Tuesday 12 Mar 2013 The Guardian Nigeria

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,493

N150

www.ngrguardiannews.com

Manitoba ready to start electricity contract From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja ANADIAN firm, Manitoba C Hydro International, has finally been issued the schedule

• Gets schedule of delegated authority • Govt may inaugurate supervisory board this week

of delegated authority that would enable it to effectively take over the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on behalf of the Federal Government.

There are also strong indications that the much-awaited supervisory board members announced for TCN last December would be formally sworn in this week.

The TCN was incorporated in November 2005.

TCN emerged from the defunct Na-

tional Electric Power Authority (NEPA) as a product of the merger of the transmission and operations sectors on April 1, 2004.

Being one of the 18 unbundled business units under the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the company was issued a transmission licence on July 1, 2006.

The operations of TCN include the key three functions of Market Operator (MO), System Operator (SO) and Transmission

Service Provider (TSP).

The schedule of delegated authority is the instrument that gives Manitoba full authority for running TCN. With the signing of the contract in July, August was to be a transition period while the schedule of delegated authority was to have been issued in September heralding full take-over.

The Chief Executive Officer of Manitoba, Don Priestman, confirmed the development in an interview with The

Guardian last night.

He said: “Yes, we have been given the schedule of delegated authority that hands over the management of TCN to us.”

On the company’s plans for the troubled TCN, Manitoba stressed: “Throughout the term of the contract, one key objective for MHI will be to reorganise TCN such that the transmission service provider becomes a separate entity from the market operator and

system operator and thereby allowing it to become a privatised commercial company.

“MHI expects to turn TCN into a technically and financially efficient, stable and sustainable company; a company that will be market-driven and capable of utilising its maximum generation capacity and then distributing the energy throughout Nigeria 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To do this, MHI will have to focus on developing the proficiency of local personnel.”

But Manitoba’s travails and its rocky road to implementing its contract in Nigeria

have become a metaphor for how not to do business in Nigeria.

The $23.7 million three-year management contract was signed with the firm July last year. But scheming within government circles to continue to control the office of the market operator known as the ‘power house’ or the ‘financial room’ of TCN, led to several attempts to manipulate the contract.

The Guardian learnt that the issuance of the schedule of delegated authority was largely motivated by the new Minister of Power, Prof.

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Cardinals end final day of talks before papal conclave begins ITH the focus of the globW al community turning to the Vatican today, Catholic cardinal electors ended the final day of horse-trading for the position yesterday before shutting themselves into the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope after Benedict XVI’s shock resignation.

But agency reports indicated that an Italian and a Brazilian who both head powerful archdioceses are among the top contenders for the headship of the world Catholics.

According to Agence France Presse (AFP), the cardinals yesterday held their last preconclave talks where they have been debating the challenges that the next Pope will face and vetting possible candidates for the post.

Meanwhile, the honour of

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Lagos reopens Ladipo Market — Metro Page 12

A cross-section of judiciary workers at the Court of Appeal Headquarters’ gate in Abuja… yesterday. (Inset: Workers with placards protesting against non-payment of their entitlements by government.)

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

Outrage over alleged plot to stop APC’s registration From Adamu Abuh (Abuja) and Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) N alleged attempt by the A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop the registration of the All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday drew condemnation from stakeholders.

It was alleged that the PDP and INEC planned to frustrate APC by registering another party called African Peoples

• ‘Controversial APC’ came before Buhari’s, Tinubu’s party, INEC insists • Declines to reveal founders of ‘APC’ Congress (APC).

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) described the alleged move as a ‘bad omen’ for Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.

On his part, Second Republic

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, yesterday alleged that the emergence of the African Peoples Congress (APC) may have been masterminded by INEC.

He particularly accused the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, of working in tandem with the shadowy group to frustrate the first APC. When contacted, the INEC

boss confirmed that some persons had last week submitted the request for the registration of the African Peoples Congress (APC) as a political party.

Jega, who spoke with The Guardian through his media aide, Mr. Kayode Idowu, however, declined to mention the identities of those behind the shadowy APC.

Imo Assembly, PDP insist on deputy gov’s impeachment - Page 8

Distancing INEC from the shadowy APC, he disclosed that the new APC was well ahead of the widely known APC that had political giants like Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Stating that INEC was yet to receive a request for the registration of the widely known APC, he disclosed that a checklist would be carried out by INEC to ascertain

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

2 NEWS

‘Controversial APC’ came before Buhari’s, Tinubu’s party, INEC insists CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 which of the APCs would merit registration in the end.

He spoke while faulting the notion that INEC was working

in tandem with the PDP to stop the registration of the widely known APC. “There is a group that has applied to INEC to be registered as African Peoples Congress (APC). The application was made last week. I can’t give the identity of those behind it. The All Progressive Congress (APC) has not applied to INEC yet.

“When you say INEC is being accused to have taken sides with the PDP, how does that make sense to you since part of the requirement of the law is not that if somebody ap-

plies, that INEC should come in the open and announce that this is the person behind it?

“The commission should not be used to fight political fight. When you are asking for the names of those behind it, the motive is to engage those people in a political fight. INEC is an impartial umpire and regulator.

The law has itemised the criteria to be fulfilled to be registered as a party and INEC is indifferent to who has applied to be registered as a party so long as the criteria are

right.

“There is a checklist, once we go through that checklist and you make it, INEC has no choice as it has to be registered and if we go through that checklist and you fall short, INEC has every power to say no, you have not met that requirement. That is INEC’s position. So, if a group comes up and says it wants to register a party with a name, what does INEC have to do with it? As we speak today, there is only one applicant.”

In a statement issued in Enugu by its National Public-

Cardinals end final day of talks before papal conclave begins CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 announcing the next leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics will fall to French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, who will proclaim the outcome of the conclave from St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Bach-loving former Vatican diplomat will speak in Latin on a loggia over St. Peter’s Square after the conclave of cardinals announces a new Pope has

been elected by sending out white smoke from the Sistine Chapel.

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus papam!

(I announce to you a great joy. We have a pope!)”, Tauran will say and then announce the name of the elected cardinal and the papal title he has chosen.

The 70-year-old from Bordeaux has the official title of “cardinal proto-deacon”,

meaning he is the most senior cardinal from the order of deacons.

The College of Cardinals is divided up into three orders: bishops, priests and deacons.

Tauran used to be the top Vatican official for inter-religious dialogue. He previously served as head of the Vatican’s diplomatic service and travelled the world for late pope John Paul II.

ity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, the CNPP urged the INEC “to resist the temptation of PDP’s covert move to register the APC, for prior to February 6, 2013 when the All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed, there was no such application in INEC.” It noted that the PDP’s intention to register African Peoples Congress was “ignoble, subversive and meant to forestall the registration of the authentic APC, based on the flimsy argument that both possess the same acronym.”

The statement said: “CNPP needs to remind INEC that PDP’s intendment is to foist one party state on Nigeria and rule uninterrupted for 60 years, with or without performance.

“Consequently, we challenge INEC to publish the names of the promoters of African Peoples Congress to prove that it is not as alleged in merger with PDP. The INEC should also go further to investigate the allegation that the proposed APC is being floated by the PDP as a way of

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United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrence McCulley (left); Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwunmi Adesina; OPIC Executive Vice President, Mimi Alemayehou and Nigeria’s Ambassador to U.S., Prof. Ade Adefuye, during the visit of U.S. Corporate Council on Africa Infrastructure Trade Mission members to the minister in Abuja… yesterday.

Govt may inaugurate supervisory board of Manitoba this week CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Chinedu Nebo, who has never hidden his preference for doing the right thing since he was sworn in.

The TCN is responsible for evacuating generated electric power from generating companies and wheeling it to distribution companies.

It was learnt that the SGF coordinated the issue of schedule of delegated authority, which had hampered the effective execution of the contract for the management of TCN, a contract that is now in its eighth month. The modernisation of the TCN is a critical component of Nigeria’s electricity reform agenda.

While government had started honouring its financial commitments to Manitoba, the firm had been involved in mere ‘ shadow boxing’ as a result of government’s refusal to honour certain components of the contract. But with the signing of the schedule of delegated authority between government and Manitoba, a new lease of life has entered the contract.

“The company is now in full

charge,” another stakeholder said yesterday.

Nebo had on February 19 hinted that the schedule of delegated authority would be issued to Manitoba ‘next week’.

It was learnt that the issue has now been settled and the company issued the schedule of delegated authority quietly.

But as government prepares to inaugurate the supervisory board for TCN, there are still concerns on what to do with the Nigerian management at the TCN. Some concerned stakeholders had spoken of the need to offload the previous management officials of TCN to enable Manitoba take complete charge of the company, possibly working with younger Nigerians who would have the capacity and vibrancy to understudy the Canadian experts and take charge when their contract ends.

Indeed, there are still two chief executive officers at TCN, Don Priestman (from Manitoba) and Mr. Olusola Akinniranye (the Nigerian CEO). The CEO oversees all the opera-

tions of the company, which include transmission, systems operations, market operations as well as finance and administration. There is also a market operator: Mr. Evarestus Mogbo (from Nigeria).

Manitoba has also appointed Mr. Alejandro Core as the new Market Operator for Nigeria (Executive Director, Market Operations).

Manitoba is coming with about eight expatriate managers to run the transmission company for a period of three years in the first instance. TCN also has some executive directors and key management officials still in place.

The Operator of the Nigerian Electricity Market (ONEM) is licensed to function as Market Operator (MO) of the wholesale electricity market of the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

On how to resolve the challenge, a concerned stakeholder told The Guardian: “The Nigerian CEO should go.

There is nothing like deputy CEO. The eight Nigerian management officials should go.

Younger persons should be appointed to understudy the new guys and then take over from them at the end of their contract. People who are already there are not willing to leave.”

Following the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had late last year issued a certificate of no objection to Manitoba Hydro to manage TCN. Government had also gone ahead in December to advance the company funds in line with the management contract.

With the issuance of the schedule of delegated authority, The Guardian learnt that certain issues around the reconsideration of the membership of the announced TCN supervisory board are next on the agenda.

The Guardian could not confirm if the schedule of delegated authority issued to TCN is for the total management of the transmission company, or whether government has managed to restructure it in line with the previous bid for the soul of TCN.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

News Commissioners get portfolios in Edo

Court orders eight more constituencies in Oyo Assembly From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan FEDERAL High Court in Ibadan has ordered additional eight constituencies to the 32 seats of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

Making the order at the weekend, Justice Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo, ordered the restoration of the constituencies and pronounced that elections into them must be held within the next 90 days.

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Abiola Ajimobi yesterday launched 10 buses for use by civil servants and students in the state with a pledge to make workers welfare his priority.

The court, in its judgment on the suit filed by the Attorney General of Oyo State against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held that by virtue of the mandatory provisions of Sections 91 and 112 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Oyo House of Assembly’s constituencies were inadequate.

The governor, while speaking at the ceremony held at the State Government Secretariat pledged that his administration would continue to ensure the welfare of the people and uplift their lives.

ORTFOLIOS were yesterday P assigned to18 commissioners sworn in at the weekend in Edo

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S’Court rules May 31 on Anambra senatorial dispute From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja HE Supreme Court has T reserved until May 31, 2013 its judgment in an appeal filed by Alphonsus Igbeke, seeking to reclaim the Anambra North Senatorial seat from Margery Okadigbo.

It fixed the date after both parties had adopted their briefs of arguments in the appeal, in which Igbeke is seeking to set-aside the verdict of the Court of Appeal, which unseated him and declared Lady Okadigbo as the rightful occupant of the seat.

The Appeal Court declared Okadigbo the lawful nominee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s primaries held January 8, 2011.

However, Igbeke approached the Supreme Court, seeking some reprieve While adopting their brief of argument in the appeal, Igbeke’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) prayed the five-man panel of the apex court to hold that his client is the valid candidate of the PDP in the said primary election.

However, Senator Okadigbo’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN), opposed the appeal as he contended that the apex court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it, as it is not a trial court therefore cannot admit fresh exhibits from the appellant.

Ali also submitted that should the Supreme Court uphold Igbeke’ appeal, it would amount to a reversal of its earlier judgment of July 6, 2012, in which the appellant was a party.

President Goodluck Jonathan (left); Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrimage Commission, John Kennedy Opara and Primate of Anglican Church and Chairman of the Commission, Rt. Rev. Nicholas Okoh, during the submission of the report of Federal Government delegation on the 2012 Christian Holy Pilgrimage to Rome, Israel and Greece, at State House in Abuja… yesterday

State by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Six of them retained their old portfolios namely Mr. Louis Odion, Information; Mr. Clem Agba, Environment; Chief Lucky James, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Hon Abdul Oroh, Agriculture; Mr. Ekpenisi Omorotiomwan, Education (Secondary, Tertiary and Technical) and Mr. John Inegbedion, Finance.

The other commissioners and their portfolios are: Mr. Osarodion Ogie, Works; Mr. Patrick Agwinede, Basic Education; Mr. Chris Ebare, Water and Energy; Mr. Francis Evbuomwan, Urban Development and Housing and Mr. Henry Idahagbon, AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice.

Others are Mr. Macdonald Obasuke, Commerce and Industry; Mrs Blessing Maigida, Special Duties; Mr. Orobosa Omo-Ojo, Oil and Gas; Mrs Omorede Osifo, Youth and Sports; Mr. Lawrence Aghedo, Economic Planning and Budget; Mr. Isimeme Iriogbe, Transport and Mr. Donald Osikhena-Boih, Lands and Survey.

Gunmen kill politician, official, attack police station From Odita Sunday (Lagos) and Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri

• Lagos police chief allays fear over Boko Haram

HERE may be no end yet to T the orgy of violence in Borno State as gunmen in

dence, while the agric officer was also killed at home.

On the Konduga incident, a resident who did not want his name in prints, told The Guardian that when the gunmen attacked the police station, people selling around the area scampered for safety, as they hurriedly shut their shops.

The State Police Commissioner, Abdullahi Yuguda confirmed the incidents, stating that he could

three separate attacks on Sunday evening, shot dead a politician and a top official of the State Ministry of Agriculture (names withheld) in Zajeri and Umarari areas of Maiduguri.

Also, same Sunday unknown gunmen attacked Konduga Divisional Police Station with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), but were repelled by policemen on duty.

Konduga is 40 kilometres east of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abubakar Umar Manko yesterday urged residents of the state to disregard insinuations of possible attack by the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

The gunmen, according to an eyewitness, Yakubu Isa, trailed the politician on a tricycle to his Umarari resi-

not give details of casualties, as the police were still investigating the matter.

Manko, who spoke to reporters at Ikeja after parading some suspects, who attempted to rob an old generation bank in Ajao Estate, Lagos, noted that the state was too protected for any insurgent group to enter.

“There is no Boko Haram in Lagos and there will not be.

Lagos is secured. People should go about their busi-

nesses without fear. Security agencies are on the alert in the state. Lagosians should not be afraid.”

Manko, who also noted that policemen and military personnel remained their challenge in the restriction of motorcycles on major roads in Lagos, vowed to commence arrest and immediate prosecution of policemen and military personnel who flout the law.

He added, “areas where we

still have problems of compliance with the law against motorcycle movement on restricted routes stem from the fact that policemen, military personnel and other uniformed service flout the law.

It is illegal for anybody to drive motorcycles on restricted routes whether you are a police officer or not. We will begin to treat policemen and military personnel who flout the law the way we treat ordinary citizens. We should not be seen to flout the law we are enforcing.”

Civil groups task govt on violence against women From Lillian Chukwu, Abuja WO groups, Civil Society T Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the State of the African Union (SOTU), have urged more affirmative action by the government via enactment and implementation of legislation on violence against women in Nigeria.

According to them, Nigerian women have suffered different forms of violence and vio-

lation of their rights.

A post-International Women’s Day (IWD) 2013 statement at the weekend and signed by the Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Musa (Rafsanjani) and Co-ordinator, SOTU, Okeke Anya, underlined the role of the government in integrating a gender perspective in policy decision.

The United Nations (UN) theme for the IWD was “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end

violence against women.”

The groups listed violations against women to include violence in the home, sexual harassment at school and work, rape and defilement, harsh and punitive widowhood rites and female genital mutilation.

Others are forced childhood marriages, sexual violence in conflict situations and during armed robbery attacks, enforcement of gender biased laws, discrimination against the girl-

child, disinheritance of wives, as well as other harmful traditional practices.

The statement added: “The obligation of the Nigerian government under the protocol in ensuring that women enjoy their rights is in establishing the following, the enactment of appropriate legislation to combat all forms of discrimination and specifically prohibit all forms of violence against women.

‘Most parts of Nigeria will experience lower rainfall in 2013’

By Chukwuma Muanya ONTRARY to fears that C there will be more rains this year compared to 2012, meteorologists have predicted that only the Sokoto, Bida, Osogbo and Ilorin axis may be that affected, while the rest of the country may experience lower rainfall.

The experts dismissed the recent link of the ‘unusual’ weather conditions to climate change. They, however, said the occasional change from hot to wet conditions in recent times in most parts of the country is due to climate variability.

Climate variability refers to variations in climate statistics on all temporal and spatial scales beyond those of individual weather events, while climate change refers to any change in climate over time.

Scientists, in a study published at the weekend in the Science journal, said global temperatures are now warmer than at any time in at least 4,000 years, and that the coming decades are likely to surpass levels not seen on the planet since the last ice age.

They said the modern spike would probably threaten the survival of many species, in addition to putting severe

stress on human civilisation.

But Nigerian meteorologists disagreed. They said the Science research was based on the weather in Europe, which erroneously suggests that everywhere is the same.

A meteorologist and General Manager, Public Weather Service of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Abuja, Mr. Samson Wilson, told The Guardian yesterday that “for sometime now, the rains have been chaotic, so we tried to give some guidance. Certain things are happening which are very unpredictable. Under normal circumstances, they

ought not to be.

“These changes are difficult to predict. They are not due to climate change. There is variability on its own. If the weather change continues for several years, you can say it is climate change, but if it is just for one or two years, it is variability. So what we are experiencing now is variability.”

On interpretation of NIMET’s rainfall prediction for 2013, Wilson said: “Some are saying that there will be more rains this year than last year. That is not true. It has been erroneously interpreted that the rains of this year will

not be much different from that of last year. But the rainfall pattern prediction for 2013 shows that there may be higher rainfall only in areas covering Sokoto, Bida, Osogbo and Ilorin, as well as other towns along that axis.

They may have more rains than last year.

“The rest of the country will have lower rains than that of last year. We are, however, not sure that the predictions will come out 100 per cent.

So, to generalise the prediction that the whole country will have more rains this year than that of last year is alarming.”

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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INEC declines to reveal founders of ‘APC’

Rawlings blames violence in Africa on poor economy From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu

F

ORMER President of Ghana, Jerry Rawlings, has attributed the increasing conflicts and wars on the continent to the socio-economic imbalance in Africa.

He said that though certain countries in Africa have made some level of development, they have done so at the expense of rights, freedom and justice, stressing that such have given rise to conflicts and serial agitations.

Speaking to reporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the former Ghanaian president noted that Egypt, Tunisia and Tripoli experienced conflicts in their development pursuit because it was at the expense of the people. Accompanied by Senator Ben Obi, Rawlings stressed that development in Africa must protect the rights and freedom of the people if the continent must be free from violence and conflicts.

“To some extent, I will say we are developing, but take a look at Egypt and Tunisia and to a lesser degree, Tripoli these countries look highly developed, but these have taken place at the expense of rights, freedom and justice for the people and that is what led to the backfiring,” he said.

“I think the best form of development is where you do not do it at the expense of the rights of our people. We should not under-estimate the importance of making

Ex-minister berates Aregbesola From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo ENATOR Olasunkanmi StionAkinlabi of the opposiPeoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has x-rayed the policies and programmes of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), concluding that the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola has failed to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

Akinlabi, a PDP governorship aspirant, at an interactive session with reporters at his Ode-Omu country home, said the over two years tenure of Aregbesola has left the citizenry disillusioned due to his alleged anti-people policies.

He faulted the demolition of about 3,000 old school buildings, noting that the ACN had failed to deliver mega schools promised to replace them almost three years into the tenure of the administration.

The former Minister of Youth Development also condemned demolition of houses and business premises by the current administration, insisting that the compensation paid to the affected owners was too meager to assuage the pains and loss suffered.

Akinlabi, who noted that the popularity of the ACN in the state had waned, said the PDP had mapped out strategies to defeat it and sack Aregbesola from office in next year’s election.

sure that things are rooted in the strong sense of freedom.”

He added: “The political atmosphere must truly be run by the people and this is the surest form of stability, but having seen the collapse of the bipolar world, globalisation has created an environment where Africa is being assimilated and much of that assimilation is being done not on our terms.”

According to him, some burdens that have been carried from colonial era and the nature of development, which has not redressed some of the socio-economic imbalances, as well as the ethnic aspect, have created stress on the economy.

“Sometimes, it explodes in form of conflicts, but I can only hope that true justice falls into the hands of our people,” he said. “If we create the right atmosphere for freedom and justice on our continent, such conflicts would be a thing of the past.

“But when you have an imbalance in terms of development and impoverishment of our people, naturally it creates stress in our lives, it creates an unhappy situation and that is not what we want.”

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First Lady of United States (U.S.), Mrs. Michelle Obama (left) and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, during the International Women of Courage (IWOC) award to Okei-Odumakin at the U.S. State Department, Washington DC.

foisting one party system on the country.

“Former Head of State and three-time presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, had alleged that the INEC is in merger with PDP to do the biddings of PDP. He accused INEC of massive corruption, among others. Till date, the commission has not accepted or refuted the allegation even as weighty as it is.

A silence in all this will mean that the commission is working with PDP to foist a oneparty system on the country.”

Accusing INEC of conniving with PDP, Buhari said: “INEC had always worked with the PDP. There is no doubt about it. And Jega is a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As far as I am concerned, he is a fascist.

The registration of the real APC depends on the government of the day and their fronts who are in INEC. “But let me assure you that this dirty trick and this funny idea of sending some people to go and get the APC registered would not at the end of it change the nature and the mission of the real APC. “Should INEC choose not to register the party, the individuals and the parties involved in the real APC are in my view, politically mature, sophisticated to find an easy alternative. Any of the parties that has been announced to be party to the merger can be used as a vehicle to defeat the PDP.”

Reps’ panel asks IG to arrest NNPC, PPPRA, DPR chiefs over oil sales From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja HE House of RepresentaT tives Committee on Public Account Committee (PAC) yesterday asked the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, to arrest the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Mr. Reginald Stanley and Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Osten Oluyemisiola, and bring them before it today.

They are to answer questions relating to queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation on the management of monies realised from oil sales.

Chairman of the committee, Solomon Adeola who announced this at the committee’s meeting, said its efforts at verifying the truth of the queries raised against these agencies had been frustrated by the alleged refusal of their bosses to appear before it despite several invitations.

He read the allegations contained in the Auditor-General’s 2007 queries, which concerned the three government agencies, lamenting that such allegations were too serious to be ignored.

Adeola also stated that his committee would not allow any of those allegations “to be treated under the table”.

Some of the allegations as contained in the audit queries as read by Adeola, which the NNPC management alone was invited to respond to, are: • During the audit examina-

tion of the records maintained for the Federation Account at the NNPC and the PPRA, it was observed that the subsidy on petroleum products paid and deducted at source by both PPPRA and NNPC respectively exceeded the actual amount budgeted in 2007 Appropriation Act which provided the sum of N50 billion for the payment of subsidy on petroleum products.

This matter has been brought to the attention of the Group Managing Director (NNPC) and the Executive Secretary (PPPRA) through the Accountant-General of the Federation for their comments.

• Audit examination of the accounting and other records revealed that NNPC deducted at source the sum of N236,941,070,020.09 as petroleum products subsidy. This, when compared

with the sum of N216,295,656,760.00 approved by PPPRA for the Corporation, gave rise to over-deduction of N20,345,413,254.09. The discrepancy has been brought to the attention of the Group Managing Director (NNPC) through the AccountantGeneral of the Federation for clarification, among others.

The queries for the DPR include: • During the audit examination of accounting and other records at the Department of Petroleum Resources, for the Federation Account Revenue, it was observed that the computation of royalties payable by the oil companies was based on actual crude oil lifted by them and not calculated on actual production figures contrary to the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the relevant oil

companies. The MoU provide that payment of royalties should be based on production volume multiplied by the prescribed royalty rates.

• Furthermore, the DPR has since shirked its responsibility of raising the assessments on royalties and sending the demand notices to the various oil companies for prompt settlement.

Rather, the oil companies are allowed to engage in self-assessment of royalties payable by them. This compromise obviously is detrimental to the interest of the country. The DPR has been informed of this anomaly through the AccountantGeneral of the Federation, and he was requested to ensure that computation of royalties is based on the production as contained in the MoU for the benefit of the country, among others.

Jonathan’s visit to Borno, Yobe has worsened Boko Haram crisis, says ACN ECHOING wrong-headedJNigeria ness, Action Congress of (ACN) said President Goodluck Jonathan’s tactless show during his belated visit to Borno and Yobe states last week has worsened the Boko Haram insurgency that has killed and maimed hundreds of innocent people, especially in the two states.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the ACN also said while the decision to grant amnesty to any person or group was the prerogative of the government, the argument advanced by the President for denying amnesty to Boko Haram members was as illogical as it is puerile. It said for a President who has unwisely stayed away from the beleaguered part of the coun-

try for too long, last week’s visit only succeeded in inflicting additional pains and insults on the victims of the insurgency, who could have used a little dose of succour and empathy from their leader.

“There is no doubt that there has been an upsurge in attacks and killings since the President’s visit, with the clashes between the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the insurgents leaving many dead, drive-by shooting in Kano claiming the lives of innocent people and the unfortunate killing of foreign hostages who were abducted last month in Bauchi. ‘’If this upsurge can be used as a barometer to measure the success or otherwise of the President’s visit, then one can only reach one conclusion: The visit is a total failure’’, ACN said.

The party also expressed shock at the way the President openly displayed anger when what was needed was temperance, talked down on the people who have suffered so much in the hands of Boko Haram, at his town hall meetings It said the misplaced anger of the nation’s number one citizen, who virtually tonguelashed the prominent citizens who spoke on behalf of their people at the town hall meeting, could only attract sympathy for the insurgents among the beleaguered population, thereby worsening the crisis. ‘’The President wanted to appear tough in dealing with the Boko Haram insurgents.

There is no problem with that, except that he directed his anger at the wrong peo-

ple, the same people who have been victimised by Boko Haram.

This is called double whammy,’’ the party said.

On the President’s argument that amnesty cannot be granted to ‘’ghosts’’, ACN said he simply missed the mark. ‘’If the President claims that Boko Haram members are ghosts, who then are the members of Boko Haram that the JTF regularly claims to have arrested or killed?

Does it mean the 52 Boko Haram members that the JTF claimed to have killed in its latest press release dated March 9, 2013, are actually ghosts? ‘’What about the Boko Haram members that are being tried in court? Could the government have been try-

ing ghosts?

And what about those Boko Haram members who were declared wanted last year? Are they also ghosts? Also, the government’s spokesmen have said publicly that the government is talking with Boko Haram through back-channels.

So, the Jonathan administration has indeed been talking to ghosts? ‘’Mr. President, there is nowhere in the world where insurgents have erected a headquarters building and put up a sign to say ‘we are insurgents, come and get us.’ By their nature, insurgents don’t engage in a march past, displaying their weapons. That is why intermediaries are used to reach out to them,’’ the party said.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

NEWS

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Govt appoints new boss for investment tribunal From Mathias Okwe, Abuja HE Federal Government has appointed Dr. Ngozi Udodirim Chinakwalam as new chairman of Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST). She takes over from Dr. Nnenna A. Orji, whose two-term tenure ended on November 30, 2012.

According to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the appointment is for five years. And to underscore the importance of the tribunal because of the task undertaken by members, the Federal Government has also proposed an amendment to the IST Act to make way for members of the tribunal to be appointed to the Court of

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Niger State Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (left) and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, during a courtesy visit by the governor to the emir in his palace

Policeman to die by hanging From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia N Abia State High Court sitA ting in Umuahia on Monday convicted Corporal Umaru Mohammed for the murder of a fellow officer, Corporal Clement Amaechi, who was attached to Abia State Government House, on July 19, 2011.

He was sentenced to death by hanging for the crime he committed at their official residence at Okpara Avenue, near Government House. In his judgment, Justice Agwu Uma Kalu ruled that the prosecution proved beyond doubt that the gunshots fired at the deceased by the convict killed him and that the punishment for the offence is death.

According to him, the accused deserved no sympathy, hence he ordered that he should be hanged by the neck until confirmed dead. But reacting to his conviction outside the court, Mohammed warned against being handcuffed by prison officials while being taken to the Umuahia Prisons.

Ekweremadu seeks parliamentary tie between Nigeria, China From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja N view of the emerging Idiplomacy trend in parliamentary across the globe, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has advocated a closer relationship between the national parliaments of Nigeria and China.

Senator Ekweremadu, who spoke yesterday during the visit of Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Deng Boqing, to his residence, noted that establishing such parliamentary relationship would accelerate the pace of development in both countries.

“We are prepared to develop more areas of cooperation with you and one such area is parliamentary relationship between Nigeria and China,” he said. “Nigeria and China, being big countries in Africa and Asia respectively, it is important that we develop our parliamentary relationship so as to take full advantage of this new vista of international relations.”

Responding, Ambassador Boqing said his country was keen on maintaining and expanding existing bilateral relations with Nigeria. He commended Nigeria’s leadership role in peace-keeping and security in Africa, and expressed China’s willingness to foster close ties between the National Assemblies of both countries.

Proposes career growth for members Appeal and ultimately to the Supreme Court, just like their counterparts at the high courts.

Speaking in Abuja at a ceremony to swear in the new IST boss yesterday, Okonjo-Iweala described the new chairman as a seasoned lawyer and veteran public servant, who is more than qualified to lead the tribunal.

