The Nation February 19, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Rainstorm destroys houses in Ibadan

Anxiety as explosion kills man in Lagos

NEWS

NEWS

Page 58

Page 8

•PHCN installations badly affected

•It was electrical spark, say police

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VOL. 8, NO. 2405 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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New militant group Ansaru: we kidnapped 7 foreigners Jonathan orders rescue of Briton, Italian, Lebanese

The Nation raffle draw holds Feb. 28

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RESIDENT Goodluck From Austine Tsenzunghul, Bauchi and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja Jonathan yesterday ordered security agents way. to rescue the seven foreignIn a statement by his spokesers abducted by gunmen in man Dr. Reuben Abati, the PresBauchi State on Saturday. ident commiserated with the Islamist group Ansaru family of the guard who was reclaimed responsibility for the portedly killed and assured “the abduction, saying it has cus- kidnapped foreign workers as tody of the Briton, the Italian, well as the governments of their the Greek and four Lebanese countries that the Federal Govkidnapped at gunpoint from ernment and its security agentheir workplace in Jama’are, cies are doing everything posBauchi State. sible to find their abductors and A Nigerian security guard ensure the safe release of all - Mr. John Amalu – was those they abducted”. killed by the gunmen.

“The President condemns the All the victims are employ- kidnapping of the workers and ees of construction firm SET- reaffirms the Federal GovernRACO, working on ment’s total committhe Bauchi State segment to stamping SEE ALSO ment of the Kanoout all forms of terMaiduguri Express- PAGES 4&5 rorism and criminal

•The Ansaru statement as seen on the Internet...yesterday

abduction in the country.

“He urges all Nigerians and foreigners in the country to continue to go about their normal business in the full assurance that the government and na-

tional security agencies are working tirelessly to curb threats to security in all parts of the country,” Abati said.

The police in Bauchi said they had intensified a manhunt

for the militants.

Bauchi State Police Commissioner Mohammed Ladan said “as soon as security agencies conclude their investigation, we Continued on page 2

INNERS of the “Buy The Nation & Sporting Life and Win Brand New Cars” promo, which closed on January 21, will emerge on February 28.

The draw will hold at the Corporate Headquarters of Vintage Press Limited, 27b, Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos by 12pm.

The star prizes are two brand new saloon cars.

There are consolation prizes which include LCDs, home theatres, refrigerators, radio and microwave ovens.

The draw will be monitored by officials of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission.

PDP crisis may consume Chikwe, others •NWC’s split widens From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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ORE heads are set to roll in the civil war that has engulfed the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The fate of some National Working Committee (NWC) members who led a rebellion against National Chairman Bamanga Tukur is hanging in the balance, The Nation learnt yesterday.

Those affected are a former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, who is the National Woman Leader; the National Youth Leader, Garba Chizea; the National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon; and the National Treasurer, Bala Kao’je.

The Leader of the party, President Goodluck Jonathan, may intervene in the crisis, following representations, a source said yesterday.

As part of the resolution of the crisis, NWC •Oando PLC Group Chief Executive Wale Tinubu rings the bell to close trading at the Nigerian Stock Exhange (NSE) in Lagos...yesterday. With him Continued on page 2

are the company’s Chief Financial Officer Femi Adeyemo (right) , CEO of NSE Oscar Onyema (second right) and ED, Business Development, NSE Haruna Jalo-Waziri (left).

•OKEY ISIMA DIES AT 56 P61 •THREE INJURED IN EDO REVENUE CLASH P10

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THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

NEWS ‘We kidnapped 7 foreigners’ Continued from page 1

•President Goodluck Jonathan with children from the Beeta Universal Arts Foundation during the Presidential Summit on water at the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday.

Story on page57

Anti-Salami suit suffers setback

A

N attempt by a lawyer, Noah Ajare, to obtain judgment by default in a suit against the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, suffered a setback yesterday.

Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, struck out the application following objection by the National Judicial Council (NJC) which said the application for judgment had been overtaken by event.

The Plaintiff is seeking to stop the reinstatement of Justice Salami. A similar suit by him had been struck out for lacking in merit by Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on May 30, 2012.

The judge said then the plaintiff lacked the locus-standi to institute the action.

But Ajare returned to the court yesterday with an application to enter judgment in his favour because the defendants did not file any response to the suit.

The respondents are President Goodluck Jonathan, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), and the NJC. Objecting to the application, the NJC’s counsel, Isaac Paul, told the court that he had responded to the appli-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

cation filed by the plaintiff and hence application for judgment brought had been overtaken by time.

He also gave an indication that he would serve a preliminary objection to the suit on the Plaintiff yesterday.

The plaintiff, however, withdrew the application for judgment and it was subsequently struck out by the Justice Adamu Bello.

The court later adjourned till April 25 for adoption of all addresses. It directed that a fresh hearing notice be served on the first and second defendants.

In its preliminary objection, the NJC is asking the court to dismiss Ajare’s suit for being an abuse of court process and for being incompetent due to lack of locus standi on the part of the plaintiff to institute the action.

The NJC is contending that the subject matter,issues and reliefs sought in the present suit are exactly the same with suit No. FHC/ABJ/27/2012 Barrister Noah Ajare V National Judicial Council and Judicial Reform Committee adding that the court dismissed the suit for want of jurisdiction.

It further submitted that the plaintiff had filed an appeal against the judgment which is still pending.

It further stated that if the court did not dismiss the suit, there would not be an end to litigation as the plaintiffs had filed exactly the same reliefs as in the previously dismissed suit.

In an 18-paragraph affidavit, Rabi Sule Ahman, on behalf of the NJC, averred that there was nothing in the affidavit in support the originating summons to establish that the plaintiff has authority of any parties affected or concerned with the subject matter of the suit to file the action or depose to an affidavit.

She stated that the plaintiff has not disclosed in any part of his affidavit his connection or nexus to the subject matter of the suit enabling him capacity of familiarity with the facts and circumstances as presented in the originating summons.

She also averred that most paragraphs of the plaintiff’s affidavit in support of the originating summons are not statement of facts, and are not information directly available to the plaintiff to warrant him directly depose to them.

The NJC therefore urged

the court to dismiss the suit in the interest of justice.

The Plaintiff had earlier sued the NJC and the Judicial Stakeholders Review Committee chaired by former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Mohammed Uwais.

He was aggrieved over the recommendation of the Uwais committee to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Dahiru Musdapher to reinstate Justice Salami.

He asked the court to restrain the NJC from deliberating on the said recommendation.

He also prayed for an order of interim injunction restraining the council and the panel from further holding meetings, discussion and all recommendations for the reinstatement of Justice Salami pending the hearing of the substantive matter.

But rising from its meeting in Abuja on May 10, the council recommended to President Goodluck Jonathan to approve the reinstatement of Justice Salami.

A few days later, Ajare, who claimed he had no personal interest in the matter rushed to the court again to file another suit to restrain Jonathan from approving the recommendation.

Continued on page 57

will let the world know”.

“There is no contact with the abductors yet but the search continues.”

Already, all the expatriates working with the firm have been evacuated and work on the road suspended.

A note allegedly written and posted on Twitter by one Abu Usamatal Ansary yesterday said: “Based on the transgression and atrocities done to the religion of Allah SWT by European countries in many places such as Afghanistan and Mali etc. By Allah’s grace Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudan has the custody of seven persons, which include Lebanese and their European counterparts working with Setraco in Nigeria on 8th of Rabiul Thani,1434 equivalent to 7 February 2013’’.

The statement added: “It is stressed that any attempt or act contrary to our condition by the European Nations or by the Nigeria Government will lead to the happenings as it was in the previous attempt.’’

The statement was not signed, but the name of Abu Usamatal Ansary was at the bottom as the writer.

The abductors allegedly used explosives to blast their way into a housing compound in a hail of gunfire.

It was the worst case of foreigners being kidnapped since an insurgency by Islamist mili-

Work on Second Niger bridge to begin second quarter, says govt

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T last work will commence on the construction of Second Niger Bridge during the second quarter of this year, Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen has said.

Onolememen said plans to perform the ground breaking ceremony of the bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State is already awaiting approval.

The minister stated this at a meeting yesterday with the Senate Committee on Works.

Onolememen told the Committee that Messrs Julius BergerAIM Consortiums emerged the best contractor that applied to construct the bridge under Public-Private-Partnership Onolememmen said: “Messrs Julius Berger – AIIM Consortiums’ bid emerged as the best and on the basis of this, a letter seeking President Goodluck Jonathan’s anticipatory approv-

Tukur battles Chikwe, others as NWC crisis deepens Continued from page 1

members are opposed to continuous holding meetings at the Tukur’s Abuja home, instead of the party’s secretariat.

Sources told of how displeased some NWC members are with Tukur’s style, which led to the removal of some of their colleagues last Friday.

It was gathered that Tukur has been trying to assert his authority to ensure that all NWC members fall in line or get out.

There are indications that some NWC members as “sticklers to due process” may be technically removed, if they cannot go at Tukur’s pace.

It was learnt that some of the affected officers are already being sidelined in the scheme of things.

According to investigation, the opinion of the National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon, does not “count much” again

since he filed a suit challenging the removal of a former National Secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, at the Federal High Court, Abuja .

Also, the office of the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Jaja, has become “inactive” since he led the January 11 revolt of the NWC against Tukur.

A top source said: “There is anxiety among NWC members on who is next on the firing line. No one is sure of his position and the National Chairman controls information he makes available to the NWC. “For instance, the National Legal Adviser was not fully involved in the interpretation or analysis of legal issues which led to the sack of a former National Vice-Chairman (Southwest) of the party, Mr. Segun Oni, and the National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha.

“There are signs that more

NWC members will be dealt with, if they refuse to do Tukur’s bidding. The crisis is becoming more personal by the day.”

The source added: “There is anxiety in the party following speculations that some members of the NWC, including the National Woman Leader, Dr. Kema Chikwe, are on the firing line. Chikwe was actually ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s candidate.

“Kema Chikwe and a son of the national chairman, who is also one of his father’s special advisers are said to be sworn ‘enemies’. The son is reportedly being groomed for the governorship of Adamawa State and his ambition is one of the issues causing the Adamawa crisis.

“Their alleged disagreement dates back to when the son was chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation and Chikwe was the Minister of Aviation.

“There are also moves to remove the National Youth Leader, Garba Chizea; the national Legal Adviser and the National Treasurer, Bala Kao’je. They all had sympathy for sacked National Secretary, Oyinlola.

“In fact, Tukur visited Rivers State a week ago without his deputy being on his entourage. You can imagine the gulf between the NWC members and their leader.

“The tension between Tukur and NWC members also borders on how their colleagues were removed from office without exhausting all legal processes.

“A Federal High Court, in Lagos, presided over by Justice Archibong had ruled on the PDP Southwest Zonal Congress that produced the removed national auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha and the former zonal vice-chairman, Mr. Segun Oni was not properly constituted.

The court ruled that the two

tants intensified two years ago.

“By Allah’s grace (we) have the custody of seven persons, which include Lebanese and their European counterparts working with Setraco,” read the statement from Ansaru, a group that has kidnapped other foreigners in Nigeria in the past.

The kidnapping was “based on the transgression and atrocities done to the religion of Allah by the European countries in many places such as Afghanistan and Mali”, the statement added.

In the Jama’are housing compound walls were strewn with bullet holes and empty cartridges lay on the floor as police searched the deserted Setraco site on Monday, witnesses said.

The remaining foreign workers abandoned their homes and fled to safer areas in Nigeria.

Islamist fighters first attacked a police station and a prison, burning vehicles to immobilise security officials, before striking the compound in a coordinated attack, the Setraco compound security manager said.

“Some of them attacked the camp from the north side, while others from the south. They blew holes in the security gates using explosives,” Musa Alhamdu told Reuters.

“There was pandemonium after the gunmen opened fire on the four policemen attached to the camp, the policemen ran away as they were overpowered,” Alhamdu added.

former national officers were not duly and validly elected.

However, the PDP disagreed with the court ruling and went on appeal at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division and got a stay of execution by a ruling on May 25, 2012, that preserved the res of the case.

“In essence, Mustapha and Oni were to legally remain in office until the final determination of the appeal which could even go as far as the Supreme Court. Oni and Mustapha are yet to withdraw their cases before the Court of Appeal, which also granted a stay of execution on the basis of individual rights to the courts.”

According to the source, “In a rather stunning manner” Tukur directed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to withdraw the appeal and used this as the basis for the removal of the two national officers.

“Legal experts have argued Continued on page 57

By Onyedi Ojiabor and Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

al was sent on January 11, 2013.

“This was followed by a request from the President’s office asking the Ministry to submit the outcome of an Outline Business Case (OBC) by the Transaction Advisor and issuance of “No Objection” from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) upon which the approval will be granted.

“The OBC has been submitted to the ICRC in compliance with the provisions in the national policy on PPP and as soon as the ‘No Objection” is issued by the ICRC, the Ministry will re-seek the President’s anticipatory approval to enable the project proceed to the next phase of procurement.

“Early construction works will commence immediately on site once the concession has been awarded to the preferred bidder,” he said.

•Tukur

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

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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NEWS ANSARU INSURGENCY

Ansaru...

The Boko Haram insurgency has abated with the group’s announcement of a ceasefire, but another deadly group, Ansaru, which split from it January last year, has picked up from where it stopped •Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (right), receiving a Merit Award for Outstanding Performance in Education of the National Association of Catholic Diocesan Directors/Secretaries of Education from Archbishop Valerian Okeke (second left) at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha. With them are the Chairman of the Association, Rev Fr. Richard Omalade ( first left) and Rev. Fr. Ikechukwu Ani (second right).

•Secretary to the Government of the Federation , Anyim Pius Anyim (left) ,Niger State Deputy Governor , Musa Ibeto, Guest Speaker, Kit Mitchell and Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka during the International Conference to mark 25th Anniversary of Federal Road Safety Corps in Abuja... yesterday. PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE.

•Minister of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (right) , Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. MacJohn Nwabiala and the Acting Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Prof.

Charles Onocha, during the minister’s inspection of Special Girls Child Schools Project at Aluu, Rivers State...yesterday.

• Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC), Andrew Yakubu (third right) speaking at the exhibition stand of the Nigeria LNG Limited during the opening ceremony of the 2013 Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja... yesterday. With him are NLNG Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Basheer Koko (left) and NLNG Ag. General Manager, External Relations, Dr. Kudo Eresia-Eke (right).

S

EVEN foreigners, including a Briton, Italian and Lebanese, are in the den of kidnappers in the North. Their hosts belong to an extremist Islamist group with a record of hostage-taking and murder.

Ansaru, which is described as a jihadi organisation, yesterday claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack on a construction camp in the town of Jama’are, in Bauchi State.

Ansaru's full name is Jama'atu Ansarul Musilimina Fi Biladis Sudan, which roughly translates as "Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa".

The group has risen to prominence only in recent months.

It claimed responsibility for a dawn raid on a major police station in Abuja last year, where it said hundreds of prisoners were released. Last month, it attacked a convoy of Nigerian troops en route to deployment in Mali.

The group said the abduction of the Frenchman last year, who is still missing, was motivated by France's ban of the full-face veil and its support for military action against Islamist insurgents in Mali.

Britain in November put Ansaru on its official "terrorist group" list, saying it was aligned with al Qaeda and was behind the kidnap of a Briton and an Italian killed last year during a failed rescue attempt.

"Ansaru is an Islamist terrorist organisation based in Nigeria emerged in 2012 and are motivated by an anti-Nigerian Government and anti-Western agenda. They are broadly aligned with Al Qa'ida," said a source.

Ansaru’s statement claimed it committed the abduction ‘based on the transgression and atrocities shown to the religion of Allah by the European countries in many places such as Afghanistan and Mali’.

It previously claimed responsibility for the December kidnapping of a French national working on a renewal energy project in Katsina State.

Ansaru members declared themselves as a breakaway group from Boko Haram in January 2012. Its aims are unknown - but they have a different message from Boko Haram, according to Raffaello Pantucci, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.

He said: “The security situation in some parts of Nigeria remains fluid and unpredictable. They seem to disagree with some of Boko Haram’s strategies - in particular, they disagreed with Boko Haram’s tendency to kill Muslims.

“They seem to be more internationally focused, they talk a lot more in global jihad terms and they seem very eager to cultivate that side of their image. It makes them more dangerous.”

The Foreign Office in London said it was aware of the reports and was checking with the authorities in Abuja. The Prime Minister’s office said the government’s priority was to establish the facts about the case.

In response to a question about whether the UK would help in any rescue operation, a No 10 spokes-

woman said: “I think that the Foreign Office will want to do what they can.”

A guard at the construction camp was shot dead in the raid. According to reports, the raid was preceded by an attack on the local police station where two vehicles were blown up.

It is the worst foreign kidnap case in the North since an insurgency led by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram and other organisations intensified nearly two years ago.

Ansaru, whose full name – Jama’atu Ansarul Musilimina Fi Biladis Sudan – means Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of a French national last December, citing France’s ban on full-face veils and its support for military action in Mali as reasons for the abduction.

The group is thought to be a breakaway from Boko Haram and seems to have a sharper focus on global jihad rather than a domestic political agenda.

Last year, UK special forces failed in an attempt to rescue Chris McManus, an engineer from Oldham who had been held hostage in the North for 10 months. He and an Italian hostage, Franco Lamolinara, were executed by their kidnappers as Nigerian troops backed by a unit of the Special Boat Service launched an operation to free them.

Senior British Government sources said there had been no ‘coherent’ ransom demand from the terrorists.

Turin-based La Stampa newspaper reported that negotiations had been taking place for the release of the Italian hostage through contacts in the West African state of Mauritania.

Another report said Mauritanian businessman and politician Moustafa Ould Imam Chafi had been at the centre of the negotiations.

Chafi, 52, helped secure the release of 28 Spaniards kidnapped in Mauritania in 2010, and the release of Italian tourist Sergio Cicala and his wife last year.

He has been banned from Mauritania, where he is wanted for allegedly supporting terrorism.

Whitehall has been embroiled in a diplomatic row with the Italian government, which accused Britain of failing to tell them in advance of the rescue mission on the heavily fortified terrorist-held compound on the outskirts of Sokoto.

Italian news reports said an autopsy on Mr Lamolinara, whose body was flown back to Rome found that he was shot in the head three or four times at close range.

In December more than 30 attackers stormed a house in Kaduna, killing two people and kidnapping a French engineer working on a renewable energy project there.

Chinese construction workers have been killed by gunmen around Maiduguri, where Boko Haram was formed. In the most recent attack on foreigners, assailants attacked North Korean doctors working for a hospital in Yobe State, stabbing two to death and beheading a third. No group claimed responsibility for that attack.

Foreign embassies in Nigeria have issued travel warnings regarding northern Nigeria for months. Worries about abductions have increased with the French military intervention in Mali, as its troops and Malian soldiers

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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NEWS ANSARU INSURGENCY

the new dangerous ‘kid’

•Veiled members of the Ansaru sect

‘

Ansaru, whose full name – Jama’atu Ansarul Musilimina Fi Biladis Sudan – means Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa,...

The group is thought to be a breakaway from Boko Haram and seems to have a sharper focus on global jihad rather than a domestic political agenda •The late McManus

•The late Lamolinara

try to force out Islamist fighters who took over that nation’s north in the months following a military coup.

Last week the US embassy in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, put out a warning following the killings of polio workers in the northern city of Kano and the killing of the North Korean doctors. “The security situation in some parts of Nigeria remains fluid and unpredictable,” the embassy said.

Before it announced a ceasefire, Boko Haram had caused havoc. Since

2009, Boko Haram has literally seized power in the Northeast. A report released a day before Abubakar was unveiled as the new police chief said the insurgent group has killed at least 935 people since 2009, including more than 250 in the first weeks of 2012.

The report by Human Rights Watch said Boko Haram, which means "Western education is sinful" is loosely modeled on Afghanistan's Taliban. It has

‘

claimed responsibility for bombing churches, police stations, military facilities, banks and beer parlours in the mainly Muslim north.

The sect focuses its attacks mostly on the police, military and government, but has recently increased its attacks on Christian institutions. It claims it is fighting enemies who have wronged its members through violence, arrests or economic neglect and corruption.

Bomb attacks and gun battles in

Kano, killed 186 people on January 20, 2012 in Boko Haram's most deadly attack to date.

Senior West Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch Corinne Dufka said: "Boko Haram's attacks show a complete and utter disregard for human life. The Nigerian authorities need to call a halt to this campaign of terror and bring to justice those responsible for planning and carrying out these reprehensible crimes."

The report said 550 people were killed in 115 separate attacks by Boko Haram last year, mostly in Borno State, where the sect was founded in 2002.

Gone were the days when the group was into drive-by shootings and petrol bombs. Now it is into suicide attacks using large and increasingly sophisticated explosives.

A suicide car bomb last year killed 25 people at the United Nations headquarters in Abuja.

In July 2009, the sect launched an uprising in the northeast in which more than 800 people were killed in five days of fighting with security forces.

The sect originally said it wanted sharia (Islamic law) to be applied more widely across Nigeria.

London-based risk adviser for Eurasia Group said in a research note: "Jonathan's inability to respond effectively, or articulate a credible strategy, reinforces the growing perception of a deep leadership void in Abuja. So far, militarisation of the region and strict curfews have only had limited effect and huge (military) spending outlays in 2012 offer little hope for a credible broader strategy."

A source versed in the Boko Haram evolution said the government's violent management of the group was counter-productive. He said the government, knowing the extremist nature of the group, should have throd with caution and not kill its leader, which was the beginning of its violent attacks on Nigeria.

He said: "They started their movement in 2001. They were 'preaching' and going about within the North here 'propagating' their own ideals within the state wearing their palms and kinds of uniforms. But our government did not manage them well. They tried to be pro-active but they ended up being hostile to them. And so, because of the enormity of their resistance, they started fighting back. So, they started targeting police men, especially the ones called "Operation Flash 1" to kill them back. Since then, they made it a raging battle between them and the security forces. But the actual crisis we are now witnessing began in April of 2009 when some of the members of

the Yusuphia Movement were returning from a journey and they had an accident. And many of them died in the accident. And as they made to go and bury some of their members that died in the accident, and they were moving in very large numbers of motorbikes, all without helmets. They were then intercepted by the Operation Flash 1 on their way to the grave yard ordering them to go back and wear helmets. And because they resisted, the policemen started shooting them and about 20 of them were hit by the bullets but they did not die.

And they took them to the teaching hospital. But when it came to the donation of blood to save the lives of their people, the police drove all of them away from the premises of the teaching hospital, saying that they were preventing the outbreak of a riot or whatever.

And they were denied the opportunity to donate blood for their people and they lost them."

He added: "Afterwards, the late Mohammed held a rally in April and read out what he called an open letter written to the Nigerian President and other leaders. In the letter, he said his group was not going to forgive the shooting of their members and that they would hit back. But my point is the government did not take this thing serious until July of 2009 when things went out of hand. Government did not do anything about that piece of information. In July, they then launched a massive attack on government buildings and police stations and the Operation Flash 1 later discovered that this was not something they could contain.

"Mohammed was thereafter killed and his body displayed like they did to Gadaffi in Libya. Between November 2009 till about June of 2010, everybody thought that it was over. Everything was quiet.

"But by July 2010, they suddenly came out to celebrate what they called the one year anniversary of their leader that was killed. And that was how they started going from house-to-house exposing people who they thought exposed them or reported their members, shooting traditional rulers or anyone they see in uniform and that is what brought us to where we are today.

"So, when Operation Flash 1 could not contain them, it was disbanded and Operation Flash 2 was initiated, and this time around, it was being reinforced with more soldiers. Then, when that could not help, the Federal Government brought in the Special Joint Task Force. And since the introduction of the JTF, the situation so escalated because they did not have the intelligent system to arrest the situation."

Commonwealth, British High Commission probe foreigners’ abduction

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HERE were indications last night that the Foreign Commonwealth Office and British High Commission in Nigeria have begun investigation into the kidnap of seven foreigners.

The British High Commission last night confirmed that it had opened contact with the Federal Government on the abduction of the foreigners.

It was also gathered that the High Commission is discussing with the government on the situation of things and steps being taken to secure freedom for those kidnapped.

A spokesman of the commission, Rob

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Fizt Patrick, who responded to enquiry from our correspondent at about 6.30pm, simply said: “We were aware of the report of the kidnap of some foreign nationals; we are in contact with the Nigerian authorities.”

He did not elaborate on the level of contact with the Nigerian government.

The Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO), in its travel advice last night, said it was already probing the abduction of the seven foreign nationals.

The Commonwealth Office warned its citizens to be careful while travelling to Nigeria.

It said: “There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. This threat is sustained, including due to a terrorist threat of retaliatory attacks from the French intervention in Mali . On 19 January, a Nigerian military convoy en route to deployment with West African forces in Mali was attacked in Okene, Kogi State . A number of fatalities were reported.

“Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including government, security, educational

institutions and international organisations, as well as in places frequented by expatriates, business travellers and foreign tourists, such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres and places of worship. A number of attacks have taken place around religious and public holidays. There have been regular attacks on churches in northern Nigeria at times of worship.

We cannot therefore rule out further attacks taking place. “You should be particularly vigilant at these times and in these locations. You should avoid affected areas in the immediate

aftermath of an attack.

“International news events can sometimes trigger anti-Western demonstrations. Western diplomatic missions, interests and citizens could be the focus for protests. There is the potential for increased tension on Fridays.

“These news events may also present some opportunities for terrorist groups to exploit. We advise particular caution and vigilance at these times, including maintaining a low profile, varying routines and not setting regular patterns of movement whilst travelling.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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NEWS Court voids report linking Ubah, Capital Oil to fuel subsidy scam

Presidency tackles Nwabueze on Nigeria’s failed state indices

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EPRIEVE yesterday came the way of embattled oil magnate Ifeanyi Ubah as a Federal High Court in Lagos voided the police reports on which basis he was to be prosecuted for alleged complicity in the petroleum subsidy fraud.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, held that the two interim reports generated by the police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos and on which the police had planned to prosecute Ubah and his company, Capital Oil, were not products of fair and unbiased investigation.

Justice Aneke held that both reports were invalid and that the applicants (Ubah and his company) cannot be prosecuted on the basis of the interim reports.

The judge also nullified the complaint made by the Presidential Committee on Verification of Oil Subsidy Payment to oil marketers, on the ground that it was tainted by malice.

Justice Aneke made an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the IGP and Commissioner of Police, SFU from harassing, arresting or instituting any criminal process against him and his company on the basis of the voided reports.

He awarded N10 million damages agsinst the respondents, in favour of the applicants.

The judge held that from the totality of evidence before his court, it was clear that the rights of the applicants were infracted by the respondents in the suit, particularly the police , who detained him for about 10 days late last year.

Justice Aneke claimed that the police, in arguing that they could not be restrained from performing their statutory responsibilities, were under the illusion that once they are carrying out their statutory responsibilities, they can do no wrong, even when such acts fly in the face of the law.

The judge held that the court has the jurisdiction to restrain public officers from executing their statutory functions if their powers were being exercised against the provisions of the law.

Ubah and his company had filed the suit – a fundamental rights enforcement application –against the IGP, the CP, SFU, Ayotunde Ogunsakin, Managing Director, Access Bank, Aig-

CORRECTION THE photograph captioned Bello on page 5 of yesterday’s edition is not that of House of Representatives member Ibrahim Bello.

Ibrahim Bello, whose photograph appears below is not a politician. His photograph was wrongly used to illustrate the story. The mix-up is regretted.

•Bello

•’Facts and figures do not suggest anything untoward’

T •Ubah

By Eric Ikhilae

boje Aig-Imokhuede and Managing Director, Coscharis Motors, Cosmos Maduka, alleging, among others, rights violation.

Ubah had averred in his statement accompanying his application, that the interim report dated November 2, 2012 in which the second respondent (Ogunsakin) had purported that he would be arraigned on a prima facie case of money laundering and criminal conspiracy, was a prosecutorial misconduct.

He averred that another report dated November 3, 2012 in which the police had stated that the report would be submitted in a case of stealing and economic sabotage, amounted to a breach of the applicant’s fundamental right.

He also challenged his detention by the police for about 10 days, allegedly on the prodding of Maduka and his company.

Ubah had stated that his problem arose from a dispute between him, Maduka and Access bank over a $164million loan Maduka allegedly facilitated from the bank and which they (himself and Maduka) invested in petroleum importation.

He averred that the complaint by the presidential committee and the two police reports were allegedly influenced by Aig-Imokhuede (the committee’s Chairman and Access Bank MD) and Maduka (A director in the bank) whose biddings Ogunsakin (also a member of the committee) allegedly carried out.

Justice Aneke agreed with the applicants that since Access Banks’ MD and Ogunsakin were members of the presidential committee, the product of their investigation, as it relates to the applicants’ case could not be said to be free from bias.

Earlier in the judgment, the judge dismissed four separate preliminary objections raised against the suit by the respondents on the ground that they lacked merit.

On the argument by the police that the suit was an abuse of court process, because a similar suit had been decided by another judge of the court, Justice Aneke held that the suits were different because parties and reliefs sought were not the same.

The judge also criticised argument by the respondents that Capital Oil, not being a natural person cannot come under the fundamental rights procedure to seek the protection of its rights. The judge held that by the wording of the preamble to the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Rules 2009 (Article 3 (e) of the Rules) a non animate party can approach the court to have its rights protected.

HE Presidency yesterday rejected the statements credited to elder-statesman, Prof Ben Nwabueze that symptoms of a failed state have already been manifesting in the Nigerian state.

Nwabueze, who spoke in Enugu on Saturday at a function organised by the Igbo Youth Movement, said Nigeria was sliding into a failed state, as the indices were glaring enough.

But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe yesterday described Nwabueze’s comments as “irresponsible” and “unpatriotic” by any Nigerian.

According to Okupe, available facts and figures do not suggest anything near a failed state in the country.

Okupe said: “A failed state is where there is erosion of legitimate authority, where there is instability and the country cannot afford to provide public services like the provision of light, good roads, water supply and security services.

“In Nigeria, there is a serving national and state Assemblies providing quality legislative services and issuing out good and quality legislations for the good governance of the country and the states.

“There are guaranteed laws and services in Nigeria, even in states like Borno and Yobe where there are security challenges like the Boko Haram insurgency. Even today, Nigeria is providing security services to Mali. All these have not suggested any iota of a failed state.

“They are dreaming negative dreams for the country and it will not happen. None of the indices of a failed state is applicable to Nigeria.

There is no breakdown of law and order in Nigeria”.

Also the Special Assistant to the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Par-

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From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

ty (PDP) on Governors and Governance, Mr. Osaro Onaiwu decried what he described as the average Nigerian’s penchant to run his country down.

Apparently referring to Nwabueze’s past service as Education Secretary under the late Gen. Sani Abacha regime, Onaiwu said: “This is even more disturbing, knowing that some of these statements are coming from elders who contributed to the decimation of Nigeria during their service to various undemocratic regimes in the past.

“Now that our democracy is displaying stability even in its infancy, these statesmen should be thankful to this government for tackling some of the fundamental problems that were thrown at us by regimes that were not accountable to anybody.

‘Those seeing indices of a failed state in Nigeria should visit states like Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Jigawa, Edo, Kano, Gombe and others that are working hard to bring development to their people’ These are problems that we all know cannot be solved overnight” he added.

Onaiwu cited Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment, which, he said, stood at over $9 billion as an indication

that the country could not be categorised as a failed state.

“I doubt if all these foreigners pumping money into our country think Nigeria is a failing state”, Onaiwu said.

The PDP chairman’s aide regretted that while foreigners see a fledgling democracy in trying to bring prosperity to the Nigerian people, some Nigerians believe in painting gloomy pictures of their conuntry.

“Foreigners see better communication, they see better transportation, they see a pool of educated youths, they see improvement in power and security amongst others”, he said.

He challenged those seeing indices of a failed state in Nigeria to visit states like Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Jigawa, Edo, Kano, Gombe and others that are working hard to bring development to their people and see if the people of these states would the country is failing.

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (left) greeting the Chairman of the Tribunal of Inquiry on Fire and Explosion Incidents at Giwa and Okoya Areas of Lagos Island, Hon. Justice Sunday Oladokun Ishola (rtd.) at the inauguration of the Tribunal at the Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday.

How to prevent nuclear terror in Nigeria, by experts

IGERIA needs stricter regulation of radioactive sources to guarantee safety and security in the face of rising terrorism, experts said yesterday.

They called for the strengthening of legal framework, urging the National Assembly to pass the Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards Bill into law.

It was at the “Third Training Course on Nuclear Law and Regulation in Nigeria” organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in Lagos.

Speakers urged the government to take the appropriate steps to ensure an effective separation between the functions of the country’s regulatory body (Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), and those of any other body or organisation concerned with the promotion or utilisation of nuclear energy.

By Joseph Jibueze

They included nuclear experts from NNRA, led by its Acting Director-General/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martin Ogharandukun; emeritus professor of nuclear physics, Prof E. I Nwogugu and former NIALS Director of Research, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, who represented NIALS Director-General, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN).

Speaking on challenges of nuclear regulation in Nigeria, John Adamu of NNRA said they include need for improved capabilities in identification and detection of dangerous nuclear materials at the ports, the need to designate more ports of entry, and procurement of more detection devices.

Other challenges, he said, needs to be tackled include

building of storage facilities at ports, improved funding, continuous development of manpower, meeting safeguards requirements and enhancing independence of regulatory decisions.

According to Adamu, other security measures will include completion of the National Inventory of Sources, improvement of the authorisation programme, appropriate training of officials, completion of the National Radiation Emergency Response Plan (NERP) and integrating it into the National Emergency Response Plan.

Another Speaker, NasiruDeen A. Bello, said the probability of “sabotage” (deliberate act directed against a nuclear facility or nuclear material in use, storage or transport which could di-

rectly or indirectly endanger the health and safety of personnel, the public or the environment by exposure to radiation or release of radioactive substances) calls for more responsibility from all stakeholders.

NNRA’s Director of Authorisation and Enforcement, Dr. Yau Idris, said a strict application of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act (Act) of 1995, which provides the legal basis for nuclear safety and radiological protection regulation, would guarantee safety and security.

He said NNRA endeavours to ensure compliance by mandating, among others, that those applying for licence possess valid authorisations to store and use radioactive sources for the current year in which they are applying to ensure that they have the requisite expertise and facilities to handle radioactive materials.

THE NATION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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NEWS

‘Why Navy cannot prevent oil theft’

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HE Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Chris Anyanwu, yesterday blamed the inability of the Nigerian Navy to police the nation’s territorial waters to prevent theft of oil on poor fighting equipment.

Anyanwu said the vast nature of the country’s territorial waters also makes it difficult for effective protection.

The lawmaker, who represents Imo East in the Upper Chamber, spoke to reporters in Abuja on various issues.

She said it would require a lot of funds to equip the Nigerian Navy to enable it fight piracy and oil theft.

Anyanwu said: “The issue of oil bunkering, oil theft and pipeline vandalism is not a new development.

“As a Correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), I did a special documentary on bunkering.

“I remembered a scene when I went to Port Harcourt and they took me to some waters and showed me men in canoes drilling holes in the pipeline to draw crude oil or refined oil.

“That was in the ‘80s. These things have been there,

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

growing incrementally. But in the typical Nigerian way, problems are not addressed when they are small, they are allowed to grow until they become a national issue.

Now, it has grown from a practice by a few men in canoes to a major industry.

“In the Niger Delta, you see young men setting up their refineries. I can tell you that a combination of oil theft, bunkering and pipeline vandalism have joined to affect our economy drastically.

“This is what we see in budget and inability to implement budget fully because you need to have the money to implement budget fully.

“For you to chase people, you need to have the right vessels to give them a chase.

We have to be present and dominate every inch of our territorial waters and our territorial water is massive, one third of the country’s landmark. It will take a lot of money to equip our Navy.”

The senator noted that illegalities in the system are fuelled by foreigners, while

‘In the Niger Delta, you see young men setting up their refineries. I can tell you that a combination of oil theft, bunkering and pipeline vandalism...’ the stealing of the nation’s resources has a negative impact on the nation’s economy.

She said: “This is my own saying, but I know that given the degree of this illegality, there is no way it will not affect things negatively and this is the reason Mr. President was concerned and he commanded the Chief of Naval Staff to deal with these problems.

“This whole thing is aided and abetted by foreign oil men. When they mock us and talk about corruption, we have to know and tell them that they are part of this illegality. But the moment we are able to control the source at home, it will dry out the oil that goes into those illegal tankers in the high sea.”

On the possibility of an Igbo Presidency in 2015, Anyanwu said it was possible if the right things are done and if the time is ripe.

She said: “Igbo presidency for 2015 ,is it feasible? All things are possible if people do the right thing at the right time, but the question is whether the right thing is being done and whether the time is ripe.

“Power is not given, it is taken. You have to prepare yourself, say the right thing, form coalition. You have to lobby others and have them buy into your idea and mission.

“Today, we have President Jonathan, not just because people sat down and say ‘it is our entitlement’, but also because others bought into that mission.

“If this is going to happen, others must be made to buy into that mission and that is a lot of work.

“You have to work on your neighbours, this is a nation of great diversity, different tribes, religions and cultures.

“You must make a cross section of Nigerians buy into that mission and that is possible. But whether it is now is what I cannot say.”

Nigeria needs N350b to tackle water, sanitation yearly, says Jonathan RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said Nigeria needs over N350 billion ($1.91 billion) yearly to ensure adequate potable water supply and meet the sanitation needs in the country.

He spoke at the opening of a two-day Presidential Summit on Water holding at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with the theme: ‘Innovative Funding of the Water Sector’.

President Jonathan noted that successive administrations have made investments in urban, small town and rural water supply programmes, including the construction of dams in the country.

He said it was regrettable that only one in five rural households had clean water at home and that most families collected water from unsafe sources such as rainfalls, ponds, streams and rivers.

Declaring that a situation where rural and sub-urban areas do not have access to clean water is unacceptable, the President agreed with the submission of former President Olusegun Obasanjo that everybody must ensure that potable water is provided for all Nigerians.

In line with his administra-

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From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

tion’s transformation agenda, he said it has become necessary to implement a cooperative and radical programme of action to meet the nation’s Millennium Development Goals MDGs) target in the sector.

According to him, the federal and state governments must work together and that a situation where a lot of money is spent to provide water and its management becomes an issue that should no longer be tolerated.

He said: “Investments were made to boost various aspects of the sector, from the line budget and special funds dedicated to ecological matters and natural resources development and also through the repair and rehabilitation of water supply infrastructure.

“In 2011, we spent N40.94billion. In 2012, N43.6billion was spent. This does not include our expenditure in the following projects; Goronyo Dam - N3.4billion; Kashimbila Dam N38billion; Gurara Dam & irrigation - N36billion; Ife Dam - N3billion. In 2013, we have proposed N39 billion from line budget to be spent on water related projects.

ANPP to Fed Govt: be proactive on 2013 NIMET’s flood prediction From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (right), Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri and Corps Marshall, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, during the International Conference to mark the 25th anniversary of FRSC in Abuja... yesterday Photo Abayomi Fayese

Third Mainland Bridge: Fed Govt explains why N33b repair was rejected

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HE last may not have been heard about the controversy trailing the repair of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, yesterday told the Senate that his ministry turned down the request of a firm that asked for N33 billion to carry out repair work.

Senate Committee on Works had invited the minister to ascertain what his ministry is doing to save the Third Mainland Bridge from collapse.

But Onolememen told members of the committee that from the report before him, the bridge does not face any danger of collapse.

He said the N33 billion was rejected because the seadiver firm that asked for it went beyond its brief.

The minister added that the firm did not only submit

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

the underwater photograph, it went beyond its brief by going ahead without doing any test on the bridge piles, but arrived at a solution and recommended a particular technology, which cost the ministry N33billion.

He said they needed about

N5 billion to carry out repairs on the most critical sessions of the bridge, the first two sessions that required immediate repair.

Said he: “From the perspective of the ministry, we have every reason to believe this report is consistent with the report of all the experts we have invited in this matter, because until you carry out engineering test, you cannot

get into a conclusion that would frighten people.

“In the course of maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge, I told Lagosians at a time that if I have any report to the effect that Third Mainland Bridge was going to collapse, I love my life, I will not be holding press conferences on top of the bridge everyday. I went to Lagos to inspect this project.”

HE All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) yesterday advised the Federal Government to take the 2013 prediction of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) on flood seriously, to avoid crisis.

ANPP said this year’s flood may be worst than that of 2012 if government does not plan.

A statement issued in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Emma Eneukwu, said: “The attention of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has been drawn to media reports about the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET)’s 2013 rainfall prediction, which it presented to the public at the weekend in Abuja. According to the agency’s DirectorGeneral, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, this year’s rainfall pattern would not be different from what the country witnessed last year.

“He said the annual rainfall amount is expected to be above normal in comparison to 2012 in the northern areas of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara states and environs. While we hail NIMET for introducing zonal seasonal rainfall prediction in order to reach the grassroots, we maintain that this warning should not be taken lightly by the states and federal governments.

‘Zoning can lead to break-up’

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ECOND Republic politician, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, has said those pursuing the concept of zoning and rotation as a basis for holding political offices are leading the country along the path of old Yugoslavia.

He said no country on earth, known to be practising democracy, could claim that either zoning or rotation of political offices has worked well at any time.

Speaking to The Nation yesterday when reacting to questions about the preparedness of the North, as a re-

‘Nigerian leaders launder $182b in 10 years’

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ITH a record $182 billion allegedly stolen by its leaders within a decade, Nigeria has been rated as the leading source of illicit financial outflow in Africa.

The rating was contained in a report on currency laundering across the world by the United States-based Global Financial Integrity (GFI).

Co-authored by GFI’s Lead Economist, Dev Kar, and GFI’s Economist, Sarah Freitas, the report is the first by the organisation incorporating a new and more conservative estimate of illicit financial flows.

In the report,Nigeria occupies the eighth position among 20 countries appraised on illicit financial outflow.

According to its recent

document, the GFI said it used the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) data to quantify and pattern the illicit financial flows coming out of developing countries between 2000 and 2009, which depicted “Nigeria as the leading source of illicit financial outflow from sub-Sahara Africa” within the period.

The GFI report had shown that developing countries lost $903 billion in illicit outflows in 2009, although there was a significant decrease from the $1.55 trillion they lost in 2008, the decrease arising essentially from global financial crisis within the vast majority of countries and not due to improved governance or economic reforms.

By Augustine Avwode

gion, to produce the President in 2015, he said zoning or rotation of political offices is undemocratic and it can lead to the break-up of the country as it happened in the defunct Yugoslavia.

Said he: “No country on earth, which claims to be democratic, had ever tried zoning or rotation of political offices and it worked. It has never worked. It was tried in the defunct Yugoslavia after the death of Marshal Tito, their war time hero. It did not work, it led to the balkanisation of Yugoslavia from one federation to five or six states.

