The Nation April 16, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

How Okonjo-Iweala’s mum was abducted •Eight suspects speak in Lagos

NEWS

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Soludo, others on BA’s faulty plane NEWS Page 56

•Flight aborted as engine fails

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VOL. 8, NO. 2460 TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Jonathan orders PDP to capture 32 states in 2015 ACN: they’re day-dreaming

Two dead at Boston Marathon •Dozens injured

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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SERIES of explosions was reported near the finish line at the Boston Marathon yesterday, leaving two people dead and dozens injured, according to the Boston Police Department.

A third explosion at JFK Library was heard just before 4 pm, about an hour after the first two blasts. The police were apparently aware of that device before the explosion occurred.

The blasts took place about four hours after the start of the men’s race, which meant that there were still several thousand runners yet to finish the race. One senior counterterrorism official said it was too soon to tell whether the explosions were related to terrorism.

The Boston police confirmed they were looking into the explosions, but made no further comment. Another senior United States government official said that the Boston police and the FBI said they re-

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HE President has given his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) an order to win at least 32 states in the 2015 elections, Chairman Bamanga Tukur said yesterday.

Tukur did not say when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan gave the directive, but he told the party members to start preparing for the 2015 elections, saying “it’s going to be a serious battle”.

The chairman spoke when a group of party members in the Southwest visited him in his Abuja residence.

According to him, the presidential mandate is to win more than the 23 states the party controls.

Stressing the need for immediate preparations for the elections, Tukur said 2015 is closer than many imagine.

He told the group that the PDP would uphold President Jonathan’s resolve to conduct free, fair and transparent elections.

The chairman rated elections conducted under the Jonathan administration as some of the freest so far.

Continued on page 6

We have a presidential mandate to move beyond 23 states in our control and win at least 32 —Tukur

Jonathan and Tukur are going to wake up one day and discover that they have been living in fools’ paradise —Mohammed

CBN recovers N8.6b for bank customers From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has recovered N8.6 billion for cheated bank customers as at the end of this year’s first quarter.

Speaking to journalists on the activities of the CBN’s Consumer Protection Department in Abuja yesterday, the Director of Consumer Protection, Hajia Umma Dutse, said: “The N6 billion figure that the governor gave was the figure that he had. I think the current figure that I am giving you, since we started — and we have been able to recover N8.6billion. We have been able to recover more than N8.6billion in favour of various consumers.”

Continued on page 6

•Medical workers aid an injured man at the 2013 Boston Marathon...yesterday

Continued on page 60 •From left: Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) President Adedoyin Idowu Owolabi; Master Energy Group President Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah and ICAN Council Member Sunday Abayomi Banmeke discussing at ICAN’s 11th Conferment of Fellowship Status in Lagos …yesterday

Amnesty: North urges sincerity From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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HE Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday advised the Federal Government to ensure that the dialogue between it and the Boko Haram sect takes place in a free atmosphere.

Supporting the government’s plan for a dialogue and reconciliation commission, the NEF Continued on page 6

•OBI GIVES N100M TO ARMY P53 •EFCC QUIZZES MINT’S FORMER MD P11

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NEWS

•President Goodluck Jonathan (right) receiving the 2012 Hajj report from the Amirul Hajj and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad 111, in Abuja … yesterday.

Fresh signs o At a time the Federal Government is persuading the insurgents in the North to accept amnesty, the Niger Delta, which is enjoying a similar package, seems set to return to its pre-amnesty days when kidnappings, killings and all manner of criminality was the order of the day, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

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•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (second right) discussing with former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, when Ribadu, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode (left), former Federal Ccapital Territory (FCT) Minster Mallam Aliyu Modibo visited the governor in Abeokuta over the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo ... at the weekend.

•National Security Adviser to the President Col. Sambo Dasuki (right), Brig. Gen. Barry Ndiomu (second right) and Mr. Didi Ndiomu, at the inauguration of The Charles Bebeye Ndiomu Foundation and launch of “A Jolly Gentle General”, a book on the late Gen. Charles Ndioumu in Abuja… yesterday.

•Gen. Ishaya Balat (left), greeting First Republic Minister of Information Chief Edwin Clark, at the inauguration of The Charles Bebeye Ndiomu Foundation and launching of “A Jolly Gentle General”, a book on the late Gen. Charles Ndioumu in Abuja… yesterday. Watching is Clark’s wife Bsiola.

HE winding creeks of the Niger Delta are rumbling again. And Abuja, the seat of government, is feeling the heat.

The development is disturbing to the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration because it is coming at a time the government is trying to find a way around the insurgency which has made many states in the North killing fields.

Last year, the country spent about $450 million on its amnesty programme for ex-Niger Delta militants, more than what it expended on basic education. More is expected to be spent this year, as more ex-militants have been admitted into the programme.

On Sunday, a statement supposedly from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said the group was now prepared to launch attacks on mosques, hajj camps and Islamic clerics.

MEND has been mostly inactive over the years, because most of its leaders accepted amnesty. Though oil theft did not stop totally because of the deal, it reduced and violence went down to an all-time low. But, the conviction of one of its leaders, Henry Okah, in South Africa for the 2010 bombing in Abuja, fuelled the anger of the aggrieved within its ranks.

The Sunday statement said it planned to launch a bombing campaign tagged “Operation Barbarossa”.

“The bombings of mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and assassinations of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate will form the core mission of this crusade,” its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said in an e-mailed statement.

May 31, according to the statement, has been set aside for the start of the operation, which, Gbomo said, is to save Christianity from extinction in the country. It earlier announced “Hurricane Exodus”, part of which was the attack in which 11 policemen were killed in Bayelsa State.

It said for it to agree to a ceasefire, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Catholic Church and Okah must intervene.

The MEND’s statement reads: “On behalf of the hapless Christian

•From left: Chris Ekiyor, Ateke Tom, AsariDokubo, Tony Uranta and Tompolo.

Oil thieves r

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HE Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, “Operation Pulo Shield,’’ said it had traced the oil spill at Nembe Community in Bayelsa State to oil thieves.

Its spokesman, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa that operatives of the task force had identified the source of the spill.

Col. Nwachukwu also dismissed claims by the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) that its men attacked the facilities of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Nembe.

He described as false “the claim by those criminals of blowing up a well head”.

The spokesman said the JTF “troops on patrol along Nembe Creek 1 Flow Station had earlier reported an incident of oil spill on the water around Ewwelesuo Community in Nembe.

“The troops observed a fresh dug out possibly for laying illegal pipeline and fresh foot prints which were traced to a small camp.

“Items such as hack saw for cutting population in Nigeria, MEND will from Friday, May 31, 2013, embark on a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation...

“This campaign will not in any way interfere with the ongoing ‘Hurricane Exodus’ – which on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at about 01:00 Hrs, swept through the Ewellesuo community, Nembe, Bayelsa State, leaving the destruction of Well 62, belonging to Shell Petroleum in its wake.

“We may only consider a ceasefire of Operation Barbarossa if the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Catholic Church and Henry Okah, one of the few leaders in the Niger Delta region we respect for his integrity, intervene.

“Also, the assurance for a cessation of hostilities targeted at Christians in their places of worship, made privately or publicly by the real Boko Haram leadership will make us call off this crusade.

“We have no problems with their (Boko Haram sect’s) attacks on security agencies, including the prisons, for their role in extra-judicial killings, torture, deceit and corruption.”

Before MEND’s latest threat, it claimed responsibility for the April 5

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NEWS

s of trouble in the Niger Delta

s responsible for Nembe spills, says JTF •‘MEND did not blow up Shell’s facilities’ pipelines, shovels, food items, cooking pots, sleeping mat, foot wears, bags of pure water and clothes were found in the camp”.

Col. Nwachukwu said the affected oil well operated by Shell in the Nembe axis had been shut down to forestall further damages to the environment.

NAN gathered that the camp used by the oil thieves in Nembe for the illicit trade has been destroyed by the JTF. SPDC spokesman Mr Tony Okonedo declined comment on the spill when NAN correspondent contacted him.

Okonedo did not also respond to text messages sent to him on the issue.

Last Friday, the JTF said it arrested a fishing trawler converted into a bunkering vessel and used for conveying stolen crude.

Col. Nwachukwu said the arrest was made on the Akassa waterways in Bayelsa during multiple raids between April 1 and 10.

He said: “The fishing trawler, Christened DALLAL, was arrested laden with stolen crude oil product, when it was intercepted by operatives of NNS Delta, a maritime component of the Joint Task Force.

“The trawler has been towed to Brass Terminal and secured pending further investigations. Two barges laden with stolen petroleum products have also been arrested by operatives of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force.

“The barges, named Coastal 22 Peace River and Mudigba 1 are now berthed at the Agip Brass Terminal pending their handover to prosecuting agencies at the completion of preliminary investigations,” Col. Nwachukwu said.

He said 20 pumping machines, one Lister generator and one cargo pumping generator were also seized by the JTF during the operation.

The JTF spokesman said 35 illegal refineries discovered in Rivers and Bayelsa coastal communities

were destroyed within the period.

According to Col. Nwachukwu, JTF also destroyed 150 large plastic tanks and 23 pumping machines used by the oil thieves in another camp at Ogidigben Village at Escravos in Delta.

On the number of arrests made, he said 18 suspects were arrested in various anti-oil theft operations.

He said two of the suspects were handed over to the Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for prosecution, 16 are undergoing preliminary investigations.

SPDC had threatened to shut down its Nembe Trunk line because of rising incidents of oil theft through its pipeline network in Bayelsa.

On March 4, its Managing Director, Mr Mutiu Sumonu, urged the JTF to step up its activities to reduce oil theft, currently standing at about 60,000 barrels daily.

assault, which led to the killing of 11 policemen. Twelve were initially thought dead, until one of them re-appeared. The officers were allegedly escorting a former militant leader, who is now an adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson when they were waylaid by a group of men wielding AK-47s.

According to a police account, the attackers fired from a jetty before two speedboats bearing other assailants arrived and also shot at the officers.

Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police Kingsley Omire told the AFP, in a re-

port yesterday: “They (the police) were overwhelmed.”

Between 2007 and 2009, the Niger Delta was simply on fire. Pipeline vandalism, oil theft, kidnappings, bombings and all manner of criminality was the order of the day.

Hardly did a day go by without cries being heard in the creeks of the impoverished oil-rich region.

Then in 2009, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua came up with an amnesty deal, allowing the militants to submit their weapons and enjoy monetary reward and vo-

cational training in return. Until recently, the deal appeared to have worked, as the country was able to regain its place as Africa’s biggest oil producer.

Through the programme, over 13,000 ex-militants have been deployed in local and foreign institutes for training, skill acquisition and other formal education. No fewer than 2,500 of them are in higher institutions of learning.

About 4,608 are undergoing skill acquisition training, and 9,192 have graduated in various fields,

It is only in Nigeria that people go to all length to steal ‘crude oil and its by-products through breaking pipelines and other associated means of oil bunkering. And most times, these illegal activities lead to huge economic waste, environmental degradation and loss of lives within minutes. This administration is out to stop this and we are going to take decisive steps to make this evil which is becoming a habit, a thing of the past.

including agriculture, automobile, welding and fabrication, entrepreneurship, carpentry, plumbing, oil drilling and marine related courses; electrical installation, ICT and other areas.

Sure that the leaders of the exmilitants needed more than the stipends paid to their leg men, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), awarded them lucrative contracts to ensure the safety of oil installations in the Niger Delta.

The mouth-watering deal, worth N6.5 billion, did not completely stop oil theft. This deal, which was cancelled early in the year to the chagrin of the ex-kingpins, saw good times rolling in for the former Niger Delta militants.

The leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, Mujahhid Dokubo-Asari, who rejected amnesty because he was not a militant but a freedom fighter, was not left out of the lucrative deal. While it lasted, Asari-Dokubo earned N1.420billion.

A report in the Wall Street Journal said: “Nigeria’s state oil company began paying him $9 million a year,

by Mr. Dokubo-Asari’s account, to pay his 4,000 former foot soldiers to protect the pipelines they once attacked. He shrugs off the unusual turn of events. ‘I don’t see anything wrong with it,’ said the thickly built former gunman, lounging in a house gown at his home here in Nigeria’s capital.”

About N599.64million was paid annually apiece to Ebikabowei “Boyloaf” Victor Ben and Ateke Tom, to guard pipelines. Government “Tompolo” Ekpumopolo enjoyed a N3.614billion contract to do the same job.

This, according to presidential aides, was to end a situation where as a result of oil theft to bombings to kidnappings, oil production reduced to as low as 500,000 barrels on some days.

Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation Oronto Douglas told WSJ then that there was no alternative to the amnesty programme. “If it’s too huge, what are the alternatives?” he

asked.

Really, oil theft fell sharply. But it did not take long before it blossomed again, even with ex-militants guarding oil pipelines. It seems to have now been seen as a gold mine. This is a major threat to the country, which relies on oil for about 80 percent of its revenue and almost all its foreign exchange earnings.

Last Thursday, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, said oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta had reached unprecedented levels.

In a statement published on Shell’s website, Sunmonu said the size of the problem indicated “a well-financed and highly organised criminal enterprise” that uses “influence, corruption and violence to protect (its) interests.”

President Goodluck Jonathan said the situation is alarming, noting: “It is only in Nigeria that people go to all length to steal crude oil and its by-products through breaking pipelines and other associated means of oil bunkering. And most times, these illegal activities lead to huge economic waste, environmental degradation and loss of lives within minutes. This administration is out to stop this and we are going to take decisive steps to make this evil which is becoming a habit, a thing of the past.”

Senate President David Mark recently said death penalty may be a way out, a development some lawyers have described as too harsh.

An estimated 60,000 barrels of oil are stolen a day from Shell’s local joint venture, according to the company. The estimate for all oil companies is given as 150,000 barrels a day, which represent 7.5 per cent of the country’s crude-oil production.

With this level of oil theft and fresh signs of violence in the creeks, many fear a return to the pre-amnesty days, which will deal a heavy blow on a country already suffering from the deadly blows of an amnesty-weary sect called Boko Haram.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

NEWS CBN recovers N8.6b banks stole from customers Continued from page 1

•Two explosions went off near the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon...yesterday

2015 polls : Jonathan orders PDP to capture 32 states Continued from page 1

He urged party members in the Southwest to close ranks and deliver the zone to the PDP “to prove to the world that the party has the widest spread in the country”.

Tukur said: “We need to work hard now because we have a presidential mandate to move beyond 23 states in our control and win at least 32.

We have to show electoral strength this time. In doing it, we will work hard and work well. We will move with the speed of jet and we will deliver without any foul antics.

“I use this opportunity to appeal to our members to bury the hatchet and cast away whatever forlorn hope

they nurse about the future. I appeal to our members to begin to invest in the future right away and doing so involves hard work, diligence and dedication to the cause of PDP.” According to him, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party plans to begin a state-by-state tour to ginger up members while intensifying reconciliation, reformation and re-building of the party.

A former Oyo State governorship candidate of the party, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, who led the delegation, lauded the PDP on its ongoing peace initiative.

Adedoja praised Tukur for his efforts in rallying different

groups within the party for reconciliation. He, however, said that there were still some unresolved issues in the Southwest zone of the PDP. Through its National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) reacted to the ruling party’s plan to win more states in 2015.

The ACN spokesman said the PDP would be disappointed at the next general elections as Nigerians are fed up with its leadership.

But Mohammed said there would not be any state for the PDP to capture in 2015 as the people will defend their votes.

He told The Nation: “The PDP has forgotten that we are

in a democratic dispensation and that the ruling party is not an army of occupation. Nigerians are not only going to vote for the party of their choice but ensure that their votes count.

“Jonathan and Tukur are going to wake up one day and discover that they have been living in fools’ paradise. They will discover that the people deserted them a long time ago.”

The AC N is merging with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and others form the All Progressive Congress (APC), which its promoters believed will kick the PDP out of power.

She said: “So far, the department has received and treated over 2800 complaints from consumers against deposit money banks as at the end of first quarter of 2013.”

Some banks, she said, have been fined N2 million for these infractions.

This figure “excludes complaints that have to do with ATM and other electronic related complaints and also complaints from other financial institutions, like the micro finance institutions, the primary mortgage institutions; it is just complaints against the deposit money banks.”

The complaints, Mrs Dutse noted, “are mostly complaints that have to do with excess charges, conversion, fraud and such other complaints.”

For now the CBN has decided to exclude ATM and other electronic complaints “because those are treated by bank payment department for now but eventually, I know when the structure is approved, the process will come to consumer protection department”.

She told The Nation that her department had “received complaints against all banks in the country but some banks had more complaints from their customers than others.”

Mrs. Dutse said “there are various categories of complaints and the length of time for resolution usually depends on the nature and complexity of the complaint”.

For example, a customer may complain of refusal of his bank to issue him a bank statement while another con-

Suspected kidnappers use Abati’s name to lure Igbo youths to Abuja

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WELVE Igbo youth leaders lured into Abuja by kidnappers who disguised as Special Adviser to the President on Media Dr. Reuben Abati, relived their ordeal yesterday.

The National Secetary of

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who led the group to the journey, told our reporter: “ The circumstances that led to the incident are bizarre and shocking. Somebody who claimed

to be Dr Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to Mr President on Media, invited us to meet with Mr President on Thursday April 11, by 4.00pm.

“The so-called Reuben Abati purported that Mr President wished to dialogue

with Igbo youth leaders having done so with the Arewa and Yoruba youth leaders .

We travelled to Abuja on Wednesday April 10, after clearing with some of our elders.

“In Abuja , the representa-

tives of the so-called Abati lodged us in a hotel at Gwagwalada. In the morning of Thursday April 11, three vehicles came to the hotel to purportedly take the youths Continued on page 60

sumer may complain of excess charges over a long period of time, but our regulation is clear-that financial institutions must resolve all complaints within two weeks of receiving such.”

Any case that cannot be resolved within two weeks, she explained, “must be referred to the Central Bank - in line with the help desk circular that we issued out to banks, but with the benefit of experience that I mentioned, I can tell you that certain categories of complaints take a longer time to resolve.”

Complaints that have to do with excess charges, fraud and some that may require legal interpretation take more than a few days to resolve.

The Consumer Protection amazon who the CBN governor described as “ruthless” in pursuing customer complaints against banks said the CBN was very worried at the incidence of banks cheating customers.

To check these, she said the CBN “is going to put a very strong monitoring clients team that is going to ensure that the banks do what they are supposed to do and I can assure you with time, the banks will stop all the excess charges.”

Mrs. Dutse said the CBN and her department in particular “have had course to sanction some banks for breach of regulatory directives.”

“In addition, the banks are compelled to indicate in their annual financial statements all these breaches, so I don’t think banks would want shareholders to be seeing all the statistics that they are not consumer friendly or this is what they do to their customers.

Her adivse to Nigerians is that they should be financially literate and understand financial products and services. Nigerians should not “just sign any contract with your bank, try to understand what is there and take advantage of the Central Bank of Nigeria consumer protection initiatives.

North’s leaders to Jonathan: be sincere on amnesty Governors not in touch with Boko Haram, says Shehu Sani

Continued from page 1

urged the government and the sect to remain flexible to new ideas and suggestions by people of goodwill.

The meeting was convened to discuss the Federal Government’s plans to grant amnesty to the Boko Haram sect.