She said the appointment of a lawyer with varied experiences in civil service and the corporate world was a key component of the law and order being championed by the Ministry of Finance to promote investments in the country.

Why govt will not encourage indigenous VCs, by Okojie From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja HE Federal Government T will not heed the clamour for indigenous vice chancellors as is being canvassed by communities where federal universities are to be sited.

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof.

Julius Okojie, who disclosed this yesterday, said it is due to experiences in the past, which have proved such experiment counter-productive.

Okojie, who restated government’s position when the

management of the commission met with the vice chancellors and registrars of the three new federal universities in Abuja yesterday, noted that because of the universality of the university system, reducing the appointment of such key officers to sentiments of origin would diminish their true essence.

His position came just as an Urhobo youth group at the weekend reportedly raised an alarm over the non-appointment of an Urhobo indigene as vice chancellor of the Federal University of

Edo advocates stiffer penalty for rape, partners EU, UNICEF on water Tension as policeman shoots student in Benue From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu (Benin City) and Joseph Wantu (Makurdi) OTHING will stem the ragN ing tide of rape and defilement of the girl-child except very stiff punishment for offenders, the Edo State government said yesterday, noting that it was poised to reposition the Ministry of Justice for effective service delivery.

It also disclosed that it was exploring partnership deals with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to boost its investment in portable water supply to its people.

Meanwhile, there was tension between the police and members of Ijegwu community in Obi Local Council of Benue State last weekend over the alleged shooting of a student by the police officer.

The Guardian learnt that the victim, Ajom Idu Augustine, a student of Universal Basic Education in Okpokwu, was charging his handset at Ijegwu when one of the policemen, armed with AK-47, shot and wounded him.

Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said while inaugurating the State Steering Committee F/UNICEF/Niger Delta Support Programme, that the issue of safe and potable water has been very topical in the country.

“Today, Edo State has invested heavily on this but we cannot do it alone, the more reason we are in partnership with

European Union and the United Nations Children’s Fund. They may not be able to go round the entire councils, but to start with two. The steering committee will handle the process to make sure it is free, fair and open - there will be some form of monitoring to make sure the funds are properly spent.

He further disclosed that the recent appointment of the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the ministry was part of the reformation geared towards better protection of children and rape victims.

Speaking when he hosted a delegation of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) at the Government House in Benin, he commended the efforts of FIDA in protecting the rights and welfare of women and children. He noted that marginalisation and discrimination against women have become institutionalised and that the girlchild is endangered specie.

A source from Obarike-Ito, headquarters of Obi Local Council, said the policemen from the Area Command in Otukpo were returning from Oju on assignment when the incident happened.

The shooting triggered angry reaction among members of Ijegwu community, who then manhandled one of the policemen on his return to the village to buy fuel. The angry mob set ablaze the Volkswagen Golf car the policemen used for their journey.

Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State.

The youth group, under the auspices of Coalition of Urhobo Youths Organisation, reportedly argued for an Urhobo man as VC of the institution in view of the fact that is situated in Urhobo land.

However, Okojie, while expressing government’s disdain for such argument, told the VCs that government had demonstrated its abhorrence for indigenous VCs by making sure that none of them was appointed head of institutions in their home states.

Instead, registrars are appointed from the states of location of the universities as a means of promoting good working relations between the institutions and their host-communities.

Nevertheless, he tasked them to work very hard towards producing the universities’ master-plans, as well as academic brief within a short time, preferably before the commencement of academic activities, scheduled for 2015/2016 academic session.

The NUC boss, who scolded the VCs of the nine older universities for failing in this respect, however, was confi-

dent that the new set of university administrators would avoid the pitfall.

He said: “Because most were selected from the crop of former vice chancellors, they felt they could do it alone without referring to NUC for necessary guidance and they have woefully failed along the line.

“Due to that experiment, we thought this time (that) we should zero our appointment of the VCs to serving deputy vice chancellors so that we could start in an orderly manner to get to where we desire. I promise that NUC would give you all the necessary support and guidance so that you can succeed.”

According to her, the tribunal has been doing a wonderful work, which has remained largely unsung, adding that President Goodluck Jonathan had to personally review and approve the nominees to the tribunal to ensure that the best hands were picked.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama, said IST is critical to the growth and smooth operation of the capital market, adding that it was doing a lot to lift the confidence of investors.

Consequently, he added, the ministry has proposed new amendments to the Investments and Securities Act (ISA 2007) to be sent to the National Assembly.

The essence is to enhance the work of the tribunal and also ensure that its chairman and other members can seamlessly transit to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, as the IST is equivalent to the Federal High Court, he noted. He urged the new chairman to liaise with the National Judicial Council (NJC) to obtain members’ input to the amendments.

Dr. Chinakwalam served as Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Abia State and Director of Registry, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, before her appointment. She attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, where she graduated in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.

She obtained an MBA in Management Technology in June 2001 from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Ph.D in Criminal Law at Rochville University, West Hollywood, California.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

8 News

Imo Assembly, PDP insist on deputy gov’s impeachment From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri MO State House of Assembly yesterday insisted that the impeachment process against Deputy Governor Jude Agbaso would go on and that it would not allow external forces to deter it from carrying out its duties.

Also, the state Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), expressed its support for the investigation and impeachment process going on at the 27-member Assembly which it said was an indication that issues of corruption were dogging the current APGA administration of Chief Rochas Okorocha.

He denied that the PDP was in any way connected to the matter, adding that the Okorocha government had not met the people’s expectations.

Agbaso had at the weekend denied receiving a notice of impeachment, stressing that he has not resigned and will not do so. The embattled deputy governor insisted that those accusing him of receiving the gratification should prove where the account was credited and text messages on the alleged transaction.

But the Assembly yesterday insisted that he took the bribe while affirming that the impeachment process already commenced would take the course prescribed by the constitution.

Dr. Acho Ihim, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, in a statement in Owerri also denied that the impeachment move was linked to permutations on the 2015 general elections, explaining that it was pursuant to the resolve of the lawmakers to stamp out corruption from all facets of the state.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the travails of His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbasso have nothing to do with 2015 rivalry, ethnic or zonal politics and indeed whipping up undue sentiments”, he said.

Chief Ihim clalmed that Agbaso’s indictment followed due process as stipulated in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and after a resolution of the House accepting the report of a special committee that investigated the deputy governor.

Specifically, the statement

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said “that in the cause of Interaction and investigation, J-Pros International Ltd (Mr Joseph Dina -it’s Managing Director) confessed that they abandoned their site” because he demanded and collected the sum of N458 million only from him.

Hon Ihim said the committee thereafter invited the deputy governor and found enough

evidence of “collaboration” , pointing out that Agbasso was duly indicted.

‘It is therefore mischievous, sacrilegious and cheap blackmail for anybody or indeed group of persons to try to divert attention from the real issues at stake,” Ihim stated.

Ihim stressed that two committees earlier set up on road contracts in the state allegedly nailed the deputy governor

on the allegation.

The statement insisted that the two committees headed

by Semion Iwunze (Isiala Mbano) and Bro Stan Dara (Orsu) had found the implicating matters, adding that there were discrepancies on the award of contracts to Timik Nigeria Limited, J PROS International Nigeria Limited and others.

The assembly noted that it

was not proper for some sections of the media and public to accuse the state or assembly of bias.

The statement stated: “The fact of the matter remain that the report of the Special Committee indicted the deputy governor. The Imo state House of Assembly will therefore not allow external forces to influence its constitutional duties”

Son of slain Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Onyekachi Asadu; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; the widow, Oby and Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd), during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in Enugu …yesterday

Need for effective delivery re-echoes at Perm Secs retreat From Itunu Ajayi, Abuja TAKEHOLDERS in the Nigerian civil service have reiterated the need for permanent secretaries to ensure effective service delivery and treat Nigerians as customers in their day to day running of their ministries.

Different speakers gave this charge in Abuja on Thursday during a one-day retreat for all federal permanent secretaries organised by SERVICOM in partnership with the office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

The retreat with the theme, “Institutionalising Service Delivery in all MDAs for citizens’ satisfaction” was meant to sensitise the Nigerian populace on the right they have to complain if they are not satisfied with the service rendered by government agencies and seeking redress the appropriate way.

In his remark, the Secretary to the Government of the

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Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim noted that there is urgent need to improve the capability of the civil servants to deliver services to the satisfaction of the citizen. He said permanent secretaries are expected to lead the change processes and initiatives in their organisations, build trust among employees, enhance staff morale through staff training and development for optimal output in the delivery of MDAs assigned mandates.

Speaking in the same vein, the Head of Service of the Federation, Isa Bello Sali said government drew its legitimate strength from the people through elections and all resources at its disposal should be channeled to satisfying the people and ensuring the well being of the public.

He said Nigerians should be treated as kings at every service points across the country.

In his lead paper title

“Service Delivery as the People’s Trust in Government,” the Senior Special Assistant to the President and National Coordinator of SERVICOM, Sylbriks Obriki maintained that there could never be any service delivery without the satisfaction of the people, which the service is meant to serve.

He said people should be able to trust the government based on the quality of service it delivers.

“It is a statutory obligation of government to provide services while it behooves on the people to hold government in trust for delivery of such public services to them. This brings to bear a social contract between government and the people.”

He said with the creation of SERVICOM by the Obasanjo’s administration in 2004, Nigerians are no longer ignorant of their right to be served right, noting that the pro-

gramme has provided institutional mechanisms for evaluating government services provided to Nigerians.

“SERVICOM has a responsibility to educate Nigerians that government owns them a duty to serve them and that the era of regarding the public service as what one battles for and cannot succeed without knowing people within the system is now a history.”

In his discussion on the lead paper with a paper he titled “Achieving Excellent Service Delivery in Nigeria: The Role of Government and Citizens”, the Editor of The Guardian, Martins Oloja said Nigerian government ought to be run like a private organisation with profit in mind and not an opportunity for people to make quick money and exit.

He argued that the country runs too large a government that may not be sustainable; customer oriented and delivers qualitative services.

His words, “Modern government process revolves around private sector orientation, people in the West that we emulates most of the time run government as if it were a private sector organisation. They look for ways of running government with profit in mind, they look for people who can cut cost and still be in control.

Running government should not be seen as business as usual.”

While Oloja advocated for the running of government by competent people and the need for government to shrink, as the present democracy is too large to manage, he reiterated the need for enforcement of the rule, enforcement of financial regulations, enforcement of the law and credibility of policy making.

He added that the day to day running of government must get to a level where the citizens it claims to serve are able to trust the workings of the government. This, he said is what accounts for credibility of policy making and the makers.

Anambra assures of adequate immunisation From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka

NAMBRA State Governor, A Mr. Peter Obi has assured that the government would continue to increase its immunisation coverage to protect the health of children in the state.

Governor Obi gave the assurance while flagging off the second 2013 Immunisation Day Plus at Primary Health Centre, Nkwelle Umunachi, Dunukofia council area yesterday.

The governor said immunisation was vital in the healthcare delivery system of the state to protect children from childhood killer diseases, adding that government is rebuilding all hospital and health facilities across the state to bring quality health delivery nearer to the people.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Lawrence Ikeakor noted that the state scored very high in the last immunisation exercise and is determined to sustain the tempo. He enjoined mothers to bring out their children for immunisation as it is absolutely free of charge and save.

Also speaking, the Chairman, MDGs Implementation Committee and Commissioner for Economic Planning, Prof.

Chinyere Okunna noted that the state has made commendable achievement in the Health Sector, while also working hard in other sectors.

Okunna stressed the need for people of the state to elect a credible successor, who can maintain the tempo of development.

In a remark, a UNICEF Consultant, Mr. Difen Gbofegin commended the governor for the support given to the programme and assured that enough vaccine for the exercise that will last till 12 of this month.

Jonathan orders TETF to release N200m to Abba Ibrahim varsity From Njadvara Musa, Damaturu RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has directed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETF) to release the sum of N200 million to the Bukar Abba Ibrahim University (BAIU) for immortalising him.

Jonathan gave the directives last Thursday while commissioning the varsity’s new library complex named after him by the university authority.

He said: “Since this library was named after Mr. President, we will make sure that TET Fund gives you the sum of N200 million to complete the library complex.”

The Vice-Chancellor of BAIU, Prof. Musa Alabe disclosed that the Yobe State government has expended N278 million to build the library complex.

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Jonathan

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Rep decries NDCC chairman, chief’s feud

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Iranian charged over arms’ importation into Nigeria

By Joseph Onyekwere USTICE Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday said he will on April 30 deliver judgment in the case of an Iranian and Nigerian charged with the importation of firearms and explosives to Nigeria.

Okeke fixed the date after counsel to the prosecution and defence had both adopted their written addresses.

The accused, Azim Aghajani, an Iranian, and Ali Jega, a Nigerian, are standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on unlawful importation of firearms and explosives to Nigeria.

They had both pleaded not guilty to the charge, but were remanded on order of the court owing to the nature of the charge against them, which according to the judge, “touches on national security”.

When the case came up for hearing yesterday, counsel to the first accused, Chris Uche (SAN), informed the court that he had filed a written address since January 31.

He said the address is dated January 30 but filed on January 31 and that same had been served on other parties.

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Rep, ex-minister okay refusal of amnesty for Boko Haram

From Eric Meya, Sokoto MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, has said that the bickering between the Chairman and Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) has been hampering development in the areas the commission was mandated to serve.

Gobir, who represents Isa/Sabon Birnin Federal Constituency and is a member of several committees of the House including NNDC, said while speaking with journalist in Sokoto at the weekend that as a result of this bickering, development in the Niger Delta region was not commensurate with the substantial funds allocated to the commission.

According to him, there were no laudable projects because incomplete projects were what the commission had to show for the billions of naira appropriated for it by the House.

He expressed the hope that with the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan and the resolution of differences between the two key officers, the development in the Niger Delta area this year would match the level of funds allocated to the commission.

NEWS

From Isa Abdulsalami, Jos PPOSITION is growing O against the recent call by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, for amnesty for members Boko Haram, especially as President Goodluck Jonathan declared that he would not grant the request during his last week tour of Borno and Yobe states.

Member representing JosSouth/Jos-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bitrus Kaze, has congratulated President

Jonathan on his refusal to grant amnesty to the sect in the North.

Kaze had earlier joined many Nigerians in totally condemning the calls on the Federal Government by the Sultan and the Northern Governors’ Forum to grant amnesty to Boko Haram members.

Also, former Minister of Youth Development, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, has expressed support for the President’s decision to reject appeals for amnesty for the violent group.

The former minister told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ode-Omu, Osun State on Sunday, that the amnesty could not apply to the insurgents for now, explaining that the Federal Government could not grant amnesty to an unidentified group of people whose activities had caused ripples in the polity.

In a statement Kaze personally signed in Jos yesterday, he said: “Coming at a time when security reports from terrorists’ training camps in Malihave established links between Boko Haram and Al

Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the advocacy for amnesty in favour of Boko Haram offends the Nigerian Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 which provides for effective implementation of the several International Conventions on the Prevention, Financing and Combating of Terrorism to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. President

Uzere leaders blame deposed ruler for communal crisis, absolves ex-CDS From Chido Okafor, Warri S the crisis that has A claimed five lives in Uzere community in Isoko-South Local Council of Delta State persists after the alleged dethroning of its King, Isaac Udogri, leaders of the community at the weekend denied claim by the former monarch that the crisis in Uzere was politically motivated.

Instead, they blamed the “attitude” of Udogri for all the troubles the community had been going through.

Reacting to the allegation made by the deposed king (published in The Guardian on Saturday) a fortnight ago, Uzere community, in a statement signed by its president-

general, Emeakpor Owhe and secretary general, Genesis Ominiabor, described the deposed king as “a drowning man whose claims are spurious, unfounded and should be disregarded.”

“Uzere people,” the leaders said, “call for a total disregard of the allegation by the former king of Uzere, Isaac Udogri, that the crisis rocking the community is political and sponsored by the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Alexander Ogomudia (rtd.)

They said the Uzere people’s protest of November 29, 2011, was purely on their demand for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shell Petroleum Development

Company (SPDC), which the deposed king continued to thwart because he was a contractor to SPDC. “The deposed king is used to spinning this kind of yarn as a way of blackmailing the Uzere people and seeking sympathy from the Delta State government to cover his evil deeds and atrocities; “The Uzere people could not imagine how the former CDS whose relationship with the deposed king had become frosty since year 2006 because of Isaac Udogri’s indifference to the wellbeing of the people; “We are glad that the Delta State government has seen through the antics of the deposed king as a rabble

Aribisala sues committee, bank over withdrawal of SAN rank

By Joseph Onyekwere NGRY with the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) for withdrawing his rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a Lagos-based lawyer, A.A. Aribisala, has initiated a legal action against LPPC and Fidelity Bank Plc before a Lagos High Court.

He is challenging the LPPC’s decision to deprive him of the use of the SAN rank.

Fidelity Bank Plc and the LPPC are the defendants in the suit.

In his statement of claim, Aribisala is asking the court to nullify his suspension from the use of the rank of SAN, with its accompanying privileges, which decision was taken by the 2nd defendant on February 26, 2013, despite the pendency of an application dated October 19, 2012, seeking a restraining order of interlocutory injunction against the 2nd defendant in that regard, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

He is also asking the court for an order of mandatory injunc-

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tion directing immediate restoration of parties in this suit to the status quo ante bellum as at October 22, 2012, when the 1st and 2nd defendants were served with the originating processes including the motion on notice dated October 19, 2013, seeking a restraining order against the 2nd defendant pending

the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

When the matter came up before Justice Adefowope Okogie, counsel to Fidelity Bank, Seyi Sowemimo (SAN), said the objection filed by the bank should be heard first.

However, Aribisala’s counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), held a contrary view.

rouser who has lost touch with his people and as such, his ranting should be disregarded; “We condemn the attempt by the deposed king to drag the name of the former CDS into the crisis with his lies, wickedness, covetousness, writing of frivolous petitions after blocking the community from getting its fair dues from SPDC. Creating the crisis in Uzere and trying to run away from the truth is never a solution to the problem”, they said.

They explained that the recent crisis in Uzere was caused when the deposed king’s supporters who went to illegally fish in one of the community’s lakes were apprehended and handed over to the police at Oleh.

“Supporters of the deposed king thereafter imported mercenaries to the community, who killed an Uzere youth and the spontaneous reaction that followed was the rampage that trailed the recent crisis. So, for the deposed king to point accusing fingers at an innocent and very reputable personality like the former CDS is absurd, callous and outright face-saving gimmicks to seek attention,” the leaders said.

Goodluck Jonathan has an obligation to enforce all international conventions on terrorism, none of which provides for amnesty for terrorists.

The Boko Haram Islamic fundamentalists themselves have never sought for amnesty. Why should the Sultan and the Northern Governors’ Forum cry more than the bereaved?

“Just last week, the Boko Haram leader, Sheik Shekau, claimed responsibility for perpetrating terrorism and staunchly denied any relationship with Sheikh Muhammad IbnAbdulazeez, who while claiming to be his second in command, pronounced a ceasefire. All this while, both the Sultan and the Northern Governors’ Forum have consistently maintained that Boko Haram and their sponsors are faceless. How come they are now advocating for amnesty for people they do not know?”

According to Kaze, unsatisfied with the whopping N100 million compensation paid to the family of the late Mohammed Yusuf alone, the Northern Governors’ Forum has recommended that the protracted court case against the suspected killers of the pioneer Boko Haram leader should be brought to a quick determination.

He added that the fact that they made no mention whatsoever of the over 3,000 families across the nation whose kith and kin have been brutally murdered by Mohammed Yusuf’s disciples speaks volumes of their sense of justice.

Olasunkanmi said the only condition for such amnesty should include the readiness of the insurgents to unmask their faces, bury their hatchets and appear before the government’s representatives to ascertain their identities.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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WorldReport Malawi arrests ex-ministers over ‘coup plot’ OLICE authorities in P Malawi have arrested 11 people, including the former president’s brother and a serving minister, for an alleged coup plot, sparking violent protests.

Those arrested are accused of trying to prevent then vice president, Joyce Banda, from assuming power last year, after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.

“They are likely to be charged with treason,” a senior police officer who did not want to identified told Agence France Presse (AFP).

Among those arrested was former Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Mutharika – the brother of the late leader and his heir apparent.

Police and government sources said the others detained included the former ministers for local government, information, finance and sports as well as top civil servants.

Homemade alcohol kills 38 in Libya O fewer than 38 people N have died in Tripoli since Saturday after drinking homemade alcohol, with another 378 suffering from alcohol poisoning, the Libyan health ministry said.

“The number of deaths due to the consumption of homemade alcohol has grown, with 22 new cases bringing the total to 38,” ministry spokesman, Amar Mohamed Amar, disclosed, adding that “the number of people poisoned has reached 378.”

Meanwhile, an Egyptian Christian jailed in Libya has been tortured to death in custody, an Egyptian human rights lawyer told AFP in Cairo yesterday.

The man, Ezzat Hakim Attallah, “died after being tortured with other detainees” in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, said Naguib Guebrayel, a Coptic Christian lawyer who heads the Egyptian Union for Human Rights watchdog.

China unveils plan to streamline govt HINA’S cabinet, known as C the State Council, will begin its seventh restructuring attempt in the past three decades with aim of rolling back red tape and reducing administrative intervention in the market and on social issues, Xinhua stated yesterday The number of ministries under the State Council will fall from 27 to 25, while several departments and agencies will be reorganised, according to a plan on the institutional restructuring and functional transformation of the State Council, which was submitted to the national legislative session on Sunday.

Having gone through restructuring six times, “the State Council has established a framework that meets the needs of the socialist market economy but still has notable shortcomings,” State Councillor, Ma Kai, said while deliberating the plan at the session.

Why Commonwealth will remain relevant, by Sharma Not so many people are aware of the fact that the Idea of having a Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) solidarity was an initiative of the Commonwealth of nations before it was thrown up and adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development otherwise known as the Rio Earth Summit of 1992.

Now, this rather quite style has given rise to the Commonwealth being perceived as a backroom driver of the process of change around the world.

And lately too, calls for an atavism of the old glory days whereby nationals from member states did not require any visa to move within the 54 countries that make up the Commonwealth are now being intensified by diplomats from Nigeria and other lesser developed countries within its fold as a way of reassuring that the body is truly one family.

But the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and the Indian born diplomat, Sir Kamalesh Sharma, who was in Nigeria last week, explained in an exclusive interview with THE GUARDIAN’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS EDITOR, OGHOGHO OBAYUWANA in Abuja, that even as the 81 year-old organisation is favourably disposed to the idea of visa waivers for certain categories of officers, the Commonwealth is now about other things such as the a renewed anti-corruption collaboration as well as broadening sources of fiancés to sustain its programmes in the 21st century. Excerpts: HE idea of reforming the T Commonwealth is always a first line recourse at discussions. What is being done in this regard?

I am always asked this. So I am not surprised. The Commonwealth is known by the results. And being a preserve of details, we are at home with human development indices. They are for our wide-ranging engagements in trying to ensure that the tenets of democracy are upheld within member states. Last year, out of the 10 leading countries from Africa, eight were from the Commonwealth, which indicates that something is already happening and that is why they are doing well.

But what we do for the small states is very, very important.

As far as small states are concerned, no country or body has brought greater value to the smaller states in various ways and helping them along, as we have. Our institutions are in the forefront of driving our programmes in coping with a changing world.

You spoke about a set of recommendations, which emanated from Nigeria. Can you let us into this?

Yes, in the Abuja CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting of 2003), the host government (Nigeria) proposed that the Commonwealth should be able to help its member states also by advising them as to where it is, that search for collaboration could be made not necessarily to the secretariat. We call it the Deferral Function which means that we have a body of knowledge, ourselves which enables us to say if this is what you are looking for, we suggest that you can go to the following institution or body or indeed to the following countries on how this can be done. For this year, we have also developed a software so that people can use in this regard. This is something, which we are giving support to. The recommendations were considered in Perth (2011 CHOGM) and consultations have been held on it. It is a body of recommendations that has been around for the past 10 years, but it has been on the shelf as papers.

How is the Commonwealth engaging with the Nigerian state in the fight against corruption? Most programmes of government is jaundiced by corruption. Development plans and budget implementation are routinely made nonsense of by corruption.

What we offer as far as good governance is concerned is best practices. For instance, we can offer a modern law on extractive industry, on fiscal regime and on transparency. In our intervention, we are concerned about what things that people can look at and see in them clearly what we are doing. If an individual country invites us and say: Can you look at this particular area and offer us a modern system regime and law, we can do that a lot. That has to be from a request from that particular country; so that really has to do with request. But it may interest you that we are about now inaugurating an anti-corruption centre which will be located in Botswana and all 19 members of the Commonwealth from Africa are participants in that centre and it is specifically a centre to advance the efforts of anti-corruption. So, we are creating a liberal continental facility. People should also be able to come and work in any area, which the member state would love to. Let’s call it for the short time, a modern law of reference. Whether Nigeria would benefit from the shared values, which would be on offer at the anti-corruption centre? Yes, of course.

There are fears that the Commonwealth is fast losing relevance. This fear has heightened because theo-

Sharma rists are also saying that your source of funding cannot match your programmes and projections We are aware of this. But there is a misconception.

The Commonwealth will remain relevant because of the ideals that we advance, which seeks the good of all and its peer review has been great. As for funding, yes we cannot restrict ourselves to the £50 million annual budget. This is inadequate given our commitment to co-prosperity and development. We want to cooperate with countries like Nigeria to leverage on alternative sources of financing for our multifaceted programmes aimed at making the Commonwealth to remain relevant for all time and to be a real facilitator of development. We are discussing this (alternative sources of funding) with countries, bodies and institutions, including the Group of 20.

Novelty sources of financing are something now crucial.

Traditional ways of funding have now reached a peak.

We now have to find ways to unlock funds. So, as we prepare for the next CHOGM in Colombo, Sri-Lanka, we

The Commonwealth will remain relevant because of the ideals that we advance, which seeks the good of all and its peer review has been great. As for funding, yes we cannot restrict ourselves to the £50 million annual budget. This is inadequate given our commitment to co-prosperity and development. We want to cooperate with countries like Nigeria to leverage on alternative sources of financing for our multifaceted programmes aimed at making the Commonwealth to remain relevant for all time and to be a real facilitator of development.

are now very much interested in the questions of equitable benefits to all populations as far as fruits of development are concerned. One of the crucial issues of the convergence of financing and development is debt liquidity and availability of money as well as financing of various programmes that have to do with climate change and youth development... It is a very rich menu that we have had in Nigeria.

We are moving on a broad front and the collaboration on debt is on all fronts. The idea is to know what the current position is and then engage with ourselves. Our efforts have been rewarding at both national and regional levels.

What is new about the Commonwealth these days?

What are the programmes that you are currently working on?

You know, among many things, we are using technology to connect ourselves in all fields so that the Commonwealth becomes an enabler, not just a doer directly. The charter on this new form of cooperation is to be signed ceremoniously by the Queen. This is in addition to our targeting of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in our programmes. We are carrying on with the youth entrepreneurial programme and engaging with the political leadership at the same time.

We are also engaging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in terms of sharing of knowledge and some level of training. It is up to every electoral body to do what it wants to do with itself. We are dealing with all of the issues; what

can be done to curtail electoral violence, looking at voters’ education, etc.

What is the Commonwealth doing to assist Nigeria in surmounting its current security challenge?

Here, we are doing all within our reach to assist Nigeria through the sharing or resource materials and recommendations of valuable studies. There was a study done some years ago titled: Several Parts of Peace. We are looking at the many factors that help create peace and resolve conflicts and those activities that create social harmony. That is why there is also cooperation with the relevant security sectors, the police and human rights groups. But most results would depend on how resilient your institutions are. Generally, we are looking at cooperation on the continental level. This is why through collaboration, the police force of Sierra Leone is being trained in Botswana as one of the fruits of cooperation which can be leveraged on by Commonwealth member nations facing security challenges. Now, some studies have already shown what is being referred to as the ‘Commonwealth effect’ – the Commonwealth being an entity that has huge economic potentials for its member states, including providing employment for the youth population. Nigeria is a member nation and its security challenge is of concern to us. And as I said when the issue of unhindered movement within the Commonwealth came up.

This is a Commonwealth of the people and the movement of people is very intrinsic.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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Politics At Tinubu’s book launch, APC’s chieftains bemoan poor leadership

By Tunde Akinola leaders of the emerging opposiFin RONTLINE tion All Progressive Congress (APC) last week Lagos used the book launch of the former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a platform to express their dissatisfaction with how Nigeria’s political economy is managed.

It was also an event they seized to advocate a paradigm shift in the country’s political process and as well, present themselves to Nigerians as an alternate government that can alleviate the pains and poverty of the common people.

According to them, the implication of the theory of financialism among developing countries was responsible for choking the real sector, thus, breeding a wide gap of inequality between the elite and the masses.

At the launch of the book titled: Financialism Water From An Empty Well, co-authored by former American Consul-General in Nigeria, Brian Browne, the leaders raised salient questions about the content of reforms in the country’s economic sector.

They also examined the reality of the country’s capitalist mode of production, noting the crises bedeviling the capitalist system had more devastating effect on the masses as a result of improper management of the economy by successive administrations.

The opposition leaders observed that the current mode of production obtainable in the land was to the detriment of the ordinary people because it had been designed to favour the elite; hence, they called for an imminent change.

The event witnessed the attendance of various stakeholders, including politicians, business people, activists, professional bodies and eminent Nigerians from diverse walks of life.

At the book launch, Tinubu explained that the writing of the book was borne out of the belief that Africa can assume its competitive position in the committee of economically developed nations.

He said the principle of financialism had grown too large in comparison to capitalism, emphasising that instead of feeding funds to the real sector, it now frustrates the real sector.

Tinubu said with the lack of vital infrastructure, the absence of a concrete industrial policy and with the paucity of long-term funding to fuel the real sector, the Nigerian economy could not be asked to do the impossible.

While describing the process as attempting to draw water from an empty well, he criticised the accumulation of money under the guise of federal reserves, noting that Nigeria’s money must encourage development enriching the broadest spectrum of people.