“From it we have Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. Yugoslavia collapsed because many of the contending political elite could not agree on what to do.”

The former lawmaker said as long as zoning as a concept or policy is not enshrined in the constitution, it should not be binding on any person.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

8

NEWS STORM IN IBADAN

•An affected building at Oranyan.

•A billboard destroyed by storm at Tollgate.

•Another area affected by the storm.

•A fallen electricity pole at Olomi.

PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI

Homes destroyed in Ibadan’s first rain of the year •PHCN installations worse hit •Ajimobi directs SEMA to help victims

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ROPERTY worth millions of naira were destroyed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by rainstorm on Sunday night.

The rain, said to be the first this year, started around 9:40pm. It was accompanied by heavy wind, which damaged electric poles, cables and conductors. The roofs of

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

many homes were blown off.

Worse hit are Soka, Ireakari, Olola, Sanyo, Temidire and some parts of Felele. Others are Bakatari, Ido, Omi-Adio, Dugbe, Apata, Monatan and Akaran, amongst others.

A victim, Mr. Benjamin Alao, said: “This is a bad sign.

For the first rain of the year to have caused this great havoc means we need a lot of prayers this year. May God not treat us according to our sins because I believe this is happening because of the enormity of our sins.”

The spokesman of Ibadan

Court refuses to stop Lagos Speaker’s, aide’s trial

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USTICE Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, has turned down the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC’s) request to stop the trial of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji and his aide, Mr. Alade Atoyebi.

The commission prayed the court to stay proceedings pending the reassignment of the case to another judge.

Yesterday, EFCC’s lawyer Mr. Godwin Obla urged the court to halt proceedings pending the response of the court’s Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, to a letter by his client (EFCC) requesting the reassignment of the case.

He said the letter was informed by the fact that Justice Okeke would retire in May

By Eric Ikhilae

and may not conclude the case before leaving the Bench.

Oblah said his client was trying to avert a situation where parties would be required to begin afresh before another judge.

Lawyers to Ikuforiji and Atoyebi, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ugwuzor Adindu, objected to Obla’s position.

Oyetibo urged the court to dismiss the letter and proceed with trial. He contended that the right to a speedy hearing was an indisputable aspect of fair hearing.

Oyetibo said: “The concern of the prosecution is that we will cross-examine, re-examine and reply on points of law. This is highly speculative.

As a matter of law, there are two options available to the

prosecution.

“First is to proceed with their case under Section 283 of the Criminal Procedure Act. On their failure to do so, the court will ask them to close their case and call on the defence to open theirs. If they are not willing, able and ready to proceed, I submit, the court ought to close their case and the defence will proceed.”

Justice Okeke said the prosecution’s letter to the CJ was not an appeal and did not constitute a stay of proceedings.

He chose to proceed with the trial until the CJ directs otherwise and adjourned till today.

Ikuforiji and Atoyebi are being tried for allegedly accepting cash payments from the Lagos State House of Assembly without going through a financial institution.

Oyo to meet vendors over planned strike

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HE Oyo State Government has said it is willing to meet with the Association of Newspaper Vendors to avert the association’s planned strike.

The association, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Olalekan Ahmed and Secretary Tunde Abimbola, has threatened to begin a statewide

strike tomorrow to protest alleged harassment by government agents.

In a statement, the governor’s media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said: “The urban renewal effort of the government is aimed at eradicating roadside trading and this affects newspaper vendors.

“To have them scatter their

wares by the roadside is not in anyone’s interest. Vehicles could run over them and their customers and this has happened many times.

“The government will provide them with kiosks used by newspaper vendors in civilised societies. We hold vendors in high esteem and are determined to protect them.”

Electricity Distribution Company, Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Jide Oyenuga, described the damage to PHCN installations as “very extensive”.

Oyenuga said: “The storm wreaked a lot of havoc on our installations. It damaged many electric

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State has alleged plans by the opposition to cause chaos and instigate the declaration of a state of emergency in Osun.

The Acting Chairman of the party, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, made the allegation while addressing ACN leaders in Ayedaade Local Government during the visit of the State Working Committee (SWC) to the area.

Urging the police to be on the alert, Adebiyi said: “If by any act of commission or omission, desperate politicians in the opposition are allowed to play out their evil pranks, the consequences will resonate terribly across the country.”

He warned the opposition to learn from what happened in 1962 in the then Western Region when unscrupulous politicians instigated violence in the parliament in Ibadan, which he said led to the declaration of a state of emergency by the Federal Government.

Adebiyi noted how the development slowly gathered momentum and resulted in the Civil War in 1966.

He alleged that some politicians in the opposition were planning to use students, teachers and Islamic scholars to create chaos by organising a protest across the state.

The ACN chieftain urged the police to keep a close watch on some politicians, who “are known to have perfected the

poles, conductors and cables.

We have started work in some of the affected areas to restore electricity supply, but the damage is extensive.

So it’s not a question of restoring electricity immediately, it would be restored bit by bit.”

Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday directed the

State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assist the victims.

In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, Ajimobi commiserated with the victims.

He directed the chairmen of the affected councils to assess the damage and help the victims.

ACN alleges plan to cause violence in Osun From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

use of violent tactics in the pursuit of their political ambition”.

He advised the people not to be deceived into engaging

in violence, saying “everybody will suffer when terror rules over the land”.

Adebiyi urged residents to support reforms in education, saying it is in their best interest.

‘Why I fought Obasanjo’s men’

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CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has explained why he fought and dislodged loyalists of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from the party’s structure.

Kashamu said Obasanjo’s men were not there when he wrested the party’s structure from former Governor Gbenga Daniel between 2009 and 2011 and should not be allowed to continue using “sycophancy and falsehood to corner it for their personal interest”.

At a meeting with Southwest leaders in Abuja last Thursday, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) dislodged the Senator Dipo Odujinrin-led parallel executive of the party in Ogun and recognised the Mr. Adedayo Bayo-led executive based on various court judgments to that effect.

The Bayo-led executive is loyal to Kashamu.

The NWC sacked its National Auditor, Chief Bode

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Mustapha; its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Southwest Chairman Mr. Segun Oni. Speaking with reporters at his Ijebu-Igbo home during his faction’s victory celebration on Sunday, Kashamu said they owe their triumph over Obasanjo’s men to God, the judiciary and the NWC, which decided to abide by the rule of law.

The state party’s financier said: “I have to make it clear that I was not fighting with our father, Baba Obasanjo, but the people surrounding him.

There is no way a child can fight his father. Where were they when I was fighting OGD because of Obasanjo. I fought OGD to a standstill, took the structure from him and returned it to Obasanjo.

“We thought the struggle was over but later discovered that some sycophants went to Obasanjo and cooked up a lot of false stories to pave the way for their personal interests.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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NEWS

Lawmaker seeks support for Fayemi

Osun school honours Jonathan

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been conferred with the award of Grand Patron by the Ebekun Secondary Commercial Grammar School, Iresi, Osun State.

The President observed his one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the school 31 years ago.

He was honoured at the school’s 40th Anniversary celebration/N100 million Endowment Fund Raising Ceremony.

Also honoured were the Onikogusi of Ikogusi, Oba Elijah Olorunishola; pioneer headteacher of the school, the late Mr. Oyinlola Aderibigbe and Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner Chief Timothy Ibitoye.

Jonathan pledged to provide qualitative and affordable education in the country.

CAC prays for peace in Nigeria

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HE Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) will tomorrow, gather at the Joseph Ayo Babalola Prayer Mountains in OdoOwa, Kwara State, to pray for Nigeria.

The three-day prayers, tagged: ‘Call me in the day of trouble’, is expected to attract people within and outside Nigeria. It will end on Friday.

CAC General Evangelist Worldwide Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara said besides being a place of prayer, the venue is a place of history.

He said CAC founder, the late Joseph Ayo Babalola, used to pray there.

Abiara said: “CAC has decided to gather the world to pray for peace, particularly in Nigeria, every year.

Though it used to be a day programme, this year is unique. The location is a very good place to pray, especially, when you look at its historical and spiritual importance. All Nigerians are expected to be there regardless of their denomination.”

Ajimobi approves pension payment

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has approved the payment of pension to retired primary school teachers under the State Local Government Staff Pension Board, with effect from today.

He directed that the backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities should be paid as soon as possible.

Chairman of the State Local Government Staff Pension Board Chief Lasisi Ayankojo announced this yesterday in a statement.

Over 7,000 retirees, who left service from July, 2011, till date, had not been getting their monthly pension owing to fraud discovered at the Local Government Pension Board.

Officials of the board found to have been involved in the fraud were handed over to the police.

He urged old students to assist their alma mater by providing amenities and creating a conducive environment for learning.

The President, who was represented by the Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr. Jide Adeniji, praised old students of the school for partnering the government to improve the institution.

He said he often remembered his stay in the school with nostalgia, adding that Iresi remains his second home after Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

Jonathan thanked the people of the community for their hospitality towards him during his service year and urged the pupils to be dedicated to their studies.

The National President of Ebekun Secondary Commer-

cial Grammar School Old Students’ Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Moronfolu, said since 1997 when nine old students formed the association, its membership has continued to grow.

Moronfolu said the association has rehabilitated classrooms and donated books, a computer set, printer and power generating set to the school.

He said the responsibility of repositioning the school was beyond the association and solicited the help of friends of the school.

Lamenting the shortage of teachers, Moronfolu said the school, which has about 200 pupils, has only six qualified teachers.

He said the endowment fund would be spent on scholarship for outstanding indigent pupils.

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•Jonathan

HE member representing Ekiti North in the House of Representatives, Mr. Bimbo Daramola, has urged the people of Ekiti State to reelect Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2014.

He said a vote for Fayemi is a vote for “continuity and good governance”.

Daramola said the governor has served the people well and needs another term to complete his programmes.

He said: “Fayemi has done well for the state and should go for another term. This is coming on the heels of his endorsement by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). If you say ACN endorsed him because he is a member of the party, is CAN

By Musa Odoshimokhe

part of ACN? “People who seek a second term should be able to point to visible and verifiable achievements. You do not seek a second term without basis. We adopted Fayemi because we have seen two years of his first term and can foretell what will happen in the next two years.

“He has built schools, roads and is working hard to industrialise Ekiti and improve the economy. What else do you want from a man that has showed so much interest in the people’s well being? Politicians who have taken the people for granted would no longer get their votes.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

10

NEWS Lawmaker’s driver still held From Osagie Otabor, Benin

THE driver of an Edo State lawmaker, Victor Igbinovia, who was abducted on February 3, is yet to be released.

The driver was abducted with his boss, Victor Edoror, at Irrua, Esan Central Local Government.

Edoror was released last Saturday at a village near Abraka in Delta State.

The lawmaker said eight men abducted, blindfolded and tied him up for 14 days.

He said he was fed eba without meat.

“I think they were tired and they just left me to go,” he said.

The Speaker, Uyi Igbe, during plenary yesterday, urged security agencies to work towards securing Igbinovia’s release.

Edoror thanked the lawmakers for their support.

Three injured in Edo clash

T

First Lady’s illness: Presidency has lost credibility, says ACN

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday slammed the presidency for losing whatever is left of its credibility over its handling of the First Lady’s illness saga.

In a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the revelation by the First Lady on the extent of her illness, especially the fact that she passed out for seven days before she said God miraculously brought her back to life, cannot but elicit joy among Nigerians,I rrespective of their political leanings.

The party said Nigerians must be wondering why the government they elected into office chose to lie to them that the First Lady was holidaying abroad when indeed she was gravely ill in a foreign hospital. ‘’While we felicitate with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on

By Precious Igbonwelundu

her recovery from whatever illness it was that afflicted her, we will be remiss if we fail to recollect how the presidency denied ‘rumours’ of the First Lady illness and poured scorn on the media and the imaginary enemies of the government for fuelling the ‘satanic rumours’. ‘’We will also like to remind the presidency that its denial, instead of full disclosure that would have elicited nothing more than fervent prayers from Nigerians, fuelled the rumours that the First Lady suffered from sundry afflictions or the consequences of tummy tuck!’’ the ACN said.

The party said in one of the many rebuttals, the First Lady’s spokesperson (Osinlu) was quoted to have said his boss travelled

abroad to take a ‘moment’s rest’, given that she had not taken a rest since President Jonathan’s election.

ACN said Dr. Abati, dismissed Mrs. Jonathan’s reported illness as a rumour, saying ‘’there is nothing like that.’’

It said amid all the denials, the President himself maintained a stoic mien and carried on with his duties as if all was well, thereby lending credibility to the lies and deceit. ‘’The issue here is simple If the presidency can so shamefacedly lie on an issue of such public interest as the health of the First Lady, why should we not believe it can lie on any other issue, whether it is economy, politics, social development or any other matter? For how long has this presidency been misleading Nigerians on critical issues, since we now

have reason to doubt its credibility? Does it occur to this presidency that it has turned Nigeria to a laughing stock by its now routine denials of the truth? ‘’Like we have said time and again, any government needs to be credible to win the trust of the citizens, without which it cannot govern effectively. With the revelation by our backfrom-the-dead First Lady, it is clear that the Jonathan Presidency has egg on its face, and must apologise to Nigerians for lying to them. Also, the spokesmen for this government have lost total credibility, hence their words will henceforth be taken with a pinch of salt,’’ the party said.

It said the health of public officials cannot and must not be a closet affair, because it is of public interest.

It added: “While it may be argued, though not conceded, that the First Lady is not a public official by virtue of her position, she is a public official by virtue of her being a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State! ‘’It is sad that despite what we and many Nigerian groups and individuals have said on this issue, the Jonathan administration took its script directly from the late Yar’adua group’s book of deceit when the fromer President was ill and flown abroad. Now, governors Sullivan Chime of Enugu, Danbaba Suntai of Taraba and Liyel Imoke of Cross River are all playing according to the Jonathan script. ‘’We are therefore renewing our call for openness and full disclosure on the state of health of public officials. Life itself is transient, not to talk of positions. And as a spiritual leader of the calibre of Pope Benedict has shown recently, no office is more important than life itself.’’

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

THREE persons were injured yesterday in a clash between two revenue contractors assigned to collect taxes on behalf of the Edo State Government.

The clash, which occurred at the City Centre, involved workers of Akugbe Ventures Limited and members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RETEAN).

Sources said the RTEAN members clashed with Akugbe Ventures workers after the government appointed the firm to collect revenues from commercial vehicles and tricycles on its behalf.

Addressing reporters at the state police headquarters, Chairman of Akugbe Ventures Tony Kabaka lamented the inability of both the government and the police to bring the crisis to order.

He said three of his workers were attacked by RTEAN officials.

Youths protest against SURE-P From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

SOME youths in Edo State yesterday in Benin City protested the manner in which the Federal Government’s Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SUREP) is being handled in the state.

They sang anti-solidarity songs, calling for the removal of the state coordinator, Lucky Imasuen.

They carried placards of various inscriptions such as “We no go gree”; “Sack Imasuen”; “We don’t know what he is doing with SURE-P money”; “He is serving his pocket only”;”Mr. President please call Imasuen to order”, among others.

The group’s Coordinator, Amadasun Okwe, said the first set of forms distributed at Urhiokpota by Imasuen was given to his loyalists.

But Imasuen denied the allegations, saying: “Don’t mind those people, they are just jealous and don’t wish us well.

“By Friday, we will begin another round of distribution of materials to beneficiaries.

Next month, another set of forms will be distributed.”

•Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, his wife, Mercy, and some pupils at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, on their arrival from Abuja.

Clerics should pay tax, says Benin prince

C

ROWN Prince of Benin Kingdom E h e n e d e n Erediauwa has urged Governor Adams Oshiomhole to tax ‘rich church leaders’ in the state.

Prince Erediauwa, who is also the Edaiken of Uselu, said it is difficult to draw a line between the House of God and business houses because private jets are now owned by men of God. He advised Oshiomhole to “find an angle” through which to collect taxes from some church leaders without taxing the House of God. The prince spoke at a one- day seminar on tax law guiding the operations of revenue generation in the state organised by the judi-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ciary in collaboration with the state Internal Revenue Service.

Erediauwa called for tax exemption for some low income earners by “taxing the extremely rich in our society”.

He said: “Close those ventures that don’t want to pay tax. Tax is a basic thing.

In Europe, you will be thrown into jail for not paying taxes.”

The Benin prince urged Governor Oshiomhole to provide jobs for the youths and asked the judiciary to support the tax regime of the present administration.

In a lecture, titled, ‘Tax Laws and Tax Administration Reforms”, former

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru urged the governor to prosecute those collecting taxes not reflected in the books.

She said multiple taxations were capable of scaring investors away and urged the people to voluntarily pay taxes to avoid being overtaxed.

Oshiomhole ,in an earlier address, said he would domesticate any good law made by Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola for the progress and development of the state.

Oshiomhole, who promised to be more aggressive in tax collection, said he would cut off ‘toes’ if the need arises.

According to him, “I was

elected on the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and therefore Lagos State is my captain.

“I will copy anything Fashola is doing in Lagos.

“Anything that happens in Lagos will be domesticated here.

“If it happened there, it will work here. It takes courage to make a change.

“After making the money, government must use its instrument to redistribute the wealth; leave substantial part in the pockets of the rich but take enough to provide for the poor so that the rich can be safe and the poor can be busy.

“For us to succeed, we need to rely almost exclusively on Internally Generated Revenue.”

Edo PDP threatens to sue electoral agency From Osagie Otabor, Benin

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has threatened to sue the State Independent National Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), if it fails to refund money paid by candidates for collection of nomination forms for the April 20 local elections.

EDSIEC Chairman Solomon Ogoh at a briefing said parties were to pay N100,000 and N50,000 ‘deposits’ for nomination forms for chairmanship and councillorship position.

The PDP, however, said the fees demanded were illegal and unacceptable.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Firm to push oil prices below $133

By Akinola Ajibade

S

HAVE oil production could push the global oil prices below the Economic Impacts Assessment (EIA) baseline projection of $133 per barrel in 2035, a report by PriceWaterHouse Coopers (PwC) has said.

It said the firm has the capacity to produce up to 12 per cent of global oil production, equivalent to almost 14 million barrels a day.

The report said: “ This extra supply could push global oil prices by around 25 per cent to 40 per cent in 2035 relative to an EIA baseline projection of $133 per barrel in that year( real terms).”

It said the development has presented significant strategic opportunities for the oil and gas and governments, adding that PwC would convene a stakeholders’meeting in April to discuss the implications for Nigeria.

According to the report, the company has the potential to revolutionise the world’s energy market over the next few decades, by lowering the oil prices, shifts in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and changing geopolitics and new business models for oil and gas companies.

Speaking on the issue, Chief Economist at PwC, John Hawksworth, said the firm’s additional oil supply would have influence on the world economy in future.

“Lower global oil prices due to increased shale oil supply could have a major impact on the future evolution of the world economy by allowing more output to be produced at the same cost. These effects could build up gradually as shale oil production rolls out across the world to produce an estimated rise in global GDP of around 2.3 per cent3.7 per cent in 2035.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa-$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -11.7% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $43.5b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

We want a SONCAP programme that would serve its purpose; a programme that would be dynamic, where all the identified loopholes would be effectively plugged thereby making it difficult for the plaque of substandard products to continue to dominate the Nigerian business space.

-Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

‘Govt’s levy may raise price of rice’

BPP acuses MDAs of submitting fake procurement documents T • Vows to punish erring MDAs

T

HE Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has accused some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of using fake documents to circumvent due process.

The discovery has drawn the ire of the agency which has threatened the culprits with severe sanctions.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the opening of the Stakeholders’ Workshop for MDAs in Abuja, BPP’s Director-General, Emeka Ezeh, said were such fake documents are discovered, they would be cancelled in addition to the bureau imposing stricter sanctions on the affected MDAs. Ezeh, who was represented by the Director, Spe-

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

cial Procurement, Ayo Aderibigbe, said apart from the submission of fake documents, the MDAs have developed the habit of not adhering to procurement plans submitted by them to the BPP at the beginning of each year.

“The MDAs are in the habit of interjecting other materials after the original plans and this makes it difficult in the procurement process,” said.

He assured that the BPP would rise up to the challenge by MDAs and ensure

that the bureau has its way in the overall interest of the country.

The Goodluck Jonathan administration’s determination to fight corruption, he said bolstered the bureau in its fight against corruption and he pledged to enforce best public procurement practices in the country.

He said the agency “to take Nigeria to a level where the best practices in public procurement are implemented in the overall interest of national development.”

He insisted that “if the public contracting system is governed by the principles of integrity, transparency, compe-

tence as national ethos, a good ground would have been provided for the social, cultural and technological advancement of the country.”

He said when corruption in public procurement, gives way to open, transparent and competitive federal procurement system that is integrity driven, the nation would no longer be in doubt what the benefit of an ideal public procurement is.”

He said the workshop “is an opportunity to intimate the MDAs of the dos and don’ts in public procurement process, such as the elimination of undue delays and circumventing laid down rules in the application of procurement rules.”

• Chairman, Nestle Food Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye (2nd right) inaugurating the Distribution Centre in Agbara, Nestle Ogun State. With him (from left) are: Head, Nestle, Central and West Africa Region, Mr Etienne Benet; MD, Mr Martin Woolnugh and Director-General, National Office for Technology, Abuja, Umaru Binbir.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

LCCI frets over Petroleum Industry Bill

T

HE Lagos Chamber of Coomerce and Indus try (LCCI) has kicked against the pace at which the National Assembly is considering the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), saying the process has lost steam.

Its President, Goodie Ibru, said the development gives cause “for serious concern having regard to the imperative and urgency of reforms in the oil and gas sector, which is plagued by gross sub-optimality, policy uncertainty, inefficiency and corruption.”

In a statement yesterday, Ibru said: “The PIB offers

By Simeon Ebulu

the framework to overhaul the petroleum industry for optimal value for the economy and its people. Regrettably, the process of passing the bill is being obstructed by forces seeking to promote other interests over national interest.

He urged the National Assembly to “accelerate the process of consideration of the bill in the larger interest of the economy and its people. The economy is well-positioned to leverage on an efficient

and competitive oil and gas sector to achieve the much desired transformation,” he said.

“We need to unlock the huge potential for job creation, backward integration, robust investments in refineries, investments in distribution and marketing of petroleum products, development of petrochemical industries and numerous multiplier effects that would be generated for the economy,” he said, adding that there would be huge savings in foreign exchange that would result from self-sufficiency in petroleum products pro-

duction as investments in refineries become attractive to investors.

Ibru observed that resources currently being committed to importation of petroleum products are horrendous and clearly not sustainable. “But for as long as we perpetuate the status quo, for so long will the economy remain vulnerable,” he stated.

He said the Chamber looks forward to the urgent passage of a PIB that would ensure transparency in the oil and gas sector and driven by technocrats so that the economy and the citizens could get optimal value.

HE price of rice, Niger ia’s major staple food, is set to rise sharply as the Federal Government has imposed a 100 per cent special levy on the importation of the commodity, the Rice Millers, Importers, Distributors Association of Nigeria, (RiMIDAN) has said.

Its Secretary-General, Mohammed Shaibu, said the Federal Government raised the levy on imported parboiled rice from 40 per cent to 100 per cent, adding that with the 10 per cent statutory duty on rice, indigenous importers now pay 110 per cent duty on imported rice.

The group cautions that this move has serious implications for the ordinary Nigerian, whose major food is rice, and for the economy.

“The first major response of the market is that the price of rice is bound to increase sharply as the landing cost of a bag of rice has jumped to N11,000.”

He said the other effect of this hike in levy is that government seems to have declared a bonanza for smugglers because the duty on rice all across the West Coast still remains 10 per cent.

“The import of this is that the profit margin of rice smuggled across the borders would be so high and tempting that everybody would want to take the risk to the detriment of Nigeria’s economy.

Shaibu said: “We at RiMIDAN appreciate government’s desire for Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production by 2015, but we advice caution, careful planning and the institutionalisation of the Rice Special Levy Fund (RSLF).”

He said with this partnership with all major stakeholders in the rice chain, Nigeria should be selfsufficient in rice production by 2018.

• Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akin Adesina

AGF orders refund of N25m to Shippers’ Council

T

HE Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF), Samuel, has queried the payment of N25 million take-off grant by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), and has therefore directed a return of the

By Oluwakemi Dauda

money to the coffers of the NSC. The payment was made in 2008 on the orders of the former Minister of State for Transport, John Emeka, to enable CRFFN commence operation.

When contacted, Deputy

Director and Head, Public Affairs of the Council, Ignatius Nweke, told The Nation that the council received the query from the Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation.

Nweke said the NSC has written a letter to the Minister of Transport on the development, since it was the

Ministry that directed the NSC to release the money to the CRFFN almost five years ago.

Investigation revealed that the latest development has further deepened the financial crisis rocking the CRFFN, which has not been able to generate the muchneeded funds from the col-

lection of registration and practising fees from its members due to its face-off with leading freight forwarding associations, like the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF).

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THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

SURE-P funds for roads, other projects, says govt

T

HE Federal Government has found a solution to the delay in completion of roads and insfrastructure.

It is using funds from the Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) to facilitate their completion.

Works Minister, Mike Onolememen said funds for the completion of the dualisation of the Lokoja-Benin Expressway would come from SURE-P. Speaking during the flag off of the dualisaton of Okene-Auchi and Obajana junction-Okene road, he said the project was initially constrained by inadequate budgetary provision until SURE-P was established.

He said: “SURE-P has injected the much-needed funds required for the completion and I am optimistic that the project will be fully realised by march 2014.

“The ministry of works followed a rigorous competitive tender that

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie & Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

saw the emergence of Messr Mothercat Nigeria Limited for section 11: Okene-Auch road, as the contactor now saddled with the responsibility of actualising the dream.

“When this dream is completed, President Goodluck Jonathan would have delivered on his promise to link the six geopolitical zones with dual carriageways, and with the availability of funds, it is expected that this project will be completed in the next 30 months.

“To this end, we call upon the traditional institution and the good people of Edo and Kogi State to give the contactor all the neccesary support for the full realisation of this project,” he stressed.

Onolememen said the challenge is for the contactors and the supervisory team to do everything within

their professional powers to actualise the project.

In a related development the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to complete the long abandoned Bodo-Bonny road and bridge, necessary for land across to the Nigerian Liquidified Natural Gas (NLNG) Plant across the ocean.

He gave the assurance when Onolememen received a delegation

of the Executive Management Team of the Nigerian Liquidified and Natural Gas in his office, led by the Managing Director, Mr Babs Omotowa.

The Minister reiterated that Nigerian Liquidified and Natural Gas (NLNG) is an important depository of the hydro-carbon elements in the country, which requires road and bridge infrastructure positive impli-

cation for Nigerian socio-economic growth.

He acknowledged that NLNG is a partner for infrastructural development in the country and pledged the preparedness of the government to deliver on its promises.

Earlier, Mr Omotowa commended the Federal Government for its several interventions on the road sector.

Lagos completes housing estate’s first phase

T

HE first phase of the 11-storey Isale Gangan residential scheme in Lagos Island began four years ago has been completed.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, who visited the site, said the project’s completion was a relief because of fear of structural instability raised by some people.

The building was piled to secure the structural stability of the houses, because of the terrain. About 200 piles have been sunk - some of them as deep as 27 metres. The 54-flat housing project is meant to renew the historic Isale-Gangan in the central part of Lagos Island.

The houses, being constructed by Anatolia International Limited, would have 36 two-bedroom flats and 18 three-bedroom flats. They are designed to incorporate two floors for parking; two lifts; staircases and escape staircases among other features.

The governor, accompanied by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other members of his cabinet was conducted round the project by the Managing Director of the construction company, Mr Chahid Raffoul.

Fashola praised “the construction competence” of the contractor.

He said: “You can see the type of construction, the type of piling, over 200 piles already here and more to come. There are piles that have gone as deep as 27 metres here and you can see the width and diameter, so you can see this is a building that cannot collapse.”

He assured that his administration would not be deterred by the challenges ahead in its drive to deliver the project.

By Seyi Odewale

“There are challenges ahead before the project is completed, no doubt, but the important thing is that it has moved from a dream to a plan and from a plan to reality. The race to the finish it is quite challenging, but we are not looking back. And as we work pile after pile, track after track, beam of steel after beam of steel, you can be sure we will deliver the project,” he assured.

The Governor said the area has suffered buildings’ collapse in the past.

This according to him, created an opportunity for his administration to renew the area and put solid residential structures in place.

Some of the developments in the area in the past, he said, were done during the “developers’ era,” when foundations came up in the night and five years later the building would collapse.

He said the place would be a residential home for all of the families who own small pieces of land in the vicinity. “Each of them now has an apartment here instead of the small piece that cannot contain a house. We have helped them to merge into this very big space so their lands are now in the vertical space,” he said.

“We have relocated them to Ipaja so that after the completion of this project those who want to return can do so, but those who do not want to return can let theirs out. But each family that owns land here has already been resettled. These are some of the resettlement schemes that we do that we do not make too much noise about; but the beneficiaries know it and they understand it.”

•Chairman, UACN Property Development Company Plc (UPDC), Larry Ettah, flanked by Hakeem Ogunniran, Managing Director (left) and Godwin Samuel, Company Secretary, at the firm’s completion board meeting in Lagos.

Govt, World Bank to tackle erosion in Edo T

HE Federal Government may have found a way round the lingering problem of gully erosion in Edo State.

In collaboration with Edo State and the World Bank, it has initiated the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to tackle the problem.

Officials of the World Bank, Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Federal Ministry of Environment and international and national consultants are in Edo State for Joint Technical Mission geared towards NEWMAP’s implementation.

The World Bank team has visited some gully sites to determine the scope of work in each site in line with the engineering designs.

The sites are in Queen Ede, Ekehuan in Benin City; Ewu in Esan Central Local Government Area and Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area. The Auchi site is said to be one of the most devastating.

The team was taken round the sites, by NEWMAP’s Edo State Project Coordinator, John Adisa.

Declaring the mission open in

•From left: Gbede; Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Sola Oworu; Alufohai; Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Segun Ogunlewe and Gasper at the event.

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

Benin City, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Major Lawrence Loye (rtd) said Governor Adams Oshiomhole was desirous of finding a lasting solution to gully erosion, which has destroyed lives and properties in Queen Ede, Ekehuan, Ewu, Ibore and Auchi.

Loye, represented by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs Patience Otoighile, expressed hope that the tripartite arrangement would restore life to the affected communities.

World Bank representative and Task Team Leader for NEWMAP

Dr Amos Abu said having gone round the gully sites, the team was touched by the people’s suffering.

Abu said the mandate of the project was to ensure that residents of gully sites received intervention to enable them to live in comfort and safety, adding that the World Bank endorsed the project in May last year while the National Assembly approved it last December.

According to him, the workshop was to finalise the Project Implementation Manual which would provide a guide to stakeholders and also finalise the engineering designs and convert same to bidding documents.

The NEWMAP National Coordinator, Mr Chikelo Nwune, enjoined the participants to work assiduously to ensure a timely takeoff of the project.

‘Builders, artisans should be partners’

W

HAT should be the role of artisans in the building sector? Experts believe that artisans should be integrated into the sector by enhancing their status.

They spoke at a workshop of artisans organised by Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), MCS Consulting Limited and supported by Nigerite Nig Ltd. President, Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mr Agele Alufohai praised the City and Guilds Examination Board in coming up with a training package to address the knowledge gap among artisans.

He said he expected the training to be a revolution in the education policy that the Federal and state government’s would take up enthusiastically.

Alufohai said: “The costs of inappropriate training on the one hand and deficient or inadequate technical and vocational training on the other hand in our economy is extremely high. Thousands of our youths have different kinds of university degrees which cannot find any use in the economy. Meanwhile,

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, Asst Editor

we have to import artisans and technicians from neigbouring countries, Europe and Asia to work in construction and the oil industries”.

Nigerite Marketing Director, Mr Toyin Gbede, regretted that the nation has not been able to harness its pool of unemployed youths.

He said the curriculum in conventional schools is not meeting the reality on ground.

Gbede said: “We should not blame our artisans because we have not trained them enough, we should develop their skills rather than importing artisans from neighbouring African countries and Asia which leads to capital flight. As a company we train over 400 carpenters a week and have built laboratories in University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in order to build skill and entrepreneurship.”

Executive Secretary, LASTVEB, Mr Olawumi Gasper, said the board facilitated the training of instructors and teachers and lent support in the delivery of the curricula.

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SPACE FOR SALE

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NEWS

•L-R: Vice Chairman, Board of Fellows Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Hajia Wosilat Giwa; President, Mr. Olumide Akintayo and Senate President David Mark, when the PSN chiefs visited Mark Abuja

•From right: Minister-in-Charge, Christ Church of C & S, Chapel of Grace & Mercy branch, Obantoko, Abeokuta, Venerable Japhet Ade Odukoya; Church Patron, Elder Sunday Olayinka, JP and Deputy Leader/Administrator, Special Apostle Samson Popoola, JP at the church’s first anniversary thanksgiving service in Abeokuta... at the weekend.

•Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry, Nenadi Usman greeting Tanzania Minister of Industry and Trade, Dr. Abdallah Kigodo (right) when the Nigerian delegation visited Tanzania... at the weekend. With them are Chairman, House Committee on Industry, Hon. Muhammed Ogoshi Onawo (left) and Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu.

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (middle) welcoming Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Gideon Oyibo to the 20th yearly session of Delta Baptist Conference in Oghara....at the weekend.

With them is Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Dr. Emmanuel Tetsola.

•L-R: Managing Director, Propertymart Real Estate Investment Limited, Mr. Adesope Adeyinka; Founder/CEO of Benola Limited, AVM Femi Gbadebo; Adeyinka’s wife, Adenike ; newly inducted estate valuer and staff of Propertymart Limited, Mr. Damiro Oluwasegun; and Associate Director, Executive Programmes, LBS-Pan African University, Mr. Henry Andoh, during Oluwasegun’s induction by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), in Lagos

•L-R:Head, Communication, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), Mr Dennis Mclean; Head, Public Relations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Yushau Shuaib and UNIDSR chief, Margareta Wahlström at a media session during the fourth platform for disaster risk reduction in Arusha, Tanzania

•Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule (fifth right); National President, Nigeria Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Prof Murtala Muhibbudeen (fourth right); Lagos State Chairman of the association, Dr Lateef Adetona (in black cap) during a courtesy visit on the SSG by members of the association at Alausa, Ikeja

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THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

EDITORIALS

North Korea’s Defiance

Vaulting ambition • Govt should rehabilitate, expand and equip existing hospitals instead of building $650m medical city

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RDINARILY, it would have been celebrated as one of the greatest things to happen to Nigeria’s health sector today, but we have a different opinion. The story was abroad last week that the Federal Government plans to construct what it calls Abuja Medical City; a $650 million mega medical facility which will have about 1,687 beds with a capacity to cater for at least two million patients at a time. The ambitious project, which is expected to be completed in about 36 months will have 763 beds for its trauma centre, 524 beds in paediatric section, 300 beds for amenities care pavilion and 100 beds for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

According to the health minister, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, the facility would be the first of its kind in Africa and will make Nigeria a medical tourist centre.

It would provide first level medical facility and service in Nigeria and redirect high-complexity medical care to Abuja. The minister also noted that the proposed hospital was in line with the plan of the Federal Government to check Nigerians trooping abroad in the quest for medical tourism.

This proposal initially seems welcome, especially in the face of the recent outcry concerning huge sums spent

by Nigerians on medical tourism, especially in India and South Africa. Just last week, during a Senate public hearing on the National Health Bill, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, had said that, “it is estimated that over N80 billion is lost annually to medical tourism.” He noted further that what is more worrisome is the state of infrastructure, equipment

and staffing of our primary health centres across the nation, as this level of health care caters for over 80 per cent of our health needs.

We agree with Senator Okowa, and this forms our basis of divergence with the proposed medical city: the Federal Government, as represented by the health minister, must return to the basics and work out the fundamentals first. The National Health Bill which has been in the mire over the past few years now ought to be our starting point.

We would expect the minister to partner with all the stakeholders in the health community to have the document passed into law, being the roadmap for every development in the sector. But it does appear that the health ministry is not showing any interest whatsoever in the Bill and it may well be stuck in the National Assembly for many more years.

Since the days of Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti who hoisted the primary health care flag and pursued the credo to admirable ends; and to a lesser extent, Eyitayo Lambo, our health sector has been without any clear-cut policy or direction. All we have seen are off the cuff actions and knee-jerk reactions to Nigeria’s health needs as exampled by the move to build a so-called medical city, supposedly to counter the capital flight borne out of medical tourism.

Well managed and properly coordinated health care services are still lacking in the country; the rural and primary health care gains of the RansomeKuti years have been lost as most rural hospitals are dilapidated, if not aban-

doned. Even the secondary and tertiary facilities, including the so-called centres of excellence hardly serve the populace because they are inadequate in all respects. Even the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which has the potential to aid the radical restructuring of health care delivery in Nigeria seems to stump its managers.

Health delivery is a very serious affair which requires a lot of hard work and introspection. It is disgraceful that we are still grappling with polio and other diseases long-eradicated in other parts of the world. Hedging against losses arising from medical tourism abroad is good but getting our health centres, general and teaching hospitals working makes more sense. To do otherwise is to worry about ringworm when a man is ravaged by leprosy.

‘ It is disgraceful that we are still grappling with polio and other diseases longeradicated in other parts of the world. Hedging against losses arising from medical tourism abroad is good but getting our health centres, general and teaching hospitals working makes more sense. To do otherwise is to worry about ringworm when a man is ravaged by leprosy’

VIP complex •From South Africa came the lesson that all animals are equal

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UST what is the big deal about the news that Nigerian dignitaries were forced to queue up to enter the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa, to watch the 2013 African Cup of Nations soccer final which Nigeria won against Burkina Faso? The fact is, it is indeed a big deal, especially as it involved two governors and a federal minister, among others.

According to the report: “Unlike in Nigeria where top executives enjoy preferential treatment, the governors and other officials who were waiting by the side of the gate with the hope of getting access without observing normal protocol, were told to join the queue formed by other ticket holders.” The report said further, “Interestingly, no security officials from

‘There is a point to ponder in this happening: back home in Nigeria where high political office holders generally have a superiority complex, it is unlikely that these same officials would have been so demystified. On the contrary, rather than stand in a queue prior to entry, they would have enjoyed special treatment on account of their positions and moved seamlessly into the arena, disregarding any existing queue’

Nigeria were present to assist the officials.”

Perhaps Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, his Anambra State counterpart, Peter Obi, and Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdulahi, experienced something of a culture shock. They reportedly waited in a queue “for several minutes” at the VIP gate before gaining entry into the stadium. The message was unambiguous: there was no way they would be allowed to jump the queue. They seemed unprepared for the undiscriminating personnel that manned the gate. Could they have expected special recognition? It is significant that the Nigerian dignitaries were not singled out to stand in a line, everyone else did.

For the Nigerian VIPs, it was definitely a whole new ball game: apart from being subjected to the standard practice of queuing, they were without their usual overzealous protectors who would often go to absurd lengths to clear the path for power. The setting turned out to be a leveller of sorts.

There is a point to ponder in this happening: back home in Nigeria where high political office holders generally have a superiority complex, it is unlikely that these same officials would have been so demystified. On the contrary, rather than stand in a queue prior to entry, they would have enjoyed special treatment on account of their positions and moved seamlessly into the arena, disregarding any existing queue. Alas, that is how power works in Nigeria.

However, this egoism of power, which, it must be said, seems to be encouraged by the obsequiousness of the people, is a negative attitude that does the polity no good. When political office holders elevate themselves so high above the people, they tend to live in another faraway world and fail to connect with immediate socio-economic realities. Regrettably, self-centred power continues to be a major obstacle to the country’s development. Arrogant power must be made to understand one essential truth: it exists by the people and for the people, and certainly cannot be higher than the people. That is the beauty of the democratic system, in practical terms. So, the correct thing is that leaders must regard themselves as servants, rather than masters of the people.

Judging by the report from the stadium, the body language of these Nigerian dignitaries mirrored their subconscious desire for acknowledgment, which did not materialise because the social milieu was quite different. It is hoped that they learnt a lesson in modesty from their experience.

The impersonal approach of the gatekeepers as well as the behaviour of other ticket holders who used the VIP gate without attracting undue attention should be food for thought to them.

Now that they are back home, it would be interesting to see whether the stadium affair, which no doubt provided useful leadership education for our VIP’s, would have any lasting positive impact on their idea of power and how it should be used.

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HE next step for the United States and its partners is to urgently review strategies, including additional sanctions, that might yet keep North Korea from becoming a full-fledged nuclear power. That, of course, is going to require a more robust response from China than North Korea’s main supporter has been willing to make.

It may be some days before we know the details of the test, conducted after weeks of forewarning by North Korea that it was coming and a host of nations that it should not. On Tuesday, the director of national intelligence, James Clapper Jr., said in a statement that the explosive yield was “approximately several kilotons,” compared to less than one kiloton in the 2006 test and two to six kilotons registered in 2009.

This suggests North Korea is beginning to produce devices with substantial power.

North Korea’s official news agency also claimed this test was of a “miniaturized and lighter nuclear device” which, if true, would be a step closer to the ability to place a warhead on a ballistic missile.

The other unknown is whether the test used plutonium fuel, as previous tests did, or highly enriched uranium, as experts consider likely.

The North voluntarily stopped making plutonium in 2008, but, in 2010, after years of denials, revealed to visiting American experts an enrichment facility that could be producing several bombs’ worth of uranium a year. If the North Koreans tested a uranium-based nuclear device, it suggests they are expanding their arsenal and might be more likely to sell deadly wares when they’ve been developed.

By defying the United Nations Security Council, which repeatedly has imposed sanctions for North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, Mr. Kim was undoubtedly trying to enhance his status with his people. But his actions ensure that the country remains isolated and that he is unable to feed its people or revive the economy as he promised. China, the North’s main provider of food and fuel, publicly warned that North Korea would pay a heavy price if it went ahead with the test. Although it has supported past sanctions on North Korea, China has never used its leverage fully because it fears instability on the Korean Peninsula more than a nuclear North Korea. The reality is that instability is growing anyway as the North becomes more nuclear-capable.

North Korea’s latest defiance humiliated China and is a test for its own new leader, Xi Jinping. China should not only take the lead in pushing for tighter Security Council sanctions but make clear it will more rigorously enforce existing sanctions with a focus on penalties that harm the regime’s leaders.

There is no silver bullet, but more creative thinking is needed. China and the United States should be working to covertly disrupt the North’s nuclear program, as was done with Iran.

The United States should invest more in Radio Free Asia so that more outside information could reach North Korea’s people. Still, it should keep seeking dialogue. No good comes from ignoring North Korea.

- New York Times

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THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I do not know whether religion is a reflection of Man’s dream to become god. But I do know that Rev. Georg Ratzinger (elder brother of Pope Benedict) is playing god in the affairs of who becomes the new Pope.

