil servants’ salaries and benefits.

The law seems weak in aiding and rescuing civil servants whose livelihood is being emasculated by their employers.

The helplessness of the current situation, in which the civil servants have found themselves, exposes the fundamental limitations of the Nigerian Labour Law. The Nigerian Labour Act represents the key framework for the protection of every class of workers including skilled and unskilled workers, private and public workers as defined under Section 91 of the Labour Act. The Nigerian Civil Servant is therefore not excluded from the protection of the Nigerian Labour Act. The Nigerian Labour Act not only makes provision for employment issues but also protects wages. Section (7) of the Labour Act provides that a worker should have a written statement that specifies the rate, manner and period of payment of his salary. Section (15) of the Act provides that;”wages shall become due and payable at the end of each period for which the contract is expressed to subsist, that is to say, daily, weekly or at such other period as may be agreed upon. Provided that, where the period is more than one month, the wages shall become due and payable at intervals not exceeding one month” The combined interpretation of the provisions of Sections 7 and 15 of the Labour Act above would mean that every employer, inclusive of the government, is bound to issue within three months, a detailed letter of appointment stating the amount of the agreed wages and period of payment.

Upon fulfilling those responsibilities, the employer shall further ensure that such wages are paid at the agreed time and if the employment subsists for more than a month, then such payment shall be paid monthly. A Month, according to Section 18(1) of the Interpretation Act Cap I23 LFN 2004, is defined as meaning a calendar month reckoned, according to the Gregorian calendar. It would therefore mean employers shall make payment at the end of each Gregorian calendar month.

Unfortunately, while the Labour Act makes provision for the protection of workers in Nigeria, it has failed to provide any sanction on any person who fails to obey the letter and the spirit of the Act. The non-provision of both penal and civil sanctions is a recipe for anarchy in the labour market especially as to payment of wages in Nigeria.

Scandalously, the state governments, who ordinarily should be the most protective of their workers welfare, are now the biggest culprits needlessly owing salaries of civil servants for periods up to five months.

This executive lawlessness is subjecting civil servants to economic hardship, pains and penury. There is no known instance of any of the state governors responsible for this mindless decimation of their workers’ wellbeing having stopped salaries of public officials in the affected states nor have stopped the undeserved and bogus pensions they pay to ex-governors and other public officials as a sign of regard and commitment to their workers salary as first line priority. Not one instance yet, and this speaks volumes of the sense of service lacking in these states some of whose governors just handed over the huge debt portfolio to their successors.

A government should at all times maintain, and comply with the provisions of the law. This responsibility is one that has been entrusted on them, neither by providence nor circumstances but by the constitution to which all persons, including the government, must submit. Section 1(1) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (CFRN) as amended provides

thus “this Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on the authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The Labour Act having been passed by the legislature, pursuant to enabling powers from the constitution, must be obeyed by private and public employers, including the government.

Any contravention of the Act should therefore be seen as a direct contravention of the Constitution that must not be tolerated by the society, and to which such violators must face the wrath of the law irrespective of their status as private or public organisations.

Civil servants are the minds through which government responsibilities are undertaken. They ensure the implementation of government policies and directive principles of the constitution. They assist the government in carrying out the responsibilities assigned to her, responsibilities that cannot be subrogated to other sections of the Nigerian society.

Therefore, every government that is serious about fulfilling the responsibilities that has been saddled on her must ensure that civil servants are properly and timely paid their salaries and benefits. Provision of Infrastructural development need not be at parallel lines, or be mutually exclusive with payment of workers’ salary.

While it is necessary to commit to infrastructural development, it must be noted by every government that the law does not command the impossible. As such, pretending to undertake misplaced infrastructural elephant projects at the detriment of workers’ basic welfare is an affront on the rights to human dignity of the affected workers.

The Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not encourage the starvation of any class of people including civil servants.

Section 16 (1) of the Constitution provides that the government shall “control the national economy in such manner as to secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity. Section 16 (2) (b) further directs that “the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.” It is, therefore, imperative that every government must find a balance between the welfare of the civil servants and the infrastructural development of the society.

The failure of the government in securing the welfare of the civil servants and the lack of attendant enforceable sanctions and remedy for the mass of affected workers, indicts our Labour Law as too weak to bring the government in check when it abuses workers mass rights as currently being done.

While a short term resolution is being expected to assuage the needless pains Civil Servants have been put through over the months, it would be necessary to re-evaluate the Labour Act to meet with the new dynamic labour challenges that workers are facing.

Perhaps, it is time to make payment of workers’ salaries the priority before any public official is paid. If workers cannot be

‘

It would therefore be instructive that the new government pays proper attention to the plight of the workers and ensure that their salaries and benefits are paid promptly, and likewise must not turn a blind eye to the perpetual refusal of some state and local government to pay salaries of their diverse workers

‘

•Akinpelu

paid, we can as well not pay public officials who are responsible for the proper, or improper, management of the resources in the first place. Sanctions and penalties for defaulters of the Act, which is inclusive of the government, should be better spelt out, and enforced.

In provision of sanctions and penalties, the amendment must not only criminalise the breach but also provide for compensation for the aggrieved workers. An effective system must also be developed to ensure that such breaches are reported while also providing for the non-victimisation of the whistle-blower.

Fortunately, the newly inaugurated administration in setting a new agenda for the country has emphasised the indispensable role of the Nigerian worker, and the Labour Unions. It would therefore be instructive that the new government pays proper attention to the plight of the workers and ensure that their salaries and benefits are paid promptly, and likewise must not turn a blind eye to the perpetual refusal of some state and local government to pay salaries of their diverse workers.

It should ensure, in keeping up with “Change” mantra that it provides for a robust system that ensures a satisfying reward for workers. The new administration must also create a proper monitoring strategy that tracks private employers who also breach the provisions of the Law with respect to prompt payment of workers’ due salaries.

The new administration must not just seek to create jobs for the unemployed but also seek to keep the employed paid so that the fundamental objectives of the state can be achieved.

It would be a disaster that the new administration, which has the goodwill of the masses, including the currently oppressed Civil Servants, should fail in providing a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework that ensures the betterment of workers’ welfare in Nigeria.

•Akinpelu is a Lagos based lawyer

Lawyer seeks tribunal’s relocation

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•Akpadiaha

HAIRMAN Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA) Eket branch, Mr. Akpadiaha Ebitu has called for the imme diate relocation of the Akwa Ibom State Election Petition Tribunal back to the state to alleviate the sufferings of lawyers and litigants in the matter.

The Tribunal was relocated to Abuja where it sits to hear petitions file against Governor Emmanuel Udom.

Ebitu said: “We have been told that the reason given by those that asked for the relocation is that the Tribunal members and witnesses to the litigants were either harassed or threatened, that the security of the members were not guaranteed “My reaction is this simple: Those who sold these blatant lies to achieve their purpose of relocating the tribunals to Abuja are definitely up to some mischief as same cannot be the Akwa Ibom that I am based and practise law in peacefully.

“My membership of the NBA National Executive Committee since 2004 has afforded me the opportunity of visiting 32 out of the 36 states and based on this, I can conveniently say that no state in Nigeria is as peaceful as Akwa Ibom in the pre or post-election period.

“Therefore, for any Akwa Ibom citizen to paint a picture to achieve his inordinate ambition is to say the least, very unfortunate and should be condemned by every right thinking Akwa Ibom citizen who loves the state.

“I, therefore, unequivocally condemn in the strongest

By John Austin Unachukwu

terms those behind this regrettable development which now gives a very erroneous impression that Akwa Ibom is a violent state.

“Granted but not conceding that per chance, the Tribunal orders a rerun of any of the elections, will they also call for the relocation of the election to another State and ask voters to go there and vote?

“If according to them the Police and other securities agencies cannot guarantee the safety of the Tribunal members, the litigants and their witnesses now, how can these same security agencies guarantee the safety of the voters in the rerun?

“If the reason for the relocation is for the safety of the witnesses according to them, will those witnesses not return to Akwa Ibom State after testifying in Abuja?

“I am sure that if above questions had been considered by those unpatriotic Akwa Ibom people, they definitely would have had a rethink.

“I even wonder why those behind the relocation think that they will have any advantage over their opponents because I know the Tribunal with the calibre of people there cannot be influenced by them and they will definitely give justice properly on the merit of the case.

“My only concern is the avoidable cost it has brought on lawyers and litigants alike.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

Apart from the Sambisa forest, the base of the Boko Haram insurgents, there is Kamuku, another stretch of vegetation covering four Northwest states and Niger, used by criminals. The good part is that the state governments have teamed up to rid the forest of hoodlums. ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE reports

PAGE 29

INSIDE Plateau police table needs before IG

PAGE 30

Airtel rehabilitates school in Kwara

•Governor Nasir el-Rufai and others at the forest HE horrors of Boko Haram inside Sambisa forest are well documented. Not so the evil perpetrated in and from the Kamuku forest, which stretches across four northwest states of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, and the Northcentral Niger.

While Sambisa has served the insurgents as an operational base, den to keep hostages and routes through which to ferry arms and other supplies, the Kamuku vegetation has provided cow thieves places to keep stolen animals, as well as a base from which to strike such cities as Kaduna and rob and kill victims. Criminals using the forest as hideout are not members of the Boko Haram group, though, but they are no less dreaded.

The governments of the states, seing the present and future threat of the forest, came together with an action plan to smoke the criminals out of the forest. They want to tame the evil forest and contain other security challenges peculiar to their states. They fear that Kamuku could breed future inrity. surgents.

He said, “The forest which is in The governors met in Kaduna to brainstorm ways of address- the centre of the Kaduna, Niger, ing the security threats posed by Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara, has the forest. Even though, the been of serious security concern. resolution of the meeting held So, we need to address it because behind closed doors in the state that forest is capable of breeding Government House was not dis- future Boko Haram. So, we have closed, the host Governor Nasir just met to brainstorm with a view el-Rufai told reporters their dis- to fashioning out a coordinated apcussion was mainly about secu- proach in tackling the security

T

Coalition against the other evil forest ‘The forest, which is in the centre of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states has been of serious security concern. So, we need to address it because that forest is capable of breeding future Boko Haram. So, we have just met to brainstorm with a view to fashioning out a coordinated approach in tackling the security challenges in our states. This is has become necessary to avoid spillover’ challenges in our states. This has become necessary to avoid spillover.

“We met with security chiefs in charge of our respective states so that we can as quickly as possible bring an end to the loss of lives, cattle rustling and loss of property.”

He disclosed that the five state governors have the support of the

federal government in the plan.

Even, the Federal Government has demonstrated commitment to collaborate with the state governments. But the most gratifying news is the arrest of nine accused cattle rustlers and recovery of over 2,000 cows in the Kaduna axis of the forest.

The breakthrough was achieved after the joint security operatives, including the military, police and others raided the bandits hideout in Birnin Gwari and Damari village. Three suspects were killed in the gun battle with the security operatives.

Governor el-Rufai, who visited the forest, commended the security personnel for their “swift intervention”, pledging that the government would offer maximum support to ensure success of the operation.

He said that the operation was part of the new offensive in the Northwest against cattle rustling.

“So far, so good. We are satisfied •Continued on page 30

PAGE 31

Questions over conflicting traffic lights

PAGE 33

Closing in on oil looters

PAGE 36

30

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT

•Inspector-General of Police Mr Solomon Arase addressing the Plateau State command HERE seemed to be a balance of demands as Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase visited the Plateau State command. His mission was to press home the directive of Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase’s visit to Plateau State was as much an opportunity President Muhammadu Buhari that the police should really take to orientate the command on stepping up internal security duties as it was for the state charge of internal security, while commissioner to press for solutions to enduring challenges. YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU reports the armed forces concentrate on securing national borders.

He stated further, “In the entire Mr Arase made that much clear welcoming the IG to the command retired Major General, so the chunk One of it is the issue of Fulani and but he also lectured the state headquarters in Jos, said, “Plateau is of retired generals in the state is the natives. There have been age- Plateau state, the population of the personnel on human rights abuses, one of the states in the North Central found in Plateau South senatorial long disputes between them over policemen 6000 plus, the problem roadblocks, extortion, bail, zone...comprising three senatorial zone, and that is a problem on its arable land and grazing land. And it we have over that is barracks has been so serious that you have accommodation. The barracks we training and promotions. Arase zones; Plateau North, Plateau Central own.

Mr. Oki also said, “In the Central given us two mobile units to assist have here need renovations. We told them of a brand new police to and Plateau South. Each of these senatorial zones has their peculiar zone, we don’t have serious us and they are really doing have tried in our own capacity to evolve from what used to be. repair the ones we can, but there is His hosts also had their list of crime situation. Like in the south, the problems with crime, but in the wonderful job in that place.

The second problem in Plateau still need for more to be renovated. demands if those of the IGP were main problem we have there is North, we have two areas that is proliferation of arms, nearly every disturbing, and the government as North is the issue of rustling, the The headquarters too needs some to be adequately met.

The state Commissioner of home in the south has arms. In every well as the command have been on crime is very rampart there and we •Continued on page 31 Police Nasiru Oki while house there you will find at least one it to make sure everything went fine. are doing our best to curb the crime.

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•Continued from page 29 with the work done by the armed forces in trying to contain the problem of cattle rustling and general security threats that have lingered for too long.

“The joint operation is between six states that share the Birnin Gwari forest, that is Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Niger. This operation is the Kaduna State end, but it is also happening in the other affected neighbouring states. We will recover stolen cattle and tackle the security challenges in the area,’’ he said.

Over 700 cattle have been recovered.

The nine arrested suspects, under interrogation by el-Rufai and Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Umar Shehu, said they were innocent. One of them who was allegedly arrested with rustled cattle told the governor that he is a farmer.

But after touching his palms, el-Rufai said they were too soft to be a farmer’s.

The security operatives also informed the governor that one of the accused identified as Iliya had local bulletproof, otherwise known as ‘Odieshi’ or anti-bullet charms.

With the recent arrest, residents of villages bordering the forest expressed the hope that crime in their area will be curtailed. Virtually each of the five states bordering Kamuku forest has had its share of attacks by the criminals in the last four years, with Kaduna and Zamfara the worst hit.

Plateau police table needs before IG

•Some of the suspects

Coalition against the other evil forest The criminals suspected to be a large group had invaded villages in the two states of Kaduna and Zamfara, killing not less than 25 persons.

In October 2012, a group of high profile gunmen from the forest who always disguised as armed robbers, invaded Dogon Daji community in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing at least 20 villagers including those who were leaving a mosque after the morning prayers.

They carried out the brazen attack in the early hours of the day after embarking on a house to house search and shooting and

killing people indiscriminately.

Some of their victims were stabbed to death, while others were slaughtered.

Sources in the village claimed the killings were a revenge attack by armed robbers as the community vigilance group helped capture some robbers who were attacking passengers and motorists in the area some weeks prior to the attack.

Some villagers sharply disagreed with the armed robbery theory, insisting that the attackers had other motives beyond armed robbery.

In Zamfara, the same group

of gunmen under the guise of armed robbery attacked several villages in the remote villages of Zamfara bordering the forest and killed 27 persons.

The Nation gathered that the Zamfara attack was also a revenge mission, after some criminal gang members were arrested or killed and the gangs blamed the villagers for informing on them.

A police source in Gusau said they were not suspected to be members of Islamist sect Boko Haram, which have infiltrated most of northern Nigeria, but another terrorist group.

Out of the 27 persons, 18 were

killed at Dangulbi village in Marua Local Government Area and the rest from other surrounding villages of Diya, Guru and Sabo Kasuwa.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen numbering over 30 stormed Dangulbi around 2am with an informant who was directing them to the houses of key members of the vigilance group.

Since the 2012 attacks, crimes around the forest have been unceasing, and even though previous governments of the respective states took several security to contain such criminality, there was no permanent solution.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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THE NORTH REPORT

Benue communities agonise over road

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HEN will the agony end in Agedam and Genger communities in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State? One of their most important roads, Shima Gyoh Road, has been in disrepair for over 10 years since contractors abandoned it.

The bridge linking both communities have been destroyed as a result of the disrepair, throwing the residents into all manner of trouble.

Three years ago, the state government began construction again on the Genger Bridge but the work was abandoned and it has remained that way till date.

Many residents lamented the situation.

Mr Matthew Zakari, a resident of Genger, said, “It really baffles me that things like this still happen in Nigeria. The abandoned road is a major setback in terms of attracting development to the community. I wish the state government can do something about it because without anything being done, more harm would be caused to those of us living in the area especially during this rainy season.”

Pastor Onojah Ameh, of the United Evangelical Church whose church building is threatened by the bad state of the road, describes

By Benjamin Idoko and Joshua Obelle

the dwindling fortunes that the church has had to battle with.

“It has been a bitter experience for the masses living in these communities and especially the church building. The entire fence has been brought down by flood from the stream which leaves the church building under threat. It will be a thing of joy for the church and the entire community if the government does something urgently about this.

“Because of the heavy water flow, [pedestrians and motorists] find it difficult to cross to church. This is not a good development. So with prayers we are calling on the government whether federal or state to come to our rescue.”

The dust generated from the untarred road has also brought members of both communities, children and adults alike face to face with health hazards.

Gabriel Abu, a graduate of the Federal College of Education, Obudu who resides along the untarred road in Agedam, bemoaned his fate.

“The amount of dust we inhale durContinued on page 33

•Continued from page 30 kind of repair especially the tailoring section and the stores, the roofs are leaking seriously, such that each time there is rain, the men have to evacuate their properties and leave the place. And at the end of each rain, the men have to return there to mop up the water and clean up the place.

“In this command we have efficient mechanics and electricians; if any of our cars develops a problem, I can beat my chest that they will repair it here without looking for mechanics outside. The men in this unit are very competent and able.

“Sir, we want to commend you sir for the ‘operation safer highways’ you gave to us, they have been position in a very strategic point and are helping situations too. The ones you gave us before too have been given to divisions and the divisions are making adequate use of them too in combating crimes in the state generally. However, like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more, Sir. “We...need to establish an additional Area Command in Plateau Central.

“Sir, we are also requesting for an additional Mobile Squadron because of the volatility of this place. There have been structures on ground, all that is needed now is to renovate the place and staff the Quarters.

“In addition, Sir, we shall be grateful if we can have a transit camp in this place because of officers who are being transferred to this place.

When the officers come on transfer they have no place to stay, you see

Plateau police table needs before IG them hanging around, sleeping at the headquarters. So if we have a transit camp in this state it will help us seriously.”

Mr Arase said, “In as much as I appreciate the efforts of the policemen and women for making sure internal security of Plateau State remains one of the best in this country, I wish to challenge you to do more...I have listened to your commissioner on the challenges you are facing. But I can assure you that in spite of dwindling resources and logistics, we should continue to do our best because President Muhammadu Buhari is very passionate about your welfare, Mr President is ready to do all that is necessary for you to deliver on your mandate.

“Let me inform you of the strategic thrust of this administration, first and foremost is the issue of roadblocks; [they have] been dismantled and...will remain so, but that does not mean that occasionally, when there are security threats we will not engage on ‘stop and search’. And we talk about stop and search, we are not expecting you to go back to the old ways of harassing members of the public or collecting money on the highways. This administration has a zero-tolerance for corruption, we will not encourage it. It is my belief the

people that you serve are very nice people and when they see that you are serving them responsibly, they have a way of tour hing your life the way you never expect. So there is no point for you to start extorting them on the highways.

“Secondly, we are averse to the commercialisation of bail, and that is why I have insisted that our investigation process should be inteligence-driven. By this, I mean if you have a case brought before you, you should gather sufficient evidence before inviting the parties involved. And by the time you invite them before you, I expect that it should not take more than 24 hours for you to reach a decision to proffer charges or allow the person to go on bail.

“We have been able to launch the “Safer Highways” currently we have 555 of such vehicles across the 36 states of the country. We have also ensure that all those issues that compel you into corruption like fueling of the vehicles and feeding while on patrol will be addressed soon. It is also good to let you know that when cases are brought before you, you should be able to distinguished between civil cases and commercial cases and also tried to resist been dragged into taking corruption.”

Airtel rehabilitates school in Kwara

T

ELECOMS firm, Airtel Nigeria Limited has rehabilitated a primary school, Iyeru-Okin, in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Airtel Nigeria has earlier done a similar thing at Oremeji Primary School II, Ajegunle, Lagos Stata, St. John’s Primary School, Oke-Agbo in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Community Primary School, Amumara, Imo State and Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Cross River State under its Adopt-a-School Programme.

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly transformed Iyeru-Okin Primary School, the Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria Ltd, Segun Ogunsanya said under the company will adopt government-owned schools in rural and semi-urban communities for rehabilitation or rebuilding.

Represented by Chief Sales Officer Godfrey Efhebor, Mr. Ogunsanya said that is embarking on the programme as part of its corporate social responsibility or CRS. He said, “We are pleased to partner your government and indeed the people of Nigeria to participate in the area of primary education for the undeserved rural poor; education, to us, is the bedrock of development of the nation and the best place to start is the formative stage of children.

“Nigerian government has taken various initiatives in this direction but has often not reached the poorest section of the society.”

Airtel managing director added that has brought notable transformation to these schools by providing ultra-modern blocks of classrooms, borehole, furniture and provision of uniforms, bags and educational materials on an annual basis.

His words: “Last year hundreds of pupils and teachers benefited from Airtel free eye screening ex-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ercises conducted in the adopted schools. In addition to this, several teachers in the schools have been trained by Airtel in collaboration with state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) of the various states.

“It is pertinent to add here that we have not just come to upgrade infrastructure and go away, but we will continue to support the adopted school on a long-term basis. It is certain that government alone cannot bring about the change we all are craving for, but we know that an enabling environment is necessary for change to happen.

“We are hopeful that this project will add value to the lives of the children of Iyeru-Okin community, and who knows we may be providing classrooms for the grooming of future employees of Airtel Nigeria.

“I will request the government to keep supporting our efforts as we strive to contribute our quota to making Nigeria a better place.

Specifically, we want to urge the community members to help protect the facilities from hoodlums and vandals.”

In a remark, the state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said the Airtel’s gesture deserves commendation and applause.

The governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Alhaji Lamidi Alabi said that “the project represents a contribution to our educational development through corporate social responsibility intervention. We are therefore grateful to board, management and staff of Airtel for initiating and completing this project.

“While soliciting similar intervention to other schools across the state, I urge other organizations to emulate Airtel and give back to the communities in which it operates.

•The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Alhaji Lamidi Alabi (right) at the inauguration of the project in Offa. With him are the Ojomu of Offa, High Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola (middle) and Airtel’s Chief Sales Officer Godfrey Efhebor

‘We have not just come to upgrade infrastructure and go away, but we will continue to support the adopted school on a long-term basis. It is certain that government alone cannot bring about the change we all are craving for, but we know that an enabling environment is necessary for change to happen’ I understand that Airtel has upgraded three blocks of classrooms and equipped with white box, chairs and tables. Further the company is providing uniforms and school bags for 400 pupils including other support infrastructure materials.

“Doing so will not only be prag-

matic, it will also create significant goodwill for such communities and the companies. On our part we remain committed to promoting the security and welfare of the people through targeted social and physical infrastructure. We are also implementing policies to stimulate economic activities and

attract investment inflow as pathway for people’s economic empowerment.

“In line with this determination, I will soon outline our strategic programmes for the socioeconomic and infrastructural development of our state.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Dr. Musa Dasuki said the programme would touch the lives of many in Offa and humanity at large.

Dr. Dasuki, who was represented by Direct of Planning, Research and Statistics in the board, Raudat Yusuf said the project comprises the renovation of three blocks of eight classrooms, three offices; installation of lightings and ceiling fans; construction of borehole with an overhead tank; provision of 43 sets of table for the pupils; eight set of tables for teachers; 400 school uniforms and 400 school bags for pupils.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT

Mission to liquidate insurgency now or never, says Shettima

‘The appointment of new service chiefs on July 13 seems to have made Shettima a happy man. Two indigenes of his state are among the security chiefs. They are the National Security Advisers (NSA), Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno and Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen. Tukur Buratai’

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima is hopeful that the insurgency battle will soon be over, with the appointment of new service chiefs, reports VICTOR IZEKOR

H

APPY days are here for Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, who once lamented how he was being treated under former President Goodluck Jonathan. As governor of a state, which is the epicentre of Boko Haram insurgency, Shettima was kept in the dark about security issues in his domain by the then government.

He was not invited to security meetings neither was he informed of postings of security personnel. Borno is close to Chad, Cameroun and Niger, the three countries which Boko Haram either uses as a launch pad or crosses into after attacking Nigerian communities.

In the negotiations with those countries on how to stem the Boko Haram insurgency, the Jonathan administration also did not carry Shettima along. The governor may have drawn the ire of the government then because of his declaration that the military was not as equipped as the Boko Haram insurgents.

Following that statement, the soldiers deployed in the Government House in Maiduguri, the state capital, were withdrawn and replaced with policemen.

During Jonathan’s visit to troops in Baga after the town was recaptured from insurgents, Shettima, as host governor, was not on hand to receive him. Reason: he was not aware of the former president’s visit. Watchers felt the federal and state governments should collaborate on the war against insurgency and as such were worried by the development. To elder statesman, Alhaji Shettima Ali Monguno, the federal and state governments must work together to defeat Boko

Haram. He lamented what he called the communication gap between the two tiers of government, saying it was not good for insurgency battle.

Faced by what he felt was an adverse situation, Shettima declared: “I am an unhappy man.”

With his state under Boko Haram siege, he was not getting help from the Jonathan administration, which should have supported him with men and materials. Why was this so? Was it because Jonathan and Shettima are not members of the same party? Things are now looking up for the “unhappy” governor.

The appointment of new service chiefs on July 13 seems to have made Shettima a happy man.

Two indigenes of his state are among the security chiefs. They are the National Security Advisers (NSA), Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno and Chief of Army Staff, Maj- Gen. Tukur Buratai.

Speaking when he hosted the Lt. Gen. T. Y. Danjuma-led Insurgency Victims Support Fund in Maiduguri, Shettima expressed joy at their appointment. According to him, with the duo working in concert with other top security chiefs, the battle to liquidate insurgency is now or never. This, he said, is the best opportunity to curb the insurgents’ excesses.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice of Monguno and Buratai as NSA and COAS was a “classic case of putting square pegs in square holes because both men have been given the mandate of liberating their state, which is the epicentre of Boko Haram activities”.

Shettima said: “Monday, July 13 was the happiest moment of my life. President Muhammadu

•Governor Shettima

Buhari made a strong statement by his decision to appoint two highly competent sons of Borno to the offices of the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Army Staff. I think his strategy was to get people with ancestral knowledge of the Borno terrain.

Maj. Gen. Tukur Buratai is even a direct victim of Boko Haram attacks. He lost family members when his residence was attacked earlier this year in Buratai, a town in Biu local government area. Monguno was destroyed and once occupied by Boko Haram and that is where the new NSA, retired Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno hails from. In fact, a key family member of General Monguno is still being held captive by Boko Haram insurgents.

“These two Generals are from Borno, they know exactly where it pinches and most importantly, they understand the terrain and can easily connect with communities to get local support. Added to them is also the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar who hails from Bauchi, also in the Northeast.

AVM Abubakar spent many of his formative years in the military here in Borno State. He spent over 10 years in Borno; he knows the terrain very well also and can connect with the people. I think for us, it is now or never because the President has generously put sons of Borno and the Northeast to lead the battle for the freedom of Borno, the Northeast and the rest of Nigeria, from the murder-

ous threats of insurgents”.

Since Buhari assumed office on May 29, there has been a thaw in relationship between the federal and Borno State governments.

Unlike in the past, Shettima is now being recognised by the Federal Government. He was a member of the Federal Government delegation to Chad and Niger where the joint military operations of Nigeria and its neighbouring countries against insurgency were discussed.

Shettima was also a member of the Federal Government delegation to the United States where securities and other issues were

thrashed out. The Federal Government through the National Emergency Reflief Agency (NEMA) has also relieved Borno State of the burden of maintaining millions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), a programme, which costs billions of naira. Under the Jonathan administration, the state bore the huge cost of the programme as the Federal Government only gave it N200 million for the scheme. The Federal Government also distributed relief materials to the IDPs at random.

•Izekor, a journalist, wrote from Maiduguri

Centre trains 1,200 addicts From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

N

O fewer than 1,200 drug addicts have been given an opportunity to lead a productive life upon being weaned off drugs.They have been trained in skills by a Kaduna Statebased organisation, the Nigas Rehabilitation Centre.

The founder of the organisation, Alhaji Lawal Muduru made the gesture known at a briefing in Sokoto.

According to Muduru who said the centre was established in 2006, the graduates were part of the nearly 1600 inmates who had been rehabilitated by the centre.

He said that the graduates who were hitherto drugs addicts were trained in carpentry, blacksmithing, ICT, tie and dye, shoemaking, saloon operations, cosmetics production and sewing and knitting, among others.

Maduru said the Centre assisted them with tools to start up their own businesses so as to facilitate their re-integration into the society.

“This is to make them self-reliant and reduce the likely stigma they may face after leaving the Centre,’’ he explained, adding, “The Centre currently has about 240 inmates, including Muslims and Christians, and the task of taming the drugs menace is not the responsibility of the government alone. NDLEA should be adequately funded, staffed and equipped to make it more efficient [in order to] boost the anti-drugs war.”

