Thur 29 May 2014

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,936

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Leaders seek sustenance of civilian rule on Democracy Day From Adamu Abuh, Bridget Chiedu Onochie and Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja S Nigeria celebrates 15 A years of uninterrupted civil rule today, leaders in the country were yesterday united in their call for the sustenance of democracy, stressing it was the veritable platform for enduring peace and economic development.

In his message to mark this

More on Pages 6, 12, 13, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI year’s Democracy Day, President of the Senate, David Mark, stressed the need for credible election in 2015, adding that, free and fair polls were prerequisites for the sustenance of democracy in the country.

Mark spoke as the Senate felicitated with Nigerians on the 15 anniversary of unbroken democracy in the country.

Mark said: “My personal advice would be that we must ensure that there is a credible election so that any government that is elected has the mandate of the people. ‘‘So we must work hard to ensure that we have credible elections. And whoever is elected will have the mandate of the people and he can work

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with the people and for the people”.

The Senate, at the plenary, also paid tribute to all pillars of democracy in the country as well as the Armed Forces, who have steadfastly subordinated themselves to civil authority in the past 15 years.

Mark noted that though the nation was yet to get to the desirable destination in terms of infrastructural development, the country has no doubt, gained much in the last 15 years of uninterrupted democracy.

He stated that the fact that people can freely criticise the government without fear was a major achievement of democracy.

In a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba and supported by 108 other senators, the Upper Chamber joined other NigeriCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Senate panel says $49.8b oil fund not missing • Urges subsidy removal, extra budget for kerosine, others From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh and Bridget Chiedu Onochie Abuja HE Senate Finance ComT mittee yesterday submitted the report of its investigation into alleged $49.8 billion missing oil fund, recommending among others that subsidy on all petroleum products be removed.

After months of painstaking perusal of volumes of documents and presentations made before it by all relevant stakeholders, its conclusion among others was that $49.8 billion or $20 billion was not missing as alleged by a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

15 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY

Gunmen kill 57 in Borno, Plateau From Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna), Isa Abdusalami (Jos), Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri), Kanayo Umeh and Joke Falaju (Abuja) FRESH wave of violence has defied security measures in Borno and Plateau states, claiming 57 lives.

A

• Security operatives arrest Jos bomb blast suspect • Chibok council chief says 57 pupils escaped, 164 still in Sambisa forest In Borno, gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram’s members used dozens of four-wheel drives, pickup vans, motorcycles and an Ar-

moured Personnel Carrier (APC) to attack Gurmushi border village in Marte Local Council.

Forty-two people were killed

and several houses destroyed in the attack which occurred around 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

Gurmushi is a farming border community with Camer-

oun, and 125 kilometres north of Maiduguri, the state capital.

In yesterday’s early morning attacks, according to an eyewitness, Fantami Ngubdo, 12 villagers who were attempt-

• Balarabe Musa asks Jonathan, North not to run for 2015 presidency, seeks alternative S’South candidate –Page XI

• ‘Many girls abducted CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 before Chibok saga’ –Page XI • At 86, Maya Angelou, the caged bird stops singing – Page 9 • Scientists probe surge in health risks induced by mobiles, Wifi –Page 39

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2 | NEWS Thursday, May 29, 2014

Security operatives arrest Jos bomb blast suspect CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ing to protect their houses and huts from being torched by insurgents with petrol bomb and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were also injured.

“We were shocked and terrified this morning when a gang of armed insurgents, burst into our border village and destroyed our houses, after killing many of our people that had been living in peace for many decades.

Some of us had to flee, as the gunmen continued to shoot at any person that challenged them. What baffled us this morning was that the gunmen chanted ‘God is great’ in Arabic, before forcing many of us to come out from our houses, and set them ablaze. Bodies of villagers scattered in front of torched houses.”

Another resident that escaped to Maiduguri told The Guardian on phone that the gunmen came through Dikwa-Marte road before taking the desert tracks that lead to the village to attack Gurmushi.

“The gunmen operated for over three hours, without being confronted by soldiers or any other security operatives.

They had a field day, while the villagers were killed like fowls. Others were slain by slitting their throats, after tying their hands to their backs. Twelve of the injured ones had been taken to a clinic near Cameroun for treatment,” he said.

The Borno State Police Commissioner, Tanko Lawal, confirmed the incident in Maiduguri yesterday.

Gunmen also used Toyota Hilux vehicles, motorcycles and an APC to attack Amuda and Arbokko border villages.

They killed nine people, before torching dozens of houses and shops in the early hours of yesterday. The two border villages are about 128 kilometres southeast of Maiduguri, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses say the gunmen came through the 16kilometre Kughum-Pulka border road by 2 a.m., stormed the two neigbouring villages, and engaged in sporadic firing of guns at fleeing residents into farmlands and the Mandara Mountains.

Pirda Takweshe, a resident of Amuda, who escaped yesterday to Pulka said: “I cannot imagine how I escaped last night’s attacks of insurgents. It was God that saved my life; otherwise I would have been shot dead in my burnt house. The gunmen are after males that try to challenge their supposed work for God. Two of my neighbours were shot in their backs and legs, while fleeing their houses that night, while others fell to the ground with sustained injuries.

“I was terrified, shocked and traumatised! I have never experienced such attacks and mayhem done to our village and the one in Arbokko, 10 kilometers away from the attacked border village with Cameroun.”

Another eyewitness, from Arbokko told The Guardian that most of the villagers fled to the hilltops for safety, but some of the trapped residents were shot dead, as the villagers attempted to prevent attackers from razing down their houses with petrol bombs and explosives.

On whether there was security before the attack, he said: “No, there were no soldiers or policemen to protect us. Our protection is in the hands of God. It was early this year, some soldiers came in here with their patrol vehicles; and drove way down to Kughum, a border village with Cameroun that has already been destroyed by insurgents. The people, who are mainly farmers, have relocated to Cameroun, because all their houses and property were destroyed last March with the killing of 12 residents, including children and women.”

The Borno State Police Commissioner, Tanko Lawal, also confirmed the two incidents yesterday in Maiduguri, stating that nine people were feared dead in two separate border attacks by suspected armed hoodlums in Gwoza council area of the state.

In a pre-dawn attack yesterday, six people were killed at

K-Vom in Jos South local council of Plateau State.

According to an eyewitness, Chuwang Davou, the attack occurred by 1 a.m. when people were deeply asleep. Davou said the gunmen sneaked into one compound with sophisticated weapons, killed people and left.

He added that men of the Special Task Force (STF) were contacted but the attackers had retreated before the soldiers could come.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Plateau State Command, SP Felicia Anslem, who confirmed the incident, said only four people were killed, adding that the area had been cordoned off by the security agencies while investigation into the matter was ongoing.

Yesterday too, it was disclosed that a suspect in the twin bomb blast which claimed lives of about 118 persons in Jos had been arrested by security operatives.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade disclosed the arrest in Abuja at the National Information Centre while addressing the media on the latest developments in the anti-terror campaign.

Besides, the leader of the Northern Civil Society Coalition, Mallam Shehu Sani, has said that the meeting be-

tween former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some family members of Boko Haram insurgents in Abeokuta was aimed at opening a new channel of dialogue with the leaders of the militant Islamic group, and securing the release of the abducted Chibok girls.

Sani pointed out that he was part of the meeting which was meant to fashion out a fresh understanding to stop the insurgency.

According to the civil rights activist in a statement yesterday, “this is to confirm that the meeting actually took place and I was part of it. The meeting was solely aimed at exploring the possibility of opening a new channel for dialogue or negotiation with the sect members towards securing the release of the abducted Chibok girls held in captivity for over a month”.

Meanwhile, Chibok Local Government Chairman, Bana Lawal, has revealed that 57 of the 221 abducted girls have so far escaped from Boko Haram’s captivity , leaving a total of 164 girls still missing.

The chairman, who spoke through a representative, Mr. Musa Okolo, at a stakeholders validation meeting of draft Humanitarian Response Plan for Chibok, Borno State, yesterday in Abuja disclosed that the location of the girls was

no news as vigilantes had earlier told the public that they saw the girls but could not free them owing to the sophistication of their abductors’ weapons.

His words: “There is no secret about the location of the girls.

Everybody knows that the girls are in Sambisa forest and a lot of people have spotted them. It is not news but the security fear is how to rescue them alive without any collateral damage and who is going to take responsible for bringing my daughter in case of anything.”

He maintained that the military was right by saying that the girls could not be rescued by force because of collateral damage.

“What I know in my personal capacity is that there are lots of mines all over, so it is not advisable for Nigerian troops to just move in like that.

“The vigilantes of Chibok saw the abducted girls at the Sambisa forest but they couldn’t move close to them. These are people that are ready to die for the cause they believe they are fighting for.

“We believe the girls are still alive and the community is very hopeful that they would be brought back alive and well.”

According to the council boss, Sambisa forest is not as large as the public has been

Senate’s panel on missing $49.8b wants oil subsidy removed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Sanusi through a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan which was leaked to the press alleged that the sum was missing from the Federation Account between January 2012 and July 2013. However the 73-page report of the Senator Ahmed Markafi-led committee cleared the corporation of the charge.

Other recommendations of the committee include: “There is the need for the subsidy regime to be totally discontinued with.

All stakeholders should be consulted and carried along as much as possible before abolishing the subsidy; “That the Senate accepts the subsidy deducted by NNPC in the sum of $1.2 billion (N180) billion for fourth quarter of

2011 since it was certified by PPPRA and appropriated by the National Assembly. This is without prejudice to the outcome of forensic audit conducted by the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and PWC: “That the Senate accepts the subsidy deducted by NNPC from January 2012 to July 2013 of $5.254 billion (N813,803 billion) since it was certified by PPPRA and appropriated by the National Assembly: “That President Goodluck Jonathan should prepare and present to the National Assembly, supplementary budget to cover the over expenditure in the sum of N90.693 billion for PMS subsidy for 2012 and the sum of N685.919 billion for kerosine subsidy expended without appropriation by the Nation-

al Assembly in 2012 and 2013”.

In its findings, committee however stated that all the parties involved including CBN, NNPC, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Petroleum Resources had resolved through reconciliation undertaken by them that $47 billion have been received into the federation account out of the total oil lifting valued at $67 billion between January 2012 and July 2013.”

On the remaining $20 billion, the committee findings are as follows: “That the amount expended

by NNPC on fuel subsidy between January 2012 and July 2013 was $5.524 billion. The amount expended on subsidy on kerosine between January and July 2013 was $3.512 billion.

“That the subsidy deduction

in the sum of $1.2 billion by NNPC in 2012 but relating to the fourth quarter of 2011 was certified by PPPRA. “That there was also appropriation for fuel subsidy in 2011 in the sum of N245.96 billion.

“That PPPRA verification alluded to on the NNPC subsidy claims are in practice book keeping verification rather than physical verification of products and claims.’

On the Third Party Financing listings by NNPC which CBN put at $2 billion and called for more explanations, the committee findings are as follows “That the actual value of Third Party Financing Lifting was $2.430 billion. That the amount confirmed by the Accountant General of the Federation as having been remitted into the Federation

Account between January 2012 and July 2013 was $1.370billion.

“That the share belonging to Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited in the Third Party Financing arrangement with NNPC confirmed by them orally and in writing was $848.687 million.

“That gross lifting under the Third Party Financing was $2,430,750973 million out of which share for Federation Account was $1,588,242,004 million. The AGF confirmed and gave documentary evidence showing the sum of $1,370,172,650.36 was remitted to the federation account.”

The report surmised that based on the foregoing, what was left unreconciled amounts to USD 928, 187, 238 CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Leaders seek sustenance of civilian rule on Democracy Day CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ans to felicitate with the country on its 15th Democracy anniversary.

The Senate observed with delight that Nigeria’s democracy was gradually maturing and that the National Assembly had contributed greatly to its stability and growth.

The lawmakers also expressed confidence that recorded development in transport and agriculture sectors, promises in the power sector as well as the imminent passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, will transform the country into an economic power.

In the face of challenging security situation, the legislators urged Nigerians to unite in the prosecution of the war against terrorism and agents of instability and stand resolved in one united and indi-

visible Nigeria under one God. In his message, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal identified sincerity of purpose, peaceful co-existence and rapid socio-economic development of all sectors as critical elements in deepening democracy and rule of law.

Urging those entrusted with leadership responsibilities to collectively work hard to reduce poverty and promote the quality of life of all Nigerians, he said democracy as a system of government does not thrive on an empty stomach.

Tambuwal believed that there was need by the citizenry to show great faith in democracy and its institutions, just as he admonished Nigerians not to allow the challenges bedeviling country to dampen their enthusiasm and desire for the progress of the nation.

The Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha while suing for peace among Nigerians noted that in this trying time, Nigerians must not lose hope in the task of forging unity in the country.

Ihedioha, however, described democracy as one of the nation’s greatest assets that must be guarded jealously as it places the destiny of citizens in their own hands and thrusting the task of leadership and the management of the nation’s resources upon their shoulders.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to collectively protect the country’s democracy In a Democracy Day message issued by his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku encouraged Nigerians to emulate the examples of statesmen and women like late MKO Abiola, Bola Ige, Kudirat Abiola and Gani Fawehinmi, whose lives were fully

committed to democracy in Nigeria.

As Nigeria commemorates the restoration of democracy in the country, Atiku said that the end of military rule in Nigeria brought about a new era of regular elections as well as the return of civil liberties, free press and an end to arbitrary arrests and torture, but said that Nigeria was gradually deviating from that path.

“The responsibility for our country’s democracy lies with each and every one of us,” he said. “We must participate actively in the process of governance, and ensure that the constitution and the rule of law are upheld at all times.”

He described as pitiful, a situation where the government and the armed forces debate critical issues bordering on national security in public.

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Thursday, May 29, 2014 | 3

4 | NEWS Thursday, May 29, 2014

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AfDB fines Dutch firm $5.7 billion over corrupt practices in Nigeria gas project

By Roseline Okere HE African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has announced the conclusion of a Negotiated Resolution Agreement with a Dutch company Snamprogetti Netherlands B.V. following the company’s acceptance of the charge of corrupt practices by affiliated companies in an AfDB-financed project in Nigeria.

The bank said in a media statement yesterday, that as part of the Negotiated Resolution Agreement, the Bank’s Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department (IACD) levies a financial penalty of $5.7 million against the company.

According to the bank, the funds will flow into AfDB projects preventing and combating corruption in the Bank’s member countries.

It disclosed that AfDB has collected a total of $22.7 million in fines from four companies, including Snamprogetti Netherlands B.V., involved in bribe payments in connection with the liquefied natural gas production plants project on Bonny Island, Nigeria.

Saipem SpA and parent company Eni SpA were earlier linked to the bribing scandal and were to pay $365 million to resolve U.S. probes into a Nigerian bribery.

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed in 2010, released the details surrounding Snamprogetti Netherlands B.V.’s consent to pay a $240 million criminal penalty. The charges relate to the company’s breach of provisions of the Foreign

T

Corrupt Practices Act. The payment revolves around a decade-long bribery scheme of Nigerian government officials. The company used agents to surreptitiously pay the bribes to win contracts to construct natural gas facilities worth more than $6 billion on Bonny Island, Nigeria.

Court records show that Snamprogetti gave the goahead for the joint venture to bring onboard two agents to give bribes to a number of Nigerian government officials.

Records say the joint venture handed over about $132 million to a corporation, in addition to $50 million to the Japanese company. The court claims Snamprogetti directed that part of these payments be used as bribes to the Nigerian officials.

AfDB said in addition to the payment of a monetary sanction, the Negotiated Resolution Agreement foresees the debarment for a period of three years of TSKJ – Serviços de Engenharia Lda; TSKJ II – Construções Internacionais Sociedade Unipessola Lda; and LNG – Serviços and Gestão de Projetos Lda., based in Madeira, Portugal.

It stated: “These companies are eligible for cross-debarment under the April 2010 Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions entered into by the African Development Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank

Group and the Inter-American Development Bank Group.

The Portuguese entities affiliated to Snamprogetti Netherlands B.V. played an active role in funneling bribes to public officials”.

Director of IACD, Anna Bossman said: “Only about $200 million in monetary sanctions imposed on companies found to have engaged in bribing foreign public officials have ever been returned to the affected region. By reinvesting the fines in programs supporting our regional member countries’ efforts to improve

the performance of anti-corruption agencies, IACD contributes to redressing this situation in line with the AfDB’s strategic focus on good governance.

“The financial penalties totaling $22.7 million levied by IACD in relation to this case are among the highest ever imposed by any multinational development bank and send out a credible signal that the AfDB will not tolerate corrupt practices in any of its projects.”

In 1990, Snamprogetti Netherlands B.V. formed the above companies as joint ventures

together with three other multinational engineering services providers for the purposes of bidding for engineering, procurement and construction services contracts for liquefied natural gas production plants on Bonny Island in Nigeria. From 1995 to 2004, the joint-venture companies made improper payments totaling $180 million in return for the award of these services contracts. The African Development Bank Group had contributed $100 million in financing to the overall contract volume of $6 billion.

HE saying that what men T do will surely live after them became obvious yesterday as retired career ambassadors paid glowing tributes to their departed colleagues in Lagos.

Even family members of the departed could not hold their tears when the deeds of their loved ones were read

out during the event held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island.

The former envoys, under aegis of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARAN), however, called for selfless service among public officers in the country.

President of ARAN, Ambassador Tayo Ogunsulire, in his

Students and teachers of Gloryland International College, Aguda, Lagos, during a solidarity walk to the Lagos Assembly for the release of the abducted girls

remarks, said it is imperative for the selfless service of the former envoys to be remembered and celebrated by the country they served before their demise.

“It is in this country that we do not honour or remember those who had served meritoriously. And for us in the association, we have deemed it fit to remember our colleagues who gave everything

to the betterment of this nation. This event is dedicated to the memory of our noble men and women who were patriotic in their service to this nation. They have passed on but what they did is still being felt by the country while their worthy characters should not go uncelebrated. For us in the association, we will always remember them and also en-

Tributes for Lagos ex-governor, Otedola

By Kamal Tayo Oropo, Seye Olumide and Eniola Daniel

• Fashola donates N1b for Foundation, Tinubu, Jakande pay respects

AGOS State Governor, Mr. BaLcessor batunde Fashola, his predein office, Bola Tinubu

cellence will never lie at ease because in the race for excellence, there is no finish line. We remain inspired and grateful for these ideas, as we celebrate the life and times. Of a great man,” the governor said.

Fashola also used the occasion to announce a donation of N1billion made by oil magnate, Femi Otedola, son of the deceased for the support of education in the state.

Fashola said Otedola would disburse the funds through The Otedola Foundation and would be mainly deployed to provide scholarships for indigent students.

In his tribute, ex- governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Otedola’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, although brief, witnessed enough progress to prove that he was a leader of high quality and principle.

Represented by former deputy governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Tinubu said, “He was modest and unassum-

and others yesterday paid glowing tributes to the second civilian governor of the state, Sir Michael Otedola at a special ‘Day of Tributes’ organised by the state government at Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

Fashola said Otedola left great legacies for his successors that nothing can be considered impossible or lost until a genuine attempt has been made to achieve it.

Fashola revealed that when late Sir Otedola was invited to choose a sobriquet for Lagos State, to be printed on vehicle registration plates, he chose ‘Centre of Excellence.’

“As one of his successors, I have found this inspiring in my work. Standard of excellence are high, they are difficult to attain, and they are constantly changing. Every Governor of Lagos who remembers that Lagos is the Centre of Ex-

From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt RMED robbers yesterday A shot and killed four policemen, the driver and a regional manager of a new generation bank in Port Harcourt.

The Guardian gathered that the armed robbers laid ambush for the policemen and the bank manager at about 9:45 a.m. yesterday at the Igwuruta roundabout in Obio/Akpor Local Council of Rivers State and carted away undisclosed amount of money.

NBM holds convention/lecture HE Neo-Black Movement of Africa (NBM) worldwide T holds its 36th and 10th annual convention/lecture with theme, “Consolidation Through Partnership,” today at Krisdera Hotel Resort, Omoku, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, according to a statement by the group’s National Head, Mr. Bemigho Eyeoyibo.

Senate’s panel clears NNPC of fraud charge

Ex-envoys urge selfless service, eulogise departed colleagues

By Olalekan Okusan

Robbers kill four policemen, two others in Port Harcourt

ing yet brave and focused. He is an individual one would always want to have in the room and on his side. Baba was a key player in directing the politics of Lagos State in a positive and progressive direction.”

Another former governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande said Otedola’s demise was great loss,and added that his imperishable record of service would be remembered for a long time.

Former Military Governor of the Lagos State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola said he has every reasonable cause to celebrate ex-governor Otedola whom he succeeded in office in 1993 noting that he met a record of impeccable contributions to the development of Lagos State by Otedola.

Otedola’s deputy while in office, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu described departed Otedola as a good listener who usually take his time to deliberate on issues without allowing himself to be

stampeded into action to the charging of those used to the military autocracy era preceding Otedola’s administration.

Otedola’s daughter, Lola Segun-Idaho, who spoke on behalf of the Otedola family at the occasion, said her father was very attentive to her children, adding that he is trustworthy, honourable, principled and a discipline character.

She added that her father had a good marriage and good home because he was a contended person. She added, “When daddy retired, he did not settle in Ikoyi or Victoria-Island as people thought he would; he returned to his home town at Odoragunshin in Epe and contributed immensely to the development of the area.”

Otedola, who governed Lagos from 1991 to 1992, died on May 5 at 88 and will be buried on May 30 at his hometown in Epe.

courage the present generation to take a cue from them, especially those in the public service to be selfless in whatever they do,” he said.

Ogunsulire, who is one of the pioneers of the Nigerian Foreign Service, said the association would not relent in its duty to remember and celebrate their departed colleagues.

In his tributes to the former Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom, George Dove-Edwin, Ambassador Akporede Clark described the late envoy as the longest Nigerian ambassador to UK, who worked hard for the improvement of relations, while retaining a calm firmness in protecting national and African interests.

He said as a scion of the golden age of Nigerian diplomacy, the late Dove-Edwin was respected for his drafting abilities and diplomatic skills, especially his discretion and was also referred to as a “master of understatement”.

Clark, a former Nigerian ambassador to the United Nations, however, charged public officers to uphold the tenets of the office especially in their services to the country, which he said, supersede personal interest.

Among the departed envoys remembered at the event were Moses Adefope, Peter Udoh, Mudashiru Abiola, Musa Bello, Gabriel Ijewere and Kehinde Olisemeka.

Family members and relatives of the departed ambassadors were also present at the occasion.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 (Nine hundred and Twenty Eight million, one hundred and eighty seven thousand, two hundred and thirty eight US dollars only) and not the widely acclaimed $20 billion or the $49.8 billion by Sanusi.

“Therefore, NNPC should remit the balance of $218,069,354.32millionto the federation account.” ``Inter-agencies reconciliation meetings between sensitive economic institutions such as Ministry of Finance, NNPC, CBN and the Federal Inland Revenue Services should be done on regular basis in order to avoid similar episode but most importantly ensure that all revenue are properly and legally accounted for.’

The committee noted that its finding was without prejudice to the ongoing Forensic Audit by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation and PriceWaterHouse.

When asked to comment on the committee’s report, Ohi Alegbe, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, stated that it was premature for the Corporation to come up with an official position since the Senate has not communicated its findings to it. `` Yes we know that the report was laid before the Senate at plenary today but that is as far as we know. We are waiting for formal communication on the matter,’’ Alegbe said.

On the fact that the committee reportedly cleared NNPC of the missing $20 billion but noted the unreconciled US$ 924 million, he remarked: ``From the beginning our position has always been that no such amount was missing but if you are saying that the Senate Committee is coming up with a verdict of unreconciled US$ 900 million it means we are making progress. Remember they started with for $49.8 before it was reduced to USD 10.8 billion; later adjusted to USD 12 billion and stood at US$20 billion. Now according to you, the committee is saying US$ 900 million is unreconciled. I am sure that by the time we are through with the Forensic Audit the picture would be clearer.’’

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6 | Thursday May 29, 2014

News 2014 DEMOCRACY DAY

Police counter-terrorism, special forces ready for celebration From Karls Tsokar (Abuja) and Joseph Wantu (Makurdi)

Nothing to celebrate with insurgencies, captivity of schoolgirls, says Tsav

OWARDS a hitch-free 2014 T Democracy Day celebration, the Inspector General

sistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Intelligence” to be on high alert and ensure effective and strategic deployment of all police personnel.

To also carry out the order are “Command Commissioners of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge of the various Police Special Squads such as the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Police Mobile Force and Special Protection Unit (SPU).”

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations

of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered all Commanders of Special Forces of the Nigerian Police to put their personnel on red alert to forestall any unpleasant incident.

Giving the directive yesterday in Abuja during a meeting with the police management team, Abubakar directed “all Zonal Assistant InspectorsGeneral of Police and the As-

However, with the general insecurity in the country and the continued captivity of the Chibok schoolgirls, abducted 45 days ago by the Islamist terrorist sect, Boko Haram, former Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, sees nothing the nation should celebrate in its democracy.

Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, the IGP also assured citizens that effective “security measures have been put in place towards a hitch-free

Democracy Day.” He called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and security conscious against the backdrop of the challenges

facing the country.

However, with the general insecurity in the country and the continued captivity of the Chibok schoolgirls, abducted 45 days ago by the Islamist terrorist sect, Boko Haram, former Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, sees nothing the nation should celebrate in its democracy.

Speaking with The Guardian in Makurdi, Benue

State, Tsav wondered how Nigerians would come out to celebrate democracy when the Federal Government has continued to fail in its responsibility of safeguarding lives and property of citizens.

According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has stomached worst things like “corruption, waste of resources and entrenchment of impunity,” which have turned Nigeria into a lawless society.

Fasehun insists on June 12 for event

By Kamal Tayo Oropo OR the national leader of FUnity the newly registered Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr. Frederick Fasehun, June 12 remains sacrosanct in the nation’s annals of democracy, as he stated yesterday that members of his party deem it worthy of celebration.

Speaking at a UPN rally to sensitise the public on its activities ahead of the coming elections, the apparently jubilant Fasehun declared that the party, an offshoot of the defunct Second Republic political party, has come to stay.

Displaying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) certificate, dated April 17, 2014, which The Guardian learnt was released last Thursday, Fasehun said: “They are celebrating the day (May 29) as democracy day.

“Since we are democrats, we bear those celebrating no grudge,” he said. “But to us, June 12 is the authentic democracy day and on that day we shall come out fully to celebrate with other democrats.”

UPN’s official endorsement brings the registered parties

in the country to 26. Nevertheless, the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) founder disclosed that the party would not participate in the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State but would be in for the Osun State governorship election and subsequent others in the country.

Reacting to the Lagos State Government’s recent deportation of certain individuals tagged “destitute” to their home states, Fasehun said that “those carrying out such exercise are just precipitating future chaos, as there is no community in the country that does not have inhabitants from other parts of the country.”

He added: “In any case, it is the government, through bad governance, that created destitute out of most of these individuals. It is double jeopardy that the same government is now ostracizing those its actions, most often than not, created.”

Fasehun also demanded the immediate reversal of tuition fees in Lagos State University (LASU). According to him, “in a country where the minimum wage of parents is just N18, 000, this can only mean creating an army of dropouts and frustrated

APGA chief links insecurity to politicians’ ‘inordinate ambition’ From Lawrence Njoku (Enugu)

HIEFTAIN of the All ProC gressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, yesterday attributed the increasing insecurity in the

NOA, others task Nigerians on democracy From Seye Olumide (Lagos) and Kanayo Umeh (Abuja) S the nation marks 15 A years since returning to democratic rule, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, has charged Nigerians to be alert, identify and shun acts capable of truncating the fledgling democracy in the country.

In his message of felicitation to Nigerians, Omeri commended citizens for their resilience in protecting democracy over the years but cautioned against the elements that threaten the peace, stability and democ-

racy of the country. He stressed that all unpatriotic acts are inimical to the practice of democracy.

He further urged Nigerians to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day with deep reflection on the state of the nation and the collective, necessary commitment citizens must make to overcome the challenges.

Reassuring that the country would overcome the lingering security challenges, Omeri urged people to keep faith with the Federal government in the counter-insurgency war, just as he appealed for patriotism among security operatives.

Obasanjo

Jonathan

Also, the senator representing Lagos East at the National Assembly, Gbenga Ashafa, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and do everything within their capacity to protect the democratic institution despite the challenges confronting the nation.

In his Democracy Day message, Ashafa said that democracy remained the best form of government despite the country’s present trial. According to him, “we are a people and a nation in need of change, restoration, healing, reorientation and many other good things that hallmark a progressive nation.”

country to the inordinate ambition of faceless politicians.

He stressed that it was wrong to assess the performance of President Jonathan based on terrorism, while he accused certain politicians of instigating the development to bring the country to negative global commentary.

Reviewing the 15 years of interrupted democracy, Umeh told newsmen in Enugu that it was not the best of time for the country.

However, “we cannot forget completely that in 2010, before the general elections in 2011, some prominent politicians in this country threatened that if Jonathan ever became president, they would make the country ungovernable.

“And since Jonathan became President in 2011, that threat has become reality; the country is being destabilized, the President is

hugely being distracted from pursuing his transformation agenda.

“As people try to associate Boko Haram with religious bigots, I have always seen it differently that the spate of terrorism in this country is the handiwork of disgruntled politicians. It may be possible that some elements may have been recruited to do that, but it has been a joke carried too far.”

He added: “We in APGA are calling on everybody for soul searching, sober reflection and to spare thoughts on what the future of the country portends. We are lucky to have had 15 years of uninterrupted democracy but certainly the signals are not encouraging for this democracy to endure.

Umeh urged politicians to accept that they have failed the country and unite with President Jonathan to find ways of moving the country out of its present challenges, noting that “the

people fomenting this present situation cannot reap from it during the 2015 general election.

“Nigerians are not daft, we know the things that are holding the country down.

Boko Haram insurgency is an issue that should not be personalized to question the competence of a leader because even America is finding it difficult to deal with terrorism. War against terrorism is not fought and won overnight.”

Moreover, Umeh faulted the signals from the National Conference, saying that it appears to have “turned into a dialogue between two deaf men,” as it was not offering hope for the problems the country has faced in the past years nor the activities of Boko Haram.

He stated APGA’s support to the President and Federal Government in the search for solutions to the country’s security challenges, urging politicians to unite with the government.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 29, 2014 | 7

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THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 29, 2014 PHOTONEWS

CHILDREN’S DAY

Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, celebrating with the children on Children’s Day .

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (left); State Model Nursery School pupil, Master Bethel Oluwagbemiga; Commissioner for Education, Olayinka Oladunjoye; Bethel’s mother, Tokunbo, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Omolara Erogbobo, at the unveiling of the Spirit of Lagos/Registration of Pupils in Lagos Public Nursery Primary School to mark the Children’s Day celebration in Lagos.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

Children’s Day rally, ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ by National Associaiton of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Lagos.

PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson (right); greeting jubilant children, during a ceremony at Government House marking the 2014 International Children’s Day at the Government House, Yenagoa.

Ekiti State school children, during a solemn procession to the Governor’s Office over the abduction of the Chibok girls to mark this year’s Children Day in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.

National Association of Proprietors of Private School (Mainland chapter) in a protest walk along Herbert Macauley way at this years edition of the Children’s Day, during the ‘‘Bring Back Our Girls” campaign.

PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

Primary and secondary schools children in Enugu State praying for the release of the abducted Chibok girls, during the Children’s Day celebration in Enugu on Tuesday.

Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Lanre Jaiyeola (left); Manager, Brand Activation, Ebele Oluwalana; Executive Director, Marketing, Benson Evbuomwan, with some school children, during Honeywell-sponsored Train Ride for selected school children, to mark the Children Day, in Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 29, 2014 | 9

WorldReport At 86, Maya Angelou, the caged bird stops singing ENOWNED AfricanR American poet, essayist and civil rights activists, Maya Angelou, has died, aged 86. She died yesterday morning at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, she was an American author and poet. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of

poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than 50 years.

She received dozens of awards and over 30 honorary doctoral degrees.

Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17, and

brought her international recognition and acclaim.

She became a poet and writer after a series of occupations as a young adult, including fry cook, prostitute, night-club dancer and performer, cast-member of the opera Porgy and Bess, coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and journalist in Egypt and Ghana during the days of decolonisation.

She was an actor, writer, director and producer of plays, movies and public television programmes.

Since 1982, she taught at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she holds the first lifetime Reynolds Professorship of American Studies. She was active in the Civil Rights movement and worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Since the 1990s,

Angelou

For a new approach in U.S.–Africa relations (2)

By Angelle Kwemo CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY OWEvER, according to H Marc Jezegabel of Forbes, “French speaking countries are lagging behind their counterparts in terms of its ability to attract investors.”

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, established in December 2000, continues to be held every three years alternating between Africa and China. While it is undeniable that China’s entrance into the African market has lessened France’s hold on its former colonies, the question of whether US’s involvement would further push France out remains.

But the fact that France-Africa summits, including a recent gathering hosted by President François Hollande in Paris to address the threat posed by extremist group Boko Haram to both Nigeria and Africa, continue being held in France signals that President Obama’s Leaders’ Summit will not affect this

“pré-carré” despite growing calls by Africans for stronger trade ties with the US. Nonetheless, the US still needs to contend with Europe and emerging economies, including India and Turkey. The rise of oil producing countries around the Gulf of Guinea, emerging oil and gas producers in East Africa, massive discovery of natural resources, a growing middle class with sophisticated consumer demands, and the increase of positive south-south relations have all altered the traditional regional landscape.

Africa is ready for her entrance in the big league and the US summit should not just be held to rival the Chinese or French, it should rather be a loud proclamation of the strategic and economic importance the continent holds. The US Congress has understood this position and adopted a resolution to that effect since 2010.

Legislation allowing American firms to invest and compete in the African mar-

kets are now being considered to allow more investment flow to the continent, and make good on the promise to help spread electricity to all of Africa.

Security and job creation Ensuring security and political stability will be an important point of discussion. The Gulf of Guinea, a region of great economic potential and strategic significance to the US is faced with security challenges. Poverty and inequality in Africa have created a fertile ground for terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, which now mock the entire world undermining global values, freedom and human rights.

One thing the US should not ignore is the diversity and complexity of the African marketplace; one policy cannot fit all. Politically and economically speaking, African countries are at different stages of democratisation, some more mindful of their constituents than others. Some have a budding middle class.

Their common denominator, however, is trade investment

and job creation. Experts predict that Africa will create 54 million new jobs by 2020 and 122 million Africans will be entering the labour market during that same period.

Traditional aid cannot address the shortfall. Only investment in infrastructure and manufacturing can handle such an influx of new workers.

In the meantime, Afri-capitalism champion Tony Elumelu calls for a Marshall Plan for Africa. Other young leaders like Mamadou Toure of Africa 2.0 or internationally renowned designer, Oswald Boateng of Made in Africa Foundation, to name a few, are also campaigning for a “For Africa By Africa” and a “Made in Africa” approach, respectively, to stimulate the continent’s economies and create sustainable jobs.

•Kwemo, a trade expert and former congressional staff member, United States Congress, is MD & CEO, Rimsom Strategies, Ltd and Founder & Chair of “Believe in Africa.”

she made around 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her 80s.

In 1993, Angelou recited her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration, the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961.

Maya Angelou was gratified, but not surprised by her extraordinary fortune.

“I’m not modest,” she told The Associated Press in 2013.

“I have no modesty.

Modesty is a learned behaviour. But I do pray for humility, because humility comes from the inside out.”

Her story awed millions.

The young single mother, who worked at strip clubs to earn a living, later danced and sang on stages around the world.

A black woman born poor wrote and recited the most popular presidential inaugural poem in history. A childhood victim of rape, shamed into silence, eventually told her story through one of the most widely read memoirs of the past few decades.

Angelou is regarded as a renaissance woman and cultural pioneer, her son, Guy B. Johnson, said in a statement. The 86-year-old had been a professor of American studies at Wake Forest University since 1982.

“She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace,” Johnson said.

Tall and regal, with a deep, majestic voice, she was unforgettable whether encountered through sight, sound or the printed word. She was an actress, singer and dancer in the 1950s and 1960s and broke through as an author in 1970 with “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which became standard (and occasionally censored) reading and made Angelou one of the first black women to enjoy mainstream success.

“Caged Bird” was the start of a multipart autobiography that continued through the decades and captured a life of hopeless obscurity and triumphant, kaleidoscopic fame.

The world was watching in 1993 when she read her cautiously hopeful On the Pulse of the Morning at President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration. Her confident performance openly delighted Clinton and made publishing history by making a poem a best-seller, if not a critical favorite. For President George W. Bush, she read another poem, “Amazing Peace,” at the 2005 Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the White House. Presidents honored her in return with a National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor. In 2013, she received an honorary National Book Award.

She called herself a poet, in love with the “sound of language,” ‘’the music in

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Thursday, May 29, 2014 www.ngrguardiannews.com

Why demands of Lagos differ from Southwest’s at confab

By Godfrey Okpugie Deputy Lagos City Editor HE discordant demands by the Southwest delegates and Lagos at the ongoing National Conference have generated a lot of controversies.

Whereas the Southwest delegates on behalf of the six states – Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo – that make up the Southwest demanded for regional autonomy, which it said, was the minimum condition for remaining in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, saying that: “The ethnic group, which basically comprises six states in the Southwest geopolitical zone, expressed strong will to exercise its right of self-determination on and up to the right to secede if its demand for regional autonomy is not granted,” the Lagos State delegation on the contrary expressed the need for the parley to jettison the existing geo-political zones as an administrative system in the country.

The Southwest demands were made at a joint news conference at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota by representatives of the leadership of the Yoruba Assembly, Afenifere Renewal Group, O’dua Foundation, O’dua Nationalist Coalition, Afenifere Youth Forum, Atayese, Agbekoya Reformed Society and Coalition for O’dua Selfdetermination Group among others.

The news conference, which had the theme: “Regional Autonomy... or Nothing”, was addressed by the National Secretary, Chief Ayo Afolabi and Chairman of Atayese Yoruba Group, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin on behalf of the ethnic group.

The ethnic group among others canvassed regional autonomy, which it said was the most viable instrument for a stronger and united Nigeria, noting that the Yoruba people of Nigeria would not accept anything less than what it called ‘minimum demands.’

The group stated that Yoruba “want a regional government with its own constitution and unfettered political and fiscal autonomy, except on issues it agrees to cede to the Federal Government.”

The ethnic group also declared that the Southwest geopolitical region “must include all Yoruba people outside the imposed artificial boundaries in Edo, Delta, Kogi and Kwara states.”

It also demanded special status for Lagos, which it said, would continue to be the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and West Africa, hence, there should be an appropriate budgetary provision that is part of the First Line Charge in the Federation Account.

Lagos State’s demands were made by notable Lagosians among whom were Olasupo Sarore (SAN), Prof. Tunde Samuel and Olufunmilayo Osinowo-Bashorun.

In their memorandum to the conference, they demanded that while Nigeria remains as one indivisible political entity, constitutional federalism should remain as the nation’s system of government.

In the document, which was released after the Southwest position was unveiled, Lagos demanded for a special status, in addition to the extraction of local government from the constitution.

“On regionalism and geo-political zones, they pointed out that governing regions in the late colonial and post-colonial constitutions (1960 and 1963) represent the height of our national development, where devolved powers, regional constitutions and revenue derivation ensured competition and self-determination. This era has long ended with the creation of states.

“We do not support, nor do we think it feasible - to return to creation of regions as governing sub-national units in Nigeria. We also do not recommend the creation of new states at this time or in the foreseeable future, viability and cost are two of the immediate reasons that militate against the creation of states.

“There are said to be six geo–political zones in the country – this nomenclature is unknown to the constitution and yet it continues to feature in national discourse. We do not recommend the said zones as a feasible structure for government for Nigeria. It is folly to believe that the coincidence of geography dictates anything but convenience; we recommend that Nigeria should adhere to constitutional federalism which to date only prescribes states and desist from the use of zones for planning or execution of constitutional authority.

T

Map of Lagos “Constitutionally, there ought to be only two orders of government, the Federal Government and the State Governments. Local government administrative divisions should be left as the exclusive preserve of the states.

“All references to local government should be expunged from the constitution. Local government creation, structure, tenure, boundary adjustments, functions and funding should remain a residual function of the states.”

Following this development, The Guardian sought the opinions of notable Lagos indigenes on the reason for Lagos advocating a course that is different from that of the region in which it forms a part not only on geographical location but also in language and other considerations.

Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, former chairman of the defunct Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB) and also head of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPRA) said: “I for one would want Lagos to remain the way it is. We should let sleeping dog lie. It has not been easy managing the existing 36 states structure. So, creating more states shouldn’t be the concern now but to maintain the ones we already have.

“We have 774 local governments and that involves the dissipation of resources. It cannot be the best. In view of this, the innovation being canvassed i.e. so many zones should be discarded we do not need to waste our time on that. So, I do not buy that proposition. Why did Lagos disagree with demand for Southwest region? The viability of that option is what we are concerned with.”

Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, former Lagos State

Gbadamosi

Lagos for Lagos and Lagos for Lagosians.

“Even we are lucky to be made a state because when it was a region, many areas within the region were disadvantaged.

When it was a region, whoever was at the top of the region catered for his people more than for the region. Their history is there to back that up. Lagos people do not know how to travel out of Lagos. When we travel out, we always run back to Lagos.

Other people come to settle here and they are accommodated. But for the real Lagos people, we do not move out.

“So, joining the region is going to be a disadvantage. For you to get a true Lagosian saying he is going to Abeokuta, Ibadan or any other place in the West is very difficult. But others find it easy to come here to settle.

On special status demand “Lagos has always advocated for special status because everybody descends on Lagos. Lagos is the melting point of Nigeria. There is no other state that has the kind of bombardment that Lagos has. I even said that at a stage when I was in the office that I wish there would be a way that will make all states that have representation in Lagos pay something special to Lagos for the state accommodating their people and making sure they have employment. There is need to do statistics to find out how many Lagos indigenes are in other states. The Federal government should do statistics on this. But here in Lagos State there are people from nooks deputy governor expressed her views thus: “Lagos has a history. From time immemorial the and crannies of the country and beyond.

“The facilities here are under serious West has always wanted to annex Lagos and this pressure and they are over-used. So, that has always been resisted. Lagos right from the colonial period, which eventually brought about special status in terms of getting additional revenue to cater for Lagos and to supthe country now known as Nigeria started as a port the state in providing infrastructure colony. All the efforts by the past politicians to is well supported. annex Lagos to the West failed. And if any other were made even now it would fail. Lagos prefers It is said that there is strength in unity.

Isn’t the demand for Southwest region to be on its own. We have everything that will not for Yoruba to avail itself of the make us to be on our own. We do not need any strength in unity and? …(cuts in) regional support or affiliation to go on. Because “Will the Yoruba allow Lagosians to lead if we succumb, invariably Lagos would always be the unity you are talking about? Before disadvantaged.

“Our fathers, especially my own father, the late now, in everything we are number one.

Will they (Southwest region) allow Lagos Barrister (Prince) Shitu Adewuyi Adeoba, who to remain the number one position that it was a member of parliament in the western has been all over the years even before house of assembly, was the secretary to the creindependence? Lagos will never be numation of Lagos as Lagos at that time. It was a batber one in that unity. We are not saying tle royal between Lagos and the West and Lagos we are not together; we are all Yoruba succeeded on standing on its own even before speaking people, but let everybody bear states were created. We Lagos indigenes do not their father’s name. want to be under any region. We prefer to have our own autonomy. Lagos has everything going Would you agree with the claim that the for it. We do not and we are not used to the Yoru- reason Lagosians object to the Southwest’s demand could be as a result of the ba scheming and all that. fact that historically many of them are not “All our neighbours are known in history as schemers and Lagosians are straightforward and Yoruba people and a lot of them had they are for glamour, splendour and open-mind- Benin background etc?

That is an historical fallacy. The Yoruba edness. Let the scheming people go for the scheming. Lagos remains as the centre of attrac- people were there in Lagos right from the tion and the centre of everything excellent. Politi- beginning. If you are talking of the Obaship coming from Edo State or something cally, we are better of and economically we are like that, some truth is in that. Even in Edo better of. What else are we looking for in any regionalism or affiliation in whatever form? I am too, the Oba there also belongs to the Oduduwa in Ife. So, everything concernfor that stand, my own father was for that stand ing Yoruba culture and all that come from and many of our fathers were for that stand, Ife. Though the Ijebus are saying they don’t come from Ife but from somewhere in the Middle East but they speak Yoruba.

Oduduwa is supposed to be father of the Yorubas. The Oba of Benin that extended his authority to Lagos is not a foreigner.

He is not a non-Yoruba person. The language must have changed due to a change in environment but he has Yoruba elements in him because he is from Oduduwa. So, Lagos from whatever angle you look at it is Yoruba. Whether you have affiliation with Edo or whatever, Lagos is Yoruba. We have never said we are not Yoruba. The Aworis are the original landowners of Lagos. There is no dispute about that. Through fighting of wars or whatever any strong family can become Oba and the linage starts from there. The fact that the Obaship of Lagos can trace that it has relationship with Edo does not mean that all the people here are all Edo people. So, Lagos remains Yoruba land.

Our insistence that it should remain as it is has nothing to do with the history of the place.”

Ojikutu

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com RIOR to the Portuguese name of Lagos being adopted, Lagos was called Eko, which stems from either Oko (Yoruba: “cassava farm”) or Eko (“war camp”), by its Benin conquerors.

Around 650 years ago, the Oba of Benin sent trade expeditions to Ghana, where spices were traded, and one of his traders complained about the way he was being treated by the Awori people.

This prompted the Oba of Benin to assemble a war expedition led by Ado, a Benin Prince. The expedition went to Lagos and demanded an explanation.

On getting there, they were well received. The people were so enamored with Ado they asked him to stay and lead them. He agreed on the condition that they surrendered their sovereignty to the Oba of Benin to which they agreed. The Oba of Benin was told this and he gave his permission for the expedition to remain. The Oba of Benin later sent some of his chiefs, including the Eletu Odibo, Obanikoro and others, to assist Ado in the running of Eko. Modern-day Lagosians have so intermingled that no single tribe or people can claim it even though the predominant language is Yoruba.

Oba Akitoye who ceded Lagos to the British was Oba Kosoko’s uncle. Oba Akitoye was the first Oba not to be buried in Bini. Prior to this, all the Kings of Lagos were buried in Bini. They passed on taxes to the Oba of Benin until the British came and explained that there was no need to send taxes to Benin anymore especially as the Binis themselves were paying taxes to Britain. It was during his reign that the direct influence of the Binis on Lagos ended.

P

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Pre-colonial history of Lagos

2,500 by 1861 and were granted land in a district on the island still known as Saro Town.

With their longer association with English missionaries, Sierra Leonean returnees appeared to enjoy higher standards of material comfort than Lagos indigenes. The Saros were devout protestants and better educated in the formal sense too.

These attributes were to stand them in good stead to play a leading role in the cultural life of Lagos; they also helped infuse their fatherland with a love of education. Their efforts were to help create a class of literate indigenes who led the fight for human dignity under British colonial rule and set the stage for the nationalist struggle that led to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

In the 1970s, estimates ranged widely from near 600,000 to 1,500,000. These figures are not necessarily accurate, but they do suggest that Lagos is a city of immigrants. From early settlers through slave raiders to colonial officials, the city and its mainland towns had always been a place to move to in search of improved life chances, political power, better living standards, and exposure to the economic opportunities offered by the larger world.

One of the city’s aliases, “Èkó ilé ogbón,” reflects these themes. It translates literally to “Ékó fountain of common sense,” but the metaphorical point is that doom awaits the visitor to the city who is not streetwise or the new migrant slow to adjust to urban and competitive lifestyles in greater Lagos.

When the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria was established in 1914 Lagos was declared its capital.

Lagos experienced rapid growth throughout the 1960s and 1970s as a result of Nigeria’s economic boom prior to the Biafran War. This continued through the 1980s and 1990s up to the present that had lasted three years, date. recommended that monies Lagos was the capital of Nigeria from 1914 - 1991 be deducted from source by the Ministry of Finance, from when the capital was moved to Abuja. Abuja is a monthly allocations to Local capital like Washington, DC in USA and Brasilia in Brazil in that it was built from scratch specifically Governments and Local Council Development Areas, to be a capital.

In 1991, Ibrahim Babangida, the military presifor the payment of outstanddent and other government functions moved to ing salaries and allowances of first batch of former politi- the newly built capital. This was as a result of intelligence reports on the safety of his life and what cal office holders and that was later to be termed his hidden agenda, which this should be done within four months – April and July, was the plan to turn himself into a civilian president. He finished what was started by the Murta2014. la/Obasanjo regime. The change resulted in Lagos The payment of severance package of the second batch losing some prestige and economic leverage. However, it has retained its importance as the country’s of former political office largest city and as an economic centre. holders in Local Governments and Local Council The origin of Lagos as a state Development Areas (2008Lagos State was created on May 27, 1967 by virtue 2011) should be implemented of State (Creation and Transitional Provisions) between the months of April Decree No. 14 of 1967, which restructured Nigeria’s and January 2015 (10 Federation into 12 states. Prior to this, Lagos Municmonths), ipality had been administered by the Federal GovThe Ministry of Local Government through the Federal Ministry of Lagos ernment and Chieftaincy Affairs as the regional authority, while the Lagos Affairs should also forward to City Council (LCC) governed the City of Lagos. the House, a monthly report Equally, the metropolitan areas (Colony Province) on the payments. of Ikeja, Agege, Mushin, Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry

trol of its hinterland was returned to the city in 1967 with the creation of Lagos state.

However, from the mid-nineteenth century, freed Yoruba slaves started returning to Lagos in waves first from Brazil and then from Sierra Leone. In 1847, Oba Kòsókó of Lagos sent his close friend and adviser Chief Oshòdì Tápà to South America to invite slaves with Yorùbá ancestry to return home. The trip yielded results in 1851 when 130 expatriates arrived in Lagos. By 1861 when Lagos formally became a Lagos during the colonial era British colony, the number of returnees had Originally governed as a British crown colony, risen to about 3,000. The Brazilian expatriates Lagos was part of the United Kingdom’s West brought with them skills in masonry, carpenAfrican Settlements from 1866 to 1874, when it try, and tailoring, a strong Catholic faith, and became part of the Gold Coast Colony (modern extensive Portuguese cultural traits.