He said it was not expedient to save money for a rainy day while everyone was already drenched and wading through flood waters.

“We must shun the philosophy that says better to save money and spend the people. We should spend money to save the people,” he said.

Tinubu stressed the need to reform the financial sector so that it could become an “effective artery that sends funds to the heart of the real sector once again.”

According to him, the Federal Government should formulate a national industrial policy that focuses on developing labour intensive industries.

“This is not textbook capitalism but we do live in a textbook. This is how the United States developed under Alexander Hamilton’s America,” he said.

Tinubu, who bemoaned the unbalanced nature of the global economy, said it is has also unbalanced the country’s economic architecture.

According to him: “We were told that we live in an age of capitalism. If only that were true, things would not be so bad. We live in a time when capitalism has been consumed by a more virulent ideology. That we deem as financialism.”

Tinubu noted that if the government does not intervene appropriately, capitalism could become a predator devouring those it purports to enrich, stressing that an inadequately regu-

From left: Fashola, Browne, Tinubu, Aregbesola, Okorocha and Ribadu during the book launch at Civic Centre, Lagos last week.

The opposition leaders observed that the current mode of production obtainable in the land was to the detriment of the ordinary people because it had been designed to favour the elite; hence, they called for an imminent change. lated free market had several times ground poor and weak individuals and nations into dust.

He said the country does not practise capitalism but “something meaner and less productive. Something that intensifies the gap between the rich and the poor. Something that unduly rewards those who earn their keep through shuffling of financial paper yet unduly punishes those who earn their way through the sweat and travails of true and honest labour.

“No, this is not capitalism. It is a cannibalistic offspring all too ready and willing to devour the parent that birthed it.”

Bothered by Nigeria’s deplorable situations, Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, said there was no difference between capitalism and financialism because capitalism itself has failed Nigerians.

Aregbesola blamed poverty and poor management on the part of operators of the country’s economy as responsible for the harsh economic reality that is detrimental to the ordinary citizens.

He said the country needs a sensitive leadership that can get it back to its right course.

“The country is yet to see a viable central government that propel the country to greatness,” he said, noting that the essence on leadership “is to ease the lifestyles of the common people; hence, any government that cannot provide this has failed in its obligations.”

In a similar vein, Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, said the time had come to challenge the orthodox thinking about the world economy, adding, Nigeria “can only move forward if the approaches to issues are changed.”

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said it was time Nigeria’s leaders started thinking on ways to lead the country to the desired state. To him, the ability to think critically is an attribute that should be inherent in anyone

that desires to lead.

He said the leadership of the merging opposition parties is concerned about the country’s development. “The APC is bent on transforming Nigeria,” he said.

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, said there was the need to de-emphasise the belief that money translates into wealth.

According to him, the country can only progress if the monolithic nature of its economy is addressed.

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, said though poverty seems to be a common language in the country, the citizens must sing a new song, stressing the need to be cautious of the impression that will be passed to the generations unborn.

“We must be careful not to destroy the psychology of generations yet unborn. Nigeria is not a small country. If there is anything wrong with Nigeria, it is the problem of poor management,” he said.

Okorocha insisted that the government the APC is bringing would address the perennial problems affecting the country.

“There is still future for the country with the change the APC is bringing because the leadership of the party share virtues in common that can make them work in one accord to the country’s benefit,” he said.

To the host and Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who was also the Chief Host, the country does not have any reason to be poor if its resources were properly harnessed and managed.

He charged the citizens to decide wisely on who would govern in coming elections, noting that the present (federal) government does not seem to get it right considering the country’s socio-economic reality.

Former Finance Minister and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, who appeared not be a fan of political alliances, moaned about the failure of successive governments to

PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

leverage on the groundwork investment done by the nation’s founding fathers in the real sector.

He noted that Nigerians had continually drifted away from the foundational doctrines and disciplines laid by the founding fathers.

He said: “We are filled with slogans, copied lifestyles and values, thinking it (they) will be a substitute for real hard thinking, sacrifice and investment.

“Nigerians are tired of factions, parties and mergers. There has to be a coming together to bridge the divisive gap of inequality in the country.”

On the motivation for the book, its co-author, Browne, said it was written to address the old order that had been responsible for impoverishing ordinary people in Africa.

He noted that foreigners perceive Nigeria as a “hopeless” jungle of conflicting selfish interests, urging Nigerians to stand up to the challenges ravaging the country lest its future would be blown away.

He urged Nigerians to fortify themselves with all they need to progress, lest some external forces dictate how the country should manage its affairs.

Browne stated that the country could regain its past glory if the leaders and citizenry could work together in one accord.

Reviewing the book, Osaghae Eghosa, a Professor of Comparative Politics and ViceChancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, eulogised the courage of the authors, saying the book would revamp the financial system of the country.

Present at the event were former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; National Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande; former ACN Presidential Candidate, Nuhu Ribadu; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah; ACN’s Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed; Leader of the CNPP, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.

Others were Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson, Mr. Segun Awolowo, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe, Fola Abba Folawiyo, Chief Amos Akingba, Mr. Jim Ovia, Mr. Aliko Dangote, and House of Representatives members, Femi Gbajabiamila, Abike Dabiri-Erewa among others.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

TheMetroSection Drug suspects shift operations to Abuja How NDLEA uncovered cocaine in woman’s hair at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport

By Odita Sunday

It is sad for a 53-year-old mother to smuggle drugs.

This shows that she is morally bankrupt and lacks the courage to inculcate discipline in her children RUG peddlers may have found a new D haven at Abuja International Airport following a heavy beaming of searchlight on them at the Lagos International Airport where they are now being apprehended on daily.

But the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has assured that they are watching out for prospective drug peddlers in the entire international airports across the country.

To match its words with action, a 53- NDLEA official with the suspect year-old grandmother was arrested at NDLEA Abuja Airport Commander, Mr. the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja. She was arrested at Hamisu Lawan, said the suspect who atthe weekend by operatives of the NDLEA tempted smuggling the drug to Pakistan following the discovery of 1.00kilo- was arrested during routine check at the grammes of white powdery substance airport.

“There was no prior information on that tested positive for cocaine hidden inside her hair. Sikirat as the drug was detected when a The suspect, Giwa Ayoka Sikirat, con- female officer carried out a body frisk on cealed the drug in her beautiful hair- her during outward screening of passtyle while trying to board a flight to sengers. She was smuggling the drug to Pakistan enroute Addis Ababa and Pakistan. We also arrested one 59-yearold suspected accomplice, Joseph Dubai.

Umunna an indigene of Anambra State who brought Sikirat to the airport,” Lawan said.

Preliminary investigation, according to the anti-drug boss, shows that Joseph Umunna was assigned to take her to the airport and ensure that she successfully boarded her flight.

The drug was concealed in her hair in Lagos before her sponsors took her to Abuja. Both suspects would soon be charged to court in line with the NDLEA Act for unlawful exportation and con-

spiracy to export one kilogramme of cocaine.

During interrogation, Sikirat said that life as a single mother was not easy, hence,her decision to serve as a courier.

She said: “I have problems with my house rent and school fees of my children. I use to buy goods from Dubai and Pakistan but since my shop at Nnamdi Azikiwe, Lagos Island was demolished, it has been struggles. My husband also abandoned me and the children, which made life very difficult. When they approached me to take the drug, I had no option. I was taken to a hotel in Lagos where a hair stylist was brought to fix the drugs. It was properly fixed and they promised to pay me $4,000”.

Sikirat attended St. Louis Primary School, Mushin and Isolo Secondary School both in Lagos. She also attended School of Fashion and Design in Lagos in 1994. She hails from Kwara State.

While commending his officers for a job well-done, Chairman of the NDLEA, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, said that it was morally wrong for a 53-year-old mother to smuggle drugs.

“I commend the officers for detecting the drug hidden in the suspect’s hair. It is sad for a 53-year-old mother to smuggle drugs. This shows that she is morally bankrupt and lacks the courage to inculcate discipline in her children.”

Sikirat and Joseph Umunna would be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others.

Police arrest suspected bank robbers with assorted arms, ammunition An innocent passer-by was

By Odita Sunday HREE suspects out of the 13man armed robbery gang that attempted to rob an old generation bank in Ajao Estate, Lagos at the weekend have been arrested by the Lagos State police command.

Members of the state’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested one 27-year-old Olubode Mudashiru, Gbenga Joseph, 48-years old, and 28year-old Tunji Bamidele with assorted arms and ammunition.

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SARS men, led by their commander, Mr. Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of police recovered three AK 47 rifles, nine AK 47 Magazines fully loaded and three locally made double barrel pistols.

Other items recovered from the suspects who were paraded by the Lagos State police boss, Mr. Umar Manko were 65 live cartridges, Toyota Sienna with registration no KJA 280 BD and a Nissan Sunny Saloon Car with registration no DF 102 KTU.

According to Manko: “We got information that the suspects numbering 13 were coming to rob UBA, Ajao Estate branch.

The information disclosed that they were coming through Ogun State, so we set up our dragnet and waited for them that fateful day of March 8, 2013. A team of crack detectives led by Kyari laid ambush at Abule-Egba junction along Lagos /Abeokuta Expressway where the armed robbers were intercepted. After exchange of gun battle with the

hoodlums, seven of the suspected robbers were fatally wounded while two others one Olubode Mudashiru, 27years, and Gbenga Joseph, 48years, were arrested with bullet wounds.

Acting on a tip-off, the Commander in charge of SARS, Kyari immediately deployed a crack team of policemen who were told that the gang members at large lodged at Olak Hotel, Meiran area of Lagos.

The suspects were said to have opened fire on the policemen on sighting them.

said to have been hit by the robbers’ bullets and he died instantly.

The Guardian gathered that during the gun battle, human and vehicular movement were halted as commuters ran for their dear lives to prevent being hit by stray bullets.

When contacted on telephone, the spokesperson of the Lagos State police command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the incident, saying that two operational vehicles of the robbers were also recovered.

Two weeks after, govt re-opens Ladipo spare-parts market

By Gbenga Salau and Isaac Taiwo WO weeks after the popular Ladipo Spare-parts Market in Mushin Local Council was shut down over poor sanitation, it was re-opened yesterday amidst jubilation by traders, who had gathered around the market on daily, praying for the market to be re-opened.

On hearing the news, many of the traders started jubilating, thanking God that their days of trial were over, including a day the Mobile Police vans stationed at one of the entrance to the market, were driven out. Those who were sitting across the road and had been hanging around, drew closer to the market though there was no official statement from their leader.

When The Guardian approached one of them, he said: “We heard that the market has been reopened but we are waiting for our leader to come and address us.”

Minutes after the Police van drove out, the President of Odoaladura Traders’ Union, Mr. Jude Nwankwo addressed members of his unit, where he officially announced to them that the market had been reopened though trading activ-

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ity would start the next day (today).

During the closure, many of the shops sitting close to the canal were pulled down, including those erected on roads or obstructing free flow of vehicular or human movement.

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, had repeatedly said that before he would re-open the market, the traders must clean it and they had been doing that since he made

the pronouncement till it was opened yesterday.

When The Guardian visited the market on Friday, some of the traders were seen clearing heaps of refuse within the market and tidying up filthy spots.

Ever since the market was shut, many of the traders were always around, some even sitting on the median of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway discussing the closure and other

Traders celebrating the re-opening of the market...yesterday

issues.

Before the closure, driving through the market was always a hectic one, as traders not only hawked on the road, some even displayed their wares on the road. Apart from this, some of the traders and their customers parked their cars on the road, thereby obstructing vehicular and human traffic.

The General Secretary, Odoaladura Traders Union of

PHOTO: GBENGA SALAU

the Ladipo Market, Mr. Justice Uche Ogbonnaya told The Guardian that the past two weeks had been so difficult for many of his colleagues, with some begging to survive.

“When we came here two weeks ago, we met the whole place shut. Many did not have money in their pocket to eat, so they had to beg. “ Some had to travel to the village because of this crisis. I thank God today; it is over.”

He said that many of the traders were always coming around because “they were anxious to see the market reopened.”

According to him, they have learnt to respect the law of the state to keep their environment clean.

“I also remember that in 1998, we signed an MOU with the state that there should be no double -parking on this road and street trading but our people were adamant. If you come here on a business day, it was always congested causing a lot of trouble for other road users.”

Ogbonnaya said that they were willing to abide by the law, including dealing with any member that contravenes the law.

Briefs AGPMPN begins confab HE Association of General T and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), will hold its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and International Scientific Conference in Calabar, Cross River State from tomorrow to Saturday, March 16, 2013, at the Tinapa Resort, Calabar, Cross River State.

It is tagged: ‘Paradise 2013’.

A statement by the Vice Chairman, Conference Organising Committee, Dr. Andem Nyong Andem, said over 1000 doctors have registered on-line so far for the conference.

The conference, which has the theme: ‘Life Style and Emerging Diseases’, will be preceded by an ultra-sound, BLS and ECG pre-conference workshops.

Nyong assured that adequate arrangement had already been made within the venue and Calabar metropolis for accommodation and other logistics and appealed to other interested individuals and corporate organizations to register via the event website (www.agpmpnparadise2013.org ).

Church begins crusade HE two-day crusade of King T in Christ Power Ministries Int’l holds on Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10, 2013 at 6.00a.m. – 8.00a.m. and 8.00a.m.- 1.00p.m. . Its 30-day prayer/ fasting begins from Tuesday, April 9 –Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 18-20, Osolo way, 7/8, Bus Stop off International Airport Road, Lagos.

Host is Dr. Chidi Innocent Anthony.

Joseph Afolabi dies at 79 BUSINESS tycoon, Chief A Joseph Akanmu Afolabi (aka Ogo Oluwa Kiitan), aged 79, is dead. Afolabi, who was the chairman Ogo Oluwa Kiitan Group of Companies, died in Lagos on February 24, 2013.

A native of Ifon, in Osun State, he built a successful business empire with interest in auto dealerships, recording and in oil and gas.

He survived by wives, children and grand children.

Afolabi

Alice Owivri, 96, passes on ADAM Alice Owivri is M dead. She died on March 3 2 at the age of 96. She is survived by children including Patience Owivri-Oburoh; Emmanuel Owivri ; Judy Jessa; Vivian Owivri ; Abraham Owivri; Revel Onoseme and grandchildren among whom are Terry Owivri, Nyore David, Tega Jessa,, Brume Oburoh, Ese Jessa, Jiuro Oburoh; Rume Jessa and others.

Owivri

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Lawyer arraigned for alleged assault, breach of peace

By Bertram Nwannekanma FORTY-SIX YEAR-OLD Lagos-based legal practitioner, Emeka Onohwakpor has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for unlawful assault and breach of peace.

Onohwakpor was arraigned before Chief Magistrate A. A. Demi Ajayi on five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful assault and conduct likely to cause breach of the peace in a public place and brought against him by the police.

He was also charged for slapping one Abia Stanley, Mrs. Chinwe Adejoke, Nosa Joseph and Ameh Monday as well as unlawful entrance into a property located at No. 3, Oduduwa Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, which is in actual and peaceable possession of Mainstreet Estate Bank Company Limited.

The offences, the police prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Barth Nwaokoye said were committed on January 11, 2013 at Mill hill School, No. 3, Oduduwa Crescent

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GRA, Ikeja.

Specifically, Onohwakpor was charged for conduct likely to cause breach of peace by using cutlass, axe and iron hammer to chase workers of Mill Hill Schools and purporting to execute a court order dated January 8, 2013.

The offences, the police said, were punishable under sections 409, 166(d), 170 and 52 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011 The lawyer, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was admitted to bail by the magistrate in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.

The court, which adjourned till April 24 for trial, also said that the surety must be above 40 years with an evidence of tax payment to Lagos State.

Earlier in the proceedings, the defence counsel, Henry Efere, had urged the court to admit the lawyer to bail on self-recognition.

But the prosecution objected to the submission on the ground that the defendant had earlier jumped a police bail granted to him.

Photonews

Wife of Ekiti State Head of Service, Mrs. Kehinde Famosaya (left); wife of Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Modupe Owolabi; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi and wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi during the International Women’s Day celebration in Ado Ekiti...

Lagos to close Isolo General Hospital mortuary

By Seye Olumide AGOS State government has announced the permanent closure for operations of the mortuary at the Isolo General Hospital with effect from Tuesday, March 26, 2013.

In a statement yesterday, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said the action was in the interest of the public.

The commissioner, therefore, called on the public to make arrangement to claim bodies of their relatives at the morgue before the effective closure date.

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He said any members of the public who still require accommodation for the bodies of their dead relations could make arrangements to transfer them to the mortuaries in Gbagada General Hospital of the General Hospital Lagos Mortuary, adding that the mortuaries at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Lagos Island General Hospital, Ikorodu General Hospital and Epe General Hospital remain open.

He said the recently renovated mortuary in Mainland

General Hospital has been designated a Social Responsibility Centre, and would receive and accommodate only the following categories of bodies: bodies in respect of which a coroner has directed an autopsy to be conducted, pursuant to the Coroners’ System Law, 2007 including bodies found on the State’s roads and highways or which have been picked up by the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), bodies of individuals who died while in custody or shortly thereafter and bodies, which have been abandoned in other state

NANS raises alarm over impersonators From John Akubo, Dutse HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone A, has drawn the attention of the public to the existence of ghost members who are using the name of the association to dupe unsuspecting public office-holders.

The Assistant Secretary General , Ali Abdullahi Muhammad (Lamma) of Kano Polytechnic said it was expedient to draw the attention of high profile public- office holders to the menace of fraud being perpetrated by the

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ghost members of the association.

He said that recently, they’ve noticed some self-acclaimed NANS members have been parading themselves around public offices to request for money.

“In the same vein, the officials of the association have realised with great dismay that governors, deputy governors, secretaries to various state governments have fallen victims of these fraudsters.

“Recently, there was fraudulent award presented to the

Head of Service of Jigawa State by some of these bad elements,“ Muhammad revealed.

Muhammad admonished public office-holders to be cautious of awards that do not have background or genuine intention so as not to fall prey to the antics of such impersonators.

He said the association would not take it lightly with any person or group of persons caught attempting to use the name of the association to demand for gratification from any public office- holder.

Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko and his wife, Olukemi (second left); Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olanusi and his wife, Bejide (second right); Commissioner of Police, Patrick Dukumor ( left) and the Director of the State Security Service (SSS), Mrs. Betty Adokie (third right) at the thanksgiving service in commemoration of Mimiko’s second-term in office at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redeption Court, Akure...on Sunday

Police kill two notorious robbers in Makurdi From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi WO members of an armed robbery gang that specializes in robbing traders and customers at the multi-million naira Makurdi Modern Market were weekend gunned down by men of the Benue State Police Command through the collaborative efforts of members of the public.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, D.S.P. Emmanuel Ezeala who revealed the incidence to The Guardian, explained that the robbers, who specialised in bank robbery, had on the fateful day attacked two brothers, Lawal Karimu and Gambo Karimu, who had just withdrawn money from a bank at the market before they were shot and injured by the robbers.

Ezeala said unfortunately for the robbers, a police patrol team, acting on a tip-off from members of the public, responded promptly and on

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reaching the scene, the robbers opened fire and the patrol team responded, gunning down two of them, while the others escaped with gun-shot wounds.

He revealed that the two robbers were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi for treatment but were later confirmed dead.

The PPRO who said the gang left behind a motorcycle with Registration Number: TSA137QA, a pistol, five life bullets and an expended cartridge, commended members of the public for their cooperation in giving information to the police and assured them of utmost confidentiality.

Ezeala further said the police in the state under the Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Katso were not resting on their oars to rid the state of criminals.

Chief Executive Officer, Reddington Hospital, Dr. Adeyemi Onabowale (left), Head, Quality Assurance, Reddington Hospital, Dr. Olasimbo Davidson and Chief Executive Officer, Council for Hospital Services Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA), Professor Stuart Whittaker during the presentation of COHSASA accreditation award to Reddington Hospital in Cape Town....

Police officer, nephew electrocuted in Abeokuta From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta POLICE officer, Mr. Sunday Joseph and his nephew, simply identified as Moses, were electrocuted in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Sunday by a high-tension cable of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) at the at the Oke-Igbein area of the city.

The late Moses was the son of a police officer who was killed by armed robbers in Abeokuta recently during an encounter with the police.

The tragedy happened while Moses was said to have been attempting to pick an iron rod from the debris of a demolished building opposite the Government House as a result of the on-going massive road construction exercise going on in Abeokuta.

The late Joseph also lost his life when he was said to have attempted to rescue his nephew.

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The Guardian gathered that officials of the PHCN had earlier disconnected the cable, only to reconnect it on request by one of the company’s top officials, who was said to be having a ceremony within the area so that there would be continuous power supply throughout the duration of the ceremony.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, Chief Security Officer to the governor and officials of the PHCN visited the scene of the incident.

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) said yesterday that it had commenced investigations into the circumstances that led to the incident.

The Senior Manager, Public Affairs of PHCN, Mr. Richard Oyewole confirmed that his office received a report that a “scavenger” was electrocuted and a man attempting to rescue him was also electrocuted.

Area Sales Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Port-Harcourt, Mr. Ugochukwu Okoloedo presenting a Skoda Fabia to the star prize winner of Indomie sub-distributors promo,Mr. Ugochukwu Nwosu, in Port-Harcourt.

TheGuardian

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 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 Merger of opposition parties ITH a slogan in place, a logo on the card and constant meetings across the country, the merger of leading Nigerian opposition parties, notably the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) and the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has gladly gone beyond mere symbolic gestures to a measure of substance.

Certainly, this attempt to form a united front and provide an alternative political platform is good news for Nigeria’s democracy.

The All Progressive Congress (APC), the name of the new party, whose primary objective, as articulated by its promoters, is to save Nigeria from “the years of the locusts foisted on the country” is still work in progress, but it is a plan worthy of encouragement if only to give Nigerians a choice or an alternative to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In truth, 13 years of PDP rule at the centre has pushed the country no closer to the people’s expectation. In every area – infrastructure, education, health, national and human security – there are only uninspiring stories. Surely, Nigeria needs an alternative to the PDP. But this requires the availability of viable and formidable platforms of mobilisation and organisation, which has been absent for years. Hopefully, the APC initiative will guarantee such a platform. If successful, the merger may eventually lead Nigeria unto the path of a viable two-party state with strong politics devoid of the overbearing influences of forces of identity, particularly ethnicity and religion. Going by the national discourses the opposition merger initiative has generated, it seems Nigerians are genuinely desirous of its success. The choice is now the promoters’ not to disappoint.

However, it must be stated that Nigerians are also aware that the country has gone through a similar path in the past, all to no avail. Contemporary history of Nigerian politics shows that coalition building is not tea party, which explains why it has not really been productive, but instead counterproductive in the country.

Vexatious issues such as power sharing, zoning arrangement, as well as clash of personalities and interests have always been the bane of sustainable coalition building in Nigeria. Promoters of the on-going arrangement will have to work extra hard to avoid falling into the pitfalls of previous experiences. The import of this is that all parties involved must be willing and able to make sacrifices where necessary, including the personal ambitions of the politicians, in the overall interest of the country.

It is, therefore, crucial to raise critical questions, as many Nigerians are already doing, about the real motivations for the merger and its prospects: Is it genuinely about the promotion of the public good or just a desire to oust the PDP from power? Can the APC offer alternative perspectives of politics and governance for national development? The answers to these questions lie in the performance of the merging parties in their respective spheres of governance.

The point must, however, be made that just coalescing against the PDP is certainly not a sufficient basis of optimism among Nigerians. The coalition becomes meaningful only if it can bring about positive change in governance. Nigerians expect a transition from an elite-driven, top-down politics, characterised by systemic corruption and general underdevelopment, as has been the case under the PDP, to one where the people are not only treated as the real owners, but also the main drivers and primary stakeholders of politics, democracy and development.

Attaining such a feat requires that the APC should articulate, in an unambiguous manner, its alternative conception of power and politics that accommodate these higher ideals and values of developmental democracy and governance. This calls for the provision of a clear progressive agenda, carefully developed into collective national manifestoes. The APC should also extend its negotiations to all probable sources, including elements within the PDP who may share the new vision of reforming Nigeria. In this regard, the reformist elements within the PDP should be directly targeted for the sake of Nigeria. The task of rescuing Nigeria, as proposed by the APC, requires a broad-based coalition that transcends current

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LETTERS

SURE-P and shamelessness

IR: Racial chauvinism aside, Saverage have you noticed that the black man does not have shame? I however, remember with a sense of shame, sometime last year when African heads of states gathered in Addis Ababa to commission the newly built AU building donated by China for ‘just’ $200 million (N30 billion then) – it was said to have been facilitated by then Chairman of the AU Commission, Jean Ping, who is of Chinese descent.

Apart from the haunting ignominy that the headquarters of such a revered panAfrican organisation would be a handout donation from the rapacious Asian giant – (an amount a single Nigerian like James Ibori or the pension-

gate’s Yusuf could have paid for without batting an eyelid) – I’d thought that our President would try to gain an Orwellian political capital by bragging that Nigeria would foot the bill...

Given the huge size of the impressive edifice, I am pretty sure that such a project would not cost anything less than $1.2 billion to $2 billion or even more, on our home soil.

How did I know? The prodigal administration of Yar’AduaJonathan in 2009/10 allegedly awarded contract to Julius Berger to construct a 4.5 km runaway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for the sum of N64 billion ($425 million). That is about the total amount spent by the states of Akwa Ibom, Delta

(N27.7 billion), Gombe (N7 billion) and Bauchi (N7.9 billion) to build new airports from scratch, with the latter having a similar sized runway capable of taking the all-new Airbus A380.

As if our national pride has not been debased enough, the de facto rulers (Economic Team; a sobriquet synonymous with grand larceny and elitist disconnect) have now floated a new shibboleth: SURE-P... I just pity Pa Chris Kolade. Given his track records, I admire the old man, I expect that a man of his calibre would know what shame is all about, and I pray he would know when to resign and salvage all that is left of his integrity.

• Linus Onime, Lagos.

A wake up call for Arsene Wenger IR: It is now eight years that There is no point in going for a quality ones. The board needs SEngland, Arsenal Football Club, trophy that you have no quali- to sit tight and change the polilast won a trophy, and if the proper things are not put in place, it might actually get worse.

Two back to back losses in the FA Cup and the Champions League competitions have shaped their season and painted it ‘trophyless’, once again making it eight years since the Arsenal faithful last had the taste and the enjoyment of winning trophies, a scenario which last happened in May 2005 and has since then disappeared into thin air. The defeat to Blackburn was the ‘harshest’, though people may think that the defeat in the hands of Bayern was, but I will disagree.

ty of players and the quality needed in a team to pursue.

Everyone that knows the game quite well knew before that match that Arsenal possessed nothing in terms of quality to face Bayern Munich at the moment.

Arsene Wenger resting the few quality players he has for the tie against Blackburn was the mistake that has ‘shaped’ and ‘carved’ Arsenal’s season once again.

A lot must be done to get the team back on track and bring it to the status Arsenal FC has been known for. A lot of inconsistent players must be dropped and replaced with

cy of not spending at the right time. It is quite evident that the failure of the club not to sign players during the January transfer window might be why it keeps ending the season in February of every year.

Arsene Wenger is a very good manager, but he has allowed his policy to put him where he is at the moment and that policy needs an urgent review if only to bring back the club’s glory. This is not the right time to quit as the manager of the club, it is the best time for him to change his strategy and move on.

• Samuel Yemiojo, Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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Business Appointments P27 Dilemma of women in work environment Chevron, Providence Resources pull out of Lagos oil field developmentproject

By Roseline Okere HE Yinka Folawiyo T Petroleum promoted Aje gas and condensate field, located in the Bight of Benin Basin, offshore Badagry in Lagos State, is facing tough times as some of the earlier investors – Chevron Nigeria Deepwater and Providence Resources Oil and Gas have pulled out of the deal.

A source at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) told The Guardian yesterday, that Yinka Folawiyo has 60 per cent interest in the OML 113 with the remain-

ing 40 per cent owned by a joint venture of Chevron Nigeria Deepwater, Vitol Exploration Nigeria, Panoro Energy, Energy Equity Resources and Jacka Resources.

According to the source, Chevron was appointed as the technical advisor to the operator for the project and also assigned the responsibility to prepare a development plan for the field, but later pulled out of the deal.

Also, The Guardian gathered that Providence Resources Oil and Gas earlier held a 2.667 per cent interest in the

The Aje oil field is currently in the development planning stage, with first production expected in 2014. The field is expected to reach a plateau production of 50,000 to 80,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) a day.

OML 113, which it later sold to Jacka Oil. The source told The Guardian that during the same period, Chevron also sold its interest to Energy

Equity Resources.

The Aje oil field is currently in the development planning stage, with first production expected in 2014.

The field is expected to reach

New Chairman of Investment and Securities Tribunal (IST), Ngozi Udodinm Chianakwalam (left); Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Lawal Ngama, during swearing in of IST Chairman, in Abuja yesterday.

Photo: Ladidi Lucy Elukpo

Govt woos U.S. investors to agric transformation programme From Joke Falaju, Abuja HE Federal Government has commenced talks with the United States of America (USA),to fast track increased investment in the nation’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Already, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has held a meeting with the U.S Corporate Council to Africa, led by the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrence McCulley, on the agenda.

Also at the meeting were

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Nigeria’s Ambassador to US, Prof. Adebowale Adefuye and the Executive Vice-President of Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Mimi Alemayehou.

The Minister,who solicited for investment in the area of Staple Crop Processing Zones (SCPZ) in the country, noted that the government had identified 14 sites across the nation, where infrastructural facilities like roads, water and electricity would be provided for investors.

He said the government is closely working with the ministries and government

departments, alongside international development agencies, to attract private sector agribusinesses into the storage, preservation, processing, and distribution of local agricultural produce in clusters of high food production.

He said the innovation would also link farmers to processors, foster suitable environment for private sector and make SCPZ sites attractive to local, regional and international investors as well as bilateral and multilateral support agencies.

