The Nation October 12, 2011

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

SSS arrests Oct 1 bombing suspect

NEWS

Page 7

•We’ve solved all riddles, says spokesman

CBN: Expect more monetary tightening BUSINESS – Page 11

•To keep forex probe report secret

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VOL. 7, NO. 1911 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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HE Lagos and Abuja offices of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation came under siege yesterday. Four senior editors and other employees were arrested by security operatives from the Force CID, Alagbon, Lagos.

Nine detectives, led by Mr. Emma Ogolo,

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Police invade The Nation offices •Four editors, three others detained stormed the Lagos office in two vehicles (a white-colour Rover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), marked PFN 357 B and a blue-colour Peugeot 504 Salon car, marked 2413 B).

“The Nigerian Police tives entered the premises of Force, Anti-Human Traffick- the company on 27B, Fatai ing Unit” was inscribed on Atere Way, Matori, Mushin, Lagos while the the sides of the SUV. MORE REACTIONS two vehicles parked outside Three of ON PAGE 57 the gate had the detec-

three men waiting in them.

In each of the waiting vehicles were; an armed policeman, a plain cloth security operative and the driver.

Their presence caused a stir among employees as the

operatives declined to disclose why they came for their colleagues.

They asked to see the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Victor Ifijeh and the Editor, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, who were not in the office when the officers arrived at the Lagos office at about 2pm.

Continued on page 4

Akala, two others docked, remanded in SSS custody EFCC fails to arraign Daniel, Doma Hearing resumes today

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N Ibadan High Court yesterday remanded former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).

The former governor was remanded alongside his former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Senator Hosea Agboola and Chairman of Pentagon Engineering Services, Mr Oluyemi Babalola.

They were arraigned before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged embezzlement of N25 billion.

The expected arraignment of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel and his Nasarawa State counterpart, Aliyu Akwe Doma, however, did not hold.

Akala and the two others are facing an 11-count charge.

According to charge No I/ 5 EFCC /2011 ,Akala and Agboola,

•Alao-Akala in the dock ... yesterday.

•From left: Babalola, Agboola and Alao-Akala in the dock ... yesterday.

THE CHARGES STATEMENT OF OFFENCE COUNT 1 Conspiracy to award contract without budget provision contrary to section 26 (1) (C) and punishable under section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Act 2000 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala, whilst being the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Hon. Hosea Ayoola Agboola whilst being the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Olufemi Ademola Babalola whilst trading under the name and style of Pentagon Engineering Services within the jurisdiction of this honourable court sometime between 2007-2009, conspired amongst yourselves to award contract without budget provision for the sum of N8, 500,000,000.00 (Eight Million Five Hundred Million Naira) for the construction of roads in the 33 Local Government Council Areas in Oyo State on behalf of the said Local Govt. Councils.

Continued on page 62 From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan and Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

in count one to five, were accused by the EFCC of awarding contracts worth N12 billion without budgetary provision .

Aside these charges, the former governor is facing prosecution for his alleged acquisition of properties in Ibadan and London.

Akala, according to EFCC, “Whilst he was the executive governor of Oyo State sometime in 2009 engaged in the acquisition of property known as Ile-Itesiwaju located at No 32 Oba Adebimpe Road, Old Gbagi ,Ibadan Oyo State and a property located at Bodija ,off Rotimi Williams Street, Ibadan.”

The EFCC also alleged that Akala

in 2006 “ engaged in concealing the genuine nature of the ownership of a property at 4 Bromholm Road, Abbeywood, London SE2 9ND in the name of one Oyewole Ayemidara Akala, which said property was derived from criminal act.”

The former governor is also alleged to have “engaged in conceal-

ing the genuine nature of the ownership of a property at 124 Gladstone Road, Merton SW 19 QW, London in the name of One Magdalene Mojisola Akala which said property was derived from criminal act.”

Akala was equally accused the Continued on page 4

•SPORT P24 •NEWSEXTRA P25 •LIFE P29 •SMALL BUSINESS P48

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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NEWS

Nigerians raise concern over i

For many Nigerians, brutalities, extra judicial killings are the hallmarks of police officers, who are supposed to be friends of the people, writes LEKE SALAUDEEN

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R Ismail Quadri was arrested alive by officers from the Ipaja Police Station, Alagolo, a Lagos suburb. But, the 52-year-old baker did not return home alive. He died of alleged torture.

The late Quadri was arrested during a routine raid usually carried out by policemen in the area to allegedly extort money from people.

On September 13, a man identified simply as Ockiya from Nembe, Bayelsa State was allegedly arrested by men of the state crimefighting outfit, code-named: FAMUTANGE, in the presence of his father.

Report said the defenceless boy was executed without trial and his remains deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC). His remains were conveyed by the same van that took him away when he was arrested.

Osadebamwen Okonigene, a 17year-old electronic repairer in Edo State, was recently invited to the police station to fix faulty equipment.

He was allegedly detained and tortured. Osadebamwen’s father, who went to the police station to find out what was holding his son, was dumbfounded to discover that his son had been beaten to a pulp.

The boy was taken to a clinic for treatment. The aggrieved father is seeking judicial redress and the matter is pending in court.

The frequency of these incidents has led to growing complaints that many innocent citizens apprehended by officers during routine raids of suspected miscreants are often subjected to torture for refusing to ‘buy their freedom’.

At the inauguration of the Senate Committee on the Police last week, Senate President David Mark joined those calling for a complete overhaul of the Police.

He argued that if starting afresh would help change the bad image of

the police, so be it.

The record of alleged rights abuses, torture and extra-judicial killings is alarming.

At a checkpoint in Emene, Enugu State, a policeman shot Aneke Okorie, who died on his way to the hospital.

An eye witness account said a police officer shot Okorie in the stomach and then hung his gun around Okorie’s neck to suggest that the officer had been attacked by an armed robber.

When the report was aired on radio, the Enugu State Police Command claimed that its men had killed an armed robber.

Astonished by the report, the eyewitness and community leaders sent a petition to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The petitioner attested to the innocence of Okorie and demanded that his killers be brought to justice. The three police officers involved in the shooting were arrested and one of them was eventually dismissed from service.

In Festac Town, Lagos, five police officers stopped the car of a student of the Lagos State University (LASU), Michael Egwu at a checkpoint and demanded for the particulars of his vehicles.

Egwu produced the papers.

According to eyewitnesses, a demand by the officers for bribe triggered an argument. The infuriated officers pulled the trigger and shot Egwu .

The authorities took no action against the four policemen from Ede, in Osun State, who in 2008, beat to death Misitura Ademola.

The deceased was arrested for alleged theft.

Since 2008, when some officers beat Dauda Najeem to death in Osogbo, while attempting to extract a confessional statement from him, no action had been taken to bring the culprits to book.

•Osayande As of the last count, the Police Service Commission (PSC) put the pending disciplinary cases on misconduct of police officers last year at 253. The PSC’s annual report for last year made available in Abuja, said the commission also received 91 appeals and petitions during the period.

But the PSC chief, Mr. Parry Osayande, a retired Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police (DIG), blamed the high rate of extra-judicial and accidental discharges by the police on lack of training and inadequate

funding of the institution.

According to report by the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), the police had killed 7,198 suspects in four years.

The report reads: “An unusually high incidence of insanity and psychiatry ailments among police personnel is connected to the routine practices of torture and extra-judicial executions that these personnel have to carry out.

“Authorities generally did not hold police accountable for the use of excessive or deadly force or for the deaths of persons in custody.

“When investigation did occur, they were not thoroughly done.

Officers suspected of extra-judicial executions generally are sent away on training or transferred to other states instead of being prosecuted.

“Police often claimed that the victim was an armed robber killed in an exchange of gunfire or a suspect killed while trying to escape from police custody.”

A retired police officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Order 237 of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), permits officer to shoot any suspect and detainee trying to escape or avoid arrest.

Cases of rape and sexual abuse Amnesty International (AI) has reported that the police frequently rape women in detention but that victims do not report such violation because of the social stigma attached to rape and the fact that those involved are officers.

According to the AI, there are cases of rape committed by police with a particular focus on sex workers.

A Lagos sex worker, who simply identified herself as Helen, relived her experience with police.

She said: “Most often, the police will come to our brothel in the night, march us into their waiting

van. They will take us to either Third Mainland Bridge or the Bar Beach. They will beat and rape us. They sleep with us without protection.

“Sometimes, they will search us and steal our money and then drop us and run away. If you refuse to cooperate with them, they will get rid of you.

There was an incident when one of my colleagues was shot and thrown into the Lagoon for refusing to make love with a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge.

But a police officer in the Ikeja Police Station explained the officers’ penchant for commercial sex workers.

He said: “Raping of sex workers is one of the fringe benefits attached to night patrol. We use to lobby for night patrol duties.”

There are also reports of some female detainees, who often use sex as barter out of police custody.

Mrs Aminatu Gbadegesin, a resident of Mushin , was once a victim of police abuse. She was arrested for street brawl with a woman at the Ojuwoye Market.

After taking the statements from the suspects, the Investigation Police Officer (IPO) allegedly demanded a N5, 000 each before he could grant them bail.

The other woman paid, but Aminatu could not afford the bribe. She spent the night in the police station, not in the cell but in the office of a senior police officer.

A similar fate befell Mrs Nkechi Chukwuka, whose husband was arrested for robbery. He spent two months in detention at Ajegunle Police Station. After trying all legal means to get her husband off the hook without result, a senior police officer came to her rescue, but not before yielding to his advances.

Female officers are also not immune to harassment. Emcy Munlip, a female police corporal serving in Rivers State was denied accommodation in Government Residential Scheme for refusing the advances of her superior.

She was evicted with her belongings.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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NEWS

r incidence of police brutality From left: A policeman dragging a p h o t o journalist away from an assignment; m o b i l e policemen attacking a man at a public gathering; a victim of t o r t u r e showing off his battered back; and InspectorGeneral of Police Hafiz Ringim.

‘Police have no right to kill suspects’ Mr Young Arebamen, retired Commissioner of Police, insists that any policeman who kills a suspect should be charged with murder. In this chat with LEKE SALAUDEEN, the former police chief speaks on extra-judicial killings and security issues

Police Commission to treat 253 disciplinary cases

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•Arebamen

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OOKING back at your days in the service, will you say the present police personnel have improved?

No. When we joined the Force, things were much better. Some of us have the best environment to work in. Some tools were available. Nobody ever gets all the desired tools but one needs some basic tools to work with. No army goes to war with bare hands and win the war.

Do you subscribe to first degree or HND as minimum entry qualification into the Force as a way of boosting image and enhancing performance?

We have tried it over time. It’s not education. No doubt, education will enhance performance, but it is not all that is required. If the officer is educated and there is no conducive or enabling environment for him to perform, his education will not do the job.

When we were growing up, the barracks in towns or cities were the best place to live. They were clean, safe and secured. The police barracks today is an eyesore. The state of police barracks is very poor that it cannot enhance performance and productivity.

How safe is the policeman? How protected is the police that are expect-

HE Police Service Commission (PSC) had 253 pending disciplinary cases on misconduct of police officers last year, according to the commission’s report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

According to the report, the commission also received 91 appeals and petitions during the period.

It said the complaints range from abuse of office, brutality and assault, corruption, extra-judicial killing and harassment/intimidation to extortion. The PSC listed others as homicide/murder, rape, shooting and maiming, threat to life, torture, wrongful detention and other miscellaneous cases.

It said except the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), officers from Constable to Deputy Inspectors- General of Police (DIGs) had petitions against them for misconduct.

The report said two DIGs were petitioned against for alleged “homicide/murder” and “other miscellaneous cases.” It said four Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) were also petitioned against for corruption, harassment and intimidation.

Also petitioned against for one misconduct or the other were: 17 Commissioners of Police (CPs), 13 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), seven Assistant ed to protect the civil society?

In terms of security, the Lagos State government has made a difference with the creation of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS). It is a demonstration of government’s concern on security of life and property. The RRS men are armed with sophisticated weapons, bullet proof jackets, vehicles and other gadgets. They have one of the best telecommunications service, they are mobile and could respond to any distress call spontaneously in any part of the state any

Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and 22 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs).

According to the report, 32 of pending matters were for dismissal, 21 for compulsory retirement, 27 for demotion, five for rank reduction and retirement, while 77 were for severe reprimand.

Others were 32 for exoneration, 34 for reprimand, one for reinstatement and 22 for letter of advice.

The report said 10 of the petitions under appeal were committed from dimissal to retirement, four for formalisation of dismissal and two for conversion of indefinite suspension to retirement.

It added that seven were for reinstatement subject to court order verification, one for conversion of reduction in rank to severe reprimand and 59 for rejection.

The report, however, noted that 2010 witnessed a decline in the number of disciplinary cases against police officers when compared with 2009.

It attributed the reduction to increased accountability by serving officers and the “intolerant posture” of the commission to misconduct.

The PSC Establishment Act of 2001 empowered it to appoint, promote, dismiss and discipline all police officers, except the IGP.

time of the day. Besides, the state government pays them enhanced allowances to motivate them. Security is capital intensive. That explains why Lagos is secured.

The public is inundated with the reports of extra-judicial killing of suspects and detainees by the police.

What’s your comment?

No police officer has the right to kill a suspect, except if his life is in danger.

That has to be proved in law. The officers are supposed to protect not to terminate people’s life. If a police of-

ficer killed outside those conditions permitted under the law, he should be tried according to law. Even where he killed through negligence, the law should take its course.

So, if there are cases of extra-judicial killings, it is mandatory on the police authority to investigate and bring those responsible to justice. The police have the right to shoot, but such action must be backed up by law.

Is it justifiable?

A police officer, no matter his status, is not above the law. His conduct

must be regulated by law. He should operate within the ambit of the law.

It is then that he can defend his actions. The Police, being an agent of government in law enforcement, must be guided by law. If the police cannot defend his action in killing a suspect, he should be charged with murder.

Nigerians have lost confidence in the ability of the police in securing the nation…

Yes, everybody is feeling insecure.

That’s why avoidable incidents are happening in the country today. Nigerians are not security conscious. The consequences could be disastrous.

In an ideal society, it is the responsibility of both the people and security officials to secure the environment. It is a shared responsibility.

The citizens should assist the security operatives in fighting crimes. It is not possible for a policeman in the barracks to know what is happening outside his environment. The citizens have to provide necessary information for him to act on.

But Nigerians are always reluctant in providing information to police for fear of being arrested and held as suspects.

People should feel free to provide information to the police. No police will ever arrest an informant unless they found in the course of their investigation that such an informant is implicated in the matter.

Not until we change our perception of the police on the issue of security in this country, we will remain where we are. No foreigner will come here to invest if we don’t put our house in order.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

NEWS Police invade The Nation offices Continued from page 1

The Deputy Editor, Mr. Lawal Ogienagbon, who attended to them, was arrested alongside the News Editor of the newspaper’s weekend titles, Mr Dapo Olufade.

Lawal was flown into Abuja last night after his statement was taken at the Force CID in Lagos. An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), was assigned to follow him.

The Managing Editor in charge of Northern Operations, Yusuf Alli and the Abuja Bureau Chief, Mr. Yomi Odunuga had earlier been picked at the Abuja Office of Vintage Press and taken to the Force Headquarters.

Olufade was taken after the officers could not find any of the senior editors they were looking for. They did not produce any warrant of arrest but demanded to see the General Editor, Mr Kunle Fagbemi; the Deputy Editor, News, Mr Adesina Adeniyi, Group Political Editor, Bolade Omonijo, the Managing Editor Waheed Odusile. They asked for the Manager (Administration) Mrs. Folake Adeoye.

Those arrested were made to make statements on what they knew about the October 3 and 5 editions of the newspaper.

The company’s lawyer, Mr. John Unachukwu, the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr. Jide Adegbenjo and the Labour Correspondent, Mrs. Dupe Olaoye Oshinkolu, who volunteered to follow their colleagues were also asked to make statements, after which they were detained.

Though the team did not disclose why the editors were to be arrested, it is believed that it was not unconnected with the lead story of The Nation on October 4, headlined “Obasanjo’s ‘secret’ letter to Jonathan stirs anger. Ex-

President seeks sack of PTDF chief four others”.

The former President had in a chat with aviation reporters the following day, denied the authorship of such letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, threatening legal action against the newspaper. But The Nation stood by its story.

The Ekiti State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) condemned the raid which it said was a ploy ‘to achieve target goals’.

In his reaction, the Ekiti State chair of ACN, Chief Jide Awe, expressed fears that Nigeria might indeed be back in the dark days of the military.

He urged President Jonathan to protect democracy and resist moves by those lost in perverse politics to draw him into unsavoury trade of witch hunting the innocents.

Awe said: “With this act, the nation is regrettably heading towards the precipice. At the middle of the 21st century when nations announce their abhorrence for dictatorship in all its disturbing colourations, it is sad that some elements could still display atavistic traits of ages gone by.

“Little wonder the Freedom of Information Bill (FoI) Bill has really not scaled.

“We thought journalists would no longer be made to suffer on the publications they make, given the now so-called FoI bill. I want the law enforcement agents to release those arrested without delay.

“Those who have been bombing and are not showing signs of tiredness have never been arrested despite claims by the presidency to know them but those who just write with pen in the course of their legitimate duties are those now being hounded and hunted.”

Time to implement Uwais Report

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•President Goodluck Jonathan at the Nigerian Airforce Presentation of Flag to Mobility Command and Star Investiture of Retired Senior Officers of Air Rank in Abuja ... yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

HE submission of the report of the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu-led panel inaugurated in May to uncover the immediate and remote causes of the post-election violence that rocked some Northern states ought ordinarily to excite Nigerians. The ostensible reasons given by President Goodluck Jonathan at the inauguration was the need to tackle the recurring problem of political violence and restore confidence in the ability of the state to protect all law abiding citizens.

The panel, while submitting the report, said inter alia that the utterances of some politicians fueled the fire of the violence that swept through the streets of major towns in Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi and Borno. Former Head of State who was also presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), General Muhammadu Buhari, was mentioned by the report as the man whose utterances provoked the riot.

President Jonathan was almost exultant as he promised to implement the recommendations of the Panel. He said “we are going to look at all the recommendations and we must issue white papers, heavens will not fall. Until government has the political will and courage to do what is right, no matter how painful it will be, the culture of impunity will continue and we want to reduce that culture of impunity.”

It appears that the president and his government are only keen in nailing opposition leaders, against the Impression when the panel was set up that the root causes would be identified and future occurrences prevented.

It is only fair to treat the matter beyond scratching the surface. At the root of bitterness that has trailed all elections since independence in 1960 has been lack of transparency and fairness in the polls. The winners feel very dis-

Akala, two others docked, remanded in SSS custody Praise singers storm court premises

Continued from page 1

former governor of awarding contracts worth eight billion five hundred million for the construction of roads in the 33 local government areas in Oyo State.

The offence, according to EFCC, is contrary to Section 26 (1) (c) and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

The EFCC charged Babalola and Pentagon on a two-count charge of obtaining various sums of money between 2008 and 2009.

The EFCC charge claimed that the parties “sometime between 2008 and 2009 by false pretence with intent to defraud obtained the sum of 269,156,250;00 from the Oyo state local government joint account and sometime between 2008 and 2009, by false pretence with intent to defraud obtained the aggregate sum of N347,350,000;00 from various contractors engaged in road construction in the 33 local government areas in Oyo State.”

The three accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Counsel to the prosecution, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), who led other two lawyers, urged the court to adjourn the case and fix a date for hearing.

He said under the Consti-

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HE National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in South West, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, led hundreds of party members and supporters to the premises of the Oyo State High Court to show solidarity with the former Governor Adebayo AlaoAkala who is being tried for alleged embezzlement of N25 billion belonging to the state government.

Tajudeen was spotted outside the court with the state PDP factional Chairman, Chief Dejo Afolabi and Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, who was Akala’s deputy.

In the court premises were drummers, dancers, trumpeters and praise singers who intermittently sang in praise of the embattled former governor.

Also arraigned in court with Akala were the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Senator Hosea Agboola and Mr. Femi Babalola, a consultant for the contentious road projects in the state during Akala’s administration. tution, he is entitled to 48 hours to reply to the bail application filed by the accused persons.

But counsel to the accused, Mamman Osman (SAN), who led three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Bolaji Ayorinde, N.O.O Oke, and G.M.O Oguntade, and other 10 lawyers, urged the court to hear the bail application.

Osman said Akala had been in the custody of the EFCC since October 6 and should have been arraigned earlier.

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

The High Court premises, M.K.O. Abiola Way, Ring Road area of the city was jam-packed with a sea of heads of supporters who were guarded by security personnel comprising mobile Policemen, men of the State Security Service (SSS) and Civil Defence Corps.

The crowd of supporters remained calm outside the court room amidst tight security, as many were disallowed inside the court room due to lack of space for people to either sit or stand.

As early as 8.00am, police vehicles in large numbers, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), had been stationed in strategic location in and around the premises, while people going into the court premises were subjected to thorough search by security personnel including bomb experts.

Many of the supporters were barred from entering by security men stationed at the main entrance of the court premises.

The presiding judge, Justice Mashood Abass, said the court would be unfair to the prosecution if it did not give it the mandatory constitutional period required to reply to the bail application.

Abass adjourned hearing of the bail application till today and ordered the three accused to be detained in SSS custody at Aleshinloye area of Ibadan.

Meanwhile, in Nasarawa State, reporters thronged the premises of the Federal High

Those who were unable to gain entrance climbed the fence to have a glimpse of what was going on inside the premises.

There was traffic snarl at the High Court Ring Road Roundabout as vehicles were parked indiscriminately , blocking parts of the road .

The atmosphere became carnival-like as soon as the court rose, with women bursting into songs of praise for the accused.

Immediately those inside the court burst into praise-singing choruses for the former governor, the other supporters, hanging outside by the fence of the court, joined with trumpeters.

They all started to dance as the accused was driven away to the Oyo State Headquarters of the State Security Services (SSS), Alalubosa Quarters, Aleshinloye area in Ibadan, where the judge ordered him to be remanded till today (Wednesday). He was conveyed in an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bus in which he was brought to the court early yesterday morning.

Court, Lafia for Doma’s trial.

A Federal High court official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Doma may not be arraigned until next Monday.

He said judges were attending a conference in Sokoto which may last till Friday.

Security vehicles were still stationed at strategic locations around the Federal High Court on Shendam Road to forestall any break down of law and order. Supporters of the Congress of

Progressive Change (CPC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state clashed on Monday.

Residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, waited in vain at the Federal High Court, Oke-Mosan, in expectation of the arraignment of Daniel.

Daniel is accused of misappropriating N58 billion.

A source said the judge, who is to handle the case was in Sokoto State attending the 2011 Judges Conference.

ANALYSIS

By Bolade Omonijo, Group Political Editor

appointed when the mandates are shamelessly transferred to losers. Ruling parties use the security agencies and electoral commission officials to return names of candidates forwarded from high officials of state. The elections in 1964 at the federal level, the West in 1965, general elections of 1983, 2003 and 2007 were attended as similar anger across the land A realisation of this informed the decision of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to set up the star-studded Justice Muhammadu Uwais panel that examined what is wrong with the electoral system. The panel made farreaching recommendations on reforming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and generally insulating the process from partisan consideration. However, in giving effect to the recommendations, the government was selective. Some of the fundamental proposals were ignored.

The Uwais panel said the task of nominating the chairman and national commissioners of INEC should be ceded to the National Judicial Council (NJC) in a bid to free the commission from the stranglehold of the President and the ruling party. The panel also recommended that all electoral disputes should be concluded before winners are sworn in. They were rejected.

The reasons for the rejection have since shown in the use of presidential power in recent times. Known members of the ruling party have been nominated to serve on the commission.

Dr. Gabriel Ada who was a cardcarrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and had acted as Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly is one of those who have been nominated. Also, Chief Lawrence Nwuruku, Nigeria’s envoy to Mexico has been nominated to replace Mr. Phillip Umeadi Jnr at the commission. Nwuruku was a governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State in 2007. He also coordinated the Presidential campaign in the state. Now, he is expected to sit on election matters without betraying his partisan leaning.

All efforts to sanitise the electoral system should begin by stamping out political inclination.

The Uwais Panel report must be revisited. Trying to reduce the conditions that provoked the riots to Buhari’s alleged utterances will not help the country. The report pointed attention to infrastructure decay and unemployment. These are not issues that could have warranted the President’s warning that he would implement recommendations and “heaven will not fall.”

These are more fundamental.

But, overall, a revisit of the Uwais Commission report will do the country more good than a clampdown on the opposition under whatever guise.

•Uwais

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

5

NEWS FAROUK ABDULMUTALLAB’S TRIAL (DAY ONE)

‘Abdulmutallab on mission to kill 300 people’ At the beginning of the trial of Farouk Abdulmutallab yesterday in the U.S. prosecution said he was on a mission to kill about 300 people

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ROSECUTOR yesterday told the Detroit, United States court trying Farouk Abdulmutallab that he was on a terrorist mission to kill almost 300 people aboard.

Abdulmutallab, who wore a bluish-gray tunic adorned with white and gold running below his waist in the Detroit federal court, faces eight terrorism-related counts in, including attempted murder and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. There were more than two dozen interested parties sitting in an overflow area outside the courtroom.

The prosecutor spoke during the opening statements, saying the bomb did not work and the defendant was badly burned instead.

The flight from the Netherlands was carrying children, military personnel and other passengers, many coming to the U.S. for the holidays, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tukel told the jury.

“All the passengers had plans to be there, except for one,” Tukel said, referring to the defendant. “His mission, his goal, his sole reason for being on Flight 253 was to blow it up, to kill all the other passengers.”

“Abdulmutallab boarded Flight 253 wearing the bomb concealed in his underwear,” prosecutors said in a January 2010 indictment. “Abdulmutallab’s purpose in taking the bomb on board Flight 253 was to detonate it during flight, causing the plane to crash and thereby kill all passengers on board.”

According to prosecutors,

Abdulmutallab smuggled chemicals in his underwear onto the Northwest jet in the Netherlands, intending to combine them into a bomb.

As the plane approached Detroit, he went into the bathroom for 20 minutes, covered himself with a blanket as he came out, and then tried to set off the explosive, FBI Agent Theodore Peissig said in court papers.

After the flight landed, Abdulmutallab told authorities “that he had been acting on behalf of al-Qaeda,” prosecutors said in Aug. 26 court papers.

As the trial began, the court heard a dramatic retelling of events, with clips of audio recordings from the flight played out to the jury.

Passengers on board the Northwest flight travelling from Amsterdam to Detroit had to put the fire out after the failed bombing, the court heard.

Abdulmutallab’s standby lawyer Anthony Chambers requested a ban on the word “bomb” until the final arguments.

Federal Judge Nancy Edmunds denied the request, saying “it makes no sense whatsoever”.

The judge also told Detroitarea attorney Kurt Haskell to leave the courtroom before opening statements were to begin because he could be called as a defense witness. He was a passenger on Flight 253 and believes the U.S. government conspired with Abdulmutallab to outfit him with a fake bomb.

‘

Abdulmutallab boarded Flight 253 wearing the bomb concealed in his underwear... Abdulmutallab’s purpose in taking the bomb on board Flight 253 was to detonate it during flight, causing the plane to crash and thereby kill all passengers on board •Farouk Abdulmutallab is acting as his own lawyer. But in practice, he is relying on Chambers to handle the minute-byminute work in the courtroom.

Chambers will grill most of the government’s witnesses and recently persuaded Abdulmutallab to let him give Tuesday’s opening statement.

The result is likely to be a more focused defense and not a wild justification for trying to bring down the Amster-

dam-to-Detroit flight.

Abdulmutallab has written a few court filings in his own hand, including a request to be judged by Islamic law. He has at times appeared agitated in court, declaring that Osama bin Laden and a radical Muslim cleric recently killed by the U.S. are alive. He also has objected to trial testimony from experts who will talk about al Qaeda and martyrdom.

Chambers will be “more

‘

traditional in holding the government’s feet to the fire and making them prove the case,” said Lloyd Meyer, a Chicago lawyer and former federal prosecutor.

Chambers told The Associated Press that he and Abdulmutallab will “challenge everything” offered by federal prosecutors, including the chemical mix that caused smoke and fire but didn’t explode inside the cabin of Flight 253.

The evidence is stacked high. Abdulmutallab, 24, was badly burned in a plane full of witnesses. The government says he told FBI agents he was working for al Qaida and directed by Anwar al-Alwaki, a radical, American-born Muslim cleric recently killed by the U.S. in Yemen. There are photos of his scorched shorts as well as video of Abdulmutallab explaining his suicide mission before departing for the U.S. Chambers, 50, came to the case a year ago after Abdulmutallab fired a four-member team from the Detroit Federal Defender Office and said he would represent himself. It’s common for a federal judge to appoint a lawyer as “standby counsel” to assist someone who chooses to go alone.

But the judge has allowed Chambers, an attorney for 26 years, to do more than stand by. He filed detailed challenges to the government’s use of Abdulmutallab’s incriminating statements made from a hospital bed and without Miranda warnings. He thoroughly cross-examined a pharmacologist who testified during a pretrial hearing about the effects of a painkiller given to Abdulmutallab for his burns before the FBI interview.

“The goal of the court is to get the best representation so no one down the road can claim (Abdulmutallab) was railroaded or forced to assume a responsibility he could not handle,” explained David Steingold, a longtime Detroit defense attorney.

A jury of three men and nine women was selected last week for the trial before U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds.

Blow-by-blow account of proceedings in the trial 9:04 a.m.

The defendant just entered the courtroom dressed in a fulllength traditional African gown and black skull cap. No outbursts or antics today. He’s conferring with his standby lawyer, Anthony Chambers, who is to give his opening statement to the jury. The judge just entered the courtroom.

9:11 a.m.

Taylor attorney Kurt Haskell has been excluded from the sitting in the gallery because he’s a potential defense witness. Judge Nancy Edmunds will allow his wife, Lori Haskell, to stay in the courtroom provided she doesn’t share testimony with her husband. The Haskells were on the flight when the incident happened. They say a welldressed Indian man helped Abdulmutallab board the plane in Amsterdam without a passport.

Edmunds just denied a defense motion to prohibit prosecutors from referring to the weapon as a bomb or explosive device during trial.

10:32 a.m.

Edmunds apologised to the jury for the delay, but didn’t explain what caused it. She’s giving the jury some initial instructions, telling them what constitutes evidence and what does not.

10:46 a.m.

•Chambers

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tukel, the lead prosecutor in the case, is starting his opening statement. He’s introducing his colleagues, Cathleen Corken and Michael Martin, along with a paralegal and the FBI agent in charge of the case. He’s walking jurors through the flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day 2009.

10:59 a.m.

Tukel said that, as the plane approached Detroit, the defendant spent increasing amounts of time in the lavatory praying and purifying himself. Then he returned to

his seat, pulled a blanket over his head, and pressed the plunger on the bomb, causing a loud pop.

“After that, all hell broke loose,” Tukel said, as passengers and airline attendants tried to put the fire out. Afterward, the defendant was escorted to the first class section of the jetliner for final approach to Detroit.

11:02 a.m.

Tukel named several passengers who saw the incident or helped put out the fire.

Tukel said the defendant pulled down his pants to push the plunger on the bomb. After a passenger put out the fire, he essentially sat naked from the waist down for the rest of the flight.

11:05 a.m.

A man who sat with Abdulmutallab in the business section said the defendant admitted trying to ignite a bomb, Tukel said. A flight attendant seated across from Abdulmutallab talked with him. She asked him if he was in pain from burns. He nodded his head yes. She asked him what he had in his pocket. He didn’t answer. She asked again. He told her he had an explosive device, Tukel said.

Tukel identified other passengers who heard Abdulmutallab admit he had a bomb.

11:07 a.m.

After the fire was extin-

guished, there was a lot was going on throughout the airplane, Tukel said, adding that passengers were frightened.

All the pilots knew was that there had been a fire on the plane.

The pilots radioed the control tower to declare an emergency, Tukel said.

11:16 a.m.

There were 290 people from 26 countries on the flight.

Most were Americans. Pilots declared an emergency at 11:44 a.m.

11:48 a.m.

At the hospital, Tukel said, Abdulmutallab told a medical staffer that he intended to martyr himself.

Tukel said the prosecution will play a martyr video Abdulmutallab made before going on his mission.

12:02 p.m.

Before boarding the plane for the U.S., the defendant lied to a boarding agent about where he had been and where he was going, Tukel said.

Tukel said there were three parts to the bomb: a syringe which was designed to ignite a chemical called TATP. The resulting explosion was designed to detonate the PETN, Tukel explained. Tukel showed the burned remains of the syringe on the screen in the courtroom.

Tukel said there are fingerprints on the bomb that were

left by the bomb maker. Tukel said this supports the conspiracy charge.

12:13 p.m.

Agents found a slip of paper in Abdulmutallab’s shoe containing a code to communicate with al-Qaida, Tukel said. He said he’s about to wrap up.

12:54 p.m.

The first witness, Michael Zantow, a passenger from Wisconsin, is on the stand. He was sitting behind Abdulmutallab on Flight 253. The defendant had a window seat over the wing. About an hour away from Detroit, Zantow testified, Abdulmutallab got out of his seat and got a plastic bag containing toiletries out of a carry-on bag from the overhead storage bin. He disappeared for about 15 minutes in the lavatory and returned to his seat.

“I saw movement… as he was pulling an airline blanket over his head and shoulders,” said Zantow. After that, maybe 4-5 minutes later, Zantow heard a loud pop that sounded like a firecracker. He couldn’t tell exactly where it came from.

After the pop, “everyone kinda looked around,” Zantow said. About 30 seconds later, a passenger yelled: “Hey dude, your pants are on fire.”

Tukel spent 90 minutes making his opening.

The court is going into recess before the first witness is called.

12:57 p.m.

A flight attendant came up to see what was happening, Zantow said. The other passenger said Abdulmutallab’s pants were on fire. After that, things started happening quickly. Zantow said he saw smoke coming from Abdulmutallab’s lap area between his legs. “It was plainly visible,” Zantow testified, adding that smoke was rising to the overhead bin.

He said Abdulmutallab remained seated without reacting or calling for help. Passengers yelled to get his seatbelt off and get his pants off to see what was going on. Four passengers lifted him out of his seat and put him on the floor of the plane.

1:01 p.m.

When Abdulmutallab was put on the floor, Zantow grabbed his right arm. Abdulmutallab was laying on his back. “I remember his pants.

He had jean-type cargo pants which were down to about his knees with underwear I hadn’t seen before. They were bulky” like the underwear his son wore when he was a child.

“They were bulky and they were burning,” he testified.

With that, the judge recessed for the day.

Court resumes at 9 a.m. tomorrow (3pm Nigerian time).

•Culled from Detroit Free Press

6

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

NEWS Ekiti employs 2,500 youths more

Oil workers suspend strike

From Sulaimon Salaudeen, Ado-Ekiti

IL workers in the Niger Delta region have suspended their threday warning strike.

The strike was jointly organised by the Warri Zone of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to protest their members’ kidnap in the area.

The union members were said to have suspended the strike following government’s promise to ensure security of oil workers in the region.

A resolution yesterday between the government and the unions reads: “Based on the meeting both unions held with Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the strong commitment he made to attend to the issue of security, which we said would go a long way in resolving the identified concerns, we hereby wish to inform our members that the ongoing three-day warning strike action has been collectively suspended immediately.

“NUPENG-PENGASSAN Warri Zone declared the warning strike from October 10 to 12 to protest cases of kidnap for ransom, which have, in the last two months, affected about 40 members of both unions.

The unions have been particularly depressed by the ineffectiveness of security and law enforcement agencies to properly attend to the reported cases.

“We wish to appreciate the management of the oil gas industry in Warri Zone for their understanding on the major challenge to the personnel and operations while we equally hail our branches and members in the struggle to protect the industry and all persons living within Warri Zone.

“Once again, we hereby suspend the ongoing industrial action with immediate effect.”

TO reduce unemployment among the youths, the Ekiti State Government yesterday flagged off the training of 2,500 youths which is the second batch of its VolunteersCorps.

The youths, according to the government would be prepared in the next 10 days for immediate engagement.

Speaking at the programme organised by the State Job Creation and Employment Agency, the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka reminded the participants of the need to key into the vision of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s administration towards bringing back the values of integrity and hard work that an average Ekiti man used to be known for.

Decrying a situation whereby 41 per cent of the nation’s youths is unemployed, she urged the Federal Government to rise up to the situation which calls for concerted attention, adding that in Ekiti, our target is to create at least 20, 000 jobs before the end of the four-year tenure of the administration.

According to her, all apparatuses of government are being geared towards making the Ekiti youths responsible as a way of ensuring economic independence of the state.

“The governor has met with those involved in the process of banning unemployment.

We are committed to creating gainful employment for the unemployed youths and the under employed adults”.

FCT minister redeploys agency chiefs From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Muhammed, yesterday appointed Dr. Musa Musa as the new Group Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company Limited.