According to him, “In Europe we have many very able people and the Africans are still not so well known and maybe do not have the experience yet”.

Certainly Rev. Georg Ratzinger belongs to the class of men who seek to further the excessive segregation in the church. To submit that Africans are still not so well known is not only mendacious but a reflection of incurable ignorance and unforgivable spiritual criminality.

Since the Bible contain stories of Africans and Africa, then who is

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No hope for an African Pope?

Rev. Georg Ratzinger to say that we are still not so well known?

Sincerely the Bible makes him a pathological liar. I suggest that the man should refer to his Bible for details.

In his reasoning, African’s do not have the experience to lead the Catholic Church. I ask what; experience does Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Francis Arinze of Nigeria need

again after serving the church for donkey years? Is it that our African Cardinals cannot officiate mass with theological impeccability, pray the rosary with spiritual efficacy, give communion and perform other public functions with uncommon dexterity? The man would have won my admiration if he had said that the pope is an exclusive reserve for the whites.

However, I urge the catholic faith-

ful of African extraction to remain strong in faith despite the attempt to make the issue of who becomes the next Pope a matter of white versus black. But let’s not forget to thank our God because God is neither white nor black. Those who know Rev. George Ratzinger should not forget to let him know that in America, his types stood against African-Americans on the basis of colour. But today, history

Official cultism in Nigerian universities

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IR: The legislators should debate homosexuality scientifically, not merely scripturally, but that is not the concern here. I observe that some university administrators also practice cultism without knowing they do; they never asked themselves what cultism means. It is cultism when a Vice-Chancellor gathers around himself loyalists with whom he conspires on shortchanging workers, or in the case of a Christian or Muslim Vice-Chancellor who gathers around himself or herself fellow believers from among the staff and conspires with them on how to project their own religion and hammer other religion(s) in a federal or state university.

Cultism is mostly about getting undue advantage or favour. When our Christian and or Muslim rul-

ers collude to secure undue advantages or favours, they plot it at night somewhere or in the secrecy of their offices or houses; they are secret cultists. The ritual aspect comes in the name of worshipping the same God in the same religion.

Some university administrators don’t know that cheating workers is worse than sexual promiscuity, particularly if the sexual act is consensual rather than a rape. It is a clear case of rape when you shortchange workers; you do it without their consent, and so, you are a robber, thief. These clarifications are necessary to conscientize Nigerian rulers and administrators who are committing sin against humanity and still proudly calling themselves Christians and Muslims.

Those who say that African Traditional Religion (ATR) is respon-

sible for cultism in Nigerian universities miss the point. I have read books on cultism in which the name “Africa” or any African country does not even feature! Why are Africans raised to hate their roots, their ancestors to that extent? Yes, it is a cultist mentality which some or many develop or which is developed in them through indoctrination to promote their Christianity or Islam, selfishly. That renders many persons myopic. They lack rebirth in the art of “openness to life”. Too many “educated” persons are still living at the catechetical level, and it is children and not adult catechism.

Imagine that hardly any of the students caught in acts of cultism comes from “pagan” homes; they are baptized or have undergone ritual birth in one “Godly” reli-

gion or another. I grew up in ATR and I never heard about secret cultism of the favoritism type within the system in Yorubaland. Cultism is an art of conspiracy born out of clique mentality, not religion.

Yes, women must not see Oro, Agemo, Oloolu, and things like that in Yorubaland, but not like conspiracy as a religious modus Vivendi. Original Christianity and Islam don’t enjoin cultism, but those indulging in it in our universities are at least ninety-nine and half percent Christians and or Muslims.

Yes, pariah status is bad for any university academic staff union congress; shortchanging workers is also un-Islamic; can it be Christian?

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D, University of Ilorin.

has shown that they can’t be defeated any time. If he does not understand, he should go ask President Barack Obama.

I call on lovers of God and humanity to resist those who seek to build the church on the pillars of black and white dichotomy. Racism has no place in the church.

Godfrey Ehi O. Benin City

Amnesty for Boko Haram?

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IR: When I read about what is happening in Nigeria, I feel sorry for the country.

Recently I read that northern leaders are canvassing that the terrorists murderers, and rapists should be granted amnesty so that there can be peace in the country.

This type of arguments sounds foolish and runs contrary to common wisdom. The truth is where is the justice in granting amnesty to terrorists, murderers and rapist (Boko Haram)? There can never be peace in Nigeria until justice is done and seen to be done by everybody.

These people who are canvassing for amnesty for the terrorists do not understand the extent of the damage they are doing to the country. If the government out of cowardice accedes to this, it will be a doom for the country.

• Martin South Africa.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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COMMENTS

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AST week, the spat between Abdularasheed Maina and the National Assembly finally hit the home stretch. On Thursday, a reluctant President Goodluck Jonathan was forced to issue a directive to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Alhaji Isa Bello to commence disciplinary action against the embattled chairman of the Pension Reforms Task Team (PRTT). An Abuja court also removed the remaining obstacles setting the stage for his possible arrest.

From the look of things, the prospect of being hauled before the self-appointed magistrates at the Red chamber would seem a far worse prospect than the civil service noose of possible dismissal for absconding from duty.

Check out the rules of the Civil Service to find out why the latter option would be preferable. It is no accident that the civil service is described as the bastion of due process. There, anything goes! Whereas some members of the political class enjoy the privilege of immunity – (whether conferred or not), the civil service has something of an equivalent in their turgid rules of General Orders and due process which comes close to making their class invincible. The point may have been missed by the distinguished senators in their self-righteous anger. That may yet prove fatal to their cause(s) in due time. And trust Maina; he should know one or two tricks in the GO to make things work his way! Had the distinguished Senators realised this early enough, it’s mostly likely they would be wary of starting a war they could never hope to finish!

Now, let’s get back to where the hoopla started from.

Sometime in March last year, the Senate committee on Pension held a public sitting. In the course of that exercise, a Chief Superintendent of Police in the Police Pension Office, Toyin Ishola, accused Maina and his PRTT of fraudulent activities.

He told the committee that the task team, headed by

‘The prospect of administrative punishment, which again is most likely to be contested in courts, seems the price the nation would pay for what is said to be a crime of heist’

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LEX Zitto the half-Ghanaian, half-Nigerian crooner had in his second album, a hit song which he dubbed as ‘Walakolombo’ depicted the lamentations of a man who had been ripped off by an alluring woman who having conned her latest victim had wickedly left him in his misery. The song being a hit track naturally ruled the airwaves for quite sometime even as it was played in several occasions and events where people simply bopped to it that eventually the word’ walakolombo’ became a part of our informal lexicon used to indicate when someone had pulled or attempted to pull the wool over his fellow man or woman’s eye.

Today, the Anambra State, is presently witnessing a walakolombo-like song all in the name of zoning of the office of governor to a particular area. Before I delve into that, it is worthy to note that since the inception of the Peter Obi administration, Ndi Anambra has been subjected to deception.

The Obi administration would claim to have built schools when all it has done is to build ugly looking classrooms, digital libraries when it has only renovated a house, hospitals when it has built mere cottage clinics, hospitals that couldn’t carry out autopsy on the bodies recently retrieved from the Ezu River, and roads when he has only been constructing future death traps.

And when not engaged in puerile matters, the Obi administration is much engaged in the absurd, playing to the gallery much to the consternation of Ndi Anambra, who by and large are frustrated about the failure of this government to meet even the smallest of the fundamental needs since the administration rather prefers using the huge funds allocated to it to hire spin doctors and propagandists.

Today, Governor Obi is on another pathetic mission, which is his inordinate desire to impose a stooge as governor on the people of Anambra come November 2013. Naturally, this shouldn’t be an issue as it is his right to say that he prefers a particular candidate from a particular zone in Anambra. But to want to impose a particular candidate on Ndi Anambra in a democratic society or setting is an indication of total dictatorship and a tyranny of one man which cannot be accepted by the ordinary Anambra man who ranks high in terms of being politically astute. Furthermore, it is imperative to state that all over Anambra, the talk of a governor coming from a particular zone remains a hard sell owing to the peculiarity of the state’s poli-

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Wages of National Assembly overreach Maina, “unilaterally opened three accounts in different banks without recourse to extant financial rules and approval from the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Minister of Finance”.

He claimed that one of the accounts domiciled at the Abuja Central Business District branch of Fidelity Bank, operated by the younger brother of the embattled Maina had a fixed amount lodged with monthly interest of over N100m. Another N3bn was said to have been deposited in UBA with no proper documentation. The PRTT boss was also acused of spending N240m on the biometric exercise of 20 retirees.

As it turned out, that was only a tip of the mountain of scam. The Senator Kabiru Gaya-led panel would later discover from the records of the Accountant General of the Federation, huge discrepancies between pension releases and the actual funds spent totalling N195 billion.

Could the Senate have handled the Maina saga better?

Note that the issue here is an alleged scam in the pension office – not a contest of egos.

Let’s start with the Senate inquiry. I do not think anyone questions the powers of the Senate to undertake any inquiry under the sun, more so from the official of an institution charged with the onerous responsibility to administer the pensions. Indeed, anyone that has followed the probe of the PRTT could not have failed to recognise the deliberate stone-walling and open defiance of the authority of the parliament from the government appointee, in this case Maina. Agreed, it comes with the territory that the subject of an investigation will try stall

for time. In the case of the PRTT boss, his overall conduct somehow gave him out as an individual with something to hide.

But so also is the sack order by the Senate on Maina a case of legislative overreach. Obviously, the Senate could not draw the line between the disrespect shown to the institution by Maina (a misdemeanour) and the crime of heist said to have been committed. Whereas the Senate may impose punishments in a manner it deems fit and consistent with its rules in the case of the former, the punishment for crime is altogether a different matter.

Was the President right when he artfully parried the demand for the big stick by going for a more probable offence of AWOL governed strictly by the applicable rules of the service? Whether those baying for Maina’s blood recognise the presidential directive as face-saver or not, it seems unlikely that they will have the final settlement on their terms anytime soon – that is, if ever they will. In any case, only the high minded Senate could have contemplated the summary trial and sentencing of a public officer without reference to applicable rules of engagement. What the President did was find a way out of the dilemma even when it came by way of substituting the serious charge of stealing with the lesser charge of AWOL at this point in time. As it is, the prospect of administrative punishment, which again is most likely to be contested in courts, seems the price the nation would pay for what is said to be a crime of heist.

Earlier, I raised the question of what the Senate could have done differently. The answer seems obvious: the Senate ought to have called in the anti-graft bodies the very moment it sniffed crime. After all, the institution is no court of law; and no matter how painstaking its efforts at fact findings are, the exercise cannot substitute for a due process of trial in the courts. The drama of Maina-chase, other than stoke excitement across the land, has neither advanced the cause of institution-building nor offered a pathway to restitution. And, given the judiciary’s unknowable ways, it would be dangerous to speculate on the direction in which the pendulum will finally swing.

And the lesson for all concerned? There can be no wrong path to a good intention.

Is the matter therefore settled? I do not think that it has even started. N195 billion seems too hefty to vanish without trace. Now that the drama has ended with the Presidency officially declaring their man AWOL, it may well institute its own inquiry to determine where the money went. That should offer some balm to the sore egos of our distinguished Senators.

Anambra 2014 and zoning

By Igboeli Arinze tics. Are we then to forfeit our critical faculties and democratic power of choice imbued in us since the days of our republican fathers to the whims and caprice of one man?

Are we now to barter merit and proficiency on the altar of mediocrity? Or does Mr. Obi think that we are like Caesar’s soldiers who on the blast of the trumpet marched across the Rubicon? Are we robots or zombies to do as Emperor Peter decides?

Funny enough, as the zoning argument seems to be falling apart like a house of cards, Mr. Obi has refused to call it quits while he still has some time to reverse himself; rather he keeps on committing more fallacies. The first is his attempt to link the controversial issue of zoning in Anambra State to the holy agitation of Ndigbo for the presidency in 2015. To the undiscerning people, this would have been a fine argument but before we fall victim to the devious lyrics of this walakolombo song, let us recast our minds back to the August 30 visit of President Goodluck Jonathan. Thence, Governor Peter Obi made the declaration that since Jonathan got 90% of the votes cast in Anambra in the 2011 elections, come 2015, he should be prepared for 99% support this time around.

Now adding two plus two, that is Obi’s agitation for zoning in Anambra and his reference to the legitimate demand of the Igbos for the 2015 Presidency as similarities, we would find both difficult to merge when pegged against his declaration of support for Jonathan’s second term to the detriment of Ndigbo who have never governed Nigeria as an executive leader, or is our president now an Igbo man?

On the other hand, the next stanza of this walakolombo music has seen the advancement of a theory that argues for the much work he claims done in the state, he wouldn’t want a buccaneer to become governor of the state and fritter away the so called achievements of his administration.

This however would have been true if Governor Obi had dedicated himself to work. To think that his wobbly roads, faulty policies and governance existing only on billboards and propaganda are legacies, I am then forced to wonder if the word legacy has a dual meaning. Again, is Mr. Obi saying that it is only from a particular zone that we can find men who may protect his legacies?

Let us for the amusement delude ourselves that indeed

Obi has left legacies, can guarantors of such a legacy not come from any of the two zones which he wants to excise from the politics of Anambra, zones which boast of more credible candidates than any of the lackeys Obi has lined up?

One is however not at a loss on why the governor is seriously agitating for the zoning of the gubernatorial position to a particular zone, with his eight-year tenure expiring and his political future in limbo. Obi’s call for zoning is a last gasp attempt to ensure his political survival. A false move as such gives him room to make deals with many who are ready to sell their souls. The zoning clamour is nothing but a bargaining chip and a ruse.

Finally, it is my plea to my governor to repudiate this idea of zoning but rather channel his energy to the business of governance, which the people of Anambra State are yearning for. He should let Ndi Anambra in the spirit of democracy choose their next governor since they are the custodians of democracy and have utterly rejected his walakolombo music on zoning or as the garrulous K. O Mbadiwe did once quip “We have zoned to unzone” • Arinze writes from Awka

‘It is my plea to my governor to repudiate this idea of zoning but rather channel his energy to the business of governance, which the people of Anambra State are yearning for. He should let Ndi Anambra in the spirit of democracy choose their next governor since they are the custodians of democracy’ • Republican Ripples is on vacation

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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COMMENTS

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HEN I got the news flash on my BBM that the Pope Benedict XVI plans to quit the post of Bishop of Rome and spiritual head of the 1.2 billion catholic faithful around the globe by the end of February, my mind immediately pointed at fraudsters at work. What won’t this 419 people do, I asked?

With more than six weeks to April 1, the world acclaimed “Fools Day” I was in no doubt that this was no April fool and mischief makers are somewhere trying to pull our legs or planning to make money out of the Catholic Church. So, I ignored the message and moved on even though the sender of message is well known to me as a credible source.

The reporter in me told me to suspect the information first but go ahead to verify which I did some few hours later when I went on the net and was confronted with details of Pope Benedicts decision to quit the highest office in the Catholic church.

Whaaat! I screamed. This has never happened before, I told myself, but upon further research I discovered that in the year 1294, Pope Celestine V resigned because he could not cope with the physical demands of that office and wanted a simpler life. And as recent as 1415 Pope Gregory XII left office to save the Church from disgrace as there were two Cardinals laying claim to the papacy. So Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as he was before he became Pope Benedict in April 2005 at age 78 was after all not doing what no Pope had done before, as I had thought, just that he was the first in about 600 to quit the papacy.

So, why the decision to quit? I am sure you know the rest of the story but for the sake of emphasis and to quell all conspiracy theories, the Pope said his failing health at 85 would not allow him to, in good conscience, discharge his papal duties as he ought to and so he would be stepping down later this month, in time for a new Pope to be chosen and consecrated before Easter.

On reflection, I asked myself if this Pope were to be a Nigerian would he offer to quit such an exalted office even if he is unable to discharge his duties to God and the Church.

An office in which he is expected to remain for life?

Well, without casting aspersions on the integrity of the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the Cardinals that have emerged from among the faithful here, this is a very difficult question to answer even by Nigerian Catholics. And the reason is not far fetched.

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HE dictionary defines propaganda as “information, ideas, or rumours deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation.”

No doubt, propaganda has become a useful tool in the hands of many, especially in politics and business and going by the definition above, it can either be a force for good or bad depending on the intention of those who use it.

The word ‘propaganda’ originated in Rome. Back then, as it is now, it denotes the spreading of rumour, information, ideas and allegations to further one’s cause or to demonise or damage the reputation of opposing forces.

Propaganda has always been part of politics and the corporate world. It may be surprising to some to know that its use also extends to journalists, salespeople, fake prophets, advertisers, amongst others. It is so easy to think up dirty words or images when the term “propaganda” is mentioned, but propaganda is not all about maligning people. It is used to draw attention to good causes, especially if

The crumbling of their house of cards (should I say house of lies) has gradually driven them to desperation.

One may not want to blame them as time is not on their side and Governor Kayode Fayemi has also uncovered their political and organisational deficiencies by showing them how governance is done

If Pope Benedict were to be a Nigerian Leaders find it very difficult here to quit office even when they are on tenured appointment. They look for one excuse or another to extend their tenure and the Church is no exception. And I am sure if one digs deep enough, one could find some Islamic leaders who would rather die in office instead of relinquishing their positions even when they are no longer up to it.

The argument here is not even about any sit tight religious leader but rather our political leaders who would want to hold on to their positions even when it was apparent their health was not good enough to continue in office. We all know the story of our late President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Governor Chime of Enugu State just came back home after several months outside the country to treat what we now know to be cancer of the nose. While he was on hospital bed wherever he went to seek cure for his ailment, Chime refused to hand over the reins of power as if it were a personal property. It took a lot of efforts and months to get the Taraba House of Assembly to empower the Deputy Governor of the State to act in the absence of Governor Suntai who is on a sick bed somewhere in Germany receiving treatment for injuries he sustained in a plane crash.

A badly injured Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State had to be rushed back to office even when he had not fully recovered from the injuries he sustained in an auto crash, just to prevent his deputy from acting as governor, as the Nigerian constitution demands, while he treats his injuries. Nobody seems to be talking again about the long absence of Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State from office. The man has been away for some time

now to treat himself of yet to be disclosed ailment and he is still holding on to power.

Why did the constitution make provision for a deputy Governor or vice President if the boss so to speak, could hold on to power even when he is dying? You might want to ask. Even if the deputy is a ‘spare tyre’ as we are wont to say here, why would the driver continue with a punctured or flat tyre when the spare tyre is ok? The ride will definitely not be smooth. So why put everybody in the car through that horrible ride when the spare tyre could have come in handy?

For too long Nigeria has been unlucky to produce selfish leaders who see and parade themselves as messiahs. Obasanjo believed he is the only one that could lead this country well and onto the Promised Land such that even after eight years in office, he wanted to manipulate the constitution to get another term. Yar’Adua and his handlers including wife, Turai saw Nigeria as their personal property and could do as they wished. When the President was evidently dying they still held on to power until the man could no longer be sustained by life machine at a Saudi hospital. They tried to hoodwink us into believing that the ailing President had signed that year’s appropriation bill even when sources told us the man could hardly recognize anybody not even his wife. Nigerians were deceived for months and taken for a ride for so long until Yar’Adua died.

Pope Benedict and/or his handlers/close associates could have chosen to deceive the Catholic Church by manipulating the health certificate of the ailing Pontiff presenting to the faithful a picture of a healthy Pope, as

Yar’Adua people did to us, and remain in office and enjoy the pecks of office until death takes their man away. But out of fear of God and love for the Church they chose not to. This is the way honourable people and people of conscience behave. Do we have such people in Nigeria?

Maybe the Catholic Church is lucky as their priests are not allowed to indulge in the affairs of the flesh, so the Pope has no wife to influence his decision or biological children to think of before acting. No wife or children that would want him to remain in office till death even when he is weak, tired and unable to continue, just to have access to the enormous wealth of the church and the privileges attached to the office.

We have seen most Pentecostal churches in Nigeria turned into a family business where the GO and his wife are sole signatories to the Church’s account and the wife taking over on the death of her husband. Was this the way Christ intended his Church?

Away from the Church, we have seen Presidents and their wives running the country as a family business, where the wife as First Lady assumes the powers of her husband the Commander-In-Chief and go about terrorizing the rest of us; spending state’s money on anything that catches their fancy.

The same scenario is replicated at the state and even local government levels. With our leaders invested with so much power, power of life and death, unlimited access to loot our treasury and with impunity, none of them would want to leave office even if they are dying. None of them has the heart and conviction of Pope Benedict. The beautiful ones are not yet born.

‘We have seen most Pentecostal churches in Nigeria turned into a family business where the GO and his wife are sole signatories to the Church’s account and the wife taking over on the death of her husband.

Was this the way Christ intended his Church?’

Ekiti PDP politics of desperation By ‘Dimeji Daniels such could be or are being attacked by malcontents or opposing forces who would stop at nothing to revile a good cause, even if it benefits them.

Figures like Adolf Hitler and Stalin readily come to mind when bad propaganda comes to mind. Hitler was so adept at it that he turned Germans against peace-loving and innocent Jews, but even his Minister of Propaganda and successor as chancellor after he committed suicide, Joseph Goebbels, reputed for saying “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it” insisted that propaganda had to be truthful. This doesn’t mean he did not lie, but he knew that for propaganda to last, it had to have an element of truth.

As former Lagos State Commissioner of Information Dele Alake put it at a lecture he delivered in Ondo town recently: “Blowing your trumpet without performance is pure crass propaganda; blowing your trumpet while delivering dividend of democracy is publicity” (not his exact words). If there is anyone who understands what it takes to be a government’s spokesperson in Nigeria, it is Alake. So by saying it is not propaganda if a government publicises its good works, Alake was on point, since in this clime, no one blows your trumpet for you if you do not blow it.

From Alake’s submission, (bad) propaganda is putting something on nothing, which, of course, would be very foolhardy and wouldn’t last, as it would also be foolhardy for a political party that had seven and a half years in the saddle, but achieved almost nothing, save for cosmetic endowments and the introduction of an alien culture of thuggery.

This, today, best describes the situation in Ekiti State where the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) had its chance for almost eight years but totally flunked it. The last was Segun Oni who flunked out, having been sacked for rigging by the Appeal Court, but still hopelessly hoping against hope with his protest against the “red biro judgement”.

Seeing the works of the present administration in the state and knowing that it was going to be almost impossible to beat the incumbent in an election, the PDP quickly activated a propaganda cell, which mostly has made the social media its operational base. Since the youth make up a larger percentage of the voters’ register, using the social media definitely is a good move for them.

Like all propagandists, they use persuasive allegations, messages, ideas, opinions, statements, accusations and exaggerations with the main purpose of influencing, and, if possible, manipulating, the minds and emotions of the public or of those at which they are directed.

They try to manipulate unsuspecting indigenes to jump to illogical and baseless conclusions. Typical examples of this were the reforms carried out in the local councils. NCE holders who were stagnated in the councils and were to be redeployed to teaching were convinced by the PDP that they were to be sacked. Same goes for non-medical personnel who were drawing salaries of medical personnel at the local councils. PDP went to town with the lie that 4, 000 local government workers had been sacked by the government. When asked to produce just one sack letter, it went on lying in the face of confounding evidence. One expected that they should have responsibly evidenced their claims.

Another of their tactic is name-calling,

which is also one of the tactics of propaganda.

They associate good things or personalities with negative words or images to make unsuspecting people shrink from the thought.

An example of such is the newly formed party, APC which they had already nicknamed armoured personnel carrier without thinking for a second that it could backfire on them. Now that the opposition is saying the Armoured Personnel Carrier is to shoot the PDP down, one can only wonder what they’ll come up with next.

The good thing is that more often than not, PDP’s lies have been exposed by the public and rather than responsibly admitting their miss, the party’s members shamelessly continue to insist on the lies. This is seen daily on the social media as most of their tutees and recruits, most of whom use pseudo names on the social media, insist on hugging ignorance right after they have been corrected or confronted with the truth.

The crumbling of their house of cards (should I say house of lies) has gradually driven them to desperation. One may not want to blame them as time is not on their side and Governor Kayode Fayemi has also uncovered their political and organisational deficiencies by showing them how governance is done, but allowing desperation to take over reasoning is dangerous and not healthy for Nigeria’s democracy. It is so bad that in Ekiti there is nothing the PDP cannot come up with.

Don’t be surprised if tomorrow they say “Fayemi is broke! He now drinks garri with sugar and epa” or “Fayemi has bribed Obama to support him for second term”. Don’t be shocked! It can come from them. It is nothing but sheer lack of ideas and the shock they are suffering from Fayemi’s unrivalled performance and prompt delivery of dividend of democracy.

• Daniels writes from Ado, Ekiti State

Oboabona: Keshi is our Mourinho

Pg. 41 Pg. 24

INSIDE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Minister sets up panel on Apo resettlement scheme

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Akinjide hails Super Eagles

How Abuja marked Valentine’s Day

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Hospital gets mammography unit

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HERE are conflicting views concerning the origin of Valentine’s Day and what it signifies. Some experts have posited that the day commemorates the martyrdom of Revd. Fr Valentine; a Roman Catholic Priest who was killed for his refusal to stop wedding Roman youths on the orders of Emperor Claudius II who had prohibited marriage for young. He was executed on February 14, 270 A.D. Some historical and legendary facts also say that before his execution, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter who had become his friend while he was in jail. He signed the note thus: “From Your Valentine.”

Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Over time, February 14 has be-

From Gbenga Omokhunu

come the date for exchanging love messages. It has also become a day to celebrate St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. The date is marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers to loved ones and secret lovers. By far, Valentine’s Day flowers are the most popular gift nowadays.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is said to have sent the first Valentine cards. The spirit of good tidings continues as Valentine messages laden with sentimental verses are sent to loved ones.

In Abuja, the city and shopping malls were decorated with red which is the official colour for the day.

As many took time out to buy and exchange gifts with their loved ones, people expressed divergent views on the annual event.

A cross section of people spoke with Abuja Review.

Mr. Wemimo Okupe, a civil servant expressed displeasure over the

way Valentine Day is celebrated.

He said: “I think St Valentine Day should be put in its right perspective. St Valentine was not a god and he did not do anything for humanity. St Valentine’s Day promotes sexuality and unnecessary social habits. Those who want to sell are using the event as an avenue to promote a worldwide affair so that they can sell.

“Now that the economy is very bad in Europe, it would be a fantastic time for them to take advantage of the youth who are not properly guided, to take advantage of the emotions of women who like to be loved and honoured.

“Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you should love someone or wife.

A lot of people commit a lot of atrocities in their offices, a lot take their wives out on a Valentine’s Day and the next day they are seen with their concubines.

“Valentine’s Day does not promote love. Rather, it promotes sexuality. It should not be a day meant

to encourage anyone to have sex.

It is a different thing if the United Nations named a day for lovers, like the Labour Day, Health Day, among others. It does not attach it to a name called Valentine.”

Miss. Princess Enobong corroborates Mr. Okupe’s view. She said: “I do not believe in the celebration of Valentine’s Day. To me, everyday is meant to show or express love to someone. Everyday of my life is Christmas. So it is for any other day.

“My spouse cannot influence me to believe in Valentine’s Day. You do not force me to do what I don’t want to do.

“Every day of one’s life, one should try and put a smile on somebody’s face and not necessarily on a particular day. If it were like that, then it means God would only remember us on Valentine’s Day.” •Continued on Page 26

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ABUJA REVIEW

Director for Pilgrims board Stories from Gbenga Omokhunu

A

•Customers shopping for Valentine’s Day •Continued from Page 25 Expressing his view on the matter, Mr. Usman Ibrahim, a fresh graduate, said: “Valentine’s Day is a season for giving and sharing love with our loved ones and especially to the needy in the society in order to make them feel loved and have a sense of belonging. It is not all about taking your lover out on a particular date if you really understand the basis of giving. Even in

How Abuja marked Valentine’s Day the Bible Jesus Christ emphasised on the virtue of giving. The Muslims also give.”

Miss Elizabeth Pius who works for a telecom industry said: “Valentine is a day to show love; but it must not be on a special day. Everyday should be a day of love. The family and the loved ones must

show love to one another always.

“Unfortunately, the youths’ perception of the ceremony is not in line with what it connotes. The youth believe that you have to share it only with the opposite sex. This is against the spirit of what Valentine’s Day stands for.

“I think the orphanage is the best

place I would really go to share love. The children there need love.

When they see people from outside, they feel excited. The day is not a bad one, but the devil is turning it to something evil. If you do not want to visit the orphanage, you have the prisons to go to.”

S a result of complaints that trailed last year’s Hajj operation, the Acting Director of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Surajo Ado Faskari, has been relieved of his duty.

Special Adviser to the FCT Minister of State on Area Councils and Muslim Pilgrim Affairs Alhaji Ibraheem Aminu Ibraheem who disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja, said the decision to remove the former acting director was taken after a careful study of the report of the 2012 Hajj operation.

Ibraheem said the performance of the former boss of the board fell short of the administration’s desire of ensuring that every pilgrim from the FCT performs the hajj in an atmosphere conducive to healthy exercise, stressing that the board’s handling of the Mahram and issues that affected some female intending pilgrims as well as processing of visas for the pilgrims were very poor.

The Special Adviser pointed out that a combination of these factors as well as late release of basic travel allowance (BTA), made last year’s hajj a harrowing experience for pilgrims from the FCT. He said the administration has approved the appointment of Hajiya Fatima Gumi as the new Acting Director of the board, stating that Hajiya Gumi is expected to bring her competence and years of experience to bear in ensuring a hitch-free operation.

Ibraheem further revealed that the FCT Administration has set machinery in motion for early commencement of preparations for the 2013 Hajj exercise in order to avoid the pitfalls experienced last year.

T

HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has constituted a committee on Apo Resettlement Scheme. It lays particular emphasis on the report of the Ministerial Committee on Facts Finding and the way forward on the scheme.

FCTA had, on August 2, 2012, inaugurated the Ministerial Committee to resolve the lingering Apo Resettlement dilemma.

The committee submitted its report and recommendations to the administration on December 13, 2012.

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Olajumoke Akinjide who inaugurated the implementation committee on Apo Resettlement Scheme, said the administration had decided to immediately commence the process of implementation, having painstakingly studied the report of the Facts Finding Committee.

Akinjide said: “You may wish to recall that during the submission of the report last year, I did promise that the report will be studied and implemented after consultations with the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed.

“I wish to reiterate the commitment of the FCT Administration in proffering a lasting solution to those problems that have hindered the success of this scheme. This has become imperative for the administration to realise its dream of a functional and befitting cityscape in line with the Master Plan provisions of Abuja.”

Akinjide, who oversees the Resettlement Department of the FCT, advised members of the implementation committee on Apo Resettlement Scheme to use their wealth of experience in achieving an acceptable and reliable implementation of the scheme.

“In implementing the resettlement of the Garki people, careful and in-

•One of the houses in Apo area

Minister sets up panel on Apo resettlement scheme From Gbenga Omokhunu

novative strategy must be employed in such a manner that respects the dignity of the Garki Community,” she added.

The Implementation Committee on Apo Resettlement Scheme is chaired by the Director of Adminis-

tration and Finance, Area Council Services Secretariat, and Alhaji Yusuf Tsaiyabu while the Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Resettlement, Mr. Benedict Ogenyi, acts as the secretary of the committee.

Other members of the committee are Director of Urban and Regional Planning, Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar

(Vice-Chairman); Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Micah Jiba; Director of Security in FCT, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed; Director of Inspectorate, Planning and Management, Area Council Services Secretariat, Mr J.S. Kaura; Director of Satellite Towns Development Agency, Alhaji Tukur Ibrahim Bakori; Direc-

tor of Development Control, Mr. Yahaya Yusuf, and Director of Resettlement and Compensation, Mr. Francis Okechukwu.

Others include Director of Lands in the FCT, Alhaji Mainasara Babayo; Special Adviser (Lands) to the Per•Continued on Page 27

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ABUJA REVIEW

Minister hails Super Eagles

M

INISTER of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, has praised the Super Eagles of Nigeria for making the country proud at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2013 held in South Africa.

Members of the national team along with their technical crew and officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 3:15 p.m. last Tuesday to a tumultuous crowd of jubilant supporters and residents of the FCT. The Super Eagles had defeated Burkina Faso by a lone goal to become the African Champion for the third time.

According to a statement issued

by Special Assistant to the Minister of State for the FCT on Media and Publicity, Oluyinka Akintunde, the minister was elated by the fact that the senior national team was led to victory by a Nigerian coach, Stephen Keshi and also assisted by Nigerian coaches like Daniel Amokachi and others.

She noted that the team captained by Fenerbahçe of Turkey defender, Joseph Yobo, displayed a high level of commitment, dedication and patriotism.

According to the minister, the team’s victory at AFCON 2013 has restored the country’s pride and positioned her in its rightful place as “Giant of Africa in the area of football.”

“The Eagles’ triumph at AFCON

•Super Eagles From Gbenga Omokhunu

2013, which is coming after 19 years, is an indication of a better future for the country. We need to remain focused, disciplined and determined.

Nigeria is surely getting better in the areas of sports and the economy.

“I express my heartfelt congratulations to the coach and our spectacular Super Eagles for making Nigeria proud. I enjoin all Ni-

gerians to learn from the strong determination, the will to succeed and patriotic zeal that brought victory to the team and the country,” said Akinjide, who oversees the FCT Department of Sports in the Social Development Secretariat.

The minister urged the team not to rest on its oars but to strive and work towards achieving a similar feat at the forthcoming FIFA Confederation Cup and FIFA World Cup in Brazil next year.

Minister sets up panel on Apo resettlement scheme •Continued from Page 26 manent Secretary, Chief Steven Awoniyi; Special Assistant (Lands) to the Minister of FCT, Alhaji Hussaini Badeggi; Special Assistant (Legal) to the Minister of State for FCT, Mr. Festus Tsavsar; representative of Public Building, Mr. Momohjimoh Ibrahim; representative of Department of State Service, Mr. Adebowale Sanusi; Deputy Director of Monitoring and Control, Resettlement Department, Alhaji Baba Kura Umar, and Chairman of FCT Press Corps,

Mr. Sam Ogbeifun.

The minister also disclosed that two representatives each from His Royal Highness of Sa-Peyi Council and Garki Youth Association were also appointed to be part of the implementation committee.

The Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Benedict Ogenyi, stated that the committee was established to implement the recommendations contained in the Report of the Ministerial Committee on Facts Finding and the Way Forward on Apo Resettlement Scheme.

He listed other terms of reference of the committee to include *liaising with the Urban and Regional Planning Department and ensuring that the final design of Garki Village is prepared for implementation in order to determine the exact number of houses to be left within the integrated area; * considering complaints or omissions on allocations and other related issues that might have been outstanding;

•Corp Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, Osita Chidoka (middle) with his deputies, Boboye Oyeyemi; Operations (left) and Adeyemi Omidiji, Research Statistics during the press briefing on FRSC’s 25 years PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE anniversary in Abuja

*effecting immediate movement of the three communities (Garki, Apo and Akpajenya) to the Apo Resettlement site and; * looking at any matter that will assist the administration in the implementation of the resettlement scheme.

The chairman of the committee, Alhaji Yusuf Tsaiyabu, thanked the minister for her commitment in resolving the Apo Resettlement problem and assured her of the dedication of members to achieve success on the assignment.

“We shall use our wealth of experience to accomplish the task before us. We are committed towards delivering on the terms of reference,” he said.

The original inhabitants of Garki in the FCT, it will be recalled, had, on January 20, 2013, demanded the full implementation of the report of the Ministerial Committee on Apo Resettlement Scheme headed by the Solicitor-General of the FCT, Mrs. Helen Oloja.

Those who are indigenous to Garki who spoke through the President of Garki Youth Association (GYA), Comrade Joel Yazegbe, urged the FCT Administration to ensure that the full report was published and implemented immediately.

“We don’t want the report to go the way of other reports of past administrations which were not implemented. We commend the Federal Capital Territory Administration for setting up the Ministerial Committee on Apo Resettlement Scheme. This is the best attempt made by the FCT Administration to, once and for all; resolve the problem which has lingered for four years.

“The members of the committee met with all stakeholders including

•Oloye Akinjide the elders, traditional rulers, youths and others. They also visited the area for on-the-spot assessment of the problems.

“We told them our demands and we are hoping that they will keep to the trust they showed during the stakeholders’ meetings,” Yazegbe said.

Part of the recommendations of the Helen Oloja’s Committee was for resettlement and compensation of the original inhabitants of the FCT to be captured in the National Priority Budget of the Federal Government.

“The committee found out that the issue of resettlement and compensation is the business of the Federal Government. It involves huge capital resources, even as it constitutes security problems within the territory.

“The committee also recommended that the FCT Administration should liaise with the Federal Government of Nigeria to include the resettlement and compensation of original inhabitants of the FCT in its National Priority Budget,” the committee stated in the report.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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ABUJA REVIEW

Hospital gets mammography unit

R

EPRIEVE has come the way of women suffering from breast cancer in the Federal Capital Territory with a mammography machine acquired by the Maitama General Hospital.

The launch of the machine was aimed at preventing and managing cases of breast cancer in the city.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Demola Onakomaiya who launched the machine as well as the Ear, Nose and Throat/audiology unit said breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.

“It is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women more evident in Sub-Saharan Africa. The mammography machine enables early detection and treatment of breast cancer thereby reducing the burden of the disease.

“It should be noted that early detection of the disease is the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When detected early and with adequate diagnosis and treatment, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured,” he said.

Onakomaiya urged all the various healthcare professionals to make best use of the equipment, even as he said efforts are underway to enhance capacity building in order for them to achieve an excellent use of the equipment.

The Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Sikirat Adetoun Sotimehin, said the mammography machine will assist in offering diagnostic and screening services to all women above the age of 40.

“This,” she said, “will translate to a reduction in morbidity and mortality from the scourge of breast cancer in the FCT as malignancy can be detected early enough and appropriate action taken in good time. Breast cancer is a present-day reality that must be dealt with and the FCT health sector is now at the forefront of this battle.

•Mammography machine From Bukola Amusan

“Very soon, Maitama District Hospital will have an

MRI machine to complement the existing CT scan services in Asokoro District Hospital.

Very soon, the present utility

building will be upgraded to a storey building that will be connected to the main hospital building,” she said.

She, about which rious safety

however, complained inadequate manpower she said is posing a sethreat to health and of staff of the hospital.

Association to sanction erring members

T

HE National President, Real Estate Developers’ Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Chief Olabode Afolayan has said that the association is considering plans to sanction its erring members.

Afolayan said such members include those who misled their customers to purchasing units from their estate without proper approval from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

He spoke during the association’s investment forum in Abuja, adding that buildings will no longer be demolished in the territory.

Afolayan said: “We discussed the need to levy and sanction members we discovered went into such action of misleading customers. We need to join government to correct abuses so that people don’t abuse Master Plans. We need to ensure that officials of government do not abuse their offices.

“So, on this issue, we have resolved that houses will not be demolished and that we will do everything possible to protect investment of our members and interest of customers.”

Afolayan, who was recently appointed as African representative of International Housing Association, said that the association is committed to ensuring that customers are satisfied.

He emphasised the need to develop new initiatives that will represent the interest of both buyers and developers.

He said REDAN has commenced plans to partner with National Association of Home Builders and insurance firms to offer minimum of two years guarantee to house own-

ers. This move, according to him, would safeguard their interest.

“We are coming up with a new product. We want to resume talks with insurance firms. We want to commence what we call home guaranty and warranty so that we should be giving warranty of two years to our customers to take care of whatever happens to the building.

“We are now very conscious of our customers. We are conscious of our business because we want to still remain in business. And how to remain in business is for us to be very flexible,”Afolayan said.

We are coming up with a new product.

We want to resume talks with insurance firms. We want to commence what we call home guaranty and warranty so that we should be giving warranty of two years to our customers to take care of whatever happens to the building

•Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Solomon Adeola (left); his Deputy, Auwal Jatau (right) and a member of the committee, Princess Nnaji during the committee’s meeting at the National Assembly PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

‘We hope to expand this kind of fora to other areas of interest in the judiciary, so that we will have a continuous forum, where people could air their views and discuss how we can better the judiciary and Nigeria See page 31

’

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

• Prof Angwe

Prof. Bem Angwe is the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). In this interview with Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, he speaks on the commission’s powers, its efforts in promoting, protecting and defending Nigerians’ rights and other issues.

It’s wrong to Y pack people in trucks like cattle

OU have been on the saddle as Chief Executive Officer of this commission for almost one year. What has your experience been like?

I am today, one year, one month and fourteen days on this seat as the Executive Secretary of the Commission. I want to say that it has been an interesting experience, given my background before I assumed this duty.

What is your background In all my life, I have always tried to work for humanity, I have tried to work for the benefit of human beings. I have tried to defend the right of Nigerians. Before I assumed duty here, apart from the fact that I was teaching human rights and humanitarian law, I was also serving humanity in other ways.

In what ways?

I had a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that was basically aimed at providing free legal services for indigent

Inside: Judges get training on quick disposal of... P.31

Nigerians, so upon the assumption of duty here, I realised that what I was doing was only but preparatory to the challenges that I am now made to face here. I consider my coming here as an act of God, because I never thought for one day, that I might come to the National Human Rights Commission.

What do you mean by this?

Yes, I was contented being a lecturer. I was contented touching human lives at that level, but here is a calling from God and I find it very, very interesting. It is challenging, but it is good to give your best to humanity, it is good to put your life down for the sake of working for fellow human beings.

The law establishing the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was amended in 2011 to enhance •Continued on page 30

Why legal profession is in decline ... P.37

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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LAW COVER CONT’D • Continued on page 35

efficiency and autonomy in the commission’s operations. How has this amendment impacted on your performance?

Let me give you a little bit of background here. In 1993, the nations of the world convened at Paris France, under the umbrella of the United Nations General Assembly. At that assembly, nations resolved that countries should establish national institutions that would be given the responsibility to promote, protect and enforce the rights of their people. This was to demonstrate the commitment of the international community to the recognition, promotion and ensuring respect for the rights of all peoples of the world.

So, Nigeria being a good member of the United Nations ratified this convention and all the resolutions. And in 1995, this national institution, which we today call the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, was established. It is interesting to note that this institution was established by the military regime in Nigeria to show the world that Nigeria was also committed to the protection and promotion of human rights. However, given that scenario, the commission was not given all the powers that were envisaged and agreed upon by the international community under the principles which we refer today as the Paris Principles.

Which powers were envisaged by the international community under Paris Principles?

Under the Paris principles, all such national institutions were to be given autonomy. They were to be independent in their operations and were to have financial autonomy and security of tenure for the major operators which includes the Chief Executive and the Commissioners.

However, this NHRC was not given such powers at the time it was established. Happily, on the February 25, 2011, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, signed into law a bill that was passed by the National Assembly, which today, has enhanced the powers of the commission.