Adesina hinted that the Federal Government has

received support from the World Bank, African Development Bank, United Nations Industrial Development Organisaton (UNIDO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

He further solicited for investment in the provision of farm mechanisation for farmers, stressing the need to upscale the number of tractors available in the country from the current 10,000 to 198,000 to

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

a plateau production of 50,000 to 80,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) a day.

Aje was discovered by the Aje-1 well in 1996. The well encountered oil and gas over three zones of the Cretaceous Turonian age. It flowed at the rate of 60.2 million standard cubic feet of gas a day (mmscfd), 1,729 barrels of condensate a day (bcpd) and 2,389 barrels of oil a day (bpd).

In 1997, an appraisal well, Aje-2, was drilled one kilometre East of the Aje-1 well. It confirmed the presence of oil and gas in the Turonian reservoir as discovered by the Aje-1 well and encountered a deeper separate additional zone of the Cenomanian formation.

A third well, Aje-3, was drilled by Transocean’s Sedco 709 semi-submersible rig in 2005. Although the reservoir quality was not optimum, the well encountered an oil and gas-bearing column within the Turonian and Cenomanian reservoirs.

In the first quarter of 2008, another appraisal well called Aje-4 was drilled by

the Transocean Deepwater Pathfinder drill-ship to carry out a complete appraisal of the field. Aje-4 well was drilled to assess the extent of the field and identify additional exploration targets. The well encountered hydrocarbon reserves in the main Turonian reservoir.

Drilling of the Aje-4 well confirmed the field contains a laterally extensive reservoir structure. The field was declared a commercial prospect in February 2009.

Appraisal of the field was based on 915km of 2D seismic data, 700km2 of 3D seismic data and an electromagnetic survey.

A total of six producers are planned for the field. They will be connected to subsea wellheads and associated flowlines and manifolds in 320ft water depth. The flowlines will, in turn, be connected to the FPSO through risers. Produced hydrocarbons will be processed by the FPSO and exported through the West African Gas pipeline or through a direct pipeline to connect to the Lagos gas infrastructure.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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Nigeria to strengthen bilateral economic ties with Lavtia From John Okeke, Abuja IGERIA’S determination to cut deep into the global economy cooperation traffic received a boost yesterday in Abuja, when the country and Latvia agreed to partner on bilateral economic relationship to drive the two nations’ economies forward The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martin Ohumoibhi who received the Latvia team yesterday led by the State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Latvia, Andris Teikmanis, explained that Nigeria has been in a good working relationship with the country, adding that their visit would give room for improved bilateral relations.

He said: “We welcome you and we are very grateful to receive you. Our ambassador in your country is working assiduously to bring the mandate. We believe you will have a fruitful discussion with the Minister of trade. I believe we can be able to explore our economic sector” The State Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Latvia , Andris Teikmanis revealed that her country is keen on opening new fron-

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tiers in business and have discovered Nigeria a preferred destination.

Teikmanis also revealed that her country’s plan to expand its territory network to other parts of the world. “ I am pleased to be here. We have a relationship that is growing in the business community. We have companies in Nigeria and we want to expand our economic relationship and we can be very active. Our economy is an open one so we can be helpful using our experience in electronics and we can offer our good knowledge in the economic relationship. Nigeria has good potentials if well explore.

“At the same time, we see that our business communities are looking for new market in African countries Latin America and other countries and we see that our interest is growing very rapidly.

Currently the bilateral trade of Latvia and Nigeria is based on information and communication technologies. Besides food industry and other industries that are traditional in the history of Latvia. We are trying to develop transport and infrastructure and services for Nigeria.”

On the current security challenges in Nigeria, he said : “ We are concerned about the stability and peace in the region and state of the international terrorism and we should join hand with Nigeria and other ECOWAS countries and I think Nigeria is playing a big role on security ”

Govt woos U.S. investors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 meet the needs of Nigerian farmers.

He pointed out that an American investor has invested S100 million to construct an assembly plant in Nigeria, adding that the US government can also help upscale this effort.

The Executive President OPIC, said that despite the country’s immense potential, it has no business importing food.

Rather,it should be supplying food to some other nations.

She mentioned that OPIC, an independent U.S government agency that sells investment services to assist U.S companies investing in developing countries grow their business, manages over $16 billion financing and insurance in support of private sector investment in emerging markets.

“There is no reason why Nigeria should be importing food. This is a country that should be provider of food for the continent and I hope we will get to that,” Alemayehou said.

She disclosed that 17 U.S private sector companies have shown interest in investing in different sectors of the Nigerian economy.

She however called for an enabling environment especially in the agriculture sector, due to its huge investment opportunity and potential for job creation.

According to her, it is imperative to improve on power, infrastructure and good road network.

She disclosed that OPIC had invested $250 milllion into the construction of a fertilizer plant in Edo state, and $60 million credit facility is being extended to farmers.

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BUSINESS

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Body seeks more powers for shippers’ council

By David Ogah HE Chairman of Ports T Consultative Council (PCC), Kunle Folarin, has advocated the expansion of the Nigerian Shippers Council’s mandate, because of its vital role in trade facilitation with Nigeria’s trading partners.

Folarin, who led the PCC members on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Shippers Council at the weekend, therefore, urged it to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure the expansion of its 25 years old mandate in order to enhance its ability as the “conscience

of the nation in international trade”.

Explaining the reason for the group’s visit to the council, he said: “ We are here to celebrate one of our own, Hassan Bello.

We have long seen him as an emerging leader of the council which has a crop of professionals than any of the maritime agencies in the country.”

He said that the PCC in its informal sense was as old as the port industry, adding that its history was coterminous with that of the ports. “At the early stage, the council started as operational problem solving body, consisting mainly of

Nigerian Ports Authority and few existing shipping companies at the time. All operational problems at the ports, especially Lagos ports, were tabled and resolved at the periodic meetings of the council,” he said, as he explained the functions of the body which membership had since been extended to other government agencies and the private sector.

On the role of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Folarin said: “We also take note that the shippers Council has been a big player in all areas of trade facilitation in the West African sub-region and in the

African continent. It has been collaborating with many organisations and stakeholders on several projects, including the Single Window

Project, Inland Container Deport, Cargo defence, amongst others.”

The acting Executive Secretary of the council,

Hassan Bello told the visiting PCC members that his council’s mandate extended beyond the port to include rail and other modes of trans-

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BUSINESS

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Why Gbarain power project was delayed, by Olotu

By Sulaimon Salau S concerns continued to A mount on the slow pace of work at the Gbarain Ubie power project cite in Bayelsa State, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), James Olotu has thrown more light on the project execution’s delay.

Olotu, who was also irked by the situation, explained that the contractor was having some natural site challenges, which required pre-detailing before commencement of

Conoil lubricant brands get SON’s certification Organisation SfiedTANDARDS of Nigeria (SON) has certifour of Conoil’s lubricant brands as high performance engine oils that provide maximum benefits to the users of modern vehicles and machinery.

The correct usage of these lubricants ensures prolonged and trouble free vehicle and machine operation.

The lubricants - Golden Super Motor Oil SAE 40, Tro Tro Golden Super Motor Oil SAE 40, Golden Super Diesel SAE 40 and Quatro Heavy Duty Generator Oil 15W40, met the specific requirement of relevant Nigerian industrial standards after series of rigorous and extensive tests of their content and production procedures.

Golden Super Motor Oil gives adequate protection to petrol engines, with good detergent and adequate viscosity retention with temperature.

Golden Super Diesel Engine Oil is top quality oil specially formulated to give reliable allyear-round service in light and medium duty, naturally aspirated engines.

Infused with a comprehensive additive package and good anti-wear properties, Quatro Heavy Duty Generator Oil is the ideal choice for generating sets.

Tro-Tro Golden Super Motor Oil is a quality multi-grade lubricant suitable for major light and medium duty vehicles that are fuelled by petrol or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The Company, in a statement, described the latest SON certification as an attestation to its relentless effort to adhere to global best practice, produce high quality lubricants comparable to international standards and to provide excellent service that meets consumer satisfaction, in line with its objective of becoming the preferred marketer of lubricants in Nigeria and the West Coast.

It would be recalled that SON had previously certified Conoil’s lubricants, Quatro HDX, Okada Golden Super 20w50w and Quatro Ultra 20w50, confirming their status as world-class quality lubricant brands.

Conoil boasts of highly skilled and experienced engineers capable of developing high quality lubricant products, using modern technology.

The company’s major lubricant plant in Apapa, Lagos is equipped with state-of-theart facilities for testing lubricants, greases as well as upgrading existing products on continuous basis.

main project.

He however said that the contractor had assured that the project would be delivered before December this year.

“The contractor is having some specific site related challenges, Gbarain is entirely four meters below sea level, when its counterpart contractor is working on a rocky environment, he is working in a place where the first thing to do is to remove the bad top soil and for about one and half years of the project period, he is just filling the site and compacting the sand, pilling, among others to ensure a quality delivery,” he said.

Although, Olotu confirmed that the contractor was strictly adhering to quality standards, he said that it should have gone farther than he had done at the moment.

The 2 x 112.5MW (225MW) gas turbines plant was awarded

to Rockson Engineering Limited, under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) scheme to boost power supply in the country.

Olotu spoke after commissioning some power distribution projects in Lagos. Among them are the15MVA injection substation for new Yaba, and 33 and 11 KVA switchgear panel, 15MVA at Orile Coker Injection substation and 11KVA switchgear and 15MVA and 33/11MVA transformer substation at Kirikiri, Apapa.

He said: “The times of delay is over, there is no more delay again on NIPP projects and all the contractors have no more excuse not to deliver their projects.”

On gas challenges, he said: “We still have some challenges with gas, but the important thing is that the president, vice president, minister of petroleum, all the stakeholders, IOCs, NNPC and NGC, are all working together

to ensure that those challenges are overcome, and where there is will, there is always hope for success. It has already started yielding fruits because more gas are already supplied into the system, it is not enough, but as more gas come in, we will get more power.”

Olotu noted that the NDPHC would be commissioning another 10 projects in Lagos soon, while other are at high level of completion.

“We actually have about 291 injection substations in our core portfolio, and as we speak, about 40 of them have been completed, the rest have reached advanced stages of completion, we wanted to commission about 13 projects this week and we have started since Monday.

Our policy is that commissioning is not for fun, the projects must be beneficial to the Nigerian masses, we visited some substations and we

found that they would be ready for commissioning in the next three weeks; so, we’ll be having about 10 new projects to be commissioned.

“We have assured that we will be commissioning every month in all parts of the country and we still keep to that promise. This year is the harvest of projects from NIPP, and it cut across generation, gas, transmission and distribution.

“The vice president has directed that by June this year, all distribution projects should have been completed and we are keeping to that mandate. All transmission projects will also be completed by December this year and off course 99 per cent of the generation projects will be delivered by the end of this year.

“For now absolutely no reason whatsoever for a contractor to complain on its ability to deliver, so Nigerian should

just await the harvest,” he assured.

On transmission, he said, “the total capacity of NIPP transmission infrastructure is about 5,000mva and already we have commissioned a lot. In Lagos alone, we have commissioned Ikeja West, Agbara (2x60mva), Oworonshoki (2x60mva), Ojo (2x60MVA) and many more. In Lagos there is a major transmission project we are implementing in Ajah, Lekki, Alagon, Oke-Aro, we believe that when we finished these projects all of us will have cause to be happy.

These projects are all targeted for completion by December this year.”

The Chief Operating Officer, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Oladele Amoda, said that the new transformers would boost supply to the industrial estate, in other to support the nation’s industrialisation agenda.

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Appointments Dilemma of women in a work environment

Offiong

By Yetunde Ebosele HE 2013 International Women’s Day has once again brought to the fore, the perceived disparity between male and female employees in most work places.

To some women, most work environments are deliberately structured to put the male employees ahead no matter how competent and qualified the female counterparts are.

Though not restricted to this part of the world, the trend, according to activists and labour experts, cuts across almost all sectors as female employees are allegedly suppressed in the line of duties.

From the legal profession, to banking, media, engineering, among others, female employees, no matter their qualifications and exposures are most times not considered for top management positions.

Besides, the alleged disparity in the work environment is further compounded by reported violence and sexual harassment against female employees.

National Women Leader and Vice Chairperson Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lucy Offiong and other experts who spoke with The Guardian at the weekend, identified education and political will as some of the avenues through which the reported disparity gap between male and female employees could be successfully bridged.

Also, Director-General, International Labour Organisation (ILO), Guy Ryder, in a statement to mark the 2013 International Women’s Day, at the weekend, said that workplace violence assumes many forms, adding that women are often particularly vulnerable, especially in the informal economy.

In the statement titled: “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women. Stop vio-

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lence against women at work,” said: “Such violence is wrong and is a violation of the most basic human rights.

Workplace violence including sexual harassment also represents a significant barrier to women’s access and equitable treatment and opportunities in the labour market.”

He added: “The ILO’s decent work mandate compels it to act against violence at work and to foster workplace environments founded on gender equality and respect.

Gender-based violence is clearly at odds with the meaning of decent work: full and productive employment for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.

“Available data point to the extent of the problem at work. For example, between 40 and 50 per cent of women in European Union countries experience unwanted sexual advances, physical contact or other forms of sexual harassment at their workplace.

“In Asia and the Pacific, studies indicate that 30 to 40 per cent of women workers report some form of verbal, physical or sexual harassment. Violence against women comes with a high cost to individuals, families, societies and economies.

“A study in Australia showed an estimated economic cost of some AUS$13.6 billion in 2008-09 while another study published in 2008 estimated that in England and Wales the cost of domestic violence alone was £20 billion per year, of which lost economic output amounted to £2.3 billion.

“The world of work is an excellent context for both prevention and remedial measures. The ILO has had a long engagement in practical action against gender-based violence in work places, both at policy and programme levels. It has developed tools and guides with a strong sectoral approach targeting areas

where the labour force is highly feminised, such as the health and services sectors.

“Moreover, action in support of women’s empowerment whether through business development, management skills, and provision of savings and credit services, as well as through their organisation, also renders them less vulnerable to violence.

“Tripartite delegates at the ILO’s 2009 International Labour Conference instructed member states to develop policies, programmes, legislation and other measures aimed at combating genderbased violence. Several international labour standards – including the 2011 Convention on Domestic Workers which covers these highly-vulnerable and predominantly female workers – require ratifying states along with trade unions and employers’ organisations to take action against any form of violence, abuse and harassment at work,” said Ryder.

The ILO chief explained that of the various ways in which sex discrimination manifests itself across the globe, gender based violence is “exceptionally dehumanising, pervasive and oppressive. It can and must be prevented. Wherever invidious discriminatory behaviour such as sexual harassment and bullying at work is tolerated, trivialised or brushed out of sight, it is time to take a stand, join forces and act with determination.

“A decent world with social justice upholds equality between women and men, boys and girls and assures all women and girls that genderbased violence will not be tolerated wherever it occurs–from homes to schools and workplaces.”

The Nigerian women, according to Offiong were still seen as second fiddles and relegated to the background due to our environment and societal believes.

The NLC Women Leader

Dabiri-Erewa

explained that the state of the Nigerian woman was still very precarious, adding, “this situation is not helping matters at all.”

She said: “For this perception to change, we would have to address it from the basis, which is by placing emphasis on girl child education.

“If well educated and given the right orientation from the basis, the girl child would grow with this mentality and thus be able to face and han-

dle challenges in the long run.

“It is very discriminating to place disparity on children due to their gender, a girl child if properly trained can do what her male counterpart does with ease.

“To ensure gender equality in work places, we at the Nigerian Labour Congress have been playing a very good role of advocacy. In fact, we’ve always been at the vanguard of ensuring that

employers of labour provide

child care facilities close to work places, so that the woman will be able to perform her God given role as a mother and carry out her duties as an employee.

“With such facilities, we believe that both duties will be carried out properly without clashes. This we also believe would help curtail the raising cases of violation of children by their caregivers, while the parents are away at work.

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Minister denies involvement in employment scam From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja INISTER of Interior, Abba Moro, has refuted allegations of job racketeering levelled

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against him by the Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Professor Oba AbdulRahman.

AbdulRahman had alleged

before the Senator Dahiru A. Kuta-led committee investigating sale of jobs in government establishment that the Ministry of Interior ran an illegal online job

scam.

Speaking before the joint committee on Federal Character and InterGovernmental Affairs and Employment, Labour and Productivity, Moro distanced the ministry from the purported website, adding that investigations on the allegation within the ministry also exonerated members of staff of the ministry.

“That is certainly not true.

We don’t have online recruitment arrangement in place in the ministry. We have never, officially, to the best of my knowledge, asked anybody to place

applications online. Certain persons went to press and because of the sensitivity of recruitments, certain people went to town that the ministry was engaged in unwholesome activities; it’s not true.

“Let me say, therefore, that in the course of our recruitment, replacement exercises, we have had recurring decimal or incidents of complaints and allegations of some level of scam in the exercise, and I want to say here that this is as a result of the situation in which we found ourselves in this country; number of persons that are unemployed and

the number of persons itching for recruitment.

“In the process, it was brought to our notice that certain persons engaged in unwholesome practices of defrauding members of the public of funds, payments for jobs and the rest of that,” Moro said.

He added that the ministry has made strenuous efforts in ensuring that Nigerians were not shortchanged.

“I have said time without number that it is criminal for anybody to take money from unemployed youths to get them employed.

“And so, as I stand before you, to present these documents to you, on my honour, it is not an official policy of the Ministry of Interior to ask for money for employment. We have never engaged in it, and we have asked anybody who has knowledge of anybody who asked for money for employment to report such people.

“I equally want to say that even on a particular case where we had reason to intervene that certain members were defrauding the public, I directed the Intelligence Unit of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, intimating them of the activities of one particular person, that he be arrested and possibly prosecuted.”

AbdulRahman told the joint committee that the Ministry of Interior opened a website and directed people to deposit CV’s there without indicating what position they were applying for.

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Obasanjo seeks support for women, youth empowerment From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta

ORMER President, Fstressed Olusegun Obasanjo has the need for youth and women empowerment for cultural security and development in Africa.

Obasanjo, who spoke in Abeokuta, said that he was very concern about the destruction that over the years had entered African cultures and urged that urgent priority be given to the promotion of African norms and values before they go into extinction.

His words: “I will say that we should also deal with the relevance of women and youth in the promotion of cultural security and development in Africa and also the effect of culture on development.”

Besides, the former president said that Africans must resist the temptation of under-playing its culture through the overplay of the western culture Obasanjo spoke at a Regional Summit organised jointly by the “Centre for Human Security”, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) and uNESCO Institute for African Culture and International understanding as part of activities marking his birthday.

The theme of the Summit, which attracted speakers and participants from South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Ghana, was “Women and Youth in the Promotion of Cultural Security and Development in Africa”.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Zainab Maina, in her address, regretted that

influx of western ideas under the guise of “development’’ had been a constant threat to African cultural security.

“In Africa, women have mostly been involved in smallscale entrepreneurship. No doubt, this sector has been severely affected by the introduction of trade liberalization,” she said.

According to her: “Women on this continent contribute the most critical factor in agricultural production, yet liberalisation has failed to ensure availability of credit and agricultural inputs to them.”

She, therefore, stressed the need for Africa to develop her own concept of development, adding, “economic growth

without social and cultural justice cannot be our idea of development in Africa.”

The South African Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile who was one of the speakers at the occassion noted that women and youth were strategic to the preservation of African culture.

He described women as custodian of culture in Africa, noting, “they do more in instilling our cultural values in the young ones.”

The minister, who noted that the youths were responsible for keeping the culture, said that attention must therefore be paid to them so as not to lose our values, because they are receptive to new ideas from other places.

DLM emerges best investment bank uNN Loren Merrifield D (DLM) has emerged the Best Investment Bank in Nigeria at the 2012 African Governance and Corporate Leadership Awards organised by the Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology.

The award was in recognition of DLM’s significant contribution to the development of the domestic capital markets since the firm commenced operations in June 2009.

Other recipients of the prestigious honour included the First Bank Nigeria Plc, Mantrac Nigeria Limited, Xerox (Nigeria), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), African Reinsurance Corporation and Presco Nigeria Plc. The council of the Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology however included

Chairman-in-Council; Chief (Mrs) Priscilla Kuye, Country Director/CEO; Moses Essien, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, CON; Dr. John Akanya, OON, and; Dr. Ibikari Fubara. Others are Prof. Tony Travers, Prof.

David Gergen, Prof. E. J. Etuk.

DLM’s unique innovativeness and structuring capabilities were specifically highlighted in the number of successful capital market issues to which the firm acted as lead adviser in 2011, when there was a general downturn in market activities.

In 2012, the firm succeeded in advising on the issue of the second series of the Federal Mortgage Bank N6 billion pass-through MBS program and the FMBN SPV Issuer Limited Series 3 zero coupon notes under the residential Mortgage Back Securities Programme that raked in N24.56 billion.

Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs in Sierra-Leone, Moijue Kaikai, urged African leaders to use culture as a tool to strengthen

social cohesion.

He warned that huge social disparity could undermine the unity of a country and contribute to its fragmenta-

tion.

The minister urged the leaders to shun negative aspects of globalisation, which threatens to further marginalise Africa.

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Ekiti partners World Bank to generate 40,000 jobs From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti KITI State Government has earned a new partnership with the World Bank to generate no fewer than 40,000 youth employment in the next five years.

The State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi made this known while launching an 1 8 - C o m m u n i t y Development Plan of the State Community and Social Development Agency (EKCSDA) in Ado Ekiti.

Fayemi disclosed that the close working relationship of the state government with the bank based on his administration’s efforts to eliminate poverty got the state the new employmentdriven partnership.

He added that the state was expected to generate the 40,000 employment in phases within five years under the new arrangement tagged “Youth Empowerment Strategy” (YES).

While noting that the Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP) would close by the end of the year as a result of the expiration of the agreement between the bank, Ekiti State and Federal Government, the governor announced the willingness of the World Bank to extend the CSDP programme in Ekiti State following its effective implementation in the state.

Fayemi who described

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EKCSDA as a key component in his drive to ensure rapid and all-round development of the state, stressed that the state government would not relent in its determination to continue the “worthy partnership” with relevant agencies and bodies to realise the goal of his administration.

The governor added that it was the duty of his administration to make sure that everything was done to make EKCSDA perform its responsibilities creditably and in line with the World Bank directives; saying that the provision of basic socio-economic infrastructure was a major plank of his administration’s eight-point agenda.

While congratulating the 18 benefiting communities, Fayemi urged them to make judicious use of the fund, adding that all traditional rulers, community leaders of the benefitting communities and local government officials must ensure they perform their roles in seeing to the thorough implementation of the projects.

He commended the local government areas which have kept to their promises of supporting CSDP in Ekiti State and reminded all councils to ensure that the projects particularly Health Centres were adequately staffed and equipped to achieve the expected outcome.

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Olejeme lauds telephoning scheme for rural dwellers From Collins Olayinka, Abuja

HE board Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme has applauded the establishment of Microfone rural telephoning scheme for the empowerment of rural dwellers.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Abuja, Olejeme said that the advent of telephone had not only facilitated communication, improve healthcare but had become a means of survival for most Nigerians especially youths and women.

Microfone, which is also known as “grassroots phone”: an initiative based on the Micro-telecom Initiative, which is envisioned to extend mobile telecommunications to the low income and underserved communities throughout Nigeria.

She submitted that the advent of GSM system of communication in Nigeria had indeed provided a veritable alternative for job creation saying thousands of young Nigerians who finished school and had no job had become gainfully employed by embarking on sales of recharge cards, phone parts, soft and hardware repairs.

The Nigeria Capital Development Fund promotes the Microfone initiative. Olejeme argued that the world was largely driven by innovation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which combined to play a central role in poverty alleviation and enlightenment, significantly contributing to the defeat of ignorance and the advancement of economic wellbeing.

She added: “Our dear

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nation is facing a serious challenge of crippling population living in poverty amidst plenty, recent studies have shown that unemployment, income inequality, business failure, sickness and environmental degradation are among the main causes of poverty in Nigeria.

It is imperative, therefore, that we embrace ICT, like other countries have done, to ensure sustainable poverty eradication and the attainment of quality life, there is no doubt that ICT plays a major role in all aspect of our life: in politics, in economics, the way we do business, access information and services, in the manner we communicate with each other and entertain ourselves. As a matter of fact, it fuels the global economy.”

Olejeme further said that if proper information and communication is brought to the doorstep of the common man, it would go a long way to improve his well being and living condition.

She maintained that multimedia applications in edu-

Olejeme

cation had improved the learning capabilities of school children as well as enable hitherto neglected segments of the masses to gain access to various skill and wealth acquisition programmes.

She called on the Nigerian enterprises to embrace technology to improve their performance and their ability to compete at the global level.

In her opinion, rural telephoning scheme will further empower rural dwellers to participate in the cashless economy objective of the federal government.

According to her, rapid spread of telephone services to the nooks and crannies of the country will equally accelerate meeting the objective of making Nigeria economy one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020.

She explained: “ICT, espe-

cially the community and rural based technologies, if supported with the right policies and with cross-cutting and holistic approaches, will complement and strengthen other efforts that are required for poverty reduction, including those meeting basic needs.”

She further stated that the application of computer technology in day-to-day business and economic activities has invariably led to demand for skilled labour in every organisation and business interest across the nation, saying: “The higher the value of ICT indicators, the lower the poverty rate in every economy.”

She then appealed to the federal government, relevant ministries and agencies to support the initiative for the benefit of the generality of Nigerians, especially the rural poor.

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Govt unveils microwork job creation initiative

By Adeyemi Adepetun

HE Ministry of T Communication Technology will on March 18, unveil a job creation scheme “Microwork for Job Creation-Naijacloud’’ that seeks to reduce unemployment and create wealth for youths of Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Efem Nkanga, the ministry with support from the STEP-B project, under the Ministry of Education is launching ‘Microwork for Jobs Creation in Nigeria’ to address the issues of employability and job creation using Information Technology.

The primary objective of the project, according Nkanga was to create awareness about the work opportunities in the Microwork and e-Lancing space as well as create job opportunities for youths in Nigeria in order to reduce the unemployment rate.

Besides, she said that the initiative also aimed to reduce the country’s brain drain, create business opportunities for potential Nigerian Microwork and e-Lancing Companies, wealth creation opportunities for the young and showcase opportunities

for Nigerian Businesses to work more efficiently and have a broader Nigerian workers database.

The statement stressed that the Ministry of Communications Technology in line with its mandate to create jobs by taking advantage of fast-growing ICTs in Nigeria is tapping into the Microwork opportu-

nity in order to reduce youth unemployment, which currently is put at 60 per cent level for youth.

‘Microwork for Job Creation in Nigeria’ initiative includes two aspects of Paid Crowd sourcing technology: Microwork and e-Lancing. Paid crowd sourcing is an expanding segment within the new

virtual economy with significant job creation potential for skilled (eLancing) and semi-skilled workers (Microwork). The estimated global size of the microwork market is $450 million to $900 million yearly.

The Microwork for job creation naijacloud is an initiative targeted at unemployed Nigerians using the technology plat-

form. Unemployed youth with access to phone and Internet looking for work are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.

To drive the initiative, Nkanga informed that a free workshop provided by internationally acclaimed companies (Crowdflower, Elance, ODesk, Mobileworks and

Samasource) will be held simultaneously at the Digital Bridge InstituteOshodi Lagos on the March 18th and 19th and Cham’s City, Abuja on the March 18.

The unique selling point of this initiative is that participants-male and femaledo not have to be university graduates to attend because the minimum requirement is basic computer skills.

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Corruption risk ‘assessors’ get ICPC, TUGAR training From Abosede Musari, Abuja HE Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), in collaboration with the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-corruption Reforms (TUGAR), recently graduated 69 corruption risk assessors.

These officers have the mandate to assess organisations with the aim of preventing corruption.

The corruption risk assessors were recently handed their certificates in Calabar where the ICPC Chairman, Ekpo Nta revealed that two universities, the University of Ibadan and University of Benin at the prompting of the Commission, had indicated interest in running modules and courses on corruption studies.

According to Nta, once the curriculum was developed and approved, resource persons and lecturers drawn

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from Nigeria and I n t e r n a t i o n a l Organisations would be readily available to teach the course.

He noted that the country could only deal with problems that had been studied, hence the introduction of such courses on ethics and corruption, adding: “Nigerians have a poor knowledge of the consequence of corruption, hence the need to teach it in schools.”

Explaining further, he said: “You have people studying medicine and engineering.

You cannot deal effectively with something you have not studied. We must let our children know the evil of corruption right from school. They have to know that corruption is a vice that affects the development of any society. A society that is corrupt hardly makes progress in its devel-

opmental quest.

“It is a known fact that corruption is our headache.

We cannot fold our hands and let this vice eat deeper into our social fabric. We can fight it. Corruption can be eradicated. Once corruption becomes a course of study in our tertiary institutions, our children, our future leaders, would know how to identify and tackle the malaise,” he said.

The ICPC boss noted that the graduate officers would be posted to organisations; not as criminal detectives but to identify corruption threats and vulnerabilities.

“It is important to stress that a corruption risk assessor is not a criminal investigator, neither is the conduct of a CRA a witch-hunting exercise. The purpose of CRA is to minimise systemic vulnerabilities and strengthen organisational processes and procedure

against corruption,” Nta said.

He noted that one of the provisions of the ICPC law was to examine the practices, systems and procedures of public bodies and where, in the opinion of the commission, such practices, systems or procedures aided or facilitated fraud or corruption, to direct and supervise a review. This provision, he said accounted for 50 per cent of the commission’s functions.

Nta declined to name the four governors that his Commission was investigating, explaining that the commission did not thrive in sensationalism through premature disclosure of names since the investigations were based on allegations.

He urged Nigerians to speak up against corruption and not whip up ethnic, political and religious

sentiments once a person close to them is arrested for corruption. He told the training participants to brace up for the fight against corruption as all eyes were on them and that some of the participants might eventually become consultants to other countries on anti-corruption as he has received requests from some countries for assistance in establishing similar training strategies or helping to train their nationals on how to go about the war against corruption based on some of new preventive approaches.