He sent on compulsory leave the company’s erstwhile GMD, Abdul Muktar.

Musa was until yesterday the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Finance and Economic Matters.

Muhammed also approved the appointment of Col. Jamil Tahir as Head of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services.

Tahir was the General Manager (Security) of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).

T

By Linda Eroke

O

•Mrs Olayinka acknowledging cheers from some of the youths...yesterday

Why we budgeted N50b for employment,

by Jonathan T

HE President yesterday explained why N50 billion was set aside for employment in this year’s budget.

President Goodluck Jonathan said the money was meant to encourage young people with creative ideas so that they could generate jobs and employ others.

He gave the explanation at the launch of young entrepreneurial programme of the Federal Government: “YouWin”.

He noted that unemployment is one challenge that the nation is ready to address.”Unemployment among our youths is one of our biggest challenges. The time has come to create jobs (and) lay a new foundation for Nigeria’s economic growth”.

He also said the programme was initiated to assist young Nigerians with entrepreneur-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

ial skills adding that the Federal Government had fortunately added N50 billion for youth empowerment in the 2011 budget.

“When we prepared the budget for this year we had some funds injected into the tune of N50 billion that will focus on youth empowerment, every year, we will up with different patterns”.

He also added that the federal government has decided to separate the Ministries of Information and Communication “to also make sure that we focus on youth empowerment through creating a lot of jobs for the youth through ICT”.

Jonathan said: “In this regard, and in fulfilment of my electoral promises, the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria initiative, also known as YouWin!, is one of the first programmes to be funded, in part, from the N50 billion job creation fund set aside in the 2011 budget. YouWin! is a demonstration of this Administration’s goal of developing a robust private sector by encouraging locally-owned enterprises.

The Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (You WiN!) Programme is a collaboration of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communication Technology (CT), and the Ministry of Youth Development.

It is expected to run for three

years and it will be run as a competition.Through YouWin!, over 3,600 youths will be financially assisted to actualise their entrepreneurial ideas and plans. It is expected that it would create between 80,000 to 110,000 sustainable jobs over the next four years. You WiN will launch an annual Business Plan Competition (BPC) for aspiring young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, in line with the Federal Government’s drive to create more jobs for Nigerians.

The programme will be implemented in partnership with the private sector, which will be requested to provide funding support.Sponsors of the programme include the ministries of Finance, Youth Development, Communication Technology, the World Bank, and the Directorate for International Development (DFID).

Fed Govt meets Senate, Reps over oil subsidy removal

D

ESPITE mounting outcry, the Federal Government may have foreclosed going back on its plan to remove fuel subsidy next year.

The government’s determination to go ahead with the controversial policy became evident yesterday as President Goodluck Jonathan and Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, led the Economic Team to meet with select chairmen of Senate and House of Representatives committees.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Enyinnaya Abaribe, briefed reporters yesterday on the outcome of the meeting

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

held on Monday.

But a source said: “The way President Jonathan, who moderated the briefing, and Dr Okonjo-Iweala, spoke at the meeting, there is no likelihood of a change of heart on government plan to remove fuel subsidy.

“We were briefed on why it has become imperative for the government to take certain steps to revive the economy, even if such measures will hurt Nigerians in the short run. But there was no indication that fuel subsidy will remain.”

Abaribe alluded to the fact that the government might

have made up its mind to remove fuel subsidy.

He said: “Everything was explained, including the area that has to do with fuel subsidy.”

The Senate spokesman said the Senate would take a decision on the removal of fuel subsidy when the 2012 budget is presented to the National Assembly.

He described the special interaction as “a frank discussion” that threw up many questions and answers.

The lawmaker said the Senate was not silent on the matter, adding that fuel subsidy should have been debated yesterday through a motion proposed by Senator Bukola Sar-

aki.

He noted that though the issue was listed on the Order Paper, the valedictory session in honour of the late House of Representatives Speaker Edwin Ume-Ezoke at the National Assembly prevented it from being debated.

The Senate, he assured, would not shy away from talking about matters that are in the interest of Nigerians.

Abaribe noted that those who attended the meeting were glad that President Jonathan moderated it.

He said: “That means we are having a synergy between the Legislature and the Executive because everybody is interested in the Nigerian project.”

Reps’ bill on donor funds underway From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

T

HE House of Representatives will soon consider a bill that would guard against abuse of funds from foreign donors to the country.

The Chairman, House Committee on Civil Society and Donor Agencies, Eseme Eyibo, yesterday told reporters that his committee would ensure that international guidelines and conventions are respected by donors and the beneficiaries of funds.

He said there are plans to legislate against appropriating money for projects financed through donation or grant.

Presidential Election Tribunal concludes hearing

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday formally closed its defence in the petition filed by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) challenging the declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan as the winner of the April 16 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At the conclusion of the hearing, the tribunal gave counsel to the parties in the suit 10 days within which to file and

•Fixes Oct 20 for adoption of written arguments

exchange their briefs of arguments.

In his closing remarks, Tribunal Chairman Justice Kumah Akaahs asked the lawyers to work within the period because of the time limit for the tribunal to give its verdict and wind up.

He warned that the panel would not entertain any excuse from any of the parties.

He praised the lawyers for the high level of decency and

decorum exhibited during the period and the media for being objective in the coverage of the proceedings.

Akaahs then fixed October 20 for adoption of all briefs of arguments, after which the tribunal will adjourn to a date for the ruling.

The hearing of the petition yesterday brought to an end the-five month proceeding which started in May. Under the Electoral Act,

hearing must be concluded within six months.

Efforts made by the CPC to discredit the presidential election tribunal’s panel were vehemently rebuffed by the PDP. The INEC as well as the PDP supported the President’s claim that the election was free and fair.

The ruling party called 20 witnesses and tendered documents.

The party’s last two witnesses, Ekpo Asuquo and Jude Ogachi from Rivers and Cross Rivers states were called yesterday.

They told the tribunal that CPC failed in the election because it had no structures on ground and was even unknown to majority of the people in the rural areas of most parts of the country.

Citing their states to justify their evidence, the two witnesses claimed that the CPC Presidential candidate Mu-

hammadu Buhari worsened the situation for his party because he did not come to the state to campaign.

They said that that the CPC name came to the knowledge of the people three days to the election and as such could not have made any impact in the poll.

They therefore asked the tribunal to dismiss CPC’s petition and uphold the election of the President as free, fair and transparent.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

7

NEWS ‘Ume-Ezeoke was misunderstood’ From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

F

ORMER Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah and a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Audu Ogbeh, have said former National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the late Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, was frequently misunderstood over issues of national development.

They said this was more pronounced when Ume-Ezeoke became the National Chairman of ANPP. Speaking at the Night of Tributes for the former Speaker, House of Representatives between 1979 and 1983, Attah said: “Edwin was often misunderstood on several issues. He meant well for the nation. As an opposition figure, he tried to correct the ills in the country.

“We have lost a great man but the family should take heart and know that he left a legacy that can be emulated.

I miss him.”

Ogbeh said : “He was always pushing for a positive change in the nation. He was always smiling. We are here to say hello to him. We must commend his wife and children.

“If he was alive today, he will be agitating for the opposition to debate the proposed fuel subsidy by the government.”

Former Anambra State Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife described the late Ume-Ezeoke as a man of peace.

The chairman of the funeral committee, Agunwa Anaekwe, said Ume-Ezeoke spoke out against the evil administration in the country.

“Some Nigerians may disagree with some of the things he did while he was in the ANPP, but what he did helped the government of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later President Goodluck Jonathan,” Anaekwe added.

David-West faults Jonathan

F

ORMER Minister of Petroleum Resources Prof. Tam DavidWest has faulted President Goodluck Jonathan on his comment on the report submitted by the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu-led panel on post-election violence.

Jonathan had said he would issue a White Paper and punish those indicted by the report.

The panel submitted its report to the President on Monday.

David-West, who spoke

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

in Ibadan yesterday, said such early reaction lacked circumspection and responsibility expected of a president because he (Jonathan) is yet to read the report.

He said: “President Jonathan has not read the report. Yet he said a White Paper would be issued on it and that heads will roll.

“A president does not talk like that. A president has to talk with great circumspection and responsibility.”

780,000 die of malaria yearly From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

B

AUCHI State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis/Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) has said over 780,000 people die of malaria every year globally.

It said 90 per cent of the deaths are in Africa.

In Nigeria, children under five suffer between two and four cases of malaria annually, while about 50 per cent of adults suffer from the illness.

The Chairman of BACATMA, Muhammad Liman spoke yesterday, at the Dissemination of the PMV (Patent Medicine Vendor) listing in Bauchi.

He said malaria has a negative impact on socio-economic development, because it accounts for 40 per cent of government’s spending on public health and consumes 25 per cent of household income.

Liman noted that since malaria cost African countries over $12billion, the importance of the epidemic has been recognised in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), with a global target to halt the epidemic by 2015.

He said the government has distributed 2.2 million Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs).

•Wife of Lagos State Governor Mrs Abimbola Fashola (left); Category Manager (Skin) Unilever Nigeria Mrs Bolanle Kehinde and wife of Lagos State Head of Service Mrs. Adewole Ogunlewe at the Lifebuoy hand washing demonstration campaign against diarrhoea in Lagos.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

Another Independence Day bombing suspect held T HE State Security Service (SSS) has arrested a man suspected to be a key figure in the distribution of arms, ammunition and other explosives used by some militants in the October 1, last year bombing near the Eagle Square ,venue of the 50th Independence Anniversary celebration.

The agency said it has succeeded in solving the riddle of the incident, saying all persons involved have been arrested.

The bombing was allegedly masterminded by Henry Okah, leader of a faction of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Okah is standing trial in

T

From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

mate change related aspects and poverty reduction policies.

The ministers reaffirmed the commitment of their countries to the objectives of other regional and subregional organisations, especially the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU).

The meeting was declared open by Kebbi State Governor Saidu Dakingari and co-chaired by Minister of State II (Foreign Affairs) Nuruddeen Muhammed.

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

South Africa for alleged acts of terrorism.

SSS spokesperson Marilyn Ogar, who spoke with reporters at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday, said the suspect, who was arrested on October 3, is being held by the agency.

A Toyota Camry (1989 model), with registration number DP 100 AAA was recovered from the suspect.

Also recovered were a

Honda Accord with registration number Lagos DM 257 FST and a grey Isuzu trooper marked FE 452 LSR. Ms. Ogar said three browning pistols were found in a specially constructed compartment of the Toyota and 5,000 rounds of live AK 47 rifle ammunition were hidden in the Honda.

Also recovered were four magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition; four gloves; six face masks; two pairs of jungle boots; two red lens torch light;

Pirates hijack vessel off Lagos coast

P

IRATES have hijacked an oil vessel and its crew off the Lagos coast, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said yesterday.

The pirates boarded the tanker, believed to be a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, on Saturday, IMB manager Cyrus Mody told AFP from London.

“The vessel is still under captivity...We believe the crew is still on board,” said the official of the piracy watchdog, who added that there was “no indication that the crew has been taken away.”

Soon after the attack, IMB was informed that the crew members, whose exact number is unknown, “were okay”, but the organisation has had no news of them since, Mody noted.

According to a report on the IMB website, the attack took place around 90 nautical miles off the Lagos coast.

The coast is reputed to be dangerous, with pirates hijacking ships, mostly loaded with crude, from the oil-rich Niger Delta, for sale on the region’s lucrative black market.

Last October 2, pirates

armed with automatic weapons, fired upon and boarded a chemical tanker off neighbouring Benin before stealing cash, the latest in a wave of such attacks off West Africa, IMB said.

The coast of Benin has seen some 20 piracy incidents this year compared with none last year.

The tanker and the crew have been taken to an unknown location. The Navy said it was investigating but had no further details.

The incident was the latest in a string of attacks on ships in the Gulf of Guinea that ex-

perts say is threatening an emerging trade hub and growing source of oil, metals and agricultural products to world markets.

Pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, which stretches from Guinea to Angola, tend to raid ships for cash and cargo rather than hijacking the crews for ransom like their counterparts off the coast of Somalia.

Benin and Nigeria launched joint sea patrols last month to tackle the surge in piracy that has raised alarm in the shipping industry, with attacks seeing crews held hostage and fuel stolen.

Anyaoku blames Nigeria’s woes on bad leadership

By Toluwani Eniola

Body laments insecurity at border HE 36th session of the Council of Ministers of the Nigeria/Niger Joint Commission has decried the rising insecurity as a result of the activities of armed terrorist groups in both countries.

The ministers approved the take off of the Joint Border Patrols.

In a communiqué at the end of the session, the ministers also approved the commission’s budget for next year.

The council ordered the two parties to prepare a Joint Desertification Control Programme, which should incorporate cli-

•SSS: we’ve solved all riddles

one mechanic tool box.

Others are: measuring instrument; electric saw; welding machine, panel saw; documents; one sledge hammer; cutting machine and two knives.

Another suspect, described as an expert in Improvised Explosive Devices , who was alleged to have procured the explosive devices used in the bombing, is also being held.

Also held is a third suspect, a banker, who allegedly handled all financial transactions for Okah, for the March 15, last year and October 1, last year bombings in Warri, Delta State and in Abuja.

Ms.Ogar said the suspects would be charged to court.

•Anyaoku

F

ORMER Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku yesterday decried Nigeria’s underdevelopment, saying despite the country’s galaxy of achievers, it is still far from realising its potentials.

He spoke in Lagos during the presentation of a book, Profiles in leadership: Spotlighting Nigeria’s Outstanding People and Professions since 1900 written by a journalist, Folu Koyi.

Present at the event were the Chairman, CFAO Group, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Founding Managing Director

and Editor-in-Chief of now rested Concord and Champion Henry Odukomaiya; Head, Political Science, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Solomon Akinboye and President, Animal Care Services Konsult, Dr Olatunde Agbato.

Anyaoku, who is also the chairman, Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations, said the main cause of Nigeria’s underdevelopment was military rule and the inability of the political class to harness the country’s human and natural resources to benefit the people.

He said: “I believe the main reason for this situation is that our political leadership over the years has failed abysmally in finding ways to give the country the full benefit of its

indisputable rich human resource.

“Now that we have a democracy, what we need to do is to strive to consolidate and bring about truly democratic governance, improving on our democratic culture and looking forward to governance that will benefit Nigerians.

“On security lapses, the government should invoke the services of security agencies to try and enforce law and order.

In addition, the government should seriously and quietly study the root causes of security issues and address them.”

Anyaoku described the book as an invaluable source of reference for anyone interested in knowing something about the leading people and professions in Nigeria over the last 100 years.

Akinboye, the book reviewer, said the 647 page-book celebrates Nigeria’s past and present leaders for their pivotal roles in national development.

“The book is a compendium of leadership captured under different epoch. It is an historical exposition of indigenous leadership over the last 100 years in the areas of sports, religion, entrepreneurship, governance and politics as well as arts and literature.

The publisher, Oladele Oladunjoye, said the dearth of information and the author’s desire to make the book a veritable reference material have been largely responsible for its delay since 1997, when he embarked on the project.

Oladunjoye decried the writing culture in Nigeria, saying more still needs to be done to increase biographical works in the country.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

8

NEWS Lagos adopts mental health policy

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

T

HE Lagos State Government has adopted a policy on mental health, aimed at reducing mental disorder among the citizenry.

Commissioner for Health Jide Idris spoke to reporters yesterday in commemoration of the World Mental Health Day. Idris said the Lagos Mental Health Policy is based on the national philosophy of social justice and equity, the need to prevent mental disorders and protect the rights of people with mental disorders.

He said: “The state government has recognised the significance of mental health and decided to address it by investing in mental health and protecting the rights of people with these disorders.

“We also plan to organise awareness programmes and educate people on the effects of substance and alcohol abuse.”

Idris said the policy would focus on mental health promotion, primary care and access to services, treatment guidelines at the primary healthcare level, services for people with severe mental illness, reduction of workplace stress and the risk of suicide, as well as human resources for mental health.

He said: “This is only the first step in our plan to invest in mental health. Lagos will not be left behind, as our objective to remain in the forefront to provide qualitative and quantitative mental healthcare to the citizens of the state will remain our focus in this administration.”

Idris said the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 150 million people are affected by alcohol disorders; 40 million by depression; another 40 million by Alzheimer’s disease; and one million people commit suicide.

He said: “Mental, neurological and substance abuse account for 14 per cent of the global burden of diseases according to recent studies. In Lagos, an average of 14.1 per cent of the population suffer from one form of mental illness or the other.

“These illnesses may not necessarily be psychosis, but untreated minor mental illnessesaffect the quality of life.”

Idris explained that no matter how seemingly the effects of mental issues are, they can be managed effectively with the affected individuals living a reasonably normal life.

He called for the active participation of private sector stakeholders, non-governmental organisations, religious groups, user groups and philanthropic organisations in the creation of a network of aftercare facilities, such as employment.

Ondo CJ to NJC judges

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HE Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, yesterday urged the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to expedite action on the request for the appointment of more judges.

Kumuyi spoke in Akure, the state capital, during the celebration marking the beginning of the 2011/2012 legal year.

He said: “We are still asking for the consideration of our request before the commission on the appointment of more hands to effectively man our courts scattered across the state.”

The CJ said there were only 20 magistrates at the beginning of the last legal year, but the state Judicial Service Commission (JSC) appointed 20 more to man the newly created magisterial districts.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

He said the JSC also approved the appointment of a Chief Registrar and Deputy Chief Registrar to oversee the Customary Court of Appeal, which had been left unattended since 2007.

Kumuyi said he is working towards improving the welfare of judiciary staff, capacity building and implementation of the new High Court civil procedure.

Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) lauded the innovations of the CJ. Jegede said he is excited with the prospect of court sittings in prison premises, adding that it would accelerate prison decongestion.

He suggested the creation of state police to curb insecurity in the country.

Suspected assassin held in Sapele From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

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SUSPECTED assassin has been arrested by youths in Okirigwre, Delta State, and handed over to the police at Sapele Divisional Police Station. The suspect was arrested after an attempt to assassinate a youth leader, Mr. Sunday Ogban, failed in Sapele Local Government Area.

It was learnt that Ogban was driving in the company of his friends when the driver of a sports utility vehicle blocked his way.

A source said one of the occupants of the vehicle came out of the car. He pointed a gun at Ogban and pulled the trigger, but no bullet was released.

The source said occupants of both vehicles engaged in a physical combat.

It was learnt that one of the occupants of the jeep was apprehended, but the others escaped.

Sapele Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Emmanuel lguodala confirmed the arrest.

Eleven killed in Ibadan road crashes

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LEVEN people were killed yesterday in two road accidents in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Sixteen others were injured.

The first accident, which occurred around 2:47 am on the Ibadan-Ife road, involved an 18-passenger commercial bus and two trailers.

The bus was on its way to Abuja from Lagos. In an attempt to escape from rob-

•Sixteen others injured From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

bers, the bus crossed over to the opposite lane and ran into the stationery trailers, killing seven passengers.

One of the trailer drivers, who was changing a tyre, was injured.

The second accident occurred at Boluwaji on the La-

gos-Ibadan Expressway at about 7:30 am.

It involved two tankers.

They skidded off the road while trying to overtake each other. One of the tankers ran into a mechanic workshop, killing two persons. It also damaged five vehicles. The other one ran into a commercial vehicle, killing two chil-

dren.

Assistant Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Egbeda Unit Command, Dennis Ioryina, confirmed the first incident.

He said FRSC officials took 12 injured persons to Axion and University College Hospitals.

The bodies were deposited at a Catholic Hospital in Ikire, Osun State.

•From left: Financial Secretary, Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni, Association Mr. Akeem Animashaun; member, Mr. Wale Anthony; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr. Teju Sonoiki; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; the association’s Vice-President, Mrs. Adebosipo Oyekan-Ismaila; Mr. Idowu Paul and Mr. Lateef Salami during the association’s visit to the SSG at Alausa, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

PDP, CPC clash over Lemu Panel Report

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday clashed over the report of the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu Panel on post-election violence in some parts of the country. The report indicted Major Gen Muhamadu Buhari, CPC’s presidential candidate.

The panel in its report submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday blamed Buhari for his utterances which it said were “provocative”.

The PDP said it was not surprised by the findings of the panel as it had always believed that the CPC presidential candidate’s provocative statements incited the violence.

But the CPC said it was unthinkable that anyone could link Buhari’s statement, which was meant to sensitise voters on their right to vote and protect their votes, to the

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

violence.

Addressing reporters at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Prof. Ahmed Rufai Alkali said: “PDP has raised a number of issues. The violence started on a Sunday evening; then Monday before the result of the Presidential election was announced. The violence took place where CPC had a larger showing. Why should the violence take place in areas where you have more votes?”

“The targets were PDP officials and even traditional rulers. All of us suffered during the period. In our local government, people were harassed, houses were burnt. The comments made by leaders of the opposition were not helpful. For instance why should a leader say, if they stop you from

voting, hit them? One of the elements of free and fair election is absence of violence.

Go and ask people who attended a briefing of CPC in Kaduna. There is something odd about them. The violence started before the result was announced. That is to show that the action was premeditated. I had to evacuate my family from the home one month before the election. I was also a target.

Why should I be a target? Is it because I am a member of PDP?” But the National Chairman of the CPC, Prince Tony Momoh, who dismissed the indictment of Buhari by the Lemu panel, said the former Head of State was not the only one that made such comments before the elections.

“Buhari’s comment was said to have led some people to violence. General Buhari said, ‘Go there, vote, ensure that your votes are counted and ensure that

your votes count’. Obasanjo said, ‘Go there and protect your votes’; President Goodluck Jonathan said, ‘I didn’t ask anybody to rig for me’; Anenih said, ‘Protect your votes’. All of them made statements about protection and I don’t see how anybody can interpret that there was an indictment of General Buhari. That interpretation is wrong. Lemu panel did not indict Buhari.

It is the creation of the media. If, for instance, Gen. Buhari said, ‘Go and destroy vehicles’, it would have been a different thing’. Did he say ‘Go and destroy my vehicles? No! His own vehicles were also destroyed. The panel said we should address the inhuman condition in Nigeria, otherwise we are in for trouble. That is the truth that the Lemu Panel said.

There will be revolution if we do not address this inhuman condition. We have no jobs and we have to address that inhuman condition.”

Fashola’s wife warns against legalisation of prostitution W IFE of the Lagos State governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, has advised the National Assembly against legalising prostitution.

She is reacting to theongoing debate at the Senate on a bill sponsored by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, seeking to legalise prostitution.

Mrs. Fashola spoke to reporters yesterday on the 11th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State

By Miriam Ndikanwu

Officials (COWSOL).

The event is slated for next Tuesday to Thursday at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

She condemned the clamour for the legalisation of prostitution, arguing that it would denigrate women.

Mrs. Fashola said: “If any citizen wishes to ruin her life, the National Assembly

should not encourage it by legalising the illicit trade.

“Those who engage in prostitution are women who do not want to use their Godgiven talent. We will pray against it. We’ll do our best to ensure that our country does not degenerate into legalising prostitution.

“I won’t want my child or any child to go into it. We in COWLSO will lend our voice towards discouraging the pas-

sage of the bill. If we love ourselves, we should not legalise prostitution.”

She condemned the increasing cases of rape, adding that it was one of the issues that would be discussed at the conference.

The theme of the conference is “Women: How Relevant Are We?.” It will be opened by Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

Mrs. Fashola said proceeds from the conference would be spent on the completion of the COWSOL Retirement Villa project.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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NEWS Kano tribunal upholds PDP candidate’s election

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HE House of Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Kano yesterday upheld the election of Senator Hayatu Bello Gwarzo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Kano North Senatorial District.

The All Nigeria Peoples party (ANPP) candidate in the April 9 election, Alhaji Barau Jibril, had challenged the election of Gwarzo over multiple voting, invalid voting, under-age voting, invalidation and unregistered voters.

Tribunal Chairman Justice Mukhtar Abimbola rejected the prayers of the petitioner, who sought to be declared winner of the election.

Justice Abimbola ruled that the petitioner failed to prove the allegations of under-age and unregistered voting.

The tribunal chairman also ruled that Jubril’s claim of 12,000 multiple voting was

Succour for 130 HIV/AIDS sufferers

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NE hundred and thirty Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in Nasarawa State are to benefit from a free care and support from a non-governmental organisation (NG), Agabi Foundation.

The Programme Officer of the foundation, Henry Omaku toldreporters yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, noted that by showing care and support to PLWHAs, many others would be willing to know their status and “will also come out to let you know about it”.

He said the foundation would identify 10 people each in the 13 local government areas.

Omaku said: “Our programmes are anchored on orphans, widows, street children, people that cannot afford a formal education, and those that cannot afford medical bills.”

The foundation, according to him, has helped over 20 people affected with HIV and cancer.

Borno intending pilgrim dead From Abiodun Joseph, Maiduguri

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N intending female pilgrim from Borno State, Yagana Bukar, 65, has been found dead few hours before beginning her journey to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

She reportedly died on Monday night from an undisclosed ailment.

Her remains were deposited at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMH) by officials of the Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Board and arrangement is being made to take her to her family.

About 1,100 of over 5,000 intending pilgrims from the state have been conveyed to Saudi Arabia in two flights from the Maiduguri International Airport.

Governor Kashim Shettima urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and to avoid any act capable of tarnishing its image in the holy land.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

not pleaded.

The tribunal, however, awarded 4,052 votes, recovered from invalidated votes in the election, to Jubril.

Of the votes awarded to Jibril, 692 were rejected; 3,160 were earlier invalidated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and 200, cast for him in Bichi Local Government Area, were not collated.

Jubril had 204,035 votes following the additional votes awarded by the tribunal, while Gwarzo got 204,905.

Justice Abimbola declared Gwarzo winner of the election on the grounds that he scored the highest number of votes.

• Katsina State Governor Shehu Shema (right); his Niger State counterpart, Babangida Aliyu (second right); Sokoto State Deputy Governor Muktar Shagari; and Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswan, during the governors’ meeting in Abuja…yesterday

Boko Haram kills four, injures three in Maiduguri M EMBERS of the Boko Haram sect have killed four persons and injured three others in separate attacks in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Three of the casualties were reportedly killed by the sect’s gunmen at Baga International Fish Market, while a soldier died when a bomb exploded in Gwange area of the town.

Three other persons were injured.

An international timber market near the fish market has been shut down for fear of possible attack by the sect.

The gunmen were said to have trekked into the fish market, where neighbouring Chadians, Nigeriens

From Abiodun Joseph, Maiduguri

and Cameroonians usually buy dry fish, and shot two local tea sellers.

An hour earlier, members of the sect had killed a patent medicine seller in the town, bringing the casualties to three.

Several people were injured in the sporadic shootings that followed the fish market attack.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesman, Lt.-Col. Hassan Mohammed, told reporters on phone that he was not aware of the incident, but said: “something happened in Baga Road

area this morning”.

He said: “I have sent my men to Baga Road area where we learnt that something happened. I cannot tell authoritatively whether or not there was an attack, but we shall surely arrest whatever situation we find there.”

Some traders told reporters that they were tired of the activities of JTF officials, who allegedly shoot at innocent civilians.

A fish seller, Mallam Ahmed Ibrahim said: “We are in a serious dilemma here. Some gunmen come into the market and kill our people everyday. Instead

of the JTF going after them, they are busy chasing us out of the market and forcing us to leave our shops unattended.”

The two international markets have been closed.

Mohammed said some unidentified persons planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near a high tension electricity pole in Dalla and detonated it when a JTF vehicle was passing by.

He said the explosion shattered the area.

Mohammed said the fire from the explosion caught a petrol hawker by the road side near a mechanic workshop, adding that it destroyed some cars.

The JTF spokesman said the injured were taken to

Kwara ACN candidate to appeal ruling

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HE candidate of the Kwara State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency in the rescheduled April 26 National Assembly election, Rev. Bunmi Olusona, has said he would challenge the ruling of the tribunal at the Appeal Court.

Olusona said his action followed the refusal of the tribunal to allow him use forensic analysis.

The tribunal had ruled that the result sought to be tendered as evidence had been used in the dismissed application on September 20. The appellant had approached the Justice Bitrus Sanga-led National Assembly Election Tribunal, sitting in Ilorin, to challenge the Independent National

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) declaration of Hakeem Ayedun as winner of the rescheduled poll.

In an appeal notice signed by counsel to the appellant, Bashir Ramoni and Iyiola Oyedepo (Jr), Olusona is seeking “an order allowing the appeal of the appellant and to set aside the ruling of the tribunal”.

He said the certified copies of voters’ registers, ballot papers, Form EC8A (i), Form EC8B (i), Form EC8C (i), Form EC40A, Form EC40C and Form EC25B for the particular wards and polling units for which they were tendered and an order admitting in evidence the certified copies of voters registers, ballot papers,

Form EC8A (i), Form EC8B (i), Form EC8C (i), Form EC40A, Form 40C, and Form EC25B for the particular wards and polling units for which they were tendered from the bar by the appellant’s counsel.

“The tribunal erred in law when their lordships rejected the documents tendered from the bar after agreeing with the appellant that the documents were pleaded in the petition. The documents sought to be tendered were certified true copies of public documents which can be tendered from the bar; The issue of tendering documents from the bar or through any other person apart from a witness in a case only goes to ‘proper custody’ which can only affect the weight to be attached to the

documents and not its admissibility; “The provision of Paragraph 41(3) to the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) does not exclude counsel from tendering from the bar or any other person from tendering document.

“A trial court or tribunal is bound by the decision of a superior court on a principle of law which is the same on the same issue to be determined by the trial court or tribunal; no contrary authority or decision was relied upon by the tribunal to have warranted the rejection of the documents by the Tribunal “Tribunal wrongly rejected the documents and the rejection has affected the decision, which is a miscarriage of justice.”

Plateau denies rumour of Jang’s ill-health From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

•Jang

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HE Plateau State Government has denied the rumour that

Governor Jonah Jang was seriously ill.

The government said the governor is on his annual leave outside the state.

In a statement in Jos, the state capital, by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Pam Ayuba, the government said the report was false.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to some misleading reports, spreading rumour against Governor Jang.

“Government wishes to restate that the governor is on his annual leave outside the country and departed the state in good health as against the malicious report that he was flown abroad for medical treatment.”

The government added

that Jang officially notified the House of Assembly of his annual vacation as “demanded by Section 190 of the Constitution, after handing over to his deputy, Mr. Ignatius Longjan”.

The statement urged the residents to disregard the rumour, saying the governor is in good health and would resume duty at the end of his vacation.

the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for treatment.

He said the JTF has begun investigations and that some suspects have been arrested over the blast.

Some residents who spoke to our correspondent accused the JTF of setting the area ablaze leading to destruction of cars and not a petrol hawker as JTF claimed.

Sharia Court judge flown abroad for gunshot wounds From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

THE Judge of Kwara State Shari’a Court of Appeal, who was attacked by some gunmen penultimate Sunday, Justice Solihu Muhammed, will be flown abroad today for further treatment.

The judge has been receiving treatment at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital following the attack.

It was learnt that Justice Muhammed on Monday evening left Ilorin for Abuja to get a visa for his travel.

He was said to have been flown to Abuja in a chartered aircraft provided by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Sharia Appeal Court judge was reportedly accompanied to Abuja by his wife, Iyabo, and son, Sulaiman.

The Chief Registrar of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Alhaji Abdulateef Kamaldeen, confirmed the development.

He said the Kwara State Government took care of the expenses.

Kamaldeen said Justice Muhammed’s condition was stable as at the time he left Ilorin on Monday.

He added: “The Grand Khadi, Justice Idris Haroon; and the Chief Registrar, Alhaji Abdulateef Kamaldeen accompanied Justice Muhammed from the UITH to Ilorin International Airport on Monday.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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NEWS ‘Edo 2012 governorship not a retirement benefit’

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HE people of Edo State have been called upon to resist the on-going scheming in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to compensate a retired soldier with the governorship next year, as he has not done anything to warrant such a prestigious office.

A PDP chieftain, Mr. Nosa Omoregie, said: “Any attempt to force the general on us at the primary is to assume that the governorship position is the retirement home of the former military general.

“It is a shame that these men give the impression that they are all Nigeria has, and nobody is more patriotic, passionate or capable than them.

“We expect the general to queue up and help develop the party. There are people who have paid their dues and toiled day and night for the party. We did not know this general until last two months. We need leaders, who outside government, can lead the offensive and provide opportunities for poor children without feeling they are doing this state a favour.

“Must the general be in government before helping the people of the state? The question is: How has he impacted on the lives of the people of Edo State? Who does he associate with? Has he ever identified with us? What are his credentials or antecedents in popular causes that have benefited and nurtured young talents in the state? Why should he see politics in Edo only in terms of gains? We see him in public glare more often than before, because the elections are here.

“We cannot reduce our political life to an attempt to defeat the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) alone, unless our only interest is power, not service.

“It is regrettable that while we hear the ACN talking about party organisation and activities that will boost their party’s image or membership, we are busy clowning in the newspapers, criticising Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s government.

“You hear about new ACN party offices or officials at the grassroots meeting and extending their reach to enhance their party’s profile for elections, but this is not so in the PDP. What we hear is how to give ticket to a retired general as if it’s a retirement benefit.”

20 pensioners collapse at Edo screening centre A

BOUT 20 pensioners collapsed yesterday at the Federal Secretariat in Benin, the Edo State capital, while waiting to be screened in the ongoing verification exercise. They were rushed to the hospital by their relatives.

Several others could not control their bowels.

Some pensioners, not resident in Benin, sleptat the secretariat until they could be verified.

Only two data capturing machines were available for the screening of over 20,000 pensioners.

Pensioners that are disabled and too old could

•Retirees seek extension of exercise From Osagie Otabor, Benin

not join others in the rush to be screened.

They lamented that the Federal Government did not make adequate arrangements for the exercise.

Seventy-year-old Ikheloa Felix, who retired from the Ministry of Agriculture, said the Federal Government

E

•Oshiomhole

should have decentralised the process, instead of allowing all of them to assemble in one place.

Mrs. Airemen Cecilia said: “To be a pensioner is not a curse. The whole exercise is poor. Something should be done about it.”

Jonathan Amayo, who said it was his fifth day on the queue, said he was yet to be paid his pension arrears and

gratuity since he retired in 2000.

“We are dying in silence.

They should pay us. This yearly screening will yield nothing,” he said.

Anthony Esene, whose leg had been amputated, said he has been on the queue for three days.

He said he retired in 2006 and is yet to be paid his pension and gratuity.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr. Ikpomwosa Igbineweka, appealed to the government to extend the duration of the exercise, which would end on Sunday.

He said only 2,000 of the 20,000 pensioners had been screened

I’ll defeat Anenih again, says Oshiomhole

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said he would defeat the Chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Tony Anenih, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s governorship election.

Oshiomhole said next year’s election would not be decided on the basis of rhetorics or propaganda, but on visible achievements.

The governor spoke at Apana-Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government, at the weekend, during a

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

thanksgiving reception in honour of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James.

Anenih had, during the PDP State Congress, vowed to reclaim Edo for the PDP in next year’s elections.

Oshiomhole said: “Anenih will be defeated again, even in his local

community. I will show him the number of roads leading to his house that I have tarred.

“I’m not afraid of the general in Edo State politics.

I’m not a military man, but when the time comes, we will see that the era of promise and fail politics is over.”

James thanked the governor for repairing and building roads in 12 communities in Auchi, including Apana-Uzairue and Afowa-Iyowa-Ayoguri roads.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Getting information on geological data that the investor is not comfortable with is very frustrating. It means there is a disconnect in the dissemination of information.

-Musa Sada, Minister of Mines and Steel Development

Interbank rates, bonds rise

Naira surges after interest rate hike

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HE Naira strengthened sharply yesterday after a surprisingly aggressive Central Bank interest rate increase the previous day designed to draw a line under the currency.

The naira opened at N158.60 against the dollar on the interbank market, up 3.4 per cent from Monday’s close of N164.20 and five per cent firmer than the record low of N167.8 plumbed shortly before Monday’s unscheduled Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) meeting. It was the world’s best-performing currency on the day.

The apex bank hiked its benchmark interest rate by 275 basis points to 12 per cent and implemented several other tightening measures to counter pressures on the currency and inflation.

Most analysts, according to Reuters news, had expected the CBN to raise rates by 100 basis points at the extraordinary meeting, which was called in response to a sharp depreciation of the naira.

The tightening will create an incentive for investors to hold the naira and free up dollar supply, but the banking watchdog will have to back its actions by meeting dollar demand at its auctions, dealers said. The next auction holds today.

“The tightening will make the naira very scarce (though) that will not last very long but will give forex a boost. This move will give the Central Bank a start to achieve its immediate objective, but what will help is meeting up demand at subsequent auctions,” said Akin Dawodu, CitiBank’s treasurer.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$112/barrel Cocoa -$2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber -¢146.37pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.747 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -9.3% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.82% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -10.23% Time Deposit -7% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $30.8b

CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

FOREX -

0.281 213.2 245.00 156.91 1.5652 245.8 40.57

• From left: DGM, Finance and Strategy, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc; Mr Gabriel Akogwu, Executive Director, Corporate, International and Investment Banking, Mr Phillips Ikeazor; Executive Director, Commercial and Retail Banking, South, Mr Kunle Adeosun and Executive Director, Operations, Technology and Services, Ade Shonubi, at a briefing in Lagos to announce the bank’s Right’s Issue billed to open next week.

