The Nation Nov 05, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

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NEWS Page 58

Protests greet list of likely ministers NEWS Page 2

•Babatope, Kure, Na’Abba tipped www.thenationonlineng.net

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PDP crisis: G-7 governors visit Obasanjo, Danjuma Outrage over invasion of Abuja meeting

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FURY OF FIRE

Senate, minister differ on $1.03b

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HE Federal Government and the Senate yesterday disagreed over the whereabouts of $1.03 billion Excess Crude Fund.

The disagreement followed the disclosure by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister...

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

IVE of the seven Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) governors fighting for change in the party met yesterday with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his Abeokuta, Ogun State capital home.

The five Governors - Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers State), Babangida Aliyu(Niger), Murtala Nyako(Adamawa), Sule Lamido(Jigawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso(Kano), arrived at Obasanjo’s residence around noon. They discussed with the former PDP Board of Trustees chairman for about two hours.

Two other governors who were expected at the meeting did not turn up.

It was not clear what they discussed. When the governors emerged from the mansion at 1:50pm, reporters pushed towards Amaechi for an insight into their mission, but he declined, saying his Niger State counterpart should talk for the group.

Amaechi, who drove himself in a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with Lamido sitting on the passenger’s seat, said the others would stand beside Babangida while speaking to the press.

According to Aliyu, they were in Obasanjo’s home in continuation of their earlier consultations with PDP elders over matters affecting the party.

Aliyu, who hinted that the G7-Governors had been “discussing with the President”(Dr

Business Page 11

Hayatou backs Eaglets to win

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R. Isa Hayatou, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), visited the Golden Eaglets yesterday at their Intercontinental Dubai Festival City Hotel, on the Nigerian youngsters to...

Sport Page 14

‘ASUU strike to end soon’

Continued on page 2

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Crowds gather in Rivers for APC

ENATE President David Mark yesterday met with officials of the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), with the hope of prevailing on them to return to the classroom.

•Police stop Amaechi’s fans •Lawmakers’ plane grounded

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News Page 7

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s supporters, who thronged the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa to welcome All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, were barred from the facility yesterday by policemen. The policemen said they were acting on the orders of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu. Undeterred by the police action, Amaechi’s army of supporters from the 23 local government areas stayed at the junction of the Continued on page 2

Ex-President Morsi adamant

E •Fire fighters battling the fire...yesterday

SEE P AGE 58 PA

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Fire at 25-storey GNI building

GYPT’S ousted leader Mohammed Morsi has gone on trial in Cairo, telling the judge the case is illegitimate as he remains president.

He and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood figures face charges of inciting...

Foreign Page 60

•SPORTS P13 •PROPERTY P17 •POLITICS P43 •HEALTH P45 •ENERGY P47

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THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

NEWS •President Goodluck Jonathan sharing a joke with leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) (from right) Dr.Nasiru Isa Fage and Prof.

Biodun Ogunyemi during the President’s meeting with the striking lecturers at the State House Abuja ...yesterday. In the background is Vice President Namadi Sambo.

The meeting was still on at midnight.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

Crowds gather in Port Harcourt for APC Continued from page 1

airport on the Port HarcourtOwerri Expressway, singing, drumming and dancing.

Apparently to show total support to the Rivers governor, thousands of people stormed the Government House, Port Harcourt. They were initially at the main gate on Azikiwe Road, but the gate was later left open for them to enter the seat of power.

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, hinted on Sunday night that the First

Lady, Dame Patience, was expected to leave Port Harcourt for Abuja at 11:30 pm yesterday. The APC leaders, including former Head of State Gen. Mohammed Buhari, Chief Bisi Akande, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some governors, would fly in from Abuja around 2 pm.

The leaders of the main opposition party are visiting Rivers State to persuade Amaechi and his teeming supporters to join the APC. There have been similar visits to some of the G7 governors.

Reporters and photogra-

phers of various media houses in Port Harcourt and those from outside Rivers state, in a Toyota Hiace bus, had it rough with the overzealous policemen at the gate of the airport, as they were initially prevented from driving in.

Two senior police officers called the security personnel to order, after the identity cards of the media men had been thoroughly checked.

As at 3:46 pm, when our reporter left the airport, the supporters of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) chairman were still waiting at the junc-

tion of the airport, while the crowd at the Government House started dispersing around 6 pm, when it became obvious that the APC leaders would no longer visit.

A police officer, who would not want to be named, said the supporters of Amaechi were prevented from accessing the airport to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

When the policeman was reminded that supporters of the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, were always allowed into the Continued on page 59

Outrage over invasion of G-7 governors’ meeting

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HERE was outrage yesterday over Sunday’s invasion of the meeting of the Group of seven (G-7) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in Abuja.

The governors’ meeting at the Kano Governor’s Lodge was broken into by a police team.

Yesterday, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) faulted the police.

A former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, chided the police for the action.

The governors, in a statement titled “Nigerian police: Now Armed Wing of PDP”, said :”We wish to emphatically restate our resolve to join hands and work with our colleagues in G7 and

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From Gbade Ogunwale and John Ofikhenua, Abuja

New PDP to ensure that the current regressive trend towards authoritarianism, increasing poverty, unemployment and incompetent leadership is arrested.”

While stating its determination to rescue the country and provide security and prosperity for the citizenry, the forum noted that another four years of the PDP and the current administration will be ominous to all Nigerians.

“The PGF also restates its position that another four years of the PDP and the current administration will spell doom for Nigeria and its over 170 million people, and reiterate our deter-

mination to rescue the country and provide security and prosperity for Nigerians”.

The statement condemned the police action against Nigerians who had their constitutional right of association curtailed.

The police action, said the governors, is not only alarming but also demonstrates clearly that the force, instead of carrying out its constitutional responsibilities of maintaining peace and order, has become no more than the armed wing of the ruling PDP. The statement reads: “Coming barely a week after storming the Adamawa State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja to disrupt a lawful meeting of like-minded individuals, and despite public outcry at the tactics of the police, the

Force, in clear violation of all rules of civility, still went ahead to disrupt a G7 caucus meeting at the Kano State Governor’s Lodge on the 3rd November, 2013, in Asokoro, Abuja.

“If the Nigeria Police has not become the armed wing of the PDP, why should the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Asokoro Police Unit, CSP Nnanna Ama, burst into the venue and order the meeting stopped, threatening to mobilise troops to abort it if his order was not obeyed?

“For a DPO to have the impudence to force his way into the meeting of perceived opponents of President Goodluck Jonathan to disrupt a meeting of goverContinued on page 59

PDP crisis: G-7 governors visit Obasanjo, Danjuma Continued from page 1

Goodluck Jonathan), said the new move was to ascertain if there had been any change in the party.

Aliyu said: “You may recall that when (the) issues started, we consulted our elders. So, this is part of the consultation; more so that we are coming to the resolution of the matters.

We believe that very soon, we’ve been discussing with the President, discussing about these matters.

“We believe after the lull of the pilgrimages, we are all back; so, we need to consult again to find out if there is any variable that has intervened and we are very happy things are going normal.”

Told that people were speculating that the G7-Governors came to say goodbye to the expresident, he said: “I don’t know about that. It’s just speculation.”

The governors also met with former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan and former Minister for Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma in Lagos.

They met the duo yesterday at their houses in Ikoyi and on Victoria Island to “consult with them on the lingering crisis in the party”.

Shonekan urged politicians to eschew bitternes as a way to pull the nation out of the wood.

The governors arrived at Shonekan’s house at about 3:40 pm in a BMW Sports Utility Vehicle.

Amaechi drove the car.

Other governors sat inside.

Security aides followed in other cars.

The meeting with Shonekan lasted for about an hour after which Amaechi said: “We are consulting with the Continued on page 59

Lawmakers’ aircraft grounded in Abuja

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•It’s not true, says FAAN

CHARTERED flight scheduled to convey about 12 federal lawmakers from Abuja to Port Harcourt was yesterday grounded at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

The lawmakers, some of whom are representing Rivers State were bared from flying due to “instruction from the aviation authority”.

They were to fly on Manga Airline.

A source from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said the aircraft was grounded due to political reason. Another source said the action was taken due to poor documentation and issues relating to the passengers’ manifest.

Two Senators and 10 members of the House of Representatives were traveling on a solidarity visit to Governor Amaechi who was expecting the Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Magnus Abe, representing Rivers Southeast Federal Constituency and Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke representing Omumu/Etche Federal Constituency said the private charter operator suddenly acted on or-

From Olugbenga Adanikin,

Abuja and Kelvin Osa Okunbor

ders from ‘the top’ not to fly the aircraft.

They described the action as politically motivated.

Nwuke said: “Some members of the House of Representatives and senators who are from Rivers state traveling to Port Harcourt this morning (yesterday) got a shock of their lives.

“An aircraft (Manga) that we chattered to take us to Port Harcourt was suddenly grounded and we feel it is politically motivated because the APC people were supposed to come to Rivers and some of us decided to go and listen to what they wanted to say. So, the aircraft that was supposed to take us was suddenly grounded by some orders from above. And we are beginning to wonder why all of this is happening in the country that is in a democracy.

“The aircraft owners said they have orders from above not to fly anywhere. We had wanted to get in there as quickly as we could and join our governor to receive the visitors.

“I think that what is going on Continued on page 59

Babatope, Na’Abba, Kure, others tipped for minister

GALE of protests is trailing the short-listing of ministerial nominees by President Goodluck Jonathan for the 12 vacant slots in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Before the sack of nine ministers recently, there had been three vacancies.

Former Minister of Defence Mohammed Haliru Bello and former Minister of Youth Development Inuwa Abdulkadir were relieved of their jobs. Minister of State for Health Dr. Ali Pate resigned.

The President is believed to have short-listed some names for ministerial appointments, especially in some of the states being controlled by the Group of 7 (G-7) governors, who have been locked in a bitter struggle with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership for its control.

It was gathered that some of the nominees were being considered on political grounds to checkmate the “rebellion” of the G-7 governors, who have been sidelined in the nominations,

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

unlike what obtained in the past when the governors were consulted.

The list includes ex-Speaker Umar Ghali Na’aba (Kano); exGovernor Abdulkadir Kure (Niger); Senator Umar Gada (Sokoto); a former Executive Secretary of PTDF, Alh. Hamizu Mai Rago (a loyalist of the VP), former Minister of State for Works Isaiah Balat (Kaduna); ex-Minister Aliyu Idi Hong and ex-Governor Boni Haruna (Adamawa).

The others are a former Managing Director of Africa Petroleum (AP), Bukar Abba Gana, Hon. Muhammed Kumalia and Nicholas Msheliza(Borno); exMinister of Transport Chief Ebenezer Babatope and Alhaji Fatai Akinbade(Osun).

It was gathered that a former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Chief Olabode George and some party leaders are lobbying the President to give Lagos the Southwest’s slot, which former Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru occupied.

According to the permutations of the Presidency, the appointment of Na’Abba, Kure, Gada (a personal friend of Jonathan), Hong or Haruna would checkmate some of the G-7 governors.

The party structure in the seven states will also be taken away from the aggrieved governors ahead of the “final onslaught” by the new ministers.

There have been intrigues and protests in some states, including Kaduna, Vice-President Namadi Sambo’s political base.

It was learnt that the people of Southern Kaduna have been kicking against the appointment of a minister from Kaduna Central where Governor Ramalan Yero hails from.

Southern Kaduna indigenes are calling for ministerial compensation, having lost the governorship ticket with the death of ex-Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa in a plane crash.

Although Sambo favours his political son, Hamizu Mai Rago, for the slot, it may backfire politically for Jonathan because of likely protest votes from South-

ern Kaduna in 2015, observers said.

Some strategists were said to have drawn the President’s attention to the recent political inroad of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into Southern Kaduna.

A source said: “The GMD of NNPC,Andrew Yakubu, is from Southern Kaduna, but the belief is that his is a professional calling”.

“They want the President to ensure religious balance. But the VP’s camp sees Mai Rago as an asset to the President in 2015 because he is a grassroots mobiliser. No decision has been taken on Kaduna’s slot,” he said, pleading not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter.

On Niger State, a source admitted that the President’s strategists had concluded that only Kure could checkmate the leader of the G-7 governors, “Chief Servant” Babangida Aliyu.

Apart from ethnic balancing, Kure(from Nupe Kingdom) is said to command a large follow-

ing and enjoys the confidence of ex-military President Ibrahim Babangida, ex-Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and some political heavyweights, who have grouses against Aliyu.

Kure’s short-listing has, however, created rumpus within the PDP in the state because his wife, Hajiya Zainab Kure, is a senator.

Another source said: “The position of Niger State PDP stakeholders is that a family cannot occupy a ministerial seat and hold senatorial ticket at the same time.

“If we are preaching equity, we must do with clean hands.

There are others from Nupeland who are qualified to be minister.

“There is also a security issue on Kure bordering on alleged rift between him and a one-time Federal Controller of Housing and Urban Development in Niger State, Adekoya S. Olatunji, over access road to E8 and E10 Aliyu Makama Road, GRA, Continued on page 59

•Na’Abba

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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NEWS

Concern over d

•From left: Group Executive Director, Nigeria Info, Shahin Nouri, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, Yemi Adeola, CEO, Arsenal FC, Ivan Gazdis and Chief Finance Officer, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman at the launch of the Sterling-Arsenal Debit Card in London...at the weekend.

Amid eroding public confidence in domestic flights, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) plans to audit airlines. In this report, KELVIN OSAOKUNBOR examines this seemingly arduous task the regulator is embarking on.

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•From left: Former American Ambassador to Nigeria , Robin Sanders, UNIDO representative in Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Kunewi,Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mrs Evelyn Oputu and Vice-President, Union Global Public Affairs, Western Union, Barbara Span at the Small and Medium Eneterprises forum in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO BOLA OMILABU

•From left: Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Mr. Dele Sotubo, President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Ariyo Olusheku and Lecturer, New York Institute of Finance, Prof. Joseph Onochie at the 2013 Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers Annual Conference in Lagos .

PHOTO BOLA OMILABU

•From Left: Director, Policy and Planning, Ministry of Roads and Highways Ghana, Mr Godwin Brocke; Director General, National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Prof. John Idoko and Executive Secretary, ALCO, Mr Edy Anthony, at the 2nd Annual Statutory Meeting of Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Organisation Governing Board In Abuja On Monday Credit Nan-photo

HERE is a growing discontent among observers of the aviation industry over seeming delay by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to carry out a comprehensive audit of domestic airlines operating in the country.

The technical audit of domestic carriers is to check their level of maintenance, including manpower and capacity building, as part of efforts to ensure safety in the industry.

There are several airlines in Nigeria with valid Air Operator Certificate issued by the NCAA. They include Aero Contractors, Allied Air, Arik Air, Associated Aviation, Chanchangi Airlines, Dana Air, Dornier Aviation Nigeria, First Nation Airways, IRS Airlines, Kabo Air, Max Air, MedView Airline, Overland Airways, Pan African Airlines, Jed Air WestLink Aviation, SkyJet Aviation, Hak Air, Azman Aviation , Topbrass Aviation , Kings Air and Discovery Air .

The disappointment of stakeholders is coming on the heels of the recent air crash by Associated Aviation, whose Embraer 120 aircraft with 20 people on board crashed within 31 seconds on take-off from the Lagos Airport.

The scary details of how the aircraft crashed, according to preliminary report released by the Accident Investigation Bureau ( AIB) have exposed the underbelly of poor regulation of airlines in Nigeria. The ill- fated Associated Aviation Embraer 120 aircraft had technical issues.

Series of serious incidents involving Kabo Air and IRS Airlines in Sokoto and Kaduna airports have further put the country’s aviation sector on the global spot, raising serious concerns over the quality of civil aviation regulation.

Only three weeks ago, the NCAA suspended the operations of DANA Air to enable it carry out technical audit of its operations.

As the industry grapples to recover from the ban of DANA Air operations, the regulator directed two other carriers IRS Airlines and Chanchangi Airlines to ground their operations until an audit of their operations are duly carried out.

Weeks after, the NCAA is yet to begin the audit of airlines. Last month, the director general of NCAA, Captain Fola Akinkuotu disclosed that the authority will carry out audit of all domestic airlines in the country.

The NCAA said it would carry out joint audit of domestic carriers to ascertain their technical and financial state of health.

Akinkuotu said there was no going back on the audit, which would be carried out in collaboration with foreign firms. He threatened to shut

• Akinkuotu

down airlines owing workers’ salaries.

He said the NCAA would take further steps to raise the bar in safety by ensuring that all domestic operators undergo the International Operations Safety Audit (IOSA), usually conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

He said steps were being taken to restore the confidence of the flying public in the aviation sector, adding that it has become critical in the last few weeks on account of the Associated Aviation Embraer 120 crash in Lagos and other incidents.

He said:”We will continue to engage domestic operators to do what is right. They have a responsibility to comply with the rules and avoid lapses that will expose the industry to emergencies.

“The NCAA demands that all operators must sit up. As the regulatory body, the NCAA has a role to ensure that there is continuous monitoring to enhance safety. The idea is not to deliberately reduce the number of airlines, but to ensure that only strong carriers are in operation.

“If we have only two airlines that are strong enough to operate, that is fine with us. We are not here to stifle growth in the industry, but we want to ensure that there is safety in the system; so, this is prompting us to reduce the airlines and weed out ones that lack the financial muscle to continue to operate safely. Talking about audit. Of course, we are going to audit all the airlines. We have a continuous process of auditing airlines. As a matter of fact, going forward, we are going to do a joint audit on all the airlines. We are working with foreign audit firms too to ensure that there is complete validation of all the airlines.

This is done to ensure that there is a reassurance to the public but further to also continue what NCAA is supposed to be doing ,which is an oversight function, oversight monitoring never really stops. It is a continuous process. We intend to put in place regulations that will require airlines to have an International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) audit. Many years ago, this was mooted and the airlines struck a compromise where it was said it will be compulsorily voluntary, but this time it will not be.

We would remove the voluntary and we would make it compulsory. Airlines would be required to have IOSA audit as a way of going forward and ensuring that their systems are tidy.”

Only at the weekend, DANA Air accused the NCAA of unnecessarily

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

5

NEWS

er delay in NCAA’s probe of airlines

•Ndulue

• Bankole

delaying its audit, despite evidence on the ground that it is ready and open for audit.

In a letter to the authority, the airline, speaking through its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Tony Usidamen, said:” It is now three weeks since the NCAA directive and, though the airline is open and ready for the planned audit. It is worrisome that the NCAA is yet to commence the audit and no clear direction or timeline has been given to the airline for completion of the same.

“The continuous grounding of Dana Air is causing untold hardship for the hitherto ‘gainfully-employed’ staff of the airline, and with NCAA’s inaction regarding the audit, there appears to be no relief in sight to the sufferings of the airline’s staff and their numerous dependants.

“NCAA’s action or inaction is not without consequences for the average Nigerian traveler with the few airlines left taking advantage of the dearth of operators to hike fares and offer poor services.

“Businesses and the nation’s economy are negatively impacted too.

Need we mention the negative signals are also being sent to potential investors in the sector?

“It is for these reasons that we, the over 540 directly-employed Nigerian

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• Mahonwu

staff of Dana Air, are appealing to the NCAA to save us and the airline by carrying out its statutory role devoid of sentiments and political interference, and commencing the planned operational audit of the airline without any further delay.

“In compliance with the October 6, 2013 directive by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for Dana Air to suspend its flight operations to allow for an audit of the airline’s operations, the management of the company shut down its operations without delay. “ Subsequently, as a result of the suspension (and understandably so), the airline directed its Nigerian and expatriate staff to proceed on compulsory leave without pay, with a promise to recall staff as soon as the audit process is completed. “ The General Manager, Public Affairs NCAA, Fan Ndubuoke, said the audit of DANA Air would begin this week.

He said :” NCAA will commence the audit of Dana airline next week to pave way for the arrival of the external auditors invited by the Authority to team up with NCAA in the Audit of the airline. The external auditors who are invited from Europe and America are to make sure that the Authority follows the standard

• Usidamen

and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The delay in starting the Audit by NCAA is to ensure a thorough exercise with the assistance of the external Auditors.”

Part of the processes leading to the audit of airlines, according to the NCAA, is to ensure that airlines with valid air operators’ certificate with a single aircraft is allowed to operate scheduled operations. It was gathered that NCAA issued a memo ordering all scheduled airline operators whose fleet size had been reduced to only one operational aircraft to immediately stop flight operations.

The memo, which was addressed to all scheduled airline operators and dated October 14, reads: “You will recall that recently, the NCAA, through the director-general, expressly suspended the continued operation of airlines possessing otherwise valid Air Operators Certificate, but who were operating with a single aircraft. “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulations provide for more than a single aircraft for any operator to secure or operate under a valid AOC. “This directive is, therefore, issued to formalise and clarify that prior order suspending such operations. As such, all AOC holders or operators whose operational fleet has been re-

duced to a single operational aircraft for whatever reason shall immediately and forthwith suspend their flight operations.

“Such operations may only resume upon clearance from the NCAA that there is more than one operational aircraft for continued flight operations and satisfaction that such AOC holder has the capacity to have safe flight operations prior to commencing any such operation.”

Following the directive, IRS and Chanchangi’s operations have been grounded.

Commenting on the audit of airlines, the Managing Director of Medview Airlines , Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said :” This is one of the best things to happen to the industry. It is high time the regulator carried out serious audit on the airlines to ascertain their health, rate those that are fit to remain in business. It is a good initiative; it will promote air safety and put domestic airlines in good stead to carry out their business.

“For us at Medview Airlines, safety is the greatest asset in the balance sheet of any airline. As your operations are adjudged safe, you continue to grow the business. The NCAA has approached us; we have filled the forms, the audit is ongoing and we are confident that it will improve the

industry in many respects.

“The economic audit of domestic airlines is appropriate, too. It will help to establish the status and technical standing of the airlines. We have filled the forms; we are cooperating with the authority to achieve this. It is a healthy development for the industry, it will help to measure the performance of the airlines. For us, it is a test for airlines to know its position. There are no more hiding place to hide. It is good to know what is happening to the airlines; it is a forensic test for domestic airlines. At a point, it is good for you to know the strength of your operations technically and financially. This is very good, it falls within the ambit of the economic regulatory function of the NCAA. It is the best way to go. All airlines must know their rating. It is a good test.”

But, speaking in an interview, the Managing Director of Arik Air, Chris Ndulue, said the NCAA was not carrying out any audit on the airline.

Former chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Dr Steve Mahonwu, said the technical audit of all the airlines would provide the needed data on the equipment and the capacity of the airlines to carry out effective maintenance of the aircraft and the manpower of these airlines.

Mahonwu said it was necessary to carry out economic audit of the airlines, noting that it was necessary because the failure of the airlines to provide better remuneration for their workers have contributed to the failings of the airlines in maintaining safe operation.

“The audit NCAA wants to do is a conventional aviation practice; so, it is good they do it. The problem of the Nigerian aviation industry is that most of the airlines operate aged aircraft but there is no adequate finance to service them. Airline workers, including those that operate the flights are not paid well and some airlines owe their staff and this is affecting them. When a pilot is flying, he will be thinking about how to take care of his family. That is the reason many of the air accidents are associated with human error because these people are not being taken care of adequately these days like in the time past,” Mahonwu said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Securities, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), said the NCAA has failed to carry out regular audit of airlines. He added that planned audit may not be properly done for lack of facilities.

Where are the abducted American sailors?

HE whereabouts of American sailors abducted by gunmen offshore Brass waters in Bayelsa State are still unknown. In fact, there is unusual silence among security operatives, including the Navy about the location and fate of the Americans.

Gunmen suspected to be pirates on October 23 stormed an oil supply vessel, seized and whisked away the ship’s captain and chief engineer, both from USA. The victims were said to have been kidnapped from US-flagged vessel, C-Retriever, owned by American oil servicing company Edison Chouest.

But security operatives in Nigeria seem oblivious of the whereabouts of the Americans and the attacked vessel.

A security source said it was obvious that Nigerian security outfits were in the dark about any arrangements to rescue the Americans.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said the American security outfits including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were on the trail of the kidnappers.

He said the U.S. would not want to put the lives of its citizens in the hands of Nigerian

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

security considering failed attempts by Nigeria to rescue abducted expatriates in the past.

He recalled the Kano incident in May 2012 where a rescue operation by the Nigerian security outfits turned tragic and led to the killing of a German engineer, Edgar Fritz Raupach, by Boko Haram.

The rescue team stormed the hideout of the kidnappers located in an area opposite the Bayero University, on Gwarzo Road, Kano around 6.30am.

The team was resisted by the abductors who were heavily armed and the ensuing confusion led to the gruesome murder of the German.

The source also recalled the Sokoto incident that occurred in March 2012.

He said a Nigerian rescue team failed to save Christopher McManus, a Briton and Franco Lamolinara, an Italian, two expatriate staff of a construction company, Stabilini Visinoni, held hostage by Boko Haram “Following the past experience of failed rescue operations, the U.S. won’t allow Nigerian security outfits to coordinate efforts

to free the American citizens.

“I can tell you that the kidnappers may have contacted the families of their victims in America and from the conversation the FBI had stepped in to track the abductors,” he said.

When the JTF was asked about the whereabouts of the sailors, its Media Coordinator, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the incident happened offshore.

“So, it is the responsibility of the navy. It is an offshore incident which is within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) of the navy.

Ask the navy”, he said.

But, a source from the navy said information about the incident was scanty, adding that the company of the two sailors had not reported the matter to the naval authorities.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said for the navy to be efficient, other people onboard the ship and the company of the victims must provide information about the incident.

“Apart from reported abducted two Americans, there are other people in the ship. They should be able to talk. They

should be able to tell us where they are. They have not made any report.

“They have not called the Navy neither have they called the Joint (Military) Task Force. The only report anybody has heard regarding the abduction is from the CNN and nobody can work with that.

“The company they are working with should be able to give us information. They cannot be working in Nigeria from America. At least, somebody should be able to tell us what happened.

“They could not have taken the vessel to creeks. The vessel is too big to be taken to the creeks. They did not say they kidnapped the vessel. They only said they kidnapped the captain and the chief engineer,” he said.

But, the Navy, Central Naval Command, said it had been combing the waters and creeks to locate the two American sailors.

Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Brass, Capt. Aniedi Ibok, said the Navy was working round the clock to find the vessel that was conveying the Americans.

Ibok said: “We are still searching our waters to see if we can get the vessel since it was not reported to have been ‘kidnapped’.”

THE NATION TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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NEWS Supreme Court okays Nwoye as PDP’s candidate From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

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HE Supreme Court yesterday affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal declaring Tony Nwoye as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

The apex court, in a unanimous judgment by a panel of five-justices, held that Nicholas Ukachukwu, the appellant, failed to appeal the lower court’s decision, which declared Nwoye PDP’s candidate.

Nwoye emerged winner of the primary conducted by the national leadership of the PDP, with Ukachukwu coming a distant second. Ukachukwu went before a Federal High Court, in Port Harcourt, complaining that Nwoye breached the party’s guidelines on ground of his alleged default in tax payment.

The Federal High Court, in its judgment, disqualified Nwoye and declared Ukachukwu as the party’s candidate.

Nwoye appealed the decision and the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, overturned the Federal High Court’s decision and declared Nwoye the party’s candidate.

Dissatisfied, Ukachukwu appealed to the apex court, challenging the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Port-Harcourt on the grounds that he was denied fair hearing and that the lower court erred when it held that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear his case.

Reading the lead judgement yesterday, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun held that there was no merit on the issue of fair hearing raised by Ukachukwu against the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt. ”After careful perusal of the briefs, oral submissions of parties, cases cited and records of proceedings, we are satisfied that the appellant was given full opportunity to be heard but fail to avail himself of same.”

The court resolved the issue of jurisdiction in favour of the appellant. ”Having carefully considered the provision of Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), we are of the view that the trial court had jurisdiction to look into a complaint of non-compliance of the 1st respondent (the PDP) in the selection or nomination of the 3rd respondent (Nwoye).

However, it must be noted that the lower court (Court of Appeal), not being the final court in this matter considered the appeal in its merit in the event that this court did not agree with its decision on jurisdiction.

“There is no appeal against the finding of fact made by the lower court. The judgment of the Court of Appeal on the merit on the appeal, wherein it held that Mr Tony Nwoye is the candidate of the 1st respondent, having not been appealed stands and is hereby affirmed.The appeal therefore succeeds in part on the issue of jurisdiction,” Justice KekereEkun held.

The other four justices on the panel agreed with Justice Kekere-Ekun’s reasoning.The court said it will make public the full reason for the judgment on January 14 next year.

70 dead in three Boko Haram attacks

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USPECTED Boko Haram militants have killed 70 people in three attacks in the Northeast in recent days, officials said yesterday.

Boko Haram has killed hundreds of civilians and members of security forces in recent weeks, as it continues to resist an intensified military crackdown ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan more than five months ago.

Gunmen fired on a convoy of people returning from a wedding party in Borno state on Saturday, killing 30 people, including the groom, said Ahmad Sajo, spokesman for neighboring Adamawa state. The military said only five were killed.

In Borno’s Gulumba village, gunmen on motorbikes and in a pick-up truck shot dead 27 people and wounded another 12 in the early hours

of Thursday, the Chairman of Bama Local Government, Baba Shehu Gulumba, told reporters.

Gulumba said a further 13 people were killed on Saturday in a similar attack in nearby T-Junction village.

Insurgents also set houses ablaze and stole motorbikes, cars, livestock and 3.5 million naira ($22,100), he said.

President Jonathan declared a state of emergency in

three northeastern states in May and a military surge initially reduced attacks in major towns and cities across the north.

But Boko Haram’s fighters have retreated to the semi-arid region towards Niger in the north and to the forested hills and caves on the border with Cameroon, where they have been able to regroup and counter-attack ever since.

Fivedead, many injured in Lagos building collapse

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O fewer than five persons were confirmed dead and more than 30 injured yesterday, following the collapse of a twin four-storey building in Lagos.

The building, which is located beside the Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA), was still under construction.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the building caved in around 3pm, trapping about 50 workers.

Unofficial sources said about 10 bodies had been evacuated from the collapsed structure said to be a shopping mall.

Officials of the Red Cross, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said five bodies were recovered. But, officials of the LCDA said only two people died.

Eyewitnesses blamed the death recorded on the delay of rescue operations, as well as the unavailability of adequate equipment.

At the time of visit, (6:45pm), The Nation observed that crude tools were being used to gain access to the building.

“Those who died would not have if rescue agencies had got here early. They did not get here until we had rescued about 20 bodies. We also recovered two corpses before the officials got here.

“You can see that we are using manual labour because no equipment are available.

Moreover, the building is congested, such that there is hardly a space for a crane to be brought in,” said one of the sources.

A crane and caterpillar were brought in at about 8:30pm, and have not been used at the time of filing this report.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, put the dead toll at three with about five in criti-

•One of the victims being treated at a hospital close to the site…last night.

PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

By Precious Igbonwelundu

cal condition, who have been moved to the Accident and Emergency Trauma Centre, Seven Up Toll Gate.

LASEMA’s General Manager, Femi Oke-Osayintolu when contacted on telephone, said: “A twin four-storey building located at 1-7 Muri Okunola Street, VI collasped partially and completely respectively.

“15 persons have been rescued so far while three bodies have been recovered. Rescue operations are still ongoing.”

According to officials at a Medical Doctor at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where rescued victims were taken to for first aid, about 35 injured victims had been transferred to another hospital, with five victims still at the hospital.

Joseph, a security guard in the building, told The Nation that he was inside his apartment when he heard a loud

sound.

“I was inside this place (pointing at the security room) when I heard a heavy noise. But before that noise, the building has been shaking in the afternoon.

“While the workers were casting, I realised that the building was shaking and around 3pm, it just sank.

“About 50 workers are in this premises, though, not all of them were trapped under.

Some were able to run out, but several others could not.

“So far, about 10 dead people have been removed and many others have serious injuries, I do not know if they will survive,” he said.

When asked who the owner of the building is, he said:” I do not know oga’s name. It is not long I started working with them but I know thebuilding is a shopping complex.”

One of the survivors, Adeola Akinpelu, told The Nation that two of his broth-

ers (from Ibadan) were still trapped in the building.

He said: “Two of my brothers are still under the debris. I was working on the other side and stepped out to buy water. So, when I got back, I saw that the building had collapsed with my brothers and friends trapped inside.”

Akinpelu was, however, stopped from speaking with by other survivors, who claimed they had been warned not to speak on the issue.

The Nation observed that men of the Maroko Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Johnson Akinola and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) controlled the crowd and cordoned off the building.

At the time of filing this story (9:14pm), more persons were still trapped in the rubble and rescue operations were still ongoing.

Police arrest Melaye again From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

THE Executive Secretary of Anti-Corruption Network, Hon. Dino Melaye, was yesterday arrested by security operatives suspected to be policemen.

The arrest comes barely two weeks after he was arrested for leading a protest to the Ministry of Aviation in Abuja over the N255 million two bullet proof cars allegedly for the Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

It was learnt that Melaye was whisked to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command by a Special Team led by one Patrick Ejoh, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The ex-lawmakers was also said to have been searched by the security operatives in an apparent bid to get possible incriminating materials.

The police officers were said to have arrived Melaye’s office at about 5:20 pm with a warrant of arrest for alleged “criminal intimidation and threat to life”.

According to the warrant of arrest, Melaye may be arraigned at an undisclosed Abuja Magistrate Court today.

Before the police took him away, Melaye told reporters that: “Two police officers are presently with me and they have come to arrest me. I did not know my offence; the two police officers just told me that they have a warrant of arrest on me with a charge of criminal intimidation and threat to life.

“But they did not tell me who I intimidated and threatened.

“There are two ASPs here, one of them is Patrick Ejoh. They said they were taking me to FCT State Command.”

A bloody clash was recently averted at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja as protesters led by Melaye and a group of youths allegedly sponsored by Oduah staged demonstrations over the N255 million car scam which was used to buy bullet-proof Vehicles for the Minister.

During the fracas, Melaye and his men were held hostage for about 50 minutes by a team of 200 riot policemen.

I’ve not failed Ekiti people, says Fayemi From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

•Fayemi

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday said he has not failed the people of the state, contrary to the insinuations of a member of the House of Rep-

resentatives, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.

He said Ekiti has witnessed unprecedented progress under his administration.

Fayemi, in an October 28 letter to Bamidele on the House member’s resignation as the Ekiti Caucus Leader, said: “In view of the foregoing, it is unnecessary to respond to the opprobrious suggestions on the state of our state which you made in your letter – you are entitled to your opinion, but not facts.

• Governor replies Bamidele “The people of Ekiti collectively affirm that by the grace of God, Ekiti has witnessed unprecedented progress since the inception of this administration, to the glory of God and the joy of our people. This is not so appropriate medium to communicate our achievements.”

He said the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was aware of the sack of Bamidele by the caucus before his resignation.

He alleged that Bamidele failed in providing leadership

to Ekiti Caucus in the House.

The letter added: “Your letter is well received, though considering the fact that the leadership of our great party – the All Progressives Congress (APC) – had already received prior information that your colleagues in the House of Representatives had replaced you with Hon. Robinson Ajiboye as the Caucus Leader, due to your failure to provide honourable and unifying leadership in promoting the interests of Ekiti Kete in the National Assembly.

“You are invited to note that

the role of Ekiti Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives, which have just been eased out of, is not a ceremonial one, but a crucial role which demands utmost humility, sincerity of purpose and selflessness in the pursuit of the common good of our people.

“It is a role that requires pristine statesmanship in mobilising Ekiti Kete not only in the House, but back home in the state, the entire country, and indeed the world over, towards agitating for more equitable consideration of our great state in the affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

THE NATION TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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NEWS

Alleged fraud: Court rejects Ifeanyi Ubah’s bid to halt case

By Joseph Jibueze

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HE Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday rejected a bid by the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Mr Ifeanyi Ubah, to halt further hearing of his suit before Justice Saliu Seidu.

Ubah, in a July 30 letter, urged the Court’s Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim brahim Auta, to reassign the case to another judge.

But the request was rejected.

The oil businessman/politician did not state reasons for seeking the transfer.

Ubah is praying the court to restrain the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating him.

The commission has, however, insisted that he has a case to answer.

His lawyer, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, yesterday accused the EFCC of trying to scuttle Ubah’s governorship ambition.

EFCC said it received petitions of alleged fraud, obtaining registration by false pretence, forgery, alteration of documents, conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, tax evasion and underpayment of consent fees against Ubah and his company, Capital Oil and Gas Limited.

The petitions by Dys Trocca Vaksesia & Company (DTV) Limited alleged that Ubah connived with the former managing director and secretary of DTV and executed a deed of lease on a parcel of land at the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to Ubah “for a ridiculous amount of N60,000 for a tenure of 30 years.”

Oluyede urged Justice Seidu to adjourn the matter sine die (indefinitely) until the chief judge responds to his client’s letter to reassign the case.

But Justice Seidu said the chief judge had directed him to proceed with the case.

“It is an administrative matter between the chief judge and me. So, let’s proceed,” Seidu added.

Oluyede moved an application, seeking to file a police forensic investigation report, which he said exonerated his client of forging documents on the land transaction.

He said: “It is a report of a forensic examination of the documents for which the applicants have been harassed by the EFCC. The EFCC is claiming to be reasonably suspicious that the applicant forged the document.

“But the report shows that the document was not forged.

This matter has been previously investigated by the police.

“Why EFCC is doing this now is to impede the campaign of the first applicant, who is a candidate in the Anambra State Governorship Election,” the lawyer said.

But EFCC’s lawyer Mr. Mohammed Bawa urged the court to dismiss the application, saying it was filed to “arrest the judgment of the court.”

Ubah and Capital Oil and Gas Limited are praying the court to restrain the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar from arresting him over what he called a “purely civil transaction.”

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ASUU will call off its strike soon, says Mark

ENATE President David Mark yesterday met with officials of the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), with the hope of prevailing on them to return to the classroom.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, the Senate President said there were indications that the four-month-old industrial dispute would soon be resolved.

Mark said ASUU officials decried the lingering crisis, which has taken its toll on the nation.

Mark spoke in Abuja during a meeting with ASUU leaders, led by the union’s President, Dr Nasir Fagge.

Those at the meeting included Prof Festus Iyayi, Dr. Dipo Fashina, Prof

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Sanni Onogu, Abuja and Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Abdullahi Sule-Kano, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, Prof Victor Osodeke, Dr. A. B. Baffa, Prof Suleiman Abdul, Dr. Victor Igbum and Mr. Michael Odunmorayo.

The Senate President noted that the strike had brought hardship to students, parents and the lecturers.

He said: “It is time we resolve this matter in the interest of the nation.

“This is not a case of winners or losers. It is not a matter of ego. National interest is at stake. We must do all that is necessary to resolve this matter so that students and teachers can

return to classrooms.

“Nobody is happy about the strike, which is in its fourth month. Nobody is happy that our education system is threatened by this ugly development. Let us end this strike for good.”

Dr Fagge said the struggle was necessitated by the need to improve the infrastructure and learning environment in universities.

He said the striking lecturers wished to produce graduates who could be as good as their counterparts in other parts of the world.

The union leader stressed that the strike did not profit the lecturers but was a needed sacrifice for the government to do the right thing in the Education sector.

He said: “We are not just

lecturers; we are also parents and students. So, the strike is also affecting us negatively.”

The meeting later went into a closed-door session for about two-and-a-half hours.

The University of Jos (UNIJOS) chapter of the ASUU has said it is not against a dialogue with the Federal Government.

But it said the strike lingered for over four months because of the government’s high-handedness.

The union stressed that its dialogue with the government would have been fruitful, if the government had respected the agreement it signed with the union in 2009 as well as acted on the NEEDS Assessment Report.

A joint statement by the

UNIJOS Chairman of the union, Dr. David Jangkam, and the Secretary, Dr. Wamnang, said: “Anything contrary or not based on a clear acceptance of the framework for implementing the 2009 agreement and NEEDS Assessment Report will be an imposition which will not be the solution to the present crisis.”

The statement added that the agreements were well documented and could not be jettisoned under any guise.

The UNJOS-ASUU urged President Goodluck Jonathan to follow the principles of the agreement to resolve the face-off, instead of applying high-handed tactics.

It hailed ASUU’s national leadership for sticking to its guns on the strike.

’MMIA connected to global database’

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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•From left: Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Dr Ngeri Banabo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr Taye Haruna and the Supervising Minister, Mr Darius Ishaku, at the inauguration of the Governing Boards of agencies and corporation under the Ministry of Environment in Abuja...yesterday

Oduahgate: We gave no waiver for bulletproof cars, HE Minister of Fipresident for a waiver - as it says Okonjo-Iweala nance and Coordiis normally done for inspecnating Minister for

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the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonko-Iweala, yesterday said the ministry did not grant a waiver to Lagos State for the importation of two bulletproof cars through Coscharis Motors.

Okonjo-Iweala spoke in Abuja at an extended session of the probe of the N255 million the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) bought for Aviation Minister Ms Stella Oduah.

She was answering questions from the House Committee on Aviation, led by Nkiruka Onyejeocha, on her ministry’s alleged complic-

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From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ity in the controversial armoured cars.

The minister told the committee that though the ministry approved the waiver for the importation of 300 vehicles for the Lagos State government during last year’s 18th National Sports Festival, the armoured cars were not among them.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through a Deputy Comptroller-General of Modernisation and Public Relations, Manasah Daniel Jatau, last week, said

Coscharis did not pay N10,133,505.74 million import duty on the two cars because of an import duty exemption certificate (IDEC) with number BO/R.102/S.3/ V.111B/73 of 20/11/2012 issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and made to Lagos State government.

But Okonjo-Iweala said the Lagos State government did not apply for a waiver for the cars, adding that the Ministry of Finance did not grant such.

She said: “What I know of the matter is that on June 23, 2012, the Lagos State government applied to the

tion charges - and duty exemptions on assorted brand of vehicles in favour of Coscharis Motors for the conduct of the 18th National Sports Festival or the Eko Games.”

The minister, who spoke under oath, explained that Lagos State was granted the waiver for the import of 300 units of cars of various types, after it met all requirements.

“What I know is that on this list, there was no mention of bulletproof cars. That is all I want to say. So, no waiver was granted for bulletproof cars,” she added.

Fed Govt to take over Lagos Fair complex

HE concession of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex (LITFC) to Aulic Nigeria Limited has run into troubled waters.

President Goodluck Jonathan spoke in Lagos last Friday on the matter when he opened the 27th Lagos International Trade Fair at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).

He said the contention for ownership of the fairground

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

would soon be over as government would take it over.

The trade fair complex on the Lagos/Badagry Expressway is home to building materials’ manufacturers, dealers and allied products.

The concession, won by Aulic Nigeria Limited in 2008, was halted, following protracted dispute between LITFC stakeholders’ forum

and BPE. The Trade Fair Stakeholders’ Forum is a central body comprising the executives of Balogun Business Association (BBA), the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers’ Association (ASPAMDA), the Association of Progressive Traders of Nigeria (APTON), C. Tempo International Company and others.

They have been enjoy-

ing long-term leases for nearly 50 years.

These were secured from the Federal Government through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The stakeholders had petitioned the National Assembly, describing the concessioning as a breach of subsisting lease agreements between them and the management of the complex.

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said yesterday the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, has been connected to the international database and communication network for drug control and other crimes.

The new system, which uses basic technology tools, facilitates the transmission and reception of real-time operational information with access to consultation of a larger criminal database.

The connection of the airport, according to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, followed the agreement between Nigeria and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Control (UNODC) in 2010.

Giade explained that under the new arrangement, there would be real-time transmission and an exchange of intelligence among members.

He added that the pact would empower Nigeria to intercept illicit shipment of drugs, materials as well as curtail transnational crimes.

Firm partners Samsung on app

By Tonia ‘Diyan

EASY Taxi, Nigeria’s leading taxi mobile app service, which provides customers with safe, fast and convenient taxi booking, has signed a partnership with Samsung Nigeria to integrate the Easy Taxi app into Samsung’s devices.

Samsung has been given a licence to distribute the Easy Taxi application on its devices, 30,000 of which will be preloaded with the Easy Taxi application for free downloads on the Samsung’s app store.

Managing Director, Easy Taxi, Bankole Cardoso has said this is in line with the brand’s mission of positioning itself as the easiest, safest, most convenient and most accessible taxi hailing service in the country.

THE NATION TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2013

8

NEWS ANAMBRA 2013

Anambra tragedy: Ngige suspends campaign •APC’s flag flown at half mast •Obi flouts three-day mourning order, celebrates Ojukwu’s birthday

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OLLOWING the tragedy, which occurred at the weekend at Uke in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Ngige, has suspended his campaign.

But the three-day mourning declared on Sunday by Governor Peter Obi for the 25 people, who died in the stampede at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, was yesterday flouted by the governor, as he celebrated the posthumous birthday of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.

Ojukwu’s birthday was elaborately celebrated by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) at the Anambra State University, Igbariam campus, which has been renamed Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University by Governor Obi. Briefing reporters yesterday at the Senator Chris Ngige Campaign Office, opposite Anambra State Government House, the Director-General of the campaign organisation,

Our campaign on course, says Ubah

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Chief George Muoghalu, said following the tragedy, APC’s flags are being flown at half mast to respect the dead.

The campaign organisation urged human rights groups within and outside the country to investigate the tragedy and come out with a report that should not be swept under the carpet.

It said it was not satisfied with the panel Obi said he would set up to investigate the incident.

The Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation said: “To put the records straight and help these men regain perspective, the Holy Ghost (Ebube Muo Nso) Adoration Ground is a House of Prayers where traumatic Anambra people go to reconcile themselves with God and seek succour from the pains inflicted on them by the poor governance in Anambra State.

“But Governor Obi and APGA’s National Chairman Chief Victor Umeh took their candidate in the Anambra governor election, Willie Obiano, with their entire campaign team in uniforms to the prayer

ground to campaign.

“Governor Obi, in his statement inadvertently admitted that the worshippers protested the attempt by himself and the APGA campaign train to turn the prayer meeting into a campaign rally. There is no doubt that it was the protests by the people that resulted in these avoidable deaths.

“The statement credited to the Anambra State government that the stampede was caused by the supporters of Senator Ngige should be regarded as a tissue of lies.

“One thing that stands out clearly, which can never be dimmed by any desperate campaign, is that this tragedy could have been avoided if the APGA campaign train did not visit the Adoration Ground at such ungodly hour to campaign for votes.

The governor should have heeded the protests of the worshippers not to turn their prayer ground to a campaign rally.

“We learnt that it was the booing of Governor Obi, which angered his security personnel, and they charged at the crowd when the governor was leaving the prayer ground.

“The governor should not hold

Senator Ngige responsible for his growing unpopularity and how the people choose to react to him whenever he appears in public.

“The Adoration Ground was not the first place where Governor Obi was booed by Anambra people, neither will it be the last. He was booed at the Onitsha Main Market when he ordered the closure of the market because of Chief Obiano’s campaign.

“He was also booed at the Awka Market and other places. We can also recall that on the Channels Television, the governor promised that something would be done soon to end booing by the people and we can now see the result of that promise.

“We condemn the attempt by Anambra State government to shift the blame to the ‘so-called Ngige supporters’ as another cheap and desperate effort to cover up the heinous crime committed against the indigenes.

“We see this as part of the orchestrated desperate campaigns to drag the reputation of the APC candidate in the mud. This brazen attempt by Governor Obi has failed and will continue to fail.

“You will recall that the same Obi administration alleged that Senator Ngige slapped a reverend father. The priest, which the APGA government lied was slapped, told the world that he was never attacked by Senator Ngige or his aides.

“We enjoin Governor Obi to accept full responsibility for his actions and insensitivity and stop indulging in an infantile blame game. He should pray for God’s forgiveness and allow the Almighty to have His way in the forthcoming governorship poll.

“The campaign organisation also learnt that the governor has planned to set up an enquiry into the incident. This, we also see as an exercise in deception.

“If there must be an enquiry, credible human rights organisations should be allowed to do that.

The desperation so far exhibited by the governor calls to question, his sincerity in this regard.

“We urge Anambra people not to be demoralised or intimidated by such desperate actions of the APGA.” Muoghalu said Ngige is loved by all because of his performance during his first tenure.

