Tue 23 July 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,626

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Two former military heads of state, Generals Ibrahim Babangida (middle, front row) and Abdulsalami Abubakar (left, back row); as well as Governors Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto State (left, front row), Babangida Aliyu (Niger, right, front row), Sule Lamido (Jigawa, right, back row) and Rabiu Kwankwaso, during the meeting at the Presidential Lodge in Minna, Niger State… yesterday.

Five governors meet Babangida, Abdulsalami over nation’s crises From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh (Abuja), Kelvin Ebiri (Port Harcourt) and John Ogiji (Minna) IVE governors yesterday Ftwosought the intervention of former heads of state in resolving some of the nation’s crises. The five northern governors were Sule Lamido (Jigawa State), Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger). They met with two former military leaders, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar in Minna, Niger State. The visit came barely two days after the same governors met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Ota, Ogun State. Yesterday’s meeting which began at about 12.20 p.m. at the Presidential Lodge opposite the Government House, Minna, lasted for two hours. The two former leaders arrived at the venue in a blue Mercedes S500, with registra-

• Rivers, NGF on agenda • PDP leaders trade words over Amaechi’s style • Seriake Dickson heads party’s peace panel tion number AE 323 WSH, accompanied by their security aides. In an interview with journalists shortly after the meeting, Babangida, who described the governors as patriots for their bold step towards finding lasting solutions to some of the nation’s problems, said: “I just want to commend the governors here and some of their colleagues. I was very impressed because they see the problem of this country as our problem and they have taken the right step to consult widely in trying to find solutions to some of the leading problems.”

Speaking on behalf of others after the meeting, Aliyu said it was a platform that could be used to actualise some political dreams. “Now we are consulting with our elders and leaders to look at some of the problems and solutions to the problems that some of us perceive we are facing, simple,” he said. “The solution to the Governors Forum’s crisis, political issues which have come up … we are consulting to make sure that we all understand the issues and we will all come out with solutions, and we will also carry our people together as we go along.” When asked on the next line

of action towards resolving some of the political crises, Aliyu said “we are still consulting.” Responding to questions on the lingering crisis in Rivers State, he said: “There is no gathering in Nigeria now that the Rivers’ issue will not come up, but our meeting today is a larger issue than even the Governors’ Forum. We are discussing how to solve the crises.” Meanwhile, the Rivers State leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) says Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s indifference to the welfare of the injured lawmaker representing Obio/Ak-

por State Constituency II, Michael Chinda and his preference to hosting of “arranged solidarity visits” had further exposed his unforgiving spirit. The state PDP chairman, Felix Obuah, expressed the party’s position while on a visit to the injured lawmaker in his London hospital. Some prominent political leaders in Rivers were with Obuah during the visit, including the Minister of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who expressed shock at the “barbaric character” of House of Assembly Majority Leader Chidi Lloyd which made him to inflict such injuries on a fel-

Senator weeps, apologises for backing child marriage law – Page 5

low human being. Austin Opara, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Kenneth Kobani and a former Commissioner for Sports in Rivers State, Boma Iyaye, were among those with Obuah. But the PDP’s faction in Rivers loyal to Amaechi called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the national leadership of the party to direct Obuah and Wike to halt the lawlessness in its state chapter to avoid chaos. The faction’s publicity secretary, George Ukwuoma, warned that unguarded statements by the Wikebacked Obuah-led faction of the PDP were meant to heat up the polity. Besides, the party’s national headquarters has constituted a new committee to reconcile various interest groups within it. A statement by the party’s acting National Publicity Secretary, Tony Okeke, yesterday said that the 30-member committee would be led by Bayelsa State Governor Se. riake Dickson.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

News Tukur, Gana, Ekweremadu settle rift over convention From: Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said yesterday that the face-off between its national chairman, Bamanga Tukur, and the national convention planning committee had been resolved. Tukur, who announced this after a meeting between the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Professor Jerry Gana-led national convention planning committee at the party national secretariat in Abuja, declared that all issues affecting the national convention, which had generated serious crisis, had been resolved. He also disclosed that he (Tukur) was now ready to inaugurate the national convention planning committee on Wednesday.

Senator weeps, apologises for backing child marriage law From: Niyi Bello, Akure, Seye Olumide, Tunde Akinola, Lagos and Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City ITH tears flowing from his eyes and gaze full of remorse before thousands of his constituents, the senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Ayo Akinyelure, yesterday apolo-

More Nigerians chide Senate gised for his endorsement of the controversial support for girl marriage by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Obviously overwhelmed by the outrage exhibited by delegates from the six local councils of Akure North, Akure South, Ifedore, Idanre, Ondo

East and Ondo West that made up the central district inside and outside the big auditorium of the Ondo State Cultural Centre in Akure, the Senator burst into tears as he tried hard to convince the obviously enraged crowd at the tension soaked session, that he mistakenly pressed

the wrong button during the electronic voting exercise thinking that he was voting against child marriage. He said: “I am very sorry for this costly mistake. I actually voted in error. I pressed the “No” button during the electronic voting session thinking that I was kicking against the early marriage. I can never support such barbaric and

Global West denies blocking Bonny Channel SHIPPING company, Global A West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited, has formally complained to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) of falsely accusing it of illegally disrupting its (NLNG) operations. According to Global West, the alleged false accusation was portrayed in an advertorial taken out by NLNG, published in two newspapers on June 25, 2013. In the publication, NLNG, acting through its lawyer, Babalakin & Co., had petitioned the Federal Attorney General and Justice Minister, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), alleging that contrary to the order of the Federal High Court, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), acting in concert with Naval Officers and Global West, “imposed a blockade at the Bonny Channel with the aim of and actually hindering inbound and outbound vessels belonging to and under charter with NLNG from evacuating liquefied natural gas from its facilities on Bonny Island”. In the complaint letter, signed by A. J. Owonikoko (SAN) of Synergy Attorneys, on behalf of Global West Ltd, the law firm pointed out that NLNG ought to have known that “our client (Global West Ltd) is certainly not a government agency and that it is a private entity not charged with, and not otherwise engaged in enforcing any statutory, maritime regime or levy and does not act in concert with NIMASA in NIMASA’s performance of its statutory functions and powers”. It considered the information conveyed by NLNG in the newspaper advertorials as “rather shocking as it is unfounded”. Specifically, Global West demanded that NLNG retracts the publication within 48 hours or be prepared to face a court action.

Orodje of Okpe Delta State, HRM, General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) (left); Vice President Namadi Sambo; President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and leader of the group, Maj. Gen Patrick Newton Aziza (rtd); President Goodluck Jonathan and Royal Canon, the Chworode of Olomu Kingdom, Delta State, HRM Ogoni Oghoro 1, during the UPU delegates visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja… yesterday. PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

JTF, vigilance group raid Boko Haram hideout, kill seven From: Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri OLLOWING intelligence Fresidents reports from Maiduguri, to members of Borno Vigilance Youths Group (BVYG) and military Joint Task Force (JTF) on Sunday, killed seven Boko Haram terror suspects and arrested six others in Bama town, after two-hour houseto-house search operations in two wards of the township by 4 p.m. Bama is a border town with Cameroun; and 78 kilometres east of Maiduguri, the state capital; and an epicentre of Boko Haram sect activities. The arrested suspects, according to an eyewitness

yesterday, were picked up by the vigilance youths that stormed the suspected hideouts of fleeing Boko Haram sect members. He said: “We were sitting under this tree shade; when we saw some youths with sticks, knives and cutlasses in two buses and five tricycles headed towards Tandari ward of Bama town. Five minutes, after soldiers in their patrol vehicles also backed up the youths before the fleeing gunmen were arrested in the evening. He said even though there were no exchanges of gunfire initially between the fleeing terror suspects and soldiers, seven of them were however,

gunned down while attempting to escape towards the outskirts of Tandari areas of Bama town. Speaking on the house-tohouse searches, the source told The Guardian that the Boko Haram sect members must have fled from the destroyed Sambisa Games Reserves Forest, while others could have infiltrated the township from Maiduguri or Konduga, before they were rounded up here yesterday by vigilance youths and JTF. A hospital attendant at the Specialists Hospital, Maiduguri also said that seven bodies were brought in by a JTF patrol vehicle from Bama by 5.35 p.m. on Sunday.

18 feared killed in Edo auto crash From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City O fewer than 18 persons were yesterday killed in an accident involving a Toyota Hiace bus and a truck on the Lagos -Ore –Benin Expressway near Okada, Ovia North East council of Edo State. The accident led to a gridlock on the busy expressway, which lasted several hours. When contacted on the

crash, the Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Kenneth Nwaegbe, confirmed that 18 persons were killed while two children survived. Among the victims were said to be 15 adults and two kids. It was also gathered that the driver of the truck also died. Nwaegbe said the commercial bus belonging to Peace Mass Transit which left the Onitsha, Anambra

State was coming from Benin to Lagos when an on coming truck had a head on collision on the side of the road under construction. He added: “What happened was that one of the tyres of the truck loaded with gravel pulled off, the driver lost control and rammed into the Toyota bus coming in the opposite direction.

Confirming the incident yesterday, spokesman of JTF, Lt. Col Sagir Musa said that the soldiers assisted the vigilance youths in the arrest of six terror suspects at Bama, while seven were killed in an exchange of gunfire in one of the suspects’ hideouts. The youths, according to him, were escorted by men of JTF; and returned safely to Maiduguri metropolis without being hurt or killed in the Bama youth’s operations.

wicked bill. “I am educated and I am representing a people who value education who are not only literate but highly exposed. I can never support a bill which is not only retrogressive in nature but will also subject the girl child to pain and anguish”. Akinyelure vowed to do everything within his power to ensure that the provision would not be included in the country’s constitution. Meanwhile, more political, civil right activists and nongovernmental organisations have risen in opposition to Nigerian Senate’s passage of a resolution to amend the provision of Section 29 (4b) of the 1999 Constitution. Section 29 (1) of the 1999 Constitution states: “Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation.” Sub-section (4a) states: “Full age means the age of 18 years and above”, while (4b) says: “Any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age.” By this, the constitution only allows marriage for a girl of 18 years and above. But with the proposed amendment by the Senate, a married underage girl is deemed to be an adult. Lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Lanre Odubote and a scribe of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), who was in Dispora during the struggle for democracy, Prof. Ropo Sekoni have opposed the Senate’s passage of a resolution to retain the provision of Section 29 (4) (b) of the 1999 Constitution on child marriage. In similar vein, President, Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin said the decision of the Senate on the girl marriage law violates decency, as it exposes the girl child to sexual violation by wayward men in the name of marriage at a time when the world is promoting education and combating health hazards.

Varsity students ask ASUU to end strike From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja ISING from their meeting R with the Senate Committee on Education at the National Assembly yesterday, the National Association of Nigerian University Students (NANUS) called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end its strike and embrace dialogue with the Federal Government. The students’ body, led by its National President, Peter Bassey Asuquo, also informed the committee that ASUU did not consult with the students before embarking on the prolonged strike. NANUS told the Senator Uche Chukwumerije-led committee that ASUU’s incessant

strikes had failed to impact on the infrastructure status of government universities nationwide, accusing the lecturers of pursuing selfish ends to the detriment of students. It further urged the committee to probe governmentowned universities on their internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which it alleged has been largely misapplied, leaving university with dilapidated infrastructure and learning aids. In his comment, Chukwumerije queried the paucity of IGR by universities and ASUU’s incessant strikes. He called for alternative dispute resolution methods between tertiary unions and the Federal Government.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Issues In The News

Scourge of oil theft and other maritime crimes: Abuja Bureau Chief, Madu Onuorah, writes on the menace that has made Nigeria’s coast more dangerous than Somalia’s. HE overarching scourge of T maritime insecurity, which includes oil theft, piracy, kidnappings, drug trafficking and other illegal maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea is assuming worsening dimensions as the days go by, and in the process, national and private economies, as well as human lives have been gravely hampered. In view of this, stakeholders in national and international maritime security will converge in Calabar, Cross River State, from July 29 to 31, 2013, to strategise on how to halt the deterioration of security in the maritime waters of the Atlantic coast, especially Nigeria. At the meeting, 12 Chiefs of Naval Staff and delegates from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the United States (U.S.) and European Union (EU) are expected to work out new strategies for coordinated regional and international response to these challenges. The conference is being sponsored by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with the U.S. Office of the Security Cooperation (OSC). Participating countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Senegal, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, Namibia and South Africa, as well as the Commanders of U.S. African Command and the U.S. Naval Forces, EU, Gulf of Guinea Commission, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Joining them would be other Nigerian stakeholders, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria

Police, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), major oil producers, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), indigenous ship owners, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). The theme of the conference, which will be declared open by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Olusola Obada, is “Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Systems: A Key for Enhancing Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea.” Their task is simple – to halt the deterioration of security in the maritime waters of the Atlantic coast, especially Nigeria. Truly, the cost to the region’s maritime interests has been enormous. At the continental level, chairperson of the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, said last month in Yaoundé, Cameroun, that in 2012 alone, piracy cost the region $2 billion, with some shipping companies avoiding the seaports they characterise as danger zones. She added that Africa has lost $200 billion in five decades to illegal fishing and $100 billion to illegal bunkering since 2003. The Nigerian House of Representatives, bemoaning the “incessant, brazen and unbridled theft of crude,” put illegal crude oil bunkering at 300,000 barrels per day (or 67 per cent of Nigeria’s domestic consumption of 445,000 barrels per day). Last week, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that oil theft could be as high as 400,000 barrels per day, lamenting that this has led to a 17 per cent fall in official sale

of Nigerian crude oil in the international market. With this, she said, Nigeria’s loss to oil thieves translate to about $l billion in revenue per month and $12 billion per annum. According to her, oil theft is the biggest challenge to the nation’s 2013 budget as there is now “oil quantity shock” shortfall of about 400,000 barrels per day of crude. The NNPC Group Executive Director, Refining and Petrochemicals, Mr. Anthony Ogbugbe, further painted a more gloomy picture in a submission to the House Committee on Finance. Ogbugbe said: “The real challenge we have had is that the crude supply pipelines as well as the product evacuation pipelines have been subject to a lot of vandalism over the years. According to him, loss of crude oil from the pipelines from Escravos to Warri in 2010 was 965,000 barrels while in 2011, the country lost 1.2 million barrels and in 2012, 1.2 million barrels. He added: “So just on that pipeline alone, we lost 6.4 million barrels within the last three years. In the line between Warri and Kaduna, which supplies the Kaduna Refinery, total loss amounted to 2.1 million barrels of crude oil. “For the line from Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) facility in Ughelli up to Warri Refinery, the loss over the three years amounted to over 280,000 barrels of crude oil. For Bonny to Port Harcourt, the loss was over 2.9 million barrels over the last three years.” At the Extractive Business Dialogue on Corruption, which was organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, SPDC Managing Director, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, blamed wellfinanced and highly organised criminals for crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, stating that they run a parallel industry with a “developed supply chain and growing

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba sophistication.” He noted: “I am worried about the incredible growth of oil theft and illegal refining activities over the last couple of years. I am worried as a Nigerian and you all should be worried too. Our economy loses about $6 billion annually to illegal bunkering.” Sunmonu warned that crude oil theft has reached a crisis situation, adding that Nigerians and all stakeholders should be worried about the devastation on the environment and a situation where sabotage and oil theft accounted for about 75 per cent of the oil spilled in SPDC’s facilities. He added: “In 2012, they accounted for over 95 per cent of the volume of oil spilled.” The present state of affairs in Nigeria made the Londonbased International Maritime Bureau (IMB), an international piracy monitoring agency, to report that the Gulf of Guinea has overtaken Somalia as the world’s

new hub of oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy, kidnappings and armed robbery. The piracy reporting centre had earlier warned that the seas off Benin, Nigeria’s neighbour, had emerged a new piracy “hotspot” due to the weak enforcement capabilities of governments in the region. In August last year, the London-based Lloyd’s Market Association - an umbrella group of insurers - listed Nigeria, neighbouring Benin and nearby waters in the same risk category as Somalia, where two decades of war and anarchy have allowed piracy to flourish. And same last year, the Gulf of Guinea area confirmed its new position as the hotbed of pirates’ attack with incidents involving 966 sailors, compared with 851 in Somalia. The IMB also estimated that the cost of stolen goods alone in the Gulf of Guinea in 2012 was between 25 and 75 million euros ($33 million to $100 million). Last week, it reported that this year alone, the Gulf of Guinea suffered 31 actual and attempted attacks by pirates, including four ships that were hijacked. Out of this number, Nigeria had 22 reported attacks, up from six in all of 2011. Somalia, in comparison, had four attacks, compared to 125 in 2011. Only Indonesia reported more attacks than Nigeria, with 48 so far this year. In 2012, 45 per cent of maritime crimes were committed on Nigerian borders, Togo recorded 25 per cent, Ghana had three per cent, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), three per cent, Cameroun, five per cent, Sierra Leone, two per cent, Benin Republic, three per cent and Cote d’Ivoire, two per cent. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) also listed recorded attacks to include 58 in 2011 and 45 in 2012, 34 of which occurred between January and September of the same year as against 30 in 2011

during the same period. The Nigerian Navy disclosed that the country records between 10 to 15 piracy attacks monthly on its stretch of the Gulf of Guinea. Last month, the Joint War Committee, which groups syndicate members from the Lloyd’s Market Association as well as representatives from London’s insurance company market, added Togo to its list of high risk areas for merchant shipping, which already includes Nigeria and Benin, reflecting the worsening risks. According to the IMB Manager, Cyrus Moody, “generally, all waters in Nigeria remain risky. Vessels are advised to be vigilant as many attacks may have gone unreported.” The issue of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and regional counter-terrorism initiatives topped the agenda of the 32nd ordinary session of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS), which held in Accra, Ghana, on June 26, 2013. It was also the main issue at last June’s Summit of Heads of State and Governments of ECCAS, ECOWAS, Gulf of Guinea Commission and the African Union Commission in Yaoundé. The leaders came under the United Nations Resolution 2039 of February 2012 for the Gulf of Guinea Region, where 200 million people are living under the threat of piracy and transnational maritime crimes. They reviewed and adopted series of measures that were previously reviewed at the March 2013 inter-ministerial conference in Cotonou, the Republic of Benin. This means that there is no maritime state of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) that is not facing tremendous security challenges in its maritime domain. But Nigeria, being the leading maritime nation in the GoG states, has led the battle, especially within its territorial and coastal waters. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Nigeria lays

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Issues In The News

The African navies’ solution sovereign claim to 12 nautical miles of territorial seas and jurisdictional claims to 200nm of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This translates to about 5,040 square nm of sovereign territory and 84,000 square nm of EEZ, meaning that Nigeria’s maritime area is about one third of its land size. The Nigerian Navy is also expected to secure about 159 fixed platforms fed by over 700 wells, 13 floaters and 20 Floating Pump Stations Offshore. Oil and gas accounts for 40 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 95 per cent of the nation’s total export and 83 per cent of its total revenue. President Goodluck Jonathan has held meetings with both local and foreign stakeholders on the issue. Speaking at the Presidential Retreat on Maritime Sector in July last year, Jonathan said “it is extremely embarrassing that it is only in Nigeria that crude oil is stolen. “It is a very bad news and I believe that Nigerians and foreigners who are indulging in this act need to throw their heads under the pillow because all over the world, it is only in Nigeria that crude oil is stolen. We are not the only oil producing country. Why is it that it is only in Nigeria that people steal crude oil? This must stop.” In a meeting last year with British Prime Minister, David Cameron, President Jonathan pleaded for Britain’s assistance to stem the big oil theft in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. He told Cameron that stolen oil from the Nigeria is shipped abroad, where it is refined and sold in the international market. Describing the crime as “blood oil,” he called for sanctions for all those involved in the illegal trade. He further challenged the group of industrialized nations to take a stand against oil theft similar to the one taken on money laundering by public office holders. President of Cote d’Ivoire and Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, Alassane Ouattara, told delegates at a summit convened to tackle the menace: “I invite the international community to show the same firmness in the Gulf of Guinea as it has demonstrated in the Gulf of Aden, where the presence of international naval forces has allowed for a drastic reduction in maritime piracy.” On October 8, 2012, after decorating the new Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, President Jonathan charged the Nigerian military, especially the Navy, to lead the charge in curbing this menace. And same day, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, told Naval personnel that crude oil theft and illegal bunkering would be top priority. These efforts led to major arrests by the Navy and the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta. But it did not stop the pirates and oil thieves from being emboldened more. Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Obada, said last June in Abuja that a total of 1,653 suspects have been arrested while 3,778 illegal refineries have

been destroyed in the last one year in the ongoing anti-illegal bunkering patrols by the JTF’s Operation PULO SHIELD in the Niger Delta. In addition, 120 barges, 878 Cotonou boats, 161 tanker trucks, 178 illegal fuel dumps and 5,238 surface tanks were also destroyed by the task force within the same period. Obada noted that while the Nigerian military has “enhanced protection of oil and gas facilities through air and ground patrols of pipeline networks to deter vandals from sabotage activities, troops were deployed at most critical platforms on a 24/7 basis to enhance their security. While criminality in the industry has not been completely eliminated, efforts of the Joint Task Force have reduced the level of crude oil theft drastically.” But while there have been major arrests within the coastal waters and pipeline installations, not much has been achieved in the territorial waters. This is because the bulk of piracy and oil theft is executed within this area in the GoG. In fact, a source told The Guardian that the reason the GoG has taken over from the Somali coast as the major theatre of piracy is that “as the Somali pirates were being flushed from their operational base by the coalition of international Navies, they relocated to the Nigerian area of the Gulf of Guinea. There are now physical attacks on vessels within the region, and they have added a new dimension of physical attacks, including robbing the vessels, especially in Cote d’Ivoire. These criminals, who originally focused on piracy, are imposing new risks in the area through illegal bunkering and stealing of fisheries. And they are no more just Nigerian illegal bunkerers or oil thieves, they now have network of criminal allies in each country of the region. And these oil thieves now have their own tankers. It is no more just a Nigerian or GoG issue but a continental security challenge. Obada spoke further: “While the non-state actors and criminals are networking among themselves to rob the states of their natural resources, undermine their revenue base through widespread smuggling, attack shipping, smuggle people, drugs and small arms, states in the GoG have tended to tackle the problem from purely national efforts. “This approach cannot work because the criminals don’t respect borders and are increasingly getting bolder in their nefarious activities. The United States has assisted many African states to establish coastal surveillance stations. Yet, these countries do not share information obtained from these stations among themselves. It is like the states are refusing to recognize that they are faced with a common problem and that only a collaborative and collective effort will solve the problem.” Therefore, the aim of the Calabar conference is to examine the modalities for improving information sharing and enhancing their operations

with a view to improving the general maritime situation among the co-operating states. Originally, the U.S. introduced the Automatic Identification System (AIS) aimed at identifying and locating vessels by electronically exchanging data with other nearby ships, AIS base stations and satellites. However, typical of African nations, instead of cooperating under the AIS system to fight maritime crimes, each country limited itself to its own territorial waters, responding to threats without networking with the other Navies. With this, the U.S. went further to install the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC), which is integrated into the Maritime Safety and Security Information System, a global database to track ships all over the world. The U.S. Navy-funded RMAC programme is already installed in 10 centres within Nigeria, including Badagry in Lagos, Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State and Bonny in Rivers State. It is a coastal surveillance programme that uses an automatic identification system and ground-based radar and sensors to enhance awareness of maritime traffic. It functions just like the Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) designed for command and control by both military and national (civilian-located ATC) interrogation systems and it is used to identify aircraft, vehicles or forces as friendly and to determine their bearing and range from the interrogator. But while the U.S. and others are assisting from outside, within Nigeria, it is like the citizens are just waking up to the reality that oil theft has began a war against Nigeria through other means. And true to the Nigerian situation, the blame game has started. There are already recriminations on the perpetrators of oil theft. Generally, it is believed that this crime has festered because its sponsors are well-connected elements within the nation’s political, business, security and legal elite. According to the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, “what is happening is a conspiracy between international buyers of the crude and some highly-placed individuals in tandem with those with the technical know-how in the oil firms to siphon crude through ruptured pipelines and large vessels. When you consider that the theft is also carried out in the deep sea oil locations, you will agree that the ordinary Niger Delta people do not have the sophistication and technical expertise to rupture those pipelines nor the highgrade vessels to cart away the stolen crude. “This is not a crime committed ordinarily by poor people. It is a crime committed by a very organised people, and it is a matter of demand and supply. If there are no international buyers, there will be no local suppliers. This is the essence of the battle.” Expectedly, the oil workers, under the aegis of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PEN-

Diezani Allison-Madueke, Petroleum Minister GASSAN) and the National Ashiru, carried the Federal Union of Petroleum and Government’s new focus on Natural Gas Workers the issue to the members of (NUPENG) shot back last the diplomatic corps. In a Friday. meeting with them last They stated: “We challenge Friday, Ashiru stated: “Oil the authorities on its readitheft has remained a major ness to join forces with the challenge facing the country national and states’ intellias we have continued to lose gence, defence and security huge revenues arising from agencies in the patriotic cruthese criminal activities. We sade to completely unearth will not tolerate again any and get to the bottom of this criminal activities of oil theft grievous international crimion our water coasts. So, warn nality and national calamity your countries’ nationals to so that both the Nigerian desist from these criminal public and international activities. community, some of whom “However, you must cooperalready know and relate with ate with us to address the the culprits or the syndicates, international dimension to will not be deceived or this scourge. The Nigeria fooled.” Navy and NIMASA have been Minister of Foreign Affairs, directed to take firm measAmbassador Olugbenga ures against any ship caught

engaging in unwholesome activities, including oil theft in Nigeria’s territory.” There is also a lack of diligent prosecution of vessels, crew and others involved in oil theft and other maritime crimes. According to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ezeoba, “the lack of diligent prosecution of arrested suspects by responsible agencies, such as the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Police is responsible for the rising oil theft in the Niger Delta. “The law enforcement agencies responsible for prosecution should ensure that the culprits caught are charged to court, prosecuted and jailed. That will serve as deterrent to would-be perpetrators. What we find is that there is more of the surveillance and response but that of enforcement is negligible. It frustrates the efforts of the officers and men, who put their lives on the line to fight this scourge.” Perhaps, in answer to this, the National Economic Council (NEC) last Thursday approved the establishment of a Legal Task Force charged with the responsibility of prosecuting proven cases of oil theft, using the relevant laws, especially the Miscellaneous Offences Act. The proposed committee, which is to be headed by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), would also have representatives from the NNPC, the Armed Forces, Civil Defence, Police, SSS and other related agencies. The task force is to be in force for one year with effect from July 2013.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

8 NEWS

NCP cautions against printing ballot papers outside Nigeria HE National Conscience T Party (NCP) yesterday cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against printing ballot papers outside the country, saying it poses serious dangers. Chairman of the party, Dr. Yunisa Tanko, who spoke in Abuja, said ballot papers printed outside the country are always full of errors and are unpleasant to the electorate. “Most often, in ballot papers printed outside the country, names of contestants would be omitted, and these usually lead to delays during the elections. I believe INEC’s action was due to the syndrome of must-win or win-atall-cost drive of our politicians through fraudulent ways. Yet, such printing can be handled within Nigeria under strict security,” Yunisa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He advised INEC to invite all political parties for verification of their parties’ logos before printing and also recheck before the final printing. According to the NCP chairman, this would save INEC cost, embarrassment, litigation and time during the election exercise. He said it had become imperative for the Commission to look inward in the printing of ballot papers, as this had been done successfully in some African countries. “If this could work well in Ghana and with commitment, it will also work in Nigeria and save all stakeholders embarrassment. For this to be achieved, INEC needs to apply trust in its dealings with the various political parties that are involved,” he said.

Manager, Deep Water Production Geoscience, Esso Production Nigeria Limited, Goodluck Adagbasa (left); Learning Advisor, NNPC-NAPIMS, Clementina Arubi; Managing Director, Danvic Concepts International, Mayowa Afe and Director, Public and Government Affairs, Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited, Ernest Omo-Ojo, during the opening of “Train-the-Trainer” Geoscience Workshop for Lecturers in Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

Sacked ministry employee forfeits right to seek redress HE National Industrial T Court (NIC) sitting in Abuja yesterday dismissed a suit filed against the Ministry of Aviation by a former employee, Mr. Dominic Archibong. The Presiding Judge, Justice Maureen Esowe, who dismissed the suit on grounds that it was statute barred, held that the claimant went to sleep and allowed Limitation Acts to deprive him of his rights. Esowe held that where a court lacked jurisdiction to entertain a case, its merit was of no consequence as the court could not go outside the law. She explained that the Public Officers Protection Act disallowed an action to be commenced against a public officer after three

months from the time the cause of action arose. Esowe held that the claimant, having failed to file the action within the limitation period, had forfeited his right to seek redress. The presiding judge therefore dismissed the suit and informed the claimant that his right to seek redress against the defendant had been lost. Counsel to the claimant, Mrs. C.A. Ezekwe, however,

commended the court for the ruling. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Archibong had joined the Federal Civil Service Commission and Attorney General of the Federation as co-defendants in the suit. When the matter came up for hearing in March, the defendants raised a preliminary objection to challenge the competency of the suit, arguing that it was statute barred.