In which areas did the amendment enhance the Commission’s powers?

By this amendment, the Commission is today independent in its operations. It is not under the authority or control of any person in this country in carrying out its duties and mandate. In relation to that, we have financial autonomy in the sense that it is placed directly under the first line charge of the consolidated revenue of the Federation and then, the security of tenure of the Governing Council members and that of the chief executive is also guaranteed to the extent that they cannot be removed from office except by the resolution of the National Assembly.

Again, the commission is empowered to take decisions that are enforced like the judgments of a High Court. To this end, the commission can bark and bite, which means that it has enforcement powers that will ensure that it does not only promote, protect, but also provides remedies to victims and aggrieved persons when such rights are violated. This is different from the commission that was in existence prior to amendment which had no such enforcement powers.

As a seasoned human rights lecturer and promoter of human rights before your appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Commission, which changes and or innovations have you brought to the Commission since your appointment?

When I assumed duties here, I saw the challenges and knew that expectations were very

• Prof Angwe

It’s wrong to pack people in trucks like cattle

• Prof Angwe

high. And I have been praying to God to give me not only the strength but the wisdom to live up to the expectations.

From the start, I knew that the Commission was operating in seven offices, one in the headquarters in Abuja and one in each of the six geo-political zones of the country. I realised again the powers that this commission has bearing in mind the fact that many Nigerians are not yet aware of their fundamental rights. So, I felt that there was a need for the commission to do more to ensure that Nigerians become aware of their rights, ensure protection of such rights and in doing so, there is the imperative need for the commission to give Nigerians access to its services. And it is not possible for the commission to give such access while we operate one office in each of the six geo-political zones.

What are you doing about this?

I decided to expand the services of the commission and, by the grace of God, this commission now has 24 offices and I hope that by the end of March, this year, the Commission would have offices in the 36 states of the federation. If we have offices in the 36 states of the Federation, there is no doubt that Nigerians will freely walk into any of our offices as they are doing now, to make their complaints which they don’t necessarily need the services of a legal practitioner to do. Even those who are not well educated have been coming to us, we reduce their petitions or complaints into writing and we investigate them accordingly. So I expanded the scope of operations of this commission, I also restructured the operations of the commission in such a way as to meet up with the needs of every Nigerian, particularly in the area of human rights protection.

In addition to that, I started carrying out some enlightenment campaigns, creation of awareness and so on. Today, we are translating the basic human rights instruments in the constitution into major Nigerian Languages so that Nigerians will be able to read and understand their rights in their own languages.

I have also paid visits to major stakeholders and in addition to that, we have constituted a working team with the Nigeria Po-

lice to improve human rights protection in the country.

What do you mean by this?

Well, I wrote a letter to the Inspector– General of Police (IG) that there is a need for the human rights commission to work with the Police to improve the promotion and protection of the rights of Nigerians. In that letter, I stated that the commission was nominating a team of five people led by me and requested the IG to also nominate a team of five persons, which he promptly did, his team is led by a Deputy Inspector–General of Police (DIG); so, today, we have a working group whereby we look at issues of human rights violations by the police, because prior to my assumption of office and up till today, a lot of complaints have been coming in against the operations of the police and the IG has given us a commitment to ensure that the Police works in accordance with the dictates of human rights. I also made them to realise that the work of the Human Rights Commission and that of the Police is the same, because the Police have the mandate to protect the rights, lives and property of Nigerians and in doing so, they have the mandate to protect the rights of the people and that is exactly what the NHRC is doing.

So, there is a great need for us to team up together.

The IG has realised that and has promised to ensure that police officers that are engaged in the violation of human rights are not only disciplined, but are also relieved of their appointment and so far, he has kept his words, some police officers that have been identified as major culprits in human rights violations have not only been dismissed from the service, they are also facing prosecution; so we are working together.

What other things are you doing to improve the performance of the Police?

We are also embarking on a training programme for the Police; we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) whereby the NHRC will be involved in teaching courses in all Police colleges in the Federation. We have requested for time; they have allotted time for us and in every of their courses, we are going to have a syllabus that will teach them protection and promo-

‘Principally, we have realised that the criminal justice system in Nigeria needs to be reformed in such a way as to prevent many Nigerians who are awaiting trials at various prisons from having to go through the ordeals that they are at present going through. One fundamental factor responsible for this is the police arrest people, put them in detention or arraign such suspect before the court without having the with which evidence to prosecute them’

tion of human rights.

In addition to that, we are also going to carry out massive capacity building on human rights and the mode of operation in a manner that ensures observance and respect for human rights by all the members of Police Force, so it is a good development.

We have carried out prison audit whereby we realised that more than 30 per cent of Nigerians who are in the prisons are those on awaiting trial. We have equally tried to figure out the factors that are responsible for this.

So, what were your findings?

Principally, we have realised that the criminal justice system in Nigeria needs to be reformed in such a way as to prevent many Nigerians who are awaiting trials at various prisons from having to go through the ordeals that they are at present going through. One fundamental factor responsible for this is the police arrest people, put them in detention or arraign such suspect before the court without having the with which evidence to prosecute them. You find out that in many cases, when police arraign people before the courts, they seek adjournments on the ground that they are still investigating such matters.

So, what are you doing about this?

We want a situation whereby Nigerians will also take a cue from what is happening in the other parts of the world whereby police take time to carry out their investigations and when they are satisfied that a prima facie case has been established, they will then arraign such a person and from that point, they prosecute with evidence and the trial goes on. So, this practice whereby you arrest people, detain them, take them to court, remand them in prison custody before looking for the evidence is not healthy because it does not guarantee that fundamental rights of citizens, which presume the accused persons to be innocent until the contrary is proved.

The practice seems to criminalise Nigerians in a manner that is not acceptable. In addition to that, we also discovered that most of the trials in Nigeria courts do not go on because of the issue of waiting for the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) advice.

What is your reaction to this ?

We have looked into this matter and found out that some people are not just doing their work and at the same time, the various ministries of justice across the country are grossly understaffed. The work that one person is expected to do is so enormous that it prevents him from bringing out the legal advice as promptly as he would have done, since so much of such cases are before him.

So, we are looking into that and we have also discovered that sometimes, even when the legal advice is out, it takes them two to three years to file the information on the matter before a competent court, particularly in a matter that is to be tried by a High Court, it takes two to three years before they can file such information before a High Court.

And to keep these people in prison awaiting all that period is a serious problem. We also have discovered that most of the time judges do not sit and when they sit, the prosecutors are not there to prosecute the cases.

We are also meeting with and discussing with the Chief Judges of some states of the Federation to see how certain things should be done to put an end to these lengthy trials.

Also, we have started having contacts with various prison officials. We convened a meeting of all the Comptroller-Generals, all the comptrollers of prisons of the 36 states of the Federation with the ComptrollerGenerals, we also convened a meeting of all desk human rights officers of all the various prisons in the 36 states of the federation, we have got information on every prison inmate in this country and we have discovered that there are a lot of problems there. We have all the statistics there and then this commission is going to use the public interest litigation unit to carry out simultaneous actions against those states that have allowed some inmates to be kept in prison for more than 10 to 15 years to enforce the rights of Nigerians, because where a trial is delayed for a long time ranging from 10 to 20 years, it amounts to a violation of the rights of the people concerned because those people are still presumed to be innocent and if you keep them in prison for such number of years and, if eventually, they are proven innocent, what amount of money will compensate them for that long period already spent in prison?

These are the issues we are addressing and I strongly believe that at the end of the day, this commission will be in a better position to provide that hope to Nigerians, because • Continued on page 37

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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LEGAL OPINION

Judges get training on quick disposal of AMCON cases

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O ensure prompt disposal of debt recovery cases instituted by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court (FHC), Judge Ibrahim Auta, last week, issued a set of guidelines to aid the court’s judges in this regard.

The guidelines contained in a document named: AMCON practice directions 2013, seek as a fundamental objective, to enable the court deal with AMCON cases “quickly and efficiently.”

One of the innovative provisions of the practice directions is what it calls - AMCON track judge (a judge designated by the Chief Judge to hear AMCON claims/cases exclusively for a specified or indefinite period). There could be more than one of such judges in a division of the court.

Under the 17-part practice directions, scheduled to take effect from March 1, AMCON track judges are required to give effect to its fundamental objective at every stage of an AMCON claim (case).

The judges are also to be guided by the need to ensure swift disposal of such cases when exercising any power under the AMCON Act, FHC Civil Procedure Rules, the practice directions and any other rule and direction.

The directions enjoin AMCON track judges to, in furthering the fundamental objective, engage in “active cases management”. As provided in Part Two of the directions, cases management requires judges to among others, encourage parties to cooperate with each other in the conduct of the proceedings, and identify the issues at an early stage.

Judges are also required to decide promptly, which issues need full investigation and trial, and accordingly dispose of summarily, the other issues. They are to decide the order in which issues are to be resolved; help parties to settle the whole or part of a case and deal with as many aspects of a case as possible, on the same occasion even when not scheduled.

Justice Auta inaugurated the practice directions on February 11 in

• From left: Chike-Obi; Auta; AMCON ‘s Executive Director, Finance, Mrs Foluke Dosunmu and Justice Okechukwu Okeke Stories by Eric Ikhilae

Lagos, at the opening session of the Second Federal High Court Judges Forum, facilitated by AMCON. The forum afforded the judges the opportunity to closely scrutinise the new practice directions, the workings of the AMCON Act, among others.

The Chief Judge advised the participating judges to apply the practices directions. He noted that although the document may be imperfect, its application will afford the users opportunity of realisation where amendment would be required in future.

Auta gave tips to the judges on how ex-parte applications by AMCON should be handled. He said the plan was on to ensure that AMCON cases were entertained by judges in other jurisdictions outside Abuja and Lagos, where such cases are concentrated.

He urged the judges to treat

AMCON cases with dispatch. He said priority should be given to the cases filed by AMCON as being done to cases relating to fundamental rights, money laundering, rape and kidnapping, “because they affect the life blood of the nation.”

Auta said the fact that AMCON was bankrolling the forum did not mean that “we (the judges) should close our eyes to all that AMCON files.”

AMCON’s Managing Director, Mustafa Chike-Obi told the gathering that the forum was meant to help strengthen the operations of the court and make the judges’ work, as it relates to AMCON cases, easier. Chike-Obi said he hoped that the forum would become an annual event where legal issues would be discussed.

He later spoke with journalists and stressed that the forum was not intended to seek special favour from the judges. He said it was meant to bring to their knowledge,

issues that may not be clear about the workings of AMCON. “The workshop is a forum for FHC judges to discuss what they have learnt or seen about AMCON cases that have been disposed off.

And for all of us to advance our knowledge of the AMCON Act, so as to ensure that justice remains to be served in cases involving AMCON. “We hope to expand this kind of fora to other areas of interest in the judiciary, so that we will have a continuous forum, where people could air their views and discuss how we can better the judiciary and Nigeria,” Chike-Obi said.

He denied the possibility of such a workshop, organised by a potential party in cases before the court, influencing the minds of the judges reaching decisions. “Judges cannot be influenced by just a one-day seminar. I think the idea is just for the judges to discuss their experiences with each other and discuss

areas, which affect their minds or areas that are not so clear.

“So, generally speaking, I do not think this kind of a one-day seminar can affect judges to be biased against any opponent of AMCON. In any case, that is also not the intention of AMCON for the workshop,” Chike-Obi said.

Former President, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) said the workshop was organised to acquaint the judges with the workings of AMCON, being an agency of government set up to specifically recover about N5 trillion bad debt.

Some of the participating judges include Justices Okechukwu Okeke, James Tsoho, Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola, Charles Archibong, Benedicta Molokwu, Ahmed Ramat Mohammed, Abimbola Ogie, Mohammed Sanni, Okon Efreti Abang, Ibrahim Buba, Mohammed Idris and Chukwujekwu Aneke.

Jurists honour Onakoya on 40th anniversary as lawyer

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ETIRED jurists and senior lawyers were among guests at an event in Lagos last Thursday by friends and associates of former National Secretary, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Segun Onakoya to celebrate his 40th anniversary as a lawyer.

In attendance were a former judge of the World Court, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN); Life Benchers, Chief B. A. Olaogun and Mrs Hariat Balogun; former Vice Chairman, the Body of Benchers, Chief Simeon Olakurin (SAN), former judge of the Federal High Court, Justice T. A. Odunowo and retired judges of Ogun State High Court, Justice B. O. Ogunade and Justice O. A. Adesida.

Also, at the event were former President, NBA, Joseph Daudu (SAN), former NBA National Secretary, Dele Adesina (SAN), Olowo of Owo, Oba David OlateruOlagbegi, Head, the Nigerian Law School, Lagos campus, Olanrewaju Onadeko, Chairman, NBA , Lagos branch, Taiwo Taiwo, and Mrs Alao Aka Bashorun, wife of the late NBA president, Alao Aka Bashorun.

The event also witnessed the launch of Onakoya’s book - The man, the law and the state. It was unveiled by Mrs Alao Aka Bashorun, who hailed the author for being a good example to others in the legal profession.

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, said Onakoya has made indelible marks in the legal profession both locally and outside the country. He said Onakoya has been honoured in the past for his professional achievements, part of which include his being made a life member of the Body of Benchers since 2008.

Represented by the Secretary to the government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, Amosun praised Onakoya for his service to the people of Ogun State.

Daudu, described Onakoya as a very principled and worthy person in the society, where such characters are rare. “Though God works in different ways, he (Onakoya) was one of those that we felt will be the President of the NBA, long before us, but that did not happen. However, we give God glory for his life.”

Taiwo noted that despite his relocation to Ogun, Onakoya was still a vibrant member of the NBA, Lagos. He eulogised Onakoya and praised him for writing the book.

“For us in the Lagos branch, it has been a harvest of book presentation and we are happy for it.

That is why we are called the premier branch,” Taiwo said.

The book reviewer, Onadeko, praised the author’s understanding of the issues he wrote about. He ob-

• Onakoya, Oba Olateru-Olagbegi and Ajibola

served that as a former general secretary of NBA, with over forty years at the bar, Onakoya took stock of the various changes the legal profession has witnessed since its introduction in the country.

“Of interest are his comments on corruption in the Bar and ethics within the bar, including the desirability or otherwise of an incumbent president of the NBA accepting to serve as Attorney General of the Federation, during his tenure as president”, Onadeko said.

Onakoya said his decision to write the book was informed by his desire to contribute his own quota towards restoring the dignity of the profession that was once revered by the society.

He said in his early days in the profession, it was unheard that a lawyer was arrested by the police.

He said if the police suspect that a lawyer had done something wrong, they write to the Attorneys-General of the state, complaining against the lawyer and

not to arrest him as is being done today.

Onakoya, who regretted that the profession, has been bastardised argued that the role of the Attorney-General of the Federation has changed from being the lawyer of the government to the lawyer of the President, a development, he said, resulted from nation’s adoption of the Presidential System of government, where the AttorneyGeneral is seen as an employee of the President.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

32

NATIONAL BAR A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN), has opened his new office complex. Founder and Presiding Bishop, Living Faith Church Worldwide (aka Winners Chapel), Dr. David Oyedepo, inaugurated the facility, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE.

Ex-NBA secretary inaugurates new office

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T is not often that a mere visit by someone is considered an “investment” in the life of another.

Such importance can only be attached to a call by a very important personality under special circumstances.

That was the situation when the Founder and Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (aka Winners Chapel), Dr. David Oyedepo, visited a deacon in his church, former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Dele Adesina (SAN).

The visit was for the dedication of a new office complex in Ikeja, newlybuilt by the lawyer.

It was an event that lasted less than 30 minutes with few people in attendance, but for Adesina, it was worth a lot.

The senior lawyer expressed his deep appreciation to Dr Oyedepo for taking time to come and pray over the building, saying his joy was “more than full.”

“I know your schedule,” he said while thanking the bishop. “To say that it is tight is an understatement.”

He added: “So, if it is one second that you spend in this place, it’s more than a century. The value that I attach to the time you are here is an investment in my life for life.

“It’s an investment that will make this practice, this brand, this name a generational one.”

The two-storey building is located on 109 Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

Beautifully designed, the ground floor is made up of a main reception, a private reception, and five offices.

The first floor has a well-stocked law library, a conference room and three offices.

The second floor is made up of the principal solicitor’s office and four other offices, all of them very spacious and fully equipped.

Administrative management is handled by the deacon’s wife, Mrs Adetokunbo Adesina, whose office is on the ground floor.

Adesina praised his wife for always being there for him, joking that he wrote her a love letter a few days before the dedication.

He said: “I must not end my short comments without thanking somebody who is so special that God has given to me as a wife, as a mother, as a friend, as a companion.

“She has been a very strong pillar of support as every achievement we have in life, God always speaks to her first. We are now into a new phase as a family and as a profession,” he said.

Bishop Oyedepo added that he would ensure the love letter is read out in church during service. “That your love letter will be read in church on Sunday,” he joked, eliciting laughter from everyone.

Among the guests were former NBA President Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), former Secretary of Health Prince Julius AdelusiAdeluyi, activist-lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN) and chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch Onyekachi Ubani.

After being introduced to them, Dr Oyedepo joked that he would love to be a lawyer. “When I retire, I will like to join your profesion,” he said.

While greeting Falana with a warm hug, the bishop joked that he was actually taller than the activist-lawyer.

“I thought I was short. I have seen someone I am taller than,” he said.

Adesina thanked Olanipekun and Adelusi-Adeluyi for the roles they played in his success.

His words: “I have two people here that I deliberately invited, apart from my other friends: the former minister and his wife. They are like our parents in Lagos.

“Issues of life and the profession, I do ask from them from time to time.

So, I said they must be here and I know they must have cancelled a lot of appointments to be here.

“Chief Olanipekun and I have become inseparable. God brought us together. I served under him. He was president of the bar, while I was the General Secretary. Since then, we have become inseparable.

“Issues in the legal profession and concerning the practice and our family lives, the children – he’s always the first point of call.

“The bishop once said that when one is flying a road that is not familiar, look for someone who knows that road well. Let him be your pathfinder.

Where he stops you stop. Where he slows down, you also slow down.

Where he speeds, you speed.

“I am passing through a phase I know he (Olanipekun) has gone before, and God has made him a worthy leader in the legal profession.

I believe he has contributed and is still contributing.

“I am also happy that he is physically here in spite of his busy schedule. He is one legal practitioner that traverses the entire nation within one week.”

Earlier, Dr Oyedepo had urged Adesina to use the legal profession to help tackle corruption, saying he is better positioned to do so, being a lawyer and a deacon.

Responding, Adesina said: “I want to reiterate over and over again that wherever I am, I see myself as the light of the gospel that must lighten even the legal profession itself.

“I believe that the purpose for which God planted me in this profession is still on the path of fulfillment.

“Like you (Oyedepo) always say, life itself is a phase and I believe this is another phase of our lives in this profession.”

After praying that the law firm contribute to the nation’s advancement,

•From left: Deacon Adesina (SAN), Bishop Oyedepo and Mrs Adesina

• Ubani (left) and Chief Olanipekun (SAN)

• Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi

• From left: Falana (SAN), his wife Funmi and Mrs Adelusi-Adeluyi

Dr Oyedepo urged lawyers to help rid the country of corruption.

Describing graft as the Nigeria’s ‘greatest challenge’, he said the legal profession is better positioned to fight it.

Dr Oyedepo said the battle against official sleaze would never be won, unless the people stand up against it.

The bishop said: “Our greatest challenge is corruption. Please join in the war against it. Except people stand up to it, it will be there forever,” he said.

According to him, only Nigerians can make their country a better place, as the rest of the world is battling with their own problems.

“We should all endeavour, in

whatever we do, to ensure we are adding value to the system.

“Nigeria is a great place, but we require great contributors to actually actualise its greatness.

“So, when we contribute, it becomes easy to move this nation forward. Nobody is coming to move this nation forward for us.”

Civil society to engage Lagos on budget debate

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HE Lagos Civil Society Partnership (LACSOP) has created a platform for stakeholders to engage the government on the state’s 2013 budget to further promote accountability.

Using the social media tool, Twitter, it will run a live dialogue programme with relevant government agencies.

It is supported by the Department for International Department (DFID) project known as State Accountability and Voice Initiative (SAVI). LACSOP is made up of a network of civil society and community-based organisations.

The organisers said the pro-

By Joseph Jibueze

gramme, the first of its kind in the state, will feature key government officials to answer specific questions on the budget proposals and will enable citizens to understand what is expected of them as regards state budget.

LACSOP Co-ordinator, Mr Ayo Adebusoye, a lawyer, said the citizens have the right to ask questions as to how government runs their affairs using tax payers’ money.

“We understand the Lagos State’s vision is to be Africa’s model megacity and a financial hub that is safe, secure, functional and pro-

ductive. We also appreciate the fact that for this vision to be achieved by 2025, the smaller steps towards its realisation include its annual policy targets.

“For example, in 2013, the state government’s policy thrust is being made towards strengthening infrastructural renewal in the power, agriculture and agro-allied, transportation and housing sectors.

“All these can happen only when the citizens are fully engaged in its implementation. It is the reason for the debate to get the people to understand what they should do at different stages of development.

“What we intend to do during the conferencing is to open a dialogue channel. It is going to be a two-way communication debate where citizens will ask questions directed to government officials who will be expected to respond.

“They may want to find out what specific initiatives are expected in the agriculture sector, how much is to be committed, time-frame, expected results and role the citizens should play’ he explained.”

SAVI’s state team leader, Mr Felix Obanubi explained why his organisation is sponsoring the dialogue.

“SAVI is concerned with giving

voice to the people. Through our Advocacy Partners like LACSOP we build the capacity of the people to enable them understand their role as citizens and educate them on how they can participate in the process of governance and demand accountability from government.

“Where citizens lack adequate knowledge, it has often led to under-development because no one has engaged them nor have they demanded accountability from the government.

“Therefore, the entire process is aimed at empowering the citizens by giving them a voice to speak on issues that concern them.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

33

FROM THE COURT LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

APC and national renewal • From left: NBA Prosecutors, Sule Usman, Oko Jaja, NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN), J.S. Okutepa (SAN), E.C. Aguma and Joshua E. Usman

NBA president receives interim report on floating bodies • Set to prosecute disciplinary cases • NEC meeting begins tomorrow

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RESIDENT of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Okey Wali (SAN) has received an interim report of the association’s committee on the floating corpses discovered on Ezu River in Anambra State.

On January 19, about 40 corpses were found floating in a river in Anambra State.

The dead bodies have remained a mystery, because nobody had come to claim any of them.

There was no report of communal clashes or any boat mishap in or around the communities in the State.

There was also no report of any missing person from any of the communities around the place where this bizarre incident occurred.

To the NBA, this amounted to gross human rights violation, and a degradation of human life.

Consequently, the association considered the possible human rights violations involved in the incident and the urgent global importance of getting to the root of the matter.

Wali set up a committee to follow up and monitor the incident and report to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of association.

The committee, which has the First Vice-President of the NBA Mr. O. J. Erhabor as chairman and former chairman of Abakaliki branch, Mr. Anthony Oka as secretary, swung into action immediately after its inauguration on February 29.

Submitting its interim report, Erhabor thanked the President for setting up the committee and giving the members the opportunity to serve.

He said the committee visited some places and had interviews with the traditional Ruler of Amansea Community Igwe Kenneth Okonkwo and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Anambra State Police Command, Emeka Chukwuemeka.

They also spoke with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Mrs Azuka Enemo and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Lawrence Ikeazor.

They were unable to reach the Deputy Governor, as they waited for hours in his office and left when they were not attended to.

By John Austin Unachukwu

“The committee interviewed several persons from Amansea community, who witnessed the incident firsthand before stakeholders came to the scene before arriving at the interim report,” Erhabor said.

The NBA chief thanked the committee for a job well done.

He said the report would be presented to the NEC meeting of the NBA coming up in Makurdi, Benue State this week for a decision.

Meanwhile, NBA has expressed its readiness to speedily dispense with cases of professional misconduct before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).

To this end, Wali has appointed new prosecutors to handle new and pending cases before the committee. The members met at the association’s secretariat last week to review the files and strategise on how to effectively prosecute the cases according to the mandate of the association.

The Chairman of the prosecutors committee, Jibrin S. Okutepa (SAN) said: “One of the basic reasons the NBA new prosecutors met on February 12, 2013, was to the strategise for the effective prosecution of all cases pending before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, (LPDC).

“As at the time we met there are about 37 cases of professional misconduct against some legal practitioners. The prosecuting team led by my humble self with eight other eminent legal practitioners have the mandate of the President of the Bar and our association to ensure that all cases before LPDC are prosecuted with diligence and dispatch.

“This will enable those arraigned before LPDC to know their fate. If anyone of them is found guilty, appropriate direction will be giving

by LPDC and if a verdict of not guilty is returned, the legal practitioner will then be free to face his practice. As you know, LPDC has fixed February 25 and 28, 2013 for hearing of some of these cases.

“The prosecuting team is ready, due notices have been published as required by law. We call on all concerned to co-operate with us in the task ahead so that we can get rid of bad eggs in our profession. I think we have a mandate to delete them before the delete all of us

from this noble profession.”

Wali has called for “useful contributions” as the NBA National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting begins tomorrow.

The meeting, which will end on Friday, will hold at the SmileView Hotel Extension, adjacent Assembly Quarters, Father Hunter Fraser Street, Nyiman, Makurdi, Benue State.

Wali said: “NEC is a very serious business now, so, I urge NEC members to participate actively and pay great attention to deliberations and make very useful contributions.

“It is very important that they pay attention because they are the representatives of their branches and they need to very, very familiar and conscious of the deliberations so that they will be in a well informed position to report back to their branches.”

The NBA president, pursuant to the 10-Point agenda of his administration, has restructured the NBA secretariat for efficiency and effective service delivery. The secretariat now has three directorates with each one seriously pursuing its own programmes to meet the expectations of Nigerian lawyers.

Wali said his programme is on course. “Yes we are doing well with the 10-Point agenda and I am delighted at the pace we are going.

We have established the Bar-Bench Forum, we have reduced the Bar practicing fees which we promised Nigerian Lawyers, we have restructured the Secretariat and I believe at the risk of sounding immodest that the Secretariat is more functional now than we met it.

“We have broken it into three Directorates. There is the finance and administration the Bar Services, Conferences and the Programmes directorate.

“All these directorates are functioning and the membership of each directorate means that every staff remains in his or her directorate. For instance, it is not like before where if we were going to NEC or a conference, everybody in the secretariat will follow us.

“No, Bar services is for Bar services, programmes is for programmes directorate. That is how a functional secretariat works and is part of the programme. Some other programmes will take better shape as committee reports come in.”

Legal Dairy

Institute holds training courses THE Nigerian Institute of Advance Legal Studies (NIALS) will be hosting its course on Nuclear Law and its 27th Course on Drafting Commercial Agreements and Ban king Documentation from February 18 to 22 and February 25 to March 1, respectively.

Venue: Ayo Ajomo Auditorium, UNILAG Campus of NIALS.

T

HE ongoing attempt by four major opposition parties in the country to merge into an equal-opportunity counterfoil to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a welcome development. But there is more to be done by the promoters of the new party to stand a chance of winning a presidential election against the political behemoth, the PDP. More importantly however, a merger will bring immense benefits to the political development of our country, and should be encouraged. The new party is named, All Progressive Congress (APC), and is working to emerge from the wings of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); All Nigeria People Party (ANPP); Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and hopefully the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

The involvement of APGA in the merger is however in jeopardy, because a faction of the party, amenable to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state, and derisively referred to as APGA-PDP, by Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, preemptively emasculated the Victor Umeh led executive through an order of the High Court of Enugu state.

With a national executive struck down by an order of court, APGA is not in a position to pass the required resolution, or call a national convention of the party to legally authorize her involvement in the merger.

The current antics of Governor Obi against the merger is not strange to this column, as it has consistently accused him of being excessively beholden to the PDP led federal government, at the detriment of his political party.

If the merger succeeds as many non-partisan Nigerians clearly wish, then Nigeria may have jumped the first huddle to an enduring democracy – the existence of veritable alternative political parties as platforms for truly competitive elections. Many would agree that without a viable alternative to the PDP at the center, the party would continue to win national elections by hook or crook. To stem the lack of alternatives, commentators have been calling on the existing regionally strong parties to make the necessary sacrifice to mutate into a national party with enough spread to give a viable alternative to the national electorate. The ongoing realignment is clearly a heed to that call, and should be encouraged, even by the PDP, in the overall best interest of Nigeria.

I believe that many Nigerians who have participated or actively appreciated political activities in the country since 1999 would attest that there is the urgent need for change in the standard of management of the affairs of the country. Short of unconstitutional method, like a forceful overthrow of the current political actors, this change can only come from having two strong political parties with enough spread across the country, to act as a check on each other. Such development will become a check against the flagrant abuse of power at the center, in the states and even local councils, where the party in power assured that there will be no repercussion for glaring misconducts through loss of election, pass off political atrocities and blatant criminalities as exercise of political powers.

Even at individual levels, many of the political actors suffer unmitigated abuses and humiliation in the hands of the territorial overlords, who preside over regional parties, without any serious consequence.

While such abuse exists in the PDP, the perennial movement of the musical chairs within the party has seen the party acting as its own internal major opposition party. This is inapplicable in other smaller parties, with less of benefits and leadership changes. So if two strong parties can emerge from the ongoing realignments, there is the likelihood that greater discipline, cohesion and internal democracy will eventually mature within the parties. Two major factors will push such development.

First, there will be no viable alternative platform that a candidate who has fairly lost in a primary can quickly seize and run for the same elections. The same faith will be applicable to the actors who lack the discipline or sagacity to wait for the next time when they are elbowed out in the party primaries. Secoundly parties in power wishing not to loose the next election will seek to present their most acceptable candidates. And the only way to gauge the best candidates and obfuscate internal insurrection and allow internal democracy to dictate the process is through party primaries. The process will substantially deal with god-fatherism and the imposition of candidates by fare away charlatans, simply because they are national party officials, who sign away the candidates for elections.

If we have two strong political parties, there is also a possibility that election will begin to be issue driven. It will become easier for the electorate to compare notes on the position of the parties on major national issues. Parties will also be called upon to take a stand on corruption and related abuses of power, and held accountable to their promises at the next general elections by the electorate and the other opposition party. With none of the two emergent political parties strong enough to have excessive majority in the parliament, Nigeria may likely begin to enjoy a responsive and responsible parliament. One fallout will be a parliament more beholden to the peoples’ welfare as against the current self-serving and obnoxious parliament, more interested in illegal appropriate of our national resources, in the so called exercise of power of fiscal responsibility.

To however win the next general election, the new APC must be revolutionary in the immediate. While PDP is entrenched, a whirlwind movement clearly appealing to the deprived Nigerian youths and offering templates deprived of ethnicity, corruption and god-fatherism, may have a chance as early as in 2015. Such a movement must however be driven by an impeccable performer, without a predominantly entrenched interest and historical baggage.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

34

NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION COMMUNIQ UÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2 D AY PEA CE AND SECURITY SUMMIT ON: COMMUNIQUÉ DA PEACE “COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND SECURITY IN A PLURAL SOCIETY: EXTREME CHALLENGES TO NIGERIA INTERNAL SECURITY”

T

he Nigeria Bar Association in its determination to identify with and/ or contribute to the collective effort at finding comprehensive and sustainable peace and security in Nigeria, organized the 2-day summit on peace and security in Nigeria from 30th – 31st January, 2013, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The summit, which to a large extent succeeded in attracting the target audience was graced by prominent citizens of this country, starting with President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, ably represented by the Hon. Attorney General and minister for Justice.

Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, (former military Head of State), General Abdulsalam Abubakar, GCFR, (former military Head of state) who was ably represented, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ably represented by Senator Umaru Dahiru, Chairman Senate Committee on the Judiciary, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Miriam Aloma Mukhtar, GCON who chaired the Opening Ceremony, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCVO, GCON former Secretary General of the Commonwealth who chaired the Showcase Session and Chief A. K. Horsfal, former Director General of the SSS/NIA, who delivered the Keynote Address, representatives of the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Naval State, Ministers of Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of Interior, the representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, the Igwe of Onitsha and the Oni of Ife, many Senior Advocates of Nigeria, top Judicial Officers, the Diplomatic Corp, the Clergy, representatives of NANS, serving and retired Military and Police Officers among others.

At the end of the 2-day summit, the following recommendations were made: RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Government should take urgent steps to put in place the necessary foundations for short and long term peace and security in the country.

2. Government should make conscious efforts at achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace and security in the country, and these efforts should be geared towards attaining economic peace, political peace, educational peace, legal peace and military peace.

3. A homeland security model, which is all inclusive, should be adopted for more effectiveness in sharing intelligence, eliminating working and speaking at cross purposes, manning our borders, preventing waste of security funds, preempting and preventing violent crimes like insurgency, armed robbery, corruption and kidnapping in good time.

4. The political class should work hard to fulfill the expectations of the masses by providing good governance and avoiding corruption and loud and ostentations living with ill-gotten wealth.

5. Government should take urgent step to address the problems of excruciating poverty in the land, in equitable distribution of income and basic economic infrastructure and unemployment.

6. Government should declare a state of emergency in the educational sector in order to arrest the rapidly declining educational standard and thereby obviate a looming and horrendous future of Nigeria of 20 to 30 years from now being dominated by ill-educated and ill-equipped citizenry.

7. Governments at all levels should as a matter of urgency introduce scholarship schemes for the singular purposes of taking the loitering millions of children off the streets and into schools – possibly boarding schools – and thereby keep them away from the reach and influence of crimes of different shades and colors.

8. Government should put n place anti reprisal mechanism whereby victims of violence and insurgency are quickly pacified and economically restored and rehabilitated.

9. Government should create a transparent and trust-worthy mechanism for dialoguing with insurgents as well as for addressing their grievances.

10. Government should fashion out educational curriculums at all levels to contain teachings aimed at inculcating in the citizens, the culture of tolerance and coexistence in our plural society, as well as teachings on patriotism and civic responsibilities to the nation over and above allegiance to tribe or ethnicity.

11. The media – i.e. print, electronic and social – are to be enlisted in the collective effort at reshaping the mind and character of our youth towards tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

12. Government should display convincing strong will in fighting corruption and should avoid using the law enforcement agencies as instruments of blackmail or selective justice.

13. The Heads of various levels of court in the land should treat corruption, Security related and kidnapping cases as of utmost public policy importance by designating some courts in their various jurisdictions to handle and determine such cases a on day- to - day basis.

14. Government should champion the move to get the National Assembly to amend the constitution and remove the immunity clause in order to underscore government’s seriousness in fighting corruption at all levels.

15. A moderated position between pro- and anti - state police proponents is recommended, to the effect that the police force both at the Federal and State levels should be made independent in terms of appointments, command and operations, and finances, in order to eliminate the abusive uses to which the power holders have been known to put the police since Nigeria’s independence.

16. Government should endeavor to study and adapt the Malaysian institutions and strategies which have proved very effective in addressing issues of peace and security in the Malaysian plural society, particularly their inter-faith, inter-cultural and inter-social institutions that are by far more effective than what we have in Nigeria.

17. Government should endeavor to govern according to the rule of law, and avoid all forms of abuses of fundamental rights of the citizens and extra-judicial killings — which are unlawful acts that readily lead to greater insecurity.

18. The Attorneys-General at all levels should prosecute without delay all persons involved in kindred crimes of corruption, insurgencies, kidnapping and armed robbery, and to put these heinous crimes off limits of the criminal administration system of plea bargaining.

19. Governments at all levels should engage in a comprehensive Review & Reform of the Criminal Justice System to eliminate anachronistic provisions and refashions the statutes in order to adequately address the new and threatening crimes of today. In that regard, the NBA recommends the following Acts be immediately reviewed and refashioned: a.

Criminal/Penal Code b.

Criminal Procedure Laws c.

Criminal Procedure Act/Laws 20. The NBA notes that there are a number of Bills presently pending before the National Assembly at different stages of legislative process, which have to do with security and administration of justice in the country.

NBA therefore, calls on the National Assembly, to fast track the passage of these Bills into law as a matter of urgent public importance. The Bills are as follows: a.

Administration of Justice Commission Bill b.

The Police Act Amendment Bill c.

The victims of Crime Remedies Bill d.

The Prisons Act Amendment Bill e.

The Elimination of Violence in Society Bill f.

Terrorism Act (Amendment) Bill g.

Administration of Criminal Justice Bill h.

Whistle Blowers Bill 21. That the NBA would put in place appropriate machinery for monitoring and investigating impunity and executive lawlessness.

22. The EFCC Act should be amended to incorporate the fullness of the provisions of the first EFCC bill drafted by Justice Kayode Esho Committee, which proposed that anybody exhibiting wealth beyond his visible means of income be made to account for his source of income.

23. The Police Forces should be re-trained and re-equipped to be able to confront the criminal menaces of our present time.

Adopted today, January 31st, 2013, by all participants at the Peace and Security Summit.

OKEY WALI, SAN PRESIDENT, NBA

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

35

NATIONAL BAR Following the directive that lawyers should register with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) pursuant to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (MLPA) and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011, Emeka Nwadioke examines the implications of this provision on the age long reverred lawyer-client relationship

Money laundering and terrorist financing: Who should regulate lawyers?

A

BATTLE is brewing between the regulatory authorities and legal practitioners over a recent directive mandating lawyers to register with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) pursuant to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (MLPA) and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011.

Apparently poised to tighten the noose on Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) to check money laundering and financing of terrorism, the regulatory authorities seem to have gone into high gear to compel compliance of DFNIs with these laws. In fact, some employees of DFNIs (including accountants) were arrested by the EFCC/SCUML for failing to comply with the AML/CFT laws. Head of SCUML Angela Nworgu reportedly said the arrest of the company executives “marks a turning point in the enforcement of the anti-money laundering laws.”

She added that the days of impunity and non-compliance by DNFIs were over, and promised that more arrests would be made. Legal practitioners are concerned that the dragnet may soon be extended to them. Further, Section 5(6) MLPA 2011 prescribes a daily N250,000 fine for failure of any DNFI (including legal practitioners) to comply with some aspects of the law as well as suspension, revocation or withdrawal of the DFNI’s licence “by the appropriate licensing authority as the circumstances may demand.”

But legal practitioners are kicking against the enforcement, saying the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws are too onerous and would cripple professionalism and client-lawyer confidentiality. Legal practitioners are, however, not alone in this face-off with governments and regulators. The American Bar Association (ABA) has been engaged in a cat-and-mouse tussle with Congress to dissuade it from passing what is termed the “Gatekeeper Initiative” aimed to check money laundering and terrorism financing through the socalled “gatekeepers.”

The Gatekeeper Initiative is a plan by the government to impose stringent AML/CFT obligations on “gatekeepers” to the domestic and international monetary systems, such as lawyers, civil law notaries, trust and company service providers, real estate agents, accountants and auditors.

These “gatekeepers” act as intermediaries in transactions where the identity of the underlying clients or the ultimate beneficiaries may not be disclosed. The regulators argue that customers introduced by such gatekeepers may pose higher risk to financial systems given that the regulatory authorities may place unreasonable reliance for Know Your Customer (KYC) and AML matters on the gatekeepers.

Lawyers however contend that such laws that compel them to disclose even routine transactions with their clients do grievous harm to client-lawyer privilege. According to ABA, these AML/CFT laws which are styled after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) models “would undermine the traditional role of state courts in regulating lawyers, erode the attorney-client privilege and interfere with the confidential attorney-client relationship, impose excessive new federal regulations on lawyers engaged in the practice of law, and impinge on the delivery of legal services in general.”

ABA further asserts that though it “supports the enactment of reasonable and balanced initiatives” designed to detect and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, “the ABA opposes any law or regulation that would compel lawyers to disclose confidential information to govern-

By Emeka Nwadioke

ment officials or otherwise compromise the attorney-client privilege, including any mandate that lawyers file SARs on their clients. Such a requirement would directly conflict with numerous state bar ethical rules that require lawyers to maintain client confidentiality and to provide their clients with competent representation and undivided loyalty. Lawyers should not be subject to federal regulation in this area. Rather, lawyers should continue to be regulated primarily by state supreme courts (and their state bar agencies) that license the lawyers. Although lawyers should take reasonable steps to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, these actions should only be conducted in a manner that is consistent with applicable state bar ethical rules and standards.”

Accordingly, the prevailing trend in the United States is to adopt an AML/CFT model which does not target specific professions. Thus while the scope of the major money-laundering laws excludes lawyers, criminal laws prohibiting the laundering of money or terrorist financing apply to all individuals, including lawyers. Lawyers involved in money laundering, terrorist financing or facilitating either by their clients are subject to existing criminal and civil laws regarding money laundering and terrorist financing.

In Canada, lawyers have won a 10year-old legal tussle against the regulatory authorities which attempted to enforce such draconian FATF-style laws on them. The court had granted injunction restraining the authorities from implementing the laws pending determination of the matter. In that celebrated case {RE: Federation of Law Societies of Canada v. Canada (Attorney General), 2011 BCSC 1270 (CanLII)}, the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, which represents the 14 self-governing bodies that oversee Canada’s legal profession, fought against the application of the rules to lawyers. Ottawa then also backed off a proposal to force lawyers to report “suspicious transactions.” The court held that compelling lawyers to collect and keep information about the identity of their clients (which investigators could later review) or allowing the AML/ CFT regulatory agencies to search law offices without a warrant would violate the Canadian Constitution by jeopardizing the liberty of lawyers, or their clients, in a way that offends the “principles of fundamental justice” because it would override client-lawyer privilege.

Under the Money Laundering Act 2011, legal practitioners, chartered accountants as well as dealers in jewellery, cars, luxury goods, hotels, casinos and supermarkets are designated as DFNIs (Section 25). The minister may enlarge the list to bring in other professionals or operators.

Compliance obligations for DFNIs under the MLPA are broadly categorised into customer identification and due diligence, preservation of transaction records, obligation to report transactions above statutory thresholds, creation of awareness about AML/CFT, and establishment of internal control policies and procedures. Accordingly, DFNIs/legal practitioners are required to register with SCUML, comply with transaction threshold requirements, designate AML/CFT compliance officers, and report transactions above statutory threshold to regulatory authorities.

• EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde

For instance, MLPA 2011 provides in Section 1 that no person or body corporate shall, “except in a transaction through a financial institution,” make or accept cash payment of a sum exceeding N5 million or its equivalent, in the case of an individual; or N10 million or its equivalent in the case of a body corporate. Further, Section 5(1) enacts that DFNIs whose business involve cash transactions shall submit to the relevant ministry “a declaration of its activities.” Crucially, Section 5(1)(b) enacts that prior to any transaction involving a sum exceeding $1,000 or its equivalent (about N150,000), the legal practitioner shall “identify the customer by requiring him to fill a standard data form and present his international passport, driving license, national identity card or such other document bearing his photograph as may be prescribed by the ministry.” The clincher is perhaps in Section 5(1)(c) which enacts that the legal practitioner shall “record all transactions under this section in chronological order, indicating each customer’s name, forenames and address in a register numbered and forwarded to the ministry.” Section 6 of the Act also directs legal practitioners to report suspicious transactions to the EFCC within 7 days, failing which they will be liable to N1 million fine for each day which the offence subsists {Section 6(9)}. These customer identification and transaction records shall be preserved by the legal practitioner for at least five years (Section 7) and communicated on demand to the CBN or NDLEA (Section 8). Curiously, the licence of legal practition-

ers may be suspended by the CBN for default in developing programmes to combat money laundering (Section 9 (2).

It is these onerous provisions that legal practitioners are battling to shrug off, even as they question the legality of SCUM, a body set up by the Federal Executive Council [Decision No. EC (2005) 286] in September 2005. SCUML has the mandate to monitor, supervise and regulate DFNIs. Given that the minister’s regulation-making duty under the Act pertains only to “occasional cash transactions” {Section 5(4)}, it is doubtful whether SCUML (which is set up under such regulation) can have oversight functions over other transactions or obligations of DFNIs under the Act. Indeed, the trend elsewhere has been to assign the AML/CFT regulatory function as it relates to legal practitioners to their professional/regulatory bodies. This is equally recognized by the FATF which specifically declared in its “International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism & Proliferation: The FATF Recommendations” of February 2012 that lawmakers need not make laws targeting specific groups such as legal practitioners. On supervision, FATF has equally suggested in Recommendation No. 28(b) that compliance with AML/CFT requirements “may be performed by (a) a supervisor or (b) by an appropriate self-regulatory body (SRB), provided that such a body can ensure that its members comply with their obligations to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.” It remains curious why the

governmental authorities insist that legal practitioners must be supervised by SCUML or indeed why legal practitioners were categorized by the Act as DFNIs. Indeed, many SRBs have taken up the challenge of self-regulation. For instance, the American Bar Association and other bar and specialty law associations developed and adopted the “Voluntary Good Practices Guidance for Lawyers to Detect and Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (“Good Practices Guidance”) in 2010 modelled after FATF’s risk-based approach (“Risk Based Approach Guidance for Legal Professionals”). The Good Practices Guidance is designed to encourage lawyers to be more vigilant about combating money laundering and terrorist financing, thus making the enactment of gatekeeper laws regulating the legal profession unnecessary. Lawyers may also be subject to ethical considerations contained in the ABA’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct (“Model Rules”).

It was Louise I. Shelley who said that “Transnational crime will be a defining issue of the 21st century for policymakers — as defining as the Cold War was for the 20th century and colonialism was for the 19th.”

Accordingly, the threats posed to our collective well-being by the twin evils of money laundering and terrorist financing cannot be ignored. However, the major challenge is in finding creative ways to bring all AML/ CFT stakeholders within an inclusive framework that makes them real partners in the battle. It does not seem that the framework under the MLPA 2011 has achieved this all-important goal.

Most of the world’s legal systems regard client-lawyer privilege as one of the building blocks of modern society. It is, therefore, not surprising that most jurisdictions are not inclined to subject legal practitioners to onerous requirements under the AML/CFT regime. Although the National Advisory Council of Designated Non-Financial Institutions (an amalgam of professional bodies such as the NBA, ICAN, ANAN as well as the supervising ministry, EFCC and SCUML among others) was charged with “regulating, monitoring and supervising” DFNIs, the council has seemingly been sidelined, given that SCUML has effectively taken up this role.

All stakeholders must be encouraged to agree on a framework that will preserve the cherished values of the legal profession while ensuring that legal practitioners are not used as conduits for money laundering and terrorist financing.

•Nwadioke, a Lagoslawyer, is the Editor/Publisher of City Lawyer magazine

From left: Damian Dodo (SAN); Chairman NBA Peace and Security Summit, Okey Amechi (SAN) and Chairman, NBA Section on Legal Practical (SLP), D.C. Denwigwe (SAN), at NBA Peace and Security Summit.

36

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

LEGAL OPINION In view of the growing acceptance of wet leasing in the aviation industry in Africa, Aderemi Adekile, a lawyer, examines the role of a solicitor in aircraft lease negotiation and suggests ways a lawyer can act to protect his client’s interest.

How to negotiate aircraft lease

I

N times like this that there has been a tremendous increase in wet leasing in the aviation industry, the discussion of the legal aspect of aircraft leasing has assumed a significant dimension. For many airlines in Africa and majority in Nigeria, the only way of meeting their aircraft needs is through leasing. The solicitor to a party in an aircraft lease negotiation has certain general and specific duties to perform.

It is important to state as a preliminary matter that the Solicitor to a party in an aircraft lease negotiation has a general duty of protecting his client’s interest throughout the negotiation preliminaries, documentation and finalization processes. In this connection, he must familiarize himself thoroughly with all aspects of the facts of the transaction and sight all documents and correspondents impacting on or related thereto.

He must interview his client thoroughly to find out his commercial desire in entering into the negotiation and, against the background of his legal knowledge, evaluate the reasonable forseability of the fulfillment of such aspiration on the (legal) framework proposed by the other party. He must as a matter of utmost importance attend every “all parties” or other meetings called and assist his client with his legal knowledge in all deliberations.

This is to say that the Solicitor should be able to provide sound legal advice that will assist his client to understand the whole transaction and remove unreasonable obligations and duties on the part of his client.

Similarly, he must be in touch with all the Solicitors connected with the negotiation and attend the meetings of all Solicitors especially where the lease or negotiation is of tripartite or multi-partite nature. For instance, in a situation where a bank is giving an indemnity or guaranteeing the compliance of the Lessee to the terms of the lease or even in the somewhat complicated cases of aircraft mortgage, Lease combined with mortgage, second mortgage, sublease or sub-sub-lease. It is also desirable that the Solicitor should give general legal advice both oral and written on identified or contemplated knotty problems that may be encountered in documentation and procedural matters such as Licensing, registration, deregistration and notification of specific interest in Aircrafts to the appropriate regulatory bodies.

Before beginning negotiations of an aircraft lease I suggest that certain preparatory work be undertaken. We have discussed below 12 important issues to consider. These may all seem very basic to experienced attorneys but sometimes a review is helpful.

Compliance statutory requirements As negotiation proceeds, the Solicitor involved will be generally responsible for ensuring that statutory requirements are complied with. He may have to determine from the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company whether the transaction is intra-vires or ultra-vires. He may be requested to issue a “letter of comfort” to the other party. These he may have to do after due enquiries and verification have been made. It is trite to say that negligent misstatement and willful or fraudulent misrepresentation are actionable against legal practitioners.

Transaction to be structured as a teamwork.

It is important that the Solicitor makes it clear to his client that the transaction should be a team work. The old adage about too many cooks is certainly applicable to aircraft lease negotiations, particularly, high visibility transactions. It is certain that numerous experts would crop up during and at such negotiations or any other major business transaction. Having a project team makes communication between the parties easier, provides for a division of responsibility and utilizes the appropriate expertise.

One suggestion in this regard is to make the team a multi-disciplinary one consisting of lawyers, aircraft engineers, operations, fi-

nance and management.

Determine the goals of your client It is wise to advise the client of legal constraints and determine what goals the client wishes to achieve in the negotiations. The Solicitor involved in an aircraft lease negotiation should do well to advise his client that all aircraft leases are negotiable. This is despite what a lessor may advise to the contrary and notwithstanding that they are prepared by a lessor or its lawyers and the airline is told that they are closed provisions (i.e. not open to debate).

The legal direction of the transaction must be made clear Too often negotiations are driven by ego or other irrelevant considerations. Experience has revealed that many airlines have encountered difficulties by not recognising early the need for sound legal guidance during the process. The responsibility of the Solicitor goes beyond merely drafting a document incorporating the terms agreed on. For example the staff should be made aware of the fact that internal communications are creating a record that may very well someday be embarrassing if not protected. They also must be made aware of the constraints imposed by the applicable laws.

Establish a list of the basic terms sought Established clearly what basic terms are required in any lease entered into without which there will be no agreement. These are the parameters within which the negotiating team will work. The Solicitor would have to ensure that all the business agreement reached during negotiation between parties are reflected in the Lease. It can really embarrassing for your client to receive an engrossed/draft Lease Agreement which terms are different from the terms that were agreed during negotiation.

While the terms can cover any number of issues the following typically are considered: i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Financial terms Liability issues Insurance requirements Security responsibility Length of agreement

Who is negotiating and what is his level of authority Within any organization there are levels of authority provided for the organizational structure. Authority may be delegated or be explicitly provided for. Before starting negotiations however the negotiating team should clearly understand the level of authority and what the representative of the Lessor can agree to. Usually any agreement is subject to final approval of the Board of Directors unless authority has previously been delegated. It is important for the negotiating team to know what the representatives of the Lessor can agree to without going back for instructions or approval. It is possible for instance that under applicable law, the consent or approval of a regulatory authority may be required to the transaction.

Set a timeline Negotiation can be time consuming, unless well-arranged. Time is money and it is advisable to have a schedule for negotiations as well as the necessary approvals that are necessary for such agreements. Negotiations have been known to drag on for months

unless the parties agree to a schedule to move them to closure.

Consider the termination events Termination event is a critical provision in an Aircraft Lease Agreement in that it is usually given a restrictive definition to mean any event stated to be a termination event as provided for under the particular provision of the Aircraft Lease Agreement. An experienced Solicitor would ensure that the clause is not left out. This is important because it is suicidal to leave out such a sensitive clause or leave the termination events to the general provisions of the law. Objection should be raised to inequitable clauses in this area. Such should be negotiated out.

Not to do so is to sow the seed for future trouble. A Solicitor should spend a reasonable time reading the clause, juxtaposing it with related provisions in other parts of the lease. The Solicitor may have to read between the lines.

It may also be important to take good care not to leave behind the provision on right on a termination. This is important as it is a fall-back provision. There was a very pathetic situation in which an overseas company in a de-registration matter in which a Nigeria sub-lessee Airline was in a grave situation. Under the terms, the airline agreed that it shall terminate forthwith upon notice from the head lessor of any termination of the head lease by reason of any event or default. There was no provision for the right of the lessee on termination. Inevitably, the sub-lessee had to suffer for the default. Legally, the agreement was valid, but the “stupid thing” was that it contained no provision for a right on termination of the agreement. The Solicitor in that case could be said to have setback or put under fire both the legal right and equity of the airline.

The issue of indemnities It is customary for the lessee to undertake to indemnify and hold the lessor harmless from and against any and all loss of or damage to the aircraft during the lease period and agrees, irrespective of the reason for such loss or damage except in the cases of total loss in which the lessee has to reinstate, repair, or replace the relevant part(s) of the aircraft at its own expense so that the same are in as good an operating condition as previously existed.

The directors of the Lessor company, its officers, agents and employees should be properly indemnified against claims, actions, damages, losses, costs arising out of or related to the use, repairs or servicing of the aircraft under the agreement.

Return condition of the aircraft Another fundamental covenant relates to the return of the aircraft at the expiration of the agreed term. Clearly, the primary consideration here is that the lessee should return the aircraft in the state and condition in which it would have been had the maintenance obligation provided in the agreement be adhered to. It is also important to look at the issue of the place of delivery. This should be stipulated in the agreement. Some measure of flexibility may also be introduced into the clause or provision on return condition.

It is not un-usual for such a clause to contain provision like this; “Such other location as may be agreed”. It may also usually be agreed that re-delivery conditions and conditions under the Agreement are to be complied with. Lessor’s valid certificate of air worthiness and current maintenance record

‘Negotiation can be time consuming, unless well-arranged. Time is money and it is advisable to have a schedule for negotiations as well as the necessary approvals that are necessary for such agreements. Negotiations have been known to drag on for months unless the parties agree to a schedule to move them to closure’

• Adekile

in a specified language may also be made a condition. The date of delivery, period of inspection and items to be inspected are agreed. Rectification at the cost of the lessee may be provided for.

There should be provisions for Arbitration, place and number of Arbitrators in the event of dispute as to the condition on redelivery. There should be a provision relating to delivery upon early termination.

On must endeavour to state that we should always go beyond the lessor’s standard provision to negotiate into the return conditions provisions which protect the lessee against liabilities for reasonable or envisage-able “wear and tear.”

Leasing and quiet enjoyment of the aircraft One of the most important provisions in a lease agreement is the provision on leasing of the aircraft to the lessee by the lessor. The provision will state clearly that the equipment is being leased for the term specified in the agreement. It is always important for the aircraft that is being leased to be properly identified. It is usual to identify the aircraft by the serial number assigned by the manufacturer, the registration number, type of aircraft and engine number.

When a Solicitor is drawing up an aircraft lease agreement, it is fundamental that a basic operative clause covering the obligation to lease and take on lease be inserted.

It is unusual for a lessor to undertake anything other than the giving of quiet possession.

Representations and warranties are crucial and are common features of all standard lease agreements. Their purposes are diverse. The lessor must as a matter of utmost importance represents and warrants to the lessee that it has full right and power to lease the Aircraft on the terms of the Agreement and that for as long as the lessee continue to observe its obligations there-under and no event of default has occurred, the Lessee shall be entitled to the quiet enjoyment and use of the Aircraft free from interruption by the lessor or any person deriving title from it.

Sub-leasing In all cases it should be possible for the lessee to sub-lease the aircraft. Airlines should be careful not to bind themselves to absolute non-subleasing clauses. There should always be some measure of flexibility. One negative trend that is getting popular is ‘biased drafting’. This is always in favour of one of the parties and the lessor most of the time.

This practice note does not pretend to provide an exhaustive list of all the usual headache but covers the areas which cause the main legal problems for an airline.

• Adekile is Managing Partner, Royal Heritage Law Firm, Ikoyi, Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

37

LAW PERSONALITY Chief John Agbaji Attah Ochoga, a consummate Bar man, is a graduate of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1977 and has since then remained a prominent member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). In this interview, he speaks on his political activities, law practice, welfare of young lawyers and sundry national issues. JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWWU met him.

Why legal profession is in decline, by lawyer

C

AN you give us an insight into your university days, how active were you in the university?

I was very active in the University of Ife, which I attended by choice, having been admitted to all the then 5 Nigerian Universities, namely, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), University of Lagos, (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife. I was offered a law degree program in all the four universities except UI, which offered me political science, because it had no law program then.

While in the university of Ife, I was an elected member of the Students Union Parliament and member of the Student Union Care taker Committee following the dissolution of the 1975/76 elected Students Union Executive.

I was chairman X-Ray Magazine, a very powerful student publication of the X-Ray club with student members like former NBA president O.C.J Okocha, (SAN) and Justice Ejembi Eko of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division. I also served as political editor of the Pan African Magazine with late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as our patron and late Tunde Agunbiade ( who was also my classmate 1973-76) as the editor of the magazine.

The National Executive Committee Meeting of the NBA holds in Makurdi, your state capital this week, what is your message to NEC members?

The three NBA Benue state branches of Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko are clearly happy to host NBA NEC again at Makurdi branch. My message to NEC members is to enjoy the hospitality and peace of Benue state and makurdi in particular.

You seem to have interest in partisan politics from your university days, have you held any political

office in the country?

Yes, I served as a Commissioner in Benue state during the Second Republic under the government of Governor Aper Aku and as Chairman Benue state local government service commission in the government of Governor George Akume. I also served in various Federal Boards such as Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Enugu Zone and I was a member of the Presidential Technical Committee on Local Government Reform in Nigeria ( 2003) How would you appraise the practice of law in your early days with what obtains in the profession now?

Legal Practice when I started and what we have now are world’s apart.

The judges then were judicially predictable and protective of both the Bar and the Bench, I remember my first court appearance was in 1977 before Justice Bate in the Jos High Court against Gali Brown Peterside SAN, who was then over 25yrs at the Bar. I was holding chief Solomon Lar’s brief and Peterside SAN, knowing I was a new wig started intimidating me, when Justice Bate noticed it, he said “ John do your case to the best of your ability, this court will protect you” I then took a preliminary objection which he upheld by the Court.

The rapidly declining standards in legal practice today is largely due to a declining Bar which has succumbed to the Nigerian factor of enthroning corruption as a way of life. The society produces the lawyers that run the administration of justice. Everybody now knows that progress either in legal practices or societal progression is no longer dependent on hardwork. The legal profession is in great decline, our younger lawyers, unlike in my early days have neglected learning in their youth. The result is a lost past and a bleak future.

The conviction of John Yusuf… of the police pension fund was attributed to the laws under which he was charged, what is your reaction to this

and the existence of such laws in our statute books The public outcry is a welcome development that will awaken the Nigerian conscience. The Catholic Bibhop of Sokoto Dioces, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah has given up and said; “Corruption, sad as it may sound, is the only thing that works in Nigeria”. The fault and error did not lie in the Criminal Code or the archaic nature of the Statute, even though there is need to update our Criminal Procedure Laws. The instant law did not outlaw a prison sentence.

The problem of indigenship and settlers in the Nigerian state has been blamed for most communal clashes in different parts of the country what solutions do you have for this?

The Nigerian state cannot runway from its shadows. Nigeria is an amalgamation of regions, communities, and primordial interests. Our 1999 federal constitution recognizes these differences and accomodates them in revenue allocation formular,, Ministerial slots and federal character appointments. Yet it wants to abolish indigenship because the large tribes who are more nomadic and more adventurous want to overrun the minorities and financially deprived Nigerian groups. Before and since independence, the issue of minority fears via commissions and committees have not been addressed nor protected.

Nigeria is a federation. Note the failed attempt by Decree no 14 of 1966

by General Ironsi at unification and the after effects viz, counter coup, and the 30 month Nigerian civil war.

The Nigerian federation must continue to recognize and protect our primordial components.

Nigeria’s lack of advancement is not because of “ our tribes” because countries such as Switzerland run a successful and developed federalism with its plural counties and districts, jealously guarded.

Every Nigerian originally comes

from a place/community and if there is need to change, the communal rules of such host commutes must be obeyed.

Welfare of younger Lawyers and possibly the old ones too, has been one of the challenges facing successive NBA administrations, how do we resolve this?

My suggested approach is pupillage, part of the problem is the unwillingness of younger lawyers to understudy the senior ones and devote their first 5years into learning the law.

Their rush into the open market has caused the glot and while some younger lawyers have succeeded, older ones are being displaced and thus, the disorder.

My suggested solution is a comprehensive review of the administration of Justice system with the aim of providing more jobs within the system.

A mere 100,000 Nigerian lawyers in a population of 160 million is even not a high proportion yet.

Can you say that what we have now qualifies for the NBA of your dreams, if not, which areas will you like NBA leadership to focus in order to improve the lot of Nigerian Lawyers?

Well the NBA of my dream is one that will become the pride of all Nigerian lawyers. Presently, less than 10per cent of Nigerian Lawyers border about the NBA. This is because the NBA is not attracting greater percentage of Nigerian Lawyers to participate in its programmes and activities.

The vast majority of the lawyers are successfully living, acting and surviving outside the influence of the NBA, so, why do they need the NBA How then can the NBA improve on this?

The NBA can improve on the situation by helping to create more job opportunities Nigerian lawyers within the Nigerian state and system,

• Ochoga

for example, if each of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria employ a legal officer each, that will take care of some 774 lawyers. Such opportunities will not only create employment for the lawyers concerned, but will also improve the standards of several other lawyers.

Delay in Justice delivery has been cited as a major cause of lack of confidence in the judiciary, how do we ensure speedy justice delivery in the country?.

We can only achieve this through comprehensive implementation of all the piles of reports awaiting action by the government. Key amongst these are recommendations for speedy trial of suspects, independent and improved funding for the Judiciary. Unless and until the Judiciary is properly funded, we cannot get the judiciary of our dream in this country.

How do we improve the quality of judges and judicial officers in the country?

Judicial personnel must not be allowed to run automatic promotions but subject them to input and out put and good conduct. Also, a tighter mode of appointing Judges must be put in place to make sure that the best for job gets it.

It’s wrong to pack people in trucks like cattle • Continued from page 30

the commission is intended to provide hope for all Nigerians and we are determined to do so.

Again, we have a series of lectures aimed at bringing all the stakeholders together to discuss topical issues in the country. We had a special dialogue on access to food, as a very fundamental right. We had a dialogue on access to self-medication because we discovered that many Nigerians are consuming fake drugs; because they do not have access to safe medicine and we consider access to safe medicine as a fundamental human right. We also have a dialogue on the role of effective leadership and good governance in the protection of human rights. We also had another discourse on business and human rights and we discovered that many multi-national corporations operating in Nigeria are violating the rights of the people.

Can you be specifics?

We find examples of this in the operations of oil companies operating in the Southern parts of the country.

Even the operations of such big companies, such as Julius Berger in Abuja, most of the time you see them packing Nigerians in trailers as if they cattle taking them to work and from work, this is impossible in other parts of the world. It is only in Nigeria that you can pack Nigerians like that.

These are the sort of things that we are determined to put an end to and I tell you that this commission will not rest until we are able to achieve results, we would not be deterred. we will be very persuasive. We would be strong and where there is no end to it, we shall not hesitate in enforcing the rights of Nigerians and

ordering for such adequate compensation to be paid to such people.

What is your reaction to the demolition of people’s homes across the country?

Yes, we have taken steps to make sure that Nigerians are not denied their rights to shelter. A lot of policies of government have come up seeking to demolish and turn away Nigerians from their places of residence without adequate compensations being made for them. We have received complaints from the residents of Pape in Abuja, the residents of Makoko in Lagos and Waterfronts in Rivers State, I led a team of the commission’s officials. We saw the circumstances, we saw the situations, we dialogued with the officials concerned, dialogued with the governments concerned and also with the people concerned. We have got commitments that there would not be any further demolitions until the governments are able to provide alternative shelter for the people concerned.

These are some of the things we are doing to ensure that the rights of Nigerians are protected.

There was a meeting of the Governing Council of the commission recently. Did you take any decisions at the meeting?

That was the first of meetings we had; we were able to strategise on how the Governing Council is going to proceed in carrying out this task of protecting the rights of Nigerians. We have done the ground work. We are prepared; by March, we are going to meet and the Governing Council of the commission is going to take decisions on some human rights violations on which the commission has received petitions and complaints, which have also been

investigated. So, this Governing Council is set to work for Nigerians.

It is committed to ensuring that the rights of Nigerians that have been violated, will be redressed You said that you are in the process of translating human rights provision of the constitution, particularly Chapter Four into major Nigerian local languages. When do you intend to finish it and how can Nigerians access them?

We are hoping that by March, we would launch the translations. Once we do that, we are going to post it on the website of the commission. We are also going to reduce them into pamphlets and leaflets and ensure their distribution among Nigerians.

We will send them to our state offices.

We shall make them available to Nigerians free.

What is your reaction to the call that Chapter Two of the constitution be made justiceable?

This is also where you have the problem of interpretation. If you look at Section 6 of the constitution that talks about Judicial powers, the judiciary is not to inquire into the provisions of chapter two which makes people to think that it is not justiceable.

But if you look at the provisions of Chapter 13, which is the beginning chapter for Section two, look at it well, the state organs that are responsible for ensuring the administration of justice are also enjoined to ensure that the provisions of chapter two are given effect, so it is a matter of interpretation. You can use that section to ensure that the rights are justicable. The courts can adjudicate

on them because the section specifically said state organs should ensure that these provisions are given effect to, so if a court decides to do that, the court cannot be challenged. It depends on which of the sections the court would like to rely upon.

In any case, the commission is making a position very clear that some of these rights protected under chapter two should also be considered to become fundamental human rights under chapter four that can be adjudicated upon.

Why do you say this?

You know what happened is that some of these rights were taken for granted at the time of framing the constitution. It was taken that they were already there, so, were taken for granted.

• From left: Mac Enamhe, former General Secretary, NBA, Ibrahim Eddy Mark, Ezinwa Okoroafor and Joe Agi (SAN) at the last NBA Peace and Security Summit held in Abuja

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

38

LAW REPORT

Single issue sufficient to sustain an appeal IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA On Friday, the 11th day of May, 2012 Suit No: sc.278/2002 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS ALOMA MARIAM MUKHTAR ....... JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT FRANCIS FEDEDO TABAI ....... JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT SULEIMAN GALADIMA ....... JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA ....... JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OLUKAYODE ARIWOOLA ....... JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT BETWEEN AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL BANK LTD. …. APPELLANTS AND INTEGRATED DIMENSIONAL SYSTEM LTD & ORS ….RESPONDENTS

O

NE ground of appeal and a single is sue for determination is sufficient to sustain an appeal.

The Appeal was against the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan division, delivered on the December 5, 2001.

The plaintiff had claimed before the lower court through an amended statement of claim from the defendants jointly and severally the sum of N1, 782,222.78, being the balance of banking facilities and interest granted to the 1st defendant by the plaintiff at its Ilora Branch Oyo State in 1985 and 1987, which sum was outstanding at the close of business on August 11, 1993. The defendant defaulted in the payment of the said sum as agreed and the plaintiff demanded its payment from him having neglected, omitted and or refused to pay same.

The Plaintiff claimed interest on the said sum of N1, 782,222.78 at the rate of 39% per annum from the August 13, 1993 until judgment is given and thereafter at the rate of 10% per annum until final liquidation of the judgment debt.

At the end of the trial, the trial court delivered its judgment on October 27, 1997 held that the plaintiff had proved its case on the balance of probability. The court gave judgment in the sum of N150, 000 with interest at 15% per annum with effect from 30th April, 1987 till October 1997 and thereafter at 10% per annum until the whole amount is finally liquidated.

It further awarded the sum of N180, 000 with interest at 19 per cent per annum, but limited the liability of the third defendant to the sum of N250, 000.

Dissatisfied with the final judgment, the defendants filed a notice of appeal contain-

ing two grounds of appeal. Also dissatisfied with the judgment, the plaintiff filed a crossappeal. The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, set aside the trial court’s judgment and in its place ordered judgment entered for the plaintiff/respondent in the sum of N180, 000 with 19 per cent interest until the entire amount is fully liquidated.

Dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal the respondent/cross appellant filed a notice of appeal with the leave of the Supreme Court containing 14 grounds of appeal.

The facts of this case briefly were that the appellant and 1st respondents were into Banker/Customer relationship. The appellant’s claim arose from the banking facilities granted by the appellant to the 1st respondent between 1984 and 1987.

The appellant pleaded and called evidence that the applicable interest on the facilities had varied from time to time according to the Central Bank of Nigeria Monetary policy Guidelines which the bank was obliged to apply.

The respondents admitted that the latter two facilities were still outstanding and had not been settled with the appellant. They however contended that the appellant was not entitled to the amount claimed by it on the facilities as it had applied arbitrary interest rates and charges in arriving at the amount claimed.

Various documents were tendered and admitted including Exhibits T1 & T2, W and E. The crux of the matter then was which of the Exhibits governed the transaction?

The trial court gave judgment in favour of the appellant but refused to base its judgment on the amount outstanding on the 1st respondent’s statement of account.

At the Supreme Court, the appellant argued that the Court of Appeal ought to have held that variation of interest was proved and so should have upheld the claims before the trial court less what was found to be irregularly charged as bank charges and commission on turn over.

On the other hand, the respondents/cross appellants’ case was that the court below had no jurisdiction to grant the claims as originally presented in the trial court when that was not an issue at the Court of Appeal.

That the court below having found that the appellant was only entitled to damages upon the expiration of the facility, ought not to have awarded interest by way of damages when such claim was neither sought nor pleaded and proved. Six issues were submitted for determination.

It was contended that the appellant felt bound by the findings of the court below that the facilities expired. That they were only shopping for authority to justify the trial court’s finding of agreed interest in the absence of a claim for damages. They submitted that the law is trite that a party cannot raise an appeal on issue which was not made on the pleadings even if the parties addressed the court on it except with leave of court. They relied on amongst other cases RANSOME KUTI v ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION (1985) 2 NWLR (Pt.6) 211 per Karibi-Whyte, JSC at page 2450, ADELEKE v ASERIFA (1986) 3 NWLR (PT.30) 575 AND INYANG v EBONG (2002) FWLR (Pt.125) 703.

The respondents submitted that it is not in the character of the Supreme Court to take appeals directly from the decision of the trial court, relying on a number of cases GBADAMOSI v DAIRO (2007) All FWLR (Pt. 357) 812 at 827 and LADOJA v INEC (2007) All FWLR (Pt. 371) 934 at 996.

In response to the respondents’ preliminary objection, the appellant submitted that those grounds of appeal referred to by the respondents arose from the judgment of the court below, therefore they were competent.

The appellant urged the court to discountenance the argument and authorities cited in support.

In resolving the issues in the appeal, the Supreme Court held amongst others that ‘It is ideal to distill or formulate an issue from more than one ground of appeal but where this is not done or it is impossible, just only one issue may be raised from one ground of appeal.’

It was further held that “Therefore, a valid

Notice of Appeal with one ground of appeal and a single issue for determination is sufficient to sustain an appeal.”

Finally, it held that “Where the court is of the view that a consideration of one of the issues is enough to dispose of the appeal, it is not under any obligation to consider all the other issues posed for determination.’

In the final analysis, all the issues formulated, and argued are resolved against the appellant. The appeal therefore fails for lacking in merit and is accordingly dismissed.

Cross-Appeal The Cross appellants had contended at the court below that when the contract had expired. That special damages by way of interest had to be pleaded and proved, the rate payable being at the discretion of the court which in ordinary circumstances will be the usual court rate so that the creditor may not be at an advantage for its failure to promptly sign up judgment against the debtor.

The Cross appellants submitted that the court below was therefore partly wrong to the extent that it did not hold that whatever was claimable would not be a continuation of the contract to interest, but had to be pleaded and proved as damages or compensation as none was so pleaded or proved in the case. They relied on AIROE CONSTRUCTION LTD v UNIVERSITY OF BENIN (1985) 1 NWLR (Pt.2) 287. It was further submitted that it is trite law, that the court has no jurisdiction to grant a relief not claimed relying on, EKPENYONG v NYONG (1975) 2 SC 71 at 80-82 (Pt.108) 192 at 205.

In the cross-respondent’s brief of argument, the sole issue of the cross appellants was adopted.

The Supreme Court noted that ordinarily, interest is not payable on ordinary debt in purely commercial transaction, in the absence of a term to that effect expressly or impliedly in the contract or mercantile usage or custom of the parties or as may be contained in a statute.

In the circumstance, the cross appeal succeeded and was thereby allowed. The award of interest pre-judgment interest in damages, by the Court of Appeal was set aside, not having been specifically pleaded and proved by the cross-respondent. There was no order on costs.

• Dr. Adewale Olawoyin with S. Loko (Miss) for the appellants O. A. Onadele for the respondents

The task before new Nigeria National Competitiveness Council

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan recently inaugurated an 18member board for the newly created Nigeria National Competitiveness Council (NNCC) which he said was in line with the recommendation of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The Council is mandated, among others, to coordinate the efforts of both the public and private sectors to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness, and recommend relevant policies and monitor and evaluate the progress being made at the national and sub-national levels.

The WEF is an independent international organisation committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agenda. It conducts yearly assessment of the competitiveness landscape of 144 economies, providing insight into the drivers of their productivity and prosperity. Nigeria ranked 115 on an index of 144 in Its Global Competitiveness Index 2012–2013 report. Our neighbourSouth Africa ranked 52- the best by an African country. This initiative, therefore, though overdue is a welcome relief to the charred business terrain in Nigeria.

Competitiveness in trade involves policies that ensure that goods and services meet the quality standards of the local and world markets at prices that are competitive and provide adequate returns. Considering that our country is still struggling

By Dupe Atoki

to provide a competitive investment environment, the new NNCC is expected as a matter of priority to ensure that all the parameters of doing business in Nigeria is streamlined to meet international best practice to garner competitive pricing and quality. This is a huge task as it is called upon to virtually transform the business culture of Nigeria, which will of necessity include review of enabling laws. Organisations that will necessarily be implicated include: Corporate Affairs Commission (speedy registration of business); Custom (import and export duties and regime); CBN (foreign exchange policies); Aviation ( competitive air tariffs); NEPA (uninterrupted power supply); Immigration (Visa and travel documentations); FIRS( taxes, rebates and exemptions); Commercial banks and allied financial institutions (reasonable credit facility regulations); land acquisition, transfer and documentation, to name a few.

Policies, which rationalise and simplify the conditions of doing business increase the economy’s overall productivity and competitiveness. In several instances the effectiveness and efficiency of domestic policies, including the policy initiatives taken to improve competitiveness, are affected by the conditions prevailing in the international sector. Therefore, Nigeria must work with other nations in a system established to

provide stability, predictability and growth in international markets.

The World Trade Organisation is such a system, with its framework emphasising good governance, open market, due process, transparency, credible dispute settlement and reducing arbitrariness in the area of international economic relations. Having been a member since 1995, Nigeria must maximise the potential it provides. There is no alternative to the multilateral trading system.

While it is expected the new NNCC will as a matter of priority will concentrate on developing policies that will improve the landscape for foreign investment in Nigeria, increasing competitiveness also requires equal attention to improving the ability of Nigerian corporations to tap the international market with an even bigger task to create an enabling environment where more firms can emerge. The communication sector is one clear area that has the potential to birth more networks breaking the existing monopoly of a few. In hitting the ground running, the new Council should, therefore, focus on policies: to reduce costs of doing business to allow more firms to compete and engage in international trade, realign technical barriers to trade, provide better infrastructure and capacity to improve distribution services.

Complementary to NNCC is the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) established in 1992 to, among others, protect the rights of consumers

and provide complaints mechanism to redress their violation. The two Councils have the potential to transform the competitive landscape of Nigeria. Indeed while the NNCC formulates policies to attract investment amongst others, The CPC, if well positioned, should provide redress for consumers of such good and services that fall short of the international quality standards.

The normative defect of the CPC which has hampered its effectiveness is being addressed according to the President Jonathan in his statement inaugurating the NNCC. The mandate of CPC will be expanded and the refurbished CPC will be known as “The Competition, AntiTrust and Consumer Protection Council” and a Bill to that effect will soon be presented to the NASS, says the President.

Of course, competition as distinct from competitiveness involves rules that restrict abuses by large, dominant firms; rules that prevent abusive use of anti-dumping; rules that allow only mergers that benefit consumers and rules that act against cartels. For consumers, the benefits of competition should be a given.

When firms have to compete for consumers’ money they tend to reduce prices and innovate. Captive customers are routinely exploited. Therefore, the improved CPC should bring succour to anguished consumers who have had to contend with substandard goods and services.

Baroness Lynda Chalker, coordinator of the Honorary International

• Atoki

Investor Council, assured in her brief remark at the inauguration, that notwithstanding the security and other challenges, Nigeria remained one of the hubs of emerging business climate in the world. To realise this goal, there is need for a further commitment from the government to guarantee the maximum actualisation of the mandates of the two Councils. Adequate funding, independent space for the Councils to work and the political will to implement and timely too, recommended policies of the Councils are sine qua non to a vibrant industrial and service sector. Our dear country has the potential of been transformed to a precious bride with more suitors than it can handle.

• Atoki, a lawyer is chair person, African Union Commission on Human and Peoples Rights.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

39

ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

• •From left: Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Minister of CommunicationsTechnology, Mrs Omobolaji Johnson; Chairman, Heirs Holding Mr Tony Elumelu and Minister of State,Trade and Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom at the inauguration of Nigeria National Competitive Council Members at the Presidential PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN Villa, Abuja

•From left: Ekiti State Governor’s wife, Mrs Bisi Fayemi; sister of the deceased, Mrs Gloria Ogunbadejo; Mrs Arin Odulana; daughter, Miss Toluwalase Ogundipe; Mrs Kemi Akinola and wife of the deceased, Director, Surveillance and Enforcement, Consumer Protection Council, Mrs Leke Ogundipe at the funeral service for the late Mr Victor Ogundipe at the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja

•From left: Director, Management Accounts, National Assembly, Jerry Okorodudu; award recipients- Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa; Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohammed and Deputy Clerk, National Assembly, Muyiwa Adejokun at the conferment of fellowship award and fifth convocation ceremony of Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa

•From left: Management of Sheraton Four Point Hotel, Bur-Dubai- Shiek Pratsesh Pati; Cynthia Bantolino; Country-Director, Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology (Africa and Middle East), Ambassador Moses Essien and Mr Rahul Untawale at the institute’s working visit to the Emirates

•Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Federal Government College Ilorin, Ehiribe Uwaoma (second left); members of the committee, Lanike Fadairo (left); Titilayo Yahaya and Shola Ibiyemi the association’s 40th anniversary lecture and dinner in Abuja

•From left: Representative of the President, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Dr Buhle Mbambo-Thata; President, West Africa Library Association, Dr James Daniel and Registrar, Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr Victoria Okojie at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions mid-term meeting in Abuja

•Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide (left), Chairman, Ministerial Committee on Implementation of the Apo Resettlement • Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Solomon Adeola (left); Scheme, Yusuf Tsaiyabu and a member, Ibrahim Tukur at the inauguration of the members of the committee, Rafeesuat Olabamiro; Mohammed O. Onawo and Mustapha Dawanki committee PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE after the committee’s meeting at the National Assembly Complex

40

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08138168825

ACROSS

DOWN

1.Create (4) 4.Fence (4) 8. Metric Unit of Measure (3) 10. Contest (3) 11. Pig’s pen (3) 12. Poem (3) 13. Range of Vision (4) 14. Lode of Ore (4) 16. Throw (4) 19. Circle (3) 22. Aposite (4) 24. Toilet (3) 25. Era (3) 26. Try (4) 27. Cease (4)

1.Conceal (4) 2.Skill (3) 3.Vital (3) 5.Confess (4) 6. Cover (3) 7. Look Slyly (4) 9. Unvarying (7) 13. Examine Thoroughly (3) 15. Seasoning (4) 17. Ejected Saliva from Mouth (4) 18. Unit of Movement (4) 20.Eggs (3) 21.Lettuce (3) 23. Gone by (3)

COUNTRY MAZE

The words below are just names of countries converted. you are required to decipher the countries by writing each country beside its appropriate word.An example is given to spur you on.

DARK MEN

-

DENMARK

GREAT NINA OX MICE LAID THAN RUT KEY

HUMOUR HUMOUR An old farmer wrote to his son in prison.

‘This year I won’t be able to plant potatoes because I can’t dig the field, I knew if u were here you would help me’.

The son wrote back; ‘Dad, don’t even think of digging the field because that’s where I buried the money I stole’.

The Police read the letter & the next day the whole field was dug by police looking for the money but nothing was found.

The following day the son wrote again, ‘Now plant your potatoes, Dad...It’s the best I can do from here’.

Pastor, my dog is dead. Could there be a service for

the poor creature?” Pastor replied, “No, we cannot have service for an animal in the church. But there is a new church down the road, maybe they will do it.” The man said, “Do you think they will accept a donation of U.S $250,000 for the burial service?” Pastor exclaimed, “Sweet Jesus! Why didn’t you tell me the dog was a Christian?”

A

Nigerian man fainted outside Mr. Biggs (an eatery).

Soon a crowd gathered around him and someone suggested, “Give him some water, it will help.” Hearing this, the man opened one eye and said, “Commot from here, if na water I wan drink, I for go faint for water board…”

An

American, an English man, and a Nigerian were on a ship. Suddenly the Devil appeared and said, “Drop anything in the sea, if I find it I will eat u, If I can’t, I will be your slave!” The American dropped a pin, the Devil found it and ate him. The English man dropped a coin, the Devil found it and ate him too. The Nigerian opened a bottle of water, poured it in the sea and said, “Na today be today, go find am!”.

A guy takes a girl on a date. She orders costly champagne,

oysters, lobsters, the most expensive food on the menu.

The guy asks: “Do you eat like this at your mom’s place?”

The girl replies, “No, my mother doesn’t plan to sleep with me after the meal.’

A husband comes home from Church, greets his wife, lifts her up and carries her around the house. The wife is so surprised and excited! She asked with smiles, “Did the Pastor preach on being romantic?” Out of breath the husband replies, “No, he said we must carry our cross.”

Pep Talk

POETRY

PAIN TASK

AFRICA, MY AFRICA

SWAN BOAT

A people with a sweet song.

Africa, my Africa, A people of beautiful colour And of persistent pain.

Africa, my Africa, No matter what the world thinks about you, Your smile will surely spring forth And like the morning sun Bring life to your children. -Augustina Omozokpea

ALSO VEIN MOON RACE NEE GALS

MISSING LETTERS All the words in the columns below have lost their first letters as indicated by the blank spaces above them. You are required to find and affix them. When done, all the first letters will form a 9-letter, sexually offensive word or action. Happy Puzzling!‘

A Dream within a Dream Take this kiss upon the brow!And, in parting from you now, Thus much let me avowYou are not wrong, who deem That my days have been a dream; Yet, if Hope has flown away In a night, or in a day, In a vision, or in none, Is it, therefore, the less gone?

All that we see or seem Is but a dream within a dream.

WORD WHEEL Form as many words as you can with the letters in the wheel below, using the letter in the hub for each word.

Avoid proper nouns and 2-leter words. Hidden is an 9letter word meaning ‘‘forward in manner’. This is the star word. Words from forty score excellent.

I stand amid the roar Of a surf-tormented shore, And I hold within my hand Grains of golden sandHow few! yet how they creep Through my fingers to the deep, While I weep- while I weep!

O God! can I not grasp

- Edgar Allen Poe

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

John Quincy

“It is played over 180 minutes, I have enough experience to know that. The first 90 are on Tuesday night and we have to put in our head that we have 180 minutes to qualify and not rush our game.”

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger expressing his belief that by keeping a level head, the Gunners can overcome German Champions Bayern Munich in tonight’s Champions League clash at the Emirates. PAGE 42

Balotelli out of Barca clash

A

C MILAN will be without former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli when they face Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

The 22-year-old is cup-tied from his involvement in the competition earlier this season with the Citizens, and will have to watch his team try and overcome the La Liga leaders from the sidelines.

Balotelli has fitted in seamlessly after completing a £19m January move from Manchester City to AC Milan, and added a fourth goal to his tally from just three games during Friday night's 2-1 victory over Parma.

A second half free-kick from the mercurial Italian ended up being the difference for Milan, who have so far seen only the best from their latest recruit.

It was noted that Balotelli's adopted parents not moving to Manchester with him in 2010 could have had a negative effect on his temperament, while he has joined the club he supports in AC Milan.

Milan will hope that they can continue to extract the good side of Balotelli, who is undoubtedly a fantastic talent, although they will have to do without him this season in the remainder of their Champions League campaign.

•Balotelli

Porto coach relishes Malaga game

P

ORTO coach Vitor Pereira says he is relishing his side's Champions League second round match with Malaga.

