gurdian paper

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,549

N150

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Police seal off Rivers Assembly as row deepens From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt ESPITE the public outrage at the political crisis in Rivers State, it continues to worsen with the police sealing off the state House of Assembly yesterday.

Yesterday too, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka urged President Goodluck Jonathan to check the nation’s crises. He specifically urged Jonathan to stop what he called ‘executive impunity’ in Rivers State.

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• Wole Soyinka seeks end to ‘executive impunity’ • Youths protest, demand recall of suspended lawmakers Soyinka’s statement entitled “Cool it, President Goodluck Jonathan” read: “The increasing flash-points in the nation have reached an unsustainable level, and responsible governance must accept that it is an urgent duty to diminish, not increase

them.

“Even the notoriously short Nigerian memory remains traumatised by recollection of the rape of Anambra that was enabled by the connivance of federal might, and the abandonment of all moral scruples in executive

disposition.

“The people of Ogun State were humiliated by the antics of a power-besotted governor, with their elected legislators locked out of the State Assembly for upwards of a year.

“That hideous travesty was

again made possible by the abusive use of the police.

“Even a child in this nation knows that the police derives its enabling and operational authority from the dictates of the Centre, so there can be no disguising whose will is being executed

wherever democratic norms are flouted and the people’s rights ground to mush under dictatorial heels.

“Before the irretrievable point of escalation is reached, we have a duty to sound a collective alarm, even without the lessons of past violations of constitutional rights and apportionments of elected CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

U.S. team to probe Baga killings From Laolu Akande New York ISTURBED by the alleged magnitude of the Baga crisis which claimed almost 200 lives, the United States (U.S.) government has dispatched a team of State Department officials to meet with top Nigerian government officials this week in Abuja to investigate the development.

While the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Nigerian military of being responsible for the massacre, the Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S., Prof. Ade Adefuye, has stated that the satellite pictures disclosed by the human rights organisation are insufficient to determine who was responsible for the carnage.

In U.S. official circles all through last week, there was also uncertainty as to what to actually believe or which reports were accurate.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Policemen during the sealing off of the Obio Akpor Local Council Secretariat in Rumuodomaya, Rivers State… yesterday.

Govt to withdraw unused routes from airlines

By Wole Shadare LL unutilised regional, domestic and international routes by any airline for two years will be re-allocated to Nigerian carriers that are willing to service the routes, according to the Federal Government.

The implication is that no airline or airlines now have the right to reserve routes for themselves perpetually for “two International Air Transport Association (IATA) sea-

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sons.”

This is coming as the government plans to facilitate the establishment of a “Single/seamless African Sky” concept countrywide with a well-co-ordinated Air Traffic Management System (ATMS).

The planned “Single African sky” would be a replica of the “Single European Sky”, a European Commission initiative by which the design, management and regulation of airspace are co-ordinated throughout the

European Union (EU).

The objective is to provide a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic within its airspace and to co-operate with the aeronautical authorities of adjacent airspaces to co-ordinate the flow of air

traffic.

The major challenge facing Nigeria in the provision of these services, according to the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi and air safety management experts is insufficient funds to

Turai Yar’Adua, FCTA land dispute takes new twist - Page 6 Abductors free Monguno, Shuwa’s suspected killers arrested - Page 6

implement the CNS/ATM System and maintenance of existing facilities.

This underscores the fact that not all is well with air traffic management in Nigeria as experts condemned poor communication in the nation’s airspace.

According to them, various co-operative initiatives have been made to ensure that air navigational services in the country meet international CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

NEWS

Govt to withdraw unused routes from airlines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 standards.

These are contained in the new 2013 National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) unveiled in Abuja last weekend.

Giving the reason for the review, Oduah-Ogiemwonyi stated that the policy review clearly showed that government’s vision for a dynamic, self-sustaining air transport system was achievable.

She also noted that it was evident from the review that the Nigerian aviation sector

should be structured to enable it drive economic growth in Nigeria while remaining globally competitive.

According to the new policy, “Capacity unutilised by an airline for two scheduling periods (two IATA seasons) will be allocated to another Nigerian airline desirous of utilising it unless the airline is in a force majeure situation.”

There are many dormant routes that Nigerian carriers

are not reciprocating due to lack of capacity to compete with foreign carriers like British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, Delta, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, United, Air France and Qatar.

The lack of competition makes these foreign airlines to engage in extra frequencies while Nigeria gets royalties for the extra flights done by these airlines.

The lack of encouragement from Nigerian carriers to re-

ciprocate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) makes the Ministry of Aviation find it extremely difficult to turn down the requests of foreign airlines for more flight rights.

Arik Air is the only airline that seems to be making a headway on the foreign scene, but lacks the capacity to go to many other destinations like Dubai, Paris, Frankfurt, Addis Ababa, aside from London, Johannesburg and New York in which it operates.

U.S. team to probe Baga killings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 For instance, U.S. government spokespersons last week could not directly answer media inquiries on the matter during daily press briefings at the State Department as journalists wanted to know who the U.S. government believed – the HRW or the Nigerian government.

The HRW and widespread western news reports suggested the Nigerian military were more responsible for the carnage, may have exceeded their engagement rules and violated fundamental human rights in the Baga battle.

But the preliminary report of the Nigerian government released also last week hinted that such claims had been exaggerated.

In an interview with The

Guardian at the weekend, the Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S. confirmed that the U.S. government’s team would be meeting in Abuja yesterday with officials of the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Justice Ministry and the National Security Adviser, among others, over the Boko Haram issue and especially the recent Baga battle.

U.S. State Department official spokesperson, Mr. Patrick Ventrell, had earlier indicated late last week that officials of the department’s Democracy and Human Rights Bureau led by Deputy Assistant Secretary, Daniel Baer, would be in Nigeria this week regarding fallouts of the Baga battle.

But Ventrell, the official spokesperson of the U.S. State Department, could not an-

swer categorically when journalists pressed him last week on whose report the U.S. government believed.

U.S. sources hinted that the American government may have decided to send its officials from the Human Rights Bureau to ascertain the situation and also explore options before the Nigerian government in the fight against terrorism in the country.

In fact, Ventrell added last week that the U.S. government “will have a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour who’s going to travel to Abuja to discuss the incident in Baga and broader human rights issues with senior Nigerian officials next week. So we’re going to continue our dialogue with the Nigerian authorities on

this.”

Confirming the visit, Adefuye said the Nigerian Embassy had also met with the U.S. team visiting Nigeria last week to review the situation.

Adefuye said: “When they came here to meet with us at the embassy, we made it clear that the claims on the casualties have been excessively exaggerated.”

Adefuye observed that the satellite pictures while revealing the extent of damage after the Baga battle, could not have possibly determined who was responsible. He stated that the terrorists were responsible for some of the damage in Baga.

Official Nigerian reports had also noted that it was part of the terrorists’ strategy to set the place on fire in such circumstances.

Soyinka wants Jonathan to check nation’s crises CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 representatives of the people, and their consequences. There is an opportunity in Rivers State to break this spiralling culture of executive impunity manifested in both subtle and crude ways - that is fast becoming the norm in a post-military dispensation that fitfully aspires to be called a democracy.”

Hundreds of irate youths stormed the Rivers Assembly complex to demand the restoration of the suspended chairman and 17 councilors of the Obio-Akpor Local Council.

The Rivers State House of Assembly planned to reconvene yesterday, but this was abruptly aborted by the Speaker, Mr. Otelemaba Dan Amachree, who alleged that there was a ploy to stall the sitting of the House through disruptive and violent acts by five members of the House.

Amachree, who alleged that 27 pro-Governor Chibuike Amaechi lawmakers had in recent days been inundated with threats of arrest and assassination had demanded the immediate redeployment of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, out of the state as the government no longer had confidence in his ability to carry out his constitutional duties legally.

But the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Felix Obuah, has described the Speaker’s demand as baseless, reckless and another demonstration of leg-

islative rascality.

As early as 6.00 a.m. yesterday, irate youths stormed the Obio-Akpor secretariat along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, ostensibly to prevent the caretaker committee chairman, Dike Chikordi and other members from accessing their offices. The protestors, who obstructed vehicular movement and chanted anti-Amaechi slogans, also demanded the immediate reinstatement of sacked Obio-Akpor chairman, Timothy Nsirim, his deputy and 17 councillors.

One of the leaders of the protesting youths, Melchizedek Ogonda, told The Guardian that the lawmakers’ action was predicated on political vendetta following an Abuja High Court’s judgment which ousted the pro-Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led state PDP executive of Godspower Ake and the emergence of Obuah as the party chairman.

“Assuming but not conceding that the chairman of Obio-Akpor actually committed the crime they accused him of, there is a process. Section 22 sub-sections 1 and 4 of the Rivers State Assembly Rule is clear on that. There will be a petition which must bear the name of a member and duly signed and then he will have to lay it before the House and the Speaker will then transfer it to the appropriate committee which happens to be Committee on Petition and Public complain,” he said.

Scores of anti-riot police-

men, State Security Service (SSS) operatives and Civil Defence Corps used their vehicles to barricade the Obio-Akpor secretariat main gate. The security agents effectively prevented anyone from gaining access to the secretariat to avoid vandalism of council property.

Piqued that they were denied access to the council secretariat, the youths who assumed that the House of Assembly was to sit yesterday, proceeded to the House of Assembly complex at Moscow Road and invaded the premises which had been sealed off by the security agents. Only five lawmakers who are pro-Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, were present in their offices while the other 27 members had gone to court for a suit challenging their suspension by the Obuahled PDP state executive.

In a statement, the Speaker said some Abuja-based politicians with the collaboration of some politicians and security agencies in the state had hatched a plan to destabilise the state.

“We condemn in very strong terms this planned war of dangerous attritions and actions to destabilise our dear state and destroy its young democracy. We call on the Inspector-General of Police to cause an investigation into these brazen abuses of office and the immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, out of Rivers State as we no longer have confidence in his ability to carry out his constitu-

tional duties legally,” he said.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, warned of a ploy to impeach Amaechi using a minority of the state lawmakers.

Semenitari declared that irrespective of the political crisis rocking the state, Amaechi remained in full control. She said government was aware of few hoodlums and rabblerousers from Khana, Emohua, Etche and some other councils have been recruited to cause mayhem in the state.

“We are aware that people were imagining that it will be possible to attempt a Dariye treatment in Rivers State where they will take just five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly out of 33 members and attempt an impeachment of the Governor of Rivers State. But, this is Rivers State, this is not Plateau State and Nigerians are lot more aware now than they were at that time,” she said.

“This democracy must stand and the people of Rivers State will defend every vote that they have cast for Governor Chibuike Amaechi. So, there is no way it is going to happen that a very tiny insignificant minority in the Rivers State House of Assembly will be able to oust Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi,” she added.

But Obuah yesterday blamed the Speaker for the rumours of planned impeachment of the governor, arrest of government functionaries, and a declaration of state of emergency in the state.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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Jonathan urges African economies to close ranks From Willie Etim, Yenagoa RESIDENT P Jonathan has managers of

Goodluck called on African economies to close ranks as well as formulate policies that would attract critical investments beneficial to one another in order to bolster the individual economies and promote stronger socio-political ties in the continent.

Jonathan spoke in South Africa through his representative and Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Co-ordinator of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the formal opening of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) African regional office in Johannesburg.

The President commended the Bayelsa State government for establishing the BDIC, which he noted, would attract a lot of good things to the state and the country. However, he urged Governor Seriake Dickson to put in place performance indicators to regularly monitor and measure the level of success as well as justify the establishment of the regional office in South Africa.

He further used the occasion to state that the Federal Government, through its transformation agenda, has already initiated programmes to diversify the Nigerian economy and create jobs for the teeming youths.

According to him, apart from the nation’s film industry, which has created so many job opportunities for the youths because of its growth rate as the third largest in the world, government was investing in critical areas such as agriculture and housing, as well as developing the solid minerals sector, among oth-

ers.

On his part, South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma, represented by his Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Hlengiwe Mkhize, expressed satisfaction at his country’s existing political and economic ties with Nigeria, noting that both countries have the potential to provide economic leadership for Africa.

He commended the Bayelsa

State government for establishing the BDIC regional office in South Africa, adding that it would encourage and support various efforts of the outfit to attract investments to Nigeria.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Dickson explained that the establishment of the BDIC was an expression of his government’s determination to broaden and diversify the state’s economy by in-

vesting in critical areas such as tourism, agriculture and the maritime sector, among others.

According to him, his government was convinced that investments in key areas of the economy and the drive by the BDIC would attract investors from strong economies of the world to the state. More so, BDIC will propagate the state’s “enormous potentials for investments in

the overall benefit of governments and peoples, especially in the post-oil era.”

The governor enumerated the boundless potentials and opportunities in the state and called on investors in South Africa and other nations to take advantage of the conducive investment climate in the state.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Managing Director of BDIC, Mr. Tamunoye Alazigha, listed

the task before the establishment to include attracting investors from all major markets and economies around the world, charting a diversified economic base, protecting, stimulating and growing the wealth of all Bayelsans through responsive and sustainable investments that will turn the state into one of the top five economies in Nigeria and Africa.

How to tackle insecurity, by Swiss envoy, others From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin IGERIA’S insecurity problem can be reduced through agriculture, a sector in which a synergy between Abuja and Berne has reached its peak, according to Switzerland’s Ambassador to the country, Mr. Hans Rudolf Hodel.

Speaking with reporters at the end of a two-week capacity-building workshop in agricultural education in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the weekend, Hodel, who is also the Swiss Ambassador to Chad and Niger, said the pendulum of the collaboration has shifted to Nigeria.

However, he noted that insecurity could only be solved by Nigerian authorities, while Switzerland could only help in this regard. Hodel, who spoke at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), cautioned against sensationalism in the media coverage of Nigerian affairs.

Asked whether the country at present was safe to live in, he said: “You are the ones who should know better. I got to Nigeria some eight months ago but we rely heavily on what you tell us about your

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• ‘Nigerians hold key to nation’s better image’ country.

“We can help the authorities to create jobs, encourage education, improve on social fields so that people will be happy and have less tendency towards terrorism and violence.

“Nigeria should improve agriculture and industrial production so that everyone can be economically active to boost the nation’s trade and commerce, with people producing. Industrial production would make people to import less and export to other countries.”

Meanwhile, the Head of the African Union Diaspora Forum, Ambassador Erieka Bennett, has stressed that the nation’s negative image abroad could only be changed

by Nigerians, who should speak well about their nation and project its rich historical and cultural values at every given opportunity.

A statement by the Director of Media, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Mr. Bamidele Salam, said Dr. Bennett made the remarks in a paper entitled “Effective Public Communication: A Global Perspective,” delivered at a workshop organised for Special Assistants (Media) and Directors of Information in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies in

Abuja.

The African-American described Nigeria as a great nation with a potential to play major roles in global economic and political developments.

He advocated a change in the current information management system to encourage proactive engagement between government officials and media stakeholders with a view to telling the Nigerian story in a positive form.

Going by the dynamic nature of the media and communication landscape, Bennett noted, there is the need for constant training and retraining of information officers in government ministries and agencies to equip them with the essential tools of productive public engagement.

She advocated a creative use of the Nigerian film industry by government media managers, declaring that “the Nollywood phenomenon offers exciting, new opportunities for Nigeria to reframe and retell its history, promote dynamic, new selfimage and pride among the Nigerian people.”

Also speaking on the topic, “Security and Information Management in an Emerging Democracy,” the Assistant Director (Public Affairs) in the Department of State Security, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, urged spokesmen to promote public order and

confidence in government by providing regular and detailed information on its programmes and projects in order to check rumour-mongering among the populace.

Speaking earlier on the topic, “The Imperative of Organisational Synergy in Effective Information and Public Coummunication,” the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, whose office organised the workshop, explained that the only way the walls of cynicism, doubt and mischief could be broken down was by spokespersons offering true, cohesive and prompt explanations on government policies and programmes before they generate controversies.

According to Okupe, communications managers must be conscious of the environment in which they operate

and devise means of cultivating media and public partnerships for government programmes in order to guarantee sustainability of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda, which is President Goodluck Jonathan’s social contract with Nigerians.

Other speakers at the workshop included the Regional Manager of Seismonaut Africa, Mr. Collins Nwanya; Special Assistant to the President on Public Relations, Dr. Olusanya Awosan; and his counterpart in charge of Media, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi.

While Nwanya spoke on appropriate use of the new media in public communication, Awosan and Adebiyi spoke on the need for information managers to understand the importance of public opinion in formulating government programmes, as well as the need for better strategies and funding for government information organs.

Two bodies found in shallow grave in Bayelsa From Willie Etim, Yenagoa EAR and anxiety have gripped the coastal communities of Southern Ijaw Local Council of Bayelsa State following the discovery, in a shallow grave, of bodies of two persons among the eight youths who were shot dead over the weekend at Lorbia community by armed militants.

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The armed men, suspected to be a renegade militia group in the Niger Delta, had on Saturday launched a deadly attack on Lorbia community, killing eight persons in the process. Among the victims were five ex-militants who embraced amnesty under the leadership of Mr. Reuben Wilson, popularly called General Wilson.

Two killed as Nigeria’s fighter jet crashes in Niger NIGERIAN warplane has A crashed in Niger, while conducting military operations in neighbouring Mali, and its two pilots were killed, according a statement by the Nigerian Army yesterday.

Also, an army source in Niamey said the fighter jet, which was part of Nigeria’s air fleet with an African force battling hardline Islamists in Mali, had suffered a “mechanical” problem.

“A Nigerian Air Force Alpha jet aircraft on a non-combatant mission crashed today at Dargol village...The two pilots on board the fighter jet died,” a report by Agence France Presse (AFP) quoted Nigerian defence headquarters as saying in a statement.

The jet is one of four Nigerian aircraft based in Niamey as part

of the Africa-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA), it said, adding that the crash was being investigated.

French, Chadian planes and U.S. drones have used the Niamey airport as a base for their operations in Mali.

The 6,000-strong AFISMA has taken over the lead from France in supporting Mali’s army in the battle against Al-Qaedalinked extremists.

A French-led operation launched in January drove the Islamists from key cities they had seized in northern Mali.

But the Islamists have turned to suicide bombings and guerrilla attacks in reclaimed territory.

However, following a UN resolution in April, AFISMA will soon be incorporated into a 12,600-strong peacekeeping

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

News Turaki still at large, says EFCC From Abosede Musari, Abuja ORE than 72 hours after his arrest was ordered by Federal High Court, Dutse in Jigawa State, former governor of the state, Saminu Turaki is yet to be found.

Spokesman to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren told The Guardian yesterday that search was still on-going for the ex-governor who is being tried over alleged N36 billion fraud.

“He is yet to be found and we are still searching. The court order is for us to be able to present him at the next court sitting. We are still searching for him”, he said.

Justice S. Yahuza of the Federal High Court, Dutse last Friday issued a warrant directing the Inspector General of Police or his officers and the EFCC to arrest the former governor and bring him before the court.

“You are hereby commanded to arrest the said Ibrahim Saminu Turaki and bring him before me at Federal High Court, Dutse, Jigawa State without delay”, the court ordered.

Turaki, who had earlier been declared wanted by the EFCC sequel to the court order for his arrest, is being tried on a 32- count charge in a case of theft and money laundering.

He was declared wanted for his failure to attend his trial.

Turaki was a two-term governor of Jigawa State between May 29, 1999 - May 29, 2007.

He was first arraigned by the EFCC before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in 2007 on a 32-count charge of misappropriating N36 billion while he was governor.

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Fashola seeks peace, support for security agents

By Felix Kuye OVERNOR Babatunde G Fashola of Lagos State yesterday enjoined Nigerians to see the myriad of challenges facing the nation as burdens that must be collectively borne to achieve peace that will usher in the Nigeria that everybody desires.

Essentially, he admonished every citizen to live up to his responsibility and be part of efforts to tackle the nation’s woes, including insecurity, poverty and rising criminal

activities. He said what Nigeria needed to be on the path of real development is peace, “which can be achieved without undermining the state institutions.”

The governor spoke at the ongoing First Session of the Thirty Second Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, Anglican Communion at Our Saviours Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Fashola, who lamented the high level of bloodletting in the country, said Nigerians must, more than ever before,

be security conscious, avoiding exposing themselves to threats that could endanger their lives and those of their family members. For instance, the governor stressed the need for people to be wary of those they employ as domestic servants and ensure that they are well treated to avoid a situation where such servants later constitute threat to the lives and property of the master’s family.

Fashola enjoined Nigerians to cooperate with the security agents to tackle insecurity in

Military pensioners protesting non-implementation of 53 per cent increase arrears in Ibadan …yesterday

Nigeria, by giving information that could lead to arrest of criminals, and adhering to the rules formulated to facilitate policing of the country.

The governor cited the example of people using cars with tainted glass, noting that many of them have refused to adhere to the directive to install plain glass in those vehicles or get registered for use of such glasses. According to him, many criminal activities including kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal arms business are being perpetrated with vehi-

Nigeria, Mali elected into African film body

By Shaibu Husseini, Johannesburg ORMER Malian Minister of FMinister Culture and one time of National Education Chiek Oumar Sissiko has been elected Secretary-General of the Federation Pan-African Des Cineastes, the continental body for filmmakers otherwise called FEPACI. Sissiko, who was also at a time director of the Malian Centre National de la Production and cinematographique and who has twice won the top prize Etalon de Yennenga at the Pan African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou otherwise called FESPACO defeated South Africa’s Rapitse Montsho to emerge Secretary General in an election that was chaired by filmmaker, Mahmood Ali-Balogun.

The election was held as part of the 9th congress of the continental movie body, which held in Johannesburg at the weekend.

Sissiko will succeed Seipati Bulane Hopa who did not recontest the position of Secretary General.

Also elected into the Federal Bureau of FEPACI is Nigerian filmmaker and founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, Fidelis Duker. Duker, one time President of the Director Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and current President of the African Film Festival Network (AFRIFESTNET was elected FEPACI Regional Secretary for West Africa 1.

Fellow compatriot Madu Chikwendu who did not recontest last held the position. The contest was to be between Duker and Ghana’s Akofa Asiedu, but Asiedu conceded the position to Nigeria’s Ducker and she was later appointed Project Manager for the region.

PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

ACN faults new aviation policy, call for Lagos governor’s probe From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Ado Ekiti) and Iyabo Lawal (Ibadan) TRESSING arbitrariness, the S(ACN) Action Congress of Nigeria has described as another hallmark of emerging despotism some of the provisions of the President Goodluck Jonathan led-administration’s recently-unveiled aviation policy, especially the one that says owners of private jets can only carry members of their families aboard such planes.

In the same vein, the Lagos State chapter of the ACN has described as ridiculous the demand by the State’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Tunji Shelle that the EFCC should probe the state government for alleged massive corruption.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the ACN has urged an investigation into an allegation by the PDP in the state that the state anti-crime outfit, Operation Burst, was being used for witch-hunt of per-

• Seeks investigation of charge against security outfit in Oyo • Ekiti ACN chairman, others arraigned over alleged murder ceived political enemies and bring to book whoever was found guilty of unnecessarily heating up the polity.

In a related development, the Chairman of Ekiti State Chapter of the ACN, Chief Jide Awe and four other members of the party were yesterday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti over the killing of a PDP member, Ayo Jeje in Erinjiyan, Ekiti on March 30, this year.

The party in a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said ‘’Aviation is global, yet nowhere in the world has this kind of policy been put in place, and it is simply impracticable.’’ ‘’Whoever is still in doubt about the transmogrification of the Jonathan Administration should have a second thought. This policy

could only have been designed to satisfy the yearning for absolute power by a democratically-elected President who will not hesitate to subject his compatriots to tyrannical rule,’’ it said.

The party wondered how the President’s spokesman, who as usual rushed to the blind defence of his boss over whether or not he is fast becoming an Emperor, will rationalise a policy that is unprecedented and impracticable, and could only have been formulated with some devilish intentions. ‘’The presidential spokesman describes his boss as ‘a democratically elected leader who is running a people-oriented, inclusive and progressive government. ‘’Words are cheap!

We will like to know how the kind of controversial and oppressive aviation policy put in place by the Jonathan

administration will expand the scope of human freedoms, when in fact it has stifled such! We will also like to know how such a policy signifies respect for due process and the rule of law, when all it does is to negate the best practices in the global industry,’’ the party said.

The party said that from all indications, Lagos PDP was brain dead and writhing under the throes of acute frustration and rustiness, which are all too manifest in the feeling that PDP will use the EFCC to achieve a feat it had never achieved nor will it ever achieve, which is capturing Lagos.

In a statement in Lagos by the Lagos ACN Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party said that “when a party notorious for corruption and incompetence makes a life business of forging and marketing lies so

as to further its political interests, it can only detain itself to wolf crying and raising the kind of wild hoaxes Lagos PDP has made its primary business since it found out that it has no electoral value in Lagos.”

The ACN made this call in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, alleging that the PDP had made a “baseless, puerile and illogical” allegation, adding that an end must come to “PDP’s long years of tar-brushing its opponents for political advantage.”

The ACN said that the investigation was necessary, so as to put an end to what it called a regime of lies and unfounded allegations.

Jeje, a native of Erinjiyan Ekiti in Ekiti West local council, was said to have been shot while holding a meeting with other members of the ACN who were to defect to the PDP the next day.

Awe and the five others are to face trial over four-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy and dis-

ruption of public peace, which are punishable under the law.

The yesterday’s proceeding sparked hot arguments between the prosecuting counsel and the officer in Charge of Legal Department in Ekiti State Police Command, Mr. Femi Falade and the Defence Counsel, Mr. Oso Adetunji over who has the power of prosecution between the police and Attorney General in a matter of this nature.

Adetunji argued that Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution as amended vests the powers to prosecute on the Attorney General, and urged the court to quash the charges until a clear cut instruction comes from the Attorney General.

Citing some cases, which were decided in the past, Adetunji submitted that the Attorney General was not meddling in the case by requesting that the file should be transmitted to his office, but was only performing his constitutional duty.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

6 News

Turai Yar’Adua, FCTA land dispute takes new twist • Group, others fault court ruling • Minister urged to appeal verdict From Terhemba Daka, Abuja AST Thursday’s ruling of an Abuja High Court in the suit between the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) and Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) belonging to Hajia Turai, widow of former President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua, has elicited protests from various segments of society.

They include the FCT Ministry itself, Kasuwa Da Kasuwa (an Abuja-based association of market women and men) and a scholar, Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele.

They contended that it is immoral for Turai’s private organisation to be allowed to go away with a land duly allocated to a public institution committed to the propagation of peace and harmony.

Both parties are locked in a legal battle over the ownership of a prime plot of land said to have been originally allocated to African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) in 2008 but allegedly reallocated to Turai’s NGO in February 2010 by a previous administration.

The Coordinator of Kasuwa Da Kasuwa, Hajia Halimatu Jumare, urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed, to appeal against the verdict.

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She, in an interview with newsmen at the weekend, berated Turai for allegedly using her NGO as a cog in the wheel of progress of the AFLPM secretariat in Abuja.

“Enough is enough. We are peace-loving women and youths who are believers in the Nigeria and the Abuja projects. We wish to state that we are in absolute support of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, and the FCT Administration - it is therefore immoral and shameful for a former First Lady to attempt to convert a public land which was entrusted in her care for her own private NGO,” she said.

The decision to make Nigeria the permanent seat of African First Ladies Peace Mission Secretariat was taken at its sixth conference held in Congo-Brazzaville in 2008 on account of the nation’s status as the giant of Africa.

According to the popular market leader, “Maryam Babangida initiated the building of Women Development Centre; Maryam Abacha also initiated the erection of National Hospital; so, why should Patience Jonathan’s plan for the building of African First Ladies Peace Mission House be different?’’

While commending Dame Patience Jonathan for her numerous contribution to women and children devel-

FCT Minister Bala Mohammed

Turai Yar-Adua

opment projects, Hajia Jumare cautioned Turai to stop ridiculing Nigeria before the comity of the continent’s 50 First Ladies who are keen on establishing their secretariat in Abuja for sensitization, mobilization and harmony as well as the entire African womenfolk.

“It is disgusting that she even turned down several alternative plots of land offered to her as replacement in the city insisting on the piece of land belonging to the public,” she said.

“I call on the FCT Administration not to succumb to this blackmail. They should go ahead to challenge and up-turn the court ruling and recover the public land from a private NGO.” Jumare also challenged opinion leaders to speak up against the activities of the former first lady while dismissing her triumph at the Abuja High Court as Pyrrhic victory which cannot stand

the test of time.

She emphasised that “it will be in the best interest of all of us if we can summon the will to speak up against all forms of immorality”.

In a statement entitled, “The immorality in awarding public land to Turai’s personal NGO,” the scholar said the court’s setting aside of the revocation of the said land by the FCT administration, going by the Nigerian mentality, was a thing of joy for some people because another organ representing the government had been rubbished.

He said: “A section of the media have repeatedly and deliberately helped in drumming it into the ears of everyone that the decision of the FCT administration to revoke the said land was an attempt to cheat the former First Lady. Thus, the ruling of the court concluded a script that had been hatched right from time on this matter.

“It is ironic that no one in the media seemed interested in the substance of the case and everyone appeared satisfied that the defendant could not give evidence that the revocation was carried out in overriding public interest. The basis of this decision on revocation, to the court, appeared weak.

Thus, the learned judge quashed the revocation and returned the piece of land to Hajia Turai. My problem here is this: Is it satisfactory that a case is won simply because there is no convincing argument by one making a case, even when it is glaring that an anomaly has occurred?

Should we simply close our eyes to an anomaly just because the presentation is weak? Now that judgment has been given, can we return to the basis of the case, at least for the purpose of soul searching,

and to convince ourselves whether Hajia Turai was morally justified to appropriate a piece of land acquired for a public institution to personal use. It is important that we carry out this self re-examination so that we will not be glorifying immorality and instituting corruption and greed as a good way to live.”

The scholar went on: “A few months before her husband’s ailment deteriorated, leading to his eventual demise, Hajia Turai launched a cancer foundation and hospital project in which N5 billion was acquired. I attended that launch and I saw how moved Nigerians were to support what they considered a worthy cause. Now, three years after the demise of her husband and some four years or so since the cancer hospital project was initiated, Nigerians have not seen anything to justify the huge donation collected by Hajia Turai.

In the same vein, the WAYEF for which she claimed to have diverted the Peace Mission land has been in limbo. In fact, the WAYEF was functional for barely two years and it made virtually no impact considering the mass local and international appeal the NGOs of Dame Patience Jonathan, has made within the last three years. Nigerians should be asking questions by now.

Where is the N5 billion collected by Turai?”

He added: “In March 2010, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua was said to have approached the FCT Ministry during the tenure of Senator Adamu Aliero to convert the same plot for use by her non-governmental organization, WAYEF. Thus, the ministry granted an offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy in respect of the same plot 703 now re-designed and numbered Plot 1347 while the original allocation to the African First Ladies Peace Mission was not revoked. It was reasoned that this was done based on an assumption that the land matter would not be re-visited; and no one was likely to ask question as it is our style.

However, in May 2010, the tenure of Hajia Turai as President of the AFLPM ended midway following the demise of President Yar’Adua in office.

It therefore, became necessary for the present First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan to complete Nigeria’s tenure and to continue the task of

providing the secretariat of the AFLPM. It was while she went about seeking information on the way forward that the FCT ministry discovered that an error had been committed in allocating the same land hitherto allocated to the AFLPM to Hajia Turai personal NGO. The Ministry therefore, had to reverse itself by revoking the title of Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation and restored the land to its original allotee, the African First Ladies Peace Mission in November, 2011.