The claimant had told the court that he was suspended in 1987 and subsequently dismissed in 2007 after 20 years without pay. He prayed the court to declare that his suspension in 1987 and his subsequent dismissal in 2007 were unlawful, null and void. Archibong prayed the court to order the defendants to pay his half salary for 20 years when he was on suspension as required by the law.

Obi advocates more revenue for states By Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has canvassed more revenue for states which he said have the bulk of responsibilities that drive the federation. Obi who made the call yesterday when a team from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) paid him a courtesy call at the Governor’s Lodge, suggested

that 40 per cent of the allocation should go to the Federal Government and 40 per cent to states while local councils should receive 20 per cent. He enjoined the commission to specify a benchmark that will regulate the least amount states should receive while the present imbalance in states creation among the geo-political zones should also be considered in the review. Earlier the leader of the

team, Chief Nnamdi Ekweogwu, said they were in Anambra State to sensitise the people on the on-going review of the allocation formula to enable them make useful input that would help fashion out credible and acceptable formula. He explained that the commission has taken various measures to ensure that the exercise is successful and meet the expectations of the people.

Lagos alerts residents to new deadly virus By Seye Olumide AGOS State government yesterday alerted residents to the existence of a new deadly virus in the world known as Coronavirus, which is said to have claimed many lives in areas it has so far been reported. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, therefore urged people to take adequate precaution and observe high standard of personal and environmental

hygiene in order to reduce the risk of infection, as there is no specific treatment for illnesses caused by Coronavirus. In a statement, the commissioner noted that the ways Coronavirus are spread “have not been extensively studied but confirmed that it could be transmitted easily from one person to another through coughing and sneezing, close contact such as touching or shaking the hands of an infected person,

and touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes after touching contaminated objects or surfaces.” Idris explained that human Coronavirus usually causes mild moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses and can progress to severe respiratory illness and pneumonia, particularly in the aged, young and already ill people. He said its symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath and fever.

There’s only one NGF secretariat, says DG By Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt IRECTOR-GENERAL of the D Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Asishana Okauru, has said the forum has only one secretariat located at Asokoro in Abuja. Okauru’s position was to clear reports over a new NGF secretariat set up by the Governor Jonah Jang faction of the group.

Okauru spoke at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State when he led staff of the secretariat on a solidarity visit to Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State. He disclosed that he had been in contact with the 36 governors, explaining that the political crisis rocking the forum was being resolved as the governors would soon come up with a useful decision that would

give the secretariat a direction towards achieving set objectives. His words: “There is only one secretariat, and I am in contact with all the 36 governors. There is one secretariat, but there is an issue the governors are trying to resolve, and we have a chairman that was re-elected, Governor Chibuike Amaechi”. “The entire NGF secretariat

Benin leaders decry ethnic politics From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE Benin Development T Union (BDU) yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to focus on delivering his promises to Nigerians and not to be distracted by the agitations for who becomes the president by 2015. Rising from a conference yesterday in Benin City coordinated by the former Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and the President, Benin National Congress (BNC), Ayamekue Edokpolor, the group said there were attempts to distract the President with 2015 elections. All the speakers at the conference condemned the “ethnic dimension” the race for 2015 has assumed, lamenting that “some of these leaders who are beating the drums of ethnic interests, particularly from the North, were once in government and they had the opportunity of shaping the country but they failed to do that and now, they are condemning everything the President is doing.

Taraba CNPP backs sack of SSG, others From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo ARABA State chapter of the Conference of the Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed support for the recent action embarked upon by the Acting Governor, Garba Umar, which led to the sack of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Emmanuel Njiwah and some commissioners. Also backing Umar are top stakeholders from the nooks and crannies of the state, who described his action as the “best thing that had ever happened to the state” since the advent of democracy. Speaking through its secretary, Bitrus Danjos, the conference enjoined the acting governor not to hesitate in flushing out from the cabinet and other positions of authority persons perceived to have indulged in corrupt practices. The conference expressed optimism that if the action is sustained, injustice and corrupt practices in public establishments in Taraba would be reduced to the barest minimum.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

NEWS

Group tasks govt on funding of SIECs

Residents lament demolition of houses in Dutse

From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City

From John Akubo, Dutse

ITH the seeming failure of the agitation for council autonomy in the on-going review of the 1999 Constitution, an advocacy group, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), at the weekend in Benin City, urged that State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) be placed on first-line charge in the consolidated trust account, a development, it said, would enhance their independence to conduct credible local council elections. CDD Team leader, Idayat Hassan, gave the advice when the group submitted its report on survey on conduct of local council elections in selected states to the Edo State government where the group advocated for independence in the appointment of SIECs chairmen and commissioners, security of tenure of the SIEC and more participation by all actors, including civil society organisations.

Journalist dies in auto-crash

OLLOWING the massive Fment infrastructural developprojects being executed by the Jigawa State government to give the capital, Dutse, a befitting status with many of the township roads being reconstructed, the government has embarked on demolition of structures, which has drawn the ire of some residents. Bulldozers have been rolled out to demolish not less than 250 houses in Dutse metropolis. One of the affected persons, Babangida Muhammed, said they were summoned to the district head’s house for briefing over the planned demolition. According to him, it was announced to them that their houses would be demolished but no date was given, only for the government to start the pulling down their houses the next day. Muhammed told The Guardian that about 70 Almajiris living

ina Ilaaihir Raj’un,” explaining that “this is the prayer Allah asked us to recite whenever any calamity befalls us”. Mustapha, in tears, told The Guardian that his toilet and living room, which he shared with his two wives and 14 children, have been pulled down. “Now, tell me if it is not the entire house that has been destroyed. For Allah’s sake, how would my family use the bathroom, even as one of them may put to bed any moment,” he said, as he struggled to pull out a bucket under the debris of his former toilet. Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “For God’s sake, this is indeed a clear sign of the end of time, otherwise how could anyone embark on such an exercise in this month of Ramadan?” He said the Friday Central Mosque too was partly destroyed even as Ramadan lecture was in progress. “Wallahi whoever that is behind this will also not be speared by the same God he is worshipping,” he lamented.

According to a civil servant, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, the DCDA came a day before to evaluate their house promising them that they would be compensated before the demolition. “But to our chagrin, the bulldozers were at it the following day,” he said. He, however, commended the governor for his development strides, which he noted, have turned around the state capital. He advised the government to exercise caution, saying that if

From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head, South-West Bureau, Ado-Ekiti) OME members of the Ekiti SDemocratic State chapter of the Peoples Party (PDP) yesterday protested against the consensus arrangement the party intends to adopt to pick its candidate for next year’s governorship election. The protesters, who laid siege to the party’s secretariat and held hostage some members of the State Working Committee (SWC) attending a meeting, blocked all entrances to the premises and vowed to continue the protest until the PDP rescinds its decision and allows free and fair primary election for all the 25 aspirants jostling for the ticket. The protesters besieged the party’s secretariat as early as 9 a.m. carrying placards with various inscriptions. They condemned consensus arrangement, which they described as undemocratic and alien to the PDP constitution and insisted that anything outside credible, free and fair primary is unacceptable to the youth wing of the party and the

grassroots. Among those held hostage were the Deputy Chairman of the party, Femi Bamisile; the Legal Adviser, Kola Adefemi and four other members of the executive. Bamisile, who spoke with newsmen on telephone, said the six SWC members were in a meeting when the protesters stormed the secretariat. He said it was extremely difficult for them to move out for fear of possible attack. To prevent the protest from degenerating into free for all, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, had deployed men of the Swift

Response Squad, led by DSP Segun Atanda and ASP Victor Olotin to man all strategic locations in the Ajilosun Area where PDP secretariat is located in the capital town. The PDP has been embroiled in crisis since the party announced the 11-man consensus committee led by Justice Edward Ojuolape, culminating in the purported suspension of its Chairman, Makanjuola Ogundipe, for alleged compromise. Spokesman of the protesters, Akinniyi Sunday, said the youth wing of the party, as well as elders rejected consensus in its entirety, adding that

not for the peaceful disposition of Dutse residents, it would have resulted to violence. He said even though they were yet to be compensated, they believe that Governor Sule Lamido, being a man of justice, will ensure that they are compensated. Efforts to speak with the DCDA chairman failed. When reporters visited his residence and his farm along KanoMaiduguri road, they were told they narrowly missed him.

Police deploy officers at Sokoto mosques ROACTIVE security measP ures have been put in place to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Ramadan fast in Sokoto State. The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Shuaibu Gambo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that plain-clothes security personnel had been deployed to all the mosques and venues for sermons (Tafsir). According to him, the action is

Protest rocks Ekiti PDP over consensus arrangement

From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin CORRESPONDENT of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kwara State, Mr. Stephen Olushola Owolabi, is dead. Owolabi died on Sunday evening when his car had an accident along Offa Garage Road, Ilorin, the state capital. The deceased’s car was said to have somersaulted several times inflicting on him in the process severe injuries. He was rushed to two private hospitals in the metropolis but was allegedly rejected due to the severity of the injuries sustained. From there, he was taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), by ‘Good Samaritans’ who witnessed the ugly accident, but doctors lost the battle for his life at the hospital’s emergency unit. He was said to have died from the complications arising from the accident. At press time, his remains were at the mortuary wing of the UITH. He is survived by his wife, three

with him in his five-room apartment, which has been demolished, are now sleeping in an open space. “No matter what, we are human beings and not animals, we should be treated with some measure of dignity,” he said. Another affected resident, Aisha, told The Guardian that her father’s house was partly demolished just when the family members were arranging for what to eat during (Iftar) breaking of fast. She said the governor had previously come with officials of Dutse Capital Development Authority (DCDA), questioning them on why the marked houses were not pulled down. “We were reluctant since we know the governor is a Muslim and the DCDA people are also Muslims and we were sure that since it is a holy month of peace, such action may be delayed at least till after Ramadan,” Aisha lamented. Alhaji Mustapha, whose house was also partly destroyed, recited a prayer thus “Inna Lillahi wa

it cannot produce credible candidate that can dislodge Governor Kayode Fayemi. Akinniyi, a former Secretary of Ikere Local Council, said: “Ogundipe must be aware that the PDP is not for sale. His role in this strange consensus issue is questionable. We want a candidate that can win election. A candidate that is popular among the grassroots. We are being guided by history. Where PDP did conduct do primaries, we lost and we don’t want such to happen in Ekiti. That is why we are requesting for primary election, anything outside this is unacceptable.”

to ensure safety of lives and property of the people of the state during and after the Ramadan fast period. He said the command would continue to do its best to sustain the peaceful atmosphere, which Sokoto State is known for. “All we need from members of the public is for them to come out with intelligence reports on suspected characters for prompt action. “We are ready to discharge our constitutional responsibility to the best of our ability and knowledge not minding whose ox is gored,” he vowed. Gambo solicited the support of traditional and religious leaders to sensitise the people on what the society would benefit if relevant information on dubious people was given to the security agencies. “This is the time that our Imams and preachers can complement our efforts to mobilise the people to be security conscious so that we can contain any security threats,” he said. The commissioner also called on the officers and men of the command to continue to put in their best, noting that “all those who worked hard would be rewarded.”

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

WorldReport Rescuers step up search for survivors as quakes kill 89 in China HINESE rescue teams yesC terday battled through landslides and clogged roads in a bid to reach victims of twin earthquakes in northwest part of the country, which killed 89 people, injured almost 600 and damaged more than 20,000 buildings. About 3,000 firefighters, police, soldiers and local government workers were dispatched to the area to search for survivors But rescue efforts were being hampered by landslides and roads, which had been blocked by heavy rain in

previous days. Agency reports, quoting government-run broadcaster CCTV, indicated that the tremors in Gansu province – with magnitudes of 5.9 and 5.6 – triggered landslides which buried often crudely constructed local houses. Pictures from the scene showed simple buildings reduced to rubble, with pieces of corrugated metal roofing scattered over the wreckage. The government of Dingxi city in Gansu said on a social media account that 14 people remained missing.

Almost all the confirmed dead were in Min county, where a medicine factory employee told Agence France Presse (AFP) he saw tower blocks shake “ferociously” when the quake struck. “I was in the workshop. I felt violent shaking and so I ran to the yard of the plant immediately,” said the man, surnamed Ma. “Our factory is only one floor. When I came to the yard, I saw an 18-storey building, the tallest in our county, shaking ferociously, especially the 18th floor.” An official at the provincial

earthquake bureau said more than 1,200 buildings collapsed and 21,000 were severely damaged, adding that 371 aftershocks had been recorded. Zhu Wenqing, a 40-year-old farmer in Min county, told Xinhua news agency he had just got up when his house started shaking. “I escaped immediately on hearing a ‘bang’ and feeling the tremor,” he said, adding that his house collapsed after several aftershocks. President Xi Jinping ordered an “all-out rescue effort”, Xinhua said.

Prince William’s wife, Kate, gives birth to baby boy RINCE William’s wife, Kate, P was yesterday delivered of a baby boy as at 4.24p.m after her admission earlier in the day in the hospital. A global frenzy over the arrival of the new generation of British royalty, who is directly in line to inherit the British throne, reached fever pitch yesterday as the couple, both 31, was driven from Kensington Palace to a plush London hospital suite at around 6:00a.m. They used a back entrance and travelled without police protection, meaning they were missed by the ranks of international media who have camped outside the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital for three weeks. The baby be born third in line to the throne and in the direct line of succession after head of state Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest son and heir Prince Charles, and then his eldest son, William. “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted this morning to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London in the early stages of labour,” Kensington Palace said in a statement. “Things are progressing as normal,” a spokesman added. Kate initially said the couple did not know the sex of the baby. Its title will be His/Her Royal Highness Prince/Princess (name) of Cambridge. Prime Minister David Cameron sent his best wishes to the couple and said he was confident the new succession laws would be pushed through. “A very exciting occasion and

the whole country is excited with them. So everyone’s hoping for the best,” he said. The birth was later than widely expected, adding to the sense of anticipation about a possible royal baby ever since William and the former Kate Middleton married with a huge fanfare in April 2011 after a decade-long romance. The pregnancy was announced in December when Kate was admitted to hospital with severe morning sickness. Kate is in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s, where a standard room and normal delivery – which she is hoping for – costs £4,965 ($7,600, 5,800 euros) for the first 24 hours, plus consultants’ fees which can reach around £6,000. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “During her stay at the hospital, the duchess is being cared for by an expert team of consultants and midwives.” The duchess is being tended by a top medical team led by the queen’s gynaecologist Alan Farthing and his predecessor Marcus Setchell. William, at his wife’s bedside, has been on yearly leave and will take two weeks’ paternity leave from his military job as a Royal Air Force search and rescue pilot. The prince was born in the same hospital wing and media from across the globe are hoping for a repeat of the scene in 1982 when Charles and his first wife Diana brought out the baby to show him off to the world.

Family accuses army of abducting Morsi Tourists and royal supporters gather outside Buckingham Palace in central London after Prince William’s wife, Kate (Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) was admitted to the hospital as the world awaited the birth of a baby directly in line to inherit the British throne…yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

500 inmates escape in deadly assaults on Iraqi prisons BOUT 41 people were A killed and 500 inmates freed after militants reportedly stormed two prisons in Iraq, including the notorious Abu Ghraib, sparking clashes. Iraqi officials disclosed that the coordinated attacks on Taji prison, north of Baghdad, and Abu Ghraib, west of the capital, were launched on Sunday night and raged for around 10 hours. Abu Ghraib prison, already infamous as a centre for the torture of opponents of now executed dictator Saddam Hussein’s regime, gained new notoriety under the United States (U.S.)-led occupation when graphic pictures emerged of the abuse of prisoners. “About 500 prisoners escaped from Abu Ghraib

The security forces in the Baghdad Operations Command, with the assistance of military aircraft, managed to foil an armed attack launched by unknown gunmen against... Taji and Abu Ghraib. prison,” Hakem al-Zamili, a member of the parliamentary security and defence committe, told Agence France Presse (AFP). Zamili said that, to his knowledge, no inmates escaped from the prison in Taji. But another lawmaker, Shwan Taha, also a security and defence committee member, said in an online statement that between 500 and 1,000 inmates escaped from the two prisons. Officials said about 20

members of the security forces were killed and 40 wounded in the attacks. And the justice ministry’s spokesman said that 21 inmates were killed and 25 wounded during rioting at the prisons. It was not immediately clear how many of the militants who attacked the prison were killed, wounded or captured. The attacks were launched at around 9:30 p.m. (1830 GMT) on Sunday when the militants fired mortar rounds at the prisons.

Four car bombs were detonated near the entrances to the jails, while three suicide bombers attacked Taji prison, a police colonel said. Five roadside bombs also exploded near the prison in Taji. Fighting continued throughout the night as the military deployed aircraft and sent in reinforcements around the two facilities. The situation was eventually brought under control yesterday morning, according to the colonel. “The security forces in the Baghdad Operations Command, with the assistance of military aircraft, managed to foil an armed attack launched by unknown gunmen against... Taji and Abu Ghraib,” the interior ministry said.

HE family of the ousted T Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has accused the army of abducting him, according to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Making the allegation, his daughter, Shaimaa, told a news conference in Cairo that the family was taking legal measures against the army. Morsi has been held at an undisclosed location, without charge, since being ousted from power on July 3. The family said it held the military responsible for the former leader’s “safety and security”. The statement is the first from Morsi’s family since he was deposed from office. “We are taking local and international legal measures against Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, the leader of the bloody military coup, and his putschist group,” Shaimaa Morsi told reporters. The family was appealing to the International Criminal Court to launch an investigation into the events leading up to his removal from

power, she said. One of Morsi’s sons, Osama, said: “What is going on is a violation of human rights and a scandal in every sense of the word.” He described the manner in which the military were holding Morsi as an “abduction”. Morsi has not been seen in public since July 3. The family had had no contact with the former president since he was ousted, he said. Mohammed al-Damati, a leading Egyptian lawyer and supporter of Morsi, said it was a breach of the former president’s human rights to hold him without charge. Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood movement has refused to recognise the new military-backed administration. It continues to hold almost daily street protests in Cairo. Several countries, including the United States, have called for Morsi’s release. But Egypt’s interim authorities insist he is being held in a “safe place”.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Politics

Uduaghan

Late Ewherido

Okowa

Ochei

How Ewherido’s death affects dynamics of Delta 2015 By Joe Adiorho Akpor Pius Ewherido, the highest SformENATOR elected official in the country on the platof the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), died on Sunday, June 30, 2013, a week after declaring his intention to run for the governorship of Delta State in 2015. However, while the entire Urhobo nation is still in mourning mood, his death may have upset the political apple cart and calculations of the state. Chief Bobson Gbinije, the initiator of a nongovernmental pressure group, the Mandate Against Poverty, put this scenario succinctly thus: “Ewherido’s death is a horrific blow to the Urhobo nation of Delta State, democracy, 2015 (elections) and the Nigerian nation.” Human rights lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, expressed shock at the sudden death of Ewherido, whom, he said he was looking forward to working with in his plan to run for the 2015 Delta State governorship election. In a condolence message to the Senate, the people of Delta State and the family of the deceased, Keyamo said that Ewherido and himself shared a common vision and dream of transformed and people-oriented government in Delta State from 2015. “Before his untimely death, the distinguished Senator shared the same dream with me and my numerous followers, to rescue our dear Delta State from the iron-grip of a small clique that continues to appropriate our common patrimony to themselves and their families,” Keyamo said. The Urhobo of the Delta Central had been in agony playing alleged second, or even third fiddle in the governance of the state. Although they form the majority in population and solidly occupy eight local government councils, and with a visible presence in some other councils, they had literally not governed the state, except for a brief period in the aborted Third Republic when Olorogun Felix Ibru became the first Executive Governor. Hence, the senatorial district, from where Ewherido hailed, and represented in the Senate, was optimistic that it had found the most eligible candidate to reclaim the state’s governorship slot they had been denied several times, for what they said was for no justifiable reason. As a respondent disclosed, when Ewherido signified his intention to contest, “the people were extremely excited that for the first time, a fullfledged Urhobo son, who had a zeal for his tribe, was staking a claim to the governorship seat.” Their contention is that James Onanefe Ibori, who was the first governor in the new political dispensation beginning from 1999, and “who claimed Delta Central as his nativity, was not truly an Urhobo son.” While admitting that the

former governor’s mother was their daughter, they argued that ‘Oritsejoromi’ and ‘Ibori’ are not Urhobo names. However, ahead of the 2015 elections, it’s claimed that Ibori, who is serving jail terms in Britain, had endorsed and anointed Ewherido as his candidate for the next governorship race of the state. Ibori reportedly took the step to “make amends and appease the Urhobo for his actions and inaction that adversely affected them, especially the propping of his cousin, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, as governor to succeed him.” Some aides of the incumbent governor admitted that Ibori was still wielding influence in the affairs of Delta State. But the aides, who wished not to be named, said that if it were true that Ibori had endorsed Ewherido, then the senator’s death would have settled weighty issues capable of creating anxiety in some official quarters in the state. They reasoned that self-preservation is the first law of existence and that since Governor Uduaghan was serving his last term in office, he would want to endorse a candidate that would protect his interests after leaving office. The aides also stated that Ibori’s influence had gradually and continually attenuated with time, as Uduaghan steadily established himself and raised his own political structure. Senator Ewherido, a few days before his death, indicated interest to run for the gubernatorial position of Delta State and had entreated his new party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to that effect after he had moved in with a batch of his former party members. That move precipitated his and some of his supporters’ expulsion from the DPP. In certain quarters, his hurried move to the APC was perceived as a political manoeuvre to undercut his brother, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, whom he was not sure could re-contest the state governorship after he had been denied the seat repeatedly by the courts. Some members of the DPP viewed Ewherido’s action as the proverbial biting of the fingers that facilitated his elevation to the exalted seat in the Senate after his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), denied him all opportunities to make any political progress; and this forced him to joining the DPP. On that score, the Delta State leadership of the DPP met in Asaba, and expelled him from the party. Painful as Ewherido’s death might appear, it had calmed frayed political nerves in some quarters. While the Urhobo were planning to accord him unalloyed support in his gubernatorial aspiration, the people of Delta North were (and are still) flexing muscles, declaring at any slightest opportunity that it was their turn to produce the next governor of the state,

“whether the person comes from the PDP that operates the zoning system or any other party in the country.” The zone has been bandying the name of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as their main candidate for the gubernatorial race in the 2015 general elections, and that had been generating some political heat in the state. But besides the Delta North people smarting to claim what they think is their rightful gubernatorial mandate, nobody is sure of what Governor Uduaghan has in mind because, as the out-going chief executive of the state, he would like to endorse a candidate that would project his policies and programmes, and protect his interests after he had left office. As at this moment, the governor has not endorsed Okowa, as his successor, even as another aspirant, Chief Victor Ochei, has entered the race. Ochei, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and who also comes from Delta North, has reportedly been gathering supports from individuals and groups across the state in the past few months. The late Ewherido’s political shuttle commenced when he perceived that the PDP would not allow him to actualise his political ambition on its platform. He had run the governorship primaries for the 2007 election under the party in Ogwashi-Uku and lost in what he described as unclear circumstances. Consequently, he left for the DPP under whose ambit he won the Senate seat for Delta North that’s angling for the governorship of the state in 2015. The news that James Ibori, from faraway prison in England, was backing Ewherido for that election would have generated some bad blood somewhere. A political analyst, who affirmed Ibori’s “awesome power in dictating the major political tunes in the state,” noted that it (power) was no longer as potent as it was when Ibori was in Nigeria, a free man. “Remember that he (Ibori) single-handedly installed Uduaghan, his cousin, on the governor’s seat,” the analyst said. “However, Uduaghan has his own life to live and since Ibori is not available to protect him, he has to stand firm and make plans for survival after his tenure.” Some Urhobo hold that since Ogboru had contested for the seat several times but “was not allowed to govern,” as they believe he won the elections but the courts and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held otherwise, it was time to look elsewhere, as they believe that Oghoru would be moving to a higher level of political pursuit. Importantly, Ewherido’s death has eased things for the PDP, which has been ruling Delta State since the inception of the current dispen-

sation, and which reportedly felt that if he (Ewherido) contested, with the backing of the Urhobo and others, it would lose its grip in the state. Now that he had passed on, the immediate political move would be to organise a by-election for the vacant seat in the Senate, and political watchers think the PDP stands a chance of clinching it, given the troubles in the DPP before Ewherido’s demise. The most probable candidates are the same people that Ewherido contested against and defeated at the poll. The DPP that had lost Ewherido to the fledgling APC would also make attempts to field another credible candidate for the by- election. As a matter of fact, it has started shopping for aspirants, but most respondents said it was inauspicious to volunteer their names at the moment “as the situation is very volatile.” Watchers of the Delta polity are of the view that the political situation in the state in 2015 will be very interesting, because if the APC had picked Ewherido as its candidate, it would have posed a strong challenge to the other parties. “As things stand now, if the PDP works a little bit harder, it will win the governorship race in 2015,” one of the sources said. Meanwhile, Senator Pius Ewherido’s death has come as a terrible shock to the Urhobo. A family source said that although he had a medical history of high-blood pressure, it had never been a life-threatening one. While some Urhobo believe that he died of natural causes, others are sceptical, reading political meanings into his passing. They hold that Ewherido was a threat to some people’s political aspirations, particularly as regards the governorship race. However, some prominent Urhobo sons are uncomfortable with the raised decibel of insinuations containing nuances of foul play in Ewherido’s death. Chief Johnson Obarovbe, the proprietor of the Westminster College, Lagos; Oma A OdohTadafe, managing-director of Building Services Ltd and Simeon Ohwofa, a real estate magnate, who all visited the deceased’s family, warned against spreading such unfounded information. Whatever the assumptions, the Senate has described the death of Ewherido as shocking and devastating. The Chairman of Senate Committee on Information, Media and Publicity, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said Ewherido was one of the most articulate, erudite, urbane and easygoing senators, “who brought his wealth of experience as a Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly to bear on the floor.” Abaribe added: “Ewherido was always concerned about his constituency and Nigeria as a whole.”

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

TheMetroSection Driving against traffic...

Briefs UI alumni to discuss waste management HE University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) T Lagos State branch, will at this

• Corporal, DPO to face trial for knocking down mother and child .By Odita Sunday AGOS State Police Commissioner, Umar Manko, yesterday vowed that the police Corporal, who drove against traffic and knocked down a woman and her baby on June 23, 2013, would be made to face the full wrath of the law. Manko also vowed that the Division Police Officer (DPO) under which the policeman served would also face strict disciplinary action. The police corporal, identified simply as Friday, allegedly drove against traffic on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, knocking down a teacher, Mrs. Taskirat Anjolaiya and her baby, Ammarah. Friday, who was on an errand for the Divisional Police Officer, FESTAC Police Division, Ibrahim Zango, was driving a woman to the airport when the incident occurred. Taskirat, who was immediately rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), sustained a head injury and fractures. The family had spent over N500, 000 on treatment for her and the baby. While briefing newsmen yesterday, Manko said the incident was regrettable. When asked if compensation would be given to the family, he said: “The matter was not brought to my notice. It was only when the story was carried by an online journal that the Police Public Relations Officer brought it to my notice. The corporal who knocked down the woman and her child was arrested,

month’s edition of its General Meeting/Sharing Experience, host the Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ola Oresanya, as he speaks on the topic: “Waste Management to Wealth.” A statement by the Association’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Idowu Sowunmi, said the event, slated for July 28, at Osun Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja at 3.00pm and would be graced by ancient, medieval and the modern alumni/alumnus of the university. “We have introduced new dimensions to our General Meeting/Sharing Experience. Ours is not just a meeting point but an avenue to always share experiences on vital issues of national importance. This month’s event will feature LAWMA Managing Director, Mr. Ola Oresanya,” the statement said.

Cash ‘N’ Carry opens in Ibadan The mother, Anjolaiya and her baby, Amarah

brought to me and he has made statements. The DPO has also been asked to state his own side of the story. By the time we are through with investigation, everybody would take his or her own portion of sanctions. The DPO and that corporal were not working for the State Command when the incident

happened.” “We don’t encourage people using impunity simply because you are wearing police uniform. Driving against one-way is an offence in Lagos Traffic Law and our own Traffic Act. If people who are supposed to enforce the law are at the forefront of breaking it, they will face

the consequences squarely. We must sanction them. “We will see what we can do for her (Taskirat) on compassionate grounds because the DPO and the corporal were not on official assignment for the Command when the incident occurred, it was a private affair,” Manko explained.