Okorocha slams APGA for comments on tragedy

From Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE campaign organisation of the Labour Party’s (LP’s) candidate in the Anambra State governorship election has said Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah’s campaign is on course.

Acting Director of the media team Emmanuel Chijioke Ibeleme said the campaign train was moving.

He said majority of the people had declared support for Ubah and the LP. Ibeleme said the candidate to beat in the November 16 poll is LP’s standard-bearer.

“Ubah’s campaign organisation is in a high spirit. It is amazing how other parties’ members are defecting in droves to join the Labour Party to identify with Ubah.

There is no doubt that he is the man to beat,” he said.

Ibeleme dismissed insinuations that Ubah was broke, adding: “It is the handiwork of a mischief-maker, a former media consultant, who has since been exposed to be double-dealing and out to tarnish the image of Ubah, who is a front runner in the forthcoming election.”

He said the person involved had been sacked and was in detention in Anambra State.

Ibeleme also dismissed the story of about 60 bouncers leaving Ubah in anger.

He said it was a fabrication.

“Even the head of the bouncers, Mr. Success Godwin Adibenjo, noted that the story was a fallacy.”

Ibeleme said Ubah never owed the bouncers, adding that they were always paid extra one week bonus.

On the allegation that Ubah’s business had failed, he said it was laughable because “the clearance by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on the issue remains a valid explanation that Capital Oil is not a failed business, but is only being managed for two years to stabilise it.”

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

I •Chief Muoghalu, flanked by Chief Ben Oranusi, Deputy Director-General of the Ngige Campaign Organisation (left) and Chief Charles Amilo, Director, Media & Publicity, at a news conference on the Uke disaster in Awka...yesterday

Hold Obi responsible for Uke stampede, says APC

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra should be held responsible for the stampede at a vigil in Uke that left over 30 people dead, for turning a house of prayer into a house of politics In a statement in Lagos by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said had Obi and the unpopular candidate he is seeking to impose on the people of the state, Willie Obiano, not gone to the praying ground to engage in wrongful politicking, the innocent souls who died at the vigil would be alive today.

It said while there is nothing wrong in a governor going to a vigil, such visit should not be impromptu in order for the organisers to make the necessary security arrangements, and it should also not be a licence to engage in political campaign.

The APC condemned the plan by Obi to set up a panel to investigate the stampede, considering that the governor himself

is at the centre of the whole tragedy. ‘’Setting up a panel to investigate the cause of the stampede will amount to seeking to be a judge in your own case. The only cause of the stampede is the Governor’s ill-advised visit to the vigil. Information at our disposal has it that the stampede was triggered by the Governor’s overzealous security details who manhandled congregants as their principal was exiting the venue of the vigil.

The security details were said to have been irked by the murmurs of disapproval that greeted the Governor’s attempt to campaign for his candidate, Mr. Obiano. ‘’It is therefore disingenuous for the Governor’s spin doctors to be shifting the blame on the supporters of our candidate, Senator Chris Ngige. The simple truth is that there would have been no stampede if Obi had not come to the vigil or, even if he had come, had not attempted to politicize the gathering that was meant strictly for prayers,’’ APC said.

The party said Obi should now take a cue from the disapproval that is trailing his desperate bid to impose a candidate on the state by ending all activities that can put the lives of Anambrarians at risk. ‘’We recall that an angry protest also greeted the attempt by the APGA campaign train, with Obiano in tow, to shut markets in Onitsha last month. The protests effectively shortcircuited the APGA campaign. Had the Governor and his entourage learnt their lessons from the Onitsha debacle, they

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would not have needlessly endangered the lives of the same people whose votes they are desperately but undeservedly seeking,’’ it said.

APC said the candidacy of Obiano is not worth the blood and tears of the good people of Anambra, hence Obi should stop trying to impose an unpopular candidate on the people.

The party prayed that God will grant repose to the souls of the departed, while wishing all those injured a speedy recovery and the families of the victims the fortitude to bear their losses

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday berated the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for playing politics with the tragedy that claimed 25 lives.

He expressed shock at the death caused by a stampede in Anambra State on Saturday.

The governor, who prayed for the repose of the deceased’s souls and speedy recovery for the injured, condemned APGA’s use of the tragedy as a political tool to gain cheap sympathy.

He said: “Scripturally, such death is not a good omen for the APGA candidate.”

Governor Okorocha said it was regrettable that “while the indigenes of Anambra State are mourning, APGA is busy apportioning blames and has failed to take responsibility.

“This is not a time to play politics over the unfortunate incident. We should respect the pains and sorrows these families are going through and not divert attention from the real issue.”

He said a thorough investigation should be carried out to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the incident to avoid a recurrence.

Anambra North divided over Nwoye, Obiano

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka NAMBRA North is divided, following the emergence of two governor- the people of the zone come together and forge ship candidates from the senatorial a common front to ensure that the next goverzone. nor comes from Anambra North.

At the weekend, an attempt by members The meeting was attended by personalities of the All Progressives Grand Alliance from the area, including the lawmaker repre(APGA) in Anambra North to cunningly get senting Anambra North, Senator Margery their candidate, Chief Willie Obiano, en- Okadigbo. dorsed by the Anambra North Peoples’ AsThe meeting was moving smoothly, with sembly (ANPA) caused a division among speeches by people on the need to support the the people. zone to emerge victorious, before two promiMembers from other parties walked out nent APGA members, wearing APGA/ of a meeting called to harmonise things.

Obiano’s campaign uniforms, spoke in a lanANPA convened the meeting to enable guage that angered many.

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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NEWS

•Aregbesola (arrowed) acknowledging cheers from a crowd...yesterday.

Hijrah: Muslims pray for Osun, Nigeria •Aregbesola’s wife presents gifts to first baby

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USLIMS in Osun State yesterday prayed for the state and the country in commemoration of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1435.

The Osogbo Township Stadium, venue of the celebration, was filled with Muslims and well wishers from other faith.

The Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Elder Adebiyi Adelowo, and top government officials were at the event.

Aregbesola and the Chief Imam of Osogbo/President, League of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Mustapha Ajisafe, led the prayers.

The governor advised Muslims to live according to the tenets of their faith, saying no true Muslim would shed the blood of his fellow men.

He urged Muslims to revive themselves morally and spiritually, as “these are the lessons of the migration of Prophet Muhammed from Mecca to Medina, which is

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

called Hijrah 1,435.”

Aregbesola urged the people to be upright in their dealings with fellow human beings.

He said in the present day, Hijrah means spiritual migration, which entails purging our souls of anti-social vices.

The governor said: “A tiny minority has emerged in Islam who, by their actions, have profaned Allah and portrayed Islam as a religion of violence. They are at war with everybody and make no discrimination between Muslims and adherents of other religions.

“Muslims, Christians, men, women, children, the aged, young and anybody within their range is considered a fair game and they always leave on their trail blood, sorrow and tears.”

Aregbesola said the declaration of a holiday to mark the Hijrah is to promote fairness among religious groups.

‘A tiny minority has emerged in Islam who, by their actions, have profaned Allah and portray Islam as a religion of violence. They are at war with everybody and make no discrimination between Muslims and adherents of other religions’ Sheikh Ajisafe said among other lessons, respect and prayers for leaders, holiness and Godliness should be imbibed by Muslims.

Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties Bashiru Ajibola said people should not hide under religion to cause chaos in the society.

Earlier, the governor’s

•Residents watching the fireworks display...on Sunday.

wife, Alhaja Serifat, accompanied by the wife of the Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture Sikiru Ayedun and Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties Ajibola Basiru, visited the State Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, to present a gift to the first baby of the Islamic year.

The baby’s parents, Mr.

and Mrs. Rasaki Olajire, named her Serifat, after Mrs egbesola.

The governor’s wife urged couples to plan their families and give birth to the number of children they can cater for.

She urged nursing mothers to take advantage of the state’s various immunisation programmes to protect their babies from diseases.

Mrs. Olajire thanked Mrs. Aregbesola for her visit and

gifts.

A Director in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Gbenga Adepoju, said the baby was born around 11:30pm on Sunday and was named the first baby because Islamic hours start from 7pm.

On Sunday evening, fireworks were lit at the Freedom Park in Osogbo to mark the new Islamic year.

The Aregbesola administration began the Hijrah celebration three years ago.

Lekki Bridge: Fed Govt, Lagos disagree on construction approval

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HE Federal Government and Lagos State have disagreed on whether the approval of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) was obtained before the Lekki-Ikoyi Suspension Bridge was built.

The state, in its counteraffidavit to a suit filed by a lawyer, Mr. Ebun OluAdegboruwa, at the Federal High Court in Lagos,

By Joseph Jibueze

said it got approval before embarking on the project.

The plaintiff is urging the court to declare that the state government lacks jurisdiction on any federal navigable waterway and cannot impose a toll on the bridge’s users.

But Lagos said it was not bound to obtain permission from NIWA before

building the bridge.

It said the Lagos and Lekki Lagoon across which the bridge was built falls within the inland waterways, and its regulation has always been within the executive and legislative control of state governments.

“The Lagos and Lekki Lagoon are inland waterways and the regulation of the inland waterways in Nigeria has always been within

the regulatory control of state governments.

“The Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge project was duly approved by the elected government of the people and, irrespective of its location, it is a public infrastructure, which is accessible to all commuters, regardless of their residence or state of origin.”

The Federal Government said the state did not obtain

NIWA’s approval to construct the bridge.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and NIWA said Lagos should have sought a written permission from NIWA to build a bridge on the lagoon.

They said: “The only legal option available to the Lagos State government is to ask the second respondent (NIWA) for a written permission to use the in-

land waterways for the construction of its suspension bridge at Ikoyi and Lekki Lagoon as specified by law.”

The Federal Government accused Lagos of resorting to “illegal encroachment of the statutory functions of NIWA by purported repeal of the NIWA Act. Justice Saliu Seidu fixed the hearing for December 5.

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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NEWS (SHOWBIZ) Nollywood marks 20 years of entertainment

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By Mercy Michael

FTER months of preparation for the grand celebration of Nollywood@20, the golden moment finally came last Saturday, November 2.

The event, tagged: Nollywood Celebrity Glam Night, saw actors, actresses, government officials, and captains of industry converge on the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, to celebrate an industry that has grown from a humble beginning to a global phenomenon.

The dazzling moment started on the red carpet. From beautiful to bold, the stars came out to show off their ensembles for the night and the paparazzi had a field day.

Inside the expansive hall, it was not just for popping champagne. It was a night when Nollywood engaged corporate Nigeria on how companies can contribute to the growth of the industry.

In his opening remarks, President of the Association of Movie Practitioners (AMP) Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor said the occasion was historic, as Nollywood is a brand worth celebrating in its 20 years of existence.

He added that the celebration was an occasion to discuss the destiny and destination of the industry and called on Nigerians to invest in the industry to move it forward after 20 years of creativity.

Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke commended the industry for its resilience in projecting the distinctive Nigerian identity to the world and documenting its cultural heritage, stating that celebrating Nollywood at 20 was a national event that eulogises the nation’s common values and spirit of excellence.

He urged the industry and its practitioners to continue to enhance inter-cultural and ethnic understanding and foster unity.

He also noted that Nollywood had a greater role to play in the nation’s socio-cultural change in enhancing the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

Duke called for unity and cohesion among practitioners, urging them to speak with one voice. He noted that there were epic stories yet to be told, and enjoined film makers to expand the frontiers of films and Nigeria’s vast cultural space.

He further called on the private sector to invest in the industry, describing it as one sector without diminishing returns but rather a jewel in the nation’s economic crown yet unexplored.

Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations Mr. Disu Holloway, who represented Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, said the creative industry can alleviate unemployment in the country.

He said Nollywood deserved to be applauded, saying Lagos has been trying to develop a film city, which would be a pride to practitioners, when completed.

The event featured performances by some Nollywood stars, the National Troupe of Nigeria and Ibadan, Oyo State-based Xplicit Dance Company.

•Aki and Pawpaw

Ban of ‘Aki’, ‘Pawpaw’ in Ghana opens old wound T HE recurring tussle between film makers in Nigeria and their Ghanaian counterparts took a new twist weekend when Nigerian diminutive ‘twin’ actors, Chinedu Okedieze (Aki) and Osita Iheme (Pawpaw) were prevented from taking part in a movie production in Kumasi, Ghana.

The situation, which is creating disaffection between authorities of both countries, stemmed from the absence of a proper bilateral film policy, which Nigeria and Ghana have initiated to no avail.

Although officials of the Film Producers’ Association of Ghana (FIPAG) debunked rumour of a ban, outburst by fans of the comic actors appears to be overwhelming.

FIPAG’s Public Relations Officer Mr. Michael Ola, who tried to douse possible tension, said the decision to stop the actors was because the director of the movie breached the association’s regulations, by not letting the actors know that they need a work permit to be part of any production in Ghana.

They were,therefore, advised to return to Nigeria to obtain an official work permit, and be ready to make

By Victor Akande

payments for the continuation of the shoot.

Ola explained that FIPAG had no problem with the Nigerian duo, but feels the right procedure had to be followed, especially when the new executives of the association had laid out new strategies to make the industry better.

The Nation gathered that the actors are not bothered by the development, dismissing the issue when people tried to raise it at the funeral of President Goodluck Jonathan’s mother-in-law at the weekend in Okrika, Rivers State.

In June, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) of Nigeria met with officials of the Ghana Cinematograph Exhibition Board of Control (GCEBC) on how to foster cooperation between their’ film industries.

The Nigerian delegation, which was led by NFVCB’s Director-General Ms. Patricia Bala spoke with the Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Information, Murtala Mohammed, but

it appears nothing is yet to come out of the communiqué, which is expected to guide the proposed bilateral relationship for future business dispensation.

A similar uproar occurred when Ghanaian movie industry allegedly issued a directive that no Nigerian actor would be allowed to work on any of its movies unless they pay a fee of $1,000 each.

In retaliation, the Film, Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) placed an embargo on Ghanaian films, halting the distribution of movies by independent producers, and maintaining that if such films must be distributed, its right of ownership should be transferred to the FVPMAN on negotiation.

At that time, a delegation from Ghana, led by the Chief Executive Officer of A.A Productions Limited, Mr. Mustapha Adams, sought peace with its host.

FVPMAN Chairman Mr. Norbert Ajaegbu told his visitors that the decision to ban

Ghanaian movies was without prejudice. He said there was need to streamline the distribution of movies in Nigeria, especially when Nigeria is becoming a dumping ground for second-rate movies with nudity content.

The meeting ended mutually, with both parties agreeing that Nigeria will no longer accept Ghanaian films that are not approved by the NFVCB, and that any foreign film being released in the country must follow proper channels, compete under the market forces in consonance with existing laws.

It was also resolved that possible areas of collaboration should be worked out for further talks between the two sides.

But the relationship between the two countries on film matters has been unstable; the crisis, usually resulting from imposition of levies by one country on the other.

Critics believe that collaboration by both countries, which are the leading film producing entities in West Africa, is expected to set an agenda for the exportation of appreciable cultural values that could be regarded as truly African.

Fans back Mercy Johnson over blacklisting •West and Kardashian

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West sue YouTube man

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By Victor Akande

RENDING couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, whose romance story heightened two weeks ago with the former’s marriage proposal to his baby’s mama, are in for another round of controversy in the media.

The pair has sued Chad Hurley, the YouTube co-founder, who uploaded grainy footage of their proposal to the Internet two days after the event. Hurley uploaded the footage via his new online venture, MixBit, and quickly issued a press statement trumpeting both the video and his new collaborative-video app.

Kanye West had proposed to Kim Kardashian in a stadiumsize ceremony. The pair had planned to keep the event private;only sharing it with a select few millions through a heavily promoted Keeping Up with the Kardashians special and countless magazine cover stories.

The lawsuit claims Chad Hurley violated a confidentiality agreement when he posted the two-and-a-half minute fuzzy footage of the lavish proposal on MixBit. The proposal at San Francisco’s AT&T Park on October 21 was being filmed for possible broadcast on E! Entertainment Television, home to Kim’s hit show Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

The couple, who have a young child, are seeking unspecified damages from Mr Hurley and his company, Avos Systems Inc. Besides being angered by what the couple described as Hurley’s stealing of their spotlight, they also see his intention as trying to turn the event into one starring himself broadcasting the images he knew were the exclusive property rights of someone else.

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•Film marketers’ boss: we didn’t ban her

T all turned out to be a false alarm, but fans had already ‘gone to town’ with the news that curvy actress Mercy Johnson-Osagie was banned by the leadership of Film, Video Producers and Markers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) for insisting on charging between N1.8 million and N2 million per movie.

They described the actress as the highest paid thespian in Nollywood, arguing that she deserves to be paid more. Most of the actress’ fans, who took to the social media platforms to vent their anger, describe her in glowing terms while condemning the film marketers for the alleged blacklisting.

But Chairman of FVPMAN Mr. Norbert Ajaegbu, in a chat with The Nation, debunked the reports, stating that it is not only false but embarrassing.

He said although a complaint was received from the Onitsha branch of the association in which some filmmakers alleged that JohnsonOsagie exhibited acts of indis-

By Victor Akande

cipline by walking out of a set, his association is addressing the issue with a meeting already fixed for Thursday.

“We did not ban Mercy, and this is authoritative. Let me tell you what happened; we had a National Working Committee meeting which I presided over.

The leadership of the Onitsha branch came up with an issue that most of the artistes are charging exceedingly high. On that issue I ruled that such is the function of a competitive market; arguing that if an artiste is charging for example, N5 million, they are free to pick another artiste, who may charge N500, 000, if that is what they can afford. ‘’I also made them to understand that we are gunning for the day an artiste in Nigeria would be paid N100 million or sign N100 million as a contract fee, because that is the way to show that we are progressing.

We can’t afford to remain in one spot for years. I think they understood that, but they also brought a complaint against

Mercy that she sometimes walks out on set. They said sometimes, people would pay her for a job but she would prefer to give priority to those that are paying higher. On that issue, I said we cannot take a decision because there is no formal petition. ‘’I tod them to go back to their zone, discuss it and come out with a formal decision. We have fixed another meeting for Thursday, November 6, to see if there will be any petition.

That was all that was said, so I am surprised that there is false news flying around that Mercy has been banned. If action would be taken, we would call her personally and inform her primary guild.”

Asked if the actress is the highest paid in Nollywood as stated in some reports, Ajaegbu said while it may be difficult to say precisely what any artiste gets for their job as there are no fixed fees for any category of actors, one of the highest paid is Nkem Owoh.

“It was very indicting and embarrassing when I heard on AIT that she was banned

•Johnson-Osagie

because she asked to be paid N2 million. Nkem Owoh collects more than that. Genevieve would take that much. Omotola too would not take anything less. We are not even bothered about what anybody charges as artiste fee. If you want to shoot a movie and you are not comfortable with what an artiste is charging, you go for another person,” he said curtly.

The false report had fixed January 2014 as possible period the face of the actress will cease to appear in any new film, for which Johnson-Osagie’s fans have been chanting a ‘no Mercy, no Nollywood’ song on social media.

BUSINESS

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Vigeo Power seeks criminalisation of electricity theft

At the moment there is an average of about 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the power roadmap.

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

Senate, minister differ on $1.03b Excess Crude fund

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IGEO Power Limited, the new owner of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc has advocated for the criminalisation of electricity theft and application of appropriate penalties for recovering lost revenue arising from theft.

Speaking in Benin, Edo State when he was handed over the Benin Disco at the weekend, the Chairman of Vigeo Power Limited, Victor Gbolade Osibodu also called on the Federal Government to ensure prompt release of the subsidy contained in the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) model for each of the 11 Discos.

Osibodu harped on the need for adequate funding of the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN) to ensure that the agency could adequately evacuate power produced for delivery to Discos.

He said approving a framework for Private - Public Partnership options to fund some TCN projects would also be a viable option.

Osibodu stated that in order to achieve a smooth transition and attain the desired successes of privatisation, the government should create regulatory certainty with a well defined and predictable tariff methodology.

He added that the conclusion of payment of workers severance benefits and pension would guarantee a stable working environment.

He noted that the physical handover of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company to Vigeo Power Ltd, as the 60per cent core investors, was an epic occasion and commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the political will and commitment he demonstrated in the privatisation exercise.

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•Fed Govt loses N603.2b From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

• Mrs Okonjo-Iweala

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HE Federal Govern ment and the Senate yesterday disagreed over the whereabout of $1.03 billion Excess Crude Fund.

The disagreement followed the disclosure by the Minister of Finance, and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that the balance in the Excess Crude Account amounted to $4.3 billion.

She did not however disclose the total accrual to the account. She spoke at a Joint Senate Committee of Finance and Appropriation meeting on the 2013 budget and the Federal Government revenue-generating agencies.

A member of the committee, Senator Ita Enang, who was apparently unimpressed by the Minister’s disclosure, noted that records available

to the Committee showed that the total inflow into the Escrow account was $14.06 billion, while the outflow from the account was $9 billion.

Enang said that left a balance of $5.06.

The Minister did not counter the figures released by Enang, but insisted that the balance in the Escrow account is $4.03b.

Enang had demanded from the Minister how much the country has in the Escrow account, how much is paid into the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), and what the Escrow account is used for.

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said the balance in the Escrow account stood at $4.3 billion, adding that the Escrow account is primarily used for payment of oil subsidy.

She said: “Excess Crude Account is a federation account matter. It belongs to all tiers of government.

When we pay subsidy, it belongs to all tiers of government. So, the Federal Government, states and lo-

cal governments are all partakers.”

On the status of the SWF, she noted that “the SWF has $1 billion, adding that there has not been further payments into the SWF. The Minister noted that though there are leakages in the economy, government has launched actions to block the leakages.

Asked how much government had paid as subsidy for kerosene, Okonjo-Iweala said that all subsidy payments were for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Only last week, the Chairman of the House Representatives Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Dakuku Peterside, claimed that the Federal Government had spent N634 billion to subsidise kerosene in the last three years, but Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala insisted that all subsidy payments were for PMS Another member of the committee, Senator Bukola Saraki, asked the Minister repeatedly if subsidy payments included subsidy for kerosene, but the Minister noted that “payment is for PMS only, it doesn’t include kerosene.”

Also at the meeting, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said the Federal Government lost N603.236 billion between January and September, 2013, adding that out of this figure, waivers on petroleum products gulped N236.88billion.

Customs Comptroller-General, Abdullahi Dikko, attributed the losses to waivers, (Import Duty Exemption) N86.484billion; revenue conceded to the NDCC instrument-N59,555,073; import substitution and industrialization in drastic reaction in import of rice-96,945,233,060.00; revenue loss to manufacturers and assemblers (CKD/ BULK)-N76,119,889,825.12 and revenue held in indemnities, Jan-Mar 2013 Rice/SugarN5,430,000,000.00.

Other reasons included drop in excise duty revenue due to close of some excise factories and de-excising of some excisable goodsN11,871,723,000.00 and revenue loss to WRLS (ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme) for transaction entered in the economic subregion-N2,947,428,861.00.

Dikko told the committee that though the projected revenue for 2013 is N718 billion, only N530 billion was realized giving a shortfall of N188b.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

• From left: Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Amb. Nonye Rajis-Okpara; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; and Singaporean Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. S Iswaran, during a meeting on trade and investment collaboration between the two countries in Singapore.

Nigeria, Singapore partner on direct air links, others

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IGERIA and Singa pore have sealed deals on opening up air links between both countries.

They have also agreed to collaborate in areas such as medical tourism, capacity development, skills acquisition and enterprise development, among others.

The agreements were reached at a meeting between the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and his Singaporean counterpart, Mr. S Iswaran, during the Nigeria-Singapore Business

and Investment Forum in Singapore.

Aganga said direct air services between Nigeria and Singapore would boost business, provide favourable trade and investment relationship for both countries.

Iswaran said: “Once we open up the links, the people will follow and businesses too. Nigeria is a large country in its region and there are a lot of opportunities. Singapore is also an important gateway in this region. If we explore these advantages, the two countries will be better for it.”

The Ethiopian Airlines would start direct flights from Nigeria to Singapore in December, this year, it was learnt.

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Enterprise International Singapore Board in five areas, namely, collaboration in the growth sectors of the economy, sharing information and best practice, mutual support in business missions and capacity development facilitation.

Iswaran, however, noted

that the Double Taxation Agreement talks had reached an advanced stage, adding that provision of investment guarantee would create more comfort for businesses.

Aganga, who said an agreement had been signed to develop a mini-Singapore in Abuja, urged Singapore to take advantage of opportunities in the Free Trade Zones, for investment.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, Mr Gbenga Kuye, said the scheme was being reformed.

Sanusi seeks more govt role in infrastructure funding

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By Collins Nweze

NFRASTRUCTURE fund ing by the government is vital to Nigeria’s and other emerging market’s development, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has said.

He spoke at the Second Biennial Regional Conference of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, held in collaboration with the CBN in Lagos.

He said though Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement in funding infrastructure, especially power, is good, the government should ensure that it has an upper hand over private sector in roles where projects exceed that of the private sector.

Private sector stake in PPPs, he said, should be between 20 and 25 per cent, adding that such contributions should also be in profitable areas such as large commercial airport construction, among others.

“Infrastructure development world over, is primarily public sector-driven.

“Africa’s infrastructure deficit is found in the power sector, whether measured in terms of generation capacity, electricity consumption or security of supply. Africa’s power infrastructure delivers only a fraction of the service found in other developing countries. The 48 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa with a combined population of 800 million generate roughly the same amount of power as Spain, with a population of 45 million,” he said.

Quoting the World Bank report, Sanusi said the cost of redressing Africa’s infrastructure deficit is estimated at $38 billion per year in vestment, and $37 billion yearly in operations and maintenance.

He further said this translated to about 12 per cent of Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that there is a gap of $35 billion yearly.

“In considering infrastructure financing options, a mix of sources and increasingly private and innovative ones will be needed to close the infrastructure gap. There is no “one size fits all” solution.

The right mix will depend on factors such as financial development, indebtedness, business environment and preferences in each country,” he said.

Among the innovative financing tools, he said the use of long term sovereign infrastructure bonds has been successful in raising capital for large scale infrastructure projects in Brazil and other emerging markets such as Chile and Malaysia.

He said that Diaspora bonds are an alternative financing instrument under consideration adding that these are bonds issued by a government to nationals residing abroad to tap their savings for the purpose of infrastructure development in the home country.

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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BUSINESS NEWS

NEWS

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• Managing Director, MediaReach, Tolu Ogunkoya; Acting CEO/Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria Matthew Willsher; Director, Brands & Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye; and Chief Executive Officer, Megalectrics, Chris Ubosi, at a cocktail party organised for Etisalat High Value Customers, to mark the 5th Year Anniversary of Etisalat in Nigeria, held at Raddison Blu Hotel, VI. Lagos

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HE acting Director-General of the National Pension Com mission (PenCom), Mrs.ChineloAnohu-Amazu, has expressed concern at the lack of interest of the zone in adopting and implementing the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for their workers.

Mrs.Anohu-Amazu, stated her discontent at the unveiling of the South-East Zonal Office in Awka, Anambra State by the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi. She said Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu were yet to enact the law expected to regulate the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), explaining that Imo State which has enacted its law on CPS in 2008, and had appointed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to register its employees, has suspended the implementation of the Scheme.

She stated further thatAnambra State on its part only recently enacted its law on the Scheme and is still expected to carry out the necessary steps, like setting up administrative structure, appoint-

ICT industry growing at 20%, says Minister

IGERIA’S Information Com munication Technology (ICT) indutry is growing at about 20 per cent yearly, the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, has said.

Mrs. Johnson who made this known at the unveiling of the ‘1000 Girls For ICT Training Programme’ in Lagos yesterday, said it is the fastest growing sector in the nation’s economy.

It is being implemented with a leading global ICTsolutions provider, Huawei, where 100 women are being trained in ICT Basic Knowledge.

She said ICT has the transformational power to accelerate the development of women by helping them to be more efficient and effective in their jobs, careers and businesses and to generate new employment opportunities.

Mrs Johnson said ICT has the potential to contribute to increasing

By Lucas Ajanaku

the social welfare of women. She said: “Nigeria’s ICT sector has increased tremendously in the past 12 years growing at 20 per cent annually, making it the fastest growing in the country and women must be part of the revolution.”

With a foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow running into over $25 billion, she said the sector is contributing about eight per cent to the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mrs Johnson said: “So, about 1, 000 female students will benefit from the one year programme and the training will be organised in Huawei ICT Training Centre in Abuja and Huawei Exhibition Hall in Lagos.”

Johnson added that the specific

skills that the trainees would acquired are some of the highlypriced in the industry, making them well sought ýafter by IF companies, immediately after the training.

Huawei said the launch of the programme was also part of its strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the country and in solidarity with female students who are willing to explore their careers in ICT industry across the country. ýAccording to the Vice President, Huawei West Africa, Mr. Hover Gao, the programme was part of Huawei’s commitment to localisation, technology transferring to Nigeria and employment promotion.

“Huawei is the first ICT solutions provider to establish an ICT training centre in Abuja back in 2004 and since then, the training centre has provided more than 5, 000 op-

• Mrs Johnson

portunities to ICT practitioners.

He, however, noted that the Huawei and the Ministry of Communication Technology orientation programme on ICT Basic Knowledge for female students is not a one-time-off event.

Group urges lawmakers to reduce budgetary allocation to N50b

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HE National Assembly has been urged to reduce its an nual budgetary allocation of N150 billion to N50 billion so as to reduce the cost of governance.

A group, the Centre for Social Juatice, in a recommendation following its analysis of the 2014-2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework of the federal government, said “the national assembly should reduce it’s allocation of N150billion to N50billion and champion the re-

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor) and Bridget Adah Agiounim

duction of the remuneration of all political office holders through the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

The body, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) led by Eze Onyekpere, said “to stem the continued devaluation of the naira against major international currencies, reduce inflation and excess liquidity, the Cen-

tral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should avoid the perpetual creation of new money by directly allocating foreign exchange earned from crude oil sales to the three tiers of government as recommended by vision 20:2020.”

The report noted that “the reduction of oil production projections by the medium term expenditure framework due to oil theft, appears clumsy and is unacceptable to Nigerians who sweat to maintain the security agencies.”

The NGO then advised the federal

government to be “alive to it’s responsibilities to protect lives and property, rather than allowing oil thieves to have a field day.”

In addition, the CBN was urged to “consider establishing a special fund to increase local refining capacity and the establishment of petrochemical complexes through the private sector as a means of diversifying economic activities and limiting the resources spent on fuel subsidies.”

Taraba Speaker dies of ‘heart ailment’

CPS: LMC/ SoutheastCLUB OWNERS’ SAGA reluctance ARABA State House of •Tambuwal, Suntai mourn Assembly Speaker worries Pencom Haruna Tsokwa is

By OmobolaTolu-Kusimo

ment of PFAs, registration of employees by the PFAs, remittance of pension contributions and determination of accrued pension liabilities of workers, among others.

She was appalled that the SouthEast Zone, known to be highly industrious and possessing enterprising intellectuals, was yet to take its rightful place in the adoption and implementation of the CPS. She said PenCom’s aim of establishing zonal offices in the six geopolitical zones of the country, is to bring its activities closer to the contributors and retirees.

“With the Commission’s presence in the South-East Zone, stakeholders in the pension industry can now avail themselves of the services of the Commission by visiting the zonal office to make enquiries, lodge complaints, and seek education to the CPS and request for sensitisation and awareness on pension and pension related matters.

She said due to the Commission’s renewed focus on efficient service, it seeks to reduce the need for contributors and retirees to travel from various parts of the country to Abuja for the singular reason of accessing the commission’s services, adding that the presence of the Commission will facilitate closer interaction with the states’ pension offices by assisting them to comply with the CPS”.

Mrs.Anohu-Amazu noted that the Anambra office is the fourth to be formally opened among the Commission’s Zonal Offices in the six geo-political zones of the country.

Three zonal offices had earlier been commissioned at Calabar for the South-South States, Ilorin for the North-Central States and Lagos for the South-West States.

ICSAN holds conference today

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HE Institute of Chartered Sec retaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) will hold its 37th yearly conference today at 9 am at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

According to the institute's Registrar, Dele Togunde,the conference's theme is, The interplay of risk management and compliance issues in corporate governance.

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dead.

Tsokwa, who was 47, died yesterday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, the state capital.

The FMC’s Medical Director, Dr. W. Inusa, declined comments, but sources said the late Speaker died of “heart-related ailment”.

Aides said Tsokwa slumped in his home before he was taken to the hospital.

This was not the first time the deceased had slumped, a source told The Nation.

The late Tsokwa was nominated to lead the state’s pilgrims to Israel on November 3.

The Assembly’s spokesman, Timothy Iyard, who confirmed the incident, said the Speaker died after a “brief illness”.

His remains have been deposited at a mortuary in the Specialist Hospital, Jalingo.

The Clerk of the House,

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

Ismailu Ukwen, in a statement, said the Speaker is survived by a wife and children.

The late Tsokwa was born in Nafingi Dogari in Takum Local Government Area.

He attended Government Secondary School, Ibbi and Federal University of Technology, Yola.

The deceased, who represented Takum I Constituency, became Speaker on April 22, after former Speaker Istifanua Haruna Gbana was removed.

He led 15 of the 24-member Assembly to stop Governor Danbaba Suntai from resuming duty, despite a letter by the recuperating governor.

Instead, he transferred power to Deputy Governor Garba Umar to continue to act, insisting that Suntai should return to the United States for further treatment.

Comptroller slumps in Niger

Suntai sued the late Speaker and some lawmakers.

He urged the court to interprete Section 190(2) of the Constitution –a provision which deals with transmission of letter and resumption of work by a governor after prolonged absence.

The matter was referred to

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

E

•The late Tsokwa

Speaker’s death as a loss, not just to the state but to the country’s democracy.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary Hassan Mijinyawa yesterday, Suntai said the deceased represented his constituency well.

The governor said: “The Speaker died at a time when the state is confronted with mild political crisis.

“He would be remembered for his contributions to the democratic experience in Taraba politics and his ability to stand for any cause he believes in.”

Sultan blames elite for Nigeria’s problems

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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ARTICIPANTS at a conference were shocked yesterday in Minna, the Niger State capital, when an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Abdulrazak Umaru Ruma, slumped while presenting a paper.

It was at a Stakeholders Consultative Forum organised by the Ministry of Police Affairs, where Ruma stood in for the State Comptroller. He arrived at the workshop looking healthy.

Though the organisers rushed him to the Minna General Hospital, it was gathered that he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police spokesman Richard Oguche said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased had a case of high blood pressure and he was asthmatic.

“The Immigration officer slumped while he was delivering his paper.

“We rushed him to hospital where he was confirmed dead.”

“He would be remembered for his contributions to the democratic experience in Taraba politics and his ability to stand for any cause he believes in.”

the Appeal Court, following the inability of the parties to settle out of court.

Tsokwa was attacked by unknown gunmen on the Akwanga-Abuja Road and his security aide was killed.

House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has described Tsokwa’s death as “a shock’’.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, Tambuwal said the deceased lived an exemplary life of dedication and commitment to duty.

He said the late Speaker was a patriotic Nigerian, whose commitment to the development and independence of the legislature, would be missed.

Tambuwal said the late Tsokwa combined family life and his duties as a public servant in a commendable manner.

He prayed to God to give his family, the people of Taraba State and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the loss.

Suntai described the

Emirates to fly from Kano

•Okunrounmu: no predetermined agenda From Adamu Sulaiman, Sokoto

•Sultan Abubakar

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HE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday blamed the elite for the challenges facing the country.

He spoke when members of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the proposed National Dialogue visited him in Sokoto.

“The elite are the main problem of Nigeria and most of the woes of the nation, as they are now, were brought about by them.

“The elite are the problem and not the masses, who toil daily to put food on their table.

“Most of the leaders have gone astray and they forget the day of judgment. On that day, we will account for our deeds and leadership before God,” Abubakar said.

The Sultan, who said he welcomed the idea of the proposed national conference, urged that all thorny issues should be addressed.

“Blames should be apportioned where they are supposed to be apportioned. We should also remember that life is a passing phase,” the Sultan said.

Alhaji Abubakar advised leaders to practise the teachings of their religions.

“If we had done that, as Christians and Muslims, and as leaders and followers, this proposed conference would not have been necessary,”

the monarch said.

He praised the committee for going round the country to collate the views and aspirations of Nigerians.

Committee Chairman Femi Okunrounmu told the Sultan that the visit was to pay their respect to him as a committed leader.

“The visit is part of the committee’s efforts to meet with stakeholders, in line with its mandate.

“We are also going round Nigeria to collate the views and aspirations of Nigerians on the conference,” he said Second Republic President Shehu Shagari praised President Goodluck Jonathan for setting up the committee.

Shagari hailed the idea of wider consultation by the committee.

“You must meet with leaders not with the press. At

this stage, I think it is too early to bring the press to cover these conferences.

Okunrounmu said there was no pre-determined agenda or motive behind the conference.

He said the conference would be a “conference of Nigerians for Nigerians and

by Nigerians.”

According to him, the Federal Government wants Nigerians to determine what issues are to be discussed.

He said Nigerians would also decide on how large it would be, its legality, representation.

“This is to have an equitable, happier, prosperous and united nation, where all will have common identities and destiny.

“This will help us in entrenching more patriotism in Nigeria,” he explained.

MIRATES and Turkish Airlines have been approved by the Federal Government to fly passengers from theAminu Kano International Airport in Kano and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The airlines will join other carriers, such as Middle East Airlines and Egypt Air, which fly from Kano airport.

Spokesman for Aviation agencies Yakubu Dati said Emirates would determine when it would begin service in accordance with its logistics.

He said: “You can contact Emirates and confirm. It has been designated to fly to Kano and Abuja so the delay in starting the route is not that of government. There are issues which the airline must consider.

“We assure the airlines operating from Kano airport that the airport environment is safe.”

FRSC deploys 2,220 officers From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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VER 2,220 senior officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have been deployed in accident-prone highways across the country.

Deputy Corps Marshal (Motor Vehicle Administration) Danjuma Garuba said in Ibadan yesterday that the FRSC had identified six major accident-prone areas in the country.

He said the FRSC management had deployed the officers to monitor and ensure safety.

Garuba added that the “Operation Octopus” was also to sensitise motorists and other road users on the need to obey traffic rules and regulation.

According to him, the 14day exercise at the accidentprone areas would enlighten motorists and check excessive speed, over-loading and imbibe safety culture.

He said it would ensure that motorists, especially commercial drivers, “obey traffic rules, avoid fatigue and alcohol, which often lead to road traffic crashes.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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

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ir, when I come home from work, I am usually too tired to satisfy my wife. I have sex for three minutes and when I ejaculate, that’s it for the day. I want to be able to satisfy my wife – Tom Dear Tom, it is normal to be tired after work. Everybody feels that way. It is just because most working people usually have sex in the night that they want energy to perform.

What you need is Wonderland Energy Drink. It is a male performance enhancing supplement that fires you up with the stamina to have sex for hours without getting tired. It is very good. If you also want to last longer than three minutes in bed before ejaculating, you can use the new cream for men called Shane Diesel’s Prolonging Cream. Combine this delay cream with the energy drink and you will perform much better to your wife’s satisfaction - Uche Dear Uche, my wife does not enjoy me most times even though she does not complain. My penis is too short and thin for my liking. The pest penetration per time is a little below the surface. Also my wife is difficult to arouse, infact she is cold. What can she do as well? Ibrahim Dear Ibrahim, it is possible to have a bigger penis with the right enlargement products. For men with really small penises, we usually recommend that they combine two different penis enlargers such as a penis enlargement cream with a penis pump or an enlargement cream. There is a penis enlargement cream called Maximus Enlargement Cream.

Rub it on the penis twice a day after shower for increase in penis length and thickness and for stronger erections too.

You can combine Maximus Enlargement Cream with a penis pump like the Jack Pump to get better and faster results.

For your wife, she needs a libido booster. Get her Rock On Daily Supplement or Max Desire. To arouse her externally, you can use an arousal gel like the Liquid Sex G Spot Arousal Gel. The Gel works well with the supplements for best results. All these products will make her want and enjoy intercourse again and help make her arousal easier and faster as well – Uche

Hello sir, please there is a penis enlargement cream I bought from you many years ago. I really liked it because it gave me results but I travelled before I could finish the dose. The name is Max Width Enlargement Cream. Do you still have it? Tony Yes Tony, we still have the Max Width Enlargement Cream.

It is a fast acting instant enlarger and men like it a lot. In addition to enlarging the penis, it also helps men have better erections – Uche Dear Sir, I sometimes experience dryness and pain during sex. What can I do about this? Unoma Dear Unoma, sexual dryness is an indication that there has not been adequate stimulation before intercourse. It can also be caused by certain types of medication and can be a sign of menopause in middle aged or older women. Whatever the case may be, you can get rid of the dryness and pain with a water based lubricant. Use the Colt Slick Lubricant or Probe Lubricant during intercourse to prevent pain – Uche Dear MD, good afternoon. I just wanted to thank you for the Exploding Thunder supplement you recommended for my weak erection. It really helped me and today, my erections are back and stronger than before. God bless you and thank you again – Echezona You are welcome. Exploding Thunder is very good for such erection problems and it is not harsh. People who use it love it and it keeps working in your body for up to three daysUche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here. They can also order them online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

PROPERTY

Tuesday, NOVEMBER 5, 2013 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

17

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

•One of the streets of the trespassed land in Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.

A parcel of land in Park View Estate, Ikoyi, belonging to Dosunmu-Onikoyi family, a branch of the larger Onikoyi chieftaincy family of Lagos State, is receiving the attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It was allegedly sold by some members of the larger family for about N1.3 billion. But the transaction, the family said, is fraudulent. It wants the persons behind it brought to justice, reports SEYI ODEWALE

A family, its land and troubles

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HE alleged fraudulent sale of a parcel of land belonging to the Dosunmu-Onikoyi Family in Park View Estate, Ikoyi, has pitted the family against some members of the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Family, which is the larger family. The parcel of land, the family claimed, was sold for N1.350 billion.

In the petition, dated July 3, 2013, the family is asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the allegation of obtaining under false pretence N1.350 billion by some land speculators, who sold the said parcel of land to unsuspecting buyers.

The petition was sent to the Commission by the family counsel, Bamidele Paul Ogundele, of Ogundele & Co Law firm. It urged the EFCC to help the family “conduct a discreet, unbiased and God-fearing investigation on the monumental fraud,” allegedly “committed on the family land in line with the” constitutional power vested in the commission by the law.

Ogundele, on behalf of his clients, Alhaji

Sikiru Onikoyi and Alhaji Duale Mohammed Onikoyi, who represent themselves and Dosunmu-Onikoyi Chieftaincy Family, a branch of Onikoyi Chieftaincy Family of Lagos State, demanded an investigation into the purported sale of nine plots of land belonging to the family by the duo of Mr Jimoh Anjous and Mr Ibikunle Fafunwa (Junior).

The plots in question, the petition claimed, lay between Gbenga Ashafa Close and Abayomi Fatunsin Close, in the high-brow Park View Estate.

The five-paragraph petition reads: “That our clients are the owners of nine plots of land at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos based on the partition made through Court Order and agreement of the entire Onikoyi Chieftaincy family.

“That letters dated January 12, 2005 and March 21, 2005, were forwarded confirming the area of land partitioned to our clients by the Onikoyi family solicitor, Messrs Abiodun Dabiri of N. Abiodun Dabiri & Co. “They alleged that a well known man, Mr Jimoh Anjous and Mr Ibikunle Fafunwa (Jun-

ior), connived and sold the land for N1.350 billion to “unknown third parties under false pretences of being the owner of our clients’ land without our clients’ consent”.

“It is very imperative to state that preliminary investigations we carried out based on environmental survey of all the nine plots of land showed that one Mr Jimoh Anjous did the act with some land syndicates in Land Bureau, Alausa, Lagos.

“Coupled with this, the said Mr Jimoh Anjous, when he was confronted alleged that he had the full support of a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), based in Lagos to do whatever he likes with impunity.”

The said land, according to Ogundele, came about as a result of the sharing formula used by the larger family of Onikoyi Chieftaincy to share the land. It was based on a 1940 sharing formula, which a Lagos High Court 3 in the Lagos Judicial Division, presided over by Justice A.B Adeniji, upheld in an enrolment of order.

The sharing formula of land and proceeds

thereof, according to the family, was in accordance with the ruling of Justice Ade Alabi in 2003. Messrs Abiodun Dabiri had written the Dosunmu family that out of the 43 hectares of land reverted to Onikoyi family

by Justice Alabi’s ruling, only 23 hectares were yet to be developed.

According to him, only “162 plots were carved out after due consideration for infrastructure, roads, open spaces and general planning requirement”.

He wrote: “Please note that five per cent of the 162 plots or there about, will amount to eight plots, but after due consideration and adjustments in variation of sizes averaging about 1,000 square metres per plot, the five per cent was adjusted to the upper limit of 9 plots and the following plots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12 on Blockno VI are earmarked for the Dosunmu family.”

It was, however, the nine plots given to the Dosunmu branch that was allegedly trespassed upon by the duo of Jimoh Anjous •Continued on page 18

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

18

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Nigerite renovates MAPOLY’s T architecture studio

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N furtherance of its commitment to giving back to the society through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, ‘The Youth, Our Future,’ Nigerite Limited, has remodeled the Architecture studio of the Department of Architecture, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

This gesture represents the third intervention by the company having earlier renovated the Architecture Studios of the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, in Lagos State.

Speaking at the hand-over of the studio to MAPOLY in Abeokuta, Executive Director, Marketing, Nigerite Limited, Mr. Toyin Gbede, said Nigerite believes that government alone cannot solve the educational needs of the country, adding that the private sector must help in order to promote conducive envi-

Stories by Seyi Odewale

ronment for learning.

The initiative, which started in the South-West, Gbede said, would cover other tertiary institutions in the country. He assured MAPOLY officials that Nigerite is keen on fostering a lasting relationship with the institution, saying the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. He said the firm would also consider donation of computers to the department in the future.

“We believe in the entity called Nigeria, hence our investment in the country since 1959 before independence. We also know that the future of the country depends on the youth who form the generation that unfortunately do not have as much attention from government, as earlier generations of Nigeria.

“This is why we came up with a programme tagged: “The Youth, Our

Future,” because we realise the need for private sector intervention in helping our youths to realise their potentials. This explains also why we have embarked on remodeling of architectural studios in some selected institutions across the country.

“So far, we have done that of the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, and now MAPOLY, which is the third institution. At present, we are working with Obafemi Awolowo University,” he said.

Declaring the studio open, Rector, MAPOLY, Tokunbo Fowode, thanked Nigerite and members of staff for their unalloyed support to the school, saying, “it was gratifying that the school is receiving the blessing of long time relationship.”

While promising that the facilities would be properly maintained, he urged other corporate bodies to follow the Nigerite example.

HE President, Association of Professional Women Engineering of Nigeria, (APWEN) Engr. Olayinka Abdul has lamented the slow growth of industries in the country.

Engr. Abdul disclosed this during the National Conference/AGM 2013 of the association, with the theme: ‘Economic Development through Engineering in Manufacturing and Production,’ in Abuja, stating that a nation’s total wealth increases through industrial development.

She said, “The nation is consuming products produced from other economies while most factories and warehouses in our economy are closing and being taken over by religious organization and many more relocating to neighbouring countries.

“The engineers, who should be properly engaged and make a meaningful living are out on the

Fashola inspects 240 units Lagos HOMS, WEMPCO road channelisation •Governor urges contractors to ensure timely completion

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) last week inspected ongoing works at the Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (HOMs) Estate at Sogunro I & II in Ogba; the drainage channel and road construction on Wempco Road. He said the structures represent the type of houses the state wants to build for its citizens.

Fashola told reporters after being conducted round some of the structures by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Mr Biodun Oki, that the quality of the houses are good. He urged contractors to expedite action to ensure their timely delivery.

“So far, so good, the quality is good and this is the type of housing that we want to build for our people that will be safe and secure against wind, against rain, against sunshine and houses that won’t collapse,” he said.

Fashola, at the Sogunro site, said the construction could have been completed earlier. He appealed to

the contractors to mobilise their men and resources to site.