“Faced with the grim reality that the land might be lost, especially since her crony has since left the seat, she promptly went to court and launched a massive media propaganda that the current First Lady, Dame Patience wanted to take her land. And as it is common with us, we failed to ask questions and several people joined in vilifying Dame Patience because it was her quest for answer on the plot of land that led to the discovery of the brazen illegality committed by Turai and Adamu Aliero. “Judgment may have been given, but justice is not yet served. And this should not be the end of the matter. We should stop celebrating illegality. Those who perfected the papers so that Turai can in future lay claim to this land in the law court should be brought to justice. Let our eyes not be clouded by our hatred for an individual. Those who are trying to see that an illegality is corrected should not be crucified. How else can we salvage our nation if we allow every judgment of ours to be clouded by our prejudice?

The FCTA had cleared the air concerning the judgement.

FCT Permanent Secretary, John Chukwu at a press conference clarified that neither the incumbent First Lady (Patience Jonathan) nor the AFLPM, an international institution affiliated to the African Union (AU), was party to the suit.

Chukwu who stood in for the minister, said the FCTA was undertaking a preliminary study of the judgment while awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) before further processes. The FCTA explained that it moved to revoke the purported re-allocation as a legitimate action to rectify the anomaly by a past administration in re-allocating a plot meant for public institution to a private organization.

JTF arrests Shuwa’s suspected killers, rescues Rep’s parents • Abductors release Monguno

By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri HE military Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State yesterday arrested three suspected Boko Haram terrorists who allegedly killed Maj-Gen. Mohammed Shuwa (rtd) at his Gwange residence.

The task force also rescued Alhaji Ummara Sanda Sheriff (85) and his wife, Maryam, from Boko Haram abductors at Zabarmari Ward of Jere Local Council yesterday by 9.a.m.

The Sheriffs were abducted at Ngamdu, a border village, 100 kilometres west of Maiduguri, the state capital. They are parents of

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Mohammed Sanda, a member representing Kaga/Magumeri/Gubio Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, elder statesman and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, who was kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram last Friday was by noon yesterday released by his captors in Kirenuwa, a village, 145 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The arrests and rescue were disclosed in two sepa-

rate statements by the JTF spokesman, Lt. Col Sagir Musa, and made available to reporters in Maiduguri.

Musa, in the statement, said all the suspects confessed to the killing of Gen. Shuwa for unspecified fee on November 12, 2012.

While describing how the suspects were arrested, he said: “Sequel to Abdulkareem’s confession, four other members of the syndicate were identified and three of them arrested between January and March, 2013. One of the culprits is at large. So far, the three arrested are Mustapha Umar (22), Goni Modu Lawal (22) and Goni Ali (Bakura Bama (20).

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Ekiti demolishes property to clear way for flood From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti KITI State Government yesterday began the demolishing of properties erected on canals, rivers and waterways in Ado Ekiti to prevent natural disaster and flooding that are already ravaging the state capital.

It also disclosed that over N380 million had been expended to pay compensations to the owners of properties that were to be demolished. However, government frowned at reported cases of landlords that had collected compensations but are allegedly selling those marked properties to unsuspecting members of the public.

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NEWS

S’West military pensioners protest over arrears From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan and Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta

• Task Mark, seek Ajimobi, Amosun’s intervention

GGRIEVED military pensioners in the South-West yesterday expressed regrets for fighting for the unity of the Nigerian nation during the civil war that lasted between 1967 and 1970.

The group at a protest in Ibadan, Oyo State over the inhuman treatment being meted out to them by the government, stated in anger that they always regret their role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation during the Nigeria civil war.

The placard-carrying military pensioners who disrupted activities at the government secretariat in protest

against their plight maintained that fighting to ensure the unity of the country was a regrettable decision.

Chairman of the pensioners, Gabriel Oaikhena, speaking on behalf of the protesting exsoldiers said that if they had known that they would be so poorly treated, they would have fought for the survival and sovereignty of Biafra.

He said they came to draw the attention of Federal Government to their 53 per cent unpaid arrears and other allowances and not necessarily to disrupt government activities in the state.

To however, prevent unto-

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ward situation that may lead to breakdown of law and order, all gates leading to the secretariat complex were shut against the angry pensioners in addition to the deployment of Armoured Personnel Carrier, five police Hilux vans and scores of armed policemen that were stationed at the entrance of the secretariat.

With placards bearing different messages of condemnation of the attitude of the Federal Government described as discouraging, the ex-soldiers displayed the injuries they sustained during the Biafran War.

Abia teachers, research workers suspend strike From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia ORKERS of the National W Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike Umuahia, Abia State returned yesterday from their three months old strike and began with deweeding of their premises and cleaning of their offices.

Chairman of the NRCRI branch of the Senior Staff Union (SSU) Comrade Obi Ogbonnaya told The Guardian that their return to work followed the directive to all striking workers of the research institutes in the country that embarked on the nationwide strike since February 4, 2013 to suspend the strike and return to work with effect from Monday, May 6, 2013.

Physically challenged persons from So said Charity Home, Okota, at a dancing competition, during a talent hunt show for the special ones in Lagos on Saturday.

Court stops construction on Akanimodo market grounds

By Bertram Nwannekanma N Ikeja High Court, Lagos yesterday stopped the Lagos State Government from carrying out construction work on a parcel of land housing the demolished Akanimodo International Market pending the determination of the suit instituted by the market’s leadership against the Lagos State government.

The trial judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke also ordered that both parties maintained status quo on the property and adjourned till May 14 for trial.

The market, represented by their leaders, Alhaji Adekunle Agbalajobi and Mr. Ademola Oyekanmi had sued Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) for the forceful, unlawful and unconstitutional demolition and destruction of their market, claiming the sum of N3.8 billion for injecting poverty to the market people.

Joined in the suit are the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and the state government.

Ayanlaja had at the proceeding yesterday informed the court the state government has started construction on the property but he did not ten-

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der evidence to buttress his point.

The market leaders claimed that the state governor, without prior notice to the market people had unlawfully destroyed shops, stalls and goods at the market in order to build various houses and structures on the land.

They are claiming the sum of N3, 853,064,361 for the value of the physical structures and identifiable wares said to be damaged in the market during the demolition.

According to the statement of claim by the market leaders, “On the 7th of March 2010 at about 5:45 a.m., the defendant through its agent and without any prior statutory notice demolished the Akanimodo market during which operation the claimants’ properties and goods” were destroyed.”

The traders said the market was destroyed leaving them without a means of livelihood.

They had through their counsel, Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN) written to the state governor in 2011 requesting for compensation for the demolition. Despite several meetings, the traders alleged that they have not been given any compensation.

The traders said a signboard was allegedly erected on the land showing an intention to construct vari-

ous houses and structures on the land belonging to them without any compensation as required by law.

According to the chairman, “it is unfortunate that we are being treated in this inhuman manner after fighting for the unity of the country.

Our mission to the office of Governor Abiola Ajimobi is to present a letter on our plight to him for onward delivery to President Goodluck Jonathan.

“We will not allow the government to rest until our money and other entitlements are paid. Many of us are still being paid N10, 000 as monthly pension while they are wasting millions over there, it is not fair”.

Another ex-soldier, Gabriel Ohabana said, “we have been pushed to the wall. The families of over 500,000 soldiers who lost their lives in Biafra are suffering. We who are alive are just living as destitute.

“Many of us have died because they did not have money to treat and fend for themselves. Senator David Mark has spent about 12 years and he has done nothing for us. When the militants were pushed to the wall, they took up arms and fought with the last pint of their blood”, the angry ex-soldier stated.

Also, military pensioners in Ogun State yesterday appealed to the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to prevail on the Federal Government to pay their outstanding pension arrears immediately.

The pensioners, under the

aegis of Military Pensioners of Ogun State made the appeal during a protest to the Governor’s Office, OkeMosan, Abeokuta. They decried the “nonchalant attitude” of the Federal Government towards their welfare, saying it (government) had only paid lip service to their well being.

Chairman of the Association, Sgt. Samuel Awosanya (rtd), who spoke, noted that since 2009 when the Federal Government approved a 53 per cent increase in their pension, it had not effected it, lamenting that with the present economic hardship what they currently earn as pensions could not sustain them.

“Most of us can no longer meet up with our responsibilities to our families. We live in hunger and most of our children are out of school because we cannot pay their fees. Our members are dying on a daily basis because they cannot afford hospital bills. This is why we are calling on you as a listening governor to help us take our case to the Federal Government. We have suffered enough for the country”, he disclosed.

According to him, the decision to approach the governor stemmed out of their conviction that Amosun was a listening and caring leader who “Is always concerned about the welfare of the entire workforce, including retirees in the Ogun State Civil Service”.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

8 NEWS

Gana canvasses women empowerment

Senate seeks revival of Mambilla power project From-Charles Akpeji, Jalingo HE Senate has appealed to the Federal Government to T take seriously the issue of the Hydro Electric Power project located on the Mambilla Plateau of Sardauna Local Council in Taraba State.

The project, which had been abandoned in spite of the huge amount so far sunk into it by the Federal Government, has become a source of worry to the senators who in large number stormed Gembu, the administrative headquarters of Sardauna Local Council at the weekend.

The visit by the senators and other top government officials was at the instance of the Senator representing the zone, Abubakar Umar Tutare.

Senate President, David Mark, said the issue of the Hydro Electric Power project in the state was not given the much needed attention by the Senate due to the negative report which, he said, often came to the Senate from the Mambilla.

Had it not been for the negative information from the area, the said Mambilla Hydro Electric project, according to the Senate President, would have long got the attention of the Upper Chamber.

One of the many negative pieces of information that have continued to filter into the ears of the Senators, according to Mark, “is that there is no single access road to this place (Mambilla Plateau).

He said that it is sad that the members of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly have been misled by wrong information. The senators, according to him, will as a

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matter of urgency go back to the drawing board and give accelerated hearing to all the issues related to the Hydro Power Project in Mambilla Plateau.

He wondered that with the over N1 billion sunk into the project, not much progress has been recorded due to activities of a few selfish “individuals”.

He also expressed regret over the absence of Federal Government’s presence on the Mambilla, in spite of its rich potential, especially in the areas of tourism and mineral resources, stating that the Senate would work round the clock to wipe away the tears of the people by ensuring that proj- Operational gas flare ignited at a gas well in Opollo-Epie, Yenagoa Local Council Area...yesterday ects are sited in the area.

Ladipo market president gets bail

By Bertram Nwannekanma USTICE Olabisi Akinlade of Ikeja High Court, Lagos yesterday admitted the president of Aguiyi Ironsi International Market Traders Union, Mushin aka Ladipo Market, Jonathan Okoli, to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in the like sum.

The sureties, the judge said, should swear to an affidavit of means and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government and fixed trial for July 2.

Okoli was arraigned before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegation of stealing over N52 million belonging to the association.

The embattled president was arraigned on a three-count

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From Adamu Abuh, Abuja O ensure the socio-economic development of the country, women need to play pivotal role in the economic agenda of the government, according to former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana.

Gana who spoke during the opening ceremony of a twoday business women summit and inauguration of Nigerian Quintessential Business Women Association recently in Abuja, described the contributions of women as critical to the growth and development of the nation’s economy.

Applauding what he called the resilience and commitment exhibited by women in whatever they do, Gana stated that it behoves on those entrusted with leadership responsibilities to carry along women and youth to make positive impact on the citizenry.

charge of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

According to the charge file by the EFCC counsel, Mr. Anslem Ozioko, Okoli was alleged to have between 2009 and 2010, collected a total sum of N52.08 million from members of Aguiyi Ironsi International Market Traders Union.

Ozioko said members of the association entrusted the money to Okoli for the payment of Trade Permits and Auto Dealers fees.

The prosecutor alleged that Okoli diverted the money to his personal use and failed to remit the payments to the Lagos State Government and

Mushin Local Council Area.

Okoli’s alleged offences, according to the prosecution contravened Sections 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006 and 390(8) (b) and (9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, when the court registrar read it to him.

But Okoli’s counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor has petitioned the Chief Judge of the state High Court, Justice Ayotunde Phillips over what he called the transfer of the matter from Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo to the present judge without the

NUJ urges caution in Akpabio, senator feud defendant’s knowledge.

In the protest letter dated February 4, 2013 and made available to The Guardian, Onwuenwunor had expressed disappointment over the manner and procedure adopted in moving the matter from the regularly assigned judge without carrying them along, describing the transfer of the matter as very strange.

He argued that since Justice Onigbanjo has already assumed jurisdiction since November 4, 2012, the matter couldn’t be moved to another judge of the same jurisdiction without an order of transfer from the chief judge.

From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo HE Correspondents Chapel T of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has cautioned the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District over their planned recall of the senator representing them, Senator Aloysius Etok, saying such move would create a permanent enmity between the Ibibio and Annang in the area.

This view was contained in a six-point communiqué issued at the end of its monthly congress and signed by the chairman of the chapel Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh and Chairman, Editorial Board/Communiqué Drafting Committee, Aniefiok Udonquak.

NMA deplores low budget, others for health sector

By Chukwuma Muanya

Nigeria records two new polio cases

OCTORS under the aegis D of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have iden-

human resource, lack of provision for health in the country’s constitution and non-existence of functional primary health care services as the

tified low budgetary allocation for health, shortage of

major low points in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration even as they recommended electronic health (ehealth) to improve service delivery.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has continued to transmit the Wild Polio Virus (WPV) following the report of two new type one cases (WPV1) last week from Borno, bringing the total number of polio cases for 2013 to 16.

Also, the Association of Muslim Health workers, a global organisation, has directed its affiliate in Nigeria, Islamic Medical Association of health workers of Nigeria (IMAN) to collaborate with the relevant agencies to ensure eradication of polio in Nigeria by next year.

The NMA said the concept of e-health is safe, secure, ethical and cost-effective transmission, exchange, sharing and dissemination of health data and information, through the utilisation of applications such as mobile health (mhealth), telemedicine and electronic health records.

The NMA’s President , Dr. Osahon Enabulele, on Sunday at a press briefing in Lagos, which preceded her 53rd Annual General Conference and delegates meeting tagged “Eko2013”, said that of the 65,000 medical doctors registered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria

(MDCN) only 25,000 (38.46 per cent) are currently practising in the country, which means that 40,000 (61.54 per cent) have gone abroad for greener pastures.

The NMA President was emphatic that following low budget for health and shortage of human health resource, the country cannot achieve any of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

Enabulele said: “We are still grappling with the shortage of human health resource. Of the 65,000 registered doctors, 25,000 are practising in Nigeria. A lot of these doctors take the next available flight to other countries to practise their profession. That has impacted to the ineffective healthcare delivery we have in this country. Most rural communities do not have doctors, even in cities there are not enough doctors. The doctor patient ratio is appalling.

“There is poor primary and secondary health care delivery in this country. A trip round our country shows that primary care in Nigeria is virtually non-existent. If that sector that takes responsibility of over 70 per cent of the country population is not functioning that means people have resulted to quacks and have besieged the tertiary health care facilities for cases that should have been handled at primary and secondary levels”.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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WorldReport Syrian rebels may have used sarin, says UN investigator Damascus threatens to hit back after Israel’s raids Ban Ki-moon warns against escalation of crisis GAINST the popular posiA tion of western powers and Israel that the forces of President Bashar al Assad might have used the deadly nerve agent sarin, United Nations (UN) rights investigator, Carla del Ponte, has revealed that testimonies rather linked the rebels as the culprits.

But her investigation team and Washington insisted yesterday that there was no “conclusive” proof, according to reports by Agence France Presse (AFP).

In an interview with Swiss Italian broadcaster RSI, Del Ponte – a former war crimes prosecutor and a member of a UN commission of inquiry on Syria – said: “According to the testimonies we have gathered, the rebels have used chemical weapons, making use of sarin gas.”

Meanwhile, Israeli air raids on Syria at the weekend killed about 42 soldiers, a watchdog said yesterday, fuelling international concern over a spillover of the conflict, as Damascus warned it would strike back.

A Syrian official in Damascus, reached by phone from Beirut, warned “Syria will respond to the Israeli aggression and will choose the moment to do so.”

“It might not be immediate because Israel now is on high alert,” he added. “We will wait but we will answer.”

But UN leader, Ban Ki-moon has warned against any escalation of a conflict that has killed more than 70,000 people in Syria since it erupted in

March 2011.

“The secretary-general calls on all sides to exercise maximum calm and restraint, and to act with a sense of responsibility to prevent an escalation of what is already a devastating and highly dangerous conflict,” his spokesman Martin Nesirky said.

Ban spoke by telephone with Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi, whose 22-member bloc demanded UN Security Council intervention to stop such Israeli attacks.

Two rockets fired from Syrian territory exploded inside the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights yesterday, without causing casualties or damage, an Israeli army spokeswoman said.

However, the four-member commission, headed by

Brazilian Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, issued a statement yesterday “to clarify that it has not reached conclusive findings as to the use of chemical weapons in Syria by any parties to the conflict.”

Washington questioned the claim yesterday, with a top State Department official insisting: “We have no information to suggest that they have either the capability or the intent to deploy or use such weapons.”

FBI thwarts ‘terror attack’ in rural Minnesota NITED States’ (U.S.) Federal U Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said yesterday it has thwarted a terror attack in a small town in Minnesota after discovering home-made bombs and guns in the home of a local man.

The agency provided few details, saying the investigation into Buford ‘Bucky’ Rogers, 24, was “ongoing.”

“The FBI believes that a terror attack was disrupted by law enforcement personnel and that the lives of several local residents were potentially saved,” the agency said in a statement.

“The terror plot was discovered and subsequently thwarted through the timely

analysis of intelligence and through the cooperation and coordination between” multiple law enforcement agencies, the FBI said.

Investigators found Molotov cocktails, “suspected pipe bombs” and a Romanian AK-M assault rifle during a search of Rogers’ home on Friday in Montevideo, a town of fewer than 6,000 people in western Minnesota.

Rogers, who has a conviction on burglary charges, is prohibited from owning firearms but admitted to having fired the assault rifle on two occasions at a nearby gun range, according to charging papers.

He was arrested “without incident” on weapons charges.

Thousands mass in Moscow for anti-Putin rally HOUSANDS of protestors T yesterday filled a square in central Moscow to denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin one year into his new Kremlin term, as the opposition seeks to recover the momentum of their challenge to his rule.

Organisers said tens of thousands attended the rally, which marks one year since a chaotic May 6, 2012 antiKremlin protest that descended into violence, and Putin’s return to the presidency a day later. Police estimated the numbers at 7,000.

The long-awaited protest was however clouded by the death of a worker earlier yesterday when he was crushed to death by a massive loudspeaker as he was helping to erect the stage for the event.

The tragedy forced a lastminute shakeup of logistical plans, with organisers turning a truck into an impromptu stage at Bolotnaya Square over the Moscow river from the Kremlin.

After some called for the rally to be cancelled altogether, the organisers decided to go ahead with the original plan.

Uganda tasks E’ African countries on terrorism GANDA’S Minister of U Internal Affairs Hilary Onek has called for collabora-

Beate Zschaepe (right), who is charged with complicity in the murders of eight ethnic Turks, a Greek immigrant and a German policewoman between 2000 and 2007 as a founding member and sole survivor of the far-right gang dubbed the National Socialist Underground (NSU), enters the courtroom prior to the start of her trial at a Munich courthouse, southern Germany…yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

tion of East African nations to fight terrorism in the region, Xinhua reported.

The region faces eminent terror attacks which need joint cooperation to avert, Onek said at a two-day meeting that drew police chiefs from 12 Eastern African countries under their umbrella organisation Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation

Organisation (EAPCCO).

“Terrorism is one of the biggest security challenges in the region. This exercise is a symbol of our togetherness in fighting crime,” Onek said.

However, Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura, the EAPCCO chairperson and also Uganda’s police chief, said that the current security threats need a regional approach, noting that no country can fight terrorism and other transnational crimes alone.

Seven-time Italian PM, Andreotti, dies at 94

Bangladesh cracks down on Islamists as 37 die in protest OLICE in Bangladesh yesterP day broke up a protest by tens of thousands of religious hardliners and shut down Islamist television stations as 37 people died in some of the fiercest street violence for decades.

Agency reports also indicated that hundreds more were injured in running battles as riot police broke up the rally near a commercial district in a pre-dawn raid in the capital, Dhaka.

Dozens of demonstrators were also arrested, while the leader of the protests was put on a plane to the country’s second city, Chittagong and the deputy chief was detained in the capital.

Hundreds of bankers and stock market traders had to sleep in their offices as the sound of gunfire echoed

around Dhaka’s Motijheel Commercial Area through the night.

Shops and vehicles were set alight while the roads were littered with rocks that protesters threw at police.

Police said they used sound grenades, water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse about 70,000 Islamists who were camped at Motijheel as part of a push for a blasphemy law.

“We were forced to act after they unlawfully continued their gathering at Motijheel.

They attacked us with bricks, stones, rods and bamboo sticks,” Dhaka police spokesman Masudur Rahman told AFP. The protesters dispersed early yesterday, he added.

Mozammel Haq, a police inspector at Dhaka Medical

Police said they used sound grenades, water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse about 70,000 Islamists who were camped at Motijheel as part of a push for a blasphemy law.

College Hospital, told AFP that 11 bodies were brought to the clinic, including a policeman who had been hacked in the head with machetes.

A total of 26 other people were killed in the protests, according to an AFP toll compiled through police and medical officials.

This included eight people killed in the Kanchpur district on the outskirts of Dhaka, said the sources.

Violence also flared up at Hathazari, a town just outside Chittagong, where local police chief Liaqot Ali said at least five people were killed after several

thousand Islamists clashed with police and border guards.

And at least two people were killed in the southern coastal district of Bagerhat where police exchanged gunfire with Islamists, police spokesman Shah Alam said.

Two pro-Islamist television stations which broadcast footage of the raid on Motijheel were forced off the air, journalists at the channels said.

The plug was pulled on Diganta Television and Islamic TV as dozens of plain-clothes policemen stormed into their offices.

IULIO Andreotti, known as G a Machiavellian seventime Italian prime minister who dominated the political scene for decades, died yesterday at the age of 94. a top figure in the once-dominant Christian Democratic party, Andreotti, died at his home in Rome. He had suffered ill health in recent years and was hospitalised last year with heart trouble.

A private funeral will be held today in Andreotti’s local church for the staunchly proCatholic politician, who had close ties with the Vatican and was accused of links to the mafia.

His body was laid in state yesterday for friends and family in his apartment in the city centre overlooking the Tiber River and the Vatican beyond.

Andreotti was “a leading protagonist for over 60 years of public life,” said Prime Minister Enrico Letta, himself

a former Christian Democrat.

Flags will be flown at halfmast at sporting events across Italy in honour of Andreotti, who helped bring the Olympics to Rome in 1960.

Italy’s parliament also held a moment of silence.

Rome’s Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which leads from the centre to the Vatican, was closed off to the public by police so that mourners visiting Andreotti’s home could pay their respects.

A controversial figure associated with a period of political violence which rocked Italy in the 1970s, critics accused Andreotti of Machiavellian behaviour and nicknamed him “The Untouchable”.

He was “a highly disputed figure,” fellow former premier Massimo D’Alema said, but three-time premier Silvio Berlusconi insisted “he knew how to defend democracy and freedom in difficult times.”

10

POLITICS

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Politics PDP can only advise against Amaechi’s impeachment, says Obuah They had shared every position; so, now that the real person has come on board, they are jittering based on the fact that all they had plotted would not come to past. That is all.

But to say that I did not contest election is madness. They have been talking of video of the congress. Which video are they talking about? In the court, they tendered three different videos. I don’t want to talk about video because if you go to Alaba market, you can get as many videos as possible. You can use your OU pledged to reunite PDP in Rivers State taining many people, but if one or two people computer to produce any video you want. but the party appears to be more polarised are aggrieved and they feel they cannot stay Why didn’t they show the video at the beginand ready to go, no problem. We will do our ning of the case? They waited till about five than you met it?

You cannot say the party seems not united. best to bring everybody back but the months after they had finished manipulating What happened today is a testimony that moment they refuse, we cannot force them to the video they wanted to present. I think our everybody is actually coming back home. You stay. people know the man they have elected. The can see some people who have not been here Won’t this crisis affect PDP’s performance in man they elected is Brother Felix Amaechi (party secretariat) are embracing the party. At the state in the 2015 general elections?

Obuah, and God and the Judiciary have least, you saw Innocent Mazi, Ibe Erasia-Eke How can it affect our fortune? The restored their mandate. and so many people, who have not appreciat- people that make things happen, the people It appears the rumble in the PDP is who detered what has been happening in the party for a that gave the two million votes being mines who succeeds Governor Amaechi; isn’t long time, are beginning to return because referred to by the governor are all working it? they believe that what has happened is a God- here with me. How many votes do the so- That is not true. All the struggles have been to called state legislators muster in their areas? reclaim the stolen mandate of the man, who given opportunity.

Only a few disgruntled persons are making That is why I asked somebody why should we contested election and won but was deprived. the whole noise about problems in the party. be talking about 27 lawmakers, what about Right from May 17, 2012, I have been writing How many people are speaking against the the millions of Rivers State’s voters who are and fighting to reclaim my mandate and finalnew executive? It is just some House of happy for us? ly, the court and God have restored the manAnybody who wants to defect among the date. So, what is the issue about 2015?

Assembly members, some commissioners and local government chairmen. These are serving members of the party in government The issue at stake is the mandate. If anybody is free. But I still maintain that they should feels the battle is about 2015, that’s their posibeneficiaries of the system now.

What are the public and founding fathers of remain in the home that brought them into tion; that is not my battle. My battle was that I the party saying? Everybody in the state is power. went to court to reclaim my mandate with 28 happy. If you read in the press, you will either Has there been any political disagreement other executives who contested and won. see Chidi Lloyd (House Leader) is the one talk- between you and the governor?

It is not about the issue of 2015; the issue now I don’t have any disagreement with him. He is who is the authentic state chairman of the ing or Honourable Asita talking, but who are these people? They are part of this present sys- is a man I have always liked and moreover, he PDP and that has been the running battle? The tem but ask yourself, what is the public opin- is my namesake; we both bear Amaechi. man who the court has declared is the one who There is something we share in common and God has already ordained. ion?

The people are happy and you can see every- that is that he is a product of the Judiciary like But your suit targeted Governor Amaechi? body is coming back. The PDP is turning back me. So, you can see we have something in No. The suit was not targeted at anybody. to what it used to be and I am assuring you common. We cannot disagree because we are This case is a matter I have prosecuted that those who have left to the opposition par- one. with my secretary and 27 others. We ties will soon come back to the fold where Talking about products of the Judiciary, the went to court without inducestate deputy governor has affirmed that you ment. they started. We are happy. didn’t participate in the March 17, 2012 state What is your strategy to reunite the party?

A drowning man will always As a matter of fact, we will announce the congress. Did you? find excuse. I have told you that If he is saying that, he is merely defending if you watch the utterances of party reconciliation committee and other committees that will move into action, to his master. I have said that the judgment that those speaking on behalf of the make sure that a few of them, who are still brought me into office was not gotten government, they are persons through the backyard like some of them did. who have one interest or the thinking there is problem, come back.

The House Leader (Chidi Lloyd) has accused It was a matter that was before a court of com- other. They are trying to proyou of being used as pawn to destabilise the petent jurisdiction and they were heard. tect the interest they have nurAll necessary papers were tendered and it tured. state. Isn’t this true?

I don’t want to refer to him but I felt that as a took more than six months since last year till As a matter of fact, I am not lawmaker and a responsible person cum bar- the final judgment was given. They had over stopping anybody from what 20 lawyers and we had ours.

So, if he says I am rister, he is not supposed to discredit the they want to be. The Bible says not a product of March 17, 2012, that is to say power Judiciary, which, today, he is a beneficiary. belongs to God. If the government of Governor Amaechi, he is not saying the truth. At least, you could Whosoever God has ordained to which he has benefitted a lot from, is a prod- see the people, who voted me into power, at go to any place, who am I to stop uct of the Judiciary, why must he not respect the airport the day I arrived from Abuja. that person?

The people of the state are happy that their Anybody who God has blessed and the process that brought him into power? He has made so many statements but I want to mandate that was stolen has been restored. placed to be in power must Before the primary, those who are fighting come to be. So, I am not say that he should mind his utterances.

Are concerned about the possibility of against me had one interest or the other. stopping anybody aggrieved PDP members defecting to other They felt that with me being a transparent and those man — because I don’t take bride — they were aggrieved parties?

If three people defect and 10 people come in, not comfortable with my candidature. should not Most of these persons have already placed make much I think we would have made a mark. I am not saying that everybody should stay; anybody themselves where they would want to be noise who is not happy to stay can go because the with the ousted chairman, Godspower Ake. because they They had picked who would become a gover- are all my people who are coming in are many.

PDP has a big umbrella that is capable of con- nor, who would become deputy governor. children. I will welAs a party chairman, immediately I arrived in the state, I heard he (gov- come all of ernor) was outside the state. The whole (party) executive had planned them.

Whosoever a courtesy visit before we heard from the deputy governor, who was that wants to seek elected speaking for the governor, that we were not welcomed. As such, I will office in not force myself to visit somebody who is not welcoming.

2015, I will

With the crisis rocking the PDP in Rivers State far from ending, the new chairman of the party, Felix Amaechi Obuah, says he is making conscientious effort to unify the party torn apart by a recent shake-up that threw him up as the leader seen as opposed to the superintendence of Governor Rotimi Amaechi. But he told Kelvin Ebiri in Port Harcourt that he has no problems with the governor, and that he lacks the powers to impeach him.

Y

embrace. They should feel free to come and purchase their forms of intent. The door is open because we are running a transparent government. In this executive, nobody is corrupt. We merely want to move the party forward and that is why we are here.

How do you work with Governor Amaechi considering the tense political animosity in the party?

I have told you that he is my friend, he is the governor of the state and I do not have problems with him. We are going to work together.

All you see happening is just a temporary setback from his supporters for which I am calling them to order.

The governor has not made any statement discrediting my position. He is a law-abiding citizen. I know he has told his people that he recognises no other person but me.

The likes of Tonye Princewill, who is an ally of the governor, has made it clear that so far, as they are concerned, the only party executive they recognise is that of Brother Felix Amaechi Obuah and so many people, who are close to him, have said the governor recognises nobody but me.

That is why I have also said that the party is ready to work with the government to move the state forward.

Why have you not paid a courtesy visit to the governor?

As a party chairman, immediately I arrived in the state, I heard he (governor) was outside the state. The whole (party) executive had planned a courtesy visit before we heard from the deputy governor, who was speaking for the governor, that we were not welcomed. As such, I will not force myself to visit somebody who is not welcoming.

But you said your mission is to unify the party?

That is why I have constituted the PDP reconciliation committee. If anybody is aggrieved, the committee will mediate. If I am aggrieved, the committee is the place to go to. If the governor is aggrieved, the committee will meet with him and at the end, all of us will come together.

The PDP has been accused of nurturing plans to impeach the governor and the Speaker of the State Assembly. Why? I have my party constitution and as the party chairman, I have my limits. I have not worked outside my limits. Whatever actions I have taken are based on the powers conferred on me by the constitution of the PDP and I have not gone outside of them.

If some lawmakers eventually attempt an impeachment process, will the party stop them?

If the lawmakers move against the government constitutionally, we can only advise. But if they move against the government based on their selfish interest, the party will call them to order because they are all products of this party. That is why we are here as fathers.

Obuah (Rivers PDP)

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

POLITICS

11

Kwara ACN, PDP trade words over claimed defections From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin HIEFTAIN of the Action Congress of Nigeria C (ACN) in Kwara State, Mr. Dele Belgore (SAN), has described as a show of shame and admission of failure claims by the ruling PDP and its government that 2,500 ACN members defected because “Belgore failed to give them employment.”

Belgore, who has denied the defection story, asked whether it was the duty of the opposition to provide job opportunities for the people or the government, which controls the machinery of the state and is charged with providing welfare for the citizens.