Ghana). In 1886 it again achieved separate status Sierra Leonean expatriates, or Saros, mainly under a British governor, and in 1906 it was amalgamated with the Protectorate of Southern Nige- of Ègbá origins in present-day Abéòkúta in Ògùn State of Nigeria, started returning to ria. When Southern and Northern Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914, Lagos was made the capital Lagos in trickles about 1838. The reigning Oba of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. In 1954 Kòsókó did very little to make them feel welmost of the hinterland was incorporated into the come, so it was not until 1852 after Oba Kòsókó region of Western Nigeria, while the city itself was had been deposed by the British and replaced

by Oba Akíntóyè, that Saros returned to Lagos designated as federal territory. In 1960 Lagos in large numbers. They numbered about became the capital of independent Nigeria. Con-

LAGOS ASSEMBLY DIARY

Reprieve for Lagos ex-office holders, House re-orders their payment The House had summoned Ipaye, Gbeleyi and CommissionFormer political office hold- ers for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affair on the coners in Lagos local councils tents of the memorandum forcan now heave a sigh of warded to the House on the relief. The Lagos House of Assembly insisted that their matter. outstanding remunerations Explaining the rationale for the pay order, Ikuforiji observed should be paid to them that the affected people were immediately.

The House in a unanimous the lowest category of political decision reordered Commis- office holders in the State and they should not be left in sioner for Finance to carry out its earlier resolution on penury.

The Speaker said: “It will be payment of the money, unfair to still have them unpaid which includes salaries, after they have served the State allowances and severance packages of the affected citi- successfully. We all know that the problem in this country is zens. corruption and it began from Speaker of the House, the period when civil servants Adeyemi Ikuforiji, read the were poorly treated. new resolution during ple“This is what we are trying to nary, after a clarification from Attorney General /Com- address here and ensure that they get paid, especially in a premissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye on why he had earlier election year. We don’t want this administration to come to end advised his counterpart in without getting them paid,” Ikuthe Finance Ministry, Ayo foriji said.

Gbeleyi, against the resoluThe House, after investigations tion of the House.

By Wole Oyebade

11

were administered by the Western Region. The state took off as an administrative entity on April 11, 1968 with Lagos Island serving the dual role of being the State and Federal Capital.

However, with the creation of the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja in 1976, Lagos ceased to be the capital of the State, which was moved to Ikeja. Equally, with the formal relocation of the seat of the Federal Government to Abuja on 12 December 1991, Lagos ceased to be Nigeria’s political capital. Nevertheless, Lagos remains the centre of commerce for the country.

While the state is essentially a Yoruba-speaking environment, it is nevertheless a socio-cultural melting pot attracting both Nigerians and foreigners alike.

Indigenous inhabitants include the Aworis and Ogus in Ikeja and Badagry divisions respectively, with the Ogus being found mainly in Badagry. There is also an admixture of other pioneer settlers collectively known as the Ekos. The indigenes of Ikorodu and Epe divisions are mainly the Ijebus with pockets of EkoAwori settlers along the coastland and riverine areas.

Geography

Lagos State has a landmass of about 3,577 square kilometers with about 787 constituting lagoons, swamps, marches and creeks. It is regarded as the smallest state in the country; however, it has the highest population density in the nation. According to a 2006 census, the state is considered the second most populous state in the federation. Lagos State borders Ogun State to the north and east, Atlantic Ocean to the south; it stretches for about 180 km along the Atlantic coast and also borders the republic of Benin to the West.

Demographics

Lagos being a former capital and the nation’s leading commercial hub is a haven for migrant and wageworkers and businesspeople. Historically, the early settlers lived in areas known as Lagos Island, around Idumagbo, Isale Eko and Ebute Ero. A group of settlers from the Egbado areas settled in Isolo and Ikeja regions of the state, this group is called the Aworis. Other settlers include the Ijebus in Ikorodu and Epe, and Ogus in Badagry. Islam, traditional religion and Christianity co-exist together in the state.

Partly, due to the high influx of people coming to the state, there is tremendous pressure on land and high cost of living while many popular settlements gradually became populated and infrastructures were built contravening official planning regulations.

The formal economic sector in the state is largely dominated by the service and manufacturing sector with metropolitan Lagos holding a large share of Nigerian banking and corporate entities. Other sectors include, building and construction, transport, utilities and mining. The state also has a growing informal economy dominated by operators unable to be absorbed or employed by the formal sector, however, some government policies such as tax drives and planning violations seems to hint of intentions of discouragement.

Modern independence of Lagos

With the new dispensation into civilian rule in 1999 Lagos has once again begin to enjoy the privileges and independence it once did back in the 19th century. Prior to 1999 Lagos influence was reduced to a pitiable, deplorable and neglected state by the military juntas that ruled Nigeria from 1984 to 1999. A state with vast human resources yet waits every month for a grant to be given to it by the Federal Government. The grant was basically used to pay salaries and the rest got filtered away into the various Governors that ruled the state. The infrastructures in the state decayed by every passing second, minute, hour and every day since 1984. I once joked to a friend that someone who travelled out of Lagos in 1984 and have not been back since would still recognize the city as nothing really has changed.

12 Thursday May 29, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

15 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY

The journey, the destination,

Abiola

Obasanjo

It was a tortuous and dangerous era in the quest for democratic governance in Nigeria by In the beginning Nigerians.

HE struggle to return Nigeria to democratic Yet, in the face of these obvious challenges, a governance, after many years of military rule section of the political class, led by mostly that was characterised by despotism and malSecond Republic politicians, preserved and administration, was not a tea party. continued, unabated, the agitation for the Several attempts by the political class to wrest enthronement of democratic governance in power from the military juntas failed. Such the country. attempts, under General Ibrahim Babangida’s The untimely demise of General Abacha in regime, which appeared progressive at a stage, office in June 1998 ushered in a new dawn in became stalemated, following the annulment the struggle. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, of the June 12, 1993 presidential election who succeeded Abacha. adjudged the fairest and freest in the country’s political history.

Political Parties Not even the exit of Babangida and the BUBAKAR, who hurriedly instituted a politientrance of the late General Sani Abacha, as the cal transition programme, registered three new Head of State, could quell the protests that political parties, namely, the Peoples trailed the annulment of the presidential elec- Democratic Party (PDP), All Peoples Party (APP) tion. It was an ample opportunity lost to return and the Alliance for Democracy (AD), which the country to full democratic rule, as the other paved way for the disengagement of the militwo tiers of government — state and local govtary from governance in 1999. ernment — were under elected officials.

Interestingly, the constitutions of the first two General Abacha, who supplanted an interim parties, PDP and APP, was written, one after the government planted by Babangida as he hurother, by those who eventually formed the AD. riedly “set aside” from governance, came with Hence, there were no obvious distinguishing his own political agenda of transmuting from ideologies of the parties. military dictator to a civilian president under The PDP was formed in 1998 by a group of the guise of a stage-managed democratic politicians known as G-18 that later transprocess. formed into G-34. Other groups like the Handy and ever ready to assist Abacha in his Peoples Democratic Movement (PDP) and political perfidy against majority of Nigerians Solidarity Forum later joined the group. were some any-government-in-power (AGIP) They started out by organising a high-level politicians, for each passing day, dimmed the meeting in 1997, under the auspices of the All light of hope in Nigeria.

Politicians Summit, to discuss the way out of The height of despair was achieved when the what was fast becoming a festering dictatorfive registered political parties, aptly described ship. The Second Republic vice-president, Dr. by the late Attorney General of the Federation Alex Ekwueme, led the meeting. and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, as Ekwueme, undeterred by the brutish antics of the “five fingers of a leprous hand,” strangely the regime, continued rallying key political figadopted Abacha as their sole presidential canures of different ideological persuasions under didate. a new platform called Institute of Civil Society.

While some of those, who were opposed to the Other members of the group include former Abacha transmutation agenda, were hounded governor of old Kano State, the late Alhaji into exile, others were persecuted or killed. The Abubakar Rimi; former governor of old Plateau Abacha killing machine spared only governState, the ate Chief Solomon Lar; former goverment allies and foot soldiers. nor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo;

By Samson Ezea

T

A

Yar’Adua Chief Tony Anenih; former governor of Cross River State, Chief Don Etiebet; Prof. ABC Nwosu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and others.

The APP had politicians chiefly from the Northeast/North Central axis, while the AD had in its fold politicians mainly from the Southwest region.

The three political parties contested the 1999 general elections with the PDP winning 21 states, APP nine states, while the AD won all six states in the Southwest region.

Before the 2003 general elections, three new political parties were registered, namely, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) and United Nigeria Peoples Party (UNPP).

From then onwards, there has been proliferation of political parties with most of them existing only in the briefcase of the promoters who used them to make money during elections.

Also lacking in most of the parties, especially those of them in power, are clear-cut ideologies, manifestoes and internal democracy, which have been the bane of true democracy in the country in the last 15 years.

Across the political parties, from the ruling PDP to the newly formed opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) from the ashes of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a faction of the APGA, and others, there was no much difference. It has been all about the survival of the political class and how they would remain relevant in the system at the expense of others.

This has raised serious question on whether there is any principled or patriotic politician in the last 15 years of the country’s democratic governance.

Last year, before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deregistered 28 political parties, which action is still under litigation, the country had 63 political parties with only about five making any impact in the political space.

Recently, the electoral body registered two more political parties, viz., Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

While many people may argue that the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of association, other are wont to conclude that the proliferation of political parties in Nigeria in last 15 years has not actually advanced the country’s democracy, but a propagation political offices at huge public expenses.

Of note, though, is the first successful merger of political parties —ACN, ANPP, CPC, and a bloc of the APGA — to become the APC. It’s an unprecedented political feat since Independence.

Jonathan Most of the people, who served the military governments, were handy to be used by the retired military generals to hijack the political party process that thrown up the presidential candidate of the PDP in 1999, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Against all odds, Obasanjo, a former Head of State, who was not a foundation member of the party, was sponsored by some retired military generals, in connivance with their civilian allies in PDP, to ensure his emergence as the presidential candidate in the Jos Convention in 1998.

There were allegations of huge sums of money changing hands between the retired general and the party stakeholders to compromise the process.

That was the beginning of money politics, godfatherism, and intractable crises in the PDP and other political parties in the country today. It was the development that ushered in desperation, manipulation, assassination and other vices in the country’s polity.

Smooth Electoral Transitions HE country has witnessed four general elecT tions in the last 15 years: 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011. Expectedly, there should be improvement, but from one election to the other, the situation degenerated, casting doubts on the brighter future of the country’s democracy.

In most of the elections conducted so far, the people’s votes had not counted, with only a slight improvement in the 2011 elections over those of 2003 and 2007.

The elections exposed the ineptitude of the national electoral commission, following the deluge of litigation that trailed the outcomes of the elections.

Till date, it is becoming obvious and difficult for the electoral commission to get an accurate voter register for Nigerians.

The situation is not different in the state electoral commissions that seem to be an appendage of the state governments, which used them to arrange council area elections, where they ever took place, to their advantage.

As the country prepares for the 2015 general elections, there are concerns already: whether INEC will get it right or not.

Despite some the hiccups and obvious challenges in the last 15 years of democracy in the country, there has been smooth and consistent transition of political power from one government to another.

The non-truncation of the democratic process and governance is considered by watchers of the polity as a big plus for the country, considering that other countries faced with similar experiences were unable to survive them.

General Abacha, who supplanted an interim government planted by Babangida as he hurriedly “set aside” from governance, came with his own political agenda of transmuting from military dictator to a civilian president under the guise of a stage-managed democratic process. Handy and ever ready to assist Abacha in his political perfidy against majority of Nigerians were some any-government-in-power (AGIP) politicians, for each passing day, dimmed the light of hope in Nigeria. The height of despair was achieved when the five registered political parties, aptly described by the late Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, as the “five fingers of a leprous hand,” strangely adopted Abacha as their sole presidential candidate. While some of those, who were Political Class opposed to the Abacha transmutation agenda, were hounded into exile, others T may not be entirely wrong to assume that Critical Infrastructure Iofthe political class, which fought for the return OVERNMENTS at national and state levels were persecuted or killed. The Abacha killing machine spared only government democracy in the country in 1999, did not G have presented budget figures without allies and foot soldiers. It was a tortuous and dangerous era in the quest for make enough sacrifice from the beginning to proper implementations. In most cases, budgdemocratic governance in Nigeria by Nigerians. entrench or inculcate democratic norms and et for recurrent expenditure is always higher values in the system.

Thursday May 29, 2014 POLITICS 13

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

15 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY

the travails, the triumphs

than the one for capital projects.

The development has left critical infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and education, and other social services across the country unattended and deteriorating since 1999.

Also littered across the country are abandoned projects, some of them having been paid for, but not executed.

Many people have attributed the situation to too many government appointees, but those in power have argued that such appointments were a means of creating employment in the face of overwhelming unemployment situation in the country.

No wonder the desperation by all and sundry to be in government or remain in government in power.

Some phony contracts have been awarded to allies and associates of political leaders, as a means of raising money for elections.

Major highways like Lagos-Benin-Ore road, Lagos-Ibadan road and others, which had been always been budgeted for since 1999, are today, for the first time since 1999, receiving adequate government’s attention.

Still, like in the days of the military, budgeting has remained a yearly ritual in the country.

Governments had always bandied figures and statistics on speedy economic growth and progressed made.

Yet, except those of them in the corridor of power with easy access to public fund, the average Nigerian has not felt the impact of such reported huge allocations.

convicted, other ex-governors have been standing endless trials without clear headway.

Today, some of them are Ministers and Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while a few are in the ongoing National Conference in Abuja.

There have been mind-boggling revelations and disclosures of corrupt practices among individuals, civil servants, government officials, contractors, and others, with nothing out of probes of their activities.

Some of those indicted in the subsidy fraud are still walking free on the streets today.

So, since 1999, corruption has been literally celebrated and encouraged by successive gov-

expected to be the last hope of a common man. But since 1999, has the judiciary remained the last hope of a common man in Nigeria?

While the sector has recorded some substantial improvement with some landmark judgments in several cases, its role in the fight against corruption has left much to be desired.

It is obvious that the agents of corruption have infiltrated the sector. There have been cases of miscarriage of justice owing to alleged bribery and corruption of judges.

The climax of such allegation was the quarrel between the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and former

leadership of the sector, there were reported cases of delayed justice, and trading of justice to the highest bidder.

Though the National Judicial Council (NJC) had, on several occasions, wielded big stick to rein in some corrupt judges, several of the affected had raised the alarm that they were victims of circumstance.

It is obvious that corruption is the bane of progress and development in the country since 1999.

Unless something urgent and drastic is done to tackle the menace, the country may be doomed for it. This is because money still determines everything, ranging from party

Endless Probe/Committees EMBERS of National Assembly seem to M have abandoned the business of lawmaking, which is their major constitutional responsibility, to engaging in endless probes of virtually every incident.

The National Assembly had conducted many probes, such as the power probe, privatisation probe, and subsidy probe without implementing any of the reports.

Despite futility of such investigations, the Assembly members are still engaging in them for alleged selfish ends.

There had been allegations and counter-allegations of giving and receiving by those under probes and members of the National Assembly, respectively.

The situation seems to be worse at the state level where the State Houses of Assembly members are like the state governors’ errand boys.

Many argue that since the state governors mostly handpicked them during elections, they dare not challenge the governors’ decisions.

Recall that during the last constitutional amendment before the 2011 general elections, the state lawmakers voted against their autonomy, as was being sought by the National Assembly to be inserted in the constitution.

Apart from the legislature, the executive arm of the government at the state/national levels have since 1999 continued to set up various committees/panels to work for the governments.

Such committees’ recommendations had never been implemented by the governments, thereby raising questions on why public funds should be spent for committees without the implementation of their reports.

Corruption and the Judiciary HE last 15 years of democracy in the country T have been characterised by massive corruption at all levels of government. Instead of abating, the situation is on the increase. The monster has eaten deep into the system.

What has emboldened those involved in the crime is the failure of the anti-graft agencies and successive governments to bring the culprits to book. As a result of this, accountability and transparency is lacking at all levels of government.

Towards the 2007 general elections, the then chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, revealed that majority of the state governors, whose second term in office would expire in 2007, were corrupt and would be prosecuted.

Apart from former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, who was freed by a Nigerian court, but was convicted and sentenced by a London court; and former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha that was

Abubakar

Atiku ernments, and the Judiciary appeared to be helpless or compromised, too.

Under the military, the judiciary was highly compromised, and its plight was understandable. Under the subsisting democracy, it was

Ekwueme

Ige President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami. It exposed the undercurrents in the judiciary, which has been a subject of suspicion.

Before the crisis of confidence rocked the

The last 15 years of democracy in the country have been characterised by massive corruption at all levels of government. What has emboldened those involved in the crime is the failure of the anti-graft agencies and successive governments to bring the culprits to book. As a result of this, accountability and transparency is lacking at all levels of government. Towards the 2007 general elections, the then chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, revealed that majority of the state governors, whose second term in office would expire in 2007, were corrupt and would be prosecuted. Apart from former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, who was convicted and sentenced by a London court; and former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha that was convicted, other ex-governors have been standing endless trials without clear headway. Today, some of them are Ministers and Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while a few are in the ongoing National Conference in Abuja.

primaries to elections, down to electoral cases and others.

Insecurity HE level of insecurity across the country has T not abated, despite huge yearly budgetary allocations to the security sector.

The situation has assumed a very dangerous dimension in recent times, with kidnapping and terrorism taking the centre stage ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Today, the country is the cynosure of the international community with the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State.

Security wise, it has never been so bad like this even in the days of the military juntas.

While successes and achievements, such as the signing into law the Freedom of Information (FOI), which guarantees access to information; privatisation of the power sector, and the upgrading of the nation’s airports, it is clear that the country’s democracy still has a long way to go. It is not yet Uhuru for Nigerians.

TheGuardian

14 | Thursday, May 29, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com

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 Nigeria, corruption and Mugabe’s assault HEN the Zimbabwean nonagenarian President Robert Mugabe took a W swipe at Nigeria, describing the country as corrupt and one whose public affairs were governed by sleaze, the angry reaction of many was not unexpected. That unpalatable submission of President Mugabe rankled those in Nigeria’s corridors of power so much it consequently caused diplomatic unease between the two countries. Mugabe had made the remarks on the occasion of his 90th birthday luncheon. He has been in office for 34 years.

Nigeria protested to the Zimbabwean Chancery in Abuja, saying the remarks were denigrating of the country and its citizens and unbecoming of a friendly African country. The government then went ahead to reel off all the help it had rendered to Zimbabwe through its Afrocentric foreign policy thrust. Today, on the anniversary of Nigeria’s return to democracy, the how-dare-you posture of the Nigerian authorities should give way to critical soul-searching and a change.

No doubt, Nigeria supported liberation struggle in the entire southern Africa and adopted a policy that included the nationalisation of British Petroleum and the Barclays Bank to drive home the point of its seriousness with the freedom of African states under colonial domination. Indeed, Nigeria was a frontline state and Southern Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe gained independence with that unalloyed support of Nigeria.

Nonetheless, inherent in Mugabe’s unwise tirade is a serious message to Nigeria and its citizens. While Mugabe who continues to cling to power now, virtually as a life President, with destructive effects on his country, lacks the credentials to criticize anyone for corruption, yet there is a ring of truth in his retort. He is not the first public dignitary and head of government to tell Nigerians their ways are wrong in the open. The former Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad once said that corruption was driven in our land by the absence of a sense of shame. Also, the former President of the United States, Bill Clinton criticised the widespread corruption in the country and said it constituted a clog on the wheel of development.

Even Nigerians, on grounds of facts and perception, believe that their governments have been corrupt. The news media regale the public with cases of stolen billions of naira every day. Apart from the allegedly missing Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) $20 billion funds yet to be unraveled, a former state governor who was shielded by the Nigerian laws is serving prison terms in Britain where equity is largely unfettered. Another one who was jailed for corrupt practices was recently pardoned by the government.

From the onset of the fourth republic, corruption has been on the ascendancy. Several times, Transparency International has rated the country high on its corruption perception index. Between 1999 and to date, the country has been ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world. Last year, Transparency International 2013 Report ranked Nigeria 144th most corrupt country among 177 countries globally assessed. Similarly, the United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, an arm of the State Department painted a picture of the corruption among public officials in the country. The report titled, “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012” noted explicitly that despite official provisions against corrupt practices in the country, public officials were ensnarled in generous prebendal practices with extraordinary impunity at all tiers of government, including the security forces. The Nigerian judiciary was also indicted in that report which claimed that justice was for sale in the country. Today, as a result of the war against terror in the North-East quadrant of the country, the rot in the security forces is also in the limelight. Therefore, a country chooses its name by its overall governance output. So, the activities and behaviour of Nigerian officials qualify them as corrupt. And in the process, they taint the entire country.

It is unfortunate, of course, that despite the establishment of institutions to combat corruption, namely, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the scourge has not abated considerably. As the bane of development in the country, corruption needs to be tackled with the required political will and commitment if the country is to prosper. Lamentation over insults from even less important countries and tyrants with dubious credentials like Mugabe, will not solve the problem; what will do, is decisive action against corruption. It is only self-purging and the power of personal example on the part of Nigeria’s leaders that can regain the moral high ground and earn a corresponding respect for the country.

Let that be the resolve as the nation marks Democracy Day today.

LETTER

Who murdered Nigerian student in Ghana?

IR: Remember I am in Ghana as Prosper Agblorh, who is said to that the tyres fit the marks SMasquerade the Secretary to the be the Director-General in extracted by the Police where the Team, hosted by charge of Criminal Investigation body was found. Apparently, the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana, since August, 2013. On February 20, 2014, the news came on air that a Nigerian student (in UCC) was murdered. I asked whether it was usual and people said it was strange. In my interaction with two Ghanaian postgraduate students, I asked what they thought could be responsible for that unusual occurrence.

One of them said he suspected the murdered student’s lifestyle. I thought the gruesome way he was murdered suggested that he must have done something heinous to make the murderers kill him brutally, and even brought out his bowels.

That was the speculation. Then came the rumour that he had $5000 on him, which his father gave him for school fees for the new session, 2013/2014, which, for whatever reason he never paid, and didn’t register for the session until some people killed him.

Imagine the distance between July 2013 and February 2014! That was the cause of another suspicion that the student might have been killed because of the money.

I concluded my article that time stating that Police investigation “is said to be ongoing”.

Police investigation has revealed that five Nigerian students who were his known friends were responsible-for, or had a hand in his murder. The report in the Daily Guide (Ghana) gave the murdered student’s name as Godwin Chukwudi Ayogu, 19, level 200 when he last registered in UCC, 2012/2013.

The Commissioner of Police (COP),

Department, is quoted as saying it was discovered that a certain Ayobami (one of the five) borrowed money from Ayogu, travelled overseas and rented a two bedroom apartment in Ghana, while refusing to pay Ayogu his money.

People came to know because Ayogu was said to be complaining about Ayobami to friends.

Anyway, thorough investigation is said to nail all the five suspects.

A vehicular mark is said to indicate that Ayogu was killed somewhere and dumped where his body was found. According to the report, only Timileyin has a car among the five friends and

murder was beyond what a single person could have done.

I won’t judge Ayogu, because I don’t know whether it was illluck or his lifestyle that led him to his friends. What could Ayobami have told Ayogu that made him to give-out part of his own school fees, while Ayobami paid his own and registered for the session? To which authority did Ayogu report such a serious matter? I feel ashamed, but consoled by the fact that there are many other Nigerian students in UCC making Nigeria proud.

• Pius Abioje, University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

What is the difference between IBEDC and PHCN? IR: It’s been a while now that of Abeokuta respectively which Svatized the Federal Government pri- have been in darkness for close Power Holding to three months, residents have Company of Nigeria, (PHCN) with the hope that the change we all expected had come where we will all be able to boast of at least 12 hours of power supply daily.

But the reverse is the case as our stories have now turned to ‘had I known’. There is no concrete change. No area can boast of one hour power supply. The situation gets worse on daily basis viza-viz inflated cost of bills and total blackout.

The practice now is stealing of cables that drop light into the transformer. Examples of these include Ijaye and Gbangba areas

been asked to contribute N240, 000 for IBEDC workers to be able to restore the light.

The problem is not contributing the money but what if they get a cable, what is the assurance against repeated theft?

Surprisingly, the people of the area while trying to secure the transformer gave the IBEDC workers the key to the transformer so that they can be answerable to whatever happens to it; but now that the cable has been stolen, who should the people hold responsible?

• Bunmi Adigun, Adigunbunmi2019@yahoo.com

Thursday, May 29, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

15

Opinion The Sultan, Muslims and Boko Haram

By John Cardinal Onaiyekan “Terrorism has no place in Islam…We must rise up as always, with one voice to condemn all acts of terrorism, condemn those terrorists wherever they are and try our best as Muslims to ensure peace reigns in our community”.

HIS is the core of the message of the SulT tan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and President of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) during a special prayer session last weekend organised by the same NSCIA at the Abuja National Mosque, an event that was widely covered by the Nigerian media. It was also given very wide and positive media coverage here in Rome, starting from the Vatican Radio. I congratulate the Sultan for his bold statement. This has given me the courage to voice out, with all good intention, a reflection that has been going through my own mind for some time now.

For a long time, we used to pride ourselves as Nigerians for the generally good relations between our two major religious communities. We described ourselves as “the greatest Islamo-Christian nation in the world”. This is to highlight the fact that there is no nation in the world with so many Christians and so many Muslims living together in almost equal numbers and largely peacefully.

We saw cases of “inter-religious” conflicts with loss of life and property. But we tended to dismiss them as anomalies occurring a few days in the year. We attrib-

uted this anomaly to the actions and utterances of a small group of extremists on both ends of the religious divide. At other times, we blame the manipulation, misuse and abuse of religion by people with other aims and objectives, political, ethnic and social. Often, all these factors merge.

But we soon began to wonder at the chronic repetition of such “anomalous” incidents. The role of religion became ever more evident, whether directly or indirectly. Most of the violent religious conflicts featured Muslim extremists targeting Christian objectives. It has also been largely a Northern affair. The records on this are clear.

All this has become drastically exacerbated with the emergence of the Boko Haram. They have raised the level of destruction and ruthlessness to inhuman dimensions. They have also been carrying out their murderous activities calling the name of “Allah” and giving Islam a bad name. We do not know how many they are, but they are enough to constitute a major danger to the entire nation. Like poison, you need only a little portion to kill many people. They have also become a cause of concern for the international community, having now acquired the dubious merit of a mention at the United Nations’ Security Council.

How do we get out of “this very serious situation” as the Sultan rightly describes our present predicament? The abduction of the over 250 schoolgirls is no doubt very serious, and we pray that our daughters will return home soon. But it is only a

tragic symptom of the wider issue of terrorism, which needs to be addressed from the roots. The complexity of the problem calls for many sided approaches, military, yes, but also political and economic. Beyond all this, the religious dimension is what I particularly want to draw attention to in this reflection. The government must key this dimension into its strategies for a lasting solution to the problem. Government should abandon its tendency to close its eyes to the religious issues. Too little effort is being made in this direction.

The Muslim community has come out several times in the past to condemn the Boko Haram. That is commendable but not enough. It is also certainly not helpful to maintain that the terrorists are not Muslims because they are doing things that are clearly contrary to what the majority of Muslims hold. If there is ever to be any channels of dialogue and peace-making with the group, it will necessarily involve Muslim elements with access to them, people they respect and will listen to. We see here the wisdom and importance of the call of the Sultan.

To go beyond mere condemnation, it seems to me that there is an urgent need for an in-house dialogue within the Nigerian Muslim community. Such a dialogue would make it possible to courageously and sincerely deal with currents and movements that create the kind of religious climate and atmosphere in which Boko Haram and similar groups emerge and thrive. It is not enough to condemn market bombing, killing in villages and places of

‘

worship and abduction of innocent schoolgirls. All this is expected of any right thinking person. But it is also necessary to condemn extreme and intolerant religious positions and attitudes which make peace with others impossible. It is not enough to merely tolerate people of other faiths, considered perhaps as undesirable.

It is also necessary to respect the religious convictions of everyone and accept the reality of our multi-religious nation as being in the plan of the One God whom we all worship. Our freedom of religion has to do with freedom to speak the truth of our faiths. It cannot be license to insult and denigrate others, less still to foment violence and hatred. It is surely the duty of the state to enforce and ensure good order and deal firmly with all trouble makers.

But it is the greater duty of religious authorities to promote peace and harmony among God’s children in our nation.

Every effort in this direction deserves the encouragement of the entire nation, starting with government. The Christian community too should welcome and support such efforts, with a view to “close ranks as Nigerians”, as the Sultan has wisely suggested. In this regard, we must say that this is hardly the time for the Nigerian Inter-religious Council, (NIREC) to go into a slumber. We should all wake up to salvage our nation, before it becomes too late.

• John Cardinal Onaiyekan is Archbishop of Abuja. • This article is the fourth in his series of Letters from Rome.

Spain’s history of commitment to Africa N May 25, 1963, 30 countries met in Addis Ababa to esO tablish the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), to jointly face the new challenges arising after decolonisation.

The African Union, which now has 53 member countries, succeeded the OAU in July 2002, but on May 25, we continue to observe Africa Day. Spain has always joined in this celebration, for reasons of historical friendship, of close geographic proximity, or solidarity with its projects and because we are convinced that our own progress and welfare also depends on what happens on the other side of the strait of Gibraltar.

The African continent is much more complex, diverse, vibrant and rich in nuances than the clichéd, exotic Africa we see in a distorting mirror, than the neo-paternalistic outlook so often encountered, than the headlines and news stories about this continent, with their images of violence, poverty and desperate men and women, who also often perish in the quest for a better life within Europe’s borders.

Africa is much more than all that. Because Africa is, beyond a doubt, the region of the world where the phenomenon of globalization is having the greatest impact. In my view, this impact is a force for the good of all Africans, for their hopes and for those of us all.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world (at 6% per year, in 2014, according to the World Bank). Its democratically elected governments succeed each other, and its dynamic and entrepreneurial peoples are creating an evergrowing middle class. The continent has immense natural resources, with the potential to make it the planet’s major provider of grain and energy, and a cultural wealth that is inspirational and enjoying increasing recognition.

But the most important of all these considerations is that Africa knows itself and intends to be master of its own destiny. The African people are taking on responsibility for their present and future, creating their own architecture of peace and security, and ensuring that continental and regional integration will constitute vectors of development and growth. Africa is a continent that is helping itself, that is making productive use of the remittances sent by its emigrants, and that is developing South-South cooperation.

The positive evolution of many countries in Africa is leading, gradually but resolutely, to a new state of relations in which the participation of private companies, trade and in-

‘

By Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo

We have promoted policies on migration issues, such as the EU Global Approach to Migration, and we are involved in all the processes aimed at controlling migratory flows, such as the Rabat Process, Mobility Partnerships and the Africa-EU partnership on Migration, Mobility and Employment. In all of this work, we take a comprehensive, balanced view, to serve the best interests of the countries of origin and destination. We are an example on this issue vestment are forming the bedrock on which the expectations of the continent are based, on which to consolidate its stability, growth and development.

Spain well understands the magnitude of the challenge, and for this reason, we are ready to act, viewing Africa as a strategic partner on equal terms, who will help us identify problems and provide solutions.

Spain has diplomatic representation in 31 African countries, and economic and trade offices in 11. Africa is the main destination of our development cooperation. In the last 10 years, we have contributed over €6.3 billion to subSaharan Africa and over €1.6 billion to North Africa. In 2013, our exports doubled those of 2007 and today our companies export more to Africa than to Latin America. We encourage Spanish companies to invest in Africa and to work with African partners. Spanish companies are world leaders in some sectors that are crucial to Africa’s economic prosperity and have extensive experience in the management of EU funds. These elements form a perfect combination that can be used to the benefit of many African countries.

Spain actively supports the cause of peace and security in the continent. We are the country that has contributed the highest number of troops to the EU mission in Mali. We are also present in Niger, Somalia and the Central African Republic, and we are combating piracy by means of Operation Atlanta. We are active in conflict prevention and, together with Morocco, we recently launched a Mediation Initiative for the Mediterranean.

Well aware of the importance of accompanying the processes of democratic governance, in 2012 we initiated

the Masar programme in North Africa, and we will soon launch the APIA programme to promote inclusive policies in sub-Saharan Africa. We have instruments of public diplomacy, such as Casa Africa, Casa Arabe and Casa Mediterraneano, to deepen mutual understanding. Our ties and commitment to the continent will be strengthened as the society of our country comes to have a greater knowledge and understanding of Africa.

In the European Union, Spain has promoted numerous initiative, such as the Strategy for the Sahel and the Strategy for the Gulf of Guinea. In 2007-2013, we contributed 7.85% of the funds for the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) and we shall provide 8% for the 11th Fund (from 2014 to 2018).

We are also actively involved in the negotiation process to sing Trade Partnership Agreements.

We have promoted policies on migration issues, such as the EU Global Approach to Migration, and we are involved in all the processes aimed at controlling migratory flows, such as the Rabat Process, Mobility Partnerships and the Africa-EU partnership on Migration, Mobility and Employment. In all of this work, we take a comprehensive, balanced view, to serve the best interests of the countries of origin and destination. We are an example on this issue.

Spain is doing a lot, but we wish to go further. If in the period 2015-2016 we occupy a seat on the UN Security Council, we have the ability and the intention to be excellent ambassadors of Africa.

Spain well knows that the African continent is now the master of its own destiny and is blazing its own trail. We need only listen, and help.

• Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo is the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Opinion SANE as Africa’s growth poles

By Temitope Oshikoya INT – Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey M –economies have been dubbed as the next frontiers of rapid economic growth by Jim O’Neill, previously with Goldman Sachs. However, as this neologism becomes fashionable, we should note that there has been SANE –comprising South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt meant essentially to galvanize Africa’s economic renaissance, competitiveness, and integration into the global economy.

The SANE was first coined by me in an article which appeared in Africa Business of February, 2007 and in the African Competitiveness Report of the same year, published jointly by African Development Bank, World Economic Forum, and World Bank. Since that first article, the concept of SANE has been used much more by research scholars focusing on regional economic and financial integration.

The SANE was coined at a time when much has been said and written about how the outside world could help Africa, with emphasis on how trade preferences, standards and codes, and security guarantees provided by the international community could help smaller African countries.

Others have stressed increased external financial assistance by scaling up aid, debt relief, and aid for trade to Africa. And at the time, there has been much euphoria about Africa’s silk road to riches by engaging with Asia, especially China and India.

This recurring theme of the outside world helping Africa, albeit important, addresses only one side of the coin. The other side is: what can we Africans in Africa do to help Africa?

Herein lies the theme of ‘SANE’– comprising South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt – serving as Africa’s growth poles in unlocking its potential for economic prosperity. While 54 African countries are diverse, most indicators point to only two broad economic groupings: the SANE and the rest of Africa.

The SANE group of four countries (which might be termed Africa’s G4) represents almost a fifth and a third of the continent’s land mass and population respectively, and accounts for slightly more than half of Africa’s total GDP in both nominal and purchasing power parity terms. With Nigeria’s rebasing of her GDP, the share of the SANE will even go higher. The remaining 50 African countries, with two-thirds of the region’s population, have close to remaining half of the continent’s GDP. Remarkably, SANE also shares half of Africa’s exports, trade balance, foreign direct investment and foreign reserves.

The relative economic size and importance of SANE is even more pronounced at the sub-regional levels. South Africa accounts for four-fifths of the total output in Southern Africa. Within its immediate sub-region, Nigeria is one of 15 countries in West Africa that make up the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), but it accounts for half of its population and more than two-thirds of the sub-regional output. Algeria and Egypt also account for more than half of the total output in North Africa.

SANE has three comparative advantages in becoming regional growth poles for Africa – geology, geography, demography, and market size.

South Africa is well endowed with mineral resources including gold, platinum, and diamonds. Egypt is a leader in textile production and an oil exporter. Algeria and Nigeria alone account for almost half of Africa’s proven hydro-carbon reserves and production.

The second factor in favour of SANE is physical geography. They are coastal states, generating positive externalities by providing access to overseas markets and allowing land-locked neighbouring countries to reduce the cost of exporting. In comparison to other continents, transportation cost is higher in Africa partly because it has the smallest share of its land area close to the sea. The coastal structure of the SANE lends itself to the development of industrial concentration and agglomeration of cities similar to the south-eastern seabed of China. The third factor is the demography and market size of the SANE. Africa’s population is roughly divided equally among the SANE, the 17 land-locked countries, and the remaining spatially dispersed 33 smaller coastal countries. Although SANE has one-third of Africa’s total population, its economy is five times that of the land-locked countries and one-and-a-half times the smaller coastal countries. Large population size confers the advantage of big internal and regional markets, economies of scale and scope, while contributing to the labour force. The market size provides opportunities for firms to reap increasing returns to scale and network effects. Per capita income is three times higher in SANE relative to the rest of Africa. Half of African countries have populations less than 10 million, with half of these having populations below three million.

Much of the remaining 50 African countries are generally resource-poor, land-locked and small.

Being resource-poor, small, or land-locked should not lead to perpetual underdevelopment as Luxembourg and Switzerland have clearly demonstrated within Europe. Even then, these

countries have succeeded partly through integrating their trade and economies with their rich neighbours within Europe. Imagine a Europe without Germany, France and the United Kingdom!

There have been pockets of promising prospects among smaller African countries.

Over the last two decades, Botswana and Mauritius, in particular, have sustained relatively higher per capita GDP growth rates above the average for Africa, due mainly to policy choices.

However, they do not have the scale, size and scope to become truly African growth poles with significant spill over effects. As such, both the land-locked countries and smaller coastal countries would benefit from the spill-over effects of economic growth potential of the larger and richer SANE. The interaction of the three factors – endowments, geography, and market size – gives the SANE natural advantage to become economic growth poles for Africa. In some instances, the integration of smaller economies combining resource-rich coastal countries with those that are land-locked and resource-poor could also potentially generate large regional economic spillover effects. An enlarged and revitalised East African Community comprising Kenya and Tanzania (coastal states) with Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda (land-locked states) serves this model.

The EAC with a combined population of 120 million could generate similar growth pole impacts in Eastern Africa as the SANE. There are no secret recipes for translating economic potential to prosperity. In the case of the SANE, the missing ingredients have been the low level and productivity of investment in institutions, people, infrastructure, and knowledge both nationally and regionally. Investment rate at a fifth of GDP in the SANE has been comparable to those in the rest of Africa, but much lower than a third of GDP in the dynamic economies of East Asia. The productivity of investment is as important as the need to sustain higher investment rate.

Africa’s competitiveness depends crucially on the productivity of the SANE, which in turn is determined by the productivity of its firms. More than two-thirds of the largest 1000 African companies are located in the SANE. A few of these companies – South Africa’s MTN, Standard Bank, and Shoprite; Nigeria’s Dangote Cement, Oando, and Glo; Egypt’s ORASCOM – are now Africa’s giants tapping into the much larger African markets.

The quality of business environment, which

depends on microeconomic and institutional factors, is crucial for firm-level productivity and cost-competitiveness. Such factors include public sector accountability, good governance, respects for the rule of law and property rights. By most measures, including the global competitiveness and ease of doing business rankings, the SANE has not fared better than the rest of Africa.

The SANE could play more pivotal role in being the voice of Africa in regional and global institutions. The SANE should encourage the development of effective institutions to promote regional peace and stability, financial capital, mobility of labour, and intra-African trade and integration. The SANE could help foster stronger and more effective institutions on the continent by rationalizing the current spaghetti-bowl of conflicting and overlapping regional integration communities and institutions. A collective approach led by the SANE countries is necessary to providing public goods with regional externalities including science and technology, innovation, climate and environment, and natural resource management.

The SANE also provides natural growth poles for integrating road, rail, and ports across Africa in line with NEPAD’s Spatial Development Initiative Programmes, with a focus on development corridors and infrastructure networks based on well-defined geographical areas. More than ever, now is the time for the SANE to take the lead in facilitating regional energy, transport, and telecommunication infrastructure projects, with the potential to lower one of the major barriers to the region’s competitiveness. One can imagine the development of vertical and horizontal integrated railways systems and Highway systems in Africa similar to those in the United States that would open up economies, markets and people from Cairo to Cape Town; from Dakar through Lagos to Mombasa.

From this analysis we can conclude that the world’s attention has focused on helping most of the resource-poor, land-locked and small 50 African countries get on their feet. This is deservingly so, and it is commendable. However, to promote economic growth in Africa, it is also essential to focus on the continent’s critical growth poles, represented by SANE, which have the potential of spurring development within their immediate environments, and ultimately, all over Africa. As charity begins at home, it is important that Nigeria plays a catalytic role as a SANE economy, on the way to joining the ranks of the MINT economies.

• Oshikoya, PhD is an Economist and a Chartered

Head that can wear the crown

By Alaba Yusuf “Where the word best comes in, the term better becomes a misnomer.”

– Yoruba proverb ONE of British best known political philosophers and legal luminaries, Lord Acton, once etched an unforgettable wise-crack on the slate of life, which till today, affects and impacts on man’s social architecture and developmental engineering the world over. The sagacious sage and jurist, having deeply studied the rat race for political power, concluded thus: “For forms of government, let the fools contest; whatever is best administered is best governed.” How audacious but apt this statement?

Though centuries away from 2015, the aforementioned assertion still holds steam across the globe today; and quite accurate, complete, relevant, meaningful and unambiguous – particularly when scrutinising the current actors and spectators in Lagos State politics. Given a political amphitheatre of fairness, equity and justice, to determine who succeeds admirable BRF, His Excellency Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, whose tenure expires soon, it may not be a hard task to spot the next helmsman in a technocrat with finesse, diligence, honesty and modesty.

Lagos State is never short of such a quintessential human asset.

A people’s politician or a public steward of immense character, competence and capability; one with intense compassion for community development and astute leadership qualities; a leader whose cumulative attitude, over time, has extracted him from the multitude and placed him shoulder high above others, onto an enviable social altitude; a man worthy of emulation and accolade! Come 2015, who will the cap fit in Alausa Government House?

We are beginning to see early risers and wall-paper candidates, mostly mere pretenders and not real contenders; scrambling to take poll positions and hoping somehow for a legitimate cutting edge head-start. The media is the greatest benefactor in all of these – raking in stupendous revenues from paid spotlights and self-advertisements. Some of such quick-fit publications have been ascribed to questionable or non-existent socio-cultural groups or funny political hybrid associations. Truly, power never comes without a wrestle! And it is a real life game; but the public must sift the seed from the chaff.

Meanwhile, the beauty of democracy is that it must bring along progress and development to humanity. Hence, any man aspiring to an office of honour such as that of governor of a state should command respect among the governed and have untainted and impeccable character certification, eye on the ball of mutual growth, fingers on the pie of creativity, and a sound mind that fuses imagination with achievable innovations.

Without doubt he should be a Midas; a man with value added touch, VAT. And since political grapevine, and commonsense too, has it that a technocrat of repute, from Lagos East, should step into the big shoes that BRF will be leaving behind come 2015; then it behoves the good people of Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe that constitute Lagos East, to put their best feet forward in the APC governorship election.

Stunningly, the revered royal father of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, was recently quoted in the media as endorsing a particular candidate for the top job from the ‘assigned’ senatorial district.

And this ‘anointed’ candidate, who retired about a year ago from the State Civil Service, is believed to be a technocrat and public servant of high pedigree. Of course, he is. The referred candidate may be a better candidate than others currently on display; how

can he beat the record of an exemplary Head of Service and an illustrious son of Lagos East, who also bowed out of public stewardship, recently, after decades of meritorious service to Lagosians.

The staggering profile of Prince Adesegun Olusola Ogunlewe, Head of Service, Lagos State Civil Service (May 2010 – October 2013) indicates that he was born October 16, 1953, had his elementary and secondary education in Methodist Primary School and Oriwu College, respectively, both in Ikorodu. Prince Ogunlewe joined the public service in 1979 as an administrative officer, after obtaining a degree in Sociology from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) in 1978. He learned the bureaucratic ropes and rose through the ranks, became a permanent secretary (February 2, 2001) and served in five agencies and other capacities before getting to his career’s zenith as the Head of Service of Lagos State Civil Service on May 21, 2010.

With a credential of integrity, Ogunlewe attained the enviable height of a thorough-bred technocrat, unassailable administrative disciplinarian and a public mentor. Between 1987-1992, he was a private secretary to many state governors such as: late Navy Captain Okhai Mike Akhigbe, Col. Raji Rasaki (rtd) and Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, of blessed memory.

He is an embodiment of intellectualism, humane and urbane.

If merit is the name of the political game in Lagos State’s search for a technocrat to be at the helms of affairs come 2015, the best candidate from Lagos East, cannot but be a man who deeply understands the inner workings of government. He can consolidate the good works of outgoing governor Babatunde Fashola.

Let the man who can serve best be the head that wears Lagos gubernatorial crown in 2015. Long live the good people of Lagos State and their heritage of perfection and excellent disposition.

• Yusuf, a journalist and commentator, is based in Abuja.

Thursday, May 29, 2014 17

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Focus Dearth of judges threatens Enugu’s justice system Several cases are pending and many individuals are being held in Enugu state prisons without trial, due to the nonappointment of judges. LAWRENCE NJOKU examines the issues involved.

HE dearth of judges and inadequate facilities T in the Enugu State judiciary are raising serious questions about the state’s justice system and the quality of its judgments.

To fast track justice and for administrative convenience, the state created eight divisions of the high court in Enugu, Nsukka, Enugu-Ezike, Agbani, Oji-River, Awgu, ObolloAfor and Aguobu-Owa. There are other cadres, ranging from the Customary Court of Appeal to the Magistrate courts. But the lack facilities and personnel to man the divisions are threatening the justice delivery system, with the resultant delays in cases and congestion in the prisons.

At the state magistrate court for instance, more than one magistrate sit in a courtroom at different times due accommodation problems.

Besides, existing courtrooms at the high court division have remained empty for sometime, following the National Judicial Commission’s (NJC’s) inability to appoint judges.

Governor Sullivan Chime, had, while swearing in Justice Ngozi Rosemary Orji at the State High Court and two other judges of the customary court on March 29, raised the alarm over the shortage of judges in the state. He affirmed that several letters had already been written to the NJC on the anomaly.

While urging urgent action to forestall a crisis situation, the governor stated that the shortage was occasioned by elevation, deaths and retirements. And unless something urgent is done, he affirmed, the situation could get worse next year when other judges would also be due for retirement.

The Guardian discovered that 19 judges, including the Chief Judge are currently serving at the high court division. It was gathered that the number is too small, compared to the number of cases. Various vacancies occasioned by retirements, deaths and elevations are yet to be filled since 2006. It was further learnt that between 2006 and March 2014, only four judicial appointments were made for the High Court of Justice, Enugu. Those appointed were: Justice C.I Nwobodo (2007), Justice N.N Neboh (2007), Justice E. Oluedo (2010) and Justice R. Oji (March 2014).

Within the same period, about 10 other judges either died, retired or were elevated to the Court of Appeal. Those elevated include Justice R. C Agbo, who was appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal in 2006 and Justice C.C Nweze, elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2007.

Also Justice V.N Nebo was appointed President of the Customary Court of Appeal in 2010 from the High Court of Justice, Enugu. Justices E. C Ahanonu, M.O Chidobem and B. C Nnosike died in August 2007, October 2008 and November 2008, respectively.

Those that retired within the period include Justice G.O Anibueze (2008), Justice F.K Ezike (March 2011), Justice P.C Akubilo (January 2012) and Justice B.E Agbatah (September 2013).

Of the present judges at the State High Court, four will retire between September this year and October next year. They include Justice K.N Udeh (September 2014), Justice P.I Enejere (May 2015), Justice F.C Obieze (June 2015) and Justice L.O Okereke (October 2015).

The vacuum, it was learnt, has forced some judges to now sit in more than two divisions of the state judiciary. Sources close to the state high court gave the breakdown of judges that sit in more than one judicial division as Justice A.O. Onovo, believed to be sitting in three judicial divisions - High Courts in, Nsukka, EnuguEzike and Enugu.

Justice F.C. Obieze is said to be sitting in two judicial divisions: High Courts of Enugu and Awgu. Justice Anthony A. Nwobodo currently sits in two judicial divisions, namely High Courts of Enugu and Oji River. Justice L.O. Okereke sits in two judicial divisions, namely High Courts Enugu and Oji River. Justice R.O. Ozoemena also sits in two judicial divisions – High Courts of Enugu and Oji River.

The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in the South East Zone recently raised an alarm over

Chime

Mukhtar

the development. In a recent petition the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) entitled: Need to appoint more judges and the impropriety of judges sitting at more than one judicial division at a time, signed by the group’s South-East Zonal Director, Olu Omotayo, the CLO said the development was affecting the smooth, effective, efficient and speedy dispensation of justice in Enugu State.

The petition described the current practice where a judge sits in more than one judicial division as not only unhealthy but also illegal. It stated: “The question is why these judges should be sitting in more than one judicial division? We submit that it is stressful and unproductive to subject any judge to this type of rigorous torture, just because the state government failed to appoint new judges to cover all the judicial divisions in the state.”

The group said its investigations showed that “there is no state in Nigeria where these strange practices exist, except in Enugu State.

We submit that this anomaly should not be allowed to continue as it spells doom for the administration of justice in the state and the Nigerian judiciary as a whole. Though, our investigations revealed that it is the state government that has, for political reasons, failed to appoint new judges to the bench, we submit that the National Judicial Council should not shirk away from its responsibility to ensure effective and efficient judicial system in all the states of the federation.”

The group called on the CJN and the NJC to urgently exercise their powers pursuant to Section 21 (c) of the 3rd Schedule Part 1(i) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and recommend to the governor, from among the list of persons submitted to

it by the State Judicial Service Commission, persons for appointment as judges of the High Court.

It added: “We further demand that if the State Judicial Service Commission has failed to submit a list of persons for appointment as judges of the High Court to the Council, the Council should direct the commission to urgently carry out its constitutional duty and submit the list immediately to the council, pursuant to the cumulative effect of the above-mentioned section and Section 6(a) of the 3rd Schedule Part 11 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The CLO insisted that the various prisons located in Enugu, Nsukka and Oji River habour inmates whose cases date back several years as a result of the development.