How Police rescued kidnapped Briton in Lagos • Police boss warns victims’ families against payment of ransom By Odita Sunday HE men of the Special Anti- Robbery Squad T (SARS) of Lagos State Police Command had an order to ensure that a Briton, Dickson Lee, who was kidnapped on arrival at Lagos Airport last week, was released unhurt. They obeyed the order and delivered Lee to waiting British diplomats, who immediately took Lee to the hospital for a medical check -up. The Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko led police rescued the victim without payment of ransom. A 25-year-old suspect identified as Chukwuemeka Benson, was also arrested for allegedly masterminding the kidnap of the British expatriate. The suspect was arrested by a team of policemen from the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) at Okokomaiko in Ojo, on the outskirts of Lagos, where he had allegedly gone to collect the sum of N7.5 million ransom demanded. Another member of the gang identified as Ugochukwu was also said to have escaped with bullet wounds. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, while addressing newsmen after parading the suspected kidnapper yesterday at the Command Headquarters, GRA, Ikeja, said the command would make kidnapping unprofitable for criminals by ensuring that no victim pays ransom in Lagos State. Narrating how it happened, the Lagos State Police boss said that the victim, who came into Nigeria on July 16, 2013 from Amsterdam, was rescued from the criminals’ hideout located in a three-storey building at Okota area of the metropolis. Manko who used the forum to advise members of the public to desist from paying ransom to suspects, said that the gang attacked their victim at Mafolokun area of Oshodi, when he was being driven in a black KIA Sportage vehicle. According to him, the driver of the vehicle escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds, while the assailants drove away with their victim. “Based on the strength of the report made at Area G, Mushin, the police swung into action. The victim

LEADING marketer of elecA tronics and household appliances, Cash ‘n’ Carry, has extended its operation to Ibadan, Oyo State. The showroom is located at Heritage Mall in Oke-Bola, behind the famous Cocoa House and it is offering discounts to first-time customers from July 18 to July 24, 2013. According to a statement, said the choice of Ibadan is strategic “ to cater for the upwardly mobile and exposed people of the South-West, the Middle Belt and the far northern states customers who always travel to Lagos CnC Showrooms to buy latest of consumer electronics goods.”

Council holds inaugural workshop HE Lagos State Research and T Development Council (LSRDC), a body created by the Lagos State government to galvanize growth and development through research, will today hold its stakeholders’ sensitization workshop at the Elearning Center on Broad Street, Lagos. The 10-member research and development council which was inaugurated in September 2012 by Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), and chaired by Professor Olufemi Bamiro, will present the activities of the Council to the public and engage stakeholders in an interactive session.

Church begins confab ICTORY Sanctuary SDA, V member of the Atlantic conference of the Seventh day

The suspect, Benson

The Briton, Lee

was rescued four days after he had been kidnapped. The Briton, who looked pale and sick, was allowed to go for medical treatment,“ he said. Explaining how the police were able to track the suspects, Manko stated that the police encouraged the victim’s relatives to open negotiation with the suspected kidnappers on the ransom while the GSM number used by them was being tracked by the service provider. Manko further said that the payment of ransom by victim’s friends and relations was making kidnapping appear lucrative for criminals.

He noted that effort was ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang. The suspect told newsmen that his role was to collect the ransom. “My only role was to collect the ransom money. I was not there when they kidnapped him. It was when I went for the ransom that I was caught. I will take the police to the house of the man who sent me to collect the ransom, his name is Ugochukwu.” Two pistols and other ammunition were recovered from the suspect.

PHOTOS; ODITA SUNDAY

Adventist Church in Lagos, on Sunday began its yearly Believers’ Convention tagged “Unlimited Harvest, Unlimited Possibilities” . It will end Sunday, July 28 at the Church auditorium and will feature two sessions daily; morning session- 12.00 noon and evening session 6.00pm. Pastor Sam Adeyemi; Joshua Maponga; Wole Oladiyun, Professor Michael Omolewa will mister while host is Pastor Bukola David Ajide.

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23 , 2013

Photonews

Deputy Managing Director, CFAO Motors Nigeria Limited, Kunle Jaiyesimi (left), Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc. , Walter Drenth and Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Kufre Ekanem during a press conference on Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) Season 10, held in Lagos...

President, Nigeria Red Cross, Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere (left), member, House of Representatives, Mrs.Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the President, Catholic Young Men Association, Mr. Vincent Uba during the 14th Annual Lecture of the association. Dabiri-Erewa received the Woman of Distinction Award at the event... in Lagos PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Permanent Secretary of Agriculture, Oyo State, Kunle Adeduntan (left); Community Relations Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Solomon Ogundele; Executive Director, BATNF, Oluwasoromidayo George and Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Peter Odetomi during a courtesy visit by the BATNF Team to the Ministry PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI of Agriculture ...yesterday

The Executive Director, Falcon Petroleum Limited, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo (left), Managing Director, Prof. Joseph Ezigbo, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi and Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources for Lagos State, Taofiq Tijani at the graduation ceremony for beneficiaries of Falcon’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Vocational Skills Acquisition & Women Empowerment Programme in Lagos.

Director, Safetrust Savings & Loans Limited, Adekunle Oki (left), Director, Femi Adeyanju, Chairman, Akin Opeodu; Company Secretary, Gbenga Adetola, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Yinka Adeola and Executive Director , Akintayo Oloko, at the Annual General Meeting of the Primary Motgage Institutions …recently

Chairman, Governing Council, University of Calabar, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (left), Chairman, Governing Council, University of Lagos, Prof. Jerry Gana and Chairman, Governing Council, Federal University of Agriclture, Umudike, Prof. Anya O. Anya at the retreat for Governing Councils of Nigerian Federal Universities in Abuja...recently

Kerosene explosion kills one, injures two others in Abakaliki From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki HE weeping and wailing T was cacophonous and bewildering. The women were dejected; those that could not shed tears folded their hands. The scenes were created by kerosene explosions, which killed little Miss Chidera Nwoba, (13) over the weekend at Mgbukobe area of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital. A similar explosion left two more victims, Chibueze Ugorji, (eight) and Uche Kalueze aged six from Akaeze in Ivo Local Council of the state. They were burnt beyond recognition. The victims are now receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, (FETHA) following the burns on their bodies by the explosion believed to have been caused by adulterated kerosene. Eyewitnesses told journalists that the explosion, which led to the death of Chidera, occurred at about 6.45a.m. Saturday while the little girl struck a match in a bid to light a stove to prepare breakfast for her siblings. “The stove allegedly burst into flames and burnt Chidera to death before we could put out the fire,” the source narrated.

Meanwhile the other two victims, Uche and Chibueze, are still lying critically ill at the Accident and Emergency Ward of FETHA.

In her anguish, the mother of one of the victims, Mrs. Ada Kalueze, disclosed said she sent her son to light the lantern, lamenting that “while he was inside the

room, I heard a loud sound. I rushed into the room and saw fire burning the room with my three children inside. I went into the room to rescue my children but the

fire had burnt Uche severely because he was directly involved. My hands and legs were equally burnt”. “ When contacted, the Ebonyi State Police Public Re-

lations Officer, Sylvester Igbo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, (DSP) said the incident was yet to be reported to the Command Headquarters.

Apapa Council boss laments neglect of seat of the nation’s seaports By Abiodun Fanoro. HE Chairman of Apapa Local Council of Lagos State, Mr. Joseph Ayodeji, has lamented the deplorable state of the area, especially the roads, the destruction of the eco-system and the drainage system through the activities of haulage trucks. He is also worried about other users of the seaports whose activities directly and indirectly impact negatively on facilities in the council. Ayodeji, whose council houses the country’s main

seaports, said what the area and the people are suffering in the hands of the Federal Government was not double, but triple jeopardy, because according to him, the Federal Government carried away the resources of the area, made use of some facilities provided by the council, wore them out, took no responsibility for replacement or repair and neither gave the area nor the people anything by way of corporate social responsibility. The council boss declared that it was a matter of regret and injustice that the area

accounting for over 80 percent of the income accruing to the Federal Government from the non-oil sector could be so neglected by the same government. Ayodeji, who relayed the ordeal of his council in the hand of the Federal Government to The Guardian in an interview after defending his council’s ongoing projects, where the State House of Assembly said the area has the worst traffic jam in the state due to the bad roads and innumerable number of trucks plying the roads. All these, he said, were nega-

tively impacting on both the council’s economic life and the health of the people. The chairman called for the review of the derivative clause in the revenue allocation formula so that both the state and the council could benefit from the revenues being generated from the seaports in the area. The council boss urged the Federal Government to honor its pledge and decision to grant a special status to Lagos State as contained in the document that transferred the country’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.

He faulted the recent decision of the Senate, which refused the state a special status on the ground that it might generate ill feelings among some people in the country. While urging the Senate to review its decision without further delay, the Chairman noted that the reason adduced by the Senate was dubious and unsubstantiated. He also urged the Federal Government to grant the council a special status within the special status being demanded for the State.

Lagos High Court arraigns three for murder By Bertram Nwannekanma HE Lagos State government yesterday arraigned two men and a woman before an Ikeja High Court, Lagos for the alleged murder of one Segun Oyelabi on March 15,

2012 at Ikotun area of Lagos. The defendants, Yekini Omoniyi and Abu Aminu (both males) and Bola Ipaye were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder before

Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo by the Lagos State Directorate of Prosecutions (DPP). According to the charge information, the defendant had tortured the deceased to death for his failure to

pay his debt owed Ipaye, a beer parlour owner. The prosecutor, Mr. Olakulehin Oke, said offence contravened Sections 221 and 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. The defendants, however,

pleaded not guilty to the charge, when it was interpreted to them in Yoruba. Subsequently, the defendants were remanded in prison custody, while the matter was adjourned till October 3 for mention.

TheGuardian

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 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 Cloud over ceasefire agreement HE credibility of the claim by Tanimu Turaki, minister of special duties and chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Committee on Dialogue and Peace Resolution on a ceasefire with Boko Haram, was put in doubt by the denial of any pact by the spokesman of at least a faction of the group, Abubakar Shekau. The question that immediately arises is, who the Amnesty Committee reached an agreement with. Indeed, it would seem that the so-called agreement has thrown up the possibility that the Boko Haram sect has outsmarted the committee by exploiting the holy month of Ramadan to earn a reprieve from the pressure of the Joint Task Force operations. Whatever the case, the so-called ceasefire is no comforting news and the denial by Shekau is even embarrassing. There are indeed, other reasons to take the purported agreement with little seriousness. First, the deal was revealed, not through a clear and official statement to the Nigerian public which, as victim, is a primary stakeholder in the conflict, but as it were, sneaked into the public domain in an interview with a foreign broadcast medium. This method did not reflect confidence and has not inspired credibility. Second, Boko Haram has been declared a terrorist organisation and subject to the full application of the provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 as amended. This includes a term of imprisonment of at least 20 years for any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or otherwise supports in any way whatsoever, a terrorist group or the commission of an act of terrorism. For this reason then, it may be asserted that in principle, Turaki’s committee met with persons wanted by the law to answer for their acts of criminality. This in itself challenges the modus operandi of the committee, advertising dealings with it so blatantly, in the face of the proscription of the sect. In respect of method, it is widely accepted that governments, as duly constituted authorities do not, in principle, negotiate with terrorist groups. However, it is also a matter of realpolitik that behind-the-scene discussions may be held with such groups toward fuller engagement and a negotiated settlement. This process must, however, be discrete and secret. Even big powers do this on the wise assumption that all fighting end up on the negotiation table, anyway. Indeed, The Guardian has consistently urged that government talks with Boko Haram, but without publicity. It stretches good judgment, therefore, that a democratically elected government would agree to a ‘ceasefire’, with a non-state, outlawed insurgent group committed to the anti-constitutional act of trying to replace it with an Islamic system of government, and make noise about it. Worse still, the group is talking back at the committee like an equal at the negotiating table. Turaki was quoted as saying that his team had “reached an agreement with them and they have already directed their men on the ceasefire which we have accepted …” So major a development should emanate from the Presidency to the Nigerian people only when something close to a certainty has been arrived at and stating, of course, the terms of the deal. Besides, this deal seemed to have been struck without the knowledge of the defence authorities whose spokesperson, Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade is reported to have said pointedly that, “we are not aware of any ceasefire”. The point must also be made that the Nigerian state is not on equal standing with Boko Haram and cannot, therefore appear to be negotiating on equal terms. The group remains largely a faceless organisation: the leadership is not identifiably clear, the organisational structure is unknown, and its grievances and demands are not articulated for the purpose of serious negotiation. All these make the argument for discretion even more compelling. In the situation, it is important for its survival that the state must retain the upper hand in all spheres – military, diplomacy, and public communications. In military terms, the essence is to contain the activities of terrorists so that they cannot strike at will, by limiting their capability as well as constricting their sphere of operation. Tanimu, perhaps deliberately, did not spell out the terms of the ‘ceasefire’ in such essential aspects as weapons possession, territorial occupation, personnel deployment and withdrawal. If, as can be granted, this non-disclosure was a conscious strategy, then the need to make any announcement at all should not have arisen. Against the backdrop of the obvious flaws in Tanimu’s claim, it is hardly surprising that shortly after he spoke, mayhem was visited on secondary schools in Yobe State where about 30 school children were murdered. Although Boko Haram has claimed non-involvement in this, its spokesperson, Abubakar Shekau has proudly expressed support for the heinous act saying: “We believe in the massacre inflicted on the secondary school in Mamudo and Damaturu and other schools”. Even more worrisome is that Shekau has firmly denied the so-called ceasefire, saying: “Let me assure you that we will not enter into any truce with these infidels. We will not enter into any truce with the Nigerian government.” So much then for amnesty, reconciliation and ceasefire! While the committee’s work goes on however, government must avail itself of expert advice as well as wise counsel from a wider range of respectable persons on how to relate with not just extremist groups but other aggrieved groups in the polity, if the current state of insecurity is to be curtailed.

LETTER

Re: May this Ramadan renew our world IR: The article “May this chapter, particularly the Muslims but unfortunately Sworld” Ramadan renew our last two verses of the chap- some Muslims do not emuwritten by Fr. Prof. ter that contained the late him. All of these I preCornelius Afebu Omonokhua, of the CRRM Vatican City published by The Guardian, Friday, July 12, 2013 page 51, refers please. The writer wrote the article nicely with the message clear: to use the month of Ramadan to pray for peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the country and the world at large; politicians and some clerics through interpretation of religious teachings have used religion to cause disharmony amongst the populace with the consequences as the lack of national and world peace. But while trying to make his case a laudable one, he altered or will I say changed the meaning of SuratulFatiha, a chapter in the glorious Qur’an, to arrive at his conclusion. He referenced it and that prompted this piece, otherwise, this reply wouldn’t have been necessary. Changing the interpretation or meaning of any part of the verse(s) of the holy Qur’an is sacrilegious in Islam and is vehemently frowned at. In this case, it could be presumed that the original meaning of this

alterations, do not go in tandem with the conclusion of the writer, hence, that informed the alterations. However, it should be noted that the Qur’an was revealed bit by bit, depending on the situation at hand, so, the interpretation and application is contextual. Importantly too, it possesses many verses that could be used to preach tolerance but one only needs to dig deeper to look for the verse(s) that fit one’s intention or message. Hence, having the knowledge of the verses before usage is very significant. Moreover, with the original meaning of the verses, it still doesn’t mean they promote hatred because Islamic injunctions are arrived at considering not just one verse or verses; it is reached taking a holistic view of other verses that pass similar meaning. Besides, we have a mentor in the prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that lived out his life as an exemplar of simplicity, modesty, peace and lived harmoniously with non-

sume the writer should know by the virtue of the position he occupies which should help him function effectively to help bring about the needed change in the world, mutual understanding. So, it is in the spirit of tolerance that I view this alteration as either typographical or an oversight rather than seeing it as a deliberate effort to misinterpret and misapply the simplest and most popular chapter of the holy Qur’an, which is Suratul Fatiha, like the writer has done. Please the following is the correct interpretation of this chapter: In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the Most Merciful; All praises and thanks be to Allah the lord of the world; The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; The only owner of the day of judgment; You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help; Guide us to the straightway; The way of those whom you have bestowed Your grace, not the way of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray. • Olatunji Lateef, Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Business Appointments P27 Effective communication as panacea for industrial harmony

MAN seeks protectionist stance in new trade terms with EU By Femi Adekoya IGERIAN manufacturers have sustained their opposition to the new trade terms with the European Union (EU), describing them as inimical to the nation’s industrial growth and development. The new trade agreements have been scripted to become operational in respect of business relationship between EU

and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries. The treaties still being negotiated are the Common External Tariff (CET), the Community Levy and the lingering Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations with the EU. Specifically, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), had explained that the CET could compro-

mise the needed protectionist profile required to safeguard the interest of the nation’s industrialists. Acting Director-General, MAN, Rasheed Adegbenro, however expressed optimism that a consensus that would favour Nigerian industries would become feasible in the new CET regime. In a communiqué issued at the just-concluded 43rd ordinary session of the ECOWAS

Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria expressed reservations on the three issues, but the summit deferred decisions on them until the Dakar summit, in October. The CET is a precursor to a regional customs union, which is predicated on the harmonisation and convergence of national fiscal, monetary and trade policies of member states for the attain-

General Manager, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Bank of Industry (BOI), Ganiu Mohammed (left); Director-General, Small Medium Scale Enterprises Development of Nigeria, Alhaji Bature Umar Masri; Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga and Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, at stakeholder validation workshop on draft revised National Policy on MSMEs, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

‘750 million mobile phones vulnerable to SIM card security flaw’ By Adeyemi Adepetun with Agency report S many as one quarter of A all mobile phones in use in the world today could be vulnerable to an SMS attack that allows hackers to gain full control of the phone. The vulnerability was discovered in the outdated, 1970s-era cryptography technique called DES encryption that’s still used by around half of all Subscribers Identification Modules (SIM) cards. According to the researcher, Karsten Nohl, there is a security flaw that potentially opens up around 750 million SIM cards to hackers who could take control of a mobile phone globally. Nohl, the founder of Security Research Labs in Berlin, Germany, told the New York Times that the encryption

hole would allow hackers to obtain a SIM card’s 56-digit digital key, which then opens the SIM Card for modification. Already, a World Bank report has revealed that mobile phone has reached three quarters of the world, stressing that that with over six billion mobile subscriptions in use worldwide, up from fewer than one billion in 2000, three out of every four human beings worldwide now have access to a mobile phone. In Africa, as at November 2012, mobile subscription has reached 750 million people and is expected to reach one billion by 2015. Nigeria, which just concluded its over two years N6.1 billion SIM registration, currently lead the pack with 119 million mobile subscriptions.

Nohl, in the research, explained that accessing the digital key allowed him (hacker) to send a virus to a mobile phone via an SMS that enabled him to eavesdrop on a caller, make purchases through mobile payment systems and even impersonate the phone’s owner. “We can remotely install software on a handset that operates completely independently from your phone,” Nohl told the newspaper. Once he had suspected the flaw existed, he has spent the past two years testing around 1,000 SIM Cards that his team bought, and he estimates that around a quarter of the SIM Cards are affected by the security flaw. Most newer SIM Cards use a newer security system and are immune from the attack, but users who haven’t

changed their SIM Card for several years could be vulnerable. The GSM Association, the body has already been notified of the problem, which will be explained in more detail at the Black Hat conference next week. In a statement, a GSM Association spokeswoman, Claire Cranton, said Nohl had sent the association outlines of his study, which the organization had passed along to operators and to makers of SIM cards that still relied on the older encryption standard. It would also be possible for the networks to block the type of attack SMS that he used to breach the SIM Card security while they decide if it is necessary to issue replacement SIM cards to vulnerable customers.

ment of economic integration by the 15-nation economic community with a combined population of more than 300 million people. Earlier at their March meeting in Praia, Cape Verde, regional ministers of finance had endorsed a new five-band tariff regime for West Africa, after 10 years of internal negotiations, driven by the technical committee of the Commissions of the ECOWAS and the eight member West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), following the 2006 decision by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. Indeed, some 5899-tariff lines are covered under the new tariff regime with the rate ranging between zero and 35 per cent for the 130 tariff lines that fall into the category of specific goods that contribute to the promotion of the region’s economic development. Under the new regime, five per cent duty is applicable for 2146 tariff lines under the basic raw materials and capital goods category;10 per cent for the 1373 tariff lines that qualify as intermediate products category; while 20 per cent duty is reserved for the 2165 tariff lines under final consumer products. The ministers however agreed on the creation of a 1.5

per cent community integration levy, whose scope and operationalisation would be the subject of further regional reflection, as part of the mechanisms to enable the region cope with the challenges of implementation of the new tariff regime. The levy will replace the two existing community levy regimes in the region - the ECOWAS Community levy and the counterpart Community Solidarity levy for the UEMOA, the major sources of funding for the two Commissions. The replacement will also help ensure uniformity in port charges in compliance with the requirements of the World Trade Organization (WTO). For the effective implementation of the new CET, the ministers had also urged the ECOWAS Commission to expedite the finalisation of the trade defence and other support measures. Furthermore, in preparation for the resumption of negotiations, the West African region had undertaken a series of analyses of the impact of an increased market offer on the economies of its member states based on three scenarios, particularly on customs revenue, external trade, real GDP growth, investment inflows and consumption of households.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

16 BUSINESS

NNPC, NEITI, others seek speedy passage of PIB By Sulaimon Salau the upteenth time, FoilOR stakeholders in the nation’s and gas sector have called for speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which is currently before the National Assembly. Essentially, they warned that unnecessary politicisation of the bill could compromise investment dream into the strategic oil sector. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the O’dua Petrol Station Owners and Dealers Association of Nigeria (OPSODAN), in differ-

ent comments recently, said the delay in the passage of the bill has been responsible for investment apathy in the oil and gas sector. The NEITI has called on the National Assembly to use the opportunity of bill to ensure uniformity in addressing the problems of all communities located in mineral producing areas including petroleum. The Group Executive Director (E&P) of the NNPC, Abiye Membere, said the delay in passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as responsible for the great loss of revenue to the country. Membere, who disclosed this in Abonema, Rivers State, said the legislators are fully aware

of the implications of the bill and would do everything possible to pass it into law this year. He disclosed that the country has been struggling to produce between 2.0 and 2.1mbpd since the beginning of the year despite the capacity to produce 2.5mbpd. The Chairman of NEITI, Ledum Mitee, said “NEITI however believes that the preferred option is for the communities to be directly impacted by the funds through a process which pertains in the minerals sector in Nigeria, whereby the communities enter into an agreement with licensee or lease-holder, as the case may be, and agree

as to terms and conditions regarding the fund”. Mitee therefore stated that NEITI’s position remains that the petroleum host communities fund should function according to the same or similar mode that is provided for under the existing Minerals and Mining Act. Beyond this, the NEITI Chairman called for clarity in the mode of administration of the fund, to ensure direct impact to the benefiting community. He drew the attention of the Senate to a provision in Section 2 of the PIB, which states that, “the entire property and control of all petroleum in, under or upon any lands within Nigeria, its territorial waters, or which forms part of its Continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone, is vested in the Government of the Federation”. He explained that though that Section of the PIB conforms with the provisions of Nigerian’s constitution, there is the need to recognise other tiers of government such as states and local governments as well as Nigerian citizens as co –stakeholders. He argued that vesting the petroleum resources in the country should be in the citizens of Nigeria to give a true sense of belonging. He added that, it will also be a reminder to government that it was accountable to the people for the utilization of the revenues derivable from the petroleum resources. National President of OPSODAN, Kolawole Adewoyin, urged the National Assembly, “to consider speedy passage of this bill a priority considering oil discoveries in other countries as well as the discovery of Shale Gas in the US which has been responsible for the decline in our crude oil exports.” Noting that Nigerian economy depends mainly on exportation of crude oil, he stressed the need to ensure a win-win situation for all stakeholders to drive home the needed investment in the sector.

Ecobank opens shop in South Sudan COBANK Transnational E Incorporated has commenced the opening of its South Sudan banking affiliate. The new banking affiliate, which is the 34th on the African continent, offers the opportunity to support the youngest African state in addressing the challenges to its development. Ecobank South Sudan has effectively started operations on 10 July 2013 and offers the suite of products and services of the Group to individuals, SMEs, multinationals and institutions. Thierry Tanoh, the Group Chief Executive said: “We are very excited to have obtained the authorization of South Sudanese authorities to operate in this country which holds a huge potential for financial intermediation. Our presence in four of its six bordering countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, is a unique advantage to contribute to the development and integration of South Sudan young republic. “

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23,

BUSINESS

Reps to probe ministry, agency over alleged misuse of funds From Terhemba Daka, Abuja HE House of T Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has resolved to carry out a full scale investigation into the activities of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and all the River Basin Development Authorities under it for alleged misused of public funds and award of frivolous contracts running into several billions of naira. Specifically, the committee is irked by the refusal of the ministry and the agencies to appear before the panel to defend the audit queries raised against them by the office of the auditor general of the federation. Chairman of the Committee, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola gave the indication at a meeting with

officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources led by its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Baba Umar Farouk and officials of the River Basin Development Authorities on the activities of the ministry and the agencies on alleged reckless manner with which the public funds were being expended over the years. Adeola said that the probe, which would be in form of public hearing, would be transmitted live on television stations for the members of the public to see how the nation’s resources were being wasted and to determine the fate of the agencies in the national interest. According to him, “the public hearing to be televised live on television stations will give each of the managing directors of the agencies to speak to Nigerians directly

on how funds coming to them through budgetary allocations and through internally generated revenues, running to several billions of naira over the years were being administered with little or nothing to show for it.” Adeola said that the action became necessary following the refusal of the agencies to honour several invitations of the committee on the need for them to come up to defend the scores of the audit queries raised against them, adding that with the new method being adopted by the committee, it would be impossible for any of the agencies to escape. The committee had last week summoned the permanent secretary of the ministry and all the MDs of the agencies to appear before it recently over the administration of the agencies.

World Bank berates poor utilisation of natural resources in Africa By Sulaimon Salau HE World Bank in its latest report, has bemoaned the under utilisation of abundant natural resources inherent in the vast of Land endowed on the African continent. The report tagged: “Securing Africa’s Land for Shared Prosperity,” and released at the weekend indicated that over 202 million hectares of land are lying idle in various parts of the continent, while poverty thrives, amidst untapped opportunities. Noting that the continent has the highest poverty rate in the world with 47.5 per cent of the population living below US $1.25 a day the World Bank said the resources, if adequately utilized, could help reduce the poverty level in the continent by reducing unemployment and boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It stated: “Sub-Saharan Africa is home to nearly half of the world’s usable, uncultivated land but so far the continent has not been able to

develop these unused tracts, estimated at more than 202 million hectares, to dramatically reduce poverty and boost growth, jobs, and shared prosperity. “African countries and their communities could effectively end ‘land grabs,’ grow significantly more food across the region, and transform their development prospects if they can modernise the complex governance procedures that govern land ownership and management over the next decade. Africa has the highest poverty rate in the world with 47.5 percent of the population living below US $1.25 a day,” it added. World Bank Vice President for Africa, Makhtar Diop, said: “Despite abundant land and mineral wealth, Africa

African countries and their communities could effectively end ‘land grabs,’ grow significantly more food across the region, and transform their development prospects if they can modernise the complex governance procedures that govern land ownership and management over the next decade. Africa has the highest poverty rate in the world with 47.5 percent of the population living below US $1.25 a day remains poor. Improving land governance is vital for achieving rapid economic growth and translating it into significantly less poverty and more opportunity for Africans, including women who make up 70 per cent of Africa’s farmers yet are locked out of land ownership due to customary laws. The status quo is unacceptable and must change so that all Africans can benefit from their land.”

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23,

BUSINESS

Leeway to improved gas supply for power plants From Karls Tsokar, Abuja s the Federal Government continues to explore ways to improve power supply in the country, stakeholders have come up with recommendations for implementation that would fast track the realisation of secure and sufficient gas supply to power plants around the country. The recommendations of the Infrastructure Policy Commission (IPC) after a roundtable on “Steady and Adequate Gas Supply to National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) Power Plants” released recently in Abuja by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) identify gaps and emphasise the need for the Federal Government to step up its acts, update the National Gas Master Plan (NGMP) in order to reflect current realities and ensure its “focused and pragmatic implementation” to achieve the desired improvement in the sector. The roundtable, which was declared open by the Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu

Nebo, where stakeholders discussed gas for domestic consumption, strategy for meeting adequate gas supply to Nigeria power plants, risk guarantee for gas and speedy resolution of commercial issues affecting gas supply to NIPP, and look at causes and explore strategies to obviate further decline in gas supply. Besides “decades of neglect suffered by the power and gas sector”, the shortfall in supply of natural gas to the few commissioned NIPP power plants and the anticipated rise in demand with the take off of independent power plants, the group observed that breach was surmountable, if the federal government do more to develop more gas fields and put in place more gas infrastructure. It states that the disconnect between gas supply and demand can be eliminated if the on-going gas infrastructure projects are expeditiously completed, which would also service the anticipated demand upsurge that would come with the new power

plants. Among the recommendations besides the need to bring in additional supplies by improving on hand installed capacity of existing gas plants, the group suggested that “a holistic enabling fiscal, legal and commercial framework that regulate both power and gas together should be put in place, instead of separate legislations for the two sectors. This would ensure that development in the power sector is complimented by planned concurrent development in the gas sector. “Since economic viability for the pipeline segments in the national gas grid can only be achieved through the establishment of power stations at certain predetermined locations on such pipelines, government should consider

such power stations as candidates for infrastructure concession and advertise for interested consortiums to bid for them under the ICRC act instead of waiting for investors to make proposals for such stations. This would help to expedite the timely realisation of the relevant pipeline projects in the master plan. “Adequate integrated plan should be made for power and gas that takes into consideration the fragility of gas value chain and the long gestation of gas development, which is driven by punitive contracts. The strive for full commercialisation of the gas value chain, with government role to regulate and provide policy support as well as the enabling environment, while private industry does the value creation and provide services.”