•From left: Mr. Saleh Dunoma, Managing Director, FAAN; Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Dr. Ibrahim Idris, Director, Planning, Research •Participants at the 20th National Ummah Convention organised by National Islamic Centre in Dutse on Sunday & Statistics

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

33

THE NORTH REPORT

•Some of the farmers and officers of the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture at the event

W

OMEN farmers in Kwara State have decried “incessant attacks” on their farmlands by Fulani herdsmen.

The women drawn from Asa, Offa, Kaiama, Baruten, Patigi, Edu local government areas, and parts of Ilorin, the state capital, are members of the Smallholder Women Farmers Association of Nigeria (SHOWFAN).

They spoke at a meeting in Ilorin with the permanent secretary of the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, saying they suffered incalculable losses at the hands of cow rustlers.

They were led by the Senior Programme Officer, Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE)/ Actionaid Nigeria, Ayuba Abdulrahman at the meeting.

One of the women, Zainab Yahaya, from Kaiama local government area of the state, who narrated her ordeals in the hands of

Kwara women farmers decry herdsmen’s attacks From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

the Fulani herdsmen, said that the losses she incurred as a result of the attack on her farmland made her cry for three months.

The rural women farmers urged concerned authorities to help find a solution to some of the challenges being faced in their farming profession.

They added that they needed government assistance on improved seedlings, access to soft loan, provision of insecticide, fertilisers and knapsack sprayers.

The senior programme officer of CCEPE, in consultation with the women farmers also urged to the state ministry of agriculture to always interact with the farmers, who he said are primary stakeholders, during annual budget preparation.

He said that, “This, in our own opin-

ion will help in ensuring a more robust, pro-farmers and gender responsive agriculture budget.”

Mr. Abdulrahman was optimistic that the needs of the women farmers would be incorporated in the Kwara state 2015 supplementary budget.

In his response, the permanent secretary, ministry of agriculture and natural resources, Elder Ayobola

Samuel, hailed efforts of the rural women farmer in the production of large quantity of agricultural food for the populace, rather than engaging in begging to survive.

He said that stressed that a well fed person will not be susceptible the diseases.

The permanent secretary represented by the director, finance and

‘The rural women farmers urged the authorities to help find a solution to some of the challenges being faced in their farming profession. They need government assistance on improved seedlings, access to soft loan, provision of insecticide, fertilisers and knapsack sprayers’

supply in the ministry, Alhaji M.B. Abioye, enjoined them to continue to live in peace with their settlers, added that government was already looking into the matter with a view to resolve it.

Elder Samuel, who said that the state government has a department for women farmers, added that cognisance of their roles in agricultural production were always taken in the annual budgeting.

He also said that the state government had established state agricultural mall, and enjoined them to patronise the outfit in order to take care of some of their needs.

The permanent secretary said the agro-mall would also provide the link or connection with relevant ministries, commercial banks and micro-finance banks to obtain loan with low interest rates, adding that government could not provide such loan.

Benue communities agonise over road Continued from page 31 ing the dry season is too dangerous to our health, not to talk of our various homes where we do what I call minute-by-minute cleaning, without which one cannot stay in his or her home due to dust particles. Also since the bridge had also been affected, we cannot cross freely to the other side when we need to buy something”.

Owoicho Obelle, a student of the National Evangelical Mission, Gboko, said, “At times, the road gets so bad I cannot even go to school because the water level is so high, making it impossible for me to cross over to the other side. I sincerely hope this present government gives priority to this road so that there can be a new lease of life for the people of these two communities”.

Mr. ThankGod Chigozie, a businessman, also complained about how difficult it has been for him to buy goods from the market.

“This alone slows down our businesses and also the economy of this community is poor compared to other parts of the town. When we manage to cross to the market, on coming back, the commercial motorcyclists overcharge us because they have to take another route to our destination.”

During the rainy season, the road becomes very bad for pedestrians and motorists. This has compelled

area boys in the community to patching the road close to the bridge by trying to repair it in such a way that it will be manageable to ply on. A times, these area boys turn this service to a brisk money making venture where one must pay a fee of either N50 or more depending on what the boys agrees on. This is restricted to only commercial motorcyclists since motor vehicles cannot ply the road as a result of the bad condition of the road and bridge.

Due to the incessant and forceful collection of money in form of rendering help to those concerned, there have been clashes between those area boys and motor cyclists known in the area as ‘hire men’. This often happens as a result of heated argument between the motorcyclists and the said area boys for refusal to pay the fee before crossing over to either side of the stream.

Reacting to the development, Terseer Liambee, a motorcyclist, who lives in Gboko-South lamented that the embarrassment received from the area boys sometimes is unbearable.

“Some of us do not like carrying passengers who are resident in this area because the area boys use to fight us and cease our motorcycle keys each time we don’t have money to give to them,” he said.

Mr Dan Tavershima, who said he is an ND II student of the Akperan Orshi College of Education, Gboko but rides the motorcycle as a parttime job said it even got to a point

•The damaged bridge

where he was beaten up by the area boys because he refused to give them the N50 naira toll.

A passenger on the route, Mrs. Iorzua Iorpuu testified to the brutal manner of the area boys in trying to extort money from the motorists.

“The way these boys do misbehave and brutalize people is too bad. They do this every year when it’s raining season because there’s no one to stop them. At times when you stop a bike and tell the bike man you are going to Genger through Shima Gyoh road, they usually refuse because of the hu-

miliation they get from those hoodlums”, she submitted.

Our reporters however learnt that the police patrol team recently raided the place to arrest the area boys who reportedly fled leaving their work equipment behind which includesdigger, hoes, shovels, ropes and head pans. The Police team took these items with them since they could not lay hands on any of the said area boys.

What could the government officials in the state be doing about the state of the Agedam and Genger

road?

Hon. Michael Injo Yina, the councillor representing Gboko NorthWest constituency, who spoke with The Nation on the reporter on the phone, said, “The Local government chairman is supposed to see that the project be completed.”

Efforts to reach the Head of Department at the Zonal office of the State Ministry of Works in Gboko proved futile.

•Idoko and Obelle are contributors to our CampusLife pages

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

Page 34

T

HE first issue may well be why the N861m project took off only weeks to the end of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Muhammed administration. Then, consider also that the traffic lights have been causing all sorts of problems for drivers, many of who are notoriously reckless. Rather than stop one stream of traffic and okay another to proceed, for instance, the lights sometimes indicate that everyone should go at the same time.

Before now, most traffic lights in Abuja were not functional, a situation that was worsened by the epileptic power supply. The highbrow areas of the city were a bit better. In most satellite towns, there are no traffic lights, and where they existed, they were mere decorations on the highway. The poles in most places were either vandalised by hoodlums or pulled down by careless motorists.

A few months ago, over 74 traffic lights were suddenly installed by the FCT administration. Why did the FCT Minister wait till the last minute before putting the lights in place?

When the project started a few months back, controversies followed the exercise. Many viewed the action of the authorities of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to provide infrastructural facilities in the FCT in the twilight of the administration’s tenure, as a last minute bid to cover up its tracks.

The residents said the FCT administration started the installation of the traffic lights as part of efforts to hurriedly complete some abandoned projects before the May 29 handover date, adding that the administration was only trying to mop up funds before the change of guards.

Senator Mohammed hurriedly issued a statement saying that the installation of the new traffic lights was a collaborative project with the Chinese government and that its cost was N861m.

Bala said the contract was packaged in 2012 by the National Planning Commission as a collaborative project between Nigeria and China, explaining that while China funded the contract with N780 million, Nigeria provided N81m as counterpart fund.

He described the allegation that the project was aimed at siphoning funds as a campaign of calumny and mischief against his administration.

Bala said: “Of course, China is bearing the whole cost of the project at the cost of N780m and as usual, with this collaborative project; they nominated the contractor, which is doing the project from China. The only thing we’ve done is to make sure that we provide the counterpart funding for the project totaling about N81m that we’ve provided as a territory and the supervision.

“So, it’s not true, it’s deceptive and it’s misleading for anybody to think that something that we’re getting as a collaborative and multilateral assistance is something we’ve conceptualized as a last-minute bid of a project for us to go away with.

This is a project I believe the incoming administration should be very happy with.”

Bala said he was not afraid of any probe by the incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari, saying he was ready to account for all his actions within the last five years.

The minister also stated that he had documents and records to account for his deeds.

Even though the minister tried to pacify the people and clarify that the installation and rehabilitation of the traffic lights were not an attempt to complete an abandoned

•The traffic lights started giving conflicting signals soon after installation

Questions over conflicting traffic lights For a territory known for its reckless drivers, the installation of traffic lights was welcome. But the lights also have problems, reports GBENGA OMOKHUNU project, many questions were left unanswered.

For instance, why would the FCTA authorities embark on such a project few weeks to the expiration of the administration?

Many residents are complaining of the conflicting functions of the traffic lights.

Chukwudi, a motorist said: “The new traffic lights are causing a lot of gridlock, especially during rush hours. Most of them were not properly situated. Where is the wisdom in putting about three traffic lights on a street? For example, Mississippi Street in Maitama, has about four traffic lights. The traffic situation there coupled with the many intersections can only be imagined.

His words, “it is a good development, these set of lights are good; those on the pedestrian can cross without fear because the traffic lights have stopped the cars; just that Nigerians are not patient enough, you’ll see some of them still bypassing the traffic lights and it’s quite absurd. The

‘The new traffic lights are causing a lot of gridlock, especially during rush hours.

Most of them were not properly situated.

Where is the wisdom in putting about three traffic lights on a street? For example, Mississippi Street in Maitama, has about four traffic lights. The traffic situation there coupled with the many intersections can only be imagined’ timing is also funny because it seems the contractors were just waiting for the outcome of the elections and now that Jonathan was unable to return, they just want to rush up everything so they could get their pay, that’s the scenario I see. This is something that should have been done before now, street lights should not only be built

in Abuja, what is happening in the other 36 states, when you travel out you see street lights too everywhere.

Speaking at a parley with newsmen on the FCT Transport Secretariat policy trust, the FCT Director of Traffic Management Department, Vincent Igberaese, acknowledged that up till now the contractors that

handled the installation of the traffic light projects have not been paid hence the reason for the malfunctioning.

Igberaese said: “All the areas that do not have traffic lights were discovered later that they are suppose to have traffic lights. The problem we are having with the traffic lights is that Nigerians are not patient.

Putting traffic light at all junctions is very important. We are studying the situation, we are still working.

It is appropriate that once you meet a red light whether there is a vehicle coming or not or the road is free or not you are expected to wait until it gives you a green light before you go. Even when the red light is still on you will still see people going against the traffic rule and blocking other people that are suppose to pass. These are some of the reasons why we are having problems with the traffic light.

“Traffic light is to ease movement •Continued on page 35

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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ABUJA REVIEW

Residents seek Dutse Road expansion

R

ESIDENTS of Dutse Satellite town in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged the area council to expand the Dutse-Bwari Road and relocate roadside traders at the Dutse market road to ease traffic congestion.

Danladi Joshua, a resident of Dutse Alhaji, said that the volume of traffic congestion along the Dutse market road has become so unbearable that the residents do not know the next steps to take to ease their plight that is why they need the leadership of the area council to come to their aide in solving the problems that the roadside traders are causing the people.

According to Joshua, if the leadership can expand the road for it to accommodate vehicles and also chase the roadside traders into the market, it would ease the traffic flow in the area, saying that the most of the roadside traders do not care the suffering they are causing road users because they want to make ends meet.

“These traders casing this traffic congestion always come with the excuse that they have to make ends meet, and this congestion is mostly at the junction of Dutse Alhaji, the first gate of Dutse satellite town, because the market is located closed to the road and this rush to beat the traffic jam sometimes causes accident at the junction. ”We thank the council chairman for constructing the new market and it has enough space

From Gbenga Omokhunu

inside, but we are saying that the authority of the Bwari Area Council should expand the road and ensure that the traders who sell their products outside the market are sent into the market, and that would ease the traffic congestion along this Bwari road,” he said.

Agatha Ohia, a trader in the market said that why most of the traders use outside the market, is as a result of the fact that the market is usually locked as early as 6.30 in the evenings, and those that have not finished selling their wares would then choose to trade outside to sell more.

“Some of the traders that sell outside the market have shops inside the market and others do not have, and some of them are bread sellers who believe they do not need shops and prefer the roadside. The truth is that, even if they do not have shops inside the market to sell, that should not give them the right to use their wares to obstruct traffic flow. ”If the authority of Bwari area council can map out strategy to expand the road for motorists and relocate most of this traders that do not have shops inside the market. After that, they should set up taskforce to monitor the use of the market and the control of roadside traders even in the evenings, this can go a long way in solving this traffic congestion we always experience on this road, mostly on Monday Market days” she said.

‘The authority of Bwari area council [should] map out a strategy to expand the road for motorists and relocate most of these traders who do not have shops inside the market. After that, they should set up a task force to monitor the use of the market and the control of roadside traders even in the evenings; this can go a long way in solving this traffic congestion we always experience’

•Abuja pedestrians shun the bridge meant for them

•Traffic gridlock near Dei-Dei Market, Abuja

FCTA gets media department, new CPS T HE Federal Capital Territory Administration has established a media and communication department as part of efforts to better interface with the public.

To this end, the FCT Administration carried out mass redeployment of information officers who were recently promoted.

Those affected in the redeployment exercise are officers who were promoted to the rank of Deputy Director and they include Mrs. Grace Zamani, Mr. Cosmos Uzodima and Mr. Mohammad Hazat Sule.

Our correspondents gathered that Mrs. Zamani has been moved from Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) to Public Enlightenment and Civic Orientation, Mr. Uzodima was equally moved from Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) to Research and Publication Division, while Mr. Sule has been moved from office of the Chief Press Secretary to Media and Communication Division.

In a two paragraph letter from the office of Establishment and Training dated July 2, 2015 and made available to our correspondent stated that all redeployments are with immediate effect.

The letter signed by the Chief Admin. Officer of the Department, Mr. Omosoluyi Bamidele on behalf of the Director reads in part: “I am

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

directed to inform you that approval has been given for your redeployment to Department of Information and Communication Headquarters with immediate effect. You are expected to hand over to Anthony Ogunleye (CIO) who is being informed by a copy of this letter to take over from you.

“You are therefore to report to the Ag. Director, Information and Communication for further posting

instructions please.”

It will be recalled that the new Chief Press Secretary, Ogunleye joined the service of FCT Administration in 1994 as Information Officer. Until his appointment, he was the Public Relations Officer of Education Secretariat of the FCT Administration where he effectively coordinated other agencies in the Secretariat.

He equally served as Head of Public Relations in Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat and Health and Human Services Secretariat.

Ogunleye is happily married and the union is blessed with children.

Questions over conflicting traffic light signals •Continued from page 34 but it is creating more problem for us because of the way we are using it. I agree that some of the traffic lights are giving conflicting signal.

As a department we have set up a maintenance team that goes round to look at all these problems and rectify them but the main problem we have as a department is that some of the traffic lights were constructed be contractors and up till now they have

not been paid and they have not handed over to us. It is known that prior to this time we have never had a maintenance unit, maintenance of traffic light was done on a performance contract basis. The companies do not want to do maintenance due to the issue of payment.”

He also disclosed that again, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has reiterated that the ‘Park and Pay’ scheme which was suspended in April last year after several court cases nullified the establishment of the scheme will still take off in Abuja better than it was.

This is as a result of the indiscriminate ways of parking by the motorists in Abuja.

He said “the Parking and pay was suspended but it will come back on the streets because if you look around now, we park indiscriminately. I am sorry to say that we are not doing what we are supposed to do for a city like Abuja.”

Speaking also was the Director of Directorates of Road Traffic Services (DTRS) otherwise known as VIO, Abdullahi Danjuma, who said, the traffic laws of the city must be adhered to.

He urge residents to cooperate with the traffic agencies to sanitise the city.

According to him, the administration has so far tested 8, 000 vehicles through the computerised vehicle testing center.

He added that six additional licencing centres have been added to the Mabushi and Secretariat centres for better service delivery across the federal capital city.

He said: “We have made the registration of vehicles seamless, less than 48 hours”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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ABUJA REVIEW

H

IS intention to fight corruption was there even during the campaigns.

President Muhammadu Buhari left no one in doubt in that regard. And it was just as well because corruption has almost brought the country to its knees.

He also made it clear that the searchlight will beam first on the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Not even the declaration by Jonathan in the tail end of his administration that probe limited to his administration will amount to witch hunt has been able to stop Buhari in his stride.

Buhari, last week Wednesday in the United States of America fingered some unnamed Jonathan’s cabinet ministers to be involved in theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.

Monies that would have been used to develop the country, create infrastructures and provide jobs for millions of unemployed Nigerian youth, rather than go to the Federation Account, have been siphoned to private accounts.

Threatening to prosecute and freeze the accounts of the culprits, Buhari disclosed that the noose is already closing in on those that have cases to answer.

According to him, his government is presently tracing the countries where the oil were exported to and the subsequent bank lodgements.

He said: “We are now looking for evidences of shipping some of our crude, their destinations and where and which accounts they were paid and in which country.

“When we get as much as we can get as soon as possible, we will approach those countries to frozen those accounts and go to court, prosecute those people and let the accounts be taken to Nigeria.

“The amount of money is mind burgling but we have started getting documents. We have started getting documents where some of the senior people in government, former ministers, some of them plotted as much as five accounts and were moving about one million barrel per day on their own.

We have started getting that document.

“I assure you that whichever documents we are able to get and subsequently trace the sale of the crude or transfer of money from Ministries, Departments, Central Bank, we will ask the cooperation of those countries to return those monies to federation accounts.

“And we will use those documents to arrest those people and prosecute them. This, I promise Nigerians,’’ he added.

Like the popular saying say that every day is for the thief but one day is for the owner of the house, the day of reckoning is indeed fast

T

HE National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has been described as a foremost institution in the provision of quality and comprehensive education in the country.

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed made the endorsement at the fourth annual lecture in his honour titled “Law as an instrument of Excellence and integrity”.

It was organised by the institution’s School of Law in Abuja.

The CJN added that NOUN which was resuscitated in 2001 by the Obasanjo administration was designed to provide unrestricted tertiary education to Nigerians.

His said, “I know it is a fact that the National Open University of Nigeria was initially established on the 22/July/1983 as a medium for open and distance learning in Nigeria. Although it was suspended by the government on the

Closing in on oil looters approaching for those that have soiled their hands in the oil sector.

VP and VIP mix-up It is no longer news that there was a mix-up in the Press Briefing Talking Point of the resolutions of the 59th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa last Thursday.

The talking point circulated by the Council Secretariat to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting in line with practice by past administrations, disclosed that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who presided over the meeting, informed the NEC of plans by Boko Haram to dump refuse laden bombs in his house.

After the story started generating reactions on the social media, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, in a statement on the same day denied the report.

According to him, there was typographical error in the talking point and the aspect of ‘house of the vice president’ in the talking point should have read ‘houses of VIPs’.

He said: “A press briefing note circulated today by the Secretariat of the National Economic Council, NEC, contains a typo on the very last line of the last paragraph.

“That paragraph should read ‘The Vice President also disclosed that security reports has it that scavengers are now being prepared by insurgents

From the Villa

By Augustine Ehikioya

to dump refuse laden with bombs in the houses of VIPs.’ “The last line erroneously says ‘in the house of the Vice President.’

Please take note of the correction.” He said Following the conflicting reports, some Nigerians have viewed them with skepticism and not knowing what to really believe.

The mix-up, no doubt, has also raised some questions whether the Council Secretariat has no qualified and capable hands or they were just handling their jobs with levity.

If they escape last week’s mix-up unpunished, they need no prophet to warn them of greater consequences in the event of such mistake again.

So they must sit up now as they cannot afford such dangerous slip in fu-

ture meetings.

Presidential Sallah bash In the spirit of the season, wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari a forthnight ago organized sallah party for Nigerian children at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Not less than three thousand children turned up for the party in the old Banquet hall, which was decorated to children’s taste.

While loud speakers rendered various songs to the delight of the children, giant screens were also mounted showing different cartoons.

Balloons of different colours were used to form different shapes hanging on the hall ceiling as decorations, while they were also used to form giant babies and animals placed at various

CJN hails NOUN From Gbenga Omokhunu

25/April/1984, it was resuscitated on the 12/April/2001 by the former President of the federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR with the sole mission to provide qualitative affordable distance learning.

“The success story (of NOUN) lies in testimonies of its astuteness, past and present. Indeed for our dear citizens, the university is now an indispensable tool for achieving educational empowerment.”

The chief Justice of the federation also added that NOUN being the biggest institution in the country with its unique mode of education delivery, is providing unrestricted access to educate prisoners, artisans, house wives and other underprivileged Nigerians.

He said: “With over 408,000 stu-

‘NOUN being the biggest institution in the country with its unique mode of education delivery, is providing unrestricted access to educate prisoners, artisans, housewives and other underprivileged Nigerians’ dents, it is Nigeria’s largest single tertiary institution offering over 50 programmes and 507 courses. It is indeed laudable, from prisoners to full time artisans, and even house wives in Nigeria, NOUN unique model now allows all to simply

combine their daily work and routine with flexible school schedule”.

Mohammed further stated that this year’s lecture provided a special avenue to bridge the divide in other to dialogue on issues that binds us all.

points.

While two bouncing castle were mounted for the children, funny dressed clowns were also on hand to make the children laugh.

The children, who were given packaged meals and drinks at the party, also took part in fashion parade and dancing competition.

Beside the children catching fun in the hall, Mrs. Aisha Buhari also remembered and sought for prayers for the less privileged children and for those at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP)’ camps due to insurgency.

Speaking at the occasion, she said: “The future of this great country lies in your hands. You are to complement the efforts of government by working very hard in school and to be obedient to your parents.

“Tomorrow, you may be the President, the President’s wife, senator, honourable members, governors, medical doctors, teacher, journalist, engineer, nurse, lawyer and the rest of our honourable professions.” She added She also did not fail to advise the children’s parents, a great number of whom came with their children to the party, on the need to encourage and monitor their children.

While both Muslim and Christian children attended the Sallah party, it will not be a bad idea if a similar party is organised in December for the Christmas season.

“This event has provided a veritable forum for us to bridge the divide, boarders, language and geography in order to dialogue on issues which commonly bind us all. This further relates me to the fact that the role of NOUN is crucial to the fulfilment of improved education for all persons in Nigeria irrespective of our desired background”.

The Vice Chancellor National Open University of Nigeria, Prof.

Vincent Ado Tenebe said: “The NOUN school of law was one of the units approved by the federal ministry of education through the National universities commission (NUC) in 2003. Thereafter we produced the detailed program proposal in line with the NUC BMAS. This is what other universities use all over Nigeria. Our students receive lectures and we have firstclass course materials prepared by seasoned academics and professionals in law and legal studies.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

37

LAW PERSONALITY Babatunde Fashanu became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2002. In this interview with ADEBISI ONANUGA, he gives recipe for recovering of stolen funds and bares his mind on other contemporary issues within the judiciary

‘How to recover stolen funds’ T

HE administration of Muhammadu Buhari has promised to recover sto len funds by politicians. How do you think government should go about this?

It is no longer a matter of conjecture that corruption is endemic in this country. I think the problem is so big and if government says it wants to take a wholesome approach to it, it will never do any work. It will not benefit the people in terms of development. It has to be selective; some people are just coming out of government and others were there before.

I think they have already set up economic commission under the Vice President to look into some clear cases of financial misdemeanour on the part of some public servants. There are cases where funds were allocated to local government councils, but it didn’t get there or where it did, one tenth gets there. There, the records are shocking and the papers are there. They can easily pick them up. There are also some former governors who have lost their immunity.

The best thing to do is to pick them up to provide accounts of their stewardship when they were in government. I think, this is the best time for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to come alive, because the anti-graft agency has been virtually asleep for some time now. They can look at the lingering and obviously misleading records of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). If it is found that records were messed up, the law takes its course by either EFCC or ICPC taking over the investigations and press charges on those suspected to have had a hand in such a fraud. I am sure that if there is no respect for any person, there will be positive results from the trial.

But the EFCC saddled with fighting corruption has been losing a large number of cases. What do you think can be done to curtail the rate at which the EFCC loses cases?

They are losing cases because people they take to courts have money to get the finest of lawyers to handle their case. I know EFCC too have SANs helping them in most of their cases, but the system is in such a way that courts favour accused, unfortunately. It is sad that some cases that are obvious still do not get a head way.

How can anyone explain that a public officer to whom money was handed over to, ostensibly for general development and the money gets missing without traces?

Although it is clear that the money is missing, the burden is still on the accuser to prove that money was given to the accused. This is abnormal. It should have

been the reverse. The man who spent money or in whose possession public money allocated to him got missing should have been the one to explain what he did with the money. It is so sad that we have this kind of system in Nigeria. Really, where we cannot change this warped system, we then need a specialised court.

It takes more time to dispense with cases at the Court of Appeal. What do you think can be done to quicken dispensation of justice at this level?

Suspects cannot always appeal a case; there comes a time when the judge will get to the end of the case which is what happens in most civilised climes. Then, like I said, the appellate system too, they need to help them with modern working tools so as to make dispensation of justice faster. I said that because at the Court of Appeal, you still need to compile records; especially as appeals have so much to do with records of what happened at the lower court. The records should be done very fast by installing technical aids so that they could dispense cases fast. So, when you deal with 20 people and they go to jail, and you are able to recover some money, like the former President Olusegun Obasanjo did when he was in government, it will serve as a deterrent to others. Mind you, our constitution still has to be amended to make our justice system perfect or near perfect. If we adopt the legal system; continental laws, in use in countries like France, Germany or the entire European system, it will benefit us.

Which among these international laws do you think can be borrowed from these countries to make our society better and corruption free?

Personally, I think continental laws are one of them. When you talk of corruption, which like I noted at the start of this interview is endemic and a serious disease requiring serious solution, we mean acts that inhibit the general development of the nation and people of a country. We can retain the common law, but if we must fight corruption we must adopt the continental system. But I know it can be used for political purposes. But if we want to do it, we make

‘

good study of it So as not to misuse it. I think it a law that we need to critically look into, especially in our fight against corrupt practices by public officers.

A federal high court in Port Harcourt nullified the elections of local government chairmen in Rivers state but few days after, the National Industrial court gave a ruling reinstating the chairmen. Can the NIC overrule a federal high court?

It is not possible because though, both are superior courts of record under the 1999 Constitution (subsections (c) to (k) of section 6), their specific jurisdictions are stated in section 257 for the Federal High Court (FHC) while that of the National Industrial Court (NIC) are in section 254(C). But with regard to their powers, they both have the powers of a High Court. So, they are courts of coordinate powers in their respective specified jurisdictions as to subject-matter.

We all know that when Local Government elections were to be held in Rivers State during the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the PDP went to the FHC joining INEC in the suit asking that the voters register be not released to the State Independent Electoral body. Though that was surprising to me because being Local Government elections, that should concern only the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission which should ordinarily be within the jurisdiction of the state High Court. But, I haven’t seen the claims as I am not involved in the cases but are relying on what we read in the newspapers and electronic media. So, it depends on how the claims are couched that will determine whether the FHC was the proper court to go. From my deductions, what was taken to the FHC was for a restraining order on INEC so that it would not release the voters register to the State IEC. The court said they should maintain the status quo, but later on, elections were conducted to the state Local Government councils which the PDP claims was in defiance of a subsisting court Order. The chairmen emerged and were sworn in and councils were constituted following the results. So, the case came up again before the Judge who, in his wisdom, nullified the elections upon a complaint that the court

I know EFCC too have SANs helping them in most of their cases, but the system is in such a way that courts favour accused, unfortunately. It is sad that some cases that are obvious still do not get a head way

‘

•Fashanu

Order was breached. Though the opposing argument is that no order was breached because there was no order not to conduct the elections. That was the situation. The new Governor, Nyesom Wike, then dissolved the councils, purporting to appoint caretaker committees upon which some employees of the Local Governments went to the NIC complaining that such action affects their employment and is unlawful and got an Order of the NIC restraining the dissolution of the Councils which runs in conflict with the FHC order . This is so because if you say don’t dissolve the Councils, then the elected ones would continue to stay there.

So, which of the orders of the court should be obeyed in your wisdom?

Both Courts are of competent jurisdiction to make orders whose orders must be obeyed, but they have the same powers as a High Court meaning their power is not superior to the other. Therefore, those affected by the orders can choose which one to obey and your guess is as good as mine as to which parties will obey which order.

Of course, that could lead to anarchy, hence, the solution is for the parties to go to the Court of Appeal by appealing against both courts’ orders as they affect them.

Fortunately, it seems the FHC case had earlier been referred to the Court of Appeal by the Presiding Judge on point of law referral. The Court of Appeal can be moved to accelerate hearing and give judgment quickly which will then have precedence over both courts’ orders.

‘Plea bargain encourages looting’

By Joseph Jibueze

A

•From left: Chairman NBA Lagos, Mr. Martins Ogunleye; former President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Boma Ozobia, and former Chairman NBA lagos, Mr. Alex Muoka, during the inauguration of the new NBA Lagos Executives led by Martins Ogunleye

FORMER High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade, has urged anti-corruption agencies to de-emphasise plea bargaining because it encourages looting.

To him, imprisonment and forfeiture of all stolen assets will better deter stealing of public funds rather than asking those found culpable to return what was stolen to avoid a jail term.