After hours of deliberation in Abuja, the NEF spokesman, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, who read the resolutions, said: “This special meeting, which included retired senior judicial, security/intelligence officers and technocrats sought to find a way out of what may appear to be likely obstacles before the dialogue commences.

“The meeting was able to arrive at a number of suggestions and recommendations which, without delay, should be made available for consideration to the government.

“In the meantime, the meeting also appeals to

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IGHTS activist Mallam Shehu Sani has said Northern governors cannot play any role in the ongoing effort by the Federal Government to get members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace amnesty.

Sani, who is the President of the Kaduna-based Civil Rights Congress (CRC), said none of the governors has access to the sect’s members, and, therefore, cannot help in stopping the insurgency.

The activist warned the government against disbursing the tax payers’ money to enrich some people in the name of amnesty, more so that the group has rejected the amnesty offer by the government.

Speaking with reporters in Kaduna, Sani said members of the sect never demanded money from anybody, adding that the government was only playing to the gallery with the constitution of a committee on the insurgency.

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

both the government and insurgents to remain flexible to new ideas and sug-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Drawing a line between the activities of militants in the Niger Delta and those of Boko Haram, Sani said the militants made monetary demands, which the Boko Haram group never did.

He said: “I don’t think it is true that Northern governors are in touch with Boko Haram. If it is true, Boko Haram members will even acknowledge that they are in touch with them.

“But the leader of Boko Haram has made it very clear that they are opposed to amnesty. So, anybody who wants to use amnesty for his own pecuniary gain is quite different.

“The fundamental issue is, you cannot give amnesty to people who do not want it. You want to give something and somebody said he doesn’t want, and so what happens? I think we have failed in this amnesty deal because of the wrong steps taken.

“First of all, they set up a committee

gestions by people of goodwill from within and even outside the country who are making genuine efforts to achieve peace in the nation.

“In particular, the meet-

and nobody knows who the members of the committee are. If you set up committee with people of high-level and don’t have access to the leadership of Boko Haram, you are simply wasting your time.

“I am using this opportunity to call on Nigerians not to let tax payers’ money be used in the name of settling insurgents. Let tax payers’ money not be used on amnesty issue. Boko Haram has never made any financial demands. I believe they are not opposed to the issue but approaches.

“Money cannot solve the problem of Boko Haram. They have not made financial request and, secondly, they are not fighting because they need money.

“Those wanting to use cash to quell this insurgency are those working to profit from the case. If we think we can apply and adopt the amnesty that was used in Niger Delta to what is happening here, I think we have misread the situation.”

ing noted the need for the conduct of the dialogue and achievement of full reconciliation in an atmosphere that encourages the building of confidence in the in-

tegrity of the process. All Nigerians have a responsibility to encourage the government and the insurgency to engage in honest and Continued on page 60

•Alhaji Abubakar

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THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16 , 2013

NEWS Ogbulafor’s defence stalled From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

THE trial of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , Chief Vincent Ogbulafor could not go on yesterday due to the absence of lawyer representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).

Ogbulafor was to open his defence following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case before an Abuja High Court.

Awomolo sent a letter seeking an adjournment. This prompted Justice Ishaq Bello to adjourn the trial to May 13.

Ogbulafor is being tried with Emeka Ebila and Jude Nwokorie on a 17- count charge of conspiracy and award of fictitious contracts to the tune of N107 million.

The offence, according to the EFCC, is contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000.

The court, had in an earlier ruling, refused Ogbulafor’s •Front row: Obasanjo (middle), Anenih (second left); Second row: Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun; Shema; Lamido and Otunba Oyewole Fasawe; former Southwest prayer that the charge be National Vice Chairman Segun Oni (behind Lamido) and others...yesterday quashed. His no-case submission was also refused by the 2015 anti-Jonathan court.

PDP: INEC can’t reject our candidates From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said there is no reason for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject its candidates for future elections.

INEC was quoted to have raised questions on the credibility of the party’s March 2012 national convention that produced the current members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

A statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, described the report as false and “part of orchestrated media attack on our party”.

Metuh said: “This report is totally false and is clearly part of the orchestrated media attack on our party, aimed at causing confusion and undermining the psyche of our members.

“Our investigations revealed that the said report did not in any way emanate from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or any of its officials.

Emotion as Anenih’s reconciliation team visits Obasanjo T HE Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday led members of his reconciliation team on a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It was an emotional meeting at the Hilltop Mansion in Abeokuta, the Ogun State home of the former President, who is believed to be the arrowhead of the aggrieved PDP chieftains in Ogun State. With Obasanjo were prominent members of the party who are opposed to the chairmanship of Chief Bayo Dayo, who was pronounced the authentic chairman by the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Tukur said he took the step following the ruling of the court, which affirmed Dayo as the authentic leader.

Anenih, according to sources, did not ask Obasanjo to speak on his grievances against the party leadership because he was aware of the factors that caused the crisis.

The BoT chairman reportedly hailed Obasanjo for his contributions to the party and reiterated President Goodluck Jonathan’s respect for him as one of the prominent leaders and former President. He said the former President had been

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor and Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

responsible for the advantageous position of the ruling party , adding that he was an indispensable leader.

According to the source, Anenih rejected the insinuation that the decisions taken by the PDP national leaders on the tussle in the state chapter was an attempt to spite Obasanjo.

He said the party took certain steps in the overall interest of its members, based on the rule of law.

The former Minister of Works urged the former President not to do away with the baby he nurtured to growth.

The source added: “Anenih was in Abeokuta to pacify Baba and other aggrieved chieftains of the party in Ogun State. It was a closed-door meeting.

The two leaders discussed party challenges and preparations for the next general elections. What happened was that Chief Anenih came to pacify the man because he was obviously aggrieved. Obasanjo spoke briefly as a party hero with patriotism. He assured

the party leaders that he would remain committed to the growth of the PDP at all times.

“The feeling at the meeting was that Obasanjo deserved respect in the party, based on his position as the former President and national leader. I think that he may be given some concessions, especially as they relate to the composition of the Southwest leadership of the party, after the caretaker committee has finished its assignment.”

Anenih said he was in the state capital, to discuss “issues affecting the corporate existence” of Nigeria with Obasanjo.

Members of the BoT, including Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.

But the BoT chairman said they deliberated on “issues affecting the security of the country”.

He declined to give details of whether or not the meeting discussed the planned amnesty by the Federal Government for members of the Boko Haram sect or how to end the sect’s insurgency and killings.

According to him, am-

nesty is a “security matter” that should not be discussed in the public.

Anenih addressed reporters after his delegation held a meeting with the former President.

It was learnt that yesterday’s meeting might have been a prelude to another peace meeting between Jonathan and Obasanjo. The source said both Dr. Jonathan and Obasanjo were not happy about the way the media have feasted on the lingering party crisis.

Besides Anenih, others at the meeting, which reportedly lasted two hours, included Senator Abdulahi Adamu, Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema and Senator Mohammed Markafi.

Others are: Senator Walid Jubril, Mrs Aduke Maina, former Ekiti State ‘Governor’ Segun Oni, the sacked National Auditor of the party, Chief Bode Mustapha, as well as Senator Dipo Odunjirin.

Anenih also noted that the issues affecting the party were discussed, adding that he was satisfied with the outcome of his meeting with Obasanjo.

Alleged N1.5b subsidy scam: ‘PMS imported with dead vessel’

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N investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Tolu Olanubi, yesterday said a vessel, MT KRITI, used by four suspects to import N1.5billion Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – petrol - to Nigeria in 2011 had ceased to exist since 2010. The investigator, who is also a prosecution witness, spoke at the ongoing trial of Alhaji Saminu Rabiu, Jubril Rowaye, Alminnur Resources Limited and Brila Energy Limited, in connection with the alleged N1.5billion fraud.

The suspects are facing trial before Justice Adebukola Banjoko in the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, gave account of what transpired in court.

It said: “Led in evidence by Sylvanus Tahir, the EFCC counsel, Olanubi, an investigator with the EFCC, told the court that in the course of the investigation, a relationship was established between the EFCC and Lloyd’s List Intelligence, an organisation that provides information on vessels, ownership of vessels, movements and locations of vessels.

“She said the EFCC subscribed to the website of Lloyd’s List Intelligence where it was discovered that MT KRITI, which was purportedly used to ship in Premium Motor Spirit on June 14, 2011, had

ceased to exist and declared ‘Status: Dead’.

“She also told the court that the last place of location of the vessel was Gadani Beach in Pakistan.

“It is not possible for the vessel to have sailed into Nigeria on June 14, 2011, since it was reported dead on April 17, 2010.”

She also told the court that the vessel had changed its name from KRITI to AKIT before it ceased to exist.

“She later demonstrated to the court, using a projector and a laptop computer attached with an internet modem, how she arrived at her facts.

“However, Ajibola Oloyede, counsel to the second and fourth defendants, challenged the admissibility of the documents.

He said it was generated through a computer.

“He alleged that the documents did not meet the procedure of tending such documents, as stated in the Evidence Act. “It is not for the witness to say it was printed from the computer, the document printed should have all the information of how it was produced,” he said.

The statement said counsel to EFCC objected and insisted that the documents are relevant.

He also said enough foundation was laid in compliance with the Evidence Act. The counsel added: “The documents speak for itself. The date and time the documents were printed is on the face of

the documents. As to the issue of certification, the Evidence Act did not prescribe the form or mode of certification. So the way it is certified should suffice.”

The trial judge, Justice Adebukola Banjoko, upheld the documents. He had earlier dismissed an application by the second accused in which he sought to have his travel documents returned to him on the grounds that he wanted to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Justice Banjoko in her ruling said though there was a letter purportedly written by a medical practitioner backing the accused that he had a complicated heart problem, there was however no sufficient proof that the case cannot be treated in Nigeria.

suit: Applicant freed after three weeks in prison

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

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MEMBER of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Cyriacus Njoku, who is trying to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in 2015, was yesterday freed from prison after three weeks of strange trial for alleged rape.

Last August, Njoku filed an action at the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to stop Jonathan.

He insisted that the President was spending his second term in office as the nation’s leader.

The politician said Jonathan ran for the Presidency in his first term in office on a single and inseparable ticket with the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

According to him, the 1999 Constitution does not make provisions for separate elections, both for the Office of the President and Vice-President.

But on March 2, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi dismissed Njoku’s application.

The judge held that Jonathan can contest in 2015, if he wishes, because he only completed the tenure of the late President Yar’Adua.

But shortly after the judgment, Njoku through his counsel, Osuagwu Ugochukwu, headed for the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. The applicant, however, raised two questions for the court to determine.

These are: Whether Section 135(2) of the Constitution, which specifies a period of four years in office for the President, is only available or applicable to a person elected on the basis of an actual election or includes one in which a person assumes the position of President by operation of law as in the case of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; and Whether Section 137(1) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which provides that a person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections applies to the 1st Defendant who first took an Oath of Office as substantive President on May 6, 2010 and took a second Oath of Office as President on May 29, 2011.

THE NATION TUESDAY APRIL 16, 2013

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NEWS Ajimobi, Oyo exco felicitate with Olubadan at 99

N650m ‘scam’: Anti-graft officials may storm Ondo

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PERATIVES of the three anti-graft agencies may soon storm Ondo State, following a petition by a group, the Ondo Elders and Youths Amalgamated Forum (OEYAF).

The group alleged that over N650 million may have been stolen by officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in connivance with some council workers.

It was learnt that the group petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commis-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

sion (ICPC) and the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) when the state government allegedly failed to sanction the officials “involved in the scam”.

Sources said the scam was perpetrated in seven local government councils during the preparation of the 2012 salary and leave bonus.

They said the government, through the Office of the Accountant-General, discovered that there was a wide margin between the amount paid in 2011 and 2012.

It was learnt that Governor Olusegun Mimiko ordered an

audit in the 18 councils when he heard of the fraud.

Sources said the audit reports established that there was a wide margin of N650 million between the amounts released in 2012 and 2011.

They said the report indicted some officials of the ministry and the local governments.

OEYAF Chairman Mr. Moses Fanibe said the failure of the state government to prosecute the “indicted” officials prompted the group to petition the anti-grant agencies.

One of the agencies is said to have directed its operatives

O

•Mimiko

to probe the alleged fraud.

Sources said they may storm the state this week.

Irregularities mar teachers screening in Ondo

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HE ongoing verification of public primary school teachers in Ondo State may not produce the desired result.

Sources said some officials of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and local governments have devised means to cover up irregularities detected during the exercise.

The screening, which began across the state penultimate week on the order of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, is to sanitise the workforce and expose workers (both teaching and nonteaching), who were allegedly recruited without the government’s approval.

Mimiko, according to sources, directed the committee handling the exercise to use the March 2009 payroll and payment voucher for the screening.

It was learnt that some officials of SUBEB and the Local Government Universal Basic Education Authority (UBEA) allegedly recruited over 4,000 workers without the government’s approval between 2009 and 2013.

The illegal recruitment was allegedly done by the personnel department in the area offices in collusion with their Accounts departments.

Some of those recruited, who did not have “godfathers” in SUBEB and the local governments, were said to have paid some money.

Sources at the Local Government UBEA said some of the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

officials involved in the illegal recruitment have devised means to ensure that their candidates are cleared by the screening committee.

For example, in Odigbo Local Government, over 200 workers were allegedly recruited illegally.

The officials were said to have colluded with the accounts section during the screening and presented new vouchers and staff payroll for March 2009. They allegedly injected the names of the illegally recruited workers into the documents before presenting them to the committees.

A source said: “What happened during the exercise here was unbearable. The personnel and accounts sections colluded to cover up their atrocities. The government should not have been specific about the time of the screening.

“The moment they learnt that the screening would be conducted in March, they produced a new voucher and pay roll and kept the original document. They also issued new appointment letters to these people and back-dated the letters to 2007 to indicate that they were recruited by the last administration in the state.”

During a visit to one of the screening centres in Akure, Mimiko vowed to punish anyone who attempts to frustrate the exercise.

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and members of the Executive Council yesterday visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, to felicitate with him on his 99th birthday.

Speaking at the palace of the monarch, the governor described the Olubadan as “a highly respected and principled personality, whose reign has brought peace to the state”.

The governor, who was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Aare Atunluto of Ibadanland, pledged his administration’s support to the Olubadan-in-Council.

He prayed for the long life and sound health of the royal father.

The monarch praised the urban renewal programme of the Ajimobi administration, saying it has improved the state aesthetically.

He said the Ajimobi administration has recorded enviable achievements, especially in environmental sanitation and beautification, a feat he said distinguished it from other administrations.

The royal father said this was why the Olubadan-in-Council decided to honour Ajimobi with the chieftaincy title.

Hoodlums attack Rep Oyeyemi Bamidele From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Mr. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency), has been attacked by unknown assailants, who shot at his car.

Narrating his experience to reporters over the phone, Bamidele said: “I was in Igede-Ekiti to complete the negotiation for a space for my constituency office in Ado-Ekiti. As we were about leaving, we heard the sound of a stone on the Prado Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). I was conveyed to the town in that vehicle, but unknown to my assailants, I was leaving in the Land Cruiser my driver brought later.

“They attacked the Prado SUV and smashed the windscreens.

When they realised that I was not in the Prado, they shot at the Land Cruiser, but I escaped by the whiskers. I urge security agencies to call my assailants to order. No amount of threat would stand between me and my determination to pursue the 2014 governorship agenda.”

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain said four people have been arrested in connection with the incident and are being detained at the Okesa Police Station in Ado-Ekiti.

He said: “Some powerful forces in government have started mounting pressure on the Area Commander of Okesa Police Station to release those detained.”

Police Commissioner Sotonye Wakama said the command was aware of the incident, but denied that anyone was arrested.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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NEWS

Sen. Tinubu hails Olayinka’s works •Akinjide, lawyer mourn Ekiti Deputy Governor

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ENATOR Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central District) yesterday visited Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi to condole with him on the death of his deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.

The senator described Mrs. Olayinka’s death as “a deeply felt loss”, adding that the deceased would be remembered for her contributions to the state.

She said: “I express my heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state. No doubt, Mrs. Olayinka’s death is a deep loss to the state. What can anyone say but to thank the Almighty God for a life well lived by a beautiful and alluring woman. Can anyone argue with death?

“We take solace in the fact that she lived well in her short life. Her achievements are immeasurable. We should always make use of the best opportunity God grants us.

“I urge her family, supporters and admirers to take heart and rejoice in the fact that she died an accomplished woman. What I consider most important now is to care for and support the family she left behind and ensure that her legacies do not go to waste.”

The Minister of State for

Court rules on Osun ruler’s rape case June 4 From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

A HIGH Court sitting in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, has fixed June 4 for judgment on the case of the alleged rape of a female corps member by the Alowa of Ilowa, Oba Adebukola Alli.

The monarch has been on trial for about three years for allegedly defiling a 23-year-old corps member, who served in his domain.

The monarch allegedly committed the offence at his private home in Osogbo.

Oba Alli denied the allegation.

He claimed that the victim was his lover and that they had been having sexual relations since they met.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to the accused, Mr. E. A. Gbadegesin, said he had filed his written address.

He said the written address was confirmed by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Leading lawyers from the Ministry of Justice, the DPP, Mr. Dapo Adeniji, said he had proofs that the monarch committed the offence and urged the court to expedite the judgment.

Justice Oyejide Falola fixed June 4 for ruling.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti; Bisi Oladele, Ibadan and Joseph Jibueze

the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ms. Olajumoke Akinjide, also condoled with Fayemi and Ekiti people.

In a statement, she described the late Mrs. Olayinka as “an accomplished banker and a quintessential politician, who demonstrated a perfect blend of grace, dignity and intelligence”.

Praying for the repose of Mrs. Olayinka’s soul, she said: “My heart goes out to the family of the late deputy governor, who was an accomplished banker and quintessential politician.

“I pray God grants her eternal rest and give her family the fortitude to bear this great and irreparable loss.”

Rights activist Morakinyo Ogele urged political office holders to emulate the late Mrs. Olayinka.

He said she left the political circle “with clean hands.”

Ogele said her death was a huge loss to Ekiti, as it is rare to find politicians who honestly dedicate their lives to the service of the people.

He said: “She was an excellent politician and a paragon of efficiency. She did not allow her position to change her. She was honest and humble.”

•LOCKED GRIEF: Dr. Fayemi and Mrs. Tinubu consoling each other. Watching on is the governor’s wife, Bisi...yesterday.

LOCKED IN GRIEF

Ekiti raises alarm over illegal fundraising for Olayinka’s funeral

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HE Ekiti State Government has raised the alarm over an illegal fundraising by some unscrupulous individuals purportedly for the burial of the late Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.

In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Ganiyu Owolabi, warned individuals within and outside the state involved in the illegal and unauthorised solicitation for funds to desist from it.

Dissociating the administration from the activities of such individuals, he urged the public to report anybody trying to obtain money or other items from them for the late deputy governor’s funeral to security agencies.

Owolabi said the government has put plans in place to give the late deputy governor a befitting state burial and will bear all expenses.

The statement reads: “The state government frowns at attempts by any group or individual to raise funds for the burial, under any guise whatsoever.

“The public is advised to discountenance the purported fundraising and report attempts by any individual to obtain money or other items from them for the purpose of the burial to security agencies. We advise those involved in this illegal and unauthorised solicitation to desist from it. The full time table for the Mrs. Olayinka’s state burial would be made public soon.”