Porto striker Jackson Martinez is top scorer in Portugal with 20 goals, along with three goals in six appearances in the Champions League so far. He is nicknamed "Cha Cha Cha" due to his "dance-like" moves on the pitch.

Malaga go into the tie unbeaten in five games and still undefeated in their Champions League debut season.

"We're gearing up for what will be a big game. Everyone is looking forward to it," Pereira said. "I'd even like to play in it myself."

Porto welcome back Columbian international James Rodriguez after the midfield playmaker missed seven games with a thigh injury.

Winger Silvestre Varela has also recovered from injury, but Belgian midfielder Steven Defour is doubtful with a muscle strain.

Malaga have only lost once in 12 games in Europe, with that defeat coming in Porto against neighbouring Boavista in the UEFA Cup

•Pereira

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

‘Arsenal must

not rush

against Bayern’ A

RSÈNE WENGER is confident his team will deliver a strong response to their FA Cup exit when they face Bayern Munich tonight.

The Gunners face the runaway leaders of the Bundesliga in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie just three days after their defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

Wenger insists his side are now fully focused on beating Bayern - but says they must be prepared to be patient if they are to progress.

“The game of the week is now the Champions League you cannot compare the FA Cup to the Champions League,” the manager said.

“We focus on that - it is the best way. Everyone would like to be in our position - in England only two teams have qualified for the Champions League [last 16]. I don't know why we should not cope with that.

“What is important is that we focus on the quality of our game. It is played over 180 minutes, I have enough experience to know that. The first 90 are on Tuesday night and we have to put in our head that we have 180 minutes to qualify and not rush our game.

“We must play at our best and with belief. I believe in our quality. The fact is that in the last 11 games in the Premier League we have lost two, so we are on a

•Wenger

Pedro: Barca going to San Siro to win

P

EDRO RODRIGUEZ says persistent stomach problems. he knows the Champions Bringing a lead back to Barcelona League last-16 first leg at for the second leg was the AC Milan will be difficult but that Barcelona are going there to win.

On Wednesday, Barca will be making their sixth visit to the San Siro in 12 years, the most recent of which a 0-0 draw in last season's quarter-final first leg, when Milan had chances to win the game.

Barca eased through in the return game, winning 3-1 at the Camp Nou largely thanks to two firsthalf Lionel Messi penalties.

Pedro is expected to start the latest clash between two of Europe's biggest clubs, with David Villa not included in the •Pedro travelling squad after agreeing with coach Jordi Roura to remain in Barcelona as a precautionary measure following last week's

objective this time around, Pedro told reporters after training on Monday morning.

"We are going to San Siro to win," the winger said. "We must be attentive in defence, but we will try to get a win. Milan have also been difficult for us - they have many trophies and such a big history.

They are dangerous as always. We are on a good run and we hope to play a good game there. We want to be in every competition and we are looking to go for everything."

Playmaker Xavi Hernandez is back in the Barca squad after missing two games with a hamstring problem, although utility man Adriano Correia misses out due to the hamstring injury that saw him substituted early in Saturday's 2-1 win Primera Division win at Granada.

Shenhua takes Drogba to FIFA

C

HINESE club Shanghai Shenhua will take its battle against star striker Didier Drogba's move to Turkish side Galatasaray to football's governing body FIFA this week, domestic reports said Monday.

The Ivory Coast striker left the club in acrimonious circumstances last month, with Shanghai saying he had breached his contract.

"We now have evidence which we believe will give Shenhua a 99 per cent chance of winning a lawsuit at FIFA," a lawyer acting for the club told the Sina web portal.

The anonymous source from "Shenhua's legal team" said

papers would be submitted to the sport's governing body on Wednesday.

The report said Shenhua will provide evidence that Drogba breached his contract and that Galatasaray had violated FIFA rules by luring a player away from his current club.

Shenhua declined to comment when contacted by AFP. Chinese media previously reported Drogba had asked FIFA to nullify his contract after the club defaulted on payments following a shareholder dispute dating back to September.

Drogba came off the bench to score five minutes into his Galatasaray debut on Friday, a 2-

1 victory over the Turkish league's bottom club Akhisar.

The striker signed an 18-month, 10 million euro ($13.5-million) deal with the Istanbul side, who are due to play German side Schalke 04 on Wednesday in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Drogba - a Champions League winner with English Premier League side Chelsea last season had signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Shanghai in June last year on a reported salary of $300 000 a week.

Drogba's exit from Shanghai followed that of former Chelsea teammate French striker Nicolas Anelka, who joined Italian giants Juventus on loan.

Neuer to wear four-fingered glove against Gunners

B

AYERN Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to wear a four-fingered glove during the Bundesliga leaders' Champions League clash against Arsenal tonight in order to protect a bruised hand.

Neuer wore the special glove, which allows him to strap the index and middle fingers on his right hand together, for Bayern's 2-0 victory over Wolfsburg on Friday.

The Germany international suffered the injury in training on Thursday but will continue to play through the problem in the first leg of the last-16 tie at the Emirates Stadium.

Neuer is yet to concede a goal in 2013 and Bayern are on course to break their own record, set in 2007-08, for the fewest goals conceded in a Bundesliga campaign having allowed just seven in 22 matches so far.

•Neuer

43

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Prominent Northern leaders are agitating for power shift to the North in 2015. But the obstacle to this aspiration is President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition. Now, the scamble for the Presidency is gradually heating up the polity. Can the North achieve power shift in the next general elections? AUGUSTINE AVWODE examines the issue.

2015: Can power shift to North?

A

S the tempo of political activities for 2015 increases, an obvious question that looms larger than every other one is whether the Northern geo-political zone will produce the President or not. Analysts say one major obstacle standing between the region and the realisation of that dream is whether the incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan, will run or not. He is yet to speak categorically on the matter.

Last weekend, Niger State Governor Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu fueled the controversy when he claimed that President Goodluck Jonathan reached an agreement with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and governors elected on the platform of the party in 2011 to serve only a single term. He considered any talk linking the President with the 2015 presidential election as “speculative”.

“I recall that at the time he was going to declare for the 2011 election, all the PDP governors were brought together to ensure that we were all in the same frame of mind. And I recall that some of us said that, given the circumstances of the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and given the PDP zoning arrangement, it was expected that the North was to produce the president for a given number of years.

“I recall that at that discussion, it was agreed that Jonathan would serve only one term of four years and we all signed the agreement.

Even when Jonathan went to Kampala, in Uganda, he also said he was going to serve a single term. For now, President Jonathan has not declared a second term ambition and we must not be speculating based on those who are benefiting from the campaign” he said.

The question of President Jonathan’s eligibility to run in 2015 has been a subject of legal tussle for some time now. On Wednesday, January 23, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally asked a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to join it as a party in the suit filed by a Port Harcourt-based lawyer and PDP-card carrying member, Henry Amadi, seeking to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting himself as candidate for election to the office of the President in 2015.

Amadi named President Jonathan and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the 1st and 2nd defendants respectively in the said suit.

He is contending that Jonathan is no longer qualified to contest in 2015, arguing that if Jonathan does, he will be spending more than the maximum period of two terms of four years envisaged by the 1999 Constitution as amended.

But PDP National Legal Adviser Kwon Victor contended that the PDP will be directly affected by the outcome of the suit, taking into consideration the reliefs sought by the plaintiff. In the affidavit in support of the application, Kwon argued that from the reliefs sought by the plaintiff in the suit, PDP’s right to sponsor Jonathan for the office of the President in the 2015 Presidential election is being challenged.

He said: “This action cannot effectually and completely be determined without joining the applicant herein. By the very tenor of the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, this suit questions the right of the applicant to sponsor one of its members (Jonathan) for the 2015 Presidential election. The applicant herein seeks to protect its interest in the present action by this application.” The application is due to be heard in a week’s time by Justice Adamu Bello”.

Interestingly, President Jonathan had responded to a similar suit equally seeking to bar him from contesting the same 2015 election on the ground of the number of oath of the same office he had taken. It was filed by another chieftain of the PDP, Mr Cyriacus Njoku, before an Abuja High Court on March 20, 2012, asking it to stop Jonathan from contesting presi-

•President Jonathan

•Aliyu

‘His move to vie for the position in the 2011 Presidential election led to serious division within the ruling PDP. The schism within the party pitched some of its chieftains of northern extraction, who believed in the inviolate nature of the zoning policy of the party against others who held that ‘circumstantial development’ in the polity had rendered the zoning theory void’ dential elections in 2015 on the grounds that he was already in his second term in office. Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi had earlier fixed November 13, 2012, to deliver judgment in Njoku’s suit, but subsequently adjourned it indefinitely.

The sudden demise of President Umaru Yar’Adua is generally seen as having upset the applecart. The late President Yar’Adua, other things being equal, would have run for a second term beginning from 2011 to 2015. But his death barely three years into his first term, led to the emergence of President Jonathan. His move to vie for the position in the 2011 Presidential election led to serious division within the ruling PDP. The schism within the party pitched some of its chieftains of northern extraction, who believed in the inviolate nature of the zoning policy of the party against others who held that ‘circumstantial development’ in the polity had rendered the zoning theory void.

In a bid to actualise its position, the region chose to go for a consensus candidate from a list of four aspirants to face President Jonathan in the December 2010 Presidential primary. A committee of 17 wise men headed by former Minister of Finance Alhaji Adamu Ciroma picked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the consensus candidate of the North after months of consultation and meetings. He was picked ahead of General Ibrahim Babangida, General Aliyu Gusau and former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki.

A statement signed by Ciroma and Abdulkadir Sabo-Bello read in part: “We are glad and proud that we have finally arrived at this outcome after several weeks of hard work and wide consultations. We are proud because of the unusual honour and extraordinary privilege given us by the four gentlemen who placed their political destinies in our hands. We are humbled by the strength of their faith. We appreciate their humility and cooperation. We have been reassured by all of them that they will work together to enable Atiku Abubakar clinch their party’s ticket in the presidential primaries.

“We thank all Nigerians, supporters and critics alike for their views over these past several weeks. While we note these views and respect each one of them, we insist that no individual, organization or society dreaming of success and greatness can achieve these dreams without respect for others and honouring agreements voluntarily entered into. This is especially so where these agreements have been transformed into a binding document, a constitution, which governs the conduct of those who subscribe to it.”

President Jonathan defeated the consensus candidate and went on to win the election proper.

Since then, many northern leaders have expressed the view that the region will without fail produce the President come 2015. But will it be possible, will it not be?

Speaking to The Nation on Sunday, former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Abubakar Tsav said for the North to produce the President in 2015 there must be a high level of unity among the political elite of the zone. He said a common undercurrent in the polity is how to make people or the political actors respect or implement the zoning arrangement.

“What people are saying is that President Goodluck Jonathan is serving a second term now and that if he is allowed to run and wins in 2015, he would be taking the oath of office for the third time, which they say, is against the Constitution. Therefore, for the North to produce the President in 2015, there must be unity among them. It really depends on the level of unity that exists among the political elite of the region. And I think there will be the need for the region to come up with one candidate like a consensus arrangement that they had in December 2010. We cannot blame them for agitating to produce the president because people are trying to make sure that the zoning arrangement that was entered into by the political class is completed or respected”.

Tsav said that the proposed new party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), will provide an ample opportunity for many political lead-

ers in the zone to realise their dream. He said many people are so disenchanted with what is happening in the PDP that they would not blink an eye before joining it once it comes on stream.

“The new party has come to provide an alternative platform for many PDP members who are so disenchanted with the way things are going in the party. In particular, they are disenchanted with the idea of taking undue advantage of what happened to President Umaru Yar’Adua; many people are not happy about it and that is why they are waiting on the wings”, he said.

But a politician, Dr Junaid Mohammed, dismissed the notion of producing a political leader on the basis of the theory of zoning. He described the concept as undemocratic and went to say that those pushing for it are leading Nigeria on the path of former Yugoslavia, saying it could lead to a break up of the country.

He argued that anyone who is interested in ruling the country should be allowed to run provided the elections would be free and fair.

“Is zoning arrangement enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria, Why should the PDP or anybody else be bound by it? Zoning or rotation has never been part of our Constitution. It is at best an understanding within one of the 63 political parties in the country. Many people imagine that the North should be given the Presidency as a right, not on any other factor, it is a misguided conception. As far as I am concerned, I have never believed in zoning or rotation, I have never considered the concept of zoning or rotation democratic,” Junaid said.

At a point, it was alleged that some northern leaders under the aegis of the Yar’Adua group were meeting regularly with the sole objective of how to thwart alleged President Jonathan’s 2015 ambition. But the allegation was vehemently refuted . One of the leaders of the Yar’Adua group, Senator Adamu Aliero, in a statement said: “We did not meet in Abuja , Katsina or Kaduna as insinuated in the report.

We have no reason to conspire or plot against President Goodluck Jonathan who was VicePresident to the late President Yar’Adua.

“Since Yar’Adua’s death, we have done our best to support the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which went ahead to win a re-run poll in Kebbi State.”

Aliero, a minister of the Federal Capital Territory during Yar’Adua’s administration, stated that the reports were being sponsored by those who were bent on “whipping up sentiments and to create crisis of confidence” between members of the group and the President.

“There was no any iota of truth in the story, it must have been a mere imagination of the reporter in question. All those mentioned in the report were shocked by the extent to which their integrity was impugned. In the last three years, those of us referred to in the story have not held any meeting over any national issue not to talk of 2015. Instead, we have been going about our activities quietly with utmost decorum”.

A chieftain of the party from one of the north Central states who craved anonymity revealed that it is almost a foregone conclusion that the President will be seeking the ticket of the PDP in 2015. He alluded to the decision of the party to be joined in the case in court and besides, he referred to the series of inter- regional meetings held in the guise of ‘fostering political understanding’ in recent time. The source said the North will not fail this time around again and they have a big window of opportunity in the newly floated APC and that most of the governors, particularly those who are on their last tenure, will put their feet down this time around.

“It is apparent that the President will seek the ticket of the PDP in the 2015 Presidential election. What I also know is that the political lead•Continued on page 44

44

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

POLITICS All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) chieftain and Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Alhaji Kawu Sumaila spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on his ambition to succeed Kano State Governor Musa Kwakwanso in 2015.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

‘Why I want to be Kano governor’

HE venue was the historic Freedom Park, Lagos. Statesmen and activists converged for a candle light procession as part of activities marking the ‘Black History Month’ celebrations. Organised by the Lagos Theatre Association, the ceremony, the first of its kind in Nigeria, reminded the people about the heroic contributions of freedom fighters in United States who paid the supreme price.

The celebration was initiated by the American historian, Carter Woodson, in 1926.

At the ceremony, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola revisited the United Nations Charter on the Rights of Man and Freedom. Represented by the Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism Commissioner Sikiru Adetona, the governor charged Nigerians to defend their rights at all times.

Aregbesola also called for good governance, urging the government to provide the basic amenities for the people.

He said: “Every man has the inalienable rights to freedom, the right to the good things of life, the right to associate, and the rights be protected”.

Former Lagos State Military Governor Nduibisi Kanu, who witnessed the event, lamented that the legacies of the black man are not honoured.

He said: “We are here at the Freedom Park to celebrate because the people are still moving on in the face of the numerous challenges. It is very significant because it is taking place at the Freedom Park, the venue which had served as the detention camp for those on death rolls.But with the new name, Freedom Park, Nigeria must be free in all ramifications. “ Former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) National Secretary Ayo Opadokun urged the government to provide basic needs for the people. He said: “Nigeria has the capacity to become one of the world’s best, but because the laws are lopsided and are not stridently applied, funds are misappropriated. Those behind it have not been adequately sanctioned, hence, corruption is prevalent in the land”.

Opadokun said Nigeria has not been a good example for the black man because it has not managed its affairs properly, 53 years after independence.

He added:“This is a country that has collected over $400 billion in petroleum fund and yet its people are the most wretched in the world. This is a contradiction that cannot be explained and government needs to totally re-order its priority.

“We must appreciate that a lot of damage had been done. When we talk about the youth that they are the leaders of tomorrow, a large portion of them had sold their birthright for anything”.

Chiding the corrupt and inept lead-

W

HY are you contesting for Kano State governorship?

By the grace of God, I have been endorsed by the leaders of the party at all levels for the governorship. They took the decision to effect changes and move the state forward. They believe I am fit for the position. I am contesting because I want Kano State to move forward.

What are those things you will like to achieve or deliver to the people, if you are elected as governor?

The most important thing is for us to restore trust and confidence and re-connect the people with government in Kano State. The governor of Kano State is not expected to behave as a dictator or push things down the throats of the people. Our religion has taught us the virtue of consultation. Therefore, we will adopt a new method of governance by bringing all those whom God have blessed with every kind of knowledge and wisdom closer to enable us formulate government policies and programmes on the principle of consultation and respect for one another.

What are your manifestos?

The people are not feeling the impact of governance in Kano State.

There is gap between the government and people that should be closed. We will try to find ways of changing the thinking and perception of the people about governance.

We will give more priority to this than anything else by changing the way things are done and how people see government. This is greater than providing water, electricity, roads health care and so on. How do we agree that the situation we are in must be corrected? The failure of leadership can create more problems.

Recently, I read in the news that, in Chicago, United States, they had 49 incidences of shooting in just one month. This is a place where there are light, water, good roads, health care and all social amenities, and a social system that is working. But they lack values; good values that will teach them that taking another person’s life is bad, dangerous, inhuman and ungodly. So, if this can

happen in America; a country that is always providing jobs for its people, we must be wiser here by chanhing the peoples’ thoughts, attitudes and perception.

People are saying that you are too young to be governor. What is your reaction?

I don’t think this is an issue at all.

For example, the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi was 38 years old when he became the governor of Kano State. Now, we are in the digital age, where knowledge is at your finger tips with computers, internet and the social media. Also, Alhaji Kabiru Gaya was a governor at 38 years. In fact, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso became the governor when he was a little over 40 in 1999.

Saminu Turaki was 38 and now, I am 45 and from now to the time that the elections will be held, I will be 47 years old, God willing. How old was President Barack Obama when he was first elected in 2008?

What we are talking about now is bigger than age. The important issue is whether the person is competent to fill the vacuum bring about effective government in Kano.

You declared under ANPP at a time the party is merging with other parties to form the APC. Is that not a contradiction?

There is no problem at all. I am in the merger committee that is discussing the issue. By God’s grace, there won’t be any problem. We will merge, and from that time, there will be no ANPP. Now, I am still serving as an elected federal legislator on the platform of the ANPP. We don’t have internal crisis. I don’t have the right to leave the party, based on the provisions of the constitution, until such a time that the new party is registered by the INEC. People are saying that it is too early for you to declare interest in the race. Don’t you think they are right?

People want change. They are in a hurry to effect that change. Do we wait until the eve of elections? No. We can’t have the change in a day or on the eve of the elections. We need to know people and people need to know us. We must be very

Aregbesola, Opadokun call for good governance

T

•Kawu

familiar with ourselves and understand them and the kind of difficulties they are facing as a people so that we we come in, we will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what our people are facing. We will not embark on an emergency arrangement. We are already discussing with people, associations, labour unions, women groups,youths. This will afford them the opportunity to ask us questions and we will learn from them because we are students who are seeking for knowledge at all times.

What has been the response of the people to your aspiration?

The people want change, progress and transformation. They know that we must come out as a people to free ourselves from this bondage. Things have gone from bad to worse; our economy is in shambles, our values as a people have deteriorated. Kano is known for not just commerce, but also Islamic scholarship. From Kurmi Market, people travel to Tripoli in Libya and Gao in Mali for business and scholarship.

The people of Kano are “islamically educated” for more than 700 years.

We have writings of great people of Kano who wrote about their interactions with Libyans, Egyptians and so on. So, we want to bring back that lost value. We want to bring back what made people to respect us. We should reflect on our position for now. According to the UNICEF, literacy is the ability to read and write and over 700 years ago, our people knew how to read and write, using Ajami in Arabic. So, we must go back to those values and merge it with the western education. But now, we are like an upstairs; we have left that which we inherited and have gone to pick another one which we do not really know. Now it is time to make a bridge between the two so that our people will be satisfied.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

ership, he said: “Successive rulers of our country, particularly the military, their surrogates and their fellow confederates, have worsened the plight of the ordinary man in Nigeria.”

The chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, led the people in the solidarity songs at the ceremony.

He spoke on the imperative of the Sovereign National Conference (SNC) where the problems facing the country would be discussed.

He said the 199 Constitution was put in place to serve the narrow interest of the few, adding it cannot adequately guarantee the freedom and rights of the people. He said: “The constitution has never been that of the people; therefore, it will not do what we want; it is meant to serve some peoples’ interest”.

Adewale explained that the ProNational Conference Organisation ( PRONACO)’s position on the national conference has been justified by the development in the country.

He stressed: “I must say that slavery will never leave us alone, until we decide to break the chain of slavery. We would soon be going into another political voyage, which will start with the voter’s register. Many of you will sell your birthright very soon, either for N1000 or a box of matches, rice or salt, as the case may be. To break the chain, you must be determined to follow your conscience and, of course, do what is right”.

A leader of the Ohaneze Cultural Group, Mrs. Kate Onyechere,` expressed sadness that those who were part of the plot to sell their fellow human beings for economic reasons have retarded the growth of the black continent. But she said that no force can stop the black race from emerging in the modern world.

Onyechere added: “We are not happy that we sold our brothers to slavery. That is why we are here today to join in this commemorative celebration of Black History Month in Nigeria. I pray that those who passed on during the slave trade will find a place with God because the white people were harsh in the manner they transported them across the seas”.

Former PRONACO Director of Strategy Comrade Linus Okoroji said this is the time government should come up with plans for the people and purge itself of corrupt tendencies.

He doubted, if the country can make progress, unless leaders do away with corruption.

Okoroji said: “A situation where government officials pocket money meant for the development of the country cannot help the country and if corruption persists, it is not in the interest of the country.”

Can power shift to North?

•Continued from page 43

•From left: Comrade Baba Omojola, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, Comrade Fred Agbeyegbe, Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Comrade Ayodele Adewale, during the Celebration of Black History Month in Lagos. PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

ers from the region will not fold their arms and watch things go the way they went last time. Most of the governors are in their last term so they cannot be held to ransom the way they were treated the last time. And if the party feels strongly that the incumbent must return again, then it must be prepared for the backlash,” he said.

However, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, has said that nobody can stop President Jonathan from contesting the 2015 election except by the president’s personal volition. He insisted that his first tenure actually started in May 2011 and not 2010 as often claimed by ignorant and mischievous politicians.

“His tenure would have been abridged if he does not contest in 2015. Yar’Adua was incapacitated and he was naturally allowed to act. The law recognises Jonathan’s first tenure with effect from May 2011 and nothing more.

“If anyone says Jonathan should not contest in 2015, he would have spent only five years. My position is that if Mr. President is not going to contest, let it be on his own volition but let nobody intimidate him out of office for their selfish political reasons.

“If the President decides not run in 2015, so be it, but let no individual or group attempt to deny him his constitutional entitlement. It is not going to happen. Neither APC nor Panadol can stop him”. Can the North stop him this time around? Nigerians are waiting.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Three-year-old Praise-God Olafisoye has a life-threatening ailment. He has a hole in his heart and needs N2.5 million for corrective surgery in India. He has dropped out of school and cannot play with his friends because of the ailment. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

Boy, 3, requires N2.5m to live

H

E is three, an age at which he should be running around with his peers.

Praise-God Olafisoye has no luxury for that because he is in pains from a life threatening ailment. He has a hole in his heart.

At such a tender age, he is shouldering a burden bigger than him.

He cannot play like his mates; he is always confined to a spot to keep him from aggravating the disease.

He needs N2.5million for corrective surgery. But his father, Mr Oluwafemi Olafisoye cannot afford that amount. His carpentry job doesn’t fetch him enough money to feed his family let alone pay his son’s medical bill.

Since he cannot shoulder the responsibility, he is calling on Nigerians to help save his son.

Olafisoye said he was told five months ago that Praise-God has a hole in the heart and that if not operated in time, the boy would die.

He said this is why he is seeking financial help to save his son.

He said: “So far my wife, Nnena and I have only raised N452,365 but this amount is not enough to perform the surgery.”

He said Praise-God cannot play the way he used to before the diagnosis, stressing that for his age he is already frustrated.

Olafisoye said: “Whenever he wants to play rough, I stop him because of his health and that

makes him feel he is a bit different from other children. It would mean the whole world to me to see my son fully recovered. I know he is the kind of child who enjoys being in the company of friends.

“When Praise-God was born, he was hale and hearty; we never noticed any form of illness in him. But after some time, I observed that his head was bigger than before, I told his mum but she thought it was nothing since it did not affect him in any way.

After one and a half years, I started noticing some changes in his body. He started bending down often. He could do that many times in a day. His tongue was becoming blue black and he became lean. His breathing too was faster, most times, than normal and he developed teary eyes with changes in the colour of the pupils of his eyes.

“Praise-God would lose his appetite and often refuse to eat.

Whenever this happens, I usually give him vitamin B complex which helps him to eat. His favourite food is Indomie noodles and egg. I also give him eye drop whenever there are tears in his eyes.”

He said he took him to a Primary Health Care (PHC) centre in Agege area of Lagos State last June where he was referred to the Lagos State University Teaching

Hospital (LASUTH).

“It was there it was discovered that he has a hole in his heart after taking X-ray and doing echocardiograph –test,” he said.

A medical report by the hospital said Praise-God is a three year-old patient of the Paediatric Cardiology Unit of LASUTH, Ikeja.

“He is being managed as a case of Congenital Heart Disease (Tetralogy of fallot). He requires surgical intervention,” the report said.

His father said to maintain the boy’s health, he uses ‘propraniolol’ a drug bought in the hospital but compounded for free.

He said before his son was diagnosed he used to give him ‘Aminopem’ and ‘Gideon blood tonic’.

Olafisoye said Praise-God was a Kg 1 student of Divine Favour Private School in Ogun State before he was stopped due to his ill health.

Olafisoye said his wife is a petty trader who sells provisions, lives at Iyana Abule area of Ogun State with rest of the family.

He said he has made efforts to get financial help from the Lagos State Ministry of Health and Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola but nothing had been forthcoming.

He urged well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations and firms to come to the aid of

• Praise-God

his son.

Olafisoye said an account was opened in his son’s name. Account Name: PraiseGod

Oluwaseun Olafisoye, First Bank: Account Number: 3065255475 or call his father on 07062033976.

What is hole in the heart?

TERM that often conjures up some very obscure images, a hole in the heart is not as uncommon as most people think. The correct terminology for this condition is called septal defect because in patients with a ‘hole in the heart’, the septum (which is the tissue that divides the heart into chambers) develops with a valve-like gap.

In the developing foetus this gap exists in order to maintain the circulation of the baby and usually closes after birth but in some this does not occur and the gap remains open.

A

Causes From left: Medical Director, Dr Kodjo Soroh, Director, Communication and Public Affairs, Mrs Margaret Olele, Country Manager, Dr. Enrico Liggeri, Business Unit Director, Patrick Aja at an event in Lagos

Children now suffer from cancer, says group

C

AN children have cancer?

The answer appears to be yes as many children are said to have been diagnosed of the disease hitherto believe to be peculiar to adults.

According to the Coordinator of Children with Cancer Intervention Initiative (CCII), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mrs Honour Onyebuchukwu, cancer has also become common among children.

According to her, in one hospital alone, no fewer than 25 children are battling with the disease.

Mrs. Onyebuchukwu,who spoke during a road show organised by the NGO to create awareness towards

By Olatunde Odebiyi

children who are battling with cancer, said eight out of them were lost to the disease.

She said:“Our main objective is to assist the children battling with cancer and their parents and guardians in every way we can such as prayers, relieving the financial burden associated with the treatment, counseling and conducting enlightenment programmes through road shows, seminars and workshops.

“Cancer is an environmental disease. Approximately five to 10 per cent of cancer is hereditary, the other 90 to 95 per cent of cancer cases can be attributed to environmental fac-

tors.

“This is why the government has a part to play in developing the environment such that it would make it free of cancer. Government should also provide our hospitals with the needed equipments and finance for effective treatment of cancer.”

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the NGO, Nelson Osang said: “We aim to help parents to know what to look out for in detecting cancer at the early stage in their children. Parents can help their children stay off cancer by watching the food they eat, their life style, what they are exposed to and by making sure any unusual thing noticed in their body is reported to a doctor immediately.”

Although there is no known exact cause for the problem occurring it is thought there is a connection between the expectant mother having had German measles or if the pregnant person has developed a condition called toxoplasmosis after having contact with infected cat excrement.

In many cases, however, no cause is ever found and it is simply something that occurs as the baby grows. that is why it is known as a congenital condition.

Treatment The range of treatment depends upon how the individual is managing the problem. As

many people are unaware they have the condition it is not always necessary to treat it and the treatment may cause more damage or offer more risk than simply leaving it alone.

In small babies and youngsters the hole often closes as the person matures whilst others will find they are suffering more with their breathing as they age and will discuss with a specialist which course of treatment willwww.nhlbi.nih.gov work for them.

•Culled from Sometimes, the treatment will involve the use of a catheter (narrow but long tube) being fed into the circulatory system via an incision in your leg or groin. This catheter is guided to the defect following which a small device like an umbrella is inserted and opened which is placed over the defect. This is often the best form of treatment but may not be effective for everyone.

Surgery is frequently an option and involves a major operation in which a graft is placed over the defect and effectively closes the gap.

If major surgery is the only option it is important that the patient is in otherwise good health to ensure effective and speedy recovery.

A hole in the heart may be a potential problem in the future and depends on the location and severity of the defect but for many it causes no major problems and will not need treating.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

46

HEALTH

Doctors, pharmacists, others disagree on Health Bill

D

OCTORS, pharmacists and other stakeholders have disagreed over the propriety of the National Health Bill (NHB), which has passed second reading in the National Assembly.

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) is backing the bill, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), among others are against the bill.

PSN and others are calling for the bill’s amendment before passage. The bill, they said, favours medical doctors than other professionals.

PSN enjoined the National Assembly to amend Section 1(1), Section 6(2) (f), (g) and (h), Section 9(2) (a) and Section 13 to make room for a law that protects the interest of all and ultimately serve the public interest.

Its President, Mr Olumide Akintayo, said the Federal Ministry of Health must be compelled to exercise its supervisory functions over agencies of the Federal Government under it, especially National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He said: “We have no hesitation that Nigeria deserves a Health Act but such Acts of Parliament must be packaged to be time tested by removing all ten-

•President Goodluck Jonathan

dencies to confine requisite personnel permanently to "Senior" and "Junior" partners in endeavours that should revolve around a team spirit."

AMLSN described the bill as controversial and unacceptable.

Its Lagos State branch chairman, Mr Olawale Oladubu, said: "If the argumen ts in the Senate, at the public hearing, was anything to go by, the bill will be not implementable, especially if the views expressed by stakeholders are not adequately documented in the proposed law."

Oladubu said statistics showed that of the 66 clauses in the bill, 48 attracted heavy criticisms

•Senate President David Mark

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-mustapha and Wale Adepoju

from the stakeholders.

"For instance, Section 53 of the bill provides that only medical practitioners are eligible to take blood samples from patients.

Such provision relegated medical practitioners who are trained for higher career challenges and positioned for technological advancements, and should therefore be reviewed," he added.

Dr Olalekan Olubajo of National Primary HealthCare Development Agency (NPHCDA), said: "It is a bill of inclusion, which is aimed at protecting and prioritising the rights of Nigeri-

•Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu

ans to get basic minimum package of health care. For instance, there is no protection for anybody who is involved in a motor accident when brought to any health facility if such cannot pay.

But with the passage of the NHB, such accident victims can receive free health care and by so doing lives are saved.

NMA President Dr Osahon Enabulele, said NHB has provided a framework for the regulation, development and management of a national health system, adding: "It sets standards for the provision of health services in the federation, and other matters connected therewith."

Enabulele said the National Assembly’s failure to pass the bill would worsen limit access to health care services, especially at the primary health care level.

He said: "Indeed, the National Health Bill, 2012 substantially captures the legitimate aspirations of Nigerians for greatly improved access to quality health care services; indeed aside from engendering an equitable health care system, the bill seeks to ensure that no Nigerian, particularly the rural poor, dies as a result of his inability to pay for health care services, including medical care for emergencies, accident and gunshot injury victims.”

He said the passage of the bill would address medical tourism through which Nigeria loses over $500 million yearly.

The Civil Society Organisation (CSO) want the National Assembly to remove what they described as offensive sections of the NHB 2008 that are replicated in the NHB 2012.

The CSOs are opposed to provisions of the bill, which it said encourage abortion, cloning and giving the Health Minister absolute powers over human embryos and other matters.

Their spokesperson, Sonnie Ekwowusi, said except the contentious sections were removed, the NHB may not achieve its ultimate goal of providing adequate health care for the people.

Firm introduces bottle water

N

ESTLE Nigeria Plc has launched New Nestle PURE LIFE, a five-litre bottle water to provide healthy hydration solutions for people.

Its Country Business Manager, Adewale Ojo said the company provides quality drinking water with the right balance of essential minerals for a healthy life. He said the bulk format of the water is the first of its kind in the country.

“Nestle PURE LIFE is guaranteed by a specific production process carried out under strict hygienic conditions which ensures that the quality of the water is preserved up to the place of purchase and is highly nutritious helping Nigerians make a healthy life choice,” he said. Manag-

By Olatunde Odebiyi

ing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Nigeria Plc Martin Woolnough said the company is committed to the health of Nigerians, stressing that its business unit will always come up with more ways to serve the people better. He said water boosts immunity and quenches thirst.

He said the company is committed to the healthy life of the people, adding that water was needed to stay healthy. President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Nnam represented by Dr. Brai Bartlo said: “For us to be at our optimum capacity in life, we need water as water is one of the three most important things. Air and food are the others.”

Pfizer receives EU approval on vaccine

P •Mr Martin Woolnough, MD/CEO, Nestle Nigeria Plc (middle) during the launch of Nestle five-litre bottle water. With him are Dr Batholomew Brai, a Research Fellow at Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and Ojo.

Concerns over low stock of blood

T

HERE is a growing concern over low stock of blood in the country.

According to Dr Nicholas Ohaya, President, HealthCare Ministry of St Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos, the response to voluntary blood donation is still very low because people are afraid that the screening might leave a disease in their blood.

Ohaya, at a blood donation drive organised by the church and Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), said blood donation “is safe.” People should not be afraid of the exercise, he said.

He said the gesture is to help the people in need of blood to survive.

A donor, Mr Patric Julius, said he donated his blood to save lives.

Mr. Samuel Ihebinike, who is making his fifth donation, said the exercise is a way of helping others.

He said anybody could need blood at any time. Miss Amaka Okwonkwo, another donor,

By Olatunde Odebiyi

said there is no cause for fear in blood donation because every donor will be tested before their blood is taken.

In a related event, the President of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos State University, College of Medicine (LASUCOM) chapter, Abdul-Wahab Egberongbe said mortality rate is increasing in Nigeria, but it can be reduced if Nigerians imbibe the culture of nonremunetated voluntary blood donation. “Many Nigerians are dead because they need blood to remain alive and could not get a donor. If all Nigerians donate blood regularly, there would be enough blood in the blood bank at all times, thus death arising from non availability of blood would reduce,” he said.

He spoke at a blood donor drive organised by the LSBTS and the Muslim Student Society at LASUCOM, Ikeja.

He said no fewer than 63 people donated blood, adding that his society’s partnership with the blood transfusion service was informed by the need to assist accident victims and other people who need blood to survive and also to support the Lagos State government to achieve its goal of getting adequate blood in its blood bank.

The president, however, called on corporate bodies, educational institutions, religious bodies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) and well meaning Nigerians to partner with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service in its blood donor drive as the agency cannot get enough voluntary blood donors without the support of everybody.

A donor, Damilola Bashua, a 400 level student stated that one of the reasons she is studying medicine is to save live through blood donation, to put smiles on people’s faces and above all the medical profession is to save lives.

HARMACEUTICAL giant, Pfizer incorporation has received the European Commission’s approval to expand the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine [13-valent, adsorbed]) to older children and adolescents from six to 17 years for the prevention of pneumococcal disease The company made this known in New York.

According to the company, children in this age group who have not previously received this vaccine may receive a single dose of the vaccine.

Its chief scientific officer, Vaccine Research, Emilio Emini said: “Pneumo-

coccal conjugate vaccine has been administered to millions of infants and young children across the world and helps protect against the often fatal effects of pneumococcal disease.

He added: “As the global leader in pneumococcal disease prevention, Pfizer continues to study the use of this life-saving vaccine across all ages.”

The European Commission’s decision to approve this expanded indication followed submission and review of a Phase 3, open-label trial of the vaccine in 592 healthy children and adolescents, including those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma (17.4 per cent of the study population).

‘Patronise local HIV/AIDS drugs’

T

HE Federal Government has been urged to patronise indigenous anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs as there are over 12 companies who can adequately meet the demand.

Managing Director, Tyonex Group, Emmanuel Agba made this call while donating some drugs to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), under their umbrella group, Network of Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN).

He said some of those companies have met WHO pre-qualification, have technical know-how and access to the raw materials needed, stressing that: “All these are a plus to the pharma-

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

ceutical industry, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mr President, health and economy development ministers, the pharmaceutical industry can satisfactorily met the ARV demands of this country.”

He said by patronising the indigenous pharmaceutical companies, it can boost job creation. “For no one creates jobs by importing drugs from places, such as India, China and the likes. It is good that some indigenous companies have obtained the WHO pre-qualification and government should encourage them,” Agba added.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

47

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Shell makes $1.7b from upstream divestment T

HE Royal Dutch Shell raked in $1.7 billion from divested upstream assets in the fourth quarter of last year while $7 billion was realised from the total upstream divestments.

In its fourth quarter and full year financial report, the Shell Group said the revenues were realised from the divested assets in the Niger Delta, Gulf of Mexico and Canada It said: “Upstream divestment proceeds totalled some $1.7 billion in the fourth quarter 2012. Divestments mainly included Shell’s 30 percent interest in Oil Mining Lease 30 where Shell’s share of production was 11,000 barrels of oil

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

equivalent per day (boe/d) in the Niger Delta, Shell’s 50 per cent interest in the Holstein field, where the company’s share of production was 5,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in the Gulf of Mexico and Shell’s interest in the Seal area, where its share of production was 2,000 boe/d within the Peace River oil sands of Alberta, Canada.”

The report said during the fourth quarter of last year, Shell participated in the Arnhem-1, Pinhoe-1 where it has 50 per cent share in gas discoveries in the outer Exmouth and the Satyr-4 where it

has 25 per cent share in gas discovery in the Gorgon area offshore Australia and the Zabazaba-3 oil discovery offshore Nigeria where it has 50 per cent share.

The report also noted that Shell had successful drilling programmes in liquids-rich shales in North America and coal bed methane in Australia. “As part of its global exploration programme Shell added new acreage positions during the fourth quarter last year, including the Zitong tight-gas block onshore China, deep-water positions in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore New Zealand. New acreage positions were also added offshore Canada, Colombia and Ma-

laysia, onshore Egypt, Russia and in liquids-rich shales in North America.

Proceeds from downstream divestment, according to the report, totalled some $0.2 billion. Divestments mainly included Shell’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) business in Malaysia and the majority of Shell’s shareholding in its downstream businesses in Botswana, Kenya and Namibia, the report said. Therefore, proceeds from the Group’s divestments in upstream and downstream sectors in the last quarter of 2012 were $1.9 billion.

In the downstream also, Shell agreed to acquire Neste Oil Corporation’s network of 105 retail sites in Poland. “The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in 2013,” the company added.

Speaking on the financial report, the Chief Executive Officer, Royal Dutch Shell, Peter Voser, said:

“With the first year of our 20122015 growth targets completed, Shell is on track for plans we set out in early 2012, despite headwinds last year.

“Shell is competitive and innovative. We are delivering a strategy that others can’t easily repeat, with unique skills in technology and integration and a worldwide set of opportunities for new investment.”

Meanwhile, Shell Group’s fourth quarter of last year’s earnings, on a cost of supplies (CCS) basis, were $7.3 billion compared with $6.5 billion in the same quarter a year ago while full year 2012 CCS earnings were $27.0 billion compared with $28.6 billion in 2011.

The report also said that net capital investment for the fourth quarter 2012 was $10.9 billion, bringing the full year 2012 total to $29.8 billion. Capital investment was $12.8 billion for the fourth quarter 2012 and $36.8 billion for the full year.

Local meter manufacturing firm seeks govt’s support N indigenous electricity meter manufacturing firm, MOMAS Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL), has called for the Federal Government’s intervention in that sector to encourage local production and sustenance of such companies.

Its Chairman, Mr Kola Balogun, who spoke in Lagos, appealed to the government to stop the importation of meters to boost patronage of local manufactured meters.

He also sought financial support from the government not just for his company but all meter manufacturing companies in the country to enable the stay in business and create jobs for Nigerians. He also noted that such support would enhance the growth of small and medium scale enterprises.

He explained the imperativeness of government’s intervention noting that the inability of local manufacturers to access fund poses a serious challenge to the manufacturing prospects of the country.

For instance, he noted that MEMMCOL, which is located at Ibafo, Ogun State, has invested over N3 billion on meter manufacturing equipments so as to enhance local production of various types of meters and electrical components and there isn’t appropriate patronage to help keep company well afloat. Government’s support would help local manufacturers improve on their production volumes and quality.

He said: “I feel it is important that Nigeria should stop importing electricity meters so that we can migrate from importing meters to manufacturing of meters of various types in Nigeria. In MEMMCOL alone, we have a production capacity of 50,000 to 100,000 meters monthly. This excludes productions by other companies in same business.”

Apart from inability to access funds from the government and money deposit banks to finance the business, inadequate electricity supply had also contributed nega-

A

•Oil platform

Data, top secret to oil operation, says expert

“T

HE international oil companies (IOCs), independent operators and marginal fields’operators, all have data that are confidential to them when it comes to oil and gas operations. Nobody wants to give out information because of the need to optimise standards. Everybody wants to manage his data in his own way.”

These were the words of the Manager, Geophysical Operations, Petrodata Management Services Limited, Abu Efosa.

He said because oil and gas operation is highly technologydriven, any information is very important to the operators of the industry - both the majors and independents.

“Any information given out by industry operators is as a result of the fact that they believe it would be useful to the public but any data that has to do with inner operations and processes of the oil company are left for the company.

Accessing a company’s data is highly restricted and is dependent on the kind of information one is looking for. Data is very confidential when it comes to oil and gas operations,” he said.

By Ambrose Nnaji

He said operators want their data to remain with them. Consequently, giving out data, he said must be as a result of a relationship and integrity with them over time, which has created the confidence that their data is safe and nobody can have intrusion into it.