CBN: Expect more monetary tightening, if...

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F the pressure on the naira and inflation persists, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will continue to tighten its monetary policies, it was learnt yesterday.

The Bankers’Committee also unanimously endorsed Monday’s monetary tightening. The committee is an association of bank chiefs and their regulators, which meets bi-monthly to discuss state of affairs in the industry.

Addressing reporters at the end of its meeting in Abuja, yesterday in Abuja, CBN’s Director of Banking Supervision, Mr Joe Adewale, said results of the ongoing banking examination of banks’foreign exchange dealings would not be made public.

The apex bank had tightened its monetary stance by raising its benchmark rate far further than analysts expected on Monday by 275 basis

• To keep results of forex probe secret

By Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor (Abuja)

points to 12 per cent, among other measures, in a bid to support the naira and keep a lid on inflation.

Banks’ Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) was doubled from four to eight per cent; net open positions banks can hold as reserves was reduced to one per cent of shareholders funds, from five per cent; reserve averaging method of computation was suspended in favour of daily maintenance until further notice – all in a bid to reduce the quantity of naira in the system and free up dollar supply.

These measures strengthened naira yesterday at the interbank market. The naira

opened at N158.60 against the dollar on the interbank market, up by 3.4 per cent from Monday’s close of N164.20 and five per cent firmer than the record low of N167.8 plumbed shortly before Monday’s unscheduled extraordinary Bankers’ Committee meeting.

Also, as reported by The Nation yesterday, bond, yields and interbank rates rose sharply as markets aligned after the CBN’s bigger-thanexpected benchmark interest rate hike the previous day.

The Banker’ Committee, however, said the interest rate hike to 12 per cent will encourage depositors to save with banks, which equally translates to increase on deposit rates.

They reiterated that Monday’s interest rate hike was also to discourage speculative foreign exchange transactions.

Meanwhile, Ajewale said the final result of banks foreign exchange probe will be communicated to the lenders to take appropriate action and report back to the CBN. Contrary to the report that the CBN was investigating seven banks for round-tipping, Ajewale said the apex bank was conducting normal routine examination of all the 24 banks and that the examination was not targeted at any bank.

He explained that the alleged forex round-tripping investigation by the apex bank was broken down to accommodate all banks in three tranches, one of which has been concluded and the second, which is on-going, as earlier reported by The Nation.

Core investor to reduce stake in Julius Berger

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ILFINGER Berger AG, the majority core in vestor in Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has planned to substantially reduce its shareholding in the Nigerian company.

Bilfinger Berger AG holds 49.87 per cent equity stake in Julius Berger Nigeria, which at market value is worth N28.22 billion.

Julius Berger Nigeria has 1.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each with market capitalisation of N56.59 billion, out of which Bilfinger Berger holds 598.4 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

By Taofik Salako Other substantial shareholders include the Lagos State and Benue State, which hold 6.99 per cent and 5.27 per cent through their investment companies.

Although key details of the divestment were not yet available, there are indications that other substantial shareholders and directors of the company might be interested in acquiring the divested equities.

Julius Berger Nigeria yesterday said the divestment by Bilfinger Berger would be undertaken in the next few

months to strengthen the independence of its operations.

The company said Bilfinger Berger would, however, continue to be a relevant shareholder in the Nigerian company.

To strengthen its corporate independence, Julius Berger Nigeria would enhance its on shore and off shore technical and logistic capacities by the establishment of a newly incorporated subsidiary, Prime Technology Design and Engineering Nigeria Limited for the provisions of design and engineering support services to the Company.

The company said it would also acquire a controlling majority share of the technical and logistic business and operations of Bilfinger Berger Nigeria GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany, which would assure Julius Berger Nigeria Plc of total control of all required services, such as planning, procurement, recruitment and capacity building.

Julius Berger said it has signed a Letter of Intent with Bilfinger Berger, which would form the basis of the mutual negotiations for this transaction, the execution of which is planned for the beginning of 2012.

Fed Govt to assist young entrepreneurs get loans

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HE Federal Govern ment has said it will link successful young entrepreneurs with banks to get loans at lower interest rates.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Young Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria’ (YouWiN) in Abuja yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan, appealed to state governments and the legislature to key into the programme and expand the initiative so that youths can be

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor (Abuja)

self-employed.

Jonathan described unemployment as a major challenge to his administration, but assured that his government is determined to overcome it. He said he would assist and encourage youths to be innovative and be employers of labour.

Earlier, Minister of Finance/ the Co-ordinating Minister of

the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the ‘You WiN’ initiative, sponsored by her ministry, would be run in a competitive and transparent manner, adding that the programme was designed to excite youths and to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

She said the government will link the youths with bright ideas to banks so they could get reasonable rates on the loans they secure. The

government, she pointed out, “will have a list of mentors to have a proper mentorship programme.

Okonjo-Iweala also disclosed that given the competitiveness of the programme, an independent monitor of international repute, such as the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), would be engaged to monitor the programme.

IGERIA’s bond yields and interbank rates rose sharply yesterday as markets aligned after the Central Bank of Nigeria’s bigger-than-expected benchmark interest rate hike the previous day.

The apex bank raised its benchmark rate far further than analysts expected on Monday by 275 basis points to 12 per cent, in the clearest sign yet of its commitment to support the naira and keep a lid on inflation.

Traders, according Reuters news, said yields rose across board on three-, five- and 20year bonds yesterday after the CBN announced measures to curb excess demand for the dollar and reduce naira liquidity.

The overnight interbank lending rate rose to 14.83 per cent from 11.50 per cent yesterday as market liquidity further tightened up with some banks recalling funds from their creditors to help them meet their new cash reserves requirements (CRR).

Traders said with the CRR increase to eight per cent from four per cent of a bank’s deposits, over N800 billion funds will be sterilised at the CBN vaults, leaving the market with little to place in the market.

Currency forecasters say best over for dollar

T

HE most accurate foreignexchange forecasters say the dollar’s best quarterly rally since 2008 has no chance of continuing to year-end as a slow economy spurs the Federal Reserve to flood the world with more United States’ currency.

Led by JPMorgan Chase & Co., the five best strategists as measured by Bloomberg News in the six quarters through September see the currency averaging $1.34 per euro in the final three months of 2011, from $1.3387 on September 30.

They estimate it will average 76.6 yen, from 77.06.

Reports on everything from jobs to housing and incomes show the world’s largest economy may be in jeopardy of slipping back into recession, forcing the Fed to print more money for the third time in three years to inject into the financial system through bond purchases.

Forecasters say the strategy would debase the dollar, which is down by 22 per cent since March 2009 even with last quarter’s gains.

“The Fed could start discussing the expansion of its balance sheet by the end of this year and begin with the asset purchases in early 2012,” John Normand, the London-based global head of foreign-exchange strategy at JPMorgan, said in an interview on Oct. 5.

“The bias will be for a modest retracement in the dollar from current levels. Investors are already extraordinarily long of dollars.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

ISSUES

• CBN headquarters, Abuja

With the mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector virtually wrapped up, attention has now shifted to the emerging entities. Under the new dispensation, the playing field will never be the same as the bigger entities will bring to bear their new status on the industry, reports, AKINOLA AJIBADE.

T

What bigger banks offer acquired entities

HIS is a defining moment for banking regulators, banks, shareholders, depositors, among other stakeholders in the nation’s financial system. The reason is that the banking crises that had bedeviled the industry in the last three years have been closed.

The recent recapitalisation of the five remaining rescued banks - Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Intercontinental Bank Plc, Oceanic Bank International Plc, Finbank Plc and Equatorial Trust Bank Limited captures the essence of it all. The banks have since met all the requirements prescribed for their recapitalisation.

They have finalised agreements with their partners, raised their operational capital, and are ready to start business on a clean

slate. While Intercontinental Bank, Oceanic Bank, Finbank and Equatorial Trust Bank would soon be taken over by their new owners in line with the merger agreements, Union Bank will continue to operate as a growing concern because it did not merge with any financial institution.

As a matter of fact, Reliance Capital International only brought fresh funds to rejuvenate the operations of the bank. Reliance Capital is a foreign investment company with huge capital and presence in dif-

ferent parts of the world.

Before now, there have been fears of possible nationalisation of the five remaining rescued banks by the regulatory authority. The fears were heightened after the nationalisation of Afribank Plc, Bank PHB Plc, and Spring Bank Plc, and the subsequent injection of N1.529 trillion into the three banks within two months.

The fund was injected (in two tranches of N679 billion and N850 billion respectively) to recapitalise the banks. The Assets Management

Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) had injected N679 billion into the banks immediately after the licensces were revoked in August this year. A few weeks after, the corporation further injected additional N850 billion.

Though the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had blamed the development on the grave financial positions of the banks, and their perceived inability to meet up with the September 30th deadline, that has not been able to dissuade the opinion of many industry watch-

ers. Many observers had accused CBN of pursuing certain hidden agenda.

They called the management of the banks names, accusing them of acting scripts for the CBN. They alleged that the issue of nationalisation of banks is a gradual process, adding that the remaining five rescued banks would be liquidated.

While this lasted, synergies were going on in the industry.

The rescued banks were making efforts to recapitalise their operations, and further meet the September 30th deadline handed over to them by CBN. The banks took the path of mergers and acquisitions, except Union Bank that searched and got investors that strengthened its liquid po• Continued on page 13

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13

ISSUES

What bigger banks offer acquired entities • Continued from page 12

sitions.

Typical of any merger and acquisition programmes, the rescued banks have met, discussed and negotiated with banks that wanted to acquire them. By mid September, nearly all the affected banks had consummated their merger and acquisition plans. The banks have organised Extra-Ordinary General Meetings (EGMs) to discuss their future with shareholders, and further seek their approval on the issue. The banks have signed the Transaction Implementation Agreements (TIAs) with their partners to sort out certain salient issues. This includes the ownership structure of the emergent banks, the sharing of portfolios, among others.

Approval of the shareholders who believe the merger and acquisitions has finally pay off. Today, the knotty issues of recapitalisation has been settled,as the rest become history.

From all indications, the banks that have acquired the rescued banks have something going for them. The banks have weathered the storm in the industry. They have improved on their balance sheets, consolidated their businesses, and positioned themselves for growth. Certainly, the banks have good fundamentals to leverage on and further bring the desired growth into the banks they have acquired. Below are the synopsis of the strength of the banks, and the experience they would bring to bear on the acquired banks

Sterling Bank Plc Sterling Bank has a stable board, strong corporate governance, and effective retail outlets to its credit.

The bank has built a large customers’ base over the years, a development attributed to its strong retail banking system. Given the fact that the people that established Sterling Bank including NAL Merchant Bank are still much around, the stakes are high that the bank would achieve a lot of success. The pedigrees of Yemi Adeola, a former Citi Banker, and current managing director of Sterling Bank would help the synergy between the bank and Equatorial Trust Bank.

Analysts argue that Sterling Bank would not have any problem in fusing or combining the business of ETB with its own, since its management had successfully married five banks together during the 2005 consolidation exercise. Sterling Bank is a product of the amalgamation of NAL Merchant Bank Plc, Indo-Nigerian Bank Limited, Magnum Trust Bank Plc, NBM Bank Limited, and Trust Bank of Africa Limited.

Also, Sterling Bank would leverage on its expertise in oil and gas and telecommunication business to add value to all the businesses of ETB. What Sterling Bank also has going for the institution is that none of the directors of ETB, according to sources in the CBN, will be absolved into its board. This implies there would be no interference in the day-to-day running of the affairs of Sterling Bank.

Sterling Bank was also one of the banks that scale through the CBN/ Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation audit test in 2009.

Speaking on the issue, its Managing Director, Mr Yemi Adeola, said the bank would leverage on the

synergies between the two banks to increase its earnings and consolidate its market share.

He said the bank would have the opportunity to become a major player in corporate banking and other services, adding that the development would strengthen the bank in the area of trade finance, cash management and treasury.

He said the merger would lead to economies of scale that would lead to reduction in operating costs, while simultaneously widening the market share of the bank and market penetration, providing opportunities for increased revenues.

“With this merger, we are laying the foundation for future earnings growth and better financial performance. We expect to increase earnings, cut costs and significantly build shareholder value,” Adeola said.

Also, the Chairman, Sterling Bank, Dr. Suleiman Adegunwa, said the merger would further strengthen the bank into a formidable financial institution with wider branch network and strong retail franchise.

“We also envisage that the emergent Sterling Bank from the merger would be a market leader in service delivery in all locations with branches well situated in metropolitan centres in Nigeria with attractive demographic characteristics,” Adegunwa said.

• GMD Union Bank, Mrs Funke Osibodu

• GMD Sterling Bank, Yemi Adeola

Access Bank The bank has strong commercial, and investment banking platforms, which is a plus to the deals between it and Intercontinental Bank. The commercial banking business is built around transparency and accountability, sound management practices, fairness and discipline. This attribute would be brought to bear in the Access BankIntercontinental Bank deals.

The bank in a statement said: “The business combination will offer unique opportunities for both institutions. The retail banking operations of Intercontinental Bank, with the Wholesale and Commercial banking strength of Access Bank offer a high degree of synergy and complimentarity; unique in the Nigerian environment. The synergy from combining the two banks would, therefore, create a formidable competitor with scale to rival the top ten banks in the industry”.

Also, the bank has over 120 branches across the country, which is a plus for the robust retail business of Intercontinental Bank. Giving the fact that both banks are aggressive in nature, the tendency is high that the business combination would be of help to both parties.

Another advantage is that Access bank provides financial advisory services to top and middle-tier clients in the various sectors of the economy. The bank provides long and medium term finance, and treasury and assets management services. The objective is to increase the existing financing channels for the private and public sectors of the economy. Based on this, Access Bank would add value to the shareholders of Intercontinental Bank. The bank delivers services to key players operating within the oil and gas sector, a development that would add value to the two banks.

First City Merchant Bank Formerly a merchant bank, FCMB

• GMD Access Bank, Aig-Aigboje Imoukhede

has built a robust commercial and retail banking platforms over the years. The bank is also strong in investment banking.

During the first recapitalisation exercise under the governorship of Chukwuma Soludo, FCMB acquired Cooporative Development Bank, Midas Bank and Nigerian American Bank.

With branch network in excess of 100, FCMB has been able to win the confidence of depositors. The bank boasts of considerable growths in profit after tax, turnover, assets, shareholders’ funds, among other fundamentals.

Analysts believe that the deal between FCMB and Finbank would impact positively on the shareholders of the duo, given the expertise and clout of the board of FCMB. The Bank’s Group Managing Director Mr. Ladi Balogun said the acquisition will grow the banks bottom line as well as increase its branch network to 300. The emerging entity’s customer base would also increase.

He said “the acquisition will in 2012 see to improvement of bottom line, earning per share, add value to shareholders, bring about great credibility among the international community.

Union Bank/Reliance Capital Reliance Capital is a global investment company. With presence in 33 countries, the company has successfully managed investment

• GMD First City Monument Bank Plc, Ladi Balogun

in blue-chip companies across the world. Little wonder the company injected $200 million into Union Bank for growth. Unlike others, Union Bank was not acquired or merged with any other bank. The bank under the management of Mrs Funke Osibodu struck the best deal.

Both the brand and identity of the bank will be retained. Besides, the recapitaqlisation exercise of Union Bank is one of the most transparent as the institution has credible investors. Also, the bank is still enjoying a considerable goodwill in the industry, coupled with its strengths in key sectors of the economy. The bank’s performance in the area of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) has been outstanding.

Another critical support area to the economy in which the bank has done well is the agricultural sector. For the past decade or more, the bank has been in the forefront of providing the much needed support to this sector. It is indeed, about the first to establish a fully fledged unit aimed at working out a close partnership and thus provide informed solution package to the numerous constraints of the sector in our environment.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated The bank operates in 30 African countries namely Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Brazzaville, The

Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Togo, Uganda, Congo Brazzaville, among others. The bank has an affiliate in Paris, and representative offices in Dubai, Johanesburge, London, and Luanda. ETI is listed on three stock exchanges in Africa. The exchanges are Lagos, Accra, and the West African Monetary Economy and Monetary Union.

In 2009, the bank launched $2.5 billion hybrid right issue and public offers in the three exchanges, and the offer was largely subscribed by African investors. As a result of the offer, Ecobank bolstered its equity capital to over $1.5 billion. Similarly, the bank’s shareholders grew from 7,633 before the offer to more than 140,000 subscribers. In the past two decades, ETI is said to have contributed immensely to the growth of its subsidiaries by injecting funds into them.

The development is a boost to the Ecobank and Oceanic Bank deals.

Analysts argue that ETI, by virtue of its success across Africa, would add value to the shareholders of Oceanic Bank.

The bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Arnold Ekpe, said the bank would leverage on its growth across Africa to improve the fortune of the shareholders of Oceanic Bank. Ekpe said ETI has grown its subsidiaries in Africa to an enviable height, adding that acquisition of Oceanic Bank is a step in the right direction.

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

No contest

Needless ID card project • We are still behaving as if money is not our problem, but how to spend it

W

E consider as incredible this administration’s recourse to the old path of another grandiose national identity card project, for which the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the sum of N30.066 billion for its execution. Surprisingly, no reason was officially adduced for jettisoning the one in existence.

Mr. Labaran Maku, Minister of Information, after the FEC meeting repeated the old cliché that the Unified Identity Management System, UIMS ‘…..will capture all Nigerians from the ages of 18 and above, and will bring down the cost of data processing and storage by different agencies in the country.’

The project, according to Maku, will be managed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and ‘ex-

‘The nation can deploy any of its idle earnings to projects that will have direct meaningful impact on Nigerians. Repeating a needless project like the ID card initiative is not one of them. As we have argued, harmonisation of biometric data from the above-mentioned agencies of government would improve national security management; definitely not necessarily a fresh approval for this project’

ecuted in conjunction with different agencies of government which presently keep their own separate identity data’.

However, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has questioned the official haste to spend over N30 billion on the UIMS project. Moreover, it was reported that upon scrutiny of the Federal Government Tenders Journal, the project was not advertised in accordance with the Public Procurement Act. This project looks more like another white elephant project - one of the many of its type embarked upon by successive administrations just to squander the nation’s common wealth. We acknowledge that UIMS is a laudable initiative, but the last one approved by FEC was unnecessary.

We are aware that agencies of government such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have biometric data base of millions of Nigerians. INEC, before the last April general elections conducted a N40 billion biometric registration of Nigerians not below the voting age of 18. Under the newly introduced Driver’s Licence Scheme, the FRSC reportedly has procured biometric machines that are being used for the exercise. Also, the NCC has just concluded a comprehensive biometric registration of all phone users in the country.

We ask: why the need for this FEC approval for another ID card exercise when NIMC could have collected the data from

these agencies and get them harmonised in a central data bank to be managed and updated by it regularly.

In the last 30 years or so, Nigeria has been struggling to establish a national ID card system. However, the bold move made in 2003 was a cesspool of scandal and sleaze. That $214m ID card contract handled by SAGEM, a French firm, led to the arraignment for corruption of former internal affairs ministers Sunday Afolabi (late) and Dr Mohammed Shata, former minister of state in that ministry, former labour minister, Hussein Akwanga; former Enugu State governor, Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo and Mohammed Shatta.

The charges against them were later dropped while the project was not satisfactorily executed as most of the valid 42 million out of the 58 million registered Nigerians could not get their cards. With this needless one about to commence, the government must be bold to tell Nigerians what happened to the N38 billion machine supplied by SAGEM to the Directorate of National Civic Registration (DNCR) for the same exercise in 2003.

The nation can deploy any of its idle earnings to projects that will have direct meaningful impact on Nigerians. Repeating a needless project like the ID card initiative is not one of them. As we have argued, harmonisation of biometric data from the above- mentioned agencies of government would improve national security management; definitely not necessarily a fresh approval for this project.

Yuguda’s 1,047 aides • As in his first term, Bauchi State governor has appointed a battalion of aides

D

URING his first term in office as Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda had an indeterminate number of appointees. By the time that term ended last May, official records showed about 2,000 appointees, but members of the opposition thought Governor Yuguda had in excess of 3,000 aides on his payroll. On the occasion of the governor’s valedictory party for them late last May, just before his inauguration for the second term, Yuguda himself had admitted he had a few aides too many and that he would do something about it this time. He had openly blamed those he termed sycophants for his inability to deliver on his promises to the people.

Well, here we go again. Governor Yuguda seems to have forgotten his resolve so soon, only four months down the line. Last week, Secretary to the Government of Bauchi State, Ahmed Dandija threw the bombshell when he released the list of Yuguda’s fresh appointees.

Among them are 20 special advisers, 94 senior special advisers, 810 special assistants, 24 directors-general and a motley crowd of other positions with not clearly defined portfolios. The list runs clearly into over a thousand.

Particularly remarkable in this rash of appointments is that Yuguda has created a spectacular aberration by designating some of these aides as directors-general which negates the civil service procedure. This has currently kept the state’s House of Assembly and the civil servants distracted, wondering what to do.

This size of appointees is unwieldy,

wasteful and shows a stark lack of purpose and imagination in the running of the affairs of a state. Even the President who oversees the entire country is not known to have up to 100 appointees.

Therefore, for a governor to have named this number in addition to the full complement of heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) is confounding and needs to be condemned and discouraged for very obvious reasons.

Though the governor has blamed his action on pressure from his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it is more a reflection of his personal style (or lack of it) as he is not the only governor from that party. There just must be a better explanation of this absurdity to the people of Bauchi State who are the butts of this cruel joke.

We are particularly surprised by what is becoming clearly a bizarre Yuguda act because he appears to us as one of the well read, well exposed and enlightened of the governors in Nigeria today, having come from the private sector where he rose to be the managing director of a foremost merchant bank.

Surely, Yuguda must have heard about running lean teams for optimal returns.

Certainly he must have heard about overlap and duplication of functions; as well as tight budgeting. For instance, the monthly remuneration and perks of this crowd of appointees will run into hundreds of millions of naira. Where will the money come from? What is the internally generated revenue of Bauchi State? For a state still grappling with N18, 000 minimum wage, and is currently troubled by such basic disease as cholera, we expect

some sobriety and good sense in the management of her resources.

Yuguda has set a bad precedent that may haunt the state in future and he stands as a bad influence on other governors, as some of those already criticised for having over a hundred aides now point to Bauchi in self-vindication. What would Yuguda’s legacy be after eight years as the governor of Bauchi? This is a place nature has endowed with perhaps the best natural game reserve in the world and is in dire need of an imaginative leader to convert it into a world tourist destination.

The Bauchi State House of Assembly must reverse the Yuguda folly immediately. Other state houses of assembly should be alive to their duties and set appointment limits for governors.

‘Yuguda has set a bad precedent that may haunt the state in future and he stands as a bad influence on other governors, as some of those already criticised for having over a hundred aides now point to Bauchi in self-vindication.

What would Yuguda’s legacy be after eight years as the governor of Bauchi? This is a place nature has endowed with perhaps the best natural game reserve in the world and is in dire need of an imaginative leader to convert it into a world tourist destination

T

HE Republicans are struggling to find a convincing challenger to Obama “No government”, wrote Disraeli, “can be long secure without a formidable opposition.”

The paradox is acute in American politics.

President Obama will face an election contest next year. His poll ratings are declining, economic growth is feeble and the country’s credit rating has been downgraded. Yet the Republicans are struggling to find a credible candidate. This is a problem not only for American conservatism: the dysfunctional state of the Republican Party is bad for US governance and indeed for Mr Obama.

Incumbency is far from an assurance of electoral success. Of the previous six presidents, all sought election for a second term and three of them lost.

Next year’s contest ought to be a good election for the Republicans to fight. Approval ratings for Mr Obama have slipped below 40 per cent, whereas a majority (52 per cent) disapprove of the way that he is doing his job.

Yet by announcing this week that he would not be a candidate for the Republican nomination, Chris Christie, the Governor of New Jersey, emphasized the paucity of talent among the declared contenders. Aspirant nominees customarily appeal to the party base before running smartly to the political centre to woo the electorate. Even so, this Republican field of contenders is longer on doctrinaire rhetoric than political weight.

The front-runner among declared contenders is Mitt Romney. Mr Romney, formerly Governor of Massachusetts, has media profile, great wealth and a confident manner in debates. Encouragingly, his criticisms of Mr Obama lack the ferocious, irrational hostility that marks out Republican ideologues; and his views do not extend to the dogmatic and unreasoning faith, expressed by the Tea Party faction, in the power of tax cuts to rejuvenate the economy.

But Mr Romney also has two signal disadvantages. Lacking personal charisma, he has made little headway in the polls. And he lacks a political story that would enthuse Republicans.

Democrats plausibly point to the healthcare insurance reforms that Mr Romney implemented in Massachusetts as a prototype for Mr Obama’s own health reforms.

Rick Perry, the Governor of Texas, suffered severe damage in his own campaign for the Republican nomination owing to the discovery that a racial slur was painted on a rock at his family’s hunting camp. Mr Perry, moreover, has form in making inflammatory statements. He has claimed that the monetary policies of Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, are “treasonous”.

Herman Cain, formerly chief executive of a pizza chain, has gained at Mr Perry’s expense, but there are many doubts whether he is a viable candidate.

Beyond him, the half-dozen declared runners hold views that are frankly irresponsible and also not noticeably different from Mr Perry’s, such as denying the reality of global warming. The principal undeclared but possible candidate is Sarah Palin, the former vice-presidential nominee, whose ignorance of foreign affairs ought to disqualify her from serious consideration.

Elections in which one of the two main parties selects a candidate for outside the mainstream – such as Barry Goldwater, for the Republicans, in 1964, and George McGovern, for the Democrats, in 1972 – do not make for good government. Mr Obama needs searching questions and a tough contest. He is not getting them.

– The London Times.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOMBER 12, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: Nigeria is bedeviled with confusion. Those who say Yoruba-land is marginalized because of disunity are either ignorant or insincere. Their problem is that Yoruba-land is united behind Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and their own cronies lost-out in federal allocation of portfolios. I will explain the real reason why the Yoruba nation lost-out in federal appointments.

Rather than insisting on the right of northern Nigeria to complete its eight years, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, supported the presidency of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who is from the Niger Delta zone. In retaliation, the north took-away the speakership of the

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PDP caucus, not Yoruba nation met in Ikenne House of Representatives and other slots that should have accrued to the south-west zone. The beneficiaries are the north and the other parts of Nigeria where the PDP won many elective positions in the 2011 general elections.

The Yoruba PDP orchestrated the Ikenne meeting of October 6 and dressed it up in the garment of Yoruba re-discovery to attract persons like Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Chief Gani Adams. Note how the

conference is said to have set-up “a 50-man delegation that will meet with President Goodluck Jonathan” to discuss the marginalization of the Yoruba race in national leadership.

That is the acronym for the non-inclusion of their own (PDP) cronies in key positions at the federal level.

On the other hand, the ACN, like Pa Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria, had no problem with who occupies what position at the federal level.

The party was satisfied with its position as the Opposition Leader. The ACN failed to occupy the centre for two reasons: the choice of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as its presidential candidate, and the failure to ally with Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), as anticipated by many Nigerians. That again is reminiscent of the crash of the alliance proposed

by Pa Awolowo to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (the Zik of Africa).

A governor’s milk of human kindness

S

IR: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) represents different things to different people. Professor Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate, sees him as one who diagnoses the problems and goes at it like a skilled professional who wants to know what will work and what will not work. Jack Warner, the Trinidad and Tobago-born former FIFA Vice President describes the governor as an incredible performer who does incredible things. With specific reference to the transformation of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Warner says: ‘Never in my numerous years of traveling around the world have I witnessed the speed at which Lagos completed the stadium for FIFA assessment’.

However, one side of the governor that needs to be properly highlighted is his humanitarian aspect.

Recuperating former Coach of Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles that won soccer gold at the Atlanta ’96 Olympics is one man who cannot forget governor Fashola in a hurry.

Bazuaye was bed-ridden for years having suffered stroke that led to partial paralysis. Bazuaye gives special thanks to Governor Fashola for coming to his aid when he needed help most.

Governor Fashola equally lifted the living standard of the Igbokwes while commissioning an 80-unit Hon Olaitan Mustapha and Mrs. Adetoun Mustapha Millennium

Housing Estate, Ojokoro Phase II, Lagos, on Tuesday September 26.

On that occasion, Governor Fashola presented keys to one of the flats at the housing estate to Mrs. Mary Igbokwe, whose husband, Benjamin Igbokwe, was killed in Lagos last year. Mary, the widow, couldn’t hold back tears of joy as she expressed her deep thanks to the governor who equally promised to assist in sponsoring the children’s education.

Mrs. Jane Okwaraji, mother of the late Super Eagles star, Samuel Okwaraji, who died on August 12, 1989, while playing for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Angola in 1989 at the National Stadium, Lagos also got a N1 million gift from the Governor. The presentation was done, at the late footballer’s home in Umudoka Village, Orlu, Imo State, by a representative of the

Lagos State government.

The family of Toyin Adeosun, the 2009 Lagos State ‘One Day Governor’ is unlikely to forget the Governor in a hurry. The family’s residence, an uncompleted one-storey building with a rented room-and parlour, with no television, furniture, and other basic necessities, was a manifestation of the poverty stricken state of the family. All that was to change when their daughter, Toyin, became the ‘One Day Governor’ and used the opportunity of a discussion with the governor to solicit for assistance for his poor family. The governor, in his characteristic scientific style of doing things, never uttered a word. Weeks later, the Adeosuns received a surprise visitor from the governor who came with a package that gave unlimited joy to the household. The package contained the Certificate of

Occupancy of a government flat given to the family by the state government.

In 2010, in the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake the governor sought the approval of the state House of Assembly to donate the sum of $1million to the victims.

Alexis de Tocqueville, in his immortal classic, Democracy in America (1885), insists that building the people is more important than creating wealth, for the value of the latter is tied to the existence of the former. There is no doubt that Governor Fashola had Tocqueville in mind when he declared recently at a public function that “a society that cannot protect the underprivileged cannot protect the privileged. How apt!

• Tayo Ogunbiyi Alausa Ikeja

The foregoing explains how Yoruba-land lost-out, federally, and not because there is no unity among the people. The ACN won the last general elections massively in Yoruba-land, and you are saying the people are not united?

Think again. As the Yoruba PDP has decided to appeal to their man, President Jonathan, the ACN has no option than to enter into an alliance with progressives in the six geo-political zones. Together with all progressive politicians from all over Nigeria, the ACN and the CPC should form a mega party toward Nigeria’s political liberation from neo-colonialism which the PDP represents.

Would Pa Awolowo have supported anybody who flouted party regulation as happened to the PDP’s rotational presidency arrangement? So, the meeting in Ikenne was a window-dressing, a disguise by the Yoruba pro-Jonathan PDP members. I read Mama H.I.D. Awolowo’s biography, and I know that in her politically active years, she would not host that kind of meeting. But, as St. Paul wrote, when I was a baby someone dressed me; when I became mature, I dressed myself; in my old age, I become like a baby again. The organizers exploited our Mama, and I am sorry for them.

I re-assure Mama Awo that ACN is the only political party that is towing Papa’s path, however imperfectly. Majority Yorubas now look-up to Senator Bola Tinubu. We are praying God to make him be like Pa Awolowo for us. Please, Mama, join us in that prayer. The Yoruba would not want to follow imperialists who have been behind Nigeria’s backwardness since her independence in 1960.

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

Illegal structures in Surulere, Lagos IR: Permit me to use your widely read medium to draw the attention of Surulere LGA , Surulere KAI officials, residents association and the Lagos State government to the unwholesome development of illegal structures now littering Adisa Bashua Street, Surulere.

Driving out every morning through the Baptist Church to join Adelabu Street is now such a

S

herculean task due to commercial activities on the road. We (residents) now start our own Lagos traffic nightmare right from our gates every day. Why should fellow Nigerians impose hardship on others?

What are the authorities turning the set-back (frontage) of Adisa Bashua Primary School to? A day-time motor park with mechanics and “Mama-put” joint and nighttime abode for armed robbers and

miscreants?

Are primary school authorities in Lagos State now permitted to commercialise their school fence set-back to the road? What manner of commercialisation is this? Who gave approval for all the shanties built in front of the school?

Please this appeal is for whoever approved the building of the shanties to urgently deploy policemen/ soldiers to safe guard residents in

the night and traffic wardens to control traffic in the mornings.

It is disheartening that barely three years after our able Governor - Babatunde Fashola sanitised the entire state. including the removal of illegal structures, enemies of the environment appear bent at erasing his legacy.

• Donas Ofoka Lagos.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOMBER 12, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

‘Fuel subsidy’ Vs ‘Locally Produced Fuel’; ‘Oil to fuel’ round-tripping: Cause and Consequence!

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HE much touted, carefully packaged and craftily delivered official hype so-called cheap ‘subsidised fuel’ at N72.8b/ month or Tony N1trillion plus per anMarinho num is misguided and misleading. A differential price for fuel is the only benefit of being a Nigerian and even that has not been as cheap as government would like us to believe. Even Libya has the cheapest fuel in Africa- a right for having oil under their feet –but they still revolted. Unfortunately we, ‘fellow Nigerians’, are labouring under an impression that government does us a favour by round-tripping our oil-to-fuel programme taking oil from the ground and sending it in a ‘Oil to Fuel Loop’- Nigeria to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Spain or Portugal for refining and re-importing.

Ideally that loop should not exist. We should refine locally and not import fuel products. But government routinely uses the ‘fuel subsidy’ to cover its failure to provide ‘locally made fuel’. In this time of ‘local content’ policy, is government not ashamed by its failure to provide ‘locally produced fuel?

Perhaps some Nigerians are making millions from selling abroad Nigeria’s refined ‘non-fuel products’ in foreign refineries.

Colonials forced Nigeria to export raw cocoa and cotton and groundnuts, and import them as commercial products from its factories and workers in the Britain Isles. Today we are again forced to export ‘raw’ oil and import refined products. We have no colonialists to blame, only Nigerian conflicting commercial interests –those in our refineries and outside them.

Refining is not nuclear physics. Remember $180million TAMs –‘Turn Around Maintenance’ with no fuel results. Licenses were issued for new refineries. Who builds a refinery when oil is not guaranteed by those who make billions from round-tripping our ‘oil to fuel’ programme? It is a case of institutionalised ‘petroleum terrorism’ causing mega-eco-

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HE issue has always been there but like a bad dream it will not just go away. Instead, it has assumed a nightmare of sort. That contentious issue is subsidy on petroleum products, especially Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol.

The arguments have been going back and forth. Many years ago, it came under the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP. That was 1989, about 22 years ago. The country was then reeling under the heavy yoke of military jackboots.

The then maximum ruler (that was the appropriate way to describe the military dictators of that time), General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida knew that the issue was explosive. He approached it with cautious optimism. He threw the debate open. Then it was “SAP, to be or not to be”?

During the debate, public relations companies smiled to the banks. Many of them printed Tshirts with different messages: SAP – No or SAP – Yes. Handbills, fliers, newspapers and television adverts were placed for or against, depending on those who hired them. Both the print and electronic media were awash with activities.

The major argument put forward by government was that a bottle of Coca-cola was far costlier to purchase than a litre of petrol. At least that was the pedestrian argument put forward mostly through TV and newspaper ads. That was then.

This time around, the country has transformed from that pristine stage to a digital age. This is the era of social media, when the touch of a button on the internet or I-pad or any other internet-based device could ignite a whole movement.

The Arab world is still smoldering from the effect and power of the

nomic sabotage. Remember the round-tripping of our oil provides fuel for our generators to supply power. The servicing of Nigeria’s 500,000 – 1million generators, including transporting the fuel to the generators nationwide, consumes as much as 50%+ of the imported fuel.

So really the ramifications of the ‘petroleum refining failure and power failure’ are huge financially. One wonders what are the results of research by NISER, universities social studies departments and private NGOs into Nigeria’s losses from this government incompetence, the cost of which is now transferred to the citizen being to pay for the ‘fictional subsidy’. This subsidy is a cover-up fund for government’s ‘Corruption, Incompetence and Negligence, CIN, in the power and oil sector.

Did Nigeria also go into Liberia and Sierra Leone to protect the round-tripping of ‘oil to fuel’ to a refinery in the West Coast of Africa supposed owned by a Nigerian Head of State? In Abuja this week, Nigeria is exploring its international role and patting itself on the back for the Peace-keeping in Congo in the 60s to ECOMOG with it 3,000-8,000 dead Nigerians in West Africa.