Stand up against terrorism, Aregbesola urges Muslims

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged Muslims to stand against the notion that Islam is a religion of terror, massive alienation and mindless killings.

This was the governor’s message to an Islamic organisation, Jama’atu Izalatil-Bid’ah wa IqamatisSunnah, when its representatives visited him yesterday in Osogbo, the state capiital.

Aregbesola said Islam, by nature, rejects the force, com-

pulsion and violence that some characters are now impugning to it with their behaviour.

He said the best way to attract people to one’s faith is by good deeds, good character, love and accommodation, rather than by violence and compulsion.

The governor said it is wrong for anyone to believe that he should punish another person because of a difference in faith, saying such a person is trying to play God, as God

alone can reward or punish his creatures.

He said: “Islam rejects force, compulsion, killing and maiming and violence in all its forms. Islam encourages piety, good relation and nice character, a combination that attracts people to Islam.

“The absence of these qualities brings hatred and rejection by the society. The message Islam brought to the world is that of peace, love, justice, tolerance and accommodation.

APC’ll save Nigeria, says Ribadu

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ORMER Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has described the efforts of the Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration as a demonstration of quality leadership, “which should be emulated by all”.

Ribadu spoke during his condolence visit to Amosun on the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

He said he was amazed by the development he saw in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Ribadu said: “I was here two years ago and the transformation I have seen now is amazing and incredible. Ogun State has new roads. I can also see an overhead bridge and innovative ways of doing things.”

On the merger of the opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ribadu said it is in the nation’s

best interest, going by the “retrogressive nature” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government.

He said: “It is good to see all the progressives coming together to redefine the politics of Nigeria. The transformation we need as a nation belongs to APC and we believe that this is the party that will take us out of our problems.”

Former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode said the level of development in the Southwest is remarkable.

He said there would be a change at the federal level in 2015, adding that the PDP has nothing to offer Nigerians.

Fani-Kayode said: “Most of us that have always been progressives found ourselves in a conservative party such as the PDP, but we are now moving towards a real progressive party in APC and we

“So, any form of unilateral killing is wrong. Those who think they can punish others for whatever reason are playing God, because it is only God that rewards and punishes.”

Aregbesola urged Islamic clerics to preach peace, unity, good neighbourliness, tolerance, accommodation and humanitarian services.

The leader of the group, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, praised the governor’s performance in the state, particu-

larly in education and information dissemination.

He urged the governor to always lead his people with trust and dignity, adding that the group is proud of his achievements.

Sheik Lau said: “We are highly impressed with your performance. We congratulate you on the physical development, transformation and progress in the state.”

He advocated religious and ethnic harmony across the country.

Alaafin urged to fill vacant stool From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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•Amosun are determined to take the destiny of this nation in our hands.”

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Aliyu Modibo said he was impressed with the development going on in Ogun State.

He said: “If you see the latest debt profile of states that was released last week, Ogun has one of the lowest in the country and that is a sign that the state is working and Amosun is also working.”

WENTY-two years after the assassination of the Ashipa of Oyo, Chief Amuda Olorunosebi, his family has urged the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, to endorse a successor to the vacant stool.

They urged Governor Abiola Ajimobi to support whoever emerges the successful candidate.

The head of the family, Alhaji Oseni Oladejo, spoke with reporters yesterday at the family’s compound. Two representatives of each of the three ruling houses in the family were present.

Oladejo warned Alhaji Ganiyu Ajiboye to stop parading himself as the Alaago of Ago-Oja, saying: ‘’He is an alien and has no ancestral lineage with the Ashipa family and Isale-Oyo in general.

He is a persona non grata . ‘’For proper record keeping, Ajiboye hails from Oloro’s house in Iseyin. He and his father came to Oyo and were accommodated at Dawodu Compound, one of the ruling houses in the Ashipa family. The late Olorunosebi later employed him (Ajiboye) as his Personal Assistant. Ajiboye’s father, as old as he was in Dawodu’s Compound, never rose to become the head of that Ruling House. How come, Ajiboye is now laying claim to not only a non-existing title, but an undeserved one?

“Oja is not a chieftaincy title, but a name belonging to grandfathers of the Ashipa family. Of the 12 Ashipas that have ruled, none received his chieftaincy conferment from any other authority, except the Alaafin. The Ashipa family and the good people of Isale-Oyo are strongly opposed to verbal attacks, unguarded utterances and other subterranean acts inimical to peace that are being masterminded by Ajiboye against the Alaafin.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY APRIL 16, 2013

NEWS

•Governor Oshiomhole consoling the mother of the late Imoedemhe, Mrs Scholastica Imoedemhe (left) and the widow, Veronica ... yesterday.

INSET: Razed house of Osi Imhoaperamhe, ACN councillorship candidate for Ward 3

•The late Imoedemhe

•The late Ivharve

Oshiomhole vows Bakassi refugees reto find Fugar killers •Farmer survived by four widows, 30 children From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

N angry Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said he would sign the death warrants for the killers of two persons in Fugar, Etsako West Local Government.

Oshiomhole spoke when he visited the victims’ families in Fugar.

A farmer, Oboareyi Ivharve (72) and Joachim Imoedemhe were killed and four cars and five houses burnt during a clash between Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) youths and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government, last Wednesday.

At the home of the late Ivharue, the governor while commiserating with his four widows and 30 children said: “I am extremely sad by the incident because it is our responsibility to protect lives and property of all irrespective of political affiliation. The election is about the welfare of the people and should not be done with bullets,” he noted.

The governor, who was also at the residence of 46-year-old Imoedemhe, who was shot and hacked to death by suspected PDP loyalists.

He described the killings as “senseless” and expressed his administration’s readiness to cooperate with the police to find the killers.

The governor said: “I condemn in the strongest term possible, those who are responsible for this murder and I will encourage the police to handle this investigation professionally.

“We need to get the guys who were involved in this murder and they must be brought to justice. I understand what it means when the head of the family, who was very hard working, suddenly dies. His departure has created a vacuum that you cannot fill.

“No man has a right to take the life of another on account of any flimsy excuse, except as confirmed by a court. “ Local government election is like a family meeting, where you try to elect those who should lead the family.

“Everybody knows the other; so it is a family affair. There is no reason to campaign for election with bullets; it is completely unnecessary. And there is no justifiable provocation to lead anyone to go and kill another person. Even the issue of provocation is completely unnecessary.”

Oshiomhole went on: “Those who are responsible for this murder when found and they brought to justice and when they are condemned I will sign their death warrants. Because I believe we need to clean up the political system.

“I have passed through election twice and I have never asked anyone to go and kill anybody. And I went through election last year and it was peaceful. So this is really terrible.”

He urged the police to arrest the killers, saying “it is also important to point out that all the houses burnt were the houses of ACN leaders.”

Oshiomhole said: “It is very clear that in this act of violence, one PDP person was killed; one ACN person was killed also.

But three houses belonging to the ACN were burnt.

“I think it was good that ACN supporters did not go round burning people’s houses. We can win election any day without resorting to violence.

“Our greatest weapon is performance; not guns, not bullets, not cutlasses. Those who destroyed the houses have destruction awaiting them. Everything must be done to isolate politics from criminals.

“It does not matter the political affiliation of the perpetrators. If an ACN member is found to have killed, he must be brought to justice. If a PDP man is found to have killed he must be brought to justice.

“The reason is simple. People can change their party affiliation but those killed cannot come back. There is no hiding place for these killers.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Following the approval of Federal Executive Council, we have concluded arrangements to commence the construction of not just one, but five brand new world class international airport terminal.

- Ms Stella Oduah, Minister of Aviation

National Assembly, Presidency may clash over 2013 budget

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•From left: President, Association of Foreign Airlines Representative in Nigeria, Mr Kingsley Nwokoma; Head, Ground Support, Med-View, Alhaji Femi Lawal; Managing Director, Med View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, and Director, SAHCOL, Mr Kayode Filani, at the inauguration of their ground service equipment, at the company’s warehouse at that Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos ... yesterday.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Alleged N750m Polymer contract scam: EFCC quizzes ex-Mint MD

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HE Economic and Fi nancial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has quizzed a former managing director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), Ehi Okomoyon over alleged N750million Polymer notes contract.

Okomoyon, who was arrested on Sunday night, was released yesterday after undergoing interrogation.

It was learnt that the arrest of Okomoyon followed reports on the alleged scam sent to the EFCC by the Australian police.

Okomoyon recently resigned his appointment on the heels of the disappearance of millions of N1000 currency notes from the company.

He was quizzed by investigators at the EFCC Abuja office on relation to the Australian polymer banknotes bribery scam.

Nigerian officials allegedly received bribes for Se-

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa-$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N10.6 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -9% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $48b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

curency, a note-printing firm partly owned by the Reserve Bank of Australia, which handled the polymer banknotes contract.

A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, was quizzed by the EFCC in January in connection with the probe.

A source said yesterday that the bribe sum could be more than N750million, going by the depth of the investigation conducted by the Australian police.

“It is left to us to conduct the Nigerian dimension of the scam,” he added.

“What I can tell you is that since January, the EFCC has made some breakthrough in its probe,” the source said.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr.Wilson Uwujaren, who confirmed Okomoyon’s arrest, did not give details.

But a Mint source said: “I think the invitation of the former MD of Mint by the EFCC is a fact-finding one because the contract was purely a CBN affair.

“It is a good development that the EFCC is finally trying to get to the root of the contract.

“If you are talking of any bribery, it must have been perpetrated during the initial award of contract for the supply of polymer substrates to Securency in 2006 for the N20 banknote.

“The same template used for the N20 banknote was also applied to N5, N10, and N50 without any fresh bid. It is curious that the CBN officials chose to adopt the same template in November 2008 without a fresh bid. The contracts for the printing of 1.915billion of N5, N10, and N50 notes were only awarded in April this year.

“So, the approach adopted by the CBN was suggestive of a conspiracy or an understanding. The bribery scandal pre-

dated the award of the contracts in April, this year.

“I don’t think the decision to print N5, N10, and N50 notes in polymer was the key thing.

The bribery must have been done in 2006. The terms of the deal were only extended to the contracts for N5, N10, and N50 notes.

“To show you that a cabal was at work, not every party was involved in the evaluation process.

“It was a sealed deal because the CBN dictates who prints abroad, what substrates to print on as well as the quantity. The CBN even decides the companies that will clear and do the freight.”

The late President Umaru Yar‘Adua, in the company of the then CBN governor, launched the N5, N10 and N50 polymer notes on September 30, 2009 at the Presidential Villa.

The circulation of the new bank notes coincided with Nigeria’s 49th Independence Anniversary celebration.

There have been allegations of shady deals between some CBN officials and Securency International Pty of Australian.

Although the contract for the printing of N5, N10, N50 notes were awarded in April 2009, the bribery scandal involving Securency occurred in 2006.

The probe conducted by AFP gave clues which the EFCC is examming.

According to a document, the CBN tender results for banknotes in 2006 showed how Securency, bid for N20 polymer note at Euro 73.475 per 1000 notes, including freight charge.

But it was learnt that the cost was later reduced to Euro 59.88 by the CBN when the N20 polymer contract was awarded in 2006.

Others involved in the bid are: Global Securency (Australia); Gieesecke and Devrient (G &D) of Germany ; De La Rue (the UK ); FC Oberther ( France ) and Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC).

HE amendment of the 2013 budget sought by President Goodluck Jonathan may re-enact a fresh round of bickering between the National Assembly and the Presidency as the National Assembly resumes plenary today.

Jonathan, who signed the budget, forwarded a memorandum to the National Assembly, seeking an amendment of the Appropriation Act. Specifically, he accused the lawmakers of allegedly including clauses that may be injurious to the spirit of separation of powers in the budget, insising that these clauses could hamper the work of the Executive if not expunged.

Besides, Jonathan also asked the lawmakers to amend the budget of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

He listed three clauses, which he claimed, impinged on the separation of powers and could hamper the work of the Executive.

He demanded a cut on the

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

provisions made for personnel cost and change of some provisions made for capital projects.

Though Jonathan explained that the proposed amendment was the outcome of various meetings with the leadership and committees of the National Assembly, this did not go down well with some Senators.

The President said it became imperative that certain provisions be amended.

The offensive insertions, Jonathan said, included Clause 6(ii) which states: “The AccountantGeneral of the Federation shall forward to the National Assembly full details of funds released to the government agencies immediately such funds are released; ”while clause 9 states: “All Accounting Officers of Ministries, Parastatals and Department of Government who control heads of expenditures shall upon the coming into effect of this Act

furnish the National Assembly on quarterly basis with detailed information on the Internally Generated Revenue of the agency in any form whatsoever.

“Both clauses run counter to established chain of reporting,” he said.

However, a top member of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, told our correspondent that the implication of the proposal

by President Jonathan “is that the National Assembly should overhaul and rework the budget.”

The committee member who spoke anonymously, noted that they took so many things into consideration before the budget was passed.

The lawmakers, he said, believe that what they did was for the best interest of the country.

He wondered how asking the Minister of Finance to ensure that funds appropriated under the Appropriation Act are released to the appropriate agencies and/or organs of government, as and when due, offended the spirit of separation of powers.

12

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

1.

Amadi Anthony late of 2, Popoola Street, Abule Odu Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of May, 2006 at Imo State.

2. Isaac Samuel Obot late of 5, Adesanya Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June 2012 at Edo State.

3. Babalola Adebayo (Otherwise known as Adebayo Babalola) late of No. 1 Oloruntedo Street, Alagbado, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

4. Mr Mufutau Oloye late of 10, Adebayo Oloye Street, Meiran Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

5. Yusuf Idakpo late of 5, Akoronfayo Street, Mile 12 Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 2010 at General Hospital Lagos.

6. Mr Andrew Sunday Molokwu (Otherwise known as Mr Sunday Molokwu and Mr Molokwu Sunday) late of Room 7 , Block A Federal , Fire Service Barrack Ebute Metta, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

7. Mr Muritala Taiwo T. (Otherwise known as Muritala Taiwo) late of 38, Odunbaku Street, Iju Ishaga, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

8. Mr Fatai Ariyo (Otherwise known as Ariyo Fatai ) late of 10, Oseni Street, Lawanson Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of January, 2009 at Luth Lagos.

9. Mr Anthony Idowu Olowu (Otherwise known as Olowu Anthony) late of Block 4, Flat 6A, Anyangburen Jubilee Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

10.Kareem Lukman (Mr) (Otherwise known as Lukman A. Kareem) late of 5, Babatunde Alabi Street, Agbado Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

11.Mr Modupe Bababunmi Shotayo Diyaolu (Otherwise known as Mr Modupe Babafemi Shotayo Diyaolu) late of 31, Ondo Street, East Ebute Metta, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 1979 at Lagos.

12.Eleshin F. Folashade (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Eleshin Folashade) late of 78, Goriola Oseni Avenue Iba New Town Ojo deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of March, 2008 at Lagos.

13 .Benjamin Shademe late of Pedro Police Barrack Block 2 Room 22 Shomolu Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

14. Ambrose Egwenike (Otherwise known as Mr Egwenike Ambrose(Insp) late of Oduduwa Police Station G.R.A. Ikeja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

15. Mr David Rasaki Oseni Daudu (Otherwise known as Mr Oseni Daudu) late of 4, Taiwo Olaleye Street, Agodo Egbe Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

16. Teresa Uzo Chizea (Otherwise known as Miss Teresa Uzo Chizea) late of 5, Akeem Odumosu Crescent, Magodo I Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

17. Benignus Nnaji late of 75, Bale Street, Orile Iganmu Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of October, 2010 at Imo State.

18. Oseni Lawal (Otherwise known as Alhaji Oseni A. Lawal) late of 12, Boundary Road, Shasha Akowonjo Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

19. Lukmon Oluwagbenga Bello (Otherwise known as Bello O. Lukman) late of 11, Ogunmuyiwa Street, Ijesha Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

20. Abiola Abiodun Ladi-Oderinde (Otherwise known as Ladi-Oderinde Abiola Abiodun) late of 3, Governor Road, Maple Wood Estate, Oko Oba Agege Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

21. Victoria Nwigwe late of 1-3 Aragba Orogun Street, Ojo Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

22. Bonareto Hyacintho late of 3rd Avenue F Close, House 33 Deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of July, 2010 at Lagos State.

23. Yerima Abba-Habib (Otherwise known as Yerima Abba Gana ) late of Block 2, Room 1, Adekunle Police Barracks Yaba, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of November, 2010 at General Hospital Lagos.

24. Mr Joe Ogiemnonyi Ogbebor (Otherwise known as Joe Ogemwonyi Ogbebor ) late of 23 Road "C" Close , Festac Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of October, 2007 at Memorial H.S. Hospital Texas, USA. 25. Mrs Kayode Bamidele late of No. 2 Richard Ibikunle Street, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of February, 2008 at Lagos.

26. Cole Augusta Adebimpe (Otherwise known as Adebimpe Cole) late of Block 613 Flat 1, Abesan Ipaja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of November, 1987 at Lagos.

27. Mr Jacob Akintola Osuma late of 21, Idowu Street, Ifako Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January, 2007 at Lagos.

28. Mrs Folakemi Omolere Loto (Nee Odukoya) (Otherwise known as Omolere Loto Folakemi) late of 8B, Davies Street, Abule Oye Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

29. Effiong Edem Nsefik Eyo (Otherwise known as Mr Nseffik-Eyo) late of No. 18, Asajon Street, Sango Tedo Lekki Eti Osa Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of September, 2008 at Safeway Hospital.

30. SP Ajibode Akanni Wahab (Otherwise known as Bakatari & Son and Ajibode Wahaab Akanni) late of 1, Ijaiye Housing Estate, Ogba, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 2012 at Ibadan.

31. Madam Seraphina Adeola Daniel late of 68, Agege Motor Road, Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of June, 1985 at Ebute Metta Health Centre.

32. Mr Samuel Ishola Jeje Onifade late of 15, Popoola Crescent, Water Works Road, Iju Ishaga Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of August, 2008 at Teaching Hospital Ikeja, Lagos.

33. Mr Suenu Muheeb Idowu late of 55, Alh. Animashaun Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

34. Mr Philomena N. Adelaja (Otherwise known as Adelaja Philomena Ngozi) late of 11A, Ajayi Street, Igbogbo Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

35. Johnson Okunade (otherwise known as Okunade Johnson) late of 21, Modupe Street, Ijanikin, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 2008 at General Hospital Badagry.

36. Uzoechi Joseph (Otherwise known as Uzoechi Joseph Ifeanyi and Mr Joseph Uzoechi) late of Nigeria Police College Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of January, 2011 at Hospital (St. Mary's) Imo State.

37. Samuel Chukwuagozie Okeke (Otherwise known as Okeke Samuel) late of 4, Abeokuta Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

38. Mr Benjamin Oke Austine (Otherwise known as Okey Ben) late of 1, Akinwunmi Street, Ijebutu , Anthony Village Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of January, 2011 at Ikeja General Hospital.

39. Bashau Razeeq R. (Otherwise known as Bashua Rasaki) late of No. 3, Popoola Street, Isale Oja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

40. Kate Uchenna Nnadiekwe (Otherwise known as Kate Nnadiekwe ) late of 40, Samuel Ajayi Street, Magodo , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of June 2012 at Lagos.

41. David Obileme (Otherwise known as Obileme David) late of 5A, Kayode Oyebanji Street, Oke Afa, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th dayof March, 2011 at Luth.