But the local PDP, through its secretary, Mr. Yemi Afolayan, described Belgore as a “frustrated man” struggling to rediscover his dwindling political career.

Both the government and the PDP have repeatedly taunted the opposition on the defection, which the ACN insisted was another lie from the PDP and its government.

In a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, Belgore said: “Our initial reaction is that nothing, however, shameful and debasing, is beyond a government now notorious for its lies and chicanery and whose every claim faces integrity test even from little kids.”

He said the whole celebrations of the alleged defection raised questions about the seriousness, competence and thought process of the initiators of such self-defeating claims.

The statement reads: “We have been watching with amusement how the Kwara State Government, which claims to be performing and is popular, is wasting public funds in celebrating in the newspapers and on television the sponsored and contrived defection of some fictitious members of the opposition party.

“They even went to the ridiculous extent of sponsoring a statement that Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN) promised the defectors employment, but he has reneged on that promise and that was the reason for their defection....

“Indeed, the celebration of so-called defection is a pitiable show by the PDP-led government and it raises a number of questions: • If the so-called decampees’ grouse is that they remain unemployed contrary to a promise that had been made to them, how and from where do such unemployed people get funds to sponsor the so-called defection ceremony and the various television and newspaper coverage it has received?

• Does this not suggest that they were sponsored? Certainly, the sponsorship would not have come from the party that they were defecting from. Whose responsibility is it — government or the opposition — to create jobs?

• Is it not only a shameless government that would be celebrating its own failure by saying someone else should have done what it is con-

Belgore

Afolayan

stitutionally charged to do?

• If the opposition does not exist in Kwara, as the government has repeatedly stated over the years, where did the so-called defectors numbering 2,500 from one single local council come from?

• Assuming even that there was in fact a real decampment, now that unemployment has been cited as the reason for it, what is the government doing to address that?

• Is the government going to create or offer jobs to the alleged 2,500 unemployed decampees or improve their lot in any meaningful and sustainable way beyond the handouts it has given to them to create the false media show of the decampment?

Belgore said, “the truth of the matter is that the PDP-led government in Kwara State has failed miserably and it continues to exhibit its failure and incompetence in embarrassing ways and this is one of such ways.”

He added that, “beyond the usual windowdressings and MoU signings with bogus entities like so-called Vasolar Consortium about which nothing verifiable exists other than media publications from the MoU signing ceremony with KWSG, it has no meaningful

achievement on record to date.”

“Rather, it is fond of making false claims on its performance, from blatantly lying that it has constructed over 600 kilometres of road in the state, the embarrassing falsehood/contradictory statements on the so-called Shonga award, to claims that it has employed thousands of youths and is sharing prosperity even when youth restiveness, armed robbery, rampant killings have hit a record high in the state while poverty now walks on all four in the state so much that people are queuing in front of the Government House to beg for foods and shelter.”

Belgore noted that there were numerous allegations of financial scandals by the immediate past and current PDP-led governments being (or are yet to be) investigated and the list continues to grow by the day.

“The government should keep itself busy in improving the lives of the people and in running an open and clean government,” he said.

“It should stop chasing shadows and wasting public funds by bringing itself into further ridicule and odium by self-defeating and embarrassing media displays.”

However, according to Afolayan in a statement, “the attention of our party (PDP) has been drawn

to the tactless and belated response of the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the last gubernatorial election in the state, Muhammed Dele Belgore, SAN, to the defection of a number of his followers to the PDP.” “Belgore may have been frustrated by the depletion of his camp at a time he is battling to take over his party’s machinery.

“Rather than treading on his known path of abuse and name-calling, the PDP had expected Belgore to deny knowing Abdulazeez Kasim and Titilayo Ojo, secretary and women leader of Muhammed Dele Belgore Forum, respectively.

He dare not do that because he knows them well.”

Afolayan said that by the defectors’ confession, “Belgore must have, in his desperation to rule the state, a factor that is also today at the root of the crises in his party, deliberately deceived them with employment he knew he could not offer.”

“The PDP refuses to join issues any longer with Belgore on this matter because we have the pictures of the defectors as well as their ACN cards and party register from their ward,” he said.

“We advise Belgore to desist from deceit and self-delusion as Kwarans are wiser.”

Nyako’s faction shuns INEC meeting with stakeholders From Emmanuel Ande, Yola HE Alhaji Mijinyawa Kugama-led T Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction in Adamawa State was absent at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yola yesterday.

However, the Joel Madaki executive was at the meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for leaders of political parties participating in the House of Assembly by-election slated for Saturday.

Contacted on the development, the embattled secretary of the faction, Mr. Phineas P Elisha, told The Guardian that the Kugama-led executive did not receive any invitation from INEC concerning the meeting.

While Governor Murtala Nyako supports the Kugama management, the Madaki executive enjoys the backing of the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur PDP national secretariat.

Speaking at the meeting, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Kassim Gaidam, said that the meeting was to brainstorm on the

activities and issues with a view to conducting a hitch-free election.

Gaidam, a lawyer, who said that INEC would continue to encourage stakeholders’ meetings in order to share knowledge, develop new ideals with the aim of tackling electoral challenges, pointed out that the meeting would enhance channels of information and deepen the relationship between INEC and political parties.

He stated that the commission would continue to discharge its responsibilities according to the laws guiding electoral activities.

“I would like to seize this opportunity to advise political parties to adhere strictly to their party constitution, the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

“As one of the major stakeholders in the electoral process, we expect the best conduct from your supporters during rallies, campaigns, on elections day and after the election.”

The INEC commissioner, who warned political parties to desist from any activity that could heat up the political scenario, noted that the success of an election depended on

Nyako

Tukur

how political parties and their supporters conducted themselves during the exercise.

“You must desist from provocative utterances, actions or inactions that may lead to violence and breakdown of law and order,” he

said.

Gaidam, who gave the assurance of the security agencies’ determination to provide a watertight safety, urged the citizens of the state to support the security agents to maintain peace and stability in the state.

He disclosed that five political parties: Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), KOWA Party and the PDP have fielded candidates to contest the Nassarawo/Binyeri constituency byelection in Mayo-Belwa local government, the home council of Governor Nyako.

Gaidam added that 47,333 registered voters in the seven wards that constitute the constituency would vote during the election on Saturday.

However, only three political parties attended the stakeholders’ meeting, PDP, ACN and KOWA Party.

The APGA candidate, Mr. Garson Kasua, at the weekend quit the race and declared his support for the PDP, while the CPC leadership last week told newsmen that the party did not field any candidate in order to support ACN due the merger arrangement going on among opposition parties.

Spokesman of the CPC, Alhaji Musa Kamale, said anybody parading himself as candidate was not recognised by the party.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

12

TheMetroSection Kept in hospital bondage • Only money can buy freedom for two indigent patients in LUTH detention F there is anything that Gift Sunday and Iwomen, Grace Itah, two financially- constrained who have been living in deten-

HE death has occurred of T Mr. Babatunde Idowu Savage. He died on April 26 at the

Gift Sunday She said she did not have any relative that could come for her in Lagos except in Uyo. Even back home, her people do not know where she is at present and the man who rescued her did not come back to settle her bills.

“I do not expect another assistance from him again because he tried his best,” Gift said.

She confessed: “Even if I have a family members around who are willing to assist, the figure on the bill as at when I was discharged, would scare them away, because of the poverty in the family. But now, most especially that I have overstayed in the hospital, my hope is in God because there is no miracle that can get me out of here except if people come to my rescue. I cannot even remember the number of days that I have spent and what the bill would have amounted to.”

Gift said she had remained in one room for several months and the only chance she got to see daylight has been through the window.

“I don’t want to continue living here, even if it means that I would have to live on begging from the public, it is still better than being here.

For Grace, who is from Cross River, even if the hospital had to put her through such condition, they should not have kept her in same room with other sick people who are undergoing treatment.

She said that for over five months that

From Murtala Muhammed, Kano POLICE sergeant yesterday shot a tanker driver in Kano for allegedly refusing to give him at a checkpoint.

A reliable source hinted that the driver was taken to Wudil General Hospital by some policemen. He was reportedly shot on the leg.

The incident, which occurred at about 12.30p.m., infuriated fellow tanker drivers, who barricaded the ever-busy Maiduguri-Kano Highway for more than five hours. The protest caused heavy gridlock on the

Grace Itah she has been living in a ward, it has been with other sick people and she has continued falling sick as a result of staying close to those who are admitted for different sicknesses.

She said that her brothers stopped coming to see her because they are students and had no money on them as at the time she was discharged. Her other relatives, too, could not assist.

“I was the one supporting my brothers’ education before I fell sick and that was why I did not expect any miracle from them, except if I want them to go and rob.

But since then, no family member has showed up and I’ve been living under hospital arrest.”

“The situation is so bad that my movement has been restricted to between the toilet and my bed. I see both living and non-living things only through window of the ward where I am kept,” she lamented.

The frail woman who is in her early thirties said she wished the hospital management could allow her work and pay back in bits, even it means she would have to remain and do it under the hospital’s watch.

The bill has been mounting as days pass by.

“In February early this year, the bill was N129,000 and I do not know what it would currently be, but the bill is summed up weekly and the manage-

road.

Eyewitness told The Guardian that the trouble began at a Police check -point near Wudil Town, about 40 kilometres from Kano metropolis, when a Policeman stopped the driver on routine check, but an argument ensued and the police suddenly shot the driver.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, Kano State Command, ASP Magagi Musa Magiya said it occurred at a check- point along Maiduguri-Kano Road near Wudil, when Policemen were conducting their lawful business. He maintained

Three armed robbers feared dead in Benue From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi HE Benue State Police Command said it has killed three suspected armed robbers who were terrorizing Gboko Town area of the state over the weekend.

The Police, in a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), DSP Daniel Ezeala and a copy made available to The Guardian in Makurdi at the weekend, said that five suspected robbers had last Thursday night, moved from house

T

HE Egba Muslim CommuT nity Council will on Saturday, May 11, hold a N1 billion

Savage, 66, passes on

ment does not even bother to give me the charges again.”

The hospital Public Relations Office (PRO), Hope Nwawolo told The Guardian on inquiry that though the management has many cases similar to that of the duo at hand, not all the cases are genuine.

She said patients come up with flimsy excuses in order not pay their bills because they believe LUTH is a government hospital and they deserve free medical services, which is why the management is being careful so that it does not run bankrupt.

The hospital’s spokesperson said government has done its best by subsiding immensely so that medical services could be affordable in all government hospitals, patients are also expected to cover other expenses not subsidised by government.

“Patients with genuine stories are investigated after treatment and once the hospital management is able to hold some facts, which anyone of them claims, they are allowed to leave without paying a dime,” Nwawolo said.

She said: “The hospital would not by now still be functioning if it had been accepting every patients’ excuses,’ adding that, “the management, in conjunction with groups from outside, has programmes for patients who are financially- handicapped.

In Kano, Police allegedly shoots tanker driver over bribe A

Egba Muslims to raise N1 billion Saturday fundraising ceremony/turbanning of Capt. Rasheed Adisa Raji (rtd.) as the Baba Adeen of Egbaland, at the MKO Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State at 10.00a.m.

Chief host is Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun. Royal Fathers are Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo. Father of the Day is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Mother of the Day, Alhaja Kubrat Adebisi Edionsere.

The event will be chaired by Prince Abdul-Jabar ‘Bola Ajibola while Chief Launcher is Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

By Abdulwaheed Usamah

tion at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for over six months, would crave for now, it would be their absolute freedom from “house arrest.”

The two women, who are indigent patients in the hospital, had been denied their freedom by the hospital management because they could not settle their hospital bills. And, if nobody comes to their rescue, the hospital would not budge as they and other patients in the same predicament, have been kept in hospital custody. Their prayer is to have a chance to come out of the confines of hospital ward to see the broad daylight again.

Though the two middle-aged women were formally admitted as patients in the hospital for different ailments, treated and discharged after their health was confirmed stable by doctors who were assigned to them, their stay in the hospital started extending when the management told them they could go home and complete their drugs, thinking that in a day or two, their family members would show up and clear their bills.

Contrary to the expectations of the hospital management, their families could not show up after one week and the LUTH was left with no other choice than to keep the two women in custody till they can offset the hospital’s expenses on them.

Meanwhile, as days go by with no relatives in sight to settle their debts, bills keep mounting for every extra day spent in the hospital and the patients are hopeless on how to regain their freedom.

Gift, who was initially admitted for Sickle Cell crisis in the middle of last year, said that even if it meant to just see daylight in a minute and die the next moment, she would prefer it than to staying in a room for the rest of her life.

She said that life is better anywhere that one is able to move around freely without commands and restrictions, even when the means of livelihood is scarce.

The helpless woman who hails from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State said that it was one Mr. Niyi, a Good Samaritan that found her almost dead on the street when she was having her sickle cell crisis and rushed her to the hospital.

Briefs

to house to dispossess their victims of belongings.

The command’s spokesman further intimated that while the suspected robbers were having a successful outing, a distress call was made to the Area Command and Police on patrol team swiftly swung into action and engaged the robbers, numbering about five in a gun duel, killing three out of the five suspected robbers.

Two others, he said, escaped into the bush.

Ezeala explained that a lo-

cally-made pistol, an English double-barrel gun, 12 live cartridges, 12 assorted mobile phones and the sum of N28,000 as well as expended cartridges were recovered from the suspects.

The PPRO further stated that the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Christopher Katso, had ordered full-scale investigation into the case and called on the people to cooperate with the Police by giving useful information as the Force was intensifying efforts at ridding the state of crime.

that the victim was responding to treatment at Wudil General Hospital.

On allegation that the driver was shot because he refused to give bribe as demanded by the Police sergeant, ASP Magiya said: “Necessary investigation would be carried out and I can assure you that no stone would be left unturned to unravel the cause of the incident. The Police is already taking care of the hospital bill and we shall do everything to check the situation”.

The Police, therefore, confirmed the detention of leader of the team, an inspector and the sergeant.

Itesiwaju people commend council chairman HE people of Itesiwaju Local T Council of Oyo State have commended the Chairman, Olarinre Adisa Adeniji, for bringing his vast knowledge and experience to bear on the administration of the council.

They say his pragmatic approach has changed the face of the area and furthered the renewal process in the local in consonance with the restoration and repositioning effort of the state government.

According to a statement by the Head, Information of the Council, Femi Ogundipe, all these, they say, justify the ex-

tension of Adeniji’s tenure, which was recently announced by the state government.

While commending the Oyo State governor for considering merit and credible people for appointment, the people equally expressed satisfaction over the on- going infrastructure development of Oke-Ogun area, which has been adjudged as unprecedented in terms of quantity and quality of works being done.

The people, therefore, expressed their unalloyed support for the government in its efforts to develop a modern Oyo State.

age of 66.

Savage was the General Manager of Times Leisure Services, a Division of the Daily Times, which was responsible for organizing the popular Miss Nigeria Pageant, for many years.

Popularly known as TS, he was until his death, the Chairman and Chief Executive officer of Tukod Associates and Tutasusa Ltd. He is survived by his wife, Lola and children among whom are Mrs. Yetunde Agoro, Mr. Babatunde Savage and Mrs. Bidemi Olorunfemi.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.

Savage

Oyaide dies at 85 AMA Ebremateme OyiM borhoro Oyaide, a devout Christian and community leader, has died at the age of 85.

She hailed from Erho Abraka, in Ethiope Local Counci, Delta State.

Funeral rites begin with a service of songs on Friday, May 24, 2013 at her husband's compound at Erho Abraka at 4.00 p.m., followed by interment next day. Guests will be entertained at Oria Primary School, Abraka.

Thanksgiving service holds on Sunday, May 26, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Erho Abraka, from 9.00 a.m.

She is survived by Mrs. Rose Onokoko, Sir Festus Oyaide, Mr. Felix Oyaide, Emmanuel Oyaide, Mrs. Mabel OyaideOmonigho, Sunny Oyaide, Amos Oyaide, Charles Oyaide and Mrs. Emilly Oyaide.

Oyaide

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

METRO 13

Photonews

A cross-section of Osun Obas and Leader, Yoruba Conflicts Resolution Committee, Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan at the interactive session of Yoruba Conflicts Resolution Committee on unity among Yoruba obas in Osogbo Osun State PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

Lawmaker representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu (left); one of the 21 widows and recipients of cash support at the sixth yearly empowerment programme for Ikeja Constituency II, Ahmed Rukayatt Omolara; Deputy Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly and initiator of the programme, Lola Akande at the empowerment programme at Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Lagos...

Preach peaceful co-existence, governor tells Moslem clerics From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin HE Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed has advocated the institutionalization of a Council of Ulamas for the moderation of preaching

by Islamic clerics in order to ensure that such sermons are in accordance with Islamic tenets.

Ahmed said this at the weekend in Ilorin during the public presentation of a book, ‘Language Skills for Arabic Students’, adding that the council should be composed of reputable and knowledgeable Islamic scholar.

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Secretary, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) / Chairman, Governing Board, Raw Materials & Development Council (RMDC), Senator Walid Jibril; Head, Public Relations Unit (PRU), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Abuja, Saadu Salahu; and member, Governing Board, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, Abdul Razaq Lawal, at an event in Abuja… recently

“Such a move will also provide an opportunity to instill in our youths, the values of peaceful co-existence, love, integrity and equity,which, Insha Allah, will insulate them from fundamentalist preaching through the Internet and other sources”, he said.

The governor, who stressed that Moslem faithful must not allow the action of a few to portray Islam in a negative way, averred that leaders in all spheres of life should always preach eternal values of peaceful coexistence as en-

shrined in the Quran in order to counter the stigmatization of Islam.

Ahmed, through copious references to various chapters of the Holy Quran, stressed that Moslems must shun acts of violence by safeguarding the lives of the innocent at all times.

On the book, the governor expressed the hope that it would deepen the teaching and understanding of Arabic, a language which he said had made valuable contributions to the development of human kind.

Family of EKSU student allegedly killed by police rejects corpse From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti E have resolved not to receive and bury the corpse of our son until justice is done”. With these words, the family of a 400-level student of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Mr. Seyi Fasere, who was allegedly shot dead by policemen in Oye-Ekiti on February 28, this year, rejected an offer by the police to come and claim the body for burial.

Fasere was alleged to be part of armed robbery gang that robbed a first generation bank and was arrested by the police

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before he was shot.

But an eyewitness who boarded the same vehicle with Seyi said he was not among the robbers but their vehicle ran into the robbery incident.

The family told newsmen in Ado Ekiti at the weekend that they would not bury the body until the truth about how their son was killed was made public.

They also faulted the process by which the autopsy was conducted because the family was not allowed to present its

representative during the autopsy.

Speaking on behalf of the Fasere family of Ilupeju-Ekiti , a human rights activist, Mr. Musibau Ayodeji Ali, said: “We rejected the police position because we do not have a copy of either the ballistic or autopsy report. We were not informed when the autopsy was carried out so we could nominate our own doctor to ascertain the report. So. without the representation of the family, we cannot accept the report.”

Group enlightens teenage girls on pregnancy, HIV/AIDS

By Toyosi Ajayi and Aderonke Alabi GROUP, Bestspring Children and Youth Development Foundation, has advised teenage girls to abstain from pre-marital sex to prevent unwanted pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).

The foundation, which organized a seminar tagged Community Youth Empowerment and Development (C-YED) in

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Chief Operating Officer, La Casera Company Plc, Dileeban Ponniah (left); co-winner of N7 million Grand Prize, Chief Collins Ezenwa; Director, La Casera Company Plc, Mr. Bankole Animashaun, and the Managing Director, Jotna, Sushil Ramchandani at the LA CASERA 2013 QPS Partners Conference in Lagos ...

Briefs Firm marks 25th anniversary, gives car, others to customers HE foremost pan-Nigeria retail store Park’n’Shop on Workers’ Day, May 1, gave out a car and lots of other gift items, to mark its 25th anniversary and also thank her esteemed customers who have remained faithful over the years.

It started operation in August 1988 in Lagos and has expanded to Abuja, Warri and Port Harcourt with wide range of high quality fresh food, beverages, assorted drinks, electronics and household appliances, laptops, among others..

The store entered into a trading alliance with SPAR, a South African company in 2010, to give Nigerian shoppers an exciting shopping experience. To commemorate the milestone of 25 successfully years, it launched a year long celebration tagged: ‘25th Anniversary Shopping Festival’, where its customers would shop at discount prices throughout the year and stand a chance of winning three cars and lots of other gifts, through a Shop’n’Win Contest Draw.

The first phase of the draw was held in Lagos and supervised by a member National Lottery Commission, Mr. Fidelis Ajibogun, and Mr Emeka

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Odom of the Consumer Protection Council, who confirmed transparency and fairness in the draw.

Gift items won included Compaq Presario laptop, HP laptop, Samsung Satellite Led 32” TV, Haier Thermocool Washing Machine, Packard Bell mini laptop, among others ,while the star price, a Kia Rio car was won by Mr. Friday Adamu with Ticket No: 00165634, from the Abuja outlet.

Confirming the celebration continues, Alhaji Kunle Hamzat, Head, Human Resources and Coperate Affairs, stressed: “ the essence of the promo is to appreciate our customers and to solicit their continued patronage.”

Department holds conference on e-learning tomorrow HE Department of School of Science EduT cation, Federal College of Education (Tech) Akoka, Yaba Lagos will tomorrow hold Sixth National conference with the theme: E-learning: Evaluation & Research in Science, Technical, Mathematics and Vocational Education (STMVE).

Ijegun and six other neighbouring communities under Alimosho Local Council on Wednesday, placed emphasis on reduction of female teenage mothers. It also enlightened the youths on their reproductive health, sexuallytransmitted infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/ AIDS).

The President, Bestspring,

Mrs. Aramide Oikelome said the programme was organized to reduce teenage pregnancy and teach them sex education.

She said the organization would also empower the youths by counselling and providing them with information on the adolescent stage of life.

She said there would be continuous training on adolescent reproductive age, adding that the programme would last for a year.

Lagos Assembly warns tri-wheelers against reckless driving

By Wole Oyebade AGOS State House of Assembly on Friday warned members of the State Tri-wheelers’ Association to caution its members against reckless driving on state roads.

The Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Commerce and Industry, Bisi Yusuf, gave the warning during a meeting with the executive members of the association on a visit to the Assembly Complex, Alausa.

Yusuf, who represents Alimoso Constituency I, said he would personally see to the arrest of any tricycle operator driving without obeying traffic laws passed by the State

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House of Assembly.

He observed that “the menace of tricycle is so serious as many of these tricycle operators popularly known as Keke Marwa don’t even obey traffic lights,” adding that such lawlessness were unacceptable in Lagos.

The Committee Chairman appealed to the association to educate its colleagues on existing traffic laws. He stressed that “no responsible government will make laws and see its people violating the laws without appropriate sanctions.”

He also urged the association to ensure that the parks are kept clean at all times, while

the operators report any strange face in their respective parks to the security agencies.

Yusuf noted that the state government had spent heavily on security, adding that it was the responsibility of everybody to collaborate with the government to tackle security challenges in the state.

A member of the Committee, Muyiwa Jimoh, implored the Association to set up a Task Force to monitor the activities of its members in their various designated parks.

The State Administrative Secretary of the Tri-wheelers Association, Luqas Olaore, assured the House that all their observations would be fully implemented.

TheGuardian

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011)

Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial The ban on tinted vehicle glasses

HEN the Nigerian Police Force suddenly made known its intention to stop, arrest and prosecute Nigerians driving around in cars with tinted glasses, it only sought to resuscitate the use of powers granted it under Regulation 66(2) of the National Traffic Regulations (1997) and the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glasses) Act. The legality of the action is therefore not in question. Rather, it is the utility and the manner in which it has been suddenly unearthed as a tool against such crimes as kidnapping and terrorism that have tragically joined the old scourges of armed robbery and assassinations on the list of evils that afflict Nigerians and which the law enforcement agents have been unable to find answers to.

No doubt, the security situation in Nigeria today calls for all measures to curb it. All means are being used by terrorists, kidnappers and armed robbers to make the nation unlivable for the people. Never in the history of the nation has the evidence of failure of the state more apparent than now, as shown by the seeming inability of government to protect lives and property.

In this circumstance, all laws to an extent may have to limit individual rights and preferences and even economic rights and freedoms. The test such laws must pass is that they confer benefits, which considerably outweigh their limiting or rights violating characteristics.

The ban on tinted glasses almost completely fails this test, especially in its complete blindness to the changes in societal circumstances and advances in technology. All vehicles are now manufactured with varying degrees of tint, either with a view to shielding the occupants from the rays of the sun or protecting the identity of the occupant from an undesirable on-looker, especially as a result of such occupant’s line of business. For example, journalists, like many security agents, are often targets of attacks by undesirable elements and need, while in transit, some protection which a vehicle with a bit of tint can provide. What may be unacceptable are vehicles with heavy tint. Which is why it is illegal in places like Britain and the United States to sell or drive such vehicles. Anything at 25 per cent and 70 per cent visual light transmission (VLT) for front side windows and rear side windows respectively is not out of place.

These provide a very clear view of the driver or the front seat passenger as well as a good enough view of the rear passengers too.

Apart from the infringement on human rights, which the nation’s constitution guarantees, the use of tinted glasses in vehicles cannot be evident of criminal intention in itself. Otherwise, car manufacturers wouldn’t fit them on cars as they now do routinely, even on low-end automobiles. The laws the police Inspector General is relying upon are also outdated, no doubt. Enacted in 1997, the laws were meant for a different time and circumstance.

Vehicle manufacturers started the tinting of vehicle windows to protect occupants against harsh sun rays, protect upholstery, especially leather, and save the occupants from injury in the event of an accident as tinted glass is believed to be more adhesive and cause less damage when an accident occurs.

Therefore, tinted glass to a visible extent is no breach. What is not acceptable are vehicles with totally dark or opaque glasses. It is unjust to deprive so many people of the choice of using vehicles with tinted glasses just because of the few who may be using it to aid criminal activities. The cost to personal freedom and choice clearly outweighs any security benefits the ban may indeed possess.

The ban on tinted glasses is even more reprehensible because the security benefits it can deliver is far from certain. The Police have not offered facts and figures on how criminals may be using tinted car glasses to carry out their nefarious activities. The public is thus not in a position to judge what the ban may deliver vis-a-vis other measures to curb crime. Have the Police exhausted other routine and extraordinary measures to combat kidnapping, terrorism and assassinations?

Nigerians would no doubt be happier to hear from the Nigerian Police what it is doing to enhance its capacity to prevent and successfully investigate crime rather than the blanket ban on tinted glasses.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Customs Service, another agent of the state, continues to collect import duty, which is believed to incorporate a higher charge for imported vehicles with tinted glasses. So, one hand of the Nigerian state collects revenues for products that another arm of the state intends to prosecute people for using. The confusion does not end there. According to the Police, it is possible to obtain a permit, which enables bearers to use vehicles with tinted glasses. It is not clear yet the grounds on which this permit would be granted to some and denied others. It takes very little knowledge of how Nigeria works to know that the issuance of the permit will be riddled with corruption and graft.

The Nigerian government should focus on the well-known impediments in the way of optimal performance of the Police Force. The welfare of officers and men needs to be improved. Training and equipment to prevent crime and investigate and quickly resolve it when it occurs need to be drastically upgraded.

The Inspector General of Police is right to adopt all useful means in fighting crime. The law banning appropriately-tinted vehicle glasses is not one of those useful laws. Let useless laws go!

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LETTER

Why e-governance is essential IR: In a world that is becomSpublic ing increasingly digital, the sector, and by implication, all organs of government in Nigeria cannot continue to resist digital technology to enhance services. By all accounts and from the experiences of countries where this has happened, e-governance, which refers to the provision of public services via electronic platforms, has made service delivery faster, cheaper and more effective.

However, Nigeria’s Information Technology policy, which was adopted in 2001 made provisions for e-governance. Countries like Russia, Kenya and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) have made strides in e-governance.

Russia uses technology in just about every sector – healthcare, education, and politics.

The Russian Federation is also ranked by the 2012 United Nations E-Government Survey as one of the seven leaders in egovernment. In Kenya, there is an Information Communication Technology department that focuses solely on e-governance and its implementation. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is ranked number one. Their e-government is the fastest growing in the world.

Nigeria, with its vast bureaucratic networks should be able to learn to restructure its governmental process. There are major hurdles to overcome,

considering the fact that many Nigerians do not have access to technology, let alone the skills to utilize it. The first step in creating a system of government that uses new technology in a country like Nigeria is perhaps an enlightenment campaign, then a training programme that outlines the benefits of e-governance. People must first understand the benefits of e-governance and realise that it has the potential to create a more transparent, accountable government with checks and balances that ensure quality and integrity in all governmental affairs.

Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State has previously stressed the effectiveness of e-governance in his state.

Crushing the bureaucratic nature of the Federal Government is the task at hand and e-governance may be the tool that can be used. It may be Nigeria’s saving grace.

This is about providing citizens with an opportunity to improve government decisions by making them a part of the decisions and increasing the amount of trust citizens have in government. Imagine a Nigeria where every citizen has a say in the democratic process and the jobs of politicians are scrutinized.

Establishing a more effective government begins with giving the people power to make their own decisions or at least making them a part of the

country’s decision making process. Using new technology to tally up votes is only the beginning. Monitoring the way government interacts with citizens, employees and other government agencies means that foul play could one day be a thing of the past.

Implementing e-governance could create a more informed citizen who is not only prepared to participate in democracy, but is excited about his/her contribution to society.

Through a strong e-government system, a greater level of convenience leads to better management, which leads to revenue growth and reduced costs.

These kinds of savings could free up resources and allow government to focus on areas that need more attention. It also simplifies the process of collecting information for citizens and businesses, which could translate into a drop in corruption because public information would be available to all citizens and there would be no room for manipulation. There are also ecofriendly benefits; the fact that government activities would be carried out online makes it possible to cancel that daily commute to the office, consequently saving natural gas and limiting mankind’s burden on the environment. This is a win situation for everyone.

• Faiza Sahris, Baze University, Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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Business Appointments P31 Labour leaders renew clamour for more jobs, fight against graft Amosun sets standard for manufacturers

By Azeez Olorunlomeru GUN State governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has said that government will not shy away from its responsibility of ensuring that manufacturers in the State comply and meet with the minimum standard required for their products.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry MrBimbo Ashiru gave this assurance during a facility visit to Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company, Orimerunmu along the LagosIbadan express road.

Ashiru affirmed that the State Government would continue to interface with relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that all the products manufactured within the State were of international standard. According to him, this would help to position such for products for export and global competitiveness.

The Commissioner disclosed that owing to its liberal investment policy, the State had succeeded in attracting 35 new companies into the State in the last 24 months, pointing out that this had resulted in massive creation of direct and indirect jobs for the populace.

“I’m happy to tell you that in the last two years about 35 companies have opened shop in Ogun State because of the liberal policy that the present administration has put in place” Ashiru said.

He assured that the State Government would continue to provide an enabling environment as a way of wooing more investors, urging companies already operating in the State to consider the value chain of their products for synergy as well as local content in their productions to reduce overhead cost.

The Commissioner also underscored the need for companies to promptly remit their taxes and levies into the coffers of government to enhance the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the State, adding that they should be socially responsible to their immediate communities.

Commending the company for being the first local manufacturer of pre-paid metre in Nigeria, Ashiru noted that with the Federal Government power sector liberalisation policy, metre manufacturing business would receive a boost through partnership with various successful bidders that would need electricity metres for their customers.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the company, Engineer Kola Balogun noted that the company was established to align with the vision of the Federal Government to privatise the power sector, adding that the nation’s technological drive needed an improvement.