Kolade, who spoke during the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) distinguished Management Lecture, urged President Muhammadu Buhari maintain zero-tolerance for corruption and monitor those under him closely.

The lecture had the theme: Managing Nigeria’s Resources for National Development and Political Stability.

Kolade said managing the country’s resources for political stability is challenging, though the nation is in no shortage of wisdom and expertise to get to where it should be.

“To attract investments and retain them, we need to manage the way we talk to ourselves and project ourselves to the outside world so as not to devalue ourselves as a market,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

38

LAW & SOCIETY

Court refuses church’s bid to nullify order

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•From left: Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta (JSC), Chief Judge, Anambra State; Justice Peter Nnanna C. Umeadi and Justice Olukayode Oriwola (JSC) at the 60th birthday lecture in honour of Justice Umeadi in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Can Buhari appoint INEC acting chairman?

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ATELY, there has been contro versy as to whether the President’s powers to appoint a substantive Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also includes powers to appoint anyone to act in an acting capacity. This intervention is designed to contribute to the raging debate as well as offer insights into the legal position having regard to the relevant statutory enactments and provisions on the subject matter.

The powers to appoint a substantive Chairman of INEC are regulated by Sections 153(1) and 154 (1) (3) which provide as follows: 153 (1) “There shall be established for the Federation the following bodies, namely: (a) Code of conduct Bureau; (b) Council of states; (c) Federal Character Commis sion; (d) Federal Civil Service Com mission; (e) Federal Judicial Service Commis sion; (f) Independent National Elec toral Commission; (g) National Defence Council; (h) National Economic Council; (i) National Judicial Council; (j) National Population Com mission; (k) National Security Council; (l) Nigeria Police Council; (m) Police Service Commission; and (n) Revenue Mobilization Allo cation and Fiscal Commis sion; 154(1 & 3) “Except in the case of ex officio members of where other provisions are made in this Constitution, the Chairman and members of any of the bodies so established shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate ... in exercising his powers to appoint a person as Chairman or member of the Independent National Electoral Commission, National Judicial Council, the Federal Judicial Service Commission or the National Population Commission, the President shall consult the Council of State” The summary of the above constitutional provisions is that the President retains the power to appoint INEC substantive chairman subject to confirmation by the Senate after consulting with the Council of State. Therefore, the power of the President to appoint a substan-

By Wahab shittu

tive Chairman of INEC is clearly not in doubt.

The next question is whether the outgone Chairman of INEC, Professor AttahiruJega was entitled to assign responsibilities to anyone within the INEC hierarchy to take over his responsibilities pending the time anyone would be appointed to act in acting capacity and before the appointment of a substantive chairman? The answer to that query can be resolved by reference to Section 160(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which provides as follows: 160(1) “subject to subsection (2) of this section, any of the bodies may, with the approval of the President, by rules or otherwise regulate its own procedure or confer powers and impose duties on any officer or authority for the purpose of discharging its function.”

The clear implication of the foregoing is that Professor AttahiruJega could only delegate such powers to anyone with the prior express approval of the President or else the action would be unconstitutional.

However, the next question is whether the President can appoint anyone as Acting Chairman of INEC as he had done recently?

There appears to be no clear answer to this controversy from constitutional provisions. However, reference can be made to the provisions of Interpretation Act to resolve the controversy.

Sections 11(1)(a, b,c) and 11 (2) on powers of appointment conferred by an enactment generally provides : 11(1)(a, b,c) “Where an enactment confers a power to appoint a person either to an office or to exercise any functions, whether for a specified period or not, the power includes: (a) Power to appoint a person by name or to appoint the holder from time to time of a particular office; (b) Power to remove or suspend him; (c) Power, exercisable in the manner and subject to the limitations and conditions (if any) applicable to the power to appoint – (i) To reappoint or reinstate him; (ii) To appoint a person to act in his place, either generally or in regard to specified functions, during such time as is considered expedient by the authority in whom the

power of appointment in question is vested.

(2) A reference in an enactment to the holder of an office shall be construed as including a reference to a person for the time being appointed to act in his place, either as respects the functions of the office generally or the functions in regard to which he is appointed, as the case may be.”

Clearly from the above, powers to appoint include power to remove or suspend, power to reappoint or reinstate and power to appoint in an acting capacity. Therefore, President Buhari clearly has powers to appoint an Acting Chairman of INEC by virtue of the provisions of Interpretation Act. It would seem that on the strength of the provisions of the Interpretation Act, such an appoint in an acting capacity pending the appointment of the substantive Chairman of INEC would not require prior Senate approval as it arises by virtue of the express powers conferred on the President by constitutional provisions. It is only when such appointment relates to a substantive position of the Chairman of INEC that the Senate approval must be sought and obtained before the appointment would be deemed valid and constitutional.

The controversy as to whether President Buhari has the powers to appoint an INEC Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a Substantive Chairman should therefore be regarded as closed.

•Shittu

N Ogun State High Court sit ting in Sagamu has dis missed an application by the Registered Trustees of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) seeking to set aside an order restraining it from building on a piece of land in Odofin Village, Shimawa Road, Sagamu Local Government Area.

The trustees sought an order setting aside an interlocutory injunction made against it in April. They also asked for an order setting aside the service effected on it for not complying with Section 97, 98 and 99 of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, LFN, 2004.

UBA Co-Operative and Multipurpose Society had approached the court seeking for declarative reliefs and possession of the land in dispute against the defendant in the suit N0. HCS / 01 / 2015.

The Cooperative society had alleged that the defendant illegally invaded and demolished its property acquired from Olowoto-olisa Chieftaincy Family years ago.

It claimed that the demolition was done on the November 28, 2014 with the assistance of one Alhaji Taoreed Farounbi (aka Alado) and some hoodlums who invaded the land and carried out the act.

The claimant also stated that Baale of Mowe and Baale of Imedu nla were also among those who invaded its property.

On April 1, 2015, Justice Oshinuga had granted order of interlocutory injunction against the defendants in the suit.

However, on April 7, 2015 the defendants had approached the court vide a motion on notice seeking to set aside the orders and to also set aside the service effected on the defendant.

Counsel to the claimants, Omodele also filed its counter affidavit with a written address opposing the defendant’s motion on notice.

The defendant did not file a reply affidavit or reply on point of law to the claimants opposition.

The trial judge heard the defendant’s application and after taking arguments from both parties and adjourned for ruling.

By Adebisi Onanuga

Delivering his ruling at the resumed hearing of the matter last week, the trial judge, Justice Oshinuga, dismissed the application for lack of merit.

The court awarded N10,000.00 cost against RCCG for wasting the time of the court and ordered it to file memorandum of appearance and its statement of defence in the suit brought against it by the UBA CoOperative and Multipurpose Society.

The court held that substantial justice would not be done on the matter if it relied only technicalities. The court stated that the purpose of service is to get the defendant informed of the case in court. Justice Oshinuga therefore held that the service of the originating court process on the General Overseer of RCCG, who is a principal officer of the church, was proper and that it substantially complied with Order 9 Rule 3 of the Rules of the court and that the fact that the claimant failed to obtain the leave of the court to serve outside the jurisdiction does not vitiate the suit.

The court noted that the defendants had up to seven days under the rules of the court to react to motion for interlocutory injunction after service but chose not to come before the court until the order was made.

The trial judge noted that RCCG hid under the 30 days rules but only filed a motion on notice to set aside the orders of the court and the service of the originating processes.

The court held that the service made by the claimants is a proper service and that under Section 99 of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, it is the duty of the court registry to endorse writ of summons and not that of the litigants or their counsel and not doing so cannot be visited on the litigants.

“The defendant cannot enjoy the favour of this court”, the court held adding, “It is not the law that the defendant should not enter appearance either conditionally or unconditional which it failed to do. The defendant did not come properly

Lawyer advocates specialised courts for commercial disputes

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AGOS lawyer, Babatunde Fagbohunlu (SAN), has said specialised courts are better for resolving commercial disputes than the conventional courts.

Fagbohunlu, who specialises in commercial litigation and is a member of the National Committee on the Reform and Harmonisation of Arbitration/ADR Laws in Nigeria, listed the advantages of such courts to include sensitivity of the judges in such courts to the importance to the economy of quick resolution of commercial disputes.

“First of all, specialised courts mean enhanced efficiency,” Fagbohunlu said, “You would have a group of judges or a team of judges who are specialised in handling commercial disputes, who have an understanding of what the needs of the commercial community are and who have sensitivity to the importance to the economy of quick resolution of commercial disputes.

“And you can only have those qualities when you have a team of judges who are focused specifically on resolving commercial disputes, in the sense that they belong to a specialised commercial division.”

Fagbohunlu, who regularly represents Nigerian as well as foreign and multinational clients in arbitrations administered by arbitral institutions such as the International Court of Ar-

By Robert Egbe

bitration of the International Criminal Court (ICC), also addressed the question of whether arbitration is cheaper than regular litigation.

He said: “Is arbitration really cheap? Is mediation and reconciliation really cheap? I think it’s very easy to say when you look at the type of fees that arbitrators charge today and when you compare that to the fact that when you go to court, you pay very minimal fees to file your case, you don’t have to pay the judge to hear your case, he’s a public servant and is paid by the state.

“When you think about that, you’re likely to come to an intuitive conclusion that arbitration is definitely more expensive than litigation, but what needs to be borne in mind is this; if you have a good case, and you take it to arbitration and win, you are likely to recover all that you have expended, unlike in the courts where there’s a lot of controversy as to whether if I win a case against you, then I’m entitled to recover from you all the money I paid my lawyer. So, there’s controversy as to whether that can happen in court. With arbitration, it is specifically spelt out in the Arbitration Act that I can recover all the fees I paid to my lawyer. I can recover it from you because you lost the case.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

39

LEGAL OPINION LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

53 convicted in four years for copyright offences

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O fewer than 53 persons have been convicted in four years for piracy and violation of copyright laws, Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Afam Ezekude, a lawyer, has said.

He told newsmen that over 20 containers of pirated good have been seized within the period.

The convictions were secured at various divisions of Federal High Court for film, book, music, cable and software piracy.

The sentences range from fines of up to N250,000 to maximum terms of imprisonment without the option of fine.

“It is instructive to note that prior to 2011 the commission did not secure up to 10 convictions throughout its existence from 1989 to 2010.

“NCC is currently prosecuting about 172 criminal copyright infringement and civil cases at various divisions of the Federal High Courts,” Ezekude said.

According to him, it was all towards realising NCC’s vision to harness the potentials of creativity for national development; and mission to advance the growth of the creative industry through the dissemination of copyright knowledge and efficient administration and protection of rights.

On whether NCC has achieved its mandate so far, Ezekude said: “To a very large extent we have been able to fulfil our mandate. The primary mandate of the Commission is enforcement and prosecution of copyright offenders and in those two key mandates we have done a significant lot.

“We have had a very good working relationship with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), which has led to the seizure of over 20 containers which is unprecedented in the history of this Commission.

“Some of these convictions are not just a slap on the wrist of the offenders but severe prison sentences for Copyright offences. We intend to continue to prosecute copyright offenders,” he said.

On enforcement challenges, Ezekude said his men have suffered attacks during raids at markets but will not relent.

“We have got to realise that this is a risky job. Wheen you go to places like Alaba International Market in Lagos, you don’t expect that you are going to have an easy ride because these people see this kind of piracy as a way of life and they are ready to do anything to protect their so called means of livelihood.

“But we have a job to do and we will continue to do our best against offenders so that the copyright owners can reap the fruit of their work

with gabriel AMALU

By Joseph Jibueze

and investment.

“The pirates should know that in the last four years it has not been easy for them and the next four years while I remain in charge, we are going to ensure that we make their lives absolute hell.

“So my advice for them is to find another day job because the people at the NCC are more serious than ever before to make sure that Copyright owners are protected and the owners of Copyrights get the benefits of their talents and investments so pirates should beware.”

Ezekude said an effective copyright regime facilitates development through foreign direct investment, job creation, access to knowledge, information, transfer of technology, trade, services, domestic innovation as well as research and development.

Recounting NCC’s recent raids, he said: “The commission carried out the public burning of 722,000, 000 units of pirated copyright works and contrivances estimated at N6.5billion, comprising literary, musical, film works and contrivances, including those from the broadcast industries, which were confiscated between 2007-2011.

“The purpose was to demonstrate the commission’s commitment to zero tolerance policy on piracy and send a warning signal that piracy would no longer be a profitable venture. We conducted 235 anti-piracy surveillances in piracy endemic locations across the country.

“The commission carried out 201 strategic anti-piracy operations against book, software, broadcast, film and music piracy in different infamous piracy hotbeds across Nigeria, including Alaba International Market, computer village Ikeja, Ajegunle, Ojuelegba and Ijora in Lagos State; Ariara Market Aba, Abia State; Ochanja market, electronic market, and upper Iweka Market in Onitsha, Anambra State; as well as other markets in FCT Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kano, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Zamfara, Plateau, and so on. We arrested 443 suspected pirates.

“We have removed 6,081,384 assorted pirated copyright works comprising of books, software, DVDs, VCDs, CDs, MP3, and so on, from different piracy outlets and seaports across Nigeria with estimated market value of N6, 423,221,600.

“This value of the materials removed in the course of the anti-piracy operations, represents income that would have been lost by gov-

email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

•Ezekude ernment and copyright owners across the country to people who indulge in the criminal and nefarious act of copyright piracy.

“Then there is the unprecedented confiscation of a total number of 20 40ft/20ft containers of infringing DVDs, VCDs and books of foreign and local titles at different seaports across the country, in collaboration with the NCS.” Ezekude said NCC’s challenges include the increasing cost of overhead operations against drastic reduction of budgetary allocations; inadequate human and institutional capacity, low level of awareness arising from lack of funds to execute public enlightenment campaign, lack of office accommodation and communication facilities; insufficient operational vehicles and rising cost of prosecution.

Despite the challenges, its efforts, he said, has resulted in over 50 per cent increase in sales and profit, business expansion and job creation in the copyright–based industries and has boosted tax earnings from the industry practitioners.

For instance, he said the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), a collecting society for music and sound recordings, in the last four years, shared over N240million to their members as royalty.

Nigeria, he said, is more favourably perceived in the global fight against copyright piracy, having been consistently removed from the United States 301 List of countries that are not seriously addressing copyright piracy and other intellectual property crimes.

To boost the digital enforcement skills of its staff, Google trained 210 of them on Internet Piracy and Digital Literacy Programme; while several of its staff has undergone numerous training.

NCC has also conducted anti-piracy sensitisation campaigns on the commission’s zero tolerance for piracy at different piracy endemic markets, he said.

“In order to improve the protection and market viability of Nigerian creative products, the commission developed and launched an electronic platform for registration of copyright works, the Nigerian e-Copyright Registration System (NeCRS),“ Ezekude said.

President Buhari’s visit to USA

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OR many Nigerians, and I guess President MuhammaduBuhari (PMB) already knows, the expectations from his presidency, is nothing short of the miraculous.Like the Israelites, during their days in the wilderness, Nigerians want all promises actualised, pronto. This expectation, is attenuated by the promises,made at the campaign stumps, by candidate Buhari and his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC). The expectations is also heightened by the fact that the past 16 years of democracy, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was for majority of Nigerians,very debilitating.

So, for many, there is the expectation that PMB’s visit to the United States, the world’s leading democratic and economic power, will thrust a momentum, to confrontthe gigantic national challenges. As PMB already confirmed, these challenges include insecurity, unemployment, energy crisis, economic collapse, and the behemoth: corruption. There was therefore the expectation,that the US would finallysellto Nigeria, the special ammunitionsto fight boko haram. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.

There is also the hope that those who plundered the national treasury, and kept their loot in the western nations, would feel the heat of Uncle Sam. Of note, there areconflicting reports as to how the US would assist Nigeria, to recover the humongous sums stolen from her. While some reports say that the US would help trace the loots, some others say, that US has asked our government to seek out the looters, and pass the information over to them, for action. Others talked abouttraining on the know-how, as to how to recover the loots. There is even the online reports, that the US government and other G7 nations have handed PMB, the list of politically exposed persons, with over a billion dollars, in the western vaults.

Some Nigerians have however argued that relying on the US, to help Nigeria deal with her many problems, is a waste of time. That may well be so; but there is no harm in trying. It is also hoped that the US would appreciate the role of Nigeria in Africa, and come to her aid. Indeed, if Nigeria should collapse under the weight of her external and internal challenges, quite a number of Nigerians would end up in the US, legally or illegally. Also, if insurgents gain a foothold in Nigeria, the rest of Africa would pay with inter-state instability.

As President Obama eloquently said, PMB’s integrity, is perhaps his greatest asset. So, we are hopeful. But, many Nigerians were surprised at the presidential entourage to the US.Many of those in the team, had had no business, travelling officially with the president. But for a few Ambassadors on the list;most of those on the trip, were just on a short holiday. The reason for that lapse, may perhaps be because PMB is yet to form his cabinet, and so the governors who should be in Nigeria minding their own challenges, got themselves a few days reprieve, from home pressures.

Indeed, most of the Governors should actually be in their states, 24/7, seeking ways out of theirseveral quagmires. As sub-national officials, the governors werenot in a position to enter into any bilateral relationships with the US officials, neither do they have any diplomatic experience to share with PMB. Understandably, most of them, savoured the opportunity to stay aware from their workers, who are knocking at their gates, for their several months’ unpaid salaries.

For the other non-state officials, it is really inappropriate to allow them make the trip, as official entourage of Mr President; and possibly eavesdrop on state affairs. We must remember that they have not forsworn to keep official secrets, and always act in the best interest of the country. So, what were they doing on theentourage?It is hoped that it wouldn’t happen again. In fairness, however, PMB’s visit has brought a lot of gains and prestige to Nigeria, and it is hoped that more tangible benefits,willflow from it.

Re: Nigeria and threat of a new Biafra

My piece on the above volatile subject, drew a number of reactions.

One interesting argument came from a caller, on phone number 08034666554; who said that ironically, it is the Igbos that are pan-Nigerian, in deeds and in words, as they live and invest in all parts of the country.

He asked other Nigerians, to emulate the Igbos, if truly they have faith in the future of the country.

An extreme contrary view, came by text message,from phone number 08182260217.

The fellow after abusing me, and Nigeria, which he called a zoo, also threatened: “we attack you (sic) on your way and kill you”. Asking me, to go to hell.

Adieu,

•From left: John Atuanya, Mrs. Hope Chukwuma, Acting Chairman, Law Reform Commission, Mr. Kefas Mogaji, Mr. Olasunkanmi Rafiu, Mr. Rapheal Obi and Obla Monday during a courtesy visit to Mogaji in Abuja.

Ogbueshu Donatus Ejiofor Nebo

By next Friday, July 31, 2015, my family and friends would join me, as we journey to Umuabaka, Umuavuba,Ibuzor,Amofia-Amokwe, Udi, Enugu state; to be with my in-laws, to bid farewell to my father-inlaw,OgbueshuDonatusEjiofor Nebo, who joined his ancestors and the saints in heaven, at 79.

Ogbueshu was a good man, who loved and cherished humanity. He waspeaceful and hadimpeccable character. I remember with nostalgia, my several enchanting and hilarious encounters with him, as he told his stories, and listened to mine.

As Papa is laid to rest, at his family grounds; I ask the entire Nebo family, not to mourn, but to sing the Alleluia, for Ogbueshu is journeying to eternal rest. JeenkeomaOgo’m.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

LAW REPORT

‘When a confessional statement by a co-accused can be used’ IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA HOLDEN AT ABUJA ON FRIDAY, THE 3RD DAY OF JULY, 2015 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS JOHN AFOLABI FABIYI, J.S.C. OLUKAYODE ARIWOOLA, J.S.C. MUSA DATTIJO MUMAMMAD, J.S.C. CLARA BATA OGUNBIYI, J.S.C. JOHN INYANG OKORO, J.S.C. SC.504/2012 (2015) LPELR-24837(SC) BETWEEN: THE STATE ……...……..………...............................…. APPELLANT AND JAMES GWANGWAN ......………………….......…………. RESPONDENT LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY JOHN INYANG OKORO, J.S.C.

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N July4, 2006, while PW5, one Abioye Moses was on duty at the Police Station, Ajase Ipo, a team of police officers led by one Cpl. Inusa Ibrahim arrested and brought to the station, one Joshua John together with one cartridge where he (Joshua) confessed that he belonged to a sixman gang of armed robbers whose names he mentioned, including the respondent herein.

All the named persons except one were arrested and, according to PW5, they all confessed to participating in robbery activities in Offa and its environs. After investigation, four of the six accused persons were charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery contrary to Section 6(b) and 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap. R11 Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004 respectively. During the trial, the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered one locally made gun and two life cartridges. The prosecution also tendered in evidence what it termed the confessional statements of the accused persons.

The respondent and others standing trial with him objected to the admissibility of the said statements on the ground of involuntariness which led the trial Court to order a trial within trial to determine its admissibility.

However, midway into the trial within trial, it was aborted by the learned trial judge on the ground that the respondent’s and other accused persons’ evidence amounted to a retraction rather than a challenge to its voluntariness. He proceeded to admit the statements into evidence. In his judgment the learned trial judge convicted the Respondent along with others for the Offence of Criminal Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery and sentenced them each to 14 years imprisonment. Dissatisfied, the respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal which found for the Respondent herein, set aside the decision of the learned trial judge and entered a verdict of discharge and acquittal for the Respondent. Also, not being satisfied with the stance of the lower court, the appellant appealed to the Supreme Court where two issues were distilled from the appellant’s ground of appeal and same were adopted by the Respondent. The issues so distilled are:

1. Whether the lower court was right to have held that the prosecution did not sustain the charge of conspiracy against the Respondent before the trial court.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right to have concluded that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt against the respondent.

Learned counsel for the Appellant argued both issues together and submitted that in order for the prosecution to succeed whenever the commission of a crime is in issue against an accused person, he must establish its case beyond reasonable doubt, see MILLER V. MINISTER OF PENSION (1947) 2 All ER 371 at 373, LORI V. THE STATE (1980) 8 - 11 SC.81 (1980) LPELR-1794(SC) and AKALEZI V. THE STATE (1993) 2 NWLR (Pt.273) 1 (1993) LPELR-313(SC).

He contended that the pieces of evidence in the confessional statement of the Respondent, when juxtaposed with the confession of the other accused persons established beyond reasonable doubt an inference of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. It was his view that from these exhibits, there was clear evidence of agreement or confederacy among the accused persons including the Respondent to strike their deadly act along Offa-Ajase-Ipo highway. It was further argued that by all known settled principle of law, Exhibit 8 is a confessional statement which was enough to sustain the Offence of Conspiracy against the appellant and that the learned trial judge was right to have convicted the respondent in the circumstances. He opined that a Court of law can infer conspiracy from the criminal acts of the parties including evidence of complicity, see IWUNEVE V. THE STATE (2000) 5 NWLR (Pt.658) 550 at 560 and OSONDU V. FRN (2000) 12 NWLR (Pt. 682) 483 at 501.

Finally, learned counsel faulted the decision of the Appeal Court that the evidence of PW5 did not corroborate the confessional statement of the Respondent. He submitted that the evidence of PW5 in this case is not a repetition of the evidence of the appellant but an independent testimony which not only affects the appellant, but connects him with the offence of conspiracy to rob. The learned Attorney General urged the Court to resolve the issues in favour of the

appellant.

In response, the learned counsel for the Respondent referring to the case of IDOWU V. THE STATE (2000) 7 SC (Pt.II) 1 at 80 - 81 (2000) LPELR1429(SC) amongst others submitted that where a person is charged with any criminal offence, the onus is on the prosecution to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. He referred to Section.135 (2) and 139 of the Evidence Act 2011.

Learned counsel submitted further that where an accused person is charged with the offence of criminal conspiracy, the prosecution has to prove the conspiracy as laid in the charge and that it was the accused that engaged in the said conspiracy, see DEBOH V. THE STATE (1977) NSCC 309. He opined that to prove the above, the prosecution has the burden of proving not only the inchoate or rudimentary nature of the offence charged, but also the meeting of the minds of the accused persons with a common intention and purpose to commit the particular offence. He relied on GBADAMOSI & ORS V. THE STATE (1991) 6 NWLR (Pt.196) 182 and OBIAKOR V. STATE (2002) 10 NWLR (Pt.776) 612 , (2002) LPELR-2168(SC).

Learned counsel noted that the learned trial judge relied heavily on the alleged confessional statement of the respondent to convict him for the offence of criminal conspiracy whereas the Respondent challenged the voluntariness of the said statement. That he told the court that he was tortured and forced to sign the statement but the learned trial judge terminated the trial within trial and admitted same without testing it according to law. Learned counsel also submitted that the trial court erred in law when it relied on the legally inadmissible confessional statement of the Respondent to convict him for the said offence of criminal conspiracy and that the Court of Appeal rightly interfered to set aside the said conviction. He cited the cases of SELE V. THE STATE (1993) 1 NWLR (Pt.267) 282 (1993) LPELR-3030(SC) and IYARO V. THE STATE (1998) 1 NWLR (Pt.69) 256 (1988) LPELR-1575(SC). Again, learned counsel faulted the trial Court’s reliance on the statements of coaccused persons as corroboration to convict the Respondent.

This, he contended, is wrong in law, placing reliance on the case of MBANG V. THE STATE (2009) 18 NWLR (Pt.1172) 159 (2009) LPELR-1852(SC). He urged the Supreme Court to hold that the Court of Appeal was right to hold that evidence of PW5 and that of the other accused persons did not amount to corroboration. He cited the case of OKADICHI V. THE STATE (1975) NSCC page 124.

Finally, he submitted that evidence or statement of a coaccused cannot constitute evidence against an accused person unless the accused has adopted the statement by words or conduct, see the case of KASA V. THE STATE (1994) 5 NWLR (pt.

344) 269 (1994) LPELR-1671(SC) and Section 29(4) of the Evidence Act 2011. Learned counsel then urged this Court to resolve the issues against the appellant.

The Court having considered the arguments of learned counsel on both side stated that

it is now well settled that in our criminal jurisprudence, in order for the prosecution to succeed whenever the commission of a crime is in issue that the onus is on the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt and this would be achieved by ensuring that all the necessary and vital ingredients of the charge or charges are proved by evidence.

See YONGO V. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (1992) LPELR - 3528 (SC), (1992) 4 SCNJ 113, OGUNDUJAN V. STATE (1991) LPELR - 2333 (SC), (1991) 3 NWLR (Pt.181) 519, AKIGBE V. IOG (1959) 4 FSC 203, ONUBOGU V. THE STATE (1974) 9 SC 1 at 20 (1974) LPELR-2700(SC), BABUGA V. STATE (1996) LPELR - 701 (SC), (1996) 7 NWLR (Pt.460) 279.

The Supreme Court considered the provisions of Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act and stated that the pith and substance of the offence of conspiracy do not lie merely in the intention or thoughts of two or more persons to do an unlawful act or a lawful act by unlawful means, but in the agreement between them to carry out their lawful intention. That the actus reus of the offence of conspiracy is the agreement between at least two persons to do an unlawful act or a lawful act by unlawful means. That there is no need to prove that the parties actually met and put their heads together especially nowadays where communication is made easy and cheap by the introduction of the mobile phone. See GREGORY GODWIN DABOH & ANOR V. THE STATE (1977) LPELR - 904 (SC) pp 25 – 26 paras F - A, per Udo Udoma, JSC, NJOVENS V. THE STATE (1973) 5 SC 12, (1973) LPELR - 204 2 (SC), LAWSON V. THE STATE (1975) 4 SC (Reprint) 84, (1975) LPELR -1765 (SC). The Court held that in order to prove a charge of conspiracy, the prosecution must establish the element of agreement to do something which is unlawful or to do something which is lawful by unlawful means. Conspiracy according to the Court is an offence which is difficult to prove because it is often hatched in secrecy. It is usually inferred from the facts and evidence led. More often, circumstantial evidence is used to point to the fact the confederates had agreed on the plan to commit an overt act to infer conspiracy.

See DAVID OMOTOLA & ORS V. THE STATE (2009) 7 NWLR (Pt.1139) 148, (2009) LPELR - 2663 (SC).

Relating the above principles of law to the instant appeal, the court stated that all the evidence available to the court from which conspiracy was inferred come from the alleged confessional statement of the Respondent and the co-accused persons. That at the trial before the learned trial judge, the Respondent herein challenged the admissibility of the alleged confessional statement on the ground that same was not voluntary but was a product of torture by the police who forced him to sign the said statement.

In the circumstance, the learned trial judge opened a trial within trial which was terminated half way on the excuse that the Respondent’s evidence amounted to a retraction and the Court proceeded to admit same

holding that the said statement was free and voluntary and thereby constituting a valid confessional statement to sustain a conviction.

It was based on the said statement and those of the co-accused persons, that the Respondent and others were convicted and sentenced. The Lower Court however found otherwise and set aside the said conviction. The Supreme Court held that the trial within trial begun by the trial Court was in order but when it was called off midway into it and the subsequent admission of the statements in evidence rendered the said alleged confessional statement irregular, inadmissible and unreliable. That having cast doubt on the voluntariness of the statement by the Respondent herein, the learned trial judge ought to have allowed the trial within trial to reach its logical conclusion. The abrupt stoppage of the exercise, was held to be fatal to the case.

On the decision of the learned trial judge that the evidence of PW5 and the co-accused persons corroborated the alleged confessional statement of the Respondent. It was held that: First, where an accused person makes a confessional statement as to his participation in a crime, he is not confessing for his accomplices.