In 2011, there should be no fuel price increase until two things are done - until we are self-sufficient in petroleum refining and until we have 24 hour electric power silencing Nigerian generators. Self-sufficiency in petroleum would have a huge secondary product spin-off. In addition to producing our fuel, kerosene and petrol, it would provide the 30 or more other saleable products we abandon in those countries, or also import at a cost, which would feed our petroleum jelly, plastic, machine lubrication production industry which would not need to be imported. We are denied ‘local content and local production’ – ruining our job creation and entrepreneurial skills programmes aimed at poverty reduction. In fact the round-tripping of our oil is costing Fellow Nigerians many more billions than the N1trillion+ reported and also self-respect as a nation and the job losses.

Nigeria is not only ‘Paradise Lost’. It is a ‘Petroleum Products Paradise Lost’ and at huge cost. Brazil and Venezuela are examples we should emulate. There are small refineries

available which would quickly decentralise production and reduce sabotage impact. Local refining would reduce port congestion. More jobs would bring prosperity, reduce terrorist opportunities and cost of many petroleum items and also reduce our import bill by N1trillion plus.

In fact the export of refined products, even to West Africa would be another huge export earner for Nigeria, following ‘wonder’ gas earnings – remember we used to flare gas? But Ghana is building its refinery to fill the gap abandoned by Nigeria. Perhaps we will import petroleum products from Ghana? Hurray, at least one country can prove Africans are not all incompetent!

The financial evil burden that Nigerian governments have inflicted on Nigerians through round-tripping of ‘oil to fuel’ is more than the N1trillion plus ‘fuel subsidy’ burden. It is also trillions in losses from petroleum products like jelly and plastic et cetera.

Nigeria’s billionaires have been forced to see railways as necessary for cement exports if not for people transport. Can Dangote build railways so coveted as a federal matter and feudal federalism has always refused states any railway planning permission? So Dangote and his billions are bigger than Nigerian states? Money is good O! From private port concessions to private railways! Did he give out ‘Flood Relief’ to get states to support ‘Dangote Cement Railway’ when the states had been denied already?

Billionaires should also back refining petroleum in Nigeria or watch Nigeria’s further decay denting their future fortune. Nigeria cannot refine oil abroad forever!

‘In 2011, there should be no fuel price increase until two things are done - until we are self-sufficient in petroleum refining and until we have 24 hour electric power silencing Nigerian generators’

This ‘subsidy’ stuff social media.

From Tunisia to Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Syria, the beat has not stopped. Even the so-called developed economies are having a taste of the pudding. Britain was submerged in a wide riot over extrajudicial killing by the police a few months ago. By the time the riots subsided, many businesses had been looted and or gone up in flames.

In New York, the everbusy Brooklyn Bridge was occupied a few weeks back by protesters who rose up to protest loss of jobs through manipulation on Wall Street, America’s financial hub.

They went by the name “Occupy Wall Street”. Though the movement has no clear leader or leaders, it all bore the full imprimatur of a spontaneous reaction to a common problem. Copy cats of the protests have sprung up in many cities across the United States. It is growing every day and volunteers are turning in food and drinks to keep the protests going and glowing.

In Greece, Spain and other European countries, the people have also been taking to the streets to protest harsh economic conditions. No government palliatives or promises seem to be enough to dissuade them. As it is, it is as if the biblical prediction of an end to the world is fast approaching. There is nowhere on this earth that is not undergoing one form of trauma or another.

It could be economic, political, social or even security disequilibrium.

Both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, IMF, have hinted of another round of

‘To be frank, with all the inherent anomalies in the system, the issue of subsidy removal is not a good option to contemplate at this time’.

economic recession which may be tougher than the one experienced globally in 2008. Just at a time when people thought the worst was over, we are being inundated that harder days are ahead. The IMF has confessed that, unlike before, it might not have enough to bail out countries from the anticipated financial crisis.

Back home in Nigeria, the government is faced with the tough task of removing subsidy on petrol as a bail-out formula from the imminent economic crisis. For a country that spends about 80 percent of annual budget on recurrent expenditure, perhaps, it is time to tighten the belt and prevent leakages. The plan to remove the subsidy on petroleum products was contained in the 2012-2015 Medium Term Fiscal Framework and Medium Expenditure Framework unveiled by the Federal Government at the National Assembly a fortnight ago.

Subsidy, as we all know, is the bane of development and economic growth. An unsubsidized economy will translate to more money in the coffers of government to carry out developmental programmes. But if past experiences are anything to go by, Nigerians have long come to identify unbridled corruption and wanton wastage of available resources as a major hindrance to development in the country. Therefore, if the government is bent on removing subsidy under this regime of thievery and wastage, there is no guarantee that the country will witness any appreciable economic growth and development. I stand to be corrected.

I do not quarrel with any measure to firm up our wobbling and voodoo economy. The withdrawal of fuel subsidy, even on the surface value, makes a strong economic sense. Unfortunately, over the years, government officials have been feeding fat on corruption and

other financial sleaze. Whenever the chips are down, it is the poor, miserable, ordinary Nigerians that bear the brunt. Since 1976, when the first belt-tightening measures, otherwise known as “austerity measures”, were rolled out, it has been the poor and downtrodden that have been worst affected. That was the year the Peugeot 504 class of vehicles replaced the opulent Mercedes Benz cars as official vehicles. If it was meant to demonstrate government’s sensitivity to the needs of the economy, the gain from that exercise (if any) was soon eroded by under-the-table deals by unscrupulous government officials and collaborators. The Peugeot cars of those days have since been replaced with SUVs and bullet-proof vehicles.

As it is today, labour leaders across the country are guarding their loins for a titanic fight over this subsidy stuff. Many prominent Nigerians, including irrepressible Tam David-West, a professor, former Petroleum Minister and a man who should be in the know, have all dismissed the issue of petroleum subsidy as a ruse or a smokescreen designed to hoodwink an unsuspecting public. Not even the government’s argument in favour of subsidy removal that the money will be used for the provision of infrastructure has changed anything. The question is: since petroleum products’ prices started on its upward journey many years ago, can the government point to a subsisting infrastructural development? I am sure the showcase for this is the array of nouveau rich in our midst, majority of who made their money by cutting corners and circumventing the law.

Leakages in revenue collection, mismanagement and wastage of resources coupled with the out-ofthis-world lifestyle of government officials have become the character

Dele Agekameh of governance in the country for several decades. Successive governments have always preached an end to all these evils. However, as soon as they settle down, they are quickly immersed in greater evils.

We are talking of a country that has not provided security in the midst of the greatest insecurity ever witnessed in this part of the world; we are talking of a country that has not provided good roads; a country that does not have electricity; a country whose educational system is comatose; where there is colossal waste in the process of governance; where the comfort of its citizens has never been planned for at all, not to talk of being properly planned for; and where medical facilities are nonexistent.

To be frank, with all the inherent anomalies in the system, the issue of subsidy removal is not a good option to contemplate at this time.

If subsidy must be removed at all, there is the need to put all the necessary infrastructures in place and all avenues for corruption must be plugged. Otherwise, it is the poor that will continue to suffer from the sins of vision-impaired governments.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOMBER 12, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘FROM THE CELL PHONE ‘Some Nigerians want the president to spill blood as the then presidents. They have forgotten what God promised this nation. The so-called Boko Haram cannot do more than they have done. Thanks for your concern. From Ajibike Ayo, Ese-Odo, Ondo State.

You gave me cause for laughter today (Sunday). It’s a beautiful piece. God bless you. From Imoh’

•Buhari

For Olatunji Dare We are in a very precarious situation in this country. As for your suggestion that we go back to the drawing board, I am not sure there is any drawing board to go back to. Cheers!

From Festus Uwakwem, Abuja If Buhari were the President of Nigeria, the Boko Haram palaver wouldn’t have been heard. The secret therein is that a Christian is the President. From Lengshak L. Lengshak, Jos Sir, no doubt Nigeria needs sound intellectuals like you to pilot the affairs of this nation. Your write-ups are always rich, educative, transformative and inspiring. Please kindly inform (Badluck Jonathan) that Nigerians are tired of listening to his poorly prepared speech. From the nonsense he was reading on the screen, I think we should investigate him over his qualification. Events have proven that he lacks the merit of a former (academic). If OBJ de laugh, me I de cry and I am sure Nigerians are equally crying. When will the PDP baberians turn lemon into lemonade for (ordinary) citizens? From E. M. Esomchukwu, Imo State Thanks for the article Dare, keep it up. From Ailenubhi Ehis, Edo State.

Re: Neither Pharaoh nor Goliath by the President. Nigerians are being taken for a ride.The Government has no human face.

Goliath and Pharao’s are even better than the President’s system of Governance. No good roads, no security of any nature, armed robbery and untimely deaths are on the increase, hardship is boldly written on the faces of Nigerians. Joblessness without solution and many more of unpleasant treatments. Nigeria and the Nigerians are in a ship without a sailor. No purposeful direction better than that of Goliath or Pharaoh. May God deliver us from visionless and banal leaders. From Pastor Odunmbaku.

Dear Dare, I want to assure you that Jonathan cannot do anything against Boko Haram; their paymasters are his co-mainstream political apostles. If Boko Haram had originated from the opposition camp like southwest, heavens would have fallen on them. Anonymous.

Re: ‘Boko Haram’s lengthening shadow’.

For how long will the Federal Government continue to subject its citizens to the fear of Boko Haram? It is as if Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is in a condition of a traveller that has all his journey to begin. He has much to learn, which he has never been taught; and more, I fear, to unlearn, which he has been taught erroneously about this country. What Boko Haram and other similar groups are asking for, through toy bombs is a mere true federalism.They simply want to ‘freely determine how they will be governed, and by whom’. Adegoke O. O., Ikhin, Owan East L/G Edo State.

Re: Boko Haram’s lengthening shadow.

Henceforth, we should not be seeing even a scratch of Boko Haram’s disturbances not to talk of destructions. It’s high time President nipped such an insect in the bud. Honestly, the President should revert from his statement of ‘I don’t have to be a lion to rule this country effectively’. He has to be a lion under Nigeria’s present situation. When we get things right, democracy will be with us at its best without being lionic. Things are spoiling fast. Gentleness will not get us right now.

When will they help us with infrastructure, security? From Lanre O.

Sir pls worry not yourself about the President and blame no speech-writer for his ineptitude. If d speech was insipid, what about the cartoonistic posture? For God’s sake, must our President look like an Igbo-Uku statute before reading a brief write-up? May be he should have asked the like of Netanyahu at the UN what it takes. Haba!

From Chris, Jos I read with interest your comments concerning the activities of Boko Haram. The develpment seems to be greater than the President’s managerial scope. It is disheartening that the most educated President has refused to thoroughly read the constitution and put into use the powers vested on him. If I may advise Mr President, he should change his style for governance is not a sentimental thing. From Samson Dear Tunji, you have hit the nail on the head in your column titled ‘Boko Haram’s lengthening shadow.’ Please, I want we Okun writers to dissipate energy on issues affecting Okun people at home. We have no other place to call home. Silas Ajagun, Ilorin.

Dr., our President is a pretender, he said his government can’t be intimidated by Boko Haram, yet te independence anniversary was held in Aso Rock instead of Eagle square, the usual venue. Who is fooling who? From Alh. Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan.

Greetings. Really, PDP is one family indeed.

The choice of Chief Yomi Awoniyi as Deputy Governor- designate is most appropriate. It is a proper step towards reconciliation of all agrieved parties. Kudos. From Oloye Femi Musa Segun Gbadegesin Congratulations for all your wonderful and most inspiring write-ups in The Nation newspapers on Fridays. I believe you should compile all of them into volumes of books as a legacy for generations. As an Oke-Ogun man myself, I feel very proud of you. Are you permanently resident in Nigeria now? I hope to be able to meet with you some day. From Barr. Abdur-raheem Adebayo Shittu Dear Gbadegesin, kudos to you for your insighful piece “Life more abundant”. There is a huge oversight in it, nonetheless, I expected that credit should have been accorded our erudite Governor Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State who started this life changing mission but you sounded as though it is epochal with Sen. Ajimobi. Dr. Fasawe of Lagos State, Min. Of Health is the true founder, creator and potter you would agree. Be kind to note this in all aspects of youur life. From Shalom Ginny You must go with coloured camera to note the differences. Anonymous I read your article on ‘Life more abundant’ in The Nation . I am very proud of the good job of Oyo State Governor, let him keep it up, well done. From Otunba Akinnayajo Dear Gbadegesin, your piece was quite touching, most especialy the heart wrenching story of your grandma, I am from Ogbomoso, my late father was a known politician in my town, but I lost interest in politics due to the attitude of our politicians, but your story have made me pick special interest in our Governor. If all our politicians can provide the basic amenities to the citizens, life would have been better. You have won my heart.Thanks. From Sola Aboderin I read your write-up twice on the topic at fifty-one, I couldn’t understood you, could it be termed a rhetorical essay? From Nsikak, Ikom, Cross River State.

We are also convinced that with you as an adviser to our Governor, Oyo State is destined now towards a rapid socio-physical developmental phase in her chequered history. Ibarapa Central LGA is currently feeling the fragrance from the scent of the political progressivism in the state. We are appreciative of your joint-effort in rebuilding the state since the fall of the vainglorious mainstreamers, the enemies of social stabil-

ity. From Prince Oloyede Adeoye.

Oh sir, you are now S. Adviser to Ajimobi.The frequency with which columnists get political jobs is a bit worrisome. I hope its not reward for job, well done. Anonymous For Omotoso Gbenga The Nation, leave Jonathan alone. If the man is an orator like Obama, you will say he is a liar. If he used Eagle Square on october 1, and something happened, you would say but they warned him. By the way, how can you ask him to take a deadly action to convince you that he is on top of security situation.

The fear of Boko Haram is the begining of his wisdom. Let this man operate in any style he well chooses, all we are interested in is promise land and if he is not capable, the end of four years is almost here. From Gabriel Olanrewaju.

Do you know that from all the accounts of governors having cases with CCB published

by Thisday last week, the President has “prima facie” a more damnable case than Tinubu.

And yet his attorney general was not circumspect. It is a pity. From J. D. Ebune, esq.

Abuja.

Hello Gbenga. Just read your piece. A leading polititian boasted in the last PDP convention that if he lost Nigeria would be made ungovernable. A leading member of Boko Haram was reported also to have talked freely to press and met with IG without being instantly arrested and prosecuted. We don’t need a Pharaoh or Nebucdnesah before some decisive decisions are taken and some people are fired from their jobs. From Dapo Akinyemi, Abuja Gbenga, thanks for the comentary, you have spoken my mind on the state of the nation.

Please can any thing ever go right the FOI bill can only be sustainable if the senate will rush in introducing removal of immunity section of the constitution than be busy making prostitution legal.The immunity section is a hinderance to any good governce.

Anonymous Dear gbenga, your article titled ‘Just before October 1’ is a master piece. You are really endowed. I think Mr President has failed Nigerians more than 100 days in office with nothing to show for it, no developmental measures in place, inability to tackle insecurity or any social problem of any kind.

Nigeria needs a President that is brave, bold, a lion hearted to face all the problems facing it. Mr President should borrow the lion’s boldness and act like a real man for once.

From Abdulazeez Marindoti, Kano State Editor, readers are tired of reading of how President refused to be a General or Pharaoh.Write on Power, Unemployment, Security and Human angle stories and profer solutions to them. From PAT My Editor, I am sure you know we are the way we are because we usually have a pack of loafers at the helm in our nation. They call themselves ‘leaders’ but we know they are ‘dealers!’. The problem is, they think we don’t know. The height of foolishness don’t you think? But our day shall come and it ‘ll be ‘The longest day!’. Have a good day. Regards.

From Olu. Gbenga, don’t you think those critics against GEJ are correct? For God’s sake we want to see performance. He should justify the people’s investment of vote that brought him to power. We are tired of his slow motion style. Anonymous Oga Gbenga, I salute. Is it Jacob Abdullahi or Jimoh Abdullahi? Jimoh Ibrahim er sorry Jimoh Abdullahi your foot! Anonymous Egbon Gbenga, your ‘Just Before October 1’ maulled our Lamb President beyond any political rebrand (repairs?). Although, I believe Jonathan is a Kolokolo eyeing, with all the Obasanjo type of greed in him, tenure elongation! From Wole St.Jones, Lagos

• Jonathan

Dear Gbenga, In brief, if we do not convene a sovreign national conference to discuss and sort out issues concerning Nigeria, especially concerning how we hope to coexist, then our journey ahead will be frought with confusion as you can see. Anonymous Sir, your article of 6th of October was riddled with expression of words nearly crack my ribs with laugther. Sir you are a genius, keep the flag flying. From Jide ‘Just before October 1’ Gbenga! Gbenga!!

Gbenga!!! Is all I could say after reading your piece. I follow you. Anonymous For Tunji Adegboyega Tunji, I have just finished reading your write-up titled “Who wants Jonathan dead”?

To start with, almost everything is politicised in this country. When I read a write-up, I easily know the camp that the writer belongs.

That explains why I avoid The Tribune and The Nation newspapers. The former propagates PDP and castigates opposition while the latter propagates ACN and rubbishes anything the ruling party does (just as you have done this morning (Sunday, Oct 9). If the president had come from your camp, you would have eulogised him and see a nonparallel sense in taking the stand Jonathan took on the Independence Day. You would have criticised him if he had celebrated elaborately. His approach to the Boko Haram menace is good. Wisdom wins battle and not force.

His gentility is not timidity, gullibility or imbecility. Note that this is a democratic setting and Nigeria is highly sensitive and volatile. From Comrade Zico, Ibadan.

Well, if you were the president, what would you have done on October 1? And, by the way, from your column on October 9, I guess you gave Boko Haram an upper hand. Such a thing, to my mind, fuels terrorism. At times, you media people just seem to ginger them up! There are even sociological reports supporting this. You can research into the media and crime. Sorry for sending this text at this time of the night. Thanks. God dey. From Anonymous.

Goodluck is neither good nor lucky. His government is spineless and unsteady in the face of tepid opposition by faceless and hardly organised goons. The man is lily-livered and clueless. His presidency will amount to nothing. Thank you. From Anonymous.

Tunji, your piece “Who wants Jonathan dead”? is comical and instructive enough for the president’s aides to note. More ink to your pen. From Anonymous.

Some Nigerians want the president to spill blood as the then presidents. They have forgotten what God promised this nation. The so-called Boko Haram cannot do more than they have done. Thanks for your concern.

From Ajibike Ayo, Ese-Odo, Ondo State.

You gave me cause for laughter today (Sunday). It’s a beautiful piece. God bless you.

From Imoh.

I cannot help admiring your write-ups: deep, witty, factual, thought-provoking and all. You really made my day with Sunday’s masterpiece. From Lekan Adejuwon.

Kindly check your record. The October 1 threat was not from Boko Haram but MEND and MEND people are the president’s kinsmen. Please keep Boko Haram out of this; it was a fight of brothers. From Anonymous.

May God bless you endlessly for Sunday’s write-up; I enjoyed it as usual. From Musa, Unilorin.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

NPL shifts Enyimba/Kaduna Utd tie to October 19

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HE rescheduled Nigeria Premier League (NPL) Week 33 tie between CAF Champions League campaigner, Enyimba FC and Kaduna United slated for today 12th October, 2011 has been shifted by a week and shall now come up next week Wednesday at the behest of the Peoples Elephant’s which has a crucial continental encounter with Wydad Athletic Casablanca (WAC) of Morocco this weekend NPL has stated.

Enyimba lost its fourth match on the trot in all competitions last Sunday when the Aba Millionaires caved in to a 38th minute penalty kick converted by Enugu Rangers’ Ifeanyi Egwin at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and with the second leg of the semi final tie of the CAF Champions League barely four days away, the League Holders have asked for the fixture to be delayed in order for total concentration on the make or break second leg cracker.

The Peoples Elephant fell by the odd goal in Morocco about a fortnight ago and as

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri the club seeks to overturn the goal deficit at the slaughter slab at Aba the NPL has yielded to the pleas of the twice African Champions to have the postponed match rearranged for a later date.

The acting executive secretary of the league body, Tunji Babalola opined that, “The NPL has shifted the rescheduled Week 33 fixture between Enyimba and Kaduna United to 19th October, 2011 to allow the club ample time to prepare for the second leg of their Champions League semi final cracker with WAC of Morocco. The Week 35 matches will follow up after that at the weekend of 22nd and 23rd October.

“The NPL hopes that Enyimba will use this gesture to bring smiles back to the faces of already dispirited Nigerians in the aftermath of the Super Eagles non qualification for the African Cup of Nations in 2012.”

NFF accepts players’ apology N

IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) president Aminu Maigari yesterday morning accepted the Super Eagles apology for failing to qualify for the African Nations Cup. "We have accepted your apology, let us put it behind us," Maigari told the

LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS QUALIFIER

Eucharia to decamp Falcons on Sunday T

HE number of invited players to the country’s senior female national team, Super Falcons’ camp currently training in Abuja for the crucial London 2012 second leg Olympics Qualifier against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon will be pruned down by Sunday this weekend ahead of the team’s trip to the Central African on Wednesday 19th October this week an official of the team has informed NationSport.

Falcons which had participated at every edition of the Olympic Games’ Women’s Football Event ever since it debuted in 2000 in Sydney, Australia are in race against time to protect a narrow 2-1 win got in Abuja when the initial leg was played on August 28th.

•Eucharia

•As team Cameroon October 19

departs for Wednesday

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri Towards getting the result that will give another Olympic berth to Nigeria in Cameroon,The chief coach of the team, Uche Eucharia invited 27 players to camp with further six foreign professionals being awaited from Europe.

With the October 22nd date for the return leg in Yaounde just days away, the technical crew of the team has slated Sunday October 16th as the day set aside to prune down on the numerical strength of the players in camp ahead of the arrival of foreign based early next week.

In the same vein, players and officials of the Falcons will depart for Cameroon next Wednesday 19th October in time for the Saturday October 22nd tie.

When the initial leg was played at Abuja National Stadium in August Perpetua Nkwocha and Ebere Orji raced Nigeria to a 2-0 lead before mix up between defender Osinachi Ohale and goaltender, Precious Dede handed Cameroon a goal on the platter.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Enyimba prepares for WAC in Enugu •Returns to Aba on Friday •As North African club storms Nigeria Thursday

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N its bid to leave ‘No stone unturned’ in the quest to qualify for the final of the CAF Champions League and thus halt a four-match winless streak, Enyimba Football Club of Aba has started residential training camp in Enugu and will only return to Aba for the final part of the preparation for the second leg of the semi final duel on Friday.

Enyimba played a delayed league encounter last Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium which the club lost 01 and instead of rallying its troop back immediately to Aba the handlers of the 2003 and 2004 CAF Champions League winners decided it was best for the team to remain in Enugu for preparation for the Sunday’s encounter to be devoid of distraction.

Making this known toNationSport, Enyimba’s midfield enforcer, Eneji Otekpa stated that the players were in high spirit and have begun intense preparation for second leg affair in Enugu after their loss to Rangers adding that the team would storm Aba on Friday ahead of the crunch tie billed for Sunday.

Enyimba lost 0-1 in Morocco courtesy of an 89th minute decider and a victory

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri of two goal margin at the dreaded Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday by 3pm will book the team’s passage to the final for the first time since 2004 when the club defeated Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia on penalties to successfully defend the crown won a year earlier at the expense of Egyptian giants, Ismaila FC. Meanwhile, Enyimba of Nigeria’s CAF Champions League opponents in the second leg semi final tie, Wydad Athletic Casablanca (WAC) of Morocco will arrive Nigeria Thursday in time for the Sunday’s encounter with the Nigerian champions.

The media officer of the Peoples Elephant, Farriel Allaputa made this known in a brief chat with NationSport.

Besides seeking to overturn a 0-1 arrears at Aba, Enyimba will also be daring to avenge Kano Pillars loss to same Moroccan side during the second round of the same club competition which ended 2-0 in the North African side’s favour while WAC on its part wants to get the ticket to the final as a way of compensating for counterparts and neighbours , Raja Casablanca, defeat to the Nigerian side.

•Maigari

squad on Tuesday morning. "That one is gone. Let us be focused on the present challenge, which is this game.

Today's game is like a World Cup Final to us. It’s a game of pride to Nigeria.

"If we win this match, it will douse some of the abuse back home. After the match on Saturday, there was some disturbance and breach of the peace at the stadium.

"All in the course of showing unhappiness at that match.No, people are watching to see what you will do in this game. So, it has so many ramifications and you have to make amends by winning."

Maigari also commended the players for playing well against Guinea.

"You played very well, nobody can argue that. But you were unlucky.

"Nobody will tell you that Nigeria didn’t play well, if they are honest.

But we know that because you did not pick up the ticket, people will say you didnt play well. But we know better."

2012 OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS

CAF offers Nigeria right to host •As NFF gives October 20 to decide

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OLLOWING the withdrawal of Egypt from the hosting of the final round of the 2012 Olympic football tournament scheduled for next month, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has contacted Nigeria to host it.

The first-ever CAF Under-23 championships is to determine teams for next year's Olympics in London scheduled to take place from November 26 to December 10.

A reliable source from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that CAF had already contacted the GlassHouse over the new development, but that no definite

Osaze not for surgery –Hodgson

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EST BROM boss Roy Hodgson has dismissed reports that Nigerian striker Osaze Odemwinigie is set for an ankle operation. The Baggies boss said the striker is set to face Wolves in the English Premier League clash on Sunday.

Super Eagles’ press officer, Colin Udoh had on Sunday through press release revealed that Osaze had been released from the Super Eagles’ camp ahead of yesterday's international friendly with Ghana in Watford for surgery in Amsterdam today.

Hodgson admits that Odemwingie is travelling to Holland but he is set to see a specialist along with Zoltan Gera for a routine check up.

"There is no question of an operation for Peter," said Hodgson.

"The doctor, Mark Gillett, has a very good relationship with him and whenever Peter has a poor game he

looks to his ankle. That's what he's been doing ever since I've been at the club, and whenever things aren't going his way and he's not in top form he looks at his ankle.

"I don't know what happened in the Nigeria game but I do know they didn't qualify, which must be a disaster for a country of Nigeria's status. For one of the top five countries in Africa not to qualify must be a big blow and I would imagine the criticism at the moment there must be enormous, and I'm sure Peter once again has looked to his ankle.

"But there is no question of him needing an operation. The doctor is going with 'Zolly' tomorrow to have a final check-up. Zolly has been training really well and everything looks perfect so he's going with Zolly to a specialist in Amsterdam (Wednesday) just to get the

confirmation that everything is fine now from one of the top specialists in the world.

"Zolly will get that back-up and I think he will do the same with Peter.

He will take him to the specialist who will say 'it's not a problem, keep going'. All Peter needs is a couple of good games and a couple of goals and then he will be as right as rain again."

By Bimbo Adesina reply has been given whether Nigeria will be able to take the challenges of hosting the tournament.

"We have received a message from CAF for Nigeria to host the Eight Nation tournament. But we have replied them to give us till October 20 to decide and reply the request," the source said.

The source also said Nigeria may no be willing to host the tourney following what CAF did to the country when it bidded to host the 2013 Nations Cup when Libya pulled out last month.

The Egyptian Football Association withdrew due to security reasons, with the country's parliamentary elections taking place in the aftermath of the country's ongoing political conflict.

The fragile transition from the rule of president Hosni Mubarak resulted in the deaths of 25 people and injury of 300 in religious unrest in central Cairo on Sunday.

Nigeria and Algeria initially bidded to host the tournament before Egypt won the right.

Nigeria is in Group B alongside Senegal, Morocco and Algeria while Group B include South Africa, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Gabon.

Chelsea Scout commends Copa CocaCola Nigerian Dream Team performance

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HE Chelsea FC International Development Manager and lead football scout, Ian Woodrough, has commended the Nigerian Dream Team for their exceptional performance at the just concluded Copa Coca-Cola African International Football tournament, which earned them the silver medal.

The International Development manager and football scout spoke at the tournament finals held at the Chelsea FC football training ground, Cohbam, London. He linked the impressive performance of the Nigerian Dream Team to Copa CocaCola’s provision of an amazing and holistic experience. He noted that the team’s opportunity to interact with other nations, to experience English culture, watch premier league games and meet Chelsea FC players demonstrates that Copa Coca-Cola is the quintessential grassroots football tournament with gold standards.

“The Nigerian team has a wealth of ace players. They were very well organised and well behaved and have exceptional skills for boys that were discovered at the grassroots. The talents in this team alone have been truly impressive. They will only be furthered by the knowledge gained from the training sessions they had with Chelsea FC and the tournament itself. The whole opportunity will serve as a fulfilled lifetime experience thanks to Copa Coca-Cola’s commitment to discovering raw talent at the grassroots level, which

should be applauded and emulated,” Woodrough said.

The two-day football tournament featured 74 optimistic young boys, grouped into five teams, from across ten African countries - Algeria, Mauritius, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Lesotho and Nigeria. They all came with the same resolve and goal in mind: opening up to the game and winning the trophy.

The Nigerian Dream Team also known as Team Mikel, and the “Nigerian scoring machine”, quickly earned their scoring reputation after decimating Team Kalu (Zimbabwe and Swaziland) 5-0, despite having just disembarked from their 7 hour flight to the UK. The following match played against Team Essien (Malawi) saw a 3-1 win and the semi-finals saw a 6-0 victory against Team Maluda (Algeria, Mauritius and Madagascar).

Their winning streak ended in a heart-breaking 2-0 loss to Team Drogba, (Zambia, Namibia and Lesotho) but they walked away with the silver medal and went on to win the beach football tournament the next day.

Coca-Cola and football are global symbols of celebration, happiness, and optimism. Over the years, CocaCola and football have had a unanimous association, one that boils down to recognizing and celebrating the true spirit of man, especially the youth: the ability to endure, excel and exceed standards.

•Action on the pitch as Team Mikel defeat Team Kalu 5-1 at Chelsea FC of England training pitch recently

Onigbinde cites reasons for Nations Cup ouster

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ORMER Nigeria coach, Adegboye Onigbinde has attributed the elimination of the Super Eagles from the 2012 AFCON to a faulty football structure in the country.

Onigbinde, a CAF instructor, told SuperSport.com that the failure of the Nigerian men’s national team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations is “unfortunate.” But the FIFA technical advisor pointed out that the lack of a developmental plan for Nigeria’s football is one of the major reasons for the dwindling fortune of the sport in the West African nation.

“I cannot imagine that we will not be at the Nations Cup,” Onigbinde began. “It is so unfortunate that the team will not be at the Nations Cup and that affects me as a Nigerian I must be sincere with you.

“But the present scenario tells you a lot of what has happened to our football over the years. Our best footballing years are behind us. We have failed to build on our successes

•Onigbinde

in the past because we are always in a hurry to win everything, and we missed putting up developmental plans in place.”

Onigbinde also pointed out that the problem with Nigerian football can be traced to the stakeholders.

He also questioned the nonexistence of a technical department in the football house, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“I remembered when I was appointed coach in 1982, a group of ex-international players stood up to

question my appointment, but later they found out about my track record.

The truth is the technical department of our football has been toyed with over the years and that is why we have seen this drop in the game in this country,” Onigbinde said.

However, the former 3SC sole administrator proffered that Nigeria can start a long-term developmental plan from the home front.

He pointed out that “development of the game should take place from the grassroots to the league.”

Minister inaugurates 8-man Committee •As WADA slams Nigeria's anti-doping agencies

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HE Minister of sports, Yusuf Suleiman has inaugurated an 8-man National Committee on Tuesday to oversee claims by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)that the internationally stipulated guidelines for antidoping administration as laid down in the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) is considered inadequate in Nigeria.

Brig. General Johnny Hamakin who is an executive member of the Nigeria Olympic Committee has been listed on the Committee which also has Dr. A.K Amao(NOC Med. & Scientific Comm.) on board.

Others are Dr. Ken. Anugweje(NOC Med. & Scientific Comm.), Dr. Ibrahim Dangana(NOC Med. & Scientific Comm.), Dr. A.M. Mu’Azu (NSC Sports Medicine Dept.), Dr. L.U. Okpara (NDLEA) Mr. J.J. Dada ( Federal Ministry of Education) and a representative of NAFDAC.

By Stella Bamawo The National Sports Commission(NSC) will provide administrative and institutional support to facilitate the work of the Committee. In addition, the Committee is empowered with the following Terms of Reference: work on the necessary executive and legislative instruments for the establishment of a National AntiDoping Organisation (NADO) as an Extra-Ministerial Department/ Agency that would promote and coordinate the National AntiDoping Programme in line with WADC; institutionalize the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Sub-Committee and Result Management Sub-Committee in accordance with procedures in the WADC and International Standards for TUEs; protect athletes and other participants in sports in Nigeria by providing a level playing field for all to participate; promote dopingfree sports in all its ramifications in Nigerian Sport; establish consistent standards of anti-doping policy, testing and education across Nigeria; promote long term antidoping preventive measures through effective school education and information awareness programme of activities; identify and cut the supply and distribution chain of prohibited substances in sport by collaborating with relevant agencies to institute appropriate regulatory process/mechanism; encourage and build upon national and international harmonization of anti-doping in sport; liaise with the National Sports Federations to ensure anti-doping standards in their sporting activities.

This Committee has no specific time frame as it serves in the interim as NADO. However, it would cease to function once it has successfully ensured the establishment of an independent and legislatively backed NADO. The specific functions of the Committee have been articulated and would be provided to members at its inaugural meeting.

Meanwhile, the establishment of the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) is a mandatory provision of the Code and its legally enabling document, the UNESCO Convention Against Doping in Sports. As a signatory to these mentioned documents, Nigeria is obligated to implementing their mandatory provisions. The NADO is expected to be an independent statutory Agency with necessary administrative structure that will ensure the implementation of other mandatory provisions of the Code and consequently initiate and coordinate all national anti-doping activities and programs.

Furthermore, the certification and accreditation of the country’s National Anti-Doping Laboratory to which enormous financial resources have been committed is dependent on the establishment of this Agency.

Low-key celebration for Ideye

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ROWN IDEYE turned 23 on Monday, and despite their unhappy cloud hanging over the Super Eagles squad after their elimination from the African Nations Cup tournament, the squad still found time to wish the striker a happy birthday.

Ideye was presented with a birthday cake designed as a green Nigeria jersey, with his name on it.

The squad sang 'Happy birthday' and prayed for him before he cut his cake, to applause.

Earlier in the week, skipper Joseph Yobo was presented with a jersey signed by the squad members in celebration of his own birthday last month.

Yobo turned 31 on September 6, while the team were in Bangladesh to take on Argentina.

The defender had left the squad to return to Turkey where he signed a fresh one-year loan deal with champions Fenerbahce.

•Ideye

EIGHT NATION CHAMPIONSHIP

Dream Team ready for challenge

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ECHNICAL crew of the National Under-23 team, otherwise known as the Dream Team V says it’s not perturbed over the sudden withdrawal

by Egypt to host the upcoming inaugural CAF 8-Nation championship which will serve as the final Olympic qualifying phase.

Egypt was picked ahead of Nigeria and South Africa by the Confederation of Africa football to host the Eight-Nations but the Northern African country reportedly reneged on the rights following turmoil in the country.

“We are not disturbed over the news of Egypt’s withdrawal, we want to remain focused on the task ahead and that is to qualify our fatherland for the London 2012 Olympics” said assistant coach Ben Iroha.

Goalkeeper coach, Alloy Agu reechoed, Ben’s Position saying “wherever they take the tournament to our task is to build a formidable team to qualify this country to the Olympics which is a must” he declared.

On the possibility of Nigeria hosting, Coach Ben Iroha added that “It would of course be an advantage but we don’t want to focus on who host right now, the Federation would handle that while we do the business on the pitch”.

Nigeria is in Group B alongside Morocco, Algeria and Senegal.

Egypt is in Group A with Gabon, South Africa and Cote d’ Ivoire.

The championship will be on a roundrobin basis with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

The First three teams would pick automatic tickets for London 2012 while the fourth placed team would engage an Asian team in playoff.

The Dream Team V begins its campaign against Morocco on 27th November.

BENEVOLENCE

PROJECT

INNOVATION

Firm fetes needy children

Fed Govt approves N10b for irrigation

Nigerian vehicle makes a debut

Oyo

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Jigawa

28

Abuja

38

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

Page 25

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ELP has come for patients of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a disease that results from pelvic tissue injuries and ruptured bladder, a fall-out of prolonged and obstructed labour. In Kebbi State, as well as in a number of other states, advocacy groups are going round the communities sensitising women on the dangers of the disease and its cure.

But in Birnin-Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has stepped up the intervention by donating equipment worth millions of Naira to a VVF centre.

The scourge of fistula is unimaginable. Patients live in agony of unwholesomeness and societal rejection. Urine drips uncontrollably from their genitals, often making them unwelcome in other people’s company. It is a critical reproductive health problem and many women die quietly from it, although it is preventable and treatable.

Women from poor backgrounds are the most affected, just as adolescent girls are particularly susceptible because their pelvis is not fully developed.