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Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and SURE-P GIS Project Director, Peter Papka; during an interactive session and unveiling of the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) Logo, in Abuja

Uncertainties over PIB may affect OPEC quota From Roseline Okere, Houston, Texas he Petroleum Technology T Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has said the nonpassage and the divided interest in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) may lead to further reduction in the country’s crude oil reserve.

The Chairman of PETAN, Emeka Ene, in an interview with journalists yesterday at the of Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, said crude oil reserve has been on the decline in the past few years due to reduction in the flow of investments in the country’s oil and gas sector, adding that it may lead to the country’s inability to seek for higher Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota.

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had raised the alarm over the declining rate of country’s crude oil reserves, saying it has dropped by 1.6 billion barrels (about 4.79 per cent) in just one year.

Ene attributed the drop to declining exploration activities and lack of interest in the oil and gas sector by investors due to the uncertainty surrounding the PIB. He said: “If you look at the net oil reserve in the country, for the first time, it has started to decline. If the oil reserve is on the decline today, what are we going to produce in the future? The oil reserve is also a tool to negotiate OPEC quota, if the oil reserve is declining, it is going to be extremely difficult to make case for higher OPEC quota and it will affect

oil revenue to the country.

It is our interest to have the PIB passed. What we are saying is that there is need to pass the PIB that addresses the concerns of short and long term investors in the oil and gas sector. It is not just about passing the PIB alone, but a PIB that would encourage investment in the oil and gas sector”.

He stressed the need for the Federal Government and international oil companies operating in the country to strike a balance and come out with a PIB that would encourage investment in the oil and gas sector.

Ene stated: “The PIB is like setting the rules of the game. All stakeholders recognize the need to have the rules set straight and the PIB is set to achieve that. The PIB tries to set a clear structure

Nigeria calls for partnership with South Africa on investment HE Minister of Finance, Dr. T Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called for co-operation between Nigeria and South Africa in the area of investments so as to complement each other in healthy competition.

She made the call on Sunday in Johannesburg at the opening of Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC), regional office that the two economies are the strongest in Africa and should complement each other.

She said “I want to call on Nigeria and South Africa to work together, we hope that Nigerians will be welcomed to invest in South Africa economy, the two economies are the

strongest in Africa, we hope the two economies will complement each other, and even have healthy competition when it is necessary” She said the diversification of the economy by Bayelsa state government is mirroring what President Goodluck Jonathan is trying to do with Nigeria’s economy.

“It is great for the President to see that this development is coming out of Bayelsa, being an indigene of the state and former governor. What we witnessed here today in terms of the drive to diversify the economy of Bayelsa and make it less dependent on a commodity is a mirror of what the president is trying to do with the Nigeria

economy.

“Nigeria economy is strong, we are blessed with a lot of capacity and resources, we have strong micro-economic fundamentals. Nigeria’s economy has been growing at an average of 6.5 per cent rate and is projected by IMF to grow this year at about seven per cent.”

She said Nigeria’s inflation rate is coming down to a single digit. Our currency is steady against the major world currencies, our reserve is strong, so we have a base on which to diversify the economy building a strong Nigerian economy.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

for operations in the oil and gas industry taking into considerations that there are laws that are decades old, which are no longer applicable in the oil and gas industry of today. Every

stakeholder in the industry recognize the need for the PIB. It is inevitable that the interest of different stakeholders will conflict. There has been some issues con-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

16 BUSINESS

India becomes single-largest importer of Nigerian crude

By Sulaimon Salau, with agency report sharp twist to the new shale A oil development has eventually begun to impact on Nigeria’s export market, as India has surpassed the United States (US) to become the single-largest importer of crude from Nigeria.

Analysis from an international energy agency, Platts indicated that India is now accounting for about 17 per cent of the crude imports from Nigeria.

Global Editorial Director of Oil

News, Richard Swann, said that the emergence of India as the largest consumer of Nigerian crude occurred rapidly over the past year.

“India’s demand for crude oil is constantly rising and it makes economic sense to ship it from Africa due to the geographical proximity,” Swann said.

The US has become less depended on imported crude because of the development of shale gas and shale liquid in the country.

The surprising growth of US domestic light shale oil production has resulted in a sharp 63 per cent drop in US dependence on imports of light sweet Nigerian crude in just five years, from a peak of 1.084 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2007 to just 405,000 bpd last year, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration. The 2012 volume was the lowest since 1985 when crude imports from Nigeria averaged 280,000 bpd.

On the other hand, India is

expected to import at least 13 cargoes, or 17 per cent of the 75 scheduled for export, from Nigeria by end May. In March and April, India imported six and seven cargoes, respectively. On an average, one cargo has around a million barrels of crude oil.

Indian state-run companies such as Indian Oil Corp. Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corp.

Ltd (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd figure among significant

Indian buyers of crude from Nigeria.

The refineries of these companies require sweet crude like that produced by Nigeria for their product slate.

On the other hand, private companies such as Reliance Industries Ltd and Essar Oil Ltd have stayed away from the Nigerian crude market since they can make do with heavier and cheaper crude due to the high complexity of their refineries.

The Executive Director of International Trade and Supplies at HPCL, B.K. Namdeo, said: “Nigeria is one of the largest producers of low sulphur crude and India needs this kind of crude. The BrentDubai differential has become very less in the last five to six months and there are environmental concerns over sulphur dioxide emission, which makes Nigerian light crude attractive.”

The quality and stability of Nigeria’s crude production makes it one of the most expensive crude in the world, enjoying a premium of around $3.6 per barrel over Brent. The Brent price of crude was $104.19 per barrel last week. It has fallen by more than 6 per cent in the past year, but the price of Nigerian crude has sustained itself, largely due to the increased demand from India.

The Executive Director and Head of the Energy and Natural Resources Sector at advisory firm KPMG (India), Arvind Mahajan, said: “India sources most of its crude from the Middle East and now it may

be looking to diversify its sourcing portfolio,” said “India and Nigeria have always had good relations and there may have been many governmentto-government discussions on this issue.”

Shale gas or natural gas trapped in sedimentary rocks, known as shale formations, is being increasingly tapped by the US, Canada and China as an alternative to conventional oil and gas.

Meanwhile, India is also planning to unveil a shale gas exploration policy in a month, to exploit unconventional hydrocarbon resource to meet its growing energy needs.

The Indian government had said plans to launch its first auction of shale gas block by the end of 2013 on terms that are likely to be remarkably different from those offered in bid rounds for oil and gas blocks.

However, Nigeria’s exports of Bonny Light, Qua Iboe and Forcados crude might likely fall in June compared with May, according to provisional loading programmes.

Nigeria will export 10 cargoes of Qua Iboe in June, one less than in May, and amounting to 316,667 barrels of oil per day.

There will be six cargoes of Forcados, totaling 172,400 barrels per day in June, down from nine cargoes equaling 231,000 barrels a day in May. Two traders said there will be no fresh exports of Bonny Light in June, and the only exports of the crude in the month will be delayed cargoes from the May

Nigeria to partner South Africa on investment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, said the establishment of the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) is to diversify the economy of the state away from dependence on oil and gas.

“For us this is not just a step in the right direction, but a dream come true, because the initiative is geared towards tapping the enormous poten-

tialities of the state. BDIC will work towards diversifying the economy of the state away from dependence on oil and gas, boost tourism and investment as well as create unlimited opportunities for our teeming youth and people.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Prof.

Hlengiwe Mkhize said partnership between African countries is showing the world that the future of global economy is in the continent.

“This type of partnership will guide us to take the right steps and provide the leadership needed to grow the continental economy.

“I am happy that there is relationship between BDIC and South Africa industrial development corporation which is the major player in our process of driving infrastructure development.

PIB may affect OPEC quota CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 cerning investors taking investment decisions in some projects due to the PIB. He said: The reason is that some investors want to understand the PIB. The association has found itself on the side of IOCs and the government.

PETAN by holding the PIB workshop is to bring the stakeholders to the table and discuss on the need to have the PIB so as to attract long term investment.

Ene identified under utilization of capacity and lack of access to finance as some of the challenges militating against the country’s oil and gas sector.

He explained: “The challenge has always been to create a level playing field for Nigerian companies. The Nigerian content policy stands to address that. We want to build skills, technical time.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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BUSINESS

Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law, Gbenga Oyebode (right); Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham Group, Bolaji Balogun; General Manager/Head Listings Sales & Retention, Mrs. Taba Peterside; and Vice-Chairman of the Section, Asue Ighodalo at the Section’s Capital Market Committee Roundtable discussion, in Lagos.

Cash-less economy: CBN cheque truncation now live across Nigeria

By Adeyemi Adepetun HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s concerted efforts at ensuring the country’s economic policy is at par with global standards and begins to yield results, the cheque truncation system has gone live across the country.

This implies that the settlement cycle of a cheque in Nigeria has now been reduced to one day.

The Nigeria InterBank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) and Nigeria’s leading financial services software provider, Precise Financial Systems (PFS) worked with the CBN to achieve this across all the 37 branches of the apex bank in all the states capital, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The CBN branches are Umuahia, Yola, Uyo, Awka, Bauchi, Yenagoa, Makurdi, Maiduguri, Calabar and Asaba, Abakaliki, Benin City, AdoEkiti, Enugu, Gombe, Owerri, Dutse, Kaduna, and Kano.

Others are Katsina, Birnin Kebbi, Lokoja, Ilorin, Ikeja, Lafia, Minna, Abeokuta, Akure, Oshogbo, Ibadan, Jos, and Port Harcourt as well as Sokoto, Jalingo, Damaturu, and Gusau.

According to Managing

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Director/Chief Executive Officer, PFS, Yele Okeremi, at the weekend, with the new regime all cheques presented for settlement would be resolved within stipulated date across the country.

Okeremi said the cheque truncation system would allow all branches of the CBN to capture all cheques in the respective branches and maintain them in a central server in Lagos. He added that the system then allows all captured cheques from the bank to be transmitted to the clearinghouse from Lagos.

According to him, the system is responsible for the processing of all inward cheques and NEFT transactions of banks.

While it would address all required management reporting, its controls are guided “as the system implements all required maker checker rules of the banks”, he said.

With the activation of cheque truncation through iTELLER platform in Nigeria, important challenge the system has addressed is the ability of the CBN to meet the deadline for cheque truncation nationwide. Aside, the platform has also assisted the CBN to reduce cost, time and the stress level involved in its cheque clearing

operations. “This system removes all logistics costs associated with clearing”.

While further enumerating on the benefits of cheque truncation, he said before the cheque truncation regime, the banks would have to send their outward cheques to respective central clearing departments by dispatch riders or bullion vans. However, with the system, cheques can be truncated directly at the branch of deposit.

“This removes time-wasting collation and photocopying usually carried out at the bank branches. It also removes the need to post-encode cheques, and this provides the platform to use more agile cheque scanners for image and MICR capture”.

Other benefits of the new systems, according to him, include reduction of stress and human efforts in clearing, elimination of all cheques substitution tendencies, reduction of time of consummating manual transaction thereby enabling the cashier to focus on other customer requirements as well as duction of the man-hours required to attend to other customer’s need among others.

In terms of how the new regime influences the market, he informed that the Nigeria Interbank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) has a critical supervisory role in the cheque clearing systems, as such; the system enables the cheque clearing system to run seamlessly for an effective and efficient cheque payment processing.

“Championing the on-going cheque truncation system is one way NIBSS is enabling the cheque payment and processing system in the nation. The financial institutions in the country are fast switching their practices to comply with the new cheque truncation regime. One basic implication of the new system is that the cheque clearing system in the country is tending towards real time clearing practice. The system has to be well positioned to ensure reliability, availability, sustainability, and recoverability in case of any disaster both by individual financial institutions as players and NIBSS as the supervisor”, he said.

NIBSS’ role in the new regime, he said includes the provision of alternative backup system whereby any financial institution that experiences failure in their in-house clearing system would fall back to ensure that they meet up with every clearing session’s activities.

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Nigeria moves to boost economic relations with Austria, Slovakia The business/investment cessing, power, renewable S a result if the signing of A Investment Promotion forum will provide renewed energy, textiles, water manand Protection Agreement and sustainable re-engage- agement, sanitation, con(IPPA) between Austria and Nigeria, the Nigeria embassy in Vienna will in collaboration with the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, organise a business/ investment forum in Vienna on June 26 to 28, this year.

Beside a one-day forum will equally be organised in collaboration with the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) in Bratislava, Slovakia.

ment between the organized private sectors of Nigeria and Austria and open the chapter of economic relations between Nigeria and Slovakia.

The IPPA agreement constitutes a platform for increasing Nigeria/Austria trade relations to our mutual benefit in manufacturing, cottage industries, information technology, petrochemical, medical, tourism, lumber and wood processing, agriculture, agro-industry, food pro-

struction, transportation, housing, oil and gas, etc.

The Slovak Government is also eager to increase trade relations with Nigeria and to create an opportunity for meaningful interaction between Nigerian and Slovak Private Sector Operators.

Indeed the embassy of Nigeria has been inundated with inquiries from Slovakia about investment opportunities in Nigeria in the wake of the eurozone crisis.

Arbitration court advocates alternative dispute resolution to promote FDI

By Dele Fanimo Arbitration and mediation, a new and modern he Lagos Court of TArbitration (LCA) has called legal framework for the speedy resolution of on Nigerian businesses to embrace arbitration and commercial disputes, will encourage foreign mediation in resolving their commercial disputes, saying direct investment (FDI) into the country it is faster than litigation which takes not less than six months and up to seven years for cases to be resolved.

Addressing the media recently during a roundtable held in Lagos, the Chief executive of Lagos Court of Arbitration, Ms. Megha Joshi, said that arbitration and mediation, a new and modern legal framework for the speedy resolution of commercial disputes, will encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country.

According to her, the adoption of the alternative dispute resolution platform will make commercial disputes to be quickly resolved, thereby encouraging investment into the country.

She further said that the magnitude of commercial activities in the country, including cross-border transactions and the fact that business managers worldwide agree that arbitration is faster and more efficient, makes it imperative for businesses to include arbitration clauses in their contractual agreements.

“Arbitration is faster and more efficient route for commercial dispute resolution and allows for more control from the parties involved,” Joshi said, adding that increase in arbitration activities in the world gave rise to the Lagos Court of Arbitration Law 2009 from which the LCA derives its backing.

Also speaking at the roundtable, Fabian Ajogwu, a board member of LCA, indicated that there are about 52 high courts in Lagos and over 100 magistrates, but they cannot handle fast enough the avalanche of cases before them.

“There are over 15,000 cases at the Court of Appeal alone,” he said, adding that the alternative dispute resolution of arbitration and mediation is more flexible and useful for businesses.

“In arbitration you can choose your judge, which is different from litigation and normal court cases. It is party driven, that is, the parties involved will agree on a neutral arbitrator to look at the dispute from which a binding decision is given”, he said.

The Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA) derives its legal backing from the Lagos Court of Arbitration Law of 2009. The LCA is wholly supported, owned and operated by the private sector; independent of regulation, direction or control by any branch of government. Initial govern-

ment intervention was limited to making an endowment of the physical structure for the court and any other infrastructure necessary to sup-

port the goal to make Lagos a hub for arbitration in Nigeria and the West African sub region.

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NDIC pays N90.13 billion to depositors From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City ESPITE the daunting challenges in the nation’s financial market, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) over the weekend said it has paid a cumulative sum of N90.13 billion to depositors of 48 deposit money banks in-liquidation.

Besides, it said a total sum of N2.50 billion had been paid

by NDIC to depositors of 103 closed Micro Finance Banks across the country.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, disclosed this over the weekend during the celebration of NDIC Special Day, at the 2013 Niger Delta Trade Fair, which held in Benin City.

He further stated that these

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cumulative sums paid by the Corporation, was for the 2012 calendar year alone, which he said was higher than that of the 2011 calendar year with about N10 billion.

He said “the NDIC has consistently guaranteed prompt payment to all depositors of the 48 banks in-liquidation since 1994 till date, he further noted that “the reimbursement cycle has being progressive.”

Ibrahim said the key mandate of NDIC was “to provide deposit guarantee to depositors of insured financial institutions by providing a mechanism for their reimbursement in the event of imminent or actual failure of any insured bank.”

Edo State Commissioner

Benue farmers decry high cost of seed yams ARMERS in Benue have Fhostilities decried the continued between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the state, saying that the feud was affecting the cost of seed yams in the state.

A cross-section of the farmers said in Makurdi that the cost of seed yams was getting beyond their reach.

They said that many rural farmers who stored seed yams for planting had been displaced, while numerous seed yams were also destroyed during the crises.

A farmer, Mrs. Nyifan Abenga, bemoaned the loss of her seed yams to the crises in Ortese village, Guma Local Government Area, saying she now wanted to buy seed yams for planting.

She condemned the hike in the cost of seed yams, appealing to the sellers to consider the plight of the rural farmers and reduce the prices.

Oryima Tyozenda, in his remark said the high cost of seed yams might affect the food security of the state, as this would not allow many farmers to plant yams this year.

“Benue is purely an agrarian state and the people here are predominantly farmers who cultivate yams. Now, if yams, which are the mainstay of our economy, are abandoned; then, you can guess what will happen next year,’’ he added.

Mrs. Rose Nguzenden, a farmer, also complained about the high cost of seed yams, saying: ``Right here in this village (Kyado), I bought two medium-sized basins of seed yams at the cost of N14,000.’’

She, however, noted that the quantity of the seed yams which she bought was not adequate, as her farm was quite large.

“Most farmers have lost their seed yams to the ongoing crises and with the high cost of seed yams, I am afraid, we may have famine on our hands if nothing is done to make seed yams available for planting,’’ she said.

A medium-sized container of seed yams, which sold last year for N5,000 in the local markets, now goes for between for N8,000 and N10,000, depending on the bargaining power of the

buyer.

At Daudu, Fiidi, Tiotu and Kyado markets in Makurdi, Tarka and Gboko Local Government Areas, farmers complained of the high costs, adding that the protracted crises particularly affected Guma, Makurdi and Gwer Local Government Areas of the state.

for Commerce and Industry, Barr. Donald Obasuke who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary,

Ms. Osayuware Idahosa, said the Fair would enhance and encourage economic activities in the State.

She said the presence of NDIC in the State would boost the confidence of depositors “not to be afraid of financial agencies, adding

that the Corporation would always be there to assist in the recovery of any money lost to distressed banks.

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Appointments Labour leaders renew clamour for more jobs, fight against graft

Wogu

By Yetunde Ebosele HE need to create more jobs for unemployed Nigerians and tackle alleged graft across the country took the centre stage at the 2013 May Day celebrations held recently.

From the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to Lagos State, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Kaduna State and other parts of Nigeria, labour leaders were unanimous in their clamour for more jobs and better conditions of service.

Specifically, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), called on the Federal Government to encourage industrialisation by putting measures such as security and steady power supply in place.

President of NLC, Abdulwaheed Omar, identified unemployment, insecurity and corruption as some of the challenges confronting the country.

Omar said: “We (NLC) have chosen to focus specifically on three key challenges which, if not dealt with decisively and in a timely manner, could very well undermine the survival of our nation. These are the challenges of unemployment, insecurity and corruption”.

He added: “Comrades, you will agree with me that today, the country is faced by a monumental unemployment problem. Official statistics put the national unemployment rate at approximately 24 per cent. As high as this rate is, it nevertheless camouflages the enormity of the unemployment crisis in the country. If underemployment and disguised unemployment were to be added to the figure, the monumental crisis will become more glaring.

“More importantly, an analysis of the disaggregated unemployment data shows that the youths bear the greatest brunt of the unemployment problem. The unemployment rate among the youths has been put at 37.7 per cent. Some estimates actually suggest that the figure is over 50 per cent.!

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Omar

“Whichever way we look at it, it is obvious that we are facing an unemployment time bomb in our nation. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that 197 million are unemployed worldwide in 2012. Of these, 74 million are young people between 15 and 24 years of age.

“With an estimated 80 million youths in the total population, 30 to 40 million unemployed youths constitute a veritable army of the hungry, disillusioned and angry that can undermine the stability, security and peace of any nation if left unattended.

“There is an urgent need for decisive intervention to rein in the unemployment problem. The signals of strife and insecurity today are warning banners we cannot afford to ignore.

“To overcome the problem of unemployment, Nigeria must promote strong industrial policies that recognise manufacturing as a key engine of growth and decent mass employment for the national economy”, the NLC leader added.

President of TUC, Peter Esele, in his speech said Nigeria’s economy has not come to grips with the common man, adding that it “has defied all logic”.

He explained that the relocation of several companies from Nigeria to Ghana and other countries indicates that “all is not well with our economy”.

Esele added: “Fellow comrades, our economy has not come to grips with the common man. It has defied all logic. Does it mean that the hallowed developmental strategies that turned the Asians countries into economic tiger nations have no relevance in this country?

“For hundred years, we have transformed virtually nothing. The economy is still mono-cultured. I am not given to superstition, but what is wrong with us as a nation? This question implies

that if traditional economic theories have no place in Nigeria, then we must think out of the box. This country cannot continue like this, otherwise we are heading for the precipice and anything can happen.

“Since the beginning of this year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has repeatedly told us and the rest of the world that Nigeria’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is to reach $300 billion within the year, with a yearly GDP growth rate of 7.03 per cent mainly driven by the non-oil sector.

“This is a very good news. But one cannot help but ask some pertinent questions. Which are the non-oil sectors that have contributed so much to our economy? We are now in the second quarter of the year.

How far has the economic growth postulated by the CBN reflected in the life of the average Nigerian? How much extra naira has it put in our pockets? Has it provided more food on the table? How much impact has it had on housing, education, job creation, basic infrastructure, among others?

Is it real or superficial? Is it the kind of growth that makes the rich richer and the poor poorer? Questions, questions and more questions! My fellow comrades, I leave them all for you to ponder on”, Esele said.

In its appraisal of the economy recently, the Association of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution (ASSBIFI), said since 2009, both the weak and the seemingly strong banks have not demonstrated requisite capacity to drive the national economy.

The group explained that despite the bail-out with public funds and the intervention of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), “virtually all the banks, insurance and financial institutions have entrenched policies that are definitely antithetical to security of jobs and its creation, and, welfare of the people. A clear example is the perennial

Esele

laying off of workers as redundant.”

Also lamenting the state of Nigeria’s economy, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), said the oil and gas industry is “presently undergoing some reforms and the harsh economic climate has not been favourable to our members”.

Making reference to the poor state of infrastructure, Esele said many industries and business enterprises still

struggle to break even “due to the overly high overhead costs they incur on transportation, power generation, exorbitant demurrage at the ports, high exchange rate of the naira, multiple taxation, among others”.

He added: “The manufacturing sector is worst hit by these negative factors which have resulted in capacity utilisation remaining abysmally low.

Owing to these, the domestic economy has witnessed an unprecedented closure of fac-

tories and production plants, and the unemployment profile has continued to rise.

“The relocation of several companies from Nigeria to Ghana and other countries is indicative that all is not well with our economy. The Bank of Ghana recently released a report that lists Nigeria as the ninth leading source of foreign direct investment in Ghana. The list of companies that relocated include, among

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Minister reiterates govt’s plans to tackle unemployment through technical education

By Yetunde Ebosele O reinvigorate Nigeria’s T economy and empower teeming unemployed youths across the country, the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, has emphasised the role of technical and vocational education.

Speaking recently during a business dinner organised by the Nigerian Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic, to mark his visit to the country’s Education Ministry and Technical Education institutions, Wike stated that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration believes that equipping the youths with functional skills was key to tackling employment challenges in Nigeria.

A statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Simeon Nwakaudu, quoted Wike as saying the benefits of technical and vocational education “are critical to the goals that this administration is aiming to achieve”, adding that, “we believe that youths that are equipped with the relevant tools will be self-reliant and employers of labour”.

The statement added: “That is why we have resolved to seek cooperation with countries that have the capacity and experience to assist us in this direction. We have identified Czech Republic as a country with the

relevant expertise that will be profitable to our country”.

The minister explained that the disparity between the qualifications from universities and polytechnics is being address by the government to serve as an encouragement to Nigerians interested in acquiring technical qualifications.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Czech Republic, Mrs. Kate Okon, noted that Czech Republic has enormous human resources in technical and vocational education that would assist Nigeria to develop the sector.

She commended the minister for working towards ensuring that technical and vocational education receive the attention it deserves.

Head, Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, Petr Matolin, stated that his country has used technical and vocational education to drive her economy and improve the living condition of the people.

He stated that the agency would fully collaborate with the Nigerian government to improve the application of technical and vocational education as an economic tool aimed at empowering the people, pointing out that the institution has developed techniques of translating ideas into positive applications that enhance national development.

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Proceeds from SURE-P are being channelled to create jobs, says Okonjo-Iweala From Mathias Okwe, Assistant N what appeared as an Iwhat account of stewardship of the Federal Government has been doing with it’s portion of the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) fund the savings from the partial removal of petroleum subsidy, which came into force last year, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recently, said the proceeds has been channelled into creating employment opportunities for youths in the country through the upgrade of their skills and mentoring in line with current global industry requirement.

The minister made the declaration in Abuja where she officially launched the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS), one of the youth empowerment components under the Sure-P Programme specifically targeting unemployed and under-employed graduates in the country where they are recruited and placed on internship in reputable firms for mentoring and upgrade of skills to make them competitive in the respective sectors.

The sum of N15 billion monthly accrues to the Federal Government out of the N35 billion subsidy gain.

The balance goes to the states and the local councils.

Iweala spoke just as she restated the commitment and readiness of the Federal Government to soon release the sum of N3 billion to the Nigerian film industry promised last year by President Goodluck Jonathan to enable

the industry expand operations aimed at creating more jobs in the sector.

The minister spoke about the GIS and she also gave insight of the progress of the other two employment generation initiatives under the Sure- P: “I am very excited about the GIS because it is a practical and innovative response to the unemployment challenge, which brings together the synergies of government and private sector partnership to maximise the energy of youth.

It demonstrates what is possible when we come together to create new paradigms in response to the challenges that confront us as a nation.”

She continued: “The GIS is part of our tripod strategy for responding to the youth unemployment in Nigeria.

This strategy has three layers because we recognise that the challenge is a multiple-dimensional one. The first layer focuses on expanding the pool of entrepreneurs by supporting youths with entrepreneurial talent to expand their existing businesses or set up new businesses so that they can employ other youths.

“This is what the YOU WIN Programme is all about. As a show of commitment to young people, government launched the first edition of YOUWIN Programme in 2011.

The first edition supported about 1200 businesses run by young people. These businesses have so far created over 10,000 new jobs. As we speak, more jobs are being created, lives are being changed and a generation of youths is being inspired to use existing challenges as stepping-stones to success.

“The second layer is the graduate employment component which includes graduate internship scheme. Here, the focus is on creating opportunities for youth with degrees or equivalent qualifications to work in the private sector on a temporary or permanent basis. This will enable interested firms to get a chance to benefit from their skills while assessing them for employment on a permanent basis.

“The third pillars focused on creating employment for unskilled youth through the community services scheme across all local governments

in the country. This has already created 120,000 jobs, “ Iweala further revealed.

She explained that the tripod strategy was adopted on the realisation that government alone cannot solve the problem of unemployment in the country.

Shedding more light on the GIS, she said 50,000 unemployed and under employed graduates will be engaged by the end of 2013, while in the second phase the figure is to double to 100,000 with at least 1000 unemployed graduates to be affected in the first phase in every state of the

Federation.

The launch of the GIS also featured interaction by the interns and captains of industry who promised to engage more of the interns .

In the same vein, OkonjoIweala has said that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that the N3 billion intervention fund which President Jonathan promised the Nigerian film industry leads to sustainable benefits for the industry.

She stressed that the fund, contrary to the impression some stakeholders may be nursing, is not planned to be

shared out as grants or loans.

Rather the objective is to leave behind something solid on which the industry can leverage on and grow to a new level.

The coordinating minister made the statement during a lively town hall meeting recently in Lagos with heads of guilds and associations in Nollywood as well a cross section of filmmakers and business people working in the sector, according to a statement by Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister .

Pioneering President, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Nigeria, Dr. Michael Omolayole (left); President CIPM, represented by his Deputy, Anthony Arabome; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria, Seni Adetu and Senior Manager, People and Change, PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PWC), Zimbabwe and Malawi, Ethel Kuuya, at the fifth CIPM’s Special Human Resources Forum in Lagos… recently.

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Labour hinges national development on job creation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 others, Dunlop Nigeria Plc, Michelin, among others”, pointing out that as they shut down their plants, hundreds of their workers were either disengaged or placed on half pay.

“How did this come about?

The Ghanaian government provided very conducive environment, free land, 15-year tax holidays, and other attractive incentives for would-be

investors.

“Sadly, these are all measures that successive Nigerian governments have refused to implement in spite of persistent advice from well-meaning citizens over the years. Even today, it appears the government has no concrete plan on how to develop infrastructure with a view to bringing more investments into the country.

The business climate is simply so hostile”.

The TUC boss also used the

opportunity to advise the government to revive the dwindling fortune of the country through agriculture.

Esele said: “Agriculture has the capacity of regaining its lost position as the mainstay of the nation’s economy and providing employment for 70 per cent of the population, providing raw material for our industries, for domestic consumption, and for export that would earn us much foreign exchange.

“We have all the basic pre-requisites: about 91 million hectares of arable land, abundant rainfall and favourable climatic conditions, among others. Unfortunately the necessary attention that the sector requires to achieve these positive goals has not been given to it. Thus the agricultural sector has rarely contributed over 30 per cent of the nation’s GDP in any given year”.

To reverse the trend, Omar

Lagos, private sector to partner on service delivery

By Wole Oyebade O boost healthcare delivery in Lagos State, plans are on the way to strengthen partnership between the public and private care providers in the state.

The goal, according to Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, is to close existing gaps among providers for a robust healthcare system in Lagos.

Idris said this recently at the 2013 Private health sector trade fair in Lagos, themed: “Effective public-private partnership: A sure way of promoting healthcare delivery system in Nigeria”.

Idris disclosed that the state government had planned a health council meeting slated for May 9 and 10, 2013. The focus of the coming is universal access to maternal and child health, improved capacity building and collaboration in the health sector.

According to him, “we think it is about time we saw health service as a system and not as different components divided along public/private; formal/informal divide. What we are working at is one

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health service for the people.

“It is true that we have huge private sector taking care of about 55 per cent of our population. But the problem is that it has not yet been integrated into the health sector and the people are the worst for it,” he said.

Idris added that government was in agreement with the fair, organised by Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) and funded United States Agency for International Development (USAID), especially on the need for strengthened partnership by tapping into the resources in private sector.

He said: “Government is in the process of enhancing such partnership and one of the key ingredients is dialogue between government and the private partners. The fact is that the private sector must be part of health service in Lagos.

“Government will play its part, the private sector also must do theirs. We will achieve more in this clime with formidable teamwork and working as a family,” Idris

said.

Representatives of Mission Director, USAID Nigeria, Celeste Carl, noted that USAID had supported the fair to promote the win-win opportunities that abound in partnership among the stakeholders.

Carl said abundance of opportunities await the private sector in Nigeria, notwithstanding the current challenges. She said with adequate support from other stakeholders, the private sector would offer 40 to 70 per cent of quality health services by 2020.

“While the Department for International Development (DFID) sees the emergence of new healthcare delivery in Nigeria, there is more work to be done in the creation of infrastructure, unity of purpose, access to equipment and credit facility,” she said.

Former Health minister and guest speaker at the fair, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi said some of the key areas that the partnership must address are team’s spirit within and among the professional healthcare groups, coupled with improved access to state-of-

the-art equipment, “which has being a dilemma due to inadequate funding.”

While he commended efforts of the Federal Government to increase and upgrade public faculties, and USAID, through SHOPS projects building capacities of private sector in both health delivery and business development in six states, Adelusi-Adeluyi said there was the need to scale up to nooks and crannies of the country.