Others include the stepping up of the “negotiation and signing of all gas supply and purchase agreements, such as the gas supply aggregation agreements and the gas transport agreement. This will lead to the institution of a fully negotiated willing buyer/willing seller prices that encourage investment in the upstream,” the construction of the looping in the existing gas network should be accelerated and the expansion of the networks should be aggressively pursued so as to strengthen the transmission infrastructure and ensure a robust network. And the unbundling of Nigeria Gas Company should be considered to enable it focus on the core business of network establishment and development. Considering the market demand uncertainty which unlike oil which

can be produced and stored, gas must be used as it is produced, hence the need for assurance of ready buyer before investment in gas plants. Recall that the power sector reform of President Goodluck Jonathan, when launched in 2010, was reasonably dependent on gas power plants, as the calculation to generate a minimum of 14,000 MW by the end of 2013, was based on the generation from the existing PHCN plants as well as the one from the National Integrated Power Project and IPPs (Independent Power Plants), but gas supply issues has continued to be the stumbling block as pipelines to feed the plants are yet to be completed, besides the incidence of nonfunctional Gas Transportation Agreement and Gas Supply Agreement, the stakeholders observed.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23,

BUSINESS

AU, FARA to enhance strategic partnership in agric, others From Kanayo Umeh, Abuja HE African Union T Commission (AUC) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to broaden the strategic partnership between the two organisations in the areas of agriculture, Science and Technology. The MoU was signed by AUC Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA), H.E. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace and FARA Board Chairman, Dr. Tiemoko Yo, during the opening ceremony of the Comprehensive Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) day celebration held at the on-going Africa Agriculture Science week in Accra, Ghana. A statement from AU Headquarters in Ethiopia at the weekend, and sent to The Guardian, the commission stated that several African Ministers of Agriculture officiated at the event in addition to other senior leaders from governments, international organisations and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. By signing the MoU, AUC committed to provide leadership and coordination support in the implementation of the jointly agreed initiatives, while engaging FARA to provide technical support in the design, development and implementation of continental initiatives on promoting agricultural research and innovation for development in Africa and in support of CAADP country

plans. FARA on the other hand agreed to provide strategic advice to the AUC on promoting African agriculture transformation for economic growth and development through enhancing agricultural research, innovation, science and technology. Through the MoU, FARA will further provide strategic guidance and support to the development and implementation of the Agriculture Science Agenda for Africa and Agriculture Education and Training.

The MoU will remain in force for four years effective from its date of signing. During the official opening of the CAADP Day, AU Commissioner, Mrs. Tumusiime, said the CAADP Day was a major event in the African Agriculture Transformation Agenda, which aims to raise further awareness and the profile of CAADP as an African owned and African led priority framework.

Keystone Bank executes performance-based appraisal to sustain growth HE management of T Keystone Bank Limited has implemented a performancebased appraisal system that seeks to reward hardworking workers and disengages those whose performance falls below the satisfactory level. The performance model, according to a statement from the Head of Corporate Communication, Mohammed Ciroma, has led to the promotion of 1000 workers. This initiative, he explained, has also culminated in the early retirement and disengagement of some of the workers. He reiterated that the bank remains focused on achieving credible business performance that will enhance the brand value whilst safeguarding the investment of share-

holders, interests of the banking public and other stakeholders. The Keystone Bank spokesman said that the bank aims to achieve consistent performance that will guarantee the sustainability of the bank’s core business. “The imperative is to achieve the critical balance between economic consideration and social responsibility. Keystone Bank aims to fulfill this trust with the utmost sense of responsibility and ethical commitment,” he explained. He reiterated that the management of Keystone Bank continues to objectively reward and recognise performance whilst instituting best practices in human resources management that are globally acceptable for measuring underperforming staff.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

THE GUArDIAN, Tuesday, July 23,

BUSINESS

Oil workers deny involvement in oil theft By Yetunde Ebosele Il workers recently denied O an allegation levelled against them by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, that they were the brains behind crude oil thefts in the country. The workers under the aegis of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), described the

statement as unimaginable, unguided, mischievous and uncouth of a Presidential Adviser. Oil workers through their unions took serious exemption to such perturbing, cynical, alarming notion, which they strongly believed was “clownishly and flippantly discharged, unmindful of its implications and ramification” The workers alleged that the criminal activities of crude oil theft were perpetrated by highly placed and influential

CSOs task govt, others on poor capital budget performance From Anthony Otaru, Abuja GrOUP of civil society A organisations (CSOs) in the country has described the implementation of capital budgets at national and subnational levels as abysmally poor, thereby failing to impact on ordinary Nigerians. To reverse the ugly trend, the members restated their commitment to intensify their monitoring and evaluation of capital disbursements in order to improve the performance of the budgets on a sustainable basis. The CSOs, which include government – civil society partnership project, Niger-Delta Monitoring Group, Mofaty Charity and Empowerment Initiative, Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative, and Citizen’s Centre for Integrated Development and Social rights, particularly lamented the high display of executive and legislative indiscipline in the implementation of the national budget with the attendant negative implications for development. Giving the verdict in the communiqué issued at the end of their One-Day legislature-Civil Society roundtable on Monitoring Evaluation and reporting the 2013 budget organised by the NGO Unit, Office of the President of the Senate in Abuja, the organisations also expressed serious concern about Nigeria’s capability to attain the objects of vision 20:2020 if the current poor budget implementation is sustained. While noting that it has been difficult to measure the performance of multiple project claims by different ministries, departments and agencies to reduce waste, fraud and abuse of public resources due to poor budget monitoring and oversight lapses, they also faulted the current envelope system which, they noted, was also not allowing the real needs of citizens to be identified and provided for. Other lapses identified as undermining the capital budgets over the years included, less attention given to special policies like gender affirmative action, local content initiatives of the current government, and other critical policies, less emphasis and awareness by the Nigeria CSOs in advocating for government at all levels to provide citizens with accurate budget data, and non- state actors’ inadequate capacity, especially in the areas of

budget tracking, monitoring and evaluation, as well as procurement to help deliver the right results.

In order to reverse the ugly

individuals and politicians, adding that Kuku “is only being economical with the truth and trying to cover up with his allegation against the workers.” To this end, they urged the presidency to call the Special Adviser to order, saying that such unguided and unsubstantiated provocative utterances may generate undeserved uproar from the workers, “our nation that seriously yearn for peace at this relatively volatile moment of our national life.” They expressed their readiness to take up the Special Adviser to the President unless he substantiates his allegation, saying that the Joint Tax Force (JTF) should also help in unmasking those behind criminal act of crude oil theft and other national sabotage activities.

“Kuku is only being mischievous. We challenge the authorities on its readiness to join forces with the national and states’ intelligent, defence and security agencies in the patriotic crusade to completely unearth and get to the bottom of this grievous international criminality and national calamity so that both the Nigerian public and international community, some of whom already know and relate with the culprits or the syndicates will not be deceived or fooled by people like Kingsley Kuku. “Issues of pipeline sabotage, crude oil thefts, illegal bunkering and refining activities were part of the major issues discussed during our emergency joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on July 2, 2013, and we (PENGASSAN and NUPENG)

indeed solemnly reiterated our concern on these acts of sabotage and demanded that all inventions and machinations of criminal activities under whatever guise must be decisively smoked and wiped out. “We equally demanded to be part of the high-powered committee of the Federal Government on this key mission which findings and recommendations must come with expedient action from appropriate authority to essentially restore and sustain confidence in the oil and gas operations and socio-economic security for the Nigerian people knowing that the industry is the lifeline of our economy.” PENGASSAN and NUPENG call on the Federal Government, especially President Goodluck Jonathan,

to be weary of people like Kuku, who is always out to cause confusion and malign credible people and organisations that believe in the transformation agenda and efforts of present regime and have the interest of the Nigeria nation at heart. “We wonder how anyone could imagine that Nigerian oil and gas workers would want to do something inimical to their job security and enrichment of their members’ potentials”, the unions said. Besides, they disclosed that they would soon come out with a decisive plan of actions if government refused to decisively tackle and stop the criminal acts of pipeline sabotage, crude oil thefts, illegal bunkering and refining and ensure that the perpetrators face the wrath of the law.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Focus Power: Decades of unfulfilled targets By Roseline Okere abuses or curses could kill a government IofFagency in the country, Power Holding Company Nigeria (PHCN) should by now be confined to the dustbin of history. An outage in your neighbourhood alone, especially in the night, is enough to evoke torrent of abuses, curses from the young and old. This phenomenon had been with us in the last three decades, and yet it has not abated, despite promises made by successive administrations. Late Chief Bola Ige, as Minister of Power, on assumption of office in 1999, had promised to perform a miracle when he said “I will turn stone to bread” but he soon realized that the Aegean’s staple was messier than he had seen from outside. It has always been tales of woe in the sector, from generation transmission to distribution. If a step is taken in the right direction, cogs are there to create a stumbling block on the path of progress. Issues with PHCN, are enormous and almost insurmountable. Issues such as sabotage, breakdown of obsolete equipment, labour relations’ among many others, have continued to impede turn around of the power sector. Nigeria has an installed generation capacity of 8,644 mega watts of which 6,905MW is government owned. Over the past two decades, population has increased to over 150 million, with an average Gross Domestic Product growth rate of 6.66 per cent, over the last five years. Within this period, power generation capacity has stagnated. It is estimated that 26,561MW will be required in the next nine years to meet demand as envisioned in the Vision 20: 2020 target. Efforts by the Federal Government to increase electricity generation, the country continue to suffer epileptic power supply. The government even set targets to increase power generation to 10,000mw by December 2013 in the country, but later apologized for its inability to meet the target. Now the Federal Government has once again set another deadline for 2014 to supply 18 hours uninterrupted power supply when most of the current investments in the sector would have been completed. Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, stated,while briefing State House correspondents shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo. Ngama, who spoke against the backdrop of recent allegations from the House of Representatives that government was starving the power sector of fund, stressed that the “Ministry of Power has enjoyed tremendous release of funds” from the finance ministry and that Nigerians should be patient with government as it gradually rolls out the power projects that will guarantee up to 18 hours of electricity to consumers by 2014 as promised. Also, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said that the country would enjoy additional 4,000mw by December, 2013. Nebo assured that the preferred bidders for 10 Generation companies (GenCos) and five Distribution Companies (DisCos) have paid the initial 25 per cent of the bid price and that the remaining 75 per cent would be paid after the settlement of labour issues. “It’s expected that over time, the new successor companies will be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange”, he said. The minister added that currently, the country has an installed generation of 9,920mw as at December 2012, with available generation capability of 6,522mw. “Nigeria has peak available power of 4,517mw and 4,773mw is expected to be added from the NIPP projects, 292mw from Independent Power Projects (IPPs) and 514mw from Federal Government’s legacy assets before end of 2013. “We are also investing to boost generation through small, medium and large hydros with total capacity of 4,234mw”, he added. Moribund state of Nigeria’s electricity plants Afam Power Station has an installed capacity of 776MW. The plant was commissioned in phases. During the Initial phase, 1962-1963, gas turbine units 1-4 were commissioned. During the second phase, 1976 to 1978, gas turbine units five to 12 were commissioned. Gas turbine units 13 to 18 were commissioned in 1982.

Jonathan

Nebo

Calabar Thermal Power Station Calabar Power due to unavoidable failures encountered in operStation has an installed capacity of 6.6 MW ating the units. derived from three units of 2.2 MW each. He noted that most of the failures followed sysCurrently, it supplies 4.4 MW to the national tem disturbances and collapse, which he said, norgrid and primarily serves as a booster station to mally introduce imbalance and unnecessary conthe Afam and Oji River power stations. The trol failures in the system resulting in either boiler explosions or turbine bearings being wiped Calabar Power Station was built in 1934. Kainji/Jebba Hydro Electric Plc (concession) out. Uzoigwe noted that “The good news however Kainji/Jebba Power operates as two hydro gen- is that in each situation, we have always found a eration plants, each drawing water from the dexterous means of getting the machines back River Niger. The combined installed capacity of into operation at the shortest possible time and at the two plants is 1330 MW, with Kainji generat- a very well managed cost. Currently, the plant is available for 1080mw from our five units out of ing 760 MW and Jebba 570 MW. Oji River Thermal Power Station was originally our installed capacity of 1320mw. built to take advantage of plentiful nearby “The remaining 240mw will be added to the grid deposits of high-grade coal. Oji generates 10 when ST-06 which is down is repaired before the MW of power from five coal-fired boilers and end of this year. The contracting company is makfour steam turbines originally installed in 1956. ing final arrangement to kick-off the repair works Sapele Power Plc Sapele Power Plant is a ther- before the end of July, this mean that ST-06 will mal generating station located in Nigeria’s gas- tentatively be available by November this year. rich Delta State. Sapele has an installed capacity The repair of this unit is really the lowest hanging of 1020 MW. Sapele Power’s six 120 MW steam fruit of the Nigeria electricity supply industry and turbines generate a daily average of 86.72 we are doing all what we can to fulfill this noble MWH/H or approximately 2,500 GW/H annual- dream”, he stated. Uzoigwe said that funding the repair of the ly. Sapele Power currently operates at a peak power plant remained the biggest challenge to capacity of 972 MW. Shiroro Hydro Power Plc (concession) Shiroro the company. Adding that “We are currently conPower Plant was commissioned in 1990; it has strained by lack of funds and cannot maintain this an installed capacity of 600 MW. It currently plant as well as we wish. Paucity of funds is causruns at full capacity, generating 2, 100 GWh of ing a hypoxia type of situation in our operations and if nothing is done soon to ameliorate this sitelectricity annually. uation, we may not Ughelli Power be good for it. Plc operates a gas“The repairs and fired thermal Uzoigwe said that funding the repair of the replacement of plant located in the Niger power plant remained the biggest challenge spares we need to carry out requires Delta region. to the company. Adding that “We are cur- so much funding. Ughelli Power is However, we are one of the largest rently constrained by lack of funds and managing little thermal generatcannot maintain this plant as well as we funds we have to ing power staenable us meet tions in Nigeria. wish. Paucity of funds is causing a hypoxia sudden challenges Ughelli began type of situation in our operations and if in operation and in operations in the repair of ST-06. 1966. nothing is done soon to ameliorate this sitWe promise to do Egbin Electric uation, we may not be good for it our best like we Power Plc: The have always done. largest power “The plant has run generating station in Nigeria with an installed capacity of 1320mw for 27 years without adequate and timely overconsisting of six units of 220mw each. It is the hauls. We are therefore spending huge sums of generating sector of the Power Holding money to source obsolete spares because we had Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Construction not re-tooled the plant to meet modern technolowork started in 1982 by Marubeni Consortium gy during the past years of our operations. We are which used Hitachi Company of Japan for making very ingenuous attempts in circumventElectric/Mechanical and Bouygues of France for ing the consequences of obsolescence.” Increase in electricity tariff and crazy billings civil works and completed in 1987. All these power plants are currently operating The newly introduced electricity tariff by the below installed capacity, due to the aging infra- Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, which took effect from June 1, 2013, under the Multi Year structure. Speaking on the state of Egbin power plant, its Tariff Order, MYTO, regime that raised electricity Managing Director, Mike Uzoigwe, said that the consumption rate by 500 per cent from N8 per plant, which is the biggest in black Africa, has kilowatt in the old regime to N40 per kilowatt is been fairly well managed by knowledgeable already taking its toll on consumers. There has and dedicated managers/engineers through been complaint from different quarters over the recent increase in the fixed charge from N500 to the years of its operation. According to Uzoigwe, out of the six units, the N700 or N800, depending on the location, plant has at different times lost one or the other In a swift reaction to the increase, the President,

Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Abdulwaheed Omar, said that the congress rejected the latest figures because of the epileptic electricity supply and the low purchasing power of the working people. The Congress said: “The previous year, the charge which was N225, has been arbitrarily increased to over N700. This review whether done suddenly or in advance is without justification or rationale and stands condemned as it will negate whatever gains (that are) expected to be recorded by the much-vaunted reform in the power sector.” It stated that it believed that the multi-year tariff structure as designed by the NERC, which was ‘tacitly’ approved by government, only protects the interest of investors in the electricity sector and has little or no consideration for consumers, most of whom are poor and incapable of paying. The Congress further said that it was indeed exploitative and saddening that the review was not accompanied by commensurate improved services. “If anything, electricity service delivery has plummeted over the years with consumers compelled to pay exorbitant tariff rates for incompetence, poor service and fraud,” it said. It said that judging from the yearly percentage increase (which covers a 15-year period in the first instance), it was predictable that less than 10 per cent of consumers would be able to pay the outrageous tariff in the next few years. According to NLC, the structuring of electricity tariffs that are unreasonable and unaffordable has grave implications for the economy and the people. It stressed that the step was a sad commentary on the electricity reform process, as it questioned the transparency, viability and ability to deliver in the interest of the nation. The Congress therefore warned against sheepish attempts to duplicate the electricity reform process elsewhere as well as the attendant corruption. It said: “A viable power sector is key to revamping and repositioning the economy. Accordingly, nothing should be done to undermine this objective. However, a reform process which does not carry along its people or protect their interest has only one direction to go – the abyss – and stands condemnable.” Responding, the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, wondered why the union should suddenly make a u-turn on the tariff when its leadership was part of a multi-stakeholders consultation that allegedly initiated the raise with the NLC leadership in Jos, Plateau State. Amadi, said the Labour’s position was unnecessary as electricity supply has “improved significantly,” therefore, “the tariffs are fair.” Amadi argued that the inability of power distribution companies to live up to expectation was not a tenable reason to slash tariff, adding that it was in the interest of Nigerians not to reduce the charges. Amadi said most of the shortcomings in the sector were structural and insisted that the commission would not reverse itself on the approved tariff regardless of the underperformances of power distribution companies. He said, “We regret that the distribution companies have not been very committed to meeting their obligations in the MYTO. NERC recognises that the quality of service has not seen significant improvement, especially in the area of metering and accurate billing of customers. “Our expectation for significant and sustained improvement in electricity supply and quality service lies in the expected takeover by the privatisation preferred bidders, who have better incentives and commitment, and have made enforceable promises to invest continuously in providing better services to consumers. “These investments and commensurate improvements will not all be made in one day but over the coming months, years and decades following the entry of new investors and managers of our distribution companies.” Amid raging issues over electricity tariff, PHCN under the Eko Electricity Distribution said it has put in place measures to deliver prepaid meters to subscribers within 48 hours.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Appointments Effective communication as panacea for industrial harmony By Yetunde Ebosele EGULAR and effective R communications between employees and management of organisations have been identified as a major step to curtailing industrial dispute. Corporate organisations around the world including Nigeria strive on a regular basis to prevent disputes because of its financial implications on operations and ability to disrupt set goals. According to experts, to attain set objectives, organisations must ensure that identified goals are being realised to the best of the organisation’s ability. Communication in organisations can occur at different cadre depending on the structure and available configurations. To ensure uninterrupted communications, management of organisations is advised to prevent communication gap. Essentially, effective communication takes place at different level especially in the area of making corporate objective very clear. However, sustaining harmony, according to experts, requires management to be as transparent as possible with their employees. Management has the ability to keep rumors at bay, which can help keep employees confident about their employment and loyal to the organisation. Also, experts explained that communication between management and employees can help the management better understand and address concerns the employees may have, once again reassuring the staff and helping management to remedy potential problems facing the organisation. Besides, effective communication enhances customer’s impression, which is generally believed to be crucial to any organisation’s success. The outcome of communication between management and employees also determine to a large extent public impression, which the impression created, Employees are ambassadors of the company. If an employee effectively communicates with a client and answers her questions clearly, it can raise the client’s confidence in the company. Though it is more cost effective to prevent conflict, when it occurs, there is also an opportunity for the employer to use communication with employees to influence them to not to resort to industrial action. Well planned communication strategy is vital for the employer to highlight arguments when negotiating or discussing with employees. Also, when a dispute is

resolved, management are advised to build on existing cordial relationship through communication. In Nigeria, most organisations affiliate with national unions associated with the sector in which they operate. On the national front, workers negotiate with the government through identified central union, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). For example, during the oil subsidy strike in Nigeria in 2012, the organised labour repeatedly blamed the Federal Government for not opening channels of communication before the decision on subsidy removal was announced. According to Dla Piper, when a dispute is over, the organisation has to re-build its relationships with its workforce and unions, adding that the employer should assert its commitment to resolving the dispute through negotiation. He said: “A positive working relationship with representatives can bring long-term benefits in enabling better communication with employees, avoiding future disputes and working together to establish new working practices and increase productivity. “When attempting to resolve a particular dispute, employers should keep in mind the benefits of achieving a long-term solution that is acceptable to both sides, rather than attempting to avoid immediate industrial action in the short term while risking damaging relations with the workforce. “The best option for any employer seeking to prevent disputes arising is communication. Employees are more

likely to accept workplace change if they are consulted about it. It is also vital for senior management to

endorse proposed changes in communication with employees. Effective training of managers, so they are pre-

pared for how to deal with resistant staff, is also key”. In a position paper on effective communication, Lauren

Nelson, explained that effective communication between an employee and his supervisor can boost an employee’s job satisfaction by making the employee feel he can make a difference. “For a manager and employee to communicate effectively, the manager must be able to convey objectives, and also be able to listen. Listening to the employee and implementing the employee’s ideas will make the employee feel he is a valued contributor. An employee who feels valued will be a more productive team member”. He explained that being able to choose the proper method of communication – phone, email, fax or face-face conversation – can save a company a lot of time and money, “If there is a time-sensitive issue, a face-to-face conversation or a phone call is often the best choice. “Communicating in an effective way will prevent confusion. If you think about a message before delivering it and anticipate any way it can be misconstrued, you will be able to refine your message”.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

APPOINTMENTS

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Nigeria partners China on energy development, employment opportunities HE governments of T Nigeria and China have commenced a joint partnership move aimed at developing Nigeria’s hydro-electrical sub sector, as part of the administration’s steps towards revamping the power sector. According to facilitators of the project, the resolve is also expected to boosts other sectors such as real estate, tourism, transportation and water infrastructure coupled with numerous employment opportunities. A press statement explained that the two countries were represented during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently by Nigerian firm, AMA Investment &

Infrastructure Holdings and Chinese hydro-electric and construction power house, Sinohydro Corporation. The MoU which was signed in the presence of Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, will have the two countries collaborate on the design, financing, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of the Gurara integrated power project. Signing of the Mou took place at the Nigeria-China Investment Forum, which was hosted by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, recently. The Gurara large scale infrastructure project comprises a multi-purpose dam, a hydro-electric power plant

and related agriculture, real estate, tourism, public water and transportation infrastructure, to be developed around Gurara River in Niger and Kaduna States of Nigeria. The Parties, according to the statement agreed to work on the project together with other investment partners, including the Federal Government of Nigeria and the relevant states’ governments, under the Public Private Partnership model. The Project will add about 360 MW of power generation capacity to the Nigerian power grid, and will enable several thousand hectares of irrigable agricultural land, “producing enough food to feed more than half of Northern Nigeria”.

Jigawa generates 48,000 jobs From John Akubo, Dutse HE Jigawa state T Commissioner for Economic Empowerment, Alhaji Muhammed Abdu Mago has indicated that 48,000 skill jobs were created through the state youth empowerment programmes in the last four years. According to Mago, the statistics were derived from the result of the impact assess-

ment carried out by the ministry from 2008 to 2012. He explained that the ministry in the last four years trained over 7000 youth in various skills ranging from GSM repairs, leather works, Mechanic, Photography, Chalk production, painting and paint production, Satellite installation, among others, adding that the multiplier effect created 48,000 jobs. The Commissioner said

about 81 youth drawn from the 27 local government are undergoing four weeks training in POP at the Dutse Skill centre, adding that the first three weeks will be on the technical training while the last one week will be devoted to developing the youth entrepreneurship skills. He explained that at the end of the training, government would make available soft loans.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

38 APPOINTMENT

How frequent policy change affects engineering profession From Collins Olayinka, Abuja HE frequent change of T policies by government has been blamed for the slow contribution of the engineering profession to the technological development of the country. Speaking in Abuja at the opening of its Abuja branch, the Managing Director of EISNL Engineering Solutions and Drives Ltd, Ajibola Olajide, said that the engineering professionals needed steady policy change to assimilate technology transfer brought into the country by other developed economies.

He explained: “One of the major challenges confronting engineering profession is the frequent change of policies by government all the time. We have to import a lot of engineering support and policy change affect the flow of business plans.” While mentioning lack of infrastructure and security as other challenges confronting the business environment, Olajide said that lack of organised maintenance and overhaul service firms in the northern part of the country influenced the decision of the Lagos-base firm to extend its operations to Abuja. “There are no organised

maintenance spare and overhaul supplies and services companies in the northern part of the country to take care of their service needs. That is the reason we decided to establish a branch in Abuja to take care of that need. For us, as Lagos-base firm, coming to Abuja is a risk we have to take as entrepreneurs in the midst of security concerns,” he said. While decrying the negative effects adulteration and fake engineering products had had on the growth of the profession, he said that stakeholders had concluded arrangements to embark on continuous enlightenment

to stop the practice. He stressed: “There are so much adulterations going in the service sector and industry operators are worried. As part of the step to mitigate this, we are planning a seminar we tag “maintenance optimisation seminar” which is aimed at sensitising the industry on the dangers of using fake or adulterated spare parts. We believe that communication and continued enlightenment are key in the fight against fake and substandard parts.” The EISNL Engineering Solutions and Drives boss highlighted that fake products contribute about 25 per

cent of profit for manufacturing companies and 85 per cent of productivity loss. He added: “A lot of products in the market are either fake or re-cycled of used parts. The impacts of these fake products are not just affecting the country in terms of financials, but the human resources. In the field of engineering, the failure of parts is usually fatal that often result in outright loss of lives, loss of body parts, slows productivity and also reduces the lifespan of machines or plants.” To stop fake and adulterated products, Olajide stressed the urgent need by the feder-

al government effects ways of encouraging Nigerians to work rather than for revenue generation to be seen as control mechanism. He also stated that a lot of lip service was paid to inspection and industry regulations certification. Speaking along the same line, the Executive Director, EISNL Engineering Solutions and Drives, James Wood, blamed ignorance on the part of some stakeholders who either use or fabricate fake spare parts saying both adulterated and original cost the same figure in the final analysis.

NIPR elects Okonmah as Lagos chairman HAIRMAN of Jasek C Communication Limited, an integrated marketing communication firm, Joseph Okonmah has been elected chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Okonmah and other key officials were elected during the institute’s 24th annual general meeting and are expected to run the affairs of the body for the next two years. He holds a B.Sc Degree in Political Science & Public Administration from the University of Benin, PostGraduate Diploma in Public Relations from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ,) M.Sc. Degree in Political Science and LLB Degree from the University of Lagos, and is currently a doctoral candidate

in Public Policy, at the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos. His work experience cuts across public and private sectors, where he was an Area Commander in Zuru (Kebbi State) and Apapa Wharf (Lagos State) Area Commands of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). In the organised private sector, he made his mark as a research assistant at the Lagos Business School (LBS). He was at various times the head, Investor Relations as well as head of Corporate Affairs, Dangote Group, where he played key role in the development of group’s marketing communications initiatives of its three brands listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Managing Director/CEO, Pastway Consulting, Patrick Oluyide.(left), Chief Executive Officer, Zeensworth Ventures Ltd, Chinyere Nelson-Ezeugo and Chief Executive Officer, Purpose, Power & Lifestyle Design (PPLD), Tunde Makun at the PPLD pioneer T3 inaugural reunion in Lagos. PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Govt seeks foreign scholarship for NABTEB certificate holders From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City ATIONAL Business and N Technical Education Board (NABTEB) certificate holders should benefit from foreign scholarships scheme, the federal government declared recently. The government has, therefore, directed the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) to impress it on foreign countries to recognise certificates issued by NABTEB as entry qualification for foreign scholarship awards. This directive, which was made through the Minister of Education, explained that it would affect holders of NABTEB’s National Technical Certificate (NTC) and National Business Certificate

(NBC). Besides, the federal government approved in May 2013, the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF), which is aimed at recognising the products of the formal, non-formal and informal components in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Nwike, made this known in an address presented at the opening session of a meeting for the selection and placement of candidates into Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTC) for the 2013/2014 sessions held recently at NABTEB national headquarters in Benin City. A statement by NABTEB’s

Press Officer, Uchechukwu Olisah explained that the Minister of State, represented by the Director, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Michael Offor, also said that government was developing a new National Occupational Standard (NOS) in six new skill areas while the old NOS was undergoing review. He quoted Nwike as pointing out that these measures were to ensure quality assurance and increased access to TVET, just as he told participants at the meeting to be as fair as possible in the selection and placement process by conforming to the laid down criteria for the exercise. The minister was quoted to have said: “The vision of TVET in Nigeria demands that we

Suswam’s pet project graduates 170 From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi ENUE state first B lady, Dooshima Suswam has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to either support graduates of Sev-Av Foundation start-up their own businesses or employ them as managers of smallscale businesses. Suswam who is the initiator of the foundation made this appeal recently during the graduation ceremony of 170 candidates of the skills and crafts acquisition centres in Makurdi, the state capital. The graduates, from three separate centres of Sev-Av

Skills Acquisition Programs of Vandeikya, Gboko and Makurdi Local Government areas received six months training in tailoring and beading, computer, welding and fabrication. In her remarks, the governor’s wife revealed that the foundation since inception six years ago had graduated over 700 skilled and qualified technicians in various fields of crafts technology. She intimated further that a follow up survey indicated that about 60 per cent of these graduates had established thriving workshops with others gainfully

employed in public and private sectors. Deputy Governor, Stephen Lawani commended the first lady for her efforts in enhancing the economic status of Benue women and youths, adding that investigation revealed that they were doing well at all their places of engagement. Lawani pledged the support of the state government to the activities of the Sev-Av Foundation in its task of bringing succour to the under privilege in the state. On behalf of the state government, he announced N5 million support to the foundation.

look ahead, dream the future for the country, and should therefore focus on technical and vocational education for the development of our dear country. The future is only open to those who prepare for it.” Olisah quoted Registrar/Chief Executive of NABTEB, Dr. Olatunde Aworanti to have acknowledged what he described as decisive steps, which the present administration had taken to promote TVE by including it in the transfor-

mation agenda for education, but observed that it had become imperative for all stakeholders to complement government efforts. Aworanti who was represented by the Director, Examinations Development, NABTEB, Dr. Kabiru Badau, reiterated the need for attitudinal change among the citizenry and removal of all forms of discrimination against holders of TVET certificates, if the nation would going to be among the world’s developed 20 nations

by the year 2020. Chairman, Federal Science and Technical Colleges Association of Principals (FESTECAP), Mr. Amaechi Iweama thanked NABTEB for the cordial relationship that existed between the Board and the association, even as he promised that FESTECAP would continue to support and cooperate with the Board with a view to getting early release of examination results, as well as timely selection and placement of candidates into FSTC.