An accused person’s confession is only evidence against him and not against co-accused persons and it is a misdirection which may lead to the quashing of the conviction. That a confessional statement of a co-accused can only be used against an accused person if he voluntarily adopts it. See OZAKI V. STATE (1990) LPELR - 2888 (SC), (1990) 1 NWLR (Pt.124) 92, EVBUOMWAN V. COP (1961) WNLR 257. Therefore, the use of the statements of co-accused persons against the Respondent without him adopting them as his was unlawful and has a vitiating effect on his conviction by that Court. On the issue of corroboration, the Supreme Court agreed with the Court of Appeal that the evidence that is regarded as corroboration is clearly not a repetition of the evidence sought to be corroborated, otherwise, there will be no need for the original evidence.

See OKADICHI V. STATE (1975) NSCC 124. That for a piece of evidence to be corroborative, it must be independent testimony which affects the accused by connecting him or tending to connect him with the crime. That the evidence of PW5 in this case which was itself a repetition of the evidence of a co-accused, one Joshua John, could not by any stretch of imagination be taken as corroboration of the statement of the Respondent. It was further stated that the said evidence of PW5, by all intents and purpose, was hearsay. That the Court of Appeal was therefore on a sound wicket when it set aside the decision of the learned trial judge on this issue.

On the whole it was held that there was indeed no evidence from which conspiracy can be inferred. The decision of the Court of Appeal which set aside the judgment of Kwara State High Court was affirmed and the Respondent was discharged and acquitted of the offence.

•LawPavilion Citation: (2015) LPELR-24837(SC)

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TUESDAY JULY 28, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Being the first since the transfer of power from one political party to the other, President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent visit to the United States of America is an epoch-making event. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN looks at the benefits the country is likely to derive from the renewal of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Gains of Buhari’s visit to US P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s recent visit to the United States of America has opened a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries. The moment the visit was made public, the question on the lips of most Nigerians was, what are the benefits of such a visit to the country? Washington had bluntly refused to sell arms to the Nigerian government in the twilight of the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, ostensibly because of the accusation of human rights abuses by the military.

The general expectation was that the visit would provide an opportunity to explain the Nigerian side of the story to the US and secure a fresh arms deal. But, at the end of the day, it is difficult to say whether such expectations were met or not.

So, what does Nigeria really stand to gain from the visit? A university lecturer, Dr David Aworawo, said the visit would impact positively on Nigeria’s image. According to him, the international community is beginning to see the country in good light.

Aworawo, a senior lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), said: “President Buhari’s visit will further strengthen our diplomatic relations with America. Nigerians in America will have a better deal. The visit will get Nigeria out of the cold, which our past government has put us. At least we will get out of America’s list of blacklisted countries.

“Buhari seems to be the first Nigerian government to enjoy the trust and confidence of the United States of America. For once America is ready to do business with Nigeria like never before. He is someone the American government feel will bring about the desired change. Definitely, our president’s visit will enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries.”

To the former Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, the president’s visit was successful and the gains are too many. “It is a measure of goodwill Obama and the United States government has for President Buhari and his administration. That goodwill goes beyond America; it also extends to international community especially, the western world.”

Security Mamora said it was an opportunity to give Obama first hand briefing on the level of assistance needed in combating Boko Haram in terms of military assistance. He noted that under former President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria did not get the kind of assistance required from America mainly because of the poor perception of his administration. “The United States did not have confidence in Jonathan’s administration, so the military assistance to combat the insurgency was not there.

But now that Washington is ready to work with Buhari’s administration, he is confident of the military assistance from US,” he added.

A university don, Dr Adetunji Ogunyemi, said since the greatest challenge facing Nigeria today is insecurity and that President Buhari’s visit had afforded Nigeria the opportunity of presenting her security problems to the US. This, he said, would assist the country in the following areas: intelligence gathering; supply of weapons and ammunition; and the training of Nigerian security personnel in counter-insurgency tactics. He said the US has a wealth of experience in the above areas, because of her long engagements with similar challenges in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq in the last two and half decades.

But, Aworawo has ruled out possibilities of supply of arms from the North American country because of a subsisting rule that forbids the government from selling arms to the countries grappling with insurgency. Thus, he believes nothing concrete will come from Buhari’s visit, as far as supply of arms is concerned.

Nevertheless, observers still believe that one major thing Nigeria stands to gain from Buhari’s visit is America’s support in the fight against Boko Haram. At a press briefing after holding talks with Buhari, United States’ Secretary of State John Kerry, affirmed his country’s support for Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram. With America proposal to set up an African military base likely to have its headquarters in Nigeria, it will definitely

• Presidents Buhari and Obama at the White House, Washington

It is a measure of goodwill Obama and the United States government has for President Buhari and his administration. That goodwill goes beyond America; it also extends to international community, especially the western world boost the country’s security.

Anti-graft war Another thing Nigeria stands to gain from the visit is America’s support for Buhari anti-graft war. Mamora said the American government promised to assist Nigeria in fighting corruption, particularly in tracing looted funds “warehoused” in American banks, which Washington has promised to repatriate back to the country.

Ogunyemi agrees with Mamora’s position. He said the visit would enhance the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fight against corruption, particularly as the US has promised to help identify, seize and repatriate funds stolen by former government officials, so that the new administration can use same to stabilise the balance of payments situation and the cash crunch problem facing it.

Economy Analysts are optimistic that the fresh rapprochement between Nigeria and America will boost American investments in the country. Over the past few years America has faced serious

threats and competition from China and India over African markets like Nigeria. America knows that Nigeria’s economy is the largest in the continent and is perhaps interested in leveraging on it to boost her economy. This new relation will definitely see America doing business with Nigeria more than ever before. More American investments in Nigeria will generate huge employment opportunities and boost the economy.

An economist, Dr Emmanuel Ezira, said it is possible that the US may reconsider buying the country’s oil. Contrary to widespread belief, Ezira said the US did not stop buying Nigerian oil because of shale oil, but as a punitive measure against the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Bill. He premised his argument on the fact that the US still buys Saudi Arabia’s oil which, according to him, is not better than Nigeria’s but costs far more to transport to the US. But, Aworawo does not agree. He said Nigeria had no prospects of selling more oil to the US, because the North American country is self-sufficient. “She is second or third largest producer of crude in the world by producing 9.2 million barrels per day. They don’t need our oil for now; it has nothing to do with the strain in diplomatic relations under the former administration. It is because the US now produce enough for its local needs.”

Ezira said the new friendship will make Nigeria navigate the global economic and trade diplomacy with less difficulty. He said the visit will make Buhari’s efforts to recover Nigeria’s stolen hundreds of billions of dollars kept overseas by former government officials easy to find and repatriate. “Even if the US for whatever reasons is not willing to invest in Nigeria, the truth is that America has laundered Nigeria’s image and presented her as a serious investment destination for seriousminded global investors. The visit has once again confirmed Nigeria’s status in today’s world as the most beautiful bride that everyone wants to befriend at all costs,” he said.

Mamora is confident that the level of trade between the US • Continued on page 46

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POLITICS

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There is no need for an order of the court to set it aside. It is automatically null and ‘void without much ado, though it is sometimes convenient to have the court declare it to be so. And every proceeding, which is founded on it, is also bad and incurably bad ’

Frontline lawyer and rights activist Jiti Ogunye examines the crisis at the National Assembly. His opinion: the election of Senate President Bukola Saraki and Deputy Senate President Ibe Ekweremadu should not stand.

‘Saraki, Ekweremadu’s elections are a nullity’ • Continued from last Wednesday

F

OR example, a judgment that is given without jurisdiction, or a judgment which is a nullity, which is liable to be set aside, cannot give birth to a good execution. It does not even matter that the Judgment sought to be set aside has been executed. In such a situation, both the judgment that is liable to be set aside and the execution that is predicated thereon will suffer the same fate.

The oft-cited dictum of Lord Denning in the case of Macfoy v. U.A.C. Ltd (1961) 3 W.L.R. 1405 at p. 1409 P1] comes to mind here. He said: “any purported exercise of any function being without any legal or constitutional authority was null and void and of no effect.

If an act is void, then it is in law a nullity. It is not only bad but incurably bad. There is no need for an order of the court to set it aside. It is automatically null and void without much ado, though it is sometimes convenient to have the court declare it to be so. And every proceeding, which is founded on it, is also bad and incurably bad. You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stay there. It will collapse.”

Thus, it does not matter that following the purported election of Saraki and Ekweremadu, they were subsequently sworn in and they later administered the oath to the other senators.

All that is a grandiose nullity. And also it does not matter that following that farce of an election Senators Saraki and Ekweremade have been receiving courtesy visitors, including the Nigerian Bar Association Leadership ( a big shame!) and some funny civil society elections monitors. This sham of an election is incurably defective, and cannot be cured by this ineffectual showmanship. .

Also, it does no matter that the APC and the APC Presidency have accepted the sham election in the Senate as a successful coup d’état. They said “ a somewhat constitutional process has taken place” and that they are ready to live with it. No sirs. You are wrong.

There can be no equivocation on the critical question of whether an act in constitutional or not. If politicians prevaricate, the law does not.

It is either a constitutional process has taken place or it has not taken place. An unconstitutional act cannot become “somewhat constitutional” because of the disposition to condone and accommodate such an act, based on political expediency or naïveté .

It is thus our submission that consequently, any Nigerian, be he a senator or not who is affected by that election and is aggrieved has a right under Section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to invoke the Court’s power of judicial review and the Court is empowered ex debito justitiae to nullify the purported election. Mercifully, before his glorious transition, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN & SAM, of blessed memory had helped in liberalizing the anti-public interest litigation rigidity of the legal principle of locus standi ( standing or capacity to sue).

Secondly, even if the election in the Senate had been conducted on the basis of the Senate Standing Orders, 2011, it still would have been flawed, for not following the due process and for lack of compliance with the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders, 2011.

Order 2 ( Rules 1-3) in Chapter II of the Senate Orders, 2011, provides for the first sitting of the Senate as follows: “on the first sitting of a new Senate, pursuant to the proclamation of the first sitting of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senators-Elect shall assemble at the time and place so appointed; ( 2) Senators-elect, having assembled, the Clerk to the National Assembly shall: (a) read the proclamation for the holding of the first session of the Senate; ( b) call the Senate to order, and proceed to the roll call and confirmation of writs of election as well as declaration of assets and liabilities of the Senators- Elect in alphabetical order; and ( c) after the roll call, but before their swearing in, preside over the election of the President and Deputy President of the Senate; ( 3) each Senator Elect called shall present the writ of election and the receipt for declaration of assets and liabilities which shall be laid upon the table by the Clerk.”

The above stated procedure for convocation

• Saraki

•Ekweremadu

and inauguration of the Senate was not complied with on the 9th of June, 2015, when the election purportedly took place. All the senators-elect did not assemble before the Clerk and his cohorts committed their grand fraud. It is after the senators-elect ( not 57 or 75 of them, but all of them, save those who may be unavoidably absent, for example in the case of death, illness, detention in police or prison custody, or deliberate, clear and willful abstention from or boycott of the inauguration) had fully assembled that the Clerk can legally proceed to read the proclamation. By reading the proclamation to a half empty Senate Chambers, the Clerk willfully committed an act of illegality. But this is not the only procedural error knowingly committed by the Clerk on that date.

Upon reading the proclamation to a Senate Chamber that was half empty, the Clerk persisted in his aberration by not proceeding to the roll call and confirming the writs of election as well as declaration of assets and liabilities of the Senators- Elect ( again, we posit, not 57 or 74 of them, but all of them, save those who may be unavoidably absent, for example in the case of death, illness , detention in police or prison custody, or deliberate, clear and willful abstention from or boycott of the inauguration) in alphabetical order. The Rules say each Senator Elect called shall present the writ of election and the receipt for declaration of assets and liabilities which shall be laid upon the table by the Clerk. Being part of a conspiracy to foist a fait accompli on the absent senators, the Clerk was in a hurry to consummate an infamy.

We submit that having failed or refused to comply with the Senate Rules contained in Order 2 ( Rules 1-3) in Chapter II of the Senate Orders, 2011, the condition precedent to the election of the senate president and deputy senate president was not satisfied , and thus all the steps taken thereafter, including nominations, acceptance of nominations, declaration as being elected unopposed, voting, conducting the president-elect to the chair of the Senate President, administering of oaths, all are a nullity.

To the rabblerousing defenders of the illegality that took place in the Senate Chambers on that day who are contending that a quorum was formed to constitute the leadership of the Senate with 57 Senators, and later 75 Senators being in attendance, we say that you are wrong.

These rabble-rousers bandy, in isolation, Order 10 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders ( Quorum) to justify their contention that there was a quorum to elect the Senate leadership.

But Order 10 ( Rules 1, 2 and 3) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2011 provide thus: “(1) The quorum of the Senate shall be one-third ( 1/3) of members of the Senate; ( 2) if, at any time during the daily sessions of the Senate, a question is raised by any senator as to the presence of a quorum, the presiding officer shall within 15 minutes forthwith, direct the Clerk to call the roll and announce the result and these proceedings shall be without debate; ( 3) whenever after such roll call, it shall be ascertained that a quorum is not present, the President of the Senate may direct Sergeant at arms to request and, when necessary, to compel the attendance of the absent senators, which order shall be determined without debate; and pending its execution, and until a quorum shall be present, no debate nor motion except to adjourn or to suspend sitting shall be in order” Section 54 of the Constitution also provides more forcefully in subsections 1-4 as follows: “(1) the quorum of the Senate or of the House of Representatives shall be one-third of all the members of the Legislative House concerned. “; “(2) the quorum of a joint sitting of both the Senate or of the House of Representatives shall be one-third of all the members of both Houses.”; “(3) If objection is taken by any member of the Senate or the House of Representatives present that there are present in the House of which he is a member (besides the person presiding) fewer than one-third of all the members of that House and that it is not competent for the House to transact business, and after such interval as may be prescribed in the rules of procedure of the House, the person presiding ascertains that the number of members present is still less than one-third of all the members of the House he shall adjourn the House.”; and “ (4) The foregoing provisions of this section shall apply in relation to a joint sitting of both Houses of the National Assembly as they apply in relation to a House of the National Assembly as if references to the Senate or the House of Representatives and a member of either Houses are references to both Houses and to any member of the National Assembly, respectively.”

When the provisions of Order 10 ( 1-3) of the Senate Standing Orders and the above-cited provisions of the Constitution are properly read and construed, it becomes clear that those provisions do not apply to the first sitting of the Senate, and in particular the election of presiding officers of the Senate. They do not. In constituting the leadership of the Senate, all senators-elect not only have the right to contest in the election, but they also have the right to par-

To the rabblerousing defenders of the illegality that took place in the Senate Chambers on that day who are contending that a quorum was formed to constitute the leadership of the Senate with 57 Senators, and later 75 Senators being in attendance, we say that you are wrong

ticipate in the election. They have the right to vote and be voted for. Therefore, none of them can be excluded, based on the forced application of the “one-third ( 1/3) of members of the Senate” quorum clause. The quorum clause applies to the ordinary sitting ( or daily sessions) of the Senate, its committees or its joint sitting with the House of Representatives. It does not apply to the first sitting of the Senate, which, in the context of the Senate Standing Orders, is not a sitting, properly so called. At the inaugural first “sitting” of the Senate, all senators-elect are expected to assemble and participate in the election. Not one-third of them.

A sitting of the Senate, to which “one-third ( 1/3) of members of the Senate” quorum clause applies can only start or take place after the first “sitting” of the Senate, that is after the election of the Senate’s presiding officers, and not before. The Senate cannot sit without presiding officers. A court cannot sit without a judge or panel of judges presiding. Gathering to elect a leadership of the Senate may be a meeting or an assembly, but certainly not a sitting.

Order 5 of the Senate Standing Orders provides that after their respective elections, “the President and Deputy President of the Senate shall take and subscribe to the oath/ affirmation of allegiance and membership prescribed in the Constitution before the Clerk to the National Assembly”. Order 6 of the Senate Standing Orders provides that “ having been sworn, the President of the Senate returns his acknowledgment to the Senate for the honours confirmed upon him, thereupon takes the Chair, and then the mace ( which hitherto lay under the table shall be laid upon the table).”

Order 8 of the Senate Standing Orders provides that “ every senate elect shall, before taking his seat, take and subscribe to the oath/ affirmation of allegiance and membership prescribed in the 7th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, before the President of the Senate.” And Order11 ( contained in Chapter III-Sittings of the Senate) of the Senate Standing Orders provides that “(1) the President of the Senate shall allocate a seat to each senator; and ( 2) a senator may only speak from a seat allocated to him, provided that the President of the Senate may change the allocation from time to time” In the same vein, and foundationally, Section 52. (1) of the Constitution of Nigeria provides that “every member of the Senate or the House of Representatives shall, before taking his seat, declare his assets and liabilities as prescribed in this Constitution and subsequently take and subscribe the Oath of Allegiance and the oath of membership as prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to this Constitution before the President of the Senate or, as the case may be, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, but a member may before taking the oaths take part in the election of a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, as the case may be, or a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Section 52(2) of the Constitution provides that “the President and Deputy President of the Senate and the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative shall declare their assets and liabilities as prescribed in this Constitution and subsequently take and subscribe the Oath of Allegiance and the oath of membership prescribed as aforesaid before the Clerk of the National Assembly.” And Section 53. (1)(a) of the Constitution provides that “ at any sitting of the National Assembly - (a) in the case of the Senate, the President of the Senate shall preside, and in his absence the Deputy President shall preside;” Reading these orders and cited provisions of Sections 52 and 53 of the Constitution together, in relation to the “one-third ( 1/3) of members of the Senate” quorum clause, it should be very clear, even to the dull and unintelligent, that until the President and Deputy Senate President are sworn, take the Chair, the Mace of the Senate is laid on the table, every senator-elect is sworn and takes his seat, and the President of the Senate allocates a seat to each Senator, there can be no sitting or session of the Senate to which the “one-third ( 1/3) of members of the Senate” quorum clause can apply.

• Continued on page 46

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Nigeria’s relation with the US may likely improve under Buhari’s leadership.

‘The relations turned sour over the failure of the Jonathan’s administration and the military to deal decisively with the Boko Haram insurgency ’

POLITICS

‘Saraki, Ekweremadu’s elections are a nullity’ • Continued from page 45 At any sitting of the Senate, the President or Deputy Senate President must preside. A gathering of senators, where the President and Deputy President are yet to be elected, let alone presiding, is, thus, not a sitting for the purpose of applicability of the quorum clause. Without a sitting, no sensible person can be talking about a quorum. Clearly, senators-elect, including aspirant presiding officers (who are yet to be elected) cannot sit until all the afore-stated protocols are completed. Quorum applies to a sitting of the Senate, and not to an assembly of senators who are gathered for the sole purpose of constituting a leadership that will preside over the Senate, so that sitting may commence.

The Senate cannot sit before the election of presiding officers. And it is when the Senate does sit that the “one-third ( 1/3) of members of the Senate” quorum clause can apply.

Order 17 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2011 provides that “no person shall be admitted to the lobby or the floor of the Senate while in session, except the following and only by consent of the Senate.” The Order then provides a long list of current and former public office holders, who, with permission of the Senate, are eligible to be admitted into the Chambers. These include the president and vice president, former elected presidents and vice presidents, former president and former deputy presidents of the senate, former senators and senators-elect, judges of the Supreme Court, Governors of State and former elected Governors, et cetera. As every observer of the charade called an election in the Senate witnessed, the Senate Chambers was invaded by PDP cheerleaders, including PDP Governors, who stormed the Senate to “ supervise the election”. This fact gives credence to our submission that no sitting or session of the Senate took place on that day to which “one-third ( 1/3) of members of the Senate” quorum clause

could apply. If the Senate was in session, its permission would have been sought and obtained before the admittance of those intruders. There was no “session” or “sitting” of the Senate on that day, and there was no leadership to give any consent to the invaders or strangers to come into the Chambers and participate in the sham process as observers. Even if we were to assume that the Clerk of the National Assembly allowed the invasion, the Clerk of the National Assembly is not the Senate. Thus, he, lawfully, could not have given any consent to the intruders to come in. If he did so, he acted unlawfully.

Our third ground for reaching the conclusion that the election of Senator Bukola Saraki and Senator Ekweremadu as senate president and deputy senate president is a nullity is that the “election” was not in conformity with the spirit and letters of the Constitution. It did not pass the test of an inclusive and participatory democratic process under the Constitution. 57 senators or 75 senators cannot validly elect the leadership of the National Assembly, even if the Senate Rules were not doctored, save in the exceptional situations suggested above. .

Section 50. (1) of the Constitution provides that: “there shall be:- (a) a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves”. Under Section 50, there is no provision stipulating “one-third ( 1/3) of members of the Senate” as the quorum for the first “sitting” of the Senate where the Senate leadership is elected. Thus, the one-third quorum cannot and should not be imported into Section 50. In electing the leadership of the Senate, the intendment of the framers of the Constitution is that all the senators, who are to be inaugurated and sworn in at that first “sitting” will assemble and be eligible to vote and be voted for. It affronts common sense for anyone to imagine that one-third members of the Senate can validly elect its leadership, under Section 50 of the Constitution, when the

same Section 50 provides in subsection 2(c) thereof that : “the President or Deputy President of the Senate or the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall vacate his office - if he is removed from office by a resolution of the Senate or of the House of Representatives, as the case may be, by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of the members of that House.”. If it takes twothird majority of the members of the Senate to remove a senate president and his deputy once they are elected, why will one-third of the members be able to form an alleged quorum to elect the same officers?

Under our formulated third ground, may we point out that it is not only because 51 senators and later 33 senators were disenfranchised and thus could not participate in the said “election” that we are contending that the election is a nullity, but also because almost half of the people of Nigeria were shut out of that process. The National Assembly is the first arm or branch of government, and the Nigerian people participate in its affairs through their elected representatives. In a representative democracy, legislators perform the functions of representation, legislation, appropriation, passing resolutions, oversight, and governance. Being representatives, when the senators are electing their leadership, they are direct electors representing indirect electors in their respective senatorial districts. They are like an electoral college. Therefore, if a fragment of the Senate engages in a conspiracy and chicanery to elect the senate leadership, in the absence of other senators, the right of Nigerians, who are being represented by those shut out senators, to participate in the government of their country is violated. The right of a people to participate in the government of their own country is an internationally recognized civil and political right.

Let us put it more graphically. In that so called election, save the threesome Governor Fayose’s Senators from Ekiti State, an Ogun

State Senator and two Ondo State Senators, the peoples of South-West Nigeria did not participate in constituting the senate leadership. Two-third of the people of Benue State did not participate, Senators George Akume and Barnabas Gemade not being there. And largely the people of Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States did not participate, their elected senators not being in the Senate. This is not the kind of senate leadership election that is envisaged by the Constitution. Constitutional processes governing compositions of arms of government must not be reduced to a game of power-grabbing stratagem in which chicaners use foul means to win , and gleefully declare thereafter: “ I have defeated you, let us move on” We refuse to move on. A terrible unconstitutional precedent wittingly or unwittingly must not be created because the actors prefer to cut a deal and settle their differences . A fundamental breach of the provisions of the Constitution cannot be allowed to pass because the dramatis personae have agreed to share offices. Did the President and the Vice President and the dissatisfied senators not swear to protect, defend and uphold the provisions of the Constitution?. They sure did. And now this is the litmus test.

The Senate should return to the path of constitutionalism and rule of law. The first “sitting” of the Senate has not taken place. All that has taken place is a cocktail of illegalities.

All the senators must properly assemble, pursuant to the relevant constitutional provisions and Senate Standing Orders 2011; and the proclamation must be read to all of them.

Thereafter, a proper roll call must be made and an election of which all senators and the entire Nigerian people shall be proud must be conducted. This is the way to change and govern a country.

• Mr. Ogunye, lawyer, public interest attorney, legal commentator, author, and essayist, is the Legal adviser of Premium Times.

Buhari praised for rejecting same-sex marriage

A

• From left: Deputy British High Commissioner, Simion Shercliff, outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Andrew Pocock and President Muhammadu Buhari during a farewell visit to the President at the PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN. Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

• Continued from page 44 and Nigeria will increase with Buhari as leader of the country. According to him, “the trip offers the US and her people the opportunity to know there is a serious government in Nigeria that they can rely on in doing business in the country.

They want to invest in Nigeria and they want to be sure they are doing business in a country with a serious leadership, where their interest can be protected.”

Improved relations Nigeria’s relation with the US may likely improve under Buhari’s leadership. The relations turned sour over the failure of the Jonathan’s administration and the military to deal decisively with the Boko Haram insurgency, particularly the inability to locate the over

RELIGIOUS leader and founder, One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for resisting the pressure mounted on him by United States of America to lure Nigeria to recognize same-sex marriage.

Describing Buhari’s action as a mark of patriotism, Maharaj described same-sex marriage as evil and un-African. He said: “Our President has done well. He deserves kudos for refusing to bow to the dictates of imperialism. What does the United States take us for? Same-sex marriage is an abomination. It is not only uncultural, but also un-African. It is another form of imperialism, but thank God, President Buhari resisted US moves.”

While describing actions being taken so far by Buhari as positive, the religious leader urged Nigeri-

ans to support the President’s efforts to reposition the country for greatness. He implored Buhari to sustain the war against corruption and other vices, which he said has hindered Nigeria from realizing its potentialities.

Maharaj added: “Nigeria is destined to be a great nation, but we must be ready to tackle corruption.

Henceforth, let public officers be made to swear with local deities like Ogun, Sango, Esu, Sigidi and a host of others, then there will be sanity; public officials no longer respect the Quran and the Bible. Ask them to swear with Ogun the god of iron, or Sango the god of thunder, you see them becoming jittery.”

He urged elected leaders to seek the input of traditional rulers in the day-to-day running of the country’s affairs, adding that they can also add value to governance.

Gains of Buhari’s visit to US 200 Chibok girls kidnapped by the terrorists. Angered by the refusal of the US to sell helicopter gunships to Nigeria, Jonathan retaliated by halting a US military training programme for the Nigerian military.

The first step towards normalising relations with Nigeria, according to White House, was Obama’s invitation to Buhari for a state visit, immediately after he was declared the winner of the March 28 presidential election. “This feels to us like Nigeria is at an important moment in which there can be real reforms across the board. We are looking forward to what we can do with a President who has staked out an agenda that we think is the right agenda at the right time. The visit emphasises US commitment

to strengthening and expanding our partnership with Nigeria’s new government,” Grant Harris, senior director for African Affairs at the National Security Council told reporters.

Ogunyemi said the visit has enhanced Nigeria-US bilateral relations, after many years of significant lull. “To be received by the US President for four days is no small deal in real international diplomacy and

countries that qualify for this, especially on invitation by the US President (unlike Benjamin Netanyau of Israel who invited himself earlier in the year) is a significant public relations achievement for any country,” he said.

On what the US stands to gain from Buhari’s visit, he said it was a re-launch of her friendships with Africa’s largest democracy and population. He said: “This is significant

We are looking forward to what we can do with a President who has staked out an agenda that we think is the right agenda at the right time

for the projection of America’s influence in Africa, particularly in the light of increasing Chinese presence and likely dominance of Africa’s investment and mining industry.

“It is an opportunity of a bilateral coalition in stopping or, at least, reducing the expansion of ISIS’s influence in the whole of Africa. Remember after Iran and North Korea, ISIS is the next hater and enemy of US’s interest in the whole world. Hence, it is not in the US’s long term strategic interest to see that ISIS has a foot-hold in Nigeria or sympathisers in the government.”

Buhari’s visit has stirred up a lot of expectations of better things from the US. But, only time will tell if these expectations will materialise.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

47

THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION

•From left: Ibrahim Abdulsalam, Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); Saleh Dunoma Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Hajia Bello; Captain Muhktar Usman, Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Felix Abali; Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB),Hassan Musa; Director, Air Transport Services, Ministry of Aviation, and Dr Ibrahim Idris, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Aviation during the tour of the Lagos Airport.

Nigeria loses over N100b yearly to Open Skies policy

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IGERIA is losing over N100 billion yearly to the Open Skies agreement with other countries, a former director of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Adeyemi Dare, has said.

He spoke at an event in Lagos with the theme: Liberalism or protectionism of the aviation sector.

Unless Nigeria designs its "protection measures", it could lose more money because of the heavily skewed bilateral air services deals, Dare said, urging the government to design policies that would assist indigenous carriers to compete with their foreign counterparts.

He blamed the government for taking what he called the wrong steps of granting flight entries indiscriminately to foreign airlines to the detriment of local carriers.

Dare, a pilot, said there were over 300 foreign pilots in the sector, yet their Nigerian counterparts were roaming the streets for jobs.

Nigeria, he said, had yet to realise the importance of the sector to the economy, demanding stringent policy on expatriate quota to checkmate the influx of foreigners into the sector indiscriminately.

Over 47 airlines, he said, had been licensed to operate since the emergence of commercial aviation in Nigeria, noting that of the number, 31 are comatose.

According to him, many factors, including: government's action, undue interference by airline owners, improper allocation of resources, uncertainty in regulations and lack of proper market survey, have contributed to the problems of the airline sub-sector.

He said besides engaging only experienced personnel at the Ministry of Aviation the government should initiate aircraft tax-free measure and limit the use of foreign registered aircraft in the country, among others.