42. Shonuga Samuel Oluwasegun (Otherwise known as Samuel Olusegun Sonuga and Samuel Oluwasegun Sonuga) late of 1, Nimota Close, Ikotun Egbe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of May, 2010 at University of Lagos State.

43. Odukoya James Adedoyin late of 18, Osifowokan Street, Itire Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

44. Mr Nathan Orhoro (Otherwise known as Onoghojaye Ukodioghene ) late of 2nd Avenue 23 Road Q Close Block 2, Flat 13, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

45. Mr Samuel Oviawe late of Block 308 Flat 6, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st dayof August, 2009 at Lagos.

46. Mr Bakare Amusa (Otherwise kown as Bakare Amusa Aremu) late of No 9 Ondo Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of January, 2012.

47. Mr Bayode Osho late of 59, Nuru Oniwo Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of April, 2006 at Lagos.

48. Johnson Adeloye Abiodun Somoye late of No. 50, Ogbomosho Avenue S/G Kano deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of October, 1989 at Interior Hospital Kano.

49. Joseph Ezewuiro (Otherwise known as Ezewuiro Joseph) late of Block 171 , Plot 86, Flat 5, Iba (LCH) Estate Ojo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2012 at Lasuth Ikeja, Lagos.

50. Imam Abolade-Sulaimon Muritala (Otherwise known as Abolade Sulaiman and Imam Abolade-Sulaiman Muritala) late of 21, Buraimoh Street, Abule Okota, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

51. Okodua Clifford Oziegbe late of Edo State deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of October, 2011 at General Hospital Calabar.

52. Edith Nwokolo late of 94, Mushin Road, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

53. Mrs Hadiza Ibrahim (Otherwise known as Ibrahim Hadiza) late of 15, Oladipupo Fafore Street, Santos Layout, Dopemu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of December, 2011 at Lagos.

54. Prince Ganiyu Abolaji Olasope late of No. 1 Aradagun Bus Stop, Badagry Expressway, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of May, 2008 at Olotun Hospital Ilorin, Kwara State.

55. Mr Izuagbe David (Otherwise known as Izuagbe Insp. ) late of Nigrian Prison Service Barracks Apapa Kirikiri Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

56. Shuaib Sekoni (Otherwise known as Shuaib Ayodele Adisa Sekoni) late of 20, Dada Street, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of August, 2007 at Lasuth.

57. Usman Adebayo late of 37, Idowu Ajibola Street, Ijedodo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

58. Williams Alfred Olabode (Otherwise known as Telawills Multipurpose Ltd) late of 3/5 Ekundayo Williams Street, Ilupeju Estate, Abule Eko Ijede Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

59. Mrs Oyefunke Habeeb late of No. 12 Kola Ogunkoya Street, Igbogbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

60. Enechukwu Barnabas Okwuchukwu late of 4, Ladipo Street, Ajegunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of June, 2008 at Netherlands.

61. Ogunfowokan Pius Ogunbiyi Oluyomade (Otherwise known as Obafadaka International company, Ogunfowokan Pius Oluyomade and Mr O.O.Ogunfowokan ) late of 25, Esan Ogbogun Street, Somolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of November, 2012 at Hospital.

62. Ashibogwu Marius Uchenna (Otherwise known as Dr Marius Uchenna Ashibuogwu and Ashibuogwu Marius Uchenna) late of 16, Ajibade Babalola Street, Papa Ajao Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

63. Clement Maduka Obasi (Otherwise known as Obasi Clement) late of 1, Ebinpejo Street, Obanikoro Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of January, 2011 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

64. Sobowale Zacheaus Adewale (Otherwise known as Baba Show and Zacheus Sobowale) late of 36, Fatai Popoola Street, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

65. Michael Omodiale late of 22, Onafuwa Street, Otubu Bus Stop Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

66. Uki Peter late of No 121 , Victoria Street, Ojota, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

67. Mrs Egwu Roseline late of Plot 1054, 13 Road, 6th Avenue Festac Town, Lagos , deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of November, 2008 at Festac, Lagos.

68. Chibunna Awuje (Otherwise known as Chibunna Awujie) late of 20, Ajegunle Street, Akesan Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

69. Adebiyi Micheal Olugbemiga (Otherwise known as Adebiyi Michael Olugbenga and Mr Michael Olugbemiga Adebiyi) late of 7B, Ayorinde Close, Oke Aro deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

70. Ahia John (Otherwise known as John Ahia) late of 2, Idowu Lane, Opebi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of August, 2012 71. Mrs Arasomwan Osamwenyobor late of Oka Quarters, Oredo L.G.A. deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 2011 at Benin City.

72. Ojeleye Simeon (CPL) (Otherwise known as Simeon Ojeleye and CPL Ojeleye Simeon) late of 1, Olusegun Ojo Street, Ayobo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

73. Mrs Olayonu Yussuf late of 14, Asubiojo Alaba Ojo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

74. Wemba Oziren Agbati (Otherwise known as Wemba O. Agbati (SP) late of Trnity Police Station Apapa Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

75. Mr Ademola Otufowora late of 13, Awawu Street, Ikotun, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of August, 2008

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Elizabeth Amadi and Bethel Amadi both of 2, Popoola Street, Abule Odu Lagos widow and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Julia Obot of 5, Adesanya Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos and Mrs Caroline Emmanuel of 43, Joseph Street, Ejigbo Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Babalola Rhoda and Babalola Adelayo both of 1, Oloruntedo Street, Alagbado Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Oloye Kazeem Adedayo and Oloye Lateef Adedamola both of 10, Adebayo Oloye Street, Meiran Lagos , two of the children of the said deceased Mr Shehu Yusuf and Miss Rashidatu Yusuf both of 5, Akoronfayo Street, Mile 12 Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Augustina Molokwu and Mr Sunday Molokwu (Jnr) both of Room 7, Block A, Federal Fire Service Barrack Ebute Metta, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Omotayo Muritala and Muritala Micheal both of 38, Odunbaku street, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Afusat Ajoke Ariyo, Mr Gafar Abiodun Ariyo , Miss Raheemot Ololade Ariyo and Alhaji Najiyu Ade Carew all of 10, Oseni Street, Lawanson Lagos , widow, two of the children and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Abiodun Oluwabunmi Olowu, Miss Oluwadamilare Olowu and Miss Olaoluwapo Oluwa all of Block 4, Flat 6A, Ayangburen Jubilee Estate Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Kareem Bunmi and Kareem Anike both of 5, Babatunde Alabi Street, Agbado, Lagos , widow and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Gbolahan Diyaolu of 11, Desalu Street, Panoda Agege, Lagos and Mr Babatunde Diyaolu of 15, Desalu Panoda Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased Eleshin Abiodun and Miss Oluwakemi Oluwatoke both of 78, Oba Goriola Avenue Iba New Town, Ojo Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Ruth Shademe and Blessing Shademe both of Pedro Police Barrack Block 2, Room 22 Shomolu Lagos, widow and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Lucky Egwenike and Nnamdi Egwenike both of Oduduwa Police Station G.R.A. Ikeja , widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Rebecca Olufunke Dauda and Olalekan Daudu both of 4, Taiwo Olaleye Street, Agodo Egbe, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Chukwuji E. Chizea of Plot 5, Akeem Odumosu Crecsent , Magodo Lagos and Paul Chizea of 231 Ikorodu Crescent, Dolphin Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mr Livi Nnaji of 75, Bale Street, Orile Iganmu and Mr Clement Nnaji of 1, Zion Street, Sari Iganmu Lagos two of the children of the said decased.

Lawal Afusat Ayinade, Taofeek A. Lawal and Sodiq Lawal all of 12, Boundary Road Shasha Akowonjo Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Tawa Bello and Abibat Olaitan Bello both of 11, Ogunmuyiwa Street, Ijeshatedo Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oladimeji Olufemi Ladi-Oderinde of 3, Governor Road, Maplewood Estate, Oko Oba and Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe of 10, Governor Road, Maplewood Estate, Oko Oba widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Chimezie Nwigwe and Chukwuka Nwigwe both of 1-3 Aragba Orogun Street, Ojo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs P.S. Hyacintho and Mrs Ibiyemi Nikoro both of 3rd Avenue F. Close, House 33, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Bolanle Abba Habib and Ibrahim Abba -Habib both of Block 2, Room 1, Adekunle Police Barrack, Yaba, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Eunice Ogbebor and Mr Godwin Ogbebor both of 23rd Road "C" Close, Festac, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Alhassan Alhassan and Mr Mohammed Alhassan both of No. 2, Richard Ibikunle Street, Ikotun, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Edward Logo Oladega of Block 613, Flat I, Abesan Ipaja, Lagos, and Shadare Foluso Taiwo of 14, Love Street, Off Unity Road, Command Road, Ipaja Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Cecilia Adunni Osuma, Mr Charles Olubunmi Osuma and Mrs Theresa K. Melchizedek all of 21, Idowu Street, Ifako Agege, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Victor Omolere Loto, Odukoya Tomilola , Folabomi O. Sesan Gbolade and Femi Fola Odukoya all of 8B, Davies Street, Abule Oye , Lagos, widower, the only child, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Victoria N. Eyo and Mr Efiom Tete Nsefik Eyo both of 18, Asajon Street, Sango, Tedo , Lekki, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Akintolu Abisola Ajibode and Mrs Adeshipo Basirat Elizabeth both of 1, Ijaiye Housing Estate, Ogba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Prof Elesha O. Stephen of Lagos University Teaching Hospital Lagos, Dr Abiodun Williams, Mr Abayomi Thomas both of 49, Agege Motor Road, Agege, Lagos and Mr Daniel Adeoye James of 45/50 Agege Motor Road, four grandchildren of the said deceased.

Mrs Iyabo Onifade and Mr Segun Onifade both of 15, Popoola Crescent, Water Works Road, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Nimotalahi Iyabo Suenu, Monzourat Ilesanmi Olowu (Nee Suenu) Mariam Taiwo Suenu and Muheeb Idowu Suenu all of 55, Alh. Animashaun Street, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Adelaja Paul Olufemi and Darlington Udogwu both of Femi Adelaja Close, Macaulay Igbogbo , Bayeku, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Okunade Funmilayo and Okunade Samuel both of 21, Modupe Street, Ijanikin, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Justina Uzoechi and Agnes Uzoechi both of No. 1, Olukitibi Street, Ijegun, Imore, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Judith Okeke, Eken Okeke and Tony M. Nwakire all of 4, Abeokuta Street, Iyana Ipaja Lagos, widow, one of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Daniel Austine of No. 9, Adejobi Crescent, Anthony Village Lagos, and Mr Chijioke Austine of No. 1, Akinwunmi Street, Anthony Village Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Juliet Chinyere Samuel (Nee Job) of No. 3, Popoola Street, Isale, Oja Agege, Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

Harry Nnadiekwe, Chima Nnadiekwe and Nneka Akano all of 40, Samuel Ajayi Street, Magodo , Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Angela Obileme of 5A, Kayode Oyebanji Street, Oke Afa , Isolo, Lagos, Geoffrey Ndukwe of 83, Abukuru Street, Ajegunle, Oramadike Emeka of 18A, Bode Oluwo Street, Mende Maryland , Lagos and Maduka Folashade Olayinka of 2, Peter Agha Avenue, Oke Afa Isolo, Lagos, widow and three brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Florence Aduke Sonuga and Jide Sonuga (Mr) both of No. 1, Nimota Close Off Isijola Ikotun Egbe, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Odukoya Richard, Adelaja Adejide and Miss Adeola Adelaja all of 18, Osifowokan Street, Itire , Surulere , Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Henry Orhoro and Lucky Orhoro both of 2nd Avenue 23 Road "U" Close, Block 2, Flat 13, Festac Town, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Emmanuel Oviawe and Fred Oviawe both of Block 308, Flat 6, Abesan Estate Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Taiwo Bakare and Yetunde Bakare both of 9, Ondo Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Beatrice Olufunke Osho, Mrs Enitan Oluseyi Oshun and Mr Temitope Osho all of 59, Nuru Oniwo Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Dr Michael Olumuyiwa Somoye of 50, Ogbomosho Avenue S/G Kano.

Mrs Loveline Ezewuiro, Mr Obiajuru Ezewuiro and Mr Izundu Ezewuiro all of Block 171, Plot 86, Flat 5, Iba Estate, Ojo, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Alhaja Folorusho Adunni Abolade-Sulaimon, Mrs Yeside Olaniran, Mr Olayiwola Abolade and Mrs Titilayo Salami all of 21, Buraimoh Street, Abule Okuta Bariga, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Glory Akabom Okodua widow of the said deceased.

Josephine Nwokolo of 10, Community Road, Ijegun, Lagos and Benjamin Nwokolo of 13, Taiwo Shoremikan Street, Okota Kana Estate, Lagos sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Sashe Ibrahim Dabana and Miss Rukayya Dabana both of 15, Oladipupo Fafore Street, Santos Layout Dopemu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ebunoluwa Bolaji, Bashiru Bolaji both of Ile Oba, Omu Aran Road, Oro, Irepodun Area Off Kwara State and Kamoru Tunde Bolaji of No. 1, Aradagun Bus Stop Badagry Express way Badagry Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Agnes Izuagbe and Mr Theophilus Izuagbe both of Nigerian Prison Barraks Kirikiri Apapa, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Prince Sekoni Saliu of 20, Dada Street, Ojo Town, Lagos, and Mr Nofiu Odu of No. 2 Yusuf Street, Kemba Awori, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Usman Foluke Olanike and Usman Damilola Aishat both of 37, Idowu Ajibola Ijedodo Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mojisola Godonu and Mr Olugbenga Williams both of 3/5 Ekundayo Williams Street, Ilupeju Estate, Abule Eko Ijede Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Olufemi Adeeyo and Olufunmilayo Adeeyo both of 12 Kola Ogunkoya Street, Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Enechukwu Uju Joan and Enechukwu Chidiebere Gospel both of No. 1 Mohammed Street, Creekview Estate Kirikiri, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Florence Idowu Ogunfowokan and Moses Popoola Ogunfowokan both of 2, Adebayo Farogbe Street, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mareena Samuel of 16, Ajibade Babalola Street, Papa Ajao, Lagos, mother of the said deceased.

Caroline Maduka and Godwin Obasi both of 1, Ebinpejo Street, Obanikoro Shomolu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Pastor Remi Sobowale, Mrs Oriyomi Olaniyi, Mr Godwin Sobowale and Mrs Funmilayo Kolawole all of 36, Fatai Popoola Alagbado, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Omodiale Victoria of 22, Onafuwa Street, Otubu Bus Stop Agege, Lagos, and Omodiale Christopher of 32, Talabi Street, Adeniyi Jones Ikeja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Idorenyin Uki, Peter of 121 Victoria Street, Ojota, Lagos and Samson Ekikere (Mr) of Band Block 2, Police College, Ikeja , Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Egwu Dan, Miss Nnenna Egwu and Anozie Egwu all of 8, Plot 1054, 13 Road, 6th Avenue Festac, Lagos, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Chibunna Justina and Chibunna Egwele G. both of 20, Ajegunle Street, Akesan Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adebiyi Bukola Yetunde, Miss Adebiyi Oluwatobi and Miss Adebiyi Boluwatife all of 7B, Ayorinde Close, Hercules widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ahia Kennedy of 6, Igbesi Street, Okomala, Isolo, Lagos and Christiana Ahia of 2, Idowu Lane, Opebi Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Osasu Airasomwan and Mrs Omoye Lucky both of 5, Imade Street, Upper Sakponba Road, Benin city the son and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Ojeleye Titilope of 1, Olusegun Ojo Street, Ayobo Lagos, and Ojeleye Grace of Block 163, Jakande Estate Isolo Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Alfa Wasiu Oluwanisola Yussuf of 14, Asubiojo Alaba Oro Ifelodun Local Government Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

Olayinka Agbati and Samuel Onasokhare Agbati both of Bungalow C. Shonibare Estate, Maryland , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olufunke Otufowora of No. 13, Awawu Street, Off Abaranje Road, Ikotun Lagos and Mrs Oluwaseyi Olunuga of No. 30, Ayedun Street, Off Odunsi Bariga, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

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PROPERTY

Tuesday, APRIL 16, 2013

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

•Mosaic House, Lagos.

Abandoned govt properties turn homes for hoodlums in Lagos They were built with public funds and were in use until a few years ago. Today, most Federal Government properties in Lagos are either abandoned or underutilised. These national monuments are now in ruins and pose security risks. Some have been taken over by weeds, rodents and reptiles; others serve as abodes for squatters and miscreants. ERIC IKHILAE reports.

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ANY multi-million naira properties owned mostly by the Federal Government have been abandoned. They are common features in the Lagos Business District (LBD) and Ikoyi.

From the historic Mosaic House on Tinubu Street to the monumental Independence House on old Defence Street; former Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL) Headquarters, 3-5 Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Race

Course; Council Chambers of the old National Assembly Complex within TBS and the old Cabinet Office Building that straddles Strachan and Moloney streets, all paint the picture of desertion.

Though the ease with which the government abandons its assets to rot away baffles many, others perceive the problem as that of misconceived, misapplied and wrongly executed policies and absence of probity in the management of resources.

Other assets in this category in-

clude the old Federal Secretariat Complex (Ikoyi), Ministry of Communications building (Obalende), Ministry of Information building (15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi), NETCOM House (Marina) and NITEL building (10 Odunlami Street). There are also the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) building (18 Tinubu Street), NEPA House (17B, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi).

Lagos School of Nursing and Midwifery building (Awolowo Road, Ikoyi) and Savannah Bank building (Broad Street).

They all have a rich history that should make them stand out as national monuments or major sources of revenue, but each of them suffers from either neglect or underutilisation.

The five-storey Mosaic House (a twin structure) was built around 1958. It housed the Federal Ministry of Finance, a component of which was the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It was vacated by the ministry around 1996.

Information from the National Li-

brary, Lagos, showed that the structure was erected in place of a building designed by the late Herbert Macaulay, which served as the residence of Henry Carr, a member of the Assessment Committee for Rates and Taxes of Lagos Township (1929–37) and the Nigerian Legislative Council (1933–44). Mosaic House, owned by the Ministry of Finance, once housed the office of the Finance •Continued on page 18

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THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT Abandoned govt properties turn homes for hoodlums in Lagos •Continued from page 17

Minister, beginning with the late Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo operated from there as the Federal Commissioner for Finance under Gen. Yakubu Gowon. Former President Shehu Shagari operated from the building as a Federal Commissioner for Finance in the early 70s.

Today, the building serves as the Stamp Duties Office of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), a trade centre, where all sorts of wares are sold and as residence for squatters.

The FIRS occupies the first floor. A first-time visitor will be oblivious of this fact because of the trading in and around the building. What used to serve as the parking lot is now occupied by beer parlours and canteen operators .

They share the space with clothes sellers and those who combine the sale of new currency notes with bureau de change services. Besides the first floor, the other floors are occupied by squatters.

The residents’ clothes and other belongings hung on corridors and window railings are visible to passers-by.

FIRS officials refused to comment on the identity of the residents. An official, who would not want to be named, said the situation was embarrassing to the organisation. He said the FIRS could not change it because some of the occupants are not entirely squatters.

He directed The Nation to his superior, who he described as the Regional Coordinator, for further comments.