Ministry canvasses public offices for persons with disabilities From Omotola Oloruntobi, Abuja HE Minister of Women T Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina has expressed willingness to partner with the office of the Head of Service of the Federation to create access for persons with disabilities in public offices. According to Maina, the removal of all barriers would create an inclusive and accessible society for all Nigerian citizens. Speaking in Abuja recently, during an advocacy visit to the Head of Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji, the minister said that Nigeria was a signatory to the United Nation (UN) conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities and its optional protocol, adding that it mandated member nations to intensify efforts at improving their

lives. Maina said: “The purpose of my visit is to draw your attention to the need to make your offices and buildings accessible to persons with disabilities. This will include designated parking spaces and ramp, where necessary.” The minister added: “Barriers faced by persons with disabilities are therefore detrimental to the society as a whole. Accessibility is necessary to achieve progress and development for all. This calls for our collective effort, commitment and dedication. I believe we can make our environment accessible to persons with disabilities if we all resolve to make it happen.” Maina noted that accessibility and inclusion were fundamental rights recognised by UN conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities.

The minister added that evidence and experience had shown that when barriers for persons with disabilities were removed and empowered to participate fully in societal life, the entire community benefits. She commended Aji for calling for improved gender budgeting to meet the needs of women at all levels of the society. In his response, Aji thanked the team for the visit, assuring them that partnership was ongoing with the Federal Civil Service Commission to increase employment quota for persons with disabilities in the country. Aji said: “It worries me always whenever I see employment requests from persons with disabilities, with great qualification and all that, I try in my possible best to help them into the service.”

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

APPOINTMENTS

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Union alleges Chinese firm employs cooks, stewards as ‘expatriates’ From Collins Olayinka, Abuja HE Construction and Civil T Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) has alleged that Chinese construction firm, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) brought Chinese cooks and stewards under the guise of ‘expatriates’. The President of CCESSA, Augustine Etafo, in a statement, further alleged that only 35 Nigerians are part of the 1,000 experts employed by the firm. Etafo said: “It seems very

convenient for the Chinese multinational corporation to employ 1,000 expatriates, and only 35 Nigerians. What happens to the Nigerian professionals who are supposed to work in the establishments? It means the professional like engineers, accountants, human resource personnel are not needed by the company or what? This leads to motion without development. How do we transfer technology between expatriates and junior staff? This trend has defined Chinese company in Nigeria.”

The CCESSA boss stressed that the disposition of Chinese firm says little about the desire of China and its companies to extend technology transfer that has been their sing-song. “If this continues we may be left with no option than to conclude that China does not intend to transfer technology to Nigerians. One would have expected that in line with expatriate quota, the character of employees should be such that it can enhance transfer of technology to the local populace. This brings us to the second

Ernst & Young rebrands, names new CEO RNST & Young, on July 01, E 2013, adopted ‘EY’ as its new global brand name. According to a statement, the rebranding is in line with the firm’s global Vision 2020 strategy, which is to be the most distinctive professional services firm with the best brand, even in the face of the competitive business environment in which it operates in. Also, the firm has appointed the former United State Assistant Secretary of Treasury, Mark Weinberger, as its new global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Weinberger, 51, replaces outgoing Chairman and CEO, Jim Turley, who has been in that position for the last 12 years. Weinberger, while speaking on his appointment, said: “It is a privilege to lead this great organisation in these dynamic times and I am looking forward to tackling the challenges ahead.” Speaking on the rebranding, EY Regional Managing Partner for West Africa, Henry Egbiki, was quoted as saying: “We are living in a fast-paced world that is constantly changing and we as a global firm cannot be left behind. Our brand identity is an important indicator of who we are and what we stand for. It is a combined effect of everything we do and say. In 2008, we unveiled our visual identity, which gave us consistency and visibility, but it needs to continue to evolve by driving the right brand at the right time.” On Vision 2020 strategy, Egbiki said it provides an exciting new direction for EY brand and signals a total change for the firm, adding that the vision will help EY to achieve its ambition to be the most distinctive professional services firm with the best brand. Besides the new brand name, the rebranding process according to the statement entails, among others, a new logo (which has been redesigned to reflect the new brand name) just as the firm has adopted a new tagline ‘Building a better working world’ as its purpose statement in addition to having a new Beam (which is now simpler and more consistent and easily recognized). Ajen Sita, EY Africa CEO, on the other hand, said: “The

rebranding, which coincides with the firm’s global Vision 2020 strategy is about repositioning EY. It

reflects our desire to focus on qualities that differentiate us from our competitors.”

aspect of our worry, which is; in a desperate attempt to get hold on our government they compromise quality, standard and go for the lowest cadre of labour, thus leaving a great gap between quality and price,” he said. Etafo argued that with the current practice, Nigeria is helping China solves its unemployment problems while pushing more Nigerians into the unemployment population. He added: “A cursory visit to the sites of this company show that we have expatriates cooks, expatriate house keepers and expatriate clerks, in the end what they call expatriates are people who could not find employment in China and are brought to Nigeria. “This brings to question the character of employment relations in such establish-

ment. Whereas the junior staff is wholly Nigerians, and is numerous, the senior cadre employment is supposed to be shared between the expatriates and the Nigerians. Expatriates like the name suggests are supposed to be employed where the local employees lack capacity unfortunately the reverse is the case.” Etafo urged government to take cognisance of the fact that it is not enough to sign agreements, but that Nigerian workers interest must also be factored in. He was quick to explain that CCESSA is not advocating that all expatriates should be sent packing neither is it saying that Nigerians can handle all the complexities involved in the construction industry. It added: “But the point is that, genuinely there are

areas where the presence of experts is imperative. But in many other areas, local staff has the capacity to manage affairs. Such local staff should be given the opportunity to perform, initially under the supervision of the relevant experts. In this industry, we have Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, Personnel Officers, Accountants etc and we believe if all of these are recognised and properly placed, then CCECC company cannot be talking of less than 2,000 senior staff as against the 1,000 expatriates that they have rightly or wrongly established.” While insisting it welcomes Chinese investors in Nigeria, the unions said such investment drive must be mutually beneficial to Nigerians and China and must not be a ploy to solve their (China) own unemployment crisis.

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

‘Manufacturing sector critical to transformation’ From Anthony Otaru and Itunu Ajayi, Abuja THE United Nations Economic Community for Africa (UNECA) has identified rapid transformation of the manufacturing sector as crucial to achieving sustainable growth and global competitiveness of Nigerian and other African economies in the years ahead. This was one of the key observations of the Commission in its Economic Report on Africa 2013, which was launched in Abuja. The UNECA noted that most of the countries in the continent were endowed with the resources to achieve socio-economic transformation of their citizens but lacked the capacities to implement most of their economic reform policies, a weakness, which identified as the bane of their developmental initiatives. The report stated that in order to leverage the competitiveness of the economies, the development of the commodities value chain and aligning such developmental initiatives with the manufacturing sector had become imperative if most of the economies would get out of the woods and become competitive in the years ahead. According to the latest report, which identified most of the economies as potentially strong in terms of prospects for growth despite global slowdown and uncertainty in other parts of the world, the irony of the positive developments in Africa is that the impressive growth story has not translated to real socio-economic gains

that would create a strong platform for long term growth of most of the countries. The report stated: “Yet this impressive growth story has not translated into economic diversification, commensurate jobs or faster social development: most African economies still depend heavily on commodity production and exports, with little value addition and a few forward and backward linkages to other sectors of the economy”. According to the UNECA’s economic on Africa, the key challenge for the countries in the continent remains how to design and implement effective policies to promote industrialisation and economic transformation. The report observed further that despite the modest achievements witnessed in manufacturing sector of most economies in Africa over the past decade, the continent was yet to reverse the deindustrialisation challenge that has characterised or defined the structural change in recent times. It noted that in 1980-2010, Africa’s manufacturing share in aggregate output declined from more than 12 per cent to around 11 per cent while output in East Asia remained at more than 31 “where labour-intensive industries induced high and sustained growth and helped lift hundreds of millions of citizens out of poverty”. Speaking at the sidelines of the forum in a chat with journalists, the Executive Director of the Centre for the Study of the Economies in Africa

Honeywell increases bakers’ capacity, trains 13 ONEYWELL Flour Mills Plc H will sustain its tradition of equipping bakers with necessary training to make them perform maximally in their businesses, the Executive Vice Chairman, Babatunde Odunayo, has said. Speaking in Lagos at the weekend during the Certificate Award Ceremony of the Honeywell Flour Mills Baking School where 13 master bakers got certification, he described the school as a corporate social investment aimed at empowering bakers by equipping them with modern baking skills and flour handling procedures that they can use to maximise yield from flour and run their bakery operations more professional and profitably. Odunayo, who said the school has since inception, trained and graduated 300 master bakers from across the country in 22 Regular Courses and 1 Executive Course, assured that Honeywell’s key objective remains the use of the baking school as a tool to empower bakers with basic and modern baking skills. He charged the graduands to become worthy ambassadors of the school and brand champions, saying the certifi-

cate is an announcement to the world that they are ready to move on to the next level in their lives and businesses. “You have passed through a rigorous learning process and have completed an important phase of your career. Use it well and challenge yourselves to progress further in your chosen businesses”, he said. The 13 graduands received instructions in the threeweek long programme in basic bakery techniques: proper mixing of bakery ingredients, common flour flaws and how to correct them as well as proper management of a bakery for optimum efficiency, including cost accounting, product marketing, personnel management, and administration. Commenting on the course, the graduands, represented by their class captain, Mr. John Johnson, paid glowing tribute to the initiative and the quality of instructions received. They are particularly pleased to have gained new insight into better management of bakery processes. “An interesting aspect of the training programme is the richness of its course outline, which is all encompassing… The training has positioned us to do things better and differently,” Johnson enthused.

Government should do more in creating the necessary linkage between farmers, processors or manufacturers and marketers in such a way wastages are minimised and Nigeria can transform its huge agricultural resources potentials to national development assets (CSEA), Dr. Ebere Uneze, noted that while recent efforts of Nigeria government to use the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) remained commendable, the need to strengthen the sector’s linkages with the manufacturing should be urgently addressed if the ongoing economic base diversification agenda will succeed. “Government should do more in creating the necessary linkage between farmers, processors or manufacturers and marketers in such a way wastages are minimised and Nigeria can transform its huge agricultural resources potentials to national development assets”, Udenze said. In his remarks at the forum, the Director of UNECA, Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie, explained that the development of Nigeria’s industrial sector and implementation and sustainability of enabling policies that could help in attracting massive in flow of capital and technologies would be key to transforming the nation’s economy and re-position it for global competitiveness in the future.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Lumina University appoints chancellor By Joseph Onyekwere UMINA University of LTechnology, Health Sciences and Mbaise, Imo State, has appointed Dr. Debe Odumegwu-Ojukwu, first chancellor of the University, with effect from July 1, 2013. A statement endorsed by the promoter of the University, United States-based John Kemakolam said, “Lumina University is fortunate to have your leadership and your role as its first Chancellor at this critical time in its development. This opportunity will provide a chance to enhance federal support for higher education in important ways, as well as to increase

the influence of Lumina University in other areas that will completely transform and advance higher education in Nigeria, Africa and perhaps throughout the world.” The statement also noted that the formal installation ceremony would be held in no distant time. In his acceptance, Debe Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “I feel overtly humbled, challenged and dumbstruck by the honour done to me and the entire family of Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu at this time. I may not have lit this light that is Lumina University of Health Sciences and Technology, but I earnestly pledge to dis-

charge my responsibilities creditably, responsibly and bear the lamp shade aloft in order to illuminate the path and give hope to the teeming youth of Africa.” Debe Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a legal practitioner and successful businessman, is chairman/managing director of several companies, such as Ogbonna Ojukwu Associates, Silver Convention Nigeria Limited, Victoria Foods Limited and Heden Properties. Lumina University of Health Sciences and Technology is the first of its kind in Nigeria as it focuses on medical and technological programmes.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

CAPITAL MARKET

NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at Friday PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 22/07/2013

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

CAPITAL MARKET

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 22/07/2013

PRICE GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE’s market capitalisation slides by N75b By Helen Oji QUITY transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange re-opened on a downward note yesterday, occasioned by price losses suffered by major bluechip companies, as market capitalization slide by N75 billion. Specifically, at closed of transactions yesterday, market capitalization dropped by 0.62 per cent to N12.063 trillion from N12.138 trillion recorded the previous day. Also, the All Share Index fell by 237.55 basis points to 38,090.74 points from 38,328.29 recorded on Friday. Investors exchanged 509.495 million shares valued at N2.714 billion in 5764 deals against 406.154 million share worth N2.859 billion traded in 5430 deals.

Further analysis of yester- Plc which loss N 1.10 kobo and day’s transactions showed N1.00 respectively to close at that Nigerian Breweries Plc N45.90 kobo and N999.00. topped losers chart, shedding Further analysis of the transN3.30 kobo to close at N170.30, actions showed that Sterling Flour Mills Nigeria Plc trailed with a loss of N3.70 kobo to close at N86.30 kobo while Ashaka Cement depreciated by N1.15 kobo to close at By Bukky Olajide N25.50 kobo. 7UP Bottling Nigeria Plc led OLLOWING consultations the gainers table appreciating with its shareholders and by N4.50 kobo to close at relevant regulatory bodies, N69.50 kobo, GlaxoSmithKline Plc and GlaxoSmithKline followed GlaxoSmithKline Consumer with a gain of N3.50 kobo to Nigeria PLC have agreed that close at N58.50 kobo while the scheme of arrangement CAP Plc Forte Oil and Conoil proposed to GSK Nigeria’s appreciated by N3.15 kobo, shareholders under which it N2.97 kobo and N2.53 kobo was proposed that GSK would respectively to close at N48.30 increase its indirect ownerkobo, N32.73 and N27.83 kobo. ship in GSK Nigeria to 75 per Other stocks that recorded cent, will be withdrawn. price depreciation include Subsequently, GSK Nigeria Okomu Oil and Nestle Nigeria will be suspending the pro-

Bank Plc traded highest volume of shares, with account of 88.216 million shares worth N221.720 million, United Bank for Africa trailed,

exchanging 21.981 million shares valued at N182.806 million while Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) recorded 21.923

million shares worth N31.253 million. UBA Capital for the day traded 13.694 million shares valued at N15.178 million.

GSK shelves share reconstruction scheme F

posed scheme of arrangement, at the meeting of its shareholders scheduled for today. According to the Managing Director, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc., Chidi Okoro, “GSK as a company believes in fairness and transparency in all its processes, and we are committed to shareholder’s interest and the growth of the Nigerian economy”. GSK believes that the suspension of the scheme of arrangement is necessary in order to consider appropriate amend-

ments to the proposal; and in line with this, GSK will continue consultations with shareholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission as to whether the proposal will be implemented by way of a tender offer or otherwise. Also, as disclosed in the scheme document, GSK has announced its intention to dispose of its global Lucozade and Ribena brands. However, the parent company has commenced work on the formalisation of updated long term arrangements that

would allow GSK Nigeria to continue to distribute these brands in Nigeria and some West African countries. The company believes it is important that these arrangements are concluded and disclosed before any revised proposal is put to GSK Nigeria shareholders. The general meeting of shareholders of GSK Nigeria convened for 23 July 2013 to consider the proposed scheme of arrangement will be held and subsequently adjourned indefinitely

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Opinion Senate and the obnoxious ‘child marriage’ law By Luke Onyekakeyah HE massive protests that have trailed the pasT sage of a resolution by the senate to legalise marriage to under-aged girls is warranted on the ground that the move, if allowed, would drag Nigeria back to the stone age. It was in the primitive eras that the girl-child was contracted into marriage even at birth, to satisfy traditional, religious, economic, social and greedy instincts of the parents and the would-be adult husband. That was the primitive culture that the senate is taking Nigeria back to. The outrage over the move shows that Nigerians are vehemently opposed to it. It is shocking and sad that the senate would even imagine such a law existing in Nigeria. The senate should reverse itself to redeem its and Nigeria’s image that have been tarnished. The House of Representatives should not buy into this vexatious resolution in the national interest. As expected, many prominent Nigerians and human right organisations have expressed dismay and condemned the senate for taking such a very horrible position. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, General Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly, Dr. Tunde Bakare, former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasir el-Rufai are among prominent Nigeria that have expressed shock at the development. Nasir elRufai said, “Criminals from time to time use religion to cloak pervasion”. And Dr. Ezekwesili said, “We kid ourselves to think that we can catch up with the rest of the world, when the girl child is constrained”. The Gender and Constitution Reform Network (GECORN), a coalition of women rights organisations in Nigeria, strongly rejected the senate’s resolution. Its national co-coordinator, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, in a statement rejected the argument of Senator Ahmed Yerima that the resolution to delete Section 29 (4b) of the constitution, which states that “any woman who is married shall be deemed an adult”, is at variance with Islamic law. There is nothing at variance in this regard. In Nigeria, age 18, is constitutionally recognized as adult voting and marriageable age. As part of the ongoing constitutional amend-

ment, the senate reportedly passed a resolution to amend provisions of Section 29 (4b) of the 1999 constitution. Section 29 (1) states “Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation. (2) The President shall cause the declaration made under subsection (1) of this section to be registered and upon such registration, the person who made the declaration shall cease to be a citizen of Nigeria. (3) The President may withhold the registration of any declaration made under subsection (1) of this section if (a) the declaration is made during any war in which Nigeria is physically involved; or (b) in his opinion, it is otherwise contrary to public policy (4) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section. (a) “Full age” means the age of eighteen years and above; (b) any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age. Unfortunately, Senator Yerima is arguing against this subsection because the Islamic law permits marriage to girls below 18 years. And, since Section 29 (4b) recognizes that “any married woman shall be deemed of full age”; it implies that if a girl marries at any age below 18, she is deemed to be an adult. Going by the constitution, the Islamic law makes under-aged married girls adults by virtue of marriage. This is the subsection that Senator Yerima is quarrelling with, which the senate wants to tinker with. But the constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is superior to any other law, such that where there is conflict, the provisions of the constitution will supersede. Article 1 of the United Nations (UN) Convention of Rights of the Child, which Nigeria has ratified, defines a child as “every human being (male or female) below the age of 18 years”. The world will be asking what is wrong with Nigeria. What sort of thinking is going on in the leadership that tends always to attract global opprobrium in its actions? The move is a U-turn to return Nigeria back to the primitive age when the rest of the world is moving on the fast track to modernization. Section 277 of the Federal Child Rights Act 2003, defines a child as “anyone who is below the age of 18 years”. What is the senate up to when it intends to make a law that contravenes all these existing local and international conventions? By

this singular move, the senate has rubbished all the efforts made so far to improve girl-child education in Nigeria, particularly in Northern Nigeria. All the talk about women empowerment is a waste, if the girl child is officially blindfolded not to see the light. There can be no development without education for all. No country has ever developed when a section of the population is condemned to remain poor and ignorant. Coming at a time when there are reportedly over 10 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, majority of whom are girls, the senate’s move is a serious setback to the country’s development aspirations. It amounts to condemning Nigeria to perpetual underdevelopment, if the girl-child would have no opportunity to go to school due to constitutional inhibition through marriage. There have always been men who have the proclivity to subjugate women and confine them to the backyard to serve one singular purpose of breeding children and satisfying their sexual appetite. That tendency is still prevalent in many sub-cultures in Nigeria despite advances in civilization. The proposed law is discriminatory. It is anti-women, anti-education, antidevelopment and anti modernization. I don’t know what the women in the senate did about this abominable move to strangulate their kind intellectually. Were they there when the discussion was going on? What did they say? Where is women liberation if these kinds of thinking can still rear their ugly heads? What has happened to the Child Rights Law, which guarantees among other things “universal statepaid education to every child”, including girls? Why should a state that ought to protect children make laws that would perpetually enslave and deprive girls of all those basic rights? The senate is playing double standards in matters of marriage. The senate the other day enacted a law prescribing 14 years imprisonment for same-sex marriage offenders but is turning around to permit adult men to rape and abuse under-aged girls in the name of marriage! What an oddity? It is ridiculous that the senate does not want two adult men or women who want to annihilate themselves through unnatural same sex marriage union but wants adult men to abuse and ravage minor girls in repugnant and unholy marriage often contracted against the

consent of the girls. How do you reconcile the two postures? The senate by its move is out to legalise and institutionalize paedophilia and rape of minors. Many men are inclined to be attracted to minor girls. If the law permits, such men would simply lure and rape the girls or desire to marry them, thereby ruining their lives forever. Apart from abuse and lack of education that the under-aged married girls suffer, there are serious health and psychological implications. For instance, the problem of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) has remained intractable, especially in Northern Nigeria. According to Wikipedia, VVF is an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder and the vagina that allows the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault. It is caused by childbirth, when the under-aged girl experiences prolonged labour that presses the unborn child tightly against the pelvis. That causes the affected tissues to decay, thereby leaving a hole through which urine is continuously discharged involuntarily. There are profound emotional and psychological effects of this condition on the sufferers. Maternal morbidity from this problem is very high in the north. Reports say no less than 12,000 women are affected by this terrible health condition in Nigeria every year. This is a debilitating health condition that is suffered mostly by under-aged girls who are subjected to early sexual abuse by men who married or raped them. The condition is preventable. While no serious effort has been made to help thousands of young girls suffering from VVF, why should the senate, in its wisdom, opt to go for a law that would further create the condition that would expose more girls to this disease? Nigeria is notorious for child trafficking. It appears that children have become endangered species in Nigeria. The system seems to work against them. The new law, if enacted, will add to the catalogue of woes facing children in Nigeria. Unfortunately, it is the children of the poor masses that are used as guinea pig. The children of the rich are safe. Let this senate not go into history as the one that nailed the coffin for Nigeria to remain perpetually poor and undeveloped.

Dame Patience’s assault on Rivers people By Nelson Ekujumi OR some time now, the Nigerian people and the rest of the Fwhich world have been treated to a show of shame in Rivers State, is already undermining national security and our democracy and portraying us in negative light in the eyes of the global village. The media reported that Nigeria’s first lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan opened up and confessed to some Christian clerics from the South South who visited her in Aso Rock, Abuja that truly she is the voice of Jacob and hand of Esau in the crisis rocking Rivers State, which has been the long held suspicion of most Nigerians since the despicable undemocratic acts started manifesting and of which our Presidency, like in its character, denied. That our God is wonderful and marvelous is stating the obvious. This is in view of the fact that some time ago in 2012, a confession by President Goodluck at the church dedication ceremony in his native Otueke village in Bayelsa State revealed that he abused the constitution and office of the President of Nigeria by soliciting the building of a church in his village as a gift from a government contractor. Who else could have extracted such voluntary confession but the Almighty God, not even the existence of the EFCC and other anti corruption agencies both locally and internationally could have done it with such ease. Also when she returned to the country after several months abroad of which a lot of insinuations and reports were churned out about her health condition from several quarters and despite the shameless denials and counter denials by spin doctors in the Presidency, our God proved himself above all mortals by making Mrs. Patience Jonathan voluntarily confess publicly at a thanksgiving service that truly she went for medical surgery of which she gave thanks to God for being alive. Now by this latest confession, Mrs. Jonathan must be applauded because our security agencies don’t have to look any further for the cause of the crisis bedeviling Rivers State because the Yoruba adage says “Kokoro ton je efo, idi efo lo wa” literally meaning, that

the ants eating the vegetable are within the vegetable. One only hopes the security agencies will muster the courage to invite the first lady for questioning immediately. Unfortunately, Mrs. Goodluck Jonathan, the wife of the President of Nigeria and who is supposed to offer succour and soothing balm to the pains round the husband’s neck in the herculean task of administering this multi ethnic nation is rather the one undermining his discharge of constitutional responsibilities by causing a breach of public peace in her home state for personal reasons and in a needless show of power. Mrs. Goodluck Jonathan by her action has also shown that the wives of our elected public officials are in dire need of education on the meaning and workings of democracy in order for them not to abuse their personal and unconstitutional position as spouses to undermine the prevailing societal peace and our democracy by engaging in needless power show with other elected state officials who are not on the same page with their husbands. If Mrs. Jonathan had been schooled in the tenets of democracy, she would have realized that resorting to undemocratic, uncivilized, unconstitutional, crude and barbaric tactics of hiring thugs to cause a breach of public peace for any reason is demeaning to her personality as the wife of Mr. President and is a blemish on the office of the President of Nigeria which is representative of all that Nigerian people stands for. This action of hers has gone a long way in portraying her in the opposite image of her priviledge position of a motherly figure for the country. According to Mrs. Jonathan, “This matter started four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish part of Okrika but that he should dialogue first with the people. After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika Local Government and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour...” By the way, the governor was elected by the generality of Rivers people and not by one person no matter how highly placed. If you advise the governor and he does not listen because whatever decision he takes should be in the larger interest and not in ones people’s interest, madam, that is talking about dialogue should have approached the courts to stop the governor if truly she believed in

civilized engagement rather than this show of force which is undemocratic and uncivilized. She also quoted copiously from the bible in the book of Hebrew 12:14, which urge us to embrace peace with all men without which we cannot see God. “Amaechi is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him …” How very hypocritical of you Dame Patience. If you understand what you have just quoted with your lips but of which your heart is very far away from God, you will realize the enormity of what you said, what you are doing is beyond fighting Amaechi because presently you are abusing your position to cause a breach of public peace in Rivers State which is like fighting God if we take cognizance of the saying that the voice of the people is the voice of God. Mrs. Jonathan should rather have used her position of mother of some (5) rebellious members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to lobby other members to buy into her position as championed by the members to legitimately and constitutionally fight her cause if indeed they were altruistic rather than the despicable show of shame she is presently engaged in. As for the clerics, since one wasn’t there when they visited Dame Patience Jonathan, one hoped they told her the truth which is that by abusing her position to cause a breach of public peace in Rivers state and undermine our democracy, she has sinned against man and God of which they should have prayed with her for forgiveness and a change of heart since God had used them to make her confess of this national embarrassment she has caused the country. By this voluntary confession, one would expect Mr. President to first of all apologize to the country for this show of shame from the first family and then sit down the wife and engage her in frank talk about her embarrassing behavior to his office which is unacceptable since she is misdirecting her energy. Mr. President should admonish her to devote her time to worthy causes since there are lots of societal issues that she could help draw attention to for government attention. • Ekujumi is the Executive Director, Centre for Rights and Grassroots Initiative (CRGI), Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Opinion Ekiti 2014 governorship election in prospect By Vincent Bamigboye “To see the opposition as dangerous is to misunderstand the basic concepts of democracy. To oppress the opposition is to assault the very foundation of democracy” – Aung San Suu Kyi (Burmese MP and Leader of National League for Democracy). KITI, a state of about 3 million people was creE ated by the General Sani Abacha’s junta out of the former Ondo State on the 1 of October 1996. st

Ekiti has the reputation of housing the greatest number of intellectuals per population in the Nigerian polity. Ekiti State is generally described as perhaps the most homogenous state in the Nigerian Federation. However, its high level of literacy makes Ekiti a most difficult state to govern. The first two chief executives of Ekiti State were military men in the persons of Colonel Mohammed Bawa, October 1996 - August 1998 and Navy Captain Atanda Yusuf from 1998 till he handed over to the First Civilian Governor, Niyi Adebayo of Alliance of Democracy (AD) with the introduction of civilian rule on 29th of May 1999. Niyi Adebayo was defeated by Mr. Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to become the 4th governor of Ekiti State in 2003. Mr. Fayose was impeached by PDP-dominated State Legislature on the 16thof October 2006 and was replaced by the House of Assembly’s Speaker, Chief Friday Aderemi. Aderemi’s tenure was destined to be very short as a State of Emergency was declared by the then Nigerian President Olusegun

Obasanjo on the 17th of October 2006. Retired Major General Adetunji Olurin, the former military governor of Oyo State became the Civilian Administrator from the 18th of October 2006 till the 27th of April 2007 when the State of Emergency was lifted. The new Speaker of the Ekiti Legislature, Chief Tope Ademiluyi acted as Governor until the controversial election that brought Engineer Segun Oni of the PDP to power on the 29th of May 2007. Oni’s election was bitterly contested, both on the streets of Ekiti and in the courts of law, by the then candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Fayemi had the last laugh, won in the highest electoral Court of Appeal, and was sworn in as the 9th Chief Executive of Ekiti State on 16th of October 2010 for a four-year term. Quite a few were killed and maimed in the struggle to actualise Dr. Fayemi’s mandate. The above historical appraisal demonstrates the chequered nature of politics in the state. In its 14 years of democratic rule, only Chief Niyi Adebayo of AD had successfully completed his term in office. His next two successors were hounded out of office before the expiration of their terms. The incumbent Dr. Fayemi came into office with a lot of goodwill having been perceived as a victim of protracted injustice and for being one of the arrowheads of the fight for democracy during his NADECO and Radio Kudirat days against military rule. Dr. Fayemi’s term promises to end in 2014 and, from all indications, he has put himself up for re-election. This is what this article is all

about. Recent happenings in Ekiti polity do not portend good omen for the putative 2014 governorship elections. On the 14th of April 2013, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Information under Chief Bola Tinubu and a serving Member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, was attacked by thugs purportedly hired by members of his own party, the ACN. Bamidele’s seeming offence was in daring to challenge the incumbent Governor Fayemi for ACN’s 2014 ticket. Apparently that was to be the beginning of Bamidele’s problems as he was removed by the Ekiti caucus in the House of Representatives on the 10th of July 2013. In a demonstration of statesmanship, that removal has since been overturned by the leadership of ACN under the influence of Chief Tinubu (The Guardian of 12th of July 2013). It was heartening to note that Chief Tinubu was on the side of Bamidele’s right to express a desire to contest for a post and against the tyranny of the majority of his colleagues probably under pressure from the home front. Tinubu’s singular action can only bode well for our fledgling democracy. On the 13th of June 2013, it was widely reported that former Governor Fayose, a PDP governorship aspirant, narrowly escaped death when his car was riddled with bullets while travelling to his Afao-Ekiti country home. Perhaps one should remind all that Fayose’s time as Ekiti State governor witnessed several high profile murders, including that of former World Bank Economist, Dr. Ayo Daramola in his IjanEkiti country home on the 14th of August 2006. Dr Daramola was then a governoship aspirant.