“This is the time for nation building; everybody including the contractor is a leader now. We have work to do and therefore we cannot afford to lie at ease. If it requires us to come here on Sunday, if it requires us to come here at night, so must it be. The Chinese don’t observe Sunday and they are already ahead of us and so if we really want to catch up, we just have to change the game,” he said.

All hands, he said, must be on deck and necessary sacrifices must be made to ensure set timelines are met.

“The idea that people work and then on Friday, close and rest until Monday. I am not sure we can afford the indulgence of rest now, we are behind. So, I just want to make that appeal now if they must come to work at night, if they must come to work on Sunday, please so be it,” Fashola said.

He called for concerted efforts to ensure that construction is concluded on the Sogunro site so that

work can move on to other sites that are waiting to be started, stressing: “the longer we stay here, the more difficult it would be because we are not going to award projects now to contractors who have not finished”.

“Our focus is on finishing projects, and that constraints what we can start, so Ministries don’t finish, contractors don’t finish, they don’t start new work, so again it is an appeal.

Otherwise so far, so good, the quality is good”.

Fashola had earlier inspected ongoing channelisation on Wempco Road. He was received by officials of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) led by the Managing Director, Dr Dayo Mobereola.

The extensive channelisation will help de-flood Ogba and environs and discharge at the Omole gorge. With almost 70 per cent work done, measuring 9.3 metres in depth, the project will de-flood Iju, Agege-Pen Cinema and Mobil areas in Ogba.

From: Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

streets neck deep in commercial businesses.

“The economic growth of a nation occurs by increasing a nation’s total wealth through industrial development, which has great multiple potentials of reducing poverty and solving other social problems, which can only be achieved through progressive engineering growth in manufacturing and production of the economy.

A family, its land and troubles •Continued from page 17

•Fashola (2nd right) being conducted round by the General Manager, Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSDPC), Mr. Abiodun Oki (right). With them are: The Special Adviser on Housing, Hon. Jimoh Ajao (middle), and Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Tunji Odunlami (3rd left).

Women Engineers decry decline of industries

and Ibikunle Fafunwa.

The duo of Anjous and Fafunwa were subsequently charged before a Chief Magistrate Court of Lagos State in the Lagos Magisterial District, presided over by Mrs O.O. Oshin, for harassing, vandalising, intimidating and disturbing the peace of Alhaji Shamsideen Ope, Alhaji Muhammed Duale and Alhaji Tajudeen Onikoyi.

In a Motion Ex-parte dated May 30, this year, they were restrained by the court to stop harassing, vandalising, intimidating and disturbing the peace of the trio of Alhaji Ope, Alhaji Duale and Alhaji Onikoyi.

The police were also ordered to arrest and bring the duo before the court for them to be “committed to prison for a period not exceeding one month from the date of the arraignment and committal in furtherance to Section 48 (1)(2) ACJL.” “It is on this basis that we are seeking the help of the EFCC to investigate and possibly prosecute these men for selling the plots which were not theirs. But sadly, these men are yet to be apprehended” a counsel from Ogundele’s chamber, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

The trouble over the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Family land started in 1993 when the family, represented

by Chief Patrick Ibikunle FafunwaOnikoyi, Alhaji Rafiu Olawunmi Onikoyi and seven others, in Suit LD/1172/93, challenged the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL) Plc, NAIJA ROSE Property Development Co. Ltd., Executive Governor of Lagos State and the Attorney-General of Lagos State, on the claims on the land in a Writ of Summon before Justice Ade Alabi.

The land, which was originally ceded to Governor Glover, representing the British colonial government, in 1865, by the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Family, was given back to the family in 2003 by Justice Alabi.

The judge in his judgment said: “If an acquiring authority can no longer find a public purpose for the land acquired, the only avenue open to it is to de-acquire it and let the land revert to the person in whom it was already vested. In all cases where public purpose fails, the land will revert to the original owner (see the case of Olatunji Vs Military Governor of Oyo State 1995 5 NWLR Pt 387 589. See also the case of Ajao Vs Sole Administrator, Ibadan City Council, 1971 1 NMLR Page 74).”

Justice Alabi then ruled: “Possession of the land in dispute is hereby granted to the plaintiffs.”

The Onikoyi family’s five-paragraph claims sought, among others, “a declaration that the description of the land in the sub-lease dated July 25, 1991 issued by the second

defendant (NITEL) to the 3rd defendant (NAIJA ROSE Property Development Co. Ltd.) in so far as the sublease purports to be portion of the land granted to the 2nd defendant by lease dated August 18, 1990, registered as No 95 at page 95 in volume 1905, Lands Registry, Lagos is deceitful, fraudulent, null and void; “A declaration that the 2nd defendant has no land bounded by beacon PBL8821-8857 and therefore the sub-lease is null and void under the maxim memo dat quod non habet; “A declaration that the entry of the 3rd defendant to portion of the land upon aforesaid sub-lease dated July 25, 1991, issued by the 2nd defendant to 3rd defendant is unlawful and amounted to trespass or interfere with the reversionary interest of Onikoyi Chieftaincy family; “Perpetual injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their agents, servant and privies from further committing acts of trespass or interfere with the reversion of the land shown on Plan No BTS 24/NTL/ L/88 beacon L 8821 to L 8857 and “An order vesting the reversion of the said land in Plan No BTS 24/NTL/ L/88 bounded by beacons PBL otherwise shortened as L8821to L8857 on the Onikoyi Chieftaincy family.”

In another suit tagged: LD/697/97 between Mrs B. Idowu Sanyaolu, Mr Tajudeen Onikoyi representing the children and estate of the late Chief Adam Fagbemi Onikoyi and two others, and Prof Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa; Alhaji Lateef K. Onikoyi; Prince Rasheed O. Onikoyi; Otunba G. K. Onikoyi and six others, the parties had approached Justice A.B. Adeniji’s court on the sharing formula of the land and other entitlements from the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Family’s estate.

In his pronouncement in 2001, Justice Adeniji had ruled and ordered that “the sharing formula agreement dated 18th day of January, 1940 is still subsisting and has not been withdrawn and should be applied in this suit, more so as there are only two ruling houses”.

“With this, he was able to establish that only two ruling houses are recognised within the larger Onikoyi family. They are Dosunmu and Muti. But, unfortunately, they trespassed on the land and sold every portion of it. We even learnt that a serving senator in the National Assembly was among those that bought the land from these persons,” the lawyer said.

Two issues were, however, obvious in the rulings of the two judges.

They are: that the land in question belongs to the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Family and that there are only two recognised branches of that family (Dosunmu and Muti).

When The Nation visited the area, construction was ongoing on various portions of the land.

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Curbing oil theft •FG’s consideration of e-surveillance is good, but can it manage it well?

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HE Federal Government has claimed that it is exploring the use of electronic pipeline surveillance system, to monitor oil theft in Nigeria. President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by the Senate President, David Mark, made this assertion at the closing ceremony of the Oil and Gas Investment Forum in Onne, Rivers State. The President also claimed that his “administration has embarked on a number of far-reaching measures to combat these unwholesome activities.”

No doubt, the government should be worried about the increasing theft of crude oil, the mainstay of our economy.

Different amounts have been given as the loss the country incurs daily from the activities of oil thieves. Some have said we lose as much as 400,000 barrels daily.

President Jonathan himself however admitted in Abuja while speaking at this year’s Annual Banking and Finance Conference that we lose between 60,000 and 80,000 barrels of oil daily to oil thieves.

At $113 per barrel, this translates to between $6.78m (N1.08bn) and $9.04m (N1.45bn) daily. None of these figures is pleasant.

According to the president, “Most of the figures you see don’t even represent the theft. They say 400,000 barrels per day, but that does not represent what is being stolen in this country … What is stolen is between 60,000 and 80,000 barrels per day. But once they start stealing from your pipelines, do you allow them to continue? No, you shut them down and once you shut down, the entire production stops; so that is also a loss. So, when

you see the entire loss, it is mainly because of the shutdowns and not because of the theft. The theft is little, but even that theft, since it is bringing another shutdown, is also a problem.”

This is not a laughing matter. Unfortunately, in spite of these huge losses, there is no evidence that the Federal Government under President Jonathan is ready to combat oil theft. Indeed, the common believe is that it is condoning it.

However, as the idiom says, ‘better late than never’. So, if truly the Federal Government has woken up to combat the shameful sharing of our major national resource with criminals, with the aid of the electronic pipeline surveillance system, so be it. But we are doubtful if this idea is not merely another opportunity to create a lucrative contract, to service party interests. After all, the billions of naira contracts awarded to thugs and other questionable interests, to protect the oil pipelines, by President Jonathan’s government were once touted as the solution to oil theft in Nigeria. As we noted then, it was a duplicitous exercise to create jobs for the boys, especially ex-militants; it is therefore not surprising that instead of helping to reduce illegal bunkering, the menace has escalated.

It is shameful that without an account to the Nigerian public or even an apology for that waste, the government is thinking of another money guzzling enterprise that may yet again, become a drain pipe. Our position is that before any financial commitment to this high-tech venture, availability of the energy needed to power such technology should be considered, among others. It will be shame-

ful, if after our common resources are expended, the government returns with stories that we lack the technical competence to manage the infrastructure.

After all, across the country, many technologically driven investments and socalled turn-around projects have been abandoned, well after the contractors and their extended beneficiaries have taken the nation for a ride.

We hasten to add that much of what has been attributed to oil theft had occurred because the integrity of many of the pipelines has been compromised.

They are generally too old even as they are not well maintained; the result is that they have deteriorated to the extent that they now pose a danger to those living within the precincts. Yet, the relevant authorities prefer to hold criminals and militants responsible for all the disruptions in the system.

‘Our position is that before any financial commitment to this high-tech venture, availability of the energy needed to power such technology should be considered, among others. It will be shameful, if after our common resources are expended, the government returns with stories that we lack the technical competence to manage the infrastructure’

Cholera epidemic • It is shameful that this is happening now

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HE report of outbreak of cholera pandemic in some states is startling. Despite futile efforts by some governments to downplay the enormity of the affliction in their territories, the details of a release made by Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health, shows the seriousness and spread of the disease across the country. At the last count, the centre government reportedly put the casualty rate of cholera victims in some parts of the country at 86 out of 1,623 reported cases. No state has challenged this assertion.

The breakdown of the plague that is blighting Ogun, Oyo, Plateau, Zamfara, Nasarawa and Lagos states is: Zamfara State-1,110 cases with recorded 51 deaths; Nasarawa State - 105 cases with 9 deaths; Lagos State - 134 cases with 4 deaths; Pla-

‘Despite government’s failure to provide these amenities, the people should also not take this as an excuse to engage in unhygienic practices. Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that occurs primarily by drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated by waste product of an infected person. Infected persons suffer from serious vomiting and watery diarrhoea which can lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, and death in some cases when not promptly attended to medically’

teau State- 130 cases with 11 deaths; Oyo State - 29 cases with six deaths and Ogun State - 115 cases with five deaths. We take cognisance of the fact that the details could still be higher since there is possibility of new cases and mortalities, especially among those currently bedridden by the ailment in hospitals across the country.

Only reported and certified cases that are proven in laboratories to have been caused by vibiro cholerae serotypes 10 and 0139 are purportedly included in the ministry’s released statistics.

The intra-state nature of cholera outbreaks shows that the disease should not be handled with levity. It is good that the Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to forthwith swing into action and come up with daily reports to be submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health, showing the degree of progress so far recorded across board. Such reports should be made public. It is equally cheering that all federal health facilities in the country have been directed to provide free services to cholera patients. We recognise that this is of course without prejudice to the concerted efforts that have been made by governments of the affected states to put a halt to the spread of the deadly disease.

The minister made a valid point by stating that “Each Nigerian must commit to certain things; can we stop going into the bush to defecate…every Nigerian must know that it is unhealthy...” He further stated that “… every Nigerian should have access to clean and potable water.’’ But he should have told the world how many affordable decent houses with decent toilets

have been built by the Federal Government for Nigerians in the last five years or thereabout, or what the government has done to make this within the reach of Nigerians. He also could not say what the contribution of the centre government has been in transforming the rural areas and the ghettos in towns and cities across the nation so as to forestall the outbreak of cholera.

We demand to know from the minister how much was spent on potable water provision by this administration and what percentage of the 160 million Nigerians have access to potable water. As the directing mind of the nation’s health policy, he should have drummed it into the ears of government that it is perilous for Nigerians not to have access to potable water.

That is why he should have been more cautious in putting all the blame at the door steps of poverty- beaten Nigerians. It is frightening and a shame to this administration that such basic hygiene problems still happen in the country in this age.

Despite government’s failure to provide these amenities, the people should also not take this as an excuse to engage in unhygienic practices. Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that occurs primarily by drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated by waste product of an infected person. Infected persons suffer from serious vomiting and watery diarrhoea which can lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, and death in some cases when not promptly attended to medically. We expect the people to weigh the serious consequences of cholera so that they can do everything possible to avoid it.

The JPMorgan exception The company wants to tap a government fund to cover some of the cost of the government’s claims against it. That would be a truly perverse outcome.

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PMorgan Chase is trying to reach a multibillion-dollar deal with the federal government to settle allegations of securities fraud — based largely on claims against two failing banks it rescued during the crisis at Washington’s behest. The settlement apparently hinges on whether JPMorgan will be allowed to tap a government fund to cover some of the cost of the government’s claims.

If so, that would be a truly perverse outcome.

The government’s case stems from the sale of mortgage-backed securities — bundles of home loans that lenders didn’t want to keep on their books — that failed spectacularly after the housing bubble burst. The securities in question were sold not just by JPMorgan but also by Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual, which JPMorgan later acquired on the brink of insolvency (Bear Stearns) or in government receivership (WaMu). Prosecutors contend that the banks defrauded investors by giving false information about the quality of the mortgages in the securities they sold.

Last week, JPMorgan resolved part of the case without admitting wrongdoing, agreeing to pay $5.1 billion to settle claims by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Still outstanding are billions of dollars in claims related to other buyers of mortgage-backed securities and to homeowners who now owe more than their homes are worth. But JPMorgan contends that when it bought WaMu from the government, it agreed to take only the liabilities that were already known, not ones that would emerge later. To hold it liable for new claims based on WaMu’s bad behavior would only make it harder for the government to recruit rescuers in the future, the bank’s defenders say.

That contention, however, ignores the fact that JPMorgan acquired the assets of WaMu (and Bear Stearns) at a huge discount, in part because of the expected problems with mortgage-backed securities. The bank has made billions of dollars off those assets since then.

And one can only imagine the lesson Wall Street would take away if WaMu were allowed to wipe out liability for securities fraud just by being acquired. Wouldn’t that encourage more of the fast-and-loose banking that crashed the economy last time?

JPMorgan did the public a favor when it kept Bear Stearns and WaMu from having to go through costly liquidations. But it acquired those assets at a price that was good for JPMorgan. It’s worth noting that the only civil penalties the government has reportedly sought are for things JPMorgan did on its own, not the actions of Bear Stearns or WaMu. That’s appropriate. But the bank shouldn’t be excused from having to spend some of the assets it acquired paying back those who have legitimate claims against Bear Stearns and WaMu. – Los Angeles Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness

•Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Dep. Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Over the years, citizens have been subdued and blackmailed into submission by terms like patriotism and sacrifice.

The government is always quick to ask citizens to sacrific’ for the sake of the nation, while they make no sacrifices at all. Recall that during the OccupyNigeria protests in January 2012, the government asked Nigerians to endure and make sacrifices to enjoy in the future. The same government went on to budget two billion naira for feeding the President and his vice.

As in the current ASUU/FG imbroglio, ASUU has been told to give the government the benefit of the doubt. We ask; for how long? This government has shown itself to be one of the most deceitful in the his-

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

ernment, we’ve had Lawangate, Oduahgate, pension scams (twice), including the petroleum ministry’s SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF regular and consistent scams.

What has the government done NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. to checkmate all these? Should sacE-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net rifices only be made by the led and not the leaders?

Nigerians have made enough sacrifices. Nigerians have endured for long enough. Nigerians have dent’s foreign trips, which he prom- watched impunity take the driver’s tory of this nation. Recall that in news that shook the tiny frame of ised to reduce, has rather increased seat in the affairs of our nation.

2011, when they first raised the is- the nation and cut short whatever as he seems to have found solace in Nigerians have watched as unsue of subsidy removal, when the celebrations people had planned: other people’s countries as against democratic acts reign supreme in a government met with labour government had jerked up fuel the one he was elected to run. groups, it was agreed that the re- price. We then ask, a government so-called democratic setting. If It is irresponsible of a govern- there’s going to be sacrifice, it moval issue will not be raised un- that has engaged itself in such brament that has shown itself to lack should now be made by the leadtil sometime around June/July af- zen acts of deceit, can it be trusted? the political will to tackle corrup- ers, not the led. Let them begin by ter due sensitisation has been carThe government keeps claiming tion and mismanagement to keep sacrificing the sacred cows that are ried out and palliative measures that there’s no money to develop demanding patriotism and sacri- in government. Let them show paput in place. On New Year’s Day, the nation’s educational sector, fices from citizens. Under this gov- triotism by bringing their kids Nigerians were greeted with the health sector, etc, yet the Presiback to this nation to study rather than send them off to foreign lands while our schools rot down here. ple’s votes. This is like the PHCN are ready to take the bull by the Let them begin by receiving treattributed our problems to corrupbringing electricity consistently horn, the number of these swim- ment for their ailments here rather tion which people like Chinua than flying off to other lands in when the month is running to an mers will continue to rise.

Achebe said is accounted for by end just to encourage people to pay We are the employers of our lead- search of good health. Let them leadership failure. But, the question up their bills only to return to their ers. This means that we can hire sacrifice the unconstitutional roles that has not been answered is that: epileptic ways thereafter. and fire them anytime. Nigerians of the first lady and stop using our “who caused the leadership failOur problems start when we fall should not trade away their votes money to finance her excesses. We ure”? for the tricks and deceit of polition the altar of religion or ethnic are done with making sacrifices; We, the masses are the architect cians. The latest slavery index sentiments. They should for for there’s nothing left to sacrifice. of leadership failure. Yes! When it’s shows that many Nigerians are merit. election time, politicians will dis• Ogunjimi James Taiwo swimming in the pool of poverty.

• Idowu Esho Jamiu, tribute money, recharge cards and Ikeja, Lagos Unless we enthrone leaders who Eruwa, Oyo State. do all sorts of things just to get peo-

Leadership’s one-way patriotism

Masses, not leaders are Nigeria’s problem

S

IR: It is obvious that all is not well with our economy. Almost every sector of the economy is rotten. Education is in shambles. ASUU is on strike and students are compelled to stay at home. Also, power supply is erratic.

The aviation sector is nothing to write home about. Five plane crashes within 14 months. As if that is not enough, the NCAA bought two armoured cars which were not budgeted for at a cost of N255million. Yet a certain Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala claimed there is no money to cater for the demands of university lecturers. But, there is money to pay federal lawmakers’ wardrobe, newspaper, entertainment, vehicle maintenance, hardship, personal assistants and domestic staff allowances.

Insecurity has attained its most terrifying state with Boko Haram in the North and kidnappers in the South-south and South-east.

Why is this happening to Nigeria despite the numerous resources we are endowed with? Many have at-

What’s delaying operational audit of DANA Air?

S

IR: In compliance with the October 6, directive by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for Dana Air to suspend its flight operations to allow for an audit of the airline’s operations, the management of the company shut down its operations.

Subsequently, as a result of the suspension (and understandably so), the airline directed its Nigerian and expatriate staff to proceed on compulsory leave without pay, with a promise to recall staff as soon

as the audit process is completed.

It is now three weeks since the NCAA directive and, though the airline is open and ready for the planned audit, it is worrisome that the NCAA is yet to commence the audit and no clear direction or timeline has been given to the airline for completion of the same.

The continuous grounding of Dana Air is causing untold hardship for the hitherto ‘gainfully-employed’ staff of the airline, and with NCAA’s inaction regarding the au-

dit, there appears to be no relief in sight to the sufferings of the airline’s staff and their numerous dependants.

NCAA’s action or inaction is not without consequences for the average Nigerian traveler with the few airlines left taking advantage of the dearth of operators to hike fares and offer poor services to helpless customers.

Businesses and nation’s economy are negatively impacted too. Need we mention the negative signals

being sent to potential investors in the sector?

It is for these reasons that the over 540 directly-employed Nigerian staff of the airline, are appealing to the NCAA to save us and the airline by carrying out its statutory role devoid of sentiments and political interference, and commencing the planned operational audit of the airline without any further delay.

• Tony Usidamen Lagos

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

21

COMMENTS

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O doubt about it: Col. Tony tional blunder. In his spat Nyiam (rtd), member of the with Governor Oshiomhole, Presidential Advisory Comand his looming sacrifice (self or forced), the sovermittee on National Dialogue/Confereign national conference ence, which former senator, Dr. Femi movement would appear Okurounmu chairs, ought to fall on his fated to lose a key ally. That sword, for his October 29 spat with Edo might prove even more Governor, Adams Oshiomhole. devastating for the country, This is, of course, without prejudice for Nigeria as presently conto the rightness or wrongness of his Olakunle stituted would appear a jourmotive; or the nobility or otherwise of lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola ney to nowhere. his action.

That brings into the fray By that public spat, Col. Nyiam badly the Oshiomhole intervencompromised the position of his comtion. Did the governor have mittee. His passion – unfortunately – a right to air his views? No got the better of him, thereby reinforcdoubt. Did Nyiam have a ing cynicism in some quarters (not by right to obstruct him in any way, even if the governor, in his ern parts of the country from the Federal Republic! any means received wisdom, but widespread enough) that What provocation could have driven that lunatic attempt? view, was playing to the gallery? Definitely not. the Okurounmu committee could be a Jonathan presidential Does the governor have a right to overplay his own opinThose caught paid with their lives. But the survivors would dummy, working towards a preconceived answer. This is ion, even after the visiting committee had listened to him, appear to have continued living with the bile of the dead. despite its official mandate of no “no go” area.

Besides, the tragic annulment of the 12 June 1993 presiden- for 40 minutes, as Nyiam claimed, in his office? No law says The colonel’s outburst gifted the committee the intolerant tial election and the even more tragic death, in detention, of he shouldn’t, though decorum demands the governor also toga – intolerant to any view outside the approved official MKO Abiola, winner of that election, further fuelled the open cedes space for other opinions. lines. The potent blackmail that Nyiam tried to shut up a But one thing is sure: if there was a time limit for contribusecret that Nigeria was indeed in the vice-grip of hegemonists. sitting governor in public, aside from the legalistic fuel that That, with post-1999 Obasanjo era power rascality, includ- tions, then the governor ought to have stuck to that time he tried to abrogate an elected governor’s democratic right ing the Jonathan Presidency’s craving for a lawless presi- limit. If he did not, then the governor erred. In a republic, to contribute to national discourse, paints him as an antidency (witness events in Rivers State), which borders on creep- every citizen should subject themselves to rules: and a govdemocracy demon of sorts, to be shunned, lampooned and ing fascism, has snowballed into the clear lack of unanimity ernor or president is first a citizen, before his catapult to high excoriated by all! office. But all that is in the realm of controversy! on retaining Nigeria as presently structured.

Nothing he will say, it appears, would ever mitigate that What is well and truly amazing is the manifest illogicality The result is a pre-anarchy season of anomie that now dire sentence. beclouds the country. That urgently suggests some national of the argument of Organised Labour (first put across by Isa That is why the colonel should step down: to save the honAremu, NLC vice president and also amplified by Oshiomhole dialogue to fix things. our of the committee, recharge its credibility that it is no The big question: can you trust President Goodluck Jonathan at the confab Edo town hall meeting) that the Nigerian quesJonathan’s poodle and perhaps take the wind off the sail of on this one? Ripples would not wager for Jonathan. He may tion is settled. It is not. the confab’s opponents.

Comrade Oshiomhole feels “Nigerian” because he was well be playing games. But others have put their faith in Still, the colonel’s sacrifice, because of the political incorhim, claiming he means well. Yet, others are ambivalent, “Kaduna boy”, who made good over there, even if he was rectness of his action, does not necessarily equate public good, deciding to play along, thinking the perilous objective situa- from Edo. His view should be applauded and respected. But in the all-important issue of a national conference. tions on ground would force his hands, whatever his original to dub as “tribalists”, other citizens with diametrically opSovereign or no, the conference is to restructure Nigeria, posed experiences, is plain conceit with nary any logical merit. motives, to do good by the republic. from its present destination of self-destruction, to a country Bola Ige (of blessed memory) was another Kaduna Boy (his Ironically, that would appear where the likes of Nyiam that gives its longsuffering citizens development and proscome in. From the ill-fated passion of the military era, Col. childhood biography), his Esa-Oke folks teased as “Gambari”, perity, en route to morphing into a nation, from a mere geoNyiam has articulated his thoughts, on the Nigerian ques- because he could not even at first, speak his native Yoruba graphical expression of mutually antagonistic nationalities. tion, in his book: True Federal Democracy or Awaiting Implo- tongue. Yet, he scurried down South because he found he On the Nigerian crisis, Col. Nyiam is no neophyte. In the couldn’t enjoy educational privileges other “Kaduna boys” sion? An Aide-Memoire for Makers of the Nigerian Constitution. grand anarchy of the military era when the most audacious A citizen that has gone through the rigour of putting were enjoying! brute was king, he was linked to the Gideon Orkar coup. The In any case, if “Kaduna boys” had all morphed into “Kaduna pen to paper on the Nigerian question, after the miscarriage putschists not only claimed they had overthrown the extant of the Orkar coup and its tragedies, would appear ardently men” and lived happily ever after, why didn’t the comrade power bully, they also claimed to have excised some northcommitted to the restructuring school, against the establish- governor consider running as Kaduna governor? So long for school that baits open catastrophe, by hoping to take the annoying sweeping finality of Organised Labour’s argu‘Nigeria needs restructuring to earn ment ment! their chances on Nigeria’s extant structure.

Nigeria needs restructuring to earn a rebirth. Jonathan Indeed, apart from Senator Okurounmu (at least goa rebirth. Jonathan may or may not ing by his pre-2003 stance as an SNC purist) and Prof. Ben may or may not be sincere. But that does not eliminate that be sincere. But that does not elimi- Nwabueze (who excused himself from the committee on notorious fact; or that the Nigerian state is at its weakest in grounds), Col. Nyiam would appear the only other history for change. This is the time to remould – or die. nate that notorious fact. This is the health It is imperative this toxic structure be done away with, known member that clearly belongs to the pro-change lobby. time to remould – or die’ That would appear the full tragedy of the colonel’s emo- whoever takes over by 2015.

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epublican ipples

Here we go again – with speculations rife that the nation’s finances may actually be in worse shape than citizens could have imagined. Although, it is not as if there was ever a time the economy as a whole could truly have claimed to have been out of the woods.

This is despite the quantum earnings of the past decade.

But then, the speculations have somewhat heightened in recent months. Before now, the closest indication about the economy being in any form of trouble was the acknowledgment by the federal government of the massive disruptions to oil production by activities of oil thieves said to have taken out a fifth of the nation’s daily output of 400,000 barrels.

Today, with nearly the whole of the 36 state of the federation – minus the federal government of course – reeling in the after-effects of reducing revenues consequent upon the constricted oil output, with prospects of inability to pay wages of their workers looming and with many of them reportedly putting further implementation of capital projects on hold, things appears to have moved from the realm of speculation to grim reality.

Of course, the lady in charge of the exchequer, Madam Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has insisted that the nation is nowhere near insolvency, contrary to the averments by the governors. Her view would be re-echoed by the duo of the Accountant General of the Federation, AGF, Joseph Otunla and Director General of the Budget Office, Bright Okogwu in their joint appearance at the National assembly last week. Both had insisted that whereas cash flow issues are to be expected in normal cycles of business, what the nation is currently experiencing comes nowhere close to being broke.

To be sure, not even the tell-tale signs of potential crisis would render speculations of an imminent financial Armageddon anything less than an exaggerated at this time. And like this newspaper observed in its editorial of yesterday, the nation does not as yet face the prospect of slipping into the balance of payment crisis as we had in the 80s through the 90s. No doubt, the point could be made that this is hardly on account of what the managers of the economy have done but more out the benevolences of nature and the market – the factors of increased crude output and sustained high prices in a little over a decade.

Even at that, the truth is that no one has sufficiently explained the current paradox in which the federal government continues to ratchet new debts at a time of sustained crude oil earnings. That is however a different matter.

Flowing from that background, the latest squabbling between the federal government and the states over the renditions into the federation account, and which

Confab excitements

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Voodoo political economy eventuated in two botched meetings of the Federation Accounts Allocations Committee (FAAC) in July and August, and which is held as partly responsible for the cash crunch across the board, would seem at best a storm in a teapot. The issue at stake really is the augmentation being demanded by the states in the face of cutback in oil exports in the situation that the price has held steady over the budget benchmark price. Left to the federal government, the net difference should be warehoused in the excess crude account to save for the rainy day – and this, naturally against the objections by the states. It is therefore clear that the squabble is one over entitlement, a reflection of the ingrained sharing mentality and the fixation at all levels with rent collection. So, the squabbling could as well go on forever.

What cannot go on is the delusion being championed by the federal government that it pays to do either little or nothing. Clearly, the econometrics of stashing public funds in foreign bank vaults at nominal interest rates of barely two percent is yet to be sufficiently explained let alone appreciated by Nigerians. This is even more so, in the event that the federal government’s promises about giving the private sector the required muscle to thrive have remained undelivered. Today, it is no longer in dispute that after more than 10 years of financial services sector restructuring, businesses still cannot get cheap funds to run their operations, thanks to Sanusi’s central bank for making fetish of inflation-targeting with industry’s reference interest rate pegged at 12 percent.

Trust the banks, they have since mastered the art of making money without lifting a finger just as small

businesses have long adjusted to coughing out anything between 22 to 27 percent rate on borrowed funds or risk closure.

Of course, like every other thing, critical financial infrastructures either for direct financing of businesses or those designed to take the pressure of capital acquisition off them, (a good example is infrastructure for leasing) remain underdeveloped. Ditto, for the plan for mortgage development; it remains on the drawing board more than two years after Okonjo-Iweala first served notice of government’s intention to overhaul the sector.

The story of the operators on the Main Street is one of double whammy. Because the states cannot get enough from the federation account, they swing into overdrive with their tax hounds demanding all manners of taxes from hapless entrepreneurs across the states. Meanwhile, at a time small and medium scale businesses are hardly able to keep their heads above water, the political establishment, together with their bureaucratic allies, continues to gobble more than disproportionate share from the national till.

I don’t think the question of the country being broke has arisen, yet. The proof is not just in the bazaar going on in Abuja and the 36 state capitals, but in the voodoo economy that thrives in rent as against a day’s honest and productive work. How can the nation be broke when all it takes to join the big league is a one-way ticket to Abuja or wherever for a share of the gravy? Isn’t that why politics has become the most lucrative, the biggest business in town?

Broke? We aren’t; at least, not yet. Why should we worry when we have enough to finance imports for the next nine months even for doing nothing? Isn’t our membership of the Sovereign Wealth Fund club meant to announce our arrival in the global league? Didn’t the Americans say that if it ain’t broke, you don’t fix? And who says Nigeria needs fixing?

‘I don’t think the question of the country being broke has arisen, yet.

The proof is not just in the bazaar going on in Abuja and the 36 state capitals, but in the voodoo economy that thrives in rent as against a day’s honest and productive work’

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

22

COMMENTS

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REDICTABLY, the Femi Okurounmu National Conference Committee has been moving round the country to seek the views of Nigerians on what they would want discussed when President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposed national dialogue comes on stream.

Predictable because numerous other similar committees in the past had gone round the country to seek and collate public opinions on what the problem is with Nigeria and how to solve it with little or nothing near the solution being found. Nothing in the horizon suggests that the current exercise would be any different.

In fact there is every likelihood that the Okurounmu committee might even be worse than its predecessors and be too eager to dance to the tune of the presidency; Jonathan’s presidency.

Just like most of our past and even present leaders, President Goodluck Jonathan is deficient in integrity as not a few Nigerians have lost faith in his promises and words. Talk about saying one thing and doing another.

Even his promise of making his proposed conference the “mother” of all such conferences in terms of covering vast areas of our national problems and proffering solutions to them has not dampened the cynicism of critics who believe nothing good can ever come out from this national dialogue. At best, they contend, it would be a rehash of the reports of similar committees in the past that had been gathering dust on the shelf somewhere in the presidency. That such reports are there in Abuja and we are still where we are today, talking of another conference suggest that we have either not learnt from our history or this type of conference is not the solution to our problems.

The cynicism is not helped by the president’s decision to subject whatever became the report of the conference to scrutiny by the National Assembly, with implied powers to either accept, reject or even amend to suit whatever interest they represent.

But by far the clearest indication yet that the report of the Okurounmu committee and that of the National Conference expected to follow soon could just be a rubber stamp of what the presidency wants was given in Benin, Edo State recently, when the Commit-

‘It would do Okurounmu and his committee a lot of good if the President is advised to allow a referendum on the report of the oNC as against passing the report over to the National Assembly’

A

CROSS the world, the challenge of security remains a critical issue in governance. Governments at different levels are battling with ever-increasing range of security challenges. In this regard, the idea of security governance has emerged, which among other broad themes, focus on the capacity and will of governments and other social actors in mitigating the endemic impact of insecurity on society.

At home, the situation is no less a concern to the people and indeed the political leadership because security and development are interwoven hence the need to share perspectives on the success of the security reform and intelligence governance in Bayelsa State.

At inception over a year ago, few could guarantee that the Seriake Dickson-led administration would be able to deliver on the lofty ideals of his manifesto which has security of lives and property as core objective. Such pessimism was not misplaced given the level of lawlessness in the state. It was more of a Hobbesian state of existence. The state was engulfed in brazen acts of street gang violence, investors fled the state, and professionals turned down postings to Bayelsa, just as contractors abandoned their sites. Criminal activities such as cult clashes, murder and assassinations put the state in the news for the wrong reasons. Worst still, kidnapping, proliferation of weapons, free use of explosive devices and illegal bunkering were a regular occurrence in Bayelsa.

But today the story has changed, so dramatically that the once dreaded state is now a beacon of peace and tranquility with the resultant boom in economic activities.

But how did it happen? What was the magic?

Basically the change in leadership brought about some fundamental values which shaped the course of governance. Having appreciated the enormity of the security challenge, it was confronted headlong with the establishment of the Bayelsa Integrated Security Strategy (BISS) to harness the elements in the security programme of the administration. The modus operandi was re-engineering of policing and

Jonathan’s dialogue: protecting President’s interest tee held a public forum to hear and collate the views of the South-south people on the up coming national dialogue.

A member of the Committee, Colonel Tony Nyiam (of the Orkar coup fame, remember him?) verbally descended on Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole just because of the Comrade Governor’s belief that the conference is a waste of time and would not get us anywhere. His outburst was made more insulting as it came while Oshiomhole was making his personal views known at the forum. Nyiam would have none of this and not only did he shout the governor down, his action also invited some hoodlum who disrupted proceedings which was hurriedly called off by the organizers.

The rest of the story I am sure you know, including the fact that the Committee Chairman not only reprimanded Nyiam but also apologized to the governor. But surprisingly, Nyiam found nothing wrong with his action and not only did he defend it but also explained that he did so in reaction to what he called insults being poured on President Jonathan and other Edo leaders by Governor Oshiomhole over the conference. He similarly justified his outburst because such ‘insults’ on the person and office of the president by Oshiomhole and others like him were getting too much.

While Nyiam action (his outburst) is condemnable, I would rather leave that to the public to judge, the same way I would leave the public to make up their minds on Oshiomhole’s purported insult on the president. My concern here is the reasons given by Nyiam for his action. Could that be one of the secret directives (if any) given to the Committee by the president? Or rather one of the directives given to Nyiam to protect the interest of the president? How many of such directives were given to him or other mem-

bers of the Committee? These we may never know now, but read my lips, if a member could say such things openly, then one could imagine what he would say or do behind closed doors when the Committee writes its report and recommendation to the president.

How many of the Committee members hold this same or similar view about the person of President Jonathan as Nyiam? It is necessary for us to know to prepare our minds for whatever report they are going to come out with. If all or majority of them are similarly inclined then we should be prepared for a report written in the Villa, prepared by the President’s men and handed over to Okurounmu for representation to the Presidency as the views of the Nigerians the Committee met in the course of its jamboree round the country. By the way I wonder, when would they go to Damaturu or Maiduguri to hold the public forum on the conference for the North east zone? I am only being curious.

But could the Committee be secretly working on a hidden agenda for the president but using the public forum as a decoy? What could this hidden agenda be? Some say it could be tenure elongation for the president or a third term in disguise; that the Committee is just shopping for relevant views to arrive at the answer/report already prepared by the presidency. More like what we call ‘wuruwuru to the answer’ here.

But whatever it is, the Okurounmu committee has to be very careful and not tamper with the views of the majority in presenting its report because it’s credibility is already at stake, right from the beginning and now made worse by the unnecessary and unwarranted outburst of Nyiam on Oshiomhole.

For Colonel Nyiam, it is a big disappointment. Here was somebody that participated in the Major Okah led coup purportedly to

Bayelsa’s crime eradication model

By Daniel Iworiso-Markson law enforcement and security operations generally to emphasize intelligence based proactive interdiction. It was a measure which leveraged on massive community and public participation through an auxiliary structure that effectively distills the contribution of the citizenry into the state security architecture.

This system, I must report, has been very effective, affirming the zero tolerance to crime and criminality as promised by the governor.

Now in the new Bayelsa, people go about their businesses with confidence, knowing that anyone who commits crime, high or low, no matter how long it takes, will pay for it.

We must duly appreciate the tremendous work of the Bayelsa security apparatus as represented in the BISS which has such effective components as the Special Task Forces, Operation Doo Akpo, Operation Doo Akpo (Maritime), Co-ordination Assets, TETRA-Based Public Safety and Security Co-ordination Centre, Domain Awareness Systems and Urban, Municipal and Township CCTV Systems.

Importantly, the security master plan equally involves Waterways Monitoring Systems, Aerial Surveillance Systems, Asset Tracking Systems, Public Vehicles Registration System and Indigene and Residents’ Identity Card System. It was massive though with a huge social cost which nonetheless was good for the people of the state.

It is pertinent to note that the framework, infrastructure, equipment provision and organizational architecture to entrench law and order was built from the scratch by the Dickson administration with the support of President Goodluck Jonathan and heads of the security

agencies at national and state levels.

Yet it was not altogether a one way approach as the government also incorporated some socio-economic dimension to the fight against crime and criminality. The human element was well addressed through socio-economic programmes and projects with significant capacity to absorb and rehabilitate repentant criminals while denying any gang of new recruits. Consequently, in addition to government’s multi-sector development initiatives, development and implementation of a special human capacity development programmes were carried out which incorporates the phased training of youths locally and abroad in relevant fields of competence. This has helped greatly in reducing unemployment and possible attraction to crime.

And for the success of the security governance in the state, Governor Seriake Dickson has been recognized and being appreciated with an award by the A.I.T’s Security Watch Programme in South Africa for leading the Most Outstanding Security Outfit in West Africa. Dickson, a shrewd and serious political leader, is not given to frivolity and as such believes in the philosophy that the best recognition and most testimonial of commendation of service to the people must first come from them. Of course, this has been done in several means and ways because the people can feel the impact of government with specific reference to their security and orderliness in the society.

The award is a further affirmation of a job well done. Indeed, the people of Bayelsa from the creeks, to the streets, offices and marketplace are singing hallelujah on their new found sense of security, freedom and safety.

Bayelsans at different fora have voiced their

rid Nigeria of ethnic and religious sentiments that have been militating against our wholehearted oneness as a nation and a people, now pandering towards that same ethnic sentiment to defend President Jonathan who hails from the same South south geo-political zone as the former Army officer. It is well known that Nyiam has a very soft spot for the president on account of this zonal kinship, nothing is wrong with that you may want to say.

But to allow that to becloud his sense of reasoning and duty to the nation is highly unfortunate.

If people abuse or insult the president in airing their views how is that his business and where is the offense there? If it is or was an offense to say uncomplimentary things about the president or any of our leaders then our jails would have been filled to the brim during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime. The former president was unarguably the most criticized and abused Nigerian leader in recent times, yet he took all on his chin. And where he felt so bad or annoyed he simply abused or insulted the other party in return and we all laughed over it.

Criminalizing insults on the president (Jonathan) as Nyiam’s outburst is suggesting would make Obasanjo a saint or in retrospect looked a tolerant person. But we all know he wasn’t.

Could Nyiam’s ethnic or regional sympathy for Jonathan account for his jettisoning of his earlier stoic support of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) as opposed to the ‘ordinary’ National Conference (oNC) that the president is proposing? If that was the case, it would only be disappointing to hear that, but he wouldn’t have done anything illegal. Everybody has the right to change his/ her mind anytime. After all, the committee chairman, Dr Okurounmu was once a staunch advocate of SNC as the only solution to Nigeria’s problems. He, like Nyiam, has now been converted to evangelizing for oNC. Hmmmmm, time will tell.

This is also a test for Okurounmu as a person and his committee. The signs of imminent failure are there already. The boycott of the regional forum to collate views in some regions by the A-list leaders in those areas has not only created a credibility problem for the committee’s report but also a window of opportunity for these leaders to lampoon Okurounmu and his group if the committee’s report fell short of public expectations or was tampered with by the president.

It would do Okurounmu and his committee a lot of good if the President is advised to allow a referendum on the report of the oNC as against passing the report over to the National Assembly. This will put all those ‘enemies of progress’ to shame.

appreciation on the return of law and order in their domain. They also have graciously given the current administration kudos for the effectiveness of the professionally executed Bayelsa Integrated Security Strategy (BISS).

By prioritizing the protection of lives and property as is expected of responsible governments, Governor Dickson has kept to his campaign promise to the people, who hitherto wallowed in fear, to return sanity to the state in order for development to thrive.

The whole lot of economic and business activities right now in the state is a pointer to the success of the security governance in Bayelsa State. The state has since become a construction site and there is more to come.

Dickson, as a former Police officer, lawyer, ex- Attorney -General of the state, understands the underlying nuances of combating crime.

Of course, there will be isolated cases of crime in the state as criminality and deviant behaviour is as old as man but the impact can never be really significant. Right now in Bayelsa with the fantastic infrastructure in place, comparable to that found in developed countries, reported crime and every action taken about it, is recorded. There is a good communication infrastructure for security agencies in the state along with a dispatch system that works.

Citizens who call distress centres get useful response within three minutes as teams are properly equipped to respond to security breaches in all parts of Yenagoa.

With Governor Dickson working assiduously to make Bayelsa a tourism and investment destination of note, there is no doubt that a proactive and responsive security apparatus will remain one of the pillars of the administration just as the generality of Bayelsans believe that their governor is worthy of the Security Watch Award for leading the most outstanding security outfit in West Africa.

• Iworiso-Markson writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

THE NATION TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2013

23

NEWS

‘Fed Govt mustn’t reopen varsities without ASUU’

L

AGOS lawyer Bamidele Aturu has advised the Federal Government against reopening the universities without reaching an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

He warned that any attempt to reopen the universities without any settlement with ASUU on the issues in dispute could result in stu-

By Adebisi Onanuga

dent’ unrest in the country.

Speaking with reporters in Lagos yesterday, the activist said the only solution to the impasse between the two parties is for the government to honour the agreement it had with the striking lecturers.

“Anything contrary to that will not only com-

Firm takes over Ibadan Power Distribution Company

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From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has been handed over to the Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company in Ibadan, the Oyo State capi-

tal.

The firm will handle distribution of electricity to consumers in Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and some parts of Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states.

Handing over the company to the firm in Ibadan at the weekend, Vice-President Namadi Sambo said the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Bureau of Public Enterprise would continue to monitor the operations of the 18 successor companies that took over the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Sambo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, said the Federal Government would sanction any erring core investor.

He said NERC was established to regulate the entry and operations of the private operators in terms of tariff and service delivery.

The Vice-Chairman, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company, Mr Babatunde Ayeni, said: “It is a big challenge that we cannot deny to ensure a more stable power supply, so we need to acquire the facilities to ensure this end.

“We have employed the MERALCO company from Philippine with 102 years of experience to manage our technical facilities.”

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun said power is synonymous with development.

He said with the privatisation of the power sector, Nigerians should expect a stable power supply within the two years.

T

Fed Govt to transform agric, says minister

HE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adeshina, has promised that the Federal Government will transform the agricultural sector to boost food production.

Adeshina spoke at the 2013 Agricultural Exhibition in Bagauda, Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State.

The minister, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Dr Leo Nyim, hoped that the Federal Government’s transformation agenda would not only enhance food production but also increase farmers’ income.

Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, would stimulate production of staple food.

Lagos hosts noodles festival

F

OR the first time in the country’s history, an Instant Noodles’ Festival will hold next month.

Dignitaries expected at the festival are Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives Prince Gbolahan Lawal, Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu; and the DirectorGeneral, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ostrich Entertainment Limited, Ibitayo Akindeji said: “Nigeria is the 12th biggest market of Instant Noodles in the world at present, and from only one manufacturer in the late 80s, noodles manufacturers have now risen to about 15 scattered in different parts of the country. This shows the tremendous growth and acceptance of the product in the country. It is in this light that a platform, such as the Nigeria Instant Noodles Festival is necessary and important for activities in this vital sector.”

Ibitayo said the festival would create a platform of assessment, evaluation, significance and celebration of “the incursion of Instant Noodles into our culinary culture in the country”.

Activities lined up for the festival are: lecture, exhibition, celebrity sampling, red carpet, documentary and dinner.

Ibitayo added: “The instant noodles festival is a creative innovation that should be supported by all stakeholders as it would only make the industry grow better and stronger.”

pound the problem but lead to protest by the already-frustrated students. Did the government close the universities before? The universities were not closed by them so why talk about re-opening them without ASUU. “I believe that it is just a joke intended to put pressure on ASUU to call off the strike. But honestly, I don’t think that is the right thing to do. Because in the first place, the Federal Government didn’t close the universities, ASUU only withdrew their services.

“If they open the universities without the lecturers, they will only create a basis for students’ unrest.

Technologists seek better allowance

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•Aturu

“This is because when the students go back to their respective schools and there are no activities, they will only take to the streets in protest and that will not augur well for the Federal Government and the nation.”

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

HE University of Ibadan branch of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has called on the authorities to release its share of the fund for earned allowance paid to the university by the Federal Government.

NAAT, in a statement yesterday, said the Federal Government has insisted that only deserving staff of the university system are entitled to the allowance in line with its agreement of each union.

It expressed surprise that an October 30 memo from the university showed that only N1,006, 000 would be paid to technologists.

“This is grossly below the least amount expected, even if a minimum period of 12 months for any two allowances has been considered. “ NAAT’s agreement was not strictly followed in the proposed payment by the university. We feel highly marginalised, short-changed and cheated, most probably for the benefit of other unions on the campus.”

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24 THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

INSIDE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

Page 25

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Minister urges security agencies to collaborate - Page 27

Nigerian, American comedians thrill residents - Page 28

Agony as bulldozers rumble through Kubwa I

Reaping from Jonathan’s pilgrimage - Page 40

T was a sight to behold last week in Kubwa. Rubble lay everywhere. People ran helterskelter. Bulldozers roared and structures came crashing down, rattling other structures.

From the popular Federal Housing Junction in Kubwa, PW, down to Gado Nasko Road, the wrath of the Federal Capital Territory Administration came down on the residents as if it was Judgment Day. The demolition team came with hardened hearts, blocked ears and grave looks. They pitied no one. The structures, they said, were illegal.

Landlords and residents desperate to save their structures got no attention from officials who turned deaf ears to their pleas.

Houses, shops, churches and mosques were not spared in the act which most people described as cruel.

The demolition squad was accompanied by law enforcement agents

From Nike Adebowale

to ensure that the buildings were brought down without obstruction from occupants.

This demolition in Kubwa is not the first and will definitely not be the last. This has led to the fear and confusion by many residents who

own properties as they wondered how properties bought or acquired from reliable agents or estate developers could be declared illegal.

Some of the structures demolished had the mark FCDA/DC/DEMO, the “X” sign and the date that it was marked for demolition.