According to the address, 96 persons enrolled for the training comprising of public officers from the federal and state levels, media and the civil society. The participants had gone through a 10 weeks programme, which involved two weeks face to face interaction and eight

weeks of online training.

Out of the 96, 69 were awarded certificates as Corruption Risk Assessors, 13 received certificate of participation only because they scored less than 75 per cent, which was the pass mark. 14 were said to have dropped out after logging into the platform and have had to return all the materials assigned to them; including laptops and modems.

“I would like to congratulate the graduates of the programme on the exciting career they have ahead of them.

“In the fullness of time, they will discover that their expertise will be sought after; not only locally but also internationally as the world continues to seek effective solutions to the scourge of corruption in the private and public sectors of economies,” Nta said.

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Court to hear contempt action against NRC

By Joseph Onyekwere LAGOS High Court, Igbosere said that it would hear the contempt proceedings initiated against the leadership of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) by a firm on April 22, 2013.

Lido International Limited, the claimant had accused the Managing Director of NRC, Adeseyi Sijuade and the corporation’s Secretary, Mrs. P.I. Oyeabo of disobeying an order of the Appeal Court in Lagos, asking the corporation to deliver 7,676.4 tons of category “A” scraps to the firm.

Counsel to the claimant, Mr. Iheoma Osimiri, informed the court that on December 16, 2003, the representatives of the claimant, in company of the bailiffs of the court entered the premises of NRC at Kafanchan, Kaduna State, to execute the judgment of an

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appellate court but were stopped by agents of the corporation.

Osimiri explained that the High Court had earlier granted the applicant’s relief but that the respondents (Nigeria Railway Corporation) being dissatisfied with the orders of the High Court consequently appealed to the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, against the entire proceedings of the High Court and also lost.

“Notwithstanding the service of the enrolled order of the court, Forms 48 and 49 on the defendants in this suit, they both have persisted in disobeying the orders of this court by refusing to deliver to the claimant the judgment quantity of 7,676.4 tons of category “A” scraps and even refused bluntly to appear before the court in response

to the summons served on them,” he stated.

However, in its preliminary objection filed through its counsel, Opeyemi Igbayiloye, challenged the competence of the claimant to sue them, adding that at the hearing of the suit it shall also challenge the jurisdiction of the court to adjudicate on the suit.

Igbayiloye stated that the claimant in suit No. ID/1395/1992 did not attach the order of the court that NRC is to obey or comply with, noting that issues for determination is whether on the face of both Form 48 and 49 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, Cap 56 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria filed and served by the claimant with a different suit number can confer jurisdiction on the court.

EFCC boss canvasses synergy among law enforcement agencies in West Africa From Abosede Musari, Abuja HAIRMAN of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde has called on law enforcement agencies in West Africa to build a synergy of lasting cooperation against financial crimes.

Lamorde made the call recently in Abuja while receiving Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Financial Intelligence Centre, Mr. Samuel Thompson Essel, and the agency’s Head of International Cooperation,

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Edward Mussey in his office in Abuja.

While acknowledging the rich history of cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria and the transnational dimension to organised criminal activities in the sub-region, Lamorde stressed the need for the region’s anti-graft bodies to build synergy against the vise.

Both agencies resolved to deepen the level of cooperation between them.

Lamorde expressed the willingness of the EFCC to assist

the FIC in building its capacity through training and intelligence sharing, adding that joint training and frequent interface by officers of the two agencies should be encouraged to forge understanding and good relationships.

In his response, Essel thanked Lamorde for the warm reception and briefed him on measures already taken by FIC to enhance the fight against organised crime and money laundering in Ghana.

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Ogun, HYPREP begin assessment of oil spill damages at Arepo

By Sulaimon Salau ONCERNED about the menace of petroleum pipeline vandals in the area, the Ogun State Government and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), has commenced an assessment on the level of damages caused by oil spillage in Arepo Community, Ogun State.

The Arepo community has been marked a critical point, as the notorious vandals continued to breach the system 2b petroleum pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in that network.

In a move to ensure full protection of the environment for the welfare of the residents, a delegation from the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) and Ogun State government recently visited the area to assess the level of spillage and air pollution to the community.

The Ogun State government’s Commissioner for The Environment, Lanre Tejuosho, confirmed that the state government provided HYPREP with offices for its operations, and granted them full support for a successful assessment.

Tejuosho said that the state government would pursue compensation with the federal government where there had been negative effects of oil spillage in the community.

He reassured the community present that all areas that needed compensation would be pursued.

Meanwhile, residents raised concerns about the spate at which vandals had access to oil pipelines and the impact

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Oildata completes Drill Stem Test ILDATA Energy Group has O announced the successful completion of its first extended Drill Stem Test (DST) operation.

The Managing Director of Energia Limited, Felix A.V, described the feat as “probably the first of its kind in Africa and by an African company.”

The recently completed Drill Stem Test (DST) involved testing multiple hydrocarbon zones in a single well. The operation was part of an extended end-to-end well performance efficiency and field optimisation test for Energia Limited, an independent marginal field operator, located in Nigeria.

The Drill Stem Test (DST) is an extension of Oildata’s Multi-zone, Single-trip Tubing Conveyed Perforation (TCP) technology solution called “MultiFire” – a sequential multiple firing system, which allows the perforation of several zones (regardless of the intervals between) in a single run. The Multifire was first deployed for Shell operations in Nigeria, with over 700 feet intervals between various producing zones.

The TCP-DST solution was commended by the Head of Shell Nigeria, WellCompletions team, Friday Otutu, in a meeting with chief executive officers of Shell’s completions contractor companies.

He described the solution as innovative, having added value to the operations of the Shell Completions team, by saving a significant amount of expensive rig operations time.

their activities were having in the community.

A resident of Journalist Estate, ’Gbayode Somuyiwa, said: “On the first night I experienced this, it was as if my fuel tank was left open overnight and by the morning the smell was gone... we are just inhaling impure air and it has gone on unabated.”

He expressed his concern about the surrounding villages where as a result of the explosion from pipe vandalism corpses had been left in the water and this combined with oil spillage had created levels of water pollution.

“Some people have diarrhoea and they are not aware of the causes. Those who used to fish can’t fish,” he said.

Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) of McKinsey & Company, Michael Halbye (right); Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, UBA Plc, Phillips Oduoza; Partner, McKinsey&Company, Scott Desmarais; and Group Chief Finance Officer, UBA, Ugochukwu Nwaghodoh, during the visit of the Halbye to UBA Head Office in Marina, Lagos.

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Body seeks more powers for shippers’ council

By David Ogah HE Chairman of Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Mr. Kunle Folarin, has advocated the expansion of the Nigerian Shippers Council’s mandate, because of its vital role in trade facilitation with Nigeria’s trading partners.

Folarin, who led the PCC members on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Shippers Council at the weekend, therefore, urged it to work closely with the National

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Assembly to ensure the expansion of its 25 years old mandate in order to enhance its ability as the “conscience of the nation in international trade”.

Explaining the reason for the group’s visit to the council, he said: “ We are here to celebrate one of our own, Hassan Bello.

We have long seen him as an emerging leader of the council which has a crop of professionals than any of the maritime agencies in the country.”

He said that the PCC in its informal sense was as old as the port industry, adding that its history was coterminous with that of the ports.

“At the early stage, the council started as operational problem solving body, consisting mainly of Nigerian Ports Authority and few existing shipping companies at the time. All operational problems at the ports, especially Lagos ports, were tabled and resolved at the periodic meetings of the

council,” he said, as he explained the functions of the body which membership had since been extended to other government agencies and the private sector.

On the role of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Folarin said: “We also take note that the shippers Council has been a big player in all areas of trade facilitation in the West African sub-region and in the African continent. It has been collaborating with many organisations and stakeholders on sev-

eral projects, including the Single Window Project, Inland Container Deport, Cargo defence, amongst others.”

The acting Executive Secretary of the council, Hassan Bello told the visiting PCC members that his council’s mandate extended beyond the port to include rail and other modes of transportation.

“The saying that the Nigerian Shippers Council is the conscience of the nation in the international shipping is cor-

rect, because we are the police, the Ombudsman,” he said.

According to Bell, the council was already working hard to ensure that its enabling Act was amended. “We are not seeking to be intrusive regulator. Want to be the empire that is unbiased. We have been dealing with complaints from users and providers of services at the ports. The cumbersome clearing procedure at the ports today is as a result of wrong declaration by ship-

Standard Chartered sustains rising profit, dividend growth profile

By Bukky Olajide and Chijioke Nelson TANDArD Chartered Plc, the parent company of the Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, has posted a total group income of $19.07 billion, representing eight per cent increase over the previous result.

The banking group also the result marked the 10th consecutive year of income, profit and dividend growth, with operations in many of the world’s most dynamic economies.

Nigeria, one of the African markets, made its top ten in the region, contributing a 13 per cent rise to its growth in the continent.

According to the Group, its increasing income was made possible by the use of more effective network as trade grows strongly across the mar-

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kets, noting that business momentum has already taken off strongly this year.

In a statement from the bank, it said: “Africa’s income grew by 15 per cent to $1.59 billion, with 10 markets delivering double-digit income growth, including Kenya, up 34 per cent; South Africa, up 28 per cent; Ghana, up 20 per cent; Zambia, up 19 per cent; and Nigeria up 13 per cent.

“The Americas, UK and Europe regions delivered an excellent performance with income up 30 per cent to US$2.3 billion.

“Our strength as a trade and commercial bank has allowed us to assist clients to do business in our markets, as we act as a bridge for our clients to and from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.”

The Chairman of Standard Chartered, Sir John Peace, said:

“I am pleased to report that 2012 was our tenth consecutive year of income and profit growth. Standard Chartered remains a growth story and we are sticking to our strategy, focusing on the basics of good banking, in markets we know well, with clients and customers with whom we have deep relationships.

“We are entering the new year with strong momentum in both of our businesses and the Board remains confident for the year ahead.”

“Our strong momentum comes from a range of mar-

kets, across both Wholesale and Consumer Banking. Africa and China performed particularly strongly.

“Our China business and wholesale banking in Africa have both reached $1 billion of income for the first time.

Income growth rates were also at least ten per cent in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the ‘Americas, UK and Europe’ region.

“Our costs grew by 10 per cent, with normalised costs up 2 per cent. The number of employees has increased by around 2,200 over the course

of the year and now have over 89,000 people worldwide.

While maintaining a tight grip on costs, we continue to invest, increasing investment in infrastructure, in new branches and in technology to underpin our future growth.”

The Group noted that global markets income was up seven per cent, with strong performance in both principal finance and corporate finance, delivering income growth of 75 per cent and 19 per cent respectively.

Also, consumer banking

transformation programme contributed six per cent increase to $7.20 billion, whilst profit climbed eight per cent to $1.78 billion.

Deposit income grew by 11 per cent, while income from credit cards and personal loans grew by 12 per cent, with a strong growth in balances, up 17 per cent.

High value segments grew by eight per cent and accounted for 46 per cent of the Group’s consumer banking income and 57 per cent of consumer banking income growth in 2012.

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NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at Monday PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 11/2/2012

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, February 12, 2013

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 11/2/2012

PRICE GAINERS

LOSERS

SEC appoints First Bank as lending agent for NSE’s transactions

By Bukky Olajide

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may have appointed First Bank of Nigeria as a Securities Lending Agent (SLA) for equities and bond transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

With the appointment, First Bank has joined UBA and Stanbic IBTC as lending agents on the NSE. The two banks were appointed SLA’s for Equities and Bond transactions at the Nigeria’s Exchange in August, 2012.

Securities Lending’s transaction involves the temporary loan of Securities from a lender to a borrower, usually through a Security Lending Agent. It is the act of loaning stocks, derivatives or other securities to an investor or firm.

The borrower (investor) is only required to put up col-

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lateral, either in cash, security or a letter of credit to obtain the facility.

Apart from First Bank, one other bank was still being considered.

There are no specific num-

bers of firms required to operate as SLAs as long as a firm has good network and willingness to function effectively.

Requirements include : strong Information tech-

nology and good network and wherewithal to function effectively as SLAs. The appointment was meant to strengthen market making activities on the nation’s bourse.

The NSE in April, 2012 approved 10 stock broking firms out of the 20 firms that applied as market makers.

The firms are Stanbic IBTC, Renaissance Capital, Future

View Securities, Vetiva Capital and ESS/DunnLoren Merrifield.

Others are WSTC, Capital Bancorp, FBN Securities, Greenwich Securities and CSL Stockbrokers

PZ Cussons, Unity Bank, others enhance NSE market capitalization by N63 bn

By Helen Oji EAVY share price gains H recorded by major bluechip companies, especially PZ Cussons and Unity Bank, yesterday lifted market capitalization by N63 billion.

Volume of shares traded, also soared significantly, as 683million shares worth N4.3 billion changed hands in 7,300 deals, higher than 627 million units worth N3.2 billion exchanged in 7,412 deals on Friday.

Specifically, at the close of transactions yesterday on the Nigerian Stock Exchange,

56 companies constituted the gainers chart, led by PZ Cussons with 9.99 per cent to close at N44.48 per share followed by Unity Bank, adding 9.89 per cent to close at N1.00 per share.

AIICO gained 9.84 per cent to close at N1.34 per share, TransNational Corporation and Prestige Assurance garnered 9.82 and 9.71 per cent to close at N1.79 and N1.13 per share.

Royal Exchange Assurance, Wema Bank, Fidson gained 9.68,9.52 and 8.54 per cent to close at N1.02, N1.61 and N1.78 per share.

Custodian&Allied insurance added 7.84 per cent to close at N2.20 per share.

UACN also gained 6.00 per cent to close at N53.00 per share.

However, 19 stocks recorede price depreciation, as RedStar Express topped the losers chart with 6.22 per cent to close at N3.77 per share while JohnHolt followed with 5.00 per cent to close at N1.33 per share.

Flourmills lost 4.99 per cent to close at N76.01 per share.

FO shed 4.98 per cent to close at N15.84 per share.

International Breweries,

ABC Transport, Ikeja Hotel shed 4.76,4.69 and 4.42 per cent to close at N24.00,N0.61 and N1.08 per share.

MCNichols lost 4.00 per cent to close at N0.72 per share.

Portland Pains and Skye Bank also dropped 3.85 and N3.17 per cent to close at N5.00 and N6.10 per share.

Consequently, the All/Share index of the NSE rose by 198.14 points or 0.5 per cent from 33,313.49 recorded on Friday to 33,511.63 hile market capitalization increased by N63 billion from N10,658 trillion to N10,721 trillion.

Further analysis of yesterday’s transactions showed that the banking sub-sector remains the most active stock in volume terms with 363million shares worth N2.4 billion in 3,015 deals, followed by the insurance sub-sector which traded 147million units valued at N108 million.

Transactions in the shares of Unity Bank strengthened activities in the banking subsector with 115 million shares worth N115 million followed by Fidelity Bank with 43million units worth N146 million.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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Opinion Reflections on Kenya elections

By Luke Onyekakeyah HE declaration of Uhuru Kenyatta as the winT ner of the just concluded 2013 presidential election, for me, is a re-enactment of the cherished Kenyatta legacy in Kenya. Uhuru Kenyatta is the son of Kenya’s founding father and first independence president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. For one of his sons to rise to become president of Kenya shows a strong political legacy of his father. It is particularly important to note that the new president-elect has not been imposed on Kenyans, nay, by the powers that be; instead, he rose to the enviable position by dint of hard work, arguably, following the footpath of his iconic father. He has been nurtured to occupy the position. The general peaceful atmosphere throughout the elections is commendable, quite unlike what happened in 2007. While elections in Africa hardly go without recriminations; it is the extent of such violence that marks the election.

Uhuru’s impressive political career (am not forgetting his indictment by the ICC), makes me question what legacy Nigeria’s founding fathers left for their families and the country. What joy does one have as a great man who has done very well with impressive accomplishments but has nobody to succeed him and perpetuate his ideals? This is where I get crossed when people celebrate some fortunate elderly Nigerians, who benefited and presided over the affairs of this country at the most auspicious time; were in a position to lay a solid foundation for the country’s future but failed woefully. Today, these elders are living witnesses of the decadence in the country that profited. Some of them bemoan their unwitting contributions to the mess we face today.

Perhaps, with the exception of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose children have continued to wax strong in Nigeria’s political and social affairs while the region he governed largely remains ahead, there is hardly any other former Nigerian leader, whose children inherited their father’s enviable pedigree. The result is that at every point in time, Nigeria is ruled by people who have no known political heritage. These people are like hit and run drivers. They lose nothing by plundering the country and plunging it into po-

litical and economic morass. They’re not concerned about the future of the country.

The 2013 Kenya presidential election is particularly interesting because it was mainly a battle between the sons of two of Kenya’s founding fathers. While Uhuru Kenyatta is the son of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, his main challenger, Raila Odinga, is the son of Kenyatta’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Another Oginga Odinga’s son, Oburu Odinga is also active in Kenya’s politics. He is Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

There is a lesson to learn in the rise of a generation of Kenya’s founding fathers. A good leader leaves legacy for his children. It is good for at least one or two of the children to take after him. The application of the ideals of the founding fathers could strengthen political stability and ensure peace. But those who think that leadership is all about stealing money and amassing wealth should not forget the counsel of Israel’s wise King Solomon who said that, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished”. Proverbs 13:11. All the wealth gathered are squandered in frivolous living. It doesn’t succeed into the next generation.

The March 4, 2013 elections, which was rescheduled twice in August and December, 2012, was the first to be held under the new constitution adopted in 2010 through a referendum. It was also the first general election to be organized by the newly formed Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC). The election was meant to elect the president, county governors, senators, members of parliament, civic wards and women county representatives. It was truly a reformed political structure. Therefore, getting it right from the outset was crucial for its survival.

The five political parties contesting were mainly coalitions formed by merged political parties.

The coalitions include Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD); Jubilee Alliance; Eagle Alliance and Amani. The Pambazuka Coalition collapsed on December 29, 2012, just three months to the election.

Eight presidential candidates were cleared by the Electoral Commission to contest the election.

They were Mohammed Abduba Dida (ARC), a former High Scholl teacher; Raila Odinga (ODM), Prime Minister, Uhuru Kenyatta (TNA), Deputy Prime Minister; Musalia Mudavadi (UDF) Deputy

Prime Minister; Martha Karua (NARC-Kenya), MP, Gichugu Constituency; Peter Kenneth (KNC), MP, Gatanga Constituency; James ole Kiyiapi (RBK), former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Paul Muite (Safina), former MP for Kikuyu Constituency. Incumbent President Mwai Kibaki was not eligible to contest, having served the constitutionally approved two terms.

There was apprehension that the crisis that erupted in 2007 between supporters of Raila Odinga and incumbent President, Mwai Kibaki, after the results were announced might be repeated, but that was never the case. The constitutional reforms may have given the people hope. Thus, the election was generally peaceful except an incident that occurred on March 4, just before the polls, in which a gang reportedly killed about six police officers in Changamwe, Mombasa and in Kwale County. A separatist group opposed to the election and seeking for a separate country for Kenya’s coastal zone was blamed for the incidents.

The election witnessed a very large turnout of voters. To win, a presidential candidate must win an absolute majority of more than half of all the votes cast as well as win 25 per cent of the votes cast in at least 24 counties. There were 47 counties and 14.3 million registered voters.

Where nobody achieved a simple majority in the first round, a run-off election was to be held under the new constitution.

After the polls ended and followed with painstaking vote count, the Electoral Commission, on March 9, declared Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta winner and president-elect after meeting the constitutional minimum. He garnered 6,173, 433 votes or 50.07 per cent by winning 25 per cent votes in 42 counties. He narrowly escaped a run-off. His closest rival Raila Odinga, garnered 5, 340,546 votes or 43.31 per cent by wining 25 per cent votes in 30 counties.

Musalia Mudavadi, trailed far behind with 483, 981 votes or 3.93 per cent won in three counties with 25 per cent votes. Raila Odinga did not concede defeat but promised to challenge the results at the Supreme Court. He alleged massive fraud and described the election as “tainted”.

But it would have been a mark of political maturity for Mr. Odinga to concede in the interest

of Kenya’s democracy. Africa must learn to accept election verdict where it is clear that no serious altercations marred the election.

Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory has been received with mixed feelings. First it re-echoes the dominance of the Kikuyu in Kenya politics. Somehow, any political contest between a Kikuyu and any one from the other ethnic groups would most likely favour the Kikuyu because of their large number. The Kikuyu constitute about 20 per cent of Kenya’s population, which is the highest. They are followed by the Luhya who constitute 14 per cent while the Luo constitute 13 per cent. Owing to the ethnic politics in Africa, votes are cast along ethnic lines. What it means is that candidates with ethnic advantage in terms of numbers stand better chance of winning elections.

This is the main hurdle Mr. Raila Odinga has faced all this while. Being a Luo, which about the third largest ethnic group has always overshadowed his inspiring political career. Mr. Odinga is a political heavyweight. But he faces an uphill task each time he is in the presidential race against a Kikuyu candidate. Mr. Odinga will have a chance to be president any day he contests without a Kikuyu person in the race. Besides that, he should endeavour to court a strong political coalition with the Kikuyu, whereby he could enter the presidential race with a Kikuyu as his vice. But that again will be an uphill task. His father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was Vice President to President Jomo Kenyatta, a Kikuyu, at Kenya’s independence in 1963. He should put tradeoffs across, otherwise, he may not be able to realize his dream without Kikuyu support.

Of much more concern is the fact that the President-elect, Mr. Kenyatta, is set to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in April over his indictment in the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya that claimed more than 1,000 people and rendered 600,000 other homeless. How the West is going to deal with him is a matter of concern.

The West normally doesn’t deal with ICC indicted leaders. Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir is a case in point. It is not clear yet how Kenya economy that largely depends on the West’s patronage would survive under its indicted new leader. That may create problems for the country. Mr. Kenyatta should do everything to cooperate with ICC and ensure that his indictment does not adversely af-

Obama: Engaging Africa (1)

By Boima Rogers FRICA has been looking up to its most powerful son, President Obama, since he was first elected. While his appeal has diminished to some extent, he is still revered in the continent. The feeling is deep, partly because unlike most African Americans, Obama is only one stage removed from the continent, the son of an African who went to America as a student. While one would expect this bond to ensure favourable treatment by the most powerful man on the planet, it must be highlighted that Obama is an American first and as such, he will be expected to put his country first. This means that geo-political factors are paramount. In the totem pole of geo-politics, Africa comes quite low in the scale. Obama’s attitude and the party he represents means that he is likely to have a principled approach to the continent. His mantra, change and his party’s inclination, extolling achievement and American excellence while striving to empower low and middle income members of society and support for the most vulnerable, play a major role in Obama’s approach to Africa. Obama’s trips to the continent, a reflection of the message he is sending, have been a mixture of geopolitics and gesture politics. He has made fleeting visits to Ghana and Egypt, the former was gesture politics relating to democracy and the latter geo politics, to the most powerful country in the Arab world.

What are the criteria for Obama engaging the continent? The factors that shape America’s relationship with Africa include: size of countries and their importance to the U.S; the long term relationship as an ally or foe; economic interests; security interests; how align are these countries with the values of America and; the needs of these countries, namely, their need for foreign aid. Obama has only visited one of the regional powers in Africa, Egypt. The visit and attention given to Egypt is an attempt by the Obama administration to maintain links with this long-term ally in the face of the election of the Muslim Brotherhood in that country, a party that has traditionally been hostile to the U.S. The attention lavished on Egypt is due to its position in the Arab world, a major source of oil for America and its allies and, because it is also a key partner in Israeli-Arab relationship and therefore crucial in the defence of Israel, America’s closest ally in the region. Obama has recently stated that Egypt is neither an ally nor enemy, so the U.S. is trying to reset the button so that Egypt gets back to being an ally. The fact that the new Secretary of State included Egypt in his first trip abroad and re-

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leased $190 million aid for that country is how pivotal the U.S. administration thinks that country is.

While size and importance to the U.S. have played some part in engagement, including visits by the former Secretary of State, some of the major regional powers with significant American interests have yet to merit special treatment and an Obama visit.

Regional powers, on the basis of their populations, economies and trade links that have not been visited by Obama are: Nigeria in West Africa, South Africa in Southern Africa and, Kenya and Ethiopia in East Africa. This is in sharp contrast to his visit to Ghana, a middle level country. The main reason for his visit to Ghana was to highlight the impressive democratic record of that country, which has seen two changes of governments in elections; Obama is sending a strong message to Africa on democracy. America’s oldest ally in Africa, Liberia, has yet to be visited by the President but the Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton has made visits to this small country. The administration is also working with other long-term allies on the continent on a range of issues.

The high focus on Egypt, the establishment of a station for drones in Niger and security arrangements with other African countries, demonstrates the U.S. emphasis on security. Security is becoming a very important issue for the U.S. as Al Qaeda franchises prop up in Algeria, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia and Kenya.

America’s economic interests on the continent are largely oil based, as a major buyer of crude oil from Nigeria, Angola, Libya and Algeria. American investment and trade with the continent are low, with U.S. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to sub-Saharan Africa amounting to $3.4 billion in 2011, less than one per cent of total FDI to the whole world, compared to 15 per cent to Asia and 20 per cent to Latin America. The value of trade between the U.S. and Africa at $94.3 billion in 2011 was also very low, one per cent of its world trade. Although trade between Africa and the U.S. involves mainly crude oil and raw materials from Africa and manufactured goods from the U.S, America has made attempts, with modest success, through its AGOA programme to give preferential access to processed and manufactured products from Africa. Obama’s emphasis on good governance and democracy, relating to freedom of individuals, groups and businesses and the democratic and judicial process has shaped his point scoring. Obviously the U.S. must have score sheets on these points showing how African countries perform and this

together with interests noted above will determine U.S. policies to them. The needs of countries, namely, the need for aid, play an important role in the U.S. relationship with the continent and America continues to be a major source of aid to Africa.

Africa should argue that the key criteria for American engagement should be economic development, good governance and democracy, in that order. The criteria are essential for Africa and are not just to comply with American conditions. Economic development is critical partly because of the level compared to other regions but also because good governance and democracy are essential corollaries of this criterion. The most vibrant economies have good governance, this is because endemic corruption, wars, monopolies, inefficient and corrupt politicians, bureaucracies and judiciary are the hallmarks of low performing economies. What Africa needs if it scores high on the U.S. sheet, is more trade and investment by U.S. corporations to gradually replace aid flows. The U.S. must continue to give a high score to the democratic process but this must be viewed in the context of how they improve the economic and social position of people and the process must be real, not just ticking boxes. While linked, economic development, governance and democracy are three discrete issues and so the rewards for points scored must be cumulative.

A country may score high on economic development and good governance but have a less than sterling performance on the democracy criterion; the total cumulative score of these three criteria should determine U.S. policy. In such a scenario, the U.S. should consider strong engagement even if countries have a low score on one but score high on the other two. A notable case is Rwanda, which scores high on economic development and governance but not on democracy; such a country should still have a high positive rating and corresponding U.S. favourability. Many countries have the trappings of democracy but this has yet to manifest itself in changes of government in elections, economic freedom, freedom of expression and association, legal independence, low corruption levels and due process that come with real democracy. A proper analysis should reveal countries that are making efforts on all these indicators. Economic development, governance and democracy should form the African commitment in its engagement with the U.S. • To be continued.

• Rogers is the principal consultant at Media Event Management Oxford (MEMO).

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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Opinion Living wellbeing and infertility (2)

By Adebayo Babatunde Continued from yesterday N all sincerity, if man would realise that his testosterone level according to research is markedly depleted by consuming fried food, he would simply desist from such diet, if only to show that he really cares for his partner and their mutual dream of reproduction. For, according to research findings, “fried foods deplete key hormones like DHEA and Testosterone, which help the body maintain normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels, among other critical functions.”

A very sound heart is required of a rugby player. The same is applicable to all of us, especially couples who need a sustainable life to realise the dream of having their own children. But this dream can be suddenly cut short if spouses in marital union would not stop indulging in binges of carbonated soft drinks and refined food. According to a recent research in medical science, the open truth is quite scaring. “Refined foods and drinks deplete oxygen in the body cells and raise acids beyond tolerable level. This causes degeneration of the heart and blood vessels”.

In the same medical research paper, which was released in America, it was further stated, “fast food habits (eating fatty foods) caused weight gain, and having excess body weight can trigger off stroke”.

And for women, especially those in search of children, the habit can even be more devastating, not only for their health, but also their reproductive dream. For according to the authorities in endocrinology and African co-pioneer on intra-vitro fertilisation, Prof.

Oladapo Ashiru, “Weight-shedding programme is a necessity for women who want to undergo fertility treatment. If not, the drug will just be disappearing into fatty cells, with the attendant frustration for the woman and her doctor, in addition to possible side effects”.

More than ever before, couples desirous of children of their own should endeavour to appreciate the invaluable essence of clean air, rich in oxygen and also potable water. And

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they should do well to note that in all ramifications, salt, refined table salt, is not a friend of man because it is not compatible with the health of the body system, for the reason of dehydration.

Also it depletes the brain of natural sodium and water required for nerve impulses.

Other minerals involved in nerve conduction such as magnesium, calcium and potassium are also depleted, causing dysfunction of the heart and the brain, thus leading to fatal stroke. And definitely, this kind of devastating health condition is not conducive to reproductive activities in the sexual life of couples in need of children.

To those who would take to the admonition, there is no need for taking a course in stress management at Harvard or Oxbridge or Sussex University before knowing that stress is totally inimical to the health of man and of woman for that matter. And so, in spite of their circumstance, couples should endeavour as much as possible to live a stress-free life. And should it crop up once in a while they should take a walk jointly in the woods, taking into heart, the counsel of the 19th Century verse of John Muir. “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees”.