Most of these murders remain unsolved till date. Mr Fayose has positioned himself for election in 2014 under the platform of the PDP and it may not be by accident that the move to adopt a concensus candidate among the horde of contestants has been visited with violence. A few days ago, the Oodua Peoples Congress Founder, Dr. Fredrick Fasheun warned about the possibility of Opeyemi Bamidele coming to harm in the hands of the agents of ACN. The virulent comments in the newspapers and on Ekitipanupo – the pro-ACN Ekiti thinktank – against Bamidele raise that possibility. All may not be well with the two major political parties in the gubernatorial tussle. However, Governor Kayode Fayemi is enjoined to caution fanatical supporters on both sides against doing anything that could provoke disorder. So far, apart from the troubles during the fight for his mandate, Ekiti State has been relatively peaceful under the leadership of Fayemi. We do not want to go back to the dark days of former Governor Fayose when thuggery and murders were the order of the day. Finally it is one’s belief that the next occupier of the Ekiti State governor’s seat should be decided on issues and the programmes of the candidates and not violence. The people of Ekiti must be able to exercise their voting right. In the words of the great American President Abraham Lincoln, “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters”. So shall it be with Ekitis in 2014. • Bamigboye is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist based in the United Kingdom.

Salute to Prof Nnaji at 57 By Ikeogu Oke REMEMBER my first meeting with Professor Bart Nnaji. Toyin Isioned Akinosho, the publisher of Africa Oil+Gas Report, had commisme to write a feature for the publication, issued intermittently as a supplement with The Guardian. The subject was Independent Power Projects (IPPs) in south-eastern Nigeria. Following its first publication in Africa Oil+Gas Report, the feature was later adapted and published by The Guardian. I had worked in the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) in various technical capacities and as a journalist in the defunct NEXT, founded by Dele Olojede, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Toyin, as Mr. Akinosho’s friends fondly call him, knew this track record. He probably considered me a good fit for the assignment for that reason. I was glad that he chose me. I could do with such an opportunity to update my knowledge of our power sector. When I made phone calls to various individuals by way of preliminary research for the write-up, they all pointed me to Nnaji. I had only “met” him by reputation. That several people deemed him the person to speak to if I was interested in the subject of IPPs in the south-eastern part of our country fired up my desire to really meet him. One hardly finds such consensus on an authority for something positive in our country. Some of the people I spoke to told me of his Geometric Power plant. A shame that I had not heard about it, especially as it was located at Osisioma, near Aba! I was the quintessential Aba boy. My umbilical cord was buried in that enigmatic city once full of verve and potential, but whose morale has been severely dampened by the same conditions that restrain most of us Nigerians from realising our potentials – lack of basic developmental props like good roads, reliable electricity, a supportive financial system, etc. I had spent my first twenty-one years as a resident of Aba. I believed I knew the city and its environs well. How come I hadn’t heard of Geometric Power? After those preliminary phone calls, I called an acquaintance, a man whom I was told worked in Geometric Power. He graciously booked an appointment between me and Nnaji. After a brief wait, I was ushered into Nnaji’s tastefully but unostentatiously furnished office at Asokoro, the highbrow Abuja district. The near wall was covered with plaques, evidence of a productive life rewarded with many laurels, from institutions whose credibility could never be in doubt, including some top American universities. As we got down to business, I could easily discern that he earned those laurels. He came across as cerebral,

practical, confident, charming, and extremely gentle. The overall impression was that of a man who knew his high worth but who out of genuine modesty and sensitivity did not try to impress you with a sense of his own importance. He was self-assured but not arrogant. After the interview, he asked me what I thought of the decision of the Senate to elevate Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, then Vice President, to President, under the “expediency” clause. I told him I had just published an article in The Guardian (of March 2, 2010, page 63, incidentally), titled “Jonathan: Making the most of expediency”, in which I addressed the issue. That, given the circumstances, I thought the Senate would be taking the best pragmatic decision by doing so. However, that the constitution should be amended to prevent any possible re-occurrence of the need to invoke the clause, since “expediency” can be abused or exploited, leading to grave national crises. At the end of the conversation that ensued, a more rounded picture emerged of Nnaji as a man with broad humanistic interests, though essentially an engineer and a technocrat, and who – very importantly – understood that a stable polity is the fulcrum on which development revolves, and that even the slightest tip of that fulcrum could overturn that lever and upset the prospects of development with catastrophic consequences for the polity. And I believe the Senate’s decision to invoke the “expediency” clause was essentially about ensuring political stability without undermining the cause of justice. It was also about putting wisdom and national interest above the letters of the law, which, as Jesus Christ said, is made for man; not vice-versa. When, two days later, I entered the premises of Nnaji’s Geometric Power project at Osisioma, I marvelled at its portrayal of what well-meaning Nigerians can do in spite of the serious impediments they face in realising any worthy goal at home. And no less importantly, it was a revelation of the far greater things they can do to transform our developmentally challenged country and the desperate lot of its citizens, without such impediments. With hindsight from my job in the NEPA, in which I toured several power plants and transmission stations as a maintenance crewman, I could easily appreciate the significance of that project. Though sited in the south-east, its inspirational impact could be nationwide. For, if it succeeded, I could see the possibility of its being emulated and replicated by others to produce reliable electricity for our citizens in other parts of the country, and stimulate development nationwide. And I wished for its success!

That one individual could have conceived, managed and executed that power project to such an advanced stage in our peculiar environment was for me a manifestation of rare courage and tenacity. I looked forward to the day the project would be commissioned, ushering in a new era of power production and distribution to relieve the long misery which chronic power shortage has imposed on our people, and which the power sector reform of the Jonathan administration, which Nnaji managed as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) and Minister of Power, seeks to eliminate. I saw it as a rare honour when, several months later, he invited me to work in his media team as Chairman of the PTFP, and later as Minister of Power. He was an unconventional boss who preferred to impress with kindness rather than power. And I sometimes wondered that he would never lose his cool in the face of provocation, and that he could work as hard as he did – sometimes 12 hours at a stretch – with unflagging concentration. As a manager of men and materials, his impulses were to simplify complex situations and solve any problem brought to his attention. As Minister of Power, he asked for my mission statement as his aide before I assumed duty. I wrote back thus: “To use my experience and skills as a writer, communicator, journalist and public relations consultant to support the power sector reform of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, as well as his appointee(s) and other human and institutional agencies charged with ensuring the realisation of the goals of the reform.” I thought he would raise issues about my so openly conveying to him the impression that my loyalty, even as his aide, was not to him per se but to our country and the system. I expected that in a country where public office holders generally tend to regard the positions they occupy as extensions of their egos and “their staff” as servants at the shrine of those egos. His not raising any issue was to me another indication of the difference of his leadership style – of putting country and service above self. I did not consider him perfect, but I was convinced that his virtues were far greater than his flaws. It is in the nature of remarkable lives such as Nnaji’s that their stories can be told from different angles even by the same person. But I regard this slice of his story as sufficient reason to congratulate and salute him as he turned 57 on July 13 this year. • Oke, a poet, writer, freelance journalist and public affairs commentator, wrote from Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Law

Quote of the week “Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need.” -Rick Riordan, The Red Pyramid judicialeditor@yahoo.co.uk/ 08033151041 Desk Head: Ibe Uwaleke

Niyi-Akintola (SAN)

How to combat unemployment among Nigerian lawyers Interview By Ibe Uwaleke, Head, Judicial Desk It is no longer news in Nigeria that the unemployment rate of graduates from the country’s tertiary institutions is alarming. It is so frightening that it is defiling the little efforts of the government at all levels. Perhaps, what is news is that this social malaise is creeping into the professional disciplines such as law, medicine and the likes. The law profession, which is widely regarded as very versatile in terms of engagement, is now suffering from dearth of opportunities and enabling environment to thrive. This is compounded by the growing number of lawyers being churned out by the Nigerian Law School every year. Even those on employment are, indeed, under-employed as they hardly get briefs (jobs) to handle, year in year out. This situation diminishes their income and impoverishes them, thereby turning some of them into portfolio consultants, rent agents and charge and bail practitioners, as the only survival options. In this interview with an NBA chieftain and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola, he says this ugly trend must change and that the Bar should lead the crusade. According to him, the future of the country is being trampled upon with blazing disregard of the welfare of Nigerian youths by the political class, warning that if nothing urgent is done to arrest the situation, legal education will be heading to the rocks with dire consequences. He also canvasses opinion for the law profession and other national issues.

N Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and O what could be done to make it a more purposeful organization for lawyers and the society at large, he said: “Right from when I became a lawyer, I have always shown interest in the affairs of the Bar. I have served at various capacities including becoming the vice chairman of my local branch. At the point, I was going to become the substantive chairman, I became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). After the Port Harcourt debacle, I was one of those who midwived the Bar back into its national conscience. In 1998 during Abacha regime, our chairman (that is, conference of branch chairmen and secretaries), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) had his office then at Ilorin, I used to travel to Ilorin, to pay for my branch, Ibadan, when we were re-registering all branches. Since then, I have remained very active at the Bar. I want to also thank God for helping me to traverse the length and breadth of this country as a litigation lawyer. On the saying that a king-maker cannot seek to become the king himself, Akintola responded this way: “I want to call ourselves stakeholders not king-makers, to use it to describe the position of some of us at the Bar, because we have been around and making sure that the Bar remains active and moving forward. I have always been a good follower to the leadership of the Bar. Concerning the pathetic conditions of juniors at the Bar and the drive to assist them, Akintola said: “My drive into trying to venture into NBA leadership, is to assist junior lawyers have good practices. I am a core litigation lawyer and not an armchair critic. In my practice, I have visited all states of the federation, I know the terrain of this country, not just the state capitals, but other parts of the states far remote to the capitals. I know the problems junior lawyers face in

the different places I have visited. I think I can assist if I am in a position to render such help. Regarding the mass unemployment in the country, which has affected the law profession, he has this to say: “We have an average of 6,000 lawyers being produced every year. I am inundated almost every day with calls, messages and people sending their Curriculum Vitae (CVs) seeking for job. So, the unemployment issue in the country and in our profession is very real and frightening. This situation has lowered discipline within the rank and file of the members of the profession. When people don’t have much to do, they resort to other means that is not in consonance with the ethics of the profession. You now find them going into consultancy practices. I do not blame them, because they are looking for means to survive. This is what I have observed and decided that, at least, I can assist to ameliorate this kind of situation by offering to lead the Bar with my colleagues. If you have a leader who has the vision and drive to show the way, others will key into his ideas and be on the same page with him. I was at a High Court one day, I saw lawyers watching television at the Bar Centre, because they had no briefs to attend to, they decided to while-away time. This is the kind of things we will try to address. On how he intends to achieve this, he said: “The first thing I want to do is to ensure that

the constitution of this country is followed, to ensure that the leadership of this country develops the will to use the constitutional means to govern the nation. For instance, we have 774 local councils in the country. There is no reason why we should not have a serving legal officer in each of the local councils. There are also a lot of corporations or corporate institutions, which engage in contracts, sometimes with a lot of mistakes. If they have legal officers that advise them properly, they will not enter into wrong or faulty contracts. So, with the support of my colleagues, we will meet the people that matter in these corporations, so that they can help to effect these changes in their organizations. Even in the media industry, lawyers are highly needed there. There are a lot of litigations going on there resulting from defamation cases. It cannot continue like this. Media houses need the services of lawyers. They need to be properly guided by legal professionals. Again, within the military, paramilitary and the police, how many lawyers are serving there? These organizations also require the services of lawyers. The police perform para-legal duties, jobs that should be done by lawyers. If there are enough lawyers in the police, non-lawyers cannot be prosecuting cases. “Another thing I want to ensure that we begin to do, is to regulate the legal profession, to begin to democratize it. We have to decentralize our profession. What is killing us in this country is over-centralisation of everything. This is a cog in the wheel of progress. We need to begin to think of how we can privatize the Nigerian Law School. We need to take the school outside the realm of government control. On whether this could be done by policy or the amendment of the Constitution, he said the NBA could initiate it for the National Assembly to amend the relevant provisions. His words: “ If we initiate it the National Assembly will listen. We need synergy between the Bar and the various organs of government. For instance, the Attorney General of the Federation, (AGF) and all the states’ Attorneys General are members of our profession. If they key into this programme, it becomes simple for us to achieve it. If we begin to regulate the legal profession, many lawyers will get jobs. The socalled big boys in the profession take all the briefs all year round. They neither take a break nor feel they have made enough for the year. We must change this trend to allow young lawyers to grow. There should be enough for everybody’s need but not for everybody’s greed. I just pray to God to give me the grace to start reversing this trend and perhaps, somebody else will come to continue from where I would stop. Responding to poor remuneration most lawyers earn under their seniors, Akintola said: “You cannot regulate what an employer pays his employee. I belong to the school of thought that believes that you cannot remunerate any qualified person adequately. Where I had my pupilage, I did not earn salaries for three years. But I was not starving either. There is what we call table manners, which is tied to one’s productivity, which is between the junior and his principal. This means that a lawyer may earn allowances from his principal in one day, which is much more than the salary he earns in a year. So, I do not support fixed salary for lawyers practising in all chambers. They should be paid according to their productivity.

If we begin to regulate the legal profession, many lawyers will get jobs. The so-called big boys in the profession take all the briefs all year round. They neither take a break nor feel they have made enough money for the year. We must change this trend to allow young lawyers to grow. There should be enough for everybody’s need but not for everybody’s greed.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

LAW

LawPeople Profile By Joseph Onyekwere HE Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal on Friday discharged and acquitted Major Hamza AlMustapha, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late dictator, Sani Abacha and Lateef Sofolohan, an aide to Chief Moshood Abiola, from the death sentence passed on them by a Lagos High Court over their involvement in the assassination of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. Their court freedom underscores the importance of right of appeal for the convicted and is a big plus for Nigeria’s human rights record. Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, the chairman of the governing council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), believes Nigeria’s human rights record is mixed and rather challenging. “We have come some way though and we have a pretty long way to go. Many people forget the years of military rule and what happened. Gen. Babangida decreed in 1992 against litigation. Gen. Abacha executed Ken Saro-Wiwa without allowing him the right of appeal. The Buhari regime similarly executed the young men accused of drug pushing also without allowing them the right of appeal. But as we can see, the courts have just set Al-Mustapha free on appeal from his conviction for murder, a facility that was not available to many people convicted when he was CSO to Gen. Abacha. That is a measure of progress. Having government with electoral legitimacy suggests we are making progress because the right to consent to setting up your government is one of the most basic rights of all”, he declared. He stated that under military rule, Nigeria subscribed to many human rights instruments, including the Convention against Torture; the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Maputo Protocol on the Human Rights of Women in Africa and the Protocol for the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, among others. Now that we are in civilian government, Odinkalu is of the view that more effort is needed in bettering the lives of the citizens. His words: “But civilian government is not an end in itself. It is a means to assuring better livelihood for people. In that sense, we have not done enough to fulfill the promise of human rights under civilian rule. Our institutions are all challenged, life is hard for our people; impunity is rife for all things from election rigging and crimes of mass violence (such as terrorism) to domestic violence and examination malpractice. “That makes the enjoyment of

“Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing.” -Thomas Jefferson

‘Nigeria’s human rights records mixed, challenging’

Prof. Odinkalu human rights difficult. We have challenges with making our elections credible and ensuring that the right to participation is effective. There are also serious issues with safety and security in different parts of the country, especially the North-East; maternal mortality is one of the highest in the world, over 10 million kids do not have access to education and the criminal justice system is hugely dysfunctional.” According to him, a major evidence of this dysfunction in the criminal justice system is the state of pre-trial detention. “Nigeria is grossly under-imprisoned to begin with. With a population of over 160 million, we have a prison population of just about 52,000 of whom about 77 per cent is pre-trial detainees. That means that we are unable to catch or incapacitate those who endanger our society and the criminal justice system does not really play its due role in public safety and security. We

Nigeria is grossly under-imprisoned to begin with. With a population of over 160 million, we have a prison population of just about 52,000 of whom about 77 per cent is pre-trial detainees. That means that we are unable to catch or incapacitate those who endanger our society and the criminal justice system does not really play its due role in public safety and security. We have to find ways to do better and that has to begin with ensuring the institutions of the criminal justice system are better coordinated.

have to find ways to do better and that has to begin with ensuring the institutions of the criminal justice system are better coordinated”, he said. Odinkalu, a lawyer and human rights campaigner, is senior legal officer for the Africa Program of the Open Society Justice Initiative. Odinkalu received his Ph.D. in law from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Prior to joining the members of staff of Open Society Justice Initiative, he was senior legal officer responsible for Africa and Middle East at the International Centre for the Legal Protection of Human Rights in London, Human Rights Advisor to the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone UNOMSIL, and Brandeis International Fellow at the Centre for Ethics, Justice and Public Life of the Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. He consults for Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs, as well as Ford Foundation. He was senior Legal Officer for Africa International Centre for the Legal Protection of Human Rights (INTERIGHTS), as well as a Trustee for Alliances for Africa. Odinkalu is widely published on diverse subjects of international law, international economic and human rights law, public policy, and political economy affecting African countries. He is frequently called upon to advise multilateral and bilateral institutions on

Africa-related policy, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the World Economic Forum. Odinkalu has extensive networks across Africa built up over several years of working for human rights and social justice on the continent. He is associated with several nongovernmental and academic institutions within and outside Africa. Among other affiliations, Odinkalu is a member of the Human Rights Advisory Council of the Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs, of the Boards of the Fund for Global Human Rights and of the International Refugee Rights Initiative. He is also the founder of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) at the Nigerian Bar and member of the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association. He coordinated SPIDEL from 2006 to 2010.

Born in South-Eastern Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War in 1968, he received his under-graduate, graduate, and vocational legal education in Imo State. He graduated from the Imo State University with a degree in law (LLB). He later joined the University of Lagos for post-graduate studies, where he obtained a masters degree in Law (LL.M). Earlier, he had been enrolled as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1988 after graduating from the Nigerian Law School. Odinkalu received his Ph.D in law from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), specialising in international economic laws relating to regionalism and regional integration. Odinkalu, formerly Jeremiah Smith Jr. is a lecturer in Law, Harvard Law School; Brandeis International Fellow at the Centre, Ethics & Public Life and Trustee, International African Institute (IAI), School of Oriental & African Studies, SOAS, University of London. He is a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and is currently a visiting Professor, Open University of Tanzania. He participated in the creation and drafting of the Protocol for the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights; founded the Coalition for an Effective African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania. He was also Deputy National Secretary of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Nigeria. Associated with research, multilateral and non-governmental institutions within and outside Nigeria, including the International Refugee Rights Initiative (IRRI), New York; the Fund for Global Human Rights, Washington DC; and the Francois Xavier Bagnoud Centre on Health and Human Rights at Harvard School of Public Health. Though an astute human rights advocate, Odinkalu believes that every nation has the liberty to make laws for the good governance of its citizens and, therefore, may not succumb to the pressures of outside world in matters they feel strongly about. According to him, Nigeria is a nation that recognises marriage as relationship between a male and female and, therefore, would not be in a position to support same-sex marriage as is being canvassed by the Western nations.

Do you know… Bona fide: Exchange contracts: “Any contracts which in any way affects the country’s exchange resources”. See Melwani v. Chanhira Corp. [1995] 6 NWLR (Pt. 402) 438 at 463, [C.A.], adopting Sharif v. Azad (1967) 1 QB 605 at613 per Denning M.R.

LAW 87

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

LawReport Where a contract is ex-facie illegal, courts must refuse to enforce same

In the Court of Appeal, In the Lagos Judicial Division, Holden at Lagos, On Friday, March 22, 2013, Before their Lordships:s Amina Adamu Augie, Justice, Court of Appeal; Chima Centus Nweze, Justice, Court of Appeal; Chinweze Eugenia Iyizoba, Justice, Court of Appeal; CA/L/362/97 Between University of Port Harcourt (appellant) and Kraus Thompson Organisation Kraus Thompson Periodicals (respondents).

HUS, there are authorities for the view that T where a contract is ex-facie illegal, whether illegality has been pleaded or not, the court would not close its eyes against the illegality. The reason is simple. It is the duty of every court to refuse to enforce such a transaction even when illegality has not been pleaded. So held the Court of Appeal, Holden at Lagos in a unanimous leading judgment delivered by his lordship, Chima Centus Nweze (JCA) his learned brothers Amina Adamu Augie and Chinweze Eugenia Iyizoba (JJCA), concurring while upholding the Appellant’s appeal. The appellant was represented by A. Ogunsanya with him S. Ukairo while the respondents were represented by Rickey Tarfa, SAN, with O.T. Opara (Mrs.); A. Ajowole (Miss) and I. S. Matagun. The facts are as contained in the body of the judgment. At the High Court of Lagos State, the respondents, in this appeal (as plaintiffs), in their specially indorsed writ of summons dated November 15, 1994, claimed against the appellant (as defendant): • The sums of $91,579. 65 and SwFr12,055. 81 being the outstanding invoices of the supply of books, periodicals and/or journals supplied to the defendant on credit. The equivalent of which is N2,215,843.21 at the CBN exchange rate; • 10 per cent interest per annum on the outstanding debt from 1981 until final liquidation of the debt; • Such sum or sums of money that the defendant may be found liable to the plaintiffs for in the course of the trial; and • The cost of this litigation. Pleadings were settled, filed and exchanged. In its pleading, the defendant raised certain crucial issues which, allegedly vitiated the contract, the subject matter of the main suit.

By an application dated May 21, 1996, pursuant to Order 22 Rule 3 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 1972 (then applicable, the defendant entreated the court to set down the points of law raised in the statement of defence for hearing. After the submissions of counsel, the court, on December 30, 1996, entered judgment against the defendant. Sequel to the judgment, the plaintiffs brought an application pursuant to Order 26 Rules 6 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rule 1994 (then applicable). Its supplication was for the correction of certain parts of the said judgment. This appeal is against the judgment of December 30, 1996 and ruling of the said court of April 3, 1997, (hereinafter referred to as the lower court). Three issues were set out for the determination of this appeal against these decisions of the lower court (Coram Olorunnimbe J). The respondents entered a preliminary objection in which they contested the amended notice of appeal filed on March 3, 2009 and the issues argued in the appellant’s brief of argument. He argued that by virtue of Section 25(1) and (2) of the Court of Appeal Act, 2004, an appeal against a final decision ought to be filed within three months and that against an interlocutory appeal, ought to be filed within 14 days. He noted that the appellant ought to have filed a notice of appeal against the judgment dated December 30, 1996, on or before March 31, 1997 and not on May 20, 1997, a period of over four months. He contended that there was no valid and competent notice of appeal in respect of the said judgment. In reply, counsel to the appellant urged the court to discountenance the above submissions as being misconceived. He contended that only a final judgment could be appealed against. He pointed out that the appellant was not oblivious of the fact that the lower court had no jurisdiction to deliver a fresh judgment as it did via its ruling dated April 3, 1997. He circumscribed his argument to the fact that the correction made to the judgment via the ruling dated April 3, 1997, drastically changed the entire judgment as, initially, and delivered on December 30, 1996. This made it a new judgment from which the appellant’s right to appeal emerged, citing Sterling Civil Engineering (Nig) Ltd v Yahaya (Supra). He submitted that the respondent’s arguments in the above preliminary objection would be valid if only the corrections under-

Justice Bulkachuwa Acting PCA taken by the lower court were limited to clerical errors as opposed to substantive errors, which the appellant contends that the lower court had no jurisdiction to undertake. With profound respect, it is difficult to fathom the respondent’s raison d’etre for greeting this appeal with the above preliminary objection. As noted above, their counsel contended that the grounds 1 and 3 contained in the notice of appeal filed on May 20, 1997 and amended notice of appeal filed on March 3, 2009, relating to the judgment of the trial court delivered on December 30, 1996, having been filed after three months of delivery thereof, and without leave of the court, are incompetent and should be struck out accordingly. This view is unsustainable. A perusal of the last page of the said ruling will confirm our position. At page 63 of the record, the lower court, after reviewing the arguments of counsel in respect of the application to effect corrections of the said clerical slips in its judgment, concluded thus “(f)or purpose of clarity the judgment (meaning, of course, the judgment of December 30, 1996) will now read: (a) sum of $91, 579. 65 and SWfR 12, 055.81….” (Italics supplied). This, in effect, means that it is only by a community reading of the earlier judgment of

December 30, 1996 and the ruling of April 3, 1997, that one could arrive at the concrete order embodied in the said judgment. To that extent, we take the view that the appeal was filed within time contrary to the protestation of counsel for the respondents. That is why we endorse the submissions of counsel for the appellant that the ruling complained against in this appeal re-validated the judgment thus ensuring that the appellant’s right to appeal commenced on April 3, 1997 and not December 30, 1996. In effect, the determining factor is not whether the court has finally determined an issue but whether or not it has finally determined the rights of the parties in the claim before the court, Oguntimehin v Tokunbo (1957) 2 FSC 56. In the instant appeal, the ruling of April 3, 1997, finally determined the rights of the parties in the claim before the court. We find no scintilla of merit in this preliminary objection. We hereby enter an order dismissing it as lacking in merit. We now return to the resolution of the issues. When this appeal came up for hearing, counsel for the appellant, A. Ogunsanya, with S. Ukairo, adopted the Amended appellant’s brief filed on March 9, 2012 and the reply deemed properly filed on January 14, 2013. In the main brief, he pointed out that defendant/appellant had, in its statement of defence dated March 27, 1995, raised the issue of the illegality of the contract between the plaintiffs/respondents and itself for being in contravention of the Exchange Control Act, 1962. He pointed out that the defendant had set out the plea of illegality in paragraph 4, 9 and 12 of the statement of defence. However, the lower court failed to take these averments into consideration in the said judgment. Counsel for the respondents, Rickey Tarfa, SAN, leading O. T. Opara (Mrs.); A. Ajowole (Miss) and I. S. Matagun, adopted the brief filed on April 20, 2012. He noted that the statement of claim did not contain the naira equivalent. He explained that the Exchange Control Act 1962 was an Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to exchange control by conferring powers and imposing duties and restrictions in relation to gold, currency, payments, securities, debts and the import, export transfer and settlement of property and for other purposes connected therewith. He referred to Section 3(1) and (2) of the said Exchange Control Act. He, equally, referred to Section 2(1) of this Act.