Most of the residents affected blamed the officials for giving them

The demolition team came with hardened hearts, blocked ears and grave looks. They pitied no one. The structures, they said, were illegal

time not sufficient to seek alternative residence before commencing on the act as they claimed that some structures that were not marked were bulldozed and some were marked on the day of the demolition.

Most residents who called Kubwa home and invested by building on the once-dry land said they believed in the claims of the founding architects of Abuja that the town was going to be a land of unity for all Nigerians.

However, what replaced their homes and shops are rubbles and shattered dreams. Their sources of livelihood were destroyed in minutes by bulldozers.

One of the victims, Mr. Ezeh John who spoke to Abuja Review explained that his apartment was marked for demolition but he didn’t know the demolition will •Continued on Page 25

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

26

ABUJA REVIEW Agony as bulldozers rumble through Kubwa •Continued from Page 26 happen so soon.

He said: “Our government is cruel.

Imagine someone waking up in the morning only to find a bulldozer about to bring down his shelter.

They didn’t give us enough time to look for somewhere else to stay.”

Another resident whose shop was demolished with goods inside lamented that he didn’t have anywhere to go because the only roof he has over his head has been pulled down.

Pointing to the already-demolished structure, he said: “This is the place I sell movies to make ends meet and I also sleep here at night because I do not have enough money to rent an apartment. But now that the only shelter I have over my head has been destroyed, I feel our government has ruined my life as I have no relatives to go to from here.”

Amidst tears, another resident Nkiru Ezeh who is a stylist said: “I was already on my way to the market to get attachment and weavons for my customers when I received a call from my neighbour that my

C

HAIRMAN of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Chapter, Comrade Chuks Ehirim has urged that media to engender a deepened civil interface between members of the public and the police for enhanced security.

Ehirim said this at the award ceremony of the National Peace and Crime Free Nigeria Foundation (NPCFNF), where three FCT Police divisions were honoured for their response to distress calls and management of cases within their area.

The award for the police formations and some senior security officials took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abuja council secretariat.

The NUJ chairman said the relationship between members of the public and the police is characterised with mutual suspicion and therefore called for more confidence between members of the public and the police for better management of security matters.

Speaking through the Council

•One of the demolished structures apartment was about to be demolished only to get back to see my shop destroyed.”

Recently, residents of about 16 flats in PhilKruz Estate situated on plot 14, opposite Civil Defence Quarters,

Kubwa Annex, Bwari FCT Abuja, were thrown out of their residents without any prior notice to quit.

Occupants were seen assembling their scattered goods and, at the same time, rushing to get their properties out of the estate. Lorries and

cars were carrying properties belonging to occupants of the estate out to unknown destinations.

Why is it always Kubwa, some have asked? When it comes to building and structures in the FCT, one cannot be so sure as to which is re-

‘Media should enhance public-police relations’ From Gbenga Omokhunu

Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche who represented him at the ceremony, the NUJ chairman said the threat presently affecting the peace of the nation particularly in northern part needs the cooperation of all.

According to him, the media is saddled with the responsibility of building a harmonious relationship between the Police and the public as it relates to journalists.

He emphasised that the reports and commentaries written by the media go a long way to decide the political and socio-economic atmosphere of the nation at any given time.

His words: “Fundamentally for embarking on a programme that will bring about synergy between the civilian populace and the police, a relationship that has been

one of mutual suspicion, I think the time has come for us to bridge the gap and work together especially as we are faced with serious threat to our corporate existence by fundamentalists, militants and by whatever name they go by.

“The media equally has a critical role to play in streamlining the relationships that exists between the the various segment of society as it stands with security forces and the population at large, because the reports we make and commentaries that we write go a long way in determining the sort of relationships that will exist in this country. I think the media has fared well in interrogating processes of whether the policemen are being paid well or doing their jobs properly or not. “”I think much interaction will help in bridging this gap and in enhancing and sustaining that relationship.”

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. James Odaudu, Assistant Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ministry of Police Affairs, said the police work under various degree of pressure.

He said the men and women of the force deserve the understanding and commendation of the public especially award such as the one bestowed on some divisions in the FCT because their performance in relation to their limitations He said civilians, corporate bodies and the media should think more of a synergy that would engender development for the country.

Three police divisions (Utako, Life camp and Gwagwa) were honoured for their prompt response to distress calls and quick disposal of cases within their jurisdiction.

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Good environmental sanitation habits and simple personal hygiene practices can help reduce cholera to the barest minimum PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

According to the founder of the National Peace and Crime Free Nigeria Foundation, Elder Chris DNK, Richards and winner of the M.D. Abubakar Crime reporter of the year, the occasion was to recognise the worth of an institution that is greatly misunderstood.

Richards said the Nigeria Police is faced with myriads of challenges and yet to maintain relative peace within it’s defined civil population but the activities of some unscrupulous members has continued to “dim her noble efforts which called for this award.”

He said Nigerians should learn to appreciate the role of the policeman and the institution he represents and help them to continue to call on the government to improve on their welfare and operations needs for effective policing of the country.

Abuja residents urged to ensure good hygiene ESIDENTS of Abuja and its environs have been urged to ensure proper hygiene so as not to be infected by Cholera.

The Secretary FCT Health & Human Services Secretariat Dr. Demola Onakomaiya said in Abuja the recent outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country has attracted the attention of the FCT Administration.

He pointed out that good envi-

•Some creative way to transport

ally sitting on the right location.

Residents have accused officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) of being agents of destruction because of their penchant for unannounced destruction of structures.

From Bukola Amusan

ronmental sanitation habits and simple personal hygiene practices can help reduce incidence of cholera to the barest minimum.

According to the secretary, cholera is transmitted to human by drinking water contaminated by bacteria which effects the small intestine and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.

He further stated that most victims of cholera have limited chances of survival when there is loss of electrolyte due to frequent or excessive passage of watery stool and severe vomiting.

Dr. Demola advised the residents of the FCT to always keep their environments clean at all times, avoid the consumption of dirty water, contaminated food and other items, which is a certified way to prevent the disease.

He further advised them to report any suspected case to the nearest FCT hospital as the hospitals are fully equipped and capable of handling any reported case of cholera that may occur in the territory.

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

27

ABUJA REVIEW

Minister urges security agencies to collaborate

M

INISTER of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has urged security agencies to pull resources together in order to better contain threats.

The minister made this call while declaring open the Federal and states security administrators’ meeting in Abuja.

Senator Mohammed insisted that such collaboration and cooperation would go a long way in tackling the current wave of security challenges ranging from terrorism and armed robbery to kidnapping.

He impressed it on the delegates at the meeting to be patriotic and courageous in implementing the recommendations and outcome of the meeting to holistically fight all facets of crime and criminality.

The minister, who was represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Security, Colonel Abdullahi Kudu, commended the forum for meeting in Abuja; describing the choice of the Federal Capital Territory as very strategic to national development.

He said that in order to improve the security in and around the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Administration

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

has envisioned the need to put in place a joint security initiative of the FCT and contiguous states known as G7.

Senator Mohammed remarked that the idea is to have an inter-state collaborative network for the harmonisation of security strategies, exchange of information/technology and organised trailing of criminals and other syndicates.

According to him, the achievement of this contiguous security network in reducing the criminal activities within the G7 zone is worthy of note.

He stated that the FCT Administration has been provid-

ing consistent logistic support to the security agencies in the FCT as well as lending support in emergency situation when the need arises.

The minister recalled that the FCT Administration, last year, provided 114 operational vehicles to various security agencies in the territory, fitted with the latest communication and security gadgets necessary to combat crimes.

He assured that his administration would continue to put every necessary measure in place for the security of the FCT residents and visitors as well as their properties.

He commended the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan

In order to improve the security in and around the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Administration has envisioned the need to set up a joint security outfit known as G7

for lending support to the Federal Capital Territory Administration in the fight against terrorism and all sorts of criminality in the FCT. The minister also commended the security agencies in the FCT for the relative peace in territory.

Also speaking at the occasion, the FCT Director of Security Services, Malam Bashir Muhammad welcomed the participants to the meeting and emphasised that the uniqueness of the present security challenges in the country makes the role of federal and states security administrators’ meeting as a repository of intelligence information.

The Director noted that Senator Mohammed has been alive to the responsibility of maintaining peace and tranquillity in and around the 8,000 square kilometres of the Federal Capital Territory.

He commended the minister for his efforts in opening up new districts thereby accelerating the provision of infrastructure to the existing ones with a view to decongesting the 250 square kilometres of the Federal Capital City, Abuja to further ease security administration.

•Senator Mohammed

The chairman of the forum who is also the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, Mr. Esther Gonda lamented that ‘ember months’ every year come with extra security challenges, even as he charged the forum to find ways of making kidnapping and other sundry crimes unattractive as well as unprofitable.

She called for consistent and aggressive enlightenment campaign to make Nigerians have a change of attitude towards the get-rich quick syndrome.

Kwali agog for conference of Nigerian students

E

•From left: Representative of the Minister of Finance, Alhaji Kalli Zaji; Chairman, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Dr Hassan Adamu and Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, at the NDIC brand launch in Abuja.

Fear of cholera epidemic grips community

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ESIDENTS of Garki village are afraid they might soon have a cholera epidemic on their hands because sewage is spilling into the streets from broken channels.

Investigation revealed that officials of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in charge of monitoring hardly visit the community, leaving most residents to rely on local plumbers to repair broken sewage.

A resident of Garki village, Mr. Laid Olamipo who spoke with Abuja Review said that the area may experience outbreak of cholera in matter of days following the negligence by AEPB. His words: “We have been experiencing acute littering of rubbish water coming from most broken sewages and environmental officials who are supposed to carry out their duty by evacuating the filled sewage are nowhere to be found and

Stories by Gbenga Omokhunu

entrance of the Enugu Street has been polluted.

“We have been abandoned to face the consequences which may be disastrous if no urgent action is taken. How can we have people in charge and things are going bad this way. We are not safe with the situation.”

A visit to the area shows that both defecation and toilet water flow freely around the streets as some roadside traders still ply their trade even as a roadside local restaurant boom in the area.

Another resident, who pleaded anonymity because of security reasons expressed fear of possible outbreak of water-borne disease in the community, even as he lamented that most residents in such area may be infected by diseases.

A source said: “The concern of

women in this community is to prevent imminent outbreak of waterborne disease. I call on the FCT Minister to set up a committee to checkmate the activities of the AEPB contractors.”

In his reaction, Head Information and Outreach Programme of the AEPB, Mr. Joe Ukairo who described Garki Village as an unplanned settlement in the midst of city centre, added that “it is against best practices the world over. They must be relocated for sanity to be sustained.

“The existence of a village which is an unplanned settlement in the midst of city centre is against best practices world over. They must be relocated for sanity to be sustained.

“Garki Village is an aberration! It ought not to be there still. We are trying our best to help in any way possible. No access road, no infrastructure for the high-tech equipment and services AEPB renders,” he said.

CONOMIC and social activities aer on the upswing in Kwali, headquarters of Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the community gets ready to host over 10,000 students.

The students are billed to attend the 2013 edition of the triennial conference of the Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES).

The International Conference Centre of the group also known as ‘NIFES Land of Promise’ is located in Kwali and as preparation for the conference hots up coupled with the on-going construction work on the site, the community wears a new look.

When Leadership visited the conference site, locals engaged in the putting things in order were seen at work. Food vendors who have indicated interest in catching on the conference to do brisk business were seen awaiting the attention of the conference organizers. Boreholes have been provided, roads rehabilitated and electricity provided to serve not only the conference venue but to light up the nearby households.

Indeed the conference is believed to be one of the largest public gatherings ever to take place in the community.

National Director of NIFES, Mr. Bala Usman said apart from impacting the community positively, the conference will address issues relating to national rebirth and transformation.

He said NIFES considers the youth and students as the future of any nation and its economy.

Usman who unveiled the agenda of the upcoming event said the conference was being put together to give the Nigerian youths, strong moral foundation of character, values and knowledge required for the transformation and rebirth of the country.

According to him, “the role of the youths and students in nation-building, national development and global transformation is very critical and cannot be over emphasized. The youths occupy a central place in the strategic agenda of any nation that is conscious of its growth, prosperity

and future.”

He stated that the energy and vibrancy of students and youths, if nurtured and properly harnessed could bring enormous gain and positive impacts to the nation.

“It is in this light that we in NIFES consider the duty of building and nurturing our students and youths especially in the tertiary institutions in Nigeria , to be fit and capable of living successfully, a priority.”

He said NIFES has been silently and resiliently working with the students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, responding to the cry of the nation for men and women worthy to be ‘Ambassadors for the Nation’ and to take her to the promise Land.

Since 1968, the Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES), a Faith based indigenous organization and student ministry has been in the fore front of raising capable, credible, well trained and trusted leaders for the Nigerian society and the global community. NIFES presently works in 323 campuses in Nigeria with over 30,000 students.

To achieve its vision, once every three years, the group organizes Missions’ Conference tagged WITNESS. WITNESS 2013 is therefore, NIFES’ 27th National Conference and the 8th National Missions Conference aimed at enhancing greater understanding of the multi-dimensional perspectives for global mission’s involvement and kingdom work with God while bettering the cause of nationhood.

This edition of the conference with the Theme: ‘The Ambassadors’ scheduled to hold at the NIFES Conference Centre, Kwali Abuja, is packaged to bring over 10,000 students and youths across Nigeria together, to be equipped and empowered for the huge task of nation building and national development, kingdom growth and development, and global engagement for the 21st century.

The conference is aimed to among other things rebrand the youths to fear, seek and put God first in everything they do rather than seek personal gratification as well as raise youths and students who are willing to stand for one Nigeria because of their unity in Jesus Christ.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

ABUJA REVIEW

T

HE Redeemed Christian Church of God Abuja has said Nigeria is still crawling after 53 years of independence because it is yet to perfect its grace.

The statement was made by Pastor Akinyemi Bolaji at the seventh anniversary of the Redeemed Christian Church, Green Parish Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Province 3 Nyanya District Abuja. The theme of the anniversary was: Perfecting Grace for Breakthrough.

Pastor Akinremi Bolaji, the Assistant Pastor-in-charge, reaffirmed that Nigeria had been independent for 53 years now but everyone is crying that the country is still crawling. He said God blessed Nigeria with a high amount of mineral and human resources which represent grace,but that Nigerians

‘Why Nigeria still crawls at 53’ From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

would have to trade in holiness to perfect the grace for breakthrough.

He insisted that what we really need is perfection of the grace because we already have all the resources and a prayerful population. But, if we pray without holiness, we will not have breakthrough.

Bolaji said: “God has done so much for Nigeria. She needs to perfect its grace. We have a high amount of mineral and human resources which represents grace. What we need to think as Nigerians is what we can do to bring out that grace.

Our role and duties are in

God has done so much for Nigeria. She needs to perfect its grace. We have a high amount of mineral and human resources which represents grace. What we need to think as Nigerians is what we can do to bring out that grace

bringing out the best in what God has given us because when you make the best out of what God has given you, what comes out of it is breakthrough.

“That is why we say perfect the grace for breakthrough. If you have the grace and do not

perfect it, there may not be breakthrough. You need to develop whatever God has given you; you have a role to play for whatever God had given you for that thing to fulfill its purpose.’’

Pastor Akinwunmi Adebayo, the guest speaker at the anni-

Foundation empowers ex-Corps members

T

HE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Foundation has empowered 51 ex-corps members with a soft loan of N400,000 each to enable them start their businesses.

Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries in Abuja, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the foundation, Mr Remi Olowude, said he hopes that the loan being disbursed will be the beginning of a positive change in the lives of the beneficiaries.

He said a minimal interest rate of five per cent per annum will be charged on the loan to cover a three-month moratorium on the principal repayments.

Represented by a board member, Major General Samson Dule, Olowude said the loan disburse-

From Bukola Amusan

ment is aimed at supporting the Federal Government to restore the lost glory of the NYSC scheme.

He said: “This is the sixth time since 2007 that the foundation is issuing cheques to ex-corps members whose business proposals qualified for the N400,000 soft loan under the entrepreneurship scheme to transform former corps members from being job seekers to being self employed.

“The ultimate goal is to encourage ex-corps members to acquire skills that will empower them to become not just self employed but also employers of labour”he added Olowude stressed that the foun-

Nigerian, American comedians thrill residents

dation is irrevocably committed to giving the youth a new lease of life particularly during and after the service year.

He added that all that benefitted from the loan facility had scaled through a rigorous selection process in which hundreds of applications were painstakingly screened against transparent investment criteria.

Olowude urged all those whose requests fell short of the hurdle not to despair as there are other opportunities to apply the skills learnt from the programme.

He, however, urged the beneficiaries to use the loan judiciously for the purpose intended as their business/project s will be closely monitored by the foundation’s secretariat.

I have never had a show like this for a very, very long while. When I got the invite, I was a bit skeptical because of the last musical show put up by Glo; the crowd was also huge but nothing to compare with this

I

T was a show like no other as Nigerian stand-up comedians and their American counterparts dug deep to outwit each other in order to impress the fun-loving Abuja residents with rib-cracking jokes at the prestigious Thisday Dome.

The show, put together by telecommunications giants, Glo to appreciate the residents of the Federal Capital Territory soothed the parched desires of the residents who seemed to have been starved of fun as they turned out in their numbers.

A proof of how successful the show was could be seen on the road leading to the Dome, as access to the dual-carriage way was nonexistent with cars parked everywhere, on the road, sidewalk and every available space around the Dome. Encouraged by the turnout, the organisers wasted no time as the show surprisingly commenced at about 6:30 p.m. Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt was blasting off with Basket Mouth anchoring. The entire space of the Dome was taken up; even the gallery was not spared.

There was no dull moment till the first musical act. Omawunmi, in a tight-fitting jacket and bum shorts kicked off the show with her smartly-dressed dancers. With scintillating dance steps, Omawunmi and her live band reeled off hits after hits from her latest and past works to the delight of the crowd.

The highlight of her performance was the coming on stage of a little angel who mesmerised the crowd with her own dance steps.

She shared the brief spotlight with Omawunmi and was appreciated by the crowd and the organisers.

Basket Mouth almost irritated the cosmopolitan Abuja crowd with his constant reminders that the American comedians should be encouraged with applause and faked laughter even if they don’t

versary, urged the church to remember that we are all sojourners in this world and everything is temporary. He pleaded with them to give willingly to everyone in need because it will not go out empty but returns to them in a multiple fold. But whoever keeps to himself, will remain stagnant.

He said: “Giving is living. The more you give, the more God blesses you.”

•Omawunmi and the little angel, with Basket Mouth From Dele Anofi

understand what the Americans were saying.

“I wan make una shout well well when I call our Naija comedians. I wan make those oyinbo comedians fear. Make una no fall my hand o.

Even if you no understand wetin them dey talk, just laugh and clap well

well,” he would say prior to the entrance of any of the American comedians.

He was hugely disappointed because the crowd understood the Americans and they were well appreciated for their efforts.

Akpororo was the first to mount the stage with his weird dance. He gave a dose of what to expect for that night. Next was Gordons whose entrance was greeted with

reverberating welcome of Haleluya.

By the time the American actors came on, the crowd was restless.

From Tony Roberts who was awed by his experience on Lagos okada where he was sandwiched between the rider and two other passengers to Donovan Jordan, Deray Davies, Robert Powell to South African Tomi John and Salvador from Uganda, it was a hilarious time for

the residents.

In between, rapper M. I. showed he was at home and brought down the roof and when Wande Coal came on stage, he turned the key upside down. The crowd went wild when he jumped into their midst.

I Go Save, Buchi in his make-believe bomb bag as well as Funny Bone and Bovi left the crowd asking for more before the show was rounded off by the duo of P-Square about some minutes to midnight.

“I have never had a show like this for a very, very long while. When I got the invite, I was a bit skeptical because of the last musical show put up by Glo; the crowd was also huge but nothing to compare with this.”

Hausa Hassan expressed her delight about the show to Abuja Review saying: ”I can only appreciate this telecommunication company for giving us this wonderful time in Abuja. It’s like it should just not end. Though our Nigerian brothers are awesome, those foreign comedians are equally good; all of them, including the ones from Uganda and South Africa. We thoroughly enjoyed their jokes.”

Basket Mouth was forced to appreciate the Abuja crowd, saying it was the first show he witnessed that the crowd stayed till the end and not passively too. The organisers also told Abuja Review that it was rewarding that the show was so appreciated by the residents.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

’

Law enforcement agencies should also be made to know that they owe it a duty to ensure that victims of domestic violence get justice rather than taunt them. The government should ensure counselling centres as provided in the law are set up in every local government so that people can run to the centres and get succour

’

See page 30

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

INSIDE:

A book launch and a valedictory court session were held last ‘My fears week to mark the retirement of about national Justice Isa Ayo Salami as Presiconference’ dent of the Court of Appeal (PCA) on October 15. The events became a platform to celebrate the jurist, who many described in glowing terms. ERIC IKHILAE reports.

-Page 31

Fashola, Wali for conference

-Page 32

Rape and arrogance of law

-Page 33

How to tackle human trafficking, by experts

-Page 34

Lawyers disagree on national dialogue -Page 36

‘Why Fed Govt can’t legislate on hotels, restaurants’ -Page 37

Glorious exit of the judge who stood firm T HE story of the career of Justice Isa Ayo Salami, former President of the Court of Appeal (PCA),will make a thriller. With masterful directing, such a movie or book will break all sales records. It is a story of intrigues, betrayal by friends, victimisation and praises on his exit from office.

Justice Salami was abandoned by his colleagues when he needed them most, and those who should have stood by him sold out to the executive when he needed support.

Two events held in Abuja last week showed that he was shabbily treated. His traducers admitted that he was a victim of injustice in the temple of justice.

Justice Salami, who presided over proceedings at a valedictory court session in his honour, bore no grudges against anyone. He merely made his feelings known as he moved freely, shaking hands with his brother justices, judges and senior lawyers at the event.

His vindication manifested in the testimonies of speakers at the session and an event held the previous day in his honour. The speakers noted that the honoree could not do evil.

President Goodluck Jonathan, acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), suspended Justice Salami in August 2011. His suspension followed his disagreement with then Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Aloysius Katsina-Alu. Said to be acting on the advice of AttorneyGeneral of the Federation Mohammed Adoke (SAN), Jonathan allegedly ignored the NJC’s subsequent recommendation that Justice Salami be recalled. The matter was not resolved until the jurist retired on October 15 after attaining the mandatory age of 70.

At the valedictory session on October 31, Justice Salami returned to his seat as PCA, but in retirement. Dressed in ceremonial costume like his six brother justices, with the Acting PCA Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa on his right, Justice Salami sat quietly as he relished the encomiums showered on him by speakers.

Justice Bulkachuwa praised the leadership qualities of Justice Salami while in office. She acknowledged his commitment to service and aversion to injustice, indolence and dishonesty.

She said Justice Salami “had a distinguished and admirable career in the legal profession and left behind a rich legacy of great achievements and indelible prints in the sand of time”.

“Selfless service to humanity, hardwork and strict discipline are the hallmark of this unassuming and listening gentleman and an illustrious son of this country. My lord was a renowned jurist, down to earth, a consummate thinker, a forthright Nigerian, blunt, constant and straight forward.

“He has shown these in his writings and judgments. He has greatly contributed to the

•Justice Salami at the valedictory session

growth and development of law and jurisprudence in this country,” Justice Bulkachuwa said.

Other speakers at the event witnessed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar and former CJN Justice Muhammadu Uwais expressed similar sentiments about Justice Salami.

Although Adoke was absent and sent no representative, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, attended the ceremony. Justice Auta headed a sub-committee of the NJC that recommended, among others, that Justice Salami should apologise to Justice Katsina-Alu and the NJC. Justice Salami ignored the recommendation because earlier committees of the NJC headed by more senior judges did not find him guilty of any wrong doing. Following his refusal to apologise, the NJC, at a meeting presided over by the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Moses Bello, recommended that Jonathan should suspend Justice Salami.

President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr Okey Wali (SAN) described Justice Salami as a courageous, thorough and methodical judicial officer.

Wali, who was represented by Mr Sunday Ameh (SAN), urged the Bar and Bench to reject

attempts to compromise the judiciary.

Speaking at the valedictory service and the book launch held on October 30, Justice Salami relived what he went through in the hands of “colleagues and friends,” who compromised when it mattered most.

Justice Salami told the story of how an institution established to ensure justice, sold out and elected to roast one of its own.

He spoke of how, having overcome human betrayals, he has no regrets for his decision to resist the temptation to pervert justice.

“The NJC created by the Constitution to protect me, nay any judicial officer, was at the vanguard of my travails. The NJC failed in its duties and thereby surrendered its functions to the executive arm of government thus, ingratiating itself to the executive “For instance, the NJC having cleared me of any wrongdoing, following the recommendations of Justice Aloma Mukhtar’s committee, ought to have recalled me to office without asking the president to exercise the power that he does not possess, on the flimsy excuse that it had earlier referred the matter to him.

“In truth, as a matter of courtesy, all it • Continued on page 30

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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LAW COVER CONT’D

Glorious exit of the judge who stood firm •Continued from page 29

needed to do was to write the president that in view of its recent decision, this matter was now outside his purview. After so informing him, the NJC would be free to take the necessary step to implement its decision.

“The position in which NJC has found itself is similar to that of the proverbial cock that betrayed itself to the fox that what was on his head was not fire and encouraged the fox to touch it.

“The fox, having satisfied itself that truly it was not fire, has since been hunting cocks to make menu of them.

“I have no regrets whatsoever over all that I did, having acted according to the dictate of my conscience and in the fear of Almighty God. I swore to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to do justice to all manner of people without fear or favour; God has helped me so to do.”

He went on:“God helped me to overcome the travails of the last three years and I am grateful to Him and all those who have stood by me. However, it is not only about me, but about other innocent judges who may feel threatened and intimidated about upholding justice as a result of my maltreatment,” he said.

Justice Salami urged serving judges to adhere strictly to their oaths of office, warning that a departure from such “desecrates the temple of justice and brings untold hardship to the common man.”

The previous day, at the launch of the book - Isa Ayo Salami: Through life and justice written in Justice Salami’s honour, Justice Uwais stressed the innocence of the honoree.

The NJC, he said, acted unfairly in the manner it handled Justice Salami’s suspension.

He lamented that a body peopled by eminent and experienced minds could act in the manner the NJC treated Justice Salami. Justice Uwais said the suspension remained the longest in the judiciary’s history.

“None of the committees found Justice Salami guilty of any infraction, but the NJC, in considering the report of the last committee set up by it, directed that Justice Salami should

•Justice Mukhtar

•Justice Uwais

•Cross section of SANs at the event.

tender an apology to the then CJN within seven days. This Justice Salami refused to do, since he was not found guilty of any misconduct.

“Without the NJC asking him to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for disobeying its directive, Justice Salami was served with a letter suspending him from office, pending his removal from office by the president, as recommended by the NJC.” Citing the provision of Section 153(2) of the Constitution, Justice Uwais argued that it was not within the powers of the president to discipline any judicial officer, suspension inclusive.

“It follows that Justice Isa Ayo

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Salami has been unfairly treated by the NJC. It is disturbing, to say the least, that the NJC, whose membership consists of eminent and experienced judges and lawyers, should act in the manner they treated Justice Salami,” Justice Uwais said.

The atmosphere became electric when former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari led leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu into the hall.

Tiinubu praised Justice Salami’s courage in upholding justice in an era when it was sold to the highest bidder; a season when the craze for filthy lucre was the vogue.

“Thank you, Justice Salami for

SAN seeks quick hearing of petitions by lawmakers

S

PEEDY determination of public petitions before the Public Petitions Committees of the National will help to promote the cause of democracy and rule of law, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mrs Funke Adekoya has said.

However, matters which are pending in courts or before administrative panels are not among those the committees can treat, she said.

Addressing a strategic retreat session of the Senate and House of Representatives committees on public petitions in Lagos, Adekoya said they also should not dabble into matters which citizens have agreed to resolve by arbitration.

The lawyer, who is the immediate past Chair of the Nigerian

•Justice Auta

Atuche: Court admits board resolutions of three firms

A

By Joseph Jibueze

Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), said committees’ jurisdiction does not extend to “situations in which parties have already taken the matter to court for determination or where an action has been taken on the matter by an administrative panel”.

She noted that most petitioners approach the National Assembly because they feel that they will not obtain redress in the courts or due to the slow or expensive process of litigation.

Adekoya advised the committees to adopt ADR techniques in resolving the petitions, as they are usually written before redress is sought in the courts or administrative panels.

“Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a cheaper and a viable

teaching us courage; for teaching us perseverance and for enhancing the value of character in human beings in all professions. We can only thank you because, in the ocean of corruption, you have shown us a great path in courage. When in frustration, you rejected lamentation and intimidation.

Governor Abdulazeez Yari of Zamfara State warned of the consequences of the growing culture of impunity, abuse of power and injustice in the country.

“We should stand up for justice whenever injustice is being meted out to anybody,” he said.

The governor said it was unhelpful to the growth of democ-

racy if the people failed to challenge injustice.

A former Attorney-General of the Federation Abdullahi Ibrahim (SAN) argued that Justice Salami was unduly maligned. He said all the allegations against him were not true.

Ibrahim, who has known Justice Salami for long, said the jurist was incapable of committing all the atrocities that his name was wrongly associated with.

“We have known him from his youth in the profession. He is a humble gentleman by any standard of the word. He is an intelligent human being, and above all, a man of integrity.”

Pioneer PCA Justice Mamman Nasir expressed delight at the large turnout of judges and lawyers at the event.

He said the development demonstrated a united judiciary that is intact despite attempts to cause disaffection among its members.

The spacious venue was filled to capacity with dignitaries.

The book reviewer, Prof Ademola Popoola of the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, who said the book, a compilation of Justice Salami’s unreported judgments, was not an attempt to write the honoree’s biography, described the jurist as an individual who believes in due process.

Popoola recalled that Justice Salami rejected an attempt to make him the Chief Judge of Kwara State in 1984.

“He would have become the CJ of Kwara State in 1984 without asking for it. He refused and insisted that due process must be followed,” Popoola said.

He urged Justice Salami to give an account of what led to his suspension, saying: “People will listen.”

Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), while reading Justice Salami’s citation, noted that his suspension was not the first time he would be penalised for standing for the truth.

He recalled that Justice Salami was suspended in his final year at Offa Grammar School in Kwara State for mobilising students to protest against some unpopular decisions of the school’s management.

He described Justice Salami as a courageous man, “who dared to run where others feared to tread”.

•Funke Adekoya

option for resolving disputes due to the speed at which decisions are made,” she said.

Reviewing the recent Senate decision advising the disengaged staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to approach the courts for redress, the lawyer said the impasse would have been more speedily resolved through conciliation and mediation.

N Ikeja High Court, Lagos presided by Justice Lateefat Okunnu has admitted board resolutions of three companies as exhibits in the ongoing trial of the former Managing Director of defunct Bank PHB, Francis Atuche and two others over alleged stealing.

The firms, namely, Futureview Financial Services Ltd, Tradjeck Ltd and Extra Oil Ltd were fingered in the deal that resulted to the arraignment.

Justice Okunnu had at the last adjourned date given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a week to produce the documents.

Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), who led the defence team, had told the court that the documents were relevant to the charge as they related to a N10.9 billion credit

By Adebisi Onanuga

Atuche allegedly granted the firms without their knowledge.

He had informed the court that the original copies of the said documents were in the custody of the EFCC. The order for the EFCC to produce the documents followed the anti-graft agency’s inability to comply with a subpoena order of October 2 issued on the EFCC to produce the documents before the court on November 1.

But at the continuation of the trial, an EFCC’s operative, Mr Boniface Uzoechi, an Assistant Supritendent of Police tendered the documents before the court.

They were subsequently admitted as exhibits by the trial judge and marked Exhibits D93-D95.

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

31

LAW PERSONALITY The National Dialogue Advisory Committee has started its work, but doubts remain on the need for such a conference. Constitutional lawyer Jiti Ogunye, in this interview with ADEBISI ONANUGA, speaks on the Senator Femi Okurounmu-led panel, devolution of judicial powers and sundry issues affecting the judiciary. Excerpts:

‘My fears about national conference’ W

HAT do you think of the Committee on National Dialogue set up by President Goodluck Jonathan?

Well, the President has selected some persons to advise him. Whatever advice the members will give the President, let it be known that Nigerians shall not take another deception in the name of national dialogue again. I am convinced that President Jonathan and Senate President David Mark, would not be rooting for a conference now, if the country is normal.

The President is on a very tight political rope right. PDP is unravelling. APC is looking more and more as a political alternative. Northern governors are rebelling. Rotimi Amaechi is threatening the president’s political ethnic base.

So, the President has looked at 2015 and there is uncertainty on the horizon.

Given all these that you have said, do you suspect a contrary thing happening in the polity aside from the dialogue?

I suspect that the genuine desire of our people for a conference that will put a stop to all these blood letting, banditry and robbery in governance is being exploited again. Do not forget Military President Ibrahim Babangida had a national debate or dialogue in 1986, upon taking over power in a military coup. That dubious talk was on whether or not Nigeria should take the IMF/World Bank loan, which he later took anyway. Then, there was the political debate which led to the Cookey Report, and the two party system: SDP and NRC. General Sanni Abacha had his own constitutional conference, which led to the five parties that eventually endorsed him to transmute into a civilian president. President Obasanjo also had his own political conference, the outcome of which was vitiated by the third time virus. So, we have been having these conferences. As a matter of fact what successive administrations in this country, military or civilians have been doing is to counterfeit the idea of a genuine sovereign national conference(SNC) that the people who love this country have been advocating for since 1989.

What do you mean by genuine national conference and who are these people you are talking about?

They are those in the National Consultative Forum (NCF), led by eminent persons, including the late Mr Alao Aka Bashoru. They were the ones that sought to hold a preliminary national conference at the National Theatre in Lagos in 1989 but General Ibrahim Babangida sealed off the venue. Since then, activists of the socialist persuasion and liberals have been agitating for an SNC. The Campaign for Democracy that followed the NCF, and which was led

by Bashorun, and later Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti championed the call, as well as Joint Action Committee on Nigeria ( JACON), led by the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

Is what we are having now different from the original conception of the SNC? The original conception was that it was going to be a conference of interest groups, including labour, professional and religious bodies and states of the Federation. Later, Chief Anthony Enahoro’s Movement for National Reformation (MNR) started agitating that it should be a conference of ethnic nationalities, which is now the popular view. What successive governments have been doing is to hijack this noble idea, counterfeit and rubbish it. Of course, we need an SNC. Nigeria is at a crossroad. From all parameters of development, Nigeria is becoming an experiment in failure: education, health, infrastructure, technological advancement, security, safety, governance. Everything is a shambles. Poverty, crime, corruption, despondency are killing us. We are in a state of war in the North East. Nigeria is now said to have the highest rate of kidnapping in the world and the bad news is that kidnapping will not go away. Why? Because since the advent of the Robbery and Firearms Decree, after the Civil War in 1970, Since the era of Oyenusi and Bar Beach Firing Squad show, through the Lawrence Anini and Monday Osunbor era, armed robbery has not gone away. It has escalated. The state has lost direction. So, we need

this SNC badly. We have not much time left.

But we do not need another deception. Regardless of the motive of the President, let the people of this country insist on a conference, whose outcome will be a people-made, process-led draft constitution that will be adopted by the people in a referendum. The outcome must not be subject to the review or amendment of the President or National Assembly. If the plan is to have a conference whose outcome will be subject to the dictate of the President, and National Assembly, then perish the thought. The conference will be dead on arrival. That is my fear.

In all of this, where do you place the judiciary?

Of course. The Judiciary is a branch of the government, at the central and state levels. The Executive and Legislative Branches are parts of the problem. How then do we expect the Judiciary not to be part of the problem. The Judiciary is not an island of virtue in an ocean of vice. However, it is fair to say that the Judiciary is the best of the three “evils”. It is the least corrupt of the “troika”. It has been self-cleansing. There have been purges of judges, lawyers are being sanctioned for acts of professional misconduct. Unlike the Executive Branch and Legislative Branches in which corruption is celebrated and glorified.

What is your assessment of the various reforms being carried out by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) since assumption of office?

These reforms are good. Automating and computerising our judicial processes and mechanisms is good. Leading by personal example, as the CJN promised, when she took the oath of office is good. Punishing corruption is excellent. But these are not enough. The CJN should lead the campaign for the devolution of judicial powers that are unitarily concentrated at the “federal” level.

Can you please expatiate on this?

Advocates of devolution of powers and true federalism have been concentrating only on legislative and executive powers, without mentioning judicial powers. They talk about a bloated exclusive legislative list. They talk about VAT . They talk about state police. But they do not talk about the oddity of one Supreme Court of Nigeria, comprising 21Justices servicing the legal needs of a population of 170 million Nigerians. A court to which all appeals, civil or criminal, all over the country flow, apart from cases that are filed by the state governments and Federal Government under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in Section 232 of the Constitution. And there is no separate Constitutional Court to deal specifically with constitutional disputes among the governments. If we are truly federal, why can’t every state or region or zone in the country have their courts of appeals and Supreme Court, existing side by side with a Federal Court of Appeal and Federal Supreme Court? So, beyond the operational reforms, we need a structural reforms in the judiciary.

So, what kind of structural reform would you suggest for the judiciary?

Just as the military restructured the legislative and executive arms of government it its own image, the military also tinkered with the Judiciary. We need to undo, what the military did. I am not so happy that the CJN could not use the force of his office and the strength of the NJC to resolve the Justice Isa Ayo Salami issue.

It will go down in history as a failure. The NJC recalled a President of the Court of Appeal that was unjustly put on suspension, and President Jonathan disregarded the NJC and the Judiciary did nothing.

Do you agree with the views expressed by Mr. President recently that corruption is not Nigeria’s number one problem?

I listened to Mr. President and I felt sorry for

•Ogunye him, Nigeria and myself. The President was trivialising a serious national problem, our number one problem. He was even blaming Nigerians that we blew incidences of corruption out of proportion. He said if we go to a child naming ceremony or funeral or birthday, corruption is the usual theme of discussion and that by over-discussing it, we have created the perception that Nigeria is very corrupt. He even alluded to the Corruption Perception Index to argue that corruption in Nigeria is not our biggest headache. That it is not a reality but a perception. He referenced Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda chief, to suggest that the charge of pervasive corruption in Nigeria has been so repeated that it is now assuming the picture of truth. Mr. President is wrong. He seems not to have a sense of history. Major Kaduna Nzeogwu in his coup speech in 1966 said that “our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places that seek bribes and demand 10 per cent; those that seek to keep the country divided permanently so that they can remain in office as ministers or VIPs at the least, the ‘tribalists’ the ‘nepotists’, those that make the Country look big for nothing before international circles, those that have corrupted our society and put the Nigerian political calendar back by their words and deeds” That was forty seven years ago. Successive military administrations, including the Buhari regime said they came to fight corruption. Do we need to mention the years of the locust under IBB and Abacha? And when Obasanjo took over, in his maiden address, he said there would be no sacred cows. He came to fight corruption and ICPC and EFCC were established to fight corruption.

The 1979 Constitution, 34 years ago, and now the 1999 constitution proclaims in Section 15(5) that “ The state shall abuse all corrupt practices and abuse of power” in recognition of the place corruption occupies in our national life; and now the President says it is the figment of our imagination? If Mr. President says corruption is not as bad as we are making it, What is left to say?

How do you see Nigeria 53 years after independence? Can we say it is a sovereign entity?

It is doubtful if we can really call ourselves a “sovereign” nation or country. True, the Union Jack was lowered on October 1, 1960, and in its stead a new green white and green flag was hoisted, as a symbol of Nigeria’s nationhood or “countryhood”, if you permit our literary license, since we are not a nation, but a country of several nations; and as a symbol of our “sov-

‘If the plan is to have a conference whose outcome will be subject to the dictate of the President, and National Assembly, then perish the thought. The conference will be dead on arrival. That is my fear’

ereignty”. But what kind of sovereignty was that?. Some have argued that we merely had a flag independence, not political or economic independence. And I think they are right. Not even when Nigeria became a republic in 1963, did we attain political independence. And sadly up till today, to the extent that most of our economic policies, which are formulated and implemented by the political system in our country, are dictates from the capitalist west and their Breton Woods InstitutionsWorld Bank and IMF, we are still in economic and political bondage. We must note that these dictates are not just mere dictations, but very harmful prescriptions. In the early 80s, during the Shagari Presidency we had austerity measures. In the late eighties, under the Babangida military regime we had the Structural Adjustment Programme,, and since then we have had a gross devaluation of our national currency, a negative foreign exchange rate, government organised assetstripping carried on as privatisation of the economy, which reached a frenzy during the Obasanjo Presidency and now the Jonathan Presidency. The Bureau of Public Enterprises has been very busy, selling off collectively owned assets and resources of our Country.

Meanwhile, the national economy is not improving. Massive de-industrialisation, mass unemployment and under employment, an escalating poverty level; very poor living conditions, etc.

Our journey from independence has been very turbulent. From a peacefully negotiated but conditional release from colonial bondage, Nigeria emerged on October 1, 1960, as a neo-colonial state that undoubtedly had the human and material resources to transform itself, in little time, into an economically independent, socially progressive and politically mature modern state. Unfortunately, the deliberately skewed physical and political geography of Nigeria at Independence and partisan misconduct on the part of the new rulers conspired to frustrate the fulfilment of the dreams and the realisation of the expectation of independence.

So, what is the way out of all these problems?

Sadly, constitutional governance in the past 13 years has yielded little or no substantial dividends in terms of our human development index.The way out as I see it is for Nigeria to escape quickly from the grip of infantile disorders, if it had to grow and develop fully its potentials.

What were the dreams of the founding fathers who fought for Nigeria’s independence?

They had the dreams of building a good, prosperous, united, self-reliant country, but collectively, they performed poorly.

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LAW & SOCIETY

Lawmaker praises govt’s delegation to the UN

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HE Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Justice, Hon. Ali Ahmad, has commended the Federal Government’s delegation to the United Nations (UN) for its presentation of the country’s report at the 17th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

He said the delegation, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed B. Adoke (SAN), reflected on Nigerians’opinions on issues, such as death penalty and samesex marriage.

He said Nigeria is sovereign, noting that once laws are made in accordance with the constitution, no gcountry,however, powerful, can

Stories by John Austin Unachukwu

blackmail it. If death penalty is abhorred by these agenda-setting countries at the United Nations, they should convince Nigerians and seek amendment or abrogation. But so long as the death penalty, which is reserved as a deterrent in protecting human life, is part of our law, no grand standing can deter Nigeria, he said.

He continued: “Even more inconsequential is the pressure being mounted on Nigeria on samesex marriage, a matter that is not recognised by Nigeria and many African countries as a human rights issue. We have gone past the pre-colonial era and Nigeria must have a voice in the comity of nations on new issues that

should or should not emerge as second- or third-generation human rights. No nation can force it on our throat, not even through the United Nations. It is recalled that at this year’s International Bar Association conference held in Boston earlier this month, the powerful gay lobby was forced to admit that Africa was still hostile on same-sex, and that they would concentrate their energy on South America.”

Ahmed added: “No one should be left in doubt that so long as Nigerians detest same-sex marriage, the House of Representatives will continue to criminalise it. If by any stretch of imagination it becomes unconstitutional, the National Assembly will not hesitate to amend the Constitution in that regard.”

•From left: Chief Mike Agbamuche and Prof Awa Kalu (SAN) at the Chike Chigbue lecture at NIALS, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Ogun judges get ICT training

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UDGES in Ogun State have received computer training.

The event, which held at the High Court of Justice, Abeokuta, Ogun State was well attended.

A firm Electronic Law Reporting and Legal Technologies Company, LawPavilion handled the training.

Participants were taught the automation of cause list, digital voice recording of proceedings, task list management, document management, performance evaluation reporting and monitoring, among others.

The state Chief Judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade described the training as the beginning of an era in the state Judiciary.

He commended the LawPavilion team for doing a good job. He said: “The training has been wonderful and impactful and will help judges write their judgments faster. An interesting training worth its while. I do recommend this to

other courts in Nigeria. We are going beyond just reading out cases towards efficient case management, court management, how we can use the LawPavilion software to work better in our courts and for our secretaries also to efficiently produce whatever we do in court. Therefore, we are also going to organise similar trainings by the LawPavilion team for our support staff in the coming week.”

Chairman, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Committee of Ogun State Judiciary, Justice Mobalaji Ojo, said:“The initiative will definitely enhance Justice delivery in Nigeria, adding that with the aid of the LawPavilion software, you do not need to adjourn ruling for weeks or for months, because you want to go and conduct research, you could do what is called bench ruling with the aid of the software on your device. I’ve been using the

LawPavilion for a long time and it’s been quite commendable.”

The Managing Director of LawPavilion, Mr Ope Olugasa, said: “ The secretaries and registrars will be trained soon on the LawPavilion Case Management System to ensure full compliance with the Chief Judge’s mandate of effectively computerising the judiciary for better productivity.”

Justice Olopade thanked the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for his support for judges and the LawPavilion team.

Of the training, Justice P.A. Onamade said: “ I am happy that I did not miss this training, which I have to attend though I am on vacation. The LawPavilion staff detailed to talk to us put in their best in a very clear language, the iPad and the LawPavilion software are second to none. I wish to commend them for their contributions to the legal profession.

They should please keep it up.”

6th Annual Law and Social Development Lecture holds Dec. 2

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HE Sixth Annual Law and Social Development Lec ture has been scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 2, this year.

In a statement the organisers Bamidele Aturu and company said the event will hold at 11 a.m. at the Banquet Hall, Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

It said the topic for this year’s lecture is: The economy, the rogues and the law: The development conun-

drum.

At the event a book titled: Law and Practice of the National Industrial Court will be presented The statement, which lamented the state of economic and political situation in the country, said this year’s lecture will be devoted to probing the socio-economic issues to profer solutions to them.

Those billed to talk at the event include Dr. Sofiri Joab-Peterside, a lecturer at the University of Port

Harcourt.

It said Comrade Ngozi Iwere, a development theorist, social activist and first female Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), would chair of the event.

It added that the monograph for last year’s conference, titled: “Social Security: Taking the Lives of Nigerians Seriously”, presented by Prof Adele Jinadu shall be distributed free to participants.

Fashola, Wali for conference

•Fashola

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OVERNOR Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State and President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),

Okey Wali (SAN) are among dignitaries expected at the three-day International Bar Association (IBA) African Regional Forum conference taking place the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos tomorrow at 9am.

The conference with the theme “Mergers, acquisitions and inward investments in Africa” will be declared open by Fashola ( SAN) while Wali is expected to present a goodwill massage.

The conference co-presented by the IBA African Regional Forum and the IBA Corporate M&A Law Committee is supported by the IBA Arbitration Committee and the IBA Asia Pacific Regional Forum.

The event will start with a reception in the evening at the Freedom Park, Lagos.It will end on Friday night with a banquet and cultural variety night at Eko Hotel.

New exco for Middle Belt Lawyers Forum

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R. Emmanuel Haruna has been elected chairman of the interim executive committee of the Middle Belt Lawyers Forum (MBLF) while Mr. Elachi Agada will serve as Secretary of the new group.

Their election follows the inaugural meeting of the organisation on October 19, this year at the Nostalgla Hotel and Suites, Lokoja, Kogi State.

A communiqué by the group after their meeting reads in part: “That there be established a body to be called Middle Belt Lawyers Forum. This forum shall be open to lawyers who are from all states in the middlebelt zone. The states are, Benue, FCT, Abuja, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states. That the forum is established as a group within the Nigerian Bar Association with the objective of promoting and pursuing the welfare and collective interest of the forum.”

It added: “That the forum shall have a council of elders, which shall comprise the following: All Attorneys-General of the respective states, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria from the member-states, all members of the body of benchers from the member states, and one senior member of the bar elected/nominated from each state and the FCT. That the forum as estab-

lished shall have a body referred to as the general council I which shall be the representative council for all lawyers from the relevant states and the FCT. “That the general council shall be constituted as follows: all members of the interim executive of the forum, all members of the council of elders of the forum, all chairman and secretaries of branches within the forum, all members of the NEC of the NBA from each state and the FCT in the forum, and five members elected/nominated from each branch within the forum. Where a branch/ state hosts a meeting of the forum, 10 members of the branch /state shall be nominated to and allowed to attend the meeting of the forum as observers.