When The Nation met the Regional Coordinator, I. Ohagwa, in his office on the 12th floor of NEPA House, 17B, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, he also refused to comment.

“My friend, I am not in the position to address this issue. I was just transferred here a few weeks ago. I think you should go to Abuja and speak with those in charge of facility management.

“You know that the house was once occupied by people like Okotie-Eboh, as the Federal Finance Commissioner? So, please, I don’t want to say anything that I am not in a position to say,” he said.

Calls and e-mail to FIRS’ Director, Communication and Liaison, Emmanuel Obeta, were ignored. It was learnt that some squatters in Mosaic House are civil servants, who were transferred to Lagos and are unable to secure accommodation.

There are also people, who reside in the building under an arrangement with the security guards manning it. The traders said they pay to those in charge of the building.

A canteen operator in the building said some men come around at the end of every month to “collect money from us. So, you cannot call us illegal occupants. We know it is owned by the government, but we pay to those in charge,” the woman, who begged not to be named, said.

The situation is the same with the Customs building next to Mosaic House, until the squatters were chased out recently. When The Nation visited the four-storey structure, which once served as the Customs headquarters, it was deserted. An attempt was being made to renovate it. But, no worker was on sight. A bold sign: “Nigerian Customs Service. Investigation and Inspectorate,” hangs at its main entrance.

The sprawling NITEL headquarters at TBS, bordered by Moloney and Macarthy streets, was, until some years back, a major administrative base for NITEL and MTEL. It has been taken over by squatters. It replicates the picture of Mosiac House.

It is one of the several abandoned NITEL properties that litter Lagos and other cities. The inability of the government to successfully privatise the company has worsened the situation. The only known corporate occupants of the building are the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Ecobank and Fidelity Bank, which occupy part of the ground floor of the five-floor property. Decaying office furniture and other items removed from the building and dumped on the premises are visible from the road.

Spokesman of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Chigbo Anichebe said he needed time to confirm the status of squatters on the property. He said until NITEL was sold, the company’s properties, particularly the noncore assets, would remain officially unoccupied.

“Such squatters are not tolerated on NITEL core assets. By core assets, I mean, those buildings with NITEL installations. Where there are

•The old Federal Secretariat buildings, Ikoyi.

The project was designed to rival the Dubai World Trade Centre. It was planned to house all types of investors, entrepreneurs and businesses; representatives of various trade associations, chambers of commerce, and relevant government agencies, with facilities and services geared toward meeting business and leisure needs of visitors and tourists.

The project remains in the pipeline till date.

Efforts to make officials of manager of the building Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board (TBSMB) to comment on why the property has been seemingly abandoned, were rebuffed.

NECOM House belonged to the former Nigerian External Telecommunications Limited (known as NET), but was ceded to NITEL at its incorporation in 1985. The house was burnt in 1983 but was later renovated.

The building is considered strategic to NITEL because it housed the terminal station of SAT-3 that connects West Africa to South Africa, Europe and the Americas. It was purportedly sold in 2011 to WAAP Plc, which is linked to Chief Alani Bankole, father of former Speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, at N4 billion. When The Nation visited the building last week, it still bore the signs of NITEL and NET Limited.

It was learnt that it has been taken over by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Bold messages on the building, in red, indicate that AMCON took over the property following a court order obtained from the Federal High Court, Lagos, over a purported debt owed to Skye Bank Plc by the property’s last buyer.

The old Cabinet Office building has its back on Strachan Street and its frontage on Moloney Street.The three-storey structure served as offices to the Prime Minister, the late Alhaji Tafawa Balewa and his cabinet members, in the early 60s.

When the Independence Building was burnt, the military relocated to the old Cabinet Office. It still serves as the Ministry of Defence Headquarters (annex). Surprisingly, part of the expansive building, burnt about 10 years ago, still remains desolate. It is gradually being overgrown by weeds, even when the other part is occupied.

Years after the expansive Federal Secretariat

THE ABANDONED ASSETS • Mosaic House • Independence House •NITEL Headquarters • Old National Assembly Complex • Old Cabinet Office Building • Old Federal Secretariat Complex • Ministry of Communications Building • Ministry of Information building • NETCOM House • NITEL building • Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) building • NEPA House • Lagos School of Nursing and Midwifery building • Savannah Bank building no installations, they are classified as non-core assets. I believe this building you talked about falls into the non-core asset group.”

Although Anichebe promised to get back to The Nation on the status of the squatters, he never did until the filing of this report.

Not far away, on the old Defence Street, is the imposing 25-storey Independence Building, which stands 300-feet tall. It is abandoned with all its facilities destroyed. Work on the building, The Nation gathered from the Federal Ministry of Works (Lagos office), was completed in 1961. It was a donation to the then newly-independent nation by the departing British colonialists.

It was later taken over by the military and renamed Defence House. Then, it became the second most strategic building in Lagos, the first being Dodan Barracks (then seat of power). The then chairman, Joint Chief of Staff, the late General Sani Abacha, had his office there with other top military officers.

Its destruction began with the first fire in the building in 1993. It got burnt again in 2002.

In 2004, former President Olusegun Obasanjo approved the proposal by the Minister of Commerce for the establishment of a World Trade and International Business Centre (WTIBC) in Lagos. The ministry chose Independence Building as the core structure for the project.

Obasanjo subsequently authorised the release of the building to the ministry, on which basis ownership was transferred to it in 2005 with final physical hand-over concluded in 2009.

‘

If the properties belonged to the private sector and they are on the main road, people will begin to calculate the loss. But because they belong to government, it is nobody’s business. It is high time government gave them to private investors or leased them out to people who could turn the fortune of the buildings around

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complex was concessioned to a private firm, Resort International Limited (RIL), it lays in ruins. RIL, linked to businessman-lawyer, Wale Babalakin, reportedly bought the property at N7billion. It made efforts to convert it to residential property, but the Lagos State government resisted the move. Today, parties are in court, while squatters and all manner of people reside there.

The TBS, where the independence ceremony, including the lowering of the British Union Jack for the Nigerian flag took place, is underutilised. It once housed the National Assembly.

Today, the structure has been consessioned to BHS Infrastructure Management Limited.

Every available space in the building has been rented out for all sorts of purposes.

The parade ground serves mainly as venue for big-time social events and car park. Both legislative chambers are hardly utilised.

The Senate chamber once served as the sitting venue for the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (HRVIC), better known as the Oputa Panel, which was headed

by Justice Chukwudifu Oputa (rtd).

The Lagos State School of Nursing and Midewifery complex is an unpleasant sight.

Located on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, the complex consists of one skyrise building, two hostels and an L-shape building that once served as the administrative block. It also housed three schools – General Nursing, Post-Midwifery and Public Health. There is also an acre of land.

The complex, which has its main entrance on Awolowo Road, is bordered by Obadeyi Close, St. Gregory’s Road and the Macgregor Canal.

Upon inquiries from The Nation, an official of the state’s Ministry of Health could only offer an unconvincing explanation on why the property appears abandoned, despite its location in Ikoyi, one of the most expensive parts of the state.

The official, who begged not to be named, said the building appeared abandoned because its management was constructing another facility in its place in Alimoso Local Government Area of the state. He could not say what would become of the Awolowo Road property when the alternate one comes into use.

Experts are displeased with the large number of such properties in Lagos. They argued that beside posing as security risk, the ease with which government’s properties are abandoned, reflect the growing culture of absence of probity in the management of state’s assets.

An estate surveyor and valuer, Charles Ebong, decried the high number of abandoned properties in the state. He said though it would be difficult to cost to the abandoned assets, they nevertheless are worth billions of naira.

Ebong said they should not be allowed to waste away. He described the development as unfortunate, noting that the assets are deliberately destroyed.

He argued that the government was losing millions of naira daily on the properties. He urged the government to hand them over to investors on lease, who will put them into better use.

A facility manager, Mrs Josephine Aleje, said public assets were wasting away because people failed to attach value to them.

“If the properties belonged to the private sector and they are on the main road, people will begin to calculate the loss. But because they belong to government, it is nobody’s business.

“It is high time government gave them to private investors or leased them out to people who could turn the fortune of the buildings around,” Mrs Aleje said.

A security expert, Adekunle Daramola, argued that with the reported arrest of some miscreants in abandoned properties in parts of the state, security agencies should pressurise the government to rehabilitate them and put them to use. This, he said, would prevent a situation where they serve as hideouts for individuals of dubious characters, squatters and miscreants.

“Any responsible government should know that abandoned structures in cities like Lagos with its peculiarities of insecurity and shortage of housing are security risk any day,” he said.

A retired Commissioner of Police, James Okechukwu, spoke in similar vein. He urged the government to ensure that such abandoned structures are urgently put in purposeful uses because of the security risk they pose.

“With all the growing security risk, it is dangerous to allow abandoned property in Lagos.

I read recently that some miscreants were arrested in such abandoned property in Ijora, Lagos. That should serve as warning to all concerned that it is risky to allow all these abandoned property to remain,” Okechukwu said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Amaechi’s warning •The Rivers governor’s statement that Nigerians were too docile to be revolutionary is a battle cry for positive change

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HOULD a governor openly say Nigerians are too docile for a revolution to take place in this country? To the extent that it could easily be misconstrued as people-baiting, it is clearly impolitic. But that is about the only negative thing about the statement Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi made in Ado Ekiti, at the second Nigeria Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders.

The governor, in his presentation at the symposium, had decried the seeming endless elasticity of Nigerians and their penchant to resign themselves to suffering, instead of girding their loins to challenge bad governance and its myriad of injustices.

He said Nigerians would rather pray, and expect God to come down and perform a miracle over what God had given the people the power and the intellect to change. It was in this context that he said revolutions could not happen in Nigeria, given that less serious cases had caused great catastrophes elsewhere.

Two things are clear from Governor Amaechi’s submission: that Nigerians could be better governed by their leaders; and that Nigerians could more vigorously call their leaders to question and account, given their penchant for peaceful change.

That Nigerians appear timid and docile is no lie. But that does not mean their temper is eternally elastic. No people’s temper is. But then, why should any government, democratic or monarchy, rise to the occasion of exemplary governance and development if the people make a fetish of docility? If that

happens, the people themselves would have thrown into the Atlantic Ocean their God-given and constitutionally sanctioned power to challenge their leaders to do better – and by so doing, get the people’s lives better transformed.

Therefore, given that the governor was speaking to young Nigerians and emerging leaders, it was as good a place as any to call for the people’s change of strategy; and for Nigerians to deliberately and consistently challenge for better governance. The youth must champion this crusade. And Nigeria, neardysfunctional as it is, can certainly use such attitudinal change.

On the government’s side, Amaechi’s call should sound as a timely alarm that our governments must put their acts together. Mr. Amaechi is a sitting governor. If despite his assured comfort zone, his political antenna is still socially acute enough to pick out the great suffering in the land, while the government does little or nothing, then he ought to be praised for telling his corulers to brace up to the business of improving the people’s lives, rather than being nailed – as quite many of his colleagues would blissfully hold – of goading the people to rebellion.

Indeed, Mr. Amaechi has shown great courage to have consistently held that Nigerian leaders should not just sit back and do near-nothing, just because they have the impression that the Nigerian people are no agitators. Such a glum attitude, erected on what could prove an attitudinal mirage, may well be cause of future but needless agony.

So, let everyone, leaders and people alike, use the Ameachi comment as a

wake-up call. That Nigerians do not exactly love agitation does not mean the government should abandon its very essence: adding value to the life of the citizen. That would be courting needless danger.

On the other hand, the people must cultivate the culture of constant challenge and healthy demands to push the government to do its duties and perform its obligations towards citizens.

Both parties doing their own bits would create the healthy tension that ensures democracy is deepened; with its resultant development and prosperity. With that assured, any talk of revolution would sound patently asinine.

‘Mr. Amaechi is a sitting governor. If despite his assured comfort zone, his political antenna is still socially acute enough to pick out the great suffering in the land, while the government does little or nothing, then he ought to be praised for telling his co-rulers to brace up to the business of improving the people’s lives, rather than being nailed – as quite many of his colleagues would blissfully hold – of goading the people to rebellion’

Preventable diseases • Nigeria must strategise to rid itself of this tragedy

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T is once again thumbs down for the country, with two different alarms raised about its high maternal mortality and tuberculosis rates, said to be killing hundreds of Nigerians daily.

According to the Chairman of Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Dr Oluwarotimi Akinola, Nigeria accounts for 10 per cent of global maternal deaths.

“The last National Demographic and Health Survey in 2008 placed the National Maternal Mortality rate at 545 per 100,000 live births”, the second to India where 145 women lose their lives daily during or shortly after child birth.

This is in contrast to Ghana and even Benin Republic that are doing better, with 350 out of 100,000 and 400 deaths out of 100,000, respectively.

As if this was not depressing enough, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) also came up with a report that the country has the highest number of people living

‘It is particularly saddening that Nigeria is still losing many lives to a preventable disease like tuberculosis.

Only a few weeks back, it was reported that polio is still in contention in parts of the country, in spite of the fact that it has been checked worldwide, including in some less endowed African countries’

with tuberculosis (TB) in Africa. The report further shows that 27,000 out of 190,000 Nigerians who were diagnosed with the disease in 2011 died while 84,263 new cases were reported in 2012. NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, in a statement to mark this year’s World Tuberculosis Day, disclosed that Lagos, Kano, Oyo and Benue states had the highest prevalence while Ekiti and Bayelsa states had the least number of TB cases in the country. Coming on the heels of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Report in 2012, citing Nigeria as having the highest burden of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in the continent, we do not need any further proof of the hopeless state of the country’s healthcare system.

It is particularly saddening that Nigeria is still losing many lives to a preventable disease like tuberculosis. Only a few weeks back, it was reported that polio is still in contention in parts of the country, in spite of the fact that it has been checked worldwide, including in some less endowed African countries.

We have to face the challenges headlong.

Governments and other stakeholders must wake up to the reality that this trend portends. TB is preventable and curable; all that is required is for people to observe simple health regulations, hygiene practices and strict adherence to its treatment guidelines by those already infected. Why then must Nigerians continue to die of such a disease?

This might look like a rhetorical question because we know that poverty and

ignorance are major causes of some of these diseases. The truth is that many people cannot afford to pay the bills in our hospitals, public or private, forcing them to make do with the services of quacks and semi-qualified medical personnel and pharmacists when in need of medical attention. Many others seek help in churches and other religious places on account of their inability to afford the medical bills. Governments must seek ways to expand the economy to give room for creation of more jobs.

When people are empowered, they will be in a better position to eat well, and reduce the risk of some diseases.

Moreover, there should be extensive campaign on health issues to make people aware of what they stand to gain or lose if they cultivate certain habits. It is also important for the government to note Dr Enabulele’s suggestions on lack of vaccine, overreliance on funding from international donor agencies, inadequate budgetary allocation towards the Nigerian Tuberculosis Control Programme, general poor health facilities and the high burden of HIV/AIDS in the country, in its efforts to combat these diseases.

What we spend on healthcare at present is hopelessly inadequate. So, government has to dedicate at least 15 per cent of the budget to healthcare, in line with the Abuja Declaration of 2001. If this is done and judiciously spent, we would have gone a long way in reducing the prevalence of some of these preventable and curative diseases.

The North Korea problem

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ECRETARY of State John Kerrysent several important messages to North Koreaafter talks on Friday in Seoul with South Korean leaders. Speaking at a news conference, he said that the United States would defend its South Korean and Japanese allies if there was conflict, that the international community would never accept the North as a nuclear weaponsstate, and that Washington was willing to resume long-stalled negotiations but only if the North Koreans agreed to move seriously on denuclearization.

But the window into North Korea’s nuclear intentions and American policy in response was as blurry as ever. The Defense Intelligence Agency rang alarms bellson Thursday with a report that it had concluded with “moderate confidence” that the North was capable of launching a missile with a nuclear warhead. Mr. Kerry and other officials later dismissed the report as premature.

On Friday, in a background briefing for journalists, a senior American official played down an expected North Korean missile test, saying it might provide the country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, with an “off ramp” to save face and de-escalate tensions. Hours later, Mr. Kerry used a news conference to warn Mr. Kim not to proceed with the test in an“already volatile, potentially dangerous situation,” saying Mr. Kim “needs to understand, as I think he probably does, what the outcome of the conflict would be.”

In that climate, Mr. Kerry’s reaffirmation of American interest in negotiations could get lost, especially since he put the responsibility on the North to act first, by seriously committing to denuclearize, and seemed inclined to let South Korea’s new president, Park Geun-hye, move ahead first on her call for dialogue with North Korea.

That’s worth trying, but China, the North’s only ally and chief benefactor, remains crucial to any progress and is going to have to apply more pressure on Pyongyang than it has so far.

There are signs that some Chinese officials are becoming fed up with Mr. Kim’s threatening ways, and that should give Mr. Kerry a new opening when he visits Beijing on Saturday to make the argument that China’s support has allowed Mr. Kim to operate with impunity. For a country like China that values stability above all, that should be an untenable situation.

North Korea poses a more imminent nuclear threat than Iran. But so far, Mr. Kerry’s continuing trip does not make us confident that the administration has a fully thought out strategy that will be any more successful than the current one, which has failed to curb either the North’s nuclear weapons program or its bellicosity.

– New York Times TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

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THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The late Lady Margaret Hilda Thatcher who died last week in Britain at the age of 87 years will be remembered for a very long time in British political history.

From a humble background as a grocer’s daughter, she became the first female Prime Minister in Britain. Added to this unique achievement, she had the distinction of being the longest serving British Prime Minister in the twentieth century. Although not known to be a political tactician in the mode of leaders like Wilson Churchill and Harold Wilson, she achieved what these two leaders cold not achieve by wining three consecutive general elections.

The actions of the late Lady Thatcher when she was in power were felt not only in her country but throughout the world. Her domestic policies were based on her rabid disdain for socialism. She revived the comatose British economy and many of her admirers said that she put ‘Great’ back into Great Britain. She led Britain against all odds to regain Falkland Island from Argentina and won the hearts of many people by pruning the power of the unruly British Trade Unions. On the other side of the coin she created inequality and polarized people of Great Britain.

On the world stage, she earned the title of ‘Iron Lady’ from the Russians because of her bellicose stand on many international issues.

She was unapologetically proAmerica and supported Ronald Reagan on many international issues. In Europe she was an irritant to many of her fellow heads of government because she liked to force her views down the throats of others.

Despite the adulations and praises heaped on her after her demise, many people especially in her own country had nothing but odium for her memory.

There were jubilations in many towns in Britain when her death was announced.

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Lady Thatcher and Africa This is the first time the death of any leader in Britain is celebrated.

This is reminiscent of the jubilations that followed the death of Sani Abacha in Nigeria in1998.

In Africa, although there were no open celebrations of her death but many people will no doubt have a sour memory of her because of her unhelpful policies on Africa when she was in power. When she became Prime Minister in 1979, the independence of Southern Rhodesia and the liquidation of the heinous apartheid regime in South Africa

were the intractable problems facing African leaders.

She showed unbiased sympathy towards the minority white settlers.

Instead of recognizing the genuine nationalists, Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe, she aligned herself and her government with Ian Smith/Muzorewa scheme in which the puppet Muzorewa would be the Prime Minister while the real power would still remain with white minority.