Recently, a non –governmental organization, the Carmelite Prisons’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO), sued the State Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecution, the Comptroller of Prisons and the State Commissioner of Police for the continued detention without trial of 796 inmates in the state’s three prisons.

In a motion on notice it filed on behalf of the 796 inmates at a Federal High Court, Enugu Division, CAPIO stated that it was filing a Fundamental Right Application and prayed the court, to mandate the four respondents to produce the applicants in court for trial, or alternatively, unconditionally release them.

The group is also seeking a “declaration that the continuous detention of the applicants by the respondents without proper charges filed against them, trial and conviction is a flagrant infringement and violation of their freedom of liberty as enshrined in the

Details show that, at the Nsukka prison where 20 inmates have been awaiting trial on murder cases for more than three years, the oldest inmate is Emmanuel Ugwuowo, who was 55 years when he was incarcerated on June 12, 2002. The longest held on an allegation of murder is Chijioke Ayogu, who was 33 years old when he was remanded on August 27, 1996. The youngest inmate is Anslem Ozoemena, who was 15 years old when he was admitted to the prison on October 10, 2006

1999 Constitution.”

In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Ambrose Ekereoku on behalf of CAPIO, an organisation with particular interest in the justice sector and prison reforms, the group revealed that a septuagenarian, under aged children and women are among the 796 inmates.

“Most of the inmates have been remanded without trial for as long as 11 years on allegations ranging from murder, robbery, manslaughter, rape and miscellaneous offences,” Ekereoku hinted.

According to CAPIO, “most of them have spent between five months and eight years in prison custody without arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction.”

Details show that, at the Nsukka prison where 20 inmates have been awaiting trial on murder cases for more than three years, the oldest inmate is Emmanuel Ugwuowo, who was 55 years when he was incarcerated on June 12, 2002. The longest held on an allegation of murder is Chijioke Ayogu, who was 33 years old when he was remanded on August 27, 1996. The youngest inmate is Anslem Ozoemena, who was 15 years old when he was admitted to the prison on October 10, 2006.

Meanwhile, 38 others have been awaiting trial for robbery cases at the Nsukka prison for more than three years. The youngest inmate held on charges of robbery is Ndubuisi Ugwu, who was 16 years old when he was incarcerated on August 15, 2008. The longest held is Bende Umaru, who was 24 years when he was admitted to the prison on October 10, 2005.

In the Medium Security Prison at Oji River, 17 inmates are being held sine die. The longest held is Kingsley Kama, who was 22 years when he was remanded on February 21, 2002 and has already spent 11 years awaiting trial.

Also in Enugu Prison, 10 women are among the 796 inmates incarcerated and awaiting trial for more than three years.

Meanwhile, the state’s Attorney General, Anthony Ani (SAN), said an approval for appointment of 14 additional judges for the high court of justice was being sought from the NJC. Speaking on the implication of the development on the justice system, he said: “Obviously, it will lead to congestion because you have the same number of cases you have been having since 2006.

It will lead to congestion in prisons; it will leave so many criminal cases pending; it will lead to cases taking longer time to conclude. It will affect the younger lawyers because when they go to court, the senior lawyers will mention their cases first, do their cases first and before it gets to the younger ones, there might be an adjournment. It will affect the lawyers adversely and to unemployment of lawyers because if you don’t have money in your chamber, how can you employ more lawyers to help you in the court?”

He continued: “We have written letters and usually at the beginning of the year, you are asked to send in your request. We made a case for the appointment of 14 new judges, out of which we were given opportunity to appoint only three and during the appointment, they gave us only one. So, it is not that we are not making efforts, we are building even new court halls.”

Asked why the two judges the state got approval for have not been sworn in, he said it was within the NJC’s dictates statutorily to make recommendations to the state governor for appointment.

He said: “As far as I am concerned, it is a crisis situation in Enugu state. We will continue to make representations. I hear it is because of the consolidated fund and they look at the whole budget where the judges are paid from and begin to ration it.”

He however denied the rumour making the rounds that the low productivity of the Enugu Judicial division might have been responsible for the seeming inability of the NJC to act.

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Thursday, May 29, 2014

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TheMetroSection Meet the only Nigerian journalist with access to Boko Haram • He was flown home to negotiate with the group Nigerian government flew him back home a few weeks ago to negotiate with Boko Haram on their behalf, since he’s the only civilian who has allegedly seen Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau and come out alive

Briefs Hassan Dauda dies at 50 HE death has occurred of T Mr. Hassan Dauda , an auto technician at Alagbole, Akute in Ogun State at the age of 50.

According to his colleagues, Mr. Yusuf Kareem and Mr. Rotimi Adeyemi, he died at Ikeja General Hospital on May 25, 2014 and was buried on May 26, 2014 in his residence at Ofada, Ogun State, according to Muslim rites.

He is survived by his wife, four children, mother and other relations.

His friends are organising candle light procession for him on Sunday, June 1, 2014.

IGERIAN journalist, Ahmad N Salkida, who previously worked for Daily Trust and Premium Times and reported extensively on Boko Haram, fled Nigeria to Dubai two years ago after being accused of being a Boko Haram sympathizer.

He said he fled after ‘his life and that of his family became endangered’ after security agencies began to mistake his in-depth reporting on the terrorist group as evidence of his closeness to them. He went underground for several weeks before finally fleeing Nigeria.

Salkida was perhaps the only Nigerian journalist/civilian to have access to Boko Haram, and he said at the time that he had turned down Boko Haram’s many requests for him to publish exclusive interviews and materials for them, (according to his tweets).

Anyway, according to new reports, the Nigerian government flew him back home a few weeks ago to negotiate with Boko Haram on their behalf, since he’s the only civilian who has allegedly seen Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau and come out alive.

He reportedly came back home after the Nigerian government assured him that he would not be arrested.

One hundred non-combatants, low-level sympathizers were to be freed and the two groups brought

Salkida together in a convoy of buses accompanied by a handpicked go-between, respected Nigerian journalist Ahmad Salkida.

The plan had been agreed in tortuous negotiations in response to worldwide outrage over a nighttime raid on a school in the town of Chibok on April 14 when the girls were abducted from their dormitories.

Mr. Salkida was born in Borno State, where Boko Haram originated. He has known its leaders all his life and has unprecedented access.

He has been arrested on several occasions accused of being a Boko Haram sympathiser, and he fled with his family to Dubai two years ago.

But two weeks ago, President Jonathan’s aides summoned him out of exile. He initially feared he might face arrest, but was then given a letter of indemnity signed by the President when he flew to Nigeria.

Sources said Mr. Salkida was able to travel by taxi to the group’s forest camp to talk to Shekau two weeks

Dauda

Groups solicit support for customer care initiative LAYERS in the oil, gas and P hospitality industries have jointly reiterated that

Salkida ago. “His mission was secretive and dangerous,” they said.

He is probably the only civilian with access to Shekau. There is trust between them and Salkida had only one aim- to get the schoolgirls out.

He reported afterwards that the group of girls he saw were alive and well, and being adequately fed and sheltered. They told him all they

wanted was to go home.

Salkida’s mission was complicated by the chaos surrounding government’s pronouncements about negotiations with the terrorist group.

Shekau has released two shocking videos showing the girls dressed in hijabs and reciting verses from the Koran.

Culled from: UK Daily Mail

Police medical corps distributes Cleric tasks Nigerians on prayers for indivisible Nigeria Michael Egbejule, Benin City mosquito treated nets to pupils in Lagos FromRESIDENT He also advised politiGoodluck

By Odita Sunday HE Nigeria Police Medical unit has commenced the battle against Malaria with the distribution of over 1500 mosquitotreated bed nets to school pupils of Police Children Schools in Lagos.

Commissioner Of Police in charge of the Nigeria Police Medical section in Lagos Dr. Grace Okudo, who distributed the nets, said her action was in line with the Police High Command’s plan to wipe out malaria among Police children community all over the country.

She said since there was no vaccine for malaria, the children should be protected against mosquitoes as the parasite that causes the sickness is transferred to human blood by mosquitoes.

“We have distributed 1,5OO treated mosquito nets to our Children in the Police Children School 1, Obalende. We are appealing to parents to use the nets to protect the children when they go to sleep. Since there is no vaccine for malaria, the only alternative is to make sure that we prevent them from the dreaded malaria by covering them with the treated nets so that mosquitoes will not bite them.” “ Cover your children with treated bed nets whether in the day or in the night. It is better to prevent malaria than to cure it.”

Dr. Okudo who was accompanied by the Chief Matron of the Police hospital, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ngozi Braide said the war against malaria should be everybody’s business as malaria kills children faster than any other disease.

“Parents should not see it as a minor sickness. It is even worse than HIV/AIDS, especially when there is no vaccine. The only vaccine is to prevent the parasite by covering your children with treated nets,” she said.

She called on other corporate organizations to emulate the good gesture by the Police and assist other children in public schools to fight malaria.

T

PEbele Jonathan has been urged to be decisive in the

affairs of the country in a bid to exposing persons or groups who have no good intention for the country, no matter how highlyplaced, in the quest to win the battle against terrorism and the return of the over 200 Chibok school girls abducted by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

The Spiritual Leader, Miracle Church of Cherubim and Seraphim, Jah Zion, Prophet Olu Joseph, gave the admonition at a prophetic ministration in Benin City, Edo State Capital during this year’s Children’s Day celebration, where he called on Christians and non-Christians in the country to fast and pray to avert problems imminent in the month of June and July 2014, just as he urged the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor to heed to the premonition by God’s ser-

cians to shun violence and other nefarious acts capable of disintegrating the country...He passionately appealed to Nigerians to be watchful and prayerful for peace to reign in the country ahead of the 2015 general elections

Joseph vants and pray hard to avert crisis in the country.

Prophet Olu Joseph, who passionately appealed to Nigerians to be watchful and prayerful for peace to reign in the country ahead of the 2015 general elections, also advised President Jonathan to prevail on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to let every Nigerian vote

count in the forthcoming gubernatorial election across the 36 states of the country, particularly, in Edo and Delta states.

He also advised politicians to shun violence and other nefarious acts capable of disintegrating the country, adding that “he is optimistic that God Almighty is strongly behind President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria in general”.

the structured plan by Customer Service Practitioners Association (CUSPA) to protect customers against fraudulent customers’ service operations in Nigeria, be embraced.

A Customer Service trainer and Chief Executive Officer, Deep Blue Energy Services Limited, Anita Omoile, at a CUSPA recent meeting, noted that the emergence of CUSPA has become "the solution to the hoax called Customer Service in Nigeria”.

According to her, having an organisation such as CUSPA with a system that monitors and regulates customer service delivery in Nigeria is a great relief both to customers and responsible firms.

BATN marshals avert fire disaster on LagosIbadan Expressway HE timely intervention of T the Fire Marshalls of British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) saved what could have been a major fire disaster at the Ibadan end of Lagos- Ibadan Expressway recently. According to Francisco Toso, Area Operations Director, BATN: “There was a major fire incident along Lagos Ibadan Expressway, just in front of our Factory at about 7.30 pm on Sunday When a fully loaded petrol tanker suddenly had its body disengaged. Immediately after coming to a halt, the fuel being conveyed by the truck started gushing out, leading to high spillage on the road, and a fire outbreak.

At the end of the inferno, three cars and a commercial bus were burnt along with the fuel tanker. No life was lost to the fire but a victim with some degree of burn was rescued and taken to UCH for further treatment.”

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Business ‘Nigeria has potential for economic revolution’

By Kamal Tayo Oropo ORMeR Deputy SecretaryFNations, General of the United Lord Mallock Brown, on Tuesday said that an all round economic revolution was possible in Nigeria if the right steps were taken.

Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, however likened economic develop-

ment without good governance to building a house on quick sand.

Brown expressed the optimism while speaking at the eighth yearly Business Law conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos.

He pointed out that Nigeria has the potential to become one of the greatest economies in the world,

pointing out most global economic giants were not as blessed as the country.

The former UN official however said there was need for the country to strengthen its institutions and demonstrate the right political commitment to drive its economic development.

The theme of the two-day conference organised by the Business Law Section of the

NBA was ‘’ exemplary Governance: enhancing economic Development in Nigeria.

Brown said: ‘‘when I was here in 2000, there was no cell phone in the country. I remember I had to step to next door in Benin to make phone call and now, there are about 130million cell phones in the country.

“The liberalisation of the

telecom sector in 2011,has led to an economic revolution in that sector. What that tells is the great economic potential of this country. It means with the right regulations and institutions, Nigeria can create an allround economic revolution.”

Brown said the recent rebasing of the country’s GDP, which highlighted the

The Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Industry, Mohammed Onawo (left); Managing Director, Northern Noodles, Rakesh Agawal; and Member,House of Representative, Fort Dike; during the committee’s oversight visit to the company in Kaduna, on Tuesday.

important sectors like the creative industry and telecommunication, spoke of the great possibilities of the country`s economy.

The former Deputy Secretary-General said the country`s rebased GDP clearly showed the economy was not after all about oil and gas.

He lauded the country`s seven per cent yearly GDP growth rate but stressed there was the need to take steps to translate growth to better living for the citizens.

Urging the country to invest massively in education, as literacy was central to sustainable development, the former UN official also tasked the country to invest in infrastructural development, pointing out that no country developed with poor infrastructure.

According to him, it is imperative for the country to tackle the problem of insecurity and put in place investment-friendly policies to attract investments into the country.

In his keynote address, Fashola said development was a misnomer in the absence of good governance, urging Nigerians to show more interest in the political process by voting in elections to install good leadership.

NBA president, Okey Wali canvassed the strengthening of the legal system to promote economic development pointing out that development had eluded Nigeria over the years because the laws had been rendered prostrate by successive governments.

Wali said legal practitioners have a responsibility to promote the development of the country, advising them against acts that impeded the country`s progress.

Bank directors seeks appraisal of AMCON’s operations

By Chijioke Nelson He Bank Directors T Association of Nigeria (BDAN) has stressed the need to apraise the effect of the operations of the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) since the past five years of its intervention in the banking industry.

The President of BDAN, Olorogun Sonny Kuku, made the assertion, while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the symposium it organised on banks’ debt profile recently.

Kuku, who noted that the emergence of AMCON, together with its operations became a delicate issue, however added that bank directors are directly affected as banks are still struggling to take off bad loans from their books.

“If you look at the Nigerian economy, it has been centered on financial institutions. And the financial insti-

…Banking sector now stable, says Chike-Obi tutions drive the economy.

The intervention of the CBN was crucial and a major instrument that the CBN used to stabilize the economy was AMCON. “So, it is imperative that after five years, the effect of AMCON on the economy should be reviewed. It is a very delicate subject because if after today we had found out that AMCON has failed, it means that a lot of thinking that went into it was faulty.

But it is entirely a different story and this is to say that at least one aspect of government has done very well.

“As bank directors, we were directly affected and if those loans were not taken off our books, we will still be struggling today to try and fulfill our obligations,” he said.

However, the Lead Discussant and Chief Consultant, B. Adedipe

Associates Limited, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, argued that AMCON’s emergence increased the burden of sovereign debt on the country.

According to him, government’s guarantees, which sustain its operations, amount to debt and called for a concrete definition of the lifespan of the corporation.

But the Chief executive Officer of AMCON, Mustafa Chike-Obi, at the event, insisted that the corporation has not lost anything in the non-performing loan acquisition it embarked upon and that only N10 billion of taxpayers’ money was involved in the trillions used for running the corporation.

According to him, the organisation has recorded an average of 112 per cent from the 50 per cent non-performing loans so far recovered, assuring that though the performance might drop going forward, the

corporation will not go below the 80 per cent recovery target of total debts.

He warned that banks must sustain good governance and the current tempo enthroned

by AMCON’s intervention to insulate the system from relapsing, adding that the financial system is not “completely out of the woods” since many banks are still

heavily exposed to foreign portfolios.

Chike-Obi maintained that the intervention was ultimately in the interest of the banks and the economy, challenging any of the nation’s lenders to prove his claims wrong by showing evidence that they were better off before the bailout.

He pointed out that the intervention not only benefited banks, but also companies and private sector initiatives

that would have collapsed and throwing more thousands into the labour market.

“The banking crisis was real and severe. More jobs would have been lost and many manufacturing companies would have followed as well.

But now, there is stability and they are making profit. We are also happy that there is interference in our operations. Government has only asked questions for clarification,” he added.

NASRDA to build made in Nigeria satellite by 2018 He National Space Research and T Development Agency (NASRDA) is to develop and build a Nigerian satellite by 2018, its Director-General, Prof. Seidu Mohammed, has said.

Mohammed told NAN in Abuja that the agency was working on the legal framework of the Nigerian space

programme with a view to enhance the nation’s Space Science and Technology Administration.

He said that the legal framework would set the foundation for the erection of systematic space science and technology in Nigeria. ``The policy document for the actualisation of the Nigerian space programme

indicates that 2011 is meant for Nigeriasat II and X, while in 2015, the training of astronauts will commence.

“The agency is expected to achieve the development and building of made-in Nigeria satellite in 2018, while 2025 is for the development of rocketry/ propulsion system,’’ he said.

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OUTSTANDING PRIVATE SECURITY OUTFITS (Part 1) PRIVATE SECURITY OUTFITS ASSURE FOREIGN INVESTORS OF SAFE INVESTMENT PURRED by the security challenges in the country, private security outfits are evolving strategies and Scrime. refocusing their activities to curtail or reduce to the bearest minimum problems associated with Indeed, the advent of these agencies has contributed a great deal in protecting lives and properties. Their presence at homes, offices and other specialized places is helping reduce crime.

The specialized training, services and products such as the provision of CCTV, specialized access control devices, doors, and other high tech equipment have curbed a lot of vices in the country. Their collaboration with the military police, and other security services through information gathering and sharing should be strengthened and encouraged.

The protection of the citizenry, investors, properties and families in the light of development in the country to promote economic growth should be reinforced.

With assurance from the government, the military and also the private security outfits, the foreign investors need not be afraid to throng the country to invest so as the citizenry would benefit maximally.

More importantly, the robust supervision/regulation of the existing private security outfits for them to align to international best practices rather than the regulatory body monitoring only the intending outfits would help the government to curtail insurgency and crime without any tears.

KING DAVID: EXPERT IN SECURITY SURVEILLANCE ING David Security Limited is K involved in intelligence gathering at community levels where it works and disseminates to appropriate public security agencies like the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Directorate of Security Services (DSS). The company is also involved in technical security products like CCTV, Electronic Detection Devices installation and maintenance to clients in the public and private sector to assist in Access Control and Surveillance for maximum security of their premises and critical infrastructure.

The vision of the company is ‘‘to raise a corps of professional security officers rich in character, sound in the knowledge of and fear of God, and to excel in provision of qualitative security intelligence and safety services based on the principles of professionals and the dictates of righteousness.”

Mr. Davidson Akhimien is the Managing Director/CEO of King David Security Limited who is also the President of the Society of Security Practitioners of Nigeria (SSPN) is registered to deliver comprehensive security services to discerning clients, with a mission to exceed clients’ expectations.

According to him, the security business is a natural calling given my pedigree of armed forces, security and intelligence foundations and upbringing.

He listed the challenges of private security outfits to include vulnerability of our security op-

Davidson Akhimien, Managing Director/CEO, King David Security Ltd. eratives in the face of armed attack by criminals; poor premiums from clients; and high attrition rate of employee of the lower rung.

To lift, the underperforming private security firms out of the woods, he said that there is the need for training and retraining of personnel; standardization of practice; tradecraft; and mergers/acquisition among the outfits.

As the president of SSPN, he stated that it is necessary to elevate the security consciousness of the Nigerian citizens by public talks on security, workshops and through seminars stressing that continual advise to governments at all levels on issues of security significance is of utmost importance while engaging practitioners in grassroots intel gathering and dissemination.

He said that inculcating in the future generation of Nigerians

the basics of security awareness/consciousness by introducing a programme of security education in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools is the next thing to do.

Mr. Akhimien said that for the nation to move forward, the security of our nation should be taken as paramount importance and the government should not be playing politics with issues of national security.

While commending the military for a job well done, he wants them to intensify air peace, develop satellite imaging capabilities, expand scope of CT (Counter-Terrorist Training) and also look at the enhanced welfare of troops at the frontline of counter-insurgency campaign. On youth development, he said that there should be a paradigm shift from the ways of forebearers with them embracing integrity, truth, honesty and shun corruption.

On investors who are interested in the country, Mr. Akhimien observed that Nigeria is the fastest growing economy Africa. Old investors in Nigeria have great returns on their investment. This is partly because their investment are secured inspite of the challenges up-north.

He counselled that new investors are assured of security of their investment as the new architecture of the government is working and it is tailored towards the protection of not only the Nigerian citizens but of businesses as well.

PAHEK SECURITY: LEADING PROVIDER OF SECURITY SOLUTIONS IN NIGERIA AHEK was incorporated in P 1987 and licensed in 1988 to provide security services to corporate and individual clients within Nigeria. Our objective is to reduce clients risks to as low as reasonable practicable. The company was founded by Otunba (Dr.) Patrick Keku immediately after his term in the Nigerian Navy. Today, the new Managing Director of Pahek Security Services Limited is Charles Keku.

As the son of the founder, he has worked in the company in various capacities even while in school, prior to joining the company in 2011 as the Managing Director.

The company has the vision to be the leading provider of security solutions in Nigeria.”

The products and services of PAHEK are numerous, tailored to the needs of different customers. As a security company, the company provides the following services which are Manguarding; Security Risk Management; Airport Meet And Greet; Protocol and Escort Services; and Security Design And Training.

Other products include Security Personnel Outsourcing; Security Trainings; Marine Security; PreEmployment Due Diligence; Security Advisory; and InCountry Logistics Support services.

Reviewing the security situa-

Charles Keku, MD, Pahek Security tions in the country, Mr. Keku Charles, the Managing Director of PAHEK stressed that having reviewed the security issues in Nigeria, we provide security education and awareness through the publication of Nigeria’s foremost security magazine, “Security & Safety”. We have updated our security portfolio to include security risks management and world class security trainings in line with this and this is being achieved through our partnership with a UK base Training Academy. The objective of the security risk management is for the organizations to effectively identify their security risk to minimize security related issues to as low as practicably possible while the trainings will provide awareness on the latest security trends in the

world and how they can be mitigated.

Pahek Security Services has international affiliation. To achieve its training objectives, PAHEK has recently signed a partnership agreement with the UK based global training organization - Arc International Training Academy - to provide global best practice security trainings in Nigeria. By this agreement, PAHEK has become Arc’s Accredited Partner in Nigeria.

All the directors of the company are members of American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). The essence of ASIS is for continuous education and updating of latest trends in security. The affiliations with these professional bodies will improve our operating standards, capacity and capabilities.

On the challenges militating against smooth operation of the company, the chief executive said that there are a lot of challenges in the industry. Major of the challenges are inadequate regulation and unhealthy competition amongst security companies. He stressed that some security outfits are under performing due to the fact that regulation focuses only on un-licensed security companies and not on the licensed companies.

Once you are licensed, nobody cares to know how you operate.

There should be standards for operating in the industry.

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Ikeja Disco re-engages 567 PHCN employees

By Roseline Okere

•Eko plans N45b investment on capital projects

KEJA Electricity Distribution Iengaged Company (IKDC) has re567 former staff of

the committee members that the company was committed to uninterrupted and sustainable power supply to its customers.

Amuda said the company plans to invest N45 billion in the next five years while $150 million would be spent immediately on capital projects to meet customers’ needs, network rehabilitation and reinforcement.

He however complained of poor power supply from the National Grid, power theft, illegal connections and vandalism of power installations as some of the challenges they were facing.

He appealed to the Committee members to intervene so that generation companies could supply adequate power to the distribution companies for adequate distribution of power to consumers and for increased financial returns.

At the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), the Chief Executive Officer, Atoy Leynes expressed the readiness of IBEDC to meet consumers’ needs as long as the generation companies can keep up with their demand.

He listed the challenges facing IBEDC to include poor asset performance due to age, poor transmission infrastructure and the absence of land to put up its headquarters.

He requested that for the distribution companies to become financially viable to undertake aggressive investments in the power industry there should be a tariff structure that is cost reflective and the review of asset classification (Core/Non Core) of DISCOs as some assets classified as Non Core were essential to the distribution network.

The Chairman of the committee, Senator Olugbenga Obadara assured the distribution companies that the Committee would do everything within its powers to find a lasting solution to shortage of power supply from the National Grid.

the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to complement the 2,070 it inherited.

Besides, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) plans to invest N45 billion in the next five years while $150 million would be spent immediately on capital projects to meet customers’ needs, network rehabilitation and reinforcement.

Managing Director of IKDC, Abiodun Aifwobaje, made this disclosure when he received members of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, led by its Chairman, Senator Olugbenga Obadara who visited the company last week in continuation of their oversight visit to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Successor Companies (SCs) in the Lagos and Ibadan zones of the country.

He reiterated to the lawmakers of the commitment of the company to become a leading utility business company in the country by providing safe, reliable and quality service to customers at fair and reasonable costs; and to achieve this, he said the new owners had taken some initiatives to reposition the company.

These he said included the training and retraining for staff, repair or replacement of malfunctioning transformers and completion of abandoned distribution projects among others.

On the challenges facing the company, he told the committee members that IKDC has an installed capacity of 1,684MW, but was only able to distribute 421MW to customers out of the maximum demand of 938MW due to shortage of supply from the Generation Companies, power theft and vandalisation of power installations.

At the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), the Managing Director, Oladele Amuda told

On power theft and vandalism, Obadara advised the distribution companies to liaise with security agents to set up

a Task Force to checkmate the criminal acts.

The Committee members also visited Egbin Power Station where the Senate Committee Chairman,

Senator Olugbenga Obadara noted that “everything concerning power supply starts from generation. If generation is not adequate, it directly affects distribution and the

consumers on the whole”.

He therefore called on the management to strive to achieve sufficient power generation and to actualize the dream of privatisation.

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Zimbabwe’s economy heads for recession as factories shut down HERE are indications that T the Zimbabwean economy may be heading for recession as a number of businesses are shut down due to dwindling sales.

Ephraim Takavarasha sits on the sidewalk outside Johannesburg’s central bus station, wondering how long it will take him to sell his four cases of electrical sockets, mobile-phone chargers and alarm clocks when he returns to Zimbabwe.

What was once a monthly 1,200 kilometer (746 mile) trip that Takavarasha, 25, took from Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, to South Africa’s commercial hub, has become a visit every second month.

Cash-strapped Zimbabweans aren’t spending, deflation has taken hold, factories are being shut and the economy is heading for recession less than a year after President Robert Mugabe, 90, was voted back into office to extend his 33 years of rule.

China denounces EU airline carbon law, seeks talks HINA reiterated its opposiC tion on Thursday to a European Union plan to limit airline carbon dioxide emissions and called for talks to resolve the issue a day after its major airlines refused to pay any carbon costs under the new law.

From January 1, all airlines using EU airports have been brought into the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), alongside EU utilities and heavy industry.

Any airlines that do not comply face fines of 100 euros ($128) for each tonne of carbon dioxide emitted for which they have not surrendered allowances. In the case of persistent offenders, the EU has the right to ban airlines from its airports.

“China opposes the European Union’s unilateral legislation.

China has expressed to the EU our deep concern and opposition many times on a bilateral level,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

“We hope the EU can take careful precautions with a cautious and practical attitude, and regarding those aspects involving China, appropriately discuss and handle this matter,” Hong told reporters during a regular briefing.

The EU’s carbon trading scheme was launched in 2005 as one of the pillars of Europe’s efforts to combat climate change.

Following a December ruling from Europe’s highest court that inclusion of airlines in the ETS was valid, China’s official Xinhua news agency warned of a trade war.

Spokesman Hong said other countries had taken an equally negative view.

The United States has also raised the prospect of retaliation, while a draft law in the U.S. Congress proposes to make it illegal to comply with the EU law.

EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard has repeatedly said she is open to talks with other nations and that the EU law provides for “equivalent measures.” Those could be other forms of carbon reduction, rather than the purchase of permits under the EU scheme.

“I used to spend about $5,000 a month to make a profit of about $1,000 a month as a cross-border trader, but no one’s buying now,” Takavarasha said in an interview, as he hugged his knees against the cold night air. “It’ll take me two months to move this,” he said, pointing to his cases.

Five years after Zimbabwe emerged from recession, ended hyperinflation by abandoning its local currency and spurred farming production, the economy is at risk of contracting again. Foreign currency needed to pay wages and buy imports has dried up, Mugabe’s government has given investors mixed signals on plans to seize company stakes as part of its “indigenization” policy, and factories are operating at just 40 percent of capacity.

“We’re already in recession and the economy will probably

shrink by 1 percent this year,” John Robertson, an independent economist, said by phone from Harare. “Even if government does act on its promise to soften indigenization laws, it’ll take at least a year before foreign investors build factories or sink mines.”

Mugabe won a July election that his main rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, called a sham and local observers and the U.S. said were marred by voter irregularities. Mugabe’s Zimbabwe African National UnionPatriotic Front won two-thirds of the seats in Parliament, ending a four-year power-sharing government with Tsvangirai’s party.

Under that coalition, the economy had begun expanding following a 40 percent contraction in the previous eight years.

Hyperinflation, estimated by the International Monetary Fund to have peaked at 500 billion percent in 2008, came to a

halt when authorities dropped the Zimbabwean dollar, ending the central bank’s ability to print money to pay the government’s debt. Zimbabwe now uses a multi-currency system that includes the U.S. dollar and South African rand.

The recovery spurred investment from Pick n Pay Stores Ltd., South Africa’s secondbiggest grocer, and Tiger Brands Ltd. (TBS), the Johannesburg-based maker of food products such as Jungle Oats.

It also fueled agriculture, with tobacco output surging more than three-fold to 167 million kilograms in the five years through 2013 and set to reach 180 million kilograms this year.

Production had slumped following Mugabe’s 2000 land reform program that saw the government seizing commercial farms owned by white landowners to give to black Zimbabweans, many of who

were subsistence farmers.

That progress is now at risk.

Retail sales fell 30 percent in February from the previous month, while 15 factories in the metals and engineering industries closed in the period, the Finance Ministry said in a monthly report on its website.

Consumer prices declined for a third consecutive month in April, reflecting depressed demand.

“There’s no clear sign of a way out of the difficulties,” Thea Fourie, an analyst at IHS Inc. (IHS), a global business research company, said by phone from Johannesburg.

“It’s pretty bad in Zimbabwe right now.”

Zimbabwe’s benchmark stock index has slumped 15 percent this year, the worst among 14 African stock markets tracked by Bloomberg.

Central bank Deputy Governor Kupikile Mlambo said on May 23 the economy

will probably expand 3.1 percent in 2014 and “we might see it sliding into negative territory next year.

Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa has said a law that forces foreign and whiteowned companies to cede 51 percent stakes to black Zimbabweans will be eased.

The government is working on a ‘‘sector by sector’’ plan and won’t compel all foreignowned companies to sell, he said on April 23. ‘‘Although some investors might see the apparent softening of rhetoric on indigenization as an opportunity, which would provide some relief to the liquidity crisis, the minister’s announcement underlines the uncertainty of the policy environment and the high level of state intervention,” Mike Davies, an analyst with Cape-Town-based Kigoda Consulting, said in an e-mailed response to questions.

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Appointments FG moves to synergise research efforts with industries From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja ANY years after the issue M of research and industrial linkage was mooted, government seems to be taking a more practical step towards ensuring its actualization.

For a start, government has mandated the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Science and Technology to commence a collaborative effort to find industrialists to take up viable innovations developed by researchers in the country.

Also, agencies in the science and technology sector whose mandates overlap have been charged to work together for greater results, instead of the usual ‘territorial behaviour’ which usually characterized cases where they are over, ap.

As it stands now, such agencies would henceforth share resources and knowledge towards better results in the interest of the nation, going by assurances given by the Supervising Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson.

Johnson, who spoke to journalists on the sideline of the first monthly meeting. She had with the Permanent Secretary, Directors and Directors Generals of agencies under her control, noted that government had also introduced an innovation week, where products of research are showcased and linked with industrialists.

Of the meeting, she stressed: “This is a normal monthly board meeting that the minister has with the chief executive officers of the parastatals.

“It is a meeting for us to look to the progress that has been made over the last quarter, to look at any new innovation, any new information that the chief executive officers and their directors have to give either to the minister or to their colleagues. It is a brainstorming and working meeting that we have every quarter.”

On the difference between the meeting and previous efforts, she stressed it was largely motivated by the recently launched industrial policy which seeks to create more wealth and creating more local industries.

She said: “The difference now is that we have an industrial

•Introduces innovation week policy that was launched by Mr. President a couple of months ago. The Minister of Industry, Trade and investment, and myself are working very closely together to ensure that we finally make that link.

One of the things that we are doing is that we are going to have, in a couple of month’s time, what we call Innovation Week. We have prioritized and spent a whole day with the Directors General of the agencies in the Ministry of Science and Tech and we have prioritized the key innovations that have industry advantages, and we are going to have an innovation week jointly with the Ministry of Trade and Investment. We will invite members of the industry, different industry: manufacturing, Afro processing, aviation, aviation, and others, to look the innovation that we have made in science and tech sector in the last few years. And that is the conversation that starts with industries.

“We want to find out which of the innovations are interesting to them, which we could take forward, which looks financially viable and that is really the difference between what has happened before and what is happening now, very close linkages between the two ministries and that is what is really what is going to revolutionize industrialization.”

She went on: “The truth is that they’re very few parastatals in government that don’t overlap.

But that overlap is not so much of a bad thing.

“I think that what we need to do is to ensure that where there is an overlap, we can get the agencies to work together.

When you look at the acts of the agencies, you will see that they are well in line, well in order to do what they are supposed to be doing.

“So, what we need to be doing is to ensure, not so much as to eliminate overlap, because we can never be able to do that completely, but to ensure that we work together. If for instance, The Federal Institute of industrial Research Oshodi (FIRRO) and the National Chemical Technology Institute are both working on agro-processing or tomatoes paste processing, we need to bring them together. There are innova-

Group tasks govt on release of Chibok girls

By Toyin Olasinde GROUP of little children, A the Peculiar Children Society of the Imole-Oluwa Baptist Church Ejigbo, Lagos, have called on the federal government to expedite action on the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls by the Boko Haram sect.

They said this, while staging a protest for the release of the over 200 abducted schoolgirls on Children day According to them, celebrating this year’s children day was devoid of the normal funfair associated with the

day as celebrating would have amounted to rejoicing while” our sisters remained in captivity for more than 40 days” Speaking on behalf of the children, Opeyemi Oladokun, said celebrating this year’s Children’s Day when their sisters remained in captivity was really a burden to them as children.

She added that it was high time Nigerian children said “no to child abuse, child labour, child trafficking, Boko Haram, corruption and bribery, tribalism, bad leadership, kidnapping among others.

tions that they have made in those areas. Let’s bring them together and let’s work together. That is really more of what we are trying to do as opposed to streamlining mandates to eliminate overlap. It is coming together and working as one ministry, with 17 paras-

tatals, but really as one ministry.”

She encouraged more Nigerians, especially women to venture into the science and technology sector, noting that the dearth of skilled manpower in the sector was a major challenge for the country.

Her words: “We have a challenge as a nation. We need to

have many more people in the science, engineering and mathematics field. Even in this particular friend, women are less represented. So, we are doing a number of things to encourage women to come into science and technology, and ICTs, in particular.

“We are working with universities. We want to see how we can get more women interest-

ed in science and technology.

We are specifically sponsoring women that have gone to do PhDs in some of these areas.

We are encouraging them to come into the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We also need to get operate as industrialized countries that have enough engineers, physicians, scientists and everything to really

The Immediate past president of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, (CIPM), Abiola Popoola FCIPM, president, Victor Famuyibo, FCIPM and Registrar, Sunday Adeyemi, FCIPM, at the 16th induction ceremony of the Institute in Lagos.

Nigeria deploys experts to needy countries From Niyi Bello, Akure N the pursuit of Nigeria’s commitment to promote African regional integration which is a major plank of the country’s foreign policy, about 120 professionals in various fields like education, engineering, medicine and law, would soon be deployed to Ethiopia to strengthen the economic base and social services sector of the East African country.

The deployment which would be done on the platform of the Directorate of Technical Aids Corps (TAC), an agency of Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry saddled with providing human resources assistance to needy African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) nations from the country’s vast pool of experts, is expected to be done immediately the arrangements are concluded by the two countries.

Already officials of the two countries are on the verge of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the modalities of the deployment which came following a request by the Ethiopian government last year.

The Director-General of TAC, Dr. Pius Olakunle Osunyikanmi who disclosed this to The Guardian in Akure yesterday said his agency has a pool of qualified professional from which the requested experts could be drawn and that the deployment would be done “immediately every-

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thing is sorted out.”

According to him, “the MoU entails all the modalities of the deployment, the terms and all other things that associate with it. We are at the verge of signing the document; we are only finalizing the papers. All these have to be done to guide the exercise to make it hitch-free.”

This is coming on the heels of last weekend’s deployment of the first batch of volunteer lecturers to the Islamic University, Mbale, Uganda in the spirit of the letters of a bilateral manpower support agreement between Nigeria and the East African country.

The university requested for about sixty Nigerian lecturers while other sectors of the country have also applied for not less than 150 Nigerian experts in various fields.

Osunyikanmi also disclosed that Somalia, another East African country, has also requested to be enlisted among the countries benefiting from the operations of TAC and that its officials are already looking at where Nigeria can assist them redress their manpower shortage.

And in the Caribbean, the government of Trinidad and Tobago has requested Nigeria’s assistance in setting up an Institute of African Studies at the University of West Indies located at St. Augustine, the largest educational institution in the

region, through the deployment of lecturers in the three main Nigerian languages of Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.

The request which was made through a letter submitted to the TAC by the Nigerian Ambassador to the South American country, John Musa Jen, came on the heels of a disclosure that Nigerian doctors and nurses constitute sixty percent of medical health personnel of the Island nation of 1.3 million population and Osunyikanmi said his agency was already compiling names of those to be deployed to the country as well as Togo, which also requested for 40 English language teachers under the scheme.

Meanwhile the operational base of the agency has been further strengthened by government through the approval of the recommendation of the Steve Oronsaye Presidential Committee on the Rationalization and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals and Commissions, which abolished the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) and directed that its functions be taken over by the TAC. The DTCA was established by the government in 2001 as an agency of the then Ministry of Cooperation and Integration in Africa with a mandate to actualize intra-regional cooperation through deployment of experts to assist countries

within the region to realize their development dreams.

In the Federal Government Gazette that contained the recommendations of the committee, it was stated that government has approved the proposal that “the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) be abolished and its functions be transferred to the appropriate Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that further funding of the agency should cease with effect from 2013 fiscal year.”

Consequent upon the Oronsaye recommendation and the presidential approval of same, the process of winding up the operations of the DTCA has commenced while TAC is said to be restructuring itself to accommodate the additional responsibilities which include the co-management of the Nigerian Technical Cooperation Fund which is domiciled at the African Development Bank (ADB) with the regional bank as well harnessing the Diaspora component of the country’s human resources.

The DG who expressed optimism that TAC would deliver on its mandate as an arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a full department with a Director to handle technical cooperation with African countries is already being established within the agency to handle the regional aspect of its functions.

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APPOINTMENTS Thursday, May 29, 2014

NLNG kicks off ship building training

By Sulaimon Salau HE Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) in collaboration

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with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has kicked off a two-year ship building training pro-

gramme at the NLNGowned Bonny Vocational Centre (BVC) in Bunny Island, Rivers State

A statement signed by the General Manager, External Relations, Kudo Eresia-Eke, said about 120

30 Young Nigerians with their instructors from Hyundai heavy industry South-Korea at the opening ceremony of the basic welding training which started at Nigeria lng limited’s , city & guilds certified, bonny vocational centre, Bonny on Tuesday

young Nigerian technicians will acquire requisite competencies and skills in ship building, as part of Nigerian content development agreed between Bonny Gas Transport Limited (BGT), a wholly-owned NLNG subsidiary, and HHI as contained in the contract for the construction of two new LNG Carriers for Bonny Gas Transport.

Declaring the training open, the General Manager for Shipping at NLNG, Capt.

Temi Okesanjo, said, “This training is one of the deliverables set aside for local Content development which was discussed and agreed by all parties involved, such as the Nigerian Content Development Board, Bonny Gas Transport/Nigeria LNG, the respective shipyards and in this case Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).”

Okesanjo, who was represented by Manager, Commercial Shipping, Capt. Hambali Yusuf, said, “These deliverables were firmed up in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and we are delighted that this major achievement has been flagged off.”

As part of the MOA, 60 technicians had earlier departed Nigeria for South Korea on a three-month shipbuilding programme, 28 of which are expected to stay back and join in the construction of the two

new carriers.

Another 20 technicians, according to him, are currently being trained at International Energy Services Limited (IESL) in Lagos on a ship design programme. Seven of these will also participate in the construction of the new carriers.

The statement noted that BGT ordered six new vessels in 2013, at a cost of $1.6 billion from both Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) – two Ships, and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) – four ships, to boost its shipping capacity.

As part of the agreement signed with the ship builders, he said, 580 Nigerians would be trained in different aspects of shipbuilding and construction in fulfilment of Nigerian Content Development for the “BGT Plus Project”.

BGT, a subsidiary of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was established in 1989, to provide shipping capacity for NLNG projects. It owns 13 of the 23 vessels in Nigeria LNG’s fleet – by far the largest in Nigeria -, which deliver liquefied natural gas to customers spread across the world.

Nigeria LNG Limited is the most significant arrow-head in the federal government’s quest to eliminate gas flaring and derive value from the country’s 187 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves.

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Airtel to partner African govts on human capital development

By Adeyemi Adepetun LOBAL telecommunicaG tions firm, Bharti Airtel, with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, has reiterated its commitment to support human capital development in African economies across the region through investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) among other initiatives.

A statement, which emerged from the New York Forum on Africa, held in Libreville, Gabon, quoted the Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa, Christian de Faria saying that Africa is a continent with a young population, adding that this population is a powerful tool for development. “Yet, the youth can only actively participate in positively transforming the continent if it is well prepared. That is why relevant training for the youth and an enabling ICT infrastructure is vital for the emergence of Africa as a dynamic economic centre.”

The Airtel boss said the telecommunications firm recognizes the significant potential of youth to drive the economies it operates, stressing that that was why Airtel is rolling out investments in ICT training and programmes in countries such as Chad where over 6,000 will benefit, “we are also in the process of training another 5,000 young adults in Gabon – and we will

continue doing this across Africa.”

The Gambian President, Ali Bongo Ondimba opened the forum with a call on the international economic community and all African stakeholders to increase participation in the continent’s current growth and to discover the potential of Africa, which has a wealth of talent and opportunity.

He was supported in this regard by President Paul

Kagame of Rwanda, in the presence of hundreds of Africa’s policy makers. de Faria said the challenge now remains for players in telecommunications sectors, including governments, to find a sustainable, unified vision to support learning by creating platforms such as tech hubs, centres of excellence and driving connectivity through technologies such as 3G / 4G, wireless broadband to boost innova-

tion.

“Advancing telecommunications has a significant role in developing knowledge economies in Africa and education is the foundation of economic growth. We realize that knowledge is inseparable from the development of human capital and by investing in high-speed and smart infrastructure networks, we are bringing our young adults closer to economic independence,” said de Faria.

Bloomberg appoints MD for Europe, Middle East, Africa

By Ijeoma Opara LOOMBERG Media Group B Chief Executive Officer, Justin B. Smith, has announced Adam Freeman as the first Managing Director of Bloomberg Media for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The new MD is responsible for leading Bloomberg’s multi-platform media operation – web, mobile, television, digital video, print magazines and live events across the regions.

The new leadership structure reflects Bloomberg Media’s new strategy to expand its global media footprint beyond television to multiple media platforms across European, Middle Eastern and African markets.

Freeman’s appointment will ensure Bloomberg’s consumer media content, advert products, distribution; licensing deals are carefully

tailored to serve each distinct and individual market.

Freeman is the founder of Mutual Media, a digital advertising start-up, and served as Chairman for Metropolis Music Group. During a thirteen-year tenure at The Guardian – most recently as Executive Director of Guardian News and Media until 2013 – he worked alongside the editorial leadership to drive the digital transformation of its print brands and spearheaded the expansion of its global commercial operations.

Freeman held a variety of positions at The Guardian, including Director of Media Consumer Media and Digital, General Manager; and leadership roles in sales and marketing, publishing, advertising and business development.

“With bureaus in 72 countries, Bloomberg’s global presence is unrivalled in the consumer media industry,”

said Bloomberg Media CEO Justin Smith.

“Adam’s appointment is a statement of our ambition to develop the world’s leading next-generation global business Media Company.

“We will be investing across every platform – web, mobile, TV, digital video, print, live events – with a powerful focus on new digital channels and audiences. Adam has a clear track record of leading digital transformations and successfully building the types of teams and cultures required for media innovation. He is going to take our operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa to the next level.”

“This is a world-class organization, sitting in a unique position of opportunity as the entire media landscape is evolving every day. And the global aspirations here are immense — so when the opportunity came, I jumped at it,” said Freeman.

NAWOJ urges govt to promote children’s welfare From Omotola Oloruntobi, Abuja S the nation celebrates children’s day, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called on the Federal and state governments to pay more attention to the welfare of Nigerian children.

NAWOJ as a body also used the occasion to pledge its support to governments at all levels to ensure that proper attention is paid to the welfare of children across the nation.

The president of the association, Ifeyinwa Omowole, in a statement, also condemned child labour and child work in strong terms.

She said: “As a day set aside to recognize and promote the well being of the child as well as protect the child, government should consciously draft policies and laws that will protect our children.

“We totally condemn the use of children as domestic helps without any form of education or skill acquisition. Our children should not be trafficked, k i d n a p p e d , uneducated,be victims of rape, abuse or assault.

Our children deserve quality education, efficient health care services, food and shelter.”

NAWOJ further express concern about the growing population of orphaned children who

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lost their parents as a result of insecurity and insurgence.

“These children deserve better life, government should pay particular attention to these category of children in the society.

“We, therefore, call on government to consciously make policies that would protect children and ensure they are well looked after by their parents or guardians.

Government must also provide the basic amenities that are essential for the development of the child.

“Government must ensure that it does all within its power to squash all forms of insecurity and insurgence,” she said.

Also, the association called on all relevant government agencies involved in the protection of the rights of the child to intensify efforts at ensuring that no child’s right is violated or trampled upon.

They also urged parents to set good examples for their children, adding that when parents bring up their children in the way of righteousness and truth and the nation would be better.

NAWOJ urged the government and security operatives to continue in their quest to rescue the missing Chibok schoolgirls, stating that “they are children and they deserve to be free to celebrate with other children.”

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APPOINTMENTS Thursday, May 29, 2014

‘Education sector generated highest job figure in 2013’

By Chuka Odittah, Abuja HE National Bureau of T Statistics (NBS) in a 2nd-4th Quarter 2013 Employment Survey, has listed the Education sub-sector as the only sector of the economy which provided the highest number of jobs in the 2nd, 3rd,and 4th Quarter of the in year 2013.

This was disclosed at an official Job Creation and Employment Survey data, released by NBS StatisticianGeneral, Dr Yemi Kale at a public presentation in Abuja.

The Survey, further listed subsectors like the Finance and Insurance, Manufacturing, Trade Accommodation and Food Services, Human Health and Social Services, as sectors that equally produced graded large amount of jobs in the year under study.

For instance, the statistics released showed that in the 2nd quarter of 2013,the Education sector alone produced 37,578 jobs representing 46.7 percent of sector share, while in the 3rd quarter, number of jobs created dropped slightly to 29,777,representing 38.98 percent sector share of jobs in 2013.But in the 4th

quarter of the same year, there was a dramatic rise in number of employment created as a total of 76,874 people clinched various jobs in the sector, representing an all time high of 75.67 percent of sector share.

This is followed by the Human Health and Social Services sector, which recorded 10,487 new jobs in the 2nd quarter of 2013,representing 13.04 percent sector share of jobs. Whereas, in the 3rd quarter of the same year, total number of employment created reduced slightly to 8,536,representing 11.18 percent sector share of employment. In the 4th quarter of the year under review, data given indicated that only 1,459 jobs were created, representing 1.44 percent of sector employment.

Trade, the bureau said also held sway for the economy by providing 6,290 jobs in the 2nd quarter, representing 7.82 percent sector share, while in the 3rd quarter, 4,190 jobs were created, representing 5.49 percent, but in the 4th quarter, 3,402 jobs were created, representing 3.35 percent sector share of jobs.

The Finance and Insurance belts also performed creditably in that they provided

5,921 jobs in 2nd quarter of 2013,representing 7.36 percent sector share of jobs, while in the 3rd quarter, 3,435 jobs saw the light of day, representing 4.50 percent sector share, whereas in the 4th quarter of period under review, there was a drop in number of jobs to 1,707,representing 1.68 percent sector share.

The Accommodation and Food Services sub-sector recorded 4,117 jobs in 2nd quarter of 2013,representing5.12 percent of sector share of jobs, and 3,771 jobs were made available in 3rd quarter of the same year, representing 4.94 percent of sector share. But in the 4th quarter, the NBS survey captured 1,660 jobs representing 1.63 percent sector share of jobs.

Yemi Kale, while briefing journalists on the modalities used to arrive at the figures, said they were derived based on the new GDP numbers, which indicated new emerging sectors of the economy. He stated that the NBS exists to guide government and all who require data in Nigeria, to access valid numbers, adding that the bureau does not concoct data but source them through field workers nationwide.

ICPC pledges to end corruption in public sector From Abosede Musari, Abuja HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has promised an end to corruption in the public sector in no distant time.

Chairman of the commission, Mr Ekpo Nta told a group of journalists in Abuja that Nigeria would soon be done with the incidence of stealing of public funds by government officials. This feat, according to him, will be achieved with a newly deployed corruption preventing information technology tool.

Nta stated that the new measure aimed at preventing acts of corruption in government offices has started producing results. He noted hat it is better to prevent corruption since the sensational processes of fighting corruption with arrests and detention of offenders never proved to be effective with increasing state of corruption in the country.