More than half a million healthy young African women die each year from pregnancy and childbirth complications, including obstetric fistula.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that globally, over 300 million women are currently suffering from short or long-term complications, with 20 million new cases each year.

Addressing the press shortly after presenting the equipment to the VVF centre, Country Director of USAID on Fistula cases, Mr. Iyeme E. Efem said Kebbi State is the seventh state

•Patients on VVF hospital beds in Birnin-Kebbi

Hope for VVF patients NGO donates equipment to Kebbi hospital Over 5,000 treated bearing without developing VVF From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin-Kebbi

to be visited by the agency, adding that with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health, over 5,000 patients have been treated

through the advocacy.

Iyeme said the aim of the advocacy visit is to enlighten women on the causes of VVF and ways to prevent it. He also said the programme is not only to treat patient but also to achieve child-

in future. Iyeme added that USAID is working in concert with traditional and religious leaders in order to get to the grassroots.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Ahmed

Gulumbe said the state will soon start an enlightenment programme to educate women on the danger of early marriage as well as the need to acquire skills that will enable them to be self-employed.

She said that cases of maternal mortality in the state have reduced drastically, thanks to the advocacy visits to villages. She said 16 VVF pa•Continued on Page 26

Suswam warns troublesome workers

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•Suswam

OVERNOR Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has said he will deal decisively with any civil servant who uses the organised labour platform to foment trouble in the state.

The governor gave the warning in Government House, Makurdi, venue of a meeting with labour leaders. He addressed them on what he termed “inciting documents” allegedly being circulated by them.

He maintained that his administration has already signed an agreement with labour to fully implement the N18,000 minimum wage with effect from November, saying it amounts to criminality for labour leaders to incite workers against government.

He further lamented that some of the labour leaders have allowed them-

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

selves to be used by disgruntled politicians to cause disaffection among civil servants and create crisis in the state, warning that any civil servant who engages in politics must resign from the civil service.

Governor Suswam said the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage has been fixed for November because members of House of Assembly who are currently on recess need time to effectively legislate on the matter, and directed the Head of Service to closely monitor civil servants who double as politicians to enable government take punitive action against them.

Responding, the chairman of Ni-

geria Labour Congress(NLC),Comrade Simon Anchaver expressed surprise that some labour leaders incited civil servants against government when an agreement had already been reached on the issue of minimum wage.

Comrade Anchaver said his leadership had negotiated the best for the civil servants in the state comparable to other states in the North Central zone and warned that NLC would monitor closely workers who want to cause confusion in the state.

On his purported vote of no confidence passed on him by some workers, the NLC boss described it as a huge joke because only chairmen and s ecretaries of organised labour that had powers to remove him from office.

He said his purported removal is coming from those who contested election with him and lost who want to take their pound of flesh out of him, even as he advised workers to return to work as an agreement on the minimum wage has been signed and sealed.

At press time , over 200 labour leaders had signed and passed a vote of no confidence on the NLC chairman Comrade Simon Anchaver. They pronounced him removed from office for allegedly betraying workers over the minimum wage.

But the chairman denied the allegation, saying he negotiated the best for Benue workers and should be commended instead of blackmailed.

Page 25

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

26

Council chief unveils areas of priority

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HE chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area Hon. Ibrahim Babatunde Sanusi has said that only quality and selfless leadership would ensure the country’s growth and development, even as he added that Nigeria’s quest to be among the world’s 20 most developed economies by the year 2020 would be a mirage unless there is hearty commitment to good leadership.

Hon. Sanusi stated this in a chat with Newsextra in his office after activities to mark this year’s 51st Independence anniversary. He noted that Nigeria would be truly great if the visions of the founding fathers are made to materialise by the present crop of

By Chinaka Okoro

leaders.

Earlier in his address during the schools’ march past held at Ijegun Egba Primary School, Satellite Town, Sanusi disclosed that independence translates to “an assertion of manhood; the liberation of the soul, mind and body and becoming masters of our collective destiny.”

Expressing gratitude to the founding fathers for their struggles to liberate their people, he said that “without their committed and selfless service to their father land, we wouldn’t be what and where we are today.”

He, however, regretted that “the promises of independence have not materialised for majority of

During my second tenure, I will make sure that every riverside community in Oriade LCDA has one health centre.

Those that have none will have health centres established for them, and the dilapidated ones will be rehabilitated

Nigerians whose hopes and aspirations were high at the attainment of self rule. The people were hopeful that with self rule, they would enjoy quality education, impressive infrastructural development as well as greater freedom from natural and man-made catastrophes. This does not indicate that our leaders have not been committed to these causes.

There are several inhibiting factors to the attainment of the visions of the nationalists which the present leaders are working hard to address.”

He noted that one of the greatest indexes for development is the level of human capital advancement. He therefore emphasised that the Oriade LCDA places much premium on human capital development, adding that from the inception of his administration; a lot has been put in to lift the LCDA. Reeling off some of his council’s achievements, Hon. Sanusi said: “The Oriade LCDA has not been lucky in terms of robust infrastructural development, and that spurred us to work hard to bring about some level of developments so that our people could enjoy good

Hope for VVF patients •Continued from Page 25

tients have been operated on, while 15 others are awaiting their date with the surgeons.

The Commissioner also appealed to parents to always allow their children to mature fully before giving them out for marriage. She described early marriage and prolonged labour as some causative factors of VVF. She enjoined women, mothers to always visit hospitals whenever they are pregnant. As for those living with the disease, Gulumbe said hope is not lost. Apart from treatment, they can also empower themselves with skills.

The Commissioner for Health Alhaji Shau Sambawa said Kebbi State government will collaborate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in order to curb the disease in the state. He said they have been collaborating with the United Nations International Children’s EmergencyFund (UNICEF) and the Health Ministry to curb maternal mortality.

The commissioner also said the state government has built new general hospitals and upgraded some in the rural areas across the state for the people to have access to medical treatment, adding that the governor has also promised to deploy more medical doctors to VVF centres in BirninKebbi.

The representative of the Federal Ministry of Health Dr. Crist commended the effort of the Women Affairs Ministry for making the VVF Centre active. He described the centre as one of the best in the country. He also advised women to embrace family planning in order to prevent early pregnancy in a situation where early marriage has already taken place.

Some women have lived with

life. The first thing we had to carry out was creation of health awareness for our people so that they would appreciate the relevance and benefits of daily healthy living.

“We had to clear the drainage and sewage tanks for our people for one-and-a-half years free. We also focused on primary healthcare development to ensure that the people were able to access free drugs. This we did through the rehabilitation and equipping of the existing health centres.

Again, we ensured that our youths engaged in competitive sporting activities in Lagos State, among other achievements,” he said.

On education, he disclosed that most primary schools in the area lacked classrooms as most pupils took their lessons under tree shades. “This was a major challenge to the council, and we had to tackle the problem head on by constructing more blocks of classrooms and rehabilitated the dilapidated ones in order to create an environment conducive to teaching and learning,” he stated.

On the areas of priority during his second tenure, the council chairman stated that the riverside communities would receive more attention.

Continuing, he said: “During my second tenure, I will make sure that every riverside community in Oriade LCDA has one health centre. Those that have none will have health centres established for them, and the dilapidated ones will be rehabilitated. I will also ensure that markets are built in each of the communities in the riverside areas.

“For students from the council area who are in tertiary

•Hon. Sanusi

institutions, bursary allowances will be provided for them, even as job creation for our teeming youths will be pursued vigorously. We intend to achieve this through public-private partnership with some going concerns operating in the council area.”

For the upland areas of the council, Hon. Sanusi promised to upgrade all link roads for ease of movement, even as he pledged to continue the quarterly social security package for senior citizens from the age 70 years and above to enable them to have a sense of belonging after putting in their best in the process of societal development.

High point of the event was presentation of prizes to Local Government Nursery/Primary School 11 Kirikiri Town, Satellite Town Nursery and Primary School 1, and LASA United Nursery and Primary School, Ibeshe which took third; second and first positions respectively during the schools’ march past exercise.

Sokoto pilgrims commence Hajj

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HE first batch of Saudi-bound pilgrims from Sokoto State has commenced the exercise.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko addressed 250 members of the first batch, urging them to pray fervently for peace and prosperity of the country while in the holy land of Mecca.

The governor made the call while at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto to witness the departure of the pilgrims including those from Wamakko, his home town.

Hajj is one of the fundamentals of the five pillars of Islam which every

•A VVF patient

the disease for more than 10 years, thinking there is no remedy. They spoke on their plight.

Alidu Abibata, the second wife of a man from Argungu, said she had fistula after going through three different surgeries and lost all the babies. Her husband divorced her when he could not cope with the stench emanating from her.

“All relatives deserted me and I was in a total mess,” she said. “It got to a time that I wanted to kill myself and leave this world. To live in an uncomfortable situation like this and lose all friends, relatives and most importantly a husband whom you think you could rely on in times of trouble was most unpleasant. But thanks to Almighty Allah, I am well. I never

thought I would be well again,” she said, with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Abdullahi Zainabu from Niger Republic developed the disease after a prolonged labour during her sixth pregnancy. She later went for surgery.

She said: “My in-laws drove me out of the house. They said I have been cursed for being unfaithful to my husband and therefore must confess. It was a terrible experience to walk around with a catheter or wearing pampers at this age,” she said.

Ending obstetric fistula is a long-term goal that demands commitment of financial resources, political will,s strong partnerships and concerted efforts from across the board.

My in-laws drove me out of the house. They said I have been cursed for being unfaithful to my husband and therefore must confess. It was a terrible experience to walk around with a catheter or wearing pampers at this age

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

Muslim aims to fulfil.

It is said that 6,815 pilgrims from the caliphate are expected to perform this year’s Hajj from across the 23 councils in the state.

Bidding farewell to the pilgrims on the sacred journey to the holy land, Wamakko reminded them that Nigeria was constantly in need of spiritual support in view of the rising spate of security threat, a situation that needed collective effort at overcoming, adding ‘’ with your prayers, we believe Allah will surely bring succour for us’’ He also urged them to be good and worthy ambassadors of the state and the Nigeria as a whole, pointing out that, respecting rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and obeying the instructions of their leaders should be their guiding strength throughout their period of worship in the holy land.

Chairman of the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Muktari Maigona who spoke with reporters shortly before the airlift, disclosed that 47 women were intercepted for pregnancy related issues.

Maigona said that agency was prepared for the exercise and was optimistic that it would be hitch-free operation both at home and in Saudi Arabia. ‘’ W are still appealing to the pilgrims to exhibit high sense of discipline and good behaviours and guide against actions capable of tarnishing the image and name of the state and country’’

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

27

Firm fetes needy children

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NUSUAL joy filled the air at the Juvenile Remand Home, Ijokodo, Ibadan at the weekend when the manufacturer of popular milk products, Fan Milk PLC, threw a party for the abandoned children, motherless babies and children under juvenile control.

The ceremony was the first among others lined up for the 50th anniversary of the company.

Over 60 children whose ages range from six to 12 years, were full with happiness as top officials of the company and their family members joined the children on the dancing floor in a rare experience.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr Steen Fleming Hadsbjerg, who was represented by the General Manager (Operations), Mr Mogens Jensen, noted that this golden jubilee anniversary presented an opportunity to reach out to the needy and the abandoned in the society, hence the commencement of the celebration with the class of children.

Jensen explained that the road to the 50th anniversary had not been easy at all, bearing in mind that the company is faced with problems ranging from epileptic power supply to product imitation by competitors particularly in the eastern part of the country.

He said that the company spends over N110m annually to gener-

T

HREE years ago, he was given a chance to prove himself as a grassroots administrator. His antecedents as a reputable journalist and Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Bola Tinubu spoke for him. But the leaders and people of Ejigbo saw him in a different light. As the governor’s aide, he has attracted some dividends of democracy treasured by the marginalised area and acted as their grievances courier to the Round House, the seat of power.

Kehinde Bamigbetan was also popular as the publisher of the Country Magazine, which because the mouthpiece of Ejigbo and Ojonland. He became an employer of labour. He also assisted some bright youths to secure employment in the civil service.

Eager to plough back to the society, the former student activist at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, bought GCE and JAMB forms for many indigent students. His goal was to broaden the frontiers of knowledge. Beneficiaries are now graduates of different disciplines.

When Bamigbetan was neck-deep in community work, he did not has his mind on politics. Little did he think that he would be drafted into politics by community elders, who had noticed his contributions as an “apolitical community member”.

Members of the Community Development Association (CDA) recalled how he facilitated the rehabilitation of the major road in Ejigbo. They were also impressed by how he drew the attention to the terrible state of the schools and environment.

In 2008, Ejigbo yearned for change. Opposition arose against the former chairman, Ositelu, a journalist like Bamigbetan. Majority settled for the latter, so that a new blood could be injected into the council administration. After assuming the reins, reality dawned on activist-turned politician that governance at the local level was not a tea party.

Bamigbetan, who took stock of his administration at the weekend,

From Bisi Oladele, and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

ate power for the company’s productive activities.

He, however, stressed that Fan Milk plc was prepared to produce products that are affordable to the populace, adding that it was the reason the company was upgrading its equipment to render quality service to all their numerous customers in order to get rid of sub-standard products.

His words: “We are here to celebrate our 50th anniversary and we are here to support the community in Nigeria. We believe our product will fit well for the abandoned children in the society since it is our responsibility to engage in one form of charity work or the other for the society.

We chose this particular home because it is all encompassing. You know there are motherless children here, abandoned kids, children that are under juvenile control, we are trying to bring happiness to them by having a party with them.

“The road to these celebration has been tough but we have remained stronger because we have been faced with varying challenges which range from poor power supply to imitation of our products most especially in the Eastern part of this country and we are spending nothing less than N110m on electricity genera-

•Products distributed to children

tion annually. Fan Milk is charged to produce products that are affordable and nutritious to the Nigeria populace. We also believe our future is very bright.

That is why we are working very hard to upgrade our equipment to expand so that we can get rid of sub-quality products being produced by our competitors in

the East.”

The event included dancing competitions, games and donation of gifts worth several thousands of Naira to the juvenile home by the company..

Three years after, Bamgbetan takes stock

•Hon. Bamigbetan

By Emmanuel Oladesu and Duro Babayemi

said “It has been three years of transformation”. With pride, he declared that he had repaired 60 roads and built 160 culverts since November 2008. He had taken off by complementing the educational programmes of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), at the area.

Bamigbetan introduced free meals, uniforms, bags and sandals for primary school pupils. They also received free books and writing materials from the council.

Explaining this brand of intervention in the school system, the chairman said: “Education is the bedrock of our society and no person can be educated in vain. School enrolment has doubled since we introduced these incentives. We have changed the face of education in our primary schools and parents, teachers and pupils themselves are happy”.

Efforts have also been made to create a conducive atmosphere for

teaching and learning. New classroom blocks have been built in some schools. In many others, rehabilitation works have been massive. In some schools, new projects are still on-going. “Unlike before, we now build blocks of toilets for schools. For example, Oke-Afa and Fadu Schools Complex are beneficiaries. What we want to achieve is to make all our schools in Ejigbo model schools”, Bamigbetan said.

Secondary school system is not within the jurisdiction of the local council. However, the products are not ignored. Up till now, they still benefit from the extensive coaching programme sponsored by Ejigbo LCDA. The chairman also said that “we have not stopped giving GCE forms to indigent students among them”.

The on-going projects at Ejigbo are testimony that the council administration is not in slumber.

Many culverts have been constructed and the drains are cleared regularly to permit free flow of water during this raining season.

Road construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and resurfacing are on in Kolawole Sebili Street, David Ogunti Street, Fadu Avenue, Jakande Gate Road, Ifoshi and Rafiu Tijani Street. Also, street lights are being installed from Randuk Street to Ifoshi Road Junction.

Residents along the Double Power Line Road, NNPC Road, and Falana Road have continued to heap praises on the administration for rehabilitating the roads. To curtail flooding, drainages have been constructed in Ilamoshe, Gold Street, Grey Olusanya Ronik Street, Oboye and Ifoshi Road.

Health is wealth. Therefore, Bamigbetan said that he has defended this sector. At Dauda Ilo, Low Cost Housing Estate and OnaIwa Mimo Streets, new primary health centres were built. The existing one at PHC/Jakande Estate was also renovated. In addition,

free treatment programmes were instituted and patients received free drugs. Pregnant women also receive free maternity packs.

Other achievements include the construction of the first abattoir at Kogberegbe area, first customary court at Dauda Ilo Street, construction of five public toilets, grants to cooperative societies, joint construction of the new magistrate court with the community and state government, three patrol vehicles to the police, quarterly grants to CDA members, promotion of ethno-religious harmony and staff motivation.

All these achievements were considered by the elders and party leaders, who after brainstorming with all the stakeholders, endorsed Bamigbetan for a second term. At the screening conducted at the state level by a panel headed by Prof. Dapo Aderibigbe, he was also adjudged worthy of a second term, so that he could finish the projects he had started. When the affirmative convention of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) later held at Eti-Osa, the Ejigbo LCDA chairman did not meet a brick wall.

Dismissing the allegation of imposition on the LCDA, Bamigbetan retorted: “Three factors worked for me.

Those of us just completing our first term were qualified for second term.

Then, I have performed well in office. In addition, I am acceptable to the people. I was not imposed”.

In one breath, the chairman declared that the party’s decision on the published list of chairmanship and councilorship candidates was final, adding that the party is supreme. In another dimension, he acknowledged the need for reconciliation, stressing that the aggrieved should be pacified and accorded a sense of belonging.

Bamigbetan said that he would kick-off a sensitisation programme in the area to mobilise voters for the council poll. He agreed that apathy could mar any election, unless the voters are motivated to vote by the assurance of good performance in office.

“We are reviving the party structures, calling on the ward exco to reaffirm the party position, and presenting the manifesto to them. We have been meeting the leaders and elders. We are in touch with the CDAs. Now, we are reaching out to the youths”, he said.

The proposed council election differs from the previous ones. Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are slugging it out with the ruling ACN. However, Bamigbetan waded off these threats. He said: “The factions of PDP and ANPP have been joining ACN. PDP structures are collapsing.

ANPP is nowhere to be found. ACN will win again”.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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Adamawa enrolls more women for skills acquisition

Borno resuscitates irrigation project

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• Governor Shettima

HE Borno State government has said that it would reactivate the 67,000 hectares South Chad Irrigation Project (SCIP) located on Lake Chad shores.

The project, which was conceived by the Federal Government in the 70’s, had been abandoned for years.

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, who visited the site, said he would collaborate with the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) to revive the project.

Shettima promised to inject the needed funds to actualise the revitalisation of the project.

He lamented that the project had been allowed to degenerate over the years in spite of its great economic potentials to the country.

“Our collaborative efforts can bring back at least 50 per cent of the estimated capacity of the

Govt to improve environmental sanitation

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HE Katsina State government has launched environmental cleanliness and protection programme by purchasing used polythene bags from the public.

The Commissioner for Environment,AlhajiAminu Ibrahim, made this known during the launch of the programme at Rafindali quarters in Katsina metropolis.

According to him, the government will buy used polythene bags at the cost of N10 per kilogramme.

He said that the exercise would be extended to seven local government areas of the state in the next two months.

“From then, the government will look into the possibility of extending the programme to the remaining 27 local government areas of the state.”

The commissioner said the measure was to clear the state of used polythene bags which

Katsina had blocked most drains in the towns.

He noted that the measure would also assist in environmental protection and clearing of drains thereby, controlling the menace of flooding in the state.

Ibrahim also disclosed that the state government had entered into an agreement with some companies that would be collecting the used polythene bags so far bought for recycling.

“The agreement is not meant for profit, but for the improvement of environmental sanitation and protection”.

He lauded the present administration’s commitment to environmental protection and other environment related issues.

In his remarks, Alhaji Abdu Wakili, the Head of Wakilin Kudu in the metropolis, urged the people interested in collecting the used polythene bags, to ensure honesty and fairness.

446 pupils benefit from health programme L

AGOS State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris has said that no fewer than 446 pupils of Festac Nursery and Primary School and Progress Nursery and Primary Schools both in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area are the latest beneficiaries of the School Health Programme, a comprehensive medical package comprising of basic general screening, eye screening, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT), dental screening and education on personal and environmental hygiene.

Idris, who spoke in Lagos, explained that the programme was initiated as part of government’s preventive health strategies in order to ensure that students in the state public schools are sound both in body and mind.

He said: “This programme covers the whole gamut of public health issues as it relates to the health of the children. The preventive health strategy adopted by the state government in this regards focuses on blindness prevention, malnutrition, fever, malaria, as well as other ailments particularly in children of school going age”.

The commissioner noted that out of the 446 pupils screened for different ailments from both schools, 174 pupils were treated for eye

and , 154 for dental cases. About 44 of the participants were treated for different cases while 74 pupils were treated at the ENT Unit.

“The state government is determined to ensure that the prevalence of blindness and other ailments is reduced considerably in Lagos schools. This, we have been able to achieve through the various missions the School Health Programme Unit have embarked upon” Idris stated.

The commissioner said efforts have been intensified in the training of teachers in various educational districts in the state on how to detect poor vision, dental problems and poor hygiene in the students, adding that the training is in line with the blindness prevention and health prevention strategies as well as health promotion activities in school children.

‘The idea is to get teachers to take action on time once they discovered that a pupil is having eye, dental or any other health-related problems and help in referring such pupil for medical help immediately. And this is geared towards ensuring that every pupil is healthy enough to learn unhindered”, Idris said.

•From left: Alake-Adeyemo, Mrs Nike Ajobo, Elujoba, Marquis and Abegunde during the presentation

Borno project in a short while. This will provide employment opportunities to no fewer than 11, 000 unemployed youths,’’ he said.

CBDA Managing Director, Alhaji Garba Iliya, told the governor that the project had the potentials to address the nation’s food security challenges as well as provide jobs.

Iliya said his organisation would collaborate with the state government in its quest to revamp the project.

The project covers irrigation land in Kirenowa, Baga and Ngala communities.

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HE Adamawa State government has resuscitated the moribund women training centres in local government areas of the state to enable more women benefit from the newly introduced Local Apprenticeship Scheme (LAS) programme.

The Project Manager of the scheme, Alhaji Sani Jada, made this known in an interview with reporters in Yola.

Jada said that training centres had been revived in Gombi, Song, Numan, MayoBelwa, Fufore and Yola South Local Government Area where 1,626 women were enrolled for various skills and petty business training.

He said that another set of 318 women were attached to Master Trainers across the

Fed Govt’s N10b irrigation projects for Jigawa

V

ICE-PRESIDENT Namadi Sambo has said that the Federal Government had approved N10 billion for the completion of ongoing dam and irrigation projects in Jigawa State .

Sambo made this known at the North West Zonal Executive Committee meeting of the PDP. He said that the money was approved for the completion of Awyu Irrigation Project in Jigawa, while various irrigation projects have also been planned for 2012, 2013 and 2014.

TheVice president stressed that that the Federal Government would transform agricultural production in the country through aggressive irrigation projects, as part of its poverty-eradication strategies.

Besides, he said that the government would invest in cotton production so as to revive the ailing textile industries in the country.

Sambo stressed that the government’s plan to overhaul the country’s railway system was to facilitate the transportation of people and goods, adding that the rehabilitation of the railway infrastructure from Lagos to Kano would soon be completed.

He also said that contracts for the rehabilitation of the railway tracks from Zaria to Kaura Namoda had been awarded, while the contractors had been duly mobilised.

Sambo reiterated the government’s commitment towards improving the education sector, saying that it had approved the establishment of new universities in Katsina, Jigawa and Kebbi states.

•From left: His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and Dr. Usman Bugaje at Harvard University, USA, where Sultan Abubakar and Governor Aliyu presented seminar papers

Niger to give eyeglasses

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HE Niger State Ministry of Health is to give 1,500 eyeglasses to civil servants as part of activities to mark the state’s 1st Eye Health Week.

Malam Yahaya Dan-Sallau, the Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services, announced this at an interactive session with newsmen in Minna.

He said the move was part of efforts by the government to see that workers give their best at all times.

Dan-Sallau said the ministry would conduct eye test for workers and members of the general public in order to know their status.

He said that about 200 free cataract surgeries would be carried out during the week as well as other eye treatment for those who “will make themselves available for the services’’.

The commissioner said that there were about 350,000 blind people in the state, out of which about 18,000 were in need of cataract surgery.

He praised Governor Babangida Aliyu for releasing N7 million for the week’s activities.

Dan-Sallau advised people with eye problems to visit the eye clinics in the general hospitals and the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, for treatment.

Niger “The eye is a sensitive part of the body, we should not play with it but pay good attention and care for it,’’ he said.

N

airlifted to Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj.

The pilgrims were transported from the Katsina International Airport by Max Air Ltd in four flights, according to the Executive Director of the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Aminu Danbaba.

He told reporters in Katsina that the

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HE Village Head of Galadimawa, an Abuja surburb, Chief Tanko Zhnimiko, has called on the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to establish a health centre in the community.

Zhnimiko made the call in an interview with reporters in Abuja.

He said the high population of the settlement called for a primary health centre to address the medical needs of the residents.

Zhnimiko said the people of the area were always compelled to go to distant places in search of medical attention.

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Firms donate to flood victims

S part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a healthcare consulting and procurement company, Antrimacx Limited and Vestergaard-Frandsen have donated 100 units of Life Straw, a complementary point-of-use water filter, to the Oyo State Emergency Management Authority (SEMA) to help flood victims in the state.

The General Manager, Antrimacx Limited, Mr. Ademola Taiwo , a staff of the company Mr. Oluwafemi Marquis and the Regional Manager, Public Health Vestergaard-Frandsen, Mr. Yinka Elujoba, made the donation in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. They were received by the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Hon Moses Alake-Adeyemo and the OSEMA Secretary, Mr. Amos Abegunde.

Lifestraw Family designed by VestergaardFrandsen helps to reduce the risk of contacting water borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and also ensures water sanitation.

Taiwo said the donation was to support government’s efforts in alleviating the plight of the August 26, flood victims in the state and to improve healthcare in some vulnerable communities in the state. A short presentation on how LifeStraw Family can be used was presented during the meeting.

Taiwo said : “Antrimacx Limited and Vestergaard-Frandsen seeing that more could still be done in the area of ensuring and maintaining good water sanitation in

affected areas and those living in the rural areas of the state decided to initiate a donation of one hundred units (100) LifeStraw Family to the state.

This donation is to complement the rescue activities of the Oyo State g.”

Addressing reporters on how to use the equipment, Elujoba praised the Oyo State government’s efforts in emergency management.

He said Vestergaard-Frandsen’s humanitarian business model and commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) necessitated the donation.He said the company would always provide the impetus for continued focus on saving lives.

He said : “We strive to develop diseaseprevention interventions, which when implemented with our dedicated partners, contribute to the realisation of the MDGs. We are especially interested in addressing Goals 4 (reduce child mortality), 5 (improve maternal health), and 6 (combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases), which play a critical role in the achievement of the MDGs. “ LifeStraw Family has been adopted in many parts of the world .It will reduce the risk of contacting water borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea etc and in turn, ensure adequate water sanitation. One unique capability of the equipment is that it can filter enough water to serve a family of five with clean, safe drinkable water for three years by removing over 99 percent of all bacteria, viruses and parasites.

He decried the death of some pregnant women during labour due to delay in receiving medical attention.

The village head also appealed to the FCDA to establish a secondary school in the area.

Zhnimiko said the primary school which was given to the community has produced a lot of school children who now needed secondary

• General Manager, Drain Ducks, Alhaji Akeem Apatira (right) greeting Mr Taofik Elias during the Fidau of his mother, Alhaja Sidikat Apatira at the Lagos Television (LTV) Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Lagos.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

BRIEFS

Church holds programme THE Foursquare Gospel Church,(City of Refuge), 1 Adeteju Adeyeye Street, Off Adebayo Mokolu Street, Anthony Village, Lagos, has begun its 30-day renewal conference with the theme: Covenant by Sacrifice. The programme holds 6pm everyday and 8.30am on Sundays.

Speaking on the event, the chief host, Rev. Gbenga Adekoya said: “This

• Governor Nyako Adamawa State to patronise products produced by the trainees which were of good quality in order to help them establish their own businesses and become self-reliant.

year’s event is set aside to deepen Christian faith, get people to be fulfilled in their dreams and to ultimately live for eternal purpose”.

He stated that activities such as workshop, seminars, testimonies will feature in the programme.

Speakers expected include Rev. Osas, Rev. S. Awe, Pastor Abiodun and Abraham Yakub.

Abuja school.

“Most of our people are poor and cannot afford to take their wards to far places for secondary education.

“We are calling on the relevant authorities to come to our aid.’’

NLC bemoans state of education in Taraba C HAIRMAN of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Taraba State,Mr Jonah Kataps, has said that the state’s education sector is in serious crisis.

The labour leader made the remark in a goodwill message to teachers during the celebration of the World Teachers’ Day in Jalingo.

He stressed that the state of education in the state would continue to deteriorate unless the state government initiated pragmatic measures to overhaul the education sector.

Kataps said that the WAEC and NECO results of the state’s schools had been abysmally poor in the last three years, adding that the results reflected the rot in the education system.

He, however, apportioned a substantial portion of the blame to the government, saying that a situation where some secondary schools

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Katsina pilgrims were from Funtua and Dutsinma Zones and two local government areas from the Kankia Zone of the state.

He praised the pilgrims for their discipline and endurance, urging them to comply with the rules and regulations of the hajj exercise.

A total 6,070 pilgrims from the state are expected to perform the 2011 hajj.

state while 200 others were enrolled in Hajiya Zainab Nyako’s Women Education and Empowerment Initiative (WEEIN) centre in Yola.

“Government has also enrolled 28 women at the state polytechnic and over 100 in the Federal College of Education Yola for training in various skills,” he said.

He said the LAS programme which was intended to empower about 45,000 people within three years, was specifically targeted at women and other disadvantaged groups such as the physically challenged and people living with HIV/AIDS. The project manager urged residents of

Village head urges establishment of health centre

Katsina airlifts 2000 pilgrims O fewer than 2,000 pilgrims from Katsina State have so far been

Adamawa

Taraba

had only the principal and one or two teachers was unacceptable.

“We need the immediate recruitment of at least 5,000 teachers,’’ he said, adding that 407 post-primary schools in the state had only 2,169 teachers.

Earlier, Malam Aliyu Mafindi, the state NUT Chairman, called on the state government to be more committed to the welfare of teachers.He urged the government to put in place better working conditions for the teachers, while calling on educational agencies and institutions to collaborate in fostering the state’s development.

Residents seek more dividends of democracy

HAIRMAN of Somolu Local Government in Lagos State , Olorogun Gbolahan Bago-Stowe and his team have been enjoined to double their efforts at bringing more development to the area.

The call came while the council chief was rendering an account of his 1000-day stewardship before a huge crowd of residents at the council’s secretariat. It was praises galore for him when video clips of some of the executed and ongoing projects were shown to the excited residents.

Among the projects over which Bago-Stowe received applause were: Construction of 27 roads and nine culverts; reconstruction of nine primary schools; construction of vocational and sports centres; distribution of 3000 chairs and desks for pupils; upgrading of Akoka Public Health Centre; provision of nine electricity transformers to improve power supply in the area and construction of a recreational centre at Ojo Square, Akoka.

He promised to start continual road

By Dada Aladelokun

maintenance to rid the roads of potholes, even as he pledged to take care of widows in the area.

However, various associations and prominent residents, while appreciating the council’s good works in the community, urged the council boss to be closer to them and do more for the community.

Replying, Bago-Stowe appreciated their support and said: “What we have achieved so far is through your support and God’s help because we have been faced with so many distractions by the enemies of progress around us. However, I want to say that even if I spend 100 years as chairman, I can’t solve all the problems with the available meagre resources.

All we need is your total cooperation and understanding as we continue to serve you.”

‘Give priority to agric sector’ FARMERS in Edo State have called on the Federal Government to give priority attention to agriculture, saying that agriculture was critical to the revamping of the nation’s economy.

The farmers acknowledged that the government had espoused robust policies for boosting agriculture but expressed doubt if the programmes would be implemented as enunciated.

“If our economy will be boosted, the government must give priority to agriculture”, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Coordinator in Edo North senatorial district, Alhaji Abdulahi Mohammed, said.

He remarked that all the government succeeded in doing over the years was

to make policy pronouncements that were never translated into reality.

Mohammed said Nigeria that if given priority, agriculture was capable of turning around the nation’s economy “due to its multiplier effect”.

He also said that the sector had the potential of tripling current earnings of the country, maintaining that there were many areas in agriculture craving for harnessing.

According to him, the sector will not only create millions of employment opportunities and boost food production, it will also strengthen export activities.

“That is not all, when most people are gainfully employed, stability will be ushered into the nation’s security challenges and there will be enough raw materials for local industries”, he added.

•From left: Apostle Joseph Soyinka, Leader Funso Ekundayo and Snr Apostle Michael Oripelaye during the inauguration of Odi-Olowo Musa All Chritian Leaders and Ministers Forum

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

Life

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Text only: 08023058761

Adventures of Aregbesola – Page 31

A law to protect artefacts – Page 32

•Nwanodi

The spectacle of Lagos photo festival – Page 35

‘My Nigerian journey’ •Septuagenarian British-American, who has been in Nigeria since 1959, recalls her expericences • SEE PAGE 30

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Judy Nwanodi, 76, is in love with Nigeria. She came to Nigeria in 1959 after marrying a young lawyer, Chief Nwobike Nwanodi, who is now a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and has lived here since 1959. She is the patron of Rainbow Book Club. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she relives her sojourn in the country.

Meeting my husband

I

MET my husband, Chief Nwobike Nwanodi (SAN), at a seminar in the University of Oxford at the end of October 1956. He was a student then. It was his intelligence that attracted me. We got married in 1958.

Before then, my father, who had worked in Malaysia, Singapore from 1931 to 1965, advised me to visit Nigeria before we actually got married. So, I came here for five weeks – December/ January, 1957/58. And went to Jos, Port Harcourt and Ibadan; met my future in-laws. We had friends in other parts of the country. I was a geography student then, so I found it educative. And then, we got married and lived in England for just over a year. I was working while my husband completed his law programme.

Living in Nigeria My sojourn in Nigeria has been a mix of so many things.

We came back in 1959, his parents helped us initially and my father also helped us to enable us get to Nigeria so that we could get going. My father paid for my ticket and his father for his. Rent was paid, some money were made available to get furniture, the first year we didn’t have a fridge; we managed. I walked to the market. We lived near the main market in Port Harcourt at the railway station. After I delivered, which was the middle of September 1960, the market women were so thrilled and the birth to them was unexpected because I was very small in stature. They brought me fruits and other items where we lived in a part called Town, which was called ‘big man’s quarters’ in those days because lawyers, doctors and professionals lived there.

I also began work when our child was four months old at Baptist High School, Moore House Street where I taught for five years. And I moved to Holy Rosary where I worked for a year and a half until the Civil War closed the school.

Experiencing the war In the election held in the east in 1965, my husband was elected to the Federal House of Representatives as one of the four independent members. That Christmas we visited Lagos with our two small children. We got back to Port Harcourt before the New Year and he returned to Lagos for the next sitting of the House only to be met in the middle of January by a coup which threw us all out because we thought things were going reasonably well. The Midwest Region had been created. I know there were some problems in the west but we were still fairly confident. That summer, the children and I were in England to see my father. And my husband was to join us; but while we were there, the second coup happened. And two things came out of that, my husband was very involved with the creation of the original Rivers State, collecting signatures. And he was very concerned about the possible declaration of Biafra. In fact, he advised me not to come back with the children in September. But I came back anyway to meet a big crisis and by the following year in October 1967, American nationals in eastern Nigeria were advised to leave by the consul which was what I did with the children. They would have taken my husband but he wanted to stay behind. Meanwhile, his brother in-law, Chief Emmanuel Aguma, was very active in the Eastern Region government and moved into Biafra. In spite of being with Biafra politically, he did as much as he could to save the lives of people of what is now Rivers State. He died last year. He also made sure that my husband was detained for his own safety in a prison in Owerri along with people such as Chike Obi and other prominent people who could not fully support Biafra because they felt Nigeria was really what was important and not the secession of one part of the country.

My husband’s belief in Nigeria Yes, my husband felt Nigeria was really what was important and not the secession of one part of the country. It was known because he was going to meetings of the ‘Leaders of Thought’ in Enugu. And people knew he was a federalist.

And, in fact, he was detained for his own safety, as I have said, through the fortunate action of his brother in-law. While he was in detention – and this also happened to the late Nabo Graham-Douglas (SAN) – their three houses were ransacked and their legal books were taken out and burnt.

Graham-Douglas refused to allow his house to be rebuilt, so if you go to I.B. Johnson Street today, you would see the damage that was done during the Civil War to that prominent lawyer’s residence in the oldest part of Port Harcourt near the prison.