To her eternal shame, she did everything within her power to

prevent the dismantling of the heinous apartheid regime in South Africa. She considered the genuine leaders of South Africa including the revered Nelson Mandela as terrorists. Her greatest damage to the struggle against apartheid was her persistent and vocal opposition to the imposition of economic sanctions against South Africa. In 1985 she vetoed the proposed European Community sanctions against South Africa.

Like her stand on Southern Rhodesia, she was isolated from the

rest of the world because of her romance with apartheid regime of South Africa. Despite her support of the heinous apartheid regime, the regime collapsed like a pack of card even when she was still the Prime Minister of Britain Most writers on the political life of the late Lady Thatcher agreed that her defining characteristics as a politician was a need for enemies.

She chose these enemies and demolished them as she did to Ted Heath her former boss, Arthur Scargill the leaders of the Miners Union and the woolly form of socialism practiced in the sixties by the British Labour party, The late Lady Thatcher tried to have her way on Southern Rhodesia and South Africa but she was flatly defeated as a result of the concerted efforts of the rest of the world • Prof. Olabode Lucas Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti

Letter to Inspector General of Police

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IR: I, like many people in Nigeria, heaved a sigh of relief when you were appointed the Inspector General of Police. Within a few days you ordered the removal of police roadblocks through which policemen had been bleeding the civilian population with illegal road tolls and taxes, and you moved around the fat-cat Commissioners of Police into whose pockets these illegal tolls and taxes usually found their way.

You have generally been an IGP who addresses issues the way a thoughtful IGP should, indicating considerable analytical thought in your words and actions. I was however shocked to know that you recently authorised your Commissioners of Police to crack down on all vehicles with tinted windscreens, as if buying a car with tinted glasses is a crime in Nigeria. If it is a crime, and since most of such cars are im-

ported, should the Nigeria Customs not prohibit the importation of cars with tinted windscreens? In your opinion, is there a difference between factory-tinted car glasses and glass-tints applied locally in Nigeria? Finally is there any empirical evidence linking crime and use of vehicles with tinted glasses?

I ask these questions because in the past two weeks, those of us living in the South-east and Southsouth states have been besieged by hordes of police men mounting road blocks, stopping cars and extorting money from motorists whose cars have tinted windscreens.

Between March 29 and April 10, I was stopped about 20 times while travelling through Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia and Rivers States. In each case I patiently showed the police men the letter I had from Police Force Headquarters in Abuja dated December 14,

2007, permitting me to use a car with tinted windscreens. Each time, I was told that the new directive from the IGP made no allowance for such letters and that my vehicle would be seized unless a paid a substantial amount for its freedom. In most cases I was delayed for about 15 minutes and allowed to go when I paid a token toll of five hundred naira. In Port Harcourt I was threatened with being taken to the mobile court. When I asked to taken to the mobile court, the police man let me go “on compassionate grounds of age”.

I was using my SUV with factorytinted windscreens in the USA before I shipped it to Nigeria in 2007. I subsequently obtained the authorisation letter from Police Headquarters in 2007 and have been using the vehicle ever since I returned to Nigeria in 2009. With your new instruction, what am I supposed to do? How do approach the impossible task of remov-

ing the factory tint from the glasses?

Do I now buy plain windscreen glasses to replace the six tinted windscreens in my car? At what cost and to what avail?

I write you on behalf of millions of Nigerians who have vehicles with factory-tinted windscreens to reconsider that crackdown on such factorytinted glasses. It is not as if we went out to a glass technician and asked for the windscreens to be tinted and can thus remove them as and when we like. I, like most of my compatriots in this dilemma, cannot afford the N200,000 to N300,000 it will cost to replace these windscreens. In any case your police men should do their work well; kidnappers do not keep their victims in the front or back seats of tinted vehicles. They put them in the booths or trunks of vehicles.

• Dr. Emmanuel Nwokolo, Port Harcourt

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

21

COMMENTS

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HATEVER spurts from Goodluck Jonathan’s bloodsoaked power canvas is due to crass opportunism.

He latched on to a “soft” presidency; blissfully forgetting the high folly of plunging your knife into a hippo someone else had hunted down. It is bound to cause life-threatening, if not life-claiming, diarrhoea!

But the man of suspect luck is not the only culprit. No less guilty are his godfathers who conspired to vault him beyond his competence.

Guiltier still, than these opportunistic political godfathers, are the giddy executors of Jonathan’s much-vaunted

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proposed for Boko Haram.

Turai Yar’adua has proffered a simplistic, exchange-is-norobbery theory: her late maigida had granted amnesty to Jonathan’s creek anarchists.

Why couldn’t Jonathan, court to court, just return the favour, to the militants’ Sahel cousinsOlakunle in-terror? Jonathan, Hajia Turai seems to cry, bring this feudal lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola transaction to closure!

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has also chipped in his own bit: amnesty for Boko Haram, as anything that can promote beyond a present power racketeering: that the House of Lugard peace, should be encouraged. What of justice, the first condition pan-Nigeria mandate of Southern Nigeria and the Middle Belt. is crumbling; and that, if care is not taken, there might soon be for sustainable peace?

In the ultra-reckless electoral ardour of the moment, they no territory over which to grab power and loot resources!

Still, the Niger Delta case was different from Boko Haram, blithely proclaimed: we vote Goodluck, not PDP! Chronic, programmed and systemic underdevelopment is aside from the fact that the militants basically targeted oilNow, Goodluck is bad dream; and PDP no less a nightmare. the wages of presidential incompetence. And Jonathan, with pipelines in the creeks, while Boko Haram killed with venom a There is no waking up from both! all due respect to his person and due reverence to his high defenceless urban population, even if there is clear criminality It is endgame, indeed, in self-induced political perdition! office, is gold standard of that incompetence. in both campaigns.

Welcome, poor souls, to the desert of slaughter, where Boko Sure, Jonathan is not the first of these presidential But the most important difference: at amnesty time, the Niger Haram is evil lord and master! incompetents. But when a presidential undertaker acts as Delta militants had been clobbered enough that the terror party In the rising appeasement hubbub, Boko Haram has declared though he had the latitude of the very first of those whose seemed over; and the creek boys badly needed some soft it needed no one’s amnesty because it did no wrong! On the cumulative misdeeds have brought this country to this sorry landing; which their political leaders secured, in exchange for contrary, it was Its Murderous Majesty that must be begged to pass, then the alarm bells must start clanging! the free flow of crude. pardon the Nigerian state which, it claimed, had been wronging That lack of rigour defines Jonathan’s flip-flops on Boko Haram; Boko Haram is different: a murderous, cocky, boastful and Muslims! Talk of the tail wagging the dog! and allowing himself to be muscled into granting amnesty to implacable foe, still flexing muscles and daring the state. What But perhaps that would chasten the vocal minority, which a deranged and blood-thirsty band. does anyone gain by granting such dogma-stoned anarchists stamps its often insensible holler with high wisdom; and dubs Boko Haram is too deranged to recognise its all-too-obvious amnesty – to turn the crumbled House of Lugard into the the dignified silence of the quiet majority as quintessential lunacy, talk less of showing penance and atoning for its high Taliban theocratic republic of their sick dreams? folly. crime against millions of innocent Nigerians: in lost lives, Jonathan and his traducers had better wake up. Nigeria, as But wait a minute! Where is Malam Adamu Ciroma? While hacked limbs and permanently shattered psyche! structurally constituted, is close to end times. Restructuring everyone was betide themselves to make Jonathan president Indeed, what President Jonathan needs right now is amnesia, for development is therefore the key. It is a stark reality: at all costs – let the heavens fall! – Malam Ciroma it was that not amnesty. Amnesia would completely blot out all past restructure or perish! maintained that dire warning: there would be consequences! crimes, no matter how wilful or heinous; and prepare the state After six years of blood and gore, Jonathan should take a Now before your fecund imaginations start linking the good for even more heinous future crimes, assured that future bow, and quit his eternal scheming for power, even when it is malam with political Boko Haram, which Goodluck Jonathan amnesties would wipe out future crimes, until the sick joke clear he cannot add any value. He should therefore perish any has claimed is his major traducer, think hard and straight. Boko collapses in a heap! thought of running in 2015.

Haram might be the most explosive of President Jonathan’s To start with, amnesia helps the president to forget, with But his recommended exit does not obviate Nigeria’s many disasters. But it is not the worst. bliss, that the impunity of his own rigged emergence, against structural debacle; which has made the country a With absolutely no idea what to do with power, but straining his party’s zoning policy, may have birthed the so-called developmental grave. So, whoever takes over from him, who every sinew to keep himself in the presidential saddle, the political Boko Haram. blissfully forgets about this structural challenge, only plays man of good luck brings with him multi-layered bad luck that If indeed there is political Boko Haram, and it and its religious with fire. would continue to haunt the country, even after he, and his evil-twin had not been clobbered to seek a soft landing, why That is why Jonathan must table concrete proposals on nemesis, Boko Haram, would have become bad history. should they, for “amnesty”, hand over their ace to their political and economic restructuring to give this polity a That Boko Haram may well score the double of being Nigeria’s writhing victims; taking a part when then could take the whole? rebirth; and also propose a Nigerian Marshall Plan for the nemesis as well should open the eyes of those who can’t see And then what: cohabitate with Jonathan as they erect their impoverished North East, which basically produces the beloved Islamic republic? Please! wretched of the earth that sign up for Boko Haram and its evil Whichever way you look at it, amnesty for now is a no“After six years of blood and gore, campaign. brainer. But the impasse that has forced it thunders a dire Restructuring, along productive federal lines, would stop Jonathan should take a bow, and quit his warning to future players in power and impunity: powerless future Jonathans from seizing poisoned chalices coated with eternal scheming for power, even when it is power acquired by dodge! power; and condemning the rest of Nigerians to bloody trouble.

Still, not even amnesia can excuse the shallow linkage That’s what the country needs – not some amnesty powered is clear he cannot add any value” between amnesty for Niger Delta militants and the one being by amnesia!

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epublican ipples

Forget amnesty, try amnesia

AST week, the directive by the Inspector General of Police, M.D Abubakar on the use of vehicles with tinted glasses claimed its first casualty. A magistrate Hajiya Rabi Bashir, sitting in Gusau, Zamfara State, reportedly sentenced one Aliyu Abubakar, 30, of Talata Mafara town for driving a car with tinted glass without permit. The accused, arrested on April 11 was said to have pleaded guilty to the charge of driving his tinted Golf salon car along Sani Abacha Way, Gusau.

He was however given the option of either spending one month in jail or a fine of N1, 000.

The Punch which reported the summary trial unfortunately did not provide any details of the circumstance of the particular arrest – a case of summary trial and sentencing from all accounts.

Be that as it may, there is enough to suggest that the last is yet to be heard on the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, CAP M21 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (formerly Decree No. 6 of 1991). While it seems trite to state that millions of Nigerians are already caught in its web, the indications are that the law would be in for some hard testing in the months ahead.

To be clear, the issue isn’t so much about the validity of the law. It is whether in our peculiar circumstances, the law can be said to be a realistic piece of legislation. I say this mindful of the fact that there are just as many good laws as there are bad ones. To start with, I do not see how anyone will argue that a law which purports to render almost every n th vehicle owner a potential lawbreaker can be anything but an incurably bad law.

Moreover, the fact is that the law makes no pretence about providing the law-abiding citizen a leeway – rendering him a victim of circumstances far beyond his control while predisposing him to other lesser crimes.

Clearly, the best argument that the Police High Command has made for resurrecting the dead law is that the security situation in the country has made it so.

According to the Force Public Relation Officer, CSP Frank Mba, “statistics at our disposal show that 90 per cent of these crimes were committed with the aid of vehicles with tinted glasses. We must stop this in the interest of the nation.”

Surely, Mba must know that his inference of relationship between tinted glasses and terrorism, is not only specious but bizarre.

Of course, he argues rather persuasively that “Nigerians using vehicles with tinted glasses must look beyond the inconvenience of obeying and removing such glasses and act for the good of all”.

In the first place, we know how bad the security

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Something for Abubakar boys? situation in the country is without the additional scaremongering about some tinted-glass-induced crimes. I suspect that most owners of cars with tinted glasses would readily surrender their prized toys given iron-cast assurances that it would end the menace of terrorism and kidnapping.

It seems to me as yet another case of a government in pursuit of symptoms instead of treating the disease.

Indeed, tinted glasses are merely the symptoms of the free for all environment under which vehicle importation trade is conducted. Of course, a better job would have been to outlaw the importation of cars with tinted glasses instead of the present course which amounts to chasing the violators on the highways.

At this point in time, the more pertinent question is what to do with the millions of cars with tinted-glasses already in the country. Our man, Mba has an interesting answer. He cites the so-called Section 3 of the law which states that “a buyer, a donee or an importer of a vehicle with tinted glasses has a grace period of 14 days to either get a permit or remove the tint”.

Simple isn’t it? Not so fast. To start with, the law is explicit on the exercise of discretion as to the conditions under which the permission to use tinted glasses could be granted. My last check shows that the twin conditions prescribed are “health” and “security” both of which in our peculiar circumstances would seem ordinarily lax or permissive enough. Even at that, it still leaves the question of how the millions of cars on our roads with tinted glasses could justifiably claim exemptions on the two grounds. I say this because the exemptions mean no

more than a trip to Force Headquarters, in Abuja for a permit at the payment of between N25- N30,000 or in the alternative, risk the daily ordeal of extortion in the hands of Abubakar’s men.

And, we do know those who qualify under the security and health considerations; these are our masters in Abuja!

I agree in toto with Mba that it is not the business of the police to abrogate the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, CAP M21 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria); the job belongs to the National Assembly. It needs be stated also that the police has no business resurrecting a law that is as good as interred. To leave the law on our statute books is to supply the police with a sword of Damocles to be dangled at will over the heads of the citizens.

Now, I must make the point that M.D. Abubakar as IGP has done such a good job of dismantling the infrastructure of extortion – the ubiquitous check-points on the highways. Sure, he still has a long way to go to build an effective, people-friendly crime fighting institution. Superintending over the erection of another infrastructure of sleaze comes nowhere near the job at hand; clearly, that is not the way to go.

For the many Nigerians caught in the web, the easiest solution is to ask them to proceed to Abuja to obtain Abubakar’s permit. That would obviously boost the coffers of the Nigeria Police. But then, that itself throws up the question of the legality of the act – particularly as the institution is not known to be a revenue collecting agency.

M.D. Abubakar as IGP has done such a good job of dismantling the infrastructure of extortion – the ubiquitous check-points on the highways. Sure, he still has a long way to go to build an effective, people-friendly crime fighting institution. Superintending over the erection of another infrastructure of sleaze comes nowhere near the job at hand; clearly, that is not the way to go.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

22

COMMENTS

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ECEMBER 1991 was historic in the life of Algeria as the north African Arab country held her first free parliamentary election and was on course to becoming a real democracy after decades of militarystyled dictatorship. Against the sitting government’s expectation, the Islamic Salvation Front known by its French acronyms FIS, won the polls. Trouble.

Both the government and its western backers, particularly France never saw this coming. An Islamist government in a North African country, just on the other side of the Mediterranean, over looking Western Europe?

No,no,no, this is unacceptable, the government in Algiers and its allies seemed to be saying and before the Islamists could even savor the joy of their victory, the Algerian military moved in and cancelled the election.

Another trouble.

The Islamists would have none of this. How can you deny us the fruit of our labour? They were asking the military and when the soldiers refused to change course, the leaders of FIS felt they had no option but to claim their mandate, albeit forcefully. With most of their leaders now in jail or detained by the military, FIS took up arms against the state and Algeria effectively plunged into a civil war in January 1992, a year and few months before the then Nigerian military government annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which consequences threw the country into a political crisis that even the advent of democracy in 1999 has not been able to fully resolve.

‘If we know what wrong we have done to Boko Haram then may be we can begin to appreciate where they are coming from and begin to talk.

Flowing from such talks could be amnesty for the terrorist group as part of the solution to the problem. But offer of amnesty before talks is putting the cart before the horse.

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FTER pillaging Osun State for nearly four years of its illegal occupation, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is eyeing the 2014 poll with a view to returning to power to continue the preying business. The party can’t ask for votes based on merit since while in office it posted no good performance to rest on. Nor has it, while in opposition to the Action Congress of Nigeria government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, offered laudable shadow governance to win the sympathy of the citizenry.

In that case, as it is with all those bereft of honour and achievement as an article of service to the people, the party must resort to the rough and tumble of politics.

That is what we are witnessing in the State of Osun. Otherwise why would a state known for its eminent labour relations suddenly start simmering with calls for a strike by workers?

To be sure, this is against the run of play as they say it in football, when suddenly the team confined to its own half of the field by the unceasing onslaught of its better opponents, scores a goal through an official sleight of the hand, as it were,

‘So obviously it is impossible to have a citizenry and a labour class that have benefited immensely from government policies to turn against that same government using a socalled freedom of right to declare an industrial dispute’

Before the amnesty For over a decade Algeria knew no peace as the civil war which reached its height between 1997 and 1998, when innocent civilians, especially whole villagers were massacred by Islamic extremists who had initially focused their attacks on government and its agencies and sympathizers including intellectuals and journalists, but abandoned political course and changed tactics to attack ordinary people and other soft targets, claimed no fewer than 100, 000 lives in a population of just 35 million.

The arrival of democracy or a semblance of it in April 1999, with the election of President Abdulaziz Boutlefilka brought no immediate relief as the Islamists now buoyed by an emerging global terrorist organisation called Al- Qaeda were getting stronger even in the face of relentless military onslaught by the Algerian government.

But with a combination of carrot and stick approach and a dodgy amnesty programme packaged in a Charter on Peace and National Reconciliation approved in a October 2005 referendum, the government granted pardon to both the Islamists and soldiers that participated in the civil war and killings on both sides thus setting the stage for the relative peace being enjoyed by Algeria today. Relative peace if you close your eyes to the activities of Al -Qaeda in the Maghreb, the terrorist organisation that masterminded the January 2013 hostage taking and attacks on a BP run gas field in eastern Algeria.

Today, the Algerian government can claim to be on top of the security/terrorism situation in the country in spite of its flawed amnesty programme which has been dubbed amnesia in some circles. Can Nigeria say the same?

Although the Federal Government amnesty programme for Boko Haram is still on the

drawing board, I’ve gone this far to draw the Algerian inference because of the Nigerian government’s decision or readiness to draw inspiration and learn from such countries as Algeria that have had to combat terrorism such as we are witnessing today with Boko Haram.

As the Foreign Affairs editor at Concord Press then, I could recollect that though the two key leaders of FIS, the spiritual leader and the political head were in jail but were still in firm control of the organization such that when the Algerian government decided to talk peace, the two were involved. In Nigeria nobody is sure who the real leaders of Boko Haram are and where they are. So, who do you discuss peace with?

Again as the example of Algeria shows, FIS had a grouse against the Algerian government which it felt could only be resolved by resort to arms. What is the grouse of Boko Haram against Nigeria and what have the rest of us done to the group as a people to deserve all these killings and terror being inflicted on us?

If we know what wrong we have done to Boko Haram then may be we can begin to appreciate where they are coming from and begin to talk. Flowing from such talks could be amnesty for the terrorist group as part of the solution to the problem. But offer of amnesty before talks is putting the cart before the horse.