According to him, “the only viable parameter to scale up is effective partnership within the private sector and between the private and public sector. For this purpose, an appropriate and comprehensive representative body, which can effectively speak, equitably negotiate and regularly organise beneficial projects on behalf of the professionals in the health team, needs to be set up in the shortest possible time.

urged the Federal Government to urgently initiate a range of measures to revive and protect labourintensive industries like textile, food and beverages, construction, iron and steel sectors among others. “It is commendable that the Federal Government had initiated the textile revival funds. The midterm assessment of the impact of this long-term fund at single digit interest rate has been positive. For instance, UNTL Kaduna, the largest textile mill that hitherto closed down in 2007 had reopened with direct jobs of 1,500 workers with prospect of further expansion”.

Explaining further, Omar said: “We demand that the Bank of Industry (BOI) should be further recapitalised to enable it address the problem of financing of industries. In addition, there cannot be sustainable industrialisation without uninterrupted power supply. Government must also stop the ongoing dumping of sub-standard and fake imported goods into the country. To continue to do so is to continue to export job prospects, dwindle our foreign reserve and foreign exchange earnings and continued importation of unemployment.

“Nigeria must move away from a container economy in which almost every good is imported to a productive economy through an aggressive pursuit of industrialisa-

tion. Government must support transfers of skills and technologies to accelerate industrialisation and the creation of good quality jobs while safeguarding the environment”.

Addressing the workers, President Goodluck Jonathan said since inception, the current administration had always seen labour movement as not just part of history but part of Nigeria’s past, present and its collective future.

Jonathan said: “Since the advent of this administration, we have created atmosphere where everybody can achieve his or her dream, which is the thrust of our transformation agenda. The transformation agenda is about taking and implementing measures today in order to give our people a brighter tomorrow. It is about creating jobs, wealth and ensuring a better deal for Nigerians. Central to this transformation is the creation of stable political environment where economic development activities would flourish.”

Education, according to Esele, is critical to the development of any country. “Well thought-out, virile and functional educational systems and the implementation of same account for the technological advancement, breakthroughs and successes that developed nations have recorded economically and in the field of science and tech-

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Research workers suspend strike for nine weeks From Collins Olayinka, Abuja ORKERS in the nation’s W research institutes who have been on industrial action for about 90 days have suspended the action.

In an agreement signed in Abuja on April 30 by the leadership of the Trade Unions constituting the Joint Research and Allied Institutions Sector Unions (JORAISU) and government, it was agreed that the nine weeks is to allow a committee raised by government resolve all the issues in disagreement.

The issues in contention include one year arrears of salaries between July 2009 July 2010; demand for 65 years retirement age for nonteaching staff in research institutes; establishment of coordinating commission for research institutions; funding of research institutes; earned allowances and skipping of salary grade level 10.

Speaking to The Guardian on the suspension of the

industrial action, the General Secretary of the Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Peter Adeyemi, said the unions suspended the action owing to the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan of the settlement of all the issues in disagreement.

He said: “We were convinced as union leaders that we went on this strike because there was nothing concrete on the table. But now that we have seen actually that Mr. President who has final authority over this matter has approved most of our agitations, we have no choice other than reconsider our position hence the decision to suspend the strike for nine weeks to allow government put every machinery in motion towards the realization of the approved items.

“Our suspending the strike for nine weeks would also allow government to fail again rather than allowing a situation where the public will see us a people who don’t

want to work. Even though government asked for 12 weeks, we thought that nine weeks was enough for them to kick-start the process because we consider the fact that these are senior government officials who have competing things to do.”

Adeyemi stated that while the memo signed by the President included pointed the way forward towards the resolution of the disputed issues, the payment of oneyear salary arrears was not approved.

He said the withholding of the President’s approval was informed by a countermemo presented by the Salaries, Income Wages Commission, which held that the workers were not entitled to the arrears because their negotiations did not end as at the time negotiations with the unions in the universities ended.

He explained: “But we have consistently faulted this position. Apart from positing that it is out to prevent waste and preserve government

Nzamujo, Opeke, Sanders For FSD Seminar for Skills FholdOUNDATION Development (FSD) will the ninth series of its micro, small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) seminar for women at MAN House, Ikeja, on May 9.

A press release issued by its Executive Director, Mrs. Omowale Ogunrinde, said the purpose of the seminar is to equip small business owners, particularly women, with information to grow their businesses, saying it will help more women connect with available resources in the pub-

lic and private sectors of the economy.

FSD is partnering with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the United States Embassy, UPS, Field of Skills and Dreams, VTE Academy and other organisations on the seminar.

“MSME seminar has impacted several business owners across the country positively with amazing success stories. The seminars feature successful business owners telling their personal growth stories, life

coaches, business training consultants and government agencies offering counseling sessions” she said.

Speakers at this session include President of Songhai Centre, Father Godfrey Nzamujo; Managing Director/CEO of Main One Cable, Funke Opeke and former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Sanders. The seminar will focus on Maximizing Cash Flow and Accessing Available Incentives for Small Scale Business Owners.

resources, the commission also observed that paying us the arrears may trigger off agitations in the sub-sector, Mr. President had no choice but to take a second look at the scenario.

“They also argued that if we were paid, it would then mean that our lifespan of the agreement government had

with us would have begun a year earlier than the negotiated date. This position must have indeed appealed to Mr. President. However, attractive as this may seems, Mr. President has raised a committee to look at the entire thing and report back.

“The membership of this committee which is headed

by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, includes the unions, Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Ministers of Education, Labour and Productivity, Science and Technology and Agriculture and Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.”

FirstBank sponsors WEF in South Africa ETERMINED to ensure that D Nigeria and indeed, Africa finds its feet among the world’s economic power blocks, Nigeria’s foremost financial institution, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has thrown its weight behind the 2013 World Economic Conference on Africa.

The three-day event, billed to kick off in Cape Town, South Africa on May 8, precedes the World Economic Forum (WEF) coming up later this year in Davos, Switzerland.

The annual event, which is expected to attract leaders in business, finance, civil society groups and policy makers presents a good platform for African business leaders to brainstorm and come up with a road map on how to tackle economic issues in Africa.

A press statement explained that as the Regional Associate partner to WEF, FirstBank was the sponsor of both WEF corporate session in Lagos in 2012 and an active participant at

the Addis Ababa conference also in 2012.

During conference, the Bank will host exclusive breakfast meeting where critical economic issues bothering on deployment of capital in frontier markets, adapting innovative technologies and services, and fostering a friendly regulatory environment will be discussed. The objective is to come up with strategies that would unlock business and investment opportunities in Nigeria.

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Crisis brews at UCH over appointment of DCMAC From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan SUPREMACY battle is currently brewing between medical doctors and other medical personnel at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan over filling of the vacant position of the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) of the hospital.

The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Care Professionals (NUAHCP) had recently at a press conference insisted that the position of the DCMAC of the hospital should not be monopolised by medical doctors but thrown open to other medical personnel within the system.

The NUAHCP, comprising Pharmacists, Radiographers, Laboratory Technologists and Physiotherapists, faulted the appointment of Laboratory Physician as DCMAC, insisting that one of their members should have been appointed.

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the issue, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) argued that “if the idea of appointing a deputy for any officer is to have somebody that can step into the officer’s shoes when not available, then, the only suitable person for the post of DCMAC is a Medical Doctor.

“Anything short of that is like appointing a carpenter to be the deputy of a pilot in an aeroplane”, the NMA said.

The NMA, through its chairman, Prof.

Adefolarin Malomo, pointed out that the prevailing problem was caused by the change in the designation from Medical Laboratory Technologist to Medical Laboratory Scientist

without retraining or changes in capability.

He said: “We restrained ourselves from pointing out the embarrassing anomaly”, adding, “world over, science is the systematic investigation into the status and dynamics of things in nature.

“It is about clarifying,

Lagos lawmaker empowers youths, widows with cash gifts

By Wole Oyebade O boost small-scale busiT nesses and alleviate poverty in her constituency, a member of the of Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), Lola Akande, at the weekend reached out to youths, widows among others in Ikeja constituency II. The yearly empowerment programme, sixth in the series, witnessed the distribution of cash prizes to support new businesses, cooperative society and ward development.

Among the beneficiaries and recipients of N20,000 each were a batch of trainees that have just acquired skills in making of shampoo, hair cream, disinfectant, emulsion and gloss paints, stove thread, pink oil, hair conditioner, make-up and tying of head gear.

Others were 21 widows (N20, 000 each); 10 ward chairmen

(N50, 000 each); 20 youths (N10, 000 each); two Local Government Area chairmen (N50, 000 each); Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) women leaders also got N65, 000 for their cooperative society.

Speaking at the sixth yearly empowerment programme held at Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the deputy Majority Leader of the House, said the programme was borne out “of my passion for the general upliftment of the people and eradication of poverty.”

Since her assumption of office in 2007, Akande and her team had distributed equipment like hair dryers, sewing machines, coolers, computers, generators, refrigerators, cookers and cash as demanded by her constituency, though she has also realized that the beneficiaries prefer receiving financial assistance to improve their businesses.

Civil servants in Zamfara get 500 new cars From Isah Ibrahim, Gusau HE Governor of Zamfara T State, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has flagged off the distribution of 500 brand new Kia cars to senior civil servants.

Speaking during the 2013 Workers Day celebration held at old state secretariat, the state governor disclosed that the civil servant are to pay for the new cars within four years with 30 per cent discount, adding that the gesture alone cost the government the sum of N400,146,300.000 as subsidy for the loan.

“We have realized that there is a connection between productivity and incentives hence our determination to prepare our civil servants for life after retirement.” he added.

On the complaints made by the trade union, the governor pledged to make payments of financial benefits for 2012 and yearly increment for the 2013 to all civil servants

He called on the civil servants in the state to ensure discipline and punctuality, saying that no government can function effectively without vibrant civil service.

Chairman of the state Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mansur Mustapha, appealed to the government to ensure regular release of promotion and its implementation as part of the contractual agreement between the government and civil servants.

His words: “Permit me also to draw your attention to the need to fulfill the contractual agreement of government by effecting promotions, and paying arrears on those not included as this is part of the contractual agreement”.

According to him, “more than 1,000 promotions are waiting in the list and the workers are complaining. Other areas include acting allowances for directors and deputy allowances”.

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Aregbesola seeks roles for engineers in development From Collins Olayinka, Abuja OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola G of Osun State has called for the reservation of prominent roles for engineers in the infrastructural development of the country.

The governor, who stated this in Oshogbo, Osun State, while receiving the Nigerian Society of Engineers’ Special Presidential Merit Award in Osogbo, emphasized the critical relevance of engineering to the development of nations in all ramifications.

He particularly decried the alleged deliberate neglect of engineers in the scheme of charting a pathway to development in Nigeria.

Citing specific examples, he dwelt extensively on how engi-

neers can be fully utilised to achieve the much-needed advancement in the country through the provision of what he called “critical infrastructure”, from food security to electricity, water and housing sectors.

Aregbesola challenged the Federal Government to declare a decade of emergency in all the critical sectors of the economy so that there will be jobs for all employable Nigerians, including all categories of engineers.

He said: “Vision 20:2020 begins and ends with engineering.

There is no politics here. We are not interested in which party is there. We are simply saying that no nation can achieve its full developmental potentials if the people already trained in applying their knowledge to

solving problems of human needs in such society are idle, unengaged and unproductive, not because they are lazy, but simply because there is nothing for them to do.

“You can only talk about meaningful development when engineers particularly are motivated to put back to the society what they have learnt in school. It is the duty of government to create such opportunities.”

Aregbesola went further to commend the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) President, Engr. Mustafa Shehu, for his tenacity and calm disposition in bringing about the huge achievements that the Society has recorded during his tenure as president.

He made specific reference to

Illoh raises committee on performance monitoring From Collins Olayinka, Abuja HE Permanent Secretary in T the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh, has inaugurated a committee on monitoring and evaluation to track performance management, transparency, increased productivity as well as service delivery in the ministry.

Illoh, while raising the committee, argued that the step was aimed at achieving the objective of job creation for the teeming unemployed Nigerian youths.

He added: “What cannot be monitored or measured is not worthwhile, therefore the need to build a system of monitoring in other to track along

the level of performance as well as challenges and solution became very compelling and that is why the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Committee is being inaugurated.”

Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary revealed that monitoring and evaluation committees in ministries are expected to provide information for accountability and monitoring framework to track the programmes and projects of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“The purpose of monitoring and evaluation frame work in conducting government business today is to improve the

availability, quality and dissemination of governance performance information for accountability and policy improvement, the M&E is a strategy developed to establish a system for tracking the progress and performance of MDA’s programmes and projects,” he explained.

Illoh added that the essence of monitoring and evaluation is not intended to punish workers, but to make sure that projects and programmes work out according to plan.

The permanent secretary urged members of the committee to see their appointment as an opportunity to contribute to national development.

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Kaduna chief judge pledges speedy dispensation of justice From Saxone Akhaine, Northern HE Chief Judge of Kaduna T State, Justice Rahila Cudjoe, has announced plans to computerised the judiciary in the state as part of measures to enhance efficient dispensation of justice.

Speaking at the 2013 law week of the Kaduna branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), recently, Justice Cudjoe explained that under the dispensation, there is no need for lawyers who have cases in any of the state high courts across the state to come to the state high court complex to find out when their cases would come up or which judge would handle their cases.

She added that since 2012, the judiciary in the state started uploading cases on its website, adding that all the lawyers need to do was to log onto the website of the Kaduna State judiciary to know when and where their cases are assigned, adding that Kaduna is the first state in the country to start such practice.

Justice Cudjoe, whose disclosure drew a wide applause from the lawyers present, said, “our ICT at the high court has continued to grow from

Lagos CJ seeks continuous legal education for lawyers

By Bertram Nwannekanma HE Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, has advised Nigerian lawyers to give priority to continuous legal education as part of measures to remain relevant.

Justice Phillips spoke recently while declaring open a twoday workshop on “Entrenching Versatility in Legal Practice” organised for lawyers by the Continuous Legal Education Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch.

She said: “As the law evolves, we have to evolve with it.

Otherwise you would be left behind and you would become a useless practitioner”, she said.

According to her, there is need for every lawyer to be on top of the laws around them and keep themselves abreast of new developments in law.

“We have to be on top of the law and while you are on top of the law, you also have to be on top of what is going on around you in the world”, she said.

The chief judge extolled the inclusion of judges of the state high court as resources person, saying the development was good for cross fertilisation of ideas.

“It shows that you have confidence in my judges and in this judiciary”, she said, adding that at the end of the workshop they would have learnt something from one another.

Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of NBA, Ikeja Branch, Monday Ubani, stated that it would be difficult for any lawyer to be successful in the practice if one does not keep himself abreast of development around him.

Ubani remarked that continuous legal education is a requirement for renewal of practice, which according to him every lawyer must comply with to remain relevant in the profession.

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strength to strength.

Sometimes last year, we started posting all cases assigned daily on the website.

“Lawyers don’t have to come to the high court to know when their cases are coming up or where their cases are assigned. All they have to do is to log unto the website of the Kaduna State judiciary.

“With all sense of humility, I want to say that I doubt if any other state in Nigeria is doing that right now. In addition to that, at the beginning of this year, we supplied all our judges with IPAD 4, the latest in the series.

The Chief Judge continued: “Right now, all the IPADS are being fitted with the law pavilion. So, I don’t expect our judges to go to the judicial centre for their research as they can now do their research anywhere they are. She also disclosed that the District Court

laws and the Alternative Dispute Resolution law in the state has been passed into law and assured that with the District Court law passed, the work load on the state high court will now reduce”.

She argued further: “The year started on a good note for the Kaduna State judiciary. The long awaited District Court law was passed into law by the Kaduna State House of Assembly and accented to by the governor and it is now law.

“The jurisdiction of the district court of the highest grade has now being increase from N50,000 to N500,000. Above all, it will help to decrease the number of cases before the Kaduna high court because before now, all cases above N50,000 normally go to the high court.

“That law also introduced the use of audio and other recording equipment in the court.

Just as we have provided the high court with these equipment, we are going to supply all the magistrate courts recording machines. The other law that has been passed is the ADR laws. As you all know, we had a mini ADR centre that could not take off because the law was not passed. Now, the law has been passed and all that we are waiting for is for the staff that has been earmarked for the ADR to take off in Kaduna State. The ADR edifice we are constructing will soon be completed, equipped and commissioned in the next few months”.

Also speaking at the occasion, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Jonathan Kish Adamu, said that no nation can develop without the rule of law and commended the judiciary in the state for its efforts at computerisation.

Group to honour Odumakin, Dabiri-Erewa, others in UK

By Tunde Akinola HE Women4Africa team will on Saturday, May th 18 , 2013, honour the recipient of the United States (U.S.) Department of State Woman of Courage Award, Dr. Joe OkeOdumakin, Chairman House Committee on Nigerians in Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and other respected African women at its second yearly awards.

In a statement issued by the Founder, Women4Africa, Sam Onigbanjo, the event billed to take place in London, United Kingdom, will be honouring some amazing women from over 15 African countries such as Ethiopia, Malawi, Swaziland, Senegal, South Africa, Cameroun, Nigeria, Ghana and more.

According to Onigbanjo: “Women4Africa will also be recognising some outstanding women for their contributions and achievements. Among African women to be awarded and

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recognised are Soneni Gwizi of Zimbabwe, the first female disabled radio broadcaster in Zimbabwe, Tonia Dabwe who is Founder of the Mineke Foundation in Liberia.

“Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin of Nigeria was recently hailed as a fearless, fiery champion of democracy and human rights and recently awarded with the ‘Woman of Courage’ award by U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry and First Lady Michelle Obama and then Esther Madudu of Uganda a midwife and spokesperson for AMREF’s Stand Up For African Mother’s campaign and estimated to have saved over 1,000 lives in the course of her career, these are just some of the recipients on the day,” he said.

The speakers at the event are Sir Paul Judge, Eric Chinje and Dr. Joe Odumakin. While the event is expected to have up to 1,000 attendees, other dignitaries expected are members of parliament, high commissioners and other guests.

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Skye Bank gives reasons for oil sector lending

By Chijioke Nelson ROUP Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Skye Bank Plc, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said banks in the country are more favourably disposed to lending to oil producing companies when oil reserves are confirmed.

According to him, oil exploration is capital intensive in nature and only makes sense to ensure that funds being availed the oil companies are paid back, so that banks will not suffer monumental losses and put shareholders capital at risk.

Durosinmi-Etti made assertion during a panel discussion on the topic: “Sustainable oil and gas sector reforms” at the just concluded UK-Nigeria Investment Partnership forum, in Lagos.

He noted that the consolidation exercise in the banking

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Kwara seeks partnership with NSE on development he Kwara Government has T expressed desire to collaborate with the Nigerian Society of Engineers in a bid to fast track the socio-economic transformation of the state.

Governor Ahmed gave the assurance in Ilorin at the inauguration of the State Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Prof MohammedGana Yisa, as the 17th chairman of the state branch of the society.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Kayode Towoju, noted with delight that the society had played a significant role in the development the state.

He gave an assurance that his government would continue to regard the NSE as a veritable partner in the task of ensuring accelerated development of the state.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Razak Atunwa, whose paper was entitled “Law and Engineering: Synopsis of Convergence”, noted that law and engineering proffered solutions to problems bedeviling the society.

He said both professions thrived on order and structure and relied on convincing evidence or proof.

The speaker expressed confidence that in no distant future a new field, “Legal Engineering, might come into existence in view of the fact that the two professions were regarded as different sides of the same coin.

Also speaking, the Zanna of Ilorin, Alhaji Lanre Sagaya, who presided over the occasion, enjoined governments at all levels to continue to patronise indigenous engineers to further enhance their performance.

While handing over the mantle of leadership to the new chairman, the immediate past Chairman of the NSE, Alhaji Kamila Wopa, enumerated the achievements of his Executives urged members to support the new Chairman to enable him consolidate on his achievements.

In his maiden speech, the new chairman observed with delight, that the society had through its progressive and imaginative programmes, become a platform for true professional development and technological advancement of the Country.

industry strengthened banks’ ability to fund the oil and gas sector, stressing that the bank has made to its contributions to strengthen local content development in oil exploration.

The banker explained that since banks do not want to lose money, they would rather lend to oil exploration companies with proof of reserves.

Speaking on the marginal oil fields given to indigenous companies and investors, he said the challenge banks face in its lending is that some of them have one dominant individual, who serves as the promoter, which is not in tandem with good corporate governance.

According to him, where the money needed by the oil companies is huge, loan syndication or club arrangement is preferred as it shifts the burden of providing the capital from one financial

institution.

He disclosed that out of the 29 marginal oil blocks granted sometime ago, only nine are operating at the moment, noting that sustainability of operations is hampered by communal unrest, environmental factors and corporate social responsibility.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Seplat Oil, Dr. Bryant Orjiako, acknowledged the contributions Skye Bank and GTB Plc made to shore up his company’s capital, commending them for outstanding support to indigenous oil companies.

In similar development, former Presidential Adviser on Petroleum, Dr. Emmanuel Ebogah, said the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), when passed, would lead to transparency and check corruption in the oil industry.

According to Ebogah, transparency in the oil industry

would open the way for both foreign and local investors

to invest, as everything would be done in trans-

parency, describing the industry as currently constituted of corrupt activities.

Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Roger Gifford (left); Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema; Deputy Managing Director, GT Bank Plc, Mrs. Cathy Echeozo; and Head of Primary Markets, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, London Stock Exchange, Ibukun Adebayo, at the UK-Nigeria investment partnership forum, in Lagos.

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U.S. Congress set to vote on online sales tax plan HE US Senate is to vote T on whether to impose sales taxes on online retailers, as brick-and-mortar stores call for “a level playing field”.

The bill, which would empower states to collect sales taxes, is expected to pass the Senate, but faces some opposition in the House.

Under current law, only firms with a physical presence in a state must charge online sales taxes.

States lost nearly $12 billion (£8 billion) last year in sales tax on online purchases.

The law is expected to pass the Senate on yesterday after already surviving three procedural votes.

But it faces opposition in the House, where some Republicans regard it as a tax increase.

The law would not apply to retailers with less than $1m in online sales. eBay, the online auction site, wants the bill to exempt businesses with up to $10 million in sales or fewer than 50 employees.

The measure is supported by a coalition of brick-andmortar retailers and industry groups.

Under current law, large brick-and-mortar firms such as Walmart and Target must collect sales taxes on online purchases in all states where they have stores.

But online retailers such as eBay and Amazon are exempt, except in states where they have offices or distribution centres.

However, as Amazon has so many distribution centres across the US it is often subject to state sales tax anyway, and so the world’s largest online retailer sup-

ports the bill.

“With respect to state sales tax collection, Amazon.com has long supported a simplified nationwide approach that is evenhandedly applied and applicable to all but the smallest volume sellers,” Amazon’s vice-president for global public policy, Paul Misener, wrote in a letter to senators sponsoring the bill in February.

David French, spokesman for the National Retail Federation, said that as internet sales have grown “it’s putting pressure on the brick-and-mortar competitors and it’s putting pressure on state and local sales tax revenues”.

“It’s time for Congress to create a level playing field so that all retailers are treated fairly.”

Under the proposed legislation, sales taxes, which differ in percentage from state to state, would be sent to the states where the purchaser lives.

States would have to provide free computer software to help online firms calculate sales taxes.

States would also be expected to establish a single entity to receive internet tax revenue, so that retailers do not have to send it to individual counties or cities.

But internet retailers who oppose the bill say it does not do enough to protect small online-only firms.

They say the onus of different tax laws would still rest with online firms, including small businesses.

“Complying and living under the tax laws of 50 states is a major undertaking because the process of complying with tax law goes far beyond just filling

out the right forms,’’ said Brian Bieron, eBay’s senior director of global public policy.

“You have to deal with the fact that all of these government agencies can audit you and can question you and can actually take you into court and sue you if they think you are doing something wrong.”

In the Senate, the law has gained supporters from both sides of the aisle. The main sponsor, Senator Mike Enzi, is a conservative Republican from Wyoming.

Obama

Greece: IMF hails economic ‘progress,’warns on tax evasion EBT-LADEN Greece has slow to cut public sector petitiveness gap,” the sector workers earning a salary or a pension. report said.

D made progress in jobs, the IMF said.

The Fund called on the But the IMF added that improving its finances, but the country must do more to fight tax evasion, the International Monetary Fund has said.

In a report, the IMF said Greece had made “exceptional” progress on reducing its budget deficit since 2010.

But the IMF, one of the lenders that backed a bailout of Greece, said the “notorious” problem of tax evasion was still a major issue.

Also, Athens was still too

Cutting the budget deficit and making its economy more competitive were key conditions of the 240 billion-euro (£202 billion) bailout from the European Union and the IMF. “Progress on fiscal adjustment has been exceptional by any international comparison,” the IMF said in its report, which followed a visit by officials to the country.

“Greece has also made a significant dent in its com-

“insufficient” structural reforms have meant that deficit cutting has been achieved primarily through cutting jobs and salaries bringing “unequal distribution of the burden of adjustment”.

The IMF also said that “very little” had been done to tackle Greece’s “notorious tax evasion,” with the rich and self-employed “simply not paying their fair share” as austerity unfairly hits mostly public

government to strengthen the independence of the tax administration to make it easier to reform the system.

On public sector jobs, the IMF said Greece is too reliant on voluntary departures. “The taboo against mandatory dismissals must be overcome,” the report said.

Last month, the Greek parliament adopted a law that will allow the dismissal of 15,000 civil servants.

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NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 6/5/2013 PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR

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NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 6/5/2013

LOSERS

PRICE GAINERS

Market witnesses more inflow of offshore investors Stories by Bukky Olajide AST week, the Over The Lexperienced Counter [OTC] market a renewal of interest in government securities which resulted to a marginal increase in prices of tradable bonds.

This trend was sustained through the week as the market witnessed the presence of offshore investors. The highest negative change in yields came from the 3M benchmark security with c.84bps whilst the next came from the 5Y benchmark with c.67bps.

According Dunn Loren Merrifield analysts, the renewed presence of foreign investors could be as a result of the upward trend in yields in the past few weeks as a result of the present market dynamics.

The analysts therefore expect the current level of activities in the market to continue in the week ahead in the absence of any major economic event.

Meanwhile, Fidelity Bank Nigeria Plc, on Friday issued a $300-million Eurobond at a coupon of 6.875 percent. The bond which has a five year tenor was issued at a discount price of 99.48 percent which gives an issue yield of

seven percent.

The proceeds of the bond are expected to be used to finance projects with dollar obligations such as oil, power and infrastructure. This issue is coming on the back of high interest rate regime in the domestic bond market which makes the cost of borrowing high.

However, the analysts observed that this is a positive step taken by Fidelity Bank irrespective of the possible risk associated with foreign borrowing. Our opinion is in view of fact that if the bond was to be issued in the domestic market, the coupon would range between 13.5-14.5 percent given that the corresponding five year FGN benchmark bond currently trades at a yield of 11.55 percent. In the weeks ahead, the analysts expect the bond to trade at a premium in the international market considering where its peers are currently trading, that is, GT Bank - 4.43 percent, Access Bank - 5.58 percent.

In line with the expectations of analysts, activities within the review week were influenced largely by the Open Market Operations bills auctions and marginal increase in demand as a result of an

observed renewal of interest from offshore investors in the domestic bond market.

Last week, liquidity tightening was sustained all through the week via open market operations. A total of N350.0billion worth of OMO

bills with tenors ranging between 226days and 231days were offered, while N333.62billion was sold at marginal rate of 12.50 percent. Analysts believe that the relatively high cut off rate as experienced in recent time is

a direct result of the substantial increase in system liquidity driven by the OMO bills that were redeemed during the week while it was noted that all the auctions during the week had the same cut off rate (12.50percent).

However, analysts equally noted that during the OMO auctions, the volumes sold on certain tenors were higher than those on offer – an indication of the monetary authority’s resolve to maintain tight system liquidity.

Sterling Bank’s shareholders approve N12b rights issue of Sterling tinue to focus on improving SeredHAREHOLDERS Bank Plc yesterday empow- • Lauds impressive performance efficiency across the board, the board of directors of the bank to undertake supplementary shares issue as members of the bank lauded the performance of the bank in 2012.

At the annual general meeting in Lagos, shareholders in what appeared as a show of confidence indicated interests to subscribe to further shares in the bank with the approval of rights issue of up to six billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. Although the offer details are yet to be finalized, the board indicated it plans to raise N12 billion through rights issue.

Shareholders generally commended the performance of the bank in the immediate past year ended December 31, 2012, highlighting the 100 per cent increase in cash dividend as impressive.

Shareholders’ activist, Nonah Awoh, said the performance of the bank overtime would ensure success of any shares issuance to existing shareholders.

He advised the directors to consider increasing the quantum of shares on offer as the shareholder base and general feeling about the bank’s performance would support enlarged shares issue.

National coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, commended the staff and management of the bank for what he described as impressive performance, leading shareholders to give a rapturous standing ovation to the bank’s staff.

He urged the bank to continue exploring ways to consolidate its performance, assur-

ing the directors of the supports of shareholders.

President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr Farouk Umar said the increase in dividend per share from 10 kobo to 20 kobo and the growths rates of key indices surpassed expectations of shareholders and analysts.

According to him, the 2012 underlined investors’ optimism that the bank was on the right track.

In his address to the shareholders, chairman, Sterling Bank Plc, Dr. Suleiman Adegunwa, said the strong performance of the bank was a reflection of the resilience of the bank’s business strategy and the commitment of the leadership team to the vision.

He said the bank would con-

drive synergies, pursue customer fulfillment, accelerate business momentum, maximize return on assets and strengthen integrated risk and capital management systems with a view to continuing creating sustainable value for shareholders.

He outlined that the new capital issues were aimed at supporting the bank in the implementation of its medium to long term strategic plans.

According to him, the bank plans to raise N12 billion or $75 million through rights issue and N19.2 billion or $120 million through private placement to shore up its tier one capital while it would raise tier two capital of N25 billion or $156 million to further supplement its balance sheet.

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Opinion Anambra 2014: If I were Ifeanyi Ubah

By Luke Onyekakeyah S the days draw nearer and the clock ticks for the scheduled gubernatorial election in Anambra A State in early 2014, there is mounting apprehension over how to conduct a free and fair election and who will succeed Governor Peter Obi. Anambra is not like any other state in the country when it comes to party politics. The state is a flash point in Nigerian politics.

In Anambra, contenders for political office are never lacking. There is always a horde of well-qualified and capable men and women - call them juggernauts, who would like to govern the state at any point in time. People invest everything within their power to outwit their opponents. Election in Anambra is usually a do-or-die affair that characterizes Nigerian politics. One must be ready to stake anything (including ones most valuable assets, or turn diabolical) to be able to feature in Anambra politics.

It is not surprising that so far, no less than 27 aspirants may be warming up to slug it out in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election. Mind you, each of the aspirants means business. They are not joking. Each has what it takes to fight the battle. The list includes veterans like Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Annie Okonkwo, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Chief Akachukwu Nwankpo, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, Chief Paul Odenigbo, Dr. Obinna Uzoh, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Emma Anosike.

Also included are Pat Nwachi Obianwu, Dubem Obaze, Dr. Godwin Ezeemo, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Oseloka Obaze, Barrister Chjioke Ndubuisi, Chief Mike Udah, Dr. Emmanuel Okafor, Afam Ogene, Prince Chinedu Idigo, Mr. Chima Anene, Chief Udoka Charles Udoagalanya, Comrade Godwin Ibekwe and Dr. Paul odenigbo.

There is nothing wrong under a democratic dispensation for anyone to seek to contest elective political post. It is left to the electorate to choose who should govern through the power of their vote. This is what obtains in decent climes where politics is devoid of rancour and acrimony; where the contenders are mature politically and are ready to concede defeat without insinuating foul play. Sadly in Nigeria, these ideals are lacking. Politics in this clime is fraught with bitterness. There is always the

tendency to destroy political opponents if that is what it takes to win the votes.