“That an interim executive committee be constituted to, among other things, do the following: run all the affairs of the forum, prepare a constitution for the forum, register the forum, conduct elections for a substantive leadership of the forum. The interim committee shall have a period of three years on the path of growth.”

Other executive are: First Vice Chairman, S.P. Dashi; Assistant Secretary, Shuaibu Yakubu; Welfare Secretary, Joshua Wepdiyel; Legal Adviser, Debo Adeyemo and ex-officio-Prof M. A. Akanbi.

Public hearing on Legal Practitioners Bill holds today

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HE House of Representa tives Committee on Justice and Human Rights will today hold a public hearing on the repeal and enactment of the Legal Practitioners Bill.

The Bill, which is expected to address some of the defects in the administration of justice in the country, will be of interest to stakeholders in the sector.

The hearing, which will start in the House of Representatives this morning.

• Chairman, House Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Dr. Ali Ahmad

Nigerian Law School alumni to hold reunion dinner

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HE 1983 set of the Nigerian Law School (NLS) will hold its 30th anniversary dinner on Friday, November 22, this year at the Harbor Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It is planning a grant for the Law School to assist it in funding some projects.

The members also intend to launch a foundation.

The set has produced Justices of the Court of Appeal, a Chief

Judge, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), former governors, National and state Assembly members, bank chief executives, top politicians, business moguls,professors and teachers.

It urged their colleagues, who may not be aware of the event, to contact Mr Oluwemimo Ogunde (SAN) or Ms. Funke Aboyade (SAN) of ThisDay Newspaper.

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LAW & SOCIETY

Eastern Bar Forum, others greet NBA chief at 55

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HE Chairman of the Gov erning Council of the East ern Bar Forum (EBF) and members of the Forum, have congratulated the President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr Okey Wali (SAN) on his 55th birthday.

Wali, who was 55 on Tuesday, October 29, marked the event in his country home in Port Harcourt. It was gathered that he went to court that morning, after which he went to church for thankgiving. He later dined with close friends and associates.

A statement by Mr. Ogbonna O. Igwenyi and S. Longwilliams, chairman and secretary of the EBF read: “Birthday to great achievers like any event in their life is a memorable one, because by their achievements, they brightened the world of others who perhaps might not even be close to them.

“Chief Okechukwu Emmanuel Wali’s life at 55 epitomises one well-lived in the service of God and humanity, his vision and mission to say the least have brought joy and fulfillment to many especially in the Nigerian Bar Association where he presides as the 26th president.

“The Governing Council of the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) and indeed the entire members associate with Mr President in thanking God for preserving his rich life all these years and will continue to pray for many more years of fruitful service to man by our

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

By John Austin Unachukwu

mercurial and tireless leader” The First Vice President of the NBA, Justy O. Erhabor, said: “I sincerely rejoice with President Okey Wali and his lovely family on this auspicious occasion of his 55th birthday. At 55, he has done well for himself, his family, profession, country and mankind. I have had the privilege of working closely with him this past year as his first Vice-President of Nigerian Bar Association.

“I appreciate the grace of God upon him, particularly the grace to remain focused in the face of distractions, a very deliberate man not given to rash comments and not quick in joining issue with any one even when thoroughly misunderstood or unfairly criticised.

“I wish you long and exciting life and more prosperous years of dedicated service to the Nigerian Bar Association and mankind.”

The Chairman of NBA, Abuja branch, Mr Desmond U. M. Yamah said: “You have been a source of inspiration to us. Many happy years ahead.”

In his good will message, the Chairman of the Middle Belt Lawyers Forum, Emmanuel. A. Haruna said: “Long life and material possession are desired by all in this life. However, our Lord Jesus Christ defined what life is by what it is not, that is, life does

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Rape and arrogance of law

T •Wali (SAN)

not consist in the abundance of one’s possession. It is also not necessarily how long, but how well life is lived that counts here and I dare say, also hereafter. Mr President, you are quite fortunate to have lived an eventful life at 55.

“As I wish you many more years of fruitful life, I pray that the definition of life by our Saviour will continue to rule your heart and mind. Happy birthday, Mr President.”

Arewa elects new officers

By John Austin Unachukwu

•Abubakar

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HE Arewa Lawyers Forum (ALF) has elected new officers.

In the election, which was attended by at least five delegates from each of the 30 branches in the Northern Zone, five Senior Advocates of Nigeria, three members of the Body of Benchers,

among others were elected.

They include M. A. Abubakar, chairman; G. S. Pwul (SAN), vice chairman; H. S. Garun-Gabas, secretary; T.T. Hyundu, asst. secretary; Safiya I. Balarabe, treasurer, Iorcugh Igbayue, Legal adviser; Lukas A. Haruna, financial secretary; Gyang Zi, welfare secretary; and Junaidu Abubakar, publicity secretary.

Others are Francis D. Kozah, Auditor; ex-fficios Omar Musa, Odege Siaka Odege, Stephen Abar; and A. M. Idris. .

Chief Magistrate Garba Ringim administered the oath of office on the new exco.

In his acceptance speech, Abubakar said: “Let me pledge that henceforth, opinions will matter. We will put in place a system in which major decisions will be arrived at after robust debates in which all who have opinions will be heard.

“This Executive Committee intends to embark on the following programmes: Rapprochement with our brothers and sisters in

the forum who may have felt left out in the events leading to this election; establish a standing secretariat to be located in Kaduna, which will form the engine –room of the forum and serve as the much needed link between the members and the Executive Committee and between the forum and other fora in the NBA; embark on a much-needed campaign of sensitisation of our leaders both professional and political on the need to support and grow the forum for the benefit of the profession and for Arewa generally.

“May I solicit the support of all members of this forum towards achieving the foregoing immediate programmes of the committee and many others to be unveiled.”

He added: “This address will not be complete without saluting the historic efforts, of reviving the ALF, by our indefatigable erstwhile steering committee headed

by Hajiya Fatimah Kwaku and assisted by J. S. Okutepa (SAN), Chief John Ochoga, Steven Abar, Rueben James, Musa Ibrahim Jam Jam and Linda Bala.”

Housewife jailed 10 years for death of househelp A

HOUSEWIFE, Chiamaka Nnajiofor, has been sen tenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the death of her 14year-old domestic help, Oliver Arakwe.

Justice Lateefa Okunnu of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja convicted the defendant for manslaughter, instead of murder charge brought against her by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Chiamaka was arraigned with her husband,Elochukwu Nnajiofor on September 22, 2011.

Her jail term would, however, count from the date of her arraignment.

The DPP had accused the mother of three and her husband of tor-

By Adebisi Onanuga

turing Arakwe to death.

The offence was said to have been committed on August 17, 2010 at their home No. 81, Femi Tella Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.

Delivering judgment,Justice Okunnu discharged and acquitted Elochukwu.

She held that the prosecution, led

by Mr Femi Adamson, had failed to establish a nexus between him and the alleged offence.

“The evidential burden against the second defendant is very weak.

There is nothing to show that he was

part of the flogging his wife instigated that day and available evidence indicated that he wasn’t in the apartment when it happened.”

She held that the prosecution also failed to prove the charge of murder against Chiamaka beyond reasonable doubts.

“Oliver was a severely malnourished looking 14-year-old boy and the pounding of a belt would have had a lesser effect on a normal 14-year-old.

“It is on this basis that I find the first defendant not guilty of murder. I find instead that she is guilty of manslaughter.

“The second defendant is discharged and acquitted, “the judge said.

HE common cliché is that law is an ass. While that may be right, it may, however, be more appropriate with respect to the provisions of the predominant laws on rape in Nigeria the criminal and penal codes; and also the case laws, to say that, the law on rape is a horse. Otherwise, if one is gender fair-minded, how can one appreciate the highly technical hurdles as have been held by some courts, as necessary requirements for the proof of rape, under our criminal justice system? Worse still, how can one explain or justify the ordeal and rape on human dignity, otherwise called legal trial, that, a prosecutrix (a rape victim) undergoes, under our adjectival legal system, to secure the conviction of a rapist?

These challenges encourage the incidents of rape, and the time for action is now. Just last week, it was in the news, that one Corporal Anthony Onoja, of the Nigeria Police, allegedly, sexually assaulted a two-year-old girl in Mararaba, Nasarawa State. Leading a debate on the incident in the Senate, Senator Helen Esuene, from Akwa Ibom state, while decrying the cruelty in the instant case, and the insecurity of girl-child, in the country, observed that the alleged rapist was yet to be arraigned for the offence. Expressing angst, many Senators, including Abdul Ningi, Chris Anyanwu, Bello Tukur, Ifeanyi Okowa and many others, called for Corporal Onoja’s head, if the story originally aired by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), is true.

Noticeably, their colleague, Senator Ahmed Yerima, a self-confessed pedophile, was not listed, among the troubled Senators. I believe many Nigerians still remember that the distinguished Senator, recently, was able to mobilise many of his colleagues, in this same Senate, to defeat a proposed amendment of section 29(4)(b) of 1999 the constitution, to alter the definition of girl-child by marriage, instead of by age. So, it is possible that most of the comments and cries in the Senate, by many of the Senators, are mere crocodile tears and opportunity for photo shots. Of course, if the Senate feels offended by this comment, they have a chance to prove skeptics like me, wrong. They can do that, by expanding the provisions of sexual offences in the criminal and penal codes, to include sexual harassments and assaults. In making the amendments, legislators across the country, can also adopt modern and less tedious definitions of sexual offences. The Senate can also pressurise the states, to localise such new amendments and furthermore, comprehensively defeat, Senator Yerima, on the constitutional provision that portrayed them in bad light, recently. That will help convince them that their angst, against Corporal Onoja, is genuine.

There is also an urgent need for special workshops for judges on sexual and other offences against morality, to help them reappraise their orientations on the requirements for proof of rape and related offences. Regrettably, a few weeks ago, Justice Folola of Osun State High Court freed the Alowa of Ilowa-Ijesa, Oba Adebukola Alli, who had confessed that he a sexual intercourse with a Youth Corps member, posted to serve in his domain. While the Corps member alleged that she was raped, the monarch claimed that the sexual intercourse was consensual. In freeing the alleged rapist, Justice Folola misdirected himself, when he reportedly held that the failure to tender the torn under-pant and bed-sheets, defeated the claim of violence (lack of consent), and as such held that without a proof of violence, the prosecution’s case failed. The judge gave too much weight to the need to tender the entrails of violence, even when there was evidence that the victim called for help, before the alleged incident.

Even more gregarious in favour of the accused person, in the judgment, was the report that the Honourable Judge, held that penetration was not proved by the prosecution, when the monarch had confessed, in the open court, that he actually had sex with the Corps member on the claim that she is his girl friend. Obviously, the accused, and probably the judge, did not avert their mind to the fact that a girl friend can be raped, once she withholds consent, to the sexual act. To show how bizarre the legal requirements for the proof of rape can be, it was earlier reported that during the trial, the defence lawyer, had asked the alleged rape victim, to show in the open court, her private part, for an examination, to determine whether there are marks or injuries to prove, the ingredient of force, in the definition of rape, as provided in Section 357, of the criminal code!

For reasons that may likely bother on the sociology of the society, particularly the stuff, that it is a man’s world, the ingredients of rape, has been so restricted, that many view the proof of actual violence, as a necessary requirement for conviction in rape trial.

But that is absolutely wrong. Indeed, the provision of the criminal code, despite its limitations, is still not fully called to action, in many trials. In defining rape in the criminal code, what constitutes the absence of consent is the crux of the definition. The Section 357 provides inter alia: “Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, or with her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of threats or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of harm, or by means of false and fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act…” In the oba’s case, the definition of consent appears to have been too restrictive, hinging on actual violence.

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LAW & SOCIETY Will human trafficking ever stop? Can women and children, who are the most vulnerable group in the society, be protected from the illicit trade? ADEBISI ONANUGA and WALE ADEPOJU report.

How to tackle human trafficking, by experts

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UMAN trafficking, sex labour and child abuse, among others, topped discussions at the Third International Law Conference for Women and Children in Lagos last week. Those who spoke included lawyers and human rights activists.

The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, said of all criminal activities, human trafficking alone was estimated to generate $9.5 billion yearly worldwide.

Quoting statistics from the United States Bureau of Investigation, Ikuforiji, while declaring open the event in Victoria Island, Lagos, said further that reports indicated that the illegal industry was the second largest criminal industry in the world, next to arms and ammunition.

He said: “This industry, according to the United Nations Development Fund For Women and the United Nations Interagency Project on Human Trafficking, especially sex trafficking appears to be growing in scope and magnitude, with increasing number of countries involved and the relative ease with which traffickers are able to do the business.”

Ikuforiji said no fewer than 800,000 women and children are trafficked across border yearly.

He regretted that the people who engage in the business of transporting and selling women and children for cheap labour only look at the financial gains, not the socio-economic consequences of their actions.

“While the problem varies from one country to the other, one constituent pattern is that these victims are engaged in sex labour, forced marriage, factory works with ridiculous remunerations,” he noted.

The speaker described ‘human trafficking’ as ‘new slavery’, because “it has many of the same characteristics of a slave-master relationship. In the new slavery, women and children are purchased cheaply and sold to customers at a high profit margin”.

Ikuforiji lamented that Nigeria is one of the many countries that do not have stringent anti-trafficking laws adding, “even when legislations are in place, they are not often well enforced. It has been the system that cases of human trafficking are not prosecuted and those that are prosecuted have not resulted in convictions, like other cases that bear on infringements on rights of the people”.

He recalled that the National Assembly passed a Human Trafficking Law to end the nefarious activities of the merchants, whether it is in trafficking of children or women.

“But I have not seen or heard any conviction of perpetrators since the human trafficking bill was signed into law at the federal land,” he added.

He further recalled that the Lagos State House of Assembly, put in place some laws to curb the menace, including the “ Lagos State Domestic Violence Law 2007, and Child Rights Law of 2007”.

He, however, feared that these laws, the Child’s Rights Law and the Domestic Violence Law, might were inadequate to confront this il-

legal trade.

Ikuforiji said he has consulted with his colleagues in the house on the need to explore the legal aspects of trafficking in women and children by domesticating the Human Trafficking Law of the federation in Lagos.

“It is believed that doing so will go a long way in tightening noose on the traffickers and killing the trade entirely.

“As legislators and government, we must take the bull by the horn to ensure that our people, especially the women and the children, are shielded from this onslaught,” he added.

He appealed to the Executive arm of Government to rise above sentiments and rid the society of a scourge that is ravaging the polity so that we can live a better and prosperous life.

Executive Secretary, National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, said no fewer than two million people were trafficked across the world yearly.

She spoke on challenges in addressing the prevalence of trafficking in Nigerian women and children: the NAPTIP experience.

She identified ignorance, illitracy and poverty as factors responsible for the menace.

Jedy-Agba, who was represented by NAPTIP Intelligence Officer, Mr Josiah Emereole, said poor social-economic rights of women and child made them to be more susceptible as the most vulnerable group in the society.

According to her, between 750,000 and one million people were trafficked within and outside the country yearly.

She lamented that 80 per cent of young women in prostitution in Italy are Nigerians.

Jedy-Agba said human trafficking is prevalent in every state, but that the vice is endemic in 22 states.

The process of trafficking, she said, began with the abduction or recruitment of a person and continue with transportation, adding that people should report any of such cases to the appropriate authorities.

She said porous borders, lack of commitment, data and inadequate funds were challenges faced by NAPTIB to curb trafficking.

Jedy-Agba said everybody should join hands to fight the menace. “Those who are involved in human trafficking should be reported and appropriate action taken,” she added.

A social worker, Ifeyinwa Mbakogu at the School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Canada, said about 15 million children in Nigeria were engaged in child labour because of human trafficking.

Mbakogu spoke on the topic: Ears wide open: What do Nigerian children’s story about their trafficking experiences tell us about the causes of trafficking in Nigeria?

She said: “Forty per cent of that figure was those trafficked within and externally.”

Mbakogu berated the government for not making education free, stressing that most poor students usually don’t further their education after the completion of their Junior Secondary School (JSS) because they couldn’t afford to pay for books and other items.

All those who spoke on the vice were unanimous that to end the menace would require concerted efforts from everybody to fashion a way forward to nip the menace, which has demeaned the people, in the bud.

•From left: Mr. Emereole, Mrs. Adesua Onyenokwe and Mrs. Mbakogu

•From left: Mr. Debo Olugbenro, Mr. Okereke Winner and Mrs Eucharia Samuel

•From left: Mrs. Roselyn Obakpolor, Dr. Nkechi Azogwa and Mrs. Folakemi Adu

•From left: Mrs. Okoye Nkiruka and Mrs. Cecilia Omugbe

35

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY Last week, 365 magistrates from across the country held their National Conference in Lagos. ADEBISI ONANUGA reports

Why we reviewed magistrate laws, by Fashola

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has explained why the state reviewed its magistrates’laws.

He spoke at this year’s convention of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), which had as theme Career magistrate - The way forward. It held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial hall, Ikeja, Lagos.

Fashola (SAN),who was represented by the Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, addressed the opening of the three-day national convention of the magistrates.

Fashola said the magistrate court laws were reviewed and re-enacted to resolve the disparity among magistrates in the state. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the maintenance of law and order in the state.

The governor by said magistrates play a major in the administration of justice in the state.

He explained that the essence of having a magistrate court alongside the high courts in the new court buildings in the state is to provide the necessary amenities that would enhance adjudication of justice.

In her address, the Lagos State Chief Judge Justice Ayotunde Phillips urged the magistrates to be focused. She charged the magistrates not to entertain fear while delivering their judgments or allow themselves to be deterred by petitions.

“Don’t give judgment based on the fear of likely petitions that your judgment may attract. Lawyers would always write petition, so whether you are right or wrong the petition would come,” she said.

She disclosed that a new electronic filing system would soon be introduced to the Lagos magistrate courts to enable litigants to file their matters on line.

The Interim Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was the guest lecturer, lamented the delay in the administration of justice in the country. He urged the judiciary to find a solution to the problem, which has remained a challenge to the judiciary.

Mohammed, who spoke on the Disparity in the Judiciary and need for a review, said effective delivery of judicial functions in the lower bench could not be achieved without adequately attending to the welfare of magistrates in the judiciary.

He suggested better remuneration and welfare package for magistrates to motivate them.

The APC chieftain also decried the deplorable state of magistrates’ courts, noting that most of them are untidy with cobwebs, cracks on the walls, and dust on the floors, among others.

He, however, urged the state governments to pay more attention to the re-orientation of magistrates to get the best out of them.

The magistrates thanked the governor and the chief judge for taking good care of them during the event.

National President of MAN, Mrs. Nkiru Franklin-Iguh, described Justice Phillips as a big sister to all of them. She caused all those in the hall to laugh when she chose to call the chief judge, Anty Ayo. “Anty Ayo, e ma binu o pe mo pe yin ni anty. I am sure some states would be wishing to have someone like you as their chief judge. My Lady, the CJ of Lagos gave us all we had within a short time. We also thank the governor for his support. We know Lagos is the Centre of Excellence. We have seen a lot of excellent things in Lagos and we are taking them all back with us to our different states. It has been a very memorable time and we intend to savour it for long,” she said.

Chairman, Lagos MAN, Mrs. Adeola Adedayo, described the Chief Judge as a mother to all. “We thank you for being a mother to us. When we decided to have this conference, you were there for us. All the magistrates in Lagos appreciate your concern for our welfare,” she said.

The state Solicitor-General Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) said the magistrates represented an important section in the justice delivery in any state and that they deserved special recognition. He said this was why the state government increased the jurisdiction of the magistrates, particularly in criminal matters.

The magistrates gave awards to 10 Nigerians for their contributions to magistracy.

The awardees were the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Mr Ikechukwu Adugba; Mr Ipaye; former Attorney-General of the state and Chairman, Law Reform Commission, Mr Olasupo Sasore (SAN); Senator Aisha Jumai Alhassan and the Executive Secretary of the state’s Judicial Service Commission, Mrs. Ayo Ougbesan.

Others were Justice Latifat Folami, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Hakila Hemen, Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zanaib Bulkachuwa, Justice Ayotunde Phillips and Mr Fashola.

•From left: Mrs. Adedayo and Justice Phillips •

•From left: Justice Iyizoba, Senator Alhassan and Mr. Pedro (SAN)

•

•Mr. and Mrs. Ibrahim Bio

•Muhammad Sambo Umar , Mrs. Vickie Isiquzo and Mrs. A.I Adelaja •From left: Mr. Akigbolahan Adeniran, Mrs. Funmi Owuye and Mrs. Shakirat Karimu-Kotun

•From left: Mrs. Lauretta Okoye, Justice Iyizoba, Mrs. Chisom Okafor and Mrs. Franklin-Iguh

•From left: Mrs. Memunat Folami, Justice Folami and Mrs. Adedayo

36

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY

Lawyers disagree on national dialogue

T •From left: Mrs. Jaji, Mrs Ogundipe and Hon. Tejuosho

How to make the Lagos State Domestic Violence Law (LSDVL) more effective was the thrust of a policy dialogue organised by the Lagos State Gender Advocacy Team (LASGAT). PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports

‘Give teeth to domestic violence law’

F

IVE years after the enactment of the Lagos State Domestic Vio lence Law (LSDVL), stakeholders last week met at Ikeja to appraise the law and its effectiveness in eradicating domestic violence.

Participants at the dialogue noted that lack of awareness has been the major challenge confronting the effectiveness of the law, as most victims of domestic violence are not in the know of its existence.

They argued that religion and culture have also brainwashed many victims such that they prefer to suffer from violence than report the abuser.

Organisations such as the Department For International Development (DFID), State Accountability and Voice Initiative (SAVI), Office of the Public Defender,OPD,Women Arise, Women Advocate and Research Documentation Centre as well as Lagos State Ministries of Information, Justice and Women Affairs (WAPA), were represented.

State legislator, Hon.Funmi Tejuosho, was at the dialogue and the wife of Lagos Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola was represented by a Director in WAPA, Mrs. Folasade Ogunnaike, while the state’s Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment, Mrs. Folasade Jaji.

Participants observed that unavailability of funds has also hindered the implementation of the law, just as they called for a budgetary provision on domestic violence.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Fashola said the state is trying to conquer the challenge of victims not wanting to be seen as having reported their spouse or family member.

“We try to make them know that the perpetrator will be invited in private so that they can be sensitised on the existence of the LSDVL. “That women are ‘bound’ by certain cultures not to report their family members does not mean that they have to wait till they are dead before speaking out on cases of violence or abuse.

“Sometimes, all the abusers need is sensitisation of the existence of the law and they will take a new leave.

“People need to know that the law is not biased for women or against men. It is a family law.

“Because it is quasi-criminal, the emphasis is to protect the marriage so that we do not have children from broken home most of whom end up as ‘area boys,” she said.

Delivering a keynote address on Tackling domestic violence in Nigeria: the Lagos State challenges and opportunities, Mrs Orelope-Adefulire said 85 per cent of domestic violence were against women.

She stated that the state has achieved 20 per cent reduction in violence through issuance of yellow cards to abusers, noting the need for increased campaigns against the vice, to enlighten more people.

The deputy governor also noted the need to re-orient the police so that abusers willbe brought ot book.

“There should be a seperate desk at the stations with police officers trained in handling issues of domestic violence, so that victims will not be taunted each time they take their cases to the station,” Mrs OrelopeAdefulire said.

Tejosho, who sponsored the bill at the State Assembly, expressed delight that progress has been recorded since its enactment.

“The law is to protect the marriage, we are aware that a lot of couples want their marriage to be intact, most times all the victims fear is the violence, which they want to stop.

“So, Domestic Violence Law has been put in place to ensure that the matter is heard in private so that the parties will not feel they are washing their dirty linen in public. People need to understand that the law is a quasicriminal law, abusers will not be handcuffed or tortured, our interest is to ensure that the abuses are stopped,” she said.

Continuing, Tejousho said: “So far so good, I am glad we have this kind of gathering for people to know that the law exists. We can never get tired of talking about domestic violence so that it can be reduced to the barest minimum.

“As we continue to deliberate on issues of domestic violence, people will begin to realise that there is no taboo in talking about it. We are beginning to realise that more people are complaining and the death that arises from it is reducing minimally but by God’s grace we will be able to eradicate it from our society.”

However, she disagreed that funds were not available and have hindered the implementation of the law.

“When you talk about laws, it depends on what the law is about. It is not WAPA that handles criminal matters; they will provide temporary measure from the day the violence is reported to the point where there is solution. They cannot keep victims forever. ‘’When you talk of criminal issues, it is basically the duty of the police, which is not funded by state governments although we help with security issues through the Security Trust Fund.

“Also, when you talk of enforcement, it deals with the judiciary, which is a separate arm of government and you must appreciate that there is separation of power, and I can tell you that at present in Lagos Judiciary, there are family courts with judges and magistrates assign to specially and exclusively handle family matters,without funds, that would not be achieved.

“However, there is a limit to every budget, if you have a specific amount

‘When you talk of criminal issues, it is basically the duty of the police, which is not funded by state governments, though we help with security issues through the Security Trust Fund’

of money you list your priorities in the order of importance for it to be approved.

“But as I said, there is need for improvement. We cannot say because we have achieved somethings, so, we would not work for the law to be better.

“As we continue to speak about it, not only will the Federal Government appreciate that when it comes to issues of domestic violence, it transcends the home and robs on the society, but must also provide budget to tackle the problem head long,”Tejousho said.

President, Campaign for Democracy(CD), Dr. Joe OkeOdumakin, said domestic violence was on the rise in the country and “it is killing us and maiming our people”.

She said there should be enough protection for victims, adding that people should be able to know the extent to which the law can protect them.

“Law enforcement agencies should also be made to know that they owe it a duty to ensure that victims of domestic violence get justice rather than taunt them.

“The government should ensure counselling centres as provided in the law are set up in every local government so that people can run to the centres and get succour.

“In terms of budgeting, a lot needs to be done. Talk is very cheap, but in terms of practising, it should be budgeted for adequately because there are cases where there is need to rehabilitate people or foot their medical bills,” she said.

On rape, Odumakin urged victims to avoid destroying rape evidence until samples have been taken at the hospital.

“There must a conscious effort in letting people know that they should not destroy rape evidence. It is very discomforting but they have to learn to go to the hospital and walk around without cleaning up until the evidence is taken,” she said.

Ogunnaike told The Nation that WAPA was training women identified as supervisors for WAPA (SuperWAPAs) at the local government level.

“We are just bringing them up. They are political appointees from the grassroots and we believe that because of their base, they have more in route towards that level of reporting.

“So, after training them on what to do, we will allow them replicate what is happening in the state so as to decentralise the issue and allow other people come on board.

“We are also encouraging spouses of the local government chairmen to assist, especially in making referrals.

Some people do not want to report cases within their environment because of stigma.

“We have temporary shelter to house victims of domestic violence and we also work with NGOs who usually bring their cases to us. We do not discriminate because anyone who lives in Lagos is bound by the laws of the state,” she said.

WO lawyers have ex pressed divergent views over the atempted attack on the governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole by a member of the National Dialogue Advisory Committee, Col. Tony Nyiam (rtd).

They are Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch, Monday Onyekachi Ubani and Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).

The attack on Oshiomhole had cast doubts on the dialogue.

Ubani said something positive could still come out of the conference irrespective of the ugly drama that played out in Benin recently.

Members of the committee , he said, were prone to mistakes.

He said the Benin incident should not stop the members from discharging their national assignment, noting that since the members had apologised to Governor Oshiomhole,they should forge ahead with their assignment and put the ugly scenario behind them. ”The panel is being driven by human beings who are not infallible. I mean they are human beings. But it is very important that the committee members must give everyone the opportunity to express their views. That is very important.

“All our opinions cannot be the same but notwithstanding that, opportunity must be given to everyone to express their views. The majority will always have their way while the minority will have their say,” he said.

He said what happened in Benin wasn’t a happy devel-

Stories by Adebisi Onanuga

opment “and I understand that apology has been tendered to his excellency and he has accepted it.

“So, I will not write off the conference based on the unfortunate incident,”he said.

To Jacobs nothing good can come out of the dialogue because of its closeness to the 2015 general elections. He, however, downplayed the possibility of the national dialogue achieving the desired objective.

According to him, from the onset, the timing of the conference which is close to the 2015 general elections and the law setting it up are two major issues which have combined to make the conference a ‘time wasting exercise’.

“The national dialogue is too close to the election time and so everybody will be preoccupied with the election.

“So, if we have a national dialogue, it will not work.

Will you change the law before the election or what? And then what is the status of that national dialogue?”he asked.

The president only has the power to set up a panel under the Enquiry Act. If it comes under that Act, the effect of it cannot go beyond that act. ”After the panel has submitted its report, the government will then do a White Paper on it. And anything they accepted will then be returned to the National Assembly for legislative approval. Otherwise, it will have no legal backing. I don’t see anything coming out of the national dialogue because of the timing and the law,”he insisted.

Nigerians urged to fight graft

T

HE Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Com mittee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petitions, Sanai Agunbiade, has urged Nigerians to rise against corruption.

He said Nigerians should stop treating corruption and misappropriation of public funds with sentiments and ethnic prejudice.

Hon. Agunbiade stated this when he was speaking with reporters on the N255 million armoured cars scandal rocking the Ministry of Aviation.

The lawmaker frowned at some groups defending the action of the embattled Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah.

He said corruption only thrives where people are indifferent to the act or declare support and show solidarity with those accused of corrupt practices. ”My position has always been that corruption in Nigeria is not sectoral, it is rather systemic. It has pervaded every sector of the society as it is not limited to any particular tribe or government sector.

“As regards the car scandal, I want to say that we should look at issues and not sentiments”.

“I have seen a lot of people trying to give support to the woman at the centre of this crisis and it is uncalled for. The issue of ethnicity should not come into issues like this.

“The matter should be investigated and those found culpable should be brought to justice”, he said.

The lawmaker said Oduah was not appointed based on tribal affiliations and that neither has she denied the allegations.

“But one thing is clear, if anybody is in a mess, he or she will want to find a way out of that mess. And if corruption persists in a society, it is because the society itself is corrupt. “ If the society scorns and punishes corrupt persons, there will be reduction in corrupt practices”, he said.

Hon. Agunbiade appealed to religious organisations, traditional rulers and the society at large to assist in the fight against corruption by rewarding only hardworking and honest individuals in the society and desist from praising and acknowledging corrupt individuals.

This, according to him, is the only way we can achieve a greater degree of measure of success in the war being waged against the hydra-headed monster.

“When somebody is corrupt and it is that same person that is given chieftaincy titles in the mosques, churches and celebrated by the society while hardworking and honest ones are scorned, then that is an empowerment for people to be corrupt,” he said.

37

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

LAW REPORT

Why Fed Govt can’t legislate on hotels, restaurants In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Date: July 19, 2013 SC.340/2010

ALOMA MARIAM MUKHTAR IBRAHIM TANKO MUHAMMAD JOHN AFOLABI FABIYI SULEIMAN GALADIMA NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA MUSA DATTIJO MUHAMMAD STANLEY SHENKO ALAGAO BETWEEN MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF FEDERATION

APPELLANT

AND RESPONDENT

ATTORNEY-GENERAL LAGOS STATE

O

LDER democracies, such as the United States of America (USA) and Australia, tested the doctrine of covering the field and it was well propounded.

In the case of Houston V. Moore (1820) 5 Wheat, 1; the USA SupremeCourt held that where Congress had legislated on a matter in the concurrent legislative list in a matter that clearly showed an intention to cover the whole field, a state legislature could not again lawfully enact a law to cover the same field, though such law be not directly in conflict with the federal enactment.

Twenty-two years thereafter, in 1842, Story J; in the case of PRIGGS V. Pensyvnia (1842) 16 pet at page 617-618, did observe: “If Congress have a constitutional power to regulate a particular subject, and they do actually regulate it in a given manner and in a certain form, it cannot be that the state legislature have a right to interfere, and as it 28 were, by way of complement to the legislation by Congress to prescribe additional regulations, and what they may deem auxiliary provisions for the same purpose. In such a case, the legislation of the congress, in what it does prescribe, manifestly indicates that it does not intend that there shall be any further legislation to act upon the subject matter.” In the Australian federalism, the doctrine was analysed

by Dixon J., in the case of ex-parte

OF

Mchean (1930) 43 CLR 472 at page 483, where he observed that the inconsistency does not lie in the mere co-existence of two laws which are susceptible of simultaneous obedience.” It depends”, he said, “Upon the intention of the paramount legislation to express by its enactment, completely, exhaustively, or exclusively, what shall be the law governing the particular conduct or matter to which its attention is directed. When a Federal statute discloses such an intention, it is inconsistent with it for the law of a state to govern the same conduct or matter”. (Underlining supplied for emphasis).

Here in Nigeria, in 1971, this Court, in the case of Lakanmi v.

Attorney-General, Western State (1971) 1 UILK 201, voided Edict No. 5 of 1967, promulgated by the then Western State Military Government, because it covered the same field as Decree No.51 which was promulgated by the Federal Military Government. Both the 29 Decree and the Edict purported to cover investigation of assets of Public Officers. In 2002, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Uwais, in the case of AttorneyGeneral of Abia State & 35 ORS v.

Attorney-General of the Federation (2002) 3 SCNJ 158 at page 208, observed as follows: “I agree that where the doctrine of covering the field applies it is not necessary that there should be inconsistency between the Act of the National Assembly and the law passed by a House of Assembly. The fact that the National Assembly has en-

acted a law on the subject is enough for such law to prevail over the law passed by a state House of Assembly but where there is inconsistency, the State Law is void to the extent of the inconsistency”. (Underlining supplied) In asserting its supremacy, the Constitution, in Section 1 (3) provides that: “If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void.” (Underlining supplied).

“Inconsistency”, in law, to me, can be taken to be a situation where two or more laws, enactments and or rules, are mutually repugnant or contradictory, contrary, the one to the other so that both cannot stand and the acceptance or establishment of the one implies the abrogation or abandonment of the other. It is thus, a situation where the two or 30 more enactments cannot function together simultaneously. The Constitution does not tolerate that. In Ishola V. Ajiboye (1994) 7-8 SCN (part 1) 1, this court held that the Constitution is not only supreme when another law is inconsistent with it, but also when another law seeks to compete with it in an area already covered by the Constitution.

In a federal dispensation such as ours, one may ask: Will the state law merely give way or surrender to the Federal Act just because there is a Federal Act on the matter, or will it only happen where the state law is in conflict with the Federal Act? Is that what the suit on hand presents?

The law and practice in both the USA and Australia as highlighted earlier show that a state law does not become void just because it attempts to cover the field already covered by a Federal Act. It only becomes void when it can be garnered from the Federal enactment that there is intention to cover the entire field expressly, completely, exhaustively and exclusively. This is also what happened in Lakanmis case (supra). Equally, in the case of Attorney-General of Ogun State v. Attorney-General of the Federation & ORS. (1982) 1-2 SC 13, this court held the view that it is only when a State Law is in conflict with a provision of a Federal enactment that the former will be void. If the two are not inconsistent but merely cover the same field, the State Law is 31 to be kept in abeyance and made to be inoperative for the period the Federal enactment is in force. In that case, then, the State Law will not be said to be

•From left: Director of Operations, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Oloaolu Adegbite; Group MD, Leadership Newspapers, Azu Ishiekwene and Editor-in-Chief, Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, at a workshop on Economic Crime Reporting organised by EFCC in Lagos.

repealed, and, if for any reason the Federal enactment/legislation is repealed, the state law resuscitates and becomes operative until there is another Federal enactment that covers the field. See also Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) v. Musa (2003) FWLR (part 145) 729. My lords, some safeguards may be deciphered from earlier cases decided by this Court in determining the relationship between a Federal enactment and state government’s enactment where both seem to legislate on same subject matter. (i) In the case of Federal Act covering the field, a state law/enactment will not be void for competing with or supplanting the provisions of the Constitution.

Such a law will only be inoperative or be kept in abeyance or suspended. INEC v. MUSA (Supra). (ii) The Constitution may, sometimes, allow the National Assembly or even State House of Assembly to enact a law in addition to what the Constitution has provided for. In that case, the legislature concerned (state or Federal) must prove that in enacting those additional provisions, it derives it authority from the Constitution.

See: INEC v. Musa (Supra). (ii) Minute details are not to be necessarily found in the 32 Constitution. The Constitution provides outlines, leaving the filling-up of the gap to be deduced. This means that Federal or State enactments can be made to fill in some provisions in those outlines. See: Director State Security Service (SSS) & Anor V. Agbokoba (1999) 3 NWLR (part 593) 314 at page 357. (iv) Except where a State Law is inconsistent with a Federal Act (in which case it will be void) that Law can compete with a Federal Act and once not in conflict therewith, that State law will only be in abeyance pending when the Federal Act/enactment is repealed. (v) A Federal Act

does not automatically apply to any or every situation to abrogate a State Law. The aims and objectives of the Federal Act must be exactly the same and not merely alike See: Chike.

V.Ifemeludike (1997) 11 NWLR (part 529) 390 at page 403.” Per I. T. Muhammad, J.S.C. (Pp. 96-103, paras. A-G) - read in context 8 Constitutional Law- Federalism: Purport of Federalism “The purport of Federalism is succinctly put by the former constitutional lawyer and scholar Prof. Ben Nwabueze in his book Federalism in Nigeria under the Presidential Constitution thus:“Federalism is an arrangement whereby powers of Government 33 within a country are shared between a national, country wide Government and a number of regionalised (i.e. territorially localised) Governments in such a way that each exists as a Government separately and independently from others operating directly on persons and property within its territorial area, with a will of its own and its own apparatus for the conduct of its affairs.

Federalism is thus essentially an arrangement between Governments, a constitutional device by which powers within a country are shared among two tiers of Government.” The above extract of the book gives an insight of what Federalism is, and clearly expresses the independence of Governments under a Federation, the powers of such Governments under a Federation, and the powers of such Governments to make laws that benefit their developments and wellbeing are unfettered, and these powers cannot be taken away from them, as long as they do not breach any Constitutional requirement.”

- read in context 9. Legislation - Laws: Rule on any law enacted before the com•To into be continued nextconstitution week ing force of the which contradicts any provisions

LEGAL JOKES Question: What’s the difference between a lawyer and an onion?

Answer: You cry when you cut up an onion.

NASA was interviewing professionals to be sent to Mars. Only one could go, and he couldn’t return to Earth. The first applicant, an engineer, was asked how much he wanted to be paid for going.

“A million dollars,” he answered, “because I want to donate it to M.I.T.” The next applicant, a doctor, was asked the same question.

He asked for two million dollars.

“I want to give a million to my family,” he explained, “and leave the other million for the advancement of medical research.” The last applicant was a lawyer. When asked how much money he wanted, he whispered in the interviewer’s ear, “Three million dollars.” “Why so much more than the others?” the interviewer asked. The lawyer replied, “If you give me $3 million, I’ll give you $1 million, I’ll keep $1 million, and we’ll send the engineer to Mars.”

What are the three questions most commonly asked by lawyers?

1. How much money do you have?

2. Where can you get more?

3. Do you have anything you can sell?

A young attorney was attending a funeral. Another mourner arrived late and asked the lawyer, “Where are they in the service?”

The attorney gestured at the minister and replied, “He’s just opening for the defense.”

Murphy, a dishonest lawyer,

bribed a man on his client’s jury to hold out for a charge of manslaughter, as opposed to the charge of murder which was brought by the state. The jury was out for several days before they returned with the manslaughter verdict. When Murphy paid the corrupt juror, he asked him if he had a very difficult time convincing the other jurors to see things his way. “”Sure did,” the juror replied, “the other eleven wanted to acquit.”

John and Joe had been law partners for many years, sharing everything, most especially the affections of their libidinous secretary, Rose. One morning, an agitated John came to Joe with the bad news, “Rose is pregnant!

We’re going to be a father!” Joe, the more reserved of the two, calmed his partner and reminded him that things could be much worse. They were both well-off, and could easily afford the costs of raising the child.

Rose would have the best care available, her child would attend only the finest schools, and neither would want for anything. The child would have the benefit of having two fathers, both of which were caring and well-educated. Gradually, John got used to the idea of fatherhood. When the big day came, both were at the hospital awaiting the news of their offspring’s birth. Finally, John could take no more and went outside to take a walk. When he returned an hour later, Joe had the news.

“We had twins,” said Joe, “and mine died.”

38

MOTORING THE NATION

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

Nissan has restyled the Sentra with upscale features that are trendy to give the car an edge over competitions in the mid-to-up-class segment, where Toyota’s Corolla and Honda’s Civic has over the years held sway.

TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

•The Sentra

Nissan Sentra returns in style T

HE new Nissan Sentra is viewed by Nissan as the most revolutionary design in the Sentra’s 30-year history.

According to the auto firm, this model represents the most innovative, highest quality, highest value sedan lineup in Nissan history, and with the complete redesign, it is closer in look and feel to D-Segment vehicles than a typical compact sedan.

The 15.2-foot-long Sentra now has ample rear-seat legroom, measuring 37.4 inches, which is more than the back-seat legroom of a typical compact car such as the 2013 Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Also five percent lighter than the previous model and slightly larger in overall dimensions with more interior room and aerodynamic looks, the Japanese automaker says the new Sentra epitomises Nissan’s new tagline, innovation that excites.

Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria (Stallion NMN), the new Nissan sales company told Motoring reporters at the celebration of the Nissan dealership at Oriental Hotel Lagos that the new Sentra tops 68km per-gallon fuel economy rating for combined city/highway travel, and it is easy to see why the Sentra is a noteworthy new model.

“And do not think that 68km per gallon is an unattainable figure.

The 2013 Sentra SL averaged 68 kliometeres per gallon, even though the car was driven in nor-

mal fashion and the travel included a highway in the mountains and foothill roads. In fact, the fuel economy is enough to give the car an impressive score,” NMN head of Sales and Marketing, Mr Amit Sharma said.

All 2013 Sentras come with 130horsepower four cylinder that produces a maximum 128 foot-pounds of torque at 3,600 rpm.

The new Sentra, no doubt has upscale feeling, inside and out, such as the light-emitting diodes accent headlights and tail lamps, and chrome-look door handles which are standard on all models.

The dashboard also has soft-touch feel with a pleasant appearance, and the center armrest between front seats is cushioned.

While leather-trimmed seats are available, the premium gray-colored, cloth-covered seats provided good support especially on hot summer afternoons.

The optional navigation package, which added voice recognition control, hands-free text messaging, a rearview monitor and colorful, 5.8-inch display and touch screen, could attract a little more, yet it is amazingly priced when compared with competitors’ pricing.

A peep at Sentra’s dash is convincing with electroluminescent gauges and upscale touch. However, Nissan did not scrimp on the front-seat legroom to add space to the back seat. Front-seat passen-

•Interior of the car

gers get a full 42.5 inches of legroom, and the front seat tracks are long to accommodate many sizes of passengers.

Couple with this is the 15.1-cubic-foot trunk which is sized. All this comes from a 2.3-inch longer car than last year’s Sentra.

The Sentra is though a bit shorter in height than last year’s model, but at 58.9 inches is still taller than its competitors.

And while the Sentra has intriguingly grown larger, it is some 150 pounds lighter with improved aerodynamics that helps account for fuel economy.

Available in 1.8-Litre engine, double overhead cam four-cylinder that develops 10 less horsepower than its predecessor’s 2-litre unit, the new Sentra is astonishingly solid with decent throttle response.

However, both the manual transmission and CVT variants deliver 96kW of power and 174Nm of torque.

Drivers in Nigeria, especially in Lagos would find the Sentra’s agility in traffic a soothing relief as Nissan engineers have found the right combination to deliver adequate power and better-than-expected, real-world fuel economy.

This is in addition to the “eco” button that conserves fuel when activated, thus reducing unnecessary anxiety on gas mileage.

Sentra suspensions are built to soften road bumps for a comfortable ride and access mountain curves with poise.

Perhaps one of the quietest in its class, the Sentra does not have the kind of sound deadening and noise isolation found in most upscale

cars, so the interior acoustics insulate sounds and disturbing noise from nearby trucks and engine that ordinarily, could permeate the passenger compartment.

Nissan Sentra’s four out of five stars in overall crash testing and side crash test recently earned the car a plush credit in safety, which is reassuring when talking safety.

The Sentra is sold and serviced in Nigeria by Stallion NMN, the official Nissan sales company with extensively retrained service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines with experience in Nissan’s cutting edge and ever changing technology.

Sharma said Stallion NMN’s obligation is to make ownership of Nissan an exciting both in the quality of Nissan vehicles and in after sales service.

39

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

•From left: United Religions Initiative West Africa Liaison Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Ande Ivorgba; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Regional Director for Africa and Representative of United Religions Initiative, Ambassador Mussie Hailu; President Goodluck Jonathan and United Religions Initiative Global Council Trusite, Hon. Elisha Buba Yero during the presentation of 2013 Africa Peace Award United of Religions Initiative Africa to President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa Abuja

•Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo handing over documents to Ambassador Shehu Malami. With them is the General Manager Abuja Distribution Company, Mr. Abdulamin Umar

•From left: Member of organising Committee, Mrs. Uloma Onwusibe; Assistant Pastor, Laja Abereoran; Pastor in charge, Dr. Akindeji Falaki; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Chapel Secretary, Dr. Sade Yemi Esan and Music Director, Mr. Tosin Oladimeji during the 10th anniversary preparation of His Grace Assembly, UMCA in Abuja.

•From left: General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress, Chris Uyot; National President, NLC, Abdulwaheed Omar and Vice President Namadi Sambo during the meeting of Labour executives with the Vice President at the Prersidential Villa in Abuja

•From left: Deputy Leader, House of Representatives, Leo Ogor; Chairman, Adhoc Committee to investigate land racketeering in FCT, Bimbo Daramola and a member, Jerry Manwe during the investigation in Abuja

•Senator Chris Anyanwu (middle) being assisted by Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha (second left); Nnena Igbokwe (left); Senator Hope Uzodinma; Hon Jerry Alagbaoso and Hon Eddy Mbadiwe during Anyanwu’s birthday celebration in Abuja

PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN

•From left: Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Alhaji Hassan Adamu during EL-Amin International School School Maitama Founder’s Day in Abuja

•From left: Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr Brovo Kim; Samsung Brand Ambassador, Ms Kate Henshaw; Samsung Brand Ambassador, Banky W and Director, Hand Held Products, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr Emmanouil Revmatas during the Abuja launch of Samsungs Galaxy Note 3 and Gear in Abuja PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

40

ABUJA REVIEW

B

ESIDES personal spiritual gains, President Goodluck Jonathan’s pilgrimage to Israel is unique because he is the first Nigerian President to visit the holy land while in office.

Whether as part of his delegation or by mere coincidence, a sizeable number of serving Nigerian public office holders from the federal, state and local government levels and other key sectors of the economy, was on the same pilgrimage with Mr. President.

Among the governors on the pilgrimage were Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), Theodore Orji (Abia), Peter Obi (Anambra), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Jonah Jang (Plateau). The list of the governors is not limited to this number as many other Christian Deputy Governors were on the pilgrimage too.

Ministers on the visit were Labaran Maku (Information and Supervising Minister of Defense), Akinwunmi Adesina (Agriculture), Viola Onwuliri (Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs), Mike Onolomemem (Works) and Sarah Ochekpe (Water Resources).

Others included Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadomhe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Dr. Precious Gbenol, and Executive Secretaryof Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Johnkennedy Opara.

President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Rev. Jeremiah Jado of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) were also on the trip.

Among the places visited during the pilgrimage were the Upper Room (Where Jesus had the last supper with His disciples), Garden of Gethsemane (Hortvs Gethsemani), St. Peter in Gallicantu (Where Peter denied Jesus three times) and Statue of Prophet Elijah.

The pilgrims also visited the Bascillica of Annunciation in Nazareth (The place where Angel Gabriel announced to Virgin Mary her conception), Holy Family Church in Nazareth, Yad Vashem (The Holocaust Martyr’s

Reaping from Jonathan’s pilgrimage

From the Villa

By Augustine Ehikioya and Heroes Memorial in Jerusalem.