Amnesty is supposed to be forgiveness for wrongs done or crime committed. So, what wrong or crime has Boko Haram committed? Of course we all know it but government has to put such in black and white for all, including the terrorists leaders to see, so that when the peace talk that all seem to be clamouring for begins, both sides would be talking on points. Boko Haram, it is expected,

Osun: Workers know their true friends

By Mofeoluwa Odunmade protests and boos rather than applause follow such a goal.

A labour crisis in the form of a strike by civil servants is not what Osun needs at the moment. What the state needs at the moment is to build on the steady job creation process opened up by O’ YES programme, the massive construction projects state-wide, urban and rural transformation, recruitment of teachers to match the new vision of education reform and a host of socio-industrial concepts Aregbesola and his team are churning out.

Very early in the administration, the government found out that the greatest challenge facing the state was the dearth of jobs, a situation that plunged the state into depression and crime. The government intervened with the creation, within the first 100 days of its advent, of a whopping 20,000 jobs. It had never happened before in Africa!

Overnight an economy that was in shambles in the preceding era of the PDP government had been reflated. Young men and women had jobs. They also recreated jobs because they had increased purchasing power that got artisans and retail traders back to their enterprises.

They also made small savings that they used to set up small businesses. The government policy had a rapid impact that made the citizens to ask: where was Aregbesola all along in the years of locust that fell upon us under PDP? Such approbation wasn’t coming from the local scene only. It is on record that the conservative but revered World Bank also

noticed what was going on in the state of Osun. It asked to understudy the execution of the job-creation policy and promptly recommended it as a model of youth engagement and mass employment for other states.

So obviously it is impossible to have a citizenry and a labour class that have benefited immensely from government policies to turn against that same government using a so-called freedom of right to declare an industrial dispute. It isn’t in their interest to do so given the fact that they passed through bitter times in the hands of the previous anti-people government of the PDP. It is clear then that a small suborned clique of the labour unions has played into the hand of the political class who wants to create chaos ahead of next year’s governorship ballot. We discern this from the disarray the aborted warning strike threw the workers into. The national leadership of Joint Public Service Negotiation Council (JPSNC) has dismissed the stand of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Osun JPSNC, saying they had no right to call on workers in the state to go on a strike.

National secretary of JPSNC Omokhuade Marcus says NLC, TUC and JPSNC have no constitutional right to order an industrial action over wage agitation. He declared: ‘The NLC, TUC and JNC have no members. The members belong to the union. So calling a workers assembly for a strike is not known to law.

They do not even have the right to call workers for that assembly. Only the

would also put Nigeria’s crime against it on the table.

When both sides agree to pursue peace then the terms would be set and responsibilities assigned. We can then begin to talk of ceasefire and amnesty. It is the absence of this kind of behind the scene talk that I think was responsible for Boko Haram’s rejection of the Federal Government’s offer of amnesty. If truth must be told, the terrorist group had by that action ridiculed the Federal government and exposed the whole idea of amnesty as an afterthought. Don’t forget that President Goodluck Jonathan was initially opposed to the idea when it was first suggested by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

Those who twisted the president’s arms to accept the idea of amnesty do not appear to have done their home work well on Boko Haram leadership. If they had done that the embarrassment caused by this rejection by the terrorists’ leader Abubakar Shekau would have been avoided.

This failure notwithstanding, the Federal Government should not go back on the offer of amnesty, if anything, it should move swiftly to reach out to the leaders of Boko Haram, if not directly initially, but through their proxies and sympathizers of which there are many in the north. The northern leaders who have been calling for the amnesty should also move out to ensure that the core Boko Haram leadership buy in to the amnesty programme. And their hands can be strengthened in this regard if government comes out as soon as possible with the terms of the amnesty programme which I think should be holistic, both for Boko Haram and the victims of their crime. It should not just be about forgetting and wiping out the crime, but also compensating the victims and preventing the circumstances that led to the insurgency in the first place.

It is clear that the divide and rule tactic employed by the security agencies to factionalise Boko Haram has not worked as the escalation of attacks by the group in spite of a faction declaring a ceasefire not too long ago, has shown, hence the need to bring the Shekau’s faction into the picture.

If the amnesty must work, all the necessary hands must be involved then we must talk and agree to forgive and forget and move forward as one. There should be no distraction as being currently exhibited by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). Jonathan should call his people to order.

leadership of the respective unions has the power of attorney to mobilize their workers to attend that gathering.’

No wonder the strike call failed! The law of the land does not support it!

But the biggest armament against the strike is the mammoth accomplishments of the Aregbesola government. He has secured irreversible gains as the foundation upon which even more attainments will be established in the years to come. The crisis the PDP is attempting to foment through a labour unrest will remain ineffectual in the face of the government’s achievements on the ground.

Just as PDP’s attempted exploitation of religion and publication of stolen documents failed to move the public against the government of Aregbesola, so would the antics of the party to venalize workers come to a shipwreck, because the masses know who their true friends are.

It follows also that they know who their enemies are.

• Odunmade writes from Inisha, Osun State

‘Just as PDP’s attempted exploitation of religion and publication of stolen documents failed to move the public against the government of Aregbesola, so would the antics of the party to venalize workers come to a shipwreck, because the masses know who their true friends are’

INSIDE

TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

FCT sets up advisory committee on immunisation - Page 26

32,000 vehicles registered in first quarter

‘We’ll make agric attractive to women’

- Page 27

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Encomiums as Abuja fetes minister - Page 28

HE Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, has given a clear indication of the FCT administration’s desire to transform agriculture in the territory.

She said the administration is not just concerned about producing more food, although that is a prime target, but that in doing so, it will make agriculture more lucrative, sustainable and attractive to women.

She stated this in Abuja at the signing of a performance contract agreement by the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) in the FCT, Mrs. Bema Olvadi Madayi and Director of Administration & Finance (ARDS), Mr John Obiahu.

The minister and the new Permanent Secretary, FCT, Mr. John Obinna Chukwu, an engineer, signed the agreement on behalf of the FCT Administration.

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

Akinjide stated that the FCTA would ensure that agriculture was practiced as lucrative commercial enterprise that is not only sustainable but attractive to the women and youths.

She explained that the performance contract agreement was one of the major achievements of the Administration to enable it deliver

on its mandate to Nigerians. ”Nigerians expect government to be more proactive and effective in its actions by providing the enabling environment and the requisite concrete deliverables that will enable them function more effectively.

“The Performance Contract Agreement is meant to gauge the performance of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government in line with established Key Performance Indicators

We will work to transform agriculture in the FCT into a vibrant sector. The Year 2013 will be a year of great transformation in the agriculture sector

(KPIs). The MDAs are required to develop detailed documents to guide implementation of the KPIs,” she stated.

The minister commended the secretary and her team for their sterling performance in the last 12 months and urged them to accomplish more in 2013.

In her response after signing the agreement, Madayi assured that the Secretariat would will assiduously to ensure sustainable food security and poverty eradication in the FCT. ”We will work to transform the agriculture sector in the FCT into a vibrant sector. The Year 2013 will be a year of great transformation in the agriculture sector in FCT,” she added.

The secretary applauded the FCT Minister of State for her support and encouragement towards ensuring that the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat realised its goals.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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ABUJA REVIEW

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HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated the Immunisation Technical Advisory Committee to boost programming and delivery in the territory.

Inaugurating the committee, the Secretary, FCT Health & Human Services Secretariat Dr. Demola Onakomaiya said more than 10 million children in low and middle income countries die before their fifth birthdays and most die because they do not access effective intervention that would combat common and preventable illnesses.

He said routine and supplementary immunisation programming and service delivery activities have been hampered in the recent past with coverage rates for routine antigens falling below 90% and confirmed polio cases after being free of the disease for about two years.

Demola added that observations and statistics have brought to the fore, the clinical and urgent need to implore and maintain high vaccination coverage rates to counter the disproportionate burden from vaccine preventable diseases.

The Secretary further disclosed that the committee is to serve as a technical resource, providing guidance to national and FCT policymakers and programme managers to enable them to make evidence-based policy and programme decisions.

The committee’s term of reference is to lead programme organisation and tracking of implementation of the FCT immunisation plus days and provide advice on strategic directions as applicable, consult and collaborate with

•A baby being immunised

FCT sets up advisory committee on immunisation From Bukola Amusan

stakeholders and other immunisation-related committees and departments.

Others include monitoring

and providing advice on communication strategies and materials for informing providers and communities about values and benefits of immunisation.

Responding on behalf of the committee members, the Direc-

tor, Primary Health Care Area Service Secretariat, Dr. Mohammed Sani thanked the Secretary for setting up the Committee, adding that the timing of the inauguration was apt.

He assured the Secretary that

the Committee was determined to ensure that immunisation services in the FCT was in tune with the aspirations of the Health and Human Services Secretariat and designed to meet international best practices.

Firms battle over land

I

N the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a piece of land is everything.

Its exorbitant cost has ensured that estate developers are always at loggerheads, slugging it out in both the media and law courts.

Plots 8, 70 , 77 and 97of Dakwo District Cadestral Zone C08 have been the subjects of such battles since 2010 as Messrs Broadfields Intermidiaries Ltd, Messrs Esil Baltimor Ltd, Messrs Unity Hills Garden Estate Ltd, Patmos Group of Schools, and Global Menillioum Ltd accused Falplins Nigeria Ltd of encroaching into their plots.

Falplins Nigeria Ltd has also raised the alarm in the media that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), accusing the Director of Development Control,

•From left: Grand Tower Hotel Manager, Mr. Jaco Minnaar; Chairman, Grand Tower, Hon Nze Chidi Duru; chairman of the occasion, Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun and former Chairman, Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke during the official opening of the Grand Tower Hotel in Abuja

Nigeria partners South Africa on tourism

N

IGERIA, in partnership with South Africa, has set up the Grand Tower Boutique Hotel in Abuja, said to be coming with a different concept and style of hotel management.

The Chief Executive Officer, (CEO), Hon Nze Chidi Duru disclosed that the hotel is redefining hospitality, with staff knowing the names of guests and making them feel completely at home.

Duru disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the hotel in Abuja.

He stated that guests will be so

From Franca Ochigbo

at home that things they should ordinarily do in their house can be done in the hotel.

On affordability, he said the price rate is not different from other hotels in town, with what is on the ground it is even cheaper than what Abuja residents expect.

Managing Director, Mentiques Collection, Mr. Peter Shorten said Nigeria and South Africa are in a strong partnership on tourism.

He said with the way Nigeria is going, it will definitely surpass South Africa in all aspects of the economy by 2014.

It is obvious that in the whole of Africa, Nigeria is the fastest growing nation at the moment, he said.

Mentiques collection is presently setting up hotels in other states of the country apart from Abuja and has come to Nigeria to stay, but the only challenge is that the country’s tourism is not as developed as other sectors of the economy.

For you to get a legal plot, a legal house in Abuja, you must submit your drawing to the Development Control, with your title document.

After verifying that your title document is authentic, they proceed to give you approval

From John Ofikhenua

Yahaya Yusuf of abuse of office and sentiments in the matter.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Patmos Group of Schools, Mr. Patrick Ehime explained to journalists that after meeting the requirements for allocation of a school plot, the FCDA allocated the plot to him.

According to him, on taking surveyors to the plot, he discovered that Falplins Limited had already erected buildings on the plot.

He noted that when he reported to the Development Control it was discovered that the firm had no title document and building approval, an indication of illegal structures.

His words: “I was given a school plot to build based on the requirement of FCDA. And after meeting the requirements I was allocated the plot. On getting here with the surveyor, we discovered that Falplins Limited has already built on all the plot. And I went to the Development Control to report. We discovered that he does not have title document; he does not have building approval.

“All the buildings he built on Plot 77, Plot 97, Plot 70 and Plot 8 are all illegal... But for you to get a legal plot, a legal house in Abuja, you must submit your drawing to the Development Control, with your title document.

After verifying that your title document is authentic they proceed to give you approval.”

He also noted that a court gave a verdict on the matter last year restraining Falplins Nigeria Limited to Plot 102 measuring 13.5 hectares.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

27

ABUJA REVIEW

More funds for HIV/AIDS treatment

T

O strengthen the Network of People Living With HIV/ AIDS, the FCT Administration has enhanced the capacity of the organisation in financial management, procurement, moni-

From Bukola Amusan

toring and evaluation.

The Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr.

The FCT Administration is providing funds for the interactive sessions for people living with the disease, aiming to share experiences and encourage one another to adhere to their medication regimen

Demola Onakomaiya disclosed this when the FCT chapter of The Network paid him a courtesy call in his office.

Demola said the FCT Administration recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Global Fund to enable FCT NEPWHAN carry out the following activities: Home-based care, tracking loss in follow-up of their members in addition to supporting monthly meetings of the support groups of the people living with HIV in the FCT. He added that the FCT Administration is providing funds for the interactive sessions for people living with the disease, aiming to share experiences and encourage

one another to adhere to their medication regimen.

Responding, the coordinator FCT Network of People Living with HIV/Aids Mr. John Okene thanked the FCT Administration under the leadership of Senator Bala Mohammed for providing quality HIV/AIDS services to their members in FCT which has made the ailment no longer a deadly sentence anymore.

He further commended the Administration’s effort in payment for their office accommodation in Kubwa while soliciting further assistance in the area of economic empowerment of their members which will lead to reduction of poverty through job creation.

•Dr Onakomaiya

FCTA to provide 3-digit emergency phone numbers

T

•Senator Mohammed

HE FCT Administration is to provide a three-digit emergency call numbers soon to prevent unforeseen disasters within the 8,000 square kilometres of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who broke the news in Abuja, said that the arrangement, which has reached advanced stages, is in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to him, these threedigit call numbers will soon be ready for use by the residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

Mohammed said that two communication service provid-

Stories from Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

ers had already hooked up. The remaining ones are yet to.

Meanwhile, the minister has directed the Urban Affairs Department of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council to

start a comprehensive sensitisation on flooding as the rains are already here.

Mohammed said that the FCT Administration received an early warning from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency

The FCT Administration has received early warning messages from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) on the dangers of flood in 2013

(NIMET) on the dangers of flood.

He instructed the Urban Affairs to write to stakeholders, including the Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) under the FCT Administration, such as the Development Control Department; Department Facilities Management & Maintenance; Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) on flood prevention to avert it.

The minister also directed that all the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory be carried along in the Flood Prevention Campaign.

Mohammed noted that all the communication service providers, including MTN, Globacom, Etisalat and Airtel are partners in the project.

32,000 vehicles registered in first quarter

T

HE FCT Administration has registered 32,479 vehicles in the first quarter of this year.

Minister Bala Mohammed stated the figure in Abuja, explaining that the new vehicles were registered through the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS).

He said 3,937 vehicles were impounded for various traffic offences during the period under review.

The FCT Administration impounded a total of 2,149 commercial motorcycles (Okada) between January and March .

Mohammed said: “The FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services also impounded 37 unpainted taxis in and around the Federal Capital City, Abuja”.

Mohammed said 42 illegal motor parks were closed down around the Federal Capital City and warned that the exercise would be a continuous one until the city is rid of illegal parks as well as the touts operating in them.

He specifically advised those still illegally operating commercial motorcycles within the city to desist from doing so,stressing stressing that the

•Cars in Abuja

long arm of the law would soon catch up with them.

Praising the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services for achieving this feat, the minister assured the residents of the territory that his administration would not rest, until all

traffic bottlenecks confronting the city are cleared.

Mohammed, therefore, solicited the understanding of all residents to enable his administration actualise the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services impounded 37 unpainted taxis in and around the Federal Capital city

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

28

ABUJA REVIEW

Encomiums as Abuja fetes minister

H

E is widely regarded as a democrat par excellence and firm believer in delegation of duties to subordinates.

Little wonder that the Tarnscorp Hilton venue of the reception put together by Captain Shehu Iyal, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Aviation and some friends in honour of Kabiru Tanimu, Minister for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs attracted a huge crowd.

Prominent Nigerians and foreigners from all walks of life graced the colourful dinner at which Nigerians were assured that the choice of Kabiru Tanimu (SAN) as Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs was not a mistake.

Those in attendance included Titus Ashaolu (SAN); Dr. Hain Ayalon; Giovanni de Bertie of Emeraldo; Nasrat Mansour; MD, Mannimpex Holdings; Dr Olu Owolabi of SACHOL; Hon. Baba Akawu, former Deputy Leader House of Representatives; Mr. Abu Gumel; Senator Ibrahim Musa; Hon. Bello Kawoje; Hon. Buhari Bala; Aliyu Kalgo of AMCON; Justice Sadiq Umar; Justice Danlami Sanchi; business moguls Aliyu Usman and Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim.

Others were Alhaji Abubakar Musa, a banker; Attorney Jude Menes from Texas, USA; Abbas Umar of NIS; Zanna Maideribe, Chairmanm Cavendish Petroleum; Prof. Lawak Khalid, CMD, ABUTH; Dr Abdulah Usman, Public Health Consultant; Captain Farouk Umar, as well as the Personal Assistant to the Minister, Lawal Umar and Jamil Jega of FCT Judiciary, among several others.

R

ESIDENTS of the rusty settlement of Yelwan Zuba, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will not forget the gesture any time soon.

Foursquare Gospel Church provided a befitting healthcare centre for the community.

The settlement is located about 13 kilometers off Zuba/Suleja Expressway. It is about 30 minutes drive on a rusty, untarred road from the other side of the College of Education.

At a point, the road is almost cut into two. The only visible presence of government was in the ETF primary school buildings. No presence of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and so the people rely heavily on generators.

•The health centre in Yelwan-Zuba

From Dele Anofi

Though the night was not for speech-making, two dignitaries nonetheless insisted on saying a word or two about the Dan Masani Gwandu who was identified as the youngest northerner to have attained the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) status. He got his SAN in 2002.

Hon Buhari Bala, in his comments said though Tanimu was younger in age, he remained a colossus in politics among his peers and those before him as a result of his doggedness.

“Though he is younger in age, but in politics he is up there. His Machiavellian politics and his leadership style of taking the back-seat when it comes to decision making for his subordinates set him apart because that is a very rare trait among our politicians,” he said.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) top shot, Mr Abu Gumel, an engineer, expressed his optimism that Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from the wealth of experience the young minister is bringing to government.

He cited the tireless work done by the minister during his time as a member of Team Nigeria saddled with the responsibility of raising funds for Nigerian teams to execute the country’s participation in the Olympics.

Gumel said: “He is a tireless team player that is always primed for results. I am very confident that the ministry and the nation by extension would benefit immensely from the experience he is bringing into the

•From left:Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation, Captain Shehu Iyal; Captain Farouk Umar and Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu at a cocktail organised PHOTO: AKIN in honour of the Minister of Special Duties at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja OLADOKUN

Ministry. I am also convinced that the President has not made a mistake by choosing him as a minister”.

The organiser of the event, Captain Iyal said he was not surprised by the accolades showered on the minister, expressing confidence that the country would see more of such commendations coming the way of the minister in future.

“He is not only young, he is energetic, forthright, committed and intelligent, which I’m sure must have been traits identified in him by the President before making him one of his lieutenants.

“The large turnout tonight only

goes to show that this is the kind of Nigerians we need to encourage in order to see that Nigeria and indeed Nigerians continue to grow. He has excelled in previous responsibilities given to him, and I have no doubt that he will excel in this new challenge to the betterment of the country,” he said.

The minister, in his appreciation, promised not to let down those who believed in his ability to make a positive difference in the responsibilities given to him by the President.