He said the anti-corruption agencies spent more on chasing alleged offenders round the courts, when indeed, such offenders would get bailed and regain freedom eventually in the event of failure to establish any proof of stealing against them.

Ekpo Nta said by being more pro-active in preventing corruption, ICPC with the use of Information Technology in most government offices had been able to pluck all loopholes, which he said public servants had been exploiting to steal from government.

“As I speak now, since the ministries and agencies migrated to the IT platform, there has been no business as usual in them.

“In 2011, ICPC did a study of different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) totaling about 137 and in 2012, about 245. We found

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out that lots of agencies had mastered the arts of beating the rules.

“We presented our findings to the government and recommended electronic payment which captures real figures of personnel in the government agencies and this led to recovery of some money and elimination of fraud via ghost workers’ He said by employing preventive approach, government can attain an 80 percent success in corruption reduction since all avenues where government officials had been exploiting to steal before would have been completely blocked.

“Fighting corruption makes more sense if you prevent

those activities from happening at all. By doing this, you’ll save more money. You’ll save the time committed to chasing human beings who are engaged in one form of corruption or the other and you also understand why certain things are happening The ICPC boss stressed that the Commission would still continue to arrest and prosecute the guilty parties in the acts of corruption, since according to him, the fight against corruption in Nigeria amounts to fighting a war.

“I am not discounting arrests; it must continue because no matter what you do, you must also do symbolic things that people can touch and relate with.

More protests trail appointment of UNIZIK’s VC, Ahaneku • Nwakobi threatens court action From Uzoma Nzragwu , Awka HERE is confusion presentT ly at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka in Anambra State, following the emergence of Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku as the Vice-Chancellor, as allegedly announced by the Air Vice Marshal Larry Koinyan (Rtd) led Governing Council of the University.

Professor Greg Nwakoby who was one of the contestant and alleged to be leading on the short listed candidates yesterday accused the Chairman of the university Governing Council, Air Vice-Marshal Larry Koinya, rtd, and two other members, Senator Fidelis Okoro and Alhaji Buhari Bala of compromising themselves in the selection.

In a press briefing in Awka, Nwakobi threatened to go to court, where he strongly believed that justice would be done should the Governing council fail to reverse the appointment in his favor.

Nwakobi who cited the report of the interview committee chairman of the governing council claimed he was leading with 89.65 percent, but expressed surprise when Professor Joseph Ahaneku who scored 80.65 percent and his closest rival was now appointed as the new Vice Chancellor.

Nwakobi rejected the appointment of Ahaneku as the new Vice Chancellor, alleging complicity and fraudulent on the process, saying that having placed first after the interview, he ought to be appointed the new Vice Chancellor.

“After the Interview committee released it’s report in the early hours of last Saturday, Koinya had after issuing me with the result, congratulated me”, the deputy ViceChancellor (DVC) administration further alleged, adding that he refused to pay a certain amount of money demanded before getting an appointment letter.

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ScienceGuardian Scientists probe surge in mobiles, Wifi-induced health risks • Growing number of people having reactions caused by nickel, chromium found in phone cases, buttons eSeARCheRS have warned R of a growing numbers of people are developing skin allergies triggered by mobile phones.

Nickel and chromium metals in the buttons and cases are sparking painful and unsightly rashes, blisters and dry flaky patches on cheeks, chins and ears.

Many of the cases of contact dermatitis, which is usually associated with cheap jewellery, belt buckles and zips, have occurred in children.

In a review of the evidence, American and Danish researchers questioned whether manufacturers are doing enough comply with european Union (eU) regulations on nickel use.

Their trawl of medical literature revealed 37 cases of mobile phone allergies.

As mobile phone use grew, so did reports of skin problems, with a 1,250 per cent rise between 2000 and 2010, the journal Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonology reports.

Almost half of the cases were in under-18s. These included a teenage girl who developed a rash on her chest after keeping her mobile phone tucked in her bra.

Previous studies have found that phones made by many popular manufacturers, including BlackBerry, Samsung, Sony ericsson, Motorola and LG release nickel one of the two metal allergens.

Apple and Nokia handsets were given a clean bill of health.

Review author Clare Richardson, of the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California, said: “As worldwide rates of mobile phone use rise, we show that cases of mobile phone-associated acute contact dermatitis are also increasing.

“Despite efforts to control allergen release in phones, many phones on the market release levels of metals such as nickel that are sufficient to induce acute contact dermatitis.

“Nickel release by mobile phones appears to be common and has been reported in both cheap and expensive mobile phones, including

phones covered under the eU Nickel Directive.”

Meanwhile, thousands of schoolchildren are to be enrolled in a three-year study to find out if mobiles and wifi are damaging their brains.

The study, which has been commissioned by the Department of health and is being carried out by Imperial College and the University of London, will monitor the cognitive development of 11 to 14year-olds.

Youngsters will be asked to install an app on their phones, which will capture the duration of calls, texts and internet use. Their brain function will be measured in Year 7 and again in Year 9.

“We need to investigate because it is a new technology,” Professor Paul elliot, director of Medical Research Council Centre for environment and health at Imperial College.

“Scientific evidence available to date is reassuring and shows no association between exposure to radiofrequency waves from mobile phone use and brain cancer in adults in the short term “But the evidence available regarding long term heavy use and children’s use is limited and less clear.”

The Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones (SCAMP) is the largest study in the world to look at potential damage to children’s brains.

It will focus on cognitive functions such as memory and attention, which continue to develop into adolescence.

Cognition is how we think; how we make decisions; and how we process and recall information.

It is linked to intelligence and educational achievement and forms the building blocks

of the innovative and creative potential of every individual and therefore society as a whole.

Seventy percent of 11-12 year olds in the UK now own a mobile phone, rising to 90 per cent by age 14.

Most research to date on mobile phones has focused on adults and risk of brain cancers.

While there is no convincing evidence that radio wave exposures from mobile phones effect health, scientists remain uncertain as to whether children’s developing brains are more vulnerable.

It is feared that their developing nervous system may make them at greater risk of damage from the absorption of energy.

More than 160 secondary schools in the outer London area will today (TUeS) receive invitations to take part.

New compounds protect against chemical weapons eSeARCheRS at Oregon R State University (OSU), United States, have discovered that some compounds called polyoxoniobates can degrade and decontaminate nerve agents such as the deadly sarin gas, and have other characteristics that may make them ideal for protective suits, masks or other clothing.

The use of polyoxoniobates for this purpose had never

before been demonstrated, scientists said, and the discovery could have important implications for both military and civilian protection. A United Nations report last year concluded that sarin gas was used in the conflict in Syria.

The study findings were just published in the European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry.

Some other compounds exist that can decontaminate nerve gases, researchers said,

but they are organic, unstable, degraded by sunlight and have other characteristics that make them undesirable for protective clothing – or they are inorganic, but cannot be used on fabrics or surfaces.

By contrast, the polyoxoniobates are inorganic, do not degrade in normal environmental conditions, dissolve easily and it should be able to incorporate them onto sur-

faces, fabrics and other material.

“This is a fundamental new understanding of what these compounds can do,” said May Nyman, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry in the OSU College of Science. “As stable, inorganic compounds they have an important potential to decontaminate and protect against these deadly nerve gases.”

Abuja set for 5th International Science Olympiad and technology”, said huseyin Sert, Vice Chancellor BUJA is playing host to the of the Nigerian Turkish Nile 5th International Science University.

Olympiad this year from the he also said that the compeMay 26 to 31, 2014. Nigerian tition means to barter ideas Turkish Nile University in col- and materials about science laboration with the Federal education among countries, Ministry of education and to encourage greater contact the National Mathematical and co-operation between Centre in Nigeria are organis- secondary school students ing the competition to test and educators worldwide, to the skills of second level sci- prepare talented science stuence students worldwide. dents for the specific The competition has been International Science successful for four straight Olympiads and also to make years and has encouraged the students ready to take gifted science students to any national and internationimprove their talents and al exams such as SAT, GCSe further their career as scien- early, with the help of the tists over the years. competition syllabus, to dare According to the Vice and invigorate gifted science Chancellor of Nigerian students to improve their talTurkish Nile University ents and to further their (NTNU), Prof. huseyin Sert, career as scientists, to give the International Science invaluable experience to stuOlympiad (ISO) is a competi- dents who may participate in tion for 19 years old second- the International Biology, ary school students or Chemistry, Computer younger, who are curious in (Informatics), Physics and science. The intents of the Mathematics Olympiads, to competition he said, were to suggest the chance to compick out the top young inter- pare the curriculums and national science students at educational tendencies in scithe yearly International ence education within the Science Olympiad, to arouse ISO member countries, the active interest of stu- which could assist enhanced dents in the sciences, to science education at national advance and reward the levels. quest of excellence in scien- The first annual Science tific attempts, the promotion Olympiad National of a positive and high profile Tournament was hosted by image of science and scien- Michigan State University in tists, to foster an apprecia- May, 1985, with 17 states partion of the esteem of science ticipating. amongst the wider commu- The participants will arrive nity and to impart to stu- Nigeria on the 26th of May, dents, schools and the com- settle in, and prepare for the munity the significance of two part competition spread modern study and advanced over two days with interval of learning in science. at least one day.

The International Science The host Country ensures Olympiads are a group of that each country’s coordinaworldwide yearly competi- tors receives an official invitations in various areas of sci- tion to send a representative ence. The Olympiads them- group of 5 students and 5 selves are separate competi- consular or an Observer to tions each with its own the ISO and is responsible for organising body, even the provision of suitable though they are loosely accommodation and subsisgrouped together as ‘ISOs’. tence for each representaThe aims of each ISO are to tive. promote a career in science; each ISO member country, to challenge the brightest which has either participated students from around the fully in or sent an observer to world; and to compare the the ISO in the previous year, is various teaching systems of invited to send a group of ten each country. science students (at least Science Olympiads are inter- two). They will be accompanational non-profit organiza- nied by not more than one tions dedicated to improving Counselor for each discipline the quality of science educa- (Biology, Chemistry, tion, increasing male, female Computer, Physics and and minority interest in sci- Mathematics) who is also a ence and creating a techno- member, and the Scientific logically-literate workforce Jury (SJ). One consular may and providing recognition act as the Country for outstanding achievement Coordinator and head of the by both students and teach- representatives. The Country ers. These goals are achieved Coordinator is the country by participating in Science member of the Ruling Union Olympiad tournaments and (RU) of the ISO. non-competitive events. The Ruling Union (RU) of the “There have been various ISO is the committee of the Olympiads organized Country Coordinators that around the world but Africa meets during the ISO compehas only two regional tition or more frequently if Olympiads. The number of requested by a majority of the participants has grown over members through the the years, rising each year. President. The Scientific Jury Twenty three countries, (SJ) is a committee formed for including Nigeria will be par- each ISO competition. The ticipating in this year’s ISO host country appoints a Olympiad in Nigeria. The par- distinguished scientist as ticipating countries will be Chairman. Its members contested in science knowledge, sist of the Counselors from science processes, thinking each participating country. skills and science application

From Oludare Richards, Abuja

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40 SCIENCE HEALTH Thursday, May 29, 2014

Malaria vaccine ready in two years, say researchers • To save 627,000 lives yearly • ‘Water barrels are breeding ground for diseaseridden mosquitoes’ • WHO calls for over 50% increase in tobacco taxes

By Chukwuma Muanya (with agency report) O save lives from malaria, T researchers have identified a substance that they said could be a potential vaccine candidate for the disease.

They said the vaccine, which could be available in two years, would save around 627,000 deaths worldwide recorded in 2012, of which 460,000 occurred among African children under the age of five years.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted to humans from the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The most harmful parasite is Plasmodium falciparum.

Initial symptoms of the disease include headache, fever, chills and vomiting. If untreated, it can lead to severe anemia, respiratory difficulties, cerebral malaria and death.

Malaria is most common among people - particularly children - living in subSaharan Africa. However, many individuals who live in high-infection areas often develop protective immune system responses that restrict malaria parasite levels in the blood, meaning severe symptoms of the disease are prevented.

In a related development, as part of efforts to reduce the number of smokers by 49

million within the next three years and ultimately save 11 million lives, and ahead of the World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on countries to raise taxes on tobacco by at least 50 per cent to encourage users to stop and prevent other people from becoming addicted to tobacco.

WHO, in a statement yesterday, said today, every six seconds someone dies from tobacco use. Tobacco kills up to half of its users. It also incurs considerable costs for families, businesses and governments. Treating tobaccorelated diseases like cancer and heart disease is expensive.

And as tobacco-related disease and death often strike people in the prime of their working lives, productivity and incomes fall.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, said: “Raising taxes on tobacco is the most effective way to reduce use and save lives. Determined action on tobacco tax policy hits the industry where it hurts.”

According to the WHO, the young and poor people benefit most. “High prices are particularly effective in discouraging young people (who often have more limited incomes than older adults) from taking up smoking. They also encourage existing young smokers to either reduce their

Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu use of tobacco or quit altogether.”

Meanwhile, a new study carried out at Reading University has found rainwater-filled water barrels provide a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes capable of carrying malaria and other diseases They are a must-have for keen gardeners. But trendy water butts are also a magnet for mosquitoes, experts have warned.

The rainwater-filled water barrels provide a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes capable of carrying malaria and other diseases, a British study found.

Worryingly, water butts in population-dense towns and

cities are particularly suited to incubating the insect’s larvae, raising the chances of an outbreak.

Although malaria is unlikely to take hold here, the insects could spread it from person to person - something that has not happened in the United Kingdom (UK) since the 1950s.

Anopheles, one of the types of mosquito found to favour urban water barrels, carries the most deadly form of the malaria.

The research team - including investigators from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Rhode Island Hospital and Harvard Medical School in

Massachusetts, United States (U.S.) - investigated plasma samples of 785 children aged two years from Tanzania in East Africa who were either susceptible or resistant to malaria infection.

Researchers say the antigen PfSEA-1 could be a potential malaria vaccine candidate.

After a series of gene-screening and laboratory tests, the researchers identified an antigen called Plasmodium falciparum schizont egress antigen-1 (PfSEA-1).

Further tests on the antigen revealed that it stops a malaria parasite from leaving one red blood cell to occupy another. This is a notable finding, according to a study coauthored by Dr. Jonathan Kurtis, director of the Centre for International Health Research at Rhode Island Hospital.

Kurtis explains: “Many researchers are trying to find ways to develop a malaria vaccine by preventing the parasite from entering the red blood cell, and here we found a way to block it from leaving the cell once it has entered. If it’s trapped in the red blood cell, it can’t go anywhere - it can’t do any further damage.”

The research team then vaccinated five groups of malariaexposed mice with the PfSEA-1 antigen. They found that the mice demonstrated lower malaria parasite levels and a longer life-span, compared with mice that were unvaccinated.

The antibody levels in plasma samples from 453 of the Tanzanian children were then measured. The researchers found that during periods when the children had detectable antibodies to

PfSEA-1 during a high-infection season, no severe malaria occurred.

To investigate further, the team measured the antibody levels in plasma samples of 138 males ages 12-35 who lived in an area of Kenya with high malaria infection. They found that those with detectable antibodies to PfSEA-1 had 50% lower malaria parasite levels during a high-infection season, compared with those who did not have these detectable antibodies.

According to the investigators, these findings suggest that PfSEA-1 could be a potential vaccine candidate that could work by itself or in combination with other vaccines to tackle malaria at different stages of infection.

They note that although further animal trials are needed, they hope to start phase 1 trials in humans very soon.

Kurtis says: “Our findings support PfSEA-1 as a potential vaccine candidate, and we are confident that by partnering with our colleagues at the National Institutes of Health and other researchers focused on vaccines to prevent the parasites from entering red blood cells, we can approach the parasite from all angles, which could help us develop a truly effective vaccine to prevent this infectious disease that kills millions of children every year.”

Earlier this year, Medical News Today reported on a study from researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine, who identified a protein that could lead to treatments for malaria and toxoplasmosis.

Thursday, May 29, 2014 | 41

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

NaturalHealth Could cannabis curb seizures?

Experts weed through evidence HE therapeutic potential of medical marijuana and pure cannabidiol (CBD), an active substance in the cannabis plant, for neurologic conditions is highly debated. A series of articles published in Epilepsia, a journal of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), examine the potential use of medical marijuana and CBD in treating severe forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome.

In a case study, Dr. Edward Maa, Chief of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Denver Health in Denver, Colo., details one mother’s experience of providing medical marijuana to her child with Dravet syndrome. The adjunct therapy, a strain of cannabis high in CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) known as Charlotte’s Web, was given in conjunction with the patient’s antiepileptic drug regimen.

The child’s seizure frequency was reduced from 50 convulsions per day to 2 to 3 nighttime convulsions per month.

“Colorado is “ground zero” of the medical marijuana debate,” says Dr. Maa. “As medical professionals it is important that we further the evidence of whether CBD in cannabis is an effective antiepileptic therapy.”

Currently, 21 states and the District of Columbia (DC) have legalized marijuana for medical purposes according to GOVERNING magazine.

T

Study debunks common myth that urine is sterile ACTERIA live in the bladders of healthy women, discrediting the common belief that normal urine is sterile.

This finding was presented last week by researchers from Loyola University Chicago at the 114th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Boston.

“Doctors have been trained to believe that urine is germfree,” said Linda Brubaker, MD, MS, co-investigator and dean, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM). “These findings challenge this notion, so this research opens the door to exciting new possibilities for patient treatment.”

This study also revealed that bladder bacteria in healthy women differ from the bladder bacteria in women affected by overactive bladder (OAB), which causes a sudden need to urinate.

“The presence of certain bacteria in women with overactive bladder may contribute to OAB symptoms,” said Evann Hilt, lead investigator and second-year master’s student, Loyola University Chicago. “Further research is needed to determine if these bacterial differences are clinically relevant for the millions of women with OAB and the doctors who treat them.”

B

Fighting breast, prostate cancers with dietary changes • Eating high-fibre carbs, drinking less milk, others may help cut risk • Infection makes men more vulnerable to disease

Fresh fruits and vegetables

By Chukwuma Muanya with agency reports ALORIE restriction, a kind C of dieting in which food intake is decreased by a certain percentage, has been touted as way to help people live longer.

New research suggests that there may be other benefits, including improving outcomes for women in breast cancer. According to a study published May 26, 2014 in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, the triple negative subtype of breast cancer – one of the most aggressive forms – is less likely to spread, or metastasize, to new sites in the body when mice were fed a restricted diet.

“The diet turned on a epigenetic program that protected mice from metastatic disease,” says senior author Dr. Nicole Simone, an associate professor in the department of Radiation Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University.

Indeed, when mouse models of triple negative cancer were fed 30 percent less than what they ate when given free access to food, the cancer cells decreased their production of microRNAs 17 and 20 (miR 17/20). Researchers have found that this group of miRs is often increased in triple negative cancers that metastasize.

Breast cancer patients are often treated with hormonal therapy to block tumor growth, and steroids to counteract the side effects of chemotherapy.

However, both treatments can cause a patient to have altered metabolism, which can lead to

weight gain.

In fact, women gain an average of 10 pounds in their first year of treatment. Recent studies have shown that too much weight makes standard treatments for breast cancer less effective, and those who gain weight during treatment have worse cancer outcomes. “That’s why it’s important to look at metabolism when treating women with cancer,” says Simone.

Also, diet and lifestyle can play a role in lowering a man’s risk of prostate cancer, according to a trio of new studies.

A diet rich in complex carbohydrates and lower in protein and fat is associated with a 60 percent to 70 percent reduced risk of prostate cancer, said Adriana Vidal, a coauthor of two of the studies and an assistant professor at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina (N.C.), United States.

In addition, a fiber-filled diet reduced the risk of aggressive prostate cancer by 70 percent to 80 percent, according to Vidal.

“Good carbs, high-quality carbs, and high fiber are definitely protective against prostate cancer,” Vidal said.

The two other studies found that: *Drinking lots of milk could increase a man’s risk of advanced prostate cancer. *Men suffering from two or more health problems linked to metabolic syndrome also have an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. *Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that

increase a person’s risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

They include obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, elevated levels of triglycerides (blood fats) and reduced levels of “good” High Density Lipo-protein (HDL) cholesterol.

Also, scientists have said that prostate cancer could be a sexually transmitted disease caused by an infection passed on during intercourse.

According to the study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at the University of California discovered a sexually transmitted infection called trichomoniasis helps the growth of cancer cells in human prostate cells, when grown in a laboratory.

But the team behind the discovery say more research is now needed to confirm the link.

Researchers at the University of California have discovered that men infected with the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis are more susceptible to developing prostate cancer.

And experts at Cancer Research United Kingdom (UK) told the BBC that more clinical studies are needed before the disease can be added to the list of cancers caused by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection, affecting around 275 million people across the world. Many people suffering the effects of the infection will have no symptoms.

For those that do, they develop after around a month and for women cause soreness and itching around the vagina as well as a change in vaginal discharge.

Infected men may feel itching or irritation in the penis, pain during urination as well as a white discharge from the penis.

In the new study, Professor Patricia Johnson found the parasite that causes trichomoniasis - Trichomonas vaginalis - secretes a protein that causes inflammation and increased growth and invasion of benign and cancerous prostate cells.

Meanwhile, in earlier studies, Simone and colleagues had shown that calorie restriction boosted the tumorkilling effects of radiation therapy. This study aimed to examine which molecular pathways were involved in this cooperative effect.

The investigators noticed that microRNAs – a type of RNA that regulates other genes in the cell – specifically miR 17 and 20, decreased the most when mice were treated with both radiation and calorie restriction. This decrease in turn increased the production of proteins involved in maintaining the extracellular matrix. “Calorie restriction promotes epigenetic changes in the breast tissue that keep the extracellular matrix strong,” says Simone. “A strong matrix creates a sort of cage around the tumor, making it more difficult for cancer cells to escape and spread to new sites in the body.”

Poor diet before pregnancy linked with preterm birth NIVERSITY of Adelaide U research has for the first time confirmed that women who eat a poor diet before they become pregnant are around 50% more likely to have a preterm birth than those on a healthy diet.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute investigated the dietary patterns of more than 300 South Australian women to better understand their eating habits before pregnancy.

It is the first study of its kind to assess women’s diet prior to conception and its association with outcomes at birth.

The results, published in The Journal of Nutrition, show that women who consistently ate a diet high in protein and fruit prior to becoming pregnant were less likely to have a preterm birth, while those who consistently ate high fat and sugar foods and takeaway were about 50 per cent more likely to have a preterm birth.

“Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant disease and death and occurs in approximately one in 10 pregnancies globally. Anything we can do to better understand the conditions that lead to preterm birth will be important in helping to improve survival and long-term health outcomes for children,” says the lead author of the paper, Dr Jessica Grieger, Posdoctoral Research Fellow with the Robinson Research Institute, based at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.

Eating grapefruit, bananas, fish to beat chronic lung disease ATING grapefruit, bananas, E fish and cheese could help patients suffering one of the most common lung conditions, say scientists. Research showed a direct link between the foods and improvements in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Scientists from the United States (U.S.) and Europe used diet records for 2,167 COPD sufferers over a three-year period.

Those who had eaten the products within 24 hours showed improvement in a range of measures such as lung function, fitness scores and white blood cell count.

Lead study author Dr Corrine Hanson said patients should now be offered dietary and nutritional counselling as part of their treatment.

Those who had eaten the products within 24 hours showed improvement in a range of measures such as lung function, fitness scores and white blood cell count.

Lead study author Dr Corrine Hanson said patients should now be offered dietary and nutritional counselling as part of their treatment.

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SCIENCE HEALTH Thursday, May 29, 2014

Clinic delivers first set of quadruplets through non-IVF method

By Chukwuma Muanya one-stop-shop LagosA based fertility clinic, Medical Art Centre (MART) Laboratories and Medicare Clinic, Maryland Lagos, has delivered a set of quadruplets, three girls and a boy, through non In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) method called Fallopian Tube Sperm Perfusion (FTSP).

IVF is a process by which an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body: in vitro.

FTSP is a relatively recent modification of Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) in which the insemination will directly place sperm into the fallopian tubes. In standard technique of IUI, sperm are placed inside the uterus. FTSP is inexpensive and less invasive compared with IVF. The quadruplets were delivered in about three minutes at 9.am on Friday May 23, 2014. The first baby to come, female weighed 1.35 kilogrammes; the second, male, weighed 1,25 kilogrammes; the third, female, weighed 1.2 kilogrammes; and the third, female, weighed 0.9 kilogrammes.

The Guardian learnt that the mother, 31 years, names withheld, and the husband, 40 years, names withheld, had been married for four years without any issue.

When they visited MART Laboratories and fertility clinic, the man was diagnosed of low sperm count while the woman of Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (POD).

POD is also known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is one of the most common endocrine disorders among females. PCOS has a diverse range of causes that are not entirely understood, but there is strong evidence that it is largely a genetic disease.

The most common immediate symptoms are anovulation, excess androgenic hormones, and insulin resistance.

Anovulation results in irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and ovulation-related infertility.

Hormone imbalance generally causes acne and hirsutism. Insulin resistance is associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly among affected women.

When The Guardian visited MART Medicare Clinic on Monday, the babies were all alive and well and were placed in the neonatal unit with specialized, ventilators, respirator and individual incubators, light phototherapy sets and monitors.

The MART medical team that performed the feat include: the Chief Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof. Oladapo Ashiru; R e p r o d u c t i v e Endocrinologist/IVF Specialist, Dr. Chizara Okeke; Reproductive Endocrinologist/IVF Specialist, Dr. Kemi Ailoje Ibru; IVF Physician, Dr. Jaiye Adeyemi; Clinical Coordinator, Mrs. Abiola Adewusi.

Others are: Consultant Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Dr. Lateef Akinola; C o n s u l t a n t

• Doctors beat low sperm count, ovarian disorder to achieve pregnancy • Fashola visits facility to commemorate Children’s Day

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, and the Medical Art Centre’s (MART) team at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, MART Medicare… on Tuesday Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Dr. Moses Olusanjo; C o n s u l t a n t Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Dr. Oluwaseun Makewu; Andrologist, Mr. Moruf Oladimeji; and Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Adenike Awokola.

The First lady of Lagos state Mrs Abimbola Fashola paid a visit to all the branches of Mart Group on Tuesday.

The visit was primarily a courtesy call to the Mart Medicare, to commemorate the children’s day celebration.

Her Excellency took the opportunity to have an inspection tour of all the facilities as she visited the state of the art labour ward, theater, wards and highly equipped neonatal unit with capacity to handle premature babies with ventilators, respirator, incubators and monitors.

Fashola also toured all the IVF facilities at the Medical Art Center where the couple received treatment for infertility and where able to achieve conception.

She also visited the Mart Life Detox Clinic, where pre –fertility detoxification and stress reduction are carried out on couples planning for Assisted Conception.

Her Excellency expressed satisfaction with the worldclass facilities of the MART Group commending the CEO and all members of staff at the achievement of this great feat.

Ashiru who is also an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois, United States, said that but for the skill and the type of equipment that MART Medicare has, the team might have lost some of these babies.

“So this process secures maternal and babies’ lives to that level of perfection. I think it is a feat that was done in a private centre like this recognizing the fact that what motivated us to start this is that some of the work we did here went to other places and then we lost either the baby and sometimes the mother so we are quite pleased,” he said.

Ashiru told The Guardian: “This is the first set of

The quadruplets placed in the MART Medicare neonatal unit with specialized, ventilators, respirator and individual incubators, light phototherapy sets and monitors quadruplets to be delivered at this Institution since it was opened by the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, last September. I think when the Minister came for the opening one thing we said was we promised to have a state-of-theart maternity suite where people can deliver and don’t have to travel abroad just because they want to deliver a baby and where this kind of baby should be done with ease and not without any pain. Since then we have delivered a number of babies’ singles, twins and indeed my own first grandson were delivered from there just about five weeks ago to confirm that I believe in what I am doing.

“The team that we have, we have quite a good team to work with and this story typifies the one stop shop that we have. The treatment started when the lady reported here last year August. They heard about this place and they came in and at that time they were seen by some of our doctors. The doctors carried out investigations and they confirmed that this woman has problem ovulating. She had also POD. “In addition there was also a male factor but the

assessment gave us the indication that the treatment that was need was to improve the male factor issue and she had some medications to address POD. There after she was stimulated and the fallopian tube sperm perfusion was done.

Two weeks thereafter she became pregnant and this was confirmed by the beta human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test, which was positive, which is the biochemical confirmation of pregnancy. She came in a week later to do the scan to confirm, that was on November 5, 2013 and they found two sacs.

“One of our Senior IVF Physician, Dr. Chizera Okeke, did the scan, which was repeated the next day by another physician, Dr. Adeyemi. Dr. Kemi Ailoge Ibru did the ultrasound scan to confirm that they were two sacs and the next time they scanned the woman, she found three and the next time she scanned she found four. I think at that time the woman said she didn’t want her to scan her again just in case.

“So we managed the case here up to the tenth week. At this point she was referred to MART Medicare and they started the management at that time and continued up to the 16th week. The man-

agement at that time in MART Medicare was done by three obstetricians who are consultants here: Dr. L Akiola; Dr. Olusanjo Moses; and Dr. Makewo.”

Ashiru who is also the joint pioneer of IVF/Test Tube Technology in Nigeria said: “To me I feel very elated because this was a case that did not need input from me. Doctors I have groomed here managed it and they have been able to achieve that for themselves and I am proud of them that they did this. This shows that the technology has been transferred completely. I spoke to the husband and we advised that by the 20th week she needed to be in for admission. She was now put in bed here in MART Medicare and stayed there for twelve weeks. So she was delivered at 33 weeks, Friday morning at 9am. By 9.03am the babies were all out. I was impressed. It was done under spinal anaesthesia by our consultant anaesthetist. Spinal and epidural anesthesia are medicines that numb parts of your body to block pain.

“We had a team of consultants including anaesthetists and four neonatologists. These are experts in small babies who received the babies and immediately

transfer them to the neonatal ward where we have state of the art facility. The theatre closest was under the control of the chief nursing officer, Mrs. Awokoya, who is the one that controls all of us as to the level of sterility, which is the most important thing. I could say that since we started MART Medicare there has not been hospital infection and that gives a lot of credit to our work.

She is so efficient about that, which is the most difficult aspect of most hospitals even abroad. People go there and what delays them is hospital infection.

“So the babies were put in the neonatal ward, in the incubators, four incubators and one for each baby and phototherapy light to prevent neonatal jaundice. The paediatricians were going on call to ensure that everything we went. The mother started breastfeeding on Sunday and the babies are doing very well.”

Technique used Ashiru explained: “The technique used was FTSP. It is a modified form of IUI because in IUI you are more or less putting enough volume to reach the uterus. In that case the difference between IUI and FTSP is number one the catheter you use. In IUI the catheter is usually short but in FTP you are reaching closer to the fallopian tube. So FTSP is for people that they have low sperm count but not critically low.

“You release 200 million of sperm cells but by the time you get to the fallopian tube, the concentration has gone down to five million and inside the tube about two million. So if a man has a sperm count of lets say ten million, by the time it gets to the fallopian tube it is very low, so it cant fertilise the egg.

“So if you process it and move it nearer it can. So you are making it to look like a higher concentration than it is. This is to show you that even though we have the state of the art IVF and PGD we don’t necessarily give it to each person. We access each person and prescribe the right type of treatment.

In her case she has normal tubes and she did not need to go through IVF. “The fact is that she has PCO so you have to stimulate enough to have the eggs. If you don’t stimulate enough she will not ovulate but if you stimulate enough she will have more than one egg. In fact sometimes the embryo can still split. So it is the stimulation that caused the multiple births?

Yes or no, we don’t know for certain.”

“What I say is that this place runs now almost like a teaching hospital in a private way. The difference here is that if a doctor does something in most private hospitals, there is no one to check what he has done; he is on his own. But that is not so here, there is a team, even when they were having their delivery somebody said ‘you are lucky because Prof is here. I Prof am here. I think my presence created some form of an attention to duty by the people working. Knowing that I am there to give moral support to ensure that things are running right.”

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Thursday, May 29, 2014 SCIENCE HEALTH 43

Dora Akunyili’s husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili (left), former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (second right) with team of medical doctors treating Prof. Dora Akunyili at Indian Hospital Monday

Obi visits Dora in India, call on Nigerians to pray for her ORMER Governor of FObiAnambra State, Mr. Peter has called on Nigerians to remember Prof. Dora Akunyili in their prayers. He made this call yesterday from India, where he has gone to visit the Prof. who is undergoing treatment in an India Hospital.

Obi who expressed happiness that Nigerians, across ethnic and religious divides are together in wishing Dora well, unlike the condemnable practice where by sicknesses of highly-placed Nigerians are celebrated for what Nigerians think as punishment for their contributions to the Nation’s woes, said that the gesture explained how dear and beholden Dora was to Nigerians. “In spite of the unacceptability of the prac-

tice of rejoicing over people’s misfortune, the love, concern and care Nigerians have shown to Dora is a testimony that anybody who serves Nigerians faithfully as Dora has continued to do, will forever be etched in their psyches.”

Obi thanked God for tremendous improvement of Prof. Akunyili and said the reality he saw was direct opposite of the grim picture some people painted about her condition. He prayed to God to grant her total healing. He also thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for directing the Nigerian High Commissioner to visit her in hospital and monitor her condition.

Speaking during the visit, at a brief meeting between

Japan gives Nigeria N14.45tr for anti-polio war From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja IGERIA’S quest to interN rupt Wilde polio virus transmission in the country and thereafter eradicate the virus received a major boost yesterday, as the Japanese government offered Nigeria $85 million (N14.45 trillion) support.

The fund, which is in the form of a loan, is meant to ensure that vaccines are available for vaccination and routine immunization till the end of the year 2015. It supports polio immunization campaigns in Nigeria to optimize immunization of vaccines to children under 5 years of age through procurement of polio vaccine, thereby contributing to polio eradication in Nigeria.

The pact was sealed between by the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Mr. Ryuichi Shoji, and Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, on behalf of both countries. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) will implement the programme.

Shoji stressed that as far as a single child remains infected, children in all countries were at risk of polio.

“Although Nigeria is making progress in fight against polio, Nigeria has yet to achieve the ultimate goal of polio eradication. Childhood killer diseases such a s polio are rampant despite the fact

that they are vaccine-preventable. The level of child mortality can be reduced with simple intervention of immunization of polio vaccine delivered in an integrated manner.”

Dora’s husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili and Mr. Peter Obi with the team of Doctors treating her, Mr. Obi emphasized the need for Indians to come and set up facilities in Nigeria and for Nigerian Doctors to also show commitment to expanding the health facilities in Nigeria through strategic ratter than dependency on government.

Dora’s husband, Dr. Chike thanked the doctors for their professionalism and commitment to duty. He also thanked Nigerians for the outpouring of love and concern and called on them to intensify prayers for his dear wife assuring them that God is in control.

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SCIENCE HEALTH Thursday, May 29, 2014

Community pharmacists proffer solution to mobile authentication controversy

By Wole Oyebade HEAD of July 1 deadline for compliance with the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) directive, Community Pharmacists in the country have asked for a restructuring of the anticounterfeiting system to accommodate pharmacists and drug outlets.

Specifically, pharmacists demand that the drug authentication procedure, currently exclusive to consumers, should also be placed in the hands of pharmacists at the point of purchase from drug manufacturers, to clear MAS of hitches and controversies it is generating between pharmacists and their consumers.

Meanwhile, the pharmacists, under the aegis Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have pitched their tent with the Organised Labour’s ultimatum, served to the Federal Government to fully implement the agreement reached at a reconciliatory meeting with aggrieved stakeholders in the health sector.

MAS, an initiative of National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) currently used on antibiotics and anti-malaria drugs sold in the country, allows consumer to ascertain the genuineness of drugs before purchase, by scratching and sending its number for quick confirmation.

However, due to factors that include poor telecommunication network, use of wrong number and multiple entries, inconsistent results have been received in drug shops.

National Chairman of the association, Adebayo Ismail, at an event to herald ACPN national conference coming up early June, noted that these instances of inconsistent results had been causing ACPN members in Lagos and

A

Port Harcourt a lot of embarrassments lately, with consumers alleging that their products were fake.

The problem, he observed, was that Community Pharmacists were not empowered to check before the products are shelved “and this is our grievance, because we were not carried along in the plan.”

Ismail added that there had been a meeting of the stakeholders – telecoms service providers, manufacturers of the drugs, NAFDAC and ACPN/PSN – with a committee set up to look into the matter.

According to him, “We have made it known to the parties that before we put these product on our shelf, we want to be able to check them in bulks; as back up to what our consumers will check in small packs.

“Checks should be done at the drug distribution channel, having the distributor and the wholesalers before it comes to the retailer. The wholesaler and the retailers are members of ACPN and we have agreed that validity test should be done at every level on the products before it gets to the shelf,” he said.

Continuing, Ismail said: “Sometimes, some of these products are stolen though they are genuine. In that case, the manufacture will not upload the number but block it. This is part of the problem we have experienced, despite the fact that our members are buying from right sources. We have complained to NAFDAC and they have been taken,” he said.

Ismail added that MAS is one of the subjects scheduled for discourse at the ACPN national conference coming up in Ilorin, Kwara State from June 2 to 6, 2014.

It would be recalled that Organised Labour, made up of Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC)

By Ibe Uwaleke XPERTS in the public and E community health care yesterday identified insecuri-

NAFDAC D.G., Dr. Paul Orhi last week urged the government to fully implement the reconciliation agreement before June 5, without which the health worker would resume its earlier strike suspended in January.

The chairman reiterated that ACPN was fully in support of their colleagues, who are part of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare professionals (AHPA).

“We strongly condemn a situation whereby a selected member of the healthcare team is treated as a sacred cow at the expense of the other members of the team to the detriment of patients that are accessing health care services. All over the world, healthcare is an all-inclusive set-up, where by all the members of the team contribute their quota and are given due recognition,” he said.

A reconciliatory meeting led at the instance of Ministry of Labour and Productivity, among concerned parties,

had agreed on resolutions which hope to address lopsidedness and unlawful constitution of Boards of Management of various Tertiary Health Institutions; increase in retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years and promotion of officers from CONHESS 14 to 15 as Directors, Implementation of Skipping of CONHESS 10 and payment of its accrued arrears.

Others are circularization of proper placement of intern Medical Laboratory Scientists on CONHESS 8; abolition of the post of Deputy Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC); adjustment of collective bargaining agreement of 2009 as it was done for Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the same sector in January, 2014 and Advertorial for appointment of CMDs/MDs should no longer be skewed in favour of one professional group but made open to all competent and qualified health professionals.

Wellbeing Foundation Africa leads advocacy for WHO’s newborn Plan O stimulate progress on T improving newborn survival, and to further the objectives of ‘Every Newborn: an action plan to end preventable deaths’ (ENAP), which will be formally launched on June 31, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa on May 16, 2014, spearheaded an innovative social media rally in partnership with Save the Children, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), and the United States (U.S.)-based strategic communications firm, GMMB. A leading frontline Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH empowerment organization, the Wellbeing Foundation Africawhose Founder-President Mrs. Toyin Saraki was recently honored by Save the Children and named National Newborn Health Champion for Nigeria, continues to drive renewed action on newborn survival in Nigeria through various advocacy platforms.

Following the catalytic call to action for multilateral engagement to #bringbackourgirls, as a member of the Eminent Persons Group alongside others including Bill and Melinda Gates, Desmond Tutu and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the leadership of the Wellbeing Foundation

Africa aims to stimulate international engagement, through advocacy and strategic communications, in support of the Every Newborn Action Plan, which will aid countries like Nigeria in drastically decreasing infant mortality rates through universal, proven interventions.

Co-hosts of the Foundation’s May 16th Twitter relay, which took place from 11am to 8pm, included Save the Children Nigeria (@savechildrenNG), MamaYe Nigeria (@mamayenigeria) and Not Again Campaign (@notagaincampaig). Other

key participants included the Society for Family Health (@SFHNigeria), Association for Reproductive and Family Health (@ARFH_nig), Digital Media Development Initiatives (@DMDinitatives), Development Innovation (@devnovate), and the Targeted States High-Impact Project (@TSHIP_Nigeria).

Hosted by a different organization every hour using the main hashtag #EveryNewborn , coupled with others including #SoWMY2014; #Nigeria; # W H A 6 7 ; #Promise4Children; #new-

bornhealth; #maternalhealth; and #post2015, the social media rally reached out to many different audiences to promulgate ENAP’s strategic goals and objectives, and to celebrate the live-saving work of midwives and the wider impact on maternal, newborn, and child health, that improved policy implementation brings.

While progress has been made on improving underfive child deaths and maternal deaths across the board, progress on improving newborn survival has critically fallen below expectations.

Group urges post-healthcare for the kidnapped girls

By Emeka Nwachukwu USLIM Association Of M Nigeria (MAN) has called on the government to make adequate preparation to ensure the health fitness and wellness of the abducted Chibok girls when they return.

Speaking at a news briefing recently in Lagos, the Medical Adviser of the group, Dr. Adefemi Lawal, advised the Nigerian government to make post-rescue rehabilitation plans for the girls who have been under ill environment for over a month.

According to him “everyone

How insecurity in Northern Nigeria affects intervention programmes for healthcare, by experts

is talking about bringing them back but what provisions have been made to take care of their health when they return? These girls have been kidnapped by a wicked group and could have been infected with various diseases.

“For anyone may care to know, many of the girls could have been raped leading to pregnancy in addition to the psychological trauma they are made to pass through” he continued, “Many victims of abduction develop post-traumatic stress disorder which can manifest with difficulty in sleeping

because of nightmares, anxiety and frightening thoughts.

The rate of other disorders like depression and psychotic disorders can also increase. There can be an increase of psychoactive substance use and other mental and health problems as adolescents” “The process of recovery for a victim of abduction or kidnapping is gradual and it depends on a number of factors such as length of stay in captivity, experiences during the abduction; like sexual or physical abuse. They need a strong support network to help rebuild their sense of security”

ty in the north eastern part of Nigeria as a major challenge affecting the implementation and monitoring of public and community healthcare intervention programmes .

The experts said insecurity occasioned by the insurgency of Boko Haram in the North East is adversely affecting the design and implementation of public and community health care programmes.

Speaking in Lagos at the unveiling of an online exchange platform, “ Nigeria Springboard for health communication,” Dr Mojisola Odeku, who is project director , Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative and Mr Yemi Abodurin, programme officer, Centre for C o m m u n i c a t i o n Programmes Nigeria ( CCPN), said government needs to step up efforts to protect people living in high prone crisis areas in the North East to ensure that health care intervention programmes are not thwarted .

In particular, Odeku said the rising insurgency in the North East is forcing many Nigerians to migrate to Abuja, thereby over stretching the available public and community health care facilities there.

She said if security measures were not put in place to guarantee the safety of health care officials and facilitators, the increasing migration rate into Abuja would become a major challenge for government.

She canvassed the establishment of more public and community health care centres and outreach in satellite towns around Abuja to cater for the rising number of migrants.

She said if crowd control and community engagement programmes were not put in

place, the implementation of intervention programmes by donor organisations bordering on women and child health would be threatened.

According to her, adequate monitoring of intervention programmes as well as design of health care programmes could only be carried out in a secured atmosphere.

Odeku said in the past few years efforts by demographers in the public and community health care to gauge the progress of interventionist programmes have been hampered by insecurity in some states in the North on account of the activities of insurgents.

She said government should step up efforts to improve security in the affected states, so that beneficiaries of public and community health care programmes are not isolated in key programmes on infant and maternal mortality.

Also speaking, Dr Babatunde Fakunle , regional community manager, sub Saharan Africa, Shell Petroleum Development Company , canvassed the involvement of private sector players in the provision of public and community healthcare programmes and projects, affirming that organisations should put people first before profit .

Fakunle said though provision of primary health care is the responsibility of government, but private companies have to intervene to tackle gaps in the matters of health care for Nigerians.

He said there are opportunities for private companies to intervene in the health care system by pioneering health insurance schemes, which would reduce the cost of public and community healthcare in operating environment.

He said: “This is why we are developing a model for community health insurance in focal communities.”

NURHI advocates safer family planning method, adequate child spacing From Michael Egbejule, Benin City ETERMINED to drastically D reduce all adverse problems associated with urban reproductive health in the country, a nongovernmental organization, Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI), has intensified awareness campaign on family planning through community dialogue targeted at the behavioral change of people, with the aim of choosing safer family planning method and adequate child spacing for a healthy nation.

The awareness campaign organised by NUHRI cut across the three local government areas of Benin metropolis, which include, Egor, Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha, where a good number of social mobilizers were given adequate training, after which they embarked on house to house visitation to invite interested members and resident in the state capital were acquainted with practical lectures on the use of appropriate, safe, family planning methods as well as the benefit of child spacing.

Many of those gathered for the enlightenment campaign

expressed appreciation for the programme, just as they provided free public enlightenment campaign and Health Education for the benefit of all regarding safe reproductive health delivery.

While addressing the social mobilizers at the Oredo Primary Health Care, PHC, NURHI’s Behaviour Change Communication Consultant, Omwenyeke Kingsley, noted that the use of suitable family planning and child spacing methods by couples will enhance the well-being of their families, adding that positive behavioural change could be achieved through efficient and effective community consultation.

He disclosed that the objective of the programme was to create demand-generation for the use of family planning by couples.

Omwenyeke who explained that NURHI is working in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Health, as well as the Federal Ministry of Health , debunked misinformation in some quarters that the campaign was to stop child bearing, but disclosed that the aim of the campaign was for parents to space their chil-

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Thursday, May 29, 2014 SCIENCE &

Local study to establish health reference interval for Nigeria

By Wole Oyebade local study is set to estabA lish a reference interval for Nigeria, to tell when a person is sick and by what degree when compared to a healthy person.

The study, first of its kind in the country, would redefine medical diagnosis carried out through blood tests, experts have said.

In health-related fields, a reference range or reference interval usually describes the variations of a measurement or value in healthy individuals. It is a basis for a physician or other health professional to interpret a set of results for a particular patient.

The study is an international research project currently conducted in several countries of which Nigeria has been selected, and represented by indigenous Pathology Service Company, Pathcare laboratories.

Research Coordinator, Pathcare, Dr Tolulope Adewole noted that the current normal values used to interpret blood test within the country were obtained from research carried out on a foreign population, which may not necessarily represent the exact situation of the Nigerian population.

With this new “landmark” research, these “normal values” will be determined to represent the true state of affairs among Nigerian health community, and will strengthen the practice of evidence-based medicine, Adewole said.

It is this set of normal values that will help to know if one is actually ill or not, and to what degree.

The study, scheduled to begin in June, will be conducted on volunteers from Nigerian public between the ages of 18 and 65 years.

Adewole told The Guardian that ethical clearance had

been obtained through the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos. The study is being done with both local and international collaborations; these include Prof.

Keisuke Ichihara from Teikyo UMC Japan and Prof.

Rajiv Erasmus from Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Head of Quality Assurance, Pathcare laboratories, Janette Wassung, noted that quality management was essential for research of this magnitude, adding that only laboratories with an internationally recognized quality management system such as ISO 15189 accreditation could participate such a project, which was why Pathcare Nigeria was selected. Similar studies are also ongoing in the United States, South Africa, Kenya, Japan, Central Asia and the Far East.

Wassung added that it was critical to the success of the

project that only healthy persons are enrolled into the study, thus making people with the following health conditions ineligible as volunteers: persons with high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and other health conditions for which medication is currently taken. Also ineligible are people with health conditions for which they have been hospitalized in the last two weeks; blood donors in the last three months and blood recipients.

There are more people that will not be admitted as volunteers: people living with HIV/AIDS, carriers of chronic hepatitis B or C, pregnant women or women that were in labour less than a year ago; persons with alcohol intake of more than five glasses a day; the obese (with body mass index of more than 35kg/m2); underweight persons (with body mass index of less than 18.5kg/m2) and smokers who smoke more

A lineup of some of the awardees holding their plaques at the ‘Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Health in Nigeria Conference and Awards 2014’ held in Abuja recently: Mr. Balu. Abdallah of General Electronics (GE), left; Mrs. Clare Omatseye, Managing Director of JNC International; Dr. Omobola Oluwu, mni, Head of PPP Diaspora, Federal Ministry of Health, representing the Minister of Health; and Dr. Tolulope Adewole, Consultant Chemical Pathologist for PathCare Laboratories

NIMR woos students to medical research

By Wole Oyebade

• Laments medical implications of Chibok abduction

N commemoration of ItheChildren’s Day celebration, Nigerian Institute of

Ujah said the desire to catch them (youths) young, has propelled the institute to seize every opportunity in the last four years, to engage the young and up-coming Nigerians in science, technology and innovations, which form the building block of development.

“We do so by stimulating their interest in health research, with early emphasis that sound education drives research for nation’s development,” he said.

Researchers, at the forum attended by teachers and pupils of Lagos secondary schools, emphasized that research comprises of creative activities done systematically to increase knowledge.

Research is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work and solves new or existing problems. For a child to be a good researcher, he or she must be inquisitive, asking many questions to know.

According to Ujah, “Any child who is inquisitive is very likely to grow up intelligently to become a great man or

Medical Research (NIMR) has urged secondary school students to be more interested in medical researches, if they must contribute to national development.

Director General (DG) of the institute, Prof. Innocent Ujah, at a symposium organised to celebrate the day, said the medical field, like scientific researches generally is the pathway to successful life and improved national wellbeing.

Ujah said it was, however, with missed feelings that the institute was commemorating the day, when over 200 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok, Borno State were still missing.

While he joined the international community in condemning the heinous act, the DG said NIMR was poised to follow up on these girls when their abductors release them, to determine the long term medical, social and psychological effect that may affect them for amelioration.

women, which will assist in contributing to knowledge and subsequently, national development.”

Continuing, he said: “Any child can perform or participate in research if properly trained and mentored, but such child must be grounded in the fundamentals of intelligent discussions, inquisitiveness and should have the will to investigate. Researchers like other professionals contribute a great deal to national

development.

“The career as a research scientists begins with basic qualifications in any field of human endeavor capped with requisite training in research, planning and management. It is on this basis that we have decided to engage this young and up-coming boys and girls in the art of strategic thinking and analysis,” Ujah said.

Dr Nkiruka David stressed the need to take elementary subjects like Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics seriously.