A peep into the background of most of the aspirants shows that majority are professional politicians, some are technocrats while some were thrown up by the political exigencies in the state at one time or the other. Among the lineup, only Ifeanyi Ubah stands out as a budding business tycoon that has the potential to make the Forbes list of global billionaires if he could concentrate in his business. Chike Obidigbo is also known as a leading industrialist with about 50 products to his credit. What happens to these industrial products if Obidigbo sinks into politics?

There is this thing I call the tragedy of Igbo business, which manifests in two ways. Whereas in Nigeria, the name Igbo is synonymous with business; the Igbo are regarded as the business tribe whose life and aspirations are shaped through business, yet, and it is ironic that in the catalogue of billionaire Nigerian businessmen there is no Igbo man. You may not get an Igbo man in the top ten richest businessmen in Nigeria. That is tragedy number one.

Tragedy number two is that the Igbo are perhaps the only nation of businessmen in the world that does not invest in the homeland but outside. Every other nation around the world that does business concentrates investments in the homeland. The Japanese, Taiwanese, Koreans, Singaporeans, Americans, Chinese, among others, do business and invest in their homeland. That is why those nations are models of development with wealthy and happy citizenry.

But for the Igbo, investing outside is better (Oka mma n’ama). It is better outside. If the entire investments Igbo businessman have invested outside Igboland over the years were put in Igboland, the enclave would have ranked as the Taiwan of Africa. But alas, these investments are all over the place while the homeland revels in squalor. Experience shows that many lose these investments in the event of crisis, as is the case in recent Nigerian history.

My concern is that if Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah delves into the murky waters of Nigerian politics, and Anambra State in particular, he may be inadver-

tently making way for the destruction of a business he has struggled to nurture over the years.

Mr. Ubah should not lose sight of the fact that Nigerian politics is not like what you have in decent societies. Here, the target of one’s political opponents is the destruction one’s business. After all, his financial stamina lies in the business.

Once the business is destroyed by hook or crook, including allegations of fraud and probes, arrests and detentions, the one loses his financial muscle. The business may be messed up or truncated to the extent that mounting liabilities could drive the one crazy.

I have lived in Japan where leaders are very wealthy businessmen turned politicians. Normally, the Japanese politician is easy going.

There is no bitterness or destructive politics, meaning that one’s business could be operating while the owner is in politics. In Japan, people are begged to take political office unlike here where everybody wants to be there. But one common feature is that a businessman who ventures into politics would most likely spend his wealth and may be poor at the end.

Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, who is the Chief Executive of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, is an astute and accomplished businessman. His company, which was established in 2001, is wholly indigenous and a major player in the importation, storage, distribution, trading and retailing of oil products. With state-of-the-art oil and gas facilities in parts of the country including a 28-ARM Loading Gantry and biggest private oil jetty in Nigeria, Mr. Ubah has created a business niche yet to be matched by anyone in the downstream oil sector in Nigeria.

The strides of Mr. Ubah made the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to partner with his company in the now popular and innovative KeroDirect service using the company’s fleet of tankers. Under the programme, kerosene, which for a long time became very scarce and exorbitant, was delivered direct to the people across the states of the federation.

This service brought excitement and joy to millions of suffering ordinary Nigerians, especially in the rural areas.

Now, for a young man who has had stint in

business for barely a decade and gearing towards global lime light, what is to be gained by abandoning this business that is serving the entire country for just one state? Should it be taken that the bug that stifles Igbo business is catching up with Ubah’s business vision? Why can’t Mr. Ubah concentrate in his chosen progressive busineszs and make name out of it?

Today, there is no known billionaire in Igboland.

We need a Dangote and a Femi Otedola in Igboland.

From all indications, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah is a potential candidate for the Forbes list of global richest people.

What is the need tarnishing one’s image in Anambra’s dirty politics when one has already grown beyond that?

If I were Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, I won’t descend low from the height am operating to join the bandwagon of governorship contenders in Anambra State who are out to undo each other. It is good that Mr. Ubah is desirous of serving his people. But he is already serving them – giving them job, improved livelihood, bringing products that are out of the reach of the poor, etc. If I were him and interested in politics, I will not present myself as such but would work behind the curtain to support potential winners at all levels. That is what he should do. That is what the Dangotes, Otedolas and Dantatas of this world are doing. They play the role of godfather and that guarantees them continued good business prospects.

But doing otherwise is to court trouble. You will be victimized whether you win or lose. If you win, you will be accused of using state fund to run your business. If you lose, you lose everything. The recent arrests, detentions and closure of Capital Oil’s operations by the EFCC gives an insight into the troubles that may await a businessman turned politician in Nigeria. It has never been rosy for them.

The amiable Chief MKO Abiola would have been one of the billionaires in Forbes list today if he had not delved into Nigeria’s dirty politics that ruined him and his business empire.

Let the politicians do the politics while the businessmen do business and create wealth and employment for the people. My people say if you pursue two things at the same time, one of them must escape. Things have changed. Nowadays, the two may escape. We need more businessmen than politicians.

The black Count (1)

By Patrick Cole “I am going to shoot God, who killed my Daddy”. Alexander Dumas – The words of Alex Dumas carrying his father’s gun when, at 4, he learnt of his death.

ENERAL Powell, also of West Indian/Caribbean origin, was the black man to occupy the highest position as Commander in G Chief of a Western nation, the USA. General Powell was a man of incomparable integrity spoilt only by his antics in the UN over weapons of mass destruction. Events. France has a similar situation in the person of General Alexander Dumas, born in 1760, the son of Antoine Alexandra de L’Ise, in the French Sugar Colony of Saint Dominique. Alexandre Davy, the Marquis de la Pailleterie. Father and son, soon left the Caribbean Island for France where the young Alexandra was brought up as a black nobleman. At an early age, Alexandra was to discard the trappings of nobility and enlisted in the lowest ranks of the French Army under his black mothers’ surname of Dumas. The story of Dumas was fictionalized by his son in the unputdownable stories of Count Monte Cristo and the three Musketeers – an unmissable diet in French literature.

Dumas rose from lowest ranks in the army to General, feared by his enemies, man of great military exploits, a legendary figure, a soldier’s general; first class Swordsman and Horseman.

He liked to patrol with small group of soldiers before battle, perfecting his plan and strategies. He showed early promise when as a lousily corporal he captures 12 enemy soldiers and matched them to the camp. He also matched against 50 men, killed 6, and took 16 prisoners. He was described as having a “manly a physiognomy and extraordinary strength and stature” Napoleon and Dumas were contemporaries. Dumas stood at 6ft 2inches, Napoleon 5ft 1inch.

In an official despatch, Napoleon described him as the Horatius Cocles the guard who saved Rome by defending the bridge on River Tiber single handily. Dumas went with Napoleon’s disastrous Egyptian campaign as Commander in Chief of the Cavalry.

The story of Alex Dumas is one of a fall from great glory to grass with no explanation and Mr. Reiss tries to remedy this. His quest is simply how come a general of such distinction could have escaped the collective memory of France. Was it because he was black? Did his presence challenge at every instance the revolutionary slogan egalite’, fratenite’. Reiss does suggest that there was unease in the presence of so noble a character of Alex Dumas. Liberty the French could well deal with as indeed it was foremost in many important

areas of the world in freeing slaves, in establishing at first schools for freed slaves, then schools for all without any discrimination at all and finally to descent to the worst level of discrimination where France abolished all special schools even for blacks conceptionally, it is possible to accept that all men were born free, and even that all men were born equal. But the concept of brotherhood disturbed the French more than they were willing to admit.

Alex Dumas life was the challenge it gave the French to live up to the ideals of the Revolution. He was born before the Revolution. He fought for it. He was a distinguished general of the Revolution. His presence continually challenged a group of political no gooders, not renowned for steadfastness to operationalize the basic principles of the Revolution.

He was married into the upper middle class, was once the second Soldier France. France was fighting the inner demons and contradictions of these words – Liberty, equality, and brotherhood. While Dumas was in France, he was of French, an efficient highly decorated general; but he was black, with access to the best rooms in Paris and France, inhabited by white French who made their money in the Caribbean on the backs of slaves just like Alex Dumas. In the early euphoria of Revolutionary France nothing was impossible. But times were changing fast, each week found a new set of cut throats who proceed to do just that; the throats of nobles, middle class, men, lawyers, generals etc, were daily cut. For crimes committed, assumed, presumed etc, and in most cases not proven all in the interest of the Revolution and which tendency was momentarily paramount – Jacobins or their opponents.

It was in this toxic mix that Alex Dumas found himself, sent off to defend France against the Austrian Hapsburg Empire from which the last King of France was a member.

Dumas secured the Northern passes of the ALPS into France and Belgium before being transferred to the South to Italy where the expected mass revolt of people against the monarchy for popular government had not materialized. France was fighting the Austrians, Germans, the Italians, the British, the Spanish, the Egyptians, etc.

Many a general lost his head but not Alex Duman who matched with exemplary military precision, winning victory after victory, the most famous when he, like the legendary Roman single handedly defended the bridge into Tuscany.

The difference between Napoleon and Duman was that Duman was a fighter for world liberation (that is, the principles of the Revolution) and Napoleon was a fighter for world domination by France.

The 1750s in France during the reign of Lious XV, lawyers had won

remarkable rights for coloured men in the law courts. There were to be no slaves in the soil of France (compare that with the decision in 1850 Dred Scot case in U.S. – that blacks could possibly have no rights whites could respect)!

The French Revolution was the first unbridled age of emancipation. Dumas was “a historical emblem of the new equality”. He “might be called the best soldier in the world”.

France introduced the Revolutionary age of racial emancipation; introduced much of the world to modern ideas of human freedom – the idea that all men regarded of religion or race deserve equal rights, equal opportunities and respect, but it also encouraged the backlash of modern racism and anti-Semitism, which was vicious when it came.

Dumas was a no nonsense soldier, blunt of language, no time for desk generals. Was here a conspiracy to wipe out his name in history and instead to promote the name of his two famous progenies – his son and grandson – Alex Duman – wrote the count of Monte Cristo and other novels, which since become classics in France and his son the playwright and poet. Who wrote the drama on which Verdi based his famous opera “La Traviata”.

There is a lot of trivia about General Alex Duman that is not surprising, but why is there trivia and nothing else. The state did not acquire the house he died in (in 1960 it could have so;) the libraries of his personal effect are kept not by the state but individuals, even the travesty of the statue put for him, he has no Legion of Honour, the only former Regional commander who has none; no statue except one honouring Duman – the other two are in bronze, the General is clothed in a Moorish cloak!

France was about to launch the world in a new age. To do so it needed money and lots of money. The money would come from France’s overseas sugar plantation.

Sugar was the oil business of the 18th century and Dominique was in the centre of that scarce, luxurious commodity. With its purported health powers – and it was the wonder drug of the 18th century. Its production centre was St. Dominique. Sugar needed slave, Africa production slaves.

Spain and Portugal had led in the formation for plantation slavery, but soon went on in search of gold and silver. France took over the business of sugar plantation and by 1750 St. Dominique produced 2/3 of Frances’ overseas trade; and was the world’s largest produce.

• To be continued.

• Ambassador Cole, a consultant to The Guardian Editorial Board wrote in review of Glory, Revolution, Betrayal and the Real Count of Monte Cristo.

TON REISS. Harvill Secker 2012. London.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Opinion Adoke’s voice wanted in Bafarawa’s trial

By Kande Ibrahim AVING followed with keen interest the seemH ing case of conspiracy of silence involving Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, the former Governor of Sokoto State, I also note that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, appears to be a principal agent in this episode.

The chief law officer of the federation should ordinarily not be involved in acts that appear to muzzle transparency. When a citizen is aggrieved or has complaints against individuals or institutions, it is to the courts that he turns to. If the courts cannot guarantee fair hearing and justice to citizens, then we are all doomed. This is the scenario in Adoke’s silence in the case involving Bafarawa paints.

To understand the issue, Alhaji Bafarawa, who was the governor of Sokoto State between 1999 and 2007 is standing trial in a Sokoto State High Court over allegations of graft since 2008. The governor while leaving office had invited the then governor-elect, Aliyu Wamakko, for proper handover briefing. However, Wamakko reportedly declined the invitation. On the day he was taking over on May 29, 2007, Wamakko raised alarm that he met the state’s coffers in the red.

On the contrary, Bafarawa claimed he left about N 11.8 billion in the state’s account while he was leaving office.

The matter was straightforward enough. An independent inquiry needed to be conducted to know between Bafarawa and Wamakko who was right or wrong. Bafarawa petitioned the Eco-

nomic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), asking it to probe the allegation. Curiously, the EFCC did nothing. Then one year after, the commission invited Bafarawa over to its office, claiming that there was a petition against him. He was subsequently detained without charges.

Unable to reconcile his earlier petition with the action of the EFCC, Bafarawa approached the courts and eventually secured his release. The court ordered the EFCC to bring charges against Bafarawa. But the Commission could not do so until the Sokoto State Government fed it with some charges. Since then, the EFCC has remained timid in the Bafarawa case apparently because it has no facts to rely on.

The concerned publics pity EFCC in this matter, as it appears that the commission is being used to achieve a hidden objective. Yet, Nigerians had thought that the Commission under Ibrahim Larmode would not allow itself to be manipulated as was the case in the past.

But the concerned publics are even more scandalized that the Attorney General of the Federation also decided to be entangled in the conspiracy web. How did Adoke come in? Having seemingly made up its mind that Bafarawa should face charges, the Sokoto State Government invited the EFCC. The commission timidly acquiesced and played along. But the involvement of the Attorney General became the last straw that was being used to break Bafarawa’s back. Is the plot to ensure that Bafarawa is tried in a court where he will be prosecuted and jailed by the same person, in this case, his accuser? Is that why they charged him to Sokoto State High

Court instead of a Federal High Court?

This development is worrisome, as Nigerians do not understand why Bafarawa is not being tried in a federal high court since the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the complainant in the case.

Justice and fairness demand that Bafarawa be tried in a federal court either in Sokoto State or the Federal Capital Territory. Was this an oversight on the part of the office of the Attorney General whose attention was drawn to the unpalatable situation? As a believer in the rule of law, Bafarawa took it upon himself to ensure that the Attorney General does not continue to act in Ignorance. He therefore approached his lawyers who wrote Adoke on June 18, 2012, drawing his attention to the anomaly. The Attorney General has not, up till this day, responded to the issue raised by Bafarawa. This is improper of the exalted office of the Attorney General.

It is contemptuous because fair conduct demand that Adoke addresses the concerns expressed by the petitioner, no matter how frivolous. As a responsible public office holder, he should not ignore issues of state brought before him. If Bafarawa was wrong in asking that his case be transferred to a Federal High Court, he should be told so by the Attorney General. If he was right, then his request should be granted without further delay. This conspiracy of silence throws Adoke open to suspicion that he could be an accomplice in the conspiracy to deal with Bafarawa.

The office of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is usually respected because the people expect that they can get redress from it when their rights are being trampled

upon. If the same office reneges on its duty, then everyone is in trouble. Someone needs to call Adoke to order.

While we can understand the timid attitude of the EFCC, we cannot rationalize that of the office of the Attorney General. While Nigerians have, long before now, lost confidence in the EFCC, they cannot afford to give up on matters of justice and fair play. If the AGF office fails to deliver on this mandate then we must all be living in a jungle. Nigerians want to move with the civilized world. They do not want to be dragged down by conspirators and anti-social elements.

As the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, Adoke must not act in a way to disappoint the people.

He should respond to Bafarawa’s petition on the propriety of his trial at Sokoto State High Court; and if it is not the right court, we expect that the best response from him will be to ensure the transfer of the case to a Federal High Court in line with Bafarawa’s request.

But if for any reason, Adoke feels that Bafarawa is wrong to have requested for the transfer of the case, he should also let the people know this. Let us know why Bafarawa is the only ex-governor that is being tried in a State High Court. If Adoke responds, he would have saved himself and the office he occupies from allegations of complicity. But if he remains silent, he may be keeping a date with infamy. If any public officer decides to play politics with the name and reputation of his fellow citizen, posterity will judge him harshly, particularly when he is no longer occupying the same office. We advise Adoke to be wise, and to act wisely too.

• Ibrahim writes from Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Oreoluwa Ilemobayo Akinnola (1934 – 2013)

By Boye Leyimu HE peaceful transition of Chief Bayo Akinnola (MFR) Lisa and T former Regent of Ondo Kingdom, Doctor of Management Science (honoris causa), a former Minister of Information and Industries in the Western State Military Government of Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi and a former Federal Fiscal Commissioner, teacher, Knight of the church, valued counselor, responsible community leader, a kind pleasant person to know at 78, is a shocking rude reminder that time does not stand still and indeed the transience of human existence.

He was born on the 1st of August 1934, the only child between the late Mama Alice “Atobi – Ileke” and the late Pa Daniel Ladapo Akinnola (Baba Ijo of All Saints Anglican Church, Ogbonkowo, Ondo).

Following his primary education he was enlisted at the Ondo Boys High School, his late father’s “alma mater”. By his own account, his mother took him to Ibadan and enrolled him at Ibadan Grammar School (IGS) where Emmanuel Alayande, a family friend and neighbour at Ondo was now principal; so as to shape up and become a serious lad rather than the spoilt brat he was turning to. At IGS he became senior prefect and was honing his leadership skills under Pa. Alayande’s iron hands. After his graduation BA (Hons) from the University College Ibadan, he married his childhood sweet heart, Olufunbi (nee Olawoye) who had been a student of St. Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan.

In those early days, he fondly referred to his wife as “pocket edition” a reference to their contrasting statures. He settled down as school master at IGS and later as Vice-Principal under Pa Alayande who was Principal. As a young man he was active on the social scene as a freelance television presenter in the old WNBS – WNTV. He acted in stage plays often at the British Council Ibadan where we as lads used to go and see those performances. His life and times are fairly well documented in the biography “Nurtured By His Grace” a book published at his 70th birthday in 2004. His foray into industries began as an employee of the Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC). Where he was personal assistant to the European chief executive and later personnel manager. Soon afterwards, while still at NTC, he was appointed to the cabinet of the military government of then Colonel Oluwole Rotimi.

By all accounts, he was an asset to that administration and in this role his talents bloomed and flourished. Many of the functional and successful industries in the West, including Lagos even today bear the imprimatur of his vision and the confidence the Rotimi administration had in him. He was to become chairman of one of them at 69 that is, West African Portland Cement Company (WAPCO).

He was a very resourceful and highly successful businessman launching out as an entrepreneur when the Murtala Muhammed coup terminated the life of the Gowon government and therefore the Oluwole Rotimi military administration of western Nigeria.

Of the formal inquiries set up to investigate the Rotimi administration none indicted any member of that administration. Mobolaji Johnson’s administration in Lagos was the only other to share

such a distinction of other administrations all over the country.

He set up the first indigenous metal packaging industry, which flourishes, as a going concern. He was a national award winner for productivity.

I began to know him well from about 1962 as a child.

He was probably my late mother’s favourite first cousin and therefore my “omiye” in my native Ondo dialect. He had a close affinity with my late father. Both of who were very fond of him usually calling him by one of his “Orikis” “Orifarawe” “the one whom people love to emulate” .So, I really grew up to love him naturally as my parents did and he proved worthy of this love and admiration. He was a forthright, always forthcoming, charming, charismatic, warm, caring and open person. You knew where you stood with him. I perceive him not simply as a role model who mentored quite a number, but he was a great man who lived an open life worth emulating, especially in this day and age when people profess one thing and then do another. He lived life to the full earning himself the admiration of a legion and the envy of quite a number. He was a man of considerable influence and tremendous good will.

He was a man blessed with social skills and remarkable social grace. He mixed easily with the high and mighty as well as the lowly and poor. It was the human side of him that attracted people to him like metal to magnet. These were the personal qualities, which earned him, first the “Maiyegun” then the “Lotin” and afterwards “Lisa” chieftaincy titles in Ondo.

I was with him at his Ondo home during the election night of the November 2008 U.S. presidential election. When Barack Obama was declared winner of that contest and therefore President of the U.S., Bayo Akinnola, 74 at the time and Lisa of Ondo Kingdom broke down in joyful tears to my utter embarrassment!

He said he never knew this could happen in his lifetime.

As Lisa of Ondo, he took the cognomen, which custom demanded he adopt, “Ojo gbogbo bi odun; Igba gbogbo bi oro; ai neun ise o pe lulu legan”.

Literally, “everyday like annual celebration, everyday a special day; the one who celebrates the day itself”. His defining persona was as Lisa of Ondo kingdom, a revered title almost as old as the traditional institution of Osemawe of Ondo kingdom. It was as Lisa that his personality found full expression and he was able to give undiluted selfless leadership to his native community.

While the role of “Eghae”, who number six, (Lisa, Jomu, Odungho, Sasere, Adaja and Odofin) is to assist the Osemawe and collectively, they are known as the Osemawe-in-Council, the Lisa was, for want of a better expression, the Kabiyesi Osemawe’s deputy. He was after all under native law and custom. “Oba ‘de”. The one who ruled on behalf of the Osemawe who as “Abaiye” “Ugba keji O’isha” was to be heard and rarely seen.

Lisa “Ojo gbogbo bi odun” was immensely popular in Ondo Kingdom. Turning out to be a wise choice of Oba Adesanoye, Osungbedelola the 2nd. His appointment was a new age of Ondo Kingdom. The light shinning brighter. He was an urbane person who loved to entertain people with aplomb.

As Regent of Ondo Kingdom, following the demise of Oba Ade-

sanoye Osungbedelola the 2nd and the selection of Oba Kiladejo, the welfare of people was his primary concern. He was fair, wise, decisive and much be loved. Not for him the tentativeness or dithering or wavering, shuffling and waffling which comes in an acting capacity. After all he was himself in his own right of a royal pedigree being of the stock of the Leyo Ruling House; one of the three Royal Houses of Ondo Kingdom. All the time, people came to him for help, for counsel, for inspiration, for comfort even for cash. As regent a case of great importance under customary law came before him, which underlined his good grasp of Ondo native law and custom and the good sense founding the basis of that body of custom. This was a case of a woman seeking divorce and with three children for the man; the case was on appeal from the “Totugbua’s” Court; a customary court in the Osemawe’s Palace, headed by “Totugbua”, a palace chief. In refusing the woman divorce from her husband, he High Chief Lisa, Bayo Akinnola reasoned that if a woman has three children for her husband, she was incompetent to declare that the man was a bad man. What was she thinking after the first, second and third! Especially since the man was willing and able to look after the family! He rebuilt the Lisa’s palace which had been desolate for a while in spite of all the dreadful things said to dissuade him and he built a modern wall round the Enu Owa. He was a compassionate man. Once I was with him at lunch with a company, including a young man from Benue State who was once a member of his domestic staff. He is now a teacher in the Polytechnic at Benue and he attributed his breakthrough in life to the Lisa. Recently, one of his domestic staff had been stealing articles in the Lisa’s bedroom, one of which was an “aso oke” for which he was well known to have a wardrobe full. When the felon was caught, the Lisa did not press charges, preferring to forgive him. In demonstration that he meant it, he gave the fellow a sum of N100,000 extracting an undertaking from him nonetheless to the police, to leave Ondo and that he will confine himself to his native community in Eastern Nigeria by starting a new life there!

He awarded countless scholarships to train young men and women. Their individual successes always thrilled him. His foundation “Blessed to be blessed” guarantees that his philanthropy will survive him.

He was a great family man who enjoyed family life, ensuring as head that members of his household lacked for nothing. He educated his children well. Supporting them without providing crutches. He believed so much that “as we, surpass our father’s skills, our children shall shame our own; ten thousand things are yet unknown” and a thousand things are hidden still”. His light went out suddenly as his meteoric rise had begun, just as he would have wished for. It is said, that he said, he should not be mourned but his life celebrated. He succeeded in establishing himself as a legend. It was a privilege to know him.

Yewande, Omobola, Akinyinka, Arinola, Akinkunmi, Omorinsojo his offsprings grandchildren and his loving wife Olufunbi survive him, including many friends, relations as well as his Ondo kinsmen who are really proud of him.

• Leyimu, a lawyer, wrote from Ibadan.

85

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Quote of the week

Law

Let the entire system of government be strengthened, and let the balance of power be drawn up in such a manner that it will be permanent and incapable of decay because of its own tenuity. Precisely because no form of government is so weak as the democratic, its framework must be firmer, and its institutions must be studied to determine their degree of stability unless this is done, we will have to reckon with an ungovernable, tumultuous, and anarchic society, not with a social order where happiness, peace, and justice prevail.

Simn Jos Antonio de la Santsima Trinidad Bolvary judicialeditor@yahoo.co.uk/ 08033151041 Desk Head: Ibe Uwaleke

‘Nigeria needs Intellectual Property policy’ Interview

By Bertram Nwannekanma

Intellectual Property law is a complex area.

Intellectual Property protection covers Copyright, Patent, Industrial Design and Trademark.

Under the Intellectual Property regime in Nigeria, copyright exists in creative and artistic works such as books, movies, paintings, photographs and software.

A copyright gives the holder of such copyright the exclusive right to control exploitation, production and adaptation of such a work for a certain period of time.

Section 1 of the Copyright Act states the class of works that are eligible for protection. The list is exhaustive and sadly, it does not include ideas.

In Nigeria, Intellectual Property rights protect the exploitation of ideas, information and inventions that are of commercial and proprietary value. But the dearth of sustainable knowledge in Intellectual Property (IP) laws has left a gap in the administration of IP laws in Nigeria, which make stakeholders to call for reforms to ensure the enactment of laws that cater for local needs while complying with global standards.

However, the celebration of the World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, with the theme: “Creativity: The Next Generation” was a wake-up call to IP practitioners.

In this encounter, the Chairman of Intellectual Property Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law (SBL), MRS. CHINYERE OKOROCHA spoke on the Intellectual Property Day celebration. She also stressed the need for more enlightenment on IP laws in Nigeria.

N how government can support or drive O the development of IP and creativity in Nigeria, Mrs. Okorocha regretted that the research and development that the Western world puts into inventions, such as Medicine, Art, or design, is lacking in Nigeria.

According to her, although there have been many stakeholder meetings, seminars and conferences around the country with a view to approaching the government with some of the underlying issues and challenges with the development of Intellectual Property, what Nigeria needs is IP policy.

In other jurisdictions, you would find a single policy document that governs a country’s dealings with respect to IP creations, IP enforcement, IP commercialisation, among others. And these actually help to drive the economy.

I do agree that awareness is still a problem, we may not have made giant strides from where we were a year ago, but we have definitely made some baby-steps, which will improve as we continue to work.

On why the celebration of the World Intellectual Property Day, the Chairman on Section of Business Law (SBL), said the celebration means celebrating the minds of the special people we have in our society who think outside the box and come up with ideas that transcend the traditional ways of doing things.

By marking this day, we encourage their works and encourage them to do more so that humanity could be further developed because the whole essence of protection is encouragement.

The promotion of Intellectual Property helps the society in a whole number of ways.

Such ways will include adding to better quality of life in terms of the kinds of ideas and products that is being created for the economic enhancement of the society.

Asked to expound on the theme: “Creativity: The next generation”, She said Nigeria has great opportunities for creative minds, particularly the youth. This country is like a virgin land. There are a whole lot of opportunities that have not been explored.

In Western economies, children are supported from their childhood to be creative.

In Nigeria, we have these opportunities in the entertainment industry, in the sciences, arts and other fields. We need the right structures to develop such creativity.

On the progress recorded in the area of IP in Nigeria, Mrs. Okorocha was of the opinion that the progress is slow, but steady. “ We are certainly not where we ought to be compared to the Western world.

In Western jurisdictions, issues of innovation are taken quite seriously, and huge investments are made in support of inventions, innovation and creativity in general.

We need to begin to make some strong commitments, real improvements to the development of intellectual property in Nigeria.

In the medical field for instance, Nigeria has a lot of traditional herbs and medicinal cures out there, and if we don’t get our acts right, the Western countries will come in here, pump in funds, make investments, conduct researches, get these patents right under our noses and sell it back to us.

Mrs. Okorocha also said various IP practitioners and organisations in Nigeria are creating awareness programmes to promote Intellectual Property. “ At present, there is a training for judges as it relates to intellectual Property matters, and to this end, the quality of judgments our judges are delivering are far more improved in this regard.

Also, government awareness has improved but there is still room for improvement.

Asked to comment on her role as an Intellectual Property (IP) expert and how it affects the Intellectual Property Day, Mrs. Okorocha said: “Everything that has to do with Intellectual Property is very essential to me as an Intellectual Property (IP) practitioner.

I am very happy that a particular day was chosen to celebrate Intellectual Property.

As the chair of the IP committee of the NBA Section on Business Law, I have taken my own message from the global theme as defined by the Director General of the

Okoorocha

World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), entitled, Creativity: The next generation.

Asked to shed some light on the essence of Intellectual Property to our human, social and economic affairs, Mrs. Okorocha said: “Intellectual Property as we know it, is the protection you receive from inventions of your mind. “ From an academic standpoint, it is divided into two main areas: industrial property on the one hand, which deals with trademarks, patents and designs and then, you have copyrights on the other hand. I always like to say that intellectual property is basically, intangible property, property of the mind; things you use your human intellect to create.

“It could be the name of your product, or it could be a patent, which could be an invention in medicine, the cure to a disease, a mechanical invention like the engine of a car, a design like the shape of a phone and

“We really need to come up with an IP policy in Nigeria. This is long overdue.

Intellectual Property matters in other countries, particularly, the Western world.

It is highly regarded and the fact that Nigeria is yet to have a full appreciation of this, has hindered the development of Intellectual Property, and of course, creativity to a large extent

others.

The products and ideas created will, to a large extent, have bearing on the economic life of the people in terms of employment.

People use their own human intellect to think out these ideas and apply them to some form of industrial purpose that would ultimately develop our economy and our society; and the law says that they should be able to have exclusive benefit that comes therein.

The world will still be backward today, without such creative minds.

On her recommendations for the government in this regard, she said: “We really need to come up with an IP policy in Nigeria. This is long overdue.

“Intellectual Property matters in other countries, particularly the Western world.

They are highly regarded and the fact that Nigeria is yet to have a full appreciation of this, has hindered the development of intellectual property and, of course, creativity to a large extent.

“We must take our focus away from oil and gas and focus on other developmental concerns.

“As the chair of the Section on Business Law IP Committee, I have an obligation to carry this message to its full import, and this is what I am doing”.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

86 LAW

LawPeople

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand —-Vince Lombardi

Profile

By Bertram Nwannekanma LUWAKEMI Adekunle Uthman O Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is a legal practitioner with an uncommon passion for advocacy.

The revered lawyer has by dint of hard work created a niche for himself as one of the nation’s conscientious lawyers.

Incidentally, Pinheiro’s love for the legal profession was inspired by his desire to put smile on his clients’ faces.

Pinheiro was not the first lawyer from his family but he has, however, remained resolute in resolving several complex legal problems using the instrumentality of law.

His personal conviction that law will give him satisfaction and place him in a position of leadership in the society was the main motivation in studying law.

Fortunately, Pinheiro, as a young man, was opportuned to see lawyers neatly dressed in their wigs and gowns at Igbosere and fell in love with the profession.

His love for law was further enhanced by his findings that majority of American and British leaders were or are lawyers.

Today, he is better for it. Kemi, as admirers fondly call him, has risen from oblivion to become one of the nation’s finest lawyers.

This is how he captured the moment: “ Immediately I finished my school certificate examinations, I knew I was going to be a lawyer. I also came to the conclusion that to discover myself, I was going to read law.