They also prayed at the Dominus Flevit (the place where Jesus wept), Mount Olives (where Jesus took a broad view of Jerusalem), inside the Church of Gethsemane at the side of River Jordan (the place where Jesus Christ was baptised by John the Baptist).

While the leaders walked through the Palm Sunday Road to the Chapel of Dominus Flevit, President Jonathan also lighted a symbolic

candle at the Mount Camel Church (where the contest between Prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal took place).

Even as no human kind needed to visit the Holy Land of Israel before genuinely surrendering his or her life to Jesus Christ, there is no doubt that the pilgrimage must have been refreshingly rewarding to the pilgrims.

As they visited the Holy Land, one would expect them to be “holier” than other Nigerians who have not gotten the opportunity to

experience the visit apart from receiving salvation.

Also, unlike most Nigerians who have relied on the account of the Holy Bible, the leaders actually saw, touched and were physically present in many places that were part of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ when He was here on earth.

The blessings of the Presidential pilgrimage to the Holy Land should not remain at individual level. Nigeria, as a country, should begin to share from the spiritual gains.

Apart from the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed between the two countries during the pilgrimage, the spiritual gains of the pilgrimage should immediately start manifesting physically in every phase of Nigeria’s life; be it economic or political.

As a starting point, every Nigerian leader on that pilgrimage, on return to the country, should reassess himself or herself and start putting right everything he or she has been doing wrongly to the detriment of his or her subjects or people under him or her.

If such a leader has been involved

in corrupt practices and massively looting the common wealth of the people, he or she should desist from that act henceforth and, in fact, start to make restitution for the benefit of Nigerians.

He or she should allow honesty; transparency, patriotism and true spirit of selfless service to the people overwhelm him or her.

These are few instances. The leaders know themselves better than anybody knows them and they should be able to adjust accordingly in the spirit of the holy visit.

Unless these changes are carried out, the pilgrimage might appear to be in vain and no spiritual gains benefited by such leader. The pilgrimage would have just been another journey round the globe.

But, if the pilgrimage was a real rebirth for our leaders, their high number at the Holy Land this year is enough to chart a new course for the country spiritually, physically and financially because Jesus Christ started reaching out to the world with only twelve disciples.

Bwari council boss’ wife bags title T

•From left: Board Director, Capital Hotels Plc, Alhaji Yakubu Disu; Company Secretary, John Ifebunandu and Chairman, Capital Hotels, Chief Goodie Ibru during the 32nd annual general meeting of Capital Hotels Plc in Abuja.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

HE wife of the chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mrs. Tamar Peter Yohanna Ushafa, has been turbaned as the Gimbiyan Jibi, a community in Bwari Area Council in recognition of her philanthropy in the council.

The ceremony was performed by the village head of Jibi, Chief Abdullahi Madaki, who extolled the humanitarian gestures of the council chairman’s wife to various communities in the council.

He said Mrs. Ushafa has been involved in charity work ever since her husband’s assumption of office as the chairman of the council.

Some of her work, according to him, include empowerment of 100 youths and training on skill acquisition in Bwari, empowerment of widows through provision of foodstuff and improving their means of livelihood, and free medical treatment for the less privileged through her NGO, Shekwoyeyedu Foundation.

Responding, Mrs. Yohanna dedicated the title to God for divine inspiration, and her husband for his support.

She emphasised the need to encourage and increase more girl

By Bukola Amusan

child enrollments in schools in the Area Council.

This, according to her would give the girl child equal opportunities like her male counterpart and also enhance her development.

She assured that she would continue to encourage girl child education in the Area Council while dedicating the title given to her to all the children and women in the Area Council whose lives according to her she is out to protect and enhance.

She noted that the title given to her Gimbiyan Jibi which means Princess of Jibi was a testimony and a feedback that the programs of her office are people oriented.

“This will serve as a catalyst and impetus for me to continue to promote improvement in the living standard of our people across Bwari Area Council. This will propel us to consolidate on the gains we have recorded since our assumption of office,” she noted.

MARITIME THE NATION

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

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

41

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) is the sole producer of the requisite manpower for the maritime sector, yet it lacks what it takes to make it compete with similar institutions in the world, writes EMEKA UGWUANYI.

A crawling Academy at 34 Background

I

T was established 34 years ago, yet the Maritime Academy in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, does not look its age in terms of effective training for its graduates.

Formerly known as the Nautical College of Nigeria it was designed as an integrated institution for the education and training of shipboard officers and ratings; and shore-based management personnel. The academy graduated its first batch of cadets in 1983.

In 1988, its status was raised through the promulgation of Decree No. 16 of 1988, with a statutory mandate to train all levels of personnel required for the effective and efficient operation of the maritime industry.

About 10 years ago, the Federal Government proposed to upgrade it to a degree awarding institution, but that proposal is still on the drawing board, while younger academies such as Maritime Academy of Ghana, started awarding degrees in 2010.

Observations During a week long capacity training for maritime reporters in Oron, The Nation observed that the institution lacked critical facilities and equipment meant to equip its graduate cadets for competent and effective delivery of services after graduation.

The institution doesn’t have a training ship and has to depend on other countries’ vessels for sea time training of the cadets at very exorbitant costs. The swimming pool, which in the institution’s parlance is called survival pool, where cadets are trained to be underwater for considerable time, is still under construction 10 years after it was started.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), at a point decided to take over the pool as its personal project in order to fast-track its completion, The Nation learnt, but as at last week it visited the institution, the survival pool was yearning for help. It was also learnt that the disappearance of the academy’s only training ship the MV Trainer – cannot be explained just as the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), which was succeeded by the Nigerian Unity Line (NUL).

Following the application of Fed-

eral Character in admission of cadets in the institution, dearth of accommodation and other training facilities have hit the institution despite the fact that only about one quarter of applicants are admitted.

Rector appeals When maritime reporters visited the Academy’s Rector Mr Joshua Okpo, he appealed to the government for more support to enable mariners to attend sea-time training and acquire certification as done by other International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member nations.

He thanked President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Transport and the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for standing by the Academy all these years, but noted that there is need for trainer ship for the institution, saying that the absence of suitable training vessels domestically cost the institution much. He said classroom studies alone are not enough as cadets need to acquire requisite on-hand experiences to transform them into professionals who can positively contribute towards national growth.

He said: “We need to ponder on the comparative advantages between training a child properly thus making him of use to the society, or training him half-baked and turning him to a miscreant and societal problem. “We appeal to the Federal Government to please, as a matter of national importance, make out provision for sea-time training.”

He noted that the academy has a backlog of 5,000 cadets awaiting seatime training since 2002. The academy recently secured arrangements for ship-time training abroad, but was being hampered by the high cost.

“We had an engagement to have the ship-training programme in Istanbul, Turkey, in association with the Philippines and Georgia. The in-

•From left: Head of Department, Nautical Science, MAN Captain Ejikeme Okwu; Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, NIMASA, Isichei Osamgbi; Chief Executive Officer, Ports and Ships, Bolaji Akinola; former President, Nigerian Association of Master Mariners Captain Adewale Ishola; and Director, Specialised Seafarers’ Training Centre, Captain Francis Kponu, at the event.

tention was to ensure that 250 cadets comprising 100 mariners and 150 deck officers are put on-board the ship for a period of 12 months, at the cost of 100 euro a day or 9.1 million euro for the 250 cadets per year.

When converted to naira, it amounts to about N2.1 billion, which is to enable them, have certificates of competence. We have gone, negotiated and inspected the ship but the handicap is how to fund it.

“The advantage of this arrangement is that apart from being certified by NIMASA, the cadets will also get certification from any of those countries that are collaborating. It is a new initiative and an avenue for Nigeria and other countries desirous of solving the problem of sea-time.”

He explained that through the multi-faceted partnership being developed, including affiliation with the World Maritime University (WMU), graduates of the academy would receive global acceptance rather than be given second-rate status.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ports and Ships and President of Maritime Reporters, Mr Bolaji Akinola, responding on behalf of maritime reporters, told the man-

agement of the institution that they were doing great jobs, but noted that despite the contributions of the Federal Government and its agencies, the academy remains a sleeping giant that needed a lot of interventions from stakeholders. He called on the Federal Government to investigate the fate of Nigeria’s last training ship, the MV Trainer.

He said: “The story of the last Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) ship known as MV Abuja is a reflection of the culture of impunity that is destroying Nigeria and its people. The Federal Government will do well to show that it is serious about tackling corruption in the shipping sector by immediately arresting and prosecuting those who contributed to the underdevelopment of the sector and the demise of both NNSL and the Nigeria Unity Line (NUL) through fraudulent practices using the MV Abuja.”

He said after NNSL was grounded by the military government of General Sanni Abacha in September 1995, NUL was named its successor and granted a national carrier status.

“NUL formally commenced operations in July 1996 with Retired Rear

‘We need to ponder on the comparative advantages between training a child properly thus making him of use to the society, or training him half-baked and turning him to a miscreant and societal problem’

Admiral Samuel Atukum named as its Managing Director. In 1979 when Nigeria returned to democratic rule, NNSL had 26 ships with a combined tonnage of 552,000 deadweight. By 1999, only one of those vessels named MV River Mada remained.

“The ship was later renamed MV Trainer and was converted to a training vessel for Nigerian cadets. In 1996, while the liquidation of NNSL was ongoing, MV Trainer was sold to Mediterranean Shipping Company, a Greek shipping company registered in Cyprus for $785,000.

The ship was renamed Axion II by its new owners.

“In 1998, the then National Maritime Authority (NMA), repurchased the same ship for $4.5 million from Mediterranean Shipping Company and renamed it MV Abuja. Through that transaction, the country had been swindled of $3.75 million, and possibly more if you factor in other associated costs. This was the kind of practice that destroyed NNSL and NUL. “To date, no one has been prosecuted in connection with the scandalous transaction until MV Abuja was eventually sold for next to nothing and NUL predictably packed up,” he added.

He called on employers, including big shipping companies and the oil majors in upstream and downstream sectors, to intervene in uplifting the academy so that it could favourably compete with other academies across the world.

Customs, NAFDAC, SON involved in ports corruption, says maritime chief

A

LL stakeholders, including importers, agents, Customs and other government agencies, such as National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) are involved in corruption at the ports, according to Managing Director, Shibab Services, a freight forwarding firm, Mr Babatunde Shittu.

When it comes to corruption, he said, agents were at the receiving end as they are seen to be driving

By Emeka Ugwuanyi, Asst. Editor

graft at the ports.

He said: “They (stakeholders) are all partners in business because the agents cannot do it alone. The importers cannot do it alone. Also, the agents cannot do it alone because they have to support or consult the Customs who have the power of final release of the consignment from the ports. Looking well at it, it is a joint effort of every one of them; they are in business together.”

He noted that agents cannot be

said to be dubious because the agent is working for someone. He said: “Agents alone cannot be said to be dubious because the agent is working for someone. Most of the importers are more dubious than the agents because the agents dance to the tune of the importer.

“Some importers bring in consignments, devalue the invoice and want the agent to work with that invoice. The importer already wants to cheat the government in duty and at the end of the da, the agent is only a tool in the hands of the importer. Nobody will see the

importer, they only see the middleman that is running around, that is the agent.

“For instance, an importer gives an agent a job worth N100,000, but says he can only pay N50,000 knowing well that N50,000 cannot cover the job, but some agents jump at it and collect the money, but after sometime, they will come back for more money. “The importer would be forced to give the agent the money because you do not want your cargo to remain there.”

Shittu pointed out that some importers who have done the valua-

tion already and only want to use the agents to bribe the Customs and to bribe their way to get their consignments out of the ports adding that the agents and importers should be blamed in this case.

He called on the relevant government agencies to collaborate with all the sectors in the industry to make ongoing port reforms successful. He also charged leaders of the various associations and agenciess to work with the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) to change the fortune of agents.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

POLITICS

43

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The planned sale of the ‘Edo House’, the property of the Edo State government in Lagos, has generated controversy.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole spoke with reporters in BeninCity, the state capital, on the transactions and other issues.

OSEMWENGIE BEN OGBEMUDIA was there.

‘Why Edo is selling its property in Lagos’

T

EMPERS are rising over the proposed sale of the Edo House by your administration.

What informed this decision?

I THINK that the whole essence of democracy is that people have the right to express support and people also have the right to condemn in the strongest term possible any matter of public interest for which they feel uncomfortable. That is what makes us an open society and we are prepared and ready to response to any question.

First, Edo House has not been sold and it will not be sold secretly. Yes, we decided as a government at the level of the State Executive Council to look at the matter of Edo House and all issues around it and we came to the conclusion that it is in the interest of Edo State and, in particular, Edo Tax payers, that that property be put to the market in a very transparent manner.

I emphasise this because governve been sold by previous government, including military and civilian, without the benefit of advertising it.

If we wanted to have an underground transaction, to sell to ourselves or family, we will not need to advertise it. It is consistent with our commitment for transparency and accountability that we decided that, as a matter of obligation, we decided to advertise the house.

However, having noticed some reactions, I thought that, giving an opportunity such as this, we put the matter to the public and more so, that it has not yet been sold, but our decision to sell it has not been revised, but we are willing to have an open mind and certainly, not an empty mind on this matter. I think I have a duty as your steward to share with you my conviction and reason why as the governor of Edo State, I approved of the decision to sell the house.

What are the facts about Edo House, considering the stiff opposition from indigenes against the proposed sale?

Edo House, as it is called, is located on a prime area, along with several states, which have similar properties in the same area. This was as a result of the fact that Lagos was the capital of Nigeria. Consequent upon the creation of Abuja, just as we are been summoned to Abuja from time to time, it was even more so during the military that governors had to go to Lagos for one meeting or the other. And of course, you need effective liaison between the state government and the Federal Government when Lagos was the capital of Nigeria. So, in order words, Edo House in Lagos was built to provide space for liaising services and secondly, to provide accommodation.

In Edo House, we have what is called the governor’s chalet and the deputy governor’s

chalet and other chalets to be used for government and non-government officials when they are in Lagos. As far as I know, that was the reason Edo House was built as at the time it was built.

However, two things have happened. First, Lagos lost the status of being the capital of Nigeria when the capital was relocated to Abuja.

Consequently, the issue of Lagos liaison between Edo State and the Federal Government can no longer take place in Lagos. Indeed, I am sure that many of you will know that the Federal Government has sold the Federal Secretariat and a lot of Federal Government properties in Lagos, although in some cases, in a controversial manner, but it has been sold.

The 1,004 housing units, which used to house the National Assembly members, once Lagos lost it status as the capital and the parliament relocated to Abuja, the property was sold, and it remained sold to private companies because there was no need to maintain them when the parliament is no longer in Lagos. We can speak about several properties that have been sold.

The state governments have sold their properties built for liaison purposes between those state and the former federal capital.

We want to ensure that the investment we make is sensible and that you do not tie down money or asset that is performing so that the primary political purpose and even the social purpose is lost. The Edo House, before I assumed office, from records, showed that none of my predecessors stayed in that lounge. The governors and their deputies did not stay there because it has been in terrible shape and I can almost swear that, even if we decide to revise the decision, it is not likely to be used by my successors.

What is your reaction to the argument that the property is commercially viable, contrary to the position of the state government?

That again is not true and the answer is no. I have asked for all the evidence. My predecessor in government had contracted the management of Edo House to various estate agents. I confirmed recently that the managing agents have changed for six times and, from records, the last one was done by a commissioner under my government during my first tenure. Whether the agent has changed or not, the facts available are clear.

The total annual estimated income, if and when it is paid in full by our agent, is put at N34 million, but even this amount was never realised in one year, certainly not since I assumed office and you all know how hard I have tried to collect every revenue available to the Edo State. But

• Gov. Oshiomhole

the record of my predecessors show that the return was even less as of that time. If we assume, without conceding, that we have been able to reaslise N34 million in 10 years, it will attract N340 million and, if you pay five per cent to the estate manager, your net would be N340 million in 10 years minus 10 per cent.

In 20 years, it would be N620 million, in 0 years, we would have made N1. 36 billion. I want to imagine that we have seasoned estate managers.

I also want to recall that, when I was the Chairman of the Nigeria Social Security Trust Fund, we were involved in acquiring real estate and I was told by the experts that, in trying to put value, whether it is viable to buy landed property, you are looking at a possibility of between 12 and 14 years. If you can’t recover your investment, it is not considered a viable asset.

So, when I say that Edo House is not viable, it is because I believe, whether by reason of its location and what it might require to reposition it, it would be worth a couple of billions. I would be shocked certainly, if anybody tells me it would be less than that.

Some people reason that it would be better to re-invest in it than outright sale?

Yes, it is an option. We can decide to rebuild or renovate, but it would require more than half a billion naira to put the property in a rentable state to compete with other properties in that neighborhood. As your governor and steward, who has the privilege of collecting your taxes and putting those taxes into best use, the issue for me, is will it be in the interest of Edo people that I collect half a billion and take it to Lagos and re-invest it so that we can collect more rent?

If we collect more rent, how many years? What is the commercial purpose?

Don’t you think the Edo House represents a monument that needs to be preserved for children yet unborn?

I have heard some people say that and I have tried to search for the meaning of the word monument in the Oxford Dictionary. Edo House

is not one of our tourist attractions and there is no big history behind it. It does not depict our traditional value, neither was it designed by an architect that had in mind the peculiar Edo culture.

And, if anybody says it represents our culture or it is a monument, then, I stand to be educated. A monument cannot be an asset that would be so bad that no body here would say he went to Lagos last week and stayed there. However, my first choice in arriving at the decision to sell, and this is in line with our commitment to raise revenue from any legitimate sources as we can in order to rebuild Edo State. Government, no matter how hard we try, never seem to get full value from property the way a private person would do.

Some people have converted it to hotel and for short stay. I had to take your tax payers money to hire a senior lawyer and the case is running for, at least, three years now. As we speak, ejecting those tenants has not been possible and, if things go the way they are, the matter will be not be settled during my tenure. We are living painfully with an individual who is defrauding the Edo State government. For an individual property owner, there are many options to get rid of your tenants. For me, I am very clear of my mandate and obligation and it is to develop Edo State and not Lagos State because I am committed to divest in Lagos and re-invest in Edo. We are not set out to be collecting rent from rooms and parlous.

When I was campaigning, I didn’t promise that I was going to build houses for rent because no government is about that.

You just talked about divesting to re-invest the proceeds back to Edo State. What area of investment is your government considering?

I believe Edo State needs a convention centre. It is my conviction. Edo State needs to be a tourist centre because we have a lot of historic centres to attract tourists in all the 18 local government areas. For Edo to truly become a tourist destination, there are certain infrastructure that must be put in place, not just a five star hotel, but one with convention facilities. In Edo, we have various hotels, but certainly, not a five-star hotel and we do not have any conference hall, you do not want to host any event where all the participants are scattered in different hotels and before now, in going round Benin City, I observed the location of the military hospital and I was told why and when it was built, but given today’s reality of Benin City, the military barrack is at Ekenwa and we have discussed with the military and they have given approval in principle to cede the place to us on the authority of the Chief of Army staff.

The land can be put to better use for the good of Edo people. In selling Edo House, the proceed will be use to built a five-star hotel and we will subsequently privatise it in a transparent manner because experience has shown that government is not a good managers of business based on current reality, so that we do not owe it 100 per cent depending on who is coming into it with the government There are speculations that you have already sold the house to yourself One of my friends, who do not like me now, said that I took his land and gave it to a company to built a shopping mall and he alleged that I have sold the house 60 per cent to my self and 40 percent to what he described as a non- biological son. I m not an angel, but I am not a greedy person and I pray that I will never become so greedy that I want to become the owner of Edo State, and that is not in my prayers.

APGA will retain power in Anambra, says Obiano

• Obiano

T

HE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Willie Obiano, has said that the party will

retain power and intensify its service delivery to the people.

He spoke at the Idemili Day celebrations held at Nkpor. The area is believed to be the stronghold of his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Senator Chris Ngige.

The ceremony was organised to raise funds for the building of a secretariat and a skill acquisition centre.

But it became a rally that offered the plaform for Obiano and other candidates to shed light on his manifestos.

Obiano was accompanied by the APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh. But the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, also stormed the ceremony with a large number of supporters.

Despite the absence of Ngige, who hails from Alor, at the event, the com-

‘Senator Annie Okonkwo, who was the chief launcher, called for political tolerance among politicians to ensure a peaceful election on November 16’ munity leaders still expressed support for his ambition to rule the state.

They said that they would not sacrifice the son of the soil on the altar of politics.

Senator Annie Okonkwo, who was the chief launcher, called for political tolerance among politicians to ensure a peaceful election on November 16.

He donated N10 million to the worthy cause.

Senator Okonkwo said the proposed centre will equip the youths with life changing skills and re-directing their

energies from kidnapping, armed robbery and other vices.

A community leader, Emeka Nwabueze, an engineer and Information Technology expert, implored the youths to shun evil and embrace value, virtue and hardwork.

He urged them to emulate the governorship candidates by shunning avarice and graft.

Nwabueze recalled that he attended Ogidi High School and rose from his humble begining to become an aide of former United States President George Bush.

Obiano thanked the people for supporting APGA in the last seven years.

He urged the people to retain the party in power by voting for him on November 16.

He lauded the developmental programmes of the Obi Administration, assuring that the tempo will be sustained, if elected as his successor.

Obiano described himself as the candidate to beat, adding that other contenders cannot beat his profile.

He called for continuity, saying that APGA, the traditional party of the Igbo, will never renege on its promises to the people.

Dignitaries at the ceremony also included Chief Obiaora Okonkwo, the leader of NzukoIdemili Association, Dr. Emma Emelumadu, who chaired the ceremony, and other prominent indigenes.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

POLITICS Hon.Jumoke Okoya-Thomas is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement. In this interview with VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI, she blames the government for, according to her, deliberately weakening the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the enforcement of the Public Procurement law.

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‘House will not condone aviation scam’

HE Nigerian Civil Aviation Agency (NCAA) said it has not done anything wrong. Could that be true, going by the provisions of the Public Procurement Law? Without being preemptive of the ongoing hearing, I will say that is not correct because all agencies of government are aware of the Public Procurement law. I make bold to day that over 200 agencies were at our last interaction and were given the reviewed threshold. So, no one can claim not to be aware of the laws. So if anybody is doing the wrong thing on procurement, he is doing it intentionally..

What we need to do as a government is to ensure that the punishments, as contained in the law is fully implemented to serve as deterrent. This is the only way to stop people from this impunity. Section 58 (5) of the Public Procurement Act states that ‘Any persons, who, while carrying out his duties as an officer of the Bureau or any procuring entity who contravenes any provision of this Act, commits an offense and is liable to a conviction of cumulative punishment of (a) a term of imprisonment of not less than five calendar years without any option of fines and (b) summary dismissal from government services’.

I did not put this law there, but the will to implement it is key to sanity in this country and check excesses. Argument of lease purchase does not hold as long as they are going to pay with public funds and to say that NCAA is within the threshold makes it look like splitting the budget, which is another case on its own under the Procurement law.

Why did the BPP and your committee fail to notice this scam before it gets to this stage?

I am not surprised that the BPP said it was not aware of the procurement because it is at the end of the year, quarterly or sometimes bi-annually that they send the report to BPP, especially when the procurement is within the threshold of the Ministry. But in this particular instance, the procurement is well above the threshold. We are aware that people may want to circumvent things and that is why we have to circulate the update of threshold to all parastatals and Ministries when we met with all the Agemcies.

They were all here, where we had an interactive session and we circulated the threshold so that on one would claim ignorant of the new threshold, policies and laws laid down for them to follow.

Ordinarily, one would expect that anything beyond N100m would go to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to approve and the approval would then be forwarded to the BPP. The BPP will also relate between the Council and the agency and sometimes make adjustments and correct some aspects that have been presented to the President and likely to mislead him. Once all the grey areas are cleared, the agency issues Certificate of no objection regarding that particular procurement.

I am however, surprised that a procurement of over N200 million was done within an agency without the approval of the FEC. Without wanting to preempt the outcome of the investigative hearing, and since it was not referred to our committee, we feel it is wise for us to await the outcome of the investigation.

But your committee has a responsibility too...

Our Committee has the responsibility to oversight BPP and since the core objective of of public procurement is to ascertain value for money, we have been having issues with the Ministry of Aviation and agencies under it for sometimes now.

It might interest you to know that we have issued out not less than 12 invitations to the Minister of Aviation but she has not deemed it fit to respond even for once. She has always been giving us one excuse or the other.

Apart from the fact that there are issues on the rehabilitation of airports around the country over issues of value for money which Nigerians are not getting, if she had taken her time to honour our invitation, maybe she would have been able to avoid this issue of threshold.

What these heads of agencies don’t

• Okoya-Thomas

realise is that when we send out letters like that, it wasn’t to intimidate or witch-hunt them but to rub minds and enlighten them on the nitty gritty of the provisions of the Procurement laws. If she has been honoring our invitations, by now a lot of things would have been known to her and she would not be finding herself in this situation. When we invite these Ministers, my advise is that they should not see it as a personal thing but a way of forging a working relationship.

There is no doubt that she has a case to answer with the BPP Committee Could the absence of a Board for the BPP be a contributory factor in this whole saga?

The issue of the constitution of the Board of BPP is embarrassing as it has not been addressed till date. Sometimes, we need the cooperation of the executive. When we go out there, we want people to adhere to the provisions of the law. The impropriety that we are witnessing in this country is embarrassing to the nation. If you don’t take care of a particular aspect of

the law but go ahead and implement another aspect means you do not wish the law, to succeed or be effective. The law must be implemented holistically for sanity to prevail in a nation. We have pushed for the implementation of that particular clause along the other parts they are implementing but they are not willing to apply that particular clause.

We are pushing for the implementation of the Council of Board as contained in the Act but if they are not doing it, then they have their reasons, not that we are not doing anything about it. The job of the Board is to formulate policies for the agency and the DG is the Secretary of the Board but the idea is that more people will be able to contribute better than just one or two people especially when we are talking about trillions of Naira of appropriated funds..

Can Nigerians be assured that your committee and the Bureau can check these excesses as both seem to lack the capacity to monitor government agencies?

All we need is the political will to do what is constitutionally right. If you continue to call for meeting with a Minister but decides which Committee to honour, then there is a problem.

In our case, the only thing we have not done concerning our invitations to the Minister of Aviation is issue a bench warrant of arrest and make her come before our Committee.

Sometimes, you don’t want to heat up the polity by being cautious on some oft the information released to the public, but we have to learn to do things properly. What we are talking about is threshold but reports don’t get to us until the procurement is made, so what we do when it eventually gets to us is to check and make corrections. However, we are discussing with the House Leadership on how to get a certain software that would make our job of monitoring procurement procedures in our agencies that are more than 350. The soft-

‘I am however, surprised that a procurement of over N200 million was done within an agency without the approval of the FEC. Without wanting to preempt the outcome of the investigative hearing, and since it was not referred to our committee, we feel it is wise for us to await the outcome of the investigation’

ware which costs millions of Naira can capture, monitor and show roll down all the agencies’ procurements to the last detail. That is a legacy we are desirous of leaving behind.

Even the BPP can not capture all the agencies in this country because they do not have the technological capacity to do so, they do not have the software I am talking about. So, if we really want to beat corruption in our procurement sector, then we must have the will to put in place those things that are necessary to facilitate investigation, which I believe we are lacking. Ministry of Finance is able to do its work excellently just because they have the capacity and the facilities that simplify their job.

I believe BPP needs assistance in that direction, but the point is, if the BPP is not aware of procurement going on in such places, and being the agency feeding us with information, then there is no way we, as a Committee can. If the BPP is not aware of such procurements, its because the agency involved has spent more than their threshold.

What would you say about the protests for and against the actors?

Protesting based on ethnicity would not augur well for this country but it is understandable that poverty is a contributory factor. Notwithstanding, our people should know realize that we have just this country to call our own and our conscience should always guide our action. A Minister in government is for the whole country, we should not sectionalize issues of national interest If we want to move forward and make sure things are done properly.

Do you think the presidential panel would meet the expectations of Nigerians on this subject?

I believe the panel is made of responsible people in our society and I am convinced they would not want to tarnish their image because they know that their integrity is at stake in this matter.

The issue is in the public domain already and I am of the opinion that they would not let the expectations of Nigerians down on this matter. Since the executive has he power to set up the probe, while the House is conducting its own, we are all driving towards the same goal.

I will not expect the presidential panel not to bring out a quality job.

In this prece, Otasowie Osazuwa contends that the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference may have compromised its credibility and fairness, judging by the controversy that trailed the ranconous stakeholders, meeting in Benin-City, the Edo State capital.

‘Conference committee should shun partisanship’

• Nyiam

W

HEN President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan announced his decision to convoke a national conference on October 1, 2013, the news was received with mixed feelings. For many, it should provide the long-awaited opportunity for the different ethnic nationalities to justify their continuous co-existence in an egalitarian Nigeria. In other words, they were convinced that the conference would provide the appropriate platform Nigerians need to address all the issues that seem to be threatening the unity of the people. Therefore, they had reasons to look forward to its convocation as it will surely provide the right atmosphere for the aggrieved to express their concerns with the hope that

someone somewhere would listen to them and for once act right to save the country from one disastrous drift.

Many were not so thrilled. Particularly for the fact that the country has had ten different conferences in the past, meant to address same issues without any meaningful result, they wonder how the proposed one will be different. Certainly, those were the views already on ground before members of the advisory committee on the proposed national conference made a cameo appearance in Benin City, Edo state capital to seek the opinion of the people of the South-South geopolitical zone on Monday, 28 October, 2013. Senator Femi Okuruonmu, chairman of the committee made the point that the conference would address all issues, listen to all views without prejudging anyone when the group paid a courtesy call on the state governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole.

Sadly, if what transpired at the Imaguero Colleague hall, venue of the event is anything to go by, there are indications that the conference may in-

deed, not be ready to listen to all Nigerians with different opinions. More or less, it goes a long way into proving that there may be a hidden agenda for the proposed conference, a reason for which stakeholders are convinced it may have died on arrival.

Trouble began when, in the spirit of fair hearing, the Comrade Governor expressed his personal views about the proposed conference. It was to the effect that he has no faith that the conference outcome would be better than the others before it. While reiterating his misgivings, the governor was unambiguous about his readiness to eat the humble pie in the event of a successful outcome. “I want to make my own comments. They are my views and not the views of Edo State. It is not the view of any particular ethnic nationality. I think as a Nigerian, we all have a stake in this country and we have a duty to lay a solid foundation for the future of this country. I have a duty to be honest and truthful on the views and position that I canvass. My views are different. I

asked the question, why are we having a national conference? I believe that anyone who convenes a meeting must be clear why he convened a meeting. I have had the opportunity to travel far and wide. You don’t assemble people and then ask them, what do we talk about? Whoever wishes to convene a meeting must be clear on what the issues are. When you have stated why the meeting was convened, you can then ask what should be added or deleted. When I was the NLC president, a former president convened a national conference. People from various states converged, money was spent and in the end I can’t remember what came out of that conference. It is a valid point to make that we failed before, we can make amend but it is important we learn from our history. I will be surprised if anything changes. As a leader, I have no business to mislead anyone. This conference will not be different from any previous conference...”

Evidently, there is hardly any justification for anyone, let alone, a member

‘If what transpired at the Imaguero Colleague hall, venue of the event is anything to go by, there are indications that the conference may indeed, not be ready to listen to all Nigerians with different opinions. More or less, it goes a long way into proving that there may be a hidden agenda for the proposed conference, a reason for which stakeholders are convinced it may have died on arrival’

of the presidential committee, to heckle him for airing his opinion. Indeed, some have argued that the governor should not have spoken the way he did for fears that his views can’t just be personal but a collective view of Edo people. The same people chose to forget that Nyiam, a member of the presidential advisory committee, represents the president. If they have not, they should be able to remind themselves that Nyiam’s action is not only a collective abuse on the people of Nigeria but also a slap on the integrity of Mr. President. The only good thing is that, so far, no rational observer has adjudged Nyiam’s reaction as proper even though he has attempted to justify it himself. For whatever it is worth, other members of the committee have given their verdict that his action is nothing but a sad commentary on the purpose for which they are touring the different geo-political zones.

However, a closer examination of Nyiam, a retired army colonel with an odious pedigree, indicates that, acting the way he did simply proves the fact that he is on a familiar turf. For starters, Nyiam is the same man who almost gave millions of Nigerians a heart attack when he pushed a group of young Nigerian army officers into a coup with the ignoble aim of shredding the country into bits.

HEALTH

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

45

THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

How to tackle ageing

Ageing is part of life. How do you know that the body is getting old. OYEYEMI GBENGAMUSTAPHA writes.

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O most people, wrinkles, crow’s feet around the eyes, age spots and skin thinning; gray hair, memory slips, tooth loss or decay, balding, hearing loss and difficulty in reading small prints are a few visible signs of ageing. However, there are more signs than our eyes can see.

According to a Consultant in the Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Prof Muriel Oyediran, growing old is a fact of life. Getting old means we lose some of our physiological functions that hasten death. This is something we cannot stop, but we can slow down. This loss occurs primarily within the cells in our brain, heart, kidney and bones.

She spoke during this year’s Faculty Day Lecture of the Faculty of Public Health, National Postgraduate College of Nigeria, held in Hall 36, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos.

The theme was: Even Nigerians grow old!

The problems and challenges of ageing in Nigeria.

She said: “Who are the elderly? The elderly is the term used to describe people who are 60 years and over. They are subdivided into ‘young old’ from 60 to 74 years; ‘the aged’ from 75 years to 79 years and the ‘oldest old’ who are 80 and above. However, in the developed countries where life expectancy is higher, the oldest old refers to people aged 85 years and above. Eye dis-

‘Polio eradication not yet 100%’ Stories by Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

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HOUGH there has been improvement in polio eradication in Nigeria, the country is not yet free from the dis-

ease.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the yearly number of polio cases recorded worldwide fell by 99 per cent between 1988 and 2000, when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was established. However, tackling the last one per cent has been difficult.

Although the number of countries where polio was endemic fell after the launch of the GPEI, from at least 125 in 1988 to 20 in 2000, progress in eradicating the disease has since slowed down. In 2006 polio was still endemic in Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan.

Last year, only India was declared polio-free.

In the last few years, travellers from the few countries where polio remains endemic have carried polio virus into countries that are polio-free.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), though Nigeria is on the right track to stop polio, three states - Borno, Yobe and Kano - account for 72 per cent of cases; and the number of states with ongoing circulation of the virus fell from 11 during the same period last year to nine. Nigeria has recorded 52 per cent drop in polio cases and 63 per cent reduction in vaccine rejection.

It said about three per cent of the local government areas were infected with polio virus so far this year, no Wild Polio Virus Type 3 case has been detected in Nigeria so far this year. The last case reported was 11 months ago and the circulating polio genetic clusters has reduced from eight to two.

Despite these efforts, insecurity and misconception of the vaccine, in the upper region of the country are the major challenges militating against eradication of Polio in Nigeria.

•Prof Oyediran

eases such as cataract and glaucoma; osteoarthritis (OA) and alzheimer’s disease are some of the signs that characterise ageing, especially in Nigeria. A receding hairline and certain other signs of ageing may be far more than cosmetic problems. They can be signs of poor heart health.”

Also, she said what typified ageing include decrease in energy, strength, and speed; decrease in muscle mass; decrease in metabolism and decrease in kidney function. “If you will observe closely, as we grow old, we tend to move slower than when we were younger because we get tired easily. This is because of decreased energy level. The only way to combat this is to eat more protein and exercise frequently. You should eat foods rich in vitamin B, folic acid, and phenylalanine.”

Oyediran said: “Muscle mass also decreases by about seven pounds every 10 years, but this speeds up as we reach the age of 45. We can, however, slow this down by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Our Base Metabolic Rate (BMR) also decelerate as we grow older; that is why older people find it hard to digest the foods they eat. The aged’s thyroid gland makes fewer hormones, so he or she should increase protein intake to make the body produce more hormones again.

They should also avoid eating foods rich in fat and carbohydrates. As we all know, our kidney is a very important organ in our body that filters our blood and acts as thermostat. Refraining from eating red

A

meat and drinking more water everyday will help us slow down ageing.”

She said: “The factors governing mortality and fertility changes in populations, which affect life expectancy, and the effects of these changes, which resulted in lower fertility and mortality rates are known as ‘the Demographic Transition’. At the moment, a higher proportion of elderly persons are found in Europe compared to Africa. However, even though the decline in fertility rate started later in Africa, the older population in Africa is growing at a faster rate and is also taking place over a shorter period of time and is occuring in a larger population basis. This unprecedented increase in the percentage of the elderly in developing countries will have a tremendous impact on any nation because of its effect on developmental programmes.

“Originally most countries experienced high mortality rates and high fertility rates and the balance between these two rates resulted in populations with fairly stable growth rates. In the more developed or developed countries, population ageing took a longer time to occur allowing those nations a longer time to make national adjustments to allow for ageing processes in society. The fact that in the developing countries, these changes are happening in a relatively shorter period, means that they have much less time than the developed countries to make the necessary adjustments designed to meet up with the challenges posed by these rapid

changes in age structure.

“This is shown by the fact that at present the average annual growth rate of the population of persons over 60 years is 2.5 per cent in the less developed countries compared to .9 per cent in the more developed regions. This is almost three times as high as that of the more developed countries.

This trend is emphasised by the projection of the figures for 2004 to 2050 where the rate of growth of the over sixties in the least developed counties is estimated to grow at a rate of 3.7 per cent compared to the growth rate of the same age group in the more developed countries of 0.2 per cent.”

She called on the government to be aware of the increasing financial, social and health needs of the elderly and to be more proactive in providing affordable health care for the elderly through health insurance schemes and care providers that provide different levels and types of care including palliative care.

“The main challenges for successful ageing to be achieved are the provision of programmes, services and facilities that enable the elderly to retain their ability to live useful and productive lives in good physical; mental; emotional and spiritual health for as long as possible.

“To ensure the full potential of the elderly is realised, the Nigerian governments at all levels have a commitment to provide conditions that promote quality of life for the elderly so that they can continue to participate in their communities, and to live and work independently for as long as possible,” she said.

WHO: Three million miss TB diagnosis

BOUT three million people do not recieve tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis yearly, the World health Organisation (WHO) has said.

According to a WHO report, about three quarters of the cases are in 12 countries.

The report was released by the WHO in London and Geneva.

About 75 per cent of the estimated 2.9 million missed cases, that is, people who were either not diagnosed or diagnosed, but not reported to National TB Points (NTPs) – were in 12 countries. They are India (31 per cent of the global total), South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia; China, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Nigeria, Ethiopia; the Philippines and Myanmar.

According to WHO Director of the Global TB Programme, Mario Raviglione, “Quality TB care for millions worldwide has driven down TB deaths. But far too many people are still missing out on such care and are suffering as a result. They are not diagnosed, or not treated, or information on the quality of care they received is

unknown.”

WHO estimates Global tuberculosis report for this year that the three million people who are currently undiagnosed by health systems account for one third of all those falling ill with TB yearly.

According to the report, reaching the missed cases is among the five priority actions to accelerate progress towards 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Other areas include: addressing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) as a public health crisis; accelerating the response to TB/HIV; increasing financing to close all resource gaps and ensuring rapid adoption of innovations.

The report said the response to testing and treating all those affected by multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is inadequate.

WHO estimated that 450,000 fell ill with MDR-TB last year alone, with China, India and Russia carrying the highest burden of the disease.

Other key findings of the report point out that by last year, TB mortality rate had been reduced by 45 per cent since 1990,

making the MDG target to reduce deaths by 50 per cent by 2015 achievable.

“The Global TB Report highlights the very big gains the global community has made in the fight against tuberculosis,” said Head of the Strategy, Investment and Impact Division of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Osamu Kunii.

He said: “We are now at a crucial moment where we cannot afford to let these gains go into reverse. We need the commitment of the international community to address a significant funding gap to fight this disease.”

Two-thirds of international donor financing for TB is provided by the Global Fund. By July this year, Global Fund financing has cumulatively supported detection and treatment of 11 million smearpositive cases of TB, up from 9.7 million at the end of last year. The number of people treated for multi-drug-resistant TB grew to 88,000 from 69,000 through Global-Fund supported programmes, he added.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

HEALTH

•From left: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr Darnesh Gordhon; Head of Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Abimbola Ajayi, and Marketing Services Director, Mrs Iquo Ukoh during the launch of Nestle’s Pure Life Protect with Zinc PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN bottle water in Lagos.

‘Cervical cancer is preventable’

Man, 46, needs N3.2m for cancer treatment

M

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OMEN have been advised to go for screening and other preventive measures against cervical cancer. Head, Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Remi Ajekigbe, advised them to seek treatment, if needed.

He said: “This cervical cancer grows in the cervix because it begins from its cell lining. The cervix is the lower part of the womb. There are two types. The ectocervix is the portion of the cervix that projects into the vagina and the portio vaginalis. The endocervix is the inside of the cervix.

“Cancer is the result of the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. Most of the cells in our body have a set lifespan; when they die new cells are produced to replace them. Abnormal cells can have two problems: one- they don’t die or two, they continue dividing. This results in an excessive accumulation of cells which eventually form a lump - a tumor. Scientists are not sure why cells become cancerous.

However, there are some risk factors which are known to increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.”

The risk factors, according to the oncologist, include: “Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, a sexually-transmitted virus. There are over 100 different types of HPVs - 15 types can cause cervical cancer; probably 99 per cent of them. In addition, there are a number of types which can cause genital warts.

It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases while HPV types 6 and 11 cause 90 per cent of genital warts.

Other HPV types can cause cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) - the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix.”

He continued: “Another factor is many sexual partners becoming sexually active. Cervical cancercausing HPV types are nearly always transmitted from sexual contact with an infected individual.

Women who have had many sexual partners generally have a higher risk of becoming infected with HPV, which raises their risk of developing cervical cancer. There is also a link between becoming sexually active at a young age and a higher risk of cervical cancer. If a woman develops cervical cancer it does not mean she has had several

• A measles immunisation post at National Bus stop, Mangoro, Agege, as at yesterday, deserted since weekend when the programme kicked off.

•Prof Ajekigbe

By Oluoma Omeihe

sexual partners, or became sexually active earlier than other females. It is just a risk factor.

Women who only ever had one sexual partner can develop cervical cancer. Smoking also increases the risk of developing many cancers, including cervical cancer.

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/ AIDS, or transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medications have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.”

He added: “Certain genetic are predisposed to developing cancer, including cervical cancer. Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, found that women with certain gene variations appear to be protected against cervical cancer.

Long-term mental stress in a woman can trigger cervical cancer. A woman who experiences a high level of stress over sustained period may be undermining her ability to fight off HPV and be at increased risk of developing cervical cancer it can cause, scientists at the Fox Chase cancer Centre has reported.

“Women who gave birth before they are 17 are more likely to get the disease compared to women who had their first baby when they were 25 or over. Women who have had at least three children in separate pregnancies are more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women who never had children.

Long-term use of the contraceptive pill slightly raises a woman’s risk.

Is Cervical cancer preventive? Yes, the don said. He said regular cervical screening would make it more likely that signs were picked up early and dealt with before cancer developed.

“Regular cervical screening would make it more likely that signs were picked up early and dealt with before cancer developed,” said the Oncologist.

R Frank Irabor, a photographer and graphic artist, needs financial assistance to treat an injury he sustained in a motorcycle accident.

His leg has developed cancer of the cell known in medical parlance as plasmacytoma from the fracture.

Plasmacytoma is a malignant tumour, which grows within soft tissue or the axial skeleton.

Orthopaedic surgeons said he would need about N2 million for surgery and N1.4 million for chemotherapy to kill the cancerous cells.

Irabor is lying helpless at Ward G of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, where he has been on admission since February for a more comprehensive treatment on the leg.

Irabor, an Ishan from Edo State, recounted that the incident occurred one morning on Ojodu Road, Lagos.

He said: “I left my home at 16A, River Valley Estate, Ogidi Close, Ojodu Berger very early in the morning of January 8, 2008, to go to Ken Rock Studios, where I work. Little did I know that I would end up in the hospital in pain.

“The motorcycle that I boarded was overtaking a Toyota Land Cruiser, that was stationed by the traffic wardens. But unknown to the motorcyclist, the car moved and the motorcycle rammed into it. I immediately felt pain in my right leg and I couldn’t get up. I was sprawled on the ground as passersby were shouting to prevent further injuries.

“I was rushed to a traditional medicine practitioner, but he advised I see a doctor. So, sympathisers took me to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where I was given necessary treatment. But there was a relapse six months later. And since then I have been in and out of the hospital,” he explained.

He said the doctors did a biopsy after three months of admission at LASUTH, which showed that he was down with plasmacytoma.

Irabor said he had complaints about the leg, adding that doctors usually advised that he exercised it, but the accident triggered what he is suffering now.

“I left LASUTH after seven months on hospital bed with a cast of Plaster of Paris (POP) on the affected leg.

My condition improved and I started working again after one year. It was really reassuring for me but a relapse of the condition has consigned me to the hospital bed again. And I’ve been on admission since then,” he added.

Irabor also said his wife of three years left him when it was difficult to live as family because he was incapacitated.

He appealed to well-meaning people, corporate

• Irabor

By Wale Adepoju

organisations and the government to help him financially.

His bank details are: Kennedy Irabor GTBank: A/C No. 0114527069.

Health care providers make case for quality services

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ARE providers have been enjoined to seek partnership with private organisations for improved healthcare delivery.

This, t is believed, will enable the populace benefiting from the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS).

This is the recommendation of a panel of medical providers at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN) in Lagos.

The theme was: “Community based social health insurance”.

The panel included medical doctors,

By Seyi Ijibayiwa

pharmacists, lab scientists, nurses and health care information officers.

It called on health care providers to join hands to ensure a workable community-based health insurance scheme.

According to its recommendation: “CBHIS should be a contributory programme that should involve all in the society. It must be a PrivatePublic Partnership (PPP), which needs the co-operation of healthcare providers.”

The panel called on the Federal

Government to put in place an enabling environment, by appointing an Executive Secretary for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), adding that this will boost the CBHIS initiative.

The Chairman, HCPAN, Dr Shehu T. Akintade, said the aim of the programme was to bring together medical practitioners to discuss how to deliver quality health services to Nigerians.

He said: “The essence of this is basically to take primary health care to the masses having recognised that they are also the reason for the quoted health indices of this nation.”

ENERGY

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

‘Dangote’s coming will help petroleum sector’

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•From left: Managing Director, Mobil Plc Mr Tunji Oyebanji ; his, Nipco counterpart, Mr Venkatapathy Venkataraman and Executive Secretary Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) Mr Reginald Stanley at the Oil Trading & Logistics Expo in Lagos.

Govt opts for renewable energy to boost power supply

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O address the power problems, the Federal Government is considering the use of renewable energy, such as solar, coal, wind and biomass, to boost hydro supply.

The Chairman, National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi said the government had granted waivers and tariff, among other incentives, to prospective and existing producers of renewable energy to foster its growth.

The incentive, he said, were to motivate producers of renewable energy as well as assist the government to diversify its energy sources in line with the Roadmap for the Power Sector, launched in 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The commission, he said, introduced the Feed-In-Tariff to enable producers of renewable energy to sell power to the grid at prices higher than the ones produced by conventional producers of power that rely on either gas or hydro for production. The 30 megawatts solar plant in Katsina State is an initiative that would benefit from the tariff regime, he said.

NERC, Amadi said, approved and implemented an import duty waiver for companies bringing renewable energy parts into the country, stat-

By Akinola Ajibade

ing that the idea was part of efforts to bring more people into the renewable energy net and further boost Nigerians’ access to electricity supply.

“NERC has come up with a tariff rate for renewable energy to spur investment in that area, and further expand sources of energy in Nigeria. It is part of efforts to deepen the market and subsequently make people to have an array of electricity sources to choose from for socio-economic growth,’’ Amadi said.

The Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, has inaugurated an eight- committee to develop a framework to help in generating power from coal.

He said the ministry was working on a renewable energy and energy conservation policy for the country, stressing that the scheme would guide the government on how to tap into the opportunities in the renewable energy sub-sector.

The government, he said,was diversifying the sources of energy because it wanted more Nigerians to access electricity.

“The idea will enable many of the rural areas that are not connected to the national grid to have some kind of ring-fencing, where they would be serviced with renewable en-

ergy.’’