The antioxidant defense system F left unchecked the free radIbody icals will destroy the human within weeks. It is like a motor engine that releases smoke as a waste product of the combustion going on inside. If the smoke is not released and passed out of the engine it will not be too long before that engine packs up. In the case of the free radicals, they are not necessarily passed out of the body, but they are neutralized within the body and rendered harmless by the action of antioxidants.

As I showed in the article, “Free Radicals and Cancer,” last week Thursday, the free radical is a highly unstable, unbalanced oxygen atom with an unpaired electron in its outer orbit. The free radical is highly reactive, always seeking an electron from its immediate surrounding to connect to so as to become stable. It is the role of antioxidants to donate the missing electron to the free radical so that it does not randomly attach itself to other cells. If the free radical is allowed to do so it causes damage to the cell.

Common antioxidants are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, alphalipoic acid, Coenzyme Q10 etc.

These are capable of donating an electron to the free radical to neutralize it. Different antioxidants perform differently in the different sections of the body depending on their peculiar characteristics.

For example, vitamin C which is water soluble performs better in the blood and plasma to neutralize free radicals in this compartment.

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and its area of maximum performance is the cell membrane that is predominantly loaded with fat. Glutathione is the antioxidant predominantly found inside the cells and most suitable to attack free radicals in there. Alpha-lipoic acid is said to work both in and outside the cell. These vitamins and antioxidants are products of fruits and vitamins and in the most basic form of activity they release an electron to neutralize a free radical when they come in contact with one.

Antioxidants, in the course of their duty do not work alone, they work as a chain, each supporting the other; they work in synergy.

Antioxidants tend to become like free radicals when they give up their electron.

However, for this not to happen, there are some other antioxidants whose responsibility it is to help to regenerate other antioxidants. In regenerating these other antioxidants, they prevent them from becoming free radicals and make them continuously available to neutralize the harmful free radicals. Two very important antioxidants that play this role are alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin C, which together regenerate vitamin E and glutathione to extend their life span.

There is a battle going on in the body always and this is between the free radicals and the antioxidants. The outcome of this battle depends on the side that has more ‘foot soldiers.’ If the antioxidants are more, they will overwhelm the free radicals and prevent oxidative stress and damage to the cells and tissues of the body.

On the other hand, where there are more free radicals than antioxidants, oxidative stress occurs because not all the free radicals will get neutralized. When this continues for a sufficiently long time, the chronic degenerative diseases like cancer and aging can set in. It is therefore, very important for us to always ensure that there are more antioxidants in the body than the free radicals. This becomes more important still as free radicals are not produced only from the metabolism of glucose and oxygen for the synthesis of ATP. Sources of antioxidants as I mentioned earlier are fruits and vegatables, both eaten raw. To ensure that the level of antioxidants will always be more than that of the free radicals it is recommended that adults, 40 years and above should be on nutritional supplements on a regular basis. I will make mention of specific nutritional supplements when I write on the management of cancer.

However before then, please bear in mind that one of the most important causes of cancer is oxidative stress caused by free radicals and antioxidants in the right proportions will always neutralize them.

For the sake of completion, I will like to mention that the body also generates its own antioxidant defence systems.

They are three in number, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxi-

Firm to reward outstanding student doctors, pharmacists EIMETH International N Pharmaceuticals PLC is set to reward student Doctors and Pharmacists who participated in the just concluded Cardiovascular Academic Award Medical and Pharmacy Undergraduates Scheme (CAAMPUS) National Essay Competition.

To ensure the highest levels of credibility, the essay was assessed by eminent Pharmacists and Professors from different Teaching Hospitals who used certain

criteria like product knowledge, ingenuity, compliance with instrutions and overall presentation to mention a few to determine who among the participations won on merit.

The competition, which is a Neimeth initiative, was introduced to reward academic Excellence and diligence among undergraduates and fresh graduates of medicine and Pharmacy.

The scope of participation targeted penultimate/final year students of Medicine and

Pharmacy, House Officers, NYSC Doctors, and Intern/NYSC Pharmacists with 54 student Pharmacists and 28 Doctors participating respectively.

At the end of the exercise, Ayandele Babajide Oladayo of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho took the first position in the Doctors’ category, while Ogungbile Ibukunoluwa Obafemi of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife also came first in the Pharmacists’ cate-

gory nationally.

The second and third consolation prize winners from top Universities in Nigeria also emerged in the two categories.

For their efforts, the two categories of winners will be rewarded with gifts such as iPads + N100, 000 cash (1st Prize) 32’ LCD TV sets + N50, 000 cash (2nd Prize), Home Theatres + N30, 000 (3rd Prize) and consolation prizes of Blackberry phones + N25, 000 cash respectively.

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Thursday, May 29, 2014 EDUCATION EXTRA VII

Govt sets up micro-teaching laboratories in COEs From Niyi Bello (Akure) and Kanayo Umeh (Abuja)

•Adeyemi College of Education gets projects worth N888m

S part of Federal A Government’s strategic plan to reposition the coun-

Wike whose speech was delivered by the Director of Higher Education in the ministry, Hajia Hindatu Abdullahi said the president “has left no one in doubt of his intention to turn the fortunes of the education sector around for good, by confronting all the hydraheaded problems that have bedevilled the system right from the basic level through the tertiary level. As the third leg of our tertiary education tripod, colleges of education are strategically placed to produce professional and qualified teachers to teach in our primary, secondary and vocational schools.”

The minister disclosed that his ministry “has in the last four years, embarked on massive capacity development of teachers at all levels of our educational system for improved service delivery and in addition, revised the framework for curriculum implementation for NCE-awarding i n s t i t u t i o n s . ” As part of activities marking the ceremonies and the 50th anniversary of its establishment, projects worth about a billion naira, were inaugurat-

try’s education sector for global competitiveness, especially in the area of teacher education, micro teaching laboratories have been constructed in 58 federal and state colleges of education across the country.

The micro teaching laboratories, according to the supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, is an initiative central to the education component of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

Wike who was speaking in Ondo during the 33rd convocation ceremony and 50th anniversary of Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), explained that the micro teaching laboratories were established to aid teaching, learning and research in the recipient colleges, while master trainers have been trained in the use of open resources for English Language teaching. Science and mathematics teachers from across the country are also being trained on best practices.

ed by the institution during the weekend.

The projects at the country’s foremost teacher training institution, which was established in 1964, were mainly executed through funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) with few of them done by the school’s using Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and donations from benefactors.

Specifically, projects worth N888m, being part of the TETFund’s Special Intervention in High Impact Projects were inaugurated.

They include Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

block worth N108m, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hall worth N52m and Centre for Educational Technology (CET) building valued at N116.6m.

Others projects listed are the Counselling and Human Development Centre (CHDC) building built at the cost of N79. 3m, the 1000-capacity 500-twin lecture theatre, which cost was put at N119.8m, the Vocational and Technical Education Block, which costs N131.5m, academic staff offices and classroom block worth N100m and a multi-media micro teaching laboratory val-

ued at N180m.

Projects donated by the college benefactors include a science block built by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, an alumnus of the institution, Dean’s Block, School of Education built by the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, who is also an old student, Dean’s Block, School of Languages donated by Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and a lecture theatre built by Sir Olabanji Akingbule, an octogenarian.

Eminent Nigerians including Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, Minister of Information Technology, Omobola Johnson, the Director-General

of National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Dr. Aminu Ladan Sharehu and school proprietor, Kenneth Imansuangbon were given various awards.

Chairman of the College Governing Council, Ambassador Musa John Jen, in his address called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the request to upgrade the college to a university of education.

No fewer than 3,459 graduates were presented with certificates and degrees for both the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 academic sessions out of which four of them made First Class, 416 Second Class Upper, 1,831 Second Class Lower and 102 with Ordinary Pass.

ICAN accredits Veritas varsity’s accounting programme From Kanayo Umeh, Abuja HE Institute of Chartered T Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has accredited the B.Sc accounting programme of Veritas University, Abuja. The accreditation is a fall out of the recent visitation exercise of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to the institution.

The implication of ICAN’s accreditation of the programme is that graduates of the school’s accounting programme would be exempted from the Foundation and Intermediate stages of ICAN examinations. They will only take PE I and PE II examinations.

Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Michael Kwanashie, disclosed this recently at the school’s main campus in Abuja.

“On the 9th of July, 2013, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), paid the first visit to Veritas University for the professional accreditation of the accounting programme of the university. Members of the accreditation team were impressed with what is available in the university in terms of staffing and teaching. At the end of the visit, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria gave full accreditation to our accounting programme,” said Kwanashie.

The vice chancellor recalled that accounting was among programmes that received full accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) at the agency’s first visit

to the university for programme accreditation exercise in 2012.

The accreditation, he stressed, was in sync with the “university’s mission of providing its student with integral and holistic formations that combine academic and professional training with physical, moral, spiritual, social and cultural formation. As Nigeria tries to transform itself and build peace, it needs men and women of courage, who will speak out, and act in the light of the truth. Head of Strategy, Sterling Bank Plc, Ighodalo Aimienwanu (left); Executive Director, Caleb Group of Schools, Dr. Dolapo Ogunbanwo and Business Manager, Sterling Veritas recognises these chal- Bank Plc, Airport Road, Lanre Osinowo, at the “Start From Ten” Sterling Bank Mathematics Competition organised in conjunction with Caleb Group of Schools…recentlenges and tries to inspire its ly in Lagos students to become agents of change in a troubled world.

“We hope that with proper accounting training, all these problems of corruption and accountability will be checked OLLOWING the success of schools include sickbay, before we leave office,” he appropriately. We wish to its Mega school initiative library, 50 desktop computer said. encourage the ICAN to keep sets and interactive board monitoring all accredited insti- for primary schools in the The commissioner further projector. tutions to ensure that profes- state, the Ondo State governinformed that it has ongoing According to the Akinmade, projects in every sector. sional standards were main- ment says it has concluded plans to extend the initiative after reviewing its activities tained.

“In education, we are going of previous years and taking to build mega secondary Speaking on the movement of to its secondary schools, the institution to its perma- even as it flags off the cominto consideration the popu- schools before we leave. In nent site, Prof. Kwanashie it has missioning of 10 new mega larity of its programmes the Schools we will have a given Veritas room to expand primary schools. among the populace, the gov- board facilitator of not less its programmes’ base. “We are The schools ready for comernment decided at the than 1,000 students. We are now at liberty to build enough missioning are in Okitipupa, inception of its second term building state-of -the- art classroom blocks and recruit Ikare, Irowo, Ode-Irele, Ifon, to consolidate on the success schools and we will make more qualified staff that would Ore, Odigbo, Awosika in of its initiatives and initiate sure that some of the old help us to maintain the world Ondo, Araromi-Obu and Ile new ones, hence the decision schools are upgraded,” he class standard that the univer- Oluji. to extend the mega school submitted.

Mimiko sity was set to achieve.

The state’s Commissioner provision to secondary Maintaining that the govIn his remarks, a lecture in the He said the new schools 42 school in the state. ernment has been able to Department of Accounting, Mr. for Information, Kayode “Our projection is to contin- take health care delivery to Solomon Soji, revealed that Akinmade, stated this in and 21 classrooms respectiveICAN has promised to award a Akure Tuesday while speak- ly with boreholes, standby ue consolidating. We have an unprecedented level in scholarship to any student of ing on the activities of gov- generator, electricity, multi- enough projects on ground Africa, Akinmade said govthe university that graduates ernment and success record- purpose hall and computer that would take some gover- ernment would still do more ed so far by the Dr. Olusegun laboratory. nors 20 years to complete, to improve the lives of peowith a First Class degree.

Mimiko-led administration.

Other facilities in the but we will complete them ple of the state.

Mimiko to launch 10 new mega schools

F

TOSSE to host 120 exhibitors, 5000 visitors DUMARK, a leading educaE tional consulting and branding firm in Nigeria have announced that this year’s edition of the Total School Support Seminar/Exhibition (TOSSE) would feature over 120 exhibitors and welcome about 5000 visitors.

The programme, which is

yearly organized in line with Edumark’s cardinal objective, was designed to effectively promote and support the development of educational institutions in Nigeria.

The fair would be inclusive of over 25 well thought out seminar topics that would be delivered by seasoned facilitators.

This was contained in a statement released by the Project Coordinator, Ms. Cordelia Isichei. Themed “Positioning Institutions for Global Relevance,” Isichei said, participants at this year’s edition are poised to gain insightful knowledge on latest trends among other pertinent issues in global

education.

She hinted that the choice of the theme is solely to harness the strides educational institutions in Nigeria are making to gain significant international presence.

The programme is billed for Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13, 2014 at Ten Degrees Event Centre, Billings Way,

Oregun Lagos.

“At TOSSE, school owners, administrators, principals, teachers, bursars, purchasing managers in tertiary institutions, Human Resources Managers, Training outfits and top Government Officials meet with organizations that sell products/services that are

needed in the education sector. This transaction is carried out under a comfortable environment that allows for secured buying and networking.”

Former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Leke Pitan, is expected to deliver the keynote address.

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Senate gets report on Immigration recruitment tragedy From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja He Senate on Monday received the report of its Committee on Interior, which investigated the death of 16 applicants on March 15 during a recruitment exercise conducted by the nigerian Immigration Service (nIS).

The exercise caused stampede at various centres around the country, leading to the death of some applicants, with many others sustaining injuries.

The submission of the report by committee chairman, Senator Atiku Bagudu (PDP, Kebbi) is coming two months late after the inauguration of the committee charged with the mandate of finding the circumstances leading to the death of the applicants.

However, sources in the Senate said that, “what Bagudu submitted was the verbatim report while the substantive report is expected to be presented today (Wednesday).”

The open investigation con-

T

Former governor of Lagos State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (right); son of the late Sir Michael Otedola, Femi; the widow, Doja; President, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, at A Day of Tributes in honour of the former governor, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola at Onikan Stadium, Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

Ajimobi lauds Airtel’s contribution to Oyo overnor Abiola Ajimobi of oyo State, has commended leading telecoms operator, Airtel nigeria, for enriching the lives of people in the State through its investment, innovative value offerings and robust Corporate Social responsibility(CSr) programmes.

Speaking, when Airtel executives paid him a courtesy visit, the governor lauded Airtel for its positive contributions towards uplifting indigenes of the State and for creating employment opportunities through its Business Process outsourcing programme.

The governor who pledged further partnership with the telecoms company on more initiatives within the State also unfolded to the Airtel team his vision for oyo State, development plans, projects and key achievements.

In his response, Chief executive officer & Managing Director of Airtel nigeria, Segun ogunsanya, expressed appreciation to the State Government for being a great host to the company in all communities it has offices in the State.

G

Wike explains delay in ending poly teachers’ strike From Adamu Abuh Abuja UPervISInG Minister of education, nyesom Wike has Sgiven an assurance that the protracted strike action embarked by members of the Academic Staff Unions of Polytechnics (ASUP) would soon come to an end.

The minister however, disclosed that there were grey arrears that needed to be resolved with the authorities of the Salaries and Wages Commission, which queried the decision to pay the arrears of salaries, owed the teachers.

Wike, who spoke to reporters after meeting members of the Aminu Sulaiman-led House Committee on education behind closed doors disclosed that the Secretary of the Government of Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim is already exploring how to address the issues raised by the Salaries and Wages Commission, in conjunction with the education and Labour ministries.

He added: “obviously there are issues and when a third party has come in to raise

some observations, you need to answer those observations before you proceed and until you answer those observations you are likely not going to proceed. Salaries and Wages Commission wrote a letter and made observations and until those observations are cleared, we are likely not going to proceed.

“They are all technical issues, they were saying they were not consulted before the CoMTISS 15 was being worked out. ASUP is saying no they were consulted. It is not something we would end here. Luckily the Head of Service has called the Salaries and Wages Commission, Ministries of Labour, and education to resolve the entire thing. I think we are making progress, be rest assured you would hear good news soon. “our discussion is total and we have reached some agreements and we believe that sooner or later you would hear good results.”

At the start of the parley, the minister who was accompanied by officials of his ministry stated that he had to go

out of his way to commit the government to clear the arrears of salaries put at n20 billion.

Faulting the notion that government was not keen on addressing the needs of the teachers whose strike led to the closure of the country’s polytechnics in the last ten months, Wike reinstated government’s resolve the clear the arrears of the lecturers salaries in two instalments between April and September based on ConTISS 15 salary structure.

He stated that the resolve to

constitute the governing councils of polytechnics and that of the needs assessment committee for the schools underlines government commitment to end the 10 months strike embarked by ASUP. The minister, who recalled how he summoned a meeting with ASUP in February this year in a bid to ensure realistic solutions to the impasse, disclosed that his ministry has already made its input on the white paper on visitation panel on nigeria’s polytechnics.

ducted by the committee saw the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, disagreeing with the Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Parradang on salient issues.

Parradang informed the committee that he joined the service, the authority of the nIS to recruit operatives of the service from levels 1-6 has never been usurped. He then detailed how the nIS board, which he is a member, was supposed to approve the exercise but never met and how the minister ignored advice that the exercise should be postponed based on logistics problems.

He dissociated the nIS from adverts placed in the media that the exercise would hold as scheduled on March 15 and insisted that the Service was never the “driver” of the recruitment, but it simply complied with the Ministry of Interior’s directives.

In his defence, Moro insisted that while he would not be involved in the blame game, it was necessary to let the public know that due process was followed and that the fatal turn out of events was not envisaged as adequate preparations were made for the exercise.

Moro told the committee that all he sought to do was to enforce discipline and transparency in an exercise which had been fraught with incoherence, favouritism, unequal opportunities and job racketeering in the past. The minister reiterated that the outsourcing option was also preferred because “the nigerian navy, nigerian Army, nigeria Air Force, FrSC and nDLeA also used the same method.”

‘Many girls abducted before Chibok saga’ From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri CoALITIon of civil societies in Borno State has urged the Federal Government not to limit its search to the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, claiming that a lot of girls had been abducted before the April 14 turning point.

Speaking on Tuesday during a peace rally at the Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri, the convener of Alliance for

A

Peace, Ahmed Shehu, said a register has been opened for all persons abducted at different times by the Boko Haram terrorist group. He lamented that no one can give the exact number of those in captivity.

Musa, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, which comprises non-governmental organizations, youth organizations, students, trade unions and associations, stated: “We are urg-

ing stakeholders to stand up to work for our internal security. “our people are daily being killed, murdered, slaughtered, their homes and all they worked for destroyed, villages and towns burnt. We are suffering from pains of the nigerian system. This is not about which state, region, tribe or religion you belong to, this is about nigeria and internal security.

MIPAN holds 2nd Patrons’ Day today

Balarabe Musa asks Jonathan, North not to run for 2015 presidency

From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri

From: Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief

eDIA Independent PracPPoSITIon leader and M titioners’ Association of nigeria (MIPAn) will today oformer Governor of Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa

hold its second edition of Patrons’ Day. The event, which is scheduled to hold at the Arch Bishop vining Field along oba Akinjobi road, Ikeja, Lagos will begin from 10 a.m. prompt.

Key focus of the event is sport and games where there would be active participation by all media agencies’ staff.

The objective of the ceremony is to bring all staff and management of registered media agencies in the country together in a relaxed environment with the patrons of the association as the special guests of honour.

has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to drop his ambition to run for the Presidency in 2015 and save the nation from further crisis.

Musa also added , “the north should also forget the ambition of insisting on the presidency in 2015, rather a credible President for the country should be allowed to emerge from the SouthSouth in 2015 to replace Jonathan.”

Musa spoke on Tuesday on the insecurity in the country, the abduction of Chibok girls and the conduct of the 2015

Seeks alternative S’South candidate polls however, maintained that if the government fails to arrest the present deteriorating security situation and the Boko Haram terrorism intensifies, it will make no sense to conduct election under such acondition.

The national Chairman of the Conference of nigerian Political Parties (CnPP), also faulted the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the Chibok girls, who are under the custody of Boko Haram, saying that “ the issue has been so cloudy as to make one to believe that between 200 to 300 female students could be kidnapped in Chibok at the same time and in a convoy of Boko Haram

without being interrupted by the military at any checkpoint.”

“Then later the story came that 50 of the girls escaped among the total number of those abducted. Some of us believe that some of these things may be staged-managed. remember that there was a time President Jonathan said that Boko Haram members are in his government and that he knows those who are behind the group.”

But, Musa argued that since the President made the pronouncement, “he had never come out with names of those behind such unpatriotic acts or those using the

insurgents to sabotage his government.”

This crisis situation, Musa remarked has only pointed to “one thing in justifying the invitation of foreign troops to the country and also in wanting to further the political agenda of the government for 2015.”

“We should be careful in this country. This was how it started in Iraq when the America went there to pursue an imaginary enemy under the pretext of searching for weapons of mass destruction, only to find out that there was nothing like that.

Today, that country is still in ruins and has not recovered and America is still there protecting their own interest.”

In the case of nigeria, Musa

said, it is either the current Boko Haram insurgency was “an act sponsored by Jonathan’s government to divert attention of nigerians that he should not contest the 2015 and now invite the international forces to provide military cover.” “otherwise, how do we explain a situation whereby the President who has enormous power to deal decisively with this level of insurgency cannot mobilize military power to crush the Boko Haram violence. The military were on duty when several numbers of students were taken away in a long convoy of Boko Haram without being stopped and the students rescued? This is really unbelievable.”, he added

XII Thursday May 29, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

DEMOCRACY DAY

Executive-legislature relationship From Adamu Abuh, Abuja HAT President Goodluck Jonathan just T signed the 2014 budget of N4.986 trillion, five months into the financial year, speaks volume of the fact that all is not well in the relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

It actually took the President about 40 days to give his nod to the budget inflated by the legislature by over N250 billion.

Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, while justifying the delay to assent to the budget, wondered why the lawmakers would go out of their way to tinker with the budget proposals.

As he noted: “There are few areas of distortions and there are those areas that are very serious and we think there is a need to look into them because of the negative impact those distortions may have on the implementation of the budget.

“It is very sad that we have entered the middle of the year and we don’t have a budget. This, indeed, is sad — that the budget has taken so long in coming and practically, we have less than seven months to execute the budget.”

Maku is apparently reflecting the mindset of the executive arm, which had always maintained that the budget making process falls within its domain, contrary to claims by the National Assembly that it has the power to authorise expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Fifteen years of democratic governance is yet to erase the mutual suspicion and muzzle-flexing among operatives of both arms of government whose responsibility it is to ensure delivery of democracy dividend.

At the centre of the friction is the exercise of oversight, checks and balances, coupled with the yearly ritual of budget making and implementation.

The lawmakers had bickered over the poor implementation of the 2013 budget, the medium term expenditure framework and the fiscal strategy policy before considering the 2014 estimates of N4.643 trillion presented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on behalf of the president in the tail end of December 2013.

As witnessed in the past 15 years, the tendency by either of the arms of government to usurp each other’s power or meddle in the affairs of the other is yet to abate, as it ignited friction and conflict, which had not served the interest of Nigerians yearning for basic amenities like water, electricity, roads and housing.

In what has been variously described as a side effect of military hangover, operatives of the executive arm in the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government conduct themselves as if the country is still under the tutelage of the military dictators where the inputs of the legislature were inconsequential.

Persistent accusations and counter-accusations by operatives of both arms of government have not helped matters. The executive arm perceive the whole essence of oversight function in the realm of the pursuit of parochial interests and self-aggrandisement by the legislators, while the legislators equally feel those that would not want them to exercise oversight duties definitely have skeletons in their cupboards.

Among others, recall the claims by the Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Otteh, that the members of the Hernan Hembe-led House Committee on Capital Market demanded N44 million bribes from the commission. The committee was investigating allegation that Otteh illegally spent N850,000 on daily basis.

There were also claims that Farouk Lawan, who chaired the House probe panel on the Petroleum Subsidy, approached businessman, Femi Otedola, to pay a whopping sum $3 million to expunge his name from the list of those under investigation.

A court recently cleared Hembe of the charges while an Abuja High Court is yet to ascertain the culpability or otherwise of Lawan, who is a fourth termer in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

Those within the executive circles insist that political consideration, rather than the quest to avoid waste of the nation’s resources, has been the reasons for the probe of the erstwhile Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, who was found wanting of procuring two-bullet-

Mark proof cars for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Agency (NCAA), to the tune of N255 million, in violation of the Public Procurement Act and the 2013 Appropriation Act. However, it took President Jonathan about four months to pay heed to the report of the House Committee on Aviation, led by Nkiruka Onyejiocha, for the sack of the minister, who was found wanting of exceeding her approval limits by procuring 54 vehicles for the NCAA at N634 million.

A high profile probe of the Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, for allegedly expending about N10 billion for the charter and maintenance of private jets, is in the offing.

It has been slated by the Mr. Adeola Olamilekan’s Public Account Committee to commence on June 17 (next month).

Mrs. Alison-Madueke, who is under constant scrutiny of the lawmakers, fears that the move might be a political witch-hunt. She has thus taken her case to an Abuja High Court, seeking an order to stop the moves to investigate her.

President Jonathan, who was recently quoted as accusing the lawmakers of “playing more politics than work” on the issue, has not hidden his aversion to the ongoing moves to probe the minister, believed to be a key member of his kitchen cabinet.

The president maintained that if the lawmakers were not called to order, the nation stands the risk of playing into the hands of “parliamentary dictators.”

The uncomplimentary remarks by the president did not go down well with the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Zakari Mohammed, who noted: “The office of Mr. President is one we hold in high esteem but for him to address an arm of government the way he did was rather unfortunate.

“We in the 7th Assembly would continue not to gloss over issues that have direct bearing with the welfare of Nigerians. And let me make it abundantly clear that we are not afraid of any name that we are being tagged for supporting Nigerians.

“For a leader to tag an arm of government that has immensely contributed to his political career in that derogatory manner was really uncalled for.”

At a forum with members of the Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, insisted that it was unfortunate that the intention of the House was being misunderstood, adding that there was no going back on probing the Petroleum Minister.

Arguing that the exercise of oversight function was aimed at ensuring that monies appropriated were judiciously applied, Tambuwal expressed concern that the citizenry has grossly misunderstood the primary duty of the legislative arm.

Telling dozens of FOMWAN members that demanded the need for stiffer action against

Tambuwal corrupt practices, the Speaker noted: “We have not been able to do much for certain reasons. Any day the committees go out for oversight, we meet a lot of resistance from most of these agencies of government.

“And the campaign in the media against the parliament, especially on the issue of oversight and on the issue of invitation to public officials, has not been very, very encouraging because there is this tendency to slant the stories against the legislature in favour of the executive.

“The parliament has the responsibilities of exercising checks and balances. In any case, we are practising the presidential system of government in Nigeria. And if we must succeed, and I believe we must succeed, we need to do it the way we borrowed this model of governance.”

Tambuwal held that nobody or institution could sit somewhere and say that public officials holding offices should not appear before committees of the parliament.

“It doesn’t stand any reason; it is clearly not what the law has envisaged in sections 28, 29 of the constitution and then expects the parliament to function effectively,” he said.

“We have seen several times when some of these public officials are invited to go and defend certain organisation and they say they are being persecuted by parliament. I expect such persons to be accountable; all of us are accountable.

“The Constitution says you are accountable because the Constitution says the parliament has the powers of checks and balances. You are invited to come and appear before the parliament and the next thing some of them do is to go to court, to achieve what?”

Incontrovertibly, the oversight functions of the National Assembly finds legislative importance in Chapter 5, Part 1 of Sections 80(1)-(4) and 88(1)(2)(b).

Section 88(1) states: “Subject to the provision of the Constitution, each House of the National Assembly has power… to direct or cause to be directed an investigation into any matter or thing with respect to which it has power to make laws and the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, ministry or government department charged or intended to be charged, with the duty of responsibility for (1) disbursing or administering monies appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.”

The section goes further to state that such powers are conferred to enable the National Assembly expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the executive or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement and administration of funds appropriated to it.

With the exception of a few legislation, including the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013, which was assented to expeditiously, the lawmakers have expressed concern over the lackadaisical attitude by the president to give assent to about 36 Bills laid before his desk for

over a year.

The lawmakers are mulling whether to invoke their constitutional powers after a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, pointed out that the president’s action ran contrary to Section 58(1)(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The section makes it mandatory for the president to do either of two things: he either assents to a bill passed by the National Assembly within 30 days or communicates his decision to withhold his assent.

The lawmakers, wary of the fact that they have just a session left to conclude the 7th Assembly, are of the opinion that the only option left is to invoke Section 58(1)(5) to override the president’s veto so that Nigerians can reap the benefit of the bills, which cover various spheres of human endeavours.

Apart from the famed Doctrine of Necessity that saved the country from a huge constitutional crisis before President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua passed on; the consensus between the executive and legislative arm on the need for a state of emergency and the subsequent extension of the rule in the troubled states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, due to the activities of the Boko Haram insurgency, was indicative of how operatives of both arms are ready to put aside their differences for the common good of the citizenry.

Both the Speaker and the Senate President have been able to operate without the president breathing on their necks. It is suggestive of the resolve by actors in both arms not to go back to the earlier Assemblies of the Fourth Republic that were characterised by a gale of impeachments and distractions.

Asked to comment on the relationship between the executive and legislature after 15 years of unbroken democracy, Mohammed put it succinctly: “It is a case of objective partnership. From our end in the legislature, what we are trying to have with them is legislative objectivity.

“It is not every time that you have to fight the executive but when it calls for fight, fight justifiably. So, what we are doing with them is engaging ourselves in objective engagement and, of course, we would continue to engage with them as partners in progress in the process of changing our country to a better one.

“But where we are not comfortable with certain development, we would be able to criticise and bring it down. So, I can’t say that we have been having a perfect relationship but we have a mid-course relationship that we would ensure that where things are well, we would support them, like the budget, which we passed in good time; the state of emergency, which we extended for peace to reign.

“And if there are issues that we have to punctuate and ask questions, we would not shirk from discharging our responsibilities. The legislature shouldn’t be seen as a rubber-stamp

Thursday May 29, 2014 POLITICS XIII

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

DEMOCRACY DAY

The troubles with National Assembly From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja N Tuesday, June 3, 1999, full of support and O good wishes from Nigerians, a new National Assembly was inaugurated following a successful return to democracy on Thursday, May 29, the same year.

The re-emergence of the National Assembly brought celebrations and joy to democrats in Nigeria and beyond because the legislature is globally seen as the pillar of democracy.

Therefore, Nigerians trooped into the then very limited space in the National Assembly, to celebrate with their elected representatives, who had enjoyed the privilege of becoming members of the Fourth National Assembly, after the Third Assembly was truncated by the emergence of the late General Sani Abacha regime in November 1993.

But the triumphant return of Nigerians to democracy soon began to record setbacks through the National Assembly, as the leadership of the two chambers, almost immediately the inauguration, engaged in actions that made them fell for some deadly political landmines, popularly referred to as “Banana peels” in National Assembly parlance.

A careful study of events in the National Assembly since the last 15 years of stable democracy in Nigeria reveal that functions and operations of the country’s apex legislative body has been hampered by such factors as clash of political and parliamentary interests; dearth of parliamentary experience; inadequate research; multiplication of committees and corruption.

Zakari Mohammed

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, in Uyo. He called for continuity in the National Assembly for experiClash of political and parliamentary interests ence and speedy enactment of laws.

FROM the very beginning, the National “The turn-over rate in the National Assembly Assembly has fallen prey to this monster and has not been very encouraging,” Akpabio said. till date, it has been unable to remove itself “It does not allow for continuity. It does not from its deadly jaws. allow for proper enactment of laws and it These conflicting interests, as they affect the wipes out experience and this is of concern to operations of the National Assembly, had the governors. always come from within and outside the par“I recall in 2007 when we came in, only 17 liament.

For instance, the perennial attempt to impose members, who were there in 2003, made it persons, as President of the Senate or Speaker of back. We made strenuous efforts in 2011, but we ended up producing only 23 per cent and that the House of Representatives is an external is not good enough for our democracy. political factor that had created serious cracks “I am not saying people should stay for 40 in each of the chambers, thus distracting lawyears in the National Assembly, but we need makers from their core legislative mandate. experienced legislators so that the business of The lawmakers, for not resisting the temptalegislation would not have to be learnt in every tions to be so influenced by external political session. factors, have had themselves to blame.

“Except where local zonings make it impossiMany presiding and principal officers of the National Assembly had emerged through polit- ble, we will do our best to give first timers in National Assembly automatic ticket to ensure ical factors outside the chambers and some of continuity.” them had equally been removed for reasons However, what Governor Akpabio failed to that were purely related to political factors admit is the penchant of substantive and/or emanating from outside the Assembly. outgoing governors to supplant incumbent History traces the emergence and removal of former Senate President Evan Enwerem, Chuba lawmakers.

This, they do, by seeking to replace the lawOkadigbo and Adolphus Wabara, among othmakers either with other aspirants or present ers, to external political factors, which created themselves for election into the National serious negative effects on the stability of the Assembly, the Senate in particular.

Senate as an institution.

In the House of Representatives, it is equally on This way, the governors do not only displace the incumbent legislators, but they also disrecord that the emergence of Speakers like pensed with the very experienced hands in the Ibrahim Salisu Buhari, Ghali Na’Abba, Aminu Bello Masari, Patricia Etteh, Dimeji Bankole, and legislature.

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal were largely influInadequate research enced by factors traceable to some external ONE factor that is of utmost importance to any political manipulation. institution, like the National Assembly, that But instances also abound when legislators seeks to produce much impact on a human took undue advantage of their membership of the National Assembly to engage in the pursuit society is ‘research’.

To make quality laws that will stand the test of of selfish political gains, to the detriment of the core legislative needs of their constituents who time, members of our National Assembly require serious investment in research. elected them in the first place.

They need to make researches not just on how to draft legislative pieces, but also on those Dearth of parliamentary experience needs of Nigerians that require serious legislaTHE absence of experience in parliamentary tive support. matters is a singular factor that has continued This is why the Constitution gives enormous to inhibit the smooth operations of the powers to the National Assembly to carry out National Assembly as a parliament. investigations. And it clearly spelt out the In sharp contradiction to what obtains in advanced democracies, only less than three per motive for such investigations: to expose corruption and to effect necessary amendments in cent of the 360 members of the House of existing laws.

Representatives had prior parliamentary expeBut 15 years after, most lawmakers are yet to rience before seeking election into that House. come to terms with the reality that without The situation is even worse in the 109-member research, a legislator is simply a stranded and Senate.

Also, the fact that every four years, the National toothless bulldog!

No wonder, most standing committees in the Assembly loses over 80 per cent of its members National Assembly had to depend on in both chambers to re-election failures remains a very destructive factor to the nation’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to supply them with needed facts to expose corquest for a very experienced and efficient ruption perpetrated in the same MDAs! National Assembly.

The implication is that the checks and balGovernor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom ances expected in a democracy are defeated.

State attested to this fact recently when he Of more serious economic implication to received the House of Representatives Speaker,

Abaribe

Nigeria and Nigerians is the absence of budget research tools in the National Assembly.

Where things work well, the legislature does not need to wait for the Budget Office or the Ministry of Finance to provide details of the country’s revenue profile; it does not need to wait for any signals from the executive arm of government to commence work on budget preparations.

But the unfortunate case with Nigeria’s National Assembly is that no matter how late it takes the executive arm of government to come up with the basic facts of the budget proposals, the legislature is, indeed, helplessly waiting to be ‘spoon-fed with such facts and details.

For many years, there has been talk of establishing a functional budget and research office in the National Assembly. But after 15 years, a Bill to that effect is still awaiting legislative approval in the chambers.

It was only passed by the House of Representatives in November 2013 and it’s pending before the upper chamber.

The bill to establish the Research and Budget Office in Nigeria’s National Assembly is aimed at providing, among others, an independent, unbiased and non-partisan analysis of the national budget estimates; provide independent, unbiased analysis of the budget of the National Assembly and assist all the committees of the National Assembly in developing their annual budgets.

In the United States of America (USA), there exists the Congressional Budget Office, charged with the responsibility of conducting research and assisting the US Congress with accurate economic data and other budget-related information required for their informed decision-making on the annual national budget.

Corruption IT may not be a vice restricted to the National Assembly alone. But it’s woeful that the menace of corruption that for decades held Nigeria hostage did not spare the apex legislative body empowered to “oversight” the executive arm of government and punish it for gross misconduct.

Whenever it is time to scramble for headship of committees in the two chambers of the National Assembly, presiding officers are put under severe pressure, to the extent that they stand the risk of being consumed by cardiac arrest.

And at the end of the exercise, they suffer the greatest opposition from two categories of lawmakers: those who failed to get grade ‘A’ committees and those who did not get a committee to head at all.

A lawmaker, linked the corruption-motivated scramble to the “urgent need to recover campaign expenses,” as well as the bitter reality created by the need to politically out-shine his opponents in their constituency or senatorial

district in the next elections, attempted to paint a different picture of the scenario.

He explained: “My brother, when they speak about corruption in National Assembly or even among politicians, I feel bad about the high level of hypocrisy in Nigeria.

“The same people are the ones who put pressure on their elected officers to take care of their embarrassingly expensive needs.

“Just look at it this way. For you to get the ticket of political parties to run for any office, you have got to be swimming in affluence. Where do you get that money?

“And even after the election, if you fail to constantly ‘see’ them, you are in trouble. I think we have to address the problem from its root.

Let us eliminate money politics if we can.”

In the 15 years of the existence of the National Assembly, allegations of corruption have been made against high-ranking members, including Senate Presidents, House of Representatives Speakers, Chairmen of committees and many more.

But we yet to get any member convicted, even as many members are still on trial for corruption-related charges.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo put it succinctly two years ago when he submitted that the problem of corruption had enveloped not just the National Assembly, but also the Police and the Judiciary, a development that had made it extremely difficult for the Nigerian nation to fight corruption.

Obasanjo said: “Integrity is necessary for systems and institutions to be strong. Today, rogues, armed robbers are in the state Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly. What sort of laws will they make?

“The Judiciary is also corrupt. During my tenure, many of the corrupt judges were removed; some are still there.

“If the Judiciary becomes corrupt, where is the hope for the nation? Justice, no doubt, will go to the highest bidder.

“The Judiciary did not see anything wrong with a former governor (Chief James Ibori of Delta State) but the same set of evidence was used to sentence him in the United Kingdom.

“The Police are even worse. Well, I will not lament; I will only say, ‘let us understand our problems and emphasise the good ones.’”

The former President, who spoke at the annual national conference of the Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies, Nigeria, in Lagos, did not spare the citizenry, accusing them of lacking in diligence and integrity.

The conference had the theme, “Strong Systems: Necessity for Building a Virile Nation.”

“The problem is that the diligence that was being undertaken before people are appointed or elected is no more today,” Obasanjo said.

He said the country needed strong, stable, enduring and sustainable institutions for it to remain virile, dynamic and successful.

“I believe we will get there, but all Nigerians must play their roles,” he said.

XIV Thursday May 29, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

DEMOCRACY DAY

‘Good to celebrate 15 years of democracy’ Mr. Bassey Etienam, a legislator, representing Urue Offong/Oruko in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, is the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Matters. He spoke to Ayoyinka Jegede in Uyo on how strong Nigeria’s democracy is, and the institutions that need to be strengthened for its sustenance.

From Adamu Abuh, Abuja HERE are we democratically in the last 15 W years?

Democracy is still a journey in progress. I believe that we must learn before we can stand strong as a man. Just like a child born today cannot begin to walk the very next day or become an adult the second day, we must learn to crawl, walk and become an adult.

We tend to equate our years of Independence with years of stable democracy in this country; it’s a learning process. People are becoming conscious of the true meaning of government for the people and by the people. People are becoming conscious of the true meaning of democracy.

We had been under military rule for so long.

Even those who are in power today feel it’s a “force” thing because of where we are coming from.

However, it’s a journey on the right step; it’s still a process and we still have a lot to learn.

The consciousness and awareness is being created right now in the minds of the people.

How strong is the polity, given the hiccups experienced along the way since 1999 and particularly between 2010 and now?

When we started up in 1999, we discovered that the process was filled with all kinds of hiccups. Rigging reduced in the next elections after the 1999 general elections.

Even in the world most democratised nations today, you still find rigging. It’s not something you can take off completely, but as people become aware, we begin to know that it’s high time we stopped selling votes for money.

May 29 as Democracy Day is a good thing to celebrate because I believe that the worst democracy is better than the best military rule.

In democratic government, we open doors for investments and ideas; it’s not a “force” thing.

It’s a government that allows for freedom of speech, thank God for the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill.

The problem though is that a lot of us don’t even yearn for this information. People should begin to work for this information. It’s only a democratic government that will allow you to speak your mind.

I’m of the opinion that as we grow in democracy, our leaders should also begin to listen to people’s voices in a participatory way. For instance, if you represent people in the House of Assembly, from time to time, listen to your people because they can also guide you. They have information they can render to you.

I chair the House Committee on Petroleum Matters. I have my office open for information, especially from the youths who work closely within these oil companies. I learn a lot from incidences they bring to bear.

As we grow in democracy, we should try to get closer to the people, listen to them; that way, you know what changes to make and move to the next level.

How strong are the institutions to advance democracy?

Nigeria has been a country marred with corruption. Corrupt practices, I have always said, are not a leadership issue; it’s a societal decay.

What I mean by societal decay is that if you elect a criminal in office, he tends to exhibit that which he is.

The system has been marred with corruption over the years from Independence till date. If you want to build a house, the foundation is the most important. We should begin to address certain issues in our society. We should start from our home.

Most times, we are quick at pointing fingers at the government but when you point one finger, the other four fingers are pointing at you.

We should start from our families.

I remembered once when I chaired a primary school’s inter-house sports. At the middle of the event, I saw some parents taking their children

Etienam home. What are you imparting in that child?

Discipline to stay till the end or to go away midway?

As parents, we are our children’s greatest mirrors; they do what they see us doing. It’s a societal decay.

I once saw a clergyman jump a queue in a petrol station and I wondered what message would come from the pulpit of such a clergy!

It is a societal decay and we must come back home to address this issue; that’s the only way we can take our democracy to the next level.

ARE lessons learned and the political players deepening and sustaining the democratic process?

If we must start to sustain our democracy, our political parties must begin to have ideologies. Most of our political parties don’t have ideologies.

For instance, in the United States of America, you have the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Once you see a republican, you know the man is a capitalist because they have ideologies they believe in.

Unfortunately, we find a situation where we have “cloth-change” — changing of clothes, removing your suit and wearing abgada because a man, who was in PDP and probably did not get ticket, now moves to the APC. What ideology does he believe in?

These parties don’t have ideologies. If our political parties have ideologies, there are certain person(s) you will not accept into your party; you will know that this man certainly does not believe in your ideology.

Because our political parties do not have ideologies, you can see swinging from one party to another; it’s not helping our democracy.

I’m a man that believes in true federalism. If we must move this nation to the next level, we must practice federalism, as it should be. We

should not be relying on the centre for existence. The states, the regions (zones) should begin to feed the centre.

I remember when we first had independence and we had various regions; the West used cocoa to develop the West; the North had groundnut pyramids and Nigeria was very strong; our economy was very strong.

But in a situation where the centre feeds the states, what we have is people clamouring for more states when they cannot even run the existing states with immediate resources they had.

We should get to that point where we run true federalism. We should begin to use whatever resources God endowed us with because Nigeria is a great country endowed with resources.

We have all sources of minerals, but because we are not running true federalism, everybody in Nigeria is dependent on oil. Our agricultural sector is going through a major decay.

Lagos, as capital of Nigeria then, was developed with cocoa, and not oil. But what’s happening to the cocoa production today? What’s happening to the agricultural sector?

Today, the world market is clamouring for the production of ethanol and bio-fuel. Why are we not making use of this natural endowment?

The North has completely forgotten about the groundnut pyramids. What’s happening to our gold; what’s happening to our coal and bitumen?

If we want to take this country to the next level, we must say no to all kinds of sentiments.

Everybody wants the presidency; both parties are clamouring for the presidency because they feel that is where the national cake is shared.

If we are practising true federalism where the states and regions are furnishing the centre and not the centre furnishing the states, nobody will be running to the centre; everybody will be thinking of a strong state because the business is

in the state.

But because the business of sharing the national cake is at the centre, everybody wants to get to the centre, and leave the state and the local government to suffer.

If we practise true federalism, you will discover that the local government, which is the grassroots that caters for the people, becomes strong because production is at that level and a percentage is sent to the centre, which will just be administrative.

And deepening and sustaining our democracy is a matter of all getting involved. At the grassroots, when you begin to stop the sale of your votes and you send the right-thinking people with passion to serve, our democracy will be sustained.

Leadership is not rulership but service.

Today, we have people who rule and impose their decisions on the masses. If we at the grassroots say no and we send the right people, then we are ready for change.

I would not blame those at the top; I blame those at the grassroots. We should be prepared to say no. We should look inward and send the right representation.

DO we have enough development to justify this mantra of government of the people, by the people?

Of course, the Nigeria we have today is not the Nigeria we knew yesterday. For instance, Akwa Ibom State was a glorified village even at the creation of the state, but today, Akwa Ibom is one place where people clamour to come to.

You can see the fast developmental strides within the state. It’s a welcome development not just in Akwa Ibom State alone, but if you go across other states, there is improvement in development.

A democratic system is not a one-man show; you have all other organs of government in place — the judiciary is functional; the legislative and executive arms are functioning.

In a democratic system, legislators provide oversight functions; budget is passed and they make sure that the budget is utilised. But in a non- democratic system, it’s a one-man rule; it’s a thing of rulership whether he is right or wrong. The worst democratic government is better than the best military rule.

How can we fight corruption in Nigeria since the cankerworm has been a problem to our democracy?

All hands must be on deck as parents, teachers, and staff. Most times, politicians are seen to be corrupt when, in fact, the most corrupt are the civil servants.

The difference between a politician and a civil servant is that you find a politician, who has probably N100 million, lives in affluence and a civil servant, who has stolen over N1 billion lives like a pauper. So, you never can really know that the civil servant has so much money in his accounts.

If commissioners are to steal, the permanent secretaries, the civil servants, who have been trained, aid them. If you aid someone to steal a million, what would you steal for yourself the trainer?

It’s a societal issue. We must all tackle corruption. For instance, I don’t give bribes to policemen on the road; I make sure all my car particulars are up-to-date. Once you go with expired particulars, you will start by giving policemen bribes.

It’s a societal decay; all of us must begin to say no to corruption. A parent bribes teachers for the child to pass exams, and such a parent will say government is corrupt. What’s the difference between the corrupt government and that parent? They are virtually the same.

Even at petrol stations, people don’t want to queue. They bribe fuel attendants to jump queues. You go over to bribe people at the counter to jump the queue at airports; why not stand in the queue?

Corruption is not a government issue; it is an issue all of us must tackle together. People must begin to know the people they send to represent them at various political positions.

Don’t send a thief to represent you because he would go to exhibit that which he is, and then you start crying.

I don’t give my children their wants; I give them their needs. I trained them not to go after what they want but what they need.

We must begin the training at home. What you imbibe in a child is what he grows up to be. To tackle corruption, we must start from

Thursday May 29, 2014 POLITICS XV

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

DEMOCRACY DAY

‘We’re no longer in learning process’ still bedeviled with a lot of challenges. We have corruption; we have impunity, lawlessness.

Our institutions are not the strongest in handling national issues and affairs. We have a lot of challenges on our electoral process, which is one of the backbones of democracy. And as long as you cannot have a free, fair and credible election, you are far away from democracy.

We still don’t have electricity 15 years down the line, considering the kind of amounts we hear had been spent. So, there are a lot of challenges and maybe with the ongoing National Conference, we will be able to come back and look where did we go wrong.

On learning democratic process You cannot say we are still on the learning N military in government process after 15 years because there are things that you learn over time but there are things I DON’T know whether it is fair to ask me, conthat you know. sidering that I am a military officer and I parIf there is a ditch here, you should know you ticipated in so many military governments at don’t have to fall into it and try to climb out the highest level, as a member of the Supreme with difficulties. You try to go round it or build Military Council, as a federal minister and as a a bridge or change your course. So, I don’t governor. So, I have been very much part of believe we are still on the learning process. military regimes.

There are a lot of things we can really correct But by choice, I have been part of the constitu- and make governance and life better for our tion-making for bringing Nigeria into constitu- people. tional rule. I, therefore, believe in democracy I think the best way to measure how far we even if not as we practise it. have come and how well we have done is not I, at that National Constitutional Conference, necessarily by asking individuals but trying to suggested that we should try to come up with look at the quality of life of the common man. Mouktar Mohammed a democracy that is suitable for our environHas there been an improvement, or has there do. We have a lot of challenges. ment, because I don’t believe that we have an been a degeneration of this quality of life?

On heroes of democracy enabling environment where democracy, as This is Abuja, the Federal Capital. If you drive I would say the military are the heroes of practised in America, UK and other advanced in any direction, three to five kilometres, you Nigerian democracy of today because the democracies, can take root here and prosper find people scooping water from the stream usual practice of the military coming to interbecause of certain factors. and gutter to drink.

First of all, we have a lot of poverty and illitera- There is not a single city in this country where vene has not happened.

So, I believe kudos should go to the military cy. All these give rise to corruption and a lot of you can go and turn the tap for water 24/7. for sticking to their constitutional responsiimpunity in our systems.

There is not a city in this country that you can bilities and allowing the democratic process We don’t have a strong middle class; we don’t go and put on electricity 24/7. to survive and to continue, even with all the have settled institutions that can hold national People are still struggling with housing, and hiccups and challenges. affairs even when you have political chalwith rent. People are still struggling with On the relationship between the Executive lenges. So, with these, it is very difficult for school fees for their children. People are still and Legislature democracy to take root and prosper. struggling after going to school to find jobs to This is why I tell you we have a lot of chalAnd you can see now that after 15 years, we are

Air Vice Marshal Mouktar Mohammed is a former member of the Supreme Military Council during the Murtala/Obasanjo government. He was Nigeria’s Minister of Housing, Urban Development and Environment, as well as Military Governor of old Kaduna State. The military strategist and delegate, representing the North West zone at the National Conference, spoke to Terhemba Dakain Abuja.

O

lenges. If you are going to practise democracy, you need a strong middle class. If somebody comes to the National Assembly, he should be beyond thinking about a car or a house; he should be beyond those things. So, you must be sure that the threshold of corrupting him is very high.

But if you come where and you give people N1 million, they are ready to play ball. Of course, you will have problems. That is why you will always hear these stories about money being distributed or shared or credited to people’s account or Ghana-Must-Go, etc.