A pilot with the defunct Nigeria Airways, Captain Prex Porbeni, la-

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Correspondent

mented that bootlicking is a major problem in the ministry, adding that when people are ready to say and stand by the truth instead of shortchanging the system, the sector would grow.

"If the government policy on expatriate is strong enough, it will check the system because foreign airlines call the short in the aviation they are aided and abetted by ministry officials to kill the sector's business rather than empower local industry to become strong enough," he said.

According to him, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should also enforce, not necessarily on books, the employment of Nigerian pilots as it was done when Nigeria Airways was in existence to develop capacity.

"Another problem is that domestic airlines are looking for finished products; that was not the situation in the days of Nigeria Airways. As a young pilot, I gained experienced at the Airways because they employed us and invested in us," he added.

Other stakeholders identified the government's influence and policy summersault as major problems that have slowed the development of the industry.

In his paper, titled: 'Issues in Nigerian flight safety environment: An overview', a veteran aviator and a member of Aviation Round Table (ART), Sam Akerele, identified the reasons domestic airlines couldn't grow and why they were bogged with debts.

"This is not how it is done in other climes where they allow only one entry point to give opportunity for their local airlines to distribute the international passengers to other airports within their countries.

But this is not the case in our country where 'Peter is robbed to pay Paul". He said :" The government killed the domestic airlines when it allowed international air-

lines to enter and operate from all the international airports in Nigeria has which are in Lagos, Abuja, Kano Port Harcourt and Enugu."

Akerele said for the country to continue to enjoy safety, the aviation agencies must continue to emphasise on training and retraining of their technical staff.

He, however, regretted that no airport in Nigeria had been certified fit and licensed by the regulatory authorities, a situation that has pushed up the insurance premium the airlines pay.

On security, he said adequate security should go beyond providing perimeter fences, but should include deploying technology for proper surveillance of the airports' environment.

In other words, according to him, NCAA should sanction sister agencies such as Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) , Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and Nigerian College of Aviation Technology ( NCAT) when they renege in their statutory responsibilities.

Akerele advocated the scrapping of the Ministry of Aviation , urging the government to empower the Federal Ministry of Transport to over see aviation.

According to him, Nigeria has many policies, but what it requires is a turnaround of mentality to rescue the industry, adding that liber-

alism of the open sky must stop where Nigeria's interest of growing domestic airlines begin.

The former director general of NCAA, Bola Akinkuotu while responding to the accusations levied against the NCAA, said the problem is not with the agency, but the operators who prefer to bend the rules and refuse to comply with the laws. He assured the audience that the situation is changing for the better.

NAAPE President, Isaac David Balami, an engineer, in his opening remark, thanked the participants, saying the forum was aimed at providing an opportunity for stakeholders to jaw-jaw and find solution to Nigeria's aviation problems.

Union to govt: overhaul agencies

T

HE Federal Government has been urged to restructure aviation agencies to address their challenges.

A formerAir Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) president, Comrade Agboola Ogunfeitimi, said the restructure was imperative to turn the agencies round.

Ogunfeitmi, the Deputy President-General of the new Nigerian Aviation Professional Association (NAPA), said : " The industry is in a mess. There is need for a general restructuring of the industry. Total restructuring is desirable from the management level to the lowest by putting the right people into the right position and not people over-staying their welcome in an agency whether in Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA ), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and so on ."

He lamented high level indiscipline in some of the agencies

which he asked the Buhari administration to address.

On why NAPA was formed, Ogunfeitimi, claimed the leadership of the unions in the sector " do not have focus. What they are after is grabbing, grabbing and grabbing. They do not inject new ideas into unionism in the industry’’.

He said: "When I was the National President of ATSSSAN, we assisted the government in policy formulation and hosted several stakeholders fora in which captains of the industry were present.

"That makes us to be more relevant. After my departure as the president of ATSSSAN, things started going wrong.

"The workers have lost confidence in the unions.

"Unionism is not about shouting. Unionism is about dialogue, about exchanging views and make positive change in the industry. It's about promoting professionalism, about safety and progress.

"The majority of aviation work-

ers have lost confidence in the unions and that is what led to the formation of NAPA.Workers believe that there must be a union that will stand right. ‘’Unions that will be able to take care of the interest of professionals and administrative cadres, that will also be above board take care of the professionals in the management level and those in the lower cadres and be able to advise government on policy formulation that will engender growth in aviation sector and peace and harmony among staff and management.

"We should be able to create a system to the effect that those owing the agencies are made to pay up their debts. Unionism is not about salaries and wages alone but how to ensure growth. NAPA of cause, will change the deterioration. NAPA stands integrity, accountability and transparency."

NCAA branch which I inaugurated yesterday. I admonish them to be prudent, be disciplined and be punctual in their assigned official duties."

48

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

49

e-Business

•From left: Executive Director, Business Development, Mr Wole Abegunde; Company Secretary, Omowunmi Adedurotimi, Mr Ohiwerei; Mr Obi; Mr Tony Egbuna; Mr Victor Etuokwu all board members of eTranzact International during the firm’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Lagos at the weekend.

e-Tranzact eyes global position in e-payment solution space

I

NDIGENOUS pioneers in mobile and electronic payment/receiving solutions provider e-Tranzact International Limited is repositioning to play leading role in the global electronic or e-payment industry.

Its Board Chairman,, Mr Felix Ohiwerei, who spoke on the sideline during the firm's 11th annual general meeting (AGM) in Lagos, lauded the management of the technology firm for its innovation, drive and resources, promising that the firm will continue to strive to grow with a view to becoming "regional and global leader in the electronic and mobile payments industry, and with our performance in the period under review and indicators from the current period, we believe that the period ahead will be even more glorious."

He said: "We are happy with the results that we saw today. We see it as the beginning of new level of growth for eTranzact.

The potential out there is great.

For some time now, we have been preparing to take advantage of full opportunities out

•Pays 5k dividends to shareholders

By Lucas Ajanaku

there and the strategies we have in place are beginning to pay off.

We are optimistic that in the years ahead, things will get much better."

He said eTranzact has taken steps to consolidate on profitability with new relationships, enhancing and deepening existing ones and exploring new partnerships locally and internationally.

Aside Nigeria, the firm has footholds in Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cote d'Ivoire, and the United Kingdom (UK) and is currently expanding operations to more and more countries in the world.

Also speaking on the occasion, its MD/CEO, Mr. Valentine Obi said: "We have been encouraged by our performance in the period under review. We have experienced consistent growth in revenue and profitability over the past ten years with transaction activity value, volumes and partnerships also experiencing significant growth in the last

three years. Key to our growth has been setting key performance indexes around user experience, platform stability and technology development, and we plan to continue to do this.

"It is a new level for us indeed and this shows that the strategies we have in place are working and it will continue to work.

Going forward, Nigerians will be seeing new products that eTranzact will be introducing to help the industry grow and increase our profitability as well as for the benefit for our shareholders and other partners."

Meanwhile, its Board of Directors has approved the payment of five kobo per share to its shareholders for year 2014.

The annual report of the firm showed that last year was a good year with the firm generating record revenues, operating profits and cash flows which transformed its accumulated deficit to a retained surplus.

Gross revenue for the year under review was N7.1billon which represents a 51 per cent growth compared to 2013. Op-

erating profit grew from N188.7million in 2013 to N388million during the year under review, representing a 101 per cent annual growth.

Profit before tax (PBT) grew by 145 per cent from 2013 performance its profit after tax (PAT) grew by 112 per cent compared to its performance in the preceding year.

PocketMoni prepaid Mastercards were issued to all shareholders, and with their unanimous approval at the AGM, their dividend payout was made to their cards The firm explained that its key growth drivers were strengthened collaboration with partner banks in driving mobile banking business, strategic alliances with International money transfer operators which is driving growth of remittance business, alliances with government agencies, parastatals and educational institutions which is driving bulk payments, central collection and transaction switching and processing business.

‘How ICT tools can stop graft in governance’

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HE deployment of information communication technology (ICT) tools, especially social platforms, could be used to monitor government activities as well as hold them accountable to fulfill their campaign promises, an associate professor of Science, Technology and Society, Arizona State University, Dr. Patience Akpan-Obong has said.

Speaking with our reporter at Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State, she said a lot of people are on Facebook, Twitter and blogs doing insightful and innovative things. She stressed the need to see more connection between the social use of ICT and economic activities.

She said there is need to use technology to hold public officials accountable and ask them questions to make them perform and fulfill their promises.

"We can use the Google search to remind them of their promises years back and what they have done. We can also use that to shame public officials who are behaving badly but most importantly, we should use the technology to hold public officials accountable and; compel them

By Olatunde Odebiyi

to do the things they promised to do during elections.

"Leaders are now careful about their addresses and actions in public, because they know anybody can now write anything about them and post online.

"It is time government officials, political leaders not go into offices just to enrich themselves, but for them to start seeing public service as a service to the public and not service to their pockets.

She added that Nigerians have to talk about whatever is not going right in government and post it online. "You can also snap pictures of government's uncompleted projects which are taking longer than it should, that way, you would use the pictures to challenge government on its inability to work. The information would get to them some day and they would be forced to perform their responsibility knowing that there are no hiding corners because the social media is constantly being used to expose their inadequacies in governance," she said.

According to her, the level of the deployment of ICT tools is high in the private sector and

there is innovative use in trying to get the technologies to create wealth, including those who sell computer peripherals', road side phone rechargers and those who use text messages to tell people to subscribe for one thing or the other.

A lot of ministries have ICT department by policy but many of the departments are just basically desk-top support because there is still a lot of manual processing, which involves the analogue mode of transactions that are paper based.

She noted that the challenges in ICT are the issue of trust saying people still find it hard to trust things that they can't touch, feel or see. "Primary infrastructure, which is electricity, can also be an issue and our attitude to technology must change.

“Some politicians do not know how to operate their emails; they do not have official email address, and even those that have left it in the hands of their secretaries who do not know how to operate it. They check it only once in a month,” she said.

She urged the banking sector to use technology to prevent fraud and make sure that the technology used is impen-

etrable, arguing that this could be achieved by upgrading the security technologies as frequently as possible and not being complacent because technology changes so often and so rapidly.

"The people who are hacking into the system are also changing and upgrading their own knowledge and skills. People making the technologies are also the people who know how to hack into the technologies; so the banking sector could utilise the technologies to curb fraud because there are technologies that would help to curb fraud.

“Another aspect is making sure that they have sufficient security technologies to prevent fraud. They should invest in newer technologies and upgrading it frequently. They should use a lot of security technologies and not just security technology that prevent people from entering the bank but also the technologies that make online transactions safe and fraud proof as much as possible.

"We will not have 100 per cent fraud-proof technologies because human beings make the technologies and they will also figure out how to circumvent them," she said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

50

e-Business Business process outsourcing (BPO) has become the trend all over the world as companies take steps to cut operating costs. In Nigeria, it is, however, seen as a strategy that ends up cutting people’s jobs. The Global Chief Executive Officer, ISON BPO, Pravin Kumar, says BPO creates jobs and contributes significantly to growing national gross domestic product (GDP). He says the company will invest $400million in expanding its operations in Nigeria, LUCAS AJANAKU met him.

Outsourcing business processes creates jobs W HAT is the essence of business outsourcing process (BPO) in terms of ensuring service deliv-

ery?

It allows companies to focus on areas where they have core competence. They can focus on their areas of competence. For example, telecoms should focus on their product. Banks should focus on rolling out banking products; insurance comapnies should focus on insurance products and the entire customer management will be managed by us for them.

For many things, management is similar in all segments, should we call it bank, telecoms, oil and gas. So that's what we do.

We do customer management for companies.

What is the importance of the event you are holding today?

Well, ISON has attained a minimum required size of about 5,000 people in Nigeria.

We are now announcing our focus of developing Nigeria as onshore and ofshore hub, thus creating jobs. As a company, we create.

For example, if we create a job for let us say a Nigerian company, there will be jobs inside that company which are moved outside that company but is still in Nigeria but when we get jobs from the United Kingdom (UK), United States (U.S) or in India or in Philippine or in some other countries, East African or European countries, when they come here, that's a new job creation. So that's the big initiative that we are going to launch now.

So where are you now in Nigeria?

We are at the moment in Ibadan. What we are doing is for local Nigerian companies, when we get job from outside Nigeria which are also being handled in Nigeria. We have made it in Ibadan, Port-Harcourt, Enugu. It is not necessary we do it only in Ibadan.

There will variable, English, there will not be Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo. So invariably, these other languages. The expenditure is lower; we can go there and train people there, upscale people there even though there are exchanges and then move to getting jobs to do. But we can't afford to go wrong in handling an option while you've already done experiment and you do it in a lab environment, a complete lab environment.

You spoke about companies you are handling in telecoms, insurance. No mention was made of the oil and gas sector which is the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.

Oil and gas, we have not been able to make any credible entry so far but as I speak to you, we have now got into oil and gas company by acquiring a company in the Middle East. We are looking forward to even serving the largest oil and gas company. But there is a saparate announcement which will come.

Now, dearth of infrastructure is a major challenge in Nigeria. How have you been coping?

No, Let me tell you, when I started this business in India, the infrastructure I had available to me there was much poorer compared to what I have in Nigeria today. The only thing is barring exception. I have not seen a lot of focus on the infrastructure development. For example in Ibadan, every time I go, a new road getting mend, a new mall coming in, a new fly over being constructed whereas I have not seen that happening in many places. So I am a service provider, I am not for example a transport company, I am not a real estate developer and therefore those investment will have to be the responsibility of the government trying to take it forward.

Most of the governors I have met, they are very excited about the big jobs coming to them. They have to create the necessary infrastructure. I can perhaps pay some credit because when I met the Governor of Oyo State in Ibadan in 2011, I told them few things. I am saying he is doing it because I am in Ibadan but he has even given me the go ahead to start a university, a management college in his place and has even provided infrastructure. I don't want any subsidy from anybody. I want an enabling environment.

Apart from Airtel, which other firms do

‘BPO is job creation. For example, the offshore BPO is the real job creation. Talk about MTN, talk about Airtel. When they came in, Airtel was answering only 55, 000 calls every month, now they answer 175,000 calls every month. So the number of people working for them, handling these calls have gone up; they have not gone up four times or five times, it has gone up twice because there is more efficient operation’

•Kumar

you manage?

In Nigeria, aside from Airtel, we have now got a contract from MTN and we have got contract from other companies outside telecoms which is AIICO Insurance, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Oyo State government and others.

What is the strenght of your manpower currently in Nigera? What are your short, medium and long term goals?

In Nigeria, we have over 5,000 people working for us in this industry by the end of this year.

My goals are two: we should be 25,000 people in not more than two years and this industry should employ more than 100,000 people in not more than 24 years because both have to move hand in glove In India, the BPO sector contributes substantially to the economy. By how much in cash terms could a well developed BPO lift Nigeria’s GDP? Let me tell you, it is simple arithmetic; number one, you have to go beyond the oil and gas, to earn your dollars. In this, if you are able to build 100,000 people, it is simple arithmetic; multiply it back by $15,000 a year, and that will be the dollar contribution without any outflow. There is nothing to be imported and that will be the contribution to your GDP. When BPO is mentioned, what comes to mind is your job loss in this part of the world. How do you reconcile this?

No, BPO is job creation, beleive me, its job creation. For example, the offshore BPO

which is the real job creation. Talk about MTN, talk about Airtel. When they came in, Airtel was answering only 55, 000 calls every month, now they answer 175,000 calls every month. So the number of people working for them handling these calls have gone up, they have not gone up four times or five times, it has gone up twice because there is more efficient operation. In MTN, you will see that they will also be answering twice the call they answer today and that's why they have been there. Their total cost will come down because they are now using right people, right technology in the right place to do this.

Their cost is far lesser than their spending.

The spend two and half times. The number of people working directly in this will be at least, 50 per cent or 100 per cent more than their working but the cost of each people because now a right person will be handling the job, the cost will come down.

Are you saying that the people who have been doing it before are not the right people?

They are few things to be combined here.

Number one, they are not completely technology-wise balanced. They are not the right profile people because I have been interacting with people such as engineers, doctors, microbiology, Ph.D holders in economics are answering calls. They are not motivated to do this job and they are not at the right occasion. They are in Lagos and Abuja and the cost there in Lagos is five times higher than the cost what you will even find in PortHarcourt.

‘You have to go beyond the oil and gas, to earn your dollars. In this, if you are able to build 100,000 people, it is simple arithmetic; multiply it back by $15,000 a year, and that will be the dollar contribution without any outflow.

There is nothing to be imported and that will be the contribution to your GDP’

The foreign BPOs pay much less to Nigerian companies?

It is because Nigeria does not have BPO. Telecoms company or banks or an insurance is used to hiding people from telecoms, from insurance, and therefore what do they do? They pay four times the salaries, they don't invest in the right technology, they don't therefore provide the right technology because they want cost to be under control and you are not being demanding that service too. You have to be more demanding. How certified will be - certificate that you get from the service provider and then the banks, insurance or telecoms?

You said ISON is a Nigerian company.

What do you mean?

We are as much a Nigerian corporate citizen as any other company that you can put your finger on. We are registered in Nigeria, we have all those registrations which are required by Nigerian companies, we file all the returns that are to be filed in Nigeria, we pay all the taxes. We have on our board distinguished people like Godwin Obaseki, we are now taking Shola Adio on our board. Why? Not because we can get some discount, no, we have now got to the bridge where I think I have some bigger responsibility. 25,000 Nigerians working for me, because I am hoping to have 25,000 Nigerians. My responsibility increases. So, the same thing I am doing is to be done in a manner which is liked and appreciated by you which is relevant for me. Not by some -in the U.S but it is also important for me so that I can get a job from that company. Therefore I am bringing those people for corporate governance and improvement.

This call centre technology equipment that you are buying from a Avaya those are the things you have to do locally. You need to have a group of people to be able to manage the interactive voice response (IVR) system, so the investment that you are making is in these two technologies in addition to a normal call centre setup where you have the air-conditioning, power, UPS, the interiors, the computers, the routers. We are creating a facility. I am having about 1406 and the variable investment is about $5,000 a feet, which takes you to $7million and $8million is the actual purchase value of the CCTV and IVR, $15million and $5million is the support costs.

Do you have any plan to bring this company to Nigeria Stock Exchange?

Yes, 2017/18, we plan to list on the Nigerian stock exchange.

If well harnessed what will the BPO be contributing to the economy?

It will 100,000 people and $15,000, so its about $1.5million as the revenue generated in foreign exchange. 100,000 will start paying taxes, 100,000 will be collected from taxes and depositing.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

51

e-Business ‘How to retrieve your stolen phones’

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• Wigwe (cutting the tape) during the official launch of Yudala Offline Division at The Palms, Lekki, Lagos Experience Store. With him to the right is Chairman, Zinox Group, Dr. Leo Stan Ekehare and the Vice President, Yudala Retail Stores, Mr. Stanley Uzoechina.

Yudala‘ll create 150,000 new jobs, says Zinox chief

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OUNDER and Group Managing Director, Zinox Technologies, Dr. Leo Stan-Ekeh has said no fewer than 150,000 jobs will be created across the country with the successful launch of the offline division of the operation of Yudala Retail Stores, a composite retail chain outlet.

Stan-Ekeh who spoke on the sidelines during the commissioning of the retail outlets of Yudala in Computer Village, Ikeja, and The Palms, Lekki, Lagos at the weekend, said the initiative is a movement, adding that nobody could stop a moving train.

He said several new jobs will be opened beginning with 11 stores scheduled for commissioning next month in Enugu, Owerri, Abuja, Uyo seven others.

He said in partnership with Access Bank, there will be investment in building a network of new businesses, urging support for President Muhammadu Buhari in his quest to fix the rot that has infested the economy.

Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe said Yudala will revolutionise retail business in the country.

Wigwe who cut the tape to officially open the Experience Store at The Palms, said the store is truly a retail outlet worth partnering with.

He said:”I am delighted to be here

•Access Bank to fund new small businesses today to witness the launch of Yudala. The ambience is world class which gives a lot of hope that young Nigerian entrepreneurs are redefining standards. There is a lot to be excited about especially when you consider the huge impact Yudala will have on small businesses and households in the informal sector. We must also not lose sight of the potential effects on the Nigerian economy in extension.

“At Access Bank, we are empowering and expanding the capacity of SMEs and the emergence of Yudala certainly provides many areas of partnership which will undoubtedly rub off positively on this crucial sector.”

The publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka who cut the tape to usher in the guests and throngs of enthusiastic visitors at the Ikeja outlet, commended the brains behind the dream, adding that it will redefine retail business in the country.

He said: “I must commend the ingenious inspiration behind the Yudala dream. Nigeria is ripe for the revolution in retail business which Yudala offers. Indeed, this is an idea whose time has come. The combination of an online shopping platform with retail stores in various locations in the country is a game-changer and

will definitely open up previously unexplored possibilities and convenience for many Nigerians. We must also not forget the potential effect on the Nigerian economy through the numerous employment opportunities this business model will create.

Yudala is a business with an eye on the future and I dare-say, we must all embrace it.”

Sources close to the firm said Yudala Online is billed to go live in August, promising even bigger deals and unprecedented discounts at launch.

Its Vice President, Mr. Stanley Uzoechina, said Yudala is the answer to the demands of the 21st Century, which places emphasis on skill and style. In his view, Yudala is a huge platform which re-defines the concept of offline retail.

“First, we are bringing trust into the business space. When you buy Yudala, you are buying peace of mind as all our products are genuine and come directly from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“There is also the additional incentive of all risks cover (except theft) from Sovereign Trust Insurance when you buy Yudala. We are the first business in which management takes responsibility for every product bought from or delivered by us. This is a revolution,” he said.

How technology is shaping financial sector, by DHL

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OST African countries have made a concerted effort to improve their transactional security by moving from the traditional ‘swipe card’ form of retail banking to chip and pin, DHL Express sub-Saharan Africa has said.

Its Vice President, Sales,, Sumesh Rahavendra, said the African financial services industry is rapidly evolving as a result of advancing technology which is fueling innovation and growth in the sector. He said while the sector is mature in most developed countries, it is less saturated in Africa, therefore offering many opportunities for new market entrants to challenge the status quo of how business has traditionally been conducted.

He said: “The burgeoning middle class and abundance of SMEs (Small meddle scale enterprises) in Africa present great opportunities for fi-

nancial services companies to provide retail banking services to individuals, as well as trade finance to SMEs. We see SMEs as the engine for growth in Africa and the lack of access to finance can often hinder their development. With one of the fastest growing middle classes in the world, there is a wave of consumerism for all types of goods and services such as FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), electronics and pharmaceuticals.”

The Future Shape of Financial Services in Africa 2015 report by PwC describes the sector as a marketplace without boundaries. It explains that compared to global markets – where the outlook for financial services is more solid – the risk of disruption in traditional African financial services market has triggered the need for entities to reassess their strategies.

“While most international banks

are moving towards e-commerce, in Africa, a number of local banks still share information and conduct business with hard copy documentation,” he added.

An Accenture report titled African Financial Services Come of Age, suggests a promising future for the region’s banking sector. It reveals that the development of consumer payment networks took years to become fully functional in mature economies, while many countries in Africa are now beginning to expand their traditional payments infrastructure to adapt to new international standards.

“The local retail banking sector is increasingly making use of new technology such as ‘Mobile Money’ platforms. Consumers have started to move away from physical cards, instead relying on their mobile phones to conduct day-to-day banking transactions.”

RELIEF has come the way of mobile phone users as a feature in mobile devices – International Mobile station Equipment Identity or IMEI– has the capability of tracing a stolen phone.

According to Wikipedia, an online source, IMEI is a number, usually unique, to identify mobile and satellite phones. The 15 digit number is usually found printed inside the battery compartment of the phone, but can also be displayed on-screen on most phones or alongside other system information in the settings menu on smartphone operating systems.

Because the IMEI number is used by a GSM network to identify valid devices, a lost phone can be found. All the owner needs to do is call his or her network provider and instruct them to “blacklist” the phone using its IMEI number. This renders the phone useless on that network and sometimes other networks too, whether or not the phone’s SIM is changed.

For a phone user who simply identified himself as Adekunle, IMEI was his ‘saviour’ when he lost his smartphone which had barely lasted two months.

Adekunle said, he went through the do-it-yourself process and in no time got his phone back.

He said: “I was surfing the net one day when I came across IMEI. I quickly learnt the way it works. Coincidentally, I lost my new smartphone that same week.

My IMEI number became my saviour. I simply went back to the internet, followed the instructions and the location of my phone was traced to Lagos Island. I called my line and begged the supposed new owner to return my phone but he rather switched it off.

“When I tried the line the next

By Queen Eugene

day, he picked again, I gently pressured him, informing him that the phone is useless with him. I gave him the code to dial to see the 15-digit number, same as the one I dictated for him. I negotiated with him and he gave me back my phone in exchange for a token. I was very happy.”

To effortlessly see the IMEI number of your hand-held device, enter *#06# on the dialpad and the 15 digit number would appear. Save this number in another platform other than your phone in case of theft. This is the simplest method of finding your phone’s IMEI number. Interestingly, this method is more or less universal. It works on almost all feature phones and smartphones.

For iPhone devices, if you have an iPhone 5 or newer iPhone, the IMEI is engraved on the back panel. Note it down somewhere safe or you can always take a screenshot. On iPhone 4s or older iPhones, the IMEI is printed on the SIM tray.

Remarkably, Android users can check their device’s IMEI number even if they have lost the phone. All the methods mentioned above work perfectly and are faster, but if you have lost the phone and not kept the retail box, just log on to Google Dashboard using the Google account linked to the Android phone. Click Android, next to the green robot logo. This will reveal a list of devices registered to the account, along with their IMEI numbers.

To trace and retrieve your stolen phone, visit the website, www.cop@vsnl.net. With your IMEI number handy, fill correctly the form which would be displayed and your phone is on its way back to you.

COMPLAINTS BOX MY phone number is 08033242256. Complaints: I always receive unsolicited text messages from my service provider . This SMS can come anytime of the day including weekends! They come through coded numbers such as 5201, 5031 ,3021 ,3031 and others.

They normally command me to subscribe to one thing or the other like health tips, sports, music, wise sayings ,proverbs and all sorts of stupid distractions! I normally delete these SMS but am getting tired and frustrated ,pls ,advise them to stop all these rubbish or else I will be forced to tear their SIM card into shreds! I don't need the messages at all! There are lots of problems in this country and it is unfair that my service provider should be adding more through numerous and high provoking and insulting unsolicited and vexatious messages!

My phone number is: 08165255703 Complaint: Each time I buy airtime on my phone, it disappears with the speed of lightning.

Kindly use your good offices to ask my operator what has happened to my line.

My phone number is: 08187580759 Complaint: My problem is with data. Over the past two weeks, I have spent so much on my data subscription. I actually subscribed to a data plan that

should immediately give me 2G data according to what my service provider promised.

I loaded airtime and dialled the appropriate code but to my utmost disappointment, the data ran out within four days. I don’t stream videos on Yutube, I don’t download pictures or engage in internet frivolties.

This has happened to me almost thrice in recent weeks.

I have tried contacting my service provider hoping solution will come my way.

Kindly use your platform to compel my service provider to “return my stolen data” 08035735383 is my phone number: My problem has to do with data. I use a Blackberry phone and naturally I subscribed to a data bundle plan. My worry is that each time I intentionally deactivate my internet connection at the expiration of my data plan, I noticed that my service provider kept deducting my money for data usage. I am shocked that this could still be happening to me because the data icon had already been deactivated. Or does it mean that so long as one uses a smartphone, data subscription becomes automatic?

My service provider should not auto-renew my data subscription. It is courtesy to ask if I was interested in continuing with the data bundle plan.

•Send complaints lukajanaku02@gmail.com

to

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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INTERNATIONAL

e-Business

Proliferation of connected devices may kill broadcast industry, says Ericsson

Huawei posts $9.09b revenue

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ID-year financial report of global information technology (ICT) solutions provider, Huawei, has shown that the firm has recorded remarkable business growth with the total revenue reaching hitting $9.09billion.

The result showed an impressive year -on-year increase of 69 per cent, of its Consumer Business Group (CBG), with unit's sales income representing 32 per cent of total income of the parent company; Huawei Technologies up from 24 per cent in Q1. Handset business revenue reached $7.23 billion in Q1, recording a year-on-year increase of 87 per cent.

Its Senior Marketing Manager, (Nigeria), CBG, Mr. Olaonipekun Okunowo, praises the strategy of the CBG which he said has paid because it was strategically focused.

He said: "This was due to the success of Huawei Consumer BG's strategy of focusing on mid-to-high-end handsets, which contributed to both the increase in shipments and average selling price.

"This incredible growth is a testament to our core business strategy to offer premium quality products, bringing our expected earnings for 2015 from $16 billion to $20 billion Such an unparallel and rapid growth in performance is an outcome of Huawei's CBG's commitment to consumers' needs and our core strategy of providing innovative hardware technology and software experience. With our unswerving and huge investment in R&D, Huawei is set to become one of the key players in the long-run."

In the period under review, Huawei CBG shipped a total of 48.2 million smartphones, representing a year-onyear increase of 39 per cent, while global smartphone demand has only recorded a seven per cent growth in the same period. Shipment for the mid-tohigh end category recorded a year-onyear increase of 70 per cent, representing 31 per cent of the total handset shipment and 42.9 per cent of total income.