These he explained, are part of what they put in place to ensure that any data given out is kept top secret and nobody would have access to it.

“All producing companies have where their hydrocarbon comes from and as such every international oil company that is into exploration has data relating to those processes, if such data is given out to a competitor or another operator, he might use it as an advantage to know the source of oil.

“Technology has made so many things easy that each company has a particular place where it gets oil from and if another company gets access to the technology, it would be able to access your of oil, but this development does not pose much challenges as the geophysical operators basically manage data for the oil and gas companies.

The geophysical companies, however, must have built integrity with the oil companies. The relationship is based on trust that the data given out to you must be kept confidential.”

Efosa said: “Data is key, not only to oil and gas operations but also to the economy. From sector to sector data is very important, it is the backbone of any company and that is why they are treated with a lot of confidentiality.”

Petrodata, he added, is an indigeneous company, which is primarily in the business of storing data and managing them, adding it has been into oil and gas but has now diversified into other sectors including banking, information technology as well class storage.

This, he said, has to do with putting all data, document, seismic, information technology to have backups that can be accessed from any part of the country or world as long as internet services are made available.

He said the class storage services is new in Nigeria but Petrodata management is doing everything possible to getting the public be aware of it, adding that people were yet to embrace it probably because of lack of information.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

tively to the local production, he added. He said his company, which has over N3 billion investments in the sector, was largely supported by the Bank of Industry (BoI).

“Electricity is a major setback in our company. Since the factory was commissioned, there has not been public electricity supply to the factory. We are basically running on generator. This is one of the major complaints of some of our partners over the years because our equipment is very sensitive machine that requires uninterrupted power supply,” he added.

He, however, lauded the government for its effort in improving the power supply across the country but urged the government to extend the electricity supply to the factory.

Balogun said the company commenced production of prepaid meters in October 2012 but shut down in November due to government’s pronouncement of free prepaid meters to Nigerians.

“Government’s earlier pronouncement that supply of prepaid metres should be free to PHCN customers affected our production. Our major challenge is that we have not seen a single order for prepaid meters from the sector since then.

“However, our company is planning to commence full production again because of the reversal of government’s pronouncement and hopefully, there will be a huge demand for meters,” he added.

He said the company initially had a workforce of over 600 but downsized to about 100 last year due to the PHCN’s inability to procure meters. “Our company has developed ultra modern call centres for Power Holding Company of Nigeria’s (PHCN’s) customers across the country to address customers’ complaints across the 11 PHCN distribution companies in Nigeria. This will give customers better service across the nation because it enables them interface with all the electricity distribution companies.

48

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

ENERGY

A

‘Allsort Shop, TCP partnership target 7013MW’

PROJECT called Go Green Nigeria, Light up Nigeria, being undertaken by the Technical Consumer Products Incorporated of United States, world’s largest manufacturer of energy lighting bulbs and a Nigerian company – Allsort Shop Warehouse Limited- will add 7013 megawatts (MW) of power to the grid.

The two companies plan to inject 100 million energy-saving bulbs into the power sector to check undue wastage of the limited power in the country and to save the climate and environment through reduction of carbon emissions from power generating plants.

The partnership’s pilot scheme carried out in Oduduwa community in Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos State showed a tremendous success, which necessitated the drive to apply the initiative nationwide. Similar initiatives had been carried out in other countries including Ghana and have proved to be both successful and sustainable.

The President of Go Green Nigeria Project, Oyebode Oyeneye, a former director in the Federal Ministry of Power, told reporters in Lagos that the project is predicated on the outcome of the Oduduwa research and success story. He said his experience as a power engineer who handled some strategic responsibilities in the power sector, showed the Go Green Nigeria project would significantly complement government’s efforts

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi

and help in achieving the Federal Government’s road map on electricity and its power sector reforms.

This, he said, would be achieved without building new power generation plants, adding that the result is instant and measurable.

On the pilot scheme in Lagos, he said the community was having gross electricity supply challenges and after the partnership conducted study of the community and changed the incandescent lamps with the TCP energy saver bulbs, the supply improved substantially.

He said: “The Oduduwa community was known for very poor electricity supply and as a result could not enjoy power supply because the feeder pillar and fuse of the transformer would cut off on account of overloading of the transformer. It is interesting to note that with injection of just 500 TCP energy saver bulbs in the community the load on the 300kva transformer serving the community dropped from 151 per cent to 131 percent. The amazing thing was the fact that the result was instant, without gestational period as usually experienced in power generation.”

The Chairman of Oduduwa Residents Association, Dr. Onobule, who spoke on the development, said: “We are very delighted on the outcome of the study. The com-

munity is better informed on the need to embrace energy conservation and efficient use of energy. The community is better lit and the transformer has not broken down since the intervention which reduced the load on the community transformer.

“If all the incandescent lamps in the country are replaced with TCP energy saver bulb, the electricity power crisis will come to end. This type of intervention was adopted

by Ghana and today electricity is no longer a challenge to Ghana’s economy and it only distributed six million lamps to end her power crisis. The country saves over $3 million per month and $39 million per annum as a direct benefit of this venture.

“Attaining the goal of distributing 100 million TCP energy saver bulbs through private sectordriven mechanism in the economy

will achieve 7013MW, without building power generation. It will save Nigeria N1.3 trillion over the next 10 years. The project will also mitigate the effects of climate change by avoiding the generation of 101,760,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. This is equivalent to taking 430,000 cars off the road or planting of 17,354,000 trees. This project will impact positively on the economy.

“To facilitate the take-off of the project, he confirmed that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with Technical Consummer Product Inc. on the designing, manufacturing and supply of the 100 million lamps under special arrangement with their partners in Nigeria. This fact was also confirmed on telephone

by Mr Thomas Leucke, the president of TCP for Europe, Middle East and Africa. He said TCP manu-

factures the highest quality energy saver bulbs in the world, adding that their product leave very minimal environmental foot prints.

He said that TCP accounts for over 70 per cent of energy saver bulbs in USA and Canada market.

The company, he said, produces over 1.5 million lamps daily. He also said arrangement is underway with the Go Green Nigeria on recycling disused bulbs.

Oyeneye also said the team is reaching out to relevant agencies of governments and institutions for endorsement, partnership and sponsorship of the project. The distribution of the 100 million lamps is planned for four years and the earlier this initiative is achieved the better for the country, he added.

He said more information on the project can be obtained from its website www.gogreenng.com.

Siemens to install power plant at BUA’s cement

S

IEMENS Limited Nigeria has secured the contract for the BUA Group’s Edo cement factory power plant located at Okpella, Edo State, Nigeria.

The contract, according to Siemens, involves the supply of three units of Siemens Gas Turbines SGT500 manufactured by Siemens Industrial Turbo Machinery AB in Finspang, Sweden.

The project is unique because Siemens will be installing the SGT500 for the first time in Nigeria in its 50 years existence. The SGT-500 turbines are unique for the African

market because they offer flexibilty in optimising investment returns, extremely low maintenance costs, high reliability and limited number of personnel required for their operation and maintenance, Siemens said in a statement.

BUA Group acquired Edo Cement in 2010 and has since then been committed to improving the state of the factory to a world class standard and its move towards backward integration. The contract between the BUA Group and Siemens is to further buttress this commitment.

No plans to relocate flow station, says Pan Ocean

P

AN Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited, operator of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC/Pan Ocean) Joint Venture, said it is relocating any of its flow stations, gas plant or facility.

Its Assistant General Manager, External Relations, Mrs. Edith Okujagu, said contrary to reports, a flow station is immovable.

She said: “The notion that an operational facility like a flow station will be moved from one location to another location is simply not practical. The location of an operational facility is decided on purely technical evaluation to assure the integrity and safety of operations and protect the interest of all stakeholders. We want to assure our neighbouring communities and indeed all stakeholders that Pan Ocean does not have any plan for such undertaking.”

Okujagu assured that the company is at present focused on the long term plan of improving its footprints in the two states - Delta and Edo where it operates.

She noted that Pan Ocean’s continued investment in the gas sector demonstrates the company’s commitments in its operations.

“Pan Ocean has a long term com-

mitment to the Nigerian project, the Nigerian people, and especially the people in the communities in which we do business. We will continue to build on the existing structure in partnership with our neighbouring communities,” she added.

Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited has made significant achievement in its gas initiative in line with Nigeria’s gas aspirations.

Despite the challenges in Nigeria’s gas sector, Pan Ocean has remained focused on its gas utilization project - the Ovade-Ogharefe gas processing facility. It is the largest carbon emission reduction project in sub Saharan Africa.

The first phase of Pan Ocean’s gas utilisation project has capacity to process 130 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. Pan Ocean and NNPC entered into a Gas Supply Aggregation Agreement (GSAA) with the Federal Government of Nigeria for the supply of gas to the Egbin power station.

The company is expanding its presence in the gas sector with the second phase of its Ovade-Ogharefe gas project, which will on completion boost production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other related products.

•From left: Group Managing Director, Verity Geosolutions Limited, Abayomi Adejonwo; Business Development Director, Nkechi Obini and the Management’s Energy, Oil and Gas Consultant, Virgo288 Nigeria Limited, Yahaya Okai, at a forum in Lagos.

Electricity consumers seek more use of MoUs

T

HE Association of Electricity Consumers of Nigeria (AECN) has called for a greater use of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in the power sector signed between the Federal Government and leading international firms when Prof. Bart Nnaji was the Minister of Power.

The AECN President, Chief Gani Makanjuola, made the call in Abuja in response to the recent Joint Development Agreement (JDA) signed in Abuja between athe Global Chairman of General Electric of the United States, Jeff Immet, and the Chairman of Geometric Power Limited of Nigeria, Prof. Nnaji.

The pact also involves the building of a 500 megawatts (MW) of power facility in Aba, Abia State, for $450 million.

Makanjuola commended major Nigerian power sector firms, such as Dangote, Transcorp and Honeywell, for having agreements with GE, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electricity equipment, to use its products in power development.

He said: “Yet commendable as the agreements are, they are a far cry from what the situation should be.

In November 2011, the Federal Ministry of Power signed MoU with GE to assist build power stations to generate 10,000MW in Nigeria.

“In other words, the agreements already signed are nothing near the production of 10,000MW.” Makanjuola, who is also the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Pensioners Welfare Association, reminded investors that “Prof Nnaji within the one year he served as the Minister of Power, was able to get the American Export-Import Bank to provide credit for firms in the Nigerian power sector worth $1.5 billion, the largest amount of credit US EXIM Bank has ever agreed to any sector in Nigeria within one year.

“Both foreign and local firms operating in our electricity sector, which make use of American products and services should quickly tap into the opportunity created by the MoUs with US EXIM Bank.

“The amount this bank has agreed to extend to firms in the Nigerian power sector is a fortune by any standard anywhere, and it is not only big firms like Geometric Power, Transcorp, Honeywell and Dangote which should be reaping the benefits.”

He requested players in the local electricity market not to restrict themselves to American products and services, calling attention to other MoUs, which the Ministry of Power signed with other world leading firms such as Siemens of Germany, Daewoo of South Korea and Electrobrazil of Brazil.

In the MoU with Siemens, said Makanjuola, the German firm would lead a fresh and different effort to build power plants to generate 10,000MW. “It will, in addition, build a workshop in Nigeria, the first time it would build a facility

like this in West Africa, just like GE, which has accepted to build an assembly plant in Nigeria, the first of such plant in Sub Sahara Africa,” he said.

Makanjuola noted that both Electrobrazil and Daewoo have also accepted to assist build 10,000MW power stations in the country. This is a strategic move because it is in the country’s long term interest to diversify its sources of technology and development partnerships.

“Besides, Nigeria as a major campaigner for Southsouth cooperation has to be seen as working for closer economic ties with such fast developing countries as Brazil and South Korea, which inspire it to attain greater development heights,” he added.

He said he has been associated with Geometric Power since 2001 when the company built the first indigenous power station in Abuja before embarking on the 140MW Aba power project which is to be inaugurated next month. He said that research “revealed that most participants in the power sector do not have basic information on how the MoUs could be implemented.”

Makanjuola called for symposia on how to implement the MoUs where members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (NACCIMA) as well as the association of Independent Power Producers of Nigeria would be properly briefed.

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NEWS Court rejects Akingbola’s leave

T

HE Court of Appeal, Civil Division in London presided over by Justice Toulson yesterday rejected former Managing Director of Intercontinental bank, Dr Erastus Akingbola’s application for leave to appeal the Judgment of the High Court of Justice Queen’ Bench Division, The July 31, 2012 judgment found him liable for fraudulent conversion of former Intercontinental Bank’s (now Access Bank Plc) assets and for supervising an unlawful Shares Purchase Scheme which led to the collapse of the former Intercontinental Bank.

The High Court of Justice, London, presided over

by Mr. Justice Burton had delivered Judgment in favour of the bank in the suit instituted by the bank against Dr. Akingbola and others for the recovery of the bank’s assets fraudulently converted.

The Court ordered Dr. Akingbola to refund to the bank, 654 million Pounds Sterling for the losses it suffered.

With the Court of Appeal ruling rejecting Dr. Akingbola’s application for permission to appeal, it is not clear what steps Dr. Akingbola would take to comply with the judgment.

Traffic congestion: Fed Govt to build parks for trailers, tankers

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the Federal Government would build parks for trailers and tankers to check indiscriminate parking on major roads in the country.

Jonathan, who spoke in Abuja at an international conference on road safety management in Africa, organised by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to mark its silver jubilee, said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the incorporation of road safety education in the nation’s school curriculum, while the policy on standard school bus for the country has also

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

been approved.

Jonathan, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said the government had in the last three years increased the capital and overhead budgetary allocations of the FRSC to about 300 per cent, while staff strength had increased by about 40 per cent.

Anyim said government also acceded to the 1949 Vienna and Geneva conventions on road markings and signage to which Nigeria hitherto was not a signatory.

Funeral for Madam Olayanju

A

PROMINENT community, religion and textile dealer in Osogbo, the Osun State capital , Madam Sabitiyu Ori Aran Alake Jadesola Olayanju (nee Ajani) a.k.a Iya Alaso is dead.

A statement by Chief Adetoyese Olayanju said the final funeral comes up

March 2 at Osogbo Grammar School by noon.

The deceased is survived by children, grand children and great grand children, among whom are a retired bank manager Olori Ebi Adegboyega Olayanju, Chief Adetoyese Olayanju, Otun Gbobaniyi of Osogboland and Mrs Idayat Usman.

Dickson hails merger of parties

B

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a welcome development in Nigerian politics.

He said Nigeria is in need of a virile and viable opposition because democracy should be a marketplace of ideas.

The governor said no party should be allowed to dominate Nigeria’s political space, insisting that the merger was the right thing to do.

Dickson spoke at the Government House, Yenagoa.

He said the deepening crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is normal.

The governor said even in the smallest parties; there are differences, maintaining that the self-acclaimed largest party in Africa remained strong.

“We have not seen APC in place. It is still a proposal.

“With my background of active involvement in opposition politics, before I came into PDP, it is a welcome development.

“This country needs virile opposition parties.

“No political party should be allowed to control and dominate the political space in any country or any society.

“This view is not the con-

Again, Bi-Courtney, FAAN disagree over GAT’s management W HO controls the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA2) domestic terminal between Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)?

Both parties are still locked in the battle to control the facility.

Latching on to the decision of an Abuja Federal High Court, the BASL said coast has been cleared for it to take over GAT. The court struck out the suit filed by the Aviation Ministry over the concession of the facility to the firm to develop, manage and recoup its investment over a period of time.

But FAAN reacted yesterday to Bi-Courtney’s claim and said the judgment being referred to by the concessionaire was given in 2007.

Besides, FAAN’ spokesman Mr Yakubu Dati, said the authority had appealed the court’s decision, alleging that Bi-Courtney was misleading the public.

Bi-Courtney’s spokesman Mr Dipo Kehinde disagreed with Dati’s claim, insisting that the Abuja court, presided over by Justice A.R. Mohammed, gave its ruling last Friday.

In the judgment, Justice Mohammed described the suit by the ministry and FAAN as an abuse of the court process.

According to a copy of ruling, Justice Mohammed held that the issues canvassed by the plaintiffs had been conclusively determined by Justice J. Chikere of the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/ ABJ/CJ/50/2009.

Osun monarch Oluwo dies at 80

T

HE Oluwo of Iwoland, Osun State, Oba Ashiru Olatubosun Tadese, Ariwajoye I, is has joined his ancestors. He was 80.

The entire town is now mourning the demise of the monarch who was well loved for forthrightness.

A palace source told The Nation yesterday that Oba Tadese died in the palace late Sunday night after a protracted illness believed to be related to old age.

The source said he would be buried in Iwo today at 10am according to Islamic rites.

He mounted the throne in 1992 after serving as the Chairman of Iwo Local Government between 1979 and 1982 on the platform of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

The late Oluwo had been sick for about five years, but could not actively attend

By Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

public functions in the last two years.

Iwo town, mostly populated by Muslims and known to belong to the progressives in the political turf, witnessed rapid growth and transformation during his 21-year reign.

The Reality Television Service (RTS) a subsidiary of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation which started in the early 1980’s during the late Chief Bola Ige administration as governor of old Oyo State under the name of Television Service of Oyo State was established during his time.

The private University of the Baptist Convention known as Bowen University, Iwo, was established during his reign.

His reign as Oluwo was considered remarkable in the history of the ancient town.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Yenagoa

Ezu River: Relatives recount ordeal

ventional Nigerian political view, but I am not a conventional Nigerian politician.

“Democracy should be a marketplace for ideas. Parties should be the instrument of contest. “ I, personally, welcome the alternative that is being proposed, by way of the APC, but there is a difference between the proposal and the reality of having a party on the ground.”

OME relatives of nine missing members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra State, relived their ordeal in the hands of operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

MASSOB had claimed that nine of its missing members, Basil Ogbu, Michael Ogba, Monday Omogo, Philip Nwamkpa, Ndubuisi Eze,

S

New police chief in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

T

HE Commissioner of Police (CP) in Edo State, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, has vowed to tackle crime.

Adebanjo, who resumed duties yesterday, warned kidnappers and robbers to relocate from the state.

The new CP, who took over from Acting CP Hurdi Muhammad, was Commissioner of Police in-charge of Anti Bomb Unit Force Headquarters Abuja.

He was addressing officers of the Command at the State Police Command headquarters.

Adebanjo said he was aware of the crime situation in the state having served as Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration, Zone 5, Benin City.

He said: “Kidnapping and robbery are the major crimes in Edo State. I was here before as Deputy Commissioner of Police Admin, Zone 5 so I have a good idea of the state.

I will advise robbers and kidnappers to change their ways and be responsible to the society or else they cannot find a home here.

“If they don’t want to change then they should relocate because we will come after them in full force,” he said.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Ebuka Eze, Joseph Udo, Sunday Offor and Obinna Offor, who were arrested on December 7 by a combined team of Army, Police and SSS and handed over to SARS at its state Headquarters, Awkuzu, were among the bodies found in Ezu River.

But the state police command denied the allegation, saying that the names mentioned by MASSOB were not even among its list of suspects.

Addressing reporters in Onitsha, yesterday, the relatives said they traced their loved ones from the Central Police Station (CPS) Onitsha to Onitsha Police Area Command Headquarters and finally to the SARS Headquarters, Awkuzu.

They said the SARS operatives drove them away and refused to allow them see the victims.

The relatives said after chasing them out of SARS headquarters, the operatives told them to go home and never bother to come look for them again.

They appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Peter Obi, the United Nations and human rights bodies to come to their aid.

The court noted that the decision of Justice Chikere in the previous suit, which was instituted by BASL, was binding on all agencies of the Federal Government, including the ministry and FAAN. Quoting from Justice Chikere’s judgment, the court said: “The parties named in the Relief 7 are agents/agencies of the Federal Government. They are agents/agencies of a named principal that is the Federal Government.

“Any order against the known principal binds the agents/agencies.

The agents/agencies stationed and operating at all airports terminal in Lagos State could not have operated without the support or approval of the Federal Government.

“They are therefore restrained, prevented or prohibited from operating scheduled flights in and out

of Lagos State from any airport terminal other than MMA2 or an airport terminal owned/operated by the plaintiff during the concession period as stipulated in the Agreement.”

Spokesman of Bi-Courtney, Mr Dipo Kehinde said: “These decisions have cleared the path for Bi-Courtney to take over the General Aviation Terminal, which was recently renovated by the Federal Government of Nigeria and commissioned on October 22, 2012”.

Dati said Bi-Courtney’s claim was a misinterpretation of a 2007 court judgment, saying FAAN remained the custodian of GAT. According to Dati, there was no way a lower court could have given a ruling in a matter that was pending at the Supreme Court.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Oando assures investors of good dividends

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-2-13

• Equities open negative

O

ANDO Plc has assured investors of high dividends in the years ahead as the application list for the company’s rights issue closes tomorrow.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos at the presentation of the underlying investment rationale of the company to the investing public at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu, said the board and management of the company have put in place strategies that would enhance shareholders’ value.

He explained that the company’s cash flow would improve considerably in the years ahead, which would lead to better cash payouts.

According to him, shareholders did not receive dividends for 2011 due to decision to terminate a management service agreement with Ocean and Oil. The cash used to service that agreement would be retained in the company for shareholders’ benefit.

“By not paying a dividend we were punished, which affected our share price. Going forward, our forecast sees us paying 50 per cent of our earnings as dividends. It is therefore a wise thing for investors to take advantage of our share price, which is grossly undervalued. Our downstream assets would begin to yield significant earnings and this will impact our performance going

By Taofik Salako

forward,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the company would continuously improve on shareholders’ value through optimisation of its balance sheet, reduction in debt and improvement in earnings.

Tinubu urged shareholders and investors to pick up their rights, noting that the net proceeds of N52.94 billion expected from the rights issue would enable the company to executive its growth strategy.

Oando is raising N54.6 billion through a rights issue of 4.55 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo at N12 per share. The rights were pre-allotted on the basis of two new ordinary shares for every ordinary share of 50 kobo each held as at the close of business on October 19, 2012 for Nigeria-registered shareholders and December 28, 2013 for South Africa-registered shareholders.

The rights issue had opened in Nigeria on December 28, 2012 and in South Africa on January 4, 2013. It was scheduled to close in both Nigeria and South Africa on February 6, 2013. However, the rights issue application process was encumbered by nationwide industrial action by retirees of the Nigeria Postal Services (Nipost), which closed down post offices for several days and many public holidays within the period. The application pe-

riod was thus extended till tomorrow February 20, 2013.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market opened with a carry-on of the bearish run, which had coloured the market activities negatively since last week.

The main index, the All Share Index (ASI), and the aggregate market value of all equities at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) witnessed marginal declines with most price changes ending on the downside.

The ASI, the only value-based common index that tracks changes in prices of all quoted companies, slipped by 0.02 per cent from its index on board of 33,258.45 points to 33,251.50 points. Aggregate market worth of all quoted equities also dropped marginally from N10.642 trillion to N10.641 trillion.

With 31 losers to 29 gainers, losses suffered by highly capitalised manufacturing companies compounded the widespread declines in share prices.

Julius Berger Nigeria led the losers with a drop of N5 to close at N61. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria placed second with a loss of N2.75 to close at N52.34. Dangote Cement lost N1.20 to close at N143.80.

Guinness Nigeria dropped by N1 to close at N289 while National Salt Company of Nigeria (Nascon) depreciated by 44 kobo to N9.16 per share.

On the upside, Nestle Nigeria rallied to N860 per share after gathering a gain of N24.77.

Dangote Sugar Refinery rose by 39 kobo to close at N8.80 while BOC Gases inched up by 32 kobo to N6.87.

Total turnover stood at 535.33 million shares valued at N4.16 billion in 6,742 deals.

Unity Bank was the most active stock with a turnover of 106.94 million shares worth N93.78 million in 403 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-2-13

55

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

MONEY LINK Eurobonds rally on growth forecast

NBS: Nigeria’s economy to grow by 6.8% in 2013

T

HE Nigerian economy may expand 6.8 per cent this year, the National Bureau of Statistics has said.

The outlook compares with an estimated growth rate of 6.6 per cent in 2012, the statistics bureau said, and a 6.5 per cent target in the budget presented by President Goodluck Jonathan to Parliament in October.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to nine per cent year-on-year for the month of January, compared with 12 per cent in December.

The economy expanded seven per cent in the fourth quarter, compared with 6.5 per cent in the previous one, the statistics office said, citing provisional estimates.

In the past year, the “nonoil sector was affected by the

T

•Inflation eases to nine per cent Stories by Collins Nweze

incidence of flooding, as well as muted consumer demand for the most part of the year” in industries including wholesale and retail and telecommunications, the bureau said in e-mailed statement. “Infrastructure challenges still hampered manufacturing.”

While the growth forecast for this year “is modestly below the multi-year trend recorded in Nigeria,” the 6.8 percent forecast “would still be robust” compared with other African and emergingmarket countries and with global standards, Samir Gadio, a London-based emergingmarkets strategist at Standard

Bank Plc, wrote in an e-mailed reply to questions yesterday.

“What really matters is the pace of structural reforms that would allow Nigeria to unlock her investment and economic potential,” he said.

“Clearly the key challenge is to achieve a growth model that ensures structural transformation and makes the elevated growth rates more relevant for the Nigerian population.”

Inflation is forecast to average 9.8 per cent this year, the statistics office said. The rate fell to nine per cent in January from 12 per cent in the previous month. It is forecast to drop to 9.5 per cent next year, 9.8 per cent in 2015 and 10 per

•Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

cent in 2016, the agency said.

“These trends are premised on the assumptions that the monetary authorities will continue to pursue, as in 2012, managed tightening of monetary policies and stable fuel prices,” the statistics office said.

On inflation, Cordos Capital, said, speculation of a possible decline to single-digits affected the market in the week leading up to this announcement.

HE $500 million of Eurobond yields rallied for the first time in five days after a forecast that the Nigeria’s economic growth will accelerate this year and as foreign-exchange reserves increased. Bloomberg report said borrowing costs on dollar debt due January 2021 declined three basis points to 4.370 per cent even as the naira slipped less than 0.1 per cent to 157.35 a dollar.

It said Nigeria’s economy will probably expand 6.8 per cent this year compared with growth of 6.6 per cent in 2012, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

The foreign-currency reserves have advanced six per cent this year to $46.68 billion, the highest since at least 2010, according to February 14 data compiled by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“With rising gross domestic product and external reserves as well as decelerating inflation rate, the outlook for the Nigerian economy remains favorable,” Sewa Wusu, analyst at Lagos-based Sterling Capital Ltd., said by phone.

The nation’s inflation rate fell to nine per cent in January from 12 per cent in December, the statistics bureau said. The yield on the country’s 16.39 per cent domestic bonds due January 2022 declined six basis points to 10.78 per cent in the secondary market, according to February 15 data compiled on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website.

Ghana’s cedi declined 0.2 percent to 1.8985 per dollar in Accra, the capital.

‘Mainstreet Bank’s CEO not suspended’

T

HE management of Mainstreet Bank Limited has described as false, a report in one of the dailies, that its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs. Faith Tuedor-Matthews was suspended by the Board over alleged misappropriation of funds.

The newspaper had reported yesterday that the lender’s CEO was suspended last week after its board meeting.

But speaking at a press

•AMCON affirms Tuedor-Matthews as GMD briefing held in Lagos yesterday, the Mainstreet Bank boss said she did not transfer any fund abroad as alleged, adding that the report was “untrue and calculated to disparage her reputation.”

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) also said that there was no iota of truth in the report.

The management of the bank, which met in the early hours of yesterday, said its

board of directors is intact, and that “Tuedor-Matthews is and remains the bank’s CEO”.

It described the publication as defamatory, false, malicious and baseless. “The Board of Directors of Maninstreet Bank Limited did not meet last Thursday and there is no allegation of any improper transfer of funds to the private account of any member of our board before the board,” the management said.

It said the Federal Government had committed so much funds into reviving the bank and such, negative report will only create issues of confidence for the lender.

“We don’t have any crisis.

Everything is going on well with the management of the bank,” it said.

The management of the bank also said it has instructed its solicitors to take appropriate action against

FGN BONDS 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

Amount

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

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

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 18-2-13

SYMBOL BAGCO FIDELITYBK WAPIC BOCGAS PORTPAINT JOHNHOLT DANGSUGAR PRESTIGE LIVESTOCK NEM

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

2.55 3.20 1.41 6.55 4.75 1.27 8.41 0.91 2.13 0.95

2.75 3.37 1.48 6.87 4.98 1.33 8.80 0.95 2.22 0.99

CHANGE 0.20 0.17 0.07 0.32 0.23 0.06 0.39 0.04 0.09 0.04

ROYALEX WEMABANK UNITYBNK JBERGER LAWUNION MANSARD GLAXOSMITH AFRIPRUD NEIMETH RTBRISCOE

O/PRICE 1.20 1.53 0.95 66.00 0.60 2.60 55.09 1.86 1.25 2.30

C/PRICE 1.08 1.38 0.86 61.00 0.57 2.47 52.34 1.77 1.19 2.19

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

350m

150m

150m

155.2

2-7-12

350m

138m

138m

155.8

27-6-12

350m

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N) Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

153.0000

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%

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.12 0.15 0.09 5.00 0.03 0.13 2.75 0.09 0.06 0.11

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

LOSERS AS AT 18-2-13

SYMBOL

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

Bank and she has informed us no such meeting held,” Head, Corporate Communication, AMCON, Kayode Lambo, said yesterday.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

•Mrs Tuedor-Matthews

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

the newspaper if it fails to retract the false story. It said that the bank’s customers, staff and members of the general public should disregard the story in its entirety.

Meanwhile, AMCON has reaffirmed Tuedor-Matthews as its MD. “As you know, Mainstreet is one of the banks fully owned by AMCON and we are not aware any such meeting held. There is no record of such a meeting.

“We have further spoken with the MD of Mainstreet

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 136.93 149.46 0.80 1.13 1.02 100.00 1,000.00 1,752.64 14.58 1.39 1.87 10,677.84

9.08 1.00 136.52 149.19 0.78 1.13 1.00 100.00 1,000.00 1,750.44 13.87 1.33 1.80 10,366.76

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

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

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

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2012

07, Aug, 2012

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

56

NEWS BUK to organise special lecture in honour of Jibril From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

B

AYERO University Kano (BUK) will, today, organise a special lecture in honour of Prof. Muhammad Munzali Jibril, who was recently elected as the President, Nigeria Academy of Letters (NAL).

The lecture, entitled: ‘Northern Nigeria Renaissance, the Humanities in the Re-engineering Agenda’, is expected to identify the roles scholars and students of the Humanities can play in reawakening the North, which is facing insecurity and underdevelopment.

Prof. Jibril is the first scholar from the North to be elected as the President of NAL. He is a professor of English language and Linguistics, a former Head of the Department of English and French, ex-Dean, Faculty of Arts and Islamic studies, Dean, Postgraduate Studies and former Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Academics), BUK. He later became the Academic Provost of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna and appointed Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), where he served for five years.

Prof. Jibril was elected as the Secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Letters in 2010, before becoming its President last year.

Echocho heads for Supreme Court

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HE winner of the January 2011 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, Jibrin Isah Echocho, has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the election of Captain Idris Wada and his swearing in as governor of Kogi State.

Echocho is challenging the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which upheld the decision of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which had dismissed his case for lack of jurisdiction.

In an appeal by his counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, the appellant submitted that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it said Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter.

He contended that the crux of the matter is the Supreme Court decision in SC 357/ 2011 delivered on January 27, 2012 vis-a-vis the mandatory provisions of sections 178(2), 180(2)&(2a) and

•Challenges Appeal Court’s decision on Wada From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

287(1) of the constitution.

He submitted that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it held that the core or central issue is the question of jurisdiction, adding that the matter before the lower court was the validity of the governorship election held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State on December 3, 2011 during the pendency of an appeal at the Supreme Court.

Olanipekun also submitted that the Court of Appeal erred in its conclusion and judgment that the appellant’s case was a matter suited for an election tribunal and not the Federal High Court.

He contended that the lower court erred when it held that the appellant’s claim

falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the election tribunal and not the Federal High Court.

According to him, the court came to a wrong conclusion when it held that to determine the first two issues raised by the appellant in his originating summons would only be tantamount to an academic or moot exercise, since the answers to those questions would not confer any right on the appellant.

The appellant claimed that the lower court breached his rights to fair hearing by striking out his appeal on the grounds that the trial court lacked jurisdiction without considering his case and making pronouncement on its merit in the alternative.

In the brief judgment read

by Justice Akomolafe Wil-

son, the Court of Appeal held that by the provisions in Section 255(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 133 of the Electoral Act, the court lacked the jurisdiction and therefore lacked the competence to strike out the suit.

“Any order is tantamount to exercising its coercive power.

“The appeal fails on this ground. It is hereby dismissed.”

Justice Abdu Kafarati, had in his judgment said Echocho lacked the locus standi to initiate the suit, having not participated in the governorship election that brought Wada into power.

Besides, the judge, who said the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit, held that it is a post election matter, which only the election tribunal can adjudicate upon since the election took

place in December and the action was filed in February.

He dismissed the suit for being an abuse of court process and awarded the cost of N100,000 against the plaintiff.

Dissatisfied, Echocho through his counsel, Chief Olanipekun (SAN), approached the Appeal Court, which upheld the decision.

Aliyu appoints SSG, HOS From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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Almakura to implement report on clash •Nasarawa gets chief judge

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OVERNOR Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State has promised to implement the recommendations of a commission of enquiry that investigated the November 2012 Agyaragu mayhem in Jenkwe Local Development Area of the state.

He swore in the new chief judge, Justice Suleiman Umarru Dikko, yesterday.

The governor, who spoke at the Government House, said on November 21, last year, residents of Agyaragu town in Jenkwe Local Development Area were jolted by a communal violence, which resulted in loss of life and property.

He thanked the commission for a good job, saying he would adhere to the recommendations contained in the document.

“While I thank members of the commission for their selfless service search for abducted foreigners, he assured them that government would study the report with a view to implementing the recommendations.

Swearing in the new chief judge, Justice Umarru Dikko yesterday, Governor Almakura said his wealth of experience would help him in the task, adding: “As the head of the judicial arm of government, you are the symbol of fairness, equity, justice and objectivity, which are the qualities a civilised society yearns for.”

Justice Umaru Dikko was first sworn in as the Acting Chief Judge of the state following the retirement of the occupant of the office at the end of last year.

•Wada

•Senator Ganiyu Solomon (second right) presenting medical equipment and drugs for the local government Primary Health Centre (PHC) to the Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale (second left)... yesterday. With them are member, Lagos House of Assembly, Sultan Adeniyi-Adele (left), Oba Onigbanko of Igbanko, Babatunde Lawal (middle) and Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor, Mr. Osinowo Temitope.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

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Labour gives Jang strike notice

CADEMIC and nonacademic staff of Plateau State-owned higher institutions have given the government a notice of strike from next week.

Workers of the six tertiary institutions have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike from February 22 if their salary arrears are not paid.

The Chairman of the workers’ union, Comrade Victor Dawurung, spoke yesterday at a news conference in Jos. He said the strike has become inevitable having exhausted the processes to resolve the issues with their employers.

The union said the gov-

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, JOS

ernment is silent on the 27month salary arrears owed it, stressing that it is a major issue causing discontent. It added that it has appealed to the government several times to no avail.

Dawurung said: “We are worried that while we are trying to address the issues between us and the government, Governor Jang has gone ahead to merge the College of Arts, Science and Technology, Kurgwi with the Plateau State University, Bokkos.

“We view this as a setback in education because this in-

stitution prepares students for university matriculation examination and award certificates to them. It is not a Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) coaching centre as the world is made to believe.

“We doubt government’s intention in the merger plan. The institution is a product of law and it should be allowed to subsist until such law is repealed or amended.

“We also view the merger as government’s plan to reduce the workforce of the institution and lay off our members. We appeal to the government to have a rethink and respect the insti-

tution.”

The Chairman, who also frowned at the declining standard of education in the state, decried what he described as the illegal adjustment of the new salary table by the government, which he said was haphazardly generated from the salary table received from the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He added that the abnormality had not been corrected despite their pleas.

The union urged the government to resolve the lingering issues to avoid a strike.

Northern minorities are marginalised, say Tiv elders HE president of Tiv Elders Forum(TEF) and exFederal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Chief Abu King Shuluwa, has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of abandoning Northern minorities, who massively voted for him in the last election.

Addressing a news conference in his Makurdi home, Shuluwa said if President Jonathan failed to address the imbalance, northern minority would not support him in 2015.

Chief Shuluwa, who is a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said apart from Labaran

T

From uja Emmanuel,makurdi

Maku, there is no other person from the northern minority in a position of authority.

According to him, the Tiv are marginalised to the extent that despite Benue being the food basket of the nation, there is no electricity or federal presence in the state, while projects estimated at billions of Naira are ongoing in the Niger Delta.

Apart from the Tiv, the Yoruba have also accused President Jonathan of marginalisation in political appointements.

IGER State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has announced the appointment of a new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Head of Service (HOS) and Chief of Staff (COS).

The appointment is in line with the reshuffling of Aliyu’s exco.

A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, said the governor has appointed a former Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Idris Saidu Ndako, as the new SSG. The Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Law Reform Commission, Abbas Bello, a lawyer, has been appointed as the new HOS. The new COS, Government House, Mr. Joshua Bawa, was the Director-General in charge of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office. A former member of the Niger State House of Assembly, Mohammed Saba Usman, has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Governor’s Office.

According to the statement, the changes are made to strengthen and reposition the Governor Aliyu administration for enhanced service delivery and attainment of Vision 20: 2020.

Kogi indigenes warned

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NON-GOVERNMENT organisation (NGO) in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Mosum Democratic Congress, has urged the indigenes to be wary of mischief makers, who alleged that there is confusion in the zoning arrangement of the local government.

The NGO said there was no confusion in the zoning of political offices in the local government.

Mosum Democratic Congress, in a statement issued yesterday in Lokoja and signed by its President, Mr. Muhammed Katanga, noted that the allegation that BassaNge, one of the three districts, was maginalised, was not true.

The NGO said since the creation of the local government in 1976, Bassa-Nge and Bassa Kwomu have produced nine chairmen each, while Egbira Mosum has produced three, which was why the leaders agreed to zone the chairmanship to the district.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

NEWS

Maina loses another bid to stop arrest

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OR the second time in four days, the Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force (PRTF), Mr. AbdulRasheed Maina, yesterday lost another opportunity to seek court’s protection against his arrest.

Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, said he no longer has the power to protect Maina from arrest or any action against him by Senate President David Mark; the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Abubakar; and others for issuing a bench warrant against him.

Others are the senate, the clerk of the Senate, the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service and its chairman, Senator Aloysius Etok; and the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration and its chairman, Senator Kabiru Gaya.

Justice Bello declined the oral application for status quo moved by his counsel, Mahmud Magaji (SAN).

Magaji had prayed the court to hold that the staus quo be maintained and that no practical steps be taken as parties have submitted themselves to court for adjudication.

But Ken Ikonne who is the counsel to Mark, the senate, its committees and chairmen urged the court to reject the application as the were no materials placed before the court to warrant it.

He argued that the discretion of the court cannot be granted in a vacuum.

Besides, he contended that the Judge had become functus officio having rejected a similar ap-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

plication, adding that “your lordship cannot sit on appeal on your decision”.

“Granting it will be unjudicious and unjudicial”.

Counsel to the IG, Ngosor Uchegbu, aligned with the objection.

Ruling, Justice Bello agreed that the court had become functus officio.

“I can’t sit on appeal over my own ruling. Only the Coirt of Appeal can now deal with that refusal by me to grant that order.

The judge, however, did not rule out the possibilities of descending on any party that took an action that could affect the matter.

“Having said that, it will not be out of place to state that parties who take any action when a suit is pending after they submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the court stand the risk of the action being set aside.

I say no more on this matter”, Justice Bello added.

Before adjourning till February 26 for adoption of motion, the Judge gave the Respondents the days to file their counter-affidavit, written addresses and memorandum of conditional appearance.

He gave the Plaintiff three days to reply on points of law.

Justice Bello had last Friday dismissed Maina’s motion exparte seeking interim orders of injunction against the Senate President, David Mark; the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Abubakar and others for issuing a bench warrant against him.

The Exparte application was brought pursuant to Sections 46(3) and 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution, and Order 4 Rule 4(c) of the Fundamental Human Right Enforcement Act. It was supported by a nine-paragraph affidavit of urgency.

Moving the motion, Mogaji recalled that a duly filed motion on notice for the enforcement of his client’s human rights had been served on parties but noted that the Defendants are acting in breach of the suit.

According to him, once a suit has been filed, all parties must maintain that nothing is done to destroy the subject matter of the case.

Mahmud submitted that the conduct of the defendants through constant threats and steps taken had injected fear into Maina’s mind, which led to the application.

Dismissing it, Justice Bello said the Application was belated and offended the Rules of the Court.

The Judge noted that the Senior Advocate had commented on the exparte application in a television interview on Thursday and even mentioned his (Justice Bello) name as the Judge hearing it when it was not supposed to be in the public domain.

The Judge said, “I must say that the conduct of the learned senior counsel in the circumstance is inappropriate. By leaking the hearing of the exparte application to the general public, he has wittingly or unwittingly converted the motion exparte to a motion in notice, the fore deprive this court

the discretion to grant the interim orders of injunction.

“On this whole alone, the application cannot be granted.

Relying on Order 4 Rule 4c of the Fundamental Rights of Enforcement Procedure Rukes 2009 does not assist the applicant because Rule 4c cannot be read in isolation of Rule 3 of the same order which provides that the court may if satisfied that exceptional hardship may be caused on the applicant before the service of the Applicant motion on notice especially when the life or liberty of the Applicant is involved.

“Any exparte motion for interim reliefs under the Fundamental Rights of Enforcement especially under Order 4 must be filed before the service of the main application for the enforcement of the Applicant’s Fundamental Rights and not after service.

“It is too late in the day to approach the court under Order 4. If there was any urgency in the matter, that urgency was lost when the Applicant filed and served his motion on notice on the Respondents without filing the exparte application to seek the interim reliefs. It is trite law that self induced urgency is not a basis upon which interim orders of injunction are granted.

“Consequently, in view of all he reasons is stated, I decline to grant the interim orders sought by the Applicant. Let him await the hearing of the motion on notice which is fixed for Monday 18th so that other parties could be heard on merit”, Justice Bello added.

Maina was recently declared

wanted by the Police Headquarters following an arrest warrant personally signed by Mark because he refused to honour the Senate’s invitation to defend himself over alleged pension fraud.

In the substantive suit, Maina is seeking an order setting aside the warrant of arrest issued by the IG against him on Febraury 2, following a resolution by the Senate.