He said there are plans by the government to build coal-fired plants in Enugu, Benue, Kogi and Gombe states, adding that the idea is aimed at providing energy mix in the country.

Besides, the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power, Beks Dagogo Jack, said the country needs energy mix for growth, stating that government should not rely only on thermal, or hydro sources of power because of Nigeria’s size and population.

He said Nigeria has solar, fossil fuel and wind in abundance, adding that they would be useful as the electricity market is unlocked, adding that thousands of electricity mega watts could be harnessed from renewable energy sources, thus the call for advocating the energy mix.

The government is committed to the transformation of the power sector as evident by the recent privatisation and unbundling of the energy sector, Jack, said.

Nebo, and the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mohammed Sada, have concluded a visit to coal plants and other facilities operated

by HTG-Pacific Energy Consortium in India and China to ascertain the competencies of the consortium to render good services to Nigeria.

Experts hail NEITI on oil licences allocation F

OR its consistence on the award of oil licences, the Nigerian Extructive Initiative Transparency Industry (NEITI) has received accolades Experts say its position accords with global practices.

Prof Adeola Akinnisiju of the Geology Department, University of Ibadan, and Emeka Ene, President of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, said that NEITI’s position must be respected because of its role as a watchdog in the extractive industry.

NEITI, Akinnisiju said, was trying to correct some of the lapses in the bidding and allocation of marginal oil fields, adding that the issue of allocation of oil wells and licences was not without discrep-

By Akinola Ajibade

ancies.

He said the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would address those issues when its becomes law.

“That the president and the Minister of Petroleum Resources were vested with discretionary powers to issue licences to marginal field operators may not be far from the truth. There are lapses in the laws guiding the issuance and allocation of oil licences/wells, and that is what NEITI is trying to correct.

The body is trying to ensure that the right legislations are put in place to restrain some political officer holders from dabbling into sensitive

issues in the oil and gas industry,” Akinnisiju said.

He said PIB would ensure a true bidding process, and further limit the powers of some political appointees who issue licences indiscriminately.

Ene said the legal allocation of oil wells was germane to the growth of the industry, adding that the industry is sensitive, and therefore requires that competent hands manage it.

He said oil discovery ad exploration, among others, should not be left in the hands of mediocres, adding that the fitness level of people applying for licences must be ascertained for growth.

He said the country depends largely on oil, advising the government to handle issues in the industry well.

HE entry of Dangote Group into the petroleum industry will increase local participation in the sector, the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Trust and Development Fund(PTDP), Dr Oluwole Oluleye, has said.

He told The Nation at the sideline of Africa Downstream Exhibition in Lagos, that the decision of Dangote to establish a refinery and a petrochemical would spur investment in the sub-sector and further reduce importation of refined petroleum products into the country.

He said: ”From all indications, Dangote has changed the face of petroleum business in the country.

What we used to experience was a situation whereby the government refines the crude oil abroad, ships, supplies and regulates its consumption in the country. But that has now changed. We now have a situation in which an individual investor will be refining the crude oil, sell it locally and internationally, using the instrumentality of market forces.

“Based on this, Dangote has

By Akinola Ajibade

become a catalyst through which more people would come into the downstream sector,’’ adding that Dangote will be in business whether the Federal Government removes subsidy or not.

He said if more investors go into the refinery business, the quantity of petroleum products produced locally will increase, and this will be better for the economy. He said with increased output, Nigeria’s experience with fuel scarcity and delay in distribution of petroleum products, will become a thing of th past.

He urged investors to take a cue after Dangote, arguing that the challenges facing the sector can only be reduced through the contributions of all the stakeholders.

Also, the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Product Price and Regulatory Agency, Reginald Stanley, said the coming of Aliko Dangote into refinery business is a welcome development, adding that the initiative would improve local production of crude oil in particular, and the economy in general.

Nigeria consumes 39.66m litres of petrol daily

N

IGERIA consumes 39.66 million litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) daily, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani AllisonMadueke has said.

She said the volume of petrol consumption reduced by 34.17 per cent within a short period of time.

Fuel subsidy, she said, has reduced by 59.05 per cent to N850 billion, adding that the government spent N5.27 trillion on petroleum products between 2006 and last year.

She said: “As at December 2012, N5.27 trillion has been expended on products subsidy since the commencement of Petroleum Subsidy Scheme in 2006. A comprehensive reform programme put in place, under the Minister of Petroleum Resources, yielded outstanding results in 2012.”

She said the industry reform was in line with the government’s transformation agenda to promote socio-economic activities.

The reform initiatives, she said, are aimed at restoring effective product monitoring, enhancing transparency and accountability, restoring the integrity of the products importation and volume determination process, changing the negative perception of the sub-sector, especially of the Petroleum Product Price Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), among others.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke said the reforms between 2010 and this year covered the downstream, midstream and upstream, among other areas in the oil and gas value chain.

She said the ministry was repairing and upgrading facilities in the refineries and pipelines distribution network to sustain incountry product supply She maintained that the ministry would continue to ensure stable supply of petroleum product, effective and efficient administration of the subsidy programme which she said remains unsustainably expensive

By Ambrose Nnaji

and increased domestic refining In addition, she said improvements in local capacity and indigenous participation in infrastructure investments had been vigorously pursued, saying the outcome had been in upgraded training facilities and increased regulatory compliance with local content requirements The ministry in line with the government’s drive in achieving the national aspiration of 40 billion barrels of oil reserves and four million barrels of oil per day production, including condensate, as captured in Vision 20:2020, has increased exploration activities in the offshore, onshore and Inland basins.

Meanwhile, exploration has been stepped-up in the inland basins of Chad, Anambra, Benue and Bida/Sokoto/Dahomey, she disclosed.

According to her, last year, 19 exploration wells were drilled comprising eight exploration wells in the JV and 11 wells (3 exploration and 8 appraisal wells) under the PSC. Also, 93 development wells were drilled including 55 development wells under JV while PSC delivered 38 development wells.

Within the same year, 33 workover wells were drilled consisting of 32 work-over wells under JV and one work-over well in PSC This increased exploration activity is reflected in acquisition of a total of 6, 102 sq.km of seismic data, including 818 sq.km acquired for FES operations in the Chad Basin in Phase 3, 4 and 5 combined.

She said acquisition of 266sq.km of seismic data in the Phase 6 is ongoing by IDSL (a subsidiary of NNPC) in the Chad Basin.

In addition, the ministry has also grown IDSL Land Acquisition capacity by additional three 100percent wholly owned seismic party crews, she said, adding that all these are in line with realising the objectives of the present administration.

48

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013 N A T I O N L E I S U R E

QUICK CROSSWORD

ShOwBlItZz

Britney: ‘A lot of sex goes into what I do’

ACROSS

Both Britney Spears’ father and manager are speaking out against a radio interview in which the pop star said she felt she had been pushed too far when it comes to her overly-sexualized music videos.“A lot of sex goes into what I do. But sometimes I would like to bring it back to the old days when there was like one outfit through the whole video, and you’re dancing the whole video, and there’s like not that much sex stuff going on,” Spears, 31, told The TJ Show on AMP 103.3 lately.When it comes to her newest video, Work Bitch, Spears

DOWN

1. Puffed (6) 5. Indelible Mark (4) 8. Splendid (5) 10. Vision (5) 11. Loaded With (5) 12. Angry (5) 14. Ourselves (2) 16. Look (5) 18. Cloudy (5) 19. Encountered (3) 20. Perform (2) 23. Competent (4) 25. Targets (4) 27. Choose (3) 29. Donkey (3) 30. Fish Sperm (3) 31. Role Model (4) 32. Former (2) 33. Domes (5)

1. Rostrum (6) 2. Carol (4) 3. Hatred(6) 4. Perform (2) 5. Sheet of Wood (5) 6. Away (4) 7. Tear (4) 9. Emits Loud Sound (6) 13. Nay (2) 15. Iniquity (3) 16. Poke (4) 17. Consider (4) 21. Haven (5) 22. Central (4) 23. Consumed (3) 24. Deserve (4) 26. Traded (4) 28. Syphilis (3)

MINI-SUDOKU

Fill in the blank spaces in the grid such that every column, row and 2 by 3 box contains the numbers 1-6.

said she actually had the original cut re-edited to a less risqué version.“Oh my God, we showed way more skin and did way more stuff for the video than what is actually there,” said Spears.

“Like, I cut out half the video because I am a mother and because, you know, I have children, and it’s just hard to play sexy mom while you’re being a pop star, as well.”

SIMPLY WEIRD Amazing Acts of Love

Iowa couple Norma and Gordon Yeager were both in their 90s and had been married 72 years when they were hospitalized following a car accident. The nurses and doctor kept the two together in the intensive care unit.

They were barely responsive, but they were holding hands.

Gordon passed away, and exactly one hour later, Norma followed him, still holding his hand.

Ninety-year-old Norma and 94-year-old Gordon Yeager met while Norma was still in high school and Gordon was working at the Chevrolet Garage in State Center, Iowa.

They were married on May 26, 1939, the day Norma graduated. They had four children together, one daughter and three sons.

Pep Talk

HUMOUR Little Animals

OMODAN: if a baby Dog is Called Puppy, a baby Lizard is called what?

SABISABI: Teacher na Lizzy Babe na im dem dey call am.

OMODAN: Clap for him.

Chinese Product A Nigerian woman married a Chinese. She gave birth and the child died, and the woman said “i knew it”. She was asked what she meant and she replied “NA CHINA PRODUCT KE, E NO DEY LAST.” Smart Mother A woman and her ten- year-old son were riding in a taxi in Mumbai. It was raining and all the prostitutes were standing under the awnings. Mom, said the boy, what are all those women doing? They’ re waiting for their husbands to get off work, she replied.

The taxi driver turns around and says, Geez lady, why dont you tell him the truth? They are hookers, boy! They have sex with men for money. The little boys eyes get wide and he says, Is that true, Mom? His mother, glaring hard at the driver, answers in the affirmative. After a few minutes, the kid asks, Mom, what happens tothe babies those women have? most of them become taxi drivers, she said.

Pilgrimage Two abokis have been saving their money to go on pilgrimage to Mecca. On the day of departure, obviously not aware about the sitting arrangement mistakenly went n sat in the first class compartment. all efforts by the crew to convince them that they were on the wrong seat proved abortive. Eventually, one of them agreed to leave the first class to economy class which was their normal seat but the other one was still adamant. His friend was eventually approached to help talk to his brother, which he did by going to whisper to him. Immediately, to the amazement of the crew the other aboki left the economy class to join his brother without any argument. surprised, one of the crew members tried to find out what the other aboki told his brother that made him to comply so fast without any argument and the following conversation ensued Crew: ‘’what did you tell your brother that convinced him so fast to leave that seat without arguing? aboki; ‘’ i tell am say the seat wey dey front no dey go Mecca na the one wey dey back dey go’’

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

PREMIERSHIP ...PREMIERSHIP ...

NATION SPORT

49

Begovic reflects on 'surreal' goal Pressure on at Man City T S

TOKE'S Asmir Begovic celebrated joining an elite group of goalscoring Premier League keepers but left the Britannia Stadium disappointed not to have capitalised properly.

The Bosnia international's wind-assisted long punt down field took a huge first bounce over Southampton counterpart Artur Boruc after just 13 seconds.

However, despite being handed such a fortuitous start, the Potters were pegged back

by Jay Rodriguez's header just before half-time as the match finished 1-1.

"I definitely meant it," joked Begovic after becoming only the fifth goalkeeper to score in the Premier League after Peter Schmeichel, Paul Robinson, Brad Friedel and Tim Howard.

"It was nice. I've never scored a goal so I'll take it. I've never come close as I've never been allowed up for corners but it happened to go in.

"I didn't think it was going in at all and when it went in I thought 'What?'.

"It was a little bit surreal but the ball got caught in the wind and carried a distance.

"I'm in pretty good company so I'll take it as it helped us get a point.

"It was a shame we couldn't carry it on and get a second goal and really get on the front foot.

"But Southampton have been on a great run and are full of confidence so we knew it would be tough.

"We had to graft out a result but we'll take the point and take the positives out the game."

P

ETR Cech insisted Chelsea had no excuses after the shock defeat at Newcastle dented their hopes of piling the pressure on Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Jose Mourinho's men had to contend with wintry conditions and an early kick-off on

Begovic did, however, joke he was happy to pass on scoring tips to any team-mates struggling to find the net.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday: "There wasn't so much banter (from my teammates). Anyway, I'm joint topscorer now so it's working pretty well in my favour at the moment. If they want any pointers they know where I am and I'll pass it on to them."

Begovic also had some sympathy for Boruc, who was on his penalty spot when the ball was launched from inside Stoke's area but suddenly found himself in trouble when centre-backs Dejan Lovren and Morgan Schneiderlin allowed it to bounce just outside their own box.

"It is a terrible feeling to be on the end of one of those but that's football," he told Stoke Player.

"One bad bounce for a goalkeeper makes you look silly."

It is not the first time Boruc has been beaten from distance but he admits the previous occasion was in a youth game.

"The last time it happened I was a kid and it was on pitches without the stands and a bad surface," said the Pole after conceding only his fourth goal in 10 league matches this season.

"I knew it was going to be bad conditions so it's a big thing in the warm-up to do it properly. I was very angry to concede.

"To be honest I didn't have enough time to judge the ball especially after the bounce, I knew that I was in the middle of nowhere.

"The thing is, that's a goal-

keeper's life and sometimes that situation happens and you need to bounce back as soon as possible.

"For the next game in a week's time, I'll take time to prepare properly myself.

"I promise to everybody that I will get those two points back."

Having recovered their composure after the early shock of conceding such a freak goal Southampton gradually took a hold on the game and deservedly equalised when Rodriguez headed in a cross from James WardProwse.

•Asmir Begovic

•Cech

it was the Magpies who emerged with a 2-0 victory which rekindled their season and left Mourinho questioning both his team selection and his players.

Keeper Cech insisted Chelsea had no-one to blame but themselves after dominating for long periods at St James' Park.

The 31-year-old told Chelsea TV: "Apart from the wind, we can't blame anything. The pitch was very good, very fast, and actually it was good to pass the ball, so this was not the reason why we didn't win.

"There are no excuses, no pitch, no early kick-off, whatever. We didn't play well enough to win the game and that's why we lost.

To be fair, they sat back because they were a bit afraid, so it was their plan.

"You could see from the start they wanted to congest the pitch and that's why you don't have many chances to make the tempo and the game really running.

"But to be fair, we had enough possession, we had enough comfort on the ball, but we didn't find a pass."

It proved a sobering afternoon in the north east for the second successive season after a 3-2 defeat at St James' in February secured by Moussa Sissoko's second-half double.

Cech said: "It was exactly the same type of game as last year.

We looked comfortable with the ball, we had more possession, but apart from the close thing we had at the beginning, we didn't find a pass to put them under pressure and to make

In the game's wider context, Zabaleta felt the result and performance were the perfect response to the late slip at Chelsea.

The 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge, City's third of the season in the Premier League, had raised questions over their title credentials and of manager Manuel Pellegrini.

There was no doubting City's determination to put that right as, back in the comfort of their own stadium after four successive away games, they swept the Canaries aside.

John Ruddy, a potential rival to Hart for a spot in the England team, had an afternoon to forget but still made three good saves in the second half.

Zabaleta said: "I think it was a great performance by the team.

"We needed to respond well after the Chelsea defeat, that was hard for us.

"I think the performance was great. Defending - it was important to keep the clean sheet, and we were on fire in attack. I think it was a great game.

"It is another three points, that is good, and we look forward now to the Champions League game.

"We feel very comfortable at home and our performances have been great since the start of the season.

"Playing away we have dropped too many points but when we play at home we are a very strong side."

Samir Nasri had already hit the post when Aguero's 16thminute shot was blocked by Michael Turner and rebounded in off Johnson for the opener.

Aguero teed up the second for Silva, Nastasic headed the third via a deflection from a corner and Negredo rounded off a fine team move before the break.

Eriksson: I signed United deal

No excuses from Cech Tyneside as they attempted to secure a seventh successive victory against a side attempting to bounce back from derby defeat at Sunderland and a gruelling midweek Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City.

But despite much huffing and puffing from the title hopefuls,

HE England goalkeeper paid the price for his costly last-minute mixup with Matija Nastasic at Chelsea a week ago, the latest in a long line of errors, by losing his place on Saturday.

Hart was left on the bench as City roared back to form in the Barclays Premier League by crushing Norwich 7-0 at home.

His replacement Costel Pantilimon had a quiet afternoon as City benefited from a Bradley Johnson own goal before David Silva, Nastasic, Alvaro Negredo, Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko all got on the scoresheet.

Few doubt Hart's quality but Zabaleta feels there is a warning in his deselection to all the team that optimum performance needs to be maintained.

The Argentinian said: "Well, you know, that is football. The manager makes decisions.

"We know in this team now the performance of everyone should be good week in, week out because we have two players in each position who can play.

"Sometimes mistakes might cost the place but we are a big squad and we need to try to do well to keep the place in the team."

Pantilimon, 26, had waited 27 months to make his Premier League debut after joining the club in the summer of 2011 as replacement for Shay Given.

He could not have asked for a quieter introduction as he was hardly called into action.

He did make one good save from a long-range Anthony Pilkington strike late in the first half but City were already 4-0 ahead by then.

Zabaleta said: "I think it was great for Costel. He is a man who works really hard in the week. He well deserved the place."

more chances.

"As the game went on at 0-0, they had more belief and the game became more difficult."

Even the most dedicated of Newcastle fans could not have expected what was to unfold after the visitors dominated the opening half-hour with the Magpies pinned deep inside their own half.

Chelsea came close to taking a 13th-minute leader when skipper John Terry headed a Juan Mata corner against the crossbar.

But although the Blues continued to make the running, they were unable to find a way through the black and white shirts and as a result, the home side grew in confidence.

Having made it to half-time unscathed, Newcastle forced their way in front with 68 minutes gone when Yoan Gouffran met Yohan Cabaye's swinging free-kick with a diving header, and although substitute Willian was denied an equaliser by Tim Krul, Loic Remy made sure at the death with a sweet strike.

However, Cech believed it was the opening goal which was decisive.

He said: "Set-plays are a very important part of the game. If you sleep at one and you concede or the opponent manages to score one from a set-play, it's a goal that can always decide a game, and this one decided the game.

"It's a pity because we could have got something out of the game. It was still 0-0 and I believed in the last 10 minutes, we would find something to score a goal.

S

VEN-GORAN Eriksson has claimed in his new autobiography that he signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2002 - and that he clashed with the Scot over Wayne Rooney's inclusion in his 2006 World Cup squad.

Ferguson led United for 26 years before retiring this summer and being replaced by David Moyes.

He previously announced his intention to stand down in 2002 and although Ferguson later reversed that decision, Eriksson claims he was approached to replace the Scot and accepted a deal.

In an extract from the book reproduced in the Mail on Sunday, Eriksson wrote: "I knew it would be tricky. I had a contract with England until the 2006

World Cup and I would be severely criticised if I broke that contract.

"But this was an opportunity to manage Manchester United.

A contract was signed - I was United's new manager."

The 2006 tournament itself gave rise to further issues as Eriksson selected Rooney, who had been battling a broken metatarsal in the weeks leading up to the squad announcement.

Ferguson, Eriksson claims, had said Rooney would not be available, giving rise to a difference of opinions between medical staff with club and country with England doctor Leif Sward ultimately winning out.

Eriksson wrote: "Leif and I met Ferguson and United's doctor at the United training ground. 'He cannot play in the World Cup', Ferguson said flatly.

•Eriksson

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

50

NATION SPORT

•Didier Deschamps

I

S it an advantage to be favourites against Ukraine and to be playing the second leg is at home?

Didier Deschamps: That’s the way it’s turned out. We didn’t have any say in the matter. But obviously it would have been tougher to play Portugal, Croatia or Greece, who’ve got more international experience and world-class players. Ukraine rely more on their strengths as a team. Playing the return leg at home is also a good thing. We’ve got every reason to be confident, though we should be wary of our opponents. We can’t afford to think that all we have to do is just turn up. We need to fight to qualify.

What’s the difference between sudden-death games like these and group matches?

You need to have character for sure. It’s all or nothing in two matches, with not much time at all between the first and second legs. It’s a long trip. It’ll

Deschamps: It’s time we wrote a new story DIDIER Deschamps is anxious to see history repeat itself. The captain of the first French club to win the UEFA Champions League, back in 1993 with Olympique Marseille, the former midfielder that night became the last l’OM player to hold a major trophy aloft for 17 years, a drought came to an end when the Southerners won the French title in 2010.

Their coach on that long-awaited occasion was none other than Deschamps himself, his part in those two triumphs prompting the fans to carry banners with the legend: “Player or coach, you make us happy, Deschamps.”

When the former Bleus midfield general was appointed national team coach in July 2012, France fans had every reason to be optimistic. After all, Deschamps the coach has enjoyed success wherever he has gone.

Aside from his spell with Marseille, where he won three consecutive League Cups to go with that Ligue 1 crown, the exNantes man also took Monaco to the final of the Champions League in 2004 and Juventus to the Serie B title three years later.

While his first year in charge of Les Bleus was not all plain sailing, the Basque tactician got the basics done, steering his side to second place in a group dominated by reigning world and two-time European champions Spain and booking a place in the play-offs for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil in the process.

Ukraine are the team now barring their path to Brazil, where Deschamps will hope to see another French player emulate what he did 15 years ago by holding the World Cup Trophy aloft. Following the draw for the European play-offs, the France coach spoke to FIFA.com about the final stage in his side’s qualification push. be cool, chilly even, and we’ll need to be well prepared and well organised to make sure we recover properly. For my part I’m going to try and get as much information as I possibly can on them. You have to remember, though, that Ukraine were seeded, they have a better ranking than us and they’ve been in very good form since EURO 2012. So respect and caution is the name of the game.

You need to have character for sure. It’s all or nothing in two matches.

France have just found some form after a rocky patch, beating Belarus 4-2, Australia 6-0 and Finland 30. Have things just clicked?

No, there are just times when you’re confidence is up, which no doubt explains why the team’s doing better right now. The last time we got together I had some players who were on top form and

we had a few people back from suspension and injury.

I hope nothing happens before I name my squad and we play those two matches because we’ll need all the strength we’ve got. And we’ll really need to be together as one, because it’s in every French person’s interests to see Les Bleus in Brazil.

You had a reputation as a winner in your playing days, a reputation you enhanced in Italy. Is that something you use with your players in the dressing room?

A national team coach has to get messages across and transmit all their experience.

In my case I was lucky enough to play with some real competitors, who were used to competing at very demanding clubs where results were everything. Here it just so happens that we’re in a specific situation, a two-legged play-off, where experi-

ence counts. We'll have to handle the emotion of the occasion, focus just on what's happening on the pitch and put everything else out of our

minds.

You skippered the France side that won the FIFA World Cup in 1998. Do you speak to your players about the

thrill of playing in and winning the competition?

I don’t speak very much about the past. It’s part of my life, but it was another time and with different people.

What we have to do here is write a new story together, and if we’re going to do that we have to make it to Brazil. We knew for a while that we were heading for the play-offs. Now that we know who we’re playing, all we have to do is focus on what lies ahead.

With the 2014 World Cup being played in Brazil, the home of football, do you feel any extra motivation?

There’s nothing better for a professional player than to play at the World Cup full stop. Even if you’re at a big club, playing in the biggest competitions, nothing feels better than pulling on the national team jersey at the world finals. I’m here in a different capacity here as the coach, and I’ve accepted the mission of taking Les Bleus to Brazil.

We are all going to do what it takes to reach our objective.

Let’s imagine the play-offs go well. How do you think Les Bleus might do in Brazil?

We’re not there yet. We need to qualify first. Then we’ll talk. To be frank, if I start talking today about what the World Cup might be like for us, I'd be showing a lack of respect to Ukraine. Let’s take it step by step and concentrate on qualifying.

How do you think you’ll need to approach the two games against the Ukrainians?

We’ll need to be ambitious and try to impose ourselves.

I know the Ukrainians are well organised as a defensive unit, but we have to make sure we take control and cause them problems, while also keeping our wits about us. It’s up to us to go and make sure we qualify.

52

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 4-11-13

Nestle, Forte Oil rally to new highs

N

•Equities gain N54b in opening trade

ESTLE Nigeria and Forte Oil rallied to a new high yesterday as the two fast-paced stocks led a momentous rally that added N54 billion to market capitalisation of the stock market.

Nestle Nigeria consolidated its position as Nigeria’s highest priced stock with a gain of N56.43 to close at all time-high of N1,185.19 per share. Nestle Nigeria had recently declared an interim dividend of N1.19 billion.

According to the dividend recommendation by the board of the food drink company, shareholders on the register of the company as at November 25, 2013 would receive a dividend per share of N1.50 as interim payout.

The dividend will become payable on December 9, 2013.

Forte Oil, which had recently announced what most pundits described as impressive third quarter performance, followed Nestle Nigeria on the gainers’ list with a gain of N7.27 to rally to a new high of N78.30 per share.

Interim report and accounts of Forte Oil for the nine-month period ended

By Taofik Salako

September 30, 2013 had shown that net profit after tax quadrupled by 317 per cent from N656.4 million to N2.74 billion. This indicated earnings per share of N2.54 in the first nine months of this year compared with 61 kobo recorded in comparable period of 2012. Profit before tax had increased by 258.4 per cent from N898.3 million to N3.22 billion.

Turnover rose by 28.97 per cent to N92.13 billion in 2013 as against N71.43 billion in 2012.

While there were equal numbers of losers to gainers, the gains by Nestle Nigeria, Forte Oil and other highly capitalised stocks sustained the bullish outlook of the market. Aggregate market value of all equities rose from N12.067 trillion to N12.121 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the main common index that tracks all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), rallied to 37,937.61 points as against its opening index of 37,765.82 points, representing a daily gain of 0.45 per cent. This pushed the average year-to-date return at the stock market to 35.11 per

cent.

Other top gainers included MRS Oil and Gas, which chalked up N3.80 to close at N41.79; UACN Property Development Company gained 81 kobo to close at N18.90, PZ Cussons Nigeria rose by 63 kobo to close at N38.25, Guaranty Trust Bank gathered 50 kobo to close at N26.40, Stanbic IBTC Holdings added 22 kobo to close at N19.22 while Vitafoam Nigeria garnered 19 kobo to close at N4.35 per share.

On the other hand, Guinness Nigeria led 20 other stocks on the losers’ list with a drop of N6.03 to close at N240.50. Okomu Oil Palm followed with loss of N1 to close at N43. Flour Mills of Nigeria dropped by 90 kobo to close at N84.10. UAC of Nigeria depreciated by 44 kobo to close at N65.56. Nigerian Breweries slipped by 40 kobo to close at N175.20. Portland Paints and Products lost 25 kobo to close at N4.75 while FBN Holdings dropped by 24 kobo to close at N16.01 per share.

Total turnover stood at 254.64 million shares valued at N3.40 billion in 4,593 deals.

The banking subsector was the most active with a turnover of 144.08 million shares valued at N1.82 billion in 1,614 deals. Transnational Corporation of Nigeria was the most active stock with a turnover of 43.81 million shares valued at N84.42 million in 267 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 4-11-13

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

CBN cautions banks, OFIs on ‘suspicious transactions’ reporting

B

ANKS and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) have been cautioned to ensure that their Suspicious Transactions Reports (STRs) are forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)/ Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Yusuf I.R said in a circular to banks and OFIs, said despite CBN’s previous circulars and letters, which require financial institutions to forward all STRs to the

Stories by Collins Nweze

EFCC)/ NFIU, some still forward the reports to the CBN. He said STRs and Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) can only be forwarded to EFCC and NFIU. “In view of the provisions of Sections 6 and 10 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) which require all financial institutions to file STRs and CTRs to the EFCC/NFIU and Regulation 31 (3) of the CBN/ Anti-Money Launder-

Okonjo-Iweala, Fashola to address bank directors

ing/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Regulation, 2013 which requires financial institutions to report STRs to the NFIU, the CBN wishes to reiterate that CTRs and STRs should be forwarded to the NFIU/EFCC only,” he said.

However, Yusuf said control function assessment, information and dud cheques issues, politically exposed persons, employee education and training AML/CFT) returns will continue to be forwarded to the CBN and the NFIU.

C

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

Others, he said, were reports on monitoring of employees’ conduct, financially excluded persons, money value transfer services, among others.

Power sector funding creating wealth for economy, says Ihejiahi

F

IDELITY Bank’s involvement in Federal Government’s power sector reforms is aimed at creating wealth and improving the living standards of the people, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Reginald Ihejiahi has said.

He spoke in Lagos at the weekend during the inauguration of the 10Megawatts (Mw) Island Independent Power Project (IPP) Phase 2.

“The important thing for us as a bank is that this is not just about capital, it is about the people. It is because the people who travel on Carter Bridge, the people in the hospital and others around Lagos Island can now go with confidence because there is light.

“It is because people who want to start small businesses will no longer be worried by power. It is because people in the areas served by this power plant can live like other human beings and these are the things that give Fidelity Bank a lot of pleasure,” he said.

He described the project as the evidence of vision, followed by disci-

pline and creative implementation of the Lagos State government and pledged the bank’s continued support of more power projects in the state and in other parts of the country. “I can promise you that so long as the vision we see in Lagos State is accompanied by discipline and creative implementation, Fidelity Bank will continue to support the state,”

T

he explained The extension of the plant increased the power distribution network from 18km to 57km. Also, the number of substations was also increased from 22 to 120 while the number of Lagos State facilities powered by the project was increased from 10 to 38. It also increased the amount of public lighting from 12.6

to 70.7km.

He said the Lagos State government saves about N600 million yearly based on the services enjoyed from the Akute Power Plant financed by Fidelity Bank in 2001, whilst ensuring that many Lagosians have access to uninterrupted supply of potable water to their homes.

lender and Arsenal Football Club.

Commenting during the event, which held at The Emirates Stadium, London, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yemi Adeola, said: “The initiative underscores the bank’s strategic retail market focus. Also, CEO, Arsenal Football Club, Ivan Gazidis highlighted the rich history of the club and ‘noted the deep similarities in history and values between both organisations; promising that “the club will remain true to its founding ideals.”

With the formal launch now completed, Sterling Bank customers; especially the Arsenal fans and holders of the Sterling-Arsenal cobranded debit cards can now begin to enjoy access to club-related benefits and incentives to help them live their passions.

Customers will also have more value-added privileges such as official merchandise and tickets to see the team in action at Emirates Stadium, youth coaching clinic for coaches on the auspices of Sterling Bank in Nigeria and lots more.

Sterling Bank launches Arsenal debit cards

HE partnership between Sterling Bank and Arsenal Football Club has been sealed with the launch of the co-branded debit cards for the use of millions of fans and card holders in Nigeria.

In a statement, the bank’s Group Head, Strategy and Communication, Shina Atilola, said the product was driven by its focus on satisfying the deepest needs and passions of its customers. He said the co-branded debit cards, (available in Visa and Verve) are among the benefits of the initial three-year partnership between the

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

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

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

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

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

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 4-11-13 2013-11-1

FO 71.03 MRS 37.99 NESTLE 1,128.76 MANSARD 2.02 STERLNBNK 2.24 WAPIC 0.83 ETERNA 2.50 VITAFOAM 4.16 LEARNAFRCA 1.77 UAC-PROP 18.09

C/PRICE 2013-11-4

78.30 41.79 1,185.19 2.12 2.35 0.87 2.62 4.35 1.85 18.90

%CHANGE 10.24 10.00 5.00 4.95 4.91 4.82 4.80 4.57 4.52 4.48

LOSERS AS AT 4-11-13

SYMBOL AGLEVENT JOSBREW NEIMETH PORTPAINT LIVESTOCK UBCAP ABCTRANS CUTIX INTENEGINS IKEJAHOTEL

2013-11-1

O/PRICE 1.65 3.60 1.20 5.00 3.74 1.46 0.85 1.72 0.67 0.75

2013-11-4

C/PRICE 1.50 3.42 1.14 4.75 3.56 1.39 0.81 1.64 0.64 0.72

Year Start Offer

Current Before

Current After

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

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

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

CUV Start %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

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

239.4810 212.4997

244.0123 207.9023

245.6422 209.2910

-2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NSE CAP Index

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

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

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

23-09-13 11.494.75 36,088.64

Name AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND KAKAWA GUARANTEED NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL

% Change -

Offer Price 163.31 9.17 1.18 1.16 0.75 1.39 1,000.00 100.00 1.00 1,839.27 13.64 141.19 11,004.94 0.80

Bid Price 162.38 9.08 1.16 1.16 0.74 1.33 1,000.00 100.00 1.00 1,832.21 12.97 140.70 10,680.29 0.78

• ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

NIBOR Tenor

19-09-13 11.432.09 35,891.90

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

%CHANGE -9.09 -5.00 -5.00 -5.00 -4.81 -4.79 -4.71 -4.65 -4.48 -4.00

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

OORDINATING Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala and Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) are among dignitaries that will address stakeholders at this year’s Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) forum holding on November 12, at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

In a statement, BIDAN said the annual stakeholders’ forum brings together executive and non-executive directors of banks, officials of other financial institutions, regulatory authorities, professional bodies and executives of other leading companies in the country.

It said the forum presents opportunity for bankers to network and share thoughts on the theme of the forum: “Public-Private Partnership Innovations in Public Sector Financing”.

Also, it will be chaired by Chief Executive Officer, Actis Miss Ngozi Edozien.

It said executive and non-executive directors of banks, directors of other financial institutions, heads of corporate banking departments, directors and heads of corporate finance of multinational companies and their counterparts in the public sector, PPP stakeholders, states commissioners, regulatory authorities among others.

BDAN, it explained, is the umbrella body of bank directors established to provide a forum for improving the knowledge and the competence of bank directors.

Such role, it said, would promote good practice within the Nigerian banking industry. The association also contributes to the development of the banking industry through recommendations and comments on policy and topical issues in the industry.

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

56

NEWS

Obi renames varsity after Ojukwu

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NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday changed the name of the State University to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).

He gave N5 billion to the institution to boost infrastructure.

The occasion was the posthumous celebration of the late Ojukwu’s 80th birthday at the university’s permanent site at Igbariam.

Obi said the change of the university’s name was to honour the late Ojukwu for his “heroic contributions to improve Igboland”.

He said: “We have done a lot of work on the university’s two campuses. We started this permanent site from scratch. We did the perimeter

G

•Institution gets N5b for infrastructure From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

fencing and the gate building.

We built the imposing Faculty of Agriculture building; the Senate building, the on-going Faculty of Management building and the faculties of Law, Social Sciences and Mass Communications at Igbariam Campus.

“We also built the library and renovated classrooms.

We completed the road to the Uli campus and are doing the one to this campus. Through our intervention, the Central Bank is Building a N1.5 billion Hostel here, among others.”

The governor presented four security patrol vehicles

to the university and two buses to the Students’ Union.

He announced the increase of the institution’s monthly subvention by 15 per cent from January.

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman Victor Umeh said: “This gesture has added to the immortality of Ojukwu.”

Ojukwu’s widow and Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Bianca, thanked Obi and described his gesture as “the continuation of the love” he showed to her husband when he was alive.

The late Ojukwu’s son, Emeka, thanked Obi, Anambra people and Nigerians for their love for his father.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Fidelis Okafor, said: “Before Obi assumed office, people hardly chose this university as their first choice. But now, like other universities, we have more applicants than we can take. The governor has increased our subvention many times. He started the development of the Igbariam Permanent Site. He built a brand new University Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine for us. He was instrumental to the accreditation of many courses. Today, he gave us a cheque of N5 billion, which no university has got in one fell swoop in recent times. We shall reciprocate these gestures by doubling our efforts.”

Gunmen kill man at meeting in Ekiti

UNMEN have killed a timber merchant, Mr. Foluso Ogundare (37), in Emure-Ekiti, Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The incident occurred on Sunday while members of the Ekiti Bibiire Coalition (EBC) were meeting.

A woman, Mrs. Beatrice Ige, was injured.

EBC is the campaign outfit of House of Representatives member and governorship aspirant Opeyemi Bamidele.

It was learnt that the gunmen stormed the venue of the meeting and started shooting.

Sources said those at the meeting ran for safety, but the gunmen caught up with the Ogundare and shot him in the stomach.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

A source said the victim was killed because he could identify some of the hoodlums.

Ogundare died around 10:25pm on Sunday at the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti.”

The source said: “When the killers came, they shot into the air and everyone ran out.

But they went after the late Ogundare and when they caught up with him, they said he should be killed because he knew some of them.

“Mrs. Ige was lucky as she was shot in the buttocks. She is receiving treatment at the State Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

“What happened caught us unawares. We have been

meeting for a long time at a specific place in Ward 3 at the local government. We never disturbed anyone. It was not a secret meeting.”

Police spokesman Victor Olu-Babayemi said details of the incident were not yet known.

Olu-Babayemi said: “Immediately we got the alert, we sent our men to FMC, Ido-Ekiti, where the body was deposited, and EmureEkiti, where the incident happened.

“We must wait for the reports of our detectives and the autopsy to know the cause of Ogundare’s death.”

In a statement yesterday, EBC alleged that Governor Kayode Fayemi could not stand opposition and accused him of sponsoring the attack.

The Ekiti chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) debunked the allegations.

In a statement by its Publicity Director, Segun Dipe, APC condemned the Emure incident, alleging that it was caused by a supremacy battle between two factions of Bamidele’s supporters.

APC alleged that the factions were fighting over some money that they were expecting from Bamidele.

It said: “APC is a law-abiding party. Fayemi has consistently warned that no blood of an Ekiti man is worth shedding for his or anyone’s political ambition. We urge the public to join us in the nobloodshed, no-mayhem campaign as we move into another election period.”

T

Ondo community seeks recognition of monarch

HE people of Ilaje Mahin in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have urged the state government to approve Beniah Adeola Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto.

They said Idiogbe was cleared for the seat by the relevant traditional institutions.

In a statement by the community’s Secretary, Prof. Bode Koriko, the Ilaje Mahin Descendants’ Association said it was necessary to fill the va-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

cant stool, which had been empty for many years.

It urged the governor to present the staff of office to Idiogbe, saying he is the choice of the people.

The indigenes said Idiogbe’s appointment was confirmed by the Amapetu of Mahin, adding that the White Paper presented by the Justice Adeloye Commission affirmed that the Alaboto shall be of Mahin descent/origin.

Ekiti free health mission ends

T

HE eighth edition of the Ekiti Free Health Mission ended at the weekend.

Residents of 13 constituencies in Moba, Ekiti East, Ikere, Ilejemeje, Ise/Orun, Ijero, Ado and Ekiti Southwest benefited from the programme.

Deputy Governor Modupe Adelabu, who was at Ijero and Ado constituencies to monitor the programme, said the mission was for all residents, irrespective of political affiliation.

She said the mission, which was implemented as constituency projects of state lawmakers, was to provide quality health care services at the grassroots.

Services provided by the mission include medical outpatient services, dental care,

eye care, simple emergency services, counselling, public health enlightenment and provision of essential drugs.

Mrs. Adelabu urged mothers, who were delivered of their babies outside public health facilities, to go to government facilities to obtain birth certificates for their children at no cost.

She listed the on-going renovation of all primary and secondary health facilities, the establishment of the Funmilayo Olayinka Cancer Diagnostic and Wellness Centre at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and the provision of ultra-modern facilities at the teaching university as some of the steps being taken by the government to improve health care delivery.

Amosun reshuffles executive council

T

HE Ogun State government has reshuffled members of the State Executive Council.

Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, who was the commissioner for the Environment, has been moved to the Ministry of Youths and Sports.

Mr. Gbenga Otenuga, who was the commissioner for Youths and Sports, is now in the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning.

Commissioner for Forestry Ayo Olubori now heads the Ministry of Environment. Mr. Adebayo Fari of the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning now oversees the Ministry of

Forestry.

The Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Social Development, Mr. Tunde Sanusi, has been moved to the Ministry of Environment.

The SA to the Governor on the Environment, Mrs. Lanre Balogun, has been moved to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

The SA to the Governor on Agriculture, Mrs. Tinu Shopeju, has been moved to Commerce and Industry.

The SA to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Femi Ogunsola, has been moved to Urban and Physical Planning.

Enugu PDP hails polls’ winners

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has congratulated its 17 chairmanship and 260 councillorship candidates on the party’s victory at last weekend’s council polls.

It said the victory reflected the people’s wishes.

In a statement, PDP State Chairman Vita Abba said Governor Sullivan Chime’s

From Chris Oji, Enugu

“exemplary leadership” and “democratic principles” was responsible for the party’s victory at the polls.

He thanked PDP members and the electorate for their support and urged the newly-elected chairmen and councilors to ensure development at the grassroots.

Foundation to train entrepreneurs

T •Ajimobi addressing a crowd...at the weekend. With him are APC leaders.

D

Oyo PDP, Accord members join APC

EFECTORS from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord were received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State at the weekend.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi received the defectors at a carnival-like rally at the Olomi Market in Ibadan, the state

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

capital.

The people were entertained by Fuji musician Rashidi Ayinde.

Ajimobi assured the new members of a level-playing field.

He pledged to rebuild the Olomi-Olojuoro road and execute more projects in the

council.

APC State Chairman Chief Akin Oke said the party was open to new members.

Speaking for defectors from the PDP, a former council Chairman, Alhaji Lukman Olanrewaju, said they were attracted to the APC by the quality of projects executed by the Ajimobi administration.

He said: “We were attract-

ed by the governor’s performance and the accessibility of the Oluyole Council Chairman, Ayodeji AbassAleshinloye, to the people.”

The leader of the defectors from the Accord, simply identified as Mr. Aborisade (a.k.a.

Oosa), thanked the governor for giving them the opportunity to join the party.

HE Regcharles Foundation has been inaugurated at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The foundation’s Managing Director, Peter Damian Mbama, said the organisation is a non-banking financial institution licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide investment management services, fund management, financial and business advisory services.

He said the foundation’s mission was to bring out the entrepreneurship potentials of youths and women by providing technical and material support for them to be in the forefront of entrepreneurship ed-

By Oluwaponmile Akodu

ucation and development in Africa.

Mbama said the plan was to create opportunities for every child to get educated and attend school uninterruptedly.

He said: “Before you can become a member of the Regcharles Foundation, you must be groomed diligently as a FOOT SOLDIER. We do accept donors and sponsors for the development of the youth.

When you want to lend money, we assess you and your business. Regcharles Foundation, unlike other foundations, teaches people how to fish because we discovered that some problems cannot be solved without NGOs like us.”

57

THE NATION TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2013

NEWS

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East/West road 65 per cent completed, says minister

INISTER of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, yesterday reiterated government’s determination to complete the East/West road next year.

He said a whopping N140 billion is needed to fight the infrastructure battle in the region, stressing that the strategic project has reached 65 per cent completion.

However, Orubebe lamented the misconception of his ministry’s performance by the public, despite concerted efforts by his team to live up to expectation.

The minister spoke with re-

By Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor

porters in Lagos on the activities of his ministry and projections for future.

Orubebe said N209 billion had been spent on the road project, adding that N140 billion was required to complete the project.

He said: “People have misconceptions about the slow pace of service delivery by the ministry. We have moved from 10 per cent to 65 per cent in terms of completion. Before, there were no drawings and designs. Within a year, we had drawings and designs.”

The minister said although

the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is perceived as a oneproject ministry, it has not relented in enhancing the quality of life of the Southsouth people in other critical sectors.

He said besides fostering peace in the oil-rich zone, the ministry has empowered the ex-militants, who have acquired skills through vocational trainings to become self-reliant.

Orubebe, however, lamented the spate of kidnappings in the zone, perpetrated by criminals. He said expatriates are being guided daily on site by soldiers.

The minister dismissed in-

sinuations that his attention may have been diverted from his ministerial job by his speculated governorship ambition in Delta State.

He said: “I am a politician.

But I have not gathered people to say that I want to be governor. May be, because I have been a minister for five years this is why there is speculation.

If I will run for the governorship, I will call you to tell you.

My attention is not diverted. I am focused. I work with my team. If you don’t see me in Abuja, you will see me on the East/West road or in any of the Southsouth states.”

Payroll fraud: Bayelsa begins verification with Dickson, deputy

A

VERIFICATION and biometric capturing exercise to tackle payroll fraud, especially the problem of ghost workers in Bayelsa State, began yesterday.

Governor Seriake Dickson and his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) were the first to go through the exercise at the Due Process Office in Yenagoa.

It was aimed at determining the number of workers to reduce the over N3.5 billion monthly wage bill of the state, described by people as outrageous.

The governor and his deputy received their certificates and automated verification cards with serial numbers after the process.

From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

Dickson gave January 2014 as the deadline for the verification and warned that any worker not captured would forfeit his or her salary.

The governor said he was determined to cleanse the payrolls of ghost workers to enable his administration plan for the workers.

“This state is on a new course. It is on the course of doing things properly. I urge public servants to cooperate with the officers conducting this exercise.

“This exercise means so much to us because we want to, once and for all, end the syndrome of ghost workers on our payroll.

“We want to identify who

our workers are, plan and cater for them. I am happy that the measures we have put in place since coming on board have yielded some dividends, but this appears to be the most scientific way of determining who should be on our payroll.

“I commend you all. I have heard that you have already verified a few ministries, departments and agencies, so I want to call for cooperation on the part of the public servants, who will be verified,” he said.

Dickson said nobody would be spared from going through the exercise, insisting that there would be no sacred cow. He said: “No one will be left out; no one should be left out. Everything that

P

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

road leading to the community, chanting: “Governor, we don’t have a school building.

Please come to our rescue.”

Government officials thought the pupils wanted to welcome them. They were surprised to hear them singing about the deplorable condition of their school.

The pupils, who were not aware that the governor sent a representative to the event, wore their uniforms despite it being a weekend and pointed at their school building as the convoy approached the barricade.

Omorodion is a camp settlement inhabited by Yoruba farmers. It is about 7km from the nearest village and lacks

basic amenities until Osahon, representing Ovia Federal Constituency, established an electricity project.

The source said the inhabitants of the village do not have access to potable water. They rely on streams.

Checks by The Nation showed that there are eight teachers in the school, but they live in the city.

A farmer, who gave his name as Badejo, said the pupils learn inside a church whenever it rained, adding that the school’s increasing population was a cause for concern.

The community head, Mustapha Owolabi, thanked the legislator for fulfilling his promise by establishing an electricity project in the com-

G

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

OVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State yesterday proposed a budget of N176,310,968,801.07 for the 2014 fiscal year.

This represents a 17 per cent increase over the 2013 Appropriation Bill.

Presenting the budget at the House of Assembly in Calabar, he said guided by the fundamental principle that capital appropriation takes pre-eminence over recurrent expenditure, they would maintain their 70:30 ratio.

Imoke, who tagged it: “BUDGET OF PROGRESSION”, said it was an important tenet of the state’s fiscal prudence, which would ensure that it continually prioritised developmental projects and programmes over short-term recurrent expenditure.

He said: “Mr. Speaker, this guiding principle is also important as it is one of the ways we can guarantee that all our ongoing development projects can be completed before the end of this administration in 2015.”

The governor said in 2014 the state would strive to leverage on its revenue sources to boost agriculture and tourism and other sectors of the service economy; create a conducive platform for enhanced foreign direct investment; and, strive to complete all capital projects initiated by the government.

He said with the ongoing reforms of the management of the Internal Revenue Service, it is expected that there will be a boost in IGR to achieve revenue target in 2014.

“Government will explore the possibility of raising revenue through the identity management and e-payment back bone project. It will curb revenue leakages through pay direct system on all government transactions, commence back duty tax audit, recovery of withholding taxes from banks, aggressive tax drive on PAYE defaulting firms and reactivate tax offices across the state.”

I ‘ll complete mega projects before 2015, says Akpabio

•Dickson

has to be done in the verification process must be done.

This is the message my deputy and I are here to send, that nobody is above verification.

“No connection will stop you from being verified. No level of seniority will stop you from the verification.

Verification officers have our mandate to do everything you need to do, properly and thoroughly. “

Pupils to Oshiomhole: we don’t have a school building

UPILS of Community Primary School, Omorodion, in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State are suffering.