When a family contending with infertility is able to overcome the challenge, definitely, the reward cannot just be one child, as the family would be eagerly looking forward to be blessed with more children. After all, this in line with the African joke, laced with a ring of truism anyway: the reward for hard work of child bearing is more children. This is on the assumption of having a long life that enables couples to have the resources and time to train them. And for this to happen, with a bowl of oat meals in the hands, prepared richly with milk, all they need say is abracadabra and the magic door to a long life of sound health is open before them.

This secret to a long life seemed to have been discovered a long time ago by a Lagos-based octogenarian church minister and health products distributor, Rev. (Dr.) Adeyemo. First he spoke glowingly about the wonders of milk when taken with oats meal. “Whether in the form of dehydrated milk powder or evaporated liquid form, milk is critical to the well-being of all of us. With

28 vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, D, E, K and C, nothing compares to milk as a food item. If you want to build a strong family, milk is it. Just go for it. It is basic for the development of our body. As an octogenarian, you can still see me going strong everyday. As a food product embedded with energy, protein, carbohydrate (sugar), fat (saturated) and vitamins, the nutritional essence of milk is quite obvious.

Honestly speaking, it is the food of the gods.

“Moreover, with respect to oat meals, I take it as breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of course, with adequate milk as earlier pointed out. And I never forget to take my eight glasses of water everyday. In actual fact, after my early morning prayer, I begin the day with some glasses of water to flush my system. I think it would be appropriate to state that oat meals are never lacking in essential balanced fatty acids. And these are already linked with longevity and good, sound health”.

Although, it had earlier been stated that red meat is dangerous to the health and well being of the body due to premature ageing, there is the need to also state here that if consumed frequently, its digestive process in the body can always cause the release of free radicals in the body, thus causing oxidative damage to cells and tissues of essential internal organs. And this in actual fact is the threshold of a terminal diseased life.

But the good news is the fact that cocoa drink can come to the rescue. And this is achieved by way of polyphenols, the chemicals that have antioxidant effect on the body. When cocoa drink is taken with milk, it is even richer and more beneficial to the body than the so-called “healthy” drinks such as tea (green and black) and red wine. To further buttress the essence of cocoa drink, it was vividly stated in a study published in 2003 in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. “A cup or two of hot cocoa drink every once in a while can provide a delicious warm and healthy way to obtain more antioxidants”.

Should infertility be the issue, caffeine is definitely not just it. Caffeine- containing beverages and alcohol are not just good for couples bat-

tling with infertility. This is because they deplete the reserves of essential nutrients in the body, including thiamine (Vitamin B1) and Magnesium.

This eroding activity of beverages has a telling effect on the heart and nervous system.

Man (and even woman) needs a healthy mind in a sound robust healthy body before both can begin to talk seriously about reproduction. The fact that sugar is fascinatingly white and quite sweet to the taste should not tempt couples into courting the product. An Abuja-based medical practitioner, Dr. Adamu Onu, gave his expert opinion.

“The fact that the sugar comes in pure form induces the body to produce insulin, hence increasing the burden on the pancreas. If there was too much sugar, it could cause one, not only to have stroke but also develop other health conditions like diabetes after a period of time”.

Eating well and living well as a composite guide to sound health, which is sine qua non, for a reproductive life is just one pathway in the roadmap, with respect to managing infertility amongst couples. Other pathways exist in the same roadmap, the most prominent of which is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ARP). Also in existence is Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI), which in essence, is artificial insemination. InVitro fertility is another procedure as a fertility treatment.

But in whatever ways and manners couples are hoping and intending to have their own babies, they should do well to help themselves by taking advantage of some fertility-boosting drugs in the market, simply because they have no profound side effects that can jeopardize their health status.

On a very serious note, in no way can infertility be regarded as a catch-22, in spite of the seemingly conflicting conditions embedded therein.

And all because, all the pathways of ART, IUI and IVF are comprehensively incorporated in the nutritional roadmap as the effective management strategy for infertility, if only to give possible hope to those in earnest search for a happy parenthood as a status.

• Concluded.

• Babatunde is the coordinator of Body, Building & Conservation (BBC) campaign, a total health care project for rural dwellers.

Failure of Ibadan condom campaign

By Jerry Okwuosa T was reported (not yet denied) that Oyo State First Lady, Mrs. ItoAjimobi was televised by NTA allegedly distributing condoms youths in Ibadan on Valentines Day 2013. The poor lady must have wondered what she could do to help Ibadan youths whom she assumed would all be engaged in sexual escapades on Valentines Day, and had or bought the idea of dishing out condoms like sweets on the streets of Ibadan. What a sight! While the chaste youth in Ibadan were being thoroughly embarrassed by their First Lady’s weird gift, their parents were too shocked to organise themselves and call her to order.

Good parents always recoil in shock and seeming helplessness at this continuing show of shame: 100,000 condoms were on hand for the London Olympians – making sex the unofficial Olympic sport; copycat organisers of our national sports festivals and youth gatherings routinely distribute condoms on such occasions and the 2012 National Sports Festival hosted by Lagos State was no different in condom distribution and the immorality goes on.

One can imagine the pains the First Lady took to choose from the over 180 brands of condoms available on the Nigerian market, to place orders and to procure condoms for the D day and how joyfully she (surrounded by her enthusiastic aides) was handing out condoms to youths on the streets. One can understand her concern for some of the youths she sees wallowing in promiscuous lifestyles, and her wanting to help them, but her choice of condoms as the right solution is, to say the least, ill-informed and bizarre. She has joined the company of some Nigerian mothers who want their teenage children to live chaste lives but have given up on their efforts to enforce this healthy lifestyle and so have surrendered: “they will have sex anyway since everybody is doing it, so why not make it safe for them”, as if so called “safe” sex is achievable.

In her misguided helpfulness, Mrs. Ajimobi has set out to protect these fornicating youths principally against the two physical risks of premarital pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) through the use of condoms, but she will end up worsening the situation for those youths who collected her condoms. The false sense of security that will be provided by the

protective instrument will further promote promiscuity (some teens will try for the first time, while others will try harder) thus spreading STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), which in turn will make the youth more susceptible to HIV; the worst of the infections she set out to prevent.

This imperative and inevitable sequence of events validates the statement that “promoting condoms spreads HIV/AIDS”. Were she to acquaint herself with the product she was distributing, she would have read printed on most “quality” condom cartons that “Proper use of condoms reduces but does not eliminate the risk of pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STIs, because no form of contraception can provide 100 per cent protection”.

Very important too, the First Lady should note that in addition to the two physical risks of pregnancy and disease, there are other risks lying in wait out there for the promiscuous youth.

Scientists are only just now beginning to see and understand results of sexual involvement that can last a lifetime in what is being referred to as the third risk that is, the emotional and psychological impacts of sex. In contrast to pregnancy and STIs, the emotional and psychological impacts of sex cannot be guarded against with condoms, pills, injectable and insertable contraception. Contraception is useless against the third risk. The only remedy that is 100 per cent effective against premarital pregnancy, STIs and the ubiquitous third risk is abstinence from sex before marriage and fidelity to an uninfected spouse. It is sad to note that any other remedy that is applied is begging the issue.

On November 23, 1993, the Washington Post reported that virginity is the new counter-culture among America’s teens.

Teenagers are forming “Virgin Clubs” across the country. These “vocal virgins” are saying they are proud to be pure, and that they too can be smart, sassy and hip. They are out to show the world that not all kids are having sex – they are in control of their passions not vice-versa. The Post remarked that saying no to sex might turn out to be the latest stage in the sexual revolution, since virgins are no longer regarded as individuals who are either afraid of sex or who lack sexual opportunity. Instead, abstinence is now being equated with strength of will and character.

Research has shown that taking the abstinence message to heart will secure a number of rewards: Greater sexual satisfac-

tion is enjoyed by monogamous married couples and by married couples who “strongly” believe that sex outside marriage is wrong. An enduring marriage: fornicators will become adulterers (unfaithful spouses) when they marry and encounter much higher rates of divorce, and adulterers beget fornicating children. No regrets: of the teens who had sex before marriage, more than half wished they had delayed sexual activity.

If First Lady Ajimobi really wants to help Oyo youths, she must arrange to teach them chaste living, starting from primary schools. This is not as tall an order as it sounds if the right resource persons are sourced. She can: • Undertake to pull down all the condom adverts in town because they are illegal if they don’t carry the health warning clause: “The condom is not 100 per cent safe. Total abstinence or faithfulness is the best option” which was approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and Advertisers Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

• Design and mount adverts aimed at youths such as Save Sex for Marriage and “Safe” sex can be risky to your health and your heart.

• Found and sponsor True Love Waits Clubs of young people who reject premarital sexual activities and all the attendant threats of diseases, crisis pregnancies and premature emotional entanglement. Such clubs will bring about a noticeable drop in out-of-wedlock birth rates and STI rates.

Abstinence-based sexual education and character-based abstinence education are especially popular among parents and communities that want their children to learn the value of sexual self-control. Contraceptive-based sex education programmes are proven failures. Not only do such efforts fail to reduce teen pregnancies and STIs, they are actually associated with an increase in sexual activity among participants. Many oppose abstinence programmes because they cannot give what they don’t have, and there is no doubt that distributing condoms is much easier and cheaper than giving abstinence classes or running virgin clubs. Many people continue to believe without proof that “every body is doing it”, but Mrs. Ajimobi should dissociate herself from such thinking by engaging in the activities recommended above. A trial will convince her.

• Okwuosa, an engineer lives in Lagos.

69

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Law

Quote of the week “All institutions are prone to corruption and to the vices of their members”.

Morris West judicialeditor@yahoo.co.uk/ 08033151041 Desk Head: Ibe Uwaleke

The Bar must play crucial role in judges’ appointment, says Omole Interview

By Bertram Nwannekanma

The recent recommendation by the National Judicial Commission (NJC) for the retirement of some judges on unethical grounds and the withdrawal of the title of SAN from a renowned senior member of the Bar by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) may have reaffirmed the need for proper regulation of the legal practice in Nigeria.

In this interview, a former Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Adebamigbe Omole, proffered solutions to check professional misconducts among judicial officers.

SKED to comment on the recent retirement A of judges on unethical grounds, Omole praised the judiciary for being the only arm of the three arms of government that has an inbuilt mechanism to discipline erring members.

He said: “When you look at the Executive, you can say that it is possible for the state’s House of Assembly or the National Assembly to discipline a governor or the president through impeachment. But we have discovered that it hardly works because many of the legislators are under the grip of the governor or president as the case may be. And when it gets to the legislature, we have discovered that to get a member of the legislature sanctioned, takes a longer time and members have always believed that they must not wash their dirty linen in the public as we saw in the Lawan Farouk and Ndudi Elumelu cases. But it is different with the judiciary. It is very fundamental to ensure discipline in the judiciary because it occupies an important position within the three arms of government. It is also the last hope of the common man to the extent that whatever decision made by the judiciary affects the generality of the people. That is why we cannot afford to have a corrupt judge sitting on the Bench. A judge is a priest in the Temple of Justice and it not right for any priest to desecrate the Temple of Justice. You can have a corrupt executive or legislature but you cannot have a corrupt judge sitting on the hallowed Temple of Justice.

On whether he supports NJC’s, decision, Omole said: “In actual fact, I want to add that if any of the two judges were found to involve in exchange of money, which had led them to have given decisions that they gave, it is not enough to ask them to go for a compulsory retirement or dismissed. They must equally be arraigned before the court of law for corruption offences, if money was actually involved.

“It is not in all cases that a judge being sent on compulsory retirement has anything to do with money. Where you have a judge that gave a decision that is unexpected of a judge, that person is not competent to sit as a judge. So, on that basis, you can ask the judge to retire. That is why I said if the issue of monetary exchange is involved, NJC must allow the Police to come in and do proper investigation in order to get to the root of the matter. It is not enough to say a judge that is corrupt, especially when the issue of bribe is involved, to go home.

On whether the mode of appointing judges could contribute to corruption in the Bench, the fearless lawyer said; “ That is one issue the national office and branches of the NBA have been fighting over the years. What we have said is that, in the appointment of judges, the Bar must be involved. But what we have seen over the years is that when they want to

Omole appoint a judge, they sent names of the people they have chosen to be appointed to the Bar for recommendation and we have discovered that even where the Bar recommends that some persons are not fit to be appointed to the Bench, those people will still be appointed. So, how we come about it, I don’t know. That is to say that the recommendation of the Bar is not being taken serious. I have seen a situation in the past as a Chairman of Ikeja branch of NBA, where someone was being appointed to the tribunal. We wrote a petition that the judge must not be allowed to sit at the panel because we knew her antecedent but our petition was not heeded to and at the end of the day, she could not cope at the tribunal. You know lawyers know themselves. We know those that are qualified or have corrupt tendencies. We know those that are in Jankara practice, that if they become judges, they are likely going to be corrupt. That is the reason whenever the Bar makes recommendations, it should be taken serious. But what do we see? That it is not taken serious and that is why we are having the problem because when the foundation is bad, there is nothing that you are going to do to make it work. The appointment of judges is part of the problem. Until we go back to the root on the issue of appointment, allow the right people to be appointed as judges, these problems will not be eliminated.

Asked if he thinks that the NBA is doing enough to check corruption, Omole said: “Until there is a concerted effort by all stakeholders, these problems would continue. On the part of NBA, where there is a disciplinary body, we need to do more, especially at the

national level. We now have a disciplinary committee of the Body of Benchers that discipline lawyers, when NJC makes recommendation to them. The problem is that the body does not sit regularly. So, we need to have a permanent body that sits regularly so that we can weed out those lawyers that thrive only on professional misconduct. There is so much dignity attached to the legal profession that we are expected to live above board. But what do we see today? We see lawyers selling clients’ property without their authority. We see lawyers forging documents and doing all sorts of things and when you take them to disciplinary committee, it takes time to get their matters adjudicated upon. That is why the disciplinary committee has to do more. All branches of the NBA must ensure that the disciplinary committees are working. We have Attorney General in each of the state, what are they are doing? Are they advising government the way they should. It is in this country that we see an Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), who chose whose part of the Supreme Court’s order to obey, when the Supreme Court has given a judgment and what does the Bar do? The Bar does not punish such an AGF. So, that is the

This is one issue the national office and branches of the NBA have been fighting over the years. What we have said is that, in the appointment of judges, the Bar must be involved.

area, where the Bar needs to be proactive.

When any of its members, no matter his or her position, is not doing things right, the Bar should be bold enough and prepared to punish such an erring member. People, who are really giving problem as far as the Bar is concerned, are the most senior members of the Bar. They are the ones that are involved in bribery. Those that are supposed to provide leadership are the ones that are the problem at the Bar. Asked if the NBA has the capacity to effectively regulate lawyers, Omole said, it depended on the leadership. He said: “The NBA should consider giving members of the disciplinary committee sitting allowances to make it more effective and send a signal to lawyers that it is not business as usual. That if they engage in anything that is unprofessional, their case would be heard timeously and they face the consequences, if they are found guilty.

“The disciplinary committees of the NBA should ensure that the outcomes of their recommendations are published in the papers so as to send signals because lawyers do not want to be associated with anything negative in the paper. So, making the report public so that people would know the names of lawyers who have embezzled their clients’ money or the lawyers who forge documents to sell their clients property, would make a difference.

Can you imagine a situation where a lawyer who had appeared before a disciplinary committee being at the bench? It has happened. I am talking of recent times.

“Corruption is a systematic problem, because in Nigeria. People look at you as a mad person when you are doing the right thing. Over the years, illegalities have become the norm and that is where we have found ourselves. But we cannot continue to go on like that. there must be a change”.

On what constitutes professional misconduct, Omole said they include “when a lawyer, who is expected to be a minister in the Temple of Justice fails to give respect to a judge, and the paraphernalia of the court, the judge and all others.

“It is expected of a lawyer, to be bold enough to advise his client rightly and assist the court to ensure that justice is done in a matter. A lawyer must not hide anything from the court, and must ensure that the innocent is not unduly punished.

“It is also unprofessional for a lawyer to sit on clients’ money. You must not tamper with clients’ money, and it must be jealously guided. As minister in the Temple of Justice, a lawyer should not file frivolous applications, especially when he knows that his client does not have a good case. But incidentally, that is what is going on in our courts, especially by the senior members of the Bar. Many of them know that they cannot do it in an advanced climes where they practiced. You don’t go to the United Kingdom (UK) courts, for instance to file frivolous applications. This they know, but they do it here.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

70 LAW

LawPeople Profile

By Joseph Onyekwere HEOPHILUS Adekunle Oyesanya is a lawyer with a difference. His love and commitment to the wig profession knows no bounds. Vivacious and charming, the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is one of the outstanding senior Nigerian lawyers who are worried about the dwindling legal practice in the country.

Not only is he worried, he is passionate about improving the system and ensuring that the glory of the oncerevered profession is restored. He believes that for that to be accomplished, senior lawyers have the responsibility of admitting more junior lawyers in chambers and tutoring them on the rudiments of the profession, instead of leaving them as halfbaked law graduates who continue to commit all sorts of professional misconduct.

“I am very concerned about the decline. Those of us in practice are victims of these developments and that decline has been so in last 10 to 15 years. And it is getting worse. I think it goes back to the entire educational system of the country because in a situation where people cheat to pass examinations even in secondary school, cheat their way through to the university and finally find themselves in the Law School, what do you expect?

“Unfortunately, there are mercenaries taking examinations for students at the Law School. It is something I never thought could happen. It’s terrible! You can’t imagine a lawyer probably called to the Bar and you ask him to write a simple Letter of Demand, and the kind of English language he begins to write leaves you wondering how he even passed through the University. Not only is their knowledge of the law suspect, their knowledge of grammar is terrible. A lawyer’s tool is the language. English language is the tool of a lawyer. It is very worrisome and we have to do something about it. I recommend that some of our senior lawyers who have good chambers should make it as a point of duty to see to the training of these young ones by admitting them to chambers. It is very important. That is why I employ more of new lawyers than old ones even though I get to do most of the job myself”, he declared.

Oyesanya’s position on this issue is understandable. He had armed himself with a degree in English Language before studying Law. He recalled one of the cases that shaped his practice. “One of the incidences I can never forget involved the late Chief FRA Williams: It was a matter involving an audit firm managed by one Otunba Ogunde. It was about the audit of the NNPC against one other audit firm. Somehow in the course of their quarrel over the audit work, Otunba Ogunde said that Prince Adejono libeled him. So, he sued for libel. Our chamber was representing Otunba Ogunde. Chief Williams was representing Adejono and the matter was before one Justice Adeniji (now retired) of the Lagos High Court. I was still very young at the Bar. My late principal was the one handling the matter personally. I was not involved in the matter at all. So they agreed to settle the matter out of court. They had already had meetings for what I was told and had drawn terms of settlement but they have not signed the terms. So the matter came up for trial. The matter had been adjourned for trial and it was in that

T

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

Abraham Lincoln

Oyesanya: An advocate with a passion for improved profession situation that the settlement issue came up. My late principal eventually travelled abroad and the matter came up. He told me from the chambers to go and take an adjournment and tell the court we were almost settling the matter. So I carried my bags and went to court.

Lo and behold! I saw Chief Williams there and he had a lot of books in front of him and about three junior lawyers. I told myself he couldn’t have come for this matter; may be he had another matter in that court.

So they called the matter out of time because he was a senior advocate and he announced his appearance. I announced myself too. The judge said, yes! I stood up and I said My Lord, the situation is that this matter is set for settlement. They have drawn the terms only that my principal travelled out of town. When he returns, they will just cross the t’s and dot the i’s. I, therefore, need an adjournment.

The judge said, yes, Chief Williams!

He just said My Lord, I don’t know what he is talking about. I am here to take the trial. If they are not ready, I want your lordship to dismiss the case. In those days, we were using the old rule; 1972 rules order 32 or so if a matter was called for trial and the plaintiff was not ready to commence, the defendant could say the matter should be dismissed and the court could dismiss the matter.

So Chief Williams moved that rules and the judge did not even allow me to reply, he dismissed the matter. I was sweating profusely. I couldn’t leave the court premises. I remember very well that Dr. Tunji Abayomi was sitting close to me that day. He told me I should not worry, I should go and read the rules very well; that I could relist the matter. I was really embarrassed and I didn’t know what to do. You know there were no GSM then. They were looking for me and I went into hiding roaming the streets of Lagos.

But before I could manage to get to the Chambers around 4.00p.m., the evening papers that were in court that day had carried it – ‘Court dismisses Ogunde’s suit…’ So the client had seen it. The client starting calling our head of Chambers then, and that one was asking me what I did to disgrace them. Our head of chambers at that time, Chief Mary Bassey put me in her car and we went to Chief Ogunde’s office and the man was crying. I felt so terrible that day. To me, it was a bad experience. Eventually, they told my principal and he called from abroad and told me not to worry, that that was Chief Williams. He told me that next time even if the matter was for settlement, I should be prepared for any eventuality. He said he was surprised that Chief Williams behaved that way because the matter was really for settlement. He said we would relist the matter and that was what we did. And the day we relisted the matter, surprisingly, Chief Williams did not come. Even though he was in town, he didn’t come”, he explained.

Born on March 5, 1960 to the late Pastor Caleb Oluwayinka Oyesanya

You can’t imagine a lawyer probably called to the Bar and you ask him to write a simple Letter of Demand, and the kind of English Language he begins to write leaves you wondering how he even passed through the university

Oyesanya (SAN) of Christ Apostolic Church, Kunle started his educational pursuit at St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Yaba from 1965 to 1971. From there, he proceeded to Ibadan Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Ibadan, Oyo State between 1972 and 1976. For his ‘A’ level programme, he enrolled at the Federal School of Arts and Science. He was there between 1976 and 1978.

While in the school, he excelled in the Arts and eventually got admitted into the University of Lagos for a degree in English Language. He graduated in 1981 with a B.A (Hons). He had actually wanted to study Mass Communication but when he could not meet up with the cut-off mark, he settled for English Language. In fact, his first choice of career was Geology but when he realized that he needed physics and chemistry to accomplish that dream, he dropped the idea.

“We were the first set to take Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations in 1978. When I applied to read Mass Communication, unfortunately, I did not score enough point for Mass Communication. So I was given English Language. In between, I developed interest in law. My late father also called me to say I could read law so as to fulfill part of his dreams. Actually he was in England and had actually started reading Law before he gave it up. My father that I knew, if he had been a lawyer, he would have been one of the best. He was fantastic when you saw him argue or made a point. So when he said that, he kindled my interest. So I

tried to change from English to Law but it didn’t work out. So I completed my degree in English and started Law in the University of Ibadan”, he explained. He did his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in a secondary school in old Cross River State.

He graduated from the University of Ibadan with an LL.B in 1986. Because he had already done his NYSC when he finished his first degree, he went straight into the Nigerian Law School for the mandatory one-year law programme. He obtained the Bachelor of Law (B.L) from the Law School in 1987.

As soon as he left the Law School, he joined the Chambers of Abayomi Sogbesan & Company as counsel-inchambers. He was in that chambers between 1987 and 1991. In 1991 he joined the law firm of Edu & Mohammed Solicitors and Barristers as the head of chambers. He was there between September 1991 and December 1993.

Focused and courageous, Oyesanya decided to take the bull by the horn in 1994. He chose to open up his own firm – Adekunle Oyesanya and Company. He was the principal partner of that law firm until 1997 when something unprecedented happened. A very much older colleague,

having observed his legal dexterity and commitment, invited him to form a partnership.

“My late principal, Chief Bankole Oki, who was over 40 years at the Bar then, invited me over to form a partnership with him even when I was about 10 years at the Bar”, he recalled.

When that happened, the merged firms changed to Bank Oki, Oyesanya and Company. And since February 1997 till date, he has been the managing partner of that firm following the demise of his senior partner.

He is a notable notary public and arbitrator. Oyesanya is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, member, International Bar Association as well as member, International Dispute Resolution Institute. Former president of the Jaycees International, University of Ibadan chapter, he enjoys choral music and singing. A practising Christian, Oyesanya also enjoys composition of Christian music as well as traveling.

For food, he loves anything that has vegetable in it but he is allergic to pineapple. He does not have personal attachment to any particular colour but likes to wear whatever suits him.

He is joyfully married to Mrs. Mobolaji Adenike Oyesanya and they are blessed with three children – two girls and a boy.

Do you know…

Wrongful

Some moral blame.

-Wejin v. Ashaka Cement Co. Ltd. [1991] 8 NWLR (Pt. 211) 608 at 614, [C.A].

LAW 71

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

LawReport Land validly acquired can be used for other public purposes (2) In the Court of Appeal, Lagos Judicial Division, Holden at Lagos, On Friday, January 18, 2013, Before their Lordships: Rita Nosakahre Pemu, Justice, Court of Appeal; Chinwe Eugenia Iyizoba, Justice, Court of Appeal; Fatima Akinbami, Justice, Court of Appeal CA/L/563/08 Between The Federal Government of Nigeria, The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, The Federal Attorney General and Minister of Justice (appellants/cross respondents). and Chief Rasaki Akinde, Alhaji Sulemon Bamgbopa, Alhaji Rasaki Akinola, Alhaji Akaani Sanni (respondent/cross appellants).

(For themselves and on behalf of Ero/Akinola families of Aboru/Akinola Villages in the Alimosho Local Council Area of Lagos State).

N issue 2, counsel submitted that land once O properly acquired under the Act assumes the status of State Land. In making this submission, counsel relied on S. 2 State Lands Act Cap 45 Laws of the Federation 1958 and S 3(2) Public Lands Acquisition Act Cap 167 Laws of the Federation 1958.

Counsel in his reply brief argued that the word “may” i.e. ‘may be dealt with’ used in S.3 (2) of the public Lands Acquisition Act 1976 is not mandatory, imperative or preemptory as it conveys permissive or directory meaning unlike command or compulsion in the word “shall’ as was held in Abdullahi v Kaduna State (2009) MJSC Pt 11, 3. Counsel argued that the provision of S. 3(2) of the Public Lands Acquisition Act 1976, therefore, ought not to have been covertly implemented as the defendants failed to plead or give evidence in support of facts which were required to give effect to the exercise of that provision.

Learned counsel submitted that there is no dispute between the parties that the acquisition was for the provision of Low Cost Housing UnitsShagari, Gemade Estates and others. Counsel contended that the introduction due to financial constraints of Sites and Services Scheme resulting in the demarcation of the land into plots allocated to interested members of the public for a token amount is a complete departure from the purpose of the acquisition.

In determining whether or not the residential lay-

Justice Bulkachuwa (Acting PCA) out or Site and Services Scheme of the appellants met the purpose of the acquisition, it is necessary to examine the law to ascertain the import of “public purpose” as it applies to acquisition of land by government. Since the acquisition herein took place in 1976, before the coming into effect of the Land Use Act, the applicable law is the Public Lands Acquisition Act, Cap 167 Laws of the Federation 1958.

The contention of the cross-appellants is that the appellants, in their pleading and in their evidence in court, made it clear that the land was acquired for Federal Government Housing Scheme leading to the construction of Shagari, Gemade and other Estates.

Owing to financial constraints, the appellants introduced Sites and Services Scheme resulting in demarcation of the land into plots allocated to interested members of the public for a token amount, a different purpose. The contention of the cross-appellants consequently is that the change of procedure from direct construction to allocation of plots to individuals to carry out the construction themselves meant conversion of the purpose of acquisition for a different purpose not authorised by law. This view was upheld by the learned trial judge in his judgment. After reviewing some decisions of the Supreme Court, at page 316, his Lordship observed: • In the instant case, since the land in question could no longer be used for the purposes for which it was acquired, i.e. for Federal Government Low Cost Housing Scheme, the defendant ought to have returned same to the

plaintiffs.”

With all due respect to the learned trial judge, I am of the humble view that change of procedure from direct construction by government to allocation of plots duly demarcated to interested members of the public for direct construction by the allottees meets the purpose of the acquisition. Even after direct construction by the government, the houses are sold to interested members of the public. In either case, it fits within paragraphs (a) (c) and (1) of the definition of public purpose in Section 2 of the Public Lands Acquisition Act (as amended). If the learned trial judge accepted the acquisition for Federal Government Housing Scheme, as a valid public purpose within the law, there is no basis for holding that the change of procedure made it no longer a public purpose. The cases relied on by the learned trial judge are not opposite.

The second issue is whether land properly acquired under the Act assumes the status of state land.

Where any lands are or have been acquired under the provisions of this Act, such lands shall, to the extent of the estate or interest acquired therein, be and be deemed to have been state lands for the purpose of the State Lands Act from the date of such acquisition and may be dealt with in accordance with the provision of that Act not withstanding that the purpose for which such lands were acquired has failed or that all or any of such lands are no longer required for the purpose for which they were acquired or being used”.

The provisions set out above are clear and unambiguous. They must be given their natural literal interpretation.

The contention of the cross-appellants is that the word “may” used in the statute as underlined above is not mandatory and imposes a duty on the appellant to plead certain directives or instruments in order to take advantage of the law. With all due respect to learned counsel, I do not think there was any additional fact the appellants needed to plead in order to take advantage of the provision. The law comes into effect only where the land is held to have been properly and duly acquired in accordance with the law. This means that proper notices of the acquisition must be given to the land-owners as required by law and that the purpose of the acquisition must be for public purpose in accordance with the law. Once the land is shown to have been validly acquired, it is deemed to be state land for the purposes of the State Lands Acts from the date of such acquisition and may be dealt with in accordance with the provision of that Act not withstanding that the purpose for which such lands were acquired has failed or that all or any such lands are no longer required for the purpose for which they were acquired or being used. The effect of this law is far reaching and indeed deals a devastating blow to the crossappellants’ case. This explains the concerted effort of learned counsel to whip up every conceivable reason to declare the law inapplicable.

Learned counsel consequently queried “whether the said provision of S. 3(2) of the Public Lands Acquisition Act can be sustained so as to empower the acquiring authority to divert lands required for public purpose to any other purpose upon failure of the purpose or if no longer required for that purpose?” The short answer to this query is that the provision of the law is clear and unambiguous. The duty of the court is to apply the law and not to question its efficacy. In Ereku v Governor Mid-Western State (supra), the Supreme Court held that an acquisition which is void ab initio or done mala fide cannot seek refuge under the section.