Income from the mid-to-high end cat-

•Earns $7.23b in mobile devices’ sales egory of its devices increased by 388 per cent with the profit of this category representing 44 per cent of the it firm's total profit.

Huawei's global strategy continues to stimulate stable business growth in both China and overseas markets. Revenue surged 124 per cent year-on-year in China, while some regions recorded more than 40 per cent revenue growth.

Western Europe, Northeast Europe, South Pacific, North Africa and Middle East recorded 45per cent, 54per cent, 41per cent, 164 per cent and 48per cent year-on-year growth respectively.

Huawei's high-end smartphone shipment in Italy and Spain achieved yearon-year growth of 293 per cent and 448per cent respectively. According to GFK , Huawei's share of the global smartphone market continued to increase throughout the first quarter of 2015, recording 6.7per cent in January, 7.1per cent in February, 7.8per cent in March, 8.1per cent in April and 8.8per cent in May. In Q1, its flagship smartphone, Huawei Mate7 shipped a global total of five million units with impressive sales in over 100 countries including China, Western Europe, Middle East, South East Asia, and South Pacific, among others. Huawei P7 recorded accumulative sales of 7 million units and was available in over 100 countries and regions. Over one million units of Huawei P8 have been sold in the first two months since launch with availability in over 52 markets including China, France, Spain and Italy.

In May, Huawei was named one of BrandZ's 'Top 100 Global Brands' of 2015 for the first time, ranking in 16th position in the technology and science category with brand value of $15.335 billion. This follows Huawei's success in being the first Mainland Chinese brand to reach Interbrand's Top 100 Best Global Brand last year.

As of June, its global social media

community comprises more than 6.8 million fans. This is a 40per cent yearon-year increase, with total volume of online conversations increasing by 60per cent. Specifically, the number of "mentions" of Huawei handsets in Spain and Italy rose 118per cent and 132per cent respectively between April last year and April this year.

In the second half of the year, Huawei Consumer BG will continue to leverage its experience and knowledge in telecommunications hardware and software to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the "all things connected" era. Thus, Huawei intensified its wearables strategy and introduced the Huawei Watch W1, TalkBand N1 and B2 during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this year.

Globally, Huawei has 16 R&D centers including an aesthetic research center in Paris, a mathematics research center in Russia, a design and quality control research center in Japan, a software research center in India, among others. As of June 30, Huawei has applied for a total of 76,687 patents, among which 18,000 are device-related.

A total of 41,903 patents have been authorized on a global level.

In the development of interconnected cars, Huawei entered into a number of strategic partnerships with major automobile brands in Q1, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, with the latter two partners appointing their third-party suppliers to use Huawei vehicle-mounted 4G communication modules in their future car-networking equipment. By integrating the company's capabilities in 4G and 5G networks, Big Data and cloud technology, Huawei aims to be the leading player in the interconnected cars industry and promote interaction among cars, smart phones and wearables to create seamless communications and a comfortable and safe driving experience for users.

HEAD of Practice, TV and Media, Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa, Pierre Cloete, has said the growing number of connected devices the region and migration from analogue to digital broadcasting will mount suffocating pressure on the broadcast sector.

According to him, a few years ago, many people had big screen or plasma TV at home, with surround sound, and most of them also have video-on-demand (VoD) service.

He said: “Now, with countries headed towards the migration from analogue to digital, and with the growing number of connected devices in the region steadily growing, broadcasters are faced with intense pressure to find business models that will give us access to all of the channels we want, while still making a profit.

“Once we switch from analogue to digital, broadcasters will be able to offer a number of channels in the spectrumwhich previously was only able to transmit a single analogue channel. Viewers are likely to have a wider range of channels to choose from, meaning more content will need to be produced, with the same amount of advertising revenue.

“A practical scenario would be that if the combined annual advertising budget for South Africa is $100 000, distributed among the four free-toair channels, and, the same advertising budget will soon be distributed among twenty channels after the migration. This means that there will be less money for each channel to earn in revenue.”

He said the cost for free-to-air broadcasting in the region has grown significantly in the past few years, rising above the advertising growth. Therefore, after the migration, broadcasters will need to adapt to the changing consumer needs and protect the advertising revenue with diversified services. Cloete said content has always been king, but over the next few years, distribution may take the throne. As the demand for more personalised solutions increases, he argues, subscribers want to access content when they want it and where they want it.

“People will always default to the

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LTE launch will ensure our customers have the highest speeds and best experience available.”

Under the agreement, Ericsson will install its multi-standard radio base station the RBS 6000, which supports GSM/ EDGE, WCDMA/HSPA, and LTE in a single cabinet. Ericsson’s RBS 6000 ensures Airtel’s customers can continue to enjoy the best possible network throughout the country.

Upgrade of capacities and packet functionalities, to support LTE requirements, will be done for the installed base of MINI-LINK TN microwave equipment. The contract covers equipment, software and a range of professional services, including project management, sys-

tems integration and support.

Ericsson President for sub-Saharan Africa, Fredrik Jejdling, also said: “With this agreement, we further strengthen our long term strategic business relationship with Airtel by supporting them in meeting their commitment to excellent services to their subscribers in Gabon. As a global LTE leader, Ericsson will bring to bear our extensive capabilities in delivering high-performance LTE services to customers.”

Ericsson continues as a preferred partner to Airtel Gabon, and is the existing supplier of their circuit switched and packet core networks, along with existing 2G and 3G radio networks. The end-to-end LTE

biggest and best screen available to them. If you have access to your TV and your phone, you’ll choose your TV to watch first. This is an opportunity for broadcasters to use the additional channels to provide services that were previously unavailable. For example, Time Warner in the United States offers its subscribers premium VoD movies on the same day as the films go to theatre.

Although this is limited to very few titles, the significance is enormous.

Could we be heading toward a cinema and popcorn-less world?

“Allowing premium-VoD services to compete in the first release window is not just about promoting competition, it is also about growing the entire market by giving new customer segments (such as adult members of families with small children) the opportunity to consume films immediately after release,” Cloete said.

He said although linear TV will continue to have a place in the market, the growth of the television industry will come from streaming and VoD services as consumers are looking to access content at their convenience. The rules that once applied to the TV industry will no longer have merit; customer loyalty will be hard won; consumers will demand more choice, better quality, and increased personalization, he added.

BlackBerry maps out new security strategy BLACKBERRY Ltd has showcased a suite of security products that safeguard everything from medical devices to Hollywood movie scripts, though its CEO acknowledged that his effort to transform the company remains a work in progress.

The Waterloo, Ontario-based company, whose smartphone market share has dwindled, is attempting to morph into a more software-focused entity.

“I’m pretty satisfied with the progress on the turnaround so far,” BlackBerry’s CEO John Chen said in an interview just before an event in New York. “I laid out the $500

Airtel, Ericsson extend LTE partnership IRTEL has selected Ericsson as its sole supplier for the deployment of a new LTE network. The agreement also includes transformation of the existing mobile radio access and core network infrastructure. LTE 4G technology offers the capacity and the speed to handle a rapid increase in data traffic.

The new network will enable Airtel Gabon to deliver a superior mobile broadband experience to their customers.

Commenting on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Airtel Africa, Christian de Faria, said: “Mobile broadband data is a key driver for economic growth in Gabon. The

•Cloete

network that Ericsson is deploying includes an upgrade of the packet core network to a multi-access Evolved Packet Core, supporting 2G, 3G and LTE. Ericsson is present today in all hightraffic LTE markets, including the US, Japan, and South Korea, and is ranked first for handling the most global LTE traffic. Forty percent of the world’s mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks, which is twice as much mobile traffic as the closest competitor. Ericsson is #1 in LTE market share within the world’s top 100 cities. More than 220 LTE RAN and Evolved Packet Core networks have been delivered worldwide, of which 170 are live commercially.

million software revenue target and I’m still comfortable with that commitment for this fiscal year, it looks good.”

He indicated however that the full turnaround he has been promising could take longer than initially promised. Going by his initial timetable, BlackBerry would now be about six months away from seeing real traction from its overhaul. But Chen said he now sees it taking about 12 to 18 months for investors to reap rewards.

“We’re patiently building the product pipeline and the sales channel,” he said. “There is still a lot of work to do, I’d love for everything to move faster, but I caution people to be a bit patient because we can’t rebound in a very short period of time, no company can. We are doing all the right things for the long term and the company is definitely out of financial trouble.”

Despite Chen’s success in shoring up BlackBerry’s balance sheet, and halting its cash bleed, its shares are still trading at levels they were at 15 months ago, as investors look for proof that it can get back on a growth trajectory.

The company, which has acquired a string of niche software-focused companies in the last 18 months, is now set on building out a bigger sales team, while also tapping the sales staff of telecom carriers and other partners to market its array of security-focused products.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-07-15

DAILY SUMMARY DAILY SUMMARYASASATAT16-07-15 27-07-15

Equities lose N98b as selling pressure builds up

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IGERIAN equities opened this week with widespread selling sentiments as average return at the stock market crossed the double-digit to 11.11 per cent.

With nearly three losers to every gainer, common benchmark indices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated a day-on-day decline of 0.91 per cent or about N98 billion.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities closed at N10.559 trillion as against its opening value of N10.657 trillion.

The All-Share Index (ASI), the common benchmark index that tracks prices of all quoted equities, dropped by 284.15 basis points to close at 30,807.54 points as against 31,091.69 points.

The downtrend worsened

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

the negative average year-todate return at the stock market to -11.11 per cent. The month-to-date return stood at -7.92 per cent. All sectoral indices at the NSE closed on the negative. The NSE Banking Index topped the losers’ list with a 1.70 per cent drop, while the NSE Insurance Index and NSE Consumer Goods Index fell by 1.56 per cent and 1.53 per cent respectively. The NSE Oil and Gas Index and NSE Industrial Goods Index dropped by 0.62 per cent and 0.06 per cent accordingly.

Seven-Up Bottling Company led the losers with a loss of N8.9 to close at N185.10. Nigerian Breweries dropped by N4.19 to close at N122.80.

Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc lost N3.18 to close N150. Forte Oil declined by N2 to close at N184

while Total Nigeria dropped

by N1 to close at N162 per share.

Total turnover stood at 184.17 million shares valued at N2.29 billion in 3,561 deals. The financial services sector led the activity chart with 148.782 million shares valued at N1.498 billion.

The consumer goods sector followed with a turnover of 9.729 million shares valued at N387 million.

On the downside, Red Star Express led the contrarian stocks with a gain of 45 kobo to close at N4.97. UAC of Nigeria gained 28 kobo to close at N41.40. Unilever Nigeria rose by 20 kobo to close at N37.60. United Bank for Africa added 8.0 kobo to close at N4.31 while Academy Press rose by 4.0 kobo to close at 95 kobo per share.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-07-15

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

55

MONEYLINK

Fed Govt gross revenues F rise to N485b Stories by Collins Nweze

•CBN Governor Emefiele

Godwin

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HE Federal Government’s gross revenues rose for the second consecutive month in June to N485.95 billion ($2.44 billion), up 33 per cent from May, the Finance Ministry has said.

The total for distribution to the three tiers of govern-

ment was N518.542 billion, including a N6.33 billion refund by the state oil company, value-added tax of N64.99 billion and an exchange rate gain of N6.69 billion.

In May, Nigeria received N324.06 billion in revenues and distributed N409.35 billion between the federal, state and local governments. The balance of the Excess Crude Account stood at $2.207 billion, up from $2.078 billion on June 23.

Reuters said international oil prices rose at the end of April and benchmark Brent futures were sustained in the $60s a barrel before falling again into the $50s a barrel at the start of July.

Nigeria depends on oil sales for about 70 per cent of its government revenues.

However, Article IV Consultation Staff Report of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, said Nigeria’s oil earnings would drop to $52 billion this year, from $88 billion it was the previous year.

This represents a reduction of six percentage points in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and would reduce its external current account balance as well as international reserves.

The IMF held that Nigeria’s outlook for growth is expected to moderate as the economy adjusts to permanently lower oil prices, adding that fiscal oil revenues are projected at 3.4 per cent of GDP, down from 5.8 per cent last

year, limiting fiscal spending.

While noting that aggregate demand shocks could lower growth by about 1.5 percentage point from last year to 4.3 per cent this year, the IMF stated that the overall impact on non-oil sector GDP will come from cuts in public investment and a reduction in real purchasing power of oil receipts.

While noting that the depreciation of the local currency will add to inflation, reflecting the pass-through of higher domestic prices for imports, the Fund noted that the effect is likely to be contained, in part due to lower food prices from increased local production of staple food crops.

FBN Money Market Fund Retains ‘Aa (f)’ Rating

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HE FBN Money Market Fund managed by FBN Capital Asset Management, has retained its Agusto & Co fund risk rating of ‘Aa(f)’. Funds with this rating are considered to have minimal to low risk of investment loss due to net asset value volatility. The fund has consistently showed high performance yields and offers 13.24 per cent as at July 24th.

According to Agusto & Co, the FBN Money Market Fund retained this rating as a result of the good credit qual-

ity of its underlying assets, low exposure to liquidity and interest rate risks and the capability of the investment management team, with the portfolio manager having over 22 years of investment management experience. In addition, the zero currency risk, being the effect of denominating the investments in the Fund in Naira, also contributed to the renewed rating.

The FBN Money Market Fund is a short-to-medium term investment solution that

provides stability, liquidity and income on a quarterly basis to unit holders. The Fund typically offers higher interest rates when compared to the rates on a normal bank savings accounts, and investors can invest with as little as N5,000. FBN Capital Asset Management offers a broad range of investment products and services aimed at assisting individuals to adequately provide for their future through financial planning and investing. Its other mutual funds include the FBN

Foreign debt up by 10% to $10.32b

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IGERIA’S foreign debt in the first six months of the year, stood at $10.32 billion, indicating a 10 per cent increase from the $9.38 billion recorded in the same period of last year, the Debt Management Office (DMO), has said.

Offshore debt in naira terms showed a 39.1 per cent rise to N2.03 trillion, due to a weaker currency which lost 20.9 per cent during the period, the government’s agency said.

The DMO said domestic debt stood at N8.39 trillion ($43 billion) by end-June, against N7.42 trillion a

year earlier.

The DMO was established on October 4, 2000 to centrally coordinate the management of Nigeria’s debt, which was hitherto being done by a myriad of establishments in an uncoordinated fashion. This diffused debt management strategy led to inefficiencies.

It was expected that the coming of DMO would lead to good debt management practices that make positive impact on economic growth and national development, particularly in reducing debt

stock and cost of public debt servicing in a manner that saves resources for investment in poverty reduction programmes.

The body is also expected to prudently raise financing to fund government deficits at affordable costs and manageable risks in the medium- and long-term; achieve positive impact on overall macroeconomic management, including monetary and fiscal policies; avoid debt crisis and achieving an orderly growth and development of the national economy.

•From left: Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Banwo and Ighodalo Law firm, Mr Olumide Osundolire; Deputy Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc and Chairman of CRC Credit Bureau, Mrs Caroline Anyanwu and Managing Director/CEO, CRC Credit Bureau, Mr. Ahmed Tunde Popoola during CRC Credit Bureau Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.

Fixed Income Fund and the FBN Heritage Fund.

FBN Capital Asset Management was awarded the best Asset Manager in Nigeria at the EMEA Finance African Banking Awards in December 2014.

FBN Capital Limited as a group was also recognized as the Best Investment Bank in Nigeria for the third year running by Global Finance Magazine in 2014, and the Best Local Investment Bank in 2013 at the EMEA Finance African Banking Awards.

IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has listed its N26 billion Series 1, 7-Year 14.25 per cent Fixed Rate Unsecured Bond on the Financial Market Dealers Quotations (FMDQ) Over-theCounter (OTC) Plc platform.

The bond, which is due in the year 2021, is under a N100 billion debt issuance programme. FCMB Capital Markets Limited, the investment banking subsidiary of FCMB Group Plc, is the issuing house and sponsor of the bond.

The bank informed that proceeds of the bond will be used in strengthening its capital base, enhancing its capital adequacy ratio, expanding its distribution channels and infrastructure as well as growing its risk assets with a view to enhancing income.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of FCMB Limited, Mr. Ladi Balogun, said ‘’the significance of listing the FCMB bond on the FMDQ platform is hinged on the availability of a readily accessible liquid market to the bondholders, where the value of their investments can easily be determined and monitored on a daily basis. It also provides a platform to realise their investment when necessary’’.

He added that, ‘’the bond provides a long term capital that will help us to reinforce our commitment to our customers’’. Mr. Balogun commended FMDQ’s efforts towards creating more depth in the Nigerian debt market, while applauding the platform’s seamless processes and its drive to achieve market transparency by deploying technology driven initiatives.

FCMB lists N26b bond on FMDQ In his comment, the Executive Director of FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Mr. Tolu Osinibi, said that, ‘’in a relatively short space of time, FMDQ is clearly demonstrating significant value-add in improving the dynamism, efficiency and sophistication of Nigeria’s growing fixed income market. The contribution of the FMDQ platform to improving market information, liquidity and transparency is already proven; these are critical success factors to the growth of Nigeria’s capital market’’. He added that, ‘’as a registered member of FMDQ, FCMB Capital Markets is proud to be part of this journey. We will continue to actively encourage its issuer clients to list their fixed income securities on the FMDQ platform and be part of this market transforming initiative’’.

The issuing house explained that the decision to list the bond on the platform of FMDQ is to enable bondholders access to a liquid market, where the value of their investments can easily be determined and monitored on a daily basis, as well as provide an opportunity for them to realise their investment when necessary.

Also speaking, the Group Head, Business Development at FMDQ, Ms. Tumi Sekoni, noted that, ‘’FMDQ, recognising the growth potential of issuers of debt in the Nigerian capital market, affords a remarkable opportunity for the issuers to raise the profile of their issues and access a deep pool of funds’’.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

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NEWS

Falana: Buhari under pressure to allow cabal control economy

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UMAN rights activist and Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has said President Muhammadu Buhari is being pressurised by some political forces to hand over the control of the economy to a few.

He said the President had been inundated with numerous suggestions on how to handle the country’s cash flow, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), especially on corruption, but

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

noted that their argument lacked merit.

Falana spoke yesterday in Abuja at the presentation of the book, Economic Diplomacy and Nigeria’s Foreign Policy by former Chairman of TETFund Board, Dr. Musa Babayo.

His words: “The national planning has been abandoned for market forces by those who control our country. Even in the

APC, there are people mounting pressures on President Buhari to continue to run Nigeria’s economy in the interest of a few persons and in the personal minority interest of captains of industry without industry.

“But I think the President answered them last week. You know their campaign now is that “you must remove fuel subsidy, you must devalue the currency; you must privatise NNPC of all institutions” and

the President said ‘I am not going to privatise NNPC; I will break it into two for effective performance,’ which I think is the best for our country”.

Falana decried accusations that Buhari’s administration lacked clear focus and direction, saying the new government had activated a constitutional provision, which would ensure that cases of corruption emanating from the anti-graft agencies are dispensed within six months.

The human rights lawyer

noted that the country had benefited from President Buhari’s visit to the United States of America (US).

“I think we must be honest with ourselves, if there was anything the President has achieved with this visit, not just for Africa, but the entire world, it is that for the first time, the US has pledged to help a country recover its looted wealth”.

Falana said government should cut cost of governance by pruning down the number

British Commission clears Winners Chapel of financial irregularities

•Executive Secretary, EtiOsa Local Government Hon Alaba Ajayi (second left) addressing residents of Ilasan Housing Estate on the need to use the Waste Management Authority and PSP operators in the discharge of their waste during the last environmental sanitation. With him are members of the local government management team

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HE British Charity Commission has praised World Mission Agency - Winners Chapel International (WMA-WCI) London for what it called good financial controls, and accountability. The Commission urged other charities to emulate its sound policies.

In a report published by the Commission that is responsible for the registration and regulation of charities in England and Wales, the WMA-WCI registered under British Law as Charity 1134421, was also cleared of any financial irregularities and potential concerns about the protection of vulnerable beneficiaries.

The report came as a result of an enquiry into allegations by an investigative journalist that charitable funds have been misapplied as well as other concerns such as the reputational management of the church and conflicts of interest. These, according to the Commission, were issues of serious regulatory concern, which made it imperative for it to establish the facts and determine whether the church or its funds were at risk and whether the trustees were fulfilling their duties towards their church.

Contrary to the allegations, the Commission said: “Our review of the charity’s financial information identified minor discrepancies. However, the trustees were able to explain and resolve these.

We found no evidence that £16 million or any other amount had been misappropriated. We were satisfied the charity could demonstrate good financial controls, appropriate for a large and expanding charity. We provided the trustees with general financial advice and guidance on best practice with regards to categorising expenditure, gift aid and grant making in their accounts.”

The Commission also confirmed the church had an appropriate safeguarding policy in place which was based on the model provided by Churches Child Protection Advisory Service. The policy was extensive and covered all the recommendations in the commission’s guidance.

20m Nigerians have Hepatitis

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WENTY million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B and C and they are at the risk of developing cirrhosis and cancer of the liver, experts have said.

Head of the Prevention Unit, Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike spoke yesterday at a one-day stakeholders’ advocacy workshop on Viral Hepatitis Awareness to mark this year’s World Hepatitis Day (WHD). The workshop was organised by the Yakubu Gowon Foundation in Abuja and the theme for this year’s WHP day is: Prevention of Viral Hepatitis.

According to Dr Anyaike: “Approximately 20 million of Nigeria’s 170 million popu-

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

lation is infected by the virus, 25 per cent of them go on to develop chronic liver disease and between 500,000 to 700,000 result in death annually.

“From surveys, Kano State has the highest number of people infected with the B variant of the virus while Kwara State has the highest number of people with Hepatitis C”.

To stem the tide, hospital owners have been urged to upgrade to the use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in screening blood samples, especially those units of blood from donors with questionable lifestyles. This has been identified as a very effective way to reduce the spread of the virus.

Avoid Assembly, APC tells supporters From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has warned its members and supporters to stay away from the House of Assembly, the venue of the hearing of Justice Olamide Folahanmi Oloyede’s petition against Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

The party, in a statement by its spokesperson, Kunle Oyatomi, warned that any APC member who has no business at the House of Assembly should not go there for any reason.

The APC alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was planning a “murderous demonstration” to usher in Justice Oloyede.

Justice Oloyede, who is seeking the impeachment of Aregbesola and his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori for allegedly misappropriating public funds, is scheduled to defend her petition today before a nine-member investigative committee inaugurated by the Speaker, Najeem Salaam.

The APC said: “We have it on good information that the PDP is planning to use the opportunity to cause mayhem as its members and supporters have always done.”

“We, therefore, call on security agents to be at alert so that evil minded people will not breach public peace.”

of foreign embassies.

“There are areas that should be developed, now that the government is trying to cut cost. We have too many embassies all over the world. I got to a country in Africa recently and discovered that the country has a population of about 300,000 and we have an embassy there.

“We have embassies in the 16-member states of West Africa and in all African countries.

I think we have to do something about that,” he said.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

Akure residents groan over ban of Okada

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ESIDENTS of Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday began to count their losses, following the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada.

Many residents were forced to trek some kilometres before getting to their destinations.

Last week, Okada riders protested the “government’s harsh transport policy”, which directed them to obtain commercial number plates worth N8,000.

Angered by the protest which led to the destruction of government property, Governor Olusegun Mimiko banned the motorcyclists from major roads in the town.

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

The issue worsened as security operatives took advantage of the situation by impounding motorcycles both private and commercial.

This action has disrupted commercial activities as many residents, particularly traders, stayed at home.

Johnson Akinduro, who claimed to be a graduate but an Okada rider, condemned his colleagues’ action, particularly the destruction of flowers planted on Oba-Adesida/Oyemekun Road.

Akinduro said the governor should have taken another dis-

ciplinary measure against them rather than placing a ban on Okada.

“There are lots of ways of killing a fowl without shedding the blood. The governor’s decision shows he has been looking for ways of dealing with us.

“I am not in support of my colleagues’ action but Mimiko should know that banning Okada is like banning traders and others from going to their places of work.

“In Akure, most of the streets are in bad shape and there is no how a taxi can get to those areas.

“My advice to the governor is that rather than banning Oka-

da, he should fine us. The government should liaise with the leaders that every member must pay a fine before operating.”

A resident of Danjuma, Leke Adeniyi, said he was forced to trek to Oshinle before he could get to his saloon.

Adeniyi urged the government to have a re-think on its decision as it has great effect on the residents.

An activist, Morakinyo Ogele, urged the Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, to caution his men.

Ogele faulted the government on the ban, saying the decision breached the constitution.

Ekiti PDP removes Fayose’s man from exco

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HE crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has worsened with the State Working Committee (SWC)-led Acting Chairman, Tunde Olatunde, ratifying the appointment of Dapo Adebisi as the new Deputy Chairman.

The decision was reached at the SWC meeting yesterday at the party secretariat, which was presided over by Olatunde and attended by 10 SWC members.

Adebisi replaces Femi Bamisile, who defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) shortly before last year’s governorship election.

The new Deputy Chairman hails from Ward 5 in Kota, Ekiti East Local Government Area, like his predecessor, Bamisile.

The SWC also removed an ally of Governor Ayo Fayose, Jackson Adebayo, as the Publicity Secretary.

The party is polarised into two. The Fayose-backed faction has Idowu Faleye as chairman.

The other faction is headed by Olatunde.

Adebayo was named by Faleye to replace Kola Oluwawole,

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

who resigned to contest for a seat in the House of Assembly.

Oluwawole won and was subsequently elected speaker.

The new Publicity Secretary is Michael Folorunso Oladipo, who is from Erinmope Ward 1 in Moba Local Government Area.

Oladipo assured the media of “robust cooperation” and promised to work harder to boost the party’s image.

He said the party would soon begin “massive grassroots mobilisation” ahead of the local government election.

Olatunde said the new appointees were recommended by their wards.

He said Adebayo’s purported appointment was “irregular and a flagrant violation of the PDP constitution”.

Olatunde said: “At our SWC meeting held yesterday and attended by majority of SWC members, we ratified the appointment of Dapo Adebisi as recommended by Ward 5, Kota in Ekiti East Local Government.

Don’t criticise Buhari, Ondo monarch urges Nigerians

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HE Olugbo of Ugboland in Ondo State, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, has urged Nigerians not to criticise President Muhammadu Buhari on the “bailout” funds to states.

Oba Akinruntan said President Buhari deserves to be praised for taking a bold step to ease the pain of workers.

He spoke after receiving an entrepreneurship award at the 35th Anniversary of Omo Aj’orosun Club, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. “ Buhari has performed well. I want Nigerians to be patient with him because Nigeria’s problem is not something that can be solved over night.

“Buhari has signed a bailout for states and he needs to be commended on that. Nobody expected him to do so but he did it because he does not want any Nigerian to suffer. This

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

shows a leader who is passionate about the wellbeing of the masses.”

Commenting on the President’s trip to United States, Olugbo said he was happy with the way he answered the questions and that the way he was welcomed shows that he is a man of honour.

“Buhari is disciplined, intelligent and composed. He was so confident and tackled each questions intelligently. He was not ruffled or disturbed.

“I am happy for the honour bestowed on me by the Omo Ajorosun Club, although I never expected that Ibadan could honour me. I grew up here and I understand a lot of things about this city. It is very accommodating and is blessed with renowned professionals.”

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NEWS 2,000 Kogi group members defect to APC From James Azania, Lokoja

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HE over 2,000 members of the ‘Idere De’ Political Group at Isanlu in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They promised to work for the party’s success in the governorship election.

The group’s leader, Toyin Akanle, who led members to join the APC at a ceremony at the council headquarters at Isanlu, said it would be a political suicide to stand against the “wind of change blowing across the state and country.”

Akanle, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Kogi West Senatorial District poll during the general elections, said it became imperative to formally defect to the APC so as not to be left out.

He said: “We are here to formally join the APC because we cannot afford to miss out on the change happening around us. The writing is clear on the wall. It will be a political suicide not to join the change train and follow in the direction the wind of change is blowing in Kogi State.”

Akanle said the group would work for the success of the party in the governorship election scheduled for November 21.

Receiving them into the APC, ex-Acting Governor Clarence Olafemi said with the kind of “defectors made up of strong politicians from the western axis, it is obvious that the party will record success at the polls.”

He slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration for squandering the over N3.7 billion he left in the state’s coffers.

Olafemi said: “I left N3.7 billion in the account after serving as an acting governor.

11 Indian hemp smokers jailed From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

One dead, four injured in Jigawa clash

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MIDDLE-AGED man was on Sunday killed and four persons injured in a clash between the residents of Harbo Sabuwa and Harbo Tsohuwa in Jahun Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Sources said the crisis

From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

was caused by rivalry between the two communities over where to site the official residence of the district head of Harbo District, which was recently established by the

Dutse Emirate Council.

Police spokesman Abdu Jinjiri confirmed the incident.

He said: “There was a crisis between the people of Harbo Sabuwa and Harbo Tsohuwa over who will be the host of

the newly- appointed district head. They fought over where the district head’s residence will be sited.

“We are on top of the situation. Peace has been restored. Nobody has been arrested.”

Ganduje urges North’s Speakers to boost unity

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ANO State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje yesterday in Kano urged the Northern Speakers’ Forum (NSF) to promote and protect the unity and socio-economic development of the North.