It’s a great pity.

All that the people try to do is to collect enough money so that they can go and influence the outcome of the democratic electoral process. So, the vicious cycle keeps going round.

When I told you I participated in the first Constitution we wrote, one of the suggestions we gave was that our first Senate should be handpicked.

We knew the good people in the nooks and crannies of this country; we should go and pick them so that you would start with a very high standard. And these would be the people whom no president could intimidate. They would do whatever was in the interest of the nation and the Nigerian people.

But they shouted us down and said no, we were military people and we liked dictatorship. This is government for the people and whatever. But whom did we end up with in the Senate?

One of the senators, a former police officer, made statements, which we all recall. They called him and accused him of wanting to destroy democracy. He had to come back and withdraw his statement.

These are the realities. People, who went and made money through all sorts of means, came and virtually bought their way through elections to various positions, and the resultant outcome is some of the things we are seeing today.

‘Ethical values missing in Nigeria’s democratic practice’ Fifteen years after its return to democracy, Nigeria appears not to have been in grasp of the process. Rather than experience accelerated development, many more Nigerians complained of alienation from the dividend of democracy. Flowing from this scenario, the Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Values, Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah Jibril, holds that though democracy remains the system of government, lack of ethical values are missing in Nigeria’s democratic practice, reports Bridget Chiedu Onochie in Abuja.

How Nigeria has fared in its 15 years of democratic practice HE idea of democracy is well T accepted but the tenets are not adhered to because we have failed to apply ethics or the values of democracy in the way we play politics.

We have been patching up thus far, but I think we must strive for a positive perpetuation of democracy.

Democracy should be the catalyst for development. Democracy is about ethical application of interactions and interests. It is about respecting the objectives, the human beings in action, and the procedure of interactions.

Democracy actually is the first political anti-corruption process. It is sup-

posed to be a means of elevation from poverty, ignorance and backwardness into progress, development and positive civilisation.

But when it is twisted, it brings a lot of problems and that is what we are suffering today in Nigeria and the entire Africa.

Lack of synergy between the executive and legislature

I KNOW there is a Special Adviser to Mr. President on National Assembly Matters. One thing I want to say is that whether you belong to the executive or the legislature, it is necessary to refer to the Constitution to guide our actions.

It says that if there is any misunderstanding, any manipulation, it is corruption. The Constitution also says that the nation should eradicate all forms of corruption and abuse of power.

How have those holding power used it to promote democracy? Why should there be misunderstanding or distance between the two arms?

To the executive arms, Mr. President is doing his own bid at the Presidency but there are ministers, the legislators, the budgeting and the understanding of one common goal of the country, as a project that needs development.

If these are what we look at, then, we should not apply our own diverse idiosyncrasies or misunderstanding of democracy.

The system by which we apply the legislative and executive processes should involve everyone and all must recognise the Constitution by which they took oath to serve the country.

If we abide by the oath, we must be very cautious when it comes to discre-

tions. We must make the best of the liaison offices between the legislature and the executive. There is need to apply the right principles.

If we are focused in doing the right thing, there shouldn’t be any problem with synergy. Rather, we are supposed to be friends.

If we were focused on the best, there would be no time for negative manipulations and when there is too much of these manipulations, people get burdened and weary of solving problems rather than talking about progress they are supposed to make.

If we are constitutionally-minded, why should there be bickering? It should be harvest of ideas, of unity of project. They are trying, but it is not effective enough; both arms should corporate more so that the country can move forward.

Way out of the problems

Jibril

IFAfrican leaders want Africa to develop according to the potentials even yet untapped, we must work the talk of democracy, we must walk the talk of ethics and apply values positively.

We must accept that we are perpetual mentors from the families, schools, jobs we do and even the oath we take.

The countries that developed did so because they are working according to the foundations already established centuries ago. From these countries, we inherited certain principles but it appears we have neglected them or we don’t understand the rationale for those principles.

Of course, we have liberty of choice and decisions but there are universal values, which when flouted, create problems and crises.

The summery is that the absence of ethical values in politics is the source of crises experienced in the world today. It is the reason we intend to flourish more with the creation of arms, guns, against even the same people we expect to participate in democracy.

Every inequity, every imbalance, every injustice, every underdevelopment, every stagnation are the results of the unethical ways of doing politics. We must admit it because it is human beings that are in action.

The United Nations was created in 1945 and every of its charter was based on human conscience.

However, the issue is the content of the conscience that would be applied to the tenets or the principles of United Nations.

It is the ethic; it is the value — the value of respect for one another, the value of understanding, the value of faithfulness and the value of the will to do the right thing.

But we are yet to see programmes that are specifically geared towards the development of ethics, as the means of instilling in the human conscience, the ethics to do the right thing.

The absence of ethics in the conscience of human beings has created destructive civilisation. The civilisation has created more guns and weapons of destruction against humanity.

If there were ethics in the conscience of the makers of guns, they would not create such arms because the same are used against human beings.

We are talking about disarmament; how much has been done about that?

Rather, we now have more of terrorists. Human beings manufacture these machines; if they were not manufactured, human beings will not use them.

Even if they are manufactured, and human beings don’t carry them and aim at fellow human beings, the arms will not operate themselves.

So, it is human beings in action whether positively or negatively; positively, if we apply the contents of ethics and the values of humanity.

But if they are absent, human beings have no direction, particularly from the conscience. It is all about wickedness against human beings.

The challenge we are having is for the United Nations to go back to the drawing board and have programmes that will actually address the human conscience and then, we will spend less money in educating the human conscience.

So, we are just simply saying that we need to re-address our civilisation to directly intensify efforts at human mind so that it can apply civilisation positively and not destructively.

XVI

Thursday May 29, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

DEMOCRACY DAY

Not too bad, not too good

Momoh

By Seye Olumide N his inaugural speech on May 29, IObasanjo 1999, former President Olusegun promised to address many ills in the polity.

These include crisis in the oil producing areas; food supply, food security and agriculture; law and order with particular reference to armed robbery, and cultism in educational institutions; exploration and production of petroleum; education; corruption; drugs trafficking; organised fraud called 419 activities, and crimes leading to loss of lives, properties and investment.

Other promises were improvement in infrastructure — water supply, energy, telecommunication, ports, airways, national shipping, Nigerian Railways, job creation, and creation of conducive environment for investment, poverty alleviation, and political and constitutional dialogue.

But 15 years into unbroken democratic rule in the country, those challenges that formed the basis upon which Nigerians collectively fought and got rid of the military from government, are still posing challenges to the nation.

Apparently, not a single one among the promises Obasanjo made, or those made by his successors, Umaru Yar’Adua and the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, has been realised to the satisfaction of the average citizens of the country.

While cynics continue to bash the various administrations since 1999 for poor performance and inability to deliver the dividend of democracy, optimists, who consider the 15 years unbroken democratic governance an achievement, insist that it has brought about several social, economic and political gains.

To cynics, the crisis of electoral governance, which has assumed an alarming dimension, remains a major setback and until it is addressed, less progress would be recorded in other areas.

The persistent state of insecurity, fallout of the Boko Haram insurgency, started in a form of reaction to the perceived malpractice and manipulation of the 2011 elections, but was hijacked by criminals, who turned it into terrorism against the nation.

Indeed, the culture of violence started during the clamour for the implementation of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria, the struggle by the Niger Delta militants over injustice in the oil-rich regions, and ethno-religious crises in the central part of the country.

Most of these criminalities can be tied to expression of frustration over the cycle of failure of governments in the country.

Abuse and misuse of power of incumbency by public officers, particularly the presidency and governors is also another seeming threat and

Babatope

Abba-Gana

Odumakin

Odubote

compromised elections and the rules • Momoh, Babatope, Odumakin, Abba-Gana, Odubote speak of election are undermined and setback to the democratic goverbreached, then we are creating insebeing harassed by security officials,” nance since 1999. curity.” he said.

Cynics also observed that the demA lawmaker, representing Epe The delegate to the National ocratic system is beset with adminis- Conference said democracy has Federal Constituency, Lagos State on trative incapacitation of successive the platform of the All Progressives opened opportunities for Nigerians governments to seek alternative Congress (APC), Lanre Odubote, disfor alternative political representameans to supplement oil revenue missed every cynicism against tion through the ballot box “unlike and make more money available for during the military where the democracy in the country, warning governments to carry out developthat enemies of the country have Commander-in-Chief sat in Aso Rock ment programmes. always taken advantage of such situaand did the posting of governors and “As it were, the nation has dependtion to truncate civil governance. other government officials without ed solely on oil while neglecting “Rome was not built in a day; thereconsulting anyone.” other areas of economic explofore, we should not kill our democraYet, he said what Nigeria has today, ration.” cy ourselves through negative comas democracy, is more of a glorified In one of it statistics, the ments,” he said. civil rule; “it has not achieved much Organisation of the Petroleum “In fact, I will say the country is movin transforming the country neither Exporting Countries (OPEC), said ing so far as the military is no longer has it any concrete effect on the life of Nigeria’s oil export in 2011 conpushing us here and there like we all the people.” tributed 87 per cent of total revenue witnessed for several decades.

“Our electoral system is still marred for that year.

“What is important is to continue to by rigging and manipulations, which The implication of this is that the build on what we have until we perdenied the people their real choice of Nigerian budget was largely based fect it; otherwise, if our focus is on government officials,” he said. on oil revenues. This has been the the dark side of it, we would have “Unless and until we address distorcase since the oil sector became fully tions in out electoral system, we cansucceeded in destroying in before we developed in the seventies. realise our error.” not talk of true democracy.”

In May 1999, when Nigeria’s current Citing other benefits of democracy, He noted that insecurity and other democracy was born, the price per Odubote said that freedom of speech criminal activities in the country litre of crude oil was $15.22 per barand freedom for the media is a big were the outcomes of bad goverrel. As at April 30, 2012, a barrel of achievement we all should jealously nance since 1999, reaction to electoral crude oil sold for $118.66 per barrel, protect. malpractice and other injustice and representing an increase of 679.63 To him, the telecommunications vices in government. per cent. industry has opened up Nigeria’s “Today, we shout Boko Haram, bombThe last 15 years opened a new economy vastly, to such an extent ings among others; the truth is most chapter in the neglect of the educathat the country is one of the biggest of these crises started in form of reac- A LEADER of the All Progressives tion sector, as more and more markets in the world. tion to electoral injustice; they later Congress (APC), Prince Tony wealthy and influential Nigerians However, the lawmaker lamented got out of hand when hijacked by Momoh, dwelt on the absence of established private universities or insecurity in the country, imploring criminals, leading the country to social justice and lack of free and joined in the culture of educating Nigerians to explore the best possiwhere we are today,” he said. fair electoral system, as major settheir children in other countries. ble means to address the crisis, one On whether the National Conference backs to democracy in the country.

Corruption and unemployment of which is restructuring the country would resolve the crisis of democratic He described as unfortunate the have taken worse and threatening along true federalism. challenges in Nigeria, Odumakin absence of equality before the law dimension.

Odubote urged the press and said: “The delegates are doing their since 15 years the country has been In spite of the numerous setbacks, Nigerians to remain vigilant and be best by bringing every issue affecting professing democracy. optimists believe the country is still ready to bring anybody to account the nation to a round table discusLamenting that no top governpractising true democracy, which sion. It is for us to do our parts and to ment officials had been prosecuted for any action that contradicts the has brought about a lot of social, tenets of the Constitution. submit our recommendations. for any offence, he recalled when economic and political gains for the He warned against persistent criti“But the onus is left to every the former chairman of the citizens. cism and condemnation of the presNigerian by tasking the government, Economic and Financial Crimes They posit that since the onset of ent democratic system, pledging, both the Executive and the Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu the current democratic dispensa“we are capable of correcting all the Legislature, to ensure that the right Ribadu, appeared before the tion, Nigeria has, by all means, fared ills if we remain focused and steadthing is done to the report.”

National Assembly in 2007. well and that for the first time in our Momoh remembered that Ribadu fast. We cannot get everything right history, “democratic administration FORMER Minister of the Federal at once.” said he had the names of 31 goverhas been on for many years without Former Minister of Transport and Capital Territory (FCT) and Special nors who would be prosecuted being truncated.” member of the PDP BoT, Chief Adviser to the President, and a memwhen they left office.

Reflecting on 15 years of democratic ber of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of “How many of them were eventual- Ebenezer Babatope, also averred that rule in the country, the National the best gain of the democratic rule the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ly sent to court or charged?” he Publicity Secretary, Yoruba socio-cul- Alhaji Mohammed Abba-Gana, deviat- asked. is 15 years without hindrance. tural group, Afenifere, Mr. Yinka “Other things would be added as we ed from the popular view that 15 He said Nigeria is anchored on the Odumakin, said besides easing out are improving on it,” he said. years democratic rule had not transprinciple of democracy and social the military from power, and creatBabatope urged Nigerians to focus lated into required and expected divi- justice, referring to Section 14 of ing room for democratic means of less on the dark side; “otherwise, we dends to the nation.

Chapter Two of the Constitution, selecting political representatives, might shortchange ourselves and He held that whatever the shortcom- which states that, “sovereignty “democracy has not yielded much give the enemies of civilian rule that ings of the present democratic rule, belongs to the people and through benefits to the lives of an average cit- “the greatest achievement is the fact it government derives its authority.” chance to terminate, as they did in izen.”

1966 and 1983.” that democracy has continued uninMomoh said: “Certain statement In a nutshell, he scored the 15-year “There is no other form of governterrupted for 15 years in Nigeria since made under that section is that the democratic rule below average, sayment better than democratic rule,” 1999. This is a reflection of hope for government is there to ensure the ing, “Nigeria has a long way to go,” he said, adding, “all that we need do the future.” security and welfare of the people. even as he added, “one could agree is to perfect it and address the grey He said that as long as Nigerians The third leg is that Nigerians to the fact there is freedom of areas in it.” continued to focus on the negative should take maximum power in expression.”

He commended the administration aspects of our democratic system governance through elections.

“For instance, radical and couraof President Jonathan for putting with the sole aim of either running “But the truth is that elections are geous Nigerians could criticise goveverything in place to ensure down the government or the person elections when they are free, fair ernment policies today without and transparent. But when we have improved governance in the country. in power, “we may not get it right.”

According to him: “It is true that the level of poverty has increased; electricity is gradually coming up and other social infrastructure and needs of our people; these social challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria’s growing democracy; nations of the world that have arrived faced similar challenges until they began to get it right.”

To him, the military truncated the First Republic after six years; the Second Republic was also truncated after four years and the Third was not even allowed to thrive before it was killed.

“The one that has lasted is the Fourth Republic despite the challenges confronting it,” he said. “This alone is an achievement.”

Abba-Gana, however, urged that the important thing is for all Nigerians to work harder and ensure the ongoing democracy thrives.

He suggested that Nigerians should be more tolerant, while the political office holders should strive to formulate policies that would translate into prosperity for Nigerians, adding, “we should face the business of democracy properly for or people.”

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Education Onu is troublesome, unfit to be rector, says Oko community As the avoidable mayhem in Oko Community, Anambra State is festering; both the authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko and the host community show no signs of sheathing their swords. A petition to President Goodluck Jonathan, calling for the sack of Prof. Godwin Onu as rector underscores the searing heat between the town and the gown. ENO-ABASI SUNDAY writes.

N a visit to RUTAM House, corporate home of O The Guardian, the people of Oko community from Orumba North council area of Anambra State, remain strident in their call for the removal of Prof. Godwin Onu, as rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. Only recently, they were calling on President Goodluck Jonathan not to re-appoint Onu for, allegedly facilitating avoidable mayhem, militarising their community and generally causing them immense discomfort.

Having lost out, (as Onu got re-appointed by the President for another four-year term), they have engaged a higher gear in their bid to rid the community of the school helmsman.

According to the National President of the Oko Peoples Union (OPU), Cyprian Ike Nwammuo, “Since the inception of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, we have never had any problem with the head of that institution except Prof Onu. So people with inquisitive minds would want to find out what is peculiar to the current rector.

Represented by the National Legal Adviser of the OPU, Uchenna Okonkwo-Okom, Nwammuo said, “We have never had an Oko indigenes as rector and we are not demanding for one right now. But we don’t want Onu’s tenure renewed.”

Told that the Federal Government has done that already, he retorted, “We want the government to cancel it because the so-called renewal of tenure was done in error and we are sure President Goodluck Jonathan was not aware of the purported renewal.

“We are saying so because the re-appointment was done about six months before the expiration of his first tenure, which was on March 4, 2014. For Prof. Onu to have been re-appointed without due consultations with stakeholders in Oko community, including Dr. Alex Ekuweme, who founded the polytechnic in his village, in his youth, with his sweat, long before he assumed public office, long before he became Nigeria’s Vice President, we believe that Dr. Ekuweme has clearly been mistreated by the Federal Government. That is why we are calling on the Federal Government not to confirm the purported re-appointment. If it goes ahead to confirm it, it would amount to being unfair to the people of Oko community, who have not been carried along.”

Also in the two-man team on the visit to The Guardian was Emeka Aginam, a representative of OPU Lagos branch chairman.

“One of the primary considerations for appointing people into such a high office is their capacity to operate peacefully, freely and without hitches in the environment they have been posted to. Prof.

Onu has failed to operate in this manner in his place of primary assignment. He is at daggers drawn with senior staff association, non-academic and academic staff of the institution and his host community. So we are saying that government would gain nothing by foisting such a person on a community and school, where he has lost friendship, credibility and where he has been rejected,” Nwammuo submitted.

He continued, “It is difficult to understand any other factor that has come into play in the purported re-appointment of Prof. Onu other than the infamous Nigerian factor. We have petitioned Mr. President because we strongly believe that the Nigerian factor came into play here. So, we are urging Mr. President to take a second look at the purported re-appointment.

In a May 6, 2014 to Jonathan, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Chief Doyin Okupe, titled, “Request for Urgent Presidential Intervention to Forestall

Onu

Ekwueme

an Unfolding Dangerous Trend of Indiscriminate Arming of Our Youths, Continued Violence, Undue Provocation, Intimidation, Threat to Peace, to Life and Property, Victimization, Corruption, Impunity and Surreptitious Plot to Relocate Federal Polytechnic Oko by the Rector, Professor Godwin Onu… and Lack of Due Process in the Appointment of the Council of the Polytechnic, the community reeled out a gamut of sins, which Onu has allegedly committed since taking the reins.

Signed for and on behalf of the entire Oko community by Nwammuo, the petition read in part, “The undersigned on behalf of Oko Peoples Union (OPU), the umbrella organisation of Oko Community of Orumba North council area of Anambra State, on behalf of the entire community, the Council of Chiefs, the elders, and the traditional ruler of Oko community, Igwe (Professor) Laz E.N. Ekwueme, NNOM, OON, the EzeIjikala II of Oko, are constrained to invite Your Excellency, to intervene in several unbecoming acts, incidents and dangerous sequence of events in our community that have continued to undermine the peaceful coexistence and have predictable tendencies

that are currently fuelling further acts of violence and creating an uncontrollable atmosphere and threat to human lives and total breakdown of law and order. All these are due to the condemnable acts traceable to Prof. Onu, who is currently arming and inciting some renegade youths of the community against the town for daring to oppose his second term bid after the expiration of the first on March 4, 2014.”

“This invitation is with particular reference to the mayhem in the community on Saturday, April 19, 2014, when a group of boys, numbering over 27, with arms and other dangerous weapons, shooting indiscriminatingly, chanting war songs, invaded Ekwueme’s palace and engaged in wanton destruction of everything in sight. They unleashed mayhem, vandalised and looted all valuable property, personal effects and cash running into millions of naira. Three vehicles were burnt in the palace alone.

“Igwe’s dwelling house was broken into and everything within it either looted or destroyed.

The other two buildings, one of which is the palace of the former Igwe, late Igwe Justus

Ekwueme, within the premises, in addition to the gate house and the perimeter fence, were all badly damaged, vandalised and all the glass windows were smashed. One of them was shouting orders that they drag the Igwe out and kill him but fortunately for Oko community, the Igwe had managed to escape through a backdoor before their arrival.

His wife, Prof. Lucy Ekwueme, was not as lucky as she sustained deep cut on her feet while attempting to scale the fence.

“After the destruction and looting, the group marched through Oko down to Amaokpala, a neighbouring town burning, attacking, destroying and looting everything on their way, beating up innocent indigenes and eventually looting a shop belonging to the undersigned. They eventually arrived the premises of Pekky Mega Motel, Amaokpala, belonging to one Mr. Chukwudi Nwankwor, a prominent member of Oko Town Union. They set the entire hotel, ablaze, emptied the fishpond. The hotel structure alone is worth over N45m.”

While regretting that no single arrest has been made by the state police command, in spite of the fact that the perpetrators are known to all, including the police, “It is pertinent to also note that the police had every opportunity to stop the few insurgents, or scare them when they marched through the centre of the city, but they chose to watch the event. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Usman Gwary, had visited the scene and the community had formally reported the case at the Anambra State Police Command Awka, yet, no single arrest has been effected.”

The community further accused Onu of providing unemployed youths in the community with a brand new Toyota bus with which they run around town for their nefarious and destabilising activities. More worrisome is the fact that in his stand-off with the community, Prof Onu now enjoys the support and protection of the Nigerian Police, while on the other hand, the Igwe Ekwueme has become the subject of verbal attacks by the police.”

Under the sub-head “Host Community Controversy and Governing Council,” the community said, “The clearest demonstration of Onu’s capacity to generate crisis from nothing, and his penchant for maligning his host community at every slightest opportunity, is this artificial controversy over who is the host community of the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

Call for rector’s removal selfish, self-seeking, school insists Since the face-off between the Oko community and the Federal Polytechnic, which it hosts, started, the rector of the school, Godwin Onu, a professor of Political Science has elected to remain taciturn, either for tactical or reasons best known to him. As in the past, it was the school’s public relations officer, Obini Onuchukwu that responded to some of the allegations leveled by the community against his principal in this interaction with ENO-ABASI SUNDAY. HE Oko Peoples Union is accusing your boss, T Professor Godwin Onu, of militarising their community by arming and inciting some youths against the town, for daring to oppose his second term bid.

They point at the Saturday, April 19th, 2014, mayhem as Prof. Laz Ekwueme’s palace as one of the instances.

The allegation is misleading, malicious, ridiculous, untrue and inciting. I had expected the President of Oko Peoples Union (OPU), Cyprian Nwammuo and his legal adviser Uchenna Okonkwo-Okom to appreciate the selfless services rendered to the community and the polytechnic by the rector. I must at this point correct the impression that the rector or the institution is at war with the community. It’s just unfortunate that the OPU president and his legal

adviser and few members of the community are playing the script of the traditional ruler of Oko, Prof Laz Ekwueme, whose is against Prof. Onu’s second term in office, for reasons best known to him. However, it’s untrue that Onu in militarising the community. On the contrary, he has reasonably equipped the community through donations of security vehicles to OPU to enhance security in the community. He has also halted cultism in the institution, which we met at its peak.

Having said that, I have to make it clear that neither the institution nor the rector has a hand in the violence that rocked Ekwueme’s palace. For record purposes, we heard that Igwe Ekwueme hired the services of some soldiers to enforce his “no masquerade” policy on his subjects, but the people resisted it, accusing him of trying to kill their culture. So they went on with the exercise. So, the soldiers allegedly shot at a masquerade. This is what brought about the mayhem. And so I can say that what happened on the fateful day was entirely a community thing, so they should sort themselves out.

The community insists that he is not qualified to be rector of a polytechnic and his appointment as rector was ab initio done in error, and in breach of the extant rules guiding the appointment of heads of educational institutions.

I wish to say that Prof. Onu is very qualified and he has shown his level of competence in his first tenure, which was the major reason he was reappointed to complete the projects he started. His

reappointment was not out of sentiments or lobbied for, so, he merited his reappointment. The Polytechnic Act says that a serving rector is entitled to a second tenure of four years; application can be made six months before the expiration of his first tenure. All these due processes were religiously followed before the renewal of his tenure. When he was appointed in the first place, he contested with about 25 other candidates and mesmerised them scoring 98 per cent and nearest to him scored 68 per cent. There was no intention to re-appoint him, but his overwhelming performances compelled them to forward his name to the Federal Ministry of Education for re-appointment. For the avoidance of doubts, Onu had taught in the same institution as a lecture before proceeding to UNIZIK. Again, until his appointment, has was still invited by the authorities of the institution as an external examiner. And I ask, if he is not qualified, is it Igwe Ekwueme, who read music that is qualified to head the board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)? This allegation of Onu not being qualified demonstrates the high level of lack of knowledge and desperation of the OPU. OPU is alleging that Onu is troublesome and incapable of managing his emotions. This explains why he is at daggers drawn with all workers union in the school and the community. How true is this?

Let me ask, is it the villagers that determine what constitutes misunderstanding within an academic circle? I wish to say that the community is acting

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

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THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 29, 2014 EDUCATION

Muslim students urge total overhaul of nation’s security system From Ali Garba (Bauchi) and Charles Ogugbuaja (Owerri) HE Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has called for a total overhaul of the country’s security apparatus, just as they strongly condemned the abduction of over 200 female students in Chibok, Bornu State.

The Amir of the MSSN Mallam Abdulazeez Sirajudeen Folayemi, made the call during the 60th anniversary lecture of MSSN North East zone.

“We say there should be a total overhaul of the nation’s security system. The nation is not safe to live in and the military check points have been turned to toll gates for extortion of the traumatised masses. The nation’s security chiefs should ask themselves what the various check points are doing while bombs are moved around, and our 234 students abducted and moved to Sambisa forest un-hindered”.

Folayemi who said that terrorists have declared a war against the nation with the poor masses as their target, added, “bombing all over the nation and especially in the North, killing and abduction of innocent students and masses among other evils have shown that the nation’s security forces are not on top of the situation.”

“We equally call on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, deploy all govern-

T

• FOG backs govt on security audit of adequate publicsecurity, schools including

ment machinery towards ensuring that our sisters are rescued…we once again use this medium to reiterate our strong condemnation and total rejection of the abduction of the students.”

According to him, millions of Muslim students in Nigeria and in the Diaspora reject this terrorist acts that are aimed at increasing and complicating the suffering of the already traumatised parents, and we call on everyone to embark on fasting and prayer in order to seek Allah’s intervention in this precarious situation.

Meanwhile, the Friends of

Jonathan Goodluck 2015 from the South East Zone have lauded government’s decision to provide

perimeter fencing around all the government schools in the country.

Recently, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, ordered a security audit and threat analysis of all boarding schools in the country. He directed commissioners of police round the country to immediately commence the audit as part of measures to bolster security and protect students and other stakeholders in secondary schools from attacks

by Islamist group Boko Haram.

The Zonal Director of the group, Mr. Uche Henry Madu,

told The Guardian on Monday in Owerri, Imo State that the policy should be implemented without any waste of time given the need to ensure that students in country were availed adequate security and confidence to continue their academic pursuits.

While advising students against being weighed down by the recent abduction, Madu expressed optimism that the students would be located and brought back alive, based on ongoing efforts of the Federal Government.

He said: “The nation is in a very difficult period of its history. It is our hope that things would be handled properly so that

peace would ultimately return to the country. This is the time to encourage President Goodluck Jonathan to continue doing more, as against criticising him destructively instead of constructively. We welcome the decision to provide adequate security in all the government schools in the country. Other private schools proprietors should do the same in order to secure our students.”

Madu who oversees the activities of the group in Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia states, opined that the body was working assiduously to assist the Jonathan administration achieve laudable goals in the country.

Chevron employees give Lagos school a facelift

By Ujunwa Atueyi HE management of Chevron T Nigeria Limited (CNL) and its employees have reconstructed and furnished a block of six classrooms at Ilasan Secondary School, Jakande Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

The project carried out under the Employees Voluntary Programme (EVP) of the company, is one of the projects the firm is executing in the school under the “Support A School Initiative” of the state government, and as part of its commitment to continually invest in human capacity development through quality education.

“If it rains the whole class will be flooded and we will be drenched, then during sun light, the classrooms will be very hot because there is no ceiling, we were always uncomfortable in that class. But I am happy, now that Chevron has rebuilt the classroom, we can now learn with peace of mind,” said a Senior Secocondary 1 (SS1) student of the school, Olamide Abdulmuqtadir, who also added that the new classrooms will bring relief to everybody in the school.

Managing Director of CNL/NNPC Joint Venture, Supo Shadiya, represented by the Manager, Policy,

Government/Public Affairs, Lagos, Samuel Otuonye, in his remarks stressed that CNL believes education is the key to national and societal development thus its commitment to educational support programmes over the years.

He said, “We believe that education unlocks the potentials of the people especially the youths and galvanizes them for progressive development. That is why we are committed to educational development as one of the thematic areas in our corporate responsibility programme.”

“CNL’s educational support programmes include scholarship schemes for secondary school

and university students across the country. Every year, no fewer than 6,000 students, including the visually impaired benefit from the NNPC/Chevron scholarship awards. We support the provision of learning facilities and equipment including teachers’ residences, laboratories and research centre; and upgrade of such facilities where necessary in line with our strategic objectives.”

Managing Director, Joint Venture Exploration & Asset Development, Cosmas Iwueze, who spoke on behalf of Chevron volunteers, commended their employer for giv-

ing them a platform to give back to the society.

Group General Manager, NAPIMS, Mr. Jonathan Kwame Okehs, represented by Mrs. Jane Ashimi, said, “We believe that our investments should not just be in the nuts and bolts of the industry, but also in people.

Manpower development is a crucial aspect of our investment and that is why the NNPC is happy to support Chevron and its employees on this project as it holds very good prospects for the development of Nigeria’s educational sector. I believe investments such as this, in the sector would help close the dearth of skilled man-

able.

“We Invite the Minister of Education to also put motion, the process for the appointment of a new rector for the Federal Polytechnic Oko. The tenure of Professor Onu as rector expired on March 4, 2014. The Community has already articulated its opposition to his return bid, and has indicated to the minister that Onu is not qualified to contest as all stakeholders wholly reject his second term.

Certainly, government gains nothing foisting a rector on an environment, where he had lost all credibility and acceptability.

“We request your Excellency to direct the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, to offer an unreserved apology to Oko community for the denigration of the person, and office of the traditional ruler of Oko Town, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, through his unguarded utterances at the Anambra State

Security Summit.

“In order to forestall further breakdown of law and order and to get to the root causes of the crisis, devoid of media obfuscation, we humbly demand for a Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by a High Court Judge, serving or retired, with men and women of integrity from the clergy and traditional institution as members, to unravel the whole truth about what is happening in Oko,” they prayed.

“Your Excellency, you are the last hope for Oko community in its quest for lasting peace and harmony, which has tragically eluded her since 2010 when one Onu arrived here. Please accept the esteemed regards of our traditional ruler, Igwe Ekwueme and other prominent citizens of our community as we pray for your urgent intervention,” the petition concluded.

‘Onu is generating controversy in our community’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53 school. The Polytechnics Act did not establish Federal Polytechnic, Oko as a multi campus polytechnic. However, Oko community is not opposed to the internal arrangements that authorised the operation of Ufuma and Atani campuses of the institution. In the 22 years the school has existed, none of these ‘campuses’ had considered themselves entitled to contest host community status against Oko community. But in his pursuit of a second term, Onu felt that a representative of Oko community in the Governing Council during the consideration of his re-appointment might militate against his interest. He therefore decided to generate this artificial controversy to, at least delay the emergence of an Oko community representative in the council until after the conclusion of the consideration of his tenure agen-

da. Today, more than six months after the inauguration of the council, that council is sitting without a representative of the host community. Is this fair?

The petition continued, “In spite of all attempts to incite these communities against Oko community and instigate artificial crisis, these communities still have not seen enough reason to take up arms against Oko community over who the host community of school is. Onu is singlehandedly sustaining the controversy. If Enugu with full statutory capacity and legal status of UNEC could not contest the host community status against Nsukka over University of Nigeria Nsukka, how does Ufuma or Atani fare with the peculiar legal status of their ‘campuses’?

On his alleged non-qualification for the office he holds, the petition stated, “Professor Godwin Onu is not qualified to

be a rector in a Polytechnic. His appointment as Rector Federal Polytechnic, Oko ab initio is in error and is in breach of the extant rules guiding the appointment of heads of educational institutions. He is a professor of political science, which is not part of the curricula of a polytechnic. Political science is not a course taught in the polytechnic and he has no business presiding thereat as rector.

Having examined the issues and the antecedents leading to the destruction of Oko community and the attendant suppression of the rights and privileges of its citizens in a democratic government the community invited Jonathan to direct as follows: “That the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, and the Anambra State Police Command, carry out their constitutionally assigned duties and responsibilities, by effect-

ing immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the attempted murder of Ekwueme, and his wife, and the consequent arson and destruction of property in Oko and Amaokpala communities as the perpetrators of this crime are moving around still armed and dangerous.

“We urge Mr. President to caution the Inspector General of Police, and the police hierarchy to avoid taking sides in any crisis such as the one that has been contrived in Oko community, no matter who is involved. The police should focus on its constitutionally assigned responsibility without fear or favour.

“We also invite Mr. President to direct the Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to put in motion, the process of constituting the council of the Federal Polytechnic Oko as the process from which the current one emerged was scandalous, lacks merit and therefore unaccept-

‘Allow chief executives of federal institutions to do their work’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53 out a script. The community has an old method of desperately featuring indigenes in the executives committees of all trade unions on campus. And when any rector is not playing according to the rules of their game, they use their sons and daughters to destabilise the system. It is what they have done to all past rectors. But this one will not work because the rector’s overwhelming performance has won the soul of the polytechnic.

Apart from infrastructure, where over 17 structures have been constructed (each not less 2 floors and at completion stage), the rector approved the training of over 250 staff of the institution across the world, with their salaries running so that when they finish, they would return and man the system being put in place and continue to improve the standard of education.

When the rector came on board in 2010, he met a disillusioned workforce that had gone without promotion for years. Today, the institution is not in arrears of any promotions. He approved conversion of all qualified and interested staff, upgraded them and has never delayed their salary for once. Beyond that, he holds regular meetings with the staff to hear them out in order to tackle further challenges facing them.

With all these, discipline has been entrenched. So the entire workforce is happy with the rector and everybody is excited over the renewal of his appointment.

Youths in the community are in love with the rector over the way he is developing their town and they pledged to support him further. But the larger OPU executives who are not creative became envious of the youth wing.

I can say boldly that the rector’s performance has been very impressive. That is why he has

been receiving awards and commendations from the public, corporate bodies, including the youth wing of OPU, who are thanking him for his wonderful performance in his first tenure and encouraging him to do more. It was because of this support that Igwe Ekwueme banished for life, the executives of the OPU youth wing, but the matter is already in court.

However, one thing the Federal Government must tackle immediately if federal institutions must grow is community interference. Today it is the Federal Polytechnic, Oko; tomorrow it would be FUTO and the day after that, the UNN. There is need to allow chief executives of these institutions to concentrate and do their work.

It is also alleged that Onu hates Oko community and does everything to spite them including favouring people from neighbouring communities in

employment matters over and above Oko. Is this true?

It is laughable to say that the rector hates Oko community. As I speak, Oko indigenes contribute not less than 65 per cent of our entire workforce. The OPU president who signed the petition to President Goodluck Jonathan was among the last set of Oko indigenes employed by the current administration and up until now, he is still our staff and biting the finger that is feeding him.

Priority is always given to the community during admissions.

On his own, the rector employed 20 indigent widows from the community, donated vehicles to the community to improve vigilante services and opened an ultra modern medical centre of the institution to the community at subsidised rates. He introduced the first Dr. Alex Ekwueme Annual Lecture to honour and immortalise our founder.

Homage is regularly paid to the traditional ruler. In terms of appointment, until recently, an Oko indigene was the school’s bursar for 10 years. The entire Old Aguata Union is adequately represented in the appointment of management staff. So what have we not done to give peace a chance and carry every one of them along? It is very disheartening that the community led by Igwe Ekweme is not calling for the rector’s removal because of poor performance or corruption, but for the selfish reason of who becomes the rector. Well, we thank Mr. President for recognising the hard work of this young man and his intention to transform the institution.

Where is the N20m donated by Chief Jona Eze for the building of an ultra-modern secondary school in the school?

Chief Jona Eze is a philanthropist, a family and personal friend of the rector. The rector personal-

ly attracted the fund from his friend, who specifically requested the building of an ultramodern secondary school to be named after him. The money came in two installments. After costing the project, we discovered that the amount would not be enough. But when we wanted to start with what we had pending when we could raise some funds from internally generated revenue, Okonkwo-Okom and his cohorts mobilised old men to stop the work, pulled down our fence and charged us to court claiming they have not been paid compensation. We are waiting for the coast to be clear before we re-start the project.

However, there was never a time the staff came into the picture during the negotiation for the donation and the donor was emphatic on what he wanted and we couldn’t have disappointed him. The OPU simply wants to politicise the matter.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Thursday, May 29, 2014 EDUCATION

55

‘Take children with special needs into account in policy making’

By Ujunwa Atueyi LINICAL child psycholoC gist and Director of Helping Hands Special Centre, (a school for children with learning and developmental difficulties), Chinenye Okoye, has called on the Federal Government to factor in the needs of children living with developmental, behavioural, physical and learning disorders when enunciating educational policies.

Okoye, who said that about 12 million Nigerians were living with these disorders, stressed that such a significant part of the population should never be ignored in educational programme planning and implementation.

The clinical child psychologist, who said about 40 to 60 per cent of people that fall

into this group belong to the youthful population, added that the implication was that about six million Nigerian children live with one form of learning difficulty or disability. Such problems according to her include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia among others.

In a chat with The Guardian, when the school paid a courtesy visit to Amuwo Odofin council area secretariat, Okoye lamented that effective treatment and management of neurodevelopmental problems have not received adequate attention due to negligence, poor orientation, poor programmes, lack of adequate manpower and parents’ attitude to affected children.

“And these problems with the right therapies can be correct-

ed or effectively managed in order for the individual to live a meaningful life. Those with learning difficulties can overcome these challenges with learning, remedial programmes, early intervention programme, cognition brain boosting, mental arithmetic and a whole lot of other programmes,” she said.

“But the problem we have is that government is not interested in creating policies that would give these people a good chance to live. So, there is the need for an enabling environment to be created for them to thrive. Issues like the absence of relevant programmes in Nigerian universities’ academic programmes, to lack of manpower; stigmatisation of families that have such children and charlatans in the field among others must be addressed. But if

things continue this way, reducing the statistical figure would be difficult.”

She continued: “Manpower is a major challenge, I have struggled with the Federal Government to see how we can get universities to offer programmes that are very specific. In Nigeria, we have just one university doing occupational therapy, and this is even offered as a diploma course and not as a degree course.

Meanwhile in the United Kingdom, you cannot practice occupational therapy unless you have a Masters degree.

Okoye, an international neurodevelopmental therapist regretted that stakeholders and parents were not helping matters either saying, “Though treatment and management of these problems are quite expensive if you

CMS Grammar School set to celebrate 155th anniversary

By Ujunwa Atueyi IGERIA’S foremost secondN ary school, CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, has concluded arrangements for the celebration of her 155th Founder’s Day anniversary.

President of the Association, Mr. Toyin Akin-Johnson, who revealed this in Lagos, recently, said this year’s celebration would commence on Saturday, May 31, with a business seminar and free medical check–up for teachers and old boys.

He added that the old boys were very passionate about their school and would continue to support the institution to overcome the developmental challenges abound.

He said the business seminar was included to serve as a mentoring programme for students and old boys of the institution in the face of growing unemployment and societal instability.

According to him, “the overall aim is to bring our members who have excelled in their chosen profession and businesses to mentor the students and our younger colleagues and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed in the outside world. In fact, they will discuss the secret of their successes and how they were applied.”

“On Monday, June 2, there will be a career talk for all our students followed by the

annual inter house sports on Tuesday, June 3. The prize-giving day will come up on Wednesday June 4, and would be followed by a students’ feast and novelty football match. The activities will be rounded off on Friday June 6, with the dedication of school projects, thanksgiving service, Founder’s Day luncheon and launching of a medical health plan/group life insurance policy.”

Meanwhile, Principal of the school, Venerable Tunde Oduwole, who commended the old boys for their numerous contributions and support to the school, said the school prides itself with its trendy learning facilities; academic performances; consis-

tency in external examination results in both junior and senior levels; human capacity development and winning of laurels in extra curricular activities.

“With the new national curriculum, we have implemented trade subjects such as office practice, merchandising, photography, metal work, electrical installation and furniture making. We have no had problems transiting to the new curriculum because we already had qualified teachers and workshops.

And so it was a seamless transition,” he added.

Rev Thomas Babington Macaulay found CMS Grammar School on June 6, 1859.

need positive outcomes, and parents that know about the available therapies are beginning to seek help. But, the problem we have in our society is orientation. Nigerians are

not open to children with difficulties, a lot of parents and schools are in living in denial because the orientation is very poor.”

Imo wins South East Zone NNPC quiz contest From Gordi Udeajah ITH a final score of 60 W points, Imo State emerged the zonal champions of the 2014 Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) National Schools Quiz Competition, which was held in Umuahia, Abia State recently.

The state’s flag bearers were Adolalom Obinna Tony and Aputazie Ijeoma Sylvia, both of Living Word Academy, Nkwerre and Okezie Emmanuel Tochukwu of Christ The King Grammar School, Okigwe.

Anambra State with 50 points, Enugu State with 45, Ebonyi State with 30 finished second, third and fourth respectively, while hosts-Abia State finished last with 25 Points.

Declaring the completion open at Ibeku High School, Umuahia, the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Monica Philips commended the NNPC for introducing and running the competition for 14 years now, describing it as “a rare grand philanthropic gesture extended to our growing generation.”

The General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, said the competition has been characterised by very keen and healthy contests from participating states, all borne out of the sincere desire and commitment of the participating stu-

dents to do well.”

Represented by the Port Harcourt Area Public Affairs Manager of the firm, Mr. Sonny Odiete, Alegbe said with the students’ rivalry, they were preparing themselves for the rigours of secondary school certificate examination as well as the challenges of tertiary education.

Among other things, he said the competition supports the federal government’s campaigns aimed at uplifting the standard of education; stimulating the interest of the younger ones in the study of science subjects, creating an atmosphere of challenge within schools in order to improve teaching and learning, sharing ideas and building a solid foundation for science development within Nigeria and promoting unity among various youths of the country.

56 Thursday, May 29, 2014 eDUCATIOn

THe GUARDIAn www.ngrguardiannews.com

education critical to conflict resolution, says Oyedepo

By Kenechukwu Ezeonyejiaku DUCATIOn has been e described as critical tool in conflict resolution owing to its ability to enhance man’s capacity to ferret out solutions to emerging problems.

Conversely, the lack of it, which brings underdevelopment of the human mind, has also been described as one of the greatest challenges Africans and indeed nigerians have had to grapple with.

These assertions were made by the Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr. David Oyedepo, during the opening ceremony of a three-day workshop on Leadership, Competence and Development with the theme: “Conflict Management and Resolution”, held at African Leadership Development Centre of the school.

Oyedepo in his keynote address titled, “The Leadership Imperative: Conflict Resolution and Conflict Management Demands for Inspiring Transformation and Driving Change,” said that the whole essence of education at all levels, particularly the university level, is to enhance man’s capacity to think solutions, adding that due to the underdeveloped minds of Africans, they have become cheap pawns in the chessboard of their benefactors.

The cleric said that it was time to take up intellectual

arms to solve the security problems of the nation stressing that “people who stop thinking start sinking”.

He said: “At a time like this, when all hope seems to be going down, we can only make a loud call for a stop and think approach. People who stop thinking start sinking. Africans and nigerians in particular, need a call to think more deeply about the consequences of their actions. The perpetrators of evil and violence in nigeria, their sponsors, their sympathizers would need to think deeper.

“It is also a time for us to think on the way to help those whose reasoning have become perverted to the

point of taking up arms to kill innocent citizens. It is time to take up intellectual arms to solve the security problems of our nation. The mind of the nigerian should be transformed into a new mind that can conceive a new nigeria into existence; minds that can resist indoctrination of evil.

Until we solve the security problems, we may not solve economic problems because security of life directly affects our economic stability and growth. no matter what right is being asserted, it should not deprive other citizens of the right to live,” the church leader emphasised.

Oyedepo who further stated that war destroys while peace

builds, noted that it takes a thinking man to realise, appreciate, embrace and practice that, adding that nobody with the right state of mind would kill a fellow human being in the name of religion or any other thing.

According to him, “before you are either a Christian or a Muslim, you are first of all a human being and once you seize to be a human being, you are a beast.”

Meanwhile the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Ayo commended the initiative of the leadership of Africa Leadership Development Centre (ALDC) for organising the workshop saying it came at the best

time when nigeria and the entire world was experiencing conflicts of different kinds.

Other contributors at the workshop included former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, former executive Secretary of the national Universities Commission, Prof. Peter Okebukola, former Director, eCOWAS Community Computing Centre, and former Director, USAID Trade Hub’s Business environment Component, Dr. Sola Afolabi, a Prof. of Peace and Conflict Studies, Prof. Kunle Amuwo amongst others.

Kalu said that for conflict to be avoided, there must be

emphasis on respect and appreciation for various services, recognition of the sanctity of life and respect for creation.

Okebukola who proffered how to resolve conflicts in the university environment, noted that for conflicts to be averted or resolved in school environments, the leader must partition demands into two, flex muscles in times of conflicts to assert his authority, have meetings before meetings, employ propaganda machinery, negotiate, avoid entering into agreements that he can’t honour, have periodicmeetings and have an early warning observatory.

UoPeople throws gate open for higher education worldwide tuition-free, online model A for tertiary education, the University of the People, (UoPeople) capable of solving the vast shortage of university vacancies in Africa and around the world has been conceptualised.

This concept was unveiled

by University of the People President, Shai Reshef at the recently ended 2014 World economic Forum on Africa in Abuja.

Reshef, who discussed two collaborative models, which are examples of how many qualified students can benefit across Africa and around the world, said the first is a private sector partnership, which, after several months in a pilot phase has gone on

to rapidly increase its footprint and reach for African students.

In support of this, Microsoft joined UoPeople in offering 1000 UoPeople scholarships for African youths.

Scholarship recipients are also eligible for professional training from Microsoft, mentorship by Microsoft employees, internships, and job opportunities with Microsoft and their affiliates in Africa, upon graduation.

UoPeople sees this collaboration as an extraordinary opportunity to both empower potential African students and encourage other international corporations to follow suit.

The second, he said is a pub-

lic sector agreement such as the Bayelsa State government has entered with the University of the People, which will support students towards achieving Bachelor Degrees in Computer Science or Business Administration.

This USD$1M collaboration will be carried out through the establishment of a dedicated center for students to access computers and the Internet in Bayelsa. The programme will assist deserving youths who have completed high school in Bayelsa, are proficient in english and have been screened for suitable university education.

“These collaborations and others like them could potentially make higher edu-

cation accessible to millions of Africans across the continent. I hope that the future success of these monumental partnerships will encourage other companies and governments to join forces with UoPeople and eliminate the barriers to higher education,” said Reshef.

UoPeople’s goal is simple - to democratize higher education, by opening the gates to all qualifies candidates, regardless of financial, geographic, societal or personal constraints.

These two collaborations are perfect examples of how this

goal can be achievedthrough corporate and government collaborations and provide the path for bridging the gap between the existing seats in local universities and the demand for seats by qualified students.

Partnering with local governments and international corporations is the way to achieve this goal, and UoPeople hopes that these exciting agreements with Microsoft and the Bayelsa State Government of nigeria are only the beginning.

Firm pledges to support education From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri He Chairman of Rapido T Ventures, Mr. Frank nneji, has pledged that his firm would continue to extend educational support and sundry development-oriented policies to schools in the country within the limit of its available resources. nneji, who spoke during the year 2014 South east and South South Customer Forum of Rapido Foods, a sausage producing company, held at the weekend at newton Hotel, Owerri, said he was deeply impressed by the performance of some school children who brought their talents to bear at the event, calling on companies to fashion out interventions that would be of great assistance to the development of our future leaders.

The Chief executive Officer of ABC Transport said, “We

Nneji have had our share of challenges and intimidation, but we have surmounted them.

We have set up this and it has helped our teaming youths get employment in this southern part of the country mostly.”

The Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Isuola Ignatius Oriade informed that the firm was on the verge of launch another children-friendly product, which would also contribute to the nutritional needs of school children.

Osun lauds OAU’s award to speaker SUn State Government O has lauded the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, najeem Salaam for his contribution to education, particularly the Obafemi Awolowo University and its alumni association.

The government in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, congratulated the Speaker for his recognition by the university’s alumni association, which conferred on him the Grand Commander of the association.

The Commissioner said that the award was noteworthy in

view of the fact that it was conferred on him not just by the local or the national chapters, but by all its branches worldwide.

He described the Speaker as a patriotic lawmaker who is committed to the development of the state and the country as a whole.

The statement urged the Speaker to see the recognition as a challenge to re-dedicate himself to government’s goal of education for all at all times.

Akere commended the OAU alumni for considering the Speaker worthy of the award, describing it as a pride to the government.

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Samsung academy graduates first set of trainees AMSUNG Engineering Spartnership Academy, a public private initiative involving Samsung Electronics and the lagos State government, through the World Bank-supported lagos Eko Secondary School Education Project, recently graduated 72 technicians.

Drawn from Government Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the graduating students successfully completed the one-year specialised training programme. They were trained to repair and service modern digital electronic devices such as lCD TV, smartphones, refrigerators, air conditioners and laptops among other appliances.

Each graduate received a certificate of completion.

Certificates of achievement were also presented to 14 students for their displaying brilliance with the top four achievers awarded prizes comprising various Samsung electronics products. lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, launched the Academy two years ago, to fast-track the employability of African youths in the electronics job market. As part of the scheme, the new graduates are trained to work in the

electronics industry either as employees in repair centres, assembly lines or as independent entrepreneurs.

Addressing the graduands, Special Adviser to the Governor, on the lagos Eko Secondary Education Project, Ms. Ronke Azeez said: “It is heart-warming to see the graduation of the first set of students from the academy.

These graduates have been equipped with the worldclass skills to build a better future for themselves and to play an integral part in driving the economy of the state forward. The partnership between lagos Eko Secondary School Education Project and Samsung Electronics is one of quality and excellence”.