Investigation showed that their classrooms are an eyesore. They have collapsed, forcing the pupils to learn in the open.

A source said they were relocated to a nearby church whenever it rained.

He said the headmaster had abandoned his office to reptiles and there were no chairs and tables in the classrooms.

When the pupils heard that Governor Adams Oshiomhole would visit the village to inaugurate an electricity project by a lawmaker, Mr. Isaac Osahon, they barricaded the

Imoke proposes N176b for 2014

munity. He urged government to pay attention to the school.

Commissioner for Oil and Gas Mr. Orobosa Omo-Ojo, who represented the governor said the project was in line with the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) administration to curb rural-urban drift.

He said the request of the pupils would be communicated to the governor, who had enjoined them to search for rural schools in need of government attention.

The Chairman of the local government, Morrison Ovia Ogunrobo, said the school would be rehabilitated as the local government had paid the counterpart funding for schools’ rehabilitation and construction in the locality.

PUBLIC NOTICE BOLA AHMED TINUBU FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE BOLA AHMED TINUBU INSTITUTION

The general public is hereby informed that the above—named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under PART ‘C’of the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C20 1990.

NAME OF TRUSTEES • Bola Ahmed Tinubu —Founder & Chairman • Yemi Osinbajo SAN —Trustee Member • Adeola Awofisayo —Trustee Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES • To develop and promote public policy alternatives that foster economic and policy solutions.

• To advance economic and policy solutions through independent research, leadership and public discussions with the public and private sector.

• To create opportunities that improve the quality of life for people and their communities Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565 Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

The general public is hereby informed that the above - named Institution has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under PART ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C20 1990.

NAME OF TRUSTEES • Bola Ahmed Tinubu — Founder & Chairman • Yemi Osinbajo SAN — Trustee Member • Adeola Awofisayo — Trustee Member Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES • To develop and promote public policy alternatives that foster economic and policy solutions.

• To advance economic and policy solutions through independent research, leadership and public discussions with the public and private sector.

• To create opportunities that improve the quality of life for people and their communities Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565 Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: PRESIDENT

Signed: PRESIDENT

G

O V E R N O R G o d s w i l l Akpabio has said his decision to complete mega projects in Akwa Ibom State before 2015 is irreversible.

He spoke when he was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of DAAR Communications (AIT), High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, to inspect the building of a 30,000-capacity Ibom International Stadium, a 275-bed 20th Anniversary Specialist Hospital and the fifth flyover in the state.

The governor said: “I had a clear vision of what I decided to do for the state as I emerged governor in 2007.

There had been a fluctuation in crude oil production and prices that affected the revenue base of the state, else we would have done more mega transformation

projects.

“Infrastructure is the basic foundation of our state and it also brings in development in any society. So, we had to build mega projects, such as the airport and stadium. The stadium has standard facilities that would host local and international matches.”

•Akpabio

Navy rescues grandmother

T

From Shola O’Neil, South-south Regional Editor

HE Nigerian Navy yesterday rescued a 73-year-old grandmother, who was abducted in Ughelli, Delta State on October 31.

Madam Helen Sakpa was rescued five days after she was snatched by gun-totting men from her home in Ovwhodokpokpor community of Olomu clan, Ughelli South Local Government.

Her octogenarian husband was beaten up by the hoodlums on the day she was abducted.

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Send CV to: seabrookconstructionltd@gmail.com

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

58

C ITYBEATS How man was killed, by Manko T HE police yesterday spoke on the late Azeez Omotosho whose widow Sherifat claimed was killed by a corporal in Sogunle, a Lagos suburb, on Saturday.

Police Chief Umar Manko said the late Omotosho was killed when he and his friends attempted to disarm Corporal Emejo Gabriel.

He said the late Omotosho and his friends, apparently under the influence of alcohol attempted to take Gabriel’s rifle.

Manko said Gabriel was hospitalised after the attack. Gabriel is said to be missing body injuries and a broken head.

Manko, who spoke to reporters in his office, said investigation had begun.

The late Omotosho’s widow Sherifat is insisting that her husband was shot twice in the head by the policeman.

She said: “The incident hap-

PUBLIC NOTICE CHUJOR

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. CHUJOR, OWATE BESSY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OBELE, BESSY ONEOBARI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

FELIX

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. MKPONKIWEEK ALICE FELIX now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ALICE. F. MKPONKIWEEKOBABUIKE NKPURUKWE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE OKORO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. IVUOMA FAVOUR .M. D. OKORO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IVUOMA ARINZEH IHEAKANWAH. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

ENEBELI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. VICKY ENEBELI now wish to be known as MRS. VICKY IFELUNNI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJEGBANGBA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AJEGBANGBA DEBORAH NIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADELANA DEBORAH NIKE. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

Police parade female ‘robber’ others

By Jude Isiguzo

pened around 9pm. My husband saw policemen stop the car of his friend’s brother, Samson, in front of our house and he went to intervene. I told my husband not to intervene but he said he knew the policeman. My husband did not even switch off the engine of his vehicle. We all alighted and entered our compound and suddenly we heard a gunshot.”

She claimed to have rushed out from their apartment to find the corporal touching her husband and then for no apparent reason, the corporal shot the dying man again.

Debunking her claim, Manko said: “We’re still investigating, but what we’ve gathered so far, is that there was a party and some people there started fighting. The corporal intervened, attempting to make peace, but they attacked him. As we’re speaking now, he is in the hospital.”

LAWMA advocates healthy waste disposal

By Ayetoto Temitayo

T

O prevent the perils posed to healthcare workers, patients and the community at large as a result of mismanagement of healthcare waste, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has advocated healthy and painstaking disposal of waste.

Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Oladimeji Oresanya, at the 2nd National Healthcare Waste Summit held in Lagos yesterday explained that healthcare waste is a quick agent that disperses infections and diseases which requires special disposal and sorting right from sources. He said the focus on healthcare waste management and the environment in the summit is geared towards getting the public in tune with practices of healthcare waste management, prevention and control as well as map out effective strategies for sustaining a disease free society.

Oresanya said the agency has provided all enlisted hospitals in the state with free healthcare facilities in order to enhance safe waste handling, as “6 million red bags, 4.8 million yellow bags, 2 million brown bags and 3 million boxes have been distributed, with 150 accredited service providers saddled with the responsibility of gathering and conveying domestic and medical waste from various outlets”.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to notify the general public that Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) with Nos: BNA 4951 and BNA 5455 both bearing TERNA UNUM of Block 52/5 Hudco Quarters, North Bank, Makurdi, issued to him by The Ministry of Lands and Survey Makurdi, Benue State got lost. All efforts to trace or recover the said C of O proved abortive. If found please contact TERNA UNUM on 08033141915

PUBLIC NOTICE (CAVEAT EMPTOR) This is to inform the general public and TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that the Lease Agreement dated 11th January 2010 between HON. ASUQUO NYONGESSIEN (LEASOR) and PRINCE EMMANUEL ETUK (LEASEE) of No. 144, Murtala Mohammed way in Calabar, Cross River State with respect to the Filling Station at No. 22B Akwa Ima Estate in Ikot Akpan Abia has been TERMINATED. Any person who enters into any agreement (contract) with the said LEASEE with respect to the said property is doing so at his own risk.

Be warned!

Signed (LEASOR) Dated this 15th Day of October, 2013.

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

O

•President of Ladipo Market, Mr Iyke Animalu, pointing at a bad portion of Akinwunmi Street, near the market during the monthly environmental sanitation.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Fire razes 25-storey GNI building

T

HE 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance Company (GNI) Ltd House on Martins Street, Lagos, was yesterday razed by an early morning fire.

Two persons were injured and properties worth of billions naira destroyed in the fire which started from the first floor and spread to other floors of the building.

Officials of the Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency agencies battled for hours to put out the fire.

Director, Lagos State Fire Service Rasak Fadipe told reporters that his men received a distress call around 6:34 am that the building was on fire.

He said the fire trucks at Onikan Fire Station, with 10,000 litres of water were mobilised to the scene, adding that on getting there, his men discovered that the fire was huge and that the water would not be sufficient.

“We had to call for reinforcement from the Sari-Iganmu Fire Station which brought another 10,000 litres of water to fight the fire,” “We left the island to as far as Apapa to get a functioning water hydrant. So, if you couple that with the traffic challenge, you will see that the fire keeps coming back.”

The team, he said, also found it difficult locating the source of fire as the premises had many combustibles.

“Aside crowd control challenges and the unavailability of water hydrants, we have not been able to locate the source of the fire, “It started on the ground floor, which had many combustibles. Several cars were parked in the premises and they also led to the escalation of the fire.

“Although the structure was built as offices, most peo-

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Miriam Ekene-Okoro

ple have converted the offices to stores and warehouses.

“We also suffered from crowd control, with the hoodlums trying to seize our fire equipment from our personnel. They obstructed the adequate positioning of fire trucks and attacked fire men,” Fadipe said.

He said the fire men also brought aerial ladder used to fight fire in high rise buildings to gain access to the affected floors.

He said the first to the third floors of the building were affected, adding that the battle to put out the fire was still on at the time of filing this report.

Fadipe said his men faced crowd challenge on arrival, adding that they battled the crowd to gain access to the building.

He said the thick smoke from the building also posed a challenge to his men, who had to use breathing apparatus to enter the building, adding that the cause of the fire has not been ascertained.

Fadipe said officials of the Federal Fire Service and their United Bank for Africa, UBA, were on ground to complement the state fire service men.

The incident caused traffic grid-lock on Martins and adjoining streets as vehicles sought alternative routes out of the area.

Spokesperson, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye said the fire took a combined fire service team an estimated 12 hours to fight.

He said no life was lost, adding that one of those injured is a Senior Fire Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Obiah Onoh who was attacked by hoodlums.

As at 4pm, the fire men including those from the military and private organisations were still battling to bring it under control.

Eyewitnesses said the fire started on the ground floor, where many cars were parked.

The Nation learnt that residents in the area were able to salvage five cars before smoke engulfed the place.

When The Nation visited, those with offices and warehouses on the premises were scampering to salvage their belongings.

Some workers at the building looked confused; others who stood in clusters lamented the loss of personal effects kept in their offices.

One of the workers, Musiu Ahmed said he got to work about 7am to meet the building razed.

He said some people kept diesel on the ground floor, wondering if that could have led to the outbreak.

“You know that this ground floor is supposed to be solely a parking lot, but some people have turned part of it to warehouse. Could it be the diesel that people keep here that caused this fire?” Asked Ahmed.

Ahmed, who said his office was on the second floor, thanked God that no life was lost.

However, another fight ensued between officials of the state government and NEMA, with the Commissioner for Special Duties, Wale Ahmed, ordering Farinloye to vacate the premises.

The battle for supremacy between NEMA and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has become a recurring decimal emergency sites, leading to the agencies not working together.

Brothers held over the death of landlord

T

WO brothers who allegedly killed their

landlord have been arrested by detectives from the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, Lagos.

Youths invaded a conflict resolution meeting by the Anuoluwapo Estate Community Development Association (CDA) on Ijede Road in Ikorodu, Lagos, on October 27, where residents gathered to discuss insecurity.

One Ayo Bello was allegedly being questioned by residents house breaking and

By Jude Isiguzo

theft when the youths.

In the ensuing fracas, the youths led by Ayo’s elder brother Taiwo, descended on the elderly men and hit a landlord, Alhaji Amao Tijani on the head and he died.

A member of the CDA, said the community was still in shock over Tijani’s death.

“We received a compliant from one of the residents that some youths broke into their apartment. The daughter of the man who laid this complaint recognised one of the boys as Ayo Bello and we invited him before the CDA ex-

ecutives to tell us what he knew about the allegation. He was in front of us but instead of answering the question put across to him, he picked his mobile phone and made a call.

“Less than a minute after his call, his brother Taiwo invaded the place with his boys and wreaked havoc. They came on motorcycles and they were all armed.

“The boys were like six in number and they ordered Ayo to get up and follow them. The boys did not bother to greet us or ask why Ayo was being questioned.

PERATIVES of the Lagos State police command have smashed an eight-man gang that killed two policemen and took away their rifles.

The Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko said the two AK47 rifles had been recovered.

The rifles, he said, were recovered after a gun battle with some robbers, who he described as offshoot of the dreaded Godogodo robbery kingpin that was arrested early this year.

A woman was among the eight-member gang arrested by the police.

Those in custody are Ife Olubaba, 29,(Gang leader), Saheed Wasiu,23, Segun Idowu, 20, Wasiu Rafiu, 23, Odelade Kabiru, 26, Waliu Sonni, 29, Taiwo Obafunsho, 28(female) and Taiye Agege who was killed during an exchange of fire with the police.

The police also recovered one automatic pump action gun, four locally made pistols, two AK47 magazines fully loaded, 135 live cartridges and one Hyundai Tucson Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), marked MUS350B. The items were said to have been recovered in Egbeda, a Lagos.

Manko said: “On November, 3, 2013, in a follow up to the firing of policemen attached to Iju Police Station in Lagos on October, 9, 2013, by a gang of armed robbers, where two rifles were carted away by the robbers, I specifically asked the officer-incharge of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), Abba Kyari, a Superintendent, to take charge of the investigation and recover the snatched rifles.

“Acting on the strength of this directive, which was closely supervised by me, the manhunt paid off. Eight of the suspected robbers, led by Ife Olubaba, a boy to Godogodo, the kingpin of the Southwest armed robbers were arrested at locations in Lagos and Ogun states.”

Manko continued: “During the exchange of gun fire between the armed robbers and SARS operatives, Taiye Agege, second in command in the gang, was fatally wounded. All the arrested suspected armed robbers confessed to have taken part in the operation where policemen were killed at Iju and many other robberies. Meanwhile, efforts to arrest the remaining gang members have been intensified.”

•Obafunsho

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

59

NEWS Outrage over invasion of G-7 governors’ meeting Continued from page 2

nors and members of the Senate and the House of Representatives that were duly elected by Nigerians, and threaten them with arrest can only indicate that the orders must have come from the Presidency. But for the police to carry out what is evidently an illegal order reflects a new low in the history of Nigeria police.

“The PGF hereby condemns in totality the antics of the Nigeria police in breaking up peaceful meetings and harassing Nigerians, while also calling for a probe into the PDP – Nigeria Police relations. Is the police established and paid to serve all Nigerians or merely to serve the interests of the PDP? If the police have become the armed wing of the PDP, then what differentiates it from the terror tactics of those who seek to violently impose their political beliefs on others?

“The PGF insaluting the resilience, tenacity and patriotic commitment of the G7 Governors and all leaders of the New PDP, calls on them to continue the fight to rescue Nigeria from the grip of a tiny clique that has cornered the political space in the country and now regards the rights and commonwealth of Nigerians as disposable in their desperation to continue in office

despite growing unrest in the polity occasioned by PDP’s politics of poverty and exclusion.”

The PDM called on Nigerians to resist bad governance and hold political leaders accountable for their roles while in government.

In a statement yesterday, the National Chairman of the PDM, Mallam Bashir Ibrahim, berated the spate of uncontrolled tide of intolerance and highhandedness being displayed by the Federal Government.

The chairman said security agencies were now making life difficult for all discernible forces against the ruling party.

His words: “Nigeria is not and cannot become a Banana Republic and nobody should turn it into one. We all fought for democracy and no one should return the country to the dark age of militarisation and jungle justice.

“The wave of tyranny and dictatorship against the G-7 and other opposition members should be resisted in earnest. All bonafide citizens of our great country deserve their freedom of speech, association and political affiliation.”

The statement added that the party received yesterday defectors from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (COC), led by a former senator, Rufai Hanga.

The party chairman was quoted as telling the defectors that the PDM had learnt from the mistakes of other parties in gross abuse of registration, party ownership, godfatherism and lack of internal democracy.

Fani-Kayode said: ‘’Nigeria is in the grip of fascism again. The G7 governors met at the Kano State’s governor’s Lodge last night (Sunday) in Abuja. As they were holding their meeting the DPO of Asokoro police station burst in with his men and tried to stop them from meeting citing ‘’orders from above’’.

“This is a very serious issue and it clearly indicates that we are back in the days of totalitaniarism and fascism in Nigeria. In the next few days, weeks and months every single person that is in opposition to the Jonathan government must expect the worse from them.

“If they can do this sort of thing to sitting governors who have immunity from arrest and court proceedings what won’t they do to the rest of us. May God deliver Nigeria from these desperate people. Worse still the episode has an ethnic colouration and agenda to it.

“I condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms and I join many others in calling on President Jonathan to rein in his Gestapo and stop this madness. I

“I think with what has happened, my fear is that this country may be worse than a banana republic if we don’t do something. Because the people who now think that the laws of Nigeria exist only for them to use it to further what personal purposes they may have, is not for the benefit of all Nigerians equally and that is always a dangerous signal in a democracy.

“I have called Senator Hope Uzodinma who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, he said he will look into it,” Abe said.

Asked if the incident had to do with the crises rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, Abe said the development had affinity with their involvement in the new PDP. “Of course, it is the reason and people fail to understand that the constitution of this country guarantees freedom of movement, guarantees freedom of association and that people are free to talk to one another.

“I have said before and want to repeat it here that if we are talking of a national dialogue, you cannot talk of a national dialogue in an atmosphere of inti-

mation. Nigerians must not only be allowed, but indeed, they must be encouraged to talk to one another in the spirit of trying to create a united country,” he added.

An official of FAAN, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the situation was outside the purview of the authority.

Though he acknowledged that the aircraft was grounded, he said.

“Yes, their aircraft was grounded but FAAN has nothing to do with grounding of aircraft,” he said.

“They were grounded because of documentation and issues relating to manifest of the passengers,” the source said.

Information from a reliable source also stated that the aircraft was grounded because of political reasons.

The source added that officials of the All Progressive Party (APC) were aboard the flight to Port Harcourt to attend a political meeting in Rivers State.

“It seems the aircraft was to transport APC officials to Port Harcourt” But in an sms yesterday, the co-

Crowds gather in Rivers for APC Continued from page 2

•Fani-Kayode

also commend the high level of maturity, decorum and restraint displayed by the G-7 Governors and their respective security teams in the face of this unprovoked aggression and deep provocation. Had it not been for that restraint anything could have happened, blood may have been shed and innocent lives may have been lost.

“This is supposed to be a democracy and not a military or civilian dictatorship. It is time that people started standing up for their basic rights in this country. I call on every Nigerian to resist the Gestapo-like tactics, lawlessnes, tyranny and intimidation of the Jonathan administration and to compel it to ensure that its security forces work within the ambit, dictates and framework of the law. An attack on or violation of the basic rights of any one of us by the government and its security agencies is an attack on all’.’

Lawmakers’ aircraft grounded in Abuja

Continued from page 2

now has become increasingly undemocratic and increasingly very embarrassing. Freedom of expression and movement is under attack. I don’t think we should encourage a return to the days of the military when people embarked on unilateral actions just like that.

Senator Abe added that the incident amounted to impunity.

He explained that every necessary arrangements had been made with the operator before the sudden development.

He said he had reported the issue to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who promised to look into it.

“In fact, we had arranged an aircraft to take us from Abuja to Port Harcourt to enable us join other Rivers people to receive the visiting delegation of Nigerians that are coming to visit the governor today and we received information that the owners of the aircraft had called to say that they had instructions from above not to take off. So, we are stranded here at the Airport, struggling to make other arrangements.

Babatope, Na’Abba, Kure, others tipped for minister Continued from page 2

Minna.

“A petition has been sent to Governor Babangida Aliyu by Olatunji, asking security agencies to investigate alleged assault on him by the ex-governor.

Some stakeholders are already capitalising on this misunderstanding to move against Kure.”

In Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore’s camp is said to be opposed to Babatope’s appointment, based on age.

Omisore is seeking the President’s nod to nominate a ministerial candidate.

But the liberal PDP members are pushing for the appointment of Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, who is believed to be acceptable to all factions.

The fear of PDP members in Kano is that Na’aba is a radical who may be difficult to manage.

“Although Na’Abba can change the political atmosphere in Kano and challenge Kwank-

waso, he may not be able to wrest the state from the governor,” a source said, adding: “Some PDP leaders have reservations on Na’aba as a radical leader. We hope the party will not end up being polarised before 2015.”

In Adamawa, it is a straight fight between Jibril Aminu’s faction and others.

A former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Idi Hong, is said to be Aminu’s political right hand man, but some stakeholders are rooting for Governor Boni Haruna to curtail the “excesses” of Nyako and ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Party leaders in Sokoto are displeased with the President’s insistence on giving his friend, Senator Umar Gada, a ministerial slot.

They alleged that the preference for Gada might have accounted for the “disgraceful” exit of two ministers from Sokoto State.

It was learnt that the President had wanted Gada on board since 2010, but stakeholders had always opposed his choice.

“Since all the nominees from Sokoto State have disappointed him, the President is giving Gada a priority. Actually, Gada was favoured to be the minister of FCT in 2010, but some senators persuaded Jonathan to give it to Sen. Mohammed Bala, who was from the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP),” a source said.

Some PDP leaders in the Southwest were alleged to have queried why George should shop for a candidate.

There were indications that the President might get at least two lists from the Lagos PDP. As at press time, it was unclear when the President would send the list to the Senate.

A Presidency source simply said: “We are just fine-tuning the list. We may send it to the Senate any moment from now.”

ordinating spokesman of Aviation agencies, Mr Yakubu Dati said :” No plane has been grounded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport , Abuja today as mischievously being circulated.”

airport, even up to the VIP Lounge and the tarmac to receive Wike, Jonathan or his wife, he declined to comment.

The Interim National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a telephone interview, said the visit to Port Harcourt by the leaders of the main opposition party was shifted till 11 am today, because of “coordination and logistics”.

Amaechi, who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, said today’s crowd would be three times bigger than yesterday’s.

Okocha said: “The police and other enemies of progress want to diminish the support of Rivers people for Governor Amaechi, but they have failed.

Rivers people refuse to be intimidated or cowed. Their support is unwavering and they will not take the law into their own hands.”

The First Lady, who was scheduled to leave Port Har-

court yesterday, did not leave.

There was no official explanation for the change secluded.

The wife of the President was in Rivers state for the funeral of her mother, the late Madam Charity Fyneface Oba, aka Mama Sisi, at Okrika, headquarters of Okrika Local Government Area.

At the funeral service at the playground of Okrika National Secondary School last Friday, Dame Jonathan refused to shake Amaechi while she moved round to greet dignitaries, but the Rivers governor, unperturbed, danced to the music of Gozie Okeke, Buchi and Yinka Ayefele, among others.

The members of the advanced team of the First Lady were already at the airport yesterday, waiting for their boss, who did not show up.

The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, George Feyii, commissioners, local government chairmen and other top Rivers government officials were at the airport waiting to receive the APC leaders.

PDP crisis: G-7 governors visit Obasanjo, Danjuma Continued from page 2

elders across the country on the issues that affect the party and the nation in general.

We are talking about the ills in the country.”

The governor said his planned meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), initially scheduled for yesterday would hold today.

Shonekan told the gover-

nors: “God has given us all the things needed for growth and progress. We must try as much as possible to cooperate with one another, to make sure that the country becomes the envy of all.”

He said he offer himself to assist in reconciling the warring politicians.

The governors met with Gen. Danjuma on Victoria Island for one hour as well.

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

60

FOREIGN NEWS Egypt ex-President Morsi tells judge 'I am president'

E

GYPT's ousted leader Mohammed Morsi has gone on trial in Cairo, telling the judge the case is illegitimate as he remains president.

He and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood figures face charges of inciting the killing of protesters outside the presidential palace in 2012.

After Mr Morsi's remarks and his refusal to wear a uniform, the judge adjourned the trial until 8 January.

He was then flown to Burj alArab prison in Alexandria, state TV said.

Earlier reports had suggested that he would be taken to Tora prison on the outskirts of Cairo.

Until now he had been held at a secret military location.

There was so much noise and disruption during what was at times almost a circus-like hearing that the judge had to adjourn proceedings twice.

Mohammed Morsi arrived looking quite relaxed. He waved at supporters when he came in, he smiled and gave the four-finger salute [used by his supporters].

Almost as soon as the judge began speaking he began interrupting. He shouted out repeatedly, even when his voice was hoarse. He kept repeating: "This is not a legitimate trial, this trial is part of the coup; the coup itself is a crime."

He interrupted the first session at least three times before the judge adjourned. During the second session he interrupted twice saying: "I am the president, I am the president, you have no right to conduct a trial into presidential matters".

He sat quietly during the first break in the trial and was surrounded by some of his fellow defendants, members of the Brotherhood he has not seen since he was removed by the military. He smiled, gesticulated and gave one of them a bear hug.

Mr Morsi was ousted by the military in July after protests against his rule.

Early on Monday Mr Morsi was brought into the sprawling Police Academy compound by helicopter. Other defendants, including Essam el-Erian, Mohammed al-Beltagi and Ahmed Abdel Aatie, were said to have arrived in armoured personnel carriers.

No television pictures were broadcast from the court although journalists were allowed in for the former president's first public appearance since he was deposed on 3 July.

As he entered the courtroom, Mr Morsi refused to remove his blue suit and put on the required white prison uniform. The defendants, who were being held in a cage in the courtroom,

• Morsi

chanted "illegal, illegal".

When asked to give his name, the former president gave a defiant response, according to reporters inside the court.

Anti-Morsi groups have used distorted versions of the gesture with offensive intent "I am Dr Mohammed Morsi, the president of the republic. I am Egypt's legitimate president.

You have no right to conduct a trial into presidential matters."

Shortly after Mr Morsi's arrival, a small crowd arrived and began chanting outside the police compound more than one hour's drive from the centre of the city.

The crowd soon grew and protesters were briefly seen on state TV chanting slogans against army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who led Mr Morsi's removal from power.

Demonstrators shouted at a state TV crew and chanted "liars" before chasing them and pelting them with stones.

French journalist deaths: 'Suspects arrested'

S

ECURITY forces have arrested and questioned a number of suspects over the deaths of two French journalists in northern Mali, officials say.

Radio France Internationale's Ghislaine Dupont, 57, and Claude Verlon, 58, were kidnapped and killed on Saturday after interviewing a local leader in Kidal.

France's Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said operations were ongoing to find the attackers.

He has described the deaths as "cold and calculated assassinations".

The bodies of the two journalists have been moved to the Malian capital, Bamako, ahead of their repatriation later on Monday, according to RFI. The desert town of Kidal is at the centre of a political dispute between ethnic Tuareg nomads and the rest of the population of Mali, who are black Africans.

In an interview with French radio on Monday, Mr Fabius declined to confirm previous reports that French forces had arrested five suspects and transferred them to the city of Gao. But he said efforts were continuing to "identify a certain number of people in camps".

Meanwhile, French news agency AFP quoted a police source in Gao as saying a dozen suspects had been arrested over the deaths of the journalists.

And an unnamed intelligence official told the Associated Press that about six people had been detained.

"We believe that of the people they now have in custody, they have at least one of the four killers," the official said.

Mr Fabius said sound engineer Mr Verlon and reporter Ms Dupont were killed about 12km (seven miles) east of Kidal. One had been shot with two bullets, the other three.

The draft calls for an end to excessive electronic surveillance, noting that the illegal collection of personal data "constitutes a highly intrusive act".

Brazil and Germany have both been angered by allegations of large-scale US surveillance.

The allegations stem from revelations by US whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The draft resolution, which does not name individual countries, will be debated by a General Assembly committee focusing on human rights.

The draft calls on the 193member assembly to declare that it is "deeply concerned at human rights violations and abuses that may result from the conduct of any surveillance of communications".

This includes "extraterritorial surveillance of communications, their interception, as well as the collection of personal data, in particular massive surveillance, interception and data collection".

The resolution, which will be voted on later this month, calls on all countries to protect the right to privacy guaranteed under international law.

While General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they can carry significant moral and political weight if they win enough support.

Brazil, Germany draft anti-spy resolution at UN

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ERMANY and Brazil have asked the UN General Assembly to adopt a draft resolution calling for the right to privacy in the digital age.

Colombia: Huge drug busted

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HE Colombian navy has seized 1,450 kg (3,200 lb) of cocaine from a speedboat in the Caribbean, following a tip off by US anti-drugs agents.

Colombian officials say the boat had left the northern town of Manaure and was heading towards the Dominican Republic. It was intercepted in international waters.

Four Venezuelans and a Colombian have been detained and are being held in custody in Tampa, Florida.

They are expected to be charged with drug trafficking, Colombian police said.

The drugs allegedly belonged to Los Urabenos, which operates in northern Colombia.

Los Urabenos is one of the groups the Colombian government calls Bacrim, short for bandas criminales (criminal gangs).

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has made the

• President Santos

fight against the Bacrim one of his government's priorities.

Speedboats are used by gangs trying to avoid surveillance as they transport illegal drugs produced in South America to Central America, Mexico and the United States.

In two joint operations last month, agents from the US, Colombia, Panama and the Dominican Republican seized 2,500 kg of cocaine in the region.

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

Promise Kept!

Another

Presentation of Buses and Interactive Session with Youth and Students by His Excellency, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi today, 5th November, 2013 Venue: International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan Time: 11am prompt Mr. Gbenga Olayemi

Chairman of Oyo State Agency for Youth DevelopmentÂ

OYO STATE OF NIGERIA

THE NATION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013

63

SPORT EXTRA

Igiebor fit for Ethiopia clash

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EAL Betis midfielder Nosa Igiebor has said he will be fit in time for the World Cup playoff against Ethiopia in Calabar.

Last week, Igiebor suffered a groin injury in training, but the former FC Abuja player has told MTNFootball.com he has resumed training with the rest of the Betis squad.

Registration begins for ‘Nike We Run Lagos 10km race’

A

S the countdown to the Nike We Run Lagos 10km races begins, registration by interested athletes have begun with many athletes indicating their interest to be part of the race.

The 10 km race which will hold in Lagos on November 16 is expected to attract more than 2000 participants and will be flagged off by the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, from the Onikan Stadium and have the runners go through the Eko Bridge and terminating at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Head of Operations, Nike Nigeria, Keith Lewins, while looking forward to the race, said that registration for the race is free. It commenced November 1 and ends on November 10 with collection of race pack for successful registered participants commencing on November 11th through to 14th.

"Yes, I sustained a groin injury in training last week after our game against Athletico but it’s nothing serious," Igiebor said.

"I have now resumed training with the rest of the squad and for sure I will be fully fit for the World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia."

Nosa was absent in Betis 3-2 defeat away to Malaga.

LADIPO WARNS EAGLETS

Avoid high balls against Sweden

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•Storm UAE with 100 supporters

RESIDENT General of the Nigeria Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo has cautioned the Golden Eaglets on playing high balls against their opponent Sweden as both sides lock horns in the semifinal match of the ongoing FIFA U- 17 World Cup going on in the United Arab Emirates.

“The first time we played against Sweden, the Golden Eaglets team was exposed somehow but thank God the Eaglets rallied round to equalise again. My advice to the technical crew is to study the Swedes very well and make sure he adopts a strategy that can frustrate their aerial prowess and thereby outwit them in their strong area.

“The Sweden team has players that are taller than our boys and when our boys confront them they shouldn’t play high balls. The Eaglets were very much mobile in our last match against Uruguay.

That (mobility) is one beautiful thing that can take them to the final of this tournament.

“They should increase their mobility rate as well as avoid high balls during the match then the result will surely go our way Insha Allah (by God’s grace)”, Ladipo told NationSport in Dubai yesterday.

The Supporters’ Club’s boss also disclosed that he came to the

From Segun Ogunjimi, Rashid Stadium, Dubai

•Nosa Igiebor

United Arab Emirates with about 100 supporters to cheer the Eaglets to winning the cadet World Cup. “We are about 100 here and we have also mobilized the Nigerians living here to join us and I believe the support will be massive for the Golden Eaglets tomorrow. So I believe we will take the Trophy to Nigeria at the end of this competition”, Ladipo assured.

SPDC GOVERNOR'S CUP:

Coach excited ahead final

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WORLD CUP 2014 TICKET

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Oduamadi plots Ethiopia’s fall

UPER Eagles’ winger Nnamdi Oduamadi has expressed optimism that come November 16 in Calabar, the Walyas of Ethiopia will not escape the wrath of the Nigerian team as they battle for one of the tickets for the 2014 World Cup. Nigeria had stunned Ethiopia 2-1 in Addis Ababa to get an advantage over the East Africans in the first leg, and Oduamadi is saying that the home support will play a major role in ensuring that the Eagles sail through to the biggest football festival in the world.

•Banks on home support

By Innocent Amomoh "We are really banking on home support in Calabar," said Oduamadi in an exclusive interview with NationSport from Italy.

He continued: "As it is now, I don't believe it is over yet. I think the battle just began because the Ethiopians have a lot to prove. I can call them wounded lions because of the loss in Addis Ababa, so we must be ready to contain their threat and

frustrations to come out in flying colours."

Oduamadi, however, solicited for support from all and sundry to see the Eagles to ensure that Nigeria gets the coveted ticket to the Mundial.

"We have what it takes to defeat the Ethiopians. We should win in the presence of our own fans after our away win in Addis Ababa. I just want everybody to come out and support the team.

The ticket will be delivered by the grace of God," he assured.

Okocha engages Heineken UCL fans in Port Harcourt

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HE regular fun and excitement of UEFA Champions league awaits fans tonight courtesy of International Premium Lager Beer, Heineken. Former Super Eagles’ captain Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, is set to thrill football fans on digital platform during match day four of the UEFA Champions League from Port Harcourt.

The reverse fixtures begin tonight, and in group B the star match up will see Juventus FC of Italy take on cup challengers Real Madrid in Turin. Football legend, Okocha, with over

20,000 followers on twitter will engage football fans before, during, and after the match on digital platforms. All twitter users are encouraged to join the conversation by tweeting @realmadrid or @Heineken_NG or use the hashtags #MatchnightWith@Heineken_NG or #MatchNightWith.

Heineken recently extended its sponsorship with UEFA for another three years until 2018.

Over the last few seasons, the International premium lager beer has been rewarding its Nigerian consumers with a premium viewing experience of

UEFA Champions league football, at the Heineken Champions Planet in Victoria Island, Lagos. For the on- going season, the brand has been showcasing the unique Heineken experience at 100 premium bars with the aim of getting closer to its consumers in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Abuja.

Okocha, who was engaged by thousands of Arsenal fans on match day 2 as they interacted with him during the 2-0 win against FC Napoli at the Emirates stadium, would be available to hundreds of UEFA

Champions League fans at Casablanca bar, GRA 2 in Port Harcourt this evening.

Consumers will have the opportunity to interract with the football legend while the match is underway.

"It was a thrilling experience for me the last time I was on the twitter handle for Heineken during the Arsenal's home match, and with the competition already gathering steam, I want all passionate fans to join me at Casablanca bar, GRA 2 Port Harcourt as @juventusfc slug it out with @realmadrid,” he commented last night.

Adesokan breaks powerlifting world record in Kuala Lumpur

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ARALYMPIC champion Yakubu Adesokan demonstrated his prowess once again by setting a world record mark of 176 kilogrammes to take the men's under 49kg title at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Powerlifting Asian Open Championships in Kuala Lumpur.

The 34-year-old, who took gold in the ExCel arena at London 2012, setting a world record of 180kg in the under 48kg class, repeated the feat in the Malaysian capital by

eclipsing Egyptian Taha Abdelmagid's record of 165kg in the under 49kg category.

Adesokan, who lifted more than three times his own bodyweight on his way to taking the Asian crown, headed a high class field which also saw the men finishing in silver and bronze positions, produce lifts that beat the previous world record mark.

Yakubu Adesokan of Nigeria is fast becoming one of the main stars of Paralympic powerliftingYakubu Adesokan of Nigeria is fast becoming one

"Intending participants are to register at the numerous Nike stores at Ikeja Shopping Mall, The Palms, Lekki and Adeniran Ogunsanya Mall, Surulere, Lagos."

Lewins, noted that the race will make Lagos the 16th city to organise the race out of 26 cities slated to host it as well as help to connect runners around the world and forge a new global community of athletes through Nike’s most connected race series spiced up with innovative Nike technology.

"Participants can expect a unique and memorable experience as they will be running against the back drop of some Lagos iconic landmarks and the first 100 athletes to get to the finish line will be rewarded with a free pair of Nike shoes, while there will be musical performances by a leading musical group at the end of the race."

of the main stars of Paralympic powerlifting.

Van Cong Le of Vietnam produced a lift of 175kg to claim the silver medal with bronze going to Omar Qwarada of Jordan following a lift of 167kg.

Another medallist from London 2012, China's Zhe Cui took top honours in the women's under 41kg class.

The Beijing 2008 and London 2012 silver medal winner looked to be struggling to make the podium going into the final round but then produced a superb lift of

95kg.

China's Zhe Cui added Asian gold to her Paralympic silver from London 2012China's Zhe Cui added Asian gold to her Paralympic silver from London 2012.

Although Ni Nengah Widiasih of Indonesia also lifted 95kg, her failed attempts in rounds three and four to break the world record resulted in a second place finish, while Nigeria claimed its second medal of the day as Ruth Dodo took bronze with an effort of 89kg.

OACH of ambitious Eleme who Wednesday edged out Khana to book a place in Friday's final of the SPDC Rivers Governor's Cup Emmanuel Essien, says the only way his team's feat will be worth the battle is to clinch the title for good.

Essien who described his team’s qualification for the final as an impressive feat, said his boys would not rest on their oars, but be ready to match Bonny skills for skills. He, however, did not fail to admit element of luck that played out in his team's eventually qualification for the final which has been tipped to attract de la creme to the Liberation Stadium on Friday. Essien incidentally believes his knowledge of the playing pattern of equally ambitious Bonny side will come handy when both sides clash in chase of glory and the N1million on the table. By

crashing out in the quarterfinals, the duo of Khana and Okrika will have to battle in the third place match to determine who pockets third place prize of N350,000 reserved for the second runners up.

“The scoreline clearly showed it wasn’t a cheap duel, Khana gave the match their very best but we’re grateful to God for seeing us through to another important victory.

“We’ve been fortunate in the competition so far winning matches after matches and we look destined to win the trophy.

“I think we’re the luckiest side and I believe same luck will guide us to overcome the expected tough opposition from Bonny in the final.

“Bonny are familiar opponents, we understand their psyche as well as playing pattern and will surely come up with tactics that will undo them,” said Essien.

Chukwumerije for conference in Lagos

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OLLOWING his enormous contribution to taekwondo and sports in general, three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije will be speaking on Wednesday, November 6, at this year’sExcellence in Leadership Conference holding in Lagos.

The conference is organised

by Daystar Christian Centre, has Corruption Free Leadership -Key to personal and national success’’ as its theme.

According to the organisers, Chukwumerije, a bronze medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games and Founder/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chika

•Chukwumerije

Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) will be speaking on promoting values through sports.

“The aim of this focused group is to inspire participants to subsequently take practical action to positively influence the nation’s sports sector. To this end, the learning outcome includes understanding values, developing sports institutions that drive values, basic ideas on starting a sport organisation, how to infuse a desirable value system using sports, and leveraging on the brand of sport celebrity to promote values,” the organisers said.

The confab is structured to inculcate sound leadership principles into emerging leaders and participants with the aim of redefining and raising the standard of leadership at all levels.

The conference consists of general and syndicate sessions.

While the general session addresses the main theme, the syndicate sessions are aimed at bringing together emerging leaders in nine crucial areas of influence such as politics, education, social, ministry, media, entertainment, science & technology, economy, and sports.

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 8

NO.2,657

‘I don’t think the question of the country being broke has arisen, yet. The proof is not just in the bazaar going on in Abuja and the 36 state capitals, but in the voodoo economy that thrives in rent as against a day’s honest and productive SANYA ONI work’

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

T is miscellany time again, time to fall back on that old, reliable expedient to address with broad strokes and in short takes some issues in the glut of recent occurrences as well as non- occurrences, lest the usual people feel neglected.

The point of departure has got to be Oduahgate, the alleged scandal that has concentrated national attention like no other recent scandal real or merely alleged, to the point of almost reducing to a footnote President Goodluck Jonathan’ s epochal pilgrimage to the Holy Land to offer supplicationfor the redemption, peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria with himself in the saddle for four more years after the expiration of the current term.

It even took some attention away from the Burial of the Year in Okrika, in Rivers State, and from the stirring victories of the nation’s “Under -17” soccer team in their World Cup outings. That is no mean achievement for a mere allegation When the story broke three weeks ago on the online publication saharareporters, it all seemed straightforward. The report was backed by what appeared to be indissoluble evidence. It surfaced at a period when planes had been falling from the skies with frightful regularity and air travel to, from and within the country had never been more fraught.

The official denials that followed were feeble and perfunctory at best. The question was not whether the Minister of Aviation. Princess Stella Oduah,would resign voluntarily or be dumped by President Jonathan, but when.

That was then. Now nothing is certain anymore. The whole thing has been spun into an impenetrable web of allegations.

If asked what the whole thing is about, I would have to say that it is about an alleged scandal set off by the alleged importation of two armoured BMW limousines, allegedly by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,for the alleged sum of N127.5 million each, with the alleged approval of the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, allegedly for her use, following all manner of alleged threats to her personal safety, allegedly by contractors and suppliers and supplicants whose allegedly corrupt overtures she had allegedly rebuffed.

Neither the panel Dr Jonathan set up to investigate the matter nor the National Assembly nor the alleged supplier of the vehicles nor the Bank that allegedly financed the alleged purchase shown the will to rescue the facts from the treacherous web of confusion, to say nothing of the penumbra of ethnic jingoism in which they now lie buried.

I will not be surprised if, in the end, they

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Matters miscellaneous

•Ms Oduah

declare that no vehicles were purchased at all, whether for the reported price or a fraction thereof; that no import duty waiver was ever sought or granted, and that no official of any agency under the Ministry of Aviation or within the ambit of the Federal Government for that matter ever sought, received, or was a party to seeking or receiving, or knew anything whatsoever concerning any armoured or un-armoured vehicles of any description, contrary to all that has been reported in the media.

Those conspiracy theorists whom we unfortunately still have among us are claiming that a real scandal is being shabbily covered

HARDBALL

RIPPLES

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Okonjo-Wahala the ghost-buster – a parody

TCN to ration power for six days–News

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...and don’t forget to RATION those BILLS too

up. If there was a real threat to Princess Oduah’s life, why did she not alert the police?

Why did she seek refuge in armoured limousine when the police could have provided her with armoured personnel carriers protected from the air by helicopter gunships?

Easy, gentlemen. Are you sure the good Princess, who is a stickler for doing all that is needful, did not alert the police, and the security services for that matter?

In whatever case, the Princess knows, as her detractors seemed not to have noticed, that the police have in recent times been fully occupied preventing members of the political opposition from holding lawful meetings even in private premises. Under the circumstances, therefore, alerting the police would have served no useful purpose.

Even this line of reasoning is resting on the increasingly brittle supposition that the limousines were requisitioned and supplied in the first place.

But there is no denying that the story took attention away from some really important things that should lift the national spirit.

Early in the year, the Weather Bureau warned the nation to prepare for unusually heavy rains that would make last year’s deluge look like a drizzle – the record rainfall that, as this column observed then, literally buried vast swathes of Nigeria from the parched Sahel to the mangrove swamps of the Atlantic coast under water, causing major rivers to swell and rage as never before, and swallowing up houses and washing away bridges and roads and farmlands and sparing nothing in their ravenous wake.

If all this would be a mere drizzle compared with what was on the horizon, the augury was nothing it not apocalyptic.

For four days in September/October, the column further noted, the national capital was cut off from traffic from much of the south, portions of the road linking Lokoja with Abuja having been washed away.

Lokoja itself, like many other cities caught up in the floods, evoked scenes of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which our own Poet Laureate Niyi Osundare has memorialised for the ages in epic verse.

Some 130 persons, most likely a gross undercount, were reported killed in the floods, with at least as many missing. The number of displaced persons had to be in the millions, and damage to private property must be reckoned in trillions of Naira.

Tens of thousands of the victims are yet to recover. Tens of thousands among them will.

And yet, the Weather Bureau warned, this perfect calendar of woe in the face of which the National Emergency Management Agency and the relief agencies proved utterly unprepared and inept, would be nothing compared with what the public should expect.

The rainy season is almost over. Some flooding has occurred here and there, but not on the biblical scale forecast by the Weather Bureau. For a public starved of good tidings, this is cause for celebration.

There should be dancing and rejoicing in the streets. But the unpatriotic elements who conjured up Oduah-gate have robbed the public even of that simple pleasure.

Shame upon all of them.

This tawdry Oduah-gate also swept off the front pages another development that should have been cause for national rejoicing. Finally, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency can state with absolute confidence and to the nearest millilitre the amount of gasoline consumed daily in Nigeria and where it comes from.

The figure stands at 38.298 million litres.

The NNPC imports 33 percent of the quantum, and 30 oil marketers import the balance of 67 percent.

The good news is that when the nation’s refineries are finally rehabilitated, they will be able to contribute significantly to the mix of products entering the market.

Nor is this the only good news in the pipeline (pun intended). The Department of Petroleum Resources is tantalisingly close to figuring out just how much crude is lifted daily from the nation’s oil wells.

NCE upon a time, actually not quite long ago (in fact, Hardball can whisper that it was only a few weeks ago) in a land we may call Naija, there lived a very tough dowager known as OkonjoWahala. Now Naija was a jungle that pretended to be a country or if you prefer, a country that looked like a jungle. Whichever way you frame Naija, its jungleness was remarkable and naturally, all the pains and discomfort that came with a jungle were abundant.

But particularly troublous for a woebegone Naija was that it had a ghost challenge or if you like, it was challenged by ghosts. How can that be, you may wonder? How can ghosts challenge men? Right from the time ghosts were invented (or were they created?), ghosts have been ghosts and men have been men. Besides, ghosts are generally known to mind their businesses, appearing mainly in movies and to drunken men. But ghosts do not often have to manifest in the physical for their reality to be felt; in fact their surreal, cold and chilling presence remain their forte and the nemesis of man across ages.

It was a peculiarly ghoulish phenomenon in Naija that her ghosts lived in government work places called ministries, departments and agencies. They were particularly comfortable in local council offices being essen-

tially jungle environments, in fact, every government establishment was habitat for ghosts in Naija. It was a peculiarly Naija syndrome that could have been packaged for export as Weapon of Economic Destruction if they were any smarter.

This story, lest we forget, is how Naija’s strong woman, Okonjo-Wahala waged a mortal combat against the teeming ghosts of her land and exterminated them all. These insidious ghouls had traipsed Naija land for decades with nobody seeming to have any solution to the pandemic. In the last two years, the swashbuckling dame of Naija had applied a biometric device she called Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to wipe out all the ghosts in town. According to official record, 47,000 ghosts were upstaged from their dwelling places in 215 government ministries, departments and agencies.

In order to understand the magnitude of this feat Naija saved about N119 billion which was what these ethereal beings spirited away from Naija’s treasury. Let us extrapolate that these waifs have been at work (yes, at work) in the last 10 years! For vanquishing the Unidentifiable Salaried Objects (USO), aka ghost workers, Okonjo-Wahala won numerous awards from across the world.

At one of the many receptions in her honour in which her godfather, called Gridlock

Joe-Nathan was personally at hand, it was backslapping galore. Speaking ex tempore and in his characteristic manner, he threw a few lame bon mots about at the occasion: “Madam, this biometric thing you used to wipe out these useless ghosts, is it a bomb or a kind of gun? Why I am asking is that whatever it is, we must use the money we have saved to import more of it so that we can try it on these Hoko Baram who have been troubling us for sometime now!” A raucous laughter erupted which became an applause and ended as a standing ovation. There in the crowd clapping the loudest were Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and heads of agencies and departments.

Gridlock continues: “My greatest worry now is whether they will rise again, the challenge you have now is to make sure that this ugly situation does not rear its ugly (sic) head again. We need to bury them. In fact to make sure of that, I hereby mandate you to set up an Independent Commission for the Total Eradication of Ghost Workers. We can call it the Ghost Commission for short; I thank you ladies and gentlemen.” A thunderous, sycophantic ovation ensued and the attendant tumult as the big man made his exit. Thus ended the ghost story and the story of ghosts in Naija; they never had a ghost challenge any more or did they?

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Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor Daily:01-8962807, 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