•Nwanodi

‘My Nigerian journey’ Lessons learnt in Nigeria Like my husband, I believe in Nigeria. In the number of years I have lived here, I would say the main point is that as a developing nation, there is room for improvement. The history of most nations of the world obviously varies a great deal. One cannot easily compare. One may say that in some countries people literarily fought for their independence.

May be they did but that was 300 years ago perhaps. There was a revolution in France, you could say that in some ways France hasn’t changed a great deal since that revolution; in

‘Like my husband, I believe in Nigeria. In the number of years I have lived here, I would say the main point is that as a developing nation, there is room for improvement’

other ways it has. And we could go on talking about the history of various countries…

And I think to weld into one nation made up of such a variety of groups of people, even if they have certain things in common, the large number of languages and cultural practices, different history of migration, world views, etc, is not something you do in 50 years. All sections of the society should be considered during decision making processes.

That is the only way to end the crises.

On the Niger Delta With what is happening across the country, not just in the Niger Delta a lot still needs to be done on security. I have been afraid up to a point that I have changed some of my habits. Like going out at 6 o’clock in the morning to go swimming; my husband and I don’t go for walks on the streets any longer. I would hesitate to walk as freely as I used to. I’d love to walk, meet, greet people in their own languages but I don’t feel quite as free as I used to any more.

At the same time, the government needs to take action.

And that is the only way to end crisis. People need to be educated on the need for peace. The greatest problem that we have is that we are not willing to respect, love and •Continued on page 31

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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Director, Bureau of Communications & Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon writes on the adventures of the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to one of world’s most visited tourist centres, Great Walls of China.

Adventures of Aregbesola

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HE task of developing Osun State for Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola is obviously daunting. Not with the burden of N18.3billion he claimed to have met in addition to the series of other challenges which the state must cope with.

With the lowest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in the Southwest region of the country, a paltry N300 million monthly internally generated revenue and another N1.8billion coming from the Federation Account, the task of fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises is more than climbing the hilly and twisting path along the Great Walls of China.

Aregbesola and his aides are always ready to tell Nigerians and others who care to listen that rebuilding the Ipinle Omoluabi would not be by sitting down in Osun and waiting for manna to fall from heaven. It must be by scavenging from across the globe in search of wherever those opportunities might be lurking.

The governor and his team definitely must have seen Asian continent as one of those corners of the world where help will come from. Reports indicate that within the time the governor assumed office, he had signed agreement with a Korean group in a deal expected to provide about 120,000 jobs and boost food production In August this year, the governor and his team of economic experts visited Chinese provinces where they met with Chinese in-

•Aregbesola (second left) and other tourists

vestors allegedly to firm up certain agreements in the areas of tourism, agriculture, vocational studies and other critical areas that • could jump start the growth of the state.

But then, the governors, after completing his rounds with investors, went on sight-seeing, and guess what? The Great Walls of China, the same popular tourist attraction in China was a point of call by the Governor.

The Great Wall of China visited by the governor and some of his aides is a series of stone and earthen fortifications, built originally to protect the northern borders of the Chinese

Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups. Several walls have been built since the fifth century BC that are referred to collectively as the Great Wall, which has been rebuilt and maintained from the fifth century BC through the 16th century.

To successfully climb and explore the Great Wall of China will require a man, who is full of strength and life, not physically weak from age or sickness.

The governor boasted during a media parley in Osogbo on Monday that “while many tourists fell by the wayside while climbing

‘My Nigerian journey’ •Continued from page 30

help our fellow human beings. People have a good moral sense to basically agree that they should only do unto their neighbours what they want done unto themselves. The Boko Haram issue is an example of the need to respect the lives of others. But how many people, no matter their religion, practise what they read. Why did they shoot the man who they thought was the leader in the first place without making sure that proper justice is served.

And as a geography teacher, I would add that we are not willing to respect the environment the way we should. Our leaders should begin take this seriously. The resources of the planet are limited and we are using them up too quickly. And we really have to look again at how we use these resources and our future lifestyle. We have to stop wasting water. The pollution on the roads, from exhaust pipes, in the Niger Delta is far worse than the Gulf of Mexico.

But how many people are willing to admit that. Over the years, the people in the Niger Delta and its environs had suffered much more than the Gulf of Mexico. What is happening here to show that people really appreciate that and would do something about it. The mining activities of Jos/Plateau cannot be far from the cause of the crises in the place. If the land is overtaken by mining, how will there not be crisis between the farmers and the shepherds whose cattle need land to graze on.

My experience being married to a Nigerian It has been interesting so far. I have not really had any bad experience possibly because my husband is a very forthright person. He is from Orobum, Rebisi, Port Harcourt. I must say I have been very lucky.

Nobody really expected much from me, in terms of some cultural requirements.

I know a few words in Ikwerre such as the greetings and responses. If I had been going to learn Ikwerre properly or sat in my mother in-law’s kitchen as she cooks on the wood of fire; but the closest I could get to her fire was the door. And I remember I was pregnant and later I was always at home looking after the children. I ran my home without a housemaid. And I did other things and I never really tried learning it. I have never really gone to an Ikwerre women meeting, partly because I am not a linguist. This is not a talent I had. I have talent in other ways.

When people make their home in another part of the world, they have to decide where best to fit in. Mine has been in history. One of my hobbies is researching into the history of Port Harcourt. We once worked in libraries in England. I have given talks on the history of Port Harcourt since 1988 with pictures of old buildings and illustrations.

It is really historical-geography. I am not a historian but a geographer.

The main effort I made to get to know Nigerian women was by joining the YWCA and I was very active there. I was a founding president of Nigerwives, Rivers State branch. It was for foreign-born wives of Nigerians resident in Nigeria.

Growing up

‘With what is happening across the country, not just in the Niger Delta, a lot still needs to be done on security. I have been afraid up to a point that I have changed some of my habits’

I have two nationalities. My father is British and my mother, an American. I was born in Chicago Illinois in the United States. My paternal grandparents had immigrated from Lithuania to Britain. So, he was actually from Lusitanian indirectly because his parents were Jewish. I can’t say I am a Jew but I have a Jewish background. I was not brought up as a Jew. I lived with my mother’s family, who were Christians till I was 11. And then I spent some time with my father’s family but the Jewish religion passes through the mother and not the father.

And if I had wanted to be Jewish I would have gone through a ceremony and became Jewish.

On Rainbow Book Club Koko Kalango started it. I have known Koko since I was a child. I have known her parents since 1959. Her parents were already here. And because there were only few foreign-born wives in Port Harcourt, her mother and I became friends. The Rainbow Book Club encourages reading. It seeks to raise reading interest in Nigerians, especially children.

Meeting Wole Soyinka It was an incredible feeling meeting him for the first time. I met him five years ago when he was answering questions from a group of children who’d read the abridged version of his autobiography. He was the first Nobel Laureate I have ever met. I had read his works, such as Ake. And so I was very grateful for the opportunity and to see him interact with the children and his visit at the literary festival two years later. I have not forgotten his answer when one of the children asked him why he began writing books; he said that he had written so many books he had to write replacements (laughs).

I had a chat with him on his son with an English woman because I had actually met the child who is now a medical doctor working in Nigeria. I had lost contact with the family in London. And naturally I was curious to know what had happened to his son with this English woman.

the wall, I, Rauf Aregbesola went up to the very summit of the Wall and I got a certificate which is usually given as a mark of completion to tourists who climb it to the very top.”

This was the Governor’s response to a newspaper report that he had been diagnosed of certain ailments which might not permit him to continue with the rigorous assignments of his office.

The Great Wall stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east, to Lop Lake in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia.

POEM

Come Free

By Uche Nwosu

Right is right and left is wrong White is light and black is dark Up is high and down is low Blue recedes like peace and readily red approaches Know the truth and its freedoms Break the rules of enslavement to the evil judges and Their armoury of bad laws I know where I am, here Where are you “i” is me, Who is “You”?

Now, take back your casket i am still alive Keep your religion i am a believer, already free

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The Midweek Magazine

•From left: Usman, Abdukadir and Nwankwo

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

•Prof. Olu Obafemi and D-G NIHOTOUR, Alh. Monzali Dantata. PHOTOS: OZOLUA UHAKHEME

Experts canvass review of artefacts law How fair and just is a law that prescribes N2,000 (about $7) as penalty for theft of antiquity worth millions of naira? This and many other laws on museums management were reviewed by experts at a workshop organised by the National Commission of Museums and Monuments (NCMM), in Abuja. OZOLUA UHAKHEME, Assistant Editor (Arts) reports.

“I

ENJOIN you distinguished ladies and gentlemen to make laws with stiff sanctions to discourage looting and clandestine excavation of our cultural objects.” That advice from Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke to experts at the workshop, set the tone for the reviewing of the enabling Act of the NCMM, Decree 77 of 1979, which was later re-enacted as Cap 242 of the Laws of the Federation 1990.

The minister, who noted that laws move with the need of the society, urged participants to make dynamic laws that would reflect the future when Nigeria could generate income outside of petroleum, from culture like it is the situation in many parts of the world. “Another attribute of law that I discovered is that laws must be just. Someone said that an unjust law is no law. What just laws are that they insist that our best known cultural objects like the Queen Idia mask are in foreign museums under not too clear legal (or should I say illegal) contraptions?, he said.

Duke, who was represented by the Director of Culture in the ministry, Alhaji Muktar Abdukadir observed that one resonating issue that has occupied the

minds of many is the issue of the laws protecting cultural institutions and the artefacts and history they seek to protect.

He added that many nations, particularly those that put cultural matters in the front burners and thereby generate immense income from it, have strong laws protecting their cultural objects and cultural institutions. Continuing, he said: “The provisions in the laws of these other nations are very complete that they seem to provide for all exigencies in this field.”

Chairman, House Committee on Culture, Hon. Ben Nwankwo, assured the experts that his committee would give all necessary support so that the bill that would come out of the deliberation would

sail through and be passed as an Act of parliament. Nwankwo noted that NCMMM occupies a critical place in Nigeria’s history, especially in the preservation of its heritage, stressing that laws should be contemporary and globally in tandem with the needs of the industry.

He added that NCMM’s effort at reviewing its laws is a worthy one.

The Director-General of NCMM, Mr Yusuf Abdallah Usman, described the nation’s existing laws protecting museum and its collections as obsolete considering the development in the field. This, he said, necessitated the reviewing of the enabling act of the NCMM. Usman urged the experts at the work-

‘I enjoin you distinguished ladies and gentlemen to make laws with stiff sanctions to discourage looting and clandestine excavation of our cultural objects... the provisions in the laws of these other nations are very complete that they seem to provide for all exigencies in this field.’

B-Boy Waleed for dance contest in Moscow

W

ITH less than a month to this year’s edition of the Red Bull BreaKing, Jordanese B-Boy Waleed has emerged winner in regional finals of the on the competition held at the Roman Amphitheatre in Jerash last Friday. Waleed will attend the finals of ‘Red Bull BC One’ holding on November 26. The Golf reports that the finals witnessed exciting ‘Break Dance’ duals, as 16 of the best Arab ‘B-Boys’ (the local champion and the runner-up from each participating country) fiercely battled till the end. The participating countries included Qatar, Oman, UAE. Kuwait, Jordan, KSA, Lebanon and Egypt. “The level of the competition reached high summits in the final dual where competitors showed their best moves and daring dances while stirring the cheering crowd.

Three world break-dance champions judged the competition,” The Golf adds.

Red Bull BC One is an annual international b-boy (breakdance) competition organised by the energy drink company Red Bull. It is an individual (or ‘one on one’)bboy competition (as opposed to a crew competition). The main event is a knock-

out tournament featuring sixteen b-boys, chosen for exceptional skills in the dance and good character, competing in one-onone battles decided by a panel of five judges. 2007 was the only year in which the sixteen competitors were chosen systematically, via worldwide regional knockout tournaments, along with the

‘The level of the competition reached high summits in the final dual where competitors showed their best moves and daring dances while stirring the cheering crowd. Three world break-dance champions judged the competition’

prior year’s top finishers as well as wild card selections.

The event has been held in a different city and country every year. In 2004 it was held in Biel, Switzerland, 2005 in Berlin, Germany, 2006 in São Paulo, Brazil, 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa, 2008 in Paris, France, 2009 in New York City, US, and 2010 in Tokyo, Japan. It has been announced that the 2011 event would be held in Moscow, Russia.

An official Red Bull BC One DVD was released for the 2004 and 2005 events. The production of the DVDs has been criticised due to musical rights, as the live music played during the competition had to be dubbed over.

From 2006 and on, Red Bull stopped releasing DVDs and made the videos available online for free.

In 2007, Alastair Siddon directed a film about the Red Bull BC One 2007 competition. The film was released in March of 2010 under the title, Turn it Loose.

shop to, among others, consider the inclusion of cataloguing, provenance and object ID cards in tandem with the UNIDROIT 1995 Convention in seeking the reparation of artefacts. He also drew their attention to the inclusion of a provision that covers de-accessing, a formal process by which a museum disposes off an object from its collection.

He suggested that Nigeria should have an international copyright control over its objects, same way European Union laws and treaties protect champagne as exclusive right of that region in France where sparkling wine called champagne is made. Such exclusive control of the use of the name and style of Benin bronze, Nok Terra cotta, among others, should be considered in the new act.

Other areas that should be considered, according to him, are tougher sanctions for theft of artefacts, specific provisions on museum security, educating of the big construction companies, miners and local prospectors on rescue archaeology, and the establishment of a micro-finance scheme called the culture bank as is operated in Mali. The scheme encourages villagers to bring cultural objects from their homes, for which they get paid. But that the better the provenance and importance of the object, the more money the villager gets as loans.

In contrast to the existing laws, the new law under review, (Part VI), provides that “no person shall a) buy any antiquity unless he is an accredited agent; or (b) sell any antiquity to any person other than an accredited agent.

Any person who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of N200,000 or five times the value of the antiquity, whichever is the greater, or to imprisonment for three years, and the court imposing the fine or the imprisonment shall make an order for the forfeiture of the antiquity connected with the offence to the state.”

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Abagana excavation, Christmas eve, 1977

E

l Anatsui’s exhibition, “When I Last Wrote to You About Africa,” opened to the public at the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, on September 24, 2011. The museum invited me to engage Anatsui in a public conversation as part of the events organised to educate the public about his work. Sitting next to Anatsui on the right was Lisa Binder who curated the show. I sat next to Anatsui on the left. Hundreds of people who could not get tickets to the event waited outside the vast auditorium, which was filled to capacity, as the spotlight fell on the three of us on the proscenium stage, while the audience patiently sat under a dimmed light for more than one hour before the event began.

We had designed the form of the presentation well in advance. “We will structure the conversation like a musical band,” I said to Binder and Anatsui before we went on stage.

Binder would be the drum player keeping the beat going. I would play the part of the base guitarist somewhere in the background, adding a steady ambience to the conversation. Everybody really came to listen to Anatsui, so he was the lead guitarist. “We are the Blanton Trio Band,” said Binder, and we all laughed.

The conversation was flowing steadily as we planned it. But as Anatsui brought in his experience at Nsukka into the discussion, my mind became a bird that flew out of the beautiful auditorium where our attentive audience sat. Their eyes were glued on us as Anatsui continued to elaborate on the process through which he used his art to transform the scenes of destruction that he witnessed in 1975 in Nsukka into creative artistic expressions. Anyone who watched Anatsui working in the seventies and eighties would testify to the metaphors of violence inscribed into his creative process. He often wore ear pugs and dust masks as he pressed electrically powered chain saw into the trunk of woods, producing sharp and often jagged marks that clearly contrast against juxtaposed smooth sections. He would further confront the lacerated parts with a blowtorch, allowing the flames to burn deeply into the grains of the wood, in the process of leaving impressions that shaped the wooden sculpture. A metaphor of violence emerges, but it is a carefully orchestrated violence that obeys the laws of rhythm and textures, and conveys the impressions of lines, color, and shapes, both organic and geometric. He invokes the cold choreography of destruction in the process of inducing the birth of beauty. The chainsaw screamed like a woman experiencing a painful labor, and the wood yelled back like a tortured animal. The blowtorch licked the wood with its sizzling tongue of flame as the artist coolly pressed on with the process.

Like a midwife concerned only with the business of producing a bouncing baby from the pregnant woman yelling and screaming obscenities during delivery, Anatsui succeeds in producing beautiful objects. He gave a detailed description of his exploration of this violent-seeming procedure for his compelling installation, “Akua’s Surviving Children,” and “Leopard’s Paw-prints and Other Stories,” a wall hanging composition.

While I listened to Anatsui’s description of this transition from violence and destruction to the production of organic forms of creativity and expression, I remembered the vultures watching me in 1977 as I stepped off the bus that conveyed me to Awka for my National Youth Service Corps posting.

Most buildings in Awka were partially damaged or fully destroyed by explosives from the Biafra war that ended in 1970. Many buildings carried jagged bullet holes and crude plaster patches that clearly reminded people of the war. Most buildings were only partly repaired. Empty ammunition shells littered dusty side streets covered with loose red sands. Perhaps most haunting were the vultures. They were everywhere. Whenever I gazed out from the windows of my apartment early in the morning, the repulsive view of the ominous vultures always shocked me.

It was a petrifying shock for which I was never prepared.

For my dustbin, I used a large empty rocket shell that I picked up from the street. Empty bullet shells littered the ground. Just as the large rocket shell, these spent bullet shells were beautiful and exquisite looking, as if

•El Anatsui’s Leopard’s Paw-prints and Other Stories From Moyo Okediji

each one of them was specially sculpted into an aerodynamic form. One day, I found a small, beautifully sculpted wooden object lying in a crop of bushes near my house.

After this find, I made a habit of looking closely at the ground wherever I went in Awka. Most of the time, I found nothing remarkable. But sometimes my efforts were rewarded with small discoveries, obviously abandoned pieces of art, works discarded as people fled their houses in terror during the war. As time went by, and as I found many more objects, I began to accumulate a collection of lost war art, and built a small altar with these found objects in a corner of my living room, as a memorial to the war. It was my first exercise in installation art.

My NYSC colleague, Biodun, always looked forward to my little discoveries whenever he visited me from his station in Abagana. When I returned his visits, I kept my eyes glued to the ground in search for abandoned art works. My vigil was never rewarded with anything I couldn’t find in Awka. But one curious item partially concealed in the ground constantly caught my attention. Clearly this item was not an art object. It was almost fully buried in the ground, right in the middle of the narrow laterite side street to Biodun’s house. The dirt street branched off the main Onitsha-Enugu highway, the same highway that led to Awka, which was between these two major cities.

Apparently the object used to be fully buried, but over the years the tires of motor vehicles plying the street wore off the top layer of the soil, and the tip of the object became exposed. Whenever I went to Biodun’s house, I always noticed the partially buried object, and whenever Biodun walked me back to the bus stop, I also stole curious

glances at it.

On the Christmas Eve of 1977, as he walked me back from his house, we reached the spot where the unknown object was buried. I stopped, looked at Biodun, and impulsively said, “I bet that partially-buried thing is a grenade.” I spoke before I could stop myself.

But I was pretty convinced that what I saw was a hand grenade. First, given the notoriety of the town of Abagana as a ferocious war theater during the Biafra War, I had always expected to discover some relic of the war in this town, and had been hitherto disappointed.

Second, the strange object struck me as bearing a remarkable semblance to a hand grenade. True, I had never seen a grenade before. But in my secondary school days I read a voluminous quantity of combat comics from the Second World War. Many of those war comics contained numerous illustrations of hand grenades. Scores of them were lobbed at enemies on almost every page of these comics. The more of those comics you read, the easier it was to recognize the rough ovoid shape of hand grenades. In my young, combat comic reading years, I associated grenades with exoskeletal creatures, especially the tortoise. Grenades were pretty easy to use, you learned. When faced with a bunch of enemies, you pulled one out of your pocket, used your teeth to yank out the safety pin, counted up to ten (or is it five?) before pitching the grenade at enemy soldiers who simply exploded upon impact. Allied soldiers always used them against the Japanese and the Nazis with doubtless success.

I was therefore pretty sure that the item buried in the middle of the dirt street in Abagana was a hand grenade. “You don’t know what a hand grenade is,” Biodun, retorted, his eyes now fixed on the curious thing.

“Wanna bet?” I asked, sounding a little

cocky.

“Sure. I’m pretty certain you’ve never seen a grenade before. You don’t even know what a grenade is. Right in the middle of the street?

Please…!”

“Bet? Five naira.” That was a lot of risk. My salary was only N200 a month. “No, N10,” he insisted.

“Bet!” I bragged.

I was not the gambling type. But I was pretty well convinced that I was right. If I held an iota of doubt in my mind, I would not have placed the bet. I bent down and began prying the buried object from the ground with a metal rod among the road litters. The street was surprisingly clear of traffic on the sleepy Christmas Eve as I gently pried around the buried object, using the metal rod. Gradually and patiently, I loosened up the caked mud that cemented and concealed the object. Biodun stood next to me, curiously observing my movements. “Jesus, you artists are crazy,” he said as I dug. “How on earth did you notice such a tiny speck peeking from the mud?”

“Looks pretty obvious to me,” I said. “I saw it the very first day I came to visit you.”

Within a minute or two, as festive passersby strolled by without care, I had the article dug out. It was a hand grenade and the pin was still intact, ready to be pulled and deployed at enemy soldiers. Except there were no soldiers in sight. The festive town of Abagana sat still in the stupor of war fatigue.

A tiny girl of about four wearing a bright scarf, with a wooden doll strapped to her back, gave me a full smile as she walked gracefully by with maternal pride. I gentle pulled the grenade from the ground from where it had rested for at least seven years.

(To be concluded next week.)

•Okediji is of the University of Texas in Austin, USA.

Firm celebrates outstanding distributors

I

N recognition of the enormous contri butions of its distributors, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell milk, has held its Distributors’ Performance Awards in Tinapa Hotel Calabar.

Attended by 60 top distributors and top management staff of the company, 16 different awards recognising the distributors’ incredible hard work and positive energy over the last six months were presented The awards encompassed first national, second national, third national, first north division, second north division, first south division, second south division, first west division and second west division categories. The other categories of awards were first northwest region, first north-central region, first northeast region, first south-east region, first eastcentral region, first west region and first Lagos region

At the event, Alhaji Abukadri Mohammed was presented with the best national performance award in the first six months of the year

by Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited Chief Keith Richards, for his excellent work and leading performance in sales and distribution of the company’s products.

Alhaji Bana Kachalla, also from Maiduguri and Alhaji Usman Ali Mshella, from Kano went home with the second national and third mational awards.

Chief Richards stated that Promasidor distributors are key contributors to the success of the company. He thanked the award recipients for their outstanding performance in sales and distribution in the first half of the year.

The award recipients applauded the management of Promasidor Nigeria Limited for recognising and rewarding their contribu-

tions to the growth of the company. They pledged to continue doing their best to enhance the market share of the company while also advising the company to keep on focusing on producing high quality products at affordable prices.

According to Alhaji Abukadri Mohammed, “it is an honour for us to be awarded by Promasidor and it’s a tribute to all of our hardworking staff. I am very happy doing business with Promasidor, their products are of very high quality and their prices are competitive”.

The overall best performer, who spoke extensively on the importance of relationship in business success revealed that other companies have been trying to take him away from Promasidor but that he has remained loyal to the company because of relationship.

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Rethinking art in global village

F

OR art practice to develop and assert its relevance and for effective national transformation, the federal and state governments need to recognise the contributions of art to successful technological development as there cannot be success in technology without art. This was part of resolutions reached by the Society of Nigerian Artists at its second international Convention on Art and Development (CONDEV) held in Calabar, Cross Rivers State capital.

Theme of the convention is Rethinking art in a global village at the twilight of the 20th Century.

In an eight-paragraph communiqué, the society also resolved that state government should note that it is to her general social and economic benefit that artists head art and art related government agencies and institutions. This, it said, is also the norm across the globe. The communiqué further said: • special advisers, special assistants and commissioners to governments on art and cultural matters should be artists, •Nigerian Artists’ Registration Council should be put in place as a matter of urgency, •more efforts should be put in protecting intellectual property, •the National Cultural Policy, already reviewed, should be issued into law, effected and passionately implemented as it will spur holistic development and economic advancement of the nation, • teaching of art and creativity in primary and secondary schools should be made compulsory, •the National Gallery of Art Bill, which stalled at the Second Reading in the House of Representatives of the Sixth Legislative Assembly, should be passed based on the harmonised resolution of stakeholders (culture ministry, artists, critics, related sectoral operators et al) on the provisions.”

President of SNA, Mr. Uwa James Usen, said the idea behind the initiation of the yearly convention was born out of a desire

by Nigerian artists to have a conference that seeks to set operations in the field in line with the world’s best practices. He added that it was to enable the country’s art industry maintain the tradition that has kept it in the front row globally while keeping alive the abundant national creative spirit and artistic culture.

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

He disclosed that Lagos, given its crucial position as the hub of art practice and commerce in the country, was chosen to kick start the series. “We were not disappointed as the CONADEV 2010 went very well,” appraised Usen. The SNA President, therefore, urged the sustain CONADEV as an annual event that rotates around states of the federation and a brand name in the Nigerian art space.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers State, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Art and Tourism, Mr Gab Onah, stressed the serene nature of the host city, which he deemed an excellent environment for the kind of intellectual and social interaction which CONADEV required. He said that the state attaches great importance to the arts as it is one of the key factors in tourism development which Cross River holds dire. This, he said, is evidenced in the Carnival Calabar that features a lot of artistic prowess every year. He disclosed that the state government would soon establish an art and cultural facility named The Heritage Foundation.

Eminent artist and art historian, Professor Chike Aniakor of Cross Rivers State University of Technology (CRUTECH), who was the keynote speaker observed that globalisation has raised new challenges and opportunities that Nigerian artists should meet as individuals and as a group.

He stated that there was a need for a counter-strategy by mobilising the wealth of African/Nigerian culture and bio-diversity, in utilising the various arts in the promotion of export tourism trade beyond total reliance on a mono-causal crude oil trade. He reasoned that Nigeria would be richer and greater if the various arts, traditional and modern, in their considerable variety and aesthetic wealth, are harnessed and exported through such initiatives as well curated periodical traveling art exhibitions.

He, therefore, canvassed for regular publication of books and making of films on Nigerian arts and crafts, while recommending that export promotion of art and culture might prove a very viable strategy in penetrating the global space, and “in defining our global/cultural and economic presence in the new world order.”

•Ochigbo and Usen

‘In an eight-paragraph communiqué, the society also resolved that state government should note that it is to her general social and economic benefit that artists head art and art related government agencies and institutions. This, it said, is also the norm across the globe’ •Osinowo

This he said is very imperative, and indeed, mandatory.

In his paper, Prof Osa D. Egonwa of Delta State University, Abraka, called for more inculcation of business norms and enterprise in art practice and scholarship. He advocated possible areas of readjustment in the academic curriculum in Nigerian universities, such as making Fine Art a fiveyear degree programme within which one year should be given totally for industrial training. He noted that academic policies

in the art should include a more robust science-oriented curriculum in order to have graduates who are better equipped in art practice and dynamics. He identified the challenges in the arts environment of Nigeria to include an absence of local-content policy; a yawning need to modify the policy guiding the National Gallery of Art in such a way as to empower it to have a better overview on both public and privately owned galleries in Nigeria.

Poetry on the airwaves

By Olukorede Yishau

•Olowolabi

T

HE dictions are carefully chosen. They are succint and full of imageries. They also have rhythm. Welcome to the world of Redcarpet, a television show

in which the narrations which accompany stories aired are laced with poetry or what an observer has described as poetic-prose.

The Editor-in-chief of Red Carpet, Mr. Yemi Olowolabi, said the decision to lace the narration of stories on the programme was a deliberate effort to make the celebrity

show different.

Olowolabi, who worked actively in the mainstream print media before delving into television production over two years ago, said: “Red Carpet is about celebration. And you can’t celebrate people with a sleeping language. We write with the felicity of diction. I like to tell the people’s stories with poetic details, to let them see and feel what they did not see at their party.”

The former Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State, said his political appointment opened his eyes into television production.

According to him, after his appointment, he realised that he needed to network with journalists in the electronic media, whom he was not familiar with because of his background as a print reporter.

He also felt he knew next to nothing about video cameras, not to talk of recording and editing. He decided to learn the basics to excel in his appointment.

“I knew I was working with a very intelligent man. If I had to defend an electronic proposal, for instance, I must be very sure of what I was talking about,” he said.

At the end of his assigment with Agagu, Olowolabi had to decide what next. He said:

“I was faced with deciding whether or not to go back to TELL? I knew I would be welcome if I did. But I also knew I had always had a dream to do something on my own when I turned 40. If I would go into the print business, I did not have enough money. Even the challenges of the mortality rate of newspapers and magazines are there. Realising that setting up a TV production outfit does not require a huge amount – once you get your camera, which some even borrow – the work has started. That was how I settled for my newly found love in the broadcast media.”

He acquired two editing suites, three highprofile cameras and business started. To make his programme unique, he brought to bear

‘I was faced with deciding whether or not to go back to TELL? I knew I would be welcome if I did. But I also knew I had always had a dream to do something on my own when I turned 40. If I would go into the print business, I did not have enough money’

his experience as head of the ‘Back of the Book’ section in TELL, where good prose blended with peotry was the norm.

No wonder good scripting is the hallmark of Red Carpet, his celebrity TV magazine.

But getting to where the programme is now was not without challenges.

“When we started, we were going into an unfamiliar terrain. First, by nature and the kind of job I had done, I am not a party person. So, I was not familiar with the terrain.

Where would I find the parties, really? And what about invitation? As a reporter, you don’t need to be invited to an occasion before you go there. But in this case, it is a different ball game. When a high-profile person is holding a party, you can expect that security will be tight there.”

It was also difficult getting money from the oraganisers to air their parties. So, Red Carpet had to cover events free, but the jinx has been broken now.

He explained that people have fallen in love with the poetry in motion that the narration on the programme is. “We have no problem when it comes to production. With good technology, the job is done. But the script is the livewire of every production. It is like a house: once you erect the right pillars, the builder will just be setting blocks on it in conformity with what is already on ground.

The script is the compass for production,” he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

35

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

•Guests at the photo festival.

PHOTOS: OZOLUA UHAKHEME

The spectacle of Lagos photo fiesta

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VER 200 colourful photographs of Africans, places and institutions shot by 41 international photographers drawn from across the globe adorned the walls of the underground park of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday. From the oddity to the incredible, historical and awesome images of the continent, this year’s Lagos Photo Festival organised by African Artists Foundation (AAF) offered Nigerians how art can serve as intervention in public spaces.

With the theme, What’s next Africa? The hidden stories, the opening ceremony left no one in doubt of the rich collection of photographs being expected for the outdoor exhibition, Lagos photo party, holding at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, October 15. Among the participating photographers are Aderemi Adegbite, Kelechi Obi-Amadi, Akintunde Akinleye, George Okwong, George Osodi and Victor Ehikhamenor (Nigeria), Nana Kofi Acquah, Jodi Bieber, Megali Corouge and Alfredo D’Amato. Others are Giulio D’Ercole, John Densky, Solofo Tinah and Daniel Tamagai.

Curator of the photo festival, Mr Marce Prust, said given the improvement of this year’s edition the festival could only get better by the year, adding that it would be near impossibility to capture everything about the continent within the scope of the festival.

The Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Steven Evans has said Etisalat is hoping to make its ten million customers mark when it turns three years in telecommunications business in

•Etisalat backs Lagos Photo Festival

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

Nigeria. Etisalat, which got its license as a telecommunication service provider in March 2007 will turn three years this month.

Evans, who spoke at the pre-festival interaction with Art Editors in Lagos, reassured AAF, organisers of Lagos Photo Festival of his commitment to the sponsorship of the festival for the next edition. He recalled that last year Etisalat made a commitment to AAF to sponsor the festival for three years, noting that the telecommunication outfit has very active corporate social responsibility programmes, which Lagos Photo Festival is one. “We believe in supporting a number of events in areas of art and photography is most accessible form of art.

Telephone has also evolved into mobile phone as camera and easier to transfer. This event has in many ways more resonant with our business. We cherish and hope it will grow while will look forward to a bigger event this year,” he added.

General Manager of Eko Hotel and Suites, Mr Danny Krokioupouroglou, who pledged support for the festival said he believed arts must play significant role in the every society. He said given the success of the maiden edition of the festival, he looked forward to a bigger festival this year.

Lagos Photo festival organised by AAF in collaboration with the European National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), opened at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos last Saturday. The festival, which is featuring about 40 renowned international photographers including Nigerian photographers, has as theme; What’s Next Africa -The hidden stories.

It will be curated by Marce Prust.

The month long indoor exhibition will be complemented by professionally led workshops for amateur photographers, a master’s class workshop, workshop for secondary school students, a series of indoor exhibitions at various locations in Lagos, a party in the park, a fashion photography exhibition as well as cutting edge outdoor exhibitions at select public locations throughout the metropolis.

Another exciting aspect of this year’s edition of the festival is the Party in the Park on October 15 and 16 featuring delectable Food Affair event, outdoor exhibitions and a musical concert.

There will also be a fashion photography outdoor exhibition, which will coincide with the Lagos Fashion week on October 30, at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Following the inaugural event launched in October last year, and as part of an on-going project designed to use art intervention in public spaces, this year’s theme aims to use the power of photography to showcase everyday hidden stories on the continent as opposed to the over represented, sensationalised, dramatic images on Africa popular across the globe.

IN-SHORT holds in Lagos tomorrow

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•Dr. Odunsi, retired executive director, UACN Plc, Chief Nollah Edun and retired Commissioner for Town Planning, Lagos State Development and Property Commission, Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Ogunsola at the WellCare Home Medicals Old People Day Out

Wellcare honours senior citizens

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ELLCARE Home Medicals, the pioneer professional caregivers that provides qualitative homecare service in the comfort of the home, has held a party for senior citizens in commemoration of the United Nations’ International Day for Older People 2011 in Lagos.

This year’s theme, Reminiscence, is a celebration of the achievements and contributions that older people have made to the family, society and to the economy at large and to raise awareness of the benefits of living with older people. This is the third year the Day has been celebrated by WellCare Home Medicals. The United Nations created this annual event in 1991 to celebrate the contributions and achievements of senior citizens in our society.

Managing Director, WellCare Home Medicals, Dr. (Mrs.) Olajumoke Odunsi, said “older people are among the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our society. We are poised to raise awareness for the right of senior citizens and to recognise their contributions to national development. We hope to inspire people to take care, honour and celebrate older people.

At this time, there is need to change the old stereotype because improvements in healthcare, hygiene, water quality, sanitation and education are making people to live longer and longevity is an achievement.

She noted that older people would increasingly play a critical role in national development through volunteer work, knowledge and contacts transfer, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in paid labour force.

HE International Film and Broadcast Academy, Lagos in conjunction with Goethe institut, Lagos will hold its maiden edition of the international short film and video festival, IN-SHORT 2011 tomorrow. It will end on Saturday, October 15, featuring screenings, a short film workshop with the German director Lothar Herzog and a short film forum with interested filmmakers.

The festival, which has over 200 entries from 27 countries, will feature documentaries, fiction, comedies, musicals, experimentals and PSAs. IN-SHORT is designed to discover the hidden talents for the movie industry. These include actors, directors, cinematographers, writers etc many of whom are film school students, film school graduates and others with a passion and gift for story telling through the motion picture medium. Many of these are currently producing musical videos, commercials and documentaries. They are

BRIEF A solo art exhibition of paintings, Tomorrow never dies, by Kunle Adegborioye will open at the Nike Art Gallery, Beside Legacy Palce, Lekki, Lagos on Saturday, October 22. The exhibition, which will feature works such as Lagoon of infinite, Bargaining Tempo and Dawn of New Age, will run till October 29 at the same venue.

mostly not involved in Nollywood, but it is hoped that through this festival these hidden talents will be discovered and given a break.

The festival director Mr. Victor Okhai has promised the general public an exciting time at the screening and workshops. Attendance at all screenings will be free, including the short film forum although the short film workshop will be strictly by invitation as there are limited spaces for participants.

Screenings will hold at the Silverbird Cinemas, Victoria Island, Nigeria Film Corporation cinema hall, Old Film Unit, after Voice of Nigeria, in Obalende, Ikoyi and Goethe Institut, City Hall, Lagos. There will be lots of gifts through raffle draws for the audience after each screening. The festival is supported by the Lagos Film Office, Nigeria Film Corporation, National Film and Video Censors Board, Hitv, Silverbird Cinemas, Sachtler, AG Kurzfilm, and Max Ophuls Preis Film Festival.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

‘Winning the NLNG prize left me speechless’

PROF. BABAWALE’S 50TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

126 books were entered for this year’s edition of Nigeria’s Prize for Literature sponsored by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). After months of rigorous examination by the judges Mai Nasara’s The Missing Clock has emerged winner. He shares his joy with EVELYN OSAGIE.

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OW would you describe yourself? In short, who is Mai Nasara?