In all of the cases, the Supreme Court ruled the acquisitions void ab initio and not done in good faith. None of such situations applied in the present case. The acquisition was upheld by the trial judge as having been done in good faith and many of the houses had already been constructed directly by the government. The acquired land consequently became state land from the date of the acquisition; and the provisions of the State Land Act applied to the acquired land. For example, Section 4 of the State Lands Act empowers the President to grant leases of state land for any term or in the case of a lease to a citizen of Nigeria for an indefinite term and may grant licences for temporary occupation of state lands. The land in dispute being now state land from the date of acquisition, the government can grant leases of the land even if the purpose for which the land was acquired had failed or that all or any such lands are no longer required for the purpose for which they were required or being used.

The learned trial judge consequently erred in ordering that the undeveloped part of the acquired land be returned to the cross-appellants on the basis of change of purpose from the original ground for the acquisition. Contrary to the contention of the cross-appellants, the appellants did not rely on Section 3 (2) of the Land Acquisition Act to justify converting the purpose of the acquisition. The simple argument of the appellants is that by virtue of Section 3(2) of the Land acquisition Act, the learned trial judge having upheld validity of the acquisition, the acquired land became state land subject to the provisions of the State Lands Act. This position of the law was upheld by the Supreme Court in Peenok’s case. The fact that the land in Peenok was already state land sought to be reacquired by the Rivers State government did not differentiate the case from the instant case as far as the principle of law that land properly acquired becomes state land under the provisions of S. 3(2) is concerned.

In the final result, the two issues formulated by the appellants were resolved in favour of the appellants. The appellants’ appeal succeeds and the appeal is allowed. The judgment of Olomojobi J. of the Federal High Court Lagos in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/629/98 is hereby set aside. In its place, the case of the plaintiffs is dismissed. I make no order as to costs.

Maritime Law and Nigeria’s competitive advantage CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

Issues

By Femi D. Ojumu ELEVANT case law further proR vides important insights on the central theme of this article. One case highlighting the extra-territorial reach of domestic maritime legislation is Unipetrol Nigeria Ltd & Anor vs. Prima Tankers (1986) 2NSC 646.

Here, a consignment of petroleum fuel shipped from Port Harcourt to Lagos was unlawfully smuggled out of Nigerian waters by the transporting vessel. The vessel’s owners intended to sell the fuel on the Mediterranean, as well as scrap the vessel in Turkey. The vessel was subsequently detained in the Mediterranean Peninsula of Gibraltar. Through an active use of reciprocal enforcement procedures, the Nigerian Court of Appeal granted Unipetrol judgement, which was consequently registered by the Gibraltar High Court. The profits from the sale of the fuel were paid

out by the Gibraltar High Court to Unipetrol.

The Nigerian Supreme Court in JFS Investment Ltd vs. Brawal Line Ltd others (2010) 18 NWLR 495 considered the issue of whether parties can contractually oust the jurisdiction of Nigerian courts over admiralty matters. The court settled the matter negatively and affirmed that Section 20 paragraphs (a) through (e), inclusively, of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act 1991, nullified any such agreement. The court also considered the applicability of the Hague Rules 1924 as it concerned the inward carriage of goods by sea into Nigeria. It is pertinent to observe that the Hague Rules are part of Nigerian law by virtue of the Carriage of Goods Act 1926. That Convention provides that claims must be brought within a year after the cause of action arises. In the instant case, the claim was brought more than two years later and was accordingly dismissed.

In the seminal maritime case of Great Elephant Corporation vs.

Trafigura Beheer BV (2012) EWHC

Patrick Ziekede Akpobolokemi, NIMASA DG 1745(Commercial), the English High Court settled a dispute pertaining to the sale of Nigerian crude oil, which went awry. Contravening domestic regulations, Total, the operator of the Akpo FSPO Terminal,

commenced the loading of crude oil unto the oil tanker “Crudesky” without an agent of Nigeria’s Department for Petroleum Resources present. Total believed that the loading was indeed authorised. The oil tanker was detained by the Nigerian authorities for over a month and was only released when Total paid a USD $12million “fine” demanded by the Nigerian authorities. A case of rough justice?

Opinion is divided among maritime experts as to whether the payment of a $12 million “fine” for an infraction of domestic regulation is justified or not. Nevertheless, the payment by Total implies an admission that they breached domestic regulation and a pragmatic approach to resolving the dispute with the Nigerian authorities. By any reasonable definition, the legal imponderability of $12 million suddenly accruing to the coffers of the Nigerian government must indeed be a potential source of competitive advantage in the maritime sphere.

It sends a clear message to maritime trading partners that the

Nigerian maritime regulatory regime operates very strict rules, the infraction of which could result in very costly penalties. The flip slide to this is that it is a known unknown; it may never happen again and even if it does on similar facts to the Trafigura, the “fine” is an unknowable. It is an open question as to whether this approach - will necessarily stimulate economic growth in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Summing up, it is clear that the courts will proactively enforce legitimate transactions in accordance with the Maritime Law and Treaty obligations. However, those fundamental principles will not, from the foregoing, derogate from strategic public policy imperatives of safeguarding the country’s competitive advantage in this realm.

Similarly, the Nigeria’s maritime authorities adopt a firm line on breaches, which ought to be factored into every maritime partner’s strategic planning.

• Ojumu is a Lagos-based commercial lawyer.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

72 LAW

FamilyLaw

“If only she could be so oblivious again, to feel such love without knowing it, mistaking it for laughter. ” Markus Zusak

Servants, treatment and Nigerian law

By Bertram Nwannekanma ERVANTS and maids are people who are Sworkers. engaged in homes to serve as domestic They have no official watch group that tries to still the abuse they suffer in the respective households. They rise quite early and are the last person to go to bed. They are seen in some quarters as the “dregs of the society.”

A maid/servant in Nigeria is a survivor.

Some people, especially the women, treat their maids and servants inhumanely. Some even treat their dogs and cats better.

The maids are often sexually abused and molested by the men and constantly verbally and physically abused by the women to the extent that it is now becoming increasingly difficult to get maids and servants.

Even when you are fortunate to get one, you are not sure she would stay. Even some relatives no longer agree to stay with well-to-do relatives.

There are horrible stories of masters being cruel and inhumane to their servants.

Some people go to the extent of calling them witches and take them to ‘fake Pastors’ who

will slap and force them to confess.

It is now a popular opinion that everyone should clean their houses and men and women with families cannot clean up their homes, let them live with their filth because

of the treatment some servants suffer at the hands of their masters Some servants are treated as slaves while their own kids do nothing.

There are many cases on unfulfilled promises

made by the 'benefactors' of these kids. A death in the family could necessitate the employment of the victims as a servant in another household. You hear sordid tales of broken promises for an education pursuit, starvation and low -esteem.

While laws have been enacted in the society to stem the tide of child labour, Nigeria and other third world countries are still lagging behind.

So, what do you think? Should there be a law forbidding the employment of servants in Nigeria under a certain age? It is true that there is poverty and that death is inevitable, but that should not be a compelling reason for any parent to send his eight –year-old daughter to work as a maid in another person's household.

I remember a woman brings maids and servants from Togo. The girls always grow very fat and return to their homes with lots of new clothes and personal money (money outside the contractually agreed salaries). In fact, now that all the kids have left the house, the woman’s current maid is her last born and best friend. I wish the story could be the same in all homes.

YOU AND THE LAW —-With Dupe Ajayi Elements of a Contract (3) Consideration as an element of contract Scenario RS Gifted has been thrown out M of her house, declared Mr Nosey Parker Which house, how can anybody throw someone out of her own family house? Asked Mrs Transmitter It is not really her house but the house of Mr Rich, her brother’s son whom she raised, replied Nosey Parker At her age, why will any nephew do that to someone who has been her mother and who took care of him from childhood and even took care of his father before him, said Transmitter I heard that Mr Rich promised her that she could live in the house throughout her lifetime for taking care of both him and his father, added Nosey Parker And now that she is old and has no child of her own to care of her, they asked her to leave the house? Asked Transmitter That is life, they said that the agreement between her and Mr Rich was not backed up, said Nosey Parker Backed up with what? Everyone knows that Mrs Gifted never had any money since all she did was to care of both father and son, Transmitter added The Legal Opinion For any contract to be acceptable at the instance of any party to the contract, that party carries the burden of showing or proving that he has furnished consideration for the said contract. This principle is aptly captioned in the expression, “consideration must move from the promisee”.

Perhaps the most comprehensive and most widely accepted definition of consideration can be found in the case of Currie v Misa (1875) LR 10 Exchange 153 at page 162, as follows: “ a valuable consideration in the eye of the law may consist either in some right, interest, profit or benefit accruing to one party or

some forbearance, detriment or loss or responsibility given or suffered or undertaken by the other”.

Thus, consideration does not only consist of profit by one party but also exists where the other party abandons some legal right in the present or limits his freedom of action in the future as an inducement for the promise of the first.

So, it is irrelevant whether one party benefits but it is enough that he accepts the consideration and that the party giving it does thereby undertake some burden or looses something which in contemplation of the law may be of value.

The examples below will shed light on the above definition.

Mr A offers to sell his 25KVA generator to B for the sum of N350,000,.

The consideration from A in the contract is his generator which he will lose while the consideration from B is the sum of N350,000 that he will have to part with. Again, for instance, if the Nigerian Police offers publicly, the sum of N3,000,000 to anybody who provides information on the where about of a fleeing suspect, thereby leading to an arrest, if Mr Busy provides the information required, he will be entitled to the N3,000,000 because he has furnished consideration which is the information he gave, while consideration furnished by the Nigerian Police is the N3,000,000 offered.

Moral obligation however does not constitute consideration. In Eastwood v Kenyon (1840) 11 A 438, the plaintiff, Mr Eastwood was the guardian to the defendant, Mrs Kenyon while the latter was an infant. Mr Eastwood spent his money to bring up Mrs Kenyon and also improved the estate of Mrs Kenyon at his own expense.

When Mrs Kenyon grew up and got married, both she and her husband promised to reimburse Mr Eastwood but later reneged on their promises. Mr Eastwood brought an action against the cou-

ple for breach of their promises to him. The argument of Mr Eastwood that the defendant couple has a moral obligation to fulfill their promises was rejected and the court held that moral obligation is not enough as consideration and further that moral obligation is inherent in every contract.

See also the cases of Barclays Bank D.C.O v Sulaiman (1970) 1 A.L.R. 415 and Faloughi v Faloughi (1995) 3 NWLR (part 384) p.343. In the Falouhgi’s case, the court held that the natural love and affection of a father for his child is not enough as consideration.

Another important proposition relevant to the issue at hand is that past consideration does not constitute valid consideration. Past consideration arises in situations where some things of value given by one party have already been given before the promise or the

reward or compensation, reimbursement by the other is made.

For instance, if A helps B finds his missing car and returns same to B, if thereafter B promises A the sum of N50,000, A will be unable to enforce the promise because the consideration offered by B is past.

Thus, in Akenzua 11 Oba of Benin v Benin Divisional Council (1959) W.R.N.L.R. 1, the plaintiff was the president of the Divisional Council and the later prevailed on the former to use his influence in persuading one Timber Company release some forests in possession of the Company to the Council as a gesture of goodwill. The plaintiff accomplished the assignment.

Later the plaintiff required the defendant Council to release one of the four parcels of land he helped to secure to him for his exclusive use. The Council initially acceded to this request but later withdrew

its accent. The plaintiff brought an action for breach of consideration and the Council successfully resisted on the grounds that the plaintiff did not furnish consideration for the promise to release the land to him. The court agreed and held that the plaintiff did not furnish any consideration for the promise by the Council to him. The court further held that the services for securing the four parcels of land for the defendant by the plaintiff took place before the decision of the Council to grant the plaintiff exclusive use of one of the four parcels of land.

In the light of the foregoing, our conclusion is that Mrs Gifted has no legal basis to hold on to the apartment because in the eye of the law, she has not furnished any consideration for it.

One reason while moral obligation is not a valid consideration in law is perhaps because it cannot be quantified in terms of value and it is somehow vague.

However, there is a general exception to the requirement of consideration as an element of a valid contract and this exception is a contract under seal. This is a kind of consideration that is not only put in writing but is made in form of a deed, validly signed, sealed and delivered by the promisor. For instance, if Mrs Gifted had insisted that Mr Rich should put his promise to allow her use the house throughout her lifetime under seal, then Mr Rich would be bound by that promise and there would be no need for Mrs Gifted to prove that she furnished any consideration for the promise.

Therefore, for the beneficiary of a gift or a party who furnishes consideration or a party who relies on moral obligation owed to him or her to secure the promise of another person, such a party must ensure that the gift or the promise made to him or her is put in writing and under seal. By this, no consideration will be required to enforce it.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

‘Peace and justice: Challenges of modern society’ (1) Lecture

By Peter O. Wanogho HE Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, 5th Edition (2009) defines “Peace” thus: “A situation in which there is no war or fighting; a very quiet and pleasant situation in which you are not interrupted; a feeling of being calm, happy, and not worried” and justice as: “fairness in the way people are treated; the quality of being right and deserving fair treatment.”

From the above definitions of the two key words in the topic, can it be said that there is peace and justice in our modern society, particularly Nigeria?

The antithesis to peace is war, fighting, insecurity, lack of quietness, unpleasant situation filled with interruption, lack of calmness, enveloped in unhappiness and worries; while the antithesis to justice is injustice, unfairness, equals not being treated equally. These antitheses of peace and justice are the challenges facing the modern society.

Peace and justice, when they exist conjunctively in a society, can never be challenges confronting modern society, particularly Nigeria. Our modern society, therefore, needs a synthesis to the antithesis to peace and justice, to have a sane society in which all persons live together in peace and harmony and with equal opportunity.

Efforts at fostering peace and justice in modern society Society at national, continental and international levels, had made efforts to foster peace and justice in our modern society, through national constitutional provisions, continental charters and international declarations, to no avail. The preamble to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides this: “We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Having firmly and solemnly resolved: • To live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation under God dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace, international co-operation and understanding: and to provide for a Constitution for the purpose of promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in our country on the principles of freedom, equality and justice, and for purpose of consolidat-

T

ing the unity of our people.

Today in Nigeria and all over the world, there is no peace and Do hereby make, enact and give to ourselves the following Constitution: justice. There are insecurity, criminality, Boko Haram insur“Section 14 (1) & (2) of the same gency, militancy in the Niger Delta, bad leadership in governConstitution provide as “follows: ment, unbridled corruption, enthronement of mediocrity in place “14. (1) The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of merit, in the name of Federal Character or quota system, comof democracy and social justice. munal strife and wars, massive unemployment, religious bigotry • It is hereby, accordingly, declared that: Mexico, Colombia, North Ireland, tion of Nigeria’s natural disaster and (a) Sovereignty belongs to the people Greece, Spain, among others, are all calamity is bad leadership. of Nigeria from whom government embroiled in one form of crisis or the In Nigeria, we have a cabal of thugs through this Constitution derives all other, which are all antithetical to that run the affairs of humans its powers and authority; peace and justice in our modern socie- (Nigerians), without nationalistic (b) The security and welfare of the peoty. instincts, but seize the mantle of leadple in their government shall be Why peace, justice elude Nigeria ership only to en-masse wealth and ensured in accordance with the provileadership not to develop both the human and sions of this Constitution.”

Sometime in the early 1980s, the then natural resources that abound in Most unfortunately, as lofty and governor of old Imo State, Sam Nigerian, for the growth of the entire attractive as the provisions of Section Mbakwe, after becoming frustrated country. How can such bad leadership 14 (1) & (2) of the Constitution quoted with the type of leadership we had at foster peace and justice in modern above are, same are not justiceable by Wanogho all levels of government at that time, society? virtue of the provisions of Section 6(6) provisions, African Charter, among lamented and cried out that we Religions, defective value system and (c) of the Constitution.

At continental level, at the 18th others, and Universal Declaration of should be re-colonised by the British. moral decadence Conference of the States and Human Rights in place, have these leg- Prof. Chinua Achebe in his book: The Religious difference is being used as Governments of the OAU (now AU) islations been able to foster and instil problem with Nigeria, stated categori- an ember of discord to the detriment held in June, 1981, at Nairobi, Kenya, peace and justice in our modern socie- cally that the problem with Nigeria is of peace and justice in Nigeria. Section leadership. Bad leadership breeds bad 10 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 African Charter of Human and Peoples’ ty?

Today in Nigeria and all over the followership and bad followership (as amended) provides thus: “10. The Rights (Now African Charter on Government of the Federation or a Human and Peoples’ Right world, there is no peace and justice. breeds bad leadership.

(Ratification and Enforcement) Act, There are insecurity, criminality, Boko The writer, Forsythe, in his book, illus- State shall not adopt any religion as CAP. A9, Laws of the Federation of Haram insurgency, militancy in the trated Nigerian inept leadership with state religion”.

When the government of Zamfara Nigeria, 2004, was adopted for imple- Niger Delta, bad leadership in govern- a story of creation of the world by God. ment, unbridled corruption, enthrone- That God after creating the whole State adopted Sharia (Islamic doctrine mentation by member-countries.

Article 3 of the African Charter, among ment of mediocrity in place of merit, in world invited all the countries of the or code) as a state religion, what did the name of Federal Character or quota world to a conference for the sole pur- the Federal Government and other others, provides thus: “• Every individual shall be equal system, communal strife and wars, pose of allotting various resources to states’ governments do to check the massive unemployment, religious big- different nations of the world. To the menace of religion mixing with state before the law; and • Every individual shall be entitled to otry, including commercialisation of Caribbean, Pacific, American, Asian, affairs?

Christianity by self-ordained saints and West and Eastern European countries, Section 38 (1) of the Constitution of equal protection of the law”.

On December 10, 1948, the United founders and general overseers of sev- Australia, South American, Middle- Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides Nations adopted and proclaimed the eral new generation churches, com- East, East and South African countries thus: Universal Declaration of Human plete breakdown of infrastructural were allotted earthquakes, tsunami, “38 (1) Every person shall be entitled to Rights, which in its preamble provides development, epileptic power supply, typhoon, hurricane, snow fall, intense freedom of thought, conscience and thus:- “Whereas recognition of the bad network of roads, among others, in weather, flooding, volcanic eruptions, religion, including freedom to change landslides and other natural disasters. his religion or belief, and freedom inherent dignity and of equal and Nigeria.

Within the African continent, Libya, Most of North and Central African (either alone or in community with inalienable rights of all; members of the human family are the foundation Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan countries were allotted drought and others, and in public or in private) to of freedom, justice and peace in the and South Sudan, including Dafur harsh weather by God. But God allot- manifest and propagate his religion Region, Eritrea and Ethiopia, Somalia, ted to Nigeria mineral resources such or belief in worship, teaching, practice world.”

Article III of the Universal Declaration Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, as crude oil, gas, tin and columbite, and observance.” of Human Rights provides thus: “All Mali, Ivory Coast are all involved in one iron ore, limestone, coal among oth- Today, in Northern Nigeria, the fear of are equal before the law and are enti- form of insurgency, war, uprising or ers, very fertile and arable land, effi- Boko Haram (an alleged Islamic sect) is cient and capable human and natural the beginning of wisdom. Can tled without any discrimination to another. equal protection of the law. All are enti- Internationally, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, resources, and all other countries Christians carry out their religious tled to equal protection against any Philippine, Myanmar, Palestine and became envious and jealous of worships and practices without interdiscrimination in violation of this Israel (West-Bank and Gaza strip), Iran, Nigeria. But God told these other ference in most northern states?

Declaration and against any incite- Iraq, North Korea and South Korea, countries not to worry, but should Insecurity in religious worships by citChina and Japan, Pakistan and India wait for the type of leadership that izens is a major obstacle to peace and ment to such discrimination.”

With the above quoted Constitution (Kashmir), Bangladesh, Haiti, Brazil, shall be allotted to Nigeria. So the por- justice.

NHRC begins assessment on Ijora-Badiya demolitions Legal Briefs HE recent demolition carT ried out by the Lagos State government in Ijora-Badiya has attracted a visit by officials of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The commission is empowered by the constitution to investigate all forms of rights’ violations and come out with decisions to redeem the rights of any Nigerian by either the government or individuals.

NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, who led officials to one-week assessment of the demolition at the weekend, promised to redress any form of human rights violation in the state.

He also promised to work on the alleged displacement residents of Ijora-Badiya, as well as confront the state government with all allegations in order to seek redress for the affected people.

“The commission, he said, is ready and willing to carry out its duties as empowered by the constitution by protecting the rights of every Nigerian, no matter whose ox is gored.

He said the visit over allegation of the violation of the fundamental rights of the people through demolition of their shelters was the second in the series and promised to address a the Ijora-Badiya and Makoko cases.

“This commission is determined to bring hope to the hopeless and the indigent citizens of this nation. We are ready to protect the rights of the high, the rich or the poor who are vulnerable.”

He urged the Lagos government to pay adequate compensation to the people, if indeed their rights are violated.

The NHRC’s boss said of the demolition thus: “I am condemning what the government has done, government cannot hide under the provision of shelter and violate the rights of the citizens. We are still on fact-finding mission and by the time we finish, this commission will not hesitate to take the right decision and ensure that the rights of Nigerians are not only recognised but be enforced.”

“It has almost become a repetitive issue in this country where many Nigerians were rendered homeless and denied their rights to shelter.

The commission is putting together all its investigations in this respect and ensure that there is remedy to this type of situation.

“We thanked the National Assembly that passed the bill giving power to the national institution to have autonomy to protect and enforce your rights.

“Our commission will not hesitate to take all your complaints and meet with the

state government officials and investigate all what you have alleged. If we find out that all what you have said is the truth, our commission

will not hesitate to seek redress and provide remedy for the violations of your rights.”

“We are going to ensure that

those who treat Nigerians as semi-humans are brought under control. Government must ensure that as a citizen of this country, every Nigerian

has the right to enjoy a decent life and access to shelter. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that peoples rights are not violated.”

Software for legal research launched AW PAVILION, a leading LResearch Electronic Law Report and Centre and law software provider has developed five new pocket-friendly and technological-driven legal solutions that reduce problems associated with Judicial processes by about 60 per cent.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Ope Olugasa said the electronic solutions would

entrench efficiency and productivity culture among legal professionals in the country and improve justice delivery in the country.

The solutions are: Law Pavilion Plus (IPad Version), Law Pavilion on Personal Computers/Server Versions for Corporate Users, Law Pavilion on Black Berry and Law Pavilion On-Line Version.

The products, Olugasa said have the capacity to “facilitate quicker and easier conduct of legal research with almost all necessary resources congregated in a single platform.

“It helps legal practitioners search for authorities on any subject and get results in seconds, rather than the significant and tedious hours spent during manual search, put-

ting at one’s finger tip, an elibrary of over 80,000 e-books of Law Reports (both of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal from 1970 till date), 43 years consolidated index and law digest of over 50,000 issues covering all areas of law and a 48-hour law reporting system with automatic updates among other features”.

Federal Court CJ unveils AMCON practice direction for judges

By Joseph Onyekwere HE Chief Judge of Federal T High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, yesterday unveiled the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Practice Direction 2013 for High Court judges at the second judge’s forum held in Lagos.

The event was facilitated by Olisa Agbakoba and Associates. Auta explained that the practice direction would help judges to do justice to AMCON cases, adding that the seminar would help them smoothen all rough edges. He regretted that not all judges were handling

AMCON cases.

According to him, all the judges in other divisions outside Lagos and Abuja are automatic AMCON judges when AMCON cases come before them.

However, he added that efforts would be made to assign AMCON cases to other divisions of the court in order to lessen the burden on Lagos and Abuja.

Auta said the essence of the practice direction was to quicken the process of justice delivery.

“The essence of the practice direction is to quicken the process of justice delivery. We hope that states will adopt it,” he stated, adding that AMCON cases are experte, which are not supposed to be in the cause list. “I

discovered that some judges still put those cases on the cause list.

“AMCON cases are experte. It is not supposed to be in the list so that other party should not know about it. So let’s take note that these experte applications are not supposed to be on the cause list, in fact all experte applications, not just AMCON cases alone. If we heed to that advise, it will reduce some of the problems we have in our courts.”

According to him, cases such as terrorism, rape, kidnapping, money laundering and fundamental rights applications should be accorded pri-

ority.

The Managing Director of AMCON, Mustafa Chike-Obi, who thanked the judges for attending the seminar, said the practice direction would guide judges in handling AMCON cases, expressing optimism that it could become a yearly event where issues at the legal arena would be discussed.

Explaining the importance of the event, Dr. Agbakoba (SAN) said that AMCON was set up to recover over N5 trillion worth of debt owed by various people, which requires that they avoid the regular court procedures if it must be dispensed with.

74

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

75

Sports Ahead Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier

Amosun’s wife begins football talent hunt

21 Eagles in camp, as training begins today From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE inability of most of the T Super Eagles’ home-based players to arrive in camp on Sunday prompted the cancellation of yesterday’s training session, which would have marked the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya.

The technical crew, led by Stephen Keshi, sources in the Eagles camp said, gave the players, most of who could not arrive at the camp on Sunday, the chance to rest their limbs after the weekend’s opening games of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

In a statement, Super Eagles Media Officer, Ben Alaiya stated that the earlier training scheduled for yesterday evening at the Practice Pitch of the Abuja National Stadium, has now been shifted to this morning at the same venue, stating that most of the invited players, apart from those of Enyimba and Rangers International,

IFE of the Governor of W Ogun State, Olufunso Amosun, plans a football com-

played on Sunday evening and must be fatigued from hurrying to camp, “so we have to allow them get some rest if we are to get the result that we want from them.”

As at press time, 20 out of the 24 players invited to the camp had arrived in Abuja. Those already in camp are Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Godfrey Oboabona, Daniel Akpeyi, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris and Benjamin Francis.

More players were still finding their way to camp as at lunch time and Keshi said he wanted a full house on Tuesday morning, hence, the shift in the training schedule.

The Eagles are expected to move to Calabar, venue of the March 23 qualifier against Kenya, next week after the arrival of the foreign-based stars.

Some of the players training for the World Cup qualify will also make the team for international friendly against Mexico in Houston on May 31.

Ogunjobi tasks NPFL match officials on dedication, fairplay HAIRMAN of the Osun State are more concerned about our C Football Agency (OFA), grassroots development, we are Taiwo Ogunjobi has urged ref- not in a hurry, we will get there. erees officiating in the Nigeria Professional Football League’s 2012/2013 season to be dedicated to ensure a credible league.

Ogunjobi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos, that he expects the best from the league, in spite of its logistic challenges.

“I am expecting a hitch-free season this time around, and less hiccups, which I am sure the NPFL is capable of delivering, so we should expect the best this season.

“And I hope our referees and officials will live up to expectation, because in football or any other sports at that, officiating can make or mar a competition. “ I hope the players will give us something to cheer about this season. They should make the long wait worth it,’’ Ogunjobi said.

On the level of football development in Osun State, and when it would have a club in the NPFL, Ogunjobi said, “we

Chelsea star, John Obi Mikel.

I am sure that very soon we will be called up into the NPFL.’’

Super Eagles’ Ejike Uzoenyi (right); tries to outwit an Angola defender during an international friendly in Abuja last year.

petition open to all male talented students in governmentowned secondary schools in the state between the ages of 13 and 15.

The maiden edition of the competition will run from April 1 to 6, 2013.

According to a statement from her office, the competition, which would have in attendance a renowned scout for the English Premiership League in the United Kingdom, Jim Colston, is designed to identify talented footballers and give them opportunity to enhance their football talents in Europe.

The programme, tagged, Uplifting Under-15 Grassroots Football, is designed to identify young people with flair and passion for the game of soccer and to help them build their skills and expose the best talents to international opportunity.

For ease of selection and identification, the 20 local government areas have been split into four divisions namely Yewa, Remo, Ijebu and Egba with an independent panel and all the local government chairmen to authenticate the screening process.

Each division is expected to select its 20 best Under-15 footballers and they would be paired for the semi-final matches and finals respectively at a venue in Abeokuta on dates that will be convey to the general public. The players would have opportunity to train with Colston and his team, and each player will undertake a premier league standard scouting assessment exercise.

Jim Colston, who has worked with coaches like the late Sir Bobby Robson (Newcastle United and England); Neil Lennon (Celtic FC) and Kevin Blackwell (Leeds United, Luton

Team Nigeria athletes hit camp for Africa Youth Athletics championship

By Gowon Akpodonor TOTAL number of 57 athA letes made up of 30 boys and 27 girls, as well as, 16 coaches/officials have been invited to camp by the

Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in preparation for the African Youth Athletics Championship holding in Warri, Delta State from March 27-31.

The Warri 2013 Youth

Athletics championship is the first to be organized by the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) and Team Nigeria is looking forward to use the competition as turning point for the country’s

athletics. Over 34 countries have confirmed participation for the Warri 2013 Games.

The Technical Director of AFN, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, told The

FA Cup fight back, catalyst for Chelsea’s season, says Mikel UPER Eagles’ midfielder, SChelsea’s John Obi Mikel believes second-half fight back at Manchester United in the FA Cup will prove the catalyst for the club to finish a tumultuous season on a high.

The holders appeared likely to exit the FA Cup after going 2-0 down 11 minutes into the quarter-final at Old Trafford and many wondered if Rafael Benitez’s spell in interim charge would come to a premature end as a result of a heavy defeat to an old rival.

But Chelsea responded with second-half goals from substitute Eden Hazard and Ramires to force a replay, while Mikel too was influential after coming off the bench.

“Let’s hope this game will put us back on a good track and we keep going on from

here to end the season very well,” Mikel said.

“This result has come at a crucial time where we just have to start putting on good performances but the tie is not yet done.

“You can never write off Manchester United at any time. At Stamford Bridge we have to make sure we put this tie away.”