To be Continued

Public Officers’ Protection Act cannot avail on officer who acted outside his constitutional duty (4) In the Court of Appeal In the Lagos Judicial Division Holden at Lagos, On Wednesday, March 27, 2013, Before their Lordships: Ibrahim M.M. Saulawa, Justice, Court of Appeal; Chima Centus Nweze, Justice, Court of Appeal; Chinwe Eugenia Iyizoba, Justice, Court of Appeal; CA/L/660/10 In the matter of an application brought by Daniel Makolo and five others for determination of the application of the Federal Government’s Monetisation Policy of 2003. Between

1.Mr. D. Makolo 2.Mr. M.B. Ibrahim 3.Mrs. M.O Oguntobi 4.Mr. Dehinde Gbenga 5.Mr. Atiku Abubakar 6.Mr. Mike Anyanwu (Suing for themselves and on behalf of all the 144 evicted service tenants of Eric Moore Towers, Surulere, Lagos)—(Appellants) and 1.The Minister, Federal Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, 2.The Attorney-General of The Federation and Minister of Justice, 3.The Chairman of the Implementation Committee

on Federal Government Landed Property, 4.The Secretary of the Implementation Committee on Federal Government Landed Property— (Respondents). As already shown above, the lower court found at page 148 of the record that “the plaintiffs were forcibly evicted without order of any court of competent jurisdiction….at about midnight….” Notwithstanding this finding, it still found in favour of the applicability of the Public Officers Protection Act. With respect, in the face of the above inimitable pronouncements, it is difficult to fathom how the said Act could avail the respondents when,

for all practical purposes, their action did not “allow the legal and judicial process to run its full course.” On the contrary, we hold, in the words of the apex court in A.G, Rivers State v A.G, Bayelsa State (supra) that the said Act did not avail the respondents because they acted outside their statutory or constitutional duty. We, therefore, resolve this issue in favour of the appellants. With regard to the appellants’ second issue, we had noted that due to certain averments in the affidavits of the parties and the accompanying exhibits: averments that left many questions unresolved, this court cannot make any pro-

nouncement on the second issue formulated by the appellants. The result is that we regret to say that we cannot, as thing stand now, make any findings as the appellant urged us to do in their issue two. In the circumstance, we shall order that this matter be remitted to the lower court for assignment to another Judge who would commence the matter de novo. We hereby enter an order allowing this appeal. We order that the case file be remitted to the lower court for hearing de novo. Appeal allowed. We enter an order setting aside the said judgment of Abutu CJ (as he then was) of May 4, 2010.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

88 LAW

FamilyLaw

I may not be able to give my kids everything they want but I give them what they need. Love, time, and attention. You can’t buy those things ——Nishan Panwar

Effects of dissolution of statutory marriage on the rights of a Nigerian child consider the issue of dissolution of marriage viz-a-viz the rights of the Nigerian child. This is to determine whether dissolution of marriage has any effects on the rights of the Nigerian child. It is considered in five chapters. The main aim of this research is to examine the dissolution of marriage in Nigeria and to determine whether the said dissolution has effects on the Nigerian Child. The method used was in the main, analysis of the relevant statutes, case laws, text books

By Ngozi Obioma Alukwe

STATUTORY marriage is a marA riage celebrated under the Act. Statutory marriage when contracted creates various legal rights, duties and privileges for the parties to the marriage and children of the marriage. A statutory marriage in Nigeria is dissolved the moment a court of competent jurisdiction finds the marriage to have broken down irretrievably. Once parties enter into a Statutory marriage, certain Legal Rights are created. Children born during the subsistence of a statutory marriage are

entitled to the enjoyment of certain rights. Children, just like every other human being, are entitled to some rights, which are protected by various legislations and instruments in Nigeria. This research work will

Understanding valid, irregular, void marriages EGAL effect if consummaLIf consummation tion has taken place: has taken place the irregular marriage has followed legal effects. Legitimacy of children: The children born out of such marriage are legitimate. Right of dower:

The wife is entitled of dower. Observation of iddat: The wife has to observe the period of iddat. Right of inheritance: No right of inheritance is created for the husband and wife. Conclusion:

To conclude, I can say that, the legal effects of three kinds of marriages are different in nature. A void marriage being illegal is null and void abinitio. An irregular marriage is not unlawful in itself but it has no any legal effect before consummation.

by reputable authors, articles in journals and newspaper publications. Materials were also sourced from Internet and papers presented at seminars and conferences. It is observed from the research that Divorce has devastating effects on children and that our statute should be amended to adequately provide for the children of divorce. • Alukwe is of the Department of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Rule of law workshop on ‘Stop Impunity Nigeria’ campaign holds in Abuja, July 25 TOP Impunity Nigeria’ ‘S Campaign is organising a workshop on the Rule of Law (RoL) on July 25 and 26 2013, which will focus on the identification of major acts of impunity in RoL, causes of impunity, facilitating factors, issues and challenges and strategies for ending the practice of impunity. The workshop will develop a follow-up plan of action. Participants will be drawn from the legal profession, the anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies and relevant Ministries,

Departments and Agencies of government. In a statement released by Lead Director, Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyekpere, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mariam AlomaMukhtar and the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), are expected as keynote speakers. The event will hold at Bolton White Hotels and Apartments at No. 7, Gwandu Street, opposite Sahad Stores, Area 11, Abuja. Stop Impunity Nigeria

Campaign is a collaborative effort by a multi-stakeholder group of civil society organisations, religious bodies and the National Orientation Agency aimed at re-orienting Nigerians and promoting new ethical values to free the country from the debilitating effects of impunity. The campaign is working on four key thematic areas of public finance management, electoral reforms, rule of law, and patriotism, civic and ethical responsibility.

YOU AND THE LAW —-With Dupe Ajayi Status of local councils in the federation (1)

OCAL councils play vital roles in the Lnation. development of any country or There is no prosperous nation without an effective government at the grass-root level. In Nigeria, Local Councils as the third tier of government in our Federalist arrangement, having gone through various reforms since inception under the British Colonial Government, are saddled with the responsibility of grass-root governance. Though founded with very clear principles behind the transformation of the Local Government into a Constitutional institution, the objectives have not been matched by practice. Going back to the Guidelines for Local Government Reforms, Local Governments are defined to be “government at local level exercised through representative councils established by laws to exercise powers within defined areas…. has substantial control over local affairs as well as the staff and institutional and the financial powers to initiate and direct the provisions of services ….and to ensure that local initiative and response to local needs and conditions are maximized”. The above definition clearly shows that a local council deals with the needs of local level aspirations as compared with a central government. We propose to examine the nature, roles, functions and powers of Local Councils in Nigeria under the constitution. Apart from the express mention of the Local Governments in some provisions of the Constitution, section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) establishes the Local Governments. The relevant section 7(1) provides: the system of Local Governments by democratically elected Local Government Councils is under this Constitution

guaranteed and accordingly, the government of every State shall, subject to section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structural composition, finance and functions of such councils. One thing that is clear from the above provision is that the overall control of the Local Government Councils is placed in the hands of the state government. In spite of this, the question, whether a state government can operate Local Government Councils run by individuals who are not democratically elected continues to be in contention. In Akan v Attorney General Cross River State (1982) 3 NCLR 881, acting under the Dissolution of Local Government Councils’ Law No 4 of 1979, passed by the Cross River State House of Assembly, the then Governor of the State dissolved all Local Government Councils in the State and in their stead, appointed Caretaker Committees. The plaintiff challenged the replacement of the democratically elected Councils with Caretaker Committees in respect of their Councils. The court declared null and void the Dissolution of Local Government Council Law under which the Governor purportedly acted, as being in conflict with section 7 of the 1979 Constitution which is of similar provision with the quoted above section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Similarly, in Etim Akpan v Hon Peter Umah & ors (2002) 23 WRN 52, the 2nd defendant, the Governor of the State, dissolved the Council upon recommendation of a Committee set up to look into the crisis of the Council. The 1st plaintiff/respondent, who was a Vice-Chairman, lost his position as a

result and therefore challenged the dissolution. Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal found in favour of the plaintiffs, contending that the dissolution and the replacement of the democratically elected Council with a Caretaker Committee were unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal stated that “any law made by the House of Assembly, which provides for nomination of membership of a Council or appointment of an Administrator or a Caretaker Committee to replace a democratically elected Council is inconsistent with the clear and unambiguous provision of section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees democratically elected Local Government Councils and is therefore unconstitutional to the extent of its inconsistency”. The court further noted that, “section 78 of the Local Government (Administration) Law 2000, provides for the appointment of an Administrator and also provides for a resolution of two-third majority by the House of Assembly requesting a Governor to dissolve a crisis-ridden Council. Even if the 2nd respondent had complied with the provision of section 78 of the Local Government (Administration) Law 2000, such an appointment would still be unconstitutional because the appointment of an Administrator as provided for in section 78 of that Law would not be synonymous with the establishment of democratically elected Local Government Councils as enshrined under section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution and is therefore unconstitutional”. The import of the foregoing is that the State House of Assembly can neither make laws nor can the Governor take any step that will derogate from the status of Local Councils as demo-

cratic governments. It should be noted however that the case discussed above presents a different scenario from a situation whereby the tenure of a democratically elected Council stands dissolved by operation of law. While it is conceded that in such a situation, the State Governor can appoint a Caretaker Committee to run the Councils pending the conduct of an election that will usher in another democratically elected Council Government, it should be observed that the power to appoint a Caretaker Committee in the interim is very prone to abuse and in fact, in extreme cases, it can be a surreptitious means of circumventing the provision of section 7(1) of the Constitution. This happens where the conduct of election that will usher in a new democratically elected government is deliberately delayed inordinately, thereby extending the reign of Caretaker Committee. This abuse is possible even where the Local Government enabling law makes provisions for the time within which election must be conducted, since that law can easily be amended by the State House of Assembly. One way of preventing this abuse is by adopting a judicial interpretation of section 7(1) of the Constitution to ensure that once there is a failure to conduct election, there is an automatic extension of the tenure of the existing democratically elected Council Government beyond the time stipulated by the Local Government Law. Such an extension should last until another election is conducted and a new Council Government emerges, while, at the same time an order of mandamus should, at the instance of an aggrieved person or political party, lie to compel the conduct of an elec-

tion within a stipulated period of time by the State Government Electoral Commission or whichever body has a role to play in organizing the election. For example, where the Local Government law of a State provides two years for the tenure of elected members of the Council, if the twoyear tenure of the current elected members expires and election is not conducted, the current elected members should continue to occupy the office until another set of members are elected. This approach will ensure, at all times, the existence of a democratically elected government as envisaged under the Constitution, except in the face of an extraordinary event that sweeps away the entire or a majority of Council members such as natural disaster or mass nullification of election of members, in which case a Caretaker Committee will be the only option in the interim.

Jonathan

LAW 89

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Onalaja: Oracle of the law turns 80 Tribute By Gbolahan Gbadamosi WO weeks ago in the ancient city of Ibadan, T Oyo State, there was a bloody clash between the followers of the popular traditional masquerade, Oloolu and some street urchins. This incidence reminds me of the same clash between Alhaji Azeez Ajagbe Mokeferi, an Islamic religious leader and followers of Oloolu in the mid 60s. The crisis led to the arraignment of the Islamic leader for assaulting the masquerade before a High Court in Ibadan. A less than 10- year- old lawyer at the Bar, brilliantly and successfully defended Alhaji Azeez. The late Justice Ogunkeye upheld the arguments of the greenhorn lawyer. Tomorrow, the lawyer under reference, will be 80. I hereby present Honourable Justice Moronkeji Omotayo Onalaja, JCA, OFR, immediate past Chairman, Council of Legal Education and the former Chancellor of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion. As a private legal practitioner, Onalaja, a son of Daniel Tekumo Onajaja, who served in the Army during the Second World War in Burma and Sierra Leone and Susannah Segilola Onalaja JP, also defended successfully Professor Soyanwo, who was charged with obstructing Chief S. L. Akintola, former Premier of Western Nigeria. The accused (Prof. Soyanwo) was discharged by reason that a moving vehicle could not constitute an obstruction. Young Onalaja was also in the group of lawyers that also successfully defended now Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, for robbery of a radio tape at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (now FRCN), Ibadan. Other members of the defence team were: S.O. Ige, Bola Ige, Olajide Olatawura, Kayode Somolu and Moronfolu Olakunrin. The acquittal of Soyinka earned the judge, Justice Kayode Eso of blessed memory, a transfer to Akure, a town then regarded as ‘’ rural town.’’ This has been well-documented by Soyinka himself in one of his numerous books- The Mystery Gunman and in ‘Kayode Eso: The Making of A Judge’, by J.F.Ade. Ajayi and Yemi Akinseye -George, pgs.144-150,362. Onalaja was an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from 1960 until his appointment as a judge on September 8, 1980

by Governor Lateef Jakande of Lagos State. One of the cases he decided while on the Bench at the Lagos High Court and which I covered as a Judicial Reporter in The Guardian was the case of the Registered Trustees of the Constitution of the Rights Project (CRP) (Applicant) against the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Secretary of Justice(Respondents), with suit number M/102/93. This judgment unveiled Onalaja as a member of the tribe of Judicial Activism popularized by Lord Denning (MR) , Justice Eso, Justice Pats-Acholonu, and Justice Emmanuel Ayoola. Briefly, the significance of the verdict saved Major General Zamani Lekwot (rtd.) and his Zango-Kataf kinsmen from the hangman’s noose. Following the communal disturbance that took place in Zango- Kataf between Katafs and the Hausa-Fulani in Kaduna State in 1992, the Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida constituted the Judicial Tribunal on Civil and Communal Disturbance(Special Tribunal) Decree No.2 of 1987(Cap.53, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria)as amended by Civil Disturbance(Special Tribunal) Amendment Decree 43 of 1992 to try those accused of having instigated/perpetrated the disturbances. The Tribunal headed by Justice Benedict. O. Okadigbo (rtd.), tried Lekwot and six others. They were sentenced to death. Under the Decree, there was no right of appeal to appellate court against the decision of the tribunal. Any person convicted by the Tribunal could only appeal to the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) for mitigation. It was against this backdrop that CRP under Clement Nwankwo filed the action before a Lagos High Court. When the government received the originating summons it raised a preliminary objection asking for the dismissal of the suit for lack of locus standi of the applicants and that the court lacked jurisdiction, having been ousted by the Decree. Faced with this matter without precedent, Onalaja held that the African Charter, which preserves jurisdiction of our courts, overrides the ouster of jurisdiction clauses in our decree. He knocked down the decree and Lekwot and his kinsmen were let off the hook. For further reading , please see- ‘’ A Judicial Activist’’, by Gbolahan Gbadamosi in ‘The Pursuit of Justice and Development: Essays In Honour of Hon. Justice M.O. Onalaja, Edited by YemiAkinseye-George and Gbolahan

Onalaja (Rtd) Gbadamosi (2004)’ According to the Profile of Justice Onalaja published by Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN)’s Nigerian Weekly Law Report (NWLR( (2005) 16 NWLR Part 951 of November 14, 2005,he continued to churn out ‘’monumental principles of law while on the Bench of the Court of Appeal. For example in Military Administrator, Imo State V Nwauwa (1997) 2 NWLR (Pt. 490) 675, the Supreme Court upheld his minority dissenting opinion. In Bronik Motors Ltd V Wema Bank Ltd, (Unreported)(LD/404/80), which went to the Supreme Court where Onalaja , J’s decision was upheld(1983)1 SCNLR 296). That was not only that occurred. Law Reports and journals are replete with his erudite judgments and rulings with about 99 percent of his opinions being affirmed by the Supreme Court’’ The influential law report further described Onalajaas ‘’ humane, pious and approachable, but firm and above board. Onalaja is welladmired and respected by all echelons of the legal profession and indeed everyone who have come into contact with or his work. At the valedictory session for his retirement from the Court of Appeal Bench, not less than forty six(46) Senior Advocates of Nigeria were there to honour him, among other legal luminaries, the highest gathering yet at any single occa-

sion. Such was the warmth, personality and magnetic pull of this icon.’’ ‘’He breathes Law. He writes Law. He espouses Law with passion. His seemingly quenchless thirst and love for the profession is legendary and hardly surpassable. He was an erudite, firm and a great judge. His place in history is assured as one of the great influences on the development of the legal profession and the administration of justice in Nigeria. His work will remain indelible and, certainly, long after he would have passed on will continue to address generations of lawyers, scholars and his enlightened fellow countrymen,’’ NWLR concluded. Apart from his judicial career, Onalaja devoted his time to serve God as he was a foundation member and later the President of EgbeIrepodun, St. Annes Church, Ibadan. Member of St. James’ Cathedral Youth Christian Circle, Fountain of Hope Society, Christ Church Porogun as well as serving as Pastor’s Warden of St. Anne’s Church from 1962 to 1980. Justice Onalaja acted as Chancellor for the installation of Bishop Olufosoye as Bishop of Ibadan, Anglican Diocese in 1970. Widely travelled man. A peep into his international passport will reveal visa stamps of Rome, Boston, Bangkok, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Kansas City, Dallas, Atlanta, Toronto, Edinburgh, Manila and Madrid. Trip to London? Of course, he had his LL.B and LL.M there before he was called to the English Bar at Temple on June 16 1959, a year later he was called to the Nigerian Bar. Justice Onalaja was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 1993 from where he bowed out with honour and dignity on July 24 2003 upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70. A Founding Editor, Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (1964-1980) and later its Consulting Editor; Consulting Editor, University of Ibadan Law Journal, Consulting Editor, Property Law Journal, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan as well as University of Lagos. Resource Person, Advanced Course in Practice and Procedure, Nigerian Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), where he was also made a Fellow. He was also a prolific writer. All his papers delivered in the course of his judicial career were documented in a book- ‘ Commentaries from The Bench(1998-2003) Parts 1-4’. • Gbadamosi is with Rickey Tarfa and Co, Lagos.

Appeal Court okays extradition of PDP chieftain, respondent appeals

From the court By Joseph Onyekwere

THREE-MAN panel of A justices at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has set aside an order of perpetual injunction granted in favour of a chieftain of Ogun State Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Buruji Kashamu by Justice Okechukwu Okeke (rtd.) of the Federal High Court. The order restrains the Attorney–General of the Federation from taking any steps under Section 6(2) of the Extradition Act for the arrest, committal or surrender of Kashamu at the instance of the United

States (U.S.) Government. Prince Kashamu is allegedly on an indictment list in a U.S. District Court for alleged drug -related offences. The Appeal Court further vacated an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Attorney-General of the Federation from entertaining or making any order whatsoever in respect of any request by the U.S. Government for the surrender of the applicant in respect of the said alleged drug- related offences. The unanimous decision of court setting aside the said orders was delivered by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa

and was supported by Justices Joseph Ikyegh and Chinwe Iyizoba respectively. Dissatisfied with the judgment to extradite him to the United States, Kashamu has appealed the decision, to the Supreme Court urging the apex court to set aside the judgment. The Attorney-General of the Federation had appealed the judgment delivered by Okeke, who had restrained the government from entertaining or making any order whatsoever in respect of any request by the United States government for the surrender of the applicant (Kashamu) in respect of alleged importation of prohibited narcotics into the USA. The appellant raised three issues for determination: whether the suit disclosed a reasonable cause of action, whether the suit should have been commenced by way of an originating summons, and whether there was merit in the suit to warrant the grant of Kashamu’s prayers by Justice Okeke. The Appeal Court’s decision was sequel to an appeal filed by the Federal Government challenging

the decision of Justice Okeke delivered on March 31, 2013. In the appeal, which was argued by its counsel, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), the government had complained that Justice Okeke erred in law in relying on hearsay and speculative evidence in granting Prince Kashamu several reliefs including an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Nigerian

government from entertaining any request from the US government on issue of drug related offence in the US. Justice Salauwa in upholding the appeal, held that no assertion offered as testimony (orally or in averment) could be relied upon by the court, unless it is or has been open to test by cross-examination. The appeal court also faulted the trial judge for allowing

the case to be tried by way of originating summons despite the fact that the affidavit evidence in support of the case were highly contentious and hostile in nature. If this judgment stands, Kashamu risks extradiction to the U.S. government to answer charges for alleged conspiracy for unlawful importation of prohibited narcotics into the United States of America.

NBA condemns Rivers political crisis, urges parties to sheathe the sword KE Wali (SAN), the He continued: “But the lat- ments to ensure that peace O President of the est twist of violence is a dan- and economic growth Nigerian Bar Association gerous dimension that returned to Port Harcourt, (NBA), says the association is very disturbed by the turnout of events in Rivers State. In a statement to The Guardian, he said: “The political differences in Rivers State up and until now, have been in the courts, which is the right and proper way to settle disputes in any civilised society and this was why the NBA had refrained from issuing statements on the matter, as they were subjudice’.

must be condemned very strongly and quickly. The NBA, therefore, appeals to the parties to sheath their swords and return to the courts, where they have been, for adjudication of any disputes between them. “The NBA calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria and security agencies to do all that is lawful in ensuring the restoration of peace and tranquility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Not after all the invest-

which was the case before this crisis. The rule of law must prevail, and there must be no sacred cows, as nobody is above the law. “NBA emphasises that the security agencies must not only be above board but must be seen to be above board, in carrying out their lawful duties. At all times, the interest and wellbeing of the good people of Rivers State must remain paramount,” Wali implored.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Sports I46 goals scandal: Players, officials, referees get life bans, clubs receive 10 years From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE Nigeria Football T Federation (NFF) yesterday came down heavily on the players and officials of the four Nigeria Nation Wide League Division 3 clubs that were involved in the 146 goal scandal. The players and officials, as well as, the referees got life ban for their part in the disgraceful act, while the clubsPlateau United Feeders FC of Jos, Police Machine FC of Adamawa, Akurba FC of Lafia and Bubayaro FC of Gombe, which qualified for the NNWL Division 3 play off in Bauchi were accused of been involved in a match fixing scandal that led to the record of a total of 146 goals in two separate matches, where Plateau United defeated Akurba FC 79-0, while police machine team recorded a scandalous 67-0 margin against Bubayaro FC of Gombe. Briefing the press yesterday on the reports of the NFF investigative committee on the scandal, vice chairman of the NFF, Mike Umeh, who is also the committee chairman disclosed that evidence that was made available to the committee proved that both Plateau United feeders and Police Machine teams were involved in fraudulent activities with their opponents, which was aimed at outwitting each other in order to top the zone and gain promotion to the upper division of the league. Umeh also noted that the Bauchi zone coordinator of the play offs, Tanko Bawa Maiyaki, a board member of the NNWL was found want-

ing in the discharge of his responsibilities, adding that the federation has recommended to the NNWL board to take action against him. The committee also urged the board of the NNWL to adjust its programme to replace the four clubs for the zonal play off with adequate supervision, as well as, to provide a comprehensive list of all the players, officials and referees involved in the scandal for proper documentation by the NFF for effective implementation of the ban. “From the evidence before the panel, there is no doubt that there was a conspiracy among the teams, so as to ensure topping the table, through fraudulent means. The teams did not dispute this. Conversely, the intentional loss by Bubayaro to Police Machine team as well as the loss of Akurba to Plateau United feeders was also not disputed by the teams.” “It is therefore clear to the

Nigeria wins African Judo Championship IGERIA Judo Federations N (NJF) has re-establish Nigeria as a super power in Judo after emerging top at the African Judo Championship hosted by Benin Republic, winning seven gold and three silver medals. NJF President, Prince Timothy Nzirim, who led the country’s contingent to the continental championship, which also served as qualifier for the World Championship scheduled for August 26 to September 1 in Brazil, told newsmen on their arrival that Nigeria would be a team to beat when at the World Championship. Nzirim stated that the tournament held by the federations in produced good results, “because it enabled us to ascertained present fitness level of our judokas and picking the best out of them to represent the country was never a problem.”

First Orphanage Games hold next month HE first edition of Hope T Sports Competitions (HSC), a sport competition

Sunshine Stars’ striker, Ibrahim Ajani (front) vies with an opponent in the league.

Twist in Woods’ feud with caddie, Steve Williams ITH a heartfelt handW shake on the 18th green Sunday, Tiger Woods and former caddie Steve Williams appeared to bury the hatchet and signal an end to their long-running feud. The two were in the same pairing Sunday during the British Open at Muirfield, with Williams on the bag of his new boss, Adam Scott. That had the making of an awkward afternoon, given the verbal shots Williams had taken at Woods since

Woods fired him in 2011, but it ended on a conciliatory note. At the traditional postround handshake – after Scott finished tied for third and Woods tied for sixth – Williams grabbed Tiger’s hand and held it for a few moments while speaking to him. Then he patted him on the shoulder before the two went their separate ways. When asked about the conversation, Woods acknowledged that it was good to have a positive conversation with the man, who carried his bag for 13 of his 14 major championships.

“He was saying it was a good fight out there today,” Woods related. Woods’ current caddie, Joe LaCava said the two actually had an ice-breaking conversation earlier in the day while walking down the eighth fairway. “If (the relationship) is getting better, that’s great for both of them,” LaCava said. “Life’s too short, right? I’m glad Stevie’s making the effort and Tiger’s accepting the effort.” LaCava said he shied away from listening to their conversations, both on the eight hole and after the round,

saying it was personal between the two. After his firing by Woods, Williams crowed to the press following his first victory with Scott, at the 2011 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. “I’ve caddied for 33 years — 145 wins now — and that’s the best win I’ve ever had,” Williams said. Williams and Scott were together to win The Masters earlier this year, while Woods is still searching for his first major championship since parting company with Williams.

Okpodu, Egan, Okon jostle for Super Falcons’ job From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja ORMER Super Falcons’ Coach, Sam Okpodu and two former coaches of the Falconets, Edat Egan and Edwin Okon are the top candidates vying for the senior women national team job. The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will meet on Wednesday to announce a new technical crew for the Super Falcons, ahead of friendly against Japan. The NFF, The Guardian gathered, has received invitation from the football federation of Japan for two international friendly matches with the

Woods (right) with former caddie, Williams…at the weekend

Super Falcons billed for September 22 and 26. The source revealed that Edet Egan, who is currently the chief coach of Pelican Stars, is favoured for the chief coach job following his past record with the U-20 national side, which he led to the final of the 2010 edition of FIFA U20 Women World Cup. The Guardian also gathered that the Technical Committee may also name another Falconets Coach, Edwin Okon, as the team’s first assistant coach, with former Rangers goalkeeper, Fancy Ewulu, as goalkeepers’ trainer. “The Federation has received and accepted to play friendly

games with the women team of Japan in September and it has become very necessary for the coaches to be announced so that they would commence work with the team. “Several coaches have indicated interest in the team, but I think the whole thing has been reduced to two former coaches of the U-20 team based on their outstanding records at both club and national team levels. It is likely that both coaches Edat Egan and Edwin Okon will be handed the Super Falcons’ job, since the federation believes in retaining those who excelled in their previous jobs,” the source revealed.

for the Less Privileged/Orphanage Homes will hold next month. Tagged: ‘Hope 2013,’ the competition, according to Segun Jakande, its initiator, will start with an 11-a-side under 18 Football tournament in Lagos. Jakande said that the aim of this competition “is to use sport to generate excitements and hope amongst the Less Privileged/Orphans in our society and its key message is “One Game, One Society.” He said it was also meant to bring out talents and expose them to international opportunities. Jakande revealed that eight orphanage Homes would be participating in this year’s event. Trophies, as well as, medals would be given to the winner, second place and third place finishers at the end of the event.

Telecoms Games: Etisalat hit Alcatel 5-0 TISALAT Nigeria lived up E to their promise of bouncing back to contention in the 2013 Nigeria Telecommunication Games with the 5-0 whitewash of Alcatel. The star of the game was Tekena Orugbani, who scored four of the goals. The Etisalat forward is now the top join scorer with Alichie Ihekwumere of MTN in the chase for the Golden Boot. But the goals were late in coming as the first half was without goals only for the Etisalat squad to go on rampage in the second stanza.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

GolfWeekly Forlorn hopes, unfulfilled promises as

Peter Kayode Bello of Calabar Golf Club, pumps the air with his fist after sinking his ball, while Princewill Akpan (second) marks a card and Gabriel Essien-Akpan (second left) prepares to putt, during a past tournament at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Akwa Ibom In fulfillment of its pledge to stage developmental proflagship tourney, the CMCL Open Championship. It has also, By Eno-Abasi Sunday alongside its subsidiaries, sponsored Seedvest Open, Henrisol grammes, it organised a National Junior Championship, INCE the formation of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) in Properties Open, International Pairs, Jamaican Double, Teens which took place at the Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba, 1985, it has more often than not, been saddled with the kind on the Green, Sea Craft Open, Ekiti Open, Sagamu Open among Delta State. That was the first and the last time that happened. Within this period also, Nigeria participated in two internaothers. Some of them are, however, rested. of leadership that leaves it where it met it if not worse. tional programmes- the British Junior Open as well as the Its chairman, Adekanola, who has donated greens to Ibadan In fact, ranging from the time of Gen. Victor Lot to the era of Shina Aigoro, none of these administrations was outstanding Golf Club and Ilorin Golf Club among others, remains unri- World Amateurs Open, which took place on the sidelines of or made serious impact in its bid to radicalise grassroots devel- valed in his contributions to the development of professional the World Congress of Golf in Argentina, in 2010. While Oyinlola and his team were still battling to deliver on opment. They have always left behind a legion of excuses why golf in the country, having sponsored a number of Category the sport refused to percolate, with lack of finances being one One players to South Africa for periods ranging from six their mandate about three years into the tenure, Adekanola, months to one year for training programmes at the end of who chairs the CMCL Golf Tours Ltd, stunned everyone by sackof the principal reasons. ing the board. With a worrying scenario like this, hordes of purists, players which they turn professional. and followers of the sport in 2009, sprang in jubilation when However, despite showing immense promise and determina- Adekanola, in a letter he signed said: “Let me use this opportuthe federal government listed golf as one of the sports to be tion to break new grounds in the administration of the sport, nity to quickly thank you for your immeasurable contribuconcessioned. In their thinking, the exercise was capable of some followers of the sport in the country are unimpressed tions to the aspirations of the CMCL Golf Tours Ltd during your with the performance of the CMCL-led federation, which first tenure on the board of the Nigeria Golf Federation. I am particrejuvenating the sport, which was near comatose. ularly grateful. In addition to this, the concession was meant to allow some tenure technically ended on June 9. “I write to inform you formally that the board of the Nigeria unconscious national sports associations be funded and The initial board chaired by the ousted governor of Osun State, administered by private hands, who have the technical and Olagunsoye Oyinlola, started on a sound footing but failed to Golf Federation has been dissolved with immediate effect and financial capacity to do so with a view to causing a revolution redeem its promise of regular developmental events across the will be reconstituted shortly. I thank you immensely for your contributions towards the goals of the Nigeria Golf country. at the grassroots level. The joy was even more pronounced when after a reasonably For instance, three years into its renewable four-year term, the Federation. robust contest, CMCL Golf Tours Limited, a subsidiary of tax Oyinlola-led board was able to stage only a few events. In “You are also hereby requested to submit all the Nigeria Golf consulting firm, Consolidated Management Consultants December 2009, six months after it took office, it held the 2009 Federation properties in your possession to the secretariat Limited (CMCL), chaired by Olusola Adekanola, was granted President’s Cup, a Pro-Am at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf with immediate effect.” Three months later, member of Benin Club (golf section) and the right to administer the sport by the National Sports Resort in Akwa Ibom State. Commission (NSC) under a concessional arrangement as part In 2010, it was on the verge of staging the tournament again, Adekanola’s close associate, Sam Iredia was named new but Oyinlola’s sack as Osun State governor, few days to the tour- President of the NGF. He led 15 others in search of a new lease of government’s Public Private Partnership (PPP). Upon coming on board on June 9, 2009 for a renewable four- ney did not allow that happen. It, however, staged the 2011 edi- of life for the sport. But if the Oyinlola-led board was hamstrung in the area of staging developmental programmes year period, the CMCL-led federation promised to break new tion of the tourney at the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja. grounds and elevate the sport to a height never attained before in the country. Many believed that they would deliver on their promises. Part of the belief and enthusiasm stemmed from the fact that CMCL is a long-time sponsor of professional and amateur tournaments in the country. Specifically, the firm has, for 13 years sponsored one of Nigeria’s longest running Pro-Am and it’s

But if the Oyinlola-led board was hamstrung in the area of staging developmental programmes including taking golf to schools as well as building driving ranges round the country and generally breaking new grounds, which he promised, Iredia and his team simply fell flat and remained prostrate since inauguration 13 months ago till date.