The journalist and science communicator called Adeleke Adeyemi. I’m taking refuge in my pen name, Mai Nasara. Refuge from what, you ask? Time will tell. Yet, as singersongwriter Mary McKee penned, Heaven holds all the answer that Time will never tell.

How have you been able to juggle work, family and your Muse (writing)?

My Muse has been most cooperative! The award for ‘Most Understanding’, however, has to go to my family. My wife, Abolore, is simply the best partner in the world! As for writing, it has always been a component of work for me. I’m a journalist and communicator at heart.

What was growing up like for you? How did it affect the man you have become?

Besides listening heavily to the radio, I grew up cultivating my own vegetable patch, nay small-scale farm! So I’m not fazed by procedure and due process. Rather, I’m a stickler for procedure; something I learnt most abundantly from the various science experiments I was guided through at Government College, Katsina (GCK). Then briefly at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife, and more extensively while figuring out various aspects of Geology at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

Hence you’ll find me to be both literally and metaphorically down-to-earth and environmentally inclined. My book The Missing Clock is, literally and metaphorically, a down-to-earth and environmentally inclined story.

What inspired the writing of the book?

It boils down to a desire to draw attention to the difference children can make. And thus make a difference for the child.

Children have an astounding problemsolving slant in their thinking that adults have been taking for granted and thus untapped. I’ve been involved in their lives in various capacities: Sunday school, summer school literary/environmental awareness campaigns, etc. I have always wanted to give children a story they’ll be self-motivated and enthusiastic about to want to share with family and friends.

Hence my story had to be anchored on a truism. The Missing Clock is a Reversal of Fortune, or ROF, story which illustrates the aphorism that the hour just before dawn is the darkest. Put another way: it always gets worse before it gets better. Stories are equipment for life. To be forewarned is to be forearmed about the wilderness standing between Good and Better named Worse!

How long did it take you to put the book together - from writing to publishing?

Something like three years. But that had more to do with overcoming logistical challenges than the act of writing. The raw material for the story came with me from Inwala Quarters, Katsina, as observations into the vastly improved latter life of a hitherto struggling Niger Delta egbon there, to Gbagada, Lagos, where an idea jumped out at me during a brain-storming session with my memoirist friend Kunle Kasumu.

What is your take on the Prize?

The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Company, is definitely a welcome idea. It has had a chequered history, no doubt, especially under the unforgiving gaze of the press! Yet it has come into its own, I think, as a benchmark for the kind of philanthropy it sets out to do, as well as patronage for the arts on the continent; it can only get better with the realisation of its set objectives in years to

come.

How you feel winning the prize?

Grateful. And speechless. Mercifully, no acceptance speech required!

How did it feel being one of the finalists for the Nigeria Prize for Literature?

When you know for a fact that there’s nothing you have that has not been given you, then you can only ask yourself, as Apostle Paul admonished, ‘why do you boast as if you’ve not been given?’ I have merely been given a story to share. That it got this kind of megawatts spotlighting only leaves me humbled, that is to say, down-to-earth.

Did having your book on the NLNG Literature Prize shortlist affect you in anyway?

Quite a few lingering long stares, yes! It has brought a torrent of on-demand interviews and media appearances one tends to feel irresponsible turning down.

Yet I know you’re not given a voice so you can enjoy the sound of it all by yourself.

Did having your book on the NLNG Literature Prize shortlist affect you in anyway?

Quite a few lingering long stares, yes! It has brought a torrent of on-demand interviews and media appearances one tends to feel irresponsible turning down.

Yet I know you’re not given a voice so you can enjoy the sound of it all by yourself.

What advice do you have for those desiring to have their works shortlisted in the future?

Don’t desire to have your work shortlisted; instead, crave to have an audience that will feel shortchanged not hearing and heeding your voice through your works.

What is your opinion on the state of the Nigerian literary community?

I suppose one can liken it to salt sitting rest assured in a salt-shaker. It’s yet to permeate the melting pot. Maybe there isn’t a melting pot in place yet! Is there a national literature that is authentically Nigerian in its DNA? Like American literature. I’m just asking. I see various ‘Nigerian literary communities’. We’re not (yet) speaking the same language. Our children are not swapping stories - the kind that forges and reinforces a sense of national identity as well as sensibilities.

Who defined us to us? And who, really, have the writers in our midst been writing for?

•From left: Governor Mimiko, Prof. Babawale and wife, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin and Dr. Wale Babalakin, at the birthday party at the University of Lagos... last Saturday.

‘Working for Nigeria’s good is our responsibility’

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HAIRMAN, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations ( NIPR) Lagos, Barrister Jide Ologun, has said that building a peaceful, united, progressive and politically stable and economically viable country is a collective responsibility and not solely of those in leadership positions. He said the moment ‘we realise this and sheathe our swords, the better for us all.’

Ologun spoke at the 1000 Leaders and 1000 Leaders Women meeting held recently at WhiteHouse Annex, Ikeja, Lagos.

The project is to monitor, appraise and advise political leaders in the state of the nation. It is a 1,000 Leaders Global Projects’ idea, with Whitewater Limited as consultants working with two strategic partners; Vinakom Associates, and Paraclete Limited.

Speaking at the forum Mr. Nsikakabasi Daniels, Chief Executive, White Water Limited, stressed the need for Nigerian leaders to think before they talk or act, because many are making statements that are not adding value to the wellbeing of the Nigerian psychic.

He said federal government should appoint competent hand from the armed forces to manage security matters and not an intelligent strategist who, though a professional in his own right, might lack the knowledge, skill and attitude to deal with issues on ground.

Reacting to campaign on television, he frowned at the lack of creativity in the production of the materials used, noting that Nigeria is a beautiful and blessed country. He therefore urged producers to show good images about the country and not gun -toting military per-

By Nyaknoabasi Isong–Ibanga

sonnel in full combat gear, blood soaked wounded victims, carcasses of burnt human bodies, structures and vehicles as if we are at war. The forum commended the minister of finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo–Iweala’s spirit of patriotism and sense of commitment to better the Nigerian economy irrespective of how she was treated by Obasanjo’s administration. Prof. Dora Akunyili was also commended for safeguarding the lives of millions of Nigerian while she was Director General, NAFDAC. The forum also charged the civil right groups to channel their energy towards developing the country by creating programmes that would imbibe in the people the sense of unity and peace rather than criticising the government.

In his contribution, Head Strategist, Vinakom Associates Mr. Vincent Akpan, said there is need to continue to teach our people on how important it is to live a quality and contented life in the country. “We have all it takes to be the giant that we are not only in name but also in great things. The religious leaders should focus more on developing the spiritual entity of the being to support their growth effectively. Our traditional fathers need to go back to the roots and stop playing politics with the lives of the people and culture and tradition of our fathers.

In her presentation, the executive director, 1000 Leaders Global Projects, Mrs. Omowunmimi Idaraobong, said the project is embarking on identifying the unknown leaders who are selfless in their way of life.

LIFELINE

Georgina Beier in conversation with Chika Okeke-Agulu

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•Nasara

EORGINA Beier will hold a conversation with Chika OkekeAgulu on Saturday, October 15 by 2 p.m at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Lecture Hall, sublevel 2 950 Independence Avenue, SW Washington DC, US. Beier is legendary for “teaching” first generation Osogbo artists, such as Twins Seven-Seven, Jimoh Buraimoh and Muraina Oyelami, who are among Afri-

ca’s best known modern artists. Beier’s work in Nigeria and Papua New Guinea has been of tremendous interest to Africanist art historians and visual culture scholars.

Longtime friend and student of her work, Chika Okeke-Agulu (Princeton) will explore important moments of Beier’s illustrious career and offer new insights into her art and relationship with African cultures, art and artists.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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ABUJA REVIEW Nigerian vehicle makes a debut Stories from Bukola Amusan

•Muhammed

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N indigenous automobile company, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (Innoson Group) has been granted approval to build a service station in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed announced this in Abuja when the group made a special presentation of its ultra-modern mass transit buses, waste compacting trucks and bins to the minister.

The company is also to partner with the FCTA in its efforts to sustain a healthy environment.

Mohammed expressed delight that a Nigerian company has developed the technology on how to manufacture various sizes of motor vehicles including high capacity mass transit buses.

He urged Nigerians to patronise the company and other indigenous automobile manufacturers as a deliberate way of encouraging Nigerian technological ingenuity and reducing capital flight.

The minister also urged the group to invest in the fast-growing FCT transportation sector, adding that it would afford the company the opportunity to

showcase its wide range of automobile products.

“Abuja is a big centre stage with great national and international attractions and potential,” the minister told the team.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr. Fred Nwosu, who stood in for the Chairman/CEO of Innoson Group, Mr. Innocent I. Chukwuma, told the minister that the high capacity mass tran-

Invest in the fast-growing FCT transportation sector…It would afford the company the opportunity to showcase its wide range of automobile products…Abuja is a big centre stage with great national and international attractions and potential

Foundation builds block of classrooms

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S part of efforts to enhance the quality of education in the rural areas, the TY Danjuma Foundation has built and equipped a block of classrooms in Dako, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

With this, the Executive Director of the Total Child Care Initiative (TCCI), Mrs. Rosemary Abdullahi said the number of completed projects funded by the Foundation on “Enhancing the Quality of Education” under its 2010 grant cycle has increased.

Dako, a remote rural community without basic amenities is about 34 kilometers away from Gwagwalada town.

The Foundation also supported the construction of a block

of two classrooms with furniture, improved ventilated toilet facilities, a football pitch and school uniforms for pupils.

During the inauguration, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Ms. Thelma Ekiyor called on all stakeholders to embrace the project and benefit from it maximally, even as she emphasised that the community should strive to ensure that girl child enrolment receives priority.

She disclosed that the Foundation will also build staff quarters for teachers in Dako community to solve accommodation problems which are one of the features of schools in remote areas.

She said: “For us as a Foundation, this school did not cost too much, but it will touch many

sit buses being manufactured by the company were fashioned after the London model.

He said the passenger capacity of each of the buses is 99 people made up of 45 people sitting and 55 standing.

He added that the company’s local content input in terms of spare parts and components currently stands at 60 per cent.

According to Ojukwu, the

lives.”

Speaking on the progress of the school and the significance of the project to the community, Mrs. Abdullahi expressed her joy that the school, which started in a church building with less than 10 children now has at least 80 pupils with prospects for increased enrolment.

The high point of the occasion was the arrival of a contingent of Fulani residents from a community close to Dako; who stayed all through the event and openly proclaimed that they were there to ensure that their children, especially girls, got enrolled into the new school.

LL the pilgrims for this year’s Hajj have been advised to ensure strict compliance to the rules guiding the operation, and to desist from absconding.

The Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide gave the advice at the formal inauguration of the FCT 2011 Amirul Hajj team in Abuja.

Oloye Akinjide said that “handling the Hajj is an exceptional task that should be taken with utmost seriousness. Therefore, FCT Administration has made it a cardinal principle to continue to support all processes aimed at assisting Muslim brothers and sisters to achieve the goal of an acceptable Hajj.”

According to her, the goal of the FCTA is to be the best and to excel others.

She, however, pleaded with all intending pilgrims to see themselves as equal before Allah and abide by

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Group, at present, imports flat sheets for the manufacturing of the buses because the Ajaokuta Steel Company was not producing.

He said the group manufactures the big mass transit buses based on order, pointing out that it could deliver as many as 50 buses within 60 days once an order is duly placed and confirmed.

He assured that the company has no problem with spare parts having first started operation as spare parts manufacturers. The company will be officially inaugurated on October 15, 2011.

The group presented 300 pieces of assorted plastic waste bins valued at over N10m to the FCTA as part of its contributions towards sanitising the city’s environment.

The Permanent Secretary of FCTA, Dr. Nathaniel Olorunfemi, who received the items on behalf of the minister, thanked the Innoson Group for the kind gesture and goodwill.

Don’t abscond, minister cautions pilgrims the existing undertakings.

Responding, FCT 2011 Amirul Hajj, Gen. A. B. Mamman admitted that the task is onerous especially when dealing with FCT pilgrims who always expect nothing but the best.

He promised that the team will work together to ensure a hitch-free Hajj, adding that “arrangement for Hajj is a chain link, once one is broken, it disrupts everything.”

The inauguration was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, FCT, Dr. Biodun Olorunfemi; Director, Muslims Pilgrim Welfare Board, Dr. Shuaibu Kurfi and other eminent members of the committee.

Beverage customers ask for more USTOMERS and Shareholders of the Seven up Bottling Company have urged the Board of Directors of the firm to seek ways of increasing its production so as to meet up with the high demands during the festive season.

Speaking at an interactive forum with the customers in Abuja, the shareholders also urged the company to seek ways of growing the Business in Nigeria and also extend it to other West Africa countries so as to prevent it from delisting form the Nigeria stock Exchange.

The Shareholders and customers said with the payment of N2 dividend to the shareholders at

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its financial year ended March 31, 2011, the company hopes to experience more dividends next year.

The Chairman of the Board, Faysal El-Khalil who presided over at the forum said access to affordable trade credit facilities remained a challenge for the customers, suppliers and the service providers as banks have continued to tightened their lending criteria following the banking sector reforms.

While declaring a dividend of N1,281,180,725, representing N2 per share, El-Khalil said if it is recommended by the Board of Directors, it will be paid subject to

•From left: President Senior Citizen Asssociation of Nigeria, Dr Ropo Oluyeba; Cordinator Special Programme Minisry of Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe and Deputy Director Blindness Prevention Programme, Dr. Taiwo Oyeleye during International Senior Citizens Day celebration in Lagos PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

39

ABUJA REVIEW

Committee uncovers lapses in women centre management A N Interministerial Committee set up to restructure the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) has uncovered lapses in the running of the centre.

The Committee, headed by Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, said most postings in the centre were done without considering the qualification of the staff.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, while receiving the report, said the Centre will be restructured to enable it to deliver on its mandate in line with the President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

Describing the Centre as the pride of every Nigerian woman, the minister stressed that if it is run properly, it would not only benefit Nigeria but also other African countries.

She said government will not relent in its efforts to reposition the centre so that it occupies its enviable position as the leading Centre of Gender Studies in Africa. ”We will give the Centre a new focus in line with the aim of its founding fathers. We will repo-

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HE Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Joseph Akintola has called for the immediate demolition of all illegal structures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He spoke while responding to questions from reporters at the end of a tour to ascertain the level

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NE hundred children died in Kebbi State from ailments relating to acute malnutrition in the last two years, said the state Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Umar J. Ahmad.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting which reviewed the management of acute malnutrition in the state between 2009 and 2011, Ahmad also said the state government has procured nutritional food worth over N135m for children suffering from acute malnutrition.

He added that with a report from the state Ministry of Health indicated that from 2009 to June 2011, 237 children were admitted at the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin-Kebbi. Out of the number, 19 died, while 152 were cured.

He said that 314 children were admitted at the Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital. Out of the number, 233 were cured while 22 lost their lives. During the period

The state government has decided to expand the programme from four to 10 local government areas and within the period 20,000 children have benefited from the programme

Stories from Bukola Amusan

sition it to meet the demands of present times. This is our little effort in supporting Mr. President’s transformation agenda. ”It is very difficult to bring about change. People do resist change but you need to be firm.

What must be done must be done at all costs, if we want to move forward. The Centre has so many great potential that need to be explored for the development of gender issues in Nigeria and Af-

rica,” the minister said.

She assured that the report of the board would be critically studied and the recommendations therein implemented without fear or favour.

Recalling that she was privileged to be among those involved in the initial planning of the centre, Hajiya Maina urged the board to see the present challenges facing the Centre as a test of their will to solve them.

According to her, so many projects planned by the centre

We will give the Centre a new focus in line with the aim of its founding fathers. We will reposition it to meet the demands of present times. This is our little effort in supporting Mr. President’s transformation agenda

such as the reactivation of Women Development Centres across the country may not be fully implemented if it is not run properly.

She informed the committee that another meeting between officials of the ministry and the board would be convened to review the report once more before implementation.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Governing Council of NCWD, Hajiya Habibat Salman Saidu said the recommendations were their little effort towards realising the transformation agenda of President Jonathan.

She told the Minister that though the various programmes of the NCWD were ongoing, the council has been faced with so many challenges since its inauguration in 2009, stating however that they had been able to weather the storm. ”As much as possible, we have tried to discharge our duties diligently, efficiently and effectively.

The centre has not been a very easy boat because it has so many troubled waters to cross,” she said.

According to Hajiya Saidu, the Council therefore decided to seek government’s intervention by in-

•Hajiya Maina

augurating an inter-ministerial committee to assist in the re-appraisal, restructuring and re-engineering of the centre in order to realise the purpose for which the NCWD was established.

She called for the full support of the ministry to implement the recommendations contained in the report, saying that “by the time the ministry goes through the report, you will realise that the support of the ministry is direly needed to implement the recommendations,”

Society of Engineers seeks demolition of illegal structures of progress made on the Abuja light rail project by the Transport Secretariat of the FCT. Akintola demanded strong punitive action against some officials of the FCTA who are found culpable in distorting the Abuja

Malnutrition kills 100 children From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin-Kebbi

under review nine children died at the Argungu General Hospital, 15 at the General Hospital Koko, and 20 at General Hospital, Yauri.

He explained that the two affected local governments in the state are Bagudo and Augie which indicated high cases of acute malnutrition with 1,505 and 966 reported cases from January to June this year. The report indicated that nine children died in Augie and 6 in Bagudo Local Governments during the period.

He said the state government has decided to expand the programme from four to 10 local government areas and within the period 20,000 children have benefited from the programme. He said 11,000 of them have been treated and discharged from various hospitals.

He said Unicef has donated 17,750 cartons of nutritional food, with the Kebbi State government providing another 10,000 cartons.

The Director, Primary Health Care, Alhaji Sani Ysuf Argungu and the state Nutrition Officer, Aliyu Galadima Libata emphasised the need for traditional and religious leaders to sensitise their communities on the importance of medical check-up, sustainability of the programme and treatment of

Master Plan through illegal allocations.

“Those people who deliberately built on the transport lane, I am strongly recommending to the FCT Administration to quickly demolish their houses,” he said.

Structures to be affected by this action when carried out are the NNPC mega filling station, Danzali Plaza among others in the Central Business Districts.

He lamented that the action of these unpatriotic officials has not only distorted the Master Plan but has also cost innocent Nige-

rians who were wrongly allotted such lands colossal financial loss.

“I want to emphasise on this; there are some people who do not

want to be law-abiding in the FCT because of the godfather syndrome. I want to believe that we must put a stop to this,” he added.

Those people who deliberately built on the transport lane, I am strongly recommending to the FCT administration to quickly demolish their houses...The action of these unpatriotic officials has not only distorted the Master Plan but has also cost innocent Nigerians who were wrongly allotted such lands colossal financial loss

•From left: Executive Co-ordinator, Nneka Nwobi; Pastor-in-Charge, Trinity House Church, Pastor Itua Ighodalo; Guest Speaker, Mr. Atedo Peterside, and Assistant Pastor -in-Charge, Pastor Niyi Akenzua at lecture organised by Trinity House Church in commemoration of Nigeria at 51, entitled "Towards an Economic Transformation Agenda" held at Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos

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The colourful ceremonies go through the major roads in the capital en-route the emir’s places where his royal highness then addressed his people

Jigawa in three-day horse feast

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UTSE, the Jigawa State capital, has celebrated Durbar, a festival spanning three days. It is a feast that unites man and beast. It is one of the most colourful feasts in Northern Nigeria. The Durbar parades expensively-decorated horses and their experienced riders.

Durbars are the most prominent cultural festivals in Jigawa State.

They are unique and very colourful, featuring not just bedecked horses but camels as well. Their riders are dressed in vibrant traditional regalia and accompanied by traditional music and dancing.

The emirate council, being the custodian of religion and custom, organises it. The festival is sometimes called Hawan Sallah or Sallah Durbar and it showcases the culture of Jigawa.

In Duste emirate, the festival is marked on three days. The first day is called Hawan Sallah, the second Hawan Banki, the third Hawan Shuwari. These ceremonies feature more than 1, 000 horsemen dressed in carnival gear. The horses are decorated in silver and gold, while their riders carry guns, sticks and swords.

The procession is watched by thousands of people lined up in the streets with various cultural dances and display of music. The Emir, accompanied by his district heads as well as the village chiefs proceeded to his places in Garu acknowledging greetings from title-holders of the emirate as well as well-wishers. The colourful ceremonies go through the major roads in the capital en-route the emir’s places where his royal highness then addressed his people.

According to the Galadima, a traditional rural and the traditional council administrator of the emirate, Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed Sanusi said durbar symbolises the ancient tradition of his people whom he called warriors. He said the local guns,

•A procession of Durbar in their beautiful attires From Eunice Bosua, Dutse

sword, and sticks which are paraded by the horse riders are all demonstration of the war-like nature of the Jigawa people.

Apart from showcasing the beautiful culture, durbars are also used for entertainment as well as parade for welcoming visitors to the state and the emirate.

This continues on the second day with what is called traditional Hawan Bariki.This is when the Royal father in company of district heads and village chiefs pay the chief executive of the state homage.

This, the Galadima said, has a traditional meaning to what was obtainable during colonial period when the emirate dimmed it fit to pay homage to the colonial masters as a show of appreciation. They present their yearly problems with the view of getting solutions to them. He added that this year’s festival was done without request

as, according to him, Governor Sule Lamido has met their needs so the visit was more of an appreciative one.

The durbar proceeds to a third day which is set apart for what is called hawan shuarin. Hawan shuarin is a day set aside to observe the late Emir of Dutse Alhaji Mohhammadu Sunusi Dan Bello who ruled from 1983 to 1995.

According to history, he was the village head of shuarin and the only first-class chief who rose from a village head, district head to become an emir. The emir according to history when he die left a will that he should be buried in shuarin were he lived as the village and build a house instead of the emir places. So on the third day the hawan shuarin day all the traditional rule live for shuarin early dressed in Alyakba a white dress in honor of the late of the late emir including the emir In shuarin the Emir received obeisance from various district

heads and other traditional title holders, while traditional dancing and cultural display of all kinds as well as horse riding kept people entertained up to the time for prayers.

This year, just like every other year, prayer was offered for the late Emir of Dutse Alhaji Mohhammadu Sunusi. Prayers were also offered for the peaceful coexistence of the country. This was followed by the return journey to Dutse which was itself a showcase of the people cultural heritage. The comeback journey from shuarin is a show to behold as each person that make up a contingents incluing the emir dress in their best regalia to show case their culture in his highest and undiluted from. people in Dutse both indigenes and vistors,big and small all came out in their numbers to welcome the entourage. While the horse rider display on their horses, local musicians and the various contingents showcasing their skills in what they know how to do best all to the admiration of the people.

Commercial activities in Dutse metropolis stood still for almost three hours.

All in respect of what some of the admirers of the events who spoke to our correspondent termed

as “the best of sallah ever witnessed in the emirate”.

At the heroic return back to Dutse about 6kilometer from Dutse admirer chart raising of hands charting ka-Gesheku meaning we greet you and the horse rider reply same ka-Gesheku.as contingents showcase there beautiful culture each showcasing the particular culture of their particular community .

With the important attach to horse in the state the horse is see as an essiacial commodity for a common man though the galadima said horse riding is not melt for special person anybody can ride the horse as far as you can ride and added that the emirate makes provision for the horse to be use by the contingents .An average horse cost 250 .00 but quickly said horse are in category as the special breed cost more.

Most people who spoke to our reporter called on the state government to support the emirate in whatever way it can so as to ensure the preservation of the cultural heritage of the people. A police officer mallam Ringim who could not hid his joy said government should, do it best by supporting the emirate through preserving this culture so that our children can also see.

Kebbi to employ more medical officers

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•From left: Hon. Hakeem Bamgbola, chairman Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area; Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Lagos State Vice-Chairman Action Congres of Nigeria (ACN) and Rev. Ayo Adebiyi at the Fidau of the late Alhaja Sidikat Apatira held at LTV Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Lagos PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

S part of efforts to improve healthcare service delivery in Kebbi, the state government is set to employ 75 additional medical officers.

According to the chairman, Kebbi State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Bala Musa Sakaba over 75 medical candidates have been shortlisted for interview in the state civil service, adding that the commission has conducted employment interviews with a view to addressing manpower shortage in the state health institutions.

From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin-Kebbi

The chairman also said the medical officers that are to be employed would complement government’s efforts in ensuring a healthy Kebbi.

He added that such strides are geared towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals in the area of combating infant and maternal mortality as well as checkmating the scourge of other diseases.

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SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP TIPS

Producing Plaster of Paris

By Edwin Agbaike

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•Onebunne working on the cages

Grasscutter rearing: A growing money spinner R

AISING grass cutter is becoming a lucrative and popular farming like poultry in the country.

It has experienced growth in efficiency, whether in costs or feeds.

The Managing Director, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onebunne, is encouraging grass cutter rearing as an income-generating business for young farmers.

He said it is not difficult for one to cater for them. What

By Daniel Essiet

one should do is to find elephant grass that one can give them for breakfast. This is followed by grains and this can last them till day break.

He started farming 15 years ago. Since then, he has seen it grow to generate a healthy profit. Onebunne’s success is hinged on technical strategies, sound veterinary and animal husbandry

research and the use of affordable production methods that are suited to small-scale producers.

The experience, he gained has been made available to entrepreneurs through seminars and workshops.

Onebunne helps people to set up grass cutter farms. He has for sale fast growing species of grass cutter breeding families.

There is a big market for its products. For example, many households and restaurants serve meals with grasscutter.

Onebunne said this is an advantage for his colleagues as Nigerians are looking for tasty meat.

Happily, the business does not require much to start.

With about N40,000, one can kick-off with one family of grasscutter called a colony.

This comprises one male and four females. They are reared in a cage which costs N5,000.

Therefore, with N45,000, one is already in business, the expert said.

He advised new entrants to buy them when they are four months old - the breeding stock stage. “If you buy at this stage and rear them for four months, they will start having babies at eight months and you can start making profit,” he said.

A grasscutter is odourless unlike a fowl or a rabbit. As a result, the cage can be placed anywhere in the compound or even in the kitchen. The merit a grass cutter has over others is that it is susceptible to few diseases or health problems and can easily be fed with a

variety of food.

They feed mainly on succulent stems and forages of some grasses. The first challenge Onebunne faced is the management of breeding. He said people need to go for proper practical training before venturing into the business. Today, apart from breeding, he also provides comprehensive training.

He said among the basic input for the breeding are threetier cages and their housing units, starter stock, feeds, and feeding bowls and cleaning materials. The housing unit protects them from adverse weather conditions, such as cold, escape of animals during accidental openings of individual cages and protection from theft.

There is no need at the beginning to rent an office space or hire a sales team. What is more, overhead costs can be significantly reduced.

Onebunne works with interested farmers and provide them with information on where to get cages and initial breeders. The demand for grass cutter meat is high with its accompanying price hikes, making the prospect of grass cutter rearing very bright and encouraging either as a fulltime or part-time job. The enterprise is booming and shows no signs of slowing down.

He and others are striving to help entrepreneurs. And over the past three years, he has received more requests from individuals, seeking to take advantage of the new business opportunity.

‘Happily, the business does not require much to start. With about N40,000, one can kick-off with one family of grasscutter called a colony. This comprises one male and four females. They are reared in a cage which costs N5,000. Therefore, with N45,000, one is already in business’

HE use of Plaster of Paris (POP) has, in recent years, increased tremendously worldwide, particularly in Nigeria. This is as a result of increases in the number of hospitals and industries that use the product.

Plaster of Paris is used for making paints (white pigment), cement interior decoration materials, in paper (size filler, surface coating), dyeing and galico printing, as polishing powder, etc.

That is not all. The reason for this article is the use in the surgical bandage treatment of fracture or bone joining, moulds surgical casts, etc. This vital industry has been neglected. If we must have a healthy society, we should invest in healthy care products, such as Plaster of Paris (POP). At present, we manufacture only five per cent of the POP consumed in the country. The rest are imported. Last year, Nigeria spent over N230 million on the importation of POP alone. At present, we have 45 teaching hospitals, about 250 general hospitals, several primary health care centres, and thousands of private hospitals. There is, therefore, need for more Plaster of Paris production plants in the country. It is not difficult to set up one.

The raw material for POP production is gypsum and it is abundantly available in many parts of the country, especially at Bida, Okigwe, Kaduna, Kano and Sokoto, to name a few.

The plant and machinery required for the project are: wash tank, jaw crusher, pulverize, ball mill, floatation tank, humidification chamber, calciner, filler press, tray driver and blender. The estimated cost of the machinery and equipment is N3.6 million.

There are three major stages for the production of pop.

The first is to wash the gypsum blocks thoroughly in a washer tank and dry them in the jaw crusher. Thereafter, grind in the pulverize to obtain a fine powder. The fine powder so obtained is further crushed in a ball mill to get moth-size particles. The next stage of production is to put the screen material in a floatation cells having a chamber with supper agitator. The final stage of production is the calcinations of the material.

Thereafter, it is blended with small quantity of accelerator like potassium bisulphate, etc. and the POP is then packed in suitable containers.

The proposed plant will have a capacity of producing one-and-a-half tones of POP on a single shift of eight hours in 250 days per annum. Sales revenue of N27.56 million with a production cost of N19.56 million/annum is estimated in the first year of operations, resulting a net profit figure of 29 per cent (N7.99 million).

Target markets for POP products are the paints industries, cement companies, governments/private hospitals. The finished products can be exported to neighbouring countries and the ECOWAS sub-region.

The project has great economic potential if properly planned and implemented. It is, therefore, recommended that interested investors contact the consultant for help and a detailed Feasibility Report.

This project stands a good chance of attracting finance from the Bank of Industry or from the SME desk of any Commercial Bank, where individuals or corporate bodies are assisted with funds ranging from N500,000 to well over N50 million. A well-packaged Feasibility Report is a pre-requisite to securing finance for the project. This can be provided by the consultant on request. For details on how to implement this project or any other, please contact us. We are willing to assist potential investors on any aspect of the project.Prospective investors may get in touch with us at the address stated hereunder.

•KRIS-ED BRILLIANT LIMITED (Brilliant Consulting), No. 34, Little Road, Yaba –Lagos. Tel. Nos. 08023381900; 08098525122.

•E-mail: krisedbrilliant@yahoo.com.

‘The project has great economic potential if properly planned and implemented. It is, therefore, recommended that interested investors contact the Consultant for help and a detailed Feasibility Report’

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

NSE delists Oceanic Bank

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-10-11

•Union Bank set for capital restructuring

2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 6 8

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50 7.33

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 1,000 500.00 85,000 42,500.00 33,160 236,162.80 119,160 279,162.80

Quotation(N) 5.97

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 1,234,935 7,137,874.32 1,234,935 7,137,874.32

Quotation(N) 1.62

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 157,520 260,574.13 157,520 260,574.13

Quotation(N) 5.35 3.30 2.52 4.00 1.84 9.11 12.38 9.04 4.69 1.48 4.15 2.09 0.72 0.73 12.10

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 4,336,706 22,610,258.05 674,853 2,286,294.30 65,004 156,009.60 6,322,701 25,353,631.65 1,841,342 3,424,577.45 7,747,556 70,343,885.36 25,383,036 316,852,773.71 3,106,988 28,537,409.60 2,908,672 13,123,749.19 1,061,482 1,547,700.05 82,148,389 336,168,921.91 0 0.00 78,166 56,279.52 725,982 537,337.12 13,934,792 168,482,247.59 150,335,669 989,481,075.10

Quotation(N) 199.50 85.00

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 770,662 153,749,698.49 2,009,863 170,114,104.39 2,780,525 323,863,802.88

Quotation(N) 16.17 6.94 96.00 39.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 276,993 4,444,109.21 281,200 1,963,798.00 8,844 837,471.20 912,435 36,008,688.50 1,479,472 43,254,066.91

Quotation(N) 9.36 19.90 0.74

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 3,400 31,824.00 311,352 6,116,991.90 1,551,500 1,148,110.00 1,866,252 7,296,925.90

AIR SERVICES Company Name NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 49 49

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 22 22 BANKING

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 107 23 11 33 41 571 500 34 90 27 200 0 5 22 355 2,019 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 83 181 264 BUILDING MATERIALS

Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 38 5 11 25 79 CHEMICAL & PAINTS

Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 46 9 57

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 11 13

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.20

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 201,000 100,500.00 161,800 355,588.26 362,800 456,088.26

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 5.22

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 400 2,192.00 400 2,192.00

Quotation(N) 1.90 6.43 6.51 30.00 0.77 31.35 27.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 8,065 14,597.65 200 1,284.00 5,315 32,899.85 1,716,125 51,486,235.00 1,398,665 1,116,472.41 495,239 15,708,350.86 480,790 13,124,035.70 4,104,399 81,483,875.47

Quotation(N) 47.16 5.37

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 63,429 2,846,710.11 10,000 56,300.00 73,429 2,903,010.11

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC CHELLARAMS PLC JOHN HOLT PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 1 52 37 48 97 237

T

HE Nigerian Stock Ex change (NSE) yester day delisted Oceanic Bank International Plc following the acquisition of the bank by Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc. Shareholders of Oceanic Bank and ETI had two weeks ago approved the acquisition of Oceanic Bank. Under the arrangement, the entire share capital of Oceanic Bank would be cancelled in exchange for 1.6 billion shares of ETI. Also, the technical suspension on Union Bank of Nigeria Plc was yesterday upgraded to full suspension for a period of seven days to enable the registrars update the bank’s register of members preparatory to the share capital reorganization of the bank. The suspension would be lifted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011.

Shareholders of Union Bank had two weeks ago approved share capital restructuring which would see the issued share capital of prescheme shareholders reduced from 13.51 billion shares to 2.533 billion shares.

However, the market yesterday continued on its dismal performance with lead indicator, the All-Share-Index shedding more weight to maintain a lower high, lower low trend.

The bearish trend in the banking sector continued unabated, with only two companies recording gains

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

in the sector. First Bank bagged a marginal 0.4 per cent gain, while Sterling Bank inched up with a 3.5 per cent mark-up.

On the flip side, Zenith Bank and UBA suffered losses of 2.4 per cent and 3.5 per cent respectively, with current support for Zenith Bank still at N12.00.

In the breweries sector, institutional purchases firmed up the price of NB, leading to a 3.7 per cent up-tick. Sentiments for Guinness, on the other hand, remained bearish as closing offers outweighed demand, leading to a 5.0 per cent loss and the possibility of a further loss today.

In the building materials sector, a crossed deal at N39.50 shaved off 1.6 per cent from Lafarge Wapco.

CCNN also lost 4.3 per cent, closing with glutting offers that could lead to further losses in coming sessions.

Ashaka Cement and Dangote Cement both closed flat.

The index lost 94.01 points representing a dip of 0.47 per cent to close lower at 20,012.07. Similarly, the Market Capitalisation shed further by N55.409 billion of its opened figure to close low at N6.356 trillion.

The downturn was boosted substantially by losses recorded by Guinness Nigeria, Dangote Sugar, Lafarge WAPCO, Zenith

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-10-11 MARITIME

CONSTRUCTION Company Name JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC ROADS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 13 1 14

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 2.00

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 24,000 45,600.00 24,000 45,600.00

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 22 36 113 75 45 3 8 61 1 364

Quotation(N) 48.00 14.00 6.45 7.00 60.00 3.00 4.40 400.50 0.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 75,361 3,440,505.00 197,731 2,743,553.10 1,349,829 8,774,695.63 3,682,445 25,792,016.62 169,067 10,028,085.81 2,200 6,551.00 42,350 177,068.00 319,556 128,012,804.26 3,754 1,877.00 5,842,293 178,977,156.42

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 15 23 10 14 1 66

Quotation(N) 0.90 1.09 27.00 2.99 1.13 0.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 141,350 127,215.00 400,000 436,500.00 124,617 3,296,954.85 312,220 933,540.80 256,167 274,077.01 10,000 5,000.00 1,244,354 5,073,287.66

Quotation(N) 2.38

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 5,853,147 13,776,885.62 5,853,147 13,776,885.62

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 76 76

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 16 16

Company Name AFROMEDIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

No of Deals 2 3 5

Quotation(N) 6.95 5.95

No of Deals 9 1 1 11

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.66 0.50

Quotation(N) 0.63 1.03 2.30 0.52 1.18 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.43 0.50 0.50

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 150,000 75,000.00 150,000 75,000.00

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 500.00 1,000 500.00

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 2 1 11

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.87 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 600,440 300,220.00 200,500 174,435.00 1,000 500.00 801,940 475,155.00

Quotation(N) 1.94 2.92

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 787,856 1,457,995.33 200 556.00 788,056 1,458,551.33

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC STUDIO PRESS (NIGERIA) PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 32 2 34

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 9 3 29 13 223 14 292

Quotation(N) 63.86 35.00 4.81 9.12 140.00 25.00 200.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 200 12,600.00 28,264 976,715.70 27,064 123,682.48 239,430 2,211,398.68 5,166 690,542.31 6,366,101 160,185,004.00 51,802 9,848,080.00 6,718,027 174,048,023.17

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 2,208 15,345.60 10,340 59,102.60 12,548 74,448.20

Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 20 23

Quotation(N) 2.47 3.85

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,400 24,440.00 369,440 1,377,308.80 379,840 1,401,748.80

Quotation(N) 13.45

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 120,932 1,632,100.79 120,932 1,632,100.79

REAL ESTATE Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 784,000 392,000.00 10,000 25,300.00 5,000 2,500.00 799,000 419,800.00

INSURANCE Company Name No of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 61 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 2 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC 13 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 5 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC 19 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. 3 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 1 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. 4 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 1 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC 1 N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. 6 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. 9 STACO INSURANCE PLC 1 INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC 4 Sector Totals 130

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 317,000 260,040.00 317,000 260,040.00

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC Sector Totals

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC IHS NIGERIA PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N) 0.82

MEDIA

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

Bank and Oando.