So mine was never an accident, it was being focused and knowing what I wanted in life and knowing what would give me satisfaction not going into a profession, which I didn’t have passion for. So, I discovered at the early stage that I would be discovering myself if I was doing law. I am happy that I am quite passionate about law and lawyering and I enjoy it. It is not even about the money. It is about the feeling of satisfaction”.

Born on March 21, 1965, to the Pinheiro family of Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria, Pinheiro started his educational career in 1969 when he enrolled at the Adrao International School, Victoria Island, and Lagos for his primary education. He concluded this successfully and graduated in 1976 with a firm foundation.

Thereafter, in September 1976, he proceeded to the prestigious Baptist Academy, Shepherd Hill, Ikorodu Road, Lagos, for his secondary education and graduated in July 1981.

During this period, he obtained the WASC ‘O’ Levels Certificate with distinctions. Between September 1981 and July 1983, he schooled at the Federal School of Arts & Science, Victoria Island, Lagos, for his GCE ‘A’ Levels.

In October 1983, he proceeded to the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, to study law. He graduated from this prestigious university in July 1986 as one of the best students in his set. Immediately after this, he enrolled at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in September 1986.

Upon his completion of the Bachelor of Law programme at the

Pinheiro

Pinheiro: A conscientious lawyer of all times Law School, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in October 1987.

Pinheiro’s professional background commenced in 1987 in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria.

During his compulsory one year National Service Youth Service Corps programme, he was a state counsel in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and also the office of Director, Civil Litigation.

During this period, he developed a great passion for advocacy and successfully secured the conviction of some felons.

Pinheiro’s first time in court was marked with a funny experience in Bori High Court in River State.

The director of civil litigation had tossed a file to him and told him, you are in court tomorrow.

The fearless lawyer had gone to court and when the case was called, he did not know where the plaintiffs were seated.

Out of anxiety and the fact that he was very jittery, Pinheiro jumped up without even announcing his appearance, told the court to strike out the case in view of the plaintiffs’ absence.

His application was greeted with laughter and the judge called on him, “young man who are these people standing beyond you’.

That experience was to be Pinheiro’s solid foundation as he rose up from it to become a notable figure in advocacy.

He said of that experience: “I learnt from that episode in 1987 to 88 to always be prepared and to know what to say at anytime, as well as to say the correct thing”.

He held tenaciously to the fact that he never allows his past to retard his future and has distinguished himself as an astute and disciplined advocate with high level of integrity and uprightness

Pinheiro rose from that experience to be a notable lawyer in advocacy by doing criminal, civil and even election petition cases as a Youth Corps member.

Between October and December 1988, he was a counsel in the firm of Rhodes & Rhodes, Lagos, where he was paid N500 monthly.

He, however, made a significant career decision by leaving the job for a lesser paid job where he was paid N300 because of his desire for intellectual development.

In January 1989, he joined the firm of Abiola Oshodi & Company, Lagos State, as a senior counsel.

In November 1995, he co-founded the firm, Pinheiro & Oguntade, where he was a partner till 2001 when he established Pinheiro & Company, as a senior partner till date.

The revered lawyer has been in active legal practice ever since and his practice cuts across a wide horizon, covering legal consultancy, advocacy, commercial and corporate practice, maritime, arbitration, debt recovery, election petition, matrimonial causes, industrial dispute, aviation, intellectual property, real estate, banking and finance, probate and administration of estates, environmental law and land use and criminal prosecution.

Pinheiro believes that success comes from hard work and he decided not to substitute it for anything, no wonder he learned to grind his arguments in court.

According to him, when you take your work seriously you find out that God has a way of rewarding your efforts and people will start mentioning your name for referrals. He has imbibed a principle of taking every day in court as a day of destiny and so, has never taken any case as just an ordinary matter.

The learned silk has handled several matters in all cadres of Nigerian courts, which he considered equally

challenging.

Two of these cases that readily come to the legal mind was the case involving Town Planning and Mega Plaza.

The ratio of the case is that a neighbour has no right to dictate what his neighbour will pay because he is a stranger to the contract between that neighbour and the government authority. In the matter, which was widely reported, the neighbour’s remedy is at best to sue for nuisance, which will be futuristic.

In another matter, Pinheiro confronted a Supreme Court that split along the line. It was a question of 3-4, while four members of the panel did not agree with him, three of them agreed with him. It was a case that had to do with the right to appeal with respect to some decisions from the lower courts in the north.

Although Pinheiro recognised that only God is infallible, he however, does not believe in losing cases.

He said: “Whenever a judge disagrees with me, subject to the instructions of the client, I take it up, if I believe very strongly about the issue. And you know that even the courts had notoriously held that they are not infallible.

The Supreme Court has said that it is not infallible but it is final, and when there is an avenue to over rule themselves when subsequently cases arise, they do. So, I don’t believe that I lose a case; I rather believe that the court dis-

agrees with my positions and that does not make my position wrong.

It only means that they disagree with my position”.

Pinheiro, who was brought up by the benevolence of his generous uncle, never allowed the circumstances of his background to affect his future as he always believed in himself by being prayerful and God has been kind to him.

He holds tenaciously to the fact that he never allows his past to retard his future and has distinguished himself as an astute and disciplined advocate with high level of integrity and uprightness.

In view of this, he was made a Notary Public within 11 years of his practice in 1998. Equally, between 1997 and 1998, he was appointed the Special Assistant to the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lagos State. In 2002, he became a member of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators of Nigeria and thereafter in 2011, he was elevated to a Fellow of the Institute. To cap it all, in recognition of his distinction in legal practice and the Nigerian Bar, he was elevated to the status of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2006.

Of utmost interest to Pinheiro’s professional career is the eradication of, and fight against corruption.

He also held the view that the standard of the legal practice has fallen and the level of intellectual discourse he met at the point of entry has ebbed in the last couple of years, corruption has also entered the justice sector.

To him, the practice is not leveraging on the information technology like the electronic filing, e-registry and others to improve the practice as things are still done manually, which is depressing and saddening and is also affecting quicker dispensation of justice.

To this end, he is passionately committed to the eradication of corruption in Nigeria in all its facets and he is vigorously campaigning and championing the cause to rid Nigeria of this ill and instill discipline into the polity. To this end, he partnered with the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to prosecute high-level corruption cases involving both high profile government officials and captains of industry.

He is currently leading the prosecution teams against some ministers, senators, banks’ managing directors, permanent secretaries, legislators and other high ranking government officials for different infractions of law committed while holding various offices.

Pinheiro belongs to several professional bodies like the Nigeria Bar Association, where he is serving as the Chairman, Building Committee, Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja Branch and Committee on Law Reform/Legislative Advocacy of the Lagos Branch of NBA (The Premier Branch).

Do you know…

Fair comment: The defence to an action for defamation that the statement made was fair comment on a matter of public interest. The facts on which the comment is based must be true and the comment must be fair and true.

See: Law Dictionary by Hon. Justice A.A. Kolajo. See also: Silkin (1958)Blacks Law Dictionary, 6th edition.

LAW 87

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

FamilyLaw

At tax time, it helps to remember that if your tax obligation has increased from the previous year, it’s usually because you’re enjoying more income. That’s a situation to which most of us aspire. Higher taxes are a price that we pay for greater success.

-Richard Carlson, (The Don’t Sweat Guide to Taxes)

Under what circumstances is an inheritance taxable?

By Ibe Uwaleke, Head, Judicial Desk HIS question requires answers from many Nigerians. The responses will make so many people to reorder their priorities. For instance, if the Law of Inheritance is amended and fully enforced in this country, it will affect the life of an average Nigerian. The first thing it will do, is that it will check the craze of many people for the acquisition of wealth and riches, which is leading many into different kinds of vices.

For instance, if one realizes that all his efforts in acquiring wealth in this life and saving same for his or her children and grand-children as well as friends and close relations, will end with the burden of tax that will leave his children or relations with little or nothing, it will make many people to lead a comfortable and contented lifestyle devoid of leaving fat bank accounts, houses and other property across the globe for others. It will kill stealing, fraud and corruption instantly.

Here are tips of what constitutes an inheritance and how it can be taxed within a strict legal framework.

If you have received an inheritance, you may be wondering if you have to claim it on your taxes.

Often, the answer is no.The type of inheritance you may receive is not taxable income.

However, there are many types of inheritances that may be taxable or may create taxable income to you.

When people call to know if they have received an inheritance, the question on their minds is whether their inheritance is taxable. Before it

T

can be determined what part, if any, of an inheritance must be claimed on your income tax return, you must first know the origins of what you are receiving. There are many kinds of property and investments that you may inherit. Typical items might be a house, life insurance proceeds, savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks, rental property, household goods and furniture, collectibles, vehicles, and a variety of other items, which may or may not have monetary value. Your inheritance may be paid through the estate’s attorney, from a trust, by an individual who is informally handling the affairs of the estate, or it may be paid directly to you because you were a named beneficiary (Note: a beneficiary is the person who receives the inheritance), or even because you were listed as a joint owner on the title of the property.

It is also important to make the distinction between federal estate or state inheritance taxes and income taxes. Estate and state inheritance taxes are paid based on the value of the property and investments that are owned on the date of death and should be paid by the estate before your inheritance is distributed to you. You might still owe federal and state income taxes on property distributed to you from the estate, even if the estate and/or inheritance taxes have already been paid.

Virtually all regular life insurance proceeds are non-taxable when paid directly to the individual beneficiary or beneficiaries (rather than directly to an estate or a business)

Is this taxable inheritance? named on the policy. If the life insurance is not immediately paid out and interest is earned and/or the payments are higher than the date of death benefit, then the interest or amount that is greater than the date of death benefit is claimed as income on your taxes.

If you receive an inheritance of the funds in a regular bank account, such as a savings account, the value of the account on the date of death will be non-taxable. Any interest earned from the data of death to the date that you receive the money will be taxable income. This is the same for stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other regular investments. Any dividends, stock dividends, or other earnings after the date of death will be taxable to you.

When you sell inherited stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investments, you will calcu-

late your gain or loss based on the value of the investment on the date of death. For most property inherited in 2010, the basis will be the decedent’s (Note: the decedent is the person who died) cost, instead of the date of death value.

If the type of inheritance is pension, annuity, or other type of tax-deferred or retirementtype of account, then proceed with caution.

You will pay tax on all or most of this inheritance, with few exceptions.” You will need to refer to the decedent’s prior tax returns and/or contact the administrator of the retirement account to determine the non-taxable part, if any, of an inherited pension, annuity, or other tax-deferred account.

The inherited retirement account will not be taxable to you until you withdraw the money from the account. Therefore you will have some control over when you will have to claim the inheritance on your taxes.

I’ll present some general information on these types of inheritances, but be cautioned that each account should be individually examined for specific tax laws, the taxable amount should be individually calculated, and withdrawals carefully planned for maximum tax savings. If you inherit the retirement account from your spouse, you may be able to roll over the account into your own retirement account and treat it with the same rules as your own account. You may also be able to rename the inherited account and treat it with the same or similar rules as your deceased spouse.

YOU AND THE LAW —-With Dupe Ajayi Fundamental right to private life, homes, correspondence The Scenario NE important aspect of the right O to privacy is the protection of the home from intrusion by strangers.

Sections 161 and 162 of the Criminal Code criminalise the search, rob or destruction of postal matter or telegrams.

The old English case of Semaynes in 1603 established that every man’s home is his castle. Furthermore, another landmark English case of Etnick v Carrington (19 Howell’s State trials 1029. 95 Eng. 807 (1705) confirmed the position. In that case, some state officers, under a general warrant raided many homes in search of materials connected with the polemic pamphlets in which John Wilkes was allegedly attacking the government. The agents of government also forcibly entered the house of Etnick, an associate of Wilkes, and carried away some materials, which were not connected with the pamphlets of Wilkes. In an action

by Etnick, the court found the warrant and behavior of the agents of government subversive of all comforts of society and that the issue of warrant for seizure or even unconnected materials was ‘contrary to the genius of the law of England’.

The Nigerian provisions guarantees the inviolability of persons’ correspondence, thus the network service providers are bound to keep secret all conversations and text messages exchanged between one subscriber and another and such should not be released or made available to any person or authority unless there is an order of the court to the effect. It should, however, be that section

10(1)(I) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act makes it an offence for anyone under the authority of Minister in charge of such, or in the course of his duty as a servant of the State to use telegraphic apparatus with the intention of getting information as to the contents of a correspondence which he or anyone authorized by the Minister is not entitled to receive or disclose the contents of such message except in legal proceedings or for the purpose of any report of it.

Some text writers hold that this provision may empower the Minister in charge of telecommunications, in some situations, to authorize such use and in addition, this provision may also authorize the police to tamper with such correspondence in the course of their duty for the prevention and detection of crime. See Constitutional Law in Nigeria, K. M.Mowoe, Malthouse Press Ltd, Lagos, 2008, page 422.

It is submitted that in view of these protection guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, where a premises is suspected to be used for criminal activities, the appropriate step is to obtain a search warrant before the premises can be invaded by the law enforcement agencies. Under section 107 of the criminal Procedure Act, Cap 141 LFN 2004, where a magistrate is satisfied by information upon oath and in writing that there is reasonable ground for believing that there is in the State, in any building, ship, carriage, receptable or place: (a) Anything upon or in respect of which any offence has been or is suspected to have been committed. (b) Or anything which there is

reasonable ground for believing will afford evidence as to the commission of the offence or (c) Anything which there is reasonable ground for believing is intended to be used for the purpose of committing any offence, the Magistrate may, at any time, issue a warrant, called a search warrant authorizing an officer of the court, member of the police or other person therein named to search such building, carriage, receptable or place for any such thing.

The above quoted provision listed only three occasions or reasons for which a search warrant can be issued to search a person’s house.

Furthermore, Section 7 of the Criminal Procedure Act, supra, permits a police officer to break into a house, if in the course of effecting an arrest of a person, the person to be arrested enters the house but before that entry can be done, the police officer must have obtained a warrant to arrest the fleeing person and must have met the person in charge of the house and explained his purpose of entry to the person in charge and the person in charge must have refused to permit the entry.

In addition to this, Section 24 of the Police Act permits superior police officers the right to authorise the search of any house, shop, warehouse or other premises for purposes of recovering stolen property, if the premises are or within the preceding 12 months, ‘have been in occupation

of any person who has been convicted of receiving stolen property or habouring thieves or of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty and punishable by imprisonment’. Even at that, the powers of the superior police officers have still been limited to issuing search warrant only to cases of stolen property.

The foregoing clearly shows that the privacy of a person’s home is sacrosanct and can only be derogated from under specified circumstances listed above and must be with a warrant.

In Mogaji & ors v Board of Customs and Excise & another (1982) 3 NCLR, 552, the plaintiffs who were market women, instituted an action for the enforcement of their fundamental rights against the respondents. The grievance of the plaintiffs was that their shops were raided and their goods were seized by Customs officers assisted by policemen without due process. The allegation of the respondents that the raid was born out of the suspicion that the goods contained in the shops were contrabands did not

deter the court from finding for the plaintiffs that the said raid was in violation of the plaintiff’s rights.

It should be noted that in some situations, breach of right to privacy may step from breach of right to property. In Kokoroowo & ors v Lagos State Government & ors (1995) 6 NWLR (pt 404) pg 760, the applicants who were residents of Maroko area of Lagos State, were given only seven days to vacate their homes due to impending demolition by the government. The applicants contended that the directive of the government ordering them to vacate the premises is a violation of their right to privacy and denial of the education of their children. The court upheld the argument of the applicants and granted them an injunction to restrain the government from forcibly restraining the applicants.

However, it is submitted that this decision cannot be taken to be a general proposition of law on the sanctity of home, rather, the decision should be understood only in the special context of that case. This observation is necessary because where a structure or building, which forms a home of a person is erected in the violation of the planning law of a State, subject to the service of relevant notices, the State agency is entitled to demolish that building or structure and such demolition will not be held to be a violation of the right to privacy of the owners.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

88 LAW

National Assembly and making of a people’s constitution: A misadventure Matters Arising

By P. C. Anaekwe T is commonplace that organizations, both social and formal, like town unions, social clubs, trade unions, and incorporated companies have constitutions in which the members state the aims and objectives, rules and regulations, rights and duties of the members, and the organ or organs to run the affairs of the organization. It is obvious, of course, that the members of such organizations will not brook any gang of the members or worse, an out-andout interloper, usurping their inherent right to David Mark make their constitutions.

Most nations of the world that emerged from Nigeria that on the eve of her one hundred colonial or military rule took deliberate steps years of nationhood, she is still in constitutionto sever the constitutional links with their erst- al bondage.

Thankfully, most Nigerians now realize that while overlords by making new constitutions that derived legal force solely from the the 1999 Constitution needs not mere amendundoubted and inherent sovereignty of the ment but total replacement by a constitution people. But the case of Nigeria is different. that is truly a social contract fashioned to meet Since Nigeria was cobbled together by the the multifarious challenges now threatening British imperialists in 1913/1914, all but one of the survival of the nation. People are canvassher eight constitutions were thrust upon the ing for serious restructuring of what has been people by imperialists and local military jun- rightly described as “feeding bottle” federalism; return to regional government, and partas.

The first Nigerian Constitution properly so- liamentary system; six geo-political zones called, the Clifford Constitution, 1922 was made structure; reduction of the number of states; by the British without any input whatsoever by local government autonomy; fiscal federalism; Nigerians. The opposition of our burgeoning and the size of the federal government whose nationalists to this constitution compelled the powers in the Excusive Legislative List have British to progressively seek the views of grown from 29 Items in the 1963 Constitution Nigerians before making their subsequent con- to 68 in the 1999 Constitution at the expense of stitutions: Richards Constitution, 1946; the states. The disparate peoples that were McPherson Constitution, 1951; Lyttleton herded together to make up Nigeria appreciate that this eve of the centenary of our nationConstitution, 1954 and the 1960 Constitution.

The first made in Nigeria constitution, the hood is the most auspicious time for them to Republican Constitution of 1963, was made by meet at a no-holds-barred national conference the Nigerian Parliament in exercise of powers to freely re-negotiate the conditions of their cogiven by the colonial Nigeria (Constitution) existence. This accounts for the strident calls Order in Council, 1960. The military juntas for a sovereign national conference but an made the 1979 and 1999 Constitutions (besides ordinary national conference will do nicely.

Even those holding the reins of power – the the still-born 1989 and 1995 Constitutions). The military constitutions maintained a democrat- President and the members of the Senate and ic façade even in the face of their usurpation of the House of Representatives of the National the will of the people by force of arms. It is a sad Assembly have all agreed on the imperative of commentary on the political fortunes of a people’s constitution, which the President is

I

optimistic will be realized in our time. But the members of the National Assembly insist that they are the ones to make the people’s constitution under powers vested in them by the 1999 Constitution, howbeit in consultation with the people.

The President set up the Justice Alfa Belgore (rtd.) Committee to bring up areas of consensus from the 2006 National Political Reform Conference and other past national conferences. The recommendations of the Belgore Committee would be reflected in amendments to the constitution within the existing democratic structures. He has also held a Presidential Retreat with some selected members of civil society organizations and professional bodies because of their closeness to the people and their understanding of the people’s fears and desires under the theme: “Towards a people’s Constitution”. He promised to send Constitution Amendment Bills to the National Assembly.

The two houses of the National Assembly have set July 2013 as the deadline for the passage of the fourth amendment of the 1999 Constitution. They have set up separate committees on the review of the 1999 Constitution to engage the people through their memoranda, town hall meetings and people’s forum from which they would “synthesize” the people’s views for enactment by them into a “People’s Constitution”. The federal legislators have held one-day people’s forum in each of their respective 109 and 360 constituencies. If the involvement of the people in the on-going constitutional amendment is enough to make the product a people’s constitution, then the military 1979 and 1999 Constitutions are people’s constitutions par excellence.

The real reason members of the National Assembly are averse to the direct involvement of the people through a national conference, especially a sovereign one, is their claim that they hold the sovereignty of the nation and, accordingly, have the exclusive right to make a constitution for Nigeria. According to the Senate Majority Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN): “There is only a sovereignty in the coun-

try, which derives from the Constitution and we cannot have another sovereignty outside of the Constitution. So, it is constitutionally impossible to have two sovereignties because the sovereignty we have is from the Constitution and the Constitution has created institutions”.

The 1999 Constitution from which the legislators claim their sovereignty is the ultimate in mendacity. The military junta tried to paper over the autocratic nature of the constitution they decreed by inserting in the Preamble words, which falsely claimed that the constitution was made by the people. The 1999 Constitution is actually the schedule or addendum to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Promulgation) Decree No. 24 of 1999 enacted by the Provisional Ruling Council. The Decree provides as follows: “And whereas the Provisional Ruling Council has approved the report [of the Constitutional Debate Co-ordinating Committee], subject to such amendments as are deemed necessary in the public interest…

“AND WHEREAS it is necessary, in accordance with the programme on transition to civil rule, for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1979, after necessary amendments and approval by the Provisional Ruling Council, to be promulgated into a new Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria in order to give the same force of law with effect from 29th May 1999: “Now therefore, the Federal Military Government hereby decrees as follows: – (1) There shall be for Nigeria a Constitution, which shall be as set out in the Schedule to this Decree.

(2) The Constitution set out in the Schedule to this Decree shall come into force on 29 May 1999.

(3) Whenever it may hereafter be necessary for the Constitution to be printed it shall be lawful for the Federal Government Printer to omit all parts of this Decree apart from the Schedule and the Constitution as so printed shall have the force of law notwithstanding the omission.”

Prerogative of mercy and war against corruption:Abiding by rule of law Issue in the news

By Peter Onokete Wanogho ERY recently, there has been controversies arising from the recent prerogative of mercy (pardon) granted by President Goodluck Jonathan to his former boss, Chief Diepreye Solomon Alamieyeseigha, one-time Governor of Bayelsa State, when President Goodluck Jonathan was his Deputy-Governor, and some other executive and high-profile convicts, convicted of grafts and/or corruption-related offences.

From the outset, it should be stated that the president has the power to ‘’grant any person concerned with or convicted of any offence created by an Act of the National Assembly pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions.”

Section 175 (1) (a) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides thus:- 175. (1) the President may – (a) Grant any person concerned with or convicted of any offence created by an Act of the National Assembly Pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions.”

2. The powers of the President under sub-section (1) of this section shall be exercised by him after consultation with the Council of state.

The quarrel of critics of the grant of presidential pardon to Alamieyeseigha and others is not whether the president has the power to so do, but the morality of the action in the face of the so-called war against corruption, being allegedly waged by the President and the effect of such pardon on the further prose-

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cution of persons by the various anti-graft agencies and the criteria used in determining who should be granted such presidential pardons.

Does the presidential pardon accord with rule of law? Section 17. (2) (a) of the Nigerian Constitution provides thus: 17 (2) in furtherance of the social order – (a) Every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law?

Why were other Nigerians convicted of corruption related offences not equally granted pardon by President Goodluck Jonathan? Is it a case of all animals are equal but some are more equal than the others?

The main anti-corruption legislations in Nigeria are: 1.

Economic & financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2002, which came into effect on 14 December, 2002.

2.

Independent Corrupt practices & other related Offences Commission, Act L.L. 31 of 2000, which came into effect in June, 2000.

3.

Code of Conduct Bureau & Tribunal Act, No. 1 of 1989, which came into effect on 1st January, 1991, CAP, C15, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004; and 4.

Money `laundering Act, CAP. M. 18, laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

What is the use in prosecuting any person accused of corruption, with tax prayers’ money under any of the above stated anti-corruption legislations, when those convicted are

liable to be granted pardon through a presidential fiat. The pardon granted to ALAMIEYE-SEIGHA and others has rendered nugatory the provisions of the above stated legislations.

The most worrisome aspect of the socalled pardon granted to Alamieyeseigha, is the recently reported explanation by Alamieyeseigha himself, that the prerogative of mercy or pardon was part of the terms of his plea bargain before his conviction and sentence for corruption-related offences.

This assertion leaves a lot of nagging questions unanswered. Was the prerogative of mercy or pardon made part of order of the court pursuant to the plea bargain? If yes, then the President acted on an order of court in granting pardon to Alamieyeseigha and not in accordance with the provisions of Section 175 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), since it cannot then be said that the President exercised his power of granting pardon “after consultation with the Council of State.” If Alamieyeseigha is right or correct in his explanation, then President Goodluck Jonathan violated the provisions of Section 175 of the Constitution in granting pardon to Alamieyeseigha.

Again, if Alamieyeseigha is right, the next question is: Did Alamieyeseigha apply to court for the enforcement and/or execution of the order of court or through a presidential fiat, the President suo motu opted to give effect to an order of court as a Chief Sheriff? These nagging questions rubbish the grant of pardon and/or exercise of power of prerogative of mercy in favour of convicts, convict-

ed of corruption related offences.

The next question is: With the grant of presidential pardon to Alamieyeseigha, can Alamieyeseigha now contest election to the Presidency, National Assembly and/or hold any public office before the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of his conviction, or can it be said that since Alamieyeseigha has been granted pardon, Alamieyeseigha, in the eyes of the law, was never convicted of corruption -related offences?

Section 66 (1) (d), which is impair material with section 107 (1) (d) and sections 137 (1) (e) and 182 (1) (e) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended), provide as follows:66 (1) No person shall be qualified for election to the Senate or the House of Representatives if:(d) “Within a period of less than ten years before the date of an election to a Legislative house he has been convicted and sentenced for an offence involving dishonesty or

he has been found guilty of a contravention of the Code of Conduct.”

There is no proviso for exemption due to presidential pardon. The prerogative of mercy and/or presidential pardon granted by President Goodluck Jonathan to Alamieyeseigha and other executive and high profile convicts, convicted of corruption related offences, is a mere political attraction which distracts from the genuine war against corruption and same amounts to an avoidable smear, which has portrayed the Nigerian leadership internationally as celebrators of corruption and same is a holistic negation of transparency in governance. It is nothing short of murder of democracy and truncation of the most cherished principle of justice and rule of law, which the late Chief (Dr.) Ekuo Akpodiete, a renowned lawyer in the Ughelli-Warri, Delta State, lived for.

• Wanogho, a Notary Public, wrote from Mandela Chambers, Ughelli, Delta State.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Ngige calls for urgent amendment of NBA Constitution LEADING chieftain of the Nigerian Bar and A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emeka Ngige, has canvassed amendment of certain provisions of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Constitution, saying the exercise has become “urgent” to restore the glory of the lawyers’ union. In a memorandum to the Committee on NBA Constitution Review, Ngige observed that while the proposals are not exhaustive, they “represent the critical areas of our constitution that require urgent attention.”

Noting that NBA elections “continue to generate concerns” among NBA members and the public, Ngige observed that “these worries were further escalated during the last NBA elections, thus threatening the moral standing of the association in fostering the rule of law within the Nigerian socio-political space.”

Ngige lost the elections to the incumbent NBA Wali President, Okey Wali (SAN), alleging electoral infractions. He then proposed measures to check the disruptive tendencies of such hic- tion.” cups.

Further, the election committee must not In the memorandum jointly submitted to the later than 30 days to the election publish the Constitution Review Committee by him and list of eligible voters on the NBA website and Emeka Nwadioke, the duo noted that most of ensure that branches receive copies of the list the controversies that trail NBA elections “are within the same period. The list should also rooted in the be issued to all candidates for the election not independence of the election committee.” later than 30 days to the elections.

They warned that “the election committee To be eligible to vote at any NBA election must not only be independent, but must be whether at national or branch level, each also seen to be so,” adding that members of the member must have paid his/her practising committee “should henceforth be fees and branch dues for the three years prenominated by the NBA trustees and approved ceding the elections, save for those by the NBA NEC.” called to the Bar less than three years before According to them, the committee must be the election, in which case receipt for one full entirely independent of NBA national officers year will be acceptable. both in form and substance. Their words: Given the unsatisfactory nature of the cur“Every effort must be made to insulate the elec- rent electoral grievance settlement regime, tion committee from the influence, authority, the memorandum noted that an Election direction or control of the national secretariat Appeals Committee (EAC) “has become or the national officers. Under no circum- imperative.” The EAC should be mandated to stance should the election committee take handle pre-and post-election grievances as directives or instruction from a national offi- they relate to disqualification of aspirants and cer or the national secretariat.” They also can- the conduct of the elections, they suggested, vassed financial autonomy for the committee, adding that “This will save the NBA needless adding that “its funding should constitute a public odium.” first-line charge on the finances of the associaMembers of the committee would be nomi-

Ngige nated by the NBA Trustees and approved by the NBA NEC. They also argued for the adoption of universal suffrage in NBA elections, noting that all lawyers who have paid their practising fees and branch dues for the three years preceding the elections should be eligible to vote, save for those called to the Bar less than three years before the election, in which case the receipts for one year will suffice.

Noting that the efficacy of electronic voting has been eloquently demonstrated by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) at its last general elections with the technical collaboration of NIGCOMSAT, Ngige and Nwadioke called for the adoption of e-voting in future NBA elections.

They noted that this would “engender transparency and widespread acceptance of the outcome of the elections and obviate needless controversies of the recent past, as such controversies tend to detract from the standing of the NBA as a leader in the fight against electoral malfeasance.”

They observed that a major concern of many NBA members “is the increasing monetisation of NBA elections,” as validated by the

Odogiyan and Akaraiwe reports, with the attendant danger of throwing up unpopular candidates whose sources of funding may be questionable, thus the potential of compromising the NBA and its objects.

“Further, the biennial junkets tend to expose members to needless risk to life and limb in their bid to perform their civic duty, moreso given the dangerous state of our roads as shown by fatal and near-fatal accidents involving even governors and senators,” they noted.

To obviate this risk, the duo suggested that eligible voters within a state should vote at the state capitals, moreso since voting would be on-line real-time.

They suggested that a “Code of Conduct for NBA Officers” should be fashioned out to promote professionalism and good behavior among NBA national officers, adding that “infringement of certain provisions of the code shall constitute an impeachable offence.” Crucially, the duo suggested that “under no circumstance should officers of the NBA at national and branch levels accept Federal or state government appointments whether honorary or otherwise and whether with or without remuneration, except committee appointments reserved for NBA.” Also, save for extreme emergency, no committee requiring NBA NEC approval should be inaugurated or commence work without such prior approval.

To promote transparency and accountability, they suggested the establishment of an Internal Audit Unit and a Tenders Board/Procurement Unit, with the latter empowered to advertise all contracts above N1 million on the NBA website and communicate same to branches prior to the award of such contracts. Also, the national treasurer must be a mandatory signatory to all cheques payable by the association for capital expenditure, while the accounts of the association should be posted to the NBA website on a quarterly basis.

On the controversial co-option of members into NEC, they suggested that the list of coopted members should be posted on the NBA

At PUNUKA lecture, stakeholders lament corruption, absence of succession law Event

By Bertram Nwannekanma IGNITARIES at the event were diverse just as the topic was multifaceted, but the speakers dealt well with them.

The event was the 2013 PUNUKA yearly lecture, organised by Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, with the theme: ‘Wealth Management and Succession Planning: Best Practices, Anti-Corruption and Compliance, and Red Flags’.

The dignitaries at the event included: Lagos State deputy governor , Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Presiding Justice of the Lagos Division of the Appeal Court, Justice Amina Augie;, who represented the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Zainab Bulkachuwa, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Alfa Belgore, Roland Otaru (SAN), SPA Ajibade (SAN), Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Kemi Balogun, Albert Okumagba, executive director, Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF), Mrs. Patricia

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Otuedor, and former chief executive officer of Hallmark Bank, Chief Marc Wagbara. Others were: Pioneer chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law, George Etomi; Chief Gilbert Grant, former Bayelsa State Military administrator, Colonel Paul Obi and many other personalities.

The topic on succession was another attempt by the law firm to eviscerate one of the nation’s major problem, which was least talked about.