He set an agenda for the forum on the need for the North to wake up, embrace unity and confront the problems facing the geopolitical zone, saying surmounting the challenges might not be easy without legislation by the assemblies across the 19 northern states.

Ganduje, who spoke at a dinner organised at the instance of the state government at the maiden NSF conference held in Kano, said: “We should take a pledge

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

that will restore the glory of the North. As earlier mentioned, the North, which used to be one entity, which used to be a very strong economic base for Nigeria, which was the determining political direction of this country, has drifted into segmentations, divisions, cleavages and misunderstandings, realities and unrealities. But we believe we should make a pledge.

“We should be born again. We should forgive each other. We should apologise to each other. We are all Nigerians. We are northerners, we are known for our culture, we are known for our tolerance, we are known for keeping our brothers in

custody, in peace. We all have extended family system, which helps the North to cling together.

“We should use these attributes, we should use this character to think again, come together again. I’m happy to say that we decided to hold this conference here, to come together so that we discuss national issues and regional issues. The North is backward in education—now it is backward in economy, it is backward in peace and stability considering what is happening in the Northeast, Northwest and some parts of the Northcentral.

“These are issues, which must bring us together. We must think about them deeply. We must make relevant laws to take care of these ab-

errations. We need to take care of these shortcomings that warranted our backwardness.”

He enjoined the NSF to come up with a legislation that would give legal backing to the ban on street begging across the 19 northern states.

According to the governor, there was need for other states in the North to borrow a leaf from Kano to eradicate street begging.

His words: “Begging cuts across the northern part of the country. We require legislation, but I believe, as young Speakers, you are equal to the task.”

Ganduje warned on the implication of politics of bitterness between the executive and the legislature, leading to impeachments.

•From left: The Controller Of Prisons, Kebbi State, Alhaji Yazidu Alhassan; Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Mr Bala Mairiga; Chief Registrar, Mr Abubakar Sadiq and his Sharia counterpart, Alhaji Shehu Randali, during the visit of the Chief Judge to Birnin Kebbi Old Prison...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

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KANO Senior Magistrate’s Court sitting in No Man’s Land yesterday sentenced 11 persons to six months for smoking Indian hemp.

Prosecutor Haziel Lepdawa told the court that the police arrested the convicts at a location in the Kano metropolis where they converged to smoke Indian hemp.

He said they constituted a nuisance to the residents, adding that they acted in a criminal manner.

Lepdawa said the hoodlums- Abdullhamid Ibrahim, 22; Hafizu Garba, 35; Sammani Sabo, 23; Mustapha Ibrahim, 26; Muazu Sani, 23; Abba Gambo, 22; Abubakar Ibrahim, 20; Hamza Husaini, 27; Falalu Mohammed; Usman Abdullahi and Ali Abdullah were arrested about 8pm on July 15 at a black spot.

The convicts pleaded guilty, but begged for leniency.

The Senior Magistrate, Ahmed Hassan Fagge, said: “Considering that they are first time offenders, they are sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N10.000.00.

•Scene of an accident, where a tanker lost control and rammed into two cars at old airport junction in Jos...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Kogi 2015: Former acting governor joins race

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ORMER Kogi State Acting Governor Clarence Olatunde Olafemi yesterday joined the governorship race.

Olafemi, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an exSpeaker of the Assembly, has joined over 20 APC governorship aspirants for the No-

From James Azania, Lokoja

vember 21 election.

The aspirant, the Asiwaju of Okun land and Balogun of Mopa, who spoke in Lokoja, the capital, said he made the decision after an observation and considering the sorry condition of the state.

“This is coupled with the

unfulfilled dreams of the people, 24 years after the state was created.”

He said the inability of those at the helm to meet the demand of the people called for sober reflection and action on his part, having proved himself during the short period he acted as the governor.

Olafemi said he was un-

perturbed by the plethora of aspirants, adding that his antecedent set him apart.

His words: “I’ve observed those coming out.

They are good. They are educated, they are rich, but they will not fit in for the leadership, particularly in a state that has derailed that it is being referred to as a failed state.”

Day-old baby found in carton From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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DAY-OLD baby boy was yesterday found in a carton in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

He was said to have been found on Adelodun Road, GRA. It was learnt that good Samaritans, who discovered the baby, called the police command on the phone.

Police spokesman Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident.

It was gathered that a patrol team of the A-Division Police was sent to evacuate the baby.

The police took the baby to the Civil Service Clinic for medical attention.

Deceased policemen’s families get benefits From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

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HE Coordinator of Operation Yaki, a Kaduna State security outfit, Col. Yakubu Yusuf (rtd), yesterday gave N100,000 each to the families of the three policemen, who died in service.

He said this is part of the contributions to cushion the effect of their deaths.

Col. Yusuf said besides the money from the government, there would be life insurance entitlements running into millions of naira, which is to be given to the next of kin of the deceased.

The deceased policemen included Inspector Israel Obey, Solomon Garba and Aminu Mohammed, who were killed by an oncoming trailer when they were maintaining peace and order on a roadside leading to the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in November last year.

The late Obey had his wife, Deborah, as his next of kin. Aminu had his son, Yusuf, as the next of kin and Garba picked his daughter, Deborah, as his next of kin.

Presenting the cash to the deceased’s relations the Operation Yaki boss advised them to use the money judiciously, pending when the insurance cover benefits would be released to them.

He said: “I use this opportunity to once again console the families of our deceased officers. I reassure officers of the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the operatives.

This presentation is in line with the provisions in the operational blueprint of this outfit.

“In addition to this token from the government, there is life insurance policy covering the operatives.

It is hoped that this entitlements will be redeemed soon.

“I hope the families of the deceased officers will seek solace in the Lord and put what happened behind them.”The next of kin thanked the government for giving them the benefits. They urged the Operation Yaki coordinator to fasttrack the life insurance benefits, to meet bigger challenges. “

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

NEWS Probe: EFCC raises team to grill Saraki’s wife, Yar’Adua’s daughter Continued from page 4

•From left: Fire Marshall, United Africa Company, Mr. Peter Oguntade; Safety Champion, Nigeria Bottling Company, Mrs. Ejeh Anthony; Deputy Director, Safety Skills Development, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Adeyinka Adebiyi; Logistics, Manager Promasidor, Mr. Okoh Ifeanyi; Human Resource Officer, 7UP Company, Ms Mokikan Tolulope, and Health Safety &Environment CHI Nigeria, Mr. Francis Nkagbu at a minimum safety standards seminar organised for the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers by the Lagos State Safety Commission.

stage.”

But ahead of today’s appearance, Mrs. Saraki has written the EFCC, seeking leave to be available for interrogation either today or tomorrow.

The letter was signed by the Private Secretary to the Wellbeing Foundation of the wife of the Senate President.

In the letter, Mrs. Saraki said she had never received unlawful public funds.

The letter reads in part: “Her Excellency is currently outside Nigeria and expects to return to Abuja on Monday, 27th of July. She thus requests an appointment to attend your office on Tuesday, 28th July 2015 or Wednesday, 29th July 2015 at mutually agreed convenience.

Buhari to APC Reps: obey party’s directive on offices Continued from page 4

cussed, adding that the outcome of another consultation towards an early resolution of the crisis would be made public.

Gbajabiamila said: “We are still talking. But I think this is the first time everybody is coming together in a cordial atmosphere. We came together for the first time as one family, with a lot of camaraderie.

“I think we are almost at the

point where all of these will be behind us. Hopefully, by tomorrow (today). It is not about magic; it is about what should have been done a long time ago.

“We have finally sat down together and we will resolve it before the night, in a couple of hours.The important thing is that the country wants to move ahead. The House wants to move ahead and the party wants to move ahead. Move ahead, we shall.

“Whoever or whatever outside forces that might have been stoking the fire, I think we would put that to an end this evening at the meeting.”

Odigie-Oyegun said the party would have good news for the nation bytomorrow (today).

According to him, yesterday’s meeting achieved a lot, notwithstanding its brevity.

The chair said: “Everything is upbeat. You can see that I am smiling. You will be very sur-

prised that a lot was achieved in 20 minutes.

“As the chairman of the party, I can say that there are no discordant tunes. You can see the Speaker of the House standing firmly beside me and I have a feeling that in another three or four hours and by tomorrow, we will have good news for the nation.

“It is never too late to straighten the path.”

Oshiomhole: U.S. officials say Jonathan’s minister stole $6b Continued from page 4

of the tunnel and it is time to encourage Nigeria to build on it, you would wake up the following day under President Jonathan to find out that even the tunnel had been removed.

“Those were the words of Mr. Carson. Now, last week, this same Carson chaired the President’s address at the Institute of Peace and he said ‘we now have a man of enormous integrity; one that has shown so much faith in the democratic process; one that refused to be frustrated even

in the face of massively rigged elections. He submitted to the judicial process and even when that was compromised he never gave up.

“America has done its check and we are convinced that this President is the one that Nigeria needs at this time to regain its leadership of the African continent. “‘America now has a partner worthy of relations because they believe that every dollar that America provides to support Nigeria, whether in the area of security, in the area of education or encouraging American investors to

invest in Nigeria, there is an enabling environment because what had been destroying the country is corruption.”

He took a swipe at the PDP, saying the party destroyed Nigeria.

Oshiomhole, who was a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s delegation to the United States, was delighted that Nigeria now has a President who talks with confidence unlike “a President that is blabbing and is not sure of what the issues are”.

He said he had decided not

to bother about anything the PDP says about the present administration because he did not expect the party to be praising a government that is doing better than it did while in charge.

He said the PDP succeeded in supervising Nigeria’s liquidation.

Oshiomhole claimed that under the PDP, there was no law as the party’s members were a law to themselves.

He claimed that Jonathan did not know what the issues were and everybody was frustrated.

President to name oil thieves Continued from page 4

the Federal Governments account.”

Buhari said his administration was studying the recommendations on how the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) should be reorganised.

He described his recent trip to the United States (U.S.) as very successful as he was able to extract the commitment of President Barack Obama to assist and support the country in tackling its economic and security challenges.

He said the U.S. and European countries had also pledged to assist Nigeria by putting in place a security mechanism in the Gulf of Guinea to check oil theft.

Responding to a question on the quality of his Federal Executive Council (FEC), the President politicians and technocrats would make the list of nominees for ministerial appointments.

He said: “From what I have seen so far, we need really patriotic Nigerians – Nigerians that can work very hard, knowledgeable, experienced, committed Nigerians – to be

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maining position that are within the discretion of the APC caucus in the Senate are distributed in a way as to give the other group that were shut out of the process a sense of belonging?

“We are convinced that a winner-takes-all in this case won’t work and building peace is making concession and power works better when it acknowledges that even the person who is powerless has a right to exist.

“My brother (Bagudu) and I spent some time with the senators last night (Sunday) and we had what I think was a useful conversation. We have come today to report to the President what transpired

at the meeting and make few suggestions to him and I think for me there is light, as they say, at the end of the tunnel.

“One thing is clear, we are all APC family and we are all committed to change. We recognise that there are few issues that the people may not be comfortable with. But, we have what it takes to resolve the issues so that in the National Assembly we will have an APC Senate caucus that is united, that is ready to support the change agenda as the President is committed to and work along with PDP. “Nobody is suggesting that we shouldn’t work with PDP. PDP exists in the House, just as APC had existed in the

House under PDP government. So, at some point there has to be a way to engage bipartisan interest. So, that is basically why we are here.”

Shedding more light on their discussion with the President, Bagudu said the issue at stake was not about what should be done or what should be left undone.

He described as encouraging the fact that the APC Senate caucus members were desirous of finding an enduring solution that would bring about inclusiveness that would make the National Assembly serve the interest of Nigeria as promised by the party during electioneering campaigns.

•Obasanjo

F

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday urged Nigerians to support the police to ensure safety and sanity in the country.

He gave the advice after

Forgery: Senators jittery over police investigation Continued from page 4

decide the amendments and such amendments shall form part of the Rules of the Senate.”

Meanwhile, the APC Governors Committee, being coordinated by Governors Adams Oshiomhole and Atiku Bagudu, on Sunday night met

with members of The Like Minds who are backing the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

The meeting was however boycotted by members of The Unity Forum.

A source added: “Notwithstanding, Oshiomhole and Bagudu appealed to The Like

Minds to create room for reconciliation with those in the Unity Forum.

“The governors, however, promised to reach out to the Unity Forum to ensure a hitchfree resumption of the Senate.”

As at press time, members of the Unity Forum were meeting last night over reconciliation

in charge of ministries.

“A lot of the institutions of Nigeria – important institutions – were compromised.

Everybody was for himself and God for all of us; it’s most unfortunate.

“We have the people, educated people, experienced people but everybody seemed to be working for himself – how much he could get as much and as quickly as possible.

“We have to look for technocrats and we have to look for politicians and certainly we have to look for decent people in this class to give them the responsibility of being in charge of ministries and important parastatals (agencies).”

On the leadership tussle in the National Assembly, Buhari urged those behind the dispute to search their conscience and abide by the party’s decisions.

He urged Nigerians to cooperate with his administration to develop the country and warned that no part of Nigeria would be allowed to operate on its own.

The President added that Nigeria “must remain one”.

Obasanjo seeks Nigerians’ support for police

Edo, Kebbi governors brief Buhari on Senate crisis FTER meeting with the warring camps in the Senate on Sunday evening and updating President Muhamamdu Buhari yesterday, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole said the ongoing leadership crisis in the Red Chamber would soon end.

He spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with Buhari in the company of Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The duo were picked by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to mediate in the leadership crisis rocking the Senate following the emergence of Dr. Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Ike Ekweremadu as his deputy.

He said with the emergence of the principal officers of the Senate, their intervention was just to ensure that there would be an all-inclusive leadership in the National Assembly.

Oshiomhole said: “I feel the position now is ‘look how do you ensure that having elected this two (Senate President and his Deputy), that the re-

“We look forward to your response and acquiescence to the appointment date requested by Her Excellency.”

Mrs. Saraki said she was ready to cooperate with EFCC though the allegations had not been made available to her.

She also said she had never received unlawful funds in and out of office.

The letter added: “While she has no idea whatsoever what matter this may pertain to, Her Excellency will be delighted to assist your respected office with any lawful enquiries you may have as a law-abiding, responsible, transparent and accountable private citizen who has never been sought recourse to, nor received any unlawful public funds in any private capacity or activity.”

terms from Oshiomhole-Bagudu Committee and the alleged plot to suspend some of its members.

A member of the Forum, who spoke at 7.36pm, added: “We are just going into a meeting now to weigh all options, including plans to suspend some of our members.”

hosting the new Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Abdulmajeed Ali at his Hilltop Abeokuta country home.

The former President the diverse views Nigerians have about police as an institution must not be allowed to relegate the relevance and significance of officers within the society.

He said: “Police play critical role in securing the country, though Nigerians have different opinion about the image of the police due to their relationship with policemen in the country.

“The masses should not allow their experience with the police becloud their important responsibilities in the society.”

Obasanjo traced the rising crime wave in the Gateway State to its geographical location, stressing that most criminals from the neighbouring states.

He described Ali as dutiful officer, who he said, earned his recent promotion due to his diligence, dedication and commitment.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

59

FOREIGN NEWS

Obama pushes to end crisis in South Sudan

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RESIDENT Barack Obama launched a personal push for peace in South Sudan yesterday, convening African leaders for urgent talks in neighbouring Ethiopia aimed at keeping the world's newest nation from collapsing amid civil war.

"The possibilities of renewed conflict in a region that has been torn by conflict for so long, and has resulted in so many deaths, is something that requires urgent attention from all of us," Obama said. "We don't have a lot of time to wait."

The talks on South Sudan came on the sidelines of Obama's visit to Ethiopia, his second stop on a trip to East Africa. He urged Ethiopia's leaders to curb crackdowns on press freedoms and political opposition, warning that failure to do so could upend economic progress in a country seeking to move past years of poverty and famine.

"When all voices are being heard, when people know they are being included in the political process, that makes a country more successful," Obama said during a news conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

Ethiopia has been among the most active countries in East Africa seeking to end the crisis in South Sudan, a young nation birthed with backing from the U.S. and other nations. South Sudan's warring factions face an Aug. 17 deadline to accept a regional peace and powersharing deal.

South Sudan was thrown into conflict in December 2013 by a clash between forces loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar, an ethnic Nuer, and President Salva Kiir, a Dinka. The fighting has spurred a humanitarian crisis that threatens the country's survival just four years after its inception.

• President Obama in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday.

Obama and Hailemariam were joined in the talks on South Sudan by the presidents of Kenya and Uganda, the chair of the African Union and Sudan's foreign minister.

There were no plans for Obama or other U.S. officials to meet with representatives of South Sudan.

Yesterday's meeting focused on what must happen between now and Aug. 17 in the absence of an agreement.

Envoys condemn Boko Haram

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FRICAN Ambassadors' Group, last weekend condemned the continued attacks by the Boko Haram sects in North East of Nigeria.

The ambassadors said that the peace and stability of Nigeria was imperative to Africa as the biggest economy.

The Dean of the group, Oubi Bachir, who spoke to journalists at the 52nd Africa Day celebration in Abuja, said that African countries must come together to fight the insurgents.

The diplomats representing several African countries in Nigeria gathered to also mark the Nelson Mandela International Day and they used the occasion to discuss issues affecting the African continent.

Bachir added that the rest of Africa will put resources together to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.

He said: "The Africa Group condemns all threats to the progress, including the Boko Haram terror attacks that have taken the lives of hundreds of innocent Nigerians.

A

From: Vincent Ikuomola and Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

"The African Diplomatic Group commiserates with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the families of the victims for the loss of their loved ones.

"The Africa Group calls for the unconditional release of the over 200 girls, who were kidnapped in Chibok, Borno state. We support the resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, and the international community, to once and for all resolve this hideous problem.

Africa is committed to garner all the necessary resources to support Nigeria in its quest to combat terrorism.

"Peace and security remains a challenge in Africa.

This has been exacerbated by the purveyors of hatred and extremism like the Boko Haram terrorist group in Nigeria, Al Shabaab in East Africa, and the presence of ISIS elements in parts of North Africa.

Sect beheads three in Cameroon

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HREE villagers were beheaded during a weekend raid in Cameroon by Boko Haram jihadist fighters from neighbouring Nigeria, security forces said yesterday.

The attacks took place on Sunday in the neighbouring villages of Tchebe-Tchebe and Dzaba, about 10 kilometres from the Nigerian border, said a security agent based in the region.

The raiders also set fire to land owned by villagers and a Catholic church, the source added.

Sunday's violence followed a series of Boko Haram suicide bombings in the far north of Cameroon, which is taking part in a regional military campaign against the extremists.

The report was confirmed by another local security

sourc, who said that access to the villages was difficult for troops because of the mountainous terrain.

The cross-border region is frequently attacked by Boko Haram, which launched its armed insurgency in northeastern Nigeria in 2009, at an estimated cost of more than 15,000 lives.

On Saturday night, a 12year-old girl blew herself up in the town of Maroua, killing at least 20 people and wounding 79 others in the fifth suicide bombing inside Cameroon in two weeks.

Cameroonian authorities last week banned the wearing of the full Islamic veil in the east of the country, because the garment can conceal explosives. The ban already applies in the north and west, but is not nationwide.

In addition to possible sanctions, one participant at the meeting raised the possibility of deploying regional forces to restore peace, administration officials said after the meeting. Such a force also could be used to help enforce an agreement should one be reached in time. The officials declined to say which participant proposed the idea, only that it was not the U.S. Obama said he was frank in

his discussions with Ethiopian leaders about the need to allow political opponents to operate freely. He defended his decision to travel to the East African nation, comparing it to U.S. engagement with China, another nation with a poor human rights record.

Hailemariam defended Ethiopia's commitment to democracy, saying it was "real - not skin deep." He de-

scribed any conflict with the U.S. on democratization issues as "minor differences here and there."

Despite differences on human rights, the U.S. sees Ethiopia as an important partner in fighting terrorism in the region, particularly the Somalia-based al-Shabab network. Ethiopia shares intelligence with the U.S. and sent troops into Somalia to address instability there.

21 killed in gun battle at Afghan wedding

A

gun battle between supporters of two rival warlords at a wedding party has killed 21 people in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province, the provincial police chief said yesterday.

Warlords, apart from Taliban insurgents, pose a serious threat to the stability of

the new U.S.-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, more than 14 years after U.S.-led troops overthrew the Taliban from power.

The latest bloody incident happened overnight in a village in the rugged Andarab district where the strength of warlords is far more than that of the police, Baghlan's police

chief said.

"An argument, between irresponsible armed forces (warlords), sparked the gun battle at the wedding. It resulted in the killing of 21 people and wounding of eight others," Abdul Jabar Pordeli said by phone.

Police have gone at the site to investigate the case and to

make arrests, he said.

Two children and several armed men from the warring sides were among the dead, but the bride and groom were safe, Pordeli said.

The two armed groups had a history of feuding dating back to Afghanistan's invasion by the former Soviet Union in late 1970s.

Turkey aims for IS-free zone in northern Syria

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HE United States and Turkey are finalising plans for a military campaign to push the Islamic State group out of a strip of Syrian territory along the Turkish border, a move that would further embroil Turkey in Syria's civil war and set up a potential conflict with U.S.backed Kurdish forces.

A U.S. official said yesterday

that the creation of an "Islamic State-free zone" would ensure greater security and stability in the Turkish-Syrian border region. However, the official said any joint military efforts with Turkey would not include the imposition of a no-fly zone.

The official insisted on anonymity because this person was not authorised to publicly discuss the talks with Turkey.

The U.S. has long rejected Turkish and other requests for a no-fly zone to halt Syrian government air raids, fearing it would draw U.S. forces further into the civil war.

On Sunday, Turkey called a meeting of its NATO allies for today to discuss threats to its security, as well as its airstrikes.

It was not immediately clear

how an IS-free zone would be established along the TurkishSyrian border. In comments published Monday, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey and the United States had no plans to send ground troops into Syria but wanted to see Syria's moderate opposition forces replace IS near the Turkish border.

‘U.S. ‘sought chaos’ by decorating dissident’

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YRGYZ President Almazbek Atambayev said yesterday the United States had sought to "create chaos" in his country by granting an award to a jailed dissident.

The Central Asian country protested to Washington this month and tore up a cooperation agreement after the U.S. State Department conferred a human rights award on Azimjon Askarov, jailed for life for inciting ethnic hatred.

"This (U.S. award) cannot fail to shock and, for Kyrgyzstan,

this means ethnic instability and an attempt to create chaos," Atambayev told a news conference in a resort area outside the capital Bishkek.

"It's just revolting. Someone needs instability in Kyrgyzstan. Someone wants these ashes to smoulder all the time."

The mainly Muslim nation of 5.5 million, which borders China and lies on a drug trafficking route out of Afghanistan, saw two presidents deposed by popular revolts in 2005 and 2010.

Political tensions are rising as Kyrgyzstan, struggling to build the first parliamentary democracy in an authoritarian region, prepares to elect a new legislature on Oct. 4.

Askarov, an ethnic Uzbek, was convicted of helping to incite ethnic clashes between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in June 2010, when more than 400 people were killed, and of involvement in the killing of a policeman.

Human rights bodies say his conviction was unlawful and that he has been tortured in prison.

• Atambayev

Ground fighting rages after airstrikes in Yemen

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HIITE rebels and their opponents battled across several provinces yesterday after the start of a five-day humanitarian pause in the Saudi-led air campaign, Yemeni officials said.

Coalition planes carried out flyovers over Yemen but did not drop munitions, the officials said. Ground fighting erupted in multiple provinces within minutes of the start of the unilateral cease-fire late

Sunday.

The rebels, known as Houthis, said in a statement that they fired missiles across the border at a Saudi military position in the kingdom's Jazan region. The Saudiowned Al-Hadath news channel said Saudi forces "responded" to Houthi shelling in Jazan, without elaborating.

Fierce clashes also broke out in the nearby town of Sabr, which is on a key supply route.

Officials aligned with progovernment fighters say they have regained control of the center of the town and trying to advance into northern neighborhoods. Witnesses who fled Sabr Monday morning say corpses of fighters lay in the street next to destroyed military vehicles.

Officials and witnesses said there were sporadic clashes in Yemen's central Marib province. In Taiz, mortar shells

fired in the center of the city killed four civilians, security and medical officials said.

Anti-aircraft gunfire was heard in the rebel-held capital Sanaa as coalition planes buzzed overhead.

The humanitarian pause is intended to help allow humanitarian aid to be delivered to ease the suffering of civilians in the Arab world's poorest country.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

60

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Workers shut down firm over gratuities

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orkers of Beauty Fair Laboratories Limited, a cream and perfume making firm stormed the company yesterday, demanding payment of their gratuities following their sack.

It was gathered that they were sacked on Friday, following an alleged theft of 10,000 pieces of product packaging jars from the store.

The Nation gathered that when the workers got their sack letters last week, they locked the company’s chairman, Mr Fola Ogunlesi, in his office, demanding their gratuities.

It took the intervention of riot policemen for the chairman to regain his freedom.

Yesterday, the workers barricaded the entrance, alleging that they were sacked to enable the company recruit casual workers for cheap labour.

Neither the chairman nor his children, was around during the protest.

The workers denied stealing from the firm, accusing the management of using that as smokescreen to sack them.

Wahab Adisa, the store keeper, denied that any material is missing from the store.

If there was a theft, Adisa said the chairman’s son and Director, Olumide Ogunlesi, who is always the last person to lock the store and keep the keys, should be in the position to explain how the materials got missing.

Adisa, who claimed to have been with the company for 15 years, said he personally took the delivery of the jars when they

•The protesters...yesterday

By Wale Ajetunmobi

were imported in June and counted them after they were moved into the store. He said some of the materials had been used for production, alleging that the management wanted to frame up the workers to have reason for sacking them.

He said: “I am in charge of extra reach jars, which they claim are missing. Towards the end of June, a senior management staff ordered a staff in charge of the labelling order, Aaron Chukwuma, to take stock of the jars without my consent. But Chukwuma came to inform me

about it and I told him there was no way to get accurate figure since part of the jars had been used for production immediately after they were brought from abroad.

“Based on the stock I took after we took delivery of the consignment, I counted 53,850 pieces and I made the figure available to the management.

They started using the jars immediately. When I took the stock again, I discovered 9,333 differences, which were used for production. Then, I made the figure available to the management but they responded that the jars had been stolen by workers.

“If the jars were truly stolen from

the store, they (management) are the ones that keep the keys. The moment we leave the factory, they would lock up everywhere and keep the keys in secret places known to them.”

Ben Imoikor, chief chemical mixer, who claimed to have been with the company since 1994, said he was no longer interested working for the firm, because of his chest problem, which resulted from long hours of exposure to chemicals’ fumes.

Imoikor said he had a clinical operation to remove a growing lump of tissue from his left hand last year. He said he decided to

Ex-Yabatech bursar, two others charged with false accusation

Hoodlums attack residents

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OUR residents of 28, Olorunisola Street in Mushin, Lagos, were on Sunday attacked by hoodlums.

It was gathered that the residents were taking fresh air around 11pm when the hoodlums struck.

A resident, Mr Hakeem Adeoye, said: “I have been living here for over 20 years and I have never witnessed such incident. I had just returned from work and decided to take fresh air with two of my friends when it happened. They were about 10 in number. They held machete and bottles. They beat us mercilessly and stole from us. It was a very horrible incident. “ I thought I was going to be unconscious because I lost so much blood and I couldn’t see anything. The left side of my head was cut with a machete.”

Another victim, a Keke Marwa operator, who simply gave his name as Sir Kay, said they thought the hoodlums where coming from an event when they

T

•Sir Kay

By Basirat Braimah

suddenly pounced on them.

“I feel pains all over my body.

I don’t know if they were drunk but they used 10 bottles on my head. I had just visited my brother earlier yesterday (Sunday) and he gave me N28,000. The money, my phones are gone. “ I couldn’t sleep because I was scared. This morning (Monday) as I stepped out of the house, I saw some touts in groups and I

resign to prevent his early death because of the constant occupational illness he suffers.

But the company, he said, did not accept his resignation. Rather, he was given a sack letter on Friday. He demanding his gratuity from the company.

The company chairman could not be reached; his son, Olumide, refused to pick our reporter’s calls.

When The Nation sent a text to him, Olumide replied at 3:34pm, saying: “Good day to Mr. Ajetunmobi. Sorry am (sic) seeing your text late. I am in a meeting and will get across to you.”

•Adeoye

suspected them. I couldn’t point fingers because my life may be at stake. I plead with the government to bring neighbourhood watch to our street to prevent situations as this,” he said.

A labourer, Olalekan Daramola, said his right arm hasn’t been the same since the incident.

He said the men beat him with an iron, adding: “Before I could run inside the house it took me forever. None of us could escape because they were more than us.

Everyone was asleep that was why it took a while before help came.

We don’t know them at all. I don’t know when it became a crime to take fresh air outside one’s house.

I am even scared to move out.”

A resident, who didn’t give his name, said he suspected the hoodlums were from Paul Oguntola Street in Idi-Araba.

“We need policemen in our neighbourhood. We are being cheated by these boys. They just harass us anyhow. The government should look into this matter,” he said.

HE Lagos State Government has preferred an eight-count charge of disclosure of official secrets, false accusation and provoking breach of peace against former Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Bursar Olu Ibirogba and two others.

The others are Charles Akharayi and Samuel Erhunwunse.