Total volume of shares transacted moved up to 197.18 million valued at N1.85 billion in 3,858 deals as against 361.36 million shares worth N2.23 billion exchanged in 3,494 deals posted a day before. Volume and value dropped to 45.4 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

UBA was the most actively traded stock with 82.15 million shares valued at N336.17 million in 200 deals. Other equities that recorded significant volume today are GT Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank and Oando.

Meanwhile, Multi-Trex Integrated food, a top cocoa products company recorded a gross turnover of N6.7 billion during the 2011 financial year as against N3.1 billion it recorded in the previous year.

Reacting to the development in his statement, the Chairman of the company, Chief Bayo Akinnola praised the management team for their top notch performance despite the harsh economic climate prevailing in Nigeria.

He also hailed the company’s subsidiaries for their contribution to the impressive result recorded by Multi-Trex Plc in the period .The subsidiaries include Multi-Trex UK Limited, Multi-Trex Agro-Allied Processing Company Plc, Zambia and Multi-Trex Cocoa Plantation & Farms Limited.

Quantity TradedValue 2,175,244 5,000 2,693,000 350,000 3,312,462 800,000 23,000 26,500 500 440 695,000 966,477 4,000 31,760 11,083,383

of Shares (N) 1,309,218.91 5,000.00 5,935,636.10 180,700.00 3,869,177.54 400,000.00 11,500.00 13,528.00 250.00 220.00 347,500.00 1,382,062.11 2,000.00 15,880.00 13,472,672.66

Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 24 24

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 116,490 58,245.00 116,490 58,245.00

Quotation(N) 0.89

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,668 1,551.24 1,668 1,551.24

TEXTILES Company Name UNITED NIGERIAN TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 25 25

Quotation(N) 11.80

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 397,752 4,808,291.74 397,752 4,808,291.74

3,850

197,165,991

1,852,477,705.51

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

55

MONEY LINK

Banks’ boards liable for banking crisis, says CBN

T

•Calls for diversified board membership

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has blamed the bank ing crises on negligence by board of directors of banks in the course of their duties.

The apex bank said weak corporate governance, lax board oversight, inadequate disclosure, poor credit underwriting standards, insider abuses and lack of transparency in banks, led to the capital inadequacy and liquidity shortages that affected the rescued banks.

CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Kingsley Moghalu, said board members of deposit money banks should be active in discharging their duties, and called on directors to check the excesses of members with fraudulent intentions.

Speaking yesterday at the 2011 Continuous Education Programme

By Collins Nweze

for Bank Directors organised by the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), in Lagos, Moghalu said the recent crisis in the sector was largely due to lapses on the part of board members of some of the affected banks.

“Banks must as a matter of fact conduct annual board performance appraisal in order to build effective and high impact board of directors. This will make members of the various banks’ boards to have clearer understanding of their duties, because from our stress test two years ago and since then, we have come to realise that some members of boards lacked strategic plan as to how banks should operate,” he said.

Moghalu, who doubles as the Chairman, FITC, advised on the need to appoint credible board members of banks, as only such people would form an effective board structure.

He called on the directors to balance the membership of their boards by making sure that individuals with diverse competencies are appointed as members.

He said: “The appraisal must be done at least once every year because the CBN wants to see a high level of performance and commitment among members. Before now, there were instances where board members complained of being ignorant of key decision processes in their banks,” he said.

He therefore called on banks to di-

versify board membership to ensure that people are put in their core competence areas.

“So it is important that an effective structure with members that are vast in audit, risk management and credit assessment make up banks boards,” he said.

Besides, the apex bank noted that weak corporate governance structures went virtually unchecked after consolidation. Corporate governance in many banks failed because their boards failed to follow the tenets of sound bank management.

Some of the boards were misled by management, while others breached their fiduciary responsibilities by ignoring management excesses. It was an open secret that bank managing directors set up special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to lend money to themselves for stock price

manipulation and purchase of estates all over the world.

The Former Managing Director, FITC, Yemi Agbelusi called on the directors to be upright in their conduct, stressing that the crisis in the

development initiatives in the midstream division, Oando is poised for strong growth over the next five years. The past few years have seen the integrated energy company diversify earnings away from the low margin downstream segments into high margin upstream and midstream; both of which hold the potential of increasing value accretion for shareholders,” Vetiva said.

According to the analysts, the Eastern Horizon Gas project, a

128km high pressure pipeline which will supply gas to the Eastern Region of Nigeria, is expected to be Inaugurated in early October and has already signed on cement manufacturer, UNICEM. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) early in the year, Group Chief Executive of Oando, Mr. Wale Tinubu had projected a healthier growth outlook for the company, saying there are very optimistic about 2011.”

•CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi Lamido

Analysts project bumper harvest for Oando shareholders

A

NALYSTS at Vetiva Capital Man agement, said the sharehold ers of Oando Plc should expect a bountiful harvest for the year ending December 31, 2011.

The analysts based their bullish outlook on the impressive results for the half year ended June, 2011 and the bright prospects for the second half and the years ahead.

Oando ended 2010 with a profit after tax of N14.4 billion and paid a dividend of N3 per share. The company

By Tonia Osundolire

posted a profit after tax of N6.7 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2011.

The analysts have not only projected a higher profitability for the full year to December 31, 2011, but have also estimated a dividend payout ratio of 42 per cent compared with a 38 per cent in 2010.

Vetiva said they expect a traditionally stronger second half performance in the downstream segments, with OML leading the charge.

“This performance will be driven by distributed volume of white products.

We associate elevated demand for petroleum products (PMS in particular) to the high number of road travels during the festive periods,” they said.

They added that apart from the downstream, the company is poised for significant growth in the upstream and midstream sectors of the petroleum industry.

With a growing portfolio of upstream assets and a host of projects/

NESG 2011 summit holds November

T

HE 17th Nigerian Economic Summit is scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 10, 2011. The programe organised by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) in partnership with the National Planning Commission (NPC) will hold at the Transcorp

Hilton Hotel.

The Summit will represent the first major interaction of the local and the global business communities on Nigerian soil since the assumption of office of President Goodluck Jonathan.

An array of global chief executives and business leaders have indicated

interest to attend the summit with the them: ‘Attracting Foreign Direct Investment through Global Partnerships’.

In a joint statement, Director General of the NESG, Frank Nweke Jr. and the Minister for National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, said

the summit will provide a window for investors to tap into business opportunities in infrastructure building, information, communication technology among others.

They said the objective is to present the abundant possibilities within Nigeria’s economic system and the op-

FGN BONDS

DATA BANK

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 11-10-11 SYMBOL AIICO BAGCO NEIMETH NB STERKUBNK CAP REDSTAREX NAHCO UNILEVER DANGFLOUR

O/PRICE 0.60 1.85 1.08 82.00 1.43 19.60 2.17 5.90 27.26 6.40

C/PRICE 0.63 1.94 1.13 85.00 1.48 19.90 2.20 5.97 27.50 6.45

CHANGE 0.03 0.09 0.05 3.00 0.05 0.30 0.03 0.07 0.24 0.05

LOSER AS AT 11-10-11 SYMBOL FO GUINNESS UACN TRANSCORP ETI MAYBAKER PRESTIGE FIDELITYBK JAPAULOIL OANDO

O/PRICE 9.60 210.00 33.00 0.81 12.40 3.14 1.50 1.93 0.86 96.20

C/PRICE 9.12 199.50 31.35 0.77 11.80 2.99 1.43 1.84 0.82 25.00

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

portunities that exist to forge global partnerships between local and foreign investors. Alongside, will be the private sector players, ready to encourage and or consummate deals by presenting opportunities for which partnerships will serve as the structure for execution.

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

10-10-11 N6.4126tr 21,106.08

11-10-11 N6.356tr 20,012.07

% Change -0.86% -0.47%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 117.96 107.46 0.77 1.02 0.91 1,628.78 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,348.48 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.57 107.10 0.74 1.02 0.90 1,625.40 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,132.80 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.48 10.50 1.65 0.04 0.60 0.15 0.07 0.09 0.04 1.20

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

57

NEWS ARRESTS OF THE NATION EDITORS

Falana: we’ll prove letter was not forged L

AGOS lawyer and counsel to Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation, Mr. Femi Falana yesterday demanded the immediate release of the newspaper editors.

Messrs Lawal Ogienagbon, Dapo Olufade, Yusuf Ali, Yomi Odunuga and two others were yesterday arrested over the controversial letter written by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Falana said his client is ready to prove that the controversial letter which Chief Obasanjo wrote to President Jonathan was not forged.

In a statement, Falana said: “Following the recent publication of a letter written to President Goodluck Jonathan

by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in respect of some federal parastatals, the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters requested the editor of The Nation newspaper, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso to report at Abuja

for interrogation with respect to the source of the publication of the said letter. As Mr. Omotoso had travelled out of the country on an official engagement we wrote to the police to the effect that he would report upon his return to the country.

“But this afternoon the police invaded the Abuja office of the newspaper and arrested two of its correspondentsMessrs Yussuf Ali and Yomi Odunuga.A similar operation was carried out in its Lagos office where the police quizzed Messrs Lawal Ogienagbon, John Austin Unachukwu, Adegbenjo Babajide and Dapo Olufade as well as Mrs Dupe OlaoyeOsinkolu. All efforts to secure the release of the detained journalists have proved abortive as they are being asked to disclose the source of the leakage of Chief Obasanjo’s

letter.

“As the detained journalists are not prepared to disclose the source of the publication they are being accused of having forged the letter. Meanwhile Chief Obasanjo’s specimen signature has not been obtained and taken to a forensic laboratory to establish the allegation of forgery in the circumstance. To that extent no reasonable suspicion has been established to warrant the arrests and detention of the journalists as required by Section 35 of the Constitution of Nigeria..

“Since forgery is a bailable offence under the law we demand for the immediate release of the detained journalists. In the alternative, they should be charged to court where our clients will prove beyond any shadow of doubt that the controversial letter was not forged’’.

Lagos NUJ calls for release of editors

T

HE Lagos State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) last night condemned the arrest of four editors of the The Nation by police operatives.

In a statement in Lagos by its Chairman, Deji Elumoye, the union expressed concern at the invasion of the newspaper outfit by security operatives and wondered why editors were whisked away for no

just cause.

This unwarranted action , according to Elumoye , has shown the recklessness on the part of the police ‘’more so when the security operatives never presented any warrant of arrest to pick up the affected editors’’ Describing the arrest as a trample on the fundamental human rights, the Lagos NUJ Chairman called for the immediate and unconditional release of Messrs

Lawal Ogienagbon , Dapo Olufade , Yusuf Alli and Yomi Odunuga from police cells in Alagbon , Lagos and Abuja.

The Lagos NUJ boss emphasised that failure by the police authorities to release the four editors by Wednesday morning(today) ‘’the union will be left with no other option than to approach the law court to enforce the fundamental human rights of these journalists.’’

Outrage, shock trail arrests •CPC, CNPP, ACN, Dabiri-Erewa, Abuja NUJ react

N

ATIONAL Chairman, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Prince Tony Momoh, Chairman, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN), Alhaji Farouk Osuma, Hon. Abike DabiriErewa, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties(CNPP)’s National Publicity Secretary Osita Okechukwu and Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Council, Mr. Jacob Edi, yesterday condemned the arrest of The Nation editors.

Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olusola Amore, a Deputy Commissioner of Police confirmed they were arrested based on a petition by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Amore refused to elaborate.

Momoh who spoke through the telephone said that anybody who felt that what the paper published is false should go to court.

He noted that govern-

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Gbade Ogunwale, Sanni Onogu, Victor Oluwasegun, John Ofikhenua and Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

ment should endeavour to accommodate the operation of the media in a democratic system.

He said the Federal Government is unnecessarily heating up the polity by the way it reacts to issues.

“We condemn the arrest in totality, those arrested should be released without further delay,” he said.

Osuma said Obasanjo should go to court if he felt maligned.

He said:“This is another injustice and an abuse of the freedom of the press that is a fundamental human right.”

“We unequivocally condemn the arrest and demand their immediate release because press freedom is part of the democratic process,” he said.

Edi, who breezed in into The Nation Abuja office around 7.30 pm said the

news of the arrest of Yusuf Alli, Yomi Odunuga and other editors came to the union as a rude shock.

CNPP’s Okechukwu said the arrest was unlawful and a gross violation of the freedom of expression and human rights.

CNPP, in a statement last night advised President Goodluck Jonathan to: “tread softly because the rule of law and due process are basic tenets and the bedrock of liberal democracy.

He said “busy body security operatives should not be allowed to resort to selfhelp.”

Okechukwu said the development is a gross violation of Freedom of expression and human rights.

“We condemn in no uncertain terms the resort to brigandage and self-help by the presidency; for the democratic best practices and rule of law recommend that whosoever feels aggrieved or that his rights have been violated is to proceed to court.

Governors to meet Jonathan on SWF

T

HE Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) rose from a meeting yesterday with a resolve to seek audience with President Goodluck Jonathan on the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Chairman of the Forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State told reporters at the meeting held at the State House that other

issues discussed included the lingering crisis on the minimum wage.

Amaechi said the governors had opened discussion on Constitution amendment with a view to presenting a common position to the National Assembly.

He, however, said the discussions were inconclusive.

Amaechi said the forum

would meet again in two weeks to take final decisions on the constitution amendment process, the Sovereign Wealth Fund and minimum wage.

Twenty-two governors attended the meeting. Others were represented by their deputies. It lasted about five hours, from 12:30 to 5:00p.m.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

58

NEWS

A

US foils ‘Iranian plot To kill ambassador’

MERICA’s Justice Department has accused factions of the Iranian government of plotting to kill the Saudi Ambassa-

dor to the United States.

Two men have been charged in New York with conspiracy to murder over the alleged

plan to kill the ambassador as part of a major terror attack on US soil.

US authorities named them as Manssor Arbabsiar, 56, who has an Iranian and US passport, and Gholam Shakuri, an Iran-based member of Iran’s Quds Force.

They claimed the plot had been “directed by elements of the Iranian government”.

Attorney General Eric

Holder said the US is committed to holding Iran accountable.

Officials said the plot called for the assassination as part of a wider bomb attack.

This would have been just “the opening act” of an attack on US soil, it was claimed.

FBI Director Robert Mueller says many lives could have been lost.

“We will not let other coun-

tries use our soil as their battleground,” Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, told a news conference in Washington.

Mr Holder said the US government would be taking unspecified action against the Iranian government.

He said the Justice Department was not accusing the top echelons of the government of blessing the operation.

Egyptian Army rejects minister’s resignation

E

GYPT’s finance minister submitted his resignation yesterday to protest the government’s handling of protests that left 26 dead, most of them Coptic Christian demonstrators, but the ruling military council rejected it.

Finance Minister Dr. Hazem El-Beblawi, in a letter to Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, said he was tendering his resignation over the “government’s handling of Maspero,” according to an aide.

“I think the government should have allowed some

kind of recognition of their responsibility and they should have taken a much more drastic stand to apologize for the failure in maintaining the security situation,” El-Beblawi later told CBS News’ Alex Ortiz.

He said he submitted his resignation, which he confirmed that the resignation was rejected by the Supreme Council for the Armed Forces, because he “wanted to make [his] position known.”

Overnight, some 20,000 mourners chanted slogans denouncing the ruling mili-

tary during a funeral procession overnight for 17 Christians killed in the protest on Sunday night in Cairo. They accused the army of bearing primary responsibility.

At times, the prayers were interrupted by chants of “Down with military rule” and “The people want to topple the Marshal,” — a reference to Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi who heads the ruling military council that took power after the ouster of Hosni Mubarak in February. No state official or military official were present at the funeral.

Uganda MPs block oil deals after corruption claims

U

GANDA Uganda’s parliament has voted to suspend all new deals in the oil sector following claims that government ministers took multi-million dollar bribes.

MP Gerald Karuhanga said

in parliament on Monday that UK-based Tullow Oil paid bribes to influence decisions.

Tullow said it rejected the “outrageous and wholly defamatory” allegations.

The vote is a big blow to President Yoweri Museveni,

who has been in power since 1986, analysts say.

The BBC’s Joshua Mmali in the capital, Kampala, says it means the government will not be able to sign new oil deals until a petroleum law is enacted.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

59

NEWS Jonathan denies allegation of favouritism From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

THE Presidency yesterday denied the allegation that President Goodluck Jonathan favoured a section of the country above others in the distribution of projects.

It described the allegation as patently false and unjustifiable attacks on the Jonathan administration.

Reacting to a report in a national daily with the title: Niger Delta gets 86 per cent of Federal Government projects”, the Presidency said the report was misleading analysis of Federal Government projects.

The Presidency said there was no truth in the report, noting that he was only implementing the programme of his predecessor, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said rather than accuse the President of favouritism, he should be applauded for keeping faith with his predecessor’s vision of equity in national development and for implementing the budget as passed by the National Assembly.

Part of the statement reads: “Having noted with regret, the very misleading lead report (not The Nation) of Monday, October 10, 2011 titled: “Niger Delta gets 86% of Federal Government projects”, the Presidency wishes to state that there is absolutely no truth to the insinuation that the Jonathan administration favours the Niger Delta region at the expense of other geo-political zones in the distribution of developmental projects.”

Company to transform into merchant bank

By Tonia Osundolire

DEAP Capital Management & Trust Plc (Deap), a quoted investment management company, plans to transform into a merchant bank as the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Discoverpoint Holdings LLC (Discoverpoint), a New York-based private equity holding company.

In a statement on the MoU, Deap said both firms would set up a joint venture partnership structure which would give rise to Deap Global Holdings Limited.

The holding company would own and operate a merchant bank and other financial services companies.

Deap said Discoverpoint would inject $150 million in capital into the holding company, restructure and transform Deap into a merchant bank. “With the holding company structure in place, we are looking to position Deap as a global financial services institution with access to the world largest capital markets,” Chief Executive of Discoverpoint, Kris Oribabor said.

Chief Executive of Deap, Mr Emmanuel Ugboh, said since the formation of the company in 2002, it has strived to be recognised as an innovator in the investment management sector.

Court dismisses Akingbola’s bid to halt trial

F

ORMER Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr Erastus Akingbola’s bid to stop his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) collapsed yesterday at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

He accused the agency of trying him “by ambush” by allegedly tendering documents that were not part of proof of evidence.

Akingbola and General Manager of Tropics Securities Limited, Mr Bayo Dada are facing a 22-count charge of stealing Intercontinental Bank’s N47.1 billion.

The former bank chief sought an indefinite adjournment to enable him conclude a pending appeal

•Defendant alleges ‘trial by ambush’ by EFCC

By Joseph Jibueze

at the Court of Appeal, which he said, had been slated for hearing.

His counsel, Mr Deji Sasegbon (SAN) said continuing with the trial could interfere with the appeal against the High Court’s earlier ruling. He added: “I need adequate facility to prepare a defence.”

But the trial judge, Justice Habib Abiru, dismissed the applications, saying Section 40 of the EFCC Act and Section 277 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State did not permit him to halt a criminal trial that had begun.

Subsidy removal: TUC urges Fed Govt to tackle corruption

T

HE Federal Government has been urged to address the decay and corruption in the nation’s industry instead of removing subsidy on Petroleum Products.

The National President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, gave the advice in Kaduna yesterday.

He said most of the things that the government regards as subsidy was consequence of corruption and wastage in the sector, adding that the government must take steps to address corruption in the system.

The TUC President also frowned at the attitude of some governors who have refused to pay the new minimum wage several months

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

after the signing of an agreement in that regard. Esele lamented that governors were turning deaf ears to the plight of their workers.

Noting that all the states have the capacity to pay the new minimum wage, the TUC president said the governors’ complaints were based on the fact that paying the new wage will reduce money available to them to play with.

He said the new challenge before labour leaders was the government’s plan to remove subsidy on petroleum products. Esele said rather than addressing high level of corruption and waste in the sector, government was playing to the gallery.

Ajimobi appoints Christian Pilgrims Board chair

O

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has approved the appointment of Rev. Fr. Theophilus Fadeyi as the Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing).

A statement in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the 17member board also has a former Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, publishers of Tribune titles, Pastor Segun Olatunji.

Other members are: Rev. Oladapo Oni; Mrs. Oluwakemi Toyinbo; Rev.

Moses Adedokun Idowu; Rev. Olubanji Adedigba Alade; Elder Tunji Layode; Pastor S. O. Ajayi; Pastor S. O. Ojo; Rev. S. A. Ajayi; and Most Rev. Ebenezer Olanrewaju Inakoju.

Others are: Mr. Emmanuel Olaniyi Alao, Rev. Ademola Moradeyo, Rev. Festus Olu Alade, Mr. Wole Vaughan, Mr. Gbenga Carew and Senior Apostle E. K. Adegbite as members.

The statement said the governor will swear in the chairman and the other members today at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office at 10am.

PUBLIC NOTICE SALVATION OF WORD LIFE MINISTRY The general public is hereby informed that the above –named Ministry has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1) Prophet and Evangelist Moses Adedapo Ajibade - General Overseer 2) Pastor Emmanuel Oluwafemi Ajibade - Secretary 3) Lady Evangelist Esther Modupe Ajibade - Treasurer 4) Pastor Samuel Olajide Bolarinwa - Member 5) Mr. Ezekiel Olwadare Akingbade - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.

To propagate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2.

To embark on evangelical mission and send out missionaries.

3.

To raise people of excellence for Christ.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198 , Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: PROPHET AND EVANG. M .A. AJIBADE.

He said the issues were supposed to be raised when the prosecution closes its case and the defendants open theirs.

There was a slight drama as Sasegbon opposed all nine documents tendered by the bank’s Chief Inspector, Abdulraheem Jimoh, who resumed his testimony yesterday. The documents were bank statements of alleged illegal transactions by Akingbola.

Sasegbon said: “The available proof of evidence is a trick, a ruse. This is unfair.

How are we supposed to be spectators in this trial?

There is nothing in the proof of evidence. It is wrong.

“This is not how to conduct a criminal trial. This is not a summary trial. The prosecution should provide enough in the proof of evidence so that we know what we’re meeting. This is a trial by ambush, my Lord. It a breach of fair hearing.”

He urged the court to order EFCC counsel, Mr Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) to supply the defence with all the documents.

But Ukala urged the court to overrule the objections, saying there was nothing in law that says documents to be tendered must be frontloaded. He said he was not under obligation to give Sasegbon the documents.

Dismissing the objection, Justice Abiru said Sasegbon has not shown that the documents were not admissible, nor shown that they could not be tendered because he did not see them beforehand.

Jimoh, in his evidence yesterday alleged that Akingbola carried out private foreign transactions with the bank’s money.

“There was also a transfer of 1.3million pounds to Fugla Solicitors for the benefit of Dr Akingbola. It was a transaction done by the Foreign Transaction De-

partment. He ordered the transfer in a memo.

“He had no money in his domiciliary account as at the time this transfer was made. He had no money to cover this transaction.

There was also no facility.

The bank owns the money.

“It was paid from a prepayment account through the bank’s Nostro account.

Efforts were made to regularise the transaction,” Jimoh said.

The trial has been adjourned to November 7.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME EMETER: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIZOBA AGOM EMETER, now wish to be knownand addressed as MRS CHIZOBA AGOM HBCOGBOKO. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS I, Alhaja Osenatu Agiri, notify the General Public and LSDPC of the loss of original documents of the property at 12, Suenu Road, Surulere Lagos, belonging to my late father Mr. Oseni Agbosasa. All efforts to trace the said documents proved abortive. LSDPC and the General Public should please take note.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

NEWS

THE CHARGES AGAINST AKALA Continued from page 1

STATEMENT OF OFFENCES – COUNT 2 Awarding contract without budget provision contrary to and punishable under section 22(4) of the Corrupt Pratices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala, Whist being the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Hon. Hosea Ayoola Agboola whilst being the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters within the Jurisdiction of this honourable court sometime between 2007-2009 awarded contract without budget provision in the sum of N8, 500,000,000.00 (Eight Million Five Hundred Million Naira) for the construction of roads in the 33 Local Government Council Areas in Oyo State on behalf of the said Local Govt. Councils.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE COUNT 3 Awarding contract without budget provision contrary to and punishable under section 22(4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 200 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala whilst being the Executive Governor of Oyo state and hon. Hosea Ayoola Agboola whilst being the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters within the jurisdiction of this honourable court sometime in 2007 awarded contract in the sum of N2, 270, 565, 000.00 (Two Billion Two Hundred and Seventy Million Five Hundred and Sixty Five Thousand Naira) for the supply of 33 drilling machines on behalf of all the Local Govt. Councils in Oyo state without budget Provision.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE –

COUNT 4 Awarding contract without budget provision contrary to and punishable under section 22(4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 Particulars of Offence Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala, whilst being the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Hon. Hosea Ayoola Agboola whilst being the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters within the jurisdiction of this honourable court sometime in 2007 awarded contract for the sum of N355, 025,000.00 (Three Hundred and Fifty Five Million Twenty Five Thousand Naira) totaling in the aggregate, for the supply of 20 Roro trucks and 200 pieces of skip bins without budget provision.

Statement of offence – Count 5 Conspiracy to obtain by false pretence contrary to section 8 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 Particulars of offence Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao Akala, whilst being the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Hon. Hosea Ayoola Agboola whislt being the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and Olufemi Ademola Babalola whilst trading under the name and style of Pentagon Engineering Services within the jurisdiction of this honourable court sometime between 2008-2009, conspired amongst yourselves to obtain by false pretence the net sum of N269, 156, 250.00 (Two Hundred and Sixty Nine million, One Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand, Two Hundred Fifty Naira) from the Oyo state Government Local Government Joint Account.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE -

COUNT 6 Obtaining by false pretence contrary to section 1 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Olufemi Ademola Babalola whilst trading under the name and style of Pentagon Engineering Services within the jurisdiction of this honourable court sometime between 2008-2009, by false pretence with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N269, 156, 250.00 (Two hundred and Sixty Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand, Two hundred and Fifty Naira) form the Oyo state Local Government Joint Account.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCECOUNT 7 Obtaining by false pretence contrary to section 1 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Olufemi Ademola Babalola whilst trading the name and style of Pentagon Engineering Services within the jurisdiction of this honourable court sometime between 20082009, by false pretence with intent to defraud obtained the aggregate sum of N347, 350,000.00 (three Hundred and Forty Seven Million Three hundred and Forty Seven Million Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) from various Contractors engaged in road construction in the 33 Local Government Council Areas in Oyo State STATEMENT OF OFFENCE COUNT 8 Acquiring properly with money derived from illegal act contrary to section 18 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 18 (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Com-

mission (Establishment) Act 2004 PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala, whilst being the Executive Governor of Oyo State sometime in 2009 engaged in the acquisition of a property known as Ile-Itesiwaju located at No. 32 Oba Adebimpe Road Old Gbagi Ibadan Oyo state within the jurisdiction of his Honourable Court knowing that the money used in acquiring the said properly was derived form illegal act.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE COUNT 9 Acquiring properly with money derived form illegal act contrary to section 18 (1) (a) and punishable under section 18 (2) of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCES Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-akala, Whilst being the Executive Governor of Oyo state sometime in 2009 engaged in the acquisition of a property located at Old Bodija off Rotimi Williams Street Ibadan Oyo state the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowing that the money used in acquiring the said property was derived from illegal act.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE – COUNT 10 Engaged in concealing the genuine nature of the ownership of property contrary to section 18 (1) (d) and punishable under section 18 (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao Akala, whilst being the Executive Governor of Oyo state sometime 2006, withing the jurisdiction of this Honourable court engaged in concealing the genuine

•Alao-Akala

nature of the ownership of a property at 4 Bromholm Road, Abbeywood, Londen SE2 9ND in the name of one Oyewole Aiyemidara Akala, which said property was derived form criminal act.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE COUNT 11 Engaged in concealing the genuine nature of the ownership of property contrary to section 18 (1) (d) and punishable under section 18 (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao Akala, whilst being the Executive Governor of Oyo state sometime in 2006, within the jurisfiction of this Honourable Court engaged in concealing the genuine nature of the ownership of a property at 24 Gladstone Road, Merton SW 19 QW, London in the name of one Magdalene Mojisola Akala, which said property was derived from criminal act.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘Contrary to government claim, it is obvious their decision to remove fuel subsidy is born out of greed. While most of the ongoing contracts are yet to be executed, they are looking for justification to award more to them’ VOL.7 NO.1911

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

P

ENULTIMATE Thursday, Mr. Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information, announced that the Federal Government is to spend N30 billion on yet another national identity card project. This will be the fourth time since the return of civilian rule to the country under President Olusegun Obasanjo in May 1999 that government would decide to pour so much good money into what has clearly become a financial sinkhole; indeed worse.

Long before the return of Obasanjo to the nation’s top job, the project had, in the well considered opinion of The Guardian (April 18, 2006), become notorious as “a major conduit pipe for draining national resources and the corrupt enrichment of government officials.” The newspaper was not alone in its criticism of the project as a waste. Others like Punch (April 13, 2006) expressed similar sentiments when the Federal Executive Council announced the rearward of the project in April 2006 even as the government was yet to resolve the messy scandal that had trailed the previous award in 2003.

The 2003 award was the second by the Obasanjo administration. Its first was in 2000 shortly after he took over from General Abdulsalami Abubakar. By this time the project had cost the country over N2.5 billion —a princely sum in those days when the price of oil, government’s single biggest source of income, was in single digit —with little or no result. Against virtually everyone else’s objection, including that of the National Assembly which had twice rejected the Obasanjo’s budgetary allocation for the project, the man awarded it to Sagem, a French company, at $300 million, i.e. about N38 billion.

The first time I wrote about the project on these pages eleven years ago this month, I described it as a “quagmire” without giving much thought to the various meanings of the word one of which, according to Encarta Concise English Dictionary, is “a dangerous situation from which it is difficult to escape.” With the benefit of hindsight eleven years hence it looks like I couldn’t have chosen a more apt word to describe the country’s seeming predicament over the project.

Since my first article on the subject on October 4, 2000, I have written no less than six others. Before the first article I had, if you pardon the immodesty, become a veteran of sorts on the subject having first anchored an investigative report on it in the June 17, 1991 edition of the since rested Citizen weekly newsmagazine.

That report traced the history of the project to the beginning of our civil war in 1967.

At that time there were several bombings in Lagos which the authorities suspected some of the Igbos who had refused to go to the rebel enclave of carrying out. The ID card project was supposed to check further bombings by monitoring their movement.

People and Politics By MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

The National Identity Card project: ending the nightmare

‘

For a country whose Human Development Index is among the lowest in the world a national ID card project cannot be something which the authorities can continue to throw money at with impunity •Maku

It was dropped following strong objections, notably by the New Nigerian, which argued that it would amount to double jeopardy for the Igbos who had refused to heed the call by then rebel leader Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu for all Igbos to return to Eastern Nigeria ahead of his secession bid – regarded as Judases by their kith and kin in the East and suspected of being fifth columnists by the Nigerian authorities.

That would probably have been the end of the project. However, six years after the civil war ended, General Olusegun Obasanjo, who had become military Head of State following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed in the failed military coup of February 13, 1976, revived it.

Three years later, he launched it shortly before he handed over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari who had won the first election for the country’s top job since the first military coup in January 1966.

Under Obasanjo the project cost $16 mil-

RIPPLES NAFDAC, OTHERS SACKED FROM PORT– News

...AAAH! CHOP DON FINISH be that

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lion which at the time was about N10 million and it was executed by direct labour by the staff of the then Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR), now the National Identity Management Commission, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Only a few top government officials, including Obasanjo himself, got their ID cards before he handed over power to President Shagari.

That was when the project turned into a gravy train for contractors and government officials alike. First, it was outsourced shortly after Shagari took over to a chieftain of the ruling National Peoples Party whose company lacked the skill and the finance to do the job. Predictably he, in turn, contracted it out to two (American) firms, one to finance, the other to execute over a period of 18 months. I do not remember the contract sum but it was much higher than under Obasanjo.

By the end of the contract period virtually nothing was delivered. The contract was then revoked in 1981 only to be re-awarded in 1982

HARDBALL

D

URING the ongoing screening of Federal Government pensioners in Akure, an 80-year-old man reportedly slumped and died on Monday while waiting for his turn to be attended to. The octogenarian, Mr Olusa Ayodele, whose health was already failing, was carried to the screening centre by his 30-year-old son.

It was bad enough that the Federal Government never had a reliable database of its retired workers, and had to compel pensioners to embark on periodic, sometimes annual, pilgrimage to be verified for the little pension they get. But what is worse is the indifference the authorities show to the plight of the aged pensioners who sometimes have to queue in the most inhospitable environment to be screened. The pensioners are often not accorded the most elementary humane treatment, and as the Akure example showed, the authorities do not complement the screening centres with first aid facilities or refreshments.

Death at midmorning The sad and awful treatment meted out to pensioners is a true reflection of the general incompetence associated with those in office. On Monday, the pensioners’ screening centre in Akure was reported to have deployed only one computer for the exercise to cater to about five thousand pensioners, many of them old and feeble. At the Akure centre, like other centres in many parts of the country, the aged looked forlorn, sat or stood glumly through the stressful and painful exercise, and even when one of them slumped and died, they simply resigned themselves to the situation, no longer able to feel anything, let alone feel sorrow.

What is it about us that defies the adoption of civilised standards and bars us from having the human touch? Surely, it cannot be the age of our independence,

JIDE OLUWAJUYITAN

in the sum of N 56 million to the same firm that had failed to execute the project a year earlier! Two years later the cost nearly doubled to N 96 million. Still in the end there was virtually no ID card.

This geometric rise in the cost of the project has since become its defining character to date. And between its rather inauspicious beginning in 1967 and penultimate Thursday’s announcement by the Minister of Information, Mr. Maku, that it is now to be reawarded for another N 30 billion, the project has seen the back of nine heads of state, not discounting Chief Ernest Shonekan’s brief interim administration. It has also seen the back of over a dozen ministers of Internal Affairs. It may yet see the back of President Goodluck Jonathan as the tenth.

Yet so far if the project has made any progress at all, it is that of what the Hausas would describe as that of a well digger – further and further away from light and fresh air. It all now seems as if we have dug ourselves into a deep hole from which it is almost impossible to escape.

Obviously, things cannot go on this way.

For a country whose Human Development Index is among the lowest in the world a national ID card project cannot be something which the authorities can continue to throw money at with impunity. A national ID card, as I have said on these pages, may be a useful tool for so many things including security and censuses but, as countries like Britain and America that do not have ID cards have shown, you can do these things without a national ID card.

Certainly the project does not have to cost an arm – and a leg, as seems to be the case with our own project. If you ask me I would say we should cancel the project altogether if only because as a means of identifying Nigerians above the age of 18 it is no more useful than, say, a driver’s licence.

Of course only a small percentage of Nigerians need drivers’ licences. But unlike the driver’s licence, having a National ID card is not a condition for eligibility for any service or to do anything and should not be, since there are other reliable and even cheaper means of identifying Nigerians; their employer’s or professional ID cards , for example. But even without other means of identifying Nigerians, the poor state of our Information Technology and infrastructure is such that we cannot realistically make the possession of a national ID card compulsory.

However, if we must continue with the project it should cease to be treated like the cash cow for political patronage that it has since been turned into. Instead, it should be returned to the relevant agency under the Internal Affairs ministry where Nigerians can go to for routine registration as citizens.

•For comments, send SMS to 08054502909

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above nor of the famed glut of resources driving us insensate, nor yet of any supposed limitation of expertise available to us as a people. It is in this sort of appalling treatment visited on pensioners that we see a reflection of just how disorganised and inhuman we have become as a people. It is in that treatment, which is replicated in other facets of life in Nigeria, that we see how contemptuously the authorities regard those for whom they are elected or appointed into office.

It would be a big shame if the death of the octogenarian in Akure passed without an inquiry or a change in the style of administering pension and other public affairs. It would be a shame if both the ongoing pensioners’ screening and similar exercises did not profit from a sober reflection on what level of responsiveness the public must expect from those in government. It should humble us, indeed, if this abysmal behaviour and disrespect for the aged, does not cause those in authority to learn a lesson or two from the octogenarian’s death.

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