During a topsy-turvy season, Chelsea has had moments where it thought it was over the worst, only to continue to stumble on.

Mikel saw glimpses of Chelsea’s best at Old Trafford as the Blues bid to secure Champions League qualification and continue its pursuit of silverware in the FA Cup and Europa League.

“I hope we can keep this character and momentum going, but sometimes it’s

quite difficult when the season is going like this,” he added.

“If you look at the team from last year, we liked to play, to attack, to move forward. We liked to have the ball, beat people and create chances and that’s exactly what we did in the second half at United.”

At Old Trafford, as he has been at Stamford Bridge since his November appointment, Benitez was the subject of torrents of vitriol due to his prior association with Liverpool.

Following the fifth-round win at Middlesbrough, the Spaniard urged the Blues support to turn their focus to backing the team, as he will leave at the end of the season.

Mikel repeated the call for a united front.

“Sometimes it doesn’t help

when the fans are not happy,” he added.

“I have been here for seven years and they [the supporters] are fantastic and have always supported us until the end. I hope that continues throughout the season.

“This is when we need them the most. Let’s hope we can all go through the rest of the season together. Chelsea fans have always been great and I know they will continue to be great with the players.”

Chelsea’s attentions now turn to Thursday’s Europa League last-16 second leg with Steaua Bucharest, with the Blues seeking to overturn a 10 first-leg deficit.

The FA Cup replay means the Blues will play a minimum of 64 matches this term, but the finale could be more congested with progress in the knockout competitions.

Guardian yesterday that Team Nigeria was not seeking to win at all cost at the AYC, but the federation had picked the best athletes for the camping exercise taking place at AFN High Performance Centre at the University of Port Harcourt.

Nigeria will participate in 33 sporting events and Team Nigeria athletes are expected to hit the camp today with their international passports.

Meanwhile, no athlete from the just concluded Premier Lotto Lagos Athletics Championship could break into the list of selected athletes for the camping exercise due to ‘poor timing.’

The AFN used the Pastor D.K Olukoya U-17 Athletics Championships at Yaba College last Friday to select Team Nigeria athletes, while the grand finale of the Premier Lotto Lagos Athletics event took place the following day at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Some officials of the AFN had frowned at organisers of the Premier Lotto Lagos Athletics for ‘committing a great blunder’ by choosing to end their event a day after selection of athletes for the AYC had been concluded.

76 SPORTS

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Buhari, Tinubu storm Jos for APC football club launch From Isa Abdulsalami, Jos ORMER Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, and the former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu are among the dignitaries expected in Jos on March 31 for the launch of the All Progressive Congress Peace Football Club, which is the sports arm of the new political party.

According to officials of the newly formed club, which will be based in Jos, arrangements are in top gear to get all the chieftains of the party at the launch aimed at putting the club on a sound footing.

One of the officials of the club, Pastor Gyang Chollom, in a release made available to journalists, said, “all elected and appointed political office holders on the platform of the ANPP, ACN, CPC, DPP and a faction of APGA are expected to storm Jos, Plateau State, March 31, 2013, for the official launching of the APC Peace Football Club, under the chairmanship of General Muhammadu Buhari, with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

F

as guest speaker and recipient of the Most Outstanding Progressive Politician Award (MOPPA) instituted by coalition of Progressive Political Interest Groups (COPPIG).”

He revealed that the governors of Lagos, Edo, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Yobe, Borno and Nassarawa states, under the aegis of the Eleven Progressive Governors Unity Forum (EPGUF), sponsored the incorporation of the club.

While praising members of the National Assembly elected on the platform of the ACN, CPC, ANPP, DPP and a faction of the APGA, for purchasing two buses, a Toyota Hilux and 100 tricycles to the team, Chollom revealed that Coach Ismaila Mabo, a former chief coach of the Super Falcons, has been appointed as the club’s technical consultant with effect from March 31, 2013, while Comrade Saddiq Agamah Sumbelep, a Jos-based veteran journalist, has been appointed as the acting team manager of the club.

A group of veteran journal-

ists and another of veteran footballers, who support the merger of the ANPP, CPC, ACN and APGA to become All Progressives Congress (APC), founded the APC Peace Football Club, which, according to Chollom, is aimed at using footballers and football fans to boost the campaign for peaceful co-existence, campaign against killing, terrorism, insecurity, crime, armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug abuse, alcoholism, smoking and all social vices.

He said that Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has been appointed as the life grand patron of the club in recognition of his campaign for peaceful co-existence and his humanitarian services.

Chollom said full details of the APC Peace Football Club would be disclosed in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on March 25 during a press conference being organized by founders of the club and sponsored by Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State.

BOA Lawyers League FALANA marches on, as Babalakin’s freefall continues & Falana, which has Fin ALANA been among the top-sides this year’s Bankole

Dropped Flying Eagles star, Ekene Nwaobosi, wants Nigeria to win the AYC in Algeria.

Ahead Algeria 2013 African Youth Championship

Dropped Flying Eagles star urges mates to win trophy NE of the Flying Eagles “There is nothing like that. I O players, who did not really learnt a few things withmake Coach John Obuh’s in the period I spent with the final cut for the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC), Ekene Nwaobosi has urged the team to retain the trophy it won two years ago in South Africa.

Nwaobosi, who is the captain of Enugu-based FBF Football Club, says it is important the team wins the trophy in order to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup slated for Turkey later in the year as African Champions.

“I am not going to Algeria with them, but I am with the team in spirit,” he said, adding, “so I am wishing them all the best while praying that God should guide them to win the competition so that we can go to the World Cup as African Champions.”

Nwaobosi insists he was not downcast following his inability to make the Flying Eagles AYC party.

team, which will help my career.

“Besides, I believe I have a bright future in the game and the national team and coach, Obuh made it clear to us that being dropped is not the end of everything because we are still part of the team and that after the AYC we will still be part of the World Cup team.

So I am praying hard for the team to qualify for the World Cup so that we will return to the team again.”

The Flying Eagles will depart its training base in Tunisia tomorrow for Algeria, venue of the 2013 African Youths Championship finals.

Nigeria is in group B of the Algeria 2013 AYC alongside Gabon, Mali and DR Congo, with the John Obuh squad opening its campaign on March 17 at Oran against Gabon.

Olumide Aluko Tournament, also known as, Lawyers League, continued its steady march to success at the weekend when it defeated Aluko & Oyebode 2-1 at the Astro-turf, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Falana & Falana, leading the Group A table with seven points, opened scores through Osubu in the third minute, while Falana made it two in the sixth minute.

Aluko & Oyebode reduced the tally in the 15th minute through Sogbetan, but that was all it had to show for its efforts in the game.

In other games played at the same venue, Probitas/B. Ayorinde defeated Babalakin & Co by 2-0 scored by Mejulu (7th minute and Dairo 16th minute) to confine the losers to the bottom of the Group B table, while Olisa Agbakoba & Associates piped SPA Ajibade 2-1 with Ogungbamila (2nd minute) and Showunmi (18th) as the heroes, with Ogunmuyiwa replying once for SPA Ajibade.

The last game of Week Four saw Banwo & Ighodalo bashing Rickey Tarfa 3-0 with a hat trick by Kekere-Ekun in the sixth, 13th and 19th minute.

In the rescheduled games played at the same venue, Lagos State Ministry of Justice thrashed Babalakin & Co 9-1, while Aelex Partners beat Aluko Oyebode 3-1. The table shows Falana & Falana as the leading team in Group A with seven points, the same with Olisa Agbakoba & Associates placed in second position.

Aelex Partners and SPA Ajibade & Co are third and fourth respectively with four points, while Aluko & Oyebode occupies the last spot with no point after four games.

In Group, Lagos Justice Ministry has nine points from three games to lead the log, followed by Probitas Partners/B. Ayorinde & Co, which has the same number of points, but with plus 4 goals aggregate compared to the Ministry’s +14.

Pupils in action during the last Channels Kids Cup held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Owumi, Omughele comb Delta for Governor’s Cup talents

By Gowon Akpodonor HE zonal elimination of the Delta State Governor’s Cup Soccer championship began in various centers yesterday with two ex-internationals, Davidson Owumi and John Omughele leading the Technical Study Group (TSG), which was set up by the state government to fish out talents among the players.

The zonal elimination matches kicked off at 2.00pm yesterday in Asaba, Agbor, Kwale, Oghara, Sapele, Okpara and Ughelli. It will continue this afternoon and end tomorrow. The quarterfinal games will take place on March 18 and 19, while the semi final and final is scheduled for April.

The winner of this maiden edition of the Delta Governor’s Cup, which started with over 500 schools in November last year, will get a school bus and foreign trip as well as cash reward, while the second position will get a school bus and cash. The third position will get cash reward.

The eight-man Technical Study Group (TSG) also has former National referee, Dave Egho, and ex-Delta State Director of Sports, Seigha Porbeni.

The Chairman of the LOC, Prof. Patrick Mouboghare, told The Guardian yesterday that members of the TSC would move round the ven-

T

• Comprehensive school in 11 goals thriller ues to identify talents in the various school teams.

Mouboghare, who is the commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary) stated that talents discovered by the TSG in the on-going Delta Governor’s Cup competition would be invited for holiday camping programmes.

He said, “not all the players will make beyond this stage and the idea of the Governor’s Cup competition is to ‘catch them young.’ Our governor, who initiated the programme is waiting to see the products of this competition given the best of attention. With people like Owumi and Omughele leading the TSG, I am optimistic that we will get a better result at the end of the exercise.”

Meanwhile, members of the TSG, including the duo of Owumi and Omughele, who

were products of school football in the old Bendel State, breezed into Asaba yesterday morning to commence the monitoring exercise.

In some of the matches played yesterday, Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogwashi-Uku massacred Ugbolu Secondary School 11-1 at Agbor, while Emo-Eni Grammar School Elli, and St. George’s Grammar school Obinomba, played goalless.

Other schools featuring in the zonal competition include Niger Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, St. Michael’s College Oleh, Iwere College Koko, Mixed Secondary School Ogiedi, Edjekots Secondary School Edjekota, Technical College Issele-Uku, Gbenoba Grammar School Agbor and Ute-Okpe Grammar School.

Premier Lotto reaffirms support to sports development ITH the successful stagW ing of the maiden Lagos Schools Athletics Championship, Chairman, Premier Lotto Limited, Kensington Adebutu has reaffirmed the company’s support to grassroots sports development.

Speaking during the grand

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi (right); with the Chairman, Premier Lotto Limited, Kessington Adebutu, during the presentation of the Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM)sponsored award to Adebutu’s company for their support to grassroots sports development during the grand finale of the Premier Lotto Lagos Schools Athletics Championship held at Teslim Balogun Stadium over the weekend.

PHOTOS: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

finale of the tournament held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Adebutu said he was impressed with the organisation and standard of the competition, adding that his company would continue to support the athletes in their bid to become world stars.

“We will continue to support sports especially at grassroots level. First of all I made my money from sports and there is nothing too much to do for sports. This is our own way to supporting the society and we are not doing it because of marketing our company but the main objective is to encourage sports development in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

Adebutu, whose company also bankrolled grassroots football in Lagos assured that arrangement has been put in place to ensure that the competition is sustained. He however, promised that the competition would not be a oneoff event, as he has put everything in place to ensure it outlives him.

“Arrangement have been put in place to make this competition a sustainable one, that is why my children are in the forefront as I am only working at the background,” Adebutu said.

SPORTS 77

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

UEFA Champions League

AC Milan boss, Galliani wary of ‘monster’ Messi C Milan Vice-President, A Adriano Galliani hopes Barcelona’s “monster” has a night off as the Rossoneri bid to protect their two-goal Champions League lead at a hostile Nou Camp.

Lionel Messi might have scored 40 league goals this season but the Argentine forward has been a little more subdued in Europe, registering only five times and, more importantly, failing to notch a vital away goal at the San Siro in February.

But Galliani knows the three-time Ballon d’Or winner will be the spearhead of any Barca comeback in the last-16 second-leg clash, while ruing the absence of Milan’s own talismanic forward Giampaolo Pazzini.

He told acmilan.com, “we can’t go into the game thinking we’ll be fine just because we’ve got a two-goal advantage.

“We are going up against the strongest team in the world who have a monster like Leo Messi, who scores all the time.

Let’s hope he takes it easy on Tuesday night.

“One thing is certain - it will be another great challenge, an infinitely difficult challenge. It’s always nice to play Barcelona but we will be going into an incredibly heated atmosphere.”

News that Pazzini - who has 13 Serie A goals to his name this term - had suffered a hairline fracture to his fibula during Friday’s league win at Genoa was not the confidence boost Milan were looking for.

Galliani remains confident a pool of Stephan El Shaarawy, M’Baye Niang, Robinho and former Barca striker Bojan Krkic will succeed in Catalonia, though.

“It’s a shame, a real shame that he’s been ruled out,” the Milan chief added. “Will we go there to play for him? Yes, for him too.

“We have lost an important striker but whoever replaces him will do well.”

The Rossoneri also have concerns over the fitness of French defender, Philippe Mexes, who could be replaced

by Mattia De Sciglio, but firstleg goalscorers Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari are cleared to start in midfield.

Barcelona’s influential midfielder Xavi, meanwhile, has been passed fit after missing the Catalan club’s last two games with a hamstring injury.

Barca are unbeaten at home in 19 Champions League matches but the small matter of overturning a two-goal deficit has had varying effects on player morale.

Xavi is optimistic, telling Barca’s official website, “we still have 90 minutes, maybe even 120 minutes. A lot can happen in a match.

“We need to be careful, we can’t lose possession, we need to avoid giving them any opportunities to counterattack, we can’t commit stupid fouls and our attacks need to have purpose.”

When asked if Barca have what it takes to eliminate

Milan, though, the Spain international was slightly more cautious.

“Well, it’s the Champions League,” he added. “Our pride is a bit hurt from the unjust and excessive result from the away leg and we want to

recover that sense of winning, of competing, of being a big team.

“There’s no better match for that than the one against AC Milan. But we have to attack and score early.”

Fellow midfielder Andres

Iniesta, however, is convinced Barca’s unique spirit of sacrifice will see them through.

The World Cup winner said, “we will make it through to the next round.

“I would put my hand in the fire as many times as I had to

for my team. I have absolute confidence that we can do it. It will be difficult but not impossible. We have to play this match as it if was a final. That’s what our mentality needs to be from the first minute to the last.”

Barcelona not as brilliant as before, says Sacchi ORMER AC Milan Coach, FBarcelona Arrigo Sacchi believes is no longer the brilliant team of previous seasons.

The Catalans are currently preparing for the return of their Champions League round of 16 tie against the Rossoneri, after losing the first leg at San Siro 2-0, and Sacchi believes the Blaugrana face a difficult task to turn things around at Camp Nou. “It’s not the same brilliant Barcelona as before. They have not been in top form. It’s really difficult to be always playing at such a high level and to keep up that competitive spirit,” Sacchi told Marca.

“Maybe Barca have gotten used to doing little to get by.

In the past, they didn’t have to do much as they would win anyway. In the Champions League, however, you have to pick up the pace and give it your all.”

Sacchi added, “Tuesday’s (today) game will be a hard match for both teams. 2-0 is a good result for Milan. A score that obliges Barcelona to make a huge effort. Barcelona are not going to get their old form back from one day to the next as if by magic. They must try to frighten their rival. If they can do that, they will have a real chance of getting through to the next round.”

Barcelona’s Argentine forward, Lionel Messi (right); vies with Deportivo Coruna’s midfielder, Javier Camunas (centre), during the Spanish league match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona at the weekend. Barcelona won 2-0.

Barcelona losing to Milan could hurt Spain, Del Bosque admits PAIN Coach, Vicente del SBarcelona Bosque hopes that can overturn its first-leg deficit in the Champions League last-16 tie against AC Milan in order to keep morale high in the national team ahead of their clash with France later this month.

The Blaugrana were beaten 2-0 at San Siro back in February, but the former Real

Madrid coach remains hopeful that they book their ticket for the quarterfinals in today’s return at Camp Nou. “It will be a very important game for Barcelona and Spain.

The result of Barcelona’s match could influence the morale of the national team. It would be a

bit problematic if Barca lose the tie, because the players will be a bit crestfallen,” he told Efe. He added, “on the other hand, if they turn things around, they will be high on confidence and get a boost morale. It will be a tough task, but I think Barca can

AC Milan will not just defend against Barcelona, Constant reveals EVIN Constant has made K it clear that AC Milan will not just sit back and defend in today’s Champions League match at Camp Nou against Barcelona.

The Serie A outfit recorded a 2-0 victory at San Siro in the first leg of the round of 16 tie, but Constant expects a tough night’s work in the second

meeting between the two sides.

“We’re all focused on the match against Barcelona.

We’re well aware that Tuesday’s match will be very different to the first leg,” Constant told Milan Channel.

“We start with a 2-0 lead but we won’t be going there just to defend. We’ll have to take

Ribery out of Arsenal clash Ribery has been Fof RANCK ruled out of the second leg Bayern Munich’s Champions League tie with Arsenal tomorrow with an ankle injury.

The France international suffered a ligament strain in his left ankle during his side’s 3-2 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf

on Saturday.

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and defender, Jerome Boateng, who are banned, will also miss the match at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern hold a 3-1 lead from the away leg, though, to put themselves in pole position for a place in the quarter-finals.

Today’s Fixtures Genoa’s defender, Emiliano Moretti (right); vies with AC Milan’s forward, Stephan El Shaarawy, during the Italian championships Serie A match at the Marazzi Stadium in Genova at the weekend.

PHOTOS: AFP

make it happen. It is important that they pull if off and qualify, just like Real Madrid did (against Manchester United). They make up a big part of the national team and we need players in good spirit.”

Spain hosts Finland on March 22, before traveling to France four days later.

Barcelona Schalke

v v

AC Milan Galatasaray

19:45 19:45

to the field with the right mentality. They’ll have a lot of possession but when we get on the ball we’ll have to make it count.

“Barcelona are a great team but they’re going through a tough period. It happened to us as well at the start of the season but we’ll have to be wary of playing the best team in the world.”

The wing back then went on to stress that he’s confident Milan has what it takes to make it to the quarterfinals.

“I’m convinced that we’ll play a good game and get through to the next round, though. We’ll have to make the most of the advantage that we have,” Constant stated.

“They’ll try and attack from the outset and try to score as quickly as possible and we’ll have to be ready for that mentally.”

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

78 SPORTS

Suarez must win Player of the Year award, Gerrard insists IVERPOOL Captain, Steven LSuarez Gerrard believes Luis will be the “best player ever not to win” the Player of the Year award if he is pipped to the end-of-the-season prize.

The Uruguayan scored his 22nd Premier League goal of the campaign in his side’s comeback 3-2 victory over Tottenham on Sunday - his 29th goal in all competitions from 39 appearances - to add to his hat-trick at Wigan last time out.

However, despite his match-winning displays, some believe Suarez’s past controversies - including an eight-game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra - will see him miss out in favour of Tottenham star Gareth Bale and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie.

“If Suarez doesn’t win an award this season he’ll be the best player ever not to win one,” Gerrard told the club’s official Twitter page.

After his smart first-half finish gave Liverpool the lead at Anfield there was further evidence of Suarez’s contentious on-pitch manner throughout the win over Spurs, with the striker involved in an ongoing spat with Mousa Dembele that resulted in an altercation between the two at the final whistle.

However, Liverpool assistant, Colin Pascoe believes the Uruguay star’s temperament has improved, while hailing him as one of the best in his position in the game.

Pascoe told the Reds’ official website, “he’s up there with the best in the world.

“The way he plays, his goals, his record - his name should be next to the best players in the world.

“I said a couple of months ago he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League and with the way he has been performing, he deserves to be a favourite for the Player of the Year award. The way he conducts himself and the way he has been performing has been brilliant.

“He is unique because he can play in four different positions. He can play as a No.9, a No.10 and wide left or right.

“He makes chances for himself as well. Some strikers need players to pass to them but with Luis he can score a goal from anywhere or any opportunity.”

Rooney admits he could leave Manchester United this summer AYNE Rooney has W admitted to teammates that he could leave Manchester United in the summer, Goal.com can reveal.

Rooney has maintained a public stance of silence following widespread suggestions that Sir Alex Ferguson might be willing to sell him.

But Goal.com understands that the 27-year-old has privately told club and international colleagues that his Old Trafford future is up in the air.

Rooney harboured the doubts long before he was dropped for last Tuesday’s

defeat by Real Madrid. He is believed to have told teammates during the international break in the first week of February that he could leave United in the summer.

Although Rooney scored United’s second goal upon his return to the starting 11 in their 2-2 FA Cup draw against Chelsea on Sunday, he is said to know that his status at Old Trafford has been downgraded following the £24 million arrival of Robin van Persie last summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson has made it clear that he is unhappy with the England

Barry expects major clear-out at Manchester City ANCHESTER City midM fielder, Gareth Barry insists that the club’s star players are fighting for their futures after chief executive Ferran Soriano and Football Director, Txiki Begiristain were appointed.

The Premier League champions progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a crushing 5-0 win against Championship side Barnsley on Saturday, with Carlos Tevez netting a hattrick and assisting another two.

But England international Barry believes there could be a major clear-out following another Champions League failure this term and with the club looking likely to miss out on the Premier

League title.

“Obviously they are the sort of conversations the lads have now and again,” Barry told reporters. “We’ve got the rest of this season and then one more year and there have been changes upstairs.”

Soriano and Begiristain look set to oversee a number of high-profile player departures, with the likes of Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko linked with moves away from the Etihad Stadium in recent weeks.

And Barry, whose contract expires at the end of next season, accepts that positive changes may have to be made to keep the squad competitive.

He added, “everyone is pret-

ty relaxed because (Soriano and Begiristain) will take time to have a look at things and the way they are going to go in the future.

“The players are pretty comfortable with that, too, but it’s just important that we keep performing on the pitch. I want to finish my career still challenging for trophies and this is the perfect club at which to do that.

“I’m very settled here but at the same time I’ve got a lot of respect for the people who have come in. They’re going to have a good long look at the way they want to go and the players they want to go with, so as individuals we need to work hard when we get the chance.”

talisman’s fitness, conditioning and lifestyle. One training ground theory is that the United coaching staff believe Rooney has already peaked as a footballer.

Sir Alex’s public stance is that United plan to hold talks to renew the player’s contract, which expires in 2015.

“I wasn’t even aware of that (his contract running out),” the manager said at his media briefing last Friday.

“So there’s no issue with his contract. When it has to be renegotiated it will be done.

We don’t want players to leave.”

Despite Sir Alex’s declaration that Rooney is not for sale, the England international’s importance to the team has diminished to the point that he is highly unlikely to be offered anywhere near the £250,000-aweek salary he secured after threatening to quit United in 2010.

There remains the strong possibility that the offer of reduced terms when the two parties sit down at the end of the season could open the door for a move.

Paris Saint-Germain have been most strongly linked with Rooney, who scored his 196th goal for United on Sunday, but it is understood that the forward would only be willing to sever his ties with the north-west of England if he was to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gabriel Heinze,

David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy and make a switch to Real Madrid.

Although the upcoming presidential elections at Real will not be as fiercely disputed as usual and the club’s priority is tying Cristiano Ronaldo to another contract, the unopposed Florentino Perez could be persuaded to recruit a Galactico signing to one of the few clubs able to afford Rooney’s mammoth wages.

Rooney is understood to believe that if he can recapture his form of last season in the final two months of this campaign, he could entice Real to make a move.

Rooney

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, March 12, 2013

79

TheGuardian

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Okere Nkiruka Faith GASPED in awe when I read an article IFoundation published by Brown Button about Mr. & Mrs. Adesanya who is growling every day because of Birth Asphyxia. The report goes as follows: “June 22, 2011 marked the beginning of a series of spiral events which changed the lives of the Adesanya’s forever. Mrs. Adesanya had diligently attended antenatal at Somolu General Hospital, LagosNigeria, took all nutritional advice and sought skilled help at every opportunity.

At the pang of Labour she headed for Somolu General Hospital where she had pre-registered marking the commencement of Labour day one.

Labour day one: On examination, it was observed that there was a complication and it was advised that a Cesarean Section (CS) be performed on her immediately. This was not considered a major issue as her earlier baby had been delivered via CS at the same hospital. There was, however, one big snag: No doctor was available there to perform the operation that afternoon.

Realising the nature of the emergency they had on their hands, the nurses promptly referred Mrs. Adesanya to the Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, that same day for an emergency CS. On arrival there, they met with Dr. A Adeyemo, who became immediately furious that a pregnant woman was being referred, which she considered it an additional work. She first insisted that no bed space was available forcing the pregnant woman to lurk around the hospital environment until eventually, after much pleading a bed space emerged for Mrs. Adesanya. Probably still angry at the referral, the doctor insisted on not performing the surgery that day and Mrs. Adesanya was consequently sedated.

Labour day two: A bright Thursday started with fresh hopes. Mr. Adesanya arrived the hospital to find his wife connected to an oxygen machine. A nurse on duty had also brought to Mr. Adesanya’s knowledge the fact that the baby was no longer breathing well.

Alarmed, he rushed to the doctor he had met the night before at Island Maternity Hospital and enquired when the ‘emergency’ CS would be done as it was becoming obvious his wife was getting weaker and the baby was getting distressed. With obvious disinterestedness, he was informed that it would be impossible to have the emergency surgery done that day, as Island Maternity Hospital does not perform surgeries on Thursdays. Confused and shaken, he resolved to move his wife to another hospital where the life of the mother and child would be saved. At this point, he received a call from Somolu General Hospital requesting that he bring his wife for surgery if she was yet to be operated upon. He informed the doctor of his resolve and she gladly released the patient who was clearly weak due to the distress.

Back at Somolu General Hospital, upon further examination by the doctor, he

Beneath these medical terms lies the reality of life for baby Nicole who suffers from a condition known as cerebral palsy because of a permanent damage and injury to the brain at birth otherwise known as birth asphyxia. The consequences are dire. Developmental monitoring shows that at one year and seven months baby Nicole is unable to sit, stand, hold or grasp object or talk.

She is unable to see clearly, hear clearly and suffers frequently series of seizures.

Please send reactions and feedback for YOUTH SPEAK to:

editorial@risenetworks.org and 07067976667- SMS ONLY

Birth Asphyxia: Looming danger for the Nigerian child

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola

was informed his wife had just been fed with food and it would be impossible to perform the surgery that evening.

Distraught, he had no choice than to wait until the next day.

Labour day three: The operation was finally performed, the life of the baby as well as the mother was saved but with a price...

Armed with a series of medical reports, he explains the present medical state of Nicole following her one year seven months on earth: MRI-BRAIN report conducted by Dr.Subhash Vijayvargiya (Consultant Radiologist) at BT Health & Diagnostics Center Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH) Lagos, reveals the following results: “Impression: NCMR evaluation of brain reveals bilateral occipito-parietal (L>R)

cortical and subcortical and bifrontal cortical atrophy with ulgyric cortical in the parieto-occipital region. Findings are consistent with THE (HypoxicIschemic Encephalopathy) sequence with parasagittal insult.”

Beneath these medical terms lies the reality of life for baby Nicole who suffers from a condition known as cerebral palsy because of a permanent damage and injury to the brain at birth otherwise known as birth asphyxia. The consequences are dire. Developmental monitoring shows that at one year and seven months baby Nicole is unable to sit, stand, hold or grasp object or talk. She is unable to see clearly, hear clearly and suffers frequently series of seizures.

Birth Asphyxia is the medical condition resulting from deprivation of oxygen to a newborn infant that lasts long enough

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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Birth Asphyxia is the medical condition resulting from deprivation of oxygen to a newborn infant that lasts long enough during the birth process to cause physical harm, usually to the brain. In the more pronounced cases, an infant will survive, but with damage to the brain manifested as either mental, such as developmental delay or intellectual disability, or physical, such as spasticity… during the birth process to cause physical harm, usually to the brain. In the more pronounced cases, an infant will survive, but with damage to the brain manifested as either mental, such as developmental delay or intellectual disability, or physical, such as spasticity — in fact, spastic diplegia and the other forms of cerebral palsy usually feature asphyxiation during the birth process as a major, if not defining factor. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive, on-contagious motor conditions that cause physical disability in human development, chiefly in the various areas of body movement As the child grows, it is becoming increasingly difficult and painful to manage her medical condition without the necessary medical support or professional accountability from those liable. A number of meetings have been set up with the Lagos State Health Service Commission with no fruitful result. The frequency of the seizures continues to increase with its attendant’s financial implications while the erring doctor continues to practise without any investigation or disciplinary step taken against her as informed by Mr. Adesanya.

With misty eyes, Mr. Adesanya makes a passionate plea for justice for his baby.

“Baby Nichole is my baby whose future and right to live a normal life has being altered by the negligence of an angry doctor. She could have been your baby, anyone’s baby.... All we ask for is justice.

Justice to help our baby make the best of the life she has now. Justice to save future babies from this kind of situation. Justice that will usher in change for good. Please raise your voice with us!”

This is just one among a thousand parents who are living in the agony of birth asphyxia that can be avoided. Every single day, according to UNICEF’S report, ’Nigeria loses about 2,300 under-five year olds and 145 women of childbearing age.

This makes the country the second largest contributor to the under–five and maternal mortality rate in the world.

Underneath the statistics lies the pain of human tragedy, for thousands of families who have lost their children. Even more devastating is the knowledge that, according to recent research, essential interventions reaching women and babies on time would have averted most of these deaths. Although analyses of recent trends show that the country is making progress in cutting down infant and under-five mortality rates, the pace still remains too slow to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of reducing child mortality by a third by 2015’.

Do we have to wait for the young generations to die because our governments are too busy squandering money, sharing and refusing to help the people who voted them in; I honestly think that we need to sit down and speak for what is right. If the health sector is now the death sector then let it be shut down and Nigerians would know that we don’t have facilities anymore.

We cannot continue like this, we refuse to. Now is the time to act…Now is the time to speak….How well are you speaking?

• Okere Nkiruka Faith is a social worker and a nurse.