•Maina

Tukur battles Chikwe, others Continued from page 2

that even if the PDP withdrew as a party to the suit, that action does not invalidate the ruling of the Court of Appeal which granted a stay of execution of the Federal High Court judgment. According to S.287 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the ruling of a superior court supersedes the decision of a lower court,” the source said.

NWC members have also questioned the propriety of going to Tukur’s Wuse II, Abuja home for official meet-

ings.

NWC meetings have hardly formed a quorum, following the removal of Oyinlola.

“Decisions concerning PDP are now taken at Tukur’s Wuse II residence with his special advisers running a parallel National Working Committee,” another source said.

Responding to a question, the source added: “President Goodluck Jonathan is in the picture of the situation of things; he is likely to intervene in the crisis any moment from now.”

Anti-Salami’s suit suffers setback Continued from page 2

Describing the Plaintiff as a busy-body in the judgment, Justuce Kafarati had held that the NJC needed no interference of his to resolve its issues.

“The issue of reinstatement of Justice Salami can be decided without the presence of the Plaintiff. To me, the Plaintiff

has no work to do; he has no work to do.”

“The second Defendant (Uwais Reform Committee), is not a legal person. The committee having been dissolved and not being a creation of the law, the name is hereby struck out from the suit. The case of the lacks no merit; it is accordingly dismissed.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

One killed, policeman injured as

•Sympathisers at the scene. Inset:

•Part of the wreckage caused by the explosion yesterday. Inset: A victim covered with blood

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N Explosion yesterday rocked FESTAC Town, a Lagos suburb, killing one person, and injuring a policeman and others.

The late Pius Oladele, who was chairman of the Sand Dredgers’ Association, killed barely 10 minutes after he returned from an outing with a police officer.

The explosive was said to have been planted near a place under the FESTAC-Mile 2 Bridge, which he used as office.

Bystanders ran helter-skelter when the explosive went off at noon.

Oladele died on the spot; the policeman was said to have lost his legs and one eye.

A miner and close associate of the late Oladele, Adeola Peters, told reporters that the deceased resumed for work in high spirits.

"He came into this working

By Jude Isiguzo, Miriam EkeneOkoro, Precious Igbonwelundu and Ebele Boniface

place this morning like everyone of us and having parked his white Pathfinder Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration number LSR 957 AZ, he made for his usual position," Peters said.

After about 30 minutes, he said the late chairman received a phone call and drove out. He returned with a policeman.

After settling down in his usual position, the late Oladele was said to have sent a loyalist simply identified as Dogo to buy him a local gin which he shared with his police friend.

Moments after the policeman made to leave, there was a loud deafening explosion, which dismembered Oladele and injured the policeman.

Sources told The Nation that the

It's a mere electrical fault, says Manko

•Manko late Oladele had been chairman of the sand dealers association for

POLICE Chief Umar Manko yesterday allayed fears that the explosion came from a bomb blast.

He told reporters at the Command headquarters, Ikeja, that it was triggered by electrical sparks.

He said: "Contrary to people's fear that it was a bomb blast, it was mere electrical fault at the Amuwo Odofin Bridge. Antibomb experts have been called in to assess the situation and I will be adequately briefed later. From the investigation so

far, it has been revealed that it was not a terrorist attack; not an act of Boko Haram, neither was it a bomb blast.

"I urge Lagos residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear because Lagos remains a peaceful and safe state. It is not a question of letter bomb.

This is not an incident that will attract fear. So, Lagosians should feel free. The state is not under any attack from anywhere. We are investigating the matter and experts will report to me after their investigation."

over 10 years. His long reign, they said, witnessed frequently

leadership tussles.

Dogo, who was still in shock, de-

Shock as boy, 21, dies mysteriously

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HY him? Why Michael?

These are the questions that many who knew him have been asking since his death. Michael Kuti was meek and God-fearing. Those who knew him have been mourning and paying tributes to the lad, who died on February 15. He was 21.

Five days before he died, he worshipped with his colleagues at the Ilupeju, Lagos branch of the Christ Apostolic Mission Church (CAMC), (Oke Igbala), where he had distinguished himself in playing musical instruments like Gangan drum, drum sets, Omele and cord.

When the late Michael went to bed on February 14, he had no premonition of death. He lived with his uncle, Elder Olanrewaju Kuti, at 20, Owodunni Street, Ilupeju, Lagos. It was learnt that the late Michael had just con-

•Family, church, friends mourn a 'promising lad'

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

cluded arrangements on his longsought trip abroad.

Sources told The Nation yesterday that the late Michael woke up around 2 am on the fateful day to ease himself. Members of his family woke up to meet his body on the floor.

In shock, the family rushed him to nearby hospital. From there, he was moved to the General Hospital, Somolu. He was subsequently moved to Gbagada General Hospital where he was confirmed dead.

His remains were conveyed to his Sagamu, Ogun State home town for interment. Since his burial, his relations and friends have not ceased wondering what killed him.

Members of his church were

shocked when news of his death was broken on Sunday by Pastor James Olatunde. The cleric described the late Michael as a good Christian who served God through the church. To Pastor Olatunde, "it's God who gives; only He has the power to take."

"We can only pray for the repose of his gentle soul," he added.

Elder Kuti told The Nation that he had accepted his ward’s death as an act of God. He described Michael’s death as "so sudden, shocking and incredible," adding: "He was too good to be lost just like that." His wife, popularly known as Mama Kuti was too shocked to talk when she hosted sympathisers at her home.

Mr. Bisi Adeleye, Baba Lanre and Babatunde Ojo are neighbours of the Kutis. For over 30 minutes yesterday, they

shared their agonies over the late Michael's "unbelievable" departure, amid flood of tributes.

In unison, they described him as not only a respectful, humble, jovial and serviceable boy, but above all, a tireless worker in God's Vineyard. “He would go on any errand for anyone,” said Adeleye.

Late Michael’s brother, Sunday Obasa, echoed the trio's views, describing him as a loyal brother who committed himself to God's work.

Born in 1992 in Sagamu, the late Michael attended Shyllon Primary School and Estate Grammar School, both in Ilupeju.

His parents and siblings, The Nation learnt yesterday, are in Sagamu, trying hard to cope with the reality of the saddening exit of their "promising son."

•The late Kuti

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

59

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

explosion rocks Lagos

C ITYBEATS Diabetic patient docked over dud cheque THE Police in Lagos have arraigned a 63-year-old diabetic patient before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, , for allegedly issuing a dud cheque to his landlady.

Seyi Omolade of 6, Segun Ogunnaike Street, Magodo, was brought before Magistrate O. Hamzat, for issuing a dud cheque of N2million to Mrs. Ngozi Uganeme.

Prosecuting Inspector Roman Unuigbe told the court that the defendant knowingly issued the cheque as arrears of rent owed the complainant. He said the offence was committed on March 15, 2012.

Unigbe said the offence contravened Section 319(b) and is punishable under Section 320 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011. Omolade pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Counsel to the defendant, Terry Adeniji, pleaded for a lenient bail, on the grounds that the defendant is diabetic.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

He said: "Your Honour, this is purely a case of landlord and tenant. The money was arrears of rent owed the landlord. Even at the time of issuing the cheque, the defendant told the landlady not to present it yet in the bank, but she went ahead to do so.

"Going by the defendant's health, I pray this court to grant him bail in most liberal terms."

But the prosecutor maintained that the defendant wanted to defraud the complainant.

Magistrate Hamzat granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in the like sum.

Hamzat said one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the defendant, adding that their addresses must be verified.

The matter was adjourned till March 12.

Ex-NURTW leader alleges threat to life A FORMER executive member of the Ondo State Chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr. Ariyo Adetula, has petitioned the state police command over alleged plan to kill him by the present leaders of the union.

Adetula was allegedly attacked on January 30 along Ondo/Akure Road by some people who were in a convoy of six cars. His alleged attackers were said to have pursued him from Ondo town to Owena Junction.

He was rescued by soldiers at the Bolorunduro Junction who arrested one of the attackers.

Adetula who spoke to reporters in Akure yesterday alleged that the leadership of the NURTW in the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

state was responsible for the attack.

He said: "My life is no longer safe, both at home and inside the town.

My life is in serious danger because the leadership of the NURTW in the state wants me dead.

"I was attacked on January 30 this year by some people who trailed my car from Ondo. If not for the road block mounted by some soldiers, I would have been killed by now. In fact, one of them was arrested by the soldiers while the other members escaped but he was later released" He urged the state police command to investigate the matter to bring those who are after his life to book.

Succour for victims of Agboju market fire Carcass of the exploded item scribed the deceased as "a kind hearted father of five children, with two wives."

At the time of this report, the scene had been cordoned off by armed mobile policemen. Oladele’s body has been deposited at the mortuary. Officials of Lagos state Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were on the scene.

The Commander, Area E Police Command, Dan Okoro, an Assistant Commissioner (ACP), and Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), confirmed the incident.

The Lagos Police Commissioner, Umar Manko, dispelled rumours that the explosion was triggered from a bomb.

NEMA’s Head of Public Relations, Yushau Shuaib said: "People should please not speculate since investigations are on."

Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Comrade Ayodele Adewale expressed shock over the

PHOTOS: MOSES OMOSEHIN AND ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

General, Lagos State, who represented the Iya-Oloja General, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, among others.

Adewale, who urged the traders to be more careful, informed the traders that provision had been made for a modern market for them at 6th Avenue FESTAC, adding that very soon, the traders would be moved to their permanent site with modern facilities.

Hon. Sultan Adeniji-Adele lauded Adewale for the support and pledged to report the incident at the floor of the state Assembly. He implored all to be proactive to avoid such occurrence.

Also, Alhaji Wasiu Atanda praised the council boss for responding to the victims' distress call.

Man remanded for robbing with toy gun •Adewale with some police officers at the scene incident and appealed to residents of the council to remain calm. He also urged residents to

promptly alert the police whenever they observe any strange movement.

Customs officer kills colleague in error

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Deputy Superintendent of Customs have been arrested for allegedly killing another Customs officer during an argument while chasing suspected smugglers along SemeBadagry Expressway.

The suspect, DSC Oseni Musa Tunde attached to the Federal Operations Zone 'A' Ikeja, was said to have led a patrol team comprising eight other officers when the incident occurred at 7:32am on Saturday.

Tunde allegedly shot one of the officers in the patrol team, Baba Mohammed, an Assistant Superintendent (ASC II).

Sources disclosed that the team received information that suspected smugglers were at Celenizar Bus Stop.

The team moved to the place and intercepted two vehicles, a Mercedes Benz Fakar bus and a Passat car, loaded with items suspected to be contranband goods.

It was gathered a disagreement ensued between the officers, during which

THE Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government in Lagos State, Comrade Ayodele Adewale yesterday announced the council's donation of N3 million to support victims of fire that razed Agboju Market in FESTAC last Friday.

Though no life was lost in the inferno that gutted a section of the market, its Iya-Oloja General, Alhaja Osenatu Adebayo, said properties and goods worth several millions of Naira were destroyed. She said the cause of the fire was still unknown.

Among the early callers at the scene were: Comrade Adewale, Hon. Sultan Adeniji Adele, who represents Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, and Alhaji Wasiu Atanda Balogun, Baba Oloja

•Musa

By Jude Isiguzo

Tunde allegedly shot Mohammed, who reportedly died on the spot.

Spokesman to the Federal Opera-

tions Unit, Uche Ejesieme, confirmed the incident, which he said was an “accidental discharge.”

He said: "In their attempt to apprehend the suspects alongside the goods, there was stiff resistance by the suspects which degenerated into a struggle between the officers and the smugglers.

"In the ensuing confusion, a Service pistol in the possession of DSC Oseni Musa Tunde, the team leader, accidentally discharged and hit one of the officers in the team, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs.

"The officer was immediately rushed to Igando General Hospital where the Doctor on duty confirmed him dead", Ejesieme explained in a statement.

He said the exhibits have been transferred to FOU, Zone 'A' Ikeja and Tunde has been handed over to the Police.

AKINYEMI Gbenga, 21, was arraigned yesterday before an Ikeja Magistrate's Court in Lagos for allegedly using a toy gun to rob Juliet Ibekeme of cash and property worth N48, 000.

The defendant, known to be a commercial motorcyclist, was arraigned before Magistrate O. SuleHamzat on two charges of conspiracy and armed robbery.

Prosecuting Inspector Roman Unuigbe told the court that the defendant, a miscreant, committed the offence on January 24 at Charity Bus Stop, Oshodi, around 5am, along with others at large.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Unuigbe said that the defendant, armed with a black toy gun, robbed Ibekeme of one Nokia6070 valued N27, 000; jewellery worth N10, 000; cosmetics valued at N5, 000; and a cash sum of N6, 000.

Unuigbe said the offence contravened Sections 1(2)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision), 2003.

Magistrate Sule-Hamzat remanded the defendant in prison custody pending legal advice from the Director, Public Prosecution (DPP). She adjourned the matter till March 19.

Man charged with N13m theft THE Police in Lagos have charged Ediri Solomon before an Ikeja Magistrate's Court with stealing goods valued at N13 million.

Solomon, 36, is facing a three-count charge before Magistrate O.H. Okunuga.

Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Barth Nwaokoye, told the court that the alleged offence was committed in 2011 at 7, Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA, Ikeja. He said: "The defendant in 2011, obtained spare parts valued at N13 million belonging to Metropolitan Motors Ltd.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

"He did not pay the company for the goods he collected and when the company's accountant, Adekunle Oyemosu, asked for the money, the defendant threatened to deal with him."

Nwaokoye said that the offence contravened Sections 312 and 285(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and Magistrate Okunuga granted him bail in the sum of N1million with two sureties, each in like sum. She adjourned the case till March 25 for trial.

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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FOREIGN NEWS

Hugo Chavez in pre-dawn return from Cuba

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ENEZUELAN President Hugo Chavez made a surprise return from Cuba on Monday more than two months after surgery for cancer that has jeopardized his 14-year rule of the South American OPEC member, according to agency reports.

The 58-year-old socialist leader's homecoming in the middle of the night implies some medical improvement at least enough to handle a flight of several hours - and will inspire supporters' hopes he could return to active rule.

Yet there was no new information on his state, nor images of his arrival, and aides say his condition remains "complex."

Chavez could simply be hoping to quieten political tensions in Venezuela and smooth a transition to Vice President Nicolas Maduro, whom he has urged voters to back should he have to stand down and a new presi-

dential election is held.

"We have arrived back in the Venezuelan fatherland. Thanks, my God! Thanks, my beloved people! Here we will continue the treatment," Chavez said via Twitter after flying in.

After a six-hour operation in Cuba on December 11, Chavez had not been seen or heard in public until photos were published of him on Friday.

There had been speculation Chavez was not well enough to travel despite wanting to return for continued treatment for the disease he was first diagnosed with in mid-2011.

"I remain attached to Christ and trusting in my nurses and doctors," Chavez also tweeted on Monday. "Onwards to victory forever! We will live and we will conquer!"

But Maduro said Chavez flew in at about 2:30 a.m. 0700 GMT) from Havana and was in a military hospital in Caracas, where a crowd quickly gath-

ered, chanting slogans and dancing.

"It's fabulous news, the best thing possible," Chavez's cousin, Guillermo Frias, told Reuters from the president's rural birthplace in Barinas state. "Venezuela was waiting for him, everyone wants to see him. Welcome home!

Thank God he's back!"

Fireworks were set off in some Caracas neighborhoods as news spread and celebrations began among "Chavistas."

Government ministers were jubilant with one singing "He's back, he's back!" live on state TV. They asked Chavez's euphoric supporters to respect the peace of patients at the military hospital, near a hillside shanty-town, where a huge banner of the his face adorned one wall.

Soldiers guarded the installation, while supporters chanted "We are Chavez!" and "He's back, he's back!" At one point, medical staff came out and

asked them to quieten down.

The December operation in Havana was his fourth for Chavez since cancer was first detected in his pelvic area in June 2011.

Officials have emphasized in recent days that Chavez's condition remains delicate. "It's a complex, difficult situation, but Chavez is battling and fighting for his life," Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said during the weekend.

On Friday, the government published photos showing Chavez lying in a hospital. Officials said he was breathing through a tracheal tube and struggling to speak.

Chavez's pre-dawn return was a typical surprise move for the former soldier whose rule has combined constant political theatrics with thundering anti-U.S. rhetoric, tough treatment of opponents and lavish spending of oil revenues on the poor.

NATO kills insurgent behind US soldier's death

A

N Afghan soldier-turned-insurgent who was feted by the Taliban for killing an American soldier during an insider attack in eastern Afghanistan last year has been killed in a raid, the U.S.-led international coalition said on Monday.

NATO identified the insurgent as Mahmood and said that he and an accomplice, identified only as Rashid, died in last Wednesday's operation in eastern Kunar province's Ghaziabad district. No other details were provided.

Mahmood is thought responsible for the May 11 killing of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alejo Thompson, who died during an insider attack on a base in Kunar.

The attack also wounded two American soldiers. Mahmood, in his early 20's and who went only by one name later fled. Thompson, 30, a father of two, was from Yuma, Arizona. He was based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

"Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the death of the two Taliban insider attack facilitators, Mahmood and Rashid, during a security operation in Ghaziabad district, Kunar province, Wednesday," the coalition said in a statement. "Mahmood was responsible for the death of one American service member during the May 11, 2012, insider attack in Kunar province."

It added that "Rashid was Mahmood's associate and a former Afghan National Army soldier who facilitated and assisted with insider attack planning and execution."

Killings by uniformed Afghans of foreign soldiers and civilians rose dra-

Israel to award Obama prestigious medal

I

SRAEL will award President Barack Obama the country's Presidential Medal of Distinction during his upcoming visit.

Israeli President Shimon Peres' office said Monday that Obama will be recognized for his "unique and significant contribution to strengthening the State of Israel and the security of its citizens."

Obama is scheduled to visit Israel in March — his first as president.

Obama has often had a tense relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Jewish state's West Bank settlement policies and the lack of peace process with the Palestinians.

But Peres and the committee behind the award noted Obama's overall friendship and backing of the Iron Dome missile defense system.

Israel's Presidential Medal of Distinction is comparable to the France's "Legion of Honor" or the "Order of Canada."

•Former Taliban militants surrendering their weapons during a ceremony with the Afghan government in Herat, Afghanistan...at the weekend PHOTO: AP

matically last year. According to NATO, so-called insider attacks killed 61 coalition personnel in 45 incidents last year, compared to 35 killed in 21 attacks a year earlier. This tally does not include the Dec. 24 killing of an American civilian adviser by a female member of the Afghan police because an investigation of the reportedly mentally unstable woman is continuing.

In some cases, militants have donned Afghan army or police uniforms to attack foreign troops. And a number of attacks have also been carried out by members of Afghan security forces against their own comrades.

R

Insider attacks have dropped sharply after NATO forces took steps to mitigate them, including having armed "guardian angels" looking over troops as they sleep.

There has been only one insider attack so far this year, the Jan. 7 killing of a British soldier in southern Helmand province by a man in an Afghan army uniform.

Foreign military casualties have sharply decreased as Afghan forces take the lead for security and the coalition takes a back seat. So far this year, eight foreign soldiers have died, including three Americans.

U.S. troop deaths declined overall,

from 404 in 2011 to 295 in 2012. More than 2,000 U.S. troops and nearly 1,100 coalition troops have died in Afghanistan since the U.S. invasion in late 2001.

By comparison, more than 1,200 Afghan soldiers died in 2012 compared to more than 550 in 2011, according to data compiled by the Washington-based Brookings Institution.

There are about 100,000 foreign troops currently in Afghanistan, including about 66,000 from the United States.

President Barack Obama last week announced that he could cut American troop number by 34,000 within a year.

Allied countries are expected to also draw down.

South Africa’s Ramphele launches new party to challenge ANC Five mine workers shot

ESPECTED anti-apartheid activist Mamphela Ramphele launched a new political party on Monday to challenge South Africa’s ruling ANC, saying self-interested and corrupt leaders were threatening the continent’s biggest economy.

Invoking the spirit of Nelson Mandela and the optimism that prevailed at South Africa’s first all-race elections in 1994, Ramphele said the dream of the “Rainbow Nation” was dying under the African National Congress (ANC).

“Our society’s greatness is being undermined by a massive failure of governance,” she said, urging South Africans to “build our nation into the country of our dreams”.

Ramphele, 65, faces a formidable challenge. Although political support for the ANC is weakening 19 years after the end of white-minority rule, it remains an unrivalled political machine and commands a nearly twothirds majority in parliament.

But the medical doctor and former World Bank managing director has the respect of much of the country’s black majority as a partner of Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko, who died

S

OUTH AFRICA Television is reporting five workers were shot on Monday after security guards at an Anglo American Platinum mine in South Africa opened fire following clashes between rival union factions.

The station said it believed one worker at the Siphumelele shaft had been killed.

Union and company officials were not immediately available for comment.

Anglo American Platinum, or Amplats, in January raised the ire of labor and the government when it said it planned to mothball two South African mines, sell another and cut 14,000 jobs.

The world's largest platinum producer was hit by violent strikes last year, sparked in large part by a turf battle between rivals unions for membership.

Amplats shares were down more than 5 percent in afternoon trading.

in 1977 in apartheid police custody.

She was also placed under house arrest for seven years by the apartheid government because of her political work. She has regularly challenged authority and the ANC on its failings.

The new party, which will contest elections due early next year, will be called ‘Agang’, the Sesotho word for “Let us build”.

The ANC “noted” her announcement but said Ramphela’s launch speech, outside the Constitutional

Court in central Johannesburg, offered nothing new.

The 101-year-old liberation movement also dismissed Ramphele’s accusation that it was to blame for income inequality, social violence, failing education and other problems.

“The criticism of the ANC is a failure to acknowledge that many of the challenges were not created by the ANC. It is historical,” party spokesman Keith Khoza said.

Cuban dissident blogger arrives in Brazil

C

UBA'S best-known dissident, blogger Yoani Sanchez, was greeted on Monday by a small group of protesters calling her a CIA agent upon arriving in Brazil, the first stop on a whirlwind tour that will take her to a dozen countries.

A smiling Sanchez brushed off the student demonstrators who sympathize with Cuba's communist government, saying she wished Cubans had the same freedom to protest back home. Sanchez's arrival in Brazil kicked off her first trip abroad since the Cuban government finally granted her a passport after more than 20 refusals in the past five years.

The protesters, about eight leftist students from a local university, shouted "Sell out" and "CIA agent" as Sanchez arrived in the northeastern Brazilian city of Recife, according to a Reuters photographer who was at the airport.

"Viva la democracia! I want that democracy for my country too," she responded.

The Cuban government labels dissidents as mercenaries on the payroll of the United States, its decades-old ideological foe. Sanchez, a 37-year-old Havana resident, has incurred the wrath of Cuba's government for constantly criticizing its communist system in her "Generation Y" blog, www.desdecuba.com/generaciony, and using Twitter to denounce repression.

Sanchez, who was starting an 80-day tour, was granted a passport two weeks ago under Cuba's sweeping immigration reform that went into effect this year. She has won several international prizes for her blogging about life in Cuba but has been unable to collect them until now.

"I am so happy. It has been five years of struggle," Sanchez told local media.

"Unfortunately, in Cuba you are punished for thinking differently.

Opinions against the government have terrible consequences, arbitrary arrests, surveillance," she said in an interview with GloboNews television.

Sanchez's visit touched a political nerve in Brazil, where the left-leaning government of President Dilma Rousseff is often criticized for not taking a more critical stance with Cuba's one-party system and the repression of political dissent there.

LENTEN TALK Rev. Henry O. Adelegan

Theme: Place of His power Text: 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 PAUL, the Apostle, knew that God had opened a great door of opportunity for him but also knew that ‘by arm of flesh shall no man prevail’ (1 Sam 2:9b). The best he could do in the midst of that quagmire was to wait in the place of power. He therefore decided he would not make decisions ‘in the flesh’ but wait till Pentecost - day of His power!

Jesus Christ had given us that template, when after His resurrection He told His disciples to wait for enduement of power from high.

(Acts 1:4,7). When the day of Pentecost was fully come, there was a spiritual explosion that not only changed the disciples but lifted them to a higher platform in their lives and ministries. (Acts 2:1-14).

Even Peter that betrayed Jesus Christ three times was suddenly emboldened by the power of Pentecost.

As you they stay in the place of His power during this season of fasting, you will have an encounter with fresh fire from above and the Almighty God shall change your tongue, appearance, outlook and your story in Jesus’ name Prayer: Eternal God, I stand before you in the place of the power of Pentecost, change my story for your glory in Jesus’ name.

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SPORT EXTRA

Fans mob Emenike at Lagos airport 3SC issues code of conduct N •Eagles star joins team in Spain A •Family, friends stage party in his honour FRICA Cup of Nations (AFCON) highest goal scorer Emmanuel Emenike (MON) was on Sunday night mobbed by fans at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos as he made to catch a flight to Spain for his club’s preseason camp.

The striker arrived at the airport in Lagos, at about 10.30 pm in a BMW X6 car alongside close pal Ameobi Okeke, who is also a former U-17 international based in Russia, with police escort, to begin his pre-trip formalities when fans besieged him for autographs.

The fans, including policemen, other security agents, struggled to take photographs with the Spartak Moscow star. They congratulated him on his feat at the AFCON, thus making it impossible for him to have an easy passage to the departure hall.

A particular fan, Henry Arinze, could not hide his appreciation of Emenike’s contributions to Nigeria’s success, when he hugged the Eagles star for over 10 minutes.

“I came all the way from Apapa just to see him. I was here on Saturday night till 11pm, I saw some of the players going back but I have been waiting to see Emenike; he made me win a bet of N50, 000 against Cote d’ Ivoire that he would score and so it happened,” Arinze said.

An excited Emenike, who gave out cash gifts and football boots to the fans, said: “I am happy for the support and love showed to

me. Though it was expected, which was why I decided to come late to the airport, still you can see how excited the fans are about our success. It shows passion for the game here. My message to them is that I will make them happy anytime I come to represent the country and keep my scoring form for the team.”

NationSport learnt that

By Innocent Amomoh Emenike’s parents celebrated the success of their son by throwing a party in his honour in their home in far Anambra State.

A ccording to his elder brother, Ebuka Emenike, the celebration was organised by his friends and family members to show their support for him for making

F

Garba demands more from Golden Eaglets

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• Emenike celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal at the just concluded AFCON in S/Afica

conjunction with the National Sports Commission (NSC) in Nigeria, which also doubles as the sports ministry, to secure government subvention for the country’s top flight.

The Nigerian finance ministry is also in the picture

of helping the top flight out of its financial doldrums.

Nigeria’s top flight has been mired in crisis including a number of court suits and financial hiccups which the League Management Committee (LMC) inherited.

But the LMC, saddled with

Okey Isima is dead ORMER Green Eagles ace Okey Isima (MON) was pronounced dead in an Abuja hospital yesterday after a brief bout of typhoid fever, NationSport can reveal.

The former Nigeria international, according to close sources, was hale and hearty in the early hours of Monday only to complain of a head-ache and fever at about noon. He was quickly taken to an undisclosed hospital in the nation’s capital at about 1.00pm where the former defender, who played for Nigeria at the 1980 Summer Olympics and was a member of the victorious 1980 African Cup of Nations squad, was pronounced dead.

Reacting to the sudden demise of the 56-year-old, former teammate, Henry Nwosu (MON) told NationSport on phone in an emotion-laden voice that Isima’s demise was a great loss not just to his immediate family, but to the football fraternity and all those that had at one point or the other come in contact with him.

“We are still in shock over Okey’s death. In fact, I’m short of words. He only complained

matches and training, while a player will be fined 5,000 Naira if he is late to training.

Being in possession of cigarettes and alcohol at the club is illegal, while the use of performance-enhancing drugs is an offence.

The players must also be properly dressed at all times.

“Verbal abuse on officials and other players, deliberate distracting, provoking of opponents is not acceptable and permitted; this attracts a fine of 20,000 Naira,” read one of the points on the code of conduct.

•Stops screening of fresh recruits

NPLF to get take-off grant T

HE Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is expected to be handed a takeoff grant by the country’s government soon, supersport.com can report.

It is understood that the NPFL is working in

them proud.

“I don’t regret the day I gave birth to him,” Emenike’s mother was quoted as saying.

“I thank God that I showed him support at the beginning, if not, I would not have been so proud as I am today. Above all, I will give thanks to God Almighty for what He has been doing in his career. I wish him the best of luck and more.”

IGERIA Professional Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars have issued a code of conduct to guide their players and officials in the forthcoming season.

The code of conduct is to ensure the players conduct themselves properly and portray a good image of the club to the outside world.

The code of conduct has specified a fine of 10,000 Naira for players who use abusive language, question referees’ decisions, retaliate during

By Uchenna Ajah of fever and was rushed to hospital, and the next thing was this bad news. However, I have called some of our other colleagues like Sylvanus Okpalla and Christian Chukwu. It is the same feeling across that land as we wait for more information; we can only pray that the good Lord grant his soul a peaceful rest,” the former Golden Eaglets coach added.

Born on August 24, 1956, the young Isima made a career of the round-leather-game as he played for Rangers International FC of Enugu and Green Eagles of Nigeria before a spell in European Leagues.

In his active days, Isima was everything any young footballer would aspire to.

Interestingly, not many knew that the Anambra State-born Isima also trained as a Civil Engineer and proudly advertised himself as ‘Made in America’. He would not waste time in telling whoever cared to listen that he did not derive joy anymore in flamboyant dressing and ostentatious

lifestyle.

While excluding himself from the number of exfootballers in dire need of rehabilitation, Isima disclosed that he was not only a schoolboy millionaire, but that he also built his house while still in secondary school, owned a Mercedes Benz and 505 Peugeot cars in the ’80s. He also drove a Lexus and other state-of-the-art cars in the early 1990s.

running the NPFL and chaired by former Nigerian lawmaker, Nduka Irabor, is to get a developmental grant to help the top flight get underway.

“We still can’t resolve the problem (of title sponsorship) and government is willing to help. We have a smart sports minister coupled with a finance minister who is willing to see how to assist the league since it employs a large number of youth through a developmental grant. Also, the president of the football federation is keen to see the league back in operation.

“This is the reason we didn’t start the league until we were guaranteed that funds were coming from somewhere,” said Irabor.

Last week, the LMC announced a name change for the country’s top flight from the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) also known as the Nigeria Football League to the NPFL. The 2012/13 season of the NPFL is now billed to kick off on March 9 after a number of postponements.

OLDEN EAGLETS’ coach, Manu Garba (MFR), jolted his wards from their rut at the weekend telling them to either shape up or ship out.

The Golden Eaglets resumed camping at their traditional Calabar camp after almost two months of break following their qualification for the African Junior Championship with some obviously struggling with their form. But after two weeks of conditioning and light training, Garba in a frank discussion with the team on Sunday, said only fit and battle-ready players will be picked to represent the country at the forthcoming African Under-17 Championship to be hosted

by Morocco in April.

“The last two weeks have been good and has given us the chance to ascertain the fitness of the players,” Garba said.” Of course, it’s expected that some would have lost some ground but we expect more from them.”

He reiterated that only the best players will eventually be picked from the 30 jostling for the available 21 slots for the continental cadet competition ”Our objective remains the same, to qualify for the World Cup as African champions as such, we are going to pick the best players that would give us the desired result.”

Garba also disclosed that the door is finally shut on the

screening of players for the Morocco-bound Golden Eaglets. Apart from the 30 players officially invited, some uninvited youngsters who came to the Saint Patrick College training ground were given the opportunity to display what they were capable of doing. The 2007 World Cup-winning coach said he is now satisfied with what he has seen because ‘time is no longer on our side.’

“There is no hanky-panky about our team’s selection and that is why we have been transparent enough to allow those uninvited players to train with us,” he said.” But the door is finally closed and hopefully we can do this again after our qualification for the World Cup if we need reinforcement.”

• Garba

We won’t be relegated—MFM coach

T

HE gaffer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club (MFM FC) of Lagos, Fidelis Ilechukwu has stated that his wards will not go on relegation despite the away defeat in Umuahia.

Abia Warriors over the weekend pummeled the Prayer Warriors by three goals to nil in Match Day 9 of the Nigeria National League on Sunday, 17th of February, 2013.

“We will not go on relegation despite this result, I never

expected this scoreline, it really shocked me, but I believe with little time, the team will sit up and get points on away ground, Ilechukwu began. The game against Abia Warriors has come and gone, now I’m looking at the future, that is, the games ahead,” he remarked.

MFM FC have played nine League games and garnered nine points, they maintain the 13th position on the Division B table and would need to improve on their performance to avoid the drop.

Obuh protests non-payment of salary

C • The late Isima

OACH of the Nigeria national U20 football team, the Flying Eagles, John Obuh has returned to the team and will be travelling with the squad to Cairo, Egypt.

Obuh abandoned his players at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to protest the non-payment of his salary by the Nigeria

Football Federation (NFF) on Monday afternoon.

Futaa.com gathered that after much persuasion and promises from the NFF, Obuh decided to rescind his decision and lead the team to Cairo.

The team will play two friendly games in Cairo, Egypt before heading to Tunisia for a three-week training ahead of the Africa

Youth Championship billed for Algeria next month.

Obuh led Nigeria to win the title in South Africa in 2011, and will be out to defend the trophy next month.

The gaffer named a 30-man provisional list for the competition, with four foreign based and 26 home based players included in the squad.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 8

NO.2,405

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘We have seen most Pentecostal churches in Nigeria turned into a family business where the GO and his wife are sole signatories to the Church’s account and the wife taking over on the death of her husband. Was this the way Christ intended his Church?’

WAHEED ODUSILE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

T is just as well that the euphoria that swept the nation following the victory of the national team, the Super Eagles, in the African Cup of Nations soccer competition, has almost run its course. At least, it is being tempered somewhat by a return to the harsh realities of life in Nigeria.

While it lasted, nothing else seemed to matter.The bestial murder of three Korean doctors in Yobe, hard on the heels of the driveby murder of eight nurses administering vaccines to infants in Kano, passed off as just another grim statistic in Boko Haram’s macabre harvest The kerfuffle generated by plans to spend N2.2 billion Naira to build a banquet hall in Aso Rock “befitting” the formerly shoeless boy who now lives there, and N9 billion over and above the projected cost on the vice president’s official residence, might well have occurred in an era long past.

Even the request for N4 billion to build a headquarters for an aberration that calls itself the African First Ladies Peace Mission no longer seemed a grave provocation in a country where police officers are trained and housed in hovels.

“Peace mission my foot,” millions of Nigerians might well be saying in indignation.

What peace missions hasthis unelected and unaccountable conclave of freeloaders undertaken? How many of its members can locate Darfur, Timbuktu, or Potiskum on the map?

How many refugee camps in strife-torn countries have they visited? How many peace talks have they initiated or staged?

How many peace missions has their host and leader who should set an example — how many peace missions has she led to Yobe and Borno and Bauchi and Jos, or for that matter to those communities just outside Abuja that have been ravaged by Boko Haram terror?

To echo novelist Chinua Achebe in another context, they came, they ate, and they went — the so-called First Ladies, that is. And now the Nigerian taxpayer is being asked to finance what is at bottom a monument to the vainglory of their host.

That such a proposal was ever presented before the National Assembly is at once a comment on its mover’s overweening sense of entitlement and utter lack of a sense of proportion and propriety on the one hand, and the gutlessness of the officials who should have told her that the whole thing was flagrantly indecent, given the country’s circumstances.

Maybe that was the Patience Jonathan of a bygone era. The new, resurrected Patience Jonathan should withdraw the request.

The National Assembly will be legislating itself into infamy if it approves this unconscionable proposal. If the proposal clears the Assembly and President Goodluck Jonathan assents to it, he would be saying to Nigerians that gratifying his wife’s delusion of grandeur that seems woven inextricably into his, rates higher on his Administration’s scale of priorities than providing relief for a burgeoning army of jobless university graduates, to cite just one group, in need of urgent remedial action.

While the euphoria lasted, the farce that the National Assembly has been carrying out in

RIPPLES POWER GENERATION TO HIT 10,000MW IN DEC, says Govt

APRIL FOOL in February

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

After AFCON: Getting back to basics

•Victorious Super Eagles with the cup

the name of constitutional review drew scant notice. A thoroughly unreliable poll purportedly reflecting the views of Nigerians on the matter was doing the rounds. So were documents purporting to be a “collation” of the views purportedly expressed by Nigerians at consultative conferences that lasted just several hours during which befuddled attendees were asked to vote yes or no on a narrow range of proposals they played no part in formulating.

Those who crafted that instrument also took it upon themselves to “collate” the results.

“The people”for whom and in whose name the Constitution is being prepared were virtually shut out of the process.Even the British enforcers of the imperial order in Nigeria,

the centennial of whose subjugation of our peoples Abuja is now planning to celebrate on a prodigal scale, accorded their colonial subjects far greater respect than that.

All this, and much more, was swept off the front pages and the headlines and the discussion platforms by the euphoria, the delirious jubilation unleashed by Nigeria’s crowning as Africa soccer champions. It had been 19 years since the national soccer quad last won the trophy. The celebration was therefore understandable.

Reward in cash – in the resilient U.S. dollar and the anaemic Naira- has followed bounteous reward for the players and the coaches who groomed them and the supporting, crew, and so has reward in kind. Members of the team now own choice land in Abuja worth hundreds of millions in Nigeria.

By the time the shower is over, the players will each have amassed from their epic outing a huge and complex property portfolio that nothing has prepared most of them to manage. Some of them may spend much more time thinking of how to handle their fortune than they devote to sharpening their skills. The fortune could turn out to be more of a distraction than an incentive, and some of them may end up wishing it had not happened, at least on that scale.

There is example for it. About two decades ago, The Mac Arthur Foundation’s so-called genius award, designed to free recipients from financial worries so that they can concentrate on their cutting-edge work, went to a young man just out of his teens, a computer geek.

After several weeks, the young man returned the award, worth some $200,000. He said he

HARDBALL

W

ITH a lavish and riveting thanksgiving service and party held on Sunday in Abuja, the First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, has all but guaranteed that her continuing health soap opera will receive high ratings. When she returned home on October 17, 2012 after a seven-week health trip to Germany, Mrs Patience Jonathan told a puzzled airport audience it was all a lie that she received medical care at a popular German hospital. “I was never at that hospital, let alone have a terminal illness,” she deadpanned. At a short reception later, where fawning aides and ministers had gathered to welcome her back, she kept up appearances and continued the evasiveness. She looked pale and lethargic, but on what ailed her or where she went, she maintained a stiff upper lip. It was also okay for us to know, she continued, that she did not have cosmetic surgery because her husband adored her shape. On that day, her reticence and the unwelcoming stare of her tight-lipped husband dissuaded anyone from probing further. Speculations, however, persisted.

But during the November edition of the presidential media chat, and for reasons we may never guess, the president finally and condescendingly decided to open up a little on his wife’s mysterious trip abroad. She travelled for medical reasons, admitted the president. He didn’t give room for anyone to ask why presidential aides lied about her trip. He didn’t also say why as president he refused at the time to say a word on his wife’s trip. All we got from

was spending so much time thinking about what to do with the money that he could no longer concentrate on his work.

To return to the euphoria and the orgy of celebration: To the extent that it gave honour to whom it is due, a rarity in Nigeria, it was unexceptionable.

But it should have been tempered by a sense of proportion. In the excitement of the moment, the Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, was reported to have said that if the Super Eagles won, they would be the first inductees in the projected Hall of Fame.

What of those who came before them? I am thinking of Tesilimi”Thunder” Balogun and Elkanah “Ballington” Onyeali who made their mark in professional soccer in England decades before the current stars and even their officials were born. I am thinking of the team that won the gold at the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos in 1973 and the team that won the Olympic gold medal in Atlanta, not forgetting the teams that had won the African championship in two previous appearances.

If the team were to win the World Cup in Brazil next year, the nation would have to give each player an oil well. And that would be just for starters. Then the government would rush to appropriate the feat in every conceivable way as proof that the system works and that all is well with the nation, and those who claim otherwise be damned.

This was why, in the time of the dictators and usurpers, a good many of our compatriots were indifferent about the outcomes of soccer competitions in which the national team was a strong contender. They wished the boys would do well for the sake of their own playing careers. They did not want to see Nigeria disgraced.

At the same time, they did not grieve it the team lost, because the government would have conscripted the victory to create the illusion of progress and to serve other dubious ends.

In the time of military president Ibrahim Babangida, cup-winning outings of the nation’s soccer teams were advertised as gains of the doomed Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). The debauched Sani Abacha wasted no time in advertising Nigeria’s soccer gold in the Atlanta Olympics as proof, were any still required, that he was the person Nigerians had been yearning for.

Time to get back to basics, then, before the Jonathan Administration pivots the AFCON victory as a dividend of the Transformative Agenda.

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Dame Patience affair: the courage to lie the First Family were Calvinist lectures on life and the hereafter, our inescapable date with death sometime in the future, and the metaphysics of wishing or not wishing someone ill.

Finally, and completely out of the blue, the president organised a thanksgiving service and party on Sunday for his wife, virtually shutting down Abuja, so to say. The purpose was to expatiate on the second chance in life Dame Patience told us on October 17 last year that God had gifted her. Like her waffling aides, she had given the impression she travelled to enjoy a deserved rest. But during the Sunday service, she finally came clean about the health matter, describing in medically bewildering details how she underwent eight or nine surgeries in one month.

Hear her: “People are always afraid of surgery, but in my own case, while my travail (she means ordeal) lasted, I was begging for it (surgery) after the third operation because I was going to the theatre every day. It was God who saw me through. I did eight or nine operations within one month. It was not an easy one.” So, why did she evade a straightforward answer about her health last year? Why was she testy and insinuative when the long-suffering public wanted to know her condition and empathise with her? Alas, we may never know how her mind works.

However, the First Family’s religion is much less inscrutable than their minds. Both the presi-

dent and his wife were unnerved by the superstition that in most cases the First Family often lost a spouse in the State House, with particular reference to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua, Gen Sani Abacha, and perhaps Murtala Mohammed. It was, therefore, necessary to sanctify the seat of power to exorcise spousal tragedy from it, Dame Patience moaned.

It speaks to the Jonathans’ sense of quaint altruism that the cleansing they want for Aso Villa is limited in objective, though it is masqueraded as indispensable to the seat of power. They even seem less interested in learning anything from information management in a modern and complex society than in rebutting the superstition of spousal deaths in the State House. That Dame Patience survived abdominal surgery late last year also seems to underscore the First Family’s religious philosophy that the curse had been broken and naysayers put to shame. As the President fatalistically put it, complete with an implausible exposition on the best time to die, “If anything had happened, there would have been different stories from false prophets, and many other things would have followed. We all know we will all die but the best time to die is not when you are serving your nation.” Really?

What more can anyone say? There is obviously nothing we can do or say to dissuade the president from being distracted or bitter, or from sometimes wandering into, or conniving at, willful inaccuracies.

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