According to Tanimu, having been exposed to the challenges of

Church provides health centre for Yelwan-Zuba community From Vincent Ikuomola

Besides, the communities also lack healthcare facilities and had to travel over 13 kilometers to be able to access modern health facilities.

Their challenges came to an end as the church in Kubwa brought a smile to the residents’ faces by providing a fully equipped health centre for the area.

The facility is to provide primary healthcare services for the 10 com-

munities in the settlement.

The project started about 10 years ago as a medical mission and did not continue until 2010. The foundation of the health centre and the community church was laid in 2011.

The two structures were completed in November 2012 at the cost of about N4m.

The church has also employed the service of a medical doctor and a nurse who will be on hand weekly, while a resident midwife and a

nurse have also been engaged to run the centre.

Commissioning the centre, the District Overseer, Rev. Isaac Komolafe said the centre is part of the church’s contribution to the development and wellbeing of the society.

He also noted that the issue of development and provision of services should not be left to the government alone, stressing that government cannot do it alone, hence the need for the church to come in here as part of its medical evangelism.

He also added that the church is following the footsteps of Jesus Christ who went about doing good.

The pastor further assured members of the Yelwan-Zuba communities that with the presence of the church in the area, light and development will follow suit.

On the medical team to man the health centre, the pastor said they are all missionary medical personnel. So they are not going to do the work because of the money but as missionaries who have agreed to stay among the people.

The Community Chief, Zaki Abdulahi Musa who was filled with joy commended the church and assured the people of his support.

Abdulahi who had to abandon his other engagement to be part of the ceremony assured the church of his support, saying since the health centre is for the good of the people, he and the community would do everything possible to support the medical team.

He adviced the medical team to go about their duties in a professional way.

Some of the villagers who commented on the establishment of the

governance due to his membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), he is now more resolved to contribute his own part to move the nation forward.

While pleading for understanding of Nigerians, the Minister assured that the relative improvement being witnessed in the nation’s transport system, especially rail network, power supply and health care delivery system would be sustained and improved upon.

He said that he was happy to be part of President Jonathan’s team, adding that great things are ahead for the country and its people.

For the church to have the mind of doing such a thing here, we thank them and we pray that God will bless and reward them.

This health centre will reduce the suffering and pains of the people centre were full of praises for the church.

They noted that the gesture will in so many ways reduce the suffering of the people who otherwise would have continued to travel for kilometers to get medical atttention.

They also noted that there were occasions when the community lost its members as a result of the long walk to get medical attention in other communities.

Mallam Abubakar, assistant Imam of the community, said the community has a lot of problems in the past.

Citing the pains the people went through, he said if women were to give birth or there was an emergency, it took a lot of time to get to the nearest health centre.

“For the church to have the mind of doing such a thing here, we thank them and we pray that God will bless and reward them.

“This health centre will reduce the suffering and pains of the people.”

29

TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

The stringent provisions of the Patent Act as presently consti‘ tuted cannot conveniently take care of processing of the patent of traditional medical knowledge

See page 31

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

’

INSIDE: Experts seek legal protection for ‘traditional knowledge’ -Page 31

‘We have reduced injustice in society’ -Page 32

ADR Centre inducts managers -Page 33

Court sets aside Ogun panel’s report on land allocation -Page 33

How to sanitise Judiciary Ex-NIMASA boss didn’t benefit from contracts, says witness

• Lawyers give tips on cleansing the Third Estate

-Page 36 • Justice Aloma Mukhtar

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Miriam Aloma Mukhtar, spoke the minds of many when she blamed judges for the rot in the Judiciary. The institution, she said, stinks. Her Lordship threatened to wield the big stick against those found wanting. In this report, ERIC IKHILAE writes that the popular thinking is that the CJN should get cracking and sanitise the sector forthwith.

•SEE STORY ON PAGE 31

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

30

LAW COVER CONT’D • Continued from page 29

T

HE Chief of Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Miriam Aloma Mukhtar, was not saying anything new, but coming from her, it gave the issue more weight. Corruption has been part of the judiciary for long, with many shouting themselves hoarse over how to tame the monster.

Nothing has been done over the years. Will things change, with the CJN raising the alarm? Some think they will; others adopt a wait-and-see attitude.

At an event in Abuja, the CJN said public trust in the judiciary was waning, blaming the development on the dwindling quality of decisions given by judges.

She said a practice was creeping in where the rich get bail; the poor get jailed, advising judges to be guided by good conscience. She warned that those found wanting would be penalised.

She queried the manner judges exercise their discretion, which, in most cases, task human reasoning and tempt the people to conclude that such judges are either detached from the mood of the society or simply induced to turn a blind eye.

Justice Aloma Mukhtar got praises from those who believe she exhibited uncommon candour by, as it were, hitting the nail on the head.

Those criticising her are of the view that since she calls the shots, she should take the necessary steps and lament less.

They argued that the preponderance of ambiguous court decisions is affecting public confidence in the judiciary. This development, they said, is attributable to the growing spate of insecurity in the land as more people are tempted to resort to self-help.

They cited some past decisions, which Nigerians are yet to come to terms with. The latest of such decision is John Yakubu Yusuf, former Director in the Police Pension office. Yusuf pleaded guilty before an Abuja High Court, to the charge of stealing N23.3 billion, part of pensioners’ funds in his custody.

Upon a plea bargain, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) represented by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) chose to charge Yusuf under Section 309 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, 2007.

The section provided three modes of punishment. First is a maximum of two years imprisonment; second is an option of fine and third, the combination of first and second modes. In his wisdom and in the exercise of his discretion on January 28, this year, Justice Mohammed Talba though sentenced him to two years on each of the three counts, gave him an option of a fine of N250 per count.

The decision attracted public outcry and shouts of blue murder as everyone found the judge’s exercise of his discretion funny. To many, the judge was simply dead to societal mood, oblivious of the fact that the tradition of adherence to core technicality in administration of justice is fast receding.

Nigerians have also queried the reasoning behind the perpetual injunction granted on March 26, by Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, against the arrest of the suspended Chairman of the now disbanded Pension Reform Task Force, Abdulrasheed Maina, whose arrest had been ordered by the National Assembly over his refusal to honour invitations that he appear to explain issues relating to alleged mismanagement of pensioners’ funds.

A similar perpetual injunction was granted in March 2008 by Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt, to the former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, who was accused by the EFCC of being involved in the alleged theft of about N100 million belonging to the state.

The fate of the appeal lodged against the decision by the EFCC at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt is unclear, about five years after the order was handed out.

Nigerians are still puzzled over the way the court and the EFCC handled the case involving former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion. The ex-governor was initially arraigned on a charge of 191 counts. He was accused of involvement in the theft of about N2.4billion state’s funds.

But, upon a plea bargain arrangement with the EFCC, in which the prosecution led by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), condensed the charge to one-count, Igbinedion pleaded guilty and Justice A. Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Benin, convicted Igbinedion accordingly, ordering him to refund N500 million, forfeit three houses and sentenced him to six months imprisonment with an option of N3.6 million fine.

A similar approach was adopted in the cases involving Mrs. Cecilia Ibru (former Managing Director, Oceanic Bank Plc), Tafa Baolgun (former Inspector General of Police), Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (former Bayelsa State governor), James Ibori (former Delta State governor, who had a charge against him thrown out by Justice Marcel Awokunlehin of the Federal High Court. The court had held that the 100-count charge disclosed no prima facie case.)

Those, who criticised the CJN, contended that she said nothing new. They argued that, from recent developments and the attitude of some judicial officers, it was clear that something was amiss and there was an urgent need for reforms. They said the problem had always been the absence of the will on the part of successive CJNs to wield the big stick, when necessary, with a view to sanitising the system.

‘An independent institution with adequate statutory safeguards may be better positioned to deal with the issues of discipline and removal as opposed to an institution that is largely managed by those it is supposed to regulate’

• NBA President Okey Wali (SAN)

• Agbakoba (SAN)

• Otteh

How to sanitise Judiciary They suggested measures to be adopted to rekindle public confidence in the court system and lift its dwindling reputation.

One of such measures is the modification of the current process of appointing judges.

They argued that a review of the current process of appointing judges, which thrives more on extraneous considerations, would throw up the best who will be dedicated. They added that, by so doing, courts will be manned by competent judicial officers, who will produce sound and well researched judgments, enhance justice administration and the pace of case

disposal; reduce cases of corruption and fraud and, by extension, address other issues raised by the CJN. Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Dr Patrick Chukwudi and rights advocate Joseph Otteh also argued along this line.

In an article titled: “Need to reengineer our judicial institutions,” Agbakoba suggested that experienced judges (particularly heads of the lower courts and senior lawyers) should be made to man the appellate courts.

“We must stop elevating junior judges to the Court of Appeal, when their chief judges are not going, but sitting back and pushing junior judges forward. Is there anything particular with being the head of a court?

“We need to re-examine the institutions of the judiciary. In the beginning, there was 100 per cent insulation of the judiciary from the executive because during the military we didn’t want interference.

“This is maybe the time for us to re-consider how judicial institutions are run. There has to be a better structure of appointments of appellate justices. This is the point the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been making. We need to introduce Senior Advocates of Nigeria to appellate courts. We need to encourage heads of courts to accept elevation to the Supreme Court,” he said.

Chukwudi said in appointing judges, the appointing authority should ensure that practising lawyers, who apply the law daily are considered. To him, appointing corporate counsel and lawyers, who act as administrative personnel in agencies and organisations will not serve the interest of the litigating public.

“We have had instances where one wonders whether the presiding officer in the court actually practised before being appointed to the Bench. It is possible that some of them forget the procedure of adjudication.”

He also suggested that regular refresher courses should be organised for the judges.

Otteh, in a recent article, argued that “the current procedures of judicial appointments will not help Nigeria identify the generation of judges who will be our best foot forward, into the future.

“Our current system does not offer equal and fair opportunities to access judicial office, neither does it promote transparency and accountability and needs to be replaced.”

He advised those interested in a reformed judiciary to access the insightful recommendations of the Justice Uwais Committee set up by the former CJN, Justice Dalhatu Musdapher.

There is also the argument that, to ensure the emergence of credible and dedicated judges the judiciary should detach itself from the apron string and manipulation of the executive; ensure financial independence; enhanced funding of the judiciary to allow the recruitment of quality support staff and provision of quality work tools and replacement of obsolete ones.

Some have also suggested that the last dispute between former CJN Aloysius Katsina-Alu and suspended Court of Appeal president Justice Isa Ayo Salami and the role of the National Judicial Council (NJC) in the matter as the chairman, should strengthen the call for an overhaul of the Council.

They observed that, as at today, the NJC, despite its pivotal role in the management and control of the judicial system, remains hamstrung with the CJN as the controlling mind.

Today, the CJN selects 60 per cent of the membership of the NJC. Since the five representatives of the NBA only participate when the council is considering judicial appointments, it becomes obvious that in conducting most of its business, the NJC is composed of 78 per cent members selected by the CJN alone, they argued.

They noted that the danger is that if the leadership of the council falls into the wrong hands, the judiciary and the people pay for it.

As a way out, critics suggested Ghana’s example, where its Judicial Council has its membership drawn from a wide spectrum of governmental and other interest groups, including representatives of the Bar, Magistrates, the Judicial Service Staff Association, traditional chiefs, the police and military.

There is also the argument that abuse of powers and code of ethics could be better arrested among judicial officers, where a separate body is saddled with the issue of discipline, in the mould of the Judicial Disciplinary Council (JDC), or Judicial Performance and Disciplinary Council (JPDC), similar to that proposed by the Justice Kayode Eso Panel set up under the late Gen Sani Abacha regime.

The former CJN argued along this line in a paper he delivered in Lagos at the second annual lecture on the National Mirror newspaper. He was of the view that the creation of a separate institution from NJC was necessary if the country must restore public confidence in its judiciary.

He explained that such body should be responsible for investigating allegation of judicial misconduct, corruption, enforcing the code of conduct for judicial officers, discipline and removal.

“Please, consider that thoroughly investigating petitions and allegations of impropriety against judicial officers as well as contraventions of the judicial code of conduct is too cumbersome for the NJC when viewed against the other responsibilities of the council.

“Besides, an independent institution with adequate statutory safeguards may be better positioned to deal with the issues of discipline and removal as opposed to an institution that is largely managed by those it is supposed to regulate.

“I strongly believe that the creation of such an institution is the only way to properly focus on the problem of judicial corruption in Nigeria as it has been adopted in several common law jurisdictions. ‘‘I hope this proposal is given due consideration and perhaps made a subject of discussion and debate to exhaustively uncover its merits or demerits as a means to demonstrate a firm commitment to fighting judicial corruption and positively restore confidence in our courts,” he said.

It is believed that the will power of the CJN to adopt the measures will go a long way in shoring up public confidence in the third arm of government.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

31

LAW & SOCIETY

Experts seek legal protection for ‘traditional knowledge’ The Patent Act, experts believe, does not make adequate provisions for traditional medicine practitioners, who may want to obtain patents for their herbal products. They argue that there is need to amend the laws to offer more protection to those with traditional medical knowledge. They spoke at a roundtable organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in Lagos. JOSEPH JIBUEZE reports.

L

EGAL experts and traditional medicine scholars have called for an amendment of the applicable laws to lessen the difficulties encountered by traditional medicine practitioners in obtaining certifications for their products.

According to them, Nigeria loses over $17billion annually from stolen knowledge of traditional medicine by foreigners, who apply the knowledge to conventional medicine production, patent them, and resell to Nigeria at huge cost.

The practice of traditional medicine has been informal, but with adequate legal protection, those with such knowledge can contribute more to the economy, they said.

They spoke in Lagos at a roundtable on Intellectual Property Enlightenment Advocacy for traditional medicine practitioners, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS).

Speakers included a consultant toxicologist in the Department of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Dr Olufunsho Awodele; a professor of intellectual property and former Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission, Adewopo Adebambo; former NIALS Director of Research Prof Bolaji Owasanoye; Prof Godwin Ogbadu and an intellectual property expert Mrs Helen Chuma Okoro.

Others were NIALS Director-General Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN); President, National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Dr Omon Oleabhiele; a pharmacist, Wale Oyenuga; Dr Yemi Lawal-Arowolo, Dr Abidemi Akindele, Dr Cyril Omisande, Dr Adebisi Arewa, and sponsor of NIALS Chair on Intellectual Property Chief Ademola Edu, who chaired the event.

Topics discussed included: Traditional Medicine in the Global Knowledge Economy; Intellectual Property of Traditional Knowledge; Pharmacological and Toxological Evaluation of Herbal Medicine; Recognition and Integration of Herbal Medicines into National Healthcare; Intellectual Property and Traditional Medicine under key Instrument; Bio-technological innovations, among others.

Why legal protection is needed Adebambo said there was the need for a legal regime to protect traditional knowledge considering the economic potential of its traditional medicine component.

For him, there should be no further delay in passing the Nigerian Traditional Medicine Council Bill into law.

“From its economic importance in the global market, traditional knowledge has consequently become a factor in the global knowledge economy.

“The commercial value of plants and genetic resources as components of traditional medicines and their associated bicultural knowledge have shown clearly that the debate of the protection of traditional knowledge can only intensify until an enforceable multilateral regime is finally secured beyond existing attempts and solutions.

“Therefore, the economic significance of traditional knowledge and its traditional medicine context cannot be over-emphasised,” he said.

The law teacher said countries such as India, Australia, China, among others, had led the way in establishing a domestic legal regime for the protection of their traditional knowledge.

The Philippines and Venezuela, for instance, made traditional knowledge protection part of their constitutions, he said.

For the Philippines, its constitution expressly mandates the recognition and protection of the rights of indigenous cultural communities, providing that: “Indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples are entitled to the recognition of their cultural and intellectual rights.”

According to Adebambo, the law adds that the people shall have the right to special measures to control, develop and protect their sciences, technologies and cultural manifestations, including human and other genetic resources such as derivatives, seeds, traditional medicine and health practices, vital medicinal plants, among others.

“The scope and the language of protection is wide and encompassing and is perhaps one of the strongest national instruments of

traditional protection.

“The fact that traditional knowledge has firmly secured a place in the emergent global knowledge economy, though still under contestation, underscores the reason why producers of traditional knowledge resources like Nigeria can favourably compete in the knowledge game.

“There is, therefore, compelling need to establish a Nigerian regime for the protection of traditional knowledge considering its rich resources, including its traditional medicine components.

“In this regard, for instance, the question of whether to pass the Nigerian Traditional Medicine Council Bill which has been under discussion for sometime in the recognition, integration and protection of traditional medicine, and harnessing its economic potentials, should not arise,” he said.

• Chief Edu (left) and Prof. Azinge (SAN)

• Prof Adebambo

Traditional medicine institute needed Awodele recommended the integration of traditional medicine into the national healthcare scheme and called for a law setting up a Council for Traditional Medicine, as well as a National Institute for Traditional Medicine.

More regulation is needed, he said, as processing and packaging of “promising herbal medicines” should be standardized. Research in traditional medicine should be promoted to produce evidence of the safety, efficacy and quality of herbal medicines.

For Edu, there is need for more enlightenment. “We need to encourage a lot more debate to create a lot more awareness amongst people generally; then encourage government to listen. Government is too busy doing other things. If you wait for government, nothing will be done.

“If you don’t make the noise nobody will listen to you. We should know exactly how much Nigeria is losing and the basis for the figures.

Again, where are the trees or plants? Are they in particular areas of the country? Who owns what? If a plant is in my village, is it the villagers who own it?

“These are the issues that must be resolved, so that it doesn’t become another oil problem.

Who owns the knowledge you want to protect? Who is going to apply to protect it? Is it my grand-father or villagers or who?”

Oyenuga said Nigeria’s intellectual property regime should be modified to suit local needs.

“We must take our traditional medical knowledge from its crude level to where we want to be, until we stop importing medicines,” he said.

• Oyenuga (left) and Prof. Owasanoye

• From left: Prof Animi Awa, Deputy Institute Secretary, Mrs Sena Jerry-Imaghiagbe and Ag. Institute Librarian, Uwem Etang

‘How I was cured of arthritis’ For Arewa, a law lecturer at NIALS, traditional medical knowledge needs protection because ancestors survived by them for several millennia before the advent of orthodox medicine.

He recalling that he once suffered from arthritis which doctors in Nigeria could not cure.

He was considering travelling abroad to receive further treatment when he was introduced to a traditional medicine practitioner who gave him some herbal mixtures which proved potent.

Arewa said he took it, and was completely cured of his problem. His friend, a political scientist, who suffered from asthma, was also healed by the same ‘herbalist’, he said.

“It is wrong to jettison African medicine and consider them inferior,” he added.

Owasanoye warned that the secrecy surrounding traditional knowledge does not augur well. People should be willing to transmit such information to others if the knowledge must not be lost or stolen, he said.

“I met a very elder man who was telling me that when he was young, his father gave him something that whenever they went to the farm, with no shoes on, if they stepped on a snake, the snake must die. So, I told him to explain the ‘thing’ to me and my wife when we visited him.

“He said I cannot understand it, yet he is educated and I am educated. I reminded him that his father is dead. The knowledge is not documented. ‘It’s going to die with you. And the rest of us will continue to be bitten by snake’. That’s the problem.

• From left: Mrs. Chioma Okoro, Dr. Chinyere Ani and Mrs