While appreciating Samsung for maintaining international standard at the Academy, she appealed to the company to double its present enrolment due to the high demand for such skills in Nigeria. She observed that more qualified technicians were critical to the country’s development, noting that Nigeria “is faced with an urgent need to fill the supply and demand gap that has emerged in the industry for technical skills and the number of students that enter the job market

each year possessing these skills.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim said: “As Samsung expands into Africa, we are striving to not only act ethically, but to positively impact the communities where our consumers live. We believe we will have the greatest impact by connecting our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to our history and core business.”

He added: “With the goal to grow our business on the continent, we also know that we have to sustain our level of innovation. This can only be achieved if we invest in education to facilitate thought-leadership in Africa.”

The Academy is a part of the global Samsung Hope for Children Outreach programme, a one-year free training course, aimed at improving the quality of technical education in public secondary schools, as part of its goal to train 10,000 electronics engineers across Africa by 2015.

The pilot started in South Africa in 2011. It is also running in Ethiopia and Kenya with plans to extend the initiative to more African coun-

Stakeholders charge female students on vocational skills EMAlE students in the Fenjoined country have been to embrace the acquisition of vocational skills, as it would help them to live a more fulfilled life in the ever-challenging world.

The call was made in lagos recently during the maiden edition of The Girl Child Summit, initiated by Ms. Entrepreneur Africa Competition in partnership with Advocacy for Widows Empowerment Foundation (AWEF), a non–governmental organisation (NGO).

The event with the theme: “Incase of the Unexpected,” attracted female students from secondary schools like Christ College, Alfa Secondary Schools and others in lagos State.

In his remarks at the summit, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ms Entrepreneur Africa Competition, Mr. Willie Workman Oga, explained

that the event was organised for the female students to network in order to prepare them for the future role of motherhood, in case of unemployment, and to encourage them to become entrepreneur’s and better business managers in future.

He further stressed the need for them to, in addition to their academic development, have occupation that would earn them extra income even if they get employed so that they can also contribute financially to the wellbeing of their future families and for selfsustainability.

This, he noted, would stand them out among their peers considering the fact that employment opportunities were becoming slimmer by the day for young graduates, which is really putting a strain on the female gender, whom are considered the most vulnerable in the society.

He further pointed out that in a situation where a woman loses her husband, income from her skills would train her offspring’s without her expecting handouts from her husbands friends and family members.

Sharing her experience as a widow, one of the resource persons at the summit, Mrs.Toyin Amadi, a fashion designer and the CEO of Fit Beautifully Ventures, who holds an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) certificate, tutored the students on dressmaking and fashion designing.

She also narrated how she has been able to sustain her family with the earnings from her business after the unexpected death of her late husband.

The students were taken through the rudiments of entrepreneurship and skills acquisition training so as to prepare them for the challenges ahead after graduation.

lBS alumni association president’s dinner holds June 7 REPARATIONS are in top P gear for this year’s lagos Business School Alumni Association (lBSAA) president’s dinner.

Scheduled for June 7, 2014 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, lagos, distinguished professionals from all walks of life, captains of industry who are products of the institution and sundry dignitaries are expected to attend.

President of the association, Mr. Demola Aladekomo, said “this year’s lBSAA President’s Dinner, which is the 20th, will be attended by some of the institution’s alumni who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.’’

He stressed that the dinner

would also create formal and informal platforms for the sharing of business ideas, which would help move the nation forward, while highlighting the school’s leading role in fostering the development of business leadership and entrepreneurial skills, as well as job creation in Nigeria.

According to the Director, Alumni Relations, Mr. Henry Onukwuba, the dinner will feature networking sessions with some of the best in corporate Nigeria; change of the lBSAA leadership, as well as awards to deserving individuals and alumni.

Multiple award-winning Ekemini Dance Troupe, from

Akwa Ibom State; Olo the drummer cum musician; BJ Sax and a stand-up comedian would be on hand to spice the evening.

Over 20 corporate organisations are supporting the dinner with sponsorships and partnerships. The sponsors include Unified Payment Services limited (major sponsor), Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc, Swift Networks, Chams Plc and FBN Holdings Plc. lBS was founded in 1991 to promote ethical business practices among organisations and equip professionals in Africa with business and management skills required for global competitiveness and championship.

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Thursday, May 29, 2014 PERSPECTIVE

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Before Nigeria is torn apart (2)

By Esanerovo Agbodo •Continued from last Monday LSO, I suggest that every state of the Nigeria federation should look inward and increase internal generated revenue to pay workers’ salaries at the state and local government levels while allocations from crude oil sales and sales of solid minerals in the future be used by the Federal Government solely for infrastructural development, national security, implement social security for the jobless and the elderly, and fund research and development as well as save for future generations.

The dependence of states and local governments on crude oil revenue to pay salaries and meet basic needs is making them lazy. Even the Federal Government should pay workers’ salaries and fund most of its activities with internally generated revenues alone. Proceeds from crude oil or any natural resources will dry up some day, so Nigeria should focus more on building the right environment for the private sector to thrive with this money rather than spending majority of it on unwarranted recurrent expenditures every year.

Scrapping the federal character principle Adopting the principle of federal character in employment at federal and states’ institutions, by my understanding is supposed to strengthen the unity of the country by carrying every part of the country along, but in the real sense, it is promoting mediocrity and down playing excellence in Nigeria.

The business of managing government is supposed to be reserved for excellent and hard working citizens and not just people, who see it as an avenue for whiling away their time. The level and quality of policies emanating from government is a function of the quality of personnel in government, so working for government should not be seen as a career for unserious and lazy people in the name of implementing the federal char-

A

acter principle. Nigeria is competing with the best nations in the world so we must always field our first eleven and not recourse to mediocrity in the name of promoting national unity.

If the best people suited to work in the civil service are from one section of the country, so be it. Well, this may be termed an unrealistic proposal by conservative elements, but we must realise that the vision should be how Nigeria can be the best nation in the world and not limiting ourselves to playing the second fiddle in world affairs.

However, there should be in place a strong anti-racial or anti-tribal law just like antiracism law in developed countries.

Everybody cannot work with the civil service or government institution. What we need to achieve is to make the government service system efficient while the citizens become more innovative to develop themselves privately or otherwise.

A situation where people or companies, who are not qualified for a position or contract are helped to get such by unfair means will also be promoting mediocrity, and if we continue with such practice, we should not even think of leveling with other serious developing nations or even developed ones. What is helping nations to develop today is adopting global best practices and not promoting mediocrity because when citizens are not allowed to compete in a free and fair environment, talents will be wasted and nobody will be patriotic to the nation.

My proposal is that the Federal Character Commission should be scrapped and replace by another commission that will have the mandate of ensuring even spread of infrastructural and development projects across the country. In this way, the clamour of different ethnic groups to produce the President at the federal level, as well as, produce the governor at the state level will be reduce be-

cause what the people are basically clamouring for when asking for the zoning of political offices in the Nigeria of today is that apart from fair representation, development should also go to their zones, because the trend most times is that development projects are concentrated more in the zones where the heads of different strata of government originated from, and this to a large extent is true. So, to settle the issue of uneven development at the federal and the state levels, we should adopt another form of federal character principle that will accommodate every nook and cranny of Nigeria.

The way the federal character principle is being implemented today does not promote excellence therefore counterproductive. The oil wealth Nigeria has today should be used to develop the right infrastructures to sustain national growth in the future and not just shared in form of overloading the civil service and promoting mediocrity.

We must encourage the spirit of healthy competition to bring out the best in our youths and not recourse to undue quota system which is denying the nation of best services and even killing the potentials and loyalty of citizens to the nation.

But remember, all this will not work if we don’t get our political system right.

Huge elections’ spending: a major fuel for corruption A situation were politicians spend so much and even borrow to win elections must be stopped, because it is just logical and human for those, who have spent so much to recoup their expenses when elected, and that of course will be the beginning of corruption.

This is what has happened in the Nigerian democracy. Until we support a system where politicians spend minimally to be elected, the clamour to fight corruption will just be a waste. Nobody will borrow money to give electorates to support him for an election and come back to work 100 per cent for those electorate.

Even if this happens in U.S.A or England, the politicians will find a way to recoup.

That is not to say that there is no element of corruption in every system, even in developed countries. This proposal however, is on how to minimise corruption to the barest minimum so that true development can take place.

With the current system where politicians spend heavily to win elections, juicy contracts will continue to be influenced by politicians to themselves and their cronies because this is the only way they can recoup after spending heavily to get elected.

Then how can we solve this issue of heavy election spending? I do not think there is a full proof solution, but first and foremost, there should be a law that no politician should give anybody including traditional rulers gifts during campaigns.

TO BE CONTINUED •Agbodo (eagbodo@gmail.com) is publisher of International Opportunities Magazine and national co-ordinator, Goodluck Voters Forum

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Thursday, May 29, 2014 NEWSEXTRA 73

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Anatomy of selfless service (2)

By Harrison Arubu Continued from Monday 26th May, 2014

ALIK is one man who M values friendship. His level of loyalty and ability to keep his friends even in difficult situations is uncommon in an increasingly individualistic world. He stands by them

through thick and thin.

Nothing less can be expected from a man who sees his friends as the centre of his world.

A devout catholic Christian and Knight of the Honoured Order of St. Mulumba, Malik loves God in a manner that is rare among successful men of

his generation. Besides putting smiles on people’s faces, his other major source of happiness is committing his time, energy and resources to the service of God. Constantine is a family man to the core. He is a symbol of the best a man can be to his wife and children – caring, dependable,

‘NPC needs N100b for 2016 census’ From Lillian Chukwu, Abuja HAIRMAN of the National C Population Commission (NPC), Eze Duruiheomam, has said that about N100 billion would be required for an “accurate, reliable and acceptable” census in 2016.

This is a deviation from the N245 billion initially projected for the actual census from a total of N600 billion for five years for a “centralised demographic database for the country” by the immediate past chairman of the NPC, Festus Odimegwu.

Speaking with journalists yesterday in Abuja on “The imperatives for the conduct of the 2016 National Population Census”, Duruiheoma said the amount covers “preparation, census proper and post-census exercise for over two years.”

According to Duruiheoma, the expenditure includes the biometrics, “cutting-edge technologies” and other logistics for the census and will be supported by development partners and donor agencies.

The chairman said: “Looking at the census system, we are not unwilling to name a cost; but like I said, we are still working it out. I can tell that from what we are looking at, a cost of about a N100 billion is realistic for the exercise”.

Confab adjourns sitting to honour Kutigi’s wife From Terhemba Daka and Karls Tsokar, (Abuja) ITTINGS at the ongoing Sshelved National Conference were as the death of wife of the Chairman, Idris Legbo Kutigi, Maryamu, was announced.

Announcing the demise of the 70-year-old yesterday in Abuja, Deputy Chairman of the conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, who presided over the short session, said Justice Kutigi was to bury his wife in the morning and it was only proper that the conference be adjourned to enable delegates participate in the burial.

Consequently, proceedings at the plenary were adjourned to Monday as Thursday (today) is declared work-free in commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of Nigeria’s return to democracy.

Mrs. Kutigi died at the National Hospital, Abuja, at about 2.00 a.m. yesterday and has been buried at the Gudu Muslim Cemetery, Abuja, according to Islamic rites.

Akinyemi described the late Mrs. Kutigi as a pillar of strength to the eminent jurist and regretted that she had passed on at a time the retired justice was handling a critical national assignment and needed her closeness and wise counsel.

On issue of insecurity in the North-East and challenges of insurgency as it might affect the census exercise in 2016, the chairman wished this away, assuring that “we in the Commission, are so positive in our thoughts.

“We don’t have time to think about anything negative. We seriously believe that by 2016,

the security challenge would have been minimised,” he added.

He assured that the issue of inability of the President Goodluck Jonathan to proclaim the 2016 census into law is not “a problem yet. At the appropriate time, Mr. President will issue the proclamation.”

responsible and highly disciplined. These qualities endeared him to Lady Peikomor, his wife of 10 years.

“The most important thing about Malik is that he is somebody who loves God,” she says of him. “He is disciplined. That’s what attracted me to him. It is not easy to find a young man with that kind of strait-cut discipline.

“The wind doesn’t blow him anywhere; he doesn’t do things because everybody expects him to do them. He does things because he has looked at them from all angles and feels they will work for the general good.”

To her and the children, Malik is much more than a husband and father.

Despite his tight schedule, dropping the kids off at school is a special part of his daily routine.

Lady Peikomor continues; “He works for me as a father, brother, friend and teacher. To the children, he is a very wonderful father. My husband has taught me what true friendship really means, and I’m grateful to God for the divine encounter I had with him.

“He is a very committed Christian. His prayer life is very strict, and that is why he is my source of strength. My husband is my consultant on spiritual matters. He is able to hold me up when under pressure at work; pressure at school, and pressure from other angles.

“He always has a scripture to advise and encourage me. He has always encouraged me to be the person I dream of becoming,” Lady Peikomor, a statistician in the Delta State civil service, added.

Malik is a father of three lovely kids – Yole, Kome and Ochuko. He speaks Isoko, Hausa, Yoruba and English, while his hobbies are reading, watching movies, playing table and lawn tennis and swimming.

As he added on May 25, it is my prayer that God will continue to grant him good health, strength and the grace to serve humanity.

•Arubu is of the News Agency of Nigeria

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MarketReport EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

AS AT 29-05-2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

Thursday, May 29, 2014 MARKET REPORT

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MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 29-05-2014

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PRIMERA AFRICA

Shareholders laud Wema Bank’s 2013 performance Stories by Helen Oji

of Wema StheHAREHOLDERS Bank Plc have commended management for efficient running of the affairs of the bank, especially for transforming it to profitability.

The shareholders, who passed the resolution at the bank’s 2013 yearly general meeting in Lagos yesterday, authorized the bank “to raise through the issuance of tenured bonds, note, debt instrument or loans in any currency whether or not shares into convertible whether by way of a private placement, bond issuance, note issuance, book building or other method and whether in one or more tranches.” They also approved that the move will be subject to the approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities, while the price and amount is yet to be determined.

The Managing Director of the bank, Segun Oloketuyi, attributed the Bank’s 2013 performance to the success of the management’s turnaround strategy.

He added that despite the challenging operating environment, the management

returned the bank to profitability, following concerted efforts in implementing the first phase of the Bank’s turnaround project.

Oloketuyi, said the bank has achieved significant success in the retail and SME business segments, adding that it would continue to render quality service and product offerings through best-in-class alternative channels.

“With the focused and continuous execution of our transformation plan – ‘Project LEAP’, we are expanding gradually and efficiently and establishing our presence in areas that have significant growth potential. We have started work on repositioning our brand, re-tooling our workforce and aggressively deploying alternative channels”, he added.

He explained that the bank secured the approval of its shareholders and raised capital of N40 billion in 2013 but the bank still needs funds for its growth plan.

“The bank decision to raise another fresh capital was in line with the bank’s plans to expand its operations and grow organically into areas that presented strong business opportunities”, he said.

Mobil Oil assures shareholders of improved performance, profitability OBIL Oil Nigeria Plc has M assured its shareholders of better returns and improved profitability in the next financial year, while assuring that the company is putting measures in place to boost its bottom-line.

The Managing Director of the company, Adetunji Oyebanji who spoke at the 36th yearly general meeting in Lagos yesterday, explained that the company is currently constructing a new gasoline tank which will increase its storage capacity and provide greater flexibility for terminal operations.

He added that other investments that would enable it upgrade its loading rack and tank farm for improved operating safety and efficiency are in the pipeline.

Oyebanji noted that the retail chain has also benefited from selective investments consis-

tent with the returns earned on regulated products, which according to him will help the company to remain competitive in the market place.

“We continue to add capacity in the lube oil blending plant by building additional storage tanks for bulk additives and have embarked on a filling line automation and upgrade. The first phase of our Mobil House capacity enhancement project has been successfully completed.

We have made significant progress in the Mobil Court refurbishment project which is expected to be completed in 2014,” he said.

Oyebanji pointed out that the company achieved improved result in 2013, adding that turnover reduced modestly by 3 per cent to N78.7 billion due primarily to the absence of a one-time supply sale in the prior year.

ISAN, PR Plus hold AGM management forum in Lagos Shareholders Optimisation”.

IandNDEPENDENT According to the National Association of Nigeria (ISAN) PR Plus Consulting Limited Coordinator of ISAN, Sir Sunny are organizing an international workshop on the management of the annual general meetings for companies in Nigeria.

The two-day workshop which will hold at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers Lagos will be from June 3 and 4 and will be chaired by the Chairman of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Tunde Savage.

The Chairman of PIELLE Consulting Group, London, United Kingdom and Life Vice President of the Nigeria Britain Chamber of Commerce, Peter Walker, will facilitate on the theme of the workshop- “AGM As A Platform For Value

Nwosu, the workshop is a practical demonstration of the association’s commitment for better value from companies as shareholders want nothing short of the best from their firms.

Nwosu noted that ISAN as an organisation is ever ready to ensure that shareholders who with their hard-earned income make big sacrifice buying shares in companies are given the best value for their investments. This he stressed, is the only way that international investors can be positively motivated to come and invest in the country.

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MHS Has Built A Corporate Integrity That Cannot Be Rivalled DR. PATRICK KORIE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MANAGED HEALTHCARE SERVICES LIMITED E is one of the experienced medical practiH tioners making significant impact in the medical insurance management sector in Nigeria. Dr. Patrick Chukwuemeka Korie, Managing Director, Managed Healthcare Services Limited, a national Healthcare Maintenance Organization surely understands what the business demands and how to make it better, that is why his name will continue to be an endorsement of value in the sector.

Dynamic and hardworking, Dr. Korie is one of the Nigerian-based medical doctors who have always believed in the country. However, he has

always argued that the non-availability of some medical services and even the cost of accessing the available ones have contributed in making many Nigerian health practitioners to migrate to Asia, Europe and the Americas to offer their services. In his words: “Our medical practitioners are competent and we can compete favourably with our counterparts in other parts of the world if the right facilities are provided.

The infrastructural challenges in Nigeria are affecting medical practice in Nigeria. As one of the professionals who keyed into health insurance business in its formative stages in Nigeria, Dr Korie believes that Nigerians are gradually having confidence in the scheme because of the numerous benefits it offers. According to him: “Many years ago, it was an anathema to mention

We Are Geared Towards Improving Our Services ENGR. OLADELE AMODA, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EKO ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION CO VERY professional desires E success in his or her chosen career, but just few like Engr.

Oladele Amoda who are used to hardwork, continuous acquisition of skills and knowledge, and who have strong passion for what they are doing have been able to achieve anything meaningful in life.

Undoubtedly, the solid education given to him early in life has helped to give his career a direction. Born October 1956, the indigene of Isara Remo, Ogun State had his secondary education at Muslim College, Ijebu Ode after which he went abroad to Memphis State University, United States, where he bagged a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering in 1982.

Knowing that this would not be enough to take him to where he wants to be, the hardworking engineer went further to obtain a Master in Business Administration in 1999 at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Many of his peers could have been satisfied with these qualifications but not Oladele Amoda, he still attended the University of Lagos where he bagged a Master of Science degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering in 2002.

Passionate about using his knowledge for national development, he joined the then National Electric Power Authority as a Pupil Electrical Engineer in 1983 and served in various

locations all over Nigeria. Before the change of baton from public to private hands, Amoda had risen to become the CEO of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company. Having found him worthy and capable the new owners retained him and made him Managing Director.

Experienced and innovative, the pragmatic CEO understands that customers satisfaction remains the objective of their operation and he has devised means to be responsive to their demands.

Explaining how EKEDC has been operting since he said: “All our efforts are geared towards improving services so that our customers can have value as we know that this is what will make it easy for the new investors to have good returns on their investment. As am talking, we have customer care offices that cater for customers’ need and we are going ahead to automate their services by putting in place call centres to make customer interaction very easy.

“Apart from this, we have always engaged our customers through the consumer consultative meetings we hold in several locations. We have also simplified our payment system since the cashless policy was introduced.

We have put in place utility cards to ensure smooth payment and it is cost effective, today our customers can pay their electricity bills from anywhere at anytime”.

Responding to a question on what EKEDC is doing to address the problem of improper billing in its district, the member of the Presidential Task Force on Power replied thus: “I understand that not all our customers have functional meters and we have been billing them based on scientific estimate. We are supposed to provide them with prepaid meters free of charge, but we could not meet their demand for now. However, the regulatory body has put in place a stop-gap measure to overcome this challenge and we are the first disco to start its implementation. The Credit Advance Payment for Metering Installation, CAPMI has been useful and we have started introducing it to our customers in phases so that everybody could be sure that they are not being shortchanged”.

On how the distribution company has been tackling the manpower challenge, the Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers said that more competent hands are being employed and the company is collaborating with the National Power Institute of Nigeria to train its staff.

health insurance to most Nigerians. Most Nigerians will prefer to first use alternative means, that is, either using our traditional herb or going to religious houses for fasting and prayer or go on self medication. It is when these fail that they come to the hospitals, so it was difficult for them to buy the idea of insuring their health. But things have changed. The decision of the federal government to capture all the federal civil servants in the health insurance scheme served as a game changer, and some state governments have also followed suit; that is why more Health Maintenance Organizations are springing up in this country. The people on the scheme are utilizing their cards more than they were before. What we just need to do is to leverage on the increase in utilization rate to create more awareness so that more people can come and enjoy the benefits this scheme offers”.

As one of the foremost HMOs in Nigeria, Managed Healthcare Services Ltd has been able to build a corporate image that cannot be ignored by the stakeholders in the health insurance sector in the country today. Asked what has helped to nurture MHS Ltd into a formidable firm, the experienced doctor replied thus: “MHS is a subsidiary of Equity Assurance Plc, it was incorporated in 1997 and we started at a time when

health insurance was new in this country, but we clearly understood what the business entailed and its peculiar advantages in Nigeria. Apart from our clear vision of what we want to achieve, we have put in place strong corporate governance, brought in competent hands and we have continued to retrain them. Insurance business is about trust and MHS has built a corporate integrity which cannot be rivalled by most of the HMOs in the country today”.

Dr. Patrick Korie graduated from the University of Lagos College of Medicine and he also had a Masters of Science degree in Public Health from the same institution. The alumnus of the Pan African University, Lagos Business School has had series of training in management, marketing and health insurance.

I Am Passionate About Agriculture 1 million birds and with 2,000 hectares of land being used for cultivation of crops and horticulture.

Explaining what pushed him into the agricultural business, the accomplished professional said: “ I grew up to know agriculture as the only sustainable business in Nigeria, I also believe it is the highest employer of labour in Nigeria and it is what I have passion for, so its not about the money but the passion and satisfaction I derive in it”.

MR. USMAN DANTATA PRESIDENT, ANADARIYA INDUSTRIES LIMITED E has perfected the art of H working silently and letting his accomplishments speak for him, but success is like a goldfish that has no hiding place.

Usman Dantata, President, Anadariya Industries Limited, understands the importance of agriculture to the growth of the nation and realization of the Vision 20:2020, and so, he is joining all patriotic professionals in working towards this goal.

Usman who was at the French Business School where he specialized in international trade between 1997 and 2001 got to learn the ropes of international business very well there. The well travelled professional started his working career in 1998 with Bilfinger and Berger Banaktiengesell schaft, Wiesbaden, Germany where he worked in the marketing department. He also worked as an assistant to the trade analyst on the London International Financial Futures Exchange Market before offering his service as a Financial Analyst with Fortis Groups Africa Merchant Bank, Belgolaise, Paris, and also

with Merill Lynch International Bank, London as assistant to the Manager of International Advisory Group. He went into energy trading with EDT Energy Merchants London between December 2001 and April 2008 before he decided on coming back to Nigeria. Back in the country he joined the service of MRS Oil and Gas/Chevron West Africa. Today, however, he is the President of Anadariya Industries Limited, a vertically integrated agricultural, poultry and food processing farm with a capacity of

Speaking about Anadariya Farms, the president of the northern-based farmers said: “The farm is barely two years now but I think one of the things that made it a success is the dedication of time and resources and because it is what I have passion for, we thank the Almighty Allah for the success so far”. On the competency of Nigerian professionals, the young professional had this to say: “I think at this point of our development as a nation, we do need experts from foreign countries because we still need to develop our technical know-how at this growing stage, but it is not going to be forever”.

Though My Coming Into Law Was Accidental, But I Am Fulfilled DR. KENNETH EZEOKE MANAGING PARTNER, ANAKA, EZEOKE & CO IS understanding that genH uine success can only be achieved in life through a clear vision which is driven by hardwork, continuous education, and the uncommon ability to render services in a better way has made Dr. Kenneth Okechukwu Ezeoke, the Managing Partner, Anaka, Ezeoke & Co a standard bearer in the legal profession in Nigeria today.

Truly, many people may not know him, but the rate of the success he has been recording with the works he has handled

since he returned to Nigeria from the United States many years ago have made him an outstanding practitioner who should not be ignored in the legal profession in Nigeria today.

Educated at the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus where he bagged a degree in Law in 1985, Dr. Ezeoke was called to the Nigerian bar in 1986, and he later attended Howard University Law School, Washington D. C. for a Masters degree in Law. His desire to clearly define his area of specialty in the legal profession and equip himself with the necessary knowledge made him to attend the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law & Policy, University of Dundee, Scotland where

he bagged a doctorate degree.

Today, Kenneth Ezeoke is practising law with an uncommon passion, but his childhood desire was to become a Medical Doctor.

Explaining how the change in career choice came to be, he said: “I was a balanced student while I was in secondary school and I intended to study Medicine because of the interest I had in sciences. Unfortunately for me, I could not meet the cut off mark for medicine in JAMB and the university offered me Engineering. I deferred the admission because I was hoping to get admission to study Medicine. My parents insisted that I must attend a tutorial class so that I could perform better in the next

examination, and it was while I was attending this tutorial at IMT, Enugu that an argument came up on whether it was easy to qualify as a lawyer or not. In fact, some of my friends were arguing that it was not easy and this spurred my interest in the profession. That was why I decided to apply for Law in my next JAMB of which I passed and was admitted. Though it was an accidental decision, but I believe I made a good decision because I do not think the medical profession could have given me the kind of fulfillment I am deriving by being a lawyer today”.

Recalling the most challenging period of his career, the humble achiever explained thus: “Every

challenge is seen by me as an opportunity to do things in a better way, but I will say that one of the most tasking jobs I have handled is when I represented Seplat Petroleum Development Company in the landmark acquisition of OML 4,38 and 41 from Shell, Total and Agip. This was the first of such acquisition in Nigeria and our law firm, worked with one of the largest law firms in the UK which has over a thousand lawyers. We have just a few lawyers but we were able to deliver because we have the competence”.

Dr. Ezeoke is also making impact in the real estate sector in Nigeria, he is a Director of Shelter Ori-

gins, a firm that is focused on the provision of decent and affordable houses for low income earners in the country.

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I Always Refer To Myself As An “Ignited Leader” MRS. UDO MARYANNE OKONJO CEO, FINE AND COUNTRY INTERNATIONAL WEST AFRICA HE world has grown past T the era when women were relegated to the back stage in the scheme of things. Those days, women were restricted strictly to the home-front.

However, things have changed now as they are taking their rightful places everywhere in the world. One of such eminent women making waves in places where even some men dare not venture is Mrs. Udo Maryanne Okonjo, the CEO of Fine and Country International, W.A. Okonjo read Law at the University of Nigeria and graduated in 1990. She thereafter proceeded to the Nigeria Law School where she graduated as the best female student in 1991. Her brilliant strides in the Law School earned her a British Chevening scholarship to attend Kings College School of Law, University of London where she earned a Master's degree in Corporate and Commercial Law, and only recently became an executive alumni of the Said Business School, Oxford University where she completed the High Performance Leadership Programme.

An accomplished lawyer who was admitted to both the Nigerian and New York Bars in 1991 and 1993 respectively, Okonjo's pedigree as a lawyer with first class experience in major chambers within and outside the country spanned over fifteen years before settling down for a lifetime career in real estate business.

On what motivated her choice of profession, she said: “My childhood dream was to be like my dad, study law, and become a Judge of the Federal High Court, and subsequently as I studied law further, and was exposed to other aspects of the legal profession, I wanted to become a General Corporate Counsel or in-house General Counsel of a multinational firm (preferably oil and gas) like one of my role models and older brother, Dr. E. Ibe Kachikwu who was a General Counsel of a leading oil company and now a Vice Chairman and General Counsel. I had thought I would also study law to PHD level, just like him, and actually did get enrolled but decided to withdraw at the time”.

Things took a different dimension when she accidentally stumbled into real estate while practising law.

According to her, she enjoyed the investment and strategic aspect of real estate, and began exploring the entrepreneurial aspects purely by accident. However, she did not just rely on her initial qualifications and trainings to make head way for her in her new business, she has since received multiple real estate qualifications from reputable institutions in Dubai, South Africa and the UK coupled with additional qualifications in marketing, branding and business development.

Explaining the challenges that most professionals and firms in the property sector face in Nigeria, the amazon observed that like any other growing sector, the chal-

lenges include a lack of readily available and reliable data to support proper assessments and analysis by international standards. In addition, she said it has been discovered that most professional and firms in the industry struggle to convince their clients to pay professional fees especially when it comes to the agency aspect of the business. However, she strongly believes the challenges are not insurmountable and can be addressed with the right attitude and investments in case of the lack of reliable data while for the issue of professional fees she believes there is no reason for clients not to pay in so far as one has rendered a valuable differentiated service.

On what has sustained the growth of Fine and Country despite the challenges of doing business in Nigeria, the CEO had this to say: “I do not refer to myself as a manager but rather as an “Ignited Leader”. Our company has a team of some of the most incredible professionals, who we refer to as 'Fine and Country Champions'. These are all 'leaders' who believe and understand that Fine and Country has a singular focus: to inspire confidence in our clients through knowledgeable and cutting edge 'Intelligent Real Estate' service.

With her unparralleled leadership style, she has transformed Fine and Country which was launched in Nigeria in 2008 into one of the

leading real estate firms in the country. Under her able leadership, the company has been recipient to several accolades, awards and recommendations both locally and internationally with the most recent being ‘International Arch of Europe Award' in Frankfurt, Germany and the Luxury Living Brand Award in Abuja both conferred in the first quarter of this year.

The professional of repute has this advise to young professionals: “My advise is that young professionals should have clarity of purpose, be diligent and consistent in pursuing their vision. Success is not accidental, but intentional and requires hard work.

Going the extra mile as a matter of routine is one of my top

rules in business. I tell my business mentees all the time, get used to giving more than you are paid for, and one day, you will end up getting paid for more than you do'.

It is the law of Ignited Leaders. Integrity is also a very important tool to have in one's arsenal. With all these, the sky is truly their starting point. Like I always say, “impossible is nothing”.

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Nigerian Professionals Are Sound MR. EZEKIEL OJO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHELTER ORIGINS VERY profession is blessed E with exceptional people whose competence and ingenuity have been helping in building a better Nigeria. The real estate sector is not an exception, that is where we have people like Ezekiel Ojo, the Executive Director, Shelter Origins whose knowledge of the industry and achievements have become a reference.

Born 1960 in Aramoko Ekiti, Ojo is a graduate of civil engineering with HND and B.Sc in the same discipline in 1983 and 1991 respectively. He also obtained a Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering in 1996 at the University of Dar es Salam, Tanzania.

He started his professional career with the Ministry of Works and Housing, Calabar as a youth corper between 1983 and 1984 after which he joined the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission and worked as a teacher teaching Physics and Mathematics up till September 1988. He left teaching to join the Ondo State Water Corporation thereafter, but in October 1994, chose to leave to further his education in Tanzania. Upon completion of his Master degree there, he joined the service of Ministry of Land Use and Habitat in Seychelles, Indian Ocean as a principal engineer in January 1997. In the Ministry, he got rapid promotions and became the Director, Housing Development Section in 2002. However, he left the employment for Nigeria in October 2007 and took up appointment as the National Director, Habitat for Humanity Nigeria upon his return. He was

there till 2010 after which he crossed to Shelter Origins as Executive Director, the position he has held till date.

Assessing the real estate sector in Nigeria, the professional with the fear of God said: “The real estate industry in Nigeria is not at its best and not performing due to the following factors: land availability and acquisition, cost of infrastructure which is extremely high, high poverty level -10-90 percent of the population live on less than one dollar a day, institutional corruption inherent in the system, high cost of building mate-

rials, high interest rate and the huge housing deficit that is getting to unmanageable level”.

Comparing Nigerian professionals and their foreign counterparts, the accomplished real estate man said, “Nigerian professionals are quite sound but we are limited by inadequate infrastructure in our universities to support quality education and output, absence of research grants, unavailability of training facilities for updates in the profession, limited exposure to state-of-the-art technology and standard practice, IT deficiency, harsh environmental conditions

and corruption”.

On how Shelter Origins has been able to provide affordable and decent houses for low income earners despite the rising cost of building materials, the exposed and experienced civil engineer said, “It is simply because Shelter Origins is a non-governmental organization, and so, a non-profit making organization. Essentially, we are dedicated to providing houses to save souls and have been able to achieve so much because we hold strictly to our core values which are: transparency, fairness to all, integrity, personal commitment, account-

ability, discipline, sincerity and evangelism”.

On his vision for Shelter Origins, the man who is passionate about creating shelter for the masses, especially for the poor said; “I wish to see Shelter Origins in all six geo-political zones of Nigeria and expect it to be the reference point for government at all levels in the provision of affordable housing”.

Advising young professionals in Nigeria, he sermonized: “Never give up, never lose your vision and aim to fulfill your dreams.

Be creative, innovative, and committed to what you do”.

Medical Tourism By The Elites Is Unpatriotic DR. ALEXANDER OWOLABI CHIEF MEDICAL DIRECTOR, BALM OF GILEAD SPECIALIST HOSPITAL E is an epitome of diligence and H professionalism who is in the forefront of the promotion of obstetrics and gynaecology practice in Nigeria.

Dr. Alexander Owolabi, Chief Medical Director, Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital is a gynaecologist of note whose dedication to the medical profession has inspired many others to strive to achieve results despite the challenges in the Nigerian health sector.

Born 1957 in Isanlu in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, Owolabi had his medical training at the University of Ibadan College of Medicine between 1978 and 1983. A Fellow of the West Africa College of Surgeons, he equally obtained a Masters degree in Community Health at the Obafemi Awolowo University in 2003, and Post Graduate Award in Assisted Reproductive Technology from the

University of Warwick, UK, 2010. A lecturer and practising gynaecologist, he had his postgraduate training at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife When asked what inspired him to study medicine, the gynaecologist of note said: “I made up my mind right

from primary school to be a medical doctor but decided to be a gynaecologist in my undergraduate years”.

Making a comparison between Nigerian health professionals and their foreign counterparts, the assisted reproduction technology expert said: “Nigerian medical professionals are qualified like our counterparts abroad, we may not have the type of facilities that they have but in terms of the skill and intelligence, we are up to the task. This is evidenced in the feats performed by our professionals abroad”.

On his views about medical tourism common among the elites in the country, the Reader at the Obafemi Awolowo University opined that medical tourism among the elites amounts to lack of patriotism on their part. “They are supposed to upgrade the facilities available here to meet the standard of the places they are running to for medical attention, even some of the places they are running to don’t have the standard we have here

because the skill is very important. If the facilities here are improved upon, it will be more accessible, cheaper and attract medical tourism from across the globe too, thereby improving the GDP of our country”, he stated.

Speaking on the mission of Balm of Gilead Specialist Hospital, he said, “Our mission is to produce affordable and accessible medical practice that is of international standard. We don’t compromise on standard and best practice and that has been our watchword since the inception of the hospital”.

On where he wishes to see the hospital in the next couple of years, Owolabi said: “In the next couple of years, I want Balm of Gilead to be one of the topmost assisted conception centres in Africa and I also wish Balm of Gilead to be a major health provider in Nigeria especially in the area of assisted conception. In the next five years, I see Balm of Gilead having an affordable fertility centre that will be of high standard in Africa”.

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TAKING MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGERIA TO GREATER HEIGHTS

JOSHUA OKPO RECTOR, MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGERIA, ORON IS achievements are too rare to H be ignored and his competence has become another definition of productivity, but when this ebullient public servant was appointed few years ago to reposition the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and reset it on a path of growth, even most of the stakeholders in the maritime sector in Nigeria and his colleagues in the civil service never expected him to achieve much. But, few years on the job, Joshua Okpo has proven that what is required to be an agent of social engineering are just well grounded professional competence, the commitment to the public good, the ability to lead people by example to achieve set goals, and accountability.

A public servant though with private sector orientation and competence, Joshua Okpo had his secondary school education at the famous Hope Waddel Training Institute before he proceeded to the University of Calabar where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1983 and later bagged a Masters in Public Administration in 1995. Comparing the professionals in the public sector in Nigeria to their counterparts in the private sector, the experienced civil servant posited that professionalism runs through both sectors but objectives for which the professionals in these sectors operate is what separates them.

In his words: “Professional standard and ethics are universally applied.

While the professionals in the private sector are profit-oriented and work to maximize profits, those of us

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in the public sector mostly work to deliver social service in an efficient manner. However, I must say that redtapism has remained the main factor that slows the professionals in the public sector. Apart from this, those in the public sector are given more time to learn the rope. After graduation from school, I could have joined the private sector, but for the orientation I had and my desire to be a change agent.

Truly, the renumeration is not as good as what is obtainable in some private firms, but the number of Nigerians whose lives are being positively touched by my little contribution is enough reward for me”.

Starting his career as a journalist in the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation where he worked competently as an Editor II, Okpo later served as an Assistant Chief Planning Officer, Governor’s Office, Calabar. He also made an impact when he worked as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer in the Cabinet Secretariat, The Presidency, Abuja for many years before he was transferred to the Federal Ministry of Defence where he served as an Assistant Director. Intelligent and articulate, the patriotic professional also worked as a Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Transport and was promoted to the position of a Director before he was brought to MAN, Oron first as Acting Rector and later made substantive.

Asked what he has been doing since he came to the Oron-based specialized tertiary institution, the visionary and hardworking Rector replied thus: “All glory belongs to God who has been able to keep us going despite the challenges. When I came here as the Acting Rector in 2011, I was given a clear mandate. After doing a thorough assessment of what was on ground, I realized

the need to restructure the Academy’s management organogram which gave so much power to the Rector at the expense of development. I empowered more staff and gave them responsibilities, and I made sure I did proper monitoring and appraisal so as to make the necessary correction. Besides, I made sure I led by example. Also, I ensured that we provided a conducive environment for effective learning. We now have 24 hour power and water supply in this Academy. I also ensured that the inherited projects were completed on time”.

He continued: “We have also purchased and installed world class simulators and laboratory equipment.

Apart from these, I looked at our course content and saw the need to improve on it so as to conform to the standard required by the International Maritime Organization and other regulatory authorities and professional bodies. Today, the Academy’s

courses that were not accredited when I came on board have been accredited by the NBTE. Apart from the collective responsibility, transparency and proper application of available fund, I have instituted continuous training programmes for the Academy’s staff and we have also signed MOUs with reputable international institutions, that is the reason for the reduction in the number of our cadets going to Ghana for the Certificate of Competency. We have also built a cordial relationship between the Academy and the host communities, we now perform our corporate social responsibility to them, in fact these communities benefit from our constant power and water supply”.

In testament to Joshua Okpo’s achievement in MAN, the institution is now getting more international recognition and collaborations. The recent visit of the President of the World Maritime University and his positive comment on the Academy and the visit of the representative of the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization have better repositioned the institution in the eyes of the maritime world.

Surely, there are still challenges but the proactive professional at the helm of affairs in Oron through his visionary tenacity has been marching on assiduosly. People believe that his understanding of the Nigeria maritime industry has really helped him to make informed decisions. Prior to his appointment as the Rector, he had served in various capacities at different times as either member or chairman of several ad-hoc committees. He was Chairman, Committee on Erosion Control in Cross River State; and had been Chairman, Ministerial Committee on Routing of the Bonny and

Lagos Channel for Certification by International Maritime Organization among others.

On the competence of the cadets being produced at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, the Rector said: “MAN, Oron was established over three decades ago and it has churned out most of our best hands in the maritime, oil and gas sectors.

For many years, manpower development for this sector was not getting the kind of attention needed and it was also not getting the funding it required, and these affected its operations. But thank God, the Transformation Agenda of President Jonathan is all-inclusive and MAN is benefiting from this. Though it is not where it should be yet, but we have continued to make progress over the years. Our main challenge today is how to create seatime experience for our cadets. This Academy has the required manpower to produce world class cadets if this need is taken care of. In the mean time, we have made provision to send our cadets abroad so that they can get the necessary sea time; the cost is high but this is what can be done given the situation at hand. The Academy needs to acquire its own training ship and vessels. Apart from this, the government needs to enact the necessary legislation that will make the ocean going ships and vessels that are flying the Nigerian flags to assist the Academy in giving hands-on-experience to our cadets”.

Advising young professionals in Nigeria, the Rector counselled: “Our world is changing everyday and only the best can survive, always get the necessary skills and knowledge so that you can continue to be relevant in your profession”.

AN EMBODIMENT OF PROFESSIONALISM

CYRIL AGBELE PERMANENT SECRETARY/ ACCOUNTANT GENERAL, DELTA STATE E is an embodiment of hardwork, diliH gence, professionalism and integrity whose achievements have become benchmark for many professionals who desire to make positive impact in the public service.

Cyril Chima Agbele, Permanent Secretary and Accountant General, Delta State is one of the outstanding professionals in the Delta State Civil Service whose creativity and dedication to the achievement of public good can only be comparable to the best obtainable in the private sector.

Everyone is in agreement that this dynamic Accountant General is principled, but only those who value professional ethics and hardwork, good team spirit and inspiring character have been able to comprehend how he came about his professional achievements. Born in 1960, the indigene of Agbor, Delta State had his secondary school education at Abavo Grammar School, Abavo and got admitted to the University of Calabar for a degree in Management Studies, but the pursuance of his dream made him transfer to the University of Benin where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1983.

An experienced team worker who values due process, Agbele started his civil service career in 1985 as an Accountant in the defunct Bendel State. Visionary and diligent, he served in various capacities in the ministries of Education, Agriculture and Finance in the defunct Bendel State before the creation of Delta State in 1991 which resulted in the transfer of his service to the new state. Reputed for his passion for accountability and hardwork, Agbele was put in charge of the Delta State Expenditure Control and Final Accounts. He also worked

as Director, Planning, Research & Statistics and was later promoted to the position of Director, Treasury Department (DTD) in the office of the Accountant General. An apostle of human capital development who is always eager to transfer his experience and knowledge to the young ones, Agbele, who also has a Masters in Business Administration was appointed as the Accountant General of Delta in 2004. In fact, many people believe that his elevation to the position of Permanent Secretary in the state civil service in May 2011 could not have come at a better period.

Undoubtedly, Agbele’s experience in the civil service has helped to build his strength of character and strengthened his commitment to professionalism. Asked why he decided to continue to offer his service in the public sector despite employment offers from reputable firms in Nigeria, the patriotic civil servant replied thus: “I am always surprised when people opine that the best professionals should

all be in the private sector. For me, I have always seen my coming into public sector as an opportunity to use my competence for nation-building. Any professional who desires to get fat remuneration would not be fulfilled here, but those who see government business as our common business would be passionate to give their best in any capacity they are opportuned to serve. Also, the challenges here are enormous; in fact the Accountant General is one of the busiest and engaged civil servants in any state. For me, I can only say that I am lucky to be working with a dedicated and visionary administrator like his Excellency Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan who believes in doing the right thing in the right way. He has always set standard for us. Also the Honorable Commissioner for Finance in Delta State was with the World Bank for many years prior to his present engagement in Delta State.

Noth-

ing satisfies me more than when I know that my experience and competence are being used for common good”.

Surely the task is enormous, but the proactive permanent secretary has always been equal to the tasks. Explaining some of the measurers he has put in place to position the office of the Accountant General for effective performance, the Member of International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals said: “The human resources is the most important factor of production, so the first thing we have done is to make sure that the right people with the right qualification and attitude are brought in. This office is now being peopled by civil servants many of whos are chartered accountants who either belong to ICAN or ANAN. These civil servants are continuously trained by the state government and we always encourage them to write the necessary exams that could make them be better. We also work as a team here because I believe in cross fertilization of ideas. And to block leakages, we have put several measures in place in order to make sure that Delta State is not short-changed by anybody. Apart from the different softwares we are using for the payroll payment, we always make sure that any variation that may arise due to retirement, promotion and others are properly investigated and accounted for”.

Apart from the degree from the University of Benin, Cyril Agbele has undertaken professional and leadership training in Westminster University, London, Stanford University, Harvard University, and the University of Pennsylvania at different times.

Expectedly, his professional exploits have not gone unappreciated; the dedicated Accountant General is a recipient of several awards.

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Government Should Invest Heavily In Agriculture To Reduce Unemployment DR. KENNEDY IZUAGBE MANAGING DIRECTOR, CARLISLE PROPERTIES AND INVESTMENTS LTD IGERIA is a country that is peopled by diverse N professionals who have made and are still making waves in their various chosen careers across the globe. Dr. Kennedy Izuagbe, the Managing Director of Carlisle Properties and Investments Limited is one of such eminent personalities that the country parades as her torch bearer as far as the gathering of experienced, exposed and seasoned professionals across the world is concerned.

Born of royal parentage Izuagbe obtained his degree in Management from the University of Port Harcourt. He had his MBA from University of Benin and also a Masters in Finance from the University of Calabar. He equally has a PhD Honoris Causa in Business Administration from Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. A seasoned and consummate professional, Izuagbe started his professional banking career which spanned over 15 years as a young corper posted to Fidelity Bank Plc. While his career in the banking industry lasted, Izuagbe held various responsible and sensitive positions at different banks including Fidelity Bank Plc, Savannah Bank Nigeria Plc and Societe Generale Bank Nigeria Ltd (Now Heritage Banking Corporation).

On what motivated his choice of profession, the highly exposed professional who is also a World Ambassador of Peace said: ''I had no motivation other than the fear of failure and the need to create a career in a sector that had the potentials to provide steady growth that would guarantee success. At a very tender age I innocently longed to be a very successful person and loathed poverty or failure in its entirety. That determination fuelled my reading a business related course in the university. On joining the banking sector, I discovered that it is a very interesting profession with a lot to be proud of but probably the most unlikely place to make money. However, it was a beautiful and challenging moment while it lasted''.

The Justice of the Peace, JP title holder, a title that was bestowed on him by the Edo State Government in realization of his several strides in community development in December 2011, crossed from the banking sector to real estate manage-

A Professional Of High Pedigree SENATOR DR AMADU ALI CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION DISTINGUISHED medical docA tor, soldier and politician, Senator Amadu Ali had his medical education at the University College, Ibadan where he graduated with MBBS in 1963 and because of his determination to specialize, he was at the University of Edinburgh Post Graduate Medical School in Scotland between 1966 and 1968. He is a Fellow of the Medical College of Physicians, Nigeria; Fellow of West African College of Physicians, and Fellow, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Scotland.

A man who loves medicine like food, Ali who had his housemanship at the University College Hospital, UCH between 1963 and 1964 got enlisted into the Nigerian Army in the same year he graduated, 1963. There, he was exposed to further training and he had the best. He was at Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom between 1965 and 1966 and Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy Fife for a six month clinical attachment in 1967 and was senior house officer, Psychiatric Unit at Stobhill General Hospital in 1967.

When he returned to Nigeria in 1968, he was posted to the 44 Armed Forces Hospital, Kaduna where he was till 1970 as specialist physician and sole physician.

He was promoted to a lieutenant colonel while in Kaduna in 1971 but was drafted to the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC at inception in 1973 to assume the mantle of Director General, the first and pioneer. He retired voluntarily from the army with the

substantive rank of colonel and substantive rank of chief consultant physician in 1979 and joined politics.

Ali was able to win election into the National Assembly and represented Benue State as one of its five Senators in the Senate between 1979 and 1983. He was elected again for the 2nd National Assembly which commenced in October 1983 before the truncation of that democracy in December of the same year. Thereafter, he went into medical consultancy until 2005 when he was elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. He is currently the Chairman of the Board, National Universities Commission.

A man whose professional competence has never been in doubt, Ali is a thoroughbred who has been a succor to many patients suffering from psychiatric illnesses in the military and in the country at large. This was the reason he was honoured in the military with Forces Services Star and the National Services Medal. Ali who was conferred with Fellow by the Federal Polytechnic, Idah in 1993 and Fellow of the Federal College of Education, Zaria in 2006 also has a D.Sc Honouris Causa, University of Agriculture, 2006 and is a Fellow of African Business School, Kogi State, a school of which he was appointed Chancellor in 2007.

Because of his contributions to the development of many places within the country, the Kogi-State born PDP stalwart has been honoured with chieftaincy titles both in his native Igalaland and other towns in the country. He is the Ochada

ment when he could not withstand the bizarre government regulation of the banking sector then.

Commenting on what has kept him in business when several others are folding up, the Carlisle CEO said: “Carlisle was built on a sound and professional platform. We have continued to wax stronger despite the obvious challenges that had forced many out of business. I am driven by challenges. I am at my best when I have to crack very tough nuts. Rather than get swept away by challenges, we have been able to identify the opportunities as well as take good advantages of them”.

The quintessential CEO believes that the Nigerian professional can compete favourably with his foreign counterparts. Hear him: “The average Nigerian professional can hold his own anywhere in the world. This is because the average Nigerian is a smart fellow. Looking at the army of obstacles on the part of the Nigeria professional and their level of output vis-a-vis those of their foreign counterparts, you would agree with me that they are not doing badly. This is underscored by the fact that even with lacking virile institutions, decrepit infrastructure and very inconsistent government policies which are some of the frustrating factors the

Nigeria professional contends with daily, they still manage to perform”.

Asked why Nigeria is still underdeveloped in spite of its array of professionals, the fellow of the Institute of Administrators and Researchers in Nigeria, CFIAR said, “The reasons are not far-fetched. These include lack of planning, weak institutions, weak basic infrastructure and very poor values. Nigeria is notoriously known for not planning. We seem to put the cart before the horse. This is clearly evident in all the facets of our lives from government to businesses and individuals”.