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

GOLFWEEkLy

CMCL-led NGF Board ends tenure

including taking golf to schools as well as building driving ranges round the country and generally breaking new grounds, which he promised, Iredia and his team simply fell flat and remained prostrate since inauguration 13 months ago till date. Other members of the board include Dr. Mohammed Indimi, 2nd vice president; Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Gen. C.k. Emein (rtd), Lucky Omoluwa, Brig. Gen. Musa Sheu (rtd), Dr. Gaius Obaseki, yomi Williams, Mr. Frank Igbene, Dominic Andrew, Mrs. Farida Wada and Emmy Ekong among others. While Tony Nkeze was in charge of the secretariat, Remi Olukoya served as the board’s coordinator before he was quietly removed and replaced with Igbene. However, at their inauguration, Iredia, a close associate of the CMCL boss promised that the federation would champion youth development, break new grounds in the area of tournaments, revive the dead Nigeria Open and attract global icons of the sport to the country to boost the game’s popularity. He also promised that the federation’s flagship tournament, the President Cup, would be made more colourful and elaborate while also intimating of plans to stage the maiden Governor’s Cup golf tourney. He added that bringing world famous golfers like Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy to Nigeria will encourage Nigerians to take to golf while also boosting their chances of attracting corporate support. As at last Sunday when the first four-year tenure ended, the board had only succeeded in, among others, staging yearly, the CMCL Pro-Am, which is also in celebration of Adekanola’s birthday. It also revived the Transatlantic Team Challenge Matchplay. In addition to this, it sent a team to the British Junior Open in the area of developmental programme. At the 2012 World Amateur Team Championships, which took place in Turkey, while serious golf playing nations sent both male and female teams, Nigeria again failed to take advantage of the tourney to expose its amateur players. The Nigerian delegation, which left the country for that International Golf Federation (IGF) meet, only comprised of officials of the federation. In 2010, when the country last appeared at the World Congress of Golf in Buenos Aires, Argentina, only the Nigerian male team featured while the lady’s team withdrew due to delayed processing of travel documents in the country. Still in 2010, Nigerian rules officials were missing at the 20th annual Referees School, organised by the world’s golf ruling body, the Royal and Ancient (R&A) Golf Club, St. Andrews, Scotland. The federation had, at that time maintained that it did not get any invite from the R&A to attend that event. In unveiling the new board last June, Adekanola stressed the need for a lot of groundbreaking efforts to be made in the area of youth development since therein lies the future of the sport in the country. He said the federation was poised to create awareness and attract support from corporate bodies and individuals in the interest of the game. He added that items that topped the agenda of the new board included creating awareness about the game at the primary and secondary school levels, construction of driving ranges and building of golf academies in the six geo-political zones. These promises remained on paper and unfulfilled. The failure of the Oyinlola-led board to pin down reliable sponsors for a greater part of their stay in office did not help matters. Things only started looking up when telecommunication giant, Globacom made a strong appearance on the Nigerian golf scene. The outfit had done a few things in the past when it comes to

golf sponsorship. But the Oyinlola-led board is credited with getting it to sponsor the 2011 President Cup at the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja to the tune of N25m. It promised to sponsor the event for three years in a row. But for some inexplicable reasons, it did not. That notwithstanding, the firm, which is the current largest supporter/sponsor of golf in the country went ahead to introduce the Glo West Africa Golf Tour, which presents the biggest winning purse in the history of Nigerian golf. The leadership change initiated by Adekanola, The Guardian reliably learnt, also contributed in stalling the fortunes of the federation as the National Sports Commission (NSC) was allegedly left in the dark regarding the changes until after they were effected. Another school of thought is of the opinion that Adekanola populated the Iredia-led board with most of his personal friends that he could not whip into line or ask to buckle up. Some players and followers of the game are aghast that an outfit, which held so much promise for the development of the sport, was not living up to rating. While the NSC appeared to be lethargic about recognising the new board, as reflected by the lack of acceptance of the letter bearing the changes from CMCL to the NSC, state associations in most parts of the country have absolutely no knowledge of what is happening at the centre. Pioneer Tour Commissioner/ Chief executive Officer of the PGA Nigeria Tour, Sola Lawson (Jnr) said: “Personally, I have been in the dark and can’t remember what the NGF under the CMCL has done to move golf to higher heights. So their tenure leaves a lot to be desired.” He insisted that the federation “cannot get a pass mark for its efforts because they have been grappling unsuccessfully with the challenges they met and how to draw up a road map all through.” Maintaining that, “golf in Nigeria was not moving at the pace it ought to, Lawson stressed, “we need a strong NGF that would among other things, cater for the interest of junior golfers, who are the future of the sport. Unlike Lawson, former Technical Director of the federation, Moses Anabui strongly believes that the “NGF Board, which I served in did comparatively well considering what others before and after us did. We held two very successful President Cup Golf Championships, held a national youth tournament in Asaba and were in Argentina for the World Congress of Golf. “We were also working in concert with the International Management Group (IMG) to put in place a uniform handicapping system for the country, which would have helped in rating

Georgia Oboh…one of the budding stars in dire need of assistance from the federation Sani, whose outfit Global Golf Ltd, had also bided to administer the sports said the alleged non-performance could have been checked if the government had put in place, clear-cut parameters to measure the performance of each outfit that was bidding to administer any of the sports in the country. Several attempts to get the Federation to explain the perennial lull in activities were to no avail. In fact, Iredia penultimate week told The Guardian “I am in a meeting and will call you in 30 to 45 minutes.” He never did. Only recently, Sports Minister and Chairman of the NSC Bolaji Abdulahi, had disclosed that the commission would review the concessional arrangement signed with the Consolidated Management Consultants Limited (CMCL), which is the company saddled with the responsibility of running the NGF. Abdulahi, said that the decision to review the concession was to ensure that democratic process in sports administration cuts across board and in compliance with extant regulations guiding sports management.

our amateurs internationally. Everything we did within this period was without a dime from the federal government, but from sponsors. I think we did well for the period we were on board,” the Abujabased golfer stated. One of the first persons to point out that the CMCL-led NGF was not living up to expectation was former captain of Ikoyi Club (golf section), Mr. Ayinde Sani, who said the federation had bluntly failed to deliver on its promises of pushing forward the frontier of the sport.

Adekanola (right) approaches the 18th green of IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja, as Iredia waits for his turn to putt during a past tournament PHOTOS: ENO-ABASI SUNDAY

Communications Technology Minister, Omobola Johnson in action at the last Julius Berger Invitational Charity Tournament in Abuja. PHOTOS: ENO-ABASI SUNDAY

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

94 SPORTS

Table Tennis

Makanjuola eyes national team, greener pasture By Olalekan Okusan OLLOWING his sterling perFSeniors’ formance at the last African Cup in Congo Brazzaville, Kazeem Makanjuola, says he would not relent in his efforts to secure a place in the table tennis national team. The unseeded Makanjuola, who caused one of the upsets at the Congo Brazzaville tournament after defeating number two seed, Egypt’s El-Sayed Lashin during the club championship, admitted that the

quality of players in the national team would not allow him to rest on his efforts. “I will continue to work hard because I know I have a place in the national team as the number one home-based player in the country. I have proved myself by winning different competitions locally. My performance at the African Senior’s Cup is a confirmation of what I am capable of if given the opportunity,” he said. He continued, “I think the

Egyptians are in top form but I know that Nigerian players have the wherewithal to dethrone them. Playing against the likes of Ahmed Saleh and Lashin has indeed improved my game and helped my confidence. But with what I saw in Congo Brazzaville, I believe the dominance of Egypt is coming to an end soon.” For him, getting exposure and taking part in series of international tournaments remains his priority. “I want to do everything possible to ensure I take part in competitions outside Nigeria because I just need that opportunity to showcase myself and this will help me tremendously,” he noted. Makanjuola, however, expressed confidence in the present board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) led by Wahid Oshodi, saying the game would experience positive change in due course. He disclosed that his outing in Brazzaville has attracted a lot of Arab teams to him. “In Congo, a lot of teams from Arab wanted me to sign for them and they are still in touch with me and I am hoping that something good will come out of this,” he said.

Standard Chartered renews sponsorship deal with Liverpool IVERPOOL Football Club and Standard Chartered Bank yesterday announced a two-year extension to their sponsorship agreement. The bank signed up as the Club’s main sponsor in July 2010, appearing on the front of the Red’s shirt for the last three seasons as the partnership has now been extended to run until the end of the 2015/16 season. Over the last three years, Standard Chartered and Liverpool FC have reaped the benefits of their partnership through a number of initiatives – in particular, through a series of award-winning charitable and community-based campaigns around the world. Fans, players, legends and staff have come together on a number of high-profile occasions to highlight and help tackle global issues such as preventable blindness and HIV awareness.

Makanjuola

FIFA agent rues poor valuation of Nigerian players abroad From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja agent, Adam FfakeIFA-licensed Mohammed has blamed agents and the rush by Nigerian players to play abroad for the sharp and drastic drop in the transfer value of the stars. Mohammed, who manages Macaulay Chrisantus and newly invited Super Eagles home-based player, Alhaji Gero, as well as four other players in the national U-17 team, lamented what he called the unorganised transfer structure in the country, which he also blames for the devaluation of Nigerian players. “The structures, in terms of contract and financial reward, in the country are not so organised. The players are not paid well. Majority without good financial background, who are under pressure to help the family, accept anything as transfer offers, especially since our league doesn’t pay well. “Again, we have many people, who claim to be FIFA agents and they go about deceiving the players. It has created a lot of confusion.

This has been responsible for the devaluation of Nigerian players. “They have cheapened Nigerian players and offered them at a ridiculous amount to clubs. However, without being judgmental, situation will improve especially as more professionals coming in now,” he noted. Mohammed praised Coach Stephen Keshi for believing in the home-based players, saying that the coach has broken the foreign and home based divide that existed in the past among Super Eagles players. “I think it is a great service to Nigeria by Keshi by giving the home based players the opportunity to compete with their foreign based counterparts. It gives them a good platform to grow in the game. “If you looked at players like Sunday Mba and Godfrey Oboabona, among others, there was no difference between them and the foreign-based at the Nations Cup. This was due to the opportunity and blending they received from the team through the coach.

Azouma Dike of Dodan Warriors going for a dunk against Islanders during the DStv Basketball League held at the Sports Hall of National Stadium, Lagos. Dodan Warriors won 85-83.

Federation Elections

Minister, NSC, NBBF to appear in court Oct. 17 • As Ahmedu, 5 others seek redress ISENCHANTED by the D manner petitions over elections into the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation were handled (NBBF), Col Sam Ahmedu (rtd) and five others including Osita Nwachukwu representing South East, have dragged the sports ministry, National Sports Commission (NSC) and the NBBF to court. According to documents made available to the press, the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Sport Commission, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba, Tijani Umar, Muktar Kaleh and Patrick Omorodion are to appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 17, 2013.

The plaintiffs, according to the writ of summon, are praying the court to declare that the exclusion of the Col Ahmedu retd on the board of the NBBF is unlawful, that an order of perpetual injunction retraining the 4th defendant (Tijani Umar) from parading himself as President of the NBBF board and the 5th defendant (Muktar Kaleh) as the vice president of the board. They are also praying that the court grants an order nullifying the elections held on the May 14 on grounds of non compliance with the electoral guidelines, an order of the court directing the first, second and third defendants to

Secretary, Sports Committee, LSDPC Medium Estate Phase 4, Innocent Odeka (left); Vice Captain, Lawn Tennis, Yomi Akinyemi, Captain of the Lawn Tennis team, Pelumi Adeniran, and Chairman, Sports Committee, Martins Okoruwa, at the closing ceremony of the Estate’s tennis tournament… at the weekend.

conduct fresh elections into the NBBF board in strict compliance with the electoral guidelines and asking that the sum of N100, 000, 000. 00 are granted them for general damages against the defendants jointly and severally. Aside these, the plaintiffs are requesting an order of perpetual injunction retraining the 6th defendant (Patrick Omorodion) from parading himself as a member of the NBBF, 2013 to 2017 term of office. It was gathered that the four delegates representing 24 states out of the 36 states of the federation, who worked out of the election had taken their petition to the 7-man elections appeals panel and the recommendation was that there was a burning zeal of all the petitioners and their desire to take the game to the next level, hence the committee chaired by Bar. A. U. Mustapha Esq., appealled to the minister to use his good offices to reconcile the petitioners with the other board members of NBBF with a view of fostering healthy working relations among all the parties. Contacted on this latest development, Col Ahmedu, said after he and the five other stakeholders had painstakingly waited for a response from all the parties they petitioned but got no positive response hence their

THE GUARDIAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2013

SPORTS

Hiddink resigns from Anzhi, set to take over at Barcelona UUS Hiddink is set to take G over as Barcelona manager after resigning his post at Anzhi Makhachkala. The Russian side announced that the former Chelsea and Holland manager had stepped down yesterday afternoon with immediate effect. Hiddink, who signed a oneyear contract extension as recently as last month - has rejected taking over several sides in recent years, but the top job at Barcelona becoming available seems too much for the Dutchman to resist. Betting on Hiddink to take

over from Tito Vilanova at the Nou Camp was suspended by several bookmakers shortly after the announcement. In a statement on Anzhi’s website Hiddink, who signed a one-year contract extension in June, said, “this decision was not easy to me, but I’ve always said that my mission may end when the club will be able to develop and grow on itself, without my participation. “Now it’s time has come. I am convinced that the club has a great future, and I’m glad I was part of this largescale project of football.” Vilanova resigned as Barca

Forget about Ronaldo chase, Mourinho tells Man U OSE Mourinho has told Jager Manchester United manDavid Moyes to forget about trying to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford. The Red Devils were reportedly looking into bringing the Portuguese ace back to Old Trafford, despite new Real Madrid Coach, Carlo Ancelotti insisting Ronaldo was not for sale. But former Blancos Coach, Mourinho has put a dampener on talk of a potential deal by declaring that the Liga giants are unlikely to allow the 28-year-old to leave since their financial muscle means they will not

be pressured into a sale. “What I know is that Real Madrid is such a rich club that they don’t need to sell Cristiano,” Mourinho, who shares the same agent Jorge Mendes - as the former Manchester United star, told reporters. “And (Madrid) are such a rich club I think they can swallow up any offer another club can make for Ronaldo.I know Ronaldo loves Manchester United and I know he loves the Premier League but I think he is going to stay. “It’s just a feeling. I’ve had no contact with him, nothing. It’s just my feeling.”

Reina’s loan switch to Napoli for ‘financial’ reasons, Rodgers confirms IVERPOOL Manager, Lfirmed Brendan Rodgers has conthat goalkeeper, Pepe Reina is set to join Napoli on a season-long loan because of “financial” reasons. Goal reported this week that the Serie A side had turned its attention to the Spain international after growing impatient at Julio Cesar’s reluctance to accept a contract offer, and Rodgers has now confirmed that Reina will leave Liverpool this summer. “Financially it is something we needed to look at,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo. “That would be the reason because obviously you wouldn’t move on a top goalkeeper. It reared its head over the last few months and I had to prepare for it by

bringing in a new goalkeeper. “Pepe is a good guy. I’ve a lot of time for him, and he understands what I want to do totally. He’s got a big season ahead because it’s a World Cup year and one where, if he wasn’t going to be playing, could severely harm his chances of going.” Reina, who has three years remaining on his contract at Anfield, will be reunited with former Reds boss, Rafa Benitez at Napoli. The Spanish coach has already signed young goalkeeper, Rafael from Santos for 5 million euros earlier in July, but wants a battle-hardened No.1 for the new campaign, and one who can also guide the 22-year-old Brazilian.

Neymar could fail like Ibrahimovic, Sacchi warns ORMER AC Milan boss, FBarcelona Arrigo Sacchi feels signing Neymar could face a similar fate as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and struggle at the Spanish champ i o n s . Barca shelled out 57 million euros for Neymar earlier this summer, but Sacchi has warned that the Brazil sensation could find it hard to adapt to the style of play at Camp Nou- just like Sweden star Ibrahimovic, who left the club after just one season following his move in 2009. “I don’t know how Neymar will do at Barcelona. At Barca,

the style of play is more important than anything else. We will have to wait and see if Neymar fits in,” Sacchi was quoted as saying by M a r c a . “All I’m saying is that you don’t know how something will pan out. Just look at what happened with Ibrahimovic. He had all the talent to play at Barca, yet in the end he did not fit in with the rest of the p l a y e r s . ” Ibrahimovic eventually left Barcelona for AC Milan, before joining his current club Paris Saint-Germain in 2012.

boss last week after just a year in charge to concentrate on his long-running battle against cancer. Hiddink, 66, has one of the most decorated CVs in European football having managed at the highest level across the continent since 1987. He led Chelsea to the FA Cup trophy in 2009 while in temporary charge and had a season at Barca’s arch-rivals Real Madrid in 1998-99. Hiddink’s resignation comes just two days after he pushed an official in a league game, which could have meant being handed a sixgame ban from the Russian FA. Former Manchester United first-team Coach, Rene Meulensteen has taken over as temporary coach of Anzhi.

Hiddink

TheGuardian

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Emejuiwe Victor HE trend of government public expendiT ture can be characterised as “labyrinth”, the word labyrinth simply means something that is very complicated (Encarta Dictionary). While fiduciary has to do with trusting government to stand behind money. Over the years trillions of naira have been expended by government on infrastructural facilities and on the growth of the economy, but this growth is not visible amongst the poor. It is, therefore, necessary to examine the complication around the public expenditure pattern of government. The responsibility of managing the common resources of the citizens is left in the hands of government. Albeit, are these resources well managed for the common good of the citizens? This question can only be answered by the citizens themselves. The President just gave an account of his stewardship as contained in the mid-term report of his two years in office. In this report, the Federal Government appraised itself in different sectors of the economy but also urged Nigerians to prepare a marking scheme to score his achievements. The co-coordinating minister of the Economy on May 29, 2013, also gave an assertive speech on the greenface of the economy. Amongst her postulations were that; Nigeria’s economy is growing at 6.5 per cent, one of the fastest in Africa, Exchange Rate is stable (N155-160), reserves are rising, and inflation has reduced. Every other minister represented on the occasion also had one or two positive achievements to mention about their sector. These claims of accomplishments, together with the daily media propaganda of the transformation agenda of the President seem to be occurring only to the benefit of the elite. The growing rate of poverty, insecurity, infrastructural decrepit , unemployment, low income earnings, high mortgage rates, high lending rates, to mention but a few, are a sharp contrast to what the government transformation claims to be offering. If Nigerians were to score the President, the harsh realities confronting them on a daily basis would definitely earn

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Labyrinth fiduciary system of government expenditure (1)

Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala his Administration a disappointing score. In January 2012, there were excuses on the need to remove fuel subsidy, the proceeds of

which would go to cushion the pangs of the ripples consequent on the removal on the poor. The government did a lot of propaganda on this subject laden with beautiful promises. These promises were to be largely enjoyed in the transport sector, employment generation scheme, road construction, skills empowerment etc. Two years down the line, Nigerians are still suffering the same problems the government promised to solve. Buses were provided under SURE-P all right, but transportation cost in all parts of the country is at an alarming rate. Employable graduates still roam the streets looking for non-existent jobs. Those employed temporarily under SURE-P programme are less than 0.5 per cent of the 26 per cent employable graduate. The salaries offered to those employed are mere stipends. Promises were made to empower women who reside in the rural areas. However, the impact is not felt anywhere. A random visitation to most rural communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) showed that no women had benefited from any form of empowerment from SURE-P. There were promises to construct railways. Although we have heard news of railway tracks being constructed in some parts of the country, in FCT the site mapped out for the tracks lie untouched, it remains a fantasy.

In fairness to the government, some developmental works might be on-going, but at a snail speed, which makes them not to have immediate impact on the people. It is also clear that some projects are meant to be long term with long-term benefits. Nevertheless, the immediate needs of the people have to be considered and given immediate attention. The needs of Nigerians are many, but the basic ones have to be met. To achieve this, the government has to inculcate pro-poor policies in its agenda. In as much as long-term projects are beneficial, the government should give equal attention to short-term projects as well. Long-term projects are a continuous process that have always been, and will always be carried out by successive administrations. Most of the infrastructural facilities standing today were constructed during the military era, but that has still not taken away poverty from the lives of Nigerians. While encouraging the need for developmental works to be carried out by government, there are some factors that seem labyrinth; first amongst them is the commensurate value of the money expended for projects in Nigeria when compared to other countries. Take the issue of road construction, for example, Nigerian roads hardly meet the standard condition of thickness and durability yet they cost more than what obtains in other countries. The second factor is procurement process, the process of awards of contracts, terms of payment to contractors, time duration of contracts and evaluation seem to be a labyrinth. The Public Procurement Act of 2007 provides for competition, after which the best responsive bidder is given the contract. Under the fundamental principles of procurement as contained in Section 16, procurement must be done based on competitive bidding, in a manner which is transparent, timely and equitably accountable. It must also be done with the aim of getting value for money and fitness for purpose. It must promote competition, economy and efficiency. To be continued • Victor is a procurement specialist, Centre for Social Justice Abuja. Tel: 08068262366 .

‘Drums to the deaf’: A letter to NANS president By Tijani, Oluwamayowa HOUGH my heart is heavy but I have not come T in its heaviness because emotions are known to ultimately becloud judgment and that is what I have come to do today; to judge our national malady, to appraise the educational insanity and to give resounding rounds of applause to the mediocrity of the Nigeria students (Of whom I am one). I have come to try to take you down the lane called memory, as we flip through the pages of history, trying to revisit the relics of time and learn the lessons that history teaches. Many may have sent you condolence messages after the death of the Senate President (NANS) and other NANS faithful whose lives were offered on the altar of cluelessness of a nation seeking self-definition. I would have loved to join an army of friends, unionists and public office holders who have sent their deep regrets and say, that the soul of the FAITHFUL departed (emphasis on faithful) find peace and help, but this would be a slap on the face of the departed. Though I want them to rest in peace, but saying “rest in peace” like every other person would not necessarily make them rest in peace, but acting against the vices that put them six feet beneath our feet would be the best feat to make them find the peace. Lip regrets are only a disservice to the fallen meteors. Lend me your ears, that I may bury my words in them, but more importantly your heart, that I may inscribe my thoughts on its walls, that we may safely transform our nation and put the departed to rest. For their sake, do not turn on the deaf ears as I play from this drum of observation and intellect. For the sake of the fallen, do not pretend to be blind as I extend these vices to your frontlet, for their sake mind my words and tend to my advice, then together we shall take a handful of the sands of fulfillment and pour on their caskets as we bid them adios and watch them in sane peace. Over the past week, I have been buried in the pool of pain and conflicting reports. I have been trying to scan all information gotten on the screen of truth to see which one comes through, like Abraham Lincoln advised, but almost to no avail. Some reported that the riot in the University of Uyo just led to the loss of life of a promising young Kingsley, while others said they were about three to six students who lost their dear lives in the plot. With respect to the

attempted peacemakers (NANS Senate President and co.), who were victims of the road crash, some reported that the death was caused by a crash into a trailer; some said it was caused by police roadblocks, and some others said that the crash emanated from the mood drinks taken by our departed faithful. What report(s) to believe in this chronic media confusion is not my plan of action today, but the insanity that surrounds the corporate existence as Nigerian students. How we handle issues, when we react to apparent oppression and our overall responsiveness to the matters that affect us the most. We now fight the wrong enemies; we have become myopic in our dealings and now have a flare for dealing with frivolous issues. We run from pillar to post in a bid to cure ringworm even when leprosy has taken over our feeble existence. Now to history’s lane; in 1961, the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) protested against the decision of the Nigerian government to enter into Anglo-Nigeria defence pact with the British government. The students saw it as selling the Nigerian birthright and resisted it. The students involved were victimised by the government yet they took their stand. This was a time when the student body which you head today influenced national and even international policies that were perceived capable of crippling our existence. This was a time when they knew that leprosy if not tackled will birth banes that are beyond the management of

the ring worm killer. These times are gone; our hobbies now lie in staining the pages of newspapers with baseless interviews and write-ups, with condolence messages of deaths that could be avoided, with complaints to the man who is trying to cut our toes, while applauding the one with a loaded rifle facing our fore-head. Over the past few years, the budgetary allocation towards Nigerian students has been extremely cruel. From 2006 to 2010, less than N300 billion has been recurrently allocated to a sector, with much more going to unsafe security, yet we have our hands akimbo. In 2011, N1.592 trillion (about 35 per cent) was allocated to security, while education was ailing at less than 10 per cent as though we live in a war ridden nation. 2012 was no different with 8.4 per cent 9394.58 billion of 4.697 trillion). The final deception came in 2013, when education was said to have got the highest allocation, with just N426.5 billion which amounted to 11.489 per cent of the national budget, all of these in a nation that is expected to give at least 26 per cent to the sacred sector (According to UNESCO). NUNS of 1961 could preempt the government, and act against policies perceived as harsh. The same could have applied to us if we could preempt all of this. The UNIUYO crisis which led to the these avoidable deaths all began from a N2,000 and N200 introduction of GST and transport fare respectively and the inhumane

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intervention of armed policemen at the university. If you as the head of NANS could make NANS stand firm on the policy of “no use of arms” within our institution by the police, all of this could be avoided. Besides, if the school was properly funded as it should be, and we could fight for our rightful 26 per cent of the budget, the introduction of such fees may be impossible. In 1983, students were expelled from the University of Maiduguri following protest against the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jubril Aminu (a senator as of 2010). This was taken up by the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) and the students were restored to the university. This was one of those NANS’ victories, but since the demise of the “Ajanaku”, NANS has not found it pertinent enough to find a worthy replacement and have someone like this that would be a fierce defence for us in the days of trouble. [Sleep Well, Senior Advocate of the Masses]. Like Desmond Tutu said: “Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument”! I heard you were dealt with by Oyo State’s “operation burst” operatives, due to your intentions and deeds to barricade the road leading to UCH in a bid to shut down all of the nation’s universities. Though this may be difficult to believe due to media myopia, but if any truth dwells in this then you are raising your voice, not improving your argument. We cannot achieve greater results by working on the impulses generated by these deaths without strategising on how we can on a long-term conquer these present realities. You may wonder why I am writing to you and not the Student Union of UNIUYO, or some other person, the reason is simple: “akobeje, o ye ki o mo amala san” poorly translated as he who can binge on stew, should be able to swallow dry morsels of yam flour”. He, who takes the glory of yesterday, should not run from the blames of tomorrow. Finally brother, I am sure I am not the first Nigerian student to write you, and may not be the last, but I plead with you, not to turn deaf ears on my feeble argument, let it not be another round of drums to the deaf or lightening to the blind. Sieve it through and take what we both know can make Donald, Kingsley, Abdulazeez, Jerry, Japheth and Asa rest in perfect peace. As youths, Benjamin Disraeli calls us the trustees of posterity; we are called to be architects of the future, not its victims. • Oluwamayowa wrote from University of Ibadan.