Managing Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) said everyone needs adequate planning in life to deal with succession issues.

“The society is awash with stories of great men and women whose sudden exit have created wealth management and succession planning impasse for their families, with resultant bitter acrimony and legal tussle that have torn their families apart.

“In few circumstances where people have purportedly sought to manage their wealth and plan for their exit,

the strategies adopted in many cases fall short of international best practices and consequently infringe on the laws and policy directions in this regard.

“In a similar vein, companies are not spared the consequences of lack of purposeful wealth management and succession planning strategies. Many companies have gone under as a result of inadequate succession planning.

“In addition, regulation and compliance across the world in the areas of taxation and prevention of terrorism, money laundering and corruption have greater emphasis in good estate planning and wealth management.

“The risks of lack of planning are now beyond more loss of inheritance but

include criminal liability.

Understanding the red flags can help exposed persons and corporations navigate this difficult terrain,” Idigbe said.

This view was also captured by the Lagos state Deputy governor , Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who was a special guest.

Describing the topic as timely, Orelope-Adefulire expressed disappointment on the absence of succession law in Nigeria, which made the issue of inheritance a cultural thing.

According to her some of these cultural and customary approach on succession has not be fair to women , who are more vulnerable in the society.

She therefore called for extension of such discourse on succession in the country so as to curb incessant bickering that follows the death of breadwinners.

But former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Alfa Belgore, who chaired the occasion, was more concerned with how to curb graft in Nigeria, which he believes is at the root of underdevelopment and social crisis.

To him, a return to the parliamentary system of government will help bring an end to the country’s endemic corruption.

According to Belgore, the Presidential system is not only wasteful, breeds corruption and encourages abuse of power, it also does not accord with Nigeria’s history and culture.

Making case for judicial clerks in Nigeria

By Olusoji Omole ET me start this paper by making reference to what I consider an apt observation attributed to a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association: “... there are problems and limitations in the administration of justice. That is how it should be in any human endeavour. Man strives for perfection all the time.

You cannot improve on justice by evading the established and tested system of judicial administration.

Indeed, no modern army will fight a modern war without applying the military tactics, which had stood the test of time. As this is true of the science of war, so also is it true of the Former Chief executive officer of Hallmark Bank, Chief Marc Wagbara (left), Presiding Justice science of social justice.” of the Lagos Division of the Appeal Court, Justice Amina Augie and The guest lecturer, Mr A very obvious handicap to the disJohn Cross…at the event pensation of justice in Nigeria is the

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Mukhtar laborious process of judges taking notes in long-hand in court and having to go through the same process to deliver rulings and judgments. The undue hardship that is imposed on judges is mitigated in

jurisdictions where there is a tradition of judicial clerks. WIKIPEDIA describes a judicial clerk as a person who provides assistance to a judge in researching issues before the court and in writing opinions. Most law clerks are recent Law School graduates who performed at or near the top of their class. Judicial clerks are held in very high esteem in jurisdictions where there is a tradition of clerkship. They are usually started off at higher salaries in law firms and given preference should they choose to go to the Bench later in their professional careers. Judicial clerks hold a special status and are recognised for their efforts and sacrifices made to support the legal system.

TO BE CONTINUED

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

91

Sports Ahead Brazil 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA ethics committee provisionally bans Blazer

Akpala, Eneramo in contention to replace injured Emenike

HE Chairman of the adjudiT catory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee, HansJoachim Eckert has decided to provisionally ban FIFA Executive Committee member, Chuck Blazer, from taking part in any kind of footballrelated activity at national and international level for a maximum period of 90 days.

The decision was taken following a request made by the acting deputy chairman of the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, Robert Torres, based on the fact that various breaches of the FIFA Code of Ethics appear to have been committed by Chuck Blazer and that a decision on the main issue could not be taken early enough.

Sad over Anichebe’s decision to shun Eagles From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja ILVASPOR of Turkey attackSGermany-based er, Michael Eneramo and Joseph Akpala are in contention to replace injured Emmanuel Emenike in the Super Eagles squad ahead both the FIFA Confederations Cup and Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifying matches respectively.

In what appears a final end to Super Eagles’ Captain, Joseph Yobo and his West Bromwich Albion counterpart, Osaze Odemwingie’s hope of returning to the national team, Keshi, who came back to Nigeria last weekend after holidaying in the U.S.A, told journalists that he has no plans of making major changes in his team list, which he has already submitted to FIFA for the June games.

Akpala last played for the Eagles under Coach Samson Siasia, while former

Esperance of Tunisia star, Michael Eneramo, who played under Coach Amodu Shaibu, lost his Super Eagles’ position when Lars Lagerbach took over the team before the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been pushing for the return of the Yobo and Odemwingie, but Keshi said yesterday that the list would not see much changes, as FIFA does not allow such a few weeks to the tournament in Brazil.

He, however, disclosed that injured Emmanuel Emenike will justifiably be replaced, regretting that the player’s absence would be felt at the Confederations Cup. “It is a shame that he won’t be there because of the injury he is currently nursing. I would have wanted some form of continuity upfront but since he will not be there, we will look for somebody to cover that gap,” stated Keshi.

…Team gets U.S., German visas ahead clash with Mexico HE Embassies of United Germany for the training T States of America and camp and have also been Germany have granted entry issued entry visas into the visas into their different countries for players and officials of Super Eagles, ahead of some important programmes in the summer.

NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, yesterday praised the two Embassies for their usual co-operation.

“The American and German Embassies have always been very understanding and we salute them for this.

“The Super Eagles have received their entry visas into

United States for the prestigious friendly with Mexico at the end of this month.”

According to the programme of national teams’ activities released by the NFF yesterday, the delegation of home-based professionals and officials will depart Nigeria on May 16 for a two-week training camp in Nuremberg, Germany, and will fly into Texas, U.S.A on May 29 for the friendly against CONCACAF champions Mexico at the Reliant Stadium, Houston on May 31.

Globacom’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Mohamed Jameel (middle); after presenting the NPFL sponsorship cheque to the LMC’s Nduka Irabor, and Salihu Abubakar (right) in Lagos…yesterday.

NSC inaugurates NYG committee today From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE National Sports Commission (NSC) says Sports Minister/Chairman of the commission, Bolaji Abdullahi will today in Abuja inaugurate a 12-man committee to work out modalities for the forthcoming National Youth Games.

The inauguration of the committee was one of the decisions of the 19th National Council on Sports held in Ilorin, Kwara State last month.

The Committee is expected to be responsible for the organisation and management of the games and also study and advise appropriately on issues that will ensure proper implementation of officiating and eligibility rules for such events.

The Youth Games is scheduled to hold from August 29 to September 7, 2013 in Abuja.

The NSC disclosed that the Committee, which has a 14-day time frame to submit its report will comprise a representative of the NSC as chairman, six states’ directors of Sports, each representing a geo-political zone, a representative of NAPHER-SD, the secretary general of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), chairman, Directors Forum, president of the NSSF and the director of Sports & PE (Nigeria Army).

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COD United FC’s Malik Adoza (left); and MFM’s Emiloju Julius vie for the ball during the Lagos State FA Cup final at the Agege Stadium…on Sunday.

Edo takes Insurance, Dynamites to NFF over abandoned FA Cup tie the fracas that Fin OLLOWING ended the Edo FA Cup final the last quarter of the game on Sunday, the state’s football association has taken Dynamite Force and Bendel Insurance, both of Benin City, to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Specifically, the Edo FA wants the NFF to look into the cause (s) of the fracas and decide on the punishment on the culprits.

A communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the Edo FA board and the Organising and Disciplinary Committee, pleaded with top dignitaries and government

officials at the final to forget the incident and promised to forestall future occurrences.

“The embarrassment to top dignitaries is regretted,” the communiqué read.

The meeting chaired by Edo FA boss, Abel Ehigie, had in attendance the Vice Chairman, Frank Ilaboya, Media Committee Chairman, Ben Alaiya, FA Scribe, Victor Edokpayi, majority of the board members and all members of the disciplinary committee.

The meeting slammed an indefinite suspension on Bendel Insurance player, Uche Cyprian, whose alleged

vicious attack on referee Sam Agbagbatu from Delta State led to the abrupt end of the game in the 75th minute while Insurance was trailing 0-1.

The attack nearly turned tragic until an ambulance rushed the referee to a clinic.

The FA said a report has already been forwarded to the NFF for final action, especially as it concerns whether the game will be awarded to0 Dynamites Force or replayed.

“We resorted to an emergency meeting because we want prompt action from the NFF on this matter,” declared Ehigie after the meeting.

At last, Glo, LMC sign N1.9b title sponsorship pact ELECOMMUNICATIONS T outfit, Globacom Nigeria, yesterday signed a three-year one billion, eight hundred and ninety-six million, seven hundred and thirty thousand naira deal with the League Management Company (LMC), which officially makes it the title sponsor of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Globacom won the NPFL title rights late last year, but the agreement with the LMC did not become official until yesterday as it took both parties some time to agree on some gray areas.

Speaking on the deal,

Globacom’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Jameel said the company was delighted to return as the title sponsor of the Professional Football League in Nigeria.

He promised that as the title sponsor, Globacom would give maximum support to the administrators of the league in their efforts to develop talents for Nigerian football and make the league attractive.

Jameel also said Globacom’s primary reason for sponsoring the league “is to develop Nigerian football.

“Today, we are witnessing the appointment of Globacom as

the title sponsor of the Glo Premier League. We thank the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, for his efforts to resolve all the issues surrounding the title sponsorship.

“We also thank members of the League Management Company (LMC) for all the significant strides they are making to develop the Nigerian professional football league,” said Jameel.

LMC Chairman, Nduka Irabor led the league team to the meeting. Other members of the LMC in attendance were the Chairman of Lagos Football Association, Seyi

Akinwunmi, Shehu Dikko and Salihu Abubakar.

Irabor, who said he was delighted to see this day, thanked the management of Globacom and members of the LMC for their patience in the interest of Nigerian football league.

“This ceremony would have been held weeks back but both parties demonstrated admirable integrity and honesty in the process of fine-tuning the details of the contract, which was agreed to in principle a few weeks ago. I pray that we will hand over a structure that will promote the interest of Nigerian football,” he said.

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No payment yet for top winners of Okpekpe road race

By Gowon Akpodonor FFICIALS of the Athletics O Federation of Nigeria (AFN) are holding back the prize money meant for top three finishers at the maiden 10km Okpekpe Road race, which took place in Edo State at the weekend.

Kenyan athletes won both the male and female categories with Ugandan and Ethiopian athletes also winning prize monies in the race.

While Moses Masai (Kenya) won the $25,000 for men,

Romo Georgina got the $20,000 in the women category.

However, the athletes left the country for their respective homes without their winnings, not because the cash was not available but as a result of laid down rules for such international events.

According the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee/ Competition Director for the Okpekpe Road race, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, the top three finishers in both the

male and female categories would be paid after results of their dope test have been released within the next three and four weeks.

Nesiama, who is AFN’s Technical Director, told The Guardian yesterday the delay in paying the athletes was in accordance with ‘standard practice.’

He, however, stated that prize monies for all other winners were handed over to the athletes at the competition venue.

Over 700 athletes, both local

and foreign, competed for honours at the maiden Okpekpe road race. True to pre-competition boast by the organisers, all the athletes and first time visitors to Okpekpe community left the venue with praises for the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led government for the good work he is doing for the people.

Promoter of the race, Mike Itemuagbor had said before the race that the state government would make every aspect of the road race a memorable event, not only for the athletes and their officials, but also for first time visitors to the community.

The 10km race, which was flagged off about three kilometers from Ibie junction, was all thrills and glamour to the finish line inside Okpekpe community.

Okpekpe is a sleepy town

25km from Auchi, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The community is famous for its hilly scenery and according to some indigenes, the road leading to the community was a no-go area before the coming of Governor Oshiomhole.

One of the indigenes, who gave his name only as Mr. Simeon, said some of their fore fathers contributed money several times to past governments to make the road motorable, but without positive results.

“I was going through some old papers inside my late father’s cupboard, when I came across an old receipt of money he paid to government as levy for the construction of Okpekpe road. It never came to pass.

“At our last town meeting, we decided that the image of Governor Oshiomhole would

be mounted at the entrance of this community for our children to know the man behind the development of Okpekpe. He is worth celebrating,” Simeon stated.

At the end of the race on Saturday, Oshiomhole shocked the athletes and officials by jerking up the prize money for the females.

Before the race, organisers had announced $10, 000 $5,000 and $4,000 for the top three finishers, but the governor jerked it to $20,000 for the winner, while the second and third position got $10,000 and $5,000 in that order.

“This is good for the game and we appreciate what the governor has done, said Kenyan athlete, Romo, as she made her way into a waiting bus to Auchi after winning the race.

The Guardian voted best newspaper, as Global Academy wins Anambra FA Cup HE Guardian was at the Tnewspaper weekend named the best on the coverage of

Super Eagles former Assistant Coach, Silvanus Okpalla, receiving his award after the final game of the 2013 NEROS Pharmaceuticals Anambra FA Cup…on Saturday.

FA Cup victory will spur COD promotion ambition, says Opaleye

By Olalekan Okusan HIEF Executive of City of C David (COD) United, Shola Opaleye believes the Lagos State FA Cup triumph would spur the team on its pursuit of promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

COD United defeated MFM FC 3-1 on penalties after both sides played 0-0 at full time to win this year’s Lagos State 2013 FA Cup tournament.

“We are delighted to be champions. It shows all our hardwork is paying off.

The boys now know that there is nothing standing between them and success except themselves. This can only spur them on to future successes starting with promotion. I am very proud of them and I am looking forward to celebrating promotion with them at the end of the season,” he said.

The team led by its interim manager, Solomon Manasseh, was clearly the better side and

Lagos Junior League awards hold May 11 S part of its efforts to reward outstanding teams and players for the year 2012/2013, the management of Lagos Junior League is organising an award celebration on Saturday, May 11 this year at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

According to one of the directors of the league, Yemi Idowu, the management and directors of the Lagos Junior League will host the award ceremony, which will be the second awards ceremony in the three-year history of the Lagos junior league.

The event is held yearly at the end of the football season and will have in attendance all the football teams and other stakeholders.

“I want to say that the award ceremony is important in order to appreciate all those that had contributed immensely to the success of the league in the outgoing season.,” he said. “ We also want to showcase the successes of the Lagos Junior League to all potential sponsors and supporters of junior football in Nigeria” He added, “the Lagos Junior

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League is a project of the Lagos State government and the private sector. It is a league meant for the U-20s that are expected to have gone through the school system in Lagos. The league is present in all local government areas and development areas of the state.

“Since the league was set up, a lot of players have come through the league, some of who represented the state at the last National Sports Festival, tagged: Eko 2012, where Team Lagos claimed the gold medal in football for the first time.

“Also recently, two players in the silver-winning and World Cup bound Golden Eaglets team were products of the league and this goes to show that the league is delivering on its promise.”

Idowu said this year’s award ceremony is expected to be more glamorous than the previous one, adding that among the expected dignitaries are the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi and some Local Council bosses.

missed numerous chances before emerging victorious in the shootout.

The success is the latest in a recent string of successes for the club, with its U-16 already the National U-17 Champions, while the U-12 team finished as first runner up of the recently concluded Eko football tournament.

The club will now lead Lagos State’s charge in the 2013 Federations Cup scheduled to begin later this year.

An excited Coach Manasseh said he was happy not just because his team won, but also due to his boys’ incredible maturity and application.

“We had to win games against difficult opponents and these boys responded to the challenge. That’s the most pleasing aspect,” he said.

The management of the team is planning a victory parade, as well as, a dinner for the team.

the 2013 Neros Pharmaceuticals Anambra FA Cup. The final of the competition was held on Saturday at the Neros Sports Stadium, Nanka, with Global Academy of Onitsha beating city mates, Ikpeazu Redoubtable, 1-0 to lift the trophy.

According to the organisers of the competition, the Anambra Football Association, The Guardian was chosen as the best newspaper at the competition for its incisive reportage of the event.

Soccer Star and Sporting Life were voted joint best in the Daily Sports Newspapers category.

Earlier, Ifeanyi Ukachukwu’s 25th minute strike gave Global Academy

FC victory over Ikpeazu Redoutables.

Speaking after the game, Global Academy Coach and Team Manager, Charles Ibeh said, “I am on top of the world, it is a dream comes true, trained hard, prayed unto God for His favour, we fasted and today.

“He has honoured us, I am also grateful and appreciative to the sponsor of this competition, Poly Emenike, Managing Director of NEROS Pharmaceuticals Limited, who has turned football around in Anambra State. If two or three of such are available, great things will happen in Anambra football and sporting life, we give God the glory.”

Earlier in the day, the national U-20 team, the Flying Eagles subdued hard fighting Anambra Eleven 1-0

in a novelty showpiece that preceded the grand finale.

Kayode Olarenwaju scored the only goal of the match in the second half of the match.

One of the high points of the occasion was recognition of Anambra indigenes in the 2013 Nations Cup winning Super Eagles squad.

They include: John Mikel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Austin Ejide, Obiora Nwankwo, Azubike Egwuekwe and assistant coach of the team, Sylvanus Okpala.

In the third place match that preceded the final, Gabros FC defeated Dynamic Sports Academy 4-1.

The first, second, third and fourth placed teams went home with N2 million, N1 million, N500, 000, and N100, 000 respectively.

How Warri Wolves overcame Atete FC in Delta FA Cup final

By Gowon Akpodonor T took extra effort from preIWolves mier league side, Warri FC to overcome a rampaging amateur side, Atete FC, in the final of Delta FA Cup at the Warri City Stadium over

the weekend. It was the 14th edition of the competition sponsored by ECO Bank.

Atete boys, who were made up of former players of Warri Wolves and the defunct Delta United, drilled Wolves handled by Coach, Solomon

Warri Wolves players celebrating their gold medal after beating Atete FC in the final of the Delta State FA Cup.

Ogbeide From the commencement of the match till the end, the Ovwian based Atete FC kept supporters of the government sponsored Wolves on the edge of the seats with their skillful display of football. They were everywhere making short passes to the admiration of the fans.

Seeing that his dream of lifting the cup was on the verge of collapse, Coach Ogbeide introduced some changes shortly after the half time break. The new comers among whom was former junior international, Gift Atulewa delivered the trophy for Wolves.

With the hand of the clock ticking away, a Wolves attacker, Oghenekaro Etebo, dribbled his way into opponent goal area and was brought down by an inexperienced Atete FC defender. Free kick specialist, Atulewa did not make mistake in the conversion.

Some highlights of the occasion were the presentation of awards to individuals who have contributed to the development of Sports in Delta State and Nigeria.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Zenith Bank Basketball League

Delta Force beats Plateau Rocks in tight contest

By Adeyinka Adedipe ELTA Force Basketball Club of Asaba won its first game in the second phase of the Zenith Bank Basketball League beating Plateau Rocks 52-49 in a tightly contested encounter on the third day after two earlier losses.

The Asaba team playing in front of home fans had to deploy all the tricks in the book to emerge victorious as Plateau Rocks took the game to the homers in the final moment of the game.

After losing to the IGP Queens and Dolphins of Lagos, Delta Force knew that it had to win and the players put up a strong display to take the game. AHIP Queens handed Taraba Hurricanes their third defeat 55-13 and it is looking like the newcomers are in the league for basketball lessons.

For AHIP, qualifying for the final eight in Lagos is looking bright after two wins from three games. Dolphins of Lagos also defeated IGP Queens 57-44 to record its third victory. The Lagos teams performance should propel it to the final in Lagos after losing just one game so far in the league, coming in the first phase against First Bank.

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Defending champions, First Deepwater also took a giant toward a fourth title as it defeated GT-2000 100-37. The champions’ stiffest test would come up in Lagos when it squares up against former champions, First Bank Basketball Club in the final leg of the league.

In today’s star game, First Bank will takes on Dolphins, Taraba Hurricanes search for their first win against FCT Angel, Coal City Queens takes on First Deepwater, AHIP Queens play Nigeria Customs, GT-2000 takes on Sunshine Angels, Delta Force takes on Benue Queens while IGP Queens draw bye.

Captain of Sovereign Trust Insurance, Jimoh Mabinuori (with trophy) flanked by team-mates as they celebrate the Corporate Nigeria Games finals victory over Skye Bank at the University of Lagos Sports Complex…on Saturday.

FIFA picks Doue as referee for Kenya, Nigeria 2014 World Cup qualifier ORLD football-governW ing body, FIFA, has appointed Ivorian official, Noumandiez Doue, as referee for next month’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Kenya’s Harambee Stars in Nairobi.

In a brief on the match transmitted to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), FIFA named Doue, who became an international referee in 2004, alongside his compatriot Songuifolo Yeo (assistant referee 1), Burundian Jean-Claude Birumushahu (assistant referee 2) and another Ivorian Denis Dembele to take charge of the game scheduled for June 5 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The same venue hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier between both countries, when the Super

Eagles needed a win and also needed Mozambique to hold Tunisia in Maputo same day, to qualify for the showpiece in South Africa.

In the event, the Eagles won 3-2 while Mozambique pipped Tunisia 1-0 in Maputo to send Nigeria to the World Cup finals.

Next month’s duel is no less important, with the Eagles only ahead of the Group F on goals difference (from Malawi) and the Malawians to play two consecutive home matches while Nigeria play away consecutively.

Born Noumandiez Desire Doue in 1970, the Ivorian arbiter was at the centre when the Super Eagles defeated Rwanda 2-0 in a 2013 Cup of Nations qualifier in Calabar 11 months ago, and also when the Eagles drew 2-2 with Guinea’s Syli Nationale in

Abuja on October 8, 2011 in a 2012 Cup of Nations qualifying game.

Yeo, who was also born in 1970, became an international assistant referee in 2004, while Burundian Birumushahu, 41, also became an international assistant referee in 2004.

Ivorian Dembele, the fourth official, is 35, and became an international referee four years ago.

FIFA also appointed renowned Mauritanian Idrissa Sarr as the referee assessor while Mazen Marzouk from Egypt will be the match commissioner. Wilhelmus van Rhee from The Netherlands will be the security officer.

Sarr, a former FIFA-graded referee, was the centre referee for the final match of the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which Nigeria lost 0-1 to Cameroon.

Fashola to unveil adopt-a-talent stars May 30 OVERNOR of Lagos State, G Babatunde Raji Fashola will officially unveil the adopted athletes of the State’s Adopt-A-Talent Sports programme on May 30.

Governor Fashola will present the athletes, 40 out of 170, who are currently under the care of the Management Committee of the programme, to the public during an elaborate ceremony at Alausa, Ikeja.

Fourteen individuals, whose occupation spread across every area of human

endeavours, had earlier adopted 39 of these athletes, but as the news of the unveiling was broken, a very young bank executive showed interest in one athlete in Athletics. This took the total number of adopted talents to 40.

The Management Committee of the programme says all logistics to ensure a successful unveiling have been put in place, even as more sponsors are coming to show interests in the young and promising

athletes.

The committee, however, called for more sponsors to positively support the remaining 130 already penciled down for adoption.

The breakdown of recommended athletes for adoption per sport shows that athletics has eight, basketball has four, boxing has three, football has five, gymnastics has three, judo has three, karate has two, swimming has five, table tennis has five, while volleyball has two.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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TheGuardian

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Tochi Okafor Continued from yesterday OW then can we bring back “the reader” and not “the book” to revive the reading culture in Nigeria? The answer is simple: Project empowering references through metaphor and imagery to provoke aggressive internal motivation or hunger for reading. Let me ask you a question: “How did you feel after going through the pictures of Soyinka, Mandela, Achebe and people’s comments about their achievements?” I guess you felt like getting hold of their books to devour. The comments we present in this publication reflect people’s feelings like “You are my hero and role model, what can I do to be great like you, Sir?” “Can you share your stories with us?” “How can we get your books, Sir” “I will be greater than you, Sir.” “You are my idol.”

What this publication has achieved is to put you in an emotional state where you are now hungry for learning because we present you with a metaphor and reference that proves reading a worthwhile enterprise by simply using Soyinka as a model. The clear message of the metaphor is that if you want to be influential like Soyinka, then read like him or follow his footsteps. If Soyinka can make it from a humble beginning, you, too, can exceed him with the help of information-driven technology.

At this point, clarification of terms is absolutely necessary as experience has taught me. In one of the Radio Nigeria programmes, my host had to ask me what I meant by metaphor when we got to this point.

Whenever we explain or communicate a concept by likening it to something else, we are using a metaphor. The two things may bear little actual resemblance, but our familiarity with one allows us to gain an understanding of the other. For example, I would like you to study the comments under “Tributes”, you will see phrases like “The elephant” “The iroko of literature” “A reliable encyclopedia”.

Soyinka is not an iroko, elephant or encyclopedia per se but his life has become a symbol of them. Metaphors are heightened symbols used not only to paint a picture of somewhat abstract concept but also employed to create emotional intensity quickly. It is use of stories and imageries to create a mental picture in the hearts of people in order to move them to a desired value system.

Metaphors can transform us instantly because as humans we constantly think and speak in pictures as shown in people’s comments in this publication. So, when you invite a movie or music star to read book before the children in the name of ‘Bring Back the Book’ campaign, metaphorically you are causing confusion in the minds of those children.

There is no basis to link reading with Desmond Eliot or Omotola Jalade-Ekehinde.

To be practical, ask those children this simple question: When you think of Desmond Eliot as an actor, what comes to your minds? Ask them again, when you think of Soyinka or Achebe generally, what comes to your minds?

Whatever their answers are to the second question, use stories and pictures of their achievements to link pleasure to reading as the secret behind their success. The pain of discipline of reading will be accepted as pleasure with the hope of commanding the same fame like Soyinka in future which may not necessarily be as a writer but as any other professional.

To invite a scholar to give children lecture at an event can only appeal to their intellects for the brilliant ones, but using metaphors will appeal to their emotions. These children, like any adult, already knew what reading can do for them but to actually read they need to be catapulted into an emotional state that provokes hunger for reading. At this stage, they can go to any length in search of books assuming books are truly missing. Everything you and I do, we do either out of our need to avoid pain or our desire to gain pleasure. If properly programmed, the child will link pain to not reading today but massive pleasure to reading today in his neurological compartment. I challenge any school administrator at any level of education to test-run this piece by distributing this publication to students and take notice of their reactions.

The second term we must clarify is reference.

Remember that from our diagnosis, we discover that the lack of motivation and bad references (role models) are responsible for youths’ apathy to reading. What are references? Tony Robbins defines references as “ all the experiences of your life that you’ve recorded within your nervous system – everything you’ve ever seen, heard, touched, tasted, or

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Please send reactions and feedback for YOUTH SPEAK to:

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How to ‘Bring Back the Book’ (2)

Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i

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smelled – store away inside the giant file thing that stops with school at most, and cabinet of your brain”. Some references are which cannot connect you to the oil wells of picked up consciously, others unconscious- Nigeria as your experience has proved lookly. Some result from experiences you have ing at casts of people who are currently had yourself; others consist of information enjoying the so-called national cake. you have I think any heard from In the journey of greatness, reading is not all that is campaign others. aims to required. Thinking great thoughts is crucial and that References revive the are ingrediunavoidable. Greatness is attained only by the think- reading culents that should, ing of great thoughts. No man can become great in ture form your as a matter of core beliefs. outward personality until he is great internally; and urgency, proWhen all refyouths no man can be great internally until he thinks. No vide erences availwith differable to you amount of education, reading or study can make you ent referare antithat great without thought. You are not mentally devel- ences books, how empower oped by what you read, but by what you think about reading as a can reading be an instrurewarding what you read. Reading lubricates thinking ment of sucenterprise of cess? Definitely, your belief about reading life. The good news is that we can borrow would be that of a useless enterprise; some- good references of other people even in the

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The YOUTHSPEAK Column which is published daily is an initiative of THE GUARDIAN, and powered by RISE NETWORKS, Nigeria’s Leading Youth Development Centre, as a substantial advocacy platform available for ALL Nigerian Youth to engage Leadership at all levels, engage Society and contribute to National Discourse on diverse issues especially those that are peculiar to Nigeria. Regarding submission of articles, we welcome writers‘ contributions by way of well crafted, analytical and thought provoking opinion pieces that are concise, topical and non-defamatory! All articles (which are not expected to be more than 2000 words) should be sent to editorial@risenetworks.org To read the online Version of this same article plus past publications and to find out more about Youth Speak, please visit www.risenetworks.org/youthspeak and join the ongoing National Conversations’’.

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midst of bad strong influences. Early in life, I chose to focus on those who had made it, those who had succeeded and contributed by impacting lives in a major way. I did so by reading biographies of successful people and learned that regardless of their background or conditions, with a sense of clear vision and consistent actions, success eventually came. I borrowed the reference that reading maketh a man! So, the habit of reading was wired in my nervous system as a way of life. I used their references as my own, forming the core belief that I could really shape my own destiny with great books, positive thinking and corresponding actions.

A pragmatic reading campaign should explore the wealth of literatures, stories, myths, poetry, music, movies, and audio tapes that teach one thing: power of reading as a genuine route to happiness and fulfillment.

Bombard their minds with these materials and you would have programmed them for life. These materials will serve as fabrics for formation of core beliefs in life. Never forget home movies and music industries are already providing them with these ingredients but full of negative references. This is why our children can dance ‘kukere’ with perfection but cannot pass their WAEC with distinction. It is all about programming through pain-pleasure principle. When you invite a musician to a reading campaign, you are just helping them to relive the experience they get from Star Jams.

My candid advice to any young person running through this piece is to stop waiting for a reading campaign before you can stir yourself up for voracious reading. Study closely the pictures of Wole Soyinka in this publication and you will discover that reading and writing played a major role in his transformation. In the journey of greatness, reading is not all that is required.

Thinking great thoughts is crucial and unavoidable.

Greatness is attained only by the thinking of great thoughts. No man can become great in outward personality until he is great internally; and no man can be great internally until he thinks. No amount of education, reading or study can make you great without thought.

You are not mentally developed by what you read, but by what you think about what you read. Reading lubricates thinking.

Read about great things and think about great questions and issues. We have at the present time few really great figures in the political theatre of our country; our politicians are a pretty lot. There is no Zik, Awolowo, Bello and Okadigbo. Why? Because our present statesmen deal only with sordid and pretty issues – questions of Naira and Kobo, of expediency and party success without an ideology, of material prosperity without hard work and regard for ethical rights. Thinking along these lines does not call forth great souls. The statesmen of Zik’s time and previous times dealt with questions of eternal truth; of human rights and justice in wiping out colonialism from African soil. Men thought upon great themes; thought great thoughts and they became great men. Zik was called the Great Zik of Africa and Awolowo – the imperishable philosopher and sage of all times.

With motivation and good references in place, we can turn WAEC and NECO results from 38.81 percentages to 100 percentage pass under one year of aggressive mental programming campaign.

However, students and youths should take their destinies in their both hands by believing in the power of reading as captured in the excerpt below by Tony Robbins: “The power of reading a great book is that you start thinking like the author. For those magical moments while you are immersed in the forests of Arden, you are William Shakespeare; while you are shipwrecked on Treasure Island, you are communing with nature at Walden, you are Henry Thoreau. You start to think like they think, feel like they feel, and use imagination as they would. Their references become your own, and you carry these with you long after you’ve turned the last page. That is the power of literature…”

In conclusion, I would like every young intellectual of Nigerian origin to dissect and assimilate properly “The Wealth and Poverty of a Nation: Who Will Restore the Dignity of Nigeria?” by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili. Now is indeed the emergence of The Turning-Point Generation and you cannot afford to miss this progressive train of mental emancipation.

Concluded • Okafor, a multi-talented dynamic philosopher; a certified motivational speaker, researcher and author, is the executive director of Dream Connect.