Commenting on the increasing rate of unemployment and underdevelopment in Nigeria and what can be done to ameliorate the situation, the very zealous and amiable professional said: “To address the issues of unemployment and underemployment, government should begin to invest in agriculture which in my opinion is about the better placed sector that has the potentials and capacity to generate employment”.

Advising the young professionals in Nigeria, Izuagbe stated: “They should believe in their dreams and remain focused. They should be motivated by the desire to uphold their integrity irrespective of social pressures. They must remain committed to their goals even in the face of difficulties and have a nose for excellence at all times.

They shouldn't be distracted by the poor state of affairs in the country. They should rather focus on the value they can help create to bring about the positive changes we all yearn for in Nigeria".

Combining Efficiency With Integrity At Delta State Bursary Board PETER AMROMANOH EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, DELTA STATE BURSARY AND SCHOLARSHIP BOARD IS integrity and adherence to H due process have given productivity and competence a better

Ata of Igalaland; the Asiwaju Jagunmolu of Egbaland, and the Agule Chembah of Ebonyi State. Also, because of his excellent and patriotic service to his fatherland, he had been honoured with two national honours: Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON which has been conferred on only few people in Nigeria.

Ali has always found a place in his heart for the less-priviledged as he is always concerned with how to ameliorate their situation and make them useful and productive in the society. It is this that led to the setting up of the Amaduali Foundation, where about 30 citizens, 5 primary and secondary schools, and some organizations have benefited.

The exceptional medical doctor is fond of philately, the hobby of stamp collecting, and is even the Chairman, National Philately Promotion Council

interpretation that many young professionals can use as their road map. Peter Amromanoh, Executive Secretary, Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board is a professional with a difference who has always combined efficiency with exemplary character to achieve enviable result in every assignment he has handled in his career.

An apostle of corporate governance, the outstanding civil servant had his tertiary education at the University of Benin where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Statistics in 1987. His desire to deepen his knowledge in Information and Communication Technology motivated him to return to his alma mater for a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science few years later and he is at present doing another degree in Law at the National Open University of Nigeria, Asaba.

He joined the then Bendel State Civil Service in 1990 as a Planning Officer in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, and held various positions in the civil service before the creation of Delta State in 1991. In Delta State, the pragmatic professional offered his service as one of the pioneer staff in the Ministry of Economic Planning before he was deployed to set up the Delta State Computer Centre where he worked diligently as one of the professionals

responsible for the computerization of the state’s payroll. Due to his display of rare commitment and integrity, he was later posted to the State Civil Service Commission as Director, Administration and Finance and later to the Ministry of Housing as the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics.

While there, the experienced administrator displayed his administrative ingenuity, and so, his appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board in 2009 was seen as a reward for the man who has continually proved his competence.

Explaining some of the initiatives he has put in place since he joined the Board five years ago, Amromanoh said: “When we came on board five years ago, applications for scholarships and bursary were being processed manually, and so, there was scholarship racketeering. But today, we have put in place an e-bursary and scholarship system. Every applicant is required to register online and we do the processing and verification to make sure that only qualified applicants benefit from the schemes. Also, before, the Board was dealing with student union bodies instead of dealing directly with individuals. We have also changed this to check bursary racketeering, in fact we have now brought in JAMB to enhance our verification procedure. Apart from this, the names of all the beneficiaries are published in the dailies”.

Despite the progress being made by the Board, its Executive Secretary informed that there are challenges which are being faced.

According to him: “However, some people are not happy with the positive changes we have brought and they are doing everything to sabotage the effort of the state government. Some people have graduated and they still want to benefit from the bursary scheme thereby denying those who really qualify for it.

Also, some parents have not been helping matters, they raise false alarm without getting the facts from their children. Some of these children lied to their parents after collecting their bursary and scholarship money from the Board. But because we now pay into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, these parents get to know the truth after we show them the facts. I must also say that some pressmen have not bothered to investigate the truth before castigating the Board.

There will always be accusations against us, but I know we will continue to prove them wrong with facts because there is due process and accountability in our operations”.

Building IT Infrastructure Is As Important As Building Roads SOLA BICKERSTETH , CEO, ONE NETWORK HE original choice in secondary school was to “T be an architect but a chance visitation to an actual architectural firm while I was in secondary school made me realize that most of the professional work had become so software driven that I became convinced that the future would be driven by becoming the “software architect” that other professional would be needing for their own profession”.

This was Engr. Sola Bickersteth’s reason for going into the ICT profession, an industry that he entered in 1996 and has helped in developing to great extent in the country.

Bickersteth who read Electrical/Electronic Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, pioneered the introduction of low cost VSAT in Nigeria in partnership with Panamsat Inc in 2001 and was a lead service provider in the setting up of the Back-

bone Infrastructure for Public Service Network. That is not all. He led the team which in 2009 built ChamsCity, the world’s largest cyber centre, as recorded by the Guinness Book of Records.

Also, as the pioneer Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, he contributed in no small way to the popularization of the dot ng internet addresses both locally and internationally.

The project which he is currently working on is to build the most viable financial and citizen services agent network in the world, a project of which he says: “I believe by God’s grace that we will ultimately succeed and one day export that solution to the rest of the world, just like

some Indian IT companies started doing”.

Currently the CEO of One Network, Bickersteth has partnered with banks and microfinance banks, Nigeria Postal Service, NIPOST and other value-adding service providers in building infrastructure for a nationwide network of financial and citizen agents such as mobile money, agent banking, insurance, identity registration as well as government’s financial and digital inclusion initiatives.

Bickersteth believes Nigeria is still scratching the surface when it comes to IT but is optimistic that with a Ministry now in charge of Communications Technology, the country is headed in the right direction but urges governments at all levels to take

the building of IT infrastructure as they take the building of roads, because it is just as important.

He is of the view that ICT is one of the major tools that can be used to substantially affect the lives of millions of Nigerians, and so, as a patriot, he looks forward to that day when in this country an accident victim who is in coma will only need a finger to be placed on a biometric scanner and all necessary details about his immediate family and medical records will be accessed immediately to determine how to save his life. “The opportunity to professionally contribute to the development of such a powerful tool keeps me going”, he enthused.

On what One Network has in stock for Nigerians, the IT Impresario revealed that their nationwide agent will soon be helping millions of Nigerians to gain local access to financial and digital services, something that is at present beyond reach. According to him, to achieve this, they will be building agent service points in practically every village across Nigeria.

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Surveying Is The Data Provider Of All Other Professions SURVEYOR JOSEPH AGBENLA SURVEYOR GENERAL, LAGOS STATE HE general belief of most Nigerians is T that public servants are complacent, unproductive and wasteful in utilizing public funds. However, meeting with Surveyor Joseph Olorunjuwon Agbenla, the Surveyor General of Lagos State disproved this long term erroneous impression.

A man credited as very principled and of good character, the Surveyor General attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and later proceeded to Europe where he obtained a degree in Surveying Engineering from the University of Timisoara, Romania in 1982. He became a registered surveyor of Nigeria in 1989 and has since undergone various professional trainings and certifications within and outside the country.

Asked what motivated his choice of surveying as a profession and how his career has been over the years, the erudite surveyor had this to say: “Surveying deals with nature. It is the data provider of all other professions in the world. As a matter of fact, my becoming a surveyor today is not my doing. Let's just say I became a surveyor by God's directive. Though there are various challenges associated with the profession

like every other, but on the whole, I will say its been very interesting and fulfilling. Surveying can be regarded as a profession of decision makers. It has evolved from what it used to be. It is no longer the traditional approach of going to site with chains, theodolites and the likes. Now it is known as Geospatial Information System. So surveying is now a robust, scientific profession that is quite challenging, but extremely rewarding to those who are hard working enough”.

The very versatile surveyor did not just find himself occupying the position he is today.

His humility, dedication and commitment to work even as a Pupil Surveyor/Surveyor Grade II, a position he occupied in October 1983 when he joined the civil service is what saw him get to the peak of his career. While many would have called it quits in the face of very little challenges, Agbenla was focused and determined to succeed. His dint of hardwork and uncommon sincerity saw him through as he rose from Pupil Surveyor/Surveyor Grade II in 1983 to the Director of Survey in 2011. He became the Acting Surveyor General of the state in 2012 and was subsequently confirmed as Surveyor General in 2013.

The tenure of the experienced and highly skilled professional as the Surveyor Gener-

al of the state has recorded a lot of breathtaking achievements. Before now, most of the activities in the Office of the Surveyor General was done using the analogue approach therefore resulting in a delayed and energing sapping process. Lagosians also found it quite difficult to access basic land information directory that can help in their search for a land or property in their choice location. However, with the introduction of the Geographical Information System, GIS and other computerized form

of processing, things have taken a different shape. According to the Surveyor General, “The introduction of the GIS and other computerized form of processing by Governor Fashola have really made our work more professional, faster, efficient and convenient.

Now we have a system that is more robust, scientific and computerized”.

The well read professional who has received several accolades home and abroad for his immense contribution to the development of the surveying profession is very confident that Nigerian surveyors can compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.

In his words: ''I studied in Europe. We had colleagues there who didn’t even measure to the standards. Even their teachers call them dullards. We have Nigerians who are better than them in every ramification. Intelligence does not have anything to do with your colour or background. Nigerians are making themselves and the country proud wherever they find themselves. We are not intimidated by anything”.

While advising Lagosians on the purchase and development of property in the state, the amiable surveyor said: “I will advise Lagosians to come to the office of the Surveyor General for basic information before acquiring or developing any property in Lagos. For example there are lands that are

marked for agricultural, residential and industrial zones. People can only get to know of this information when they visit our offices. The process of getting this information has been simplified. Let me state categorically that we have some applications requesting for land information here that people are not coming to collect. These applications, about 1,532 of them, have been fully processed and their results are ready therefore appealing to them to come to the office of the Surveyor General at Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa, Lagos for the results on land information which they requested for”.

Advising young surveyors and other professionals who look up to him as a role model, the Surveyor General said, “Honesty and hardwork should be the watchword.

Honesty here refers to faith in God. People should realize that without God they can do nothing. Once God gives you a directive, you must carry out such to the letter. Nothing else matters other than God's directive and you can only get His directive when you are honest. God is the rewarder of those that diligently seek him. Just trust him and ask Him alone for whatever you need. With honesty and unwavering faith in Him, I can assure that the heaven is not the limit but a starting point”.

We Offer Affordable Quality Education At Ibikunle Lawal Colleges CHIEF IBIKUNLE LAWAL CHAIRMAN, IBIKUNLE LAWAL ORGANIZATION NLESS a pro“U fessional has passion for his profession he will never be fulfilled even when he is making all the money and it will be worse if the money is not coming as expected because there will be nothing to serve as his driving force.

Individual philosophy of life mostly affects the way they use their profession, for me I have always believed that prosperity should be for posterity. It is a pity that most of the Nigerian professionals we have around only think prosperity should be for self enjoyment, that is why more billionaires are emerging while the nation is getting worse economically”. These are the musings of Alhaji Chief Ibikunle Lawal, Chairman, Ibikunle Lawal Organization, an experienced professional on professionalism.

To some people, he is a seasoned educationist, while some value his worth as an estate surveyor and valuer, but only those who are close to him know that this patriotic professional is also involved in agriculture.

He is not one of those that were born with a silver spoon, but the Proprietor, Ibikunle Lawal Colleges through self belief, hard work and determination has now become an epitome of success.

Determined to equip himself with professional education, he proceeded to the College of Building, United Kingdom for his intermediate professional examination in surveying. He later attended the College of Estate Management, London where he qualified as a Chartered Estate Surveyor. He capped these with a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the Nottingham University, United Kingdom.

On his return to his fatherland, he offered his service at the Department of Estate Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife for years before he moved to the Federal Housing Authority, Lagos as a Chief Estate Surveyor and Valuer and rose to the position of Assistant General Manager. While at the FHA, the excellent estate surveyor was involved in the development of Festac Town and the International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos among other national projects.

As a school proprietor, he was asked what made him invest in education. He answered: “I have always taught since I finished my standard six and I have always seen education as a right and not a privilege, that is why I have been running education as a social service. I was brilliant while in primary school but I came from a poor home, I wrote examination into Oduduwa College while in Standard Five and passed, but I could only attend the school for less than a month because I could not pay the required school fees.

I had to return to my primary school to complete the Standard Six. Today, due to inability of government to provide quality education to every-

body, some private schools have come in to fill the gap, but they are offering it to the public at a high price. So Ibikunle Lawal Group of Schools were established to offer affordable quality education to Nigerians and the products are enough reward for me. This school emerged as the best school in Physics in the whole Nigeria in 2013 and we are the first aviation high school in

this country.

Proud of the Nigerian professional, the Principal Partner, Ibikunle Lawal and Co posited that our professionals should not be blamed for the slow development of the nation. In his words: “Our professionals are competent, though some of them are unpatriotic, but the bulk of the blame on our relative underdevelopment

should be placed in the hands of our politicians.

These politicians have always seen the opportunity to serve our nation as an opportunity for selfish accumulation of wealth at our expense”.

Advising young professionals in Nigeria, he said: “Your competence should be used to make Nigeria a better place because professional success should not just be about self enrichment”.

At Citilodge, We Offer Excellent Services At Affordable Rates OLUFEMI TALABI CHAIRMAN, CITILODGE HOTELS IS accomplishments speak for him H even when he has decided to be a silent achiever and the lives he has touched with his visionary ventures have continually put his name on the lips of many Nigerians.

A legal practitioner with specialization in secured credit transactions as well as property and corporate law, the alumnus of the University of Lagos who also has a Masters in Business Administration is a seasoned arbitrator with specialty in Business Management. Olufemi Talabi, Chairman, Citilodge Hotels has 25 years of varied management experience and sits on the board of four other high networth companies which have been making significant impact in the socio-economic development of Nigeria. His keen interest in developing specialized manpower for Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors have made him a mentor for several young professionals in the country.

Explaining how his law background has influenced the level of success he has achieved, he said: “I actually had passion for business management and cre-

ativity while I was very young, but the respect our society has for lawyers in our midst influenced me to study law.

I must say that being a lawyer gave me a versatile knowledge and it has also provided me with a strong platform to delve into several endeavours of life.

My law knowledge made it easier for me to make headway in the financial sector and my creativity is also helping my business in the hospitality sector”.

True to his assertion, Citilodge Hotels in Abuja and Lekki, Lagos are now synonymous with quality service delivery.

That is why reputable training institutes, universities, private firms and tourism consultants have continued to collaborate with them. In testament to its steady rise in the hospitality sector in Nigeria, Citilodge Hotel, Lagos is the official hotel of Miss Tourism Nigeria Pageant and the Sisi Oge cultural pageant.

Asked how he has been able to achieve enviable result with Citilodge Hotels, the passionate hospitality professional of note said: “We made our groundwork before we ventured into hospitality business and we realized that those hotels that offer good services in Nigeria do it at exorbitant rates. Citilodge

Hotels came into business with a vision of offering excellent services at affordable rate. We now have Citilodge Hotels in Abuja and Lekki, Lagos and we are constructing another in Ikeja.

The quality of staff and our facilities have been our strong point, as all our efforts are geared towards customers satisfaction. In fact, most of the regular customers today are people who value quality services and they have tested and trusted us, that is why they keep coming back. We also provide round

the clock security in our hotels”.

Speaking on the challenges facing investors in hospitality sector in Nigeria, he said: “The tourism sector is the highest employer of labour in the world and the multiplier effect its development can have on Nigerians will even surpass the benefits we are deriving from oil exploration. The main challenges have to do with non availability of long term credit facilities and exorbitant cost of fund. Hotel business has a long gestation period, but most of our banks prefer to grant short and medium term loans with high interest.

Also there is challenge of lack of support infrastructure like power supply, good road network and reliable transport network. For example, we spend a lot on power generation and we had to construct the road in front of the hotel.

The government needs to make conscious effort to make Nigeria one of the top tourism destinations in Africa, we have what it takes, but we are yet to develop it”.

On his vision for Citilodge Hotels, he said: People who have tried us have testified to our high quality service delivery. We plan to have our hotels in major cities in Nigeria in years to come”.

A Result-Driven And Highly Efficient System Accountant MOSES UVOMATA FINANCIAL DIRECTOR, ETERNIT LIMITED HOSE firms who have benefitted T from his financial dexterity, professional colleagues who have been motivated by his accountability and team spirit and the younger professionals who have continued to use his exploits as the benchmark in their chosen career are all in agreement that Moses Uvomata, Financial Director, Eternit Limited is a chartered accountant that is highly efficient and result-driven.

The experienced system accountant is one of the men who always allow their passion to drive their vision. An Isoko man from Delta State, Uvomata had his secondary school education in Ondo State after which he attended the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro where he had a Distinction in Accountancy at the OND level in 1985. Focused and determined, he proceeded to the Yaba College of Technology for his Higher National Diploma where he also graduated with a Distinction before later qualifying as a chartered accountant.

Recounting how he was able to achieve this feat at a young age, the humble achiever explained thus: “In

those days, it was not allowed for anybody to write the GCE examinations while still in secondary school, but I wrote this exam without the consent of my school authority. In fact, I passed all my papers and I was still in Form Four. So I did not wait for my school certificate examination result to be released before I proceeded to the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro for my OND programme. There, I emerged as the first accounting graduate to bag a Distinction”.

The young Moses did his industrial attachment at Elf Petroleum where he was offered an employment due to his uncommon brilliance, but he declined this juicy offer in order to pursue his HND. “The General Manager, Finance was surprised when I declined the offer, he tried to convince me but I was determined to go for my HND because I did not want to work as a junior staff in any organization”, he said.

Starting his career with Elf Petroleum during the compulsory NYSC year, he quickly rose to the position of Head, Costing. Moses Uvomata’s dedication to excellence also led to his promotion to the position of Head, Budget, and he left Elf Petroleum after offering ten years of transformative service for Eternit Limited, Sapele. After making his mark at Eternit, he moved to Evans Medical Plc where he started as Project Manager in charge of the company’s ERP. At Evans, Uvomata was promoted to the position of General Manager, Finance, and when he became Acting Financial Director, nobody doubted his capability to perform. Eternit came back for him after he had spent 6 years at Evans Medical and he was made the company’s Financial Director.

Explaining why he specialized in system accounting, the articulate accountant

said: “My first assignment at Elf Petroleum was system development and I was given 3 years to complete it, but at the end of the second year, I was advised to stop by the Finance Director because the work I had done was enough to keep the IT boys busy for the next 12 months. We had to wait for them to finish the programming, so I was moved to Budget as the head. Also, I came to Evans Medical to help manage the ERP they were just deploying and I did this for seven months. From my experience and knowledge as a system accountant, I have realized that most ERP are costly and cumbersome to implement. So I started searching for an easy-to-implement ERP that is also not expensive. This took me to several firms in different countries before I landed on FOCUS. The company is an international company with headquarters in India. I met their Group CEO to discuss how we could make Nigeria benefit more from their products, and we now have their Nigerian office which was started by me and a few of my friends. With FOCUS, ERP can be implemented within 3 months and it is not as expensive as other ERPs, yet other ERPs will take up to six to ten months to implement”.

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EKITI 2014

Police to deploy sniffer dogs, horses on election day Stories by Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head, General, (DIG) of Police, in charge of Operations, Mr. South West Bureau Ado Ekiti) O ensure adequate protection of the electorate and election materials in the June 21 governorship poll in Ekiti State, the Nigeria Police yesterday disclosed that sniffer dogs and horses would be deployed to monitor the election.

Besides, the command will deploy 200 Counter Terrorism Specialists and 200 Crime Prevention Officers, which would also be complemented by 25 sniffer dogs and horses to ensure hitch-free election.

This was disclosed by Ekiti State Police Commissioner, Mr. Felix Uyanna while briefing the Deputy Inspector-

T

Mike Zuokoumor, who visited him over the preparation and readiness of the command for the poll.

Zuokoumor, who will lead the police team to provide security during the governorship poll said the police, is well prepared to ensure that no life was lost during and after the exercise.

Zuokoumor, who also held a meeting with the top hierarchy of the Force in the state, said he would be assisted by a number of Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police, (CPs) who will all arrive Ado-Ekiti any moment from now.

Zuokoumor said more than

enough men and equipment are also to be deployed in a manner that would make it difficult for anyone to perpetrate electoral crime and get away with it.

The DIG said, “We shall be in Ekiti State in full force to ensure security of lives and property.

“I can assure Nigerians and

to disregard a text message being circulated to phone users in the state, saying such profanity did not emanate from its candidate.

The text message, which reads

• PDP, APC bicker over impersonation allegation mer governor Ayo Fayose has called on the police to be more effective in dealing with the rising violence in the state.

Fayose, who alleged that the Ekiti State Police Command was not doing enough to curtail the violence, noted that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are being over protected.

Speaking at the sensitization workshop for Ekiti State Political Parties and Stakeholders organised by the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs in Ado Ekiti, Fayose berated the police for treating the issue of violence with kid gloves.

The workshop, the fourth of its kind was coordinated by the Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs, Senator (Dr.) Ben Obi. According to Fayose, “If Nigeria Police could be curtailing armed robbers and criminals in this country, there is no reason why they should not call politicians to order.

“I want to say it here that any

PDP members caught in violence should be arrested and dealt with accordingly. I believe God knows who will win this election and I am sure violence will not win election for anybody.

Speaking at the event, state Police Commissioner Mr. Felix Uyanna disclosed that all the pieces of advice given to the politicians to shun violence has not been taking.

He said it is easy for the politicians to blame police for violence when it was obvious that it was these politicians that are the architects of the violence.

He said the Command has arrested many thugs and charged them to court and whatever goes on in the court goes beyond the purview of the police.

The police boss, who blamed the ruling APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) for what he described as “large scale violence in the state”, said the command would continue to do its best to protect lives and property.

He added that he has about 4,000 police working in the command while another 8,000 will be deployed to join

them from other states, making 12,000 police that will monitor the election.

He said at least three policemen; one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and a member of FRSC would guard each polling booth, adding that there would be two police helicopters that will be on permanent patrol.

“All the borders towns will be highly policed and routes to the state will be almost shut down. We shall have at least eight Commissioners of Police and I will certainly not going to be in charge because a lot of my superiors are coming.

“We have the dossier of all the political thugs being harboured by these political parties and their leaders and we shall soon deal with them.

Police is not creating tension but let us pass the bulk at the appropriate quarters,” Uyanna said.

In a similar development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has informed the Ekiti State Police Command of plans by the All Progressive Congress (APC) to clothe some its members in Fayose’s vest to foment trouble in the state.

Jonathan won’t interfere in poll, says Obi • Monarchs to meet President over rising violence PECIAL Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi has assured the people of Ekiti State that President Goodluck Jonathan will not interfere in Ekiti governorship election, maintaining that he is the promoter of free and fair election process and he will ensure this in Ekiti State and throughout the country.

Speaking at the sensitization workshop organised by his office for political parties, governorship candidates as well as stakeholders in the electoral project, Obi said the President Jonathan had also maintained that he would not interfere in the affairs of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Obi said the election had been held in Edo Anambra and Ondo States where opposition parties won and the President was the first person to congratulate the winner, maintaining

S

the workshop was the fourth in the series after those in Edo, Ondo and Anambra elections.

He added that the main thrust of the Ekiti workshop was “to replicate the success achieved in Edo, Ondo and Anambra States governorship elections through deliberations and exchange of ideas.”

Speaking at the event, the United States’ ConsularGeneral in Nigeria, Mr. Jeff Hawkins criticized what it described as message of violence by some political leaders in Nigeria. Hawkins said it was worrisome that political leaders were sending message of violence as the elections approached, saying this would not augur well for peaceful conduct of the elections.

Chairman of the event and governor of old Western Region, Gen. David Jemibewon urged all stakeholders in Ekiti election to see themselves as brothers, charging them and

supporters to embrace peace and conduct go about their electioneering campaigns with violence.

He, however, asked the political parties to go and register all their campaign vehicles, threatening to impound any branded vehicle that was not properly registered.

The police boss, who noted

that it was the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the politicians to ensure credible election, said the main task of the police is to forestall crisis and protect lives and property and assured that the police is well prepared to play its role.

Fayemi denies sending text messages to teachers, civil servants, monarchs “I can win the June 21 election boast that teachers and civil ing President Goodluck HE Kayode Fayemi without Ekiti teachers and servants were behind them.

Jonathan on Thursday.

T Campaign Organisation has civil servants, Fayemi boasts, The realization that no one is The President is being expecturged the people of Ekiti State

Fayose, police disagree over attacks HE governorship candiT date of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for-

indeed, Ekiti people that this election will come and go without a hitch. I stand firm on this.

“Therefore anybody trying to perpetrate evil or any form of disturbance is advised to steer clear before it is too late,” the DIG warned.

Zuokoumor also warned all the political parties and their

their followers to refrain from activities that could make them perpetual enemies after the June 21 election.

Stakeholders present at the workshop included: Mr. Ayo Fayose of PDP, Mr. Kole Ajayi of Accord Party as well as Governor Kayode Fayemi of APC who was represented by the Director-General of his Campaign Organisation, Mr. Bimbo Daramola.

Prof Lai Olurode, who represented INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, decried the spate of violence, which he noted had trailed campaigns in the build up to the Ekiti election, saying it was frightening.

And apparently worried by the spate of pre-election violence in Ekiti State, traditional rulers in the State are considering meeting President Goodluck Jonathan in order to prevail on the political actors in the forthcoming governorship elections in the state.

Says I am only being magnanimous with payment of 27.5 per cent TSS,” has been circulated to many phone users in the state.

A statement by its spokesperson, Dimeji Daniels, the Campaign Organisation said there was never a time that such a statement emanated from its candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Daniels described the text message as an attempt by the drowning opposition in the state to grasp at whatever straw in sight to save itself from the imminent defeat awaiting it in the June 21 governorship election.

He said it was another failed attempt by the petty opposition in the state to pitch teachers and civil servants against the Fayemi administration.

“The opposition is like a drowning man grasping at every straw in sight. Both the PDP and the Labour Party (LP), confused as they are, used to

queued behind them as the June 21 election approaches has given vent to serious frustration which has made them resort to puerile, childish and senseless propaganda aimed at toying with the emotions of the hardworking, respectable and responsible teachers and civil servants in the state whose lot has been bettered by the Fayemi administration through several workerfriendly policies,” the statement adds.

Daniels urged all civil servants and teachers, as well as other residents in the state, to disregard the text message, adding that Dr. Kayode Fayemi is too responsible and cultured to utter such profanity, especially about teachers and civil servants who are dedicated cocollaborators in the development of the state.

The governor also denied the allegation that he instructed Ekiti monarchs from welcom-

ed in Ado Ekiti with other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national leaders to drum support for Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

But Fayose at the weekend accused Fayemi of sending text messages to the monarchs in the state not to receive Jonathan at Ewi’s palace in Ado Ekiti.

Fayemi, who spoke through his Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Aderemi Ajayi, said he did not send any message or give any directive to the Oba “since the Governor is not even aware of any Presidential visit to the State.”

Ajayi added that the Governor is not in the habit of meddling with the affairs of the Obas but as a leader who has utmost for the Obaship institution.

The Special Adviser also stated that Fayemi does not and will not give such an instruction to the Obas who he believes have the traditional rights to take

Nigerians Are Yet To Take Full Potentialities Of Ict MR AYO ADEGBOYE, FIIM, (IT BUSINESS VICE PRESIDENT, WEST AFRICA) SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC NIGERIA LTD HE Nigerian telecommunicaT tions industry is evolving and has witnessed quite a lot of improvements that has metamorphosed into a strong and buoyant sector with highly resourceful personalities. One of such distinguished personalities is Mr. Ayo Adegboye,FIIM; a seasoned professional with almost 15years of firsthand experience in IT. Currently the IT Business Vice President (West Africa) of Schneider Electric Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Adegboye is one of the few living examples of worthy Nigerian ambassadors with intimidating credentials that can compete fearlessly anywhere in the world.

A professional of repute with breathtaking achievements, Mr. Adegboye graduated from the prestigious University of Ilorin where he read Geology and Mineral Science. He later proceeded to the United Kingdom where he obtained a Masters degree in Telecommunications from Informal Academy; and Global Executive MBA from Manchester Business School, UK. He has been exposed to several professional trainings at home and abroad that space and time might not permit us to mention. Besides these trainings, he also holds several professional certifications from different professional bodies within and outside the country.

Explaining how he found his way into the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) world which is a total drift from his initial course of study at the tertiary institution, he said: 'I would have made a good geologist, but I’d always tell people that even if I practised geology, I would have been a business geologist. This is because what gives me pleasure is

negotiating business deal and business related discussions with people. I can even do it without being paid. I started it way back in the university. What I find myself doing today is still very much in line with what I had always wanted to do which is buying and selling. All I did was get more professional training that is needed to cope in the new environment where I found myself. Now I’m a refined salesman and it is what I love doing. I don’t think I can do any other thing till I die'.

Explaining the benefits of the internet and other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, the foremost IT practitioner said: 'The benefits of IT to any country, individual, organization, is inexhaustible. There is hardly anything you can do these days that does not involve the use of IT. Now the nations are collaborating and the world is becoming a global village where the traditional issue of barrier of reach or communication is a thing of the past. Now most businesses take place online. You don't even have to see who you are transacting with physically before the deal is sealed. One can place order for goods anywhere in the world from Nigeria and have such delivered at his doorstep within the shortest time possible. This is not a function of where the person lives but a function of IT. Now we have egovernance, e-commerce, e-registration and so on. However, despite the fact that Nigerians have keyed into the global information technology revolution, I will say we are yet to take full potentialities of what ICT has to offer. But with time, I'm sure things will improve because the rate of internet penetration as at today is almost forty percent'.

The renowned IT practitioner did not attain the height he is today without confronting some major challenges in his career. However,

what stood him out where thousands have fallen is his reading culture, discipline and determination to succeed. While many run from their challenges irrespective of how little or much, Adegboye loves challenges and often comes out of it stronger.

He said his challenges are even more peculiar as a Vice President in a global company where most of his colleagues and subordinates are professional engineers.

In his words: 'Its all nice to be a Vice President but when you come to an environment like this where everyone is predominantly electrical engineers, and you coming in as an IT person, then you need to prove yourself worthy of the position and wages. It is however worthy of note that there is an interface between IT and power. Now we are talking about smart meters, smart grids, energy efficiency, cloud computing and greener culture; all these will be aided by Information Technology i.e. the electric meters will run with IP addresses for intelligence and analytical management; thus this is where I find myself today; Leading the change in terms of transiting from the raw power consumption into smart power consumption.

Asked what his driving force is, he had this to say: “What gives me passion is trying to unmask the opportunity in every task that comes my way and making the

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

94 SPORT Thursday, May 29, 2014

Sports Countdown To Brazil 2014 World Cup We stand a good chance as any other team, says Keshi

Mba out of Brazil 2014 World Cup?

HE ‘can do’ spirit in the T Super Eagles’ camp is infectious as the African

• Omeruo gets new improved Chelsea deal EPORTS say Coach Stephen R Keshi may have decided to shut the Brazil 2014 World Cup door on South Africa 2013 CAF Nations Cup hero, Sunday Mba, who failed to report to Super Eagles’ camp yesterday, reports kickoffnigeria.com.

The midfielder was due to report with the rest of the squad on Monday, but was one of two players who failed to make it citing travel hitches from France.

The other, Nnamdi Oduamadi, made it by the Tuesday deadline given by Stephen Keshi.

However, as at departure time to the stadium yesterday evening for the friendly against Scotland, Mba was yet to show up.

A team official told KickOffNigeria.com that the player’s World Cup might be effectively over. ‘‘The coach was very clear about the deadline to report to camp. Anyone who is not in camp by now, can consider his World Cup chances over.’’

Team Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, confirmed that MBA had not arrived by yesterday evening.

“We are at the stadium now, and Mba is not with us. It is fair to say that his World Cup hopes are over.”

Meanwhile, Keshi warned his players yesterday that they

must all give 110 percent or be on the plane home, rather than Brazil.

Keshi is expected to cut his 30-man squad to 23 within the next week.

The former Nigeria captain is convinced the players will give everything, but warns of dire consequences if they do not.

“I don’t think any player here will give less than hundred per cent. They have over 150 million Nigerians to play for.

“It doesn’t matter who gets picked, they must give everything. You mess up, you go home,” Keshi said matter-offactly.

While the Eagles were getting ready to meet Scotland in an international friendly yesterday, the team got a bit of good news that Chelsea has offered central defender, Kenneth Omeruo, an improved three-year deal.

The 20-year-old was in fine form on his loan spell at Championship outfit Middlesbrough last season, earning himself a place in Nigeria’s World Cup squad.

The versatile defender, who had just one year left on his previous deal, was on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge after rejecting the initial offer for more money.

But he will now remain at the Londoners until 2018.

We need more sponsors for tennis in Nigeria, says Babalola

By Samuel Ifetoye ive-time champion of the F(CBN) Central Bank of Nigeria Senior Open Tennis Championship, Abdulmumini Babalola, has appealed to corporate bodies and philanthropists to help the growth of the game in the country by sponsoring more championships for the sport.

Making the call in Lagos recently, Babalola, who defeated Henry Atseye to win the just concluded 36th edition of the CBN tennis tournament in Lagos, said though the responsibility of organising tennis fell on the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), the body could only succeed with the aid of corporate bodies and private individuals.

In his words: “The NTF’s efforts are not enough to grow Nigerian tennis. The body is trying on its own, but its best is not enough for us because this year we only played the CBN Senior Open tennis. This is the first major competition in a year. I think from CBN, we want to go for Dala Open that is in November, which is very

wrong for Nigerian tennis players.

“If not for the CBN, many Nigerian tennis players would have joined other trades like carpentry because a lot of them are not educated.

“CBN is like a grand slam in Nigeria. To become a champion in Nigeria, you have to win CBN because that is the major competition that is keeping Nigerian tennis players in the game”.

Bastia of France midfielder, Sunday Mba, may have effectively ruled himself out of the Brazil 2014 World Cup by his absence from the Super Eagles’ camp in London.

Two players bag Pepsi Football scholarship to England

By Gowon Akpodonor WO players of Pepsi Football Academy, Ogunnbubi Abayomi Dada and Onuh Morgan Daniel were yesterday awarded scholarship to play football and pursue their educational career at the prestigious Brooke House College in the United Kingdom.

Also yesterday, the Director of Pepsi Football Academy and former Super Eagles coach, Kashimawo Laloko predicted that the Super Eagles would be a laughing stock in the Brazil, unless coach Stephen Keshi play by the rule of ‘objectivity’ in his

T

selection of players for the Mundial.

At the unveiling of the lucky players at Agege Stadium in Lagos yesterday, the Consultant of Pepsi Academy, Ian Nelson, said the process adopted in selecting the successful players was rigorous and devoid of favoritism.

“I can tell you that selecting the players was not easy. Until Wednesday morning, these two players never knew they would be the beneficiaries.”

Nelson noted that aside football, the two players were also chosen based on their intelligence and personal conduct and hope that they will distinguish themselves as good

Botswana 2014 African Youth Games

ambassadors of Pepsi Football Academy as well as the country.

Also speaking at the occasion, Laloko said that he is optimistic the boys will pursue excellence and show positive example like those before them in their academic and football career to the benefit of their families.

He noted that the brand Pepsi has no direct benefit in the players’ successes, but only desirous in promoting talents wherever they may be found among youth talents in the country.

Reacting to the awards, Dada who placed first in the picking order, expressed his gratitude to the academy and promised to be of good behaviour.

Team Nigeria bags 12 gold medals, battles with South Africa for top spot EAM Nigeria is fighting T hard to emerge overall winner of the second edition of the African Youth Games (AYG), even with the stiff competition from South Africa.

Nigeria yesterday increased its gold medals’ haul to 12, yet it is still second on the log led

by South Africa, which won 13 gold medals in swimming alone. But the Nigerian Team is poised to overtake South Africa with the envisaged gold medal haul from boxing and athletics, which began yesterday.

Kenya is also expected to give Nigeria a run for its money as a strong force in athletics in the continent.

From the results gathered yesterday’s afternoon, Team Nigeria has won three more gold medals and more silver and bronze medals.

The three additional gold medals were won by Deborah Ukeh in the Girls’ and Adesokan Ajoke in the Badminton mixed double, while Ajoke Adesokan also emerged gold medalist in the

Badminton Girls’ single event.

Team Nigeria also won its third gold medal of the day in the Girls’ C1 Canoe Sprint and also took the bronze in the boys’ C1 Canoe sprint.

Other events where Team Nigeria won silver medals include Badminton Boys’ single won by Nelson Kingsley.

Two Bronze medals were won in Canoeing K1 Sprint and C1 Sprint, two more bronze medals were carted home by Nigeria in Badminton mixed double.

champions prepared to take on Scotland’s Tartan Army in London on Wednesday night.

In-between having lunch, briefly attending the relaunch of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (UK chapter), meeting with a group of young Nigerian footballers based in United Kingdom (British Nigeria Eaglets) and granting a series of interviews, Coach Stephen Keshi looked amazingly relaxed and focused on what he wants to achieve with the team at the highest stage.

At the lobby of Hilton Cobham Hotel, the crowd of UK-based Nigerian enthusiasts, journalists and foreign media milled around.

Everyone wanted to talk to ‘Stephen’.

It is his time, and no one can begrudge him.

Through hard work, passion and dedication, Keshi has evolved from being the most successful captain of the Senior National Team to becoming the most successful indigenous Coach, and will become Nigeria’s most successful Coach overall should his wards cross the Round of 16 stage in Brazil.

He believes they will. “There would have been no reason playing in the qualifiers if I didn’t think we would qualify for the World Cup, and there would have been no reason preparing for the World Cup if I think we were going there just to make up the number.

“We stand as good a chance as any other team in the finals. We will give it our best shot.”

As a player, Keshi started with the junior squad, but only narrowly missed being in the Christian Chukwu-led team that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations. He became the team’s youngest Captain three years later, and led the squad to win the Africa Cup on away soil for the first time and to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

As Coach, he led the team to win the Africa Cup on away soil (South Africa 2013) and to easily reach the FIFA World Cup finals.

More fans win TAN’s Free Trip to Brazil IX more winners have STransformation emerged in the Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) World Cup draws, which took place yesterday at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) studios in Abuja.

The winners are Solomon Onu from Imo State with telephone number 0806595944666, Oyeronk e Oyebanji from Kwara State with telephone number

07068292056 , Ibrahim Istifanus Adamu from Bauchi State with telephone number 08062765304, Adeleke Ige from Oyo State with telephone number 08033254256, Emmanuel Enike Opogah from Edo State with telephone number 08065469830 and Jehumaks from Kaduna with telephone number 08167923556.

Thursday, May 29, 2014 Sports | 95

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

NFF explains delay in movement to new secretariat From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja ORE than a year after takM ing possession of the new secretariat built for it by the disbanded Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday explained why it has not moved to the beautiful edifice located inside the Abuja National Stadium.

According to the Federation, its involvements in all the major CAF and FIFA championships have delayed its relocation to the Sunday Dankaro Football House at the Package B of the Abuja stadium.

The PTF, which was inaugurated by the late President Musa Yar’Adua in 2010 to ensure that the Super Eagles qualified for the first World Cup on African soil in South Africa, built the secretariat with part of the funds it raised for Nigeria’s participation at the 2010 Mundial Coupe.

The secretariat was commissioned by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, and handed over as a gift to the NFF in June 2013.

NFF general secretary, Musa Amadu, said yesterday in Abuja that the plan of moving into the building was on, stressing that the Federation was currently facing financial challenges with almost all the national teams in camp preparing for one championship or the other.

Amadu also explained that though one of its partners, Orlean Investment, that offered to furnish the new secretariat estimated at N43 million, said the partnership discussion is still ongoing and has not reached the implementation stage He added that the Federation would in no distant time began to reap from its partnership with the oil giants.

Amadu said: “I cannot determine the phase we are in right now, but I want you to also acknowledge the fact that we do have challenges at the moment - the World Cup team, the Super Falcons, the U-20 male and female teams and U-17 - side are all in camp preparing for one championship or the other. We have so many challenges with very limited resources to take care of all these. But I assure you that we will soon complete the movement to the new secretariat.

“Nigeria is the biggest football nation in Africa and there is no country that can equal us when it comes to registering for competitions. We do not go into competitions to make up the numbers. Right now, we register for certain competitions for developmental purposes.

“For example, we cannot drop the age group competitions for any other thing because if we do that, we will suffer from producing the good players for the top level.

NFF President, Aminu Maigari.

Amuneke tips Team Nigeria to win Milo African Championship MMANUEL Amuneke, coach E of the National U-17 football team, the Golden Eaglets, was at the International Sports Academy, Wasinmi, Ogun State on Sunday and spent time speaking to players of Team Nigeria for the Milo African U-13 Championship.

The former African Player of the Year also found time to put the youngsters through their paces on the pitch and afterwards described the visit as an honour to share experiences with future stars.

“Those were wonderful kids that brought back pleasant memories of how we all began from school to play football. In our time, there was nothing like an academy such as where the boys are camped but we played on the streets, open grounds and God made us achieve what we became. So it

was a huge honour for me to have shared experiences with the boys knowing that one day they will also enjoy the opportunity that I had on Sunday”, revealed the former Barcelona FC players.

Amuneke, who was an assistant coach in Nigeria’s U-17 team that won the last FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, expressed confidence that the contingent will do well in the competition and said: “I have seen promising talents here that can win this competition”.

The visit was initiated after the President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) pleaded with the national cadet coach to look the way of the St. Barnabas LGEA, Kwara State preparing for the Milo Africa U13 Championship sponsored by Nestle Plc.

Super Eagles celebrating their victory at the South Africa 2013 CAF Nations Cup. The NFF says President Goodluck Jonathan may visit the Eagles at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Jonathan’s love driving Super Eagles, says Maigari HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has T heaped encomiums on President Goodluck Jonathan for his abiding interest in all the national football teams.

Speaking in London yesterday, NFF president, Aminu Maigari, lauded the special love that Nigeria’s leader and his administration have in the teams and assured that

Nigerian youths eager for ARS Season Four kick-off OLLOWING strings of sucFAirtel cess stories trailing the Rising Stars U-17 football tournament initiated four years ago, there is a growing anticipation among Nigerian youths and parents for the kick-off of season four of the football programme.

Talented teenage footballers from different parts of the country are keen on participating in the yearly grassroots football show, which has fast risen to become the largest and only non-discriminatory football competition in the country.

Already, select Airtel showrooms nationwide have started attracting high foot traffic as parents and their talented children storm the contact centres to request for registration forms for the 2014 edition of the ARS football competition.

Speaking, last week, at the Airtel showroom in Sanusi Fafunwa, Victoria Island, Lagos, Ogbonna Nwachukwu, 52, said his 16year-old daughter is eagerly anticipating the kick-off of ARS 4.

“My daughter, a goal keeper, has been requesting that I obtain the ARS 4 registration form for her. Although she is still in Senior Secondary School 2, she is confident that she will make a difference and emerge one of the Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in the 2014 edition of the competition. I am just waiting for a formal announcement to obtain the form for her, he said.

Also, Mudiagha Oghenero, 15, has formally written Airtel to express his readiness to participate in the ARS 2014. In a letter addressed to the Director of Corporate Communications & CSR,

Airtel Nigeria, Oghenero requested for guidance so that he can obtain and complete the registration form of the competition.

The Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) U-17 Football Championship was launched in 2011 by leading telecommunications operator, Airtel Nigeria, to provide a platform for the discovery and nurturing of talented male and female youngsters.

Within the first three seasons since the debut, ARS has played itself into the hearts of soccer-loving Nigerians with the discovery of some budding talents who have gone on to bring honour to their families, communities and the nation at large.

the Super Eagles will do the nation and the continent proud at the 20th FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

“Our President has once more, shown his love for our football by sending the Minister/Chairman, NSC with a special message to the Super Eagles in London. His spirit is always with the national teams, even when he is not physically there. I am sure the players will repay this abiding love when they get to the World Cup in Brazil.”

Sports Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, told the players and technical crew on Tuesday night at the Craven Cottage that President Goodluck Jonathan will be in Brazil to follow their campaign once they earn a place in the last eight.

Nigeria’s best outing at the FIFA World Cup finals remains Round of 16 berths in USA 1994 and France 1998.

President Jonathan was at the Super Eagles’ Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg on June 11, 2010 – a day before their 2010 FIFA World Cup opening game against

Argentina in Johannesburg.

When he attended the Super Eagles’ training session in Abuja on September 5, 2012, ahead of a 2013 Cup of Nations qualifier away to Liberia, President Jonathan became the first Nigerian leader to attend the training session of the senior national team since General Yakubu Gowon appeared at the team’s training prior to their All-Africa Games final match against Guinea in January 1973.

And on October 12, 2013, President Jonathan shunned lunch with other AU leaders to attend the Eagles’ training at the Addis Ababa Stadium ahead of a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia the following day.

“We also remember how the President has rewarded all the national teams handsomely anytime they did the nation proud. We are assuring President Jonathan, his administration and the generality of Nigerians that the Super Eagles will again do Nigeria and Africa proud in Brazil,” stated Maigari.

Golden Eaglets Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, with the Milo Under-13 team when he visited their camp in Ogun State ahead of the African Championship.

TheGuardian

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By James Ikechukwu ILITARY rule, whether in Egypt, Thailand or anywhere in the world is a curse. It is a curse for any people to be ruled by guns. In the contemporary world, military rule is an act of terrorism, because what you want to achieve is to create fear in the populace as a prelude to domination. Your country fed you, clothed you, kitted you and armed you so that you could defend it and its people against external aggression, you then turned the same arms against your country and its people.

The trajectory of the military in all third world countries is the same. You cash in on a political crisis, remove an elected government, suspend the constitution, throw people into jails, shut down media houses, crush the civic will and rule with decrees, promising to restore peace, promote economic growth and hand over power to a democratically-elected government after an indeterminable period.

At the end of such interregnum, where the General did not transmute to civilian Head of State as Field Marshal Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt is now poised to do and General Prayuth Chan-ocha of Thailand may eventually do, the economy would be in a shambles, the treasury looted with reckless abandon, all institutions of government destroyed, the psyche of the populace militarised and the very military institution itself destroyed because of fear coups and counter-coups within.

How are we sure that it is not the power-mongers in the barracks that fuelled the political crises in Egypt and Thailand in order to stage coups and then reward those civilian collaborators.

First, the extant constitution did not give you, the military, such powers. The only alternative government recognised by the constitution is within the political parties, not outside it.

Then the watchdog of the constitution is the press while its guardian is the judiciary.

It is even a sign of cowardice to seize power by force of arms. It is opportunistic, cynical and criminal. Because you know other citizens are not carrying guns or armed, so the contest is uneven. If you are sure of yourself, why not resign from the military and stand for elections, on the same level-playing field with others. Then we know you are a strong man. Better still, why don’t you distinguish yourself in war fronts to prove you are indeed a General of Field Marshall? But to seize power by force of arms, sit behind a desk and begin to award ranks to a band of coupists - from Lt. Colonel to General, from Captain to Lt. General - destroying es prit de corps, politicising and demoralising the rank and file and undermining the bastion of discipline and professionalism within the armed forces is altogether a sign of cowardice and banditry. And when such army is now faced with external aggression, they retreat with their tails between their legs, the institution having lost its soul to politics and corruption.

All those who cherish freedom, the certainties and stability that come with democracy must rise to denounce the military juntas in Egypt and Thailand and do everything possible to remove these dictators from power without further delay.

The military and police must understand what is meant by patriotism and defence of the constitution. During any political crisis, indeed at all times, their duty is to defend the constitution. It means when the president or Head of State issues an unlawful order, for instance, to crack down on peaceful protests, turn their guns against their own people or aid and abet rigging of elections, they disobey the order. Yes, the president will replace the officer. But by the time his successor disobeys the same unlawful order, then the president would know that the game is over. He will henceforth be forced to reach a compromise with the opposition, resolve any crisis and abide by the constitution. I look forward to a time when the military and police will throw up such men of honour.

M

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Egypt, Thailand: Military rule as a curse

Egypt’s Army Chief, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

Thai Army Chief, Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha

The military must learn to subordinate itself to constituted civil authority. Members of the armed forces and police in the developing nations should take their cue from their colleagues in the developed nations of the world, who earn world-wide respect because of their level of discipline, utmost regard for the civil populace and feats of derring-do in battle-

fields.

All elected governments must do something with barrack boredom. If there are no wars to fight, then the military must be engaged in other productive ventures such as agriculture, construction of roads and bridges, etc. where they can earn additional income and contribute to the GDP of their respective countries.

The YOUTHSPEAK Column which is published daily is an initiative of THE GUARDIAN, and powered by RISE NETWORKS, Nigeria’s Leading Youth Development Centre, as a substantial advocacy platform available for ALL Nigerian Youth to engage Leadership at all levels, engage Society and contribute to National Discourse on diverse issues especially those that are peculiar to Nigeria. Regarding submission of articles, we welcome writers‘ contributions by way of well crafted, analytical and thought provoking opinion pieces that are concise, topical and non-defamatory! All articles (which are not expected to be more than 2000 words) should be sent to editorial@risenetworks.org To read the online Version of this same article plus past publications and to find out more about Youth Speak, please visit www.risenetworks.org/youthspeak and join the ongoing National Conversations’’.

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Editor: MARTINS

OLOJA

It is even a sign of cowardice to seize power by force of arms. It is opportunistic, cynical and criminal. Because you know other citizens are not carrying guns or armed, so the contest is uneven. If you are sure of yourself, why not resign from the military and stand for elections, on the same levelplaying field with others. Then we know you are a strong man

.

ABC (ISSN NO 0189-5125)

Besides, it is necessary to punish those involved in past coups against elected governments either in contemporary Asia, Africa or Latin America based on the constitutions in force as at the time they carry out the unconstitutional and illegal acts. It is elementary in law that no one must be allowed to profit from his own wrong.

Finally, constituted civil authorities in the third world countries must equip adequately members of the armed forces and the police and reward them handsomely. Their conditions of service must be enviable. The military and police should be the pride of any nation.

All forms of corrupt practices in the military and police must be abolished. The political leadership must devise a way of knowing about the welfare of the rank and file of the two institutions.

In the meantime, I call on Field Marshal Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt and General Prayuth Chan-ocha of Thailand to step down without further delay. They should address their respective nations tonight, apologise for their wrong-doings and restore elected governments.

• Ikechukwu writes from Owerri. ikechukwujames2000@gmail.com