In the charge, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mrs Idowu Alakija alleged that the defendants conspired to commit the offences between February 26, 2013 and February 25, last year.

The offences which were allegedly committed at YABATECH, Lagos, contravene Sections 57 (1) (b), 59, 60, 94, 96 (a) (b), 411 (2), 39 (1) and 78 (a) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The charge claimed that the defendants conspired to “cause injury to the person and reputation of YABATECH Rector Dr Margaret Kudirat Ladipo”.

Ibirogba alone was accused of

impersonating Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Chairman and presented himself to Mrs Ladipo as “Hon A.E.O Akins”.

Justice Adedayo Akintoye of the Lagos High Court has fixed the defendants’ arraignment for September 29.

Their arraignment could not hold last Tuesday because of their absence in court, even though the prosecution was present.

In another development, an Abuja High Court has restrained Ibirogba from further publishing, writing and distributing information of any nature about Yabatech Rector or the Governing Council.

Ruling on an exparte motion brought by the rector and the council, Justice Valentine Ashi also retrained Ibirogba from granting any interview or causing to be published any statement in any media outfit, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

One dies, three injured in explosion

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37-YEAR-OLD man, Odunayo Folorunso, yesterday, died in an explosion at the Golden Penny Flour Mill, Eric Moore in Surulere, Lagos.

It was gathered that the incident occurred in the morning just as workers resumed for their daily activity.

Director, State Fire Service Razaq Fadipe said he received distress calls around 10.55am but on getting there, the late folorunso’s body was found in the boiler machine.

He said: “There was no outbreak of fire. We realised that the boiler got burst and with full force hit and threw the man.”

Fadipe urged people to be observant and always service their equipment regularly to avoid similar situations.

The incident suspected to be a gas explosion caused panic in the Eric Moore axis as many thought that it was probably the handiwork of the insurgent group, Boko Haram.

Police new spokesperson Patricia Amadin said she wasn’t aware of the incident.

However, National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) confirmed that one person dead and that three people injured. ”We don’t know if it is gas explosion or an improvised explosive device(IED) until investigation is concluded,” NEMA Spokesman Ibrahim Farinloye said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

61

CITYBEATS T HE POLICE have smashed a four-man car robbery gang.

The suspects are Austin Paul, 32, Chucks Ezeala, 30, Taye Ade, 51 and Gafari Kasali 26.

Recovered from them are Toyota Camry Saloon cars with registration numbers 333131ASM, BDG 823 DG, AKD 825 AU, ABJ 904 AJ, UMI 432 CG as well as Volks Wagen Vento Saloon cars marked LSD 189 CD and LSR 829 CB. Others are Volks Wagen Golf 3 with number plate LSR 875 AV and an unregistered Volk Wagen Golf 3. They also included Volks Wagen buses marked APP 785 XJ, FKJ 847 XH and BDG 662 XH as well as an unregistered Volk Wagen bus.

They were recovered from Enugu, Imo and Abia states.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone II Onikan, Lagos Joseph Mbu said the suspects were caught around Ipaja in Lagos following a tip off on June 8.

Mbu said two of the suspects – Paul and Ezeala who were first arrested by the Zonal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives led the police to where others were nabbed.

Mbu said Paul confessed under interrogation to have stolen many parked vehicles within Lagos and environs and sold about 13 of them to Ezeala.

He said Ade forged customs and other vehicles papers for the stolen vehicles, adding that Kasali acted as mechanic.

Ezeala, from Orlu in Imo State said: “My original work was repairing of elec-

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

‘How our neighbour defiled my two-year-old daughter’

By Adebisi Onanuga

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Police recover 13 vehicles from gang •The suspects...yesterday

By Ebele Boniface

tronics, but when I found out that there is quick wealth in dealing in stolen vehicles, I switched over to selling cars.

I bought about 13 cars from Paul between N200,000 and N300,000 each with some having market prices of N800,000, N1.5million or more.

“The gain was highly tempting. Initially the criminal suppliers used to tell me that they bought the cars from Cotonou but I later discovered that they were snatched but because of the money I was getting I could not back out and, to leave the gang is more dangerous because the gang members will feel unsafe and come after one’s life. My role is to sell the stolen cars. I used to get documents from Ade to enable me sell the cars. At times I used to top N20,000 or N30,000 to the price the supplier tells me to sell es-

pecially those cars that needed quick disposal.”

Ade, an indigene of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, who is a clearing agent at Apapa Wharf, said: “These snatchers used to lie to me that the vehicles were Tokunbo cars and just to help them get vehicle particulars to enable them sell them but with time, I discovered that they were stolen cars but because of the quick money I used to get from forging documents, we agreed to work together for the interest of every member of the gang. My role is to perfect the vehicle documents for them. I charge N10,000 for each vehicle. At times, they will tell me that two or three of the vehicles were imported. I was arrested when Chucks called me and asked me to go and collect papers from Austin for the cars he supplied. Getting there I fell into the hands of ZSARS op-

New image maker for Lagos police

eratives.

Paul said: “I am a one-man car snatcher but I don’t use gun. My complete names are Okechukwu Austin Paul. I was a tanker driver before I became a car-snatcher. We used to be a two-man gang but my second, Sylvester later travelled to Malaysia.

My weapon is wire which I used to move parked vehicles. My modus operandi is called park and remove but police call it removing from park. My only receiver is Chucks and he knows that the cars are stolen.

“When he needs cars from me, he will ask me whether there is market or did I go to market? I snatched about 13 cars and gave Chucks. I used to sell snatched cars N150,000 and N200,000 each to Chucks and, at times he will not give me a dime for one or two cars I supplied him claiming that police raided his place. I have been arrested by Lagos State police SARS operatives and they recovered three cars; Ogun State Police Command SARS operatives recovered four cars while Zone II Onikan Lagos recovered 13 cars. I cannot remember the number of cars I snatched since I started this job.

•PRO remembers Jude Isiguzo

Teenager ‘kills’ boy, 4

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AGOS State Police chief Fatai Owoseni has appointed Patricia Idahosa Amadin, a deputy superintendent (DSP), as the command’s Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO). Her appointment followed the transfer of former spokesman DSP Ken Nwosu to Abuja.

Handing over to his successor at the Okiro Press Centre Command Headquarters in Ikeja yesterday, Nwosu sought crime reporters’ cooperation for the

N High Court in Lagos yesterday heard how Kehinde Layode, 38, defiled a two-year-old girl.

The incident happened on January 12, 2013, at Bakare Street on Igando Lagos.

Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Akin George, the victim’s mother, Mrs Mercy Ofaghae narrated how the incident happened. Mrs Ofaghae said the defendant was a close neighbour, adding: “The incident happened on January 12, three weeks after my husband travelled out of the country. That fateful night, my daughter was running temperature seriously as a result of teething problem. So I called my neighbour and friend, Mrs Layode, the wife of the accused, who brought paracetamol for the girl and advised me to bath her.

“But the drug didn’t suppress her temperature, then I told her I have to rush out to buy Pican (drug) for my daughter and I dropped my daughter with my neighbour’s husband, the accused, because the wife was on her way to the salon and we both left the house.

“When I got back home with the drug, I knocked Mr Layode’s door and he claimed to be in the bathroom and it took him one hour before he opened the door and when he eventually did, I rushed in and took my daughter to our apartment and I took off her clothes to bath her before administering the drug.

“But when I got to her pant, there was sperm on it and I screamed and neighbours rushed into my apartment to see what was the matter”.

Mrs Ofaghae said the defendant was among those who came in and he asked her if she was accusing her of raping her daughter.

She said the question infuriated another neighbour who slapped the defendant because she claimed he has actually exposed himself.

She said her daughter was rushed to the hospital where the doctor confirmed that the girl has been defiled after being tested.

“I was so shocked when I realised what Kehinde did to my daughter. Though his family members pleaded that I should help them cover the matter up but it seems my daughter was not the first victim because the defendant’s brother confirmed this”, she said.

Earlier, George preferred a one- count charge against the defendant before Justice Ipaye.

He told the court that the offence contravenes Section 258 of the Criminal Act Law of Lagos State (2011).

The accused pleaded not guilty, Justice Ipaye ordered the defendant remanded in prison and adjourned the matter till August 19.

After the court rose, Mrs Ofaghae told reporters: “When the matter was first taken to the family court, the accused was granted bail in the sum of N250,000 and he was walking about freely, but today the judge has ordered that he should be remanded.

“I’m so happy today and I’ll have a sound sleep. I’ll even share testimony in church on Sunday”.

HE police have arrested a 16-year-old boy, for the murder of a four-year-old boy in Ijanikin, Lagos.

Lagos police spokesperson, Patricia Amadin, a deputy superintendent (DSP), made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

Amadin said the suspect was helping the police in their investigation.

The police, she said, got an intelligence report that a boy was murdered, adding that

T •Amadin

By Ebele Boniface

new image maker. Amadin, he said, was deputy DPRO before her appointment.

Amadin called for a minute silence for the late The Nation Crime Correspondent, Jude Isiguzo.

She said: “There is a face I expected to see here but he is not here due to the unex-

•The late Isiguzo

pected death that took him away.”

She promised to do her best to lift the command, saying: “I call on all journalists for assistance to enable me succeed. Journalists should endeavour to always confirm their stories with me to avoid ambiguity.”

when the police got to the scene, they found the victim’s body on the floor with his stomach ripped open.

The crime, she said, suggested ritual killing, adding: “At about 9.30 am on Monday, information received by the DPO Ijanikin Police Station was that a little boy was killed at the back of Anglican Primary School, Ijanikin.

“The DPO swiftly led a team of his men to the scene.

“The lifeless body of the boy of about four years was

found in a pool of his blood with his stomach removed.

“The DPO and his men commenced a search of the area and the suspect, a 16year-old, was arrested.

“He is in police custody. As at the time of arrest, he was found with blood stains on his body and he has since confessed to the crime.

“The victim has been evacuated to the mortuary.

“The case is currently under investigation to ascertain the motive behind the killing.”

Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Executive Secretary, Dawood Olajobi,(second right) with General Secretary,World Federation Against Drugs, Linda Nilsson; Charles Anathan (left) Bernard Chinedu. during the federation visit to the council.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

62

SHOWBIZ

Bobbi Kristina dies at 22

L

ATE Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, whose fate hung in the balance for six months, has passed away.

Family and friends had hoped for a miracle since the 22-year-old was placed on medically induced coma on January 31, despite doctors’ skepticism.

Hundreds of fans had also joined Bobby Brown’s siblings Tommy, Tina, and Leolah Brown at a Shining a Light for Healing vigil in Georgia on Monday, February 9, to pray for her survival.

Recall that Kristina, also the daughter of singer Bobbi Brown, was found submerged in her bathtub on January 31, and was placed on life support after paramedics were able to resuscitate her.

Kristina died on Sunday at the hospice care facility where she was transferred to on June 24, after her family decided to take her off all

By Ovwe Medeme

medications.

Pat Houston and Bobby, co-guardians for the deceased made the decision to withdraw medications. It was a rare moment of agreement for the Browns and Houstons who had battled about Bobbi’s condition throughout her hospitalisation.

Taking the situation in their stride, the family says Bobbi Kristina “is finally at peace in the arms of God.” However, there are strong indications the District Attorney is gearing up for a murder case, in which her boyfriend, Nick Gordon, is their first suspect. Police said there were bruises on Bobbi Kristina’s face and body after Gordon and a friend, Max Lomas, found her in the tub.

Her mother died from a drug overdose in 2012 while sitting in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

• Vigil for Bobbi Kristina Inset: Bobbi Kristina and mum, Whitney, both late

Artistes are to blame for their woes, says Alex Usifo

A

S entertainers continue to seek bailout from the public whenever they are ill, their colleague and veteran actor, Alex Usifo, has described the act as shameful.

Usifo’s position is contrary to that of many who have made a case, especially for veteran artistes who have died in penury. Usifo noted that artistes’ wellbeing depends solely on the decisions they make in their glory days.

Speaking with The Nation, the actor likened the entertainer to a businessman who either knows or doesn’t know what to do with the resources at his disposal.

“A good businessman, even if he has N5, 000, will know what to do with it. Some of us are more excited about the show. We don’t remember the business. They are inseparable. I’m trying to say that if I don’t have enough money today, it is not the fault of the industry. It is not because I have not made money in the industry. I have

• Alex Usifo

By Ovwe Medeme

made millions in the industry. That, I can also say concerning those who have such problems, because we have seen cases where somebody would tell you that he started small and then prospered. I think it actually depends on your vision and what you want to be,” he said.

However, to Usifo, it is not a crime to seek help in times of need. “If you want to judge people by their mistakes, you won’t help anybody. When somebody is dying, it is not the time to blame the person. You heal the person first. Let him get well then you can begin to say whatever you want to say. But if you say because it is irresponsible, you won’t help the person, then you are actually wicked. And since the person has also contributed his quota in terms of making people happy and in terms of the GDP of the country, I think his case should be looked into,” he said.

Team Meddlelane wins Fayrouz L’Original show

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ITH a potpourri of highly creative artistry, fans of the arts such as make-up, runway show, fashion designing and photography, had so much to behold on Saturday night, as the much-publicised Fayrouz L’Original contest entered its last lap.

The mood of the event, which held at the Ballroom of Lagos Oriental Hotel, was that of appreciation for young talents who have wowed the crowd with their works, attracting top Nigerian fashion personalities.

The show featured two finalists; Team Meddlelane and Team Hai, who took their turns to dazzle judges and fashion lovers with exquisite designs, showcasing same on the runway.

It was the second edition of the show, and the contestants were mandated to create their works in line with the theme, Enchanted. And although both teams enthralled the audience with glitz and glamour, Team Meddlelane’s works took the day.

Meddlelane, comprising of students from the University of Lagos defeated Hai from the Obafemi Awolowo University, thereby walking away with the coveted prize of N4million. Team Hai also received N1.5million for their effort. Both teams also went home with MacBook laptops as well as cameras for each photographer.

The finalists, according to the organisers, will also enjoy opportunities such as free showcase of their designs at the Lagos International Design Fashion Week, just like winners of the maiden edition, Team Elan, who are currently doing exploits in their chosen careers.

By Joe Agbro Jr.

According to the jury , the choice of Team Meddlelane as winner was in recognition of the team’s display of originality, creativity and the confidence in which they displayed the Enchanted theme in their creation. The jurors include ace photographer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, make-up expert, Rhema Akabuogu from House of Tara and creative fashion designers, Mai Atafo and Kunbi Oyelese.

‘Success in the fashion world is based on how creative you can be and this is the yardstick with which we have been judging the competition from inception. Not just that, the confidence in which you de-

fend your creativity also matters, we have found all of these in Team Meddlelane which is why they are winners of the competition’, Atafo explained.

“Tonight has turned out amazing, not just for the participants but also for the Fayrouz brand because for the second year in a row, we are celebrating originality, which is a key message of the Fayrouz brand,” said Nnenna IfebighHemeson, Senior Brand Manager, Fayrouz, who spoke shortly after the event.

“We are proud of the results tonight and we are sure Team Meddlelane will make great waves moving forward.”

Adding to the excitement, popu-

lar hip hop artiste Kiss Daniel, thrilled guests with his hit tracks Woju and Laye. Performing after him with energetic dance steps was EME song bird, Niyola, whos sang some of her popular songs like Toh Bad. Triple MG singer, Iyanya, wrapped up the night with some of his old songs.

Red carpet host for the night and celebrity mixologist, Zainab Balogun, spoke to beautifully dressed guests who followed the theme of the night. She also excited guests with skillful mixes of various Fayrouz cocktails including Fay Martini, Dirty Fayrouz, Omoge, Virgin Royalty, Ultimate Lady, Tattoo, Implication and Champaigne De Fayrouz.

• Rhema, Kunbi, Walter Drenth, Team Meddlelane, Mai Atafo, Nnena and Kelechi Amadi

Notable faces at the event include Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Walter Drenth; Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, Nigerian Breweries, Edem Vindah; Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi, Zaaki Azzay, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Toke Makinwa, Dotun, Adunni Ade, Gbenro Ajibade, Reekado banks, Dare Art Alade, , Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Lamide Akintobi, Omalicha, Moet Abebe, VJ Adams, Tunde Demuren and DJ Sose among many others.

Sponsored by Nigerian Breweries, Fayrouz L’Original is an original lifestyle and fashion competition among undergraduates, fresh graduates and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

63

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

SPORT EXTRA ZENITH BANK WBL:

‘This bronze is golden’

C

OACH of First Deepwater Basketball Club, Lateef Erinfolami has described the bronze medal won by her team ‘as golden’ at the just concluded Zenith Bank Women Basketball League.

Erinfolami, who has won four league titles with the Oil and Gas team, said he would cherish the third place finish his team achieved this season.

When reminded that the team had won four titles previously, he said: “I am serious about this third place finish as being the one I will cherish the most because when the season started and my best players left the team, I had thought we are not going to finish among the best three teams.

Erinfolami also commended the girls for the feat and assured that they would become better next season. “My assurance to our fans is that we will bounce back to winning ways next season as soon as we are able to recruit top players.

Club chairman, Babatunde Babalola said that fans should expect to see better performances from his team very soon. He promised that the

By Adeyinka Adedipe challenges facing the club would soon be a thing of the past as the club looks forward to returning to winning ways from the 2015/2016 season.

“We have paid our dues and our recent challenges have toughen. We will also strive hard to become a better club. I must praise the players and their handlers for believing in the management by remaining with the club in our trying moment and the only way to compensate them is to finish on the podium this season and hopefully come out better next season.

“If you remember that before our formation in December 2008 and our participation in the league for the first time 2009, not many people gave us any chance because First Bank Basketball Club dominated the league. We did not only halt their 10 years reign, but went on to annex the league title four consecutive years between 2010 and 2013 and a third place finish at the 2011 FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women, which we also hosted in Lagos, Babalola noted.

Montreal Impact signs Drogba

F

ORMER Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba has signed for Major League Soccer side, Montreal Impact.

The 37-year-old left Stamford Bridge this summer after playing 381 games and winning four Premier League titles across two spells with the London club. Drogba is the Ivory Coast's all-time top scorer, with 65 goals in 105 international appearances.

Montreal president, Joey Saputo said the signing made it "one of the biggest days in club history".

He added: "It's an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact. From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal. His arrival will be beneficial in every aspect."

Arsenal's Akpom vows to fight for first-team place K

Omeruo : I almost bought a house in Middlesbrough

•Chuba Akpom (center) with team-mate after a game Coventry City and RSENAL striker, Nottingham Forest, but the Chuba Akpom has forward is keen to make his revealled hopes that breakthrough at the manager Arsene Wenger will Emirates. keep him at the club for the "I would rather stay here upcoming season so he can and compete with the other fight for a place in the first strikers," the London Evening team.

Standard quotes Akpom as The 19-year-old has had saying. "There is a lot of talent loan spells at Brentford, in the team, but I think I am

A

capable of competing and getting a place in the team.

"The boss really likes playing young players when he can and that motivates the other young players."

Akpom scored a hat-trick in the Gunners' 4-0 win over Singha All-Star XI in a preseason friendly earlier this month.

ENNETH Omeruo, 21, struggled for playing opportunities in the second half of last season while on loan at Middlesbrough .

And that largely contributed to the decision of manager, Aitor Karanka not to sign the defender on loan for a third time this summer, but the Nigeria international still has a soft spot for the Championship outfit.

“I settled into life on Teesside so well that I almost bought a house there,” Omeruo told gazettelive.co.uk.

“The initial paperwork had already been completed but I had to back out at the last minute when the news of my move came through.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to play for Boro and be part of that special group of players. “ It’s a fantastic football club and I’ve gained a lot of experience from my time there.”

Eniola Aluko rues Chelsea’s loss to Man City

E

NIOLA Aluko is disappointed with Chelsea’s 2 - 1 loss to Manchester City in the WSL on Sunday, but has sent a message to the supporters, telling them the Blues are still in the title race.

The Three Lionesses forward notched her third goal of the season in the 48th minute, but Steph Houghton netted the

match winner four minutes from time, and the result leaves Chelsea third in the standings, two points behind leaders , Sunderland.

“Didn’t deserve to lose tonight especially to a flukey soft free kick. Feels Amazing to look forward to the FA Cup final next week though,” Aluko said on Twitter.

I love my team! Thank you @ChelseaLFC fans who came to make a record crowd tonight. We’re still in it all!! # O n w a r d s #LetsMakeHistory.”

Aluko will be hoping to win her first silverware with Chelsea Ladies on Saturday when they tackle Notts County in the final of the FA Women’s Cup.

•Omeruo

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10

NO. 3289

‘Why not raise the profile and number of technical colleges to shore up the pool of technical manpower? And what’s the big deal churning out hordes of certificated illiterates only to have them end up pounding our cities in search of jobs? Why not bring back the old Trade Test system under which artisans and skilled trades were graded and remunerated as befitting their status?’

SANYA ONI

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

T

HE jury is now more or less out on the validity of the legal instrument on which Dr Bukola Saraki and his confederates relied to foist him on the Senate as its president and Ike Ekweremadu, a stalwart of the minority PDP, as deputy president.

The most generous construction one can put on it is that it is a desperate interpolation. The police who have scant regard for nuance have called it a forgery. Others have gone farther and called it a brazen forgery, and a transparent one for that matter.

Don’t take my word for it. Read the report of the police, as summarised in the weekend papers. Even more crucially, read attorney Jiti Ogunye’s brilliant and indissoluble forensic analysis for this newspaper and some online publications last week.

There was always something underhanded, insidious and smart-alecky about the process through which Saraki, in stark pursuit of his personal ambition, conspired with all 49 members from the opposition PDP and nine renegades from the APC to wrest control of the Senate from the ruling APC. In execution, the whole thing was shot through and through with indecent haste, in the absence for good reason of roughly one half of its 108 members, the goal being to create on the ground a set of accomplished facts. Too bad if the operation came across as the parliamentary equivalent of a street mugging, the usual apologists said.

Politics is a game of wits and one side simply outsmarted the other. Get over it and play smarter next time.

The old rules stood formidably in the way of this creepy project. So, new rules had to be devised and pressed into immediate service. To create the illusion that everything was being done by the book, make it clear from the outset that the exercise was undergirded by the Senate’s own rule-book, to wit: Standing Orders 2015 “as amended.”

That phrase, designed to assure the public that scrupulous adherence to law and lay at the heart of the process that threw up Saraki and Ekweremadu as the Senate’s leaders, has instead given away the game in a way the conspirators could not have imagined. For it immediately begs several questions: Amended by whom? When?

Where? And how?

When the 7th Senate was prorogued, the law in force was the Senate Standing Orders 2007 “as amended,” according to the best authorities. And until the Senate convened to elect new officers, it transacted no official business whatsoever.

So, how did Standing Orders 2007 as amended morph into House Standing Orders 2015 as amended? Was this the handi-

RIPPLES

NIGERIA ON AUTO-PILOT –Faseun

Of course it’s better than the last REGIME...it was on AUTO-REVERSE

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Musings on the Senate’s Order-gate

work of ghosts? Almost everyday, we hear of ghost teachers, ghost public servants and ghost towns. But ghost senators?

The closest thing to an answer to this overarching question has come from an unidentified official of the Senate’s secretariat. The 7th Senate had ended its run, but the 8th Senate was yet to be inaugurated. So, there was a vacuum. Nature abhors a vacuum. So the vacuum had to be filled — if only to avert nature’s wrath, he might have added The extant rules had served the Senate well. If they had not, they would have been thrown out long ago. The problem was that, as they stood, they could not be employed to advance the agenda of usurpation that Saraki and his confederates had in mind.

The dodgy 2015 enactment, it is now clear, was a disingenuous solution to a manufactured problem, the problem being to get

P

ARLIAMENTARY forgery — geez, isn’t that a violent contradiction in terms? Parliamentary language is the best of language. Parliamentary conduct is the best of conduct.

So, parliamentary immunity is fair exchange for parliamentary language and refined conduct, just as ex-cathedral sermons are concessions to the clergy as presumed moral avatar; and judicial immunity, as just concession to the judge, presumed fair and above board, in his court?

So, where does parliamentary forgery fit into all of these?

If you pardon the virtual stream of consciousness of a troubled soul, that was how Hardball’s mind started working, at the break of the latest scandal in Nigeria’s legislative horizon. Alleged parliamentary forgery, often rigged elections: are these the fundaments of Nigerian democracy?

Awful!

News claim the police have established a prima facie case of alleged forgery, in the controversial election that delivered Bukola Saraki as president of the Senate and Ike Ekweremadu, as his deputy. The news claimed that the Senate Standing Order 2011, the extant one before the inauguration of the present 8th Senate, was illegally tinkered with. That altered document, it further alleged, provided the legal platform for the June 9 inauguration and elec-

Saraki ensconced in the Senate president’s chair at all cost and by whatever means, and Ekweremadu in the deputy president’s chair, as a reward to the PDP for giving aid and comfort to Saraki’s personal agenda.

It was designed to establish facts on the ground that the polity would have to live with. It did not matter that the process by which they arrived at it was in flagrant breach of the Senate’s standing rules, an impregnable barrier to the ignoble project they were about to launch.

The 2007 Standing Orders (as amended) enjoin any member seeking any amendment to the rules to give a written notice to the Senate president, providing details of the proposed changes. Within seven days of receiving the notice, the Senate president will send a circular detailing the amendments and have it printed in the Order paper.

The member proposing the changes will get a chance to talk about them from the floor. Following that, the Senate will decide by a simple majority whether to consider or reject the proposed changes. If the Senate votes against the changes, the matter ends there.

But if the Senate decides to take up the matter, two-third of the members must vote affirmatively before the proposals become a part of its rules.

This foregoing is the process the Senate should have followed if it was minded to respect its own rules. But why submit to a labyrinthine process with an uncertain outcome when you can “amend” the pesky law in question, an amendment in this case meaning, for all practical purposes, cooking the statute books?

Even in Nigeria where “anything goes”

and nothing is impossible, this is without precedent. The Senate in whose name this tawdry transaction was consummated is going to come out of it hugely discredited.

So also will those members who orchestrated and have been celebrating it as an achievement that will guarantee the “independence” of the legislature.

They have by their shabby tactics cast a penumbra of uncertainty over the prospects of the new administration’s agenda and the national yearning for change expressed so unambiguously in the recent general elections.

The public they claim to serve is surely entitled to feel betrayed.

The whole thing is being seen, rightly, as a test of President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve to root out corruption in the body politic.

Thus far, he has handled the challenge with credit. If this had happened in the time of former President Goodluck Jonathan, it would have been smothered by all the obfuscation and the dilatoriness that rented crowds and hired publicists masquerading as “Abuja-based public affairs commentators” ever ginned up. The police leadership would never have risen to the professional challenge.

The matter is now before the courts.

Given the issues at stake, the courts will have to accord it accelerated hearing. Until it is disposed of, the Senate cannot in good conscience transact any business, with Saraki and Ekweremadu officiating. Any such business will come tainted with a heavy presumption of illegality, given the overwhelming evidence that their ascendancy was founded on illegality.

The Senate will therefore have to stand adjourned.

Sure, the administration has already lost a great deal of momentum by its excessive caution and stands to lose more if the Senate goes into a long recess. But it is better for the polity, for democracy, and for the rule of law, to ensure that when the Senate acts, it does so with unassailable integrity and authority.

This is no time for shabby compromises dressed up as a “political solution.” The ongoing criminal investigation must be allowed to work its way through our institutions. For, in an exact sense, Senate Ordergate is also a test of the capacity of those institutions to guide and lead at a time of grave national crisis.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above HARDBALL Parliamentary forgery? tion of principal officers.

In the often dramatic partisan world, if indeed the forgery is proved, a side would rejoice and a side would mourn. To the partisans, it is yet another victory — or defeat — in a chain of battles in the often fierce war for partisan control. So, life goes on — after all if you lose today, you could win tomorrow!

But sorry, Hardball does not share such a sanguine viewpoint! Indeed, in his view, both sides are losers — for why would anyone: a parliamentarian worth his or her name, senators, the highest ranking symbols of Nigeria’s electoral democracy, and the National Assembly bureaucracy, peopled by bureaucrats of the best crust, why would anyone, in that exalted circle, even think of, not to talk of actually indulging in, rule forgery?

And he who brazenly forges parliamentary rules, would he blink a second from forging actual laws for self benefits?

Sheer horror!

Just as well, the Buhari presidency has sworn it would not shield anyone, no matter how highly or lowly placed, from prosecution for the alleged forgery. Just as well, because it is good the presidency is showing good leadership in the matter.

But the legal front appears set for the notorious, permissive Nigerian debate, that most often ruins the country; and permits felons to get away with murder.

While some silks have thundered prosecution of whoever were involved, a very senior silk has invoked parliamentary sovereignty, claiming parliament is so sovereign the police cannot investigate a basic breach of the law that even operates its conduct! Is parliament then above the law?

If it is, is the executive too — and the judiciary?

If so, why do citizens drag the government (the executive) to court? And why do judicial officers drag one another to court for alleged breach of their own rules?

Whoever was involved in that alleged forgery should face the law — and there must be no prevarication! Also, any talk of “political solution” should be regarded as what it is: crap!

Only prompt and speedy judicial resolution of the matter would wipe the putative reproach from the National Assembly.

Parliamentary forgery? Perish the thought! And on this campaign, every patriot worth his or her name must clamber on board.

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Telephone: Switch Board: 08034505516. Editor Daily:08111813080, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14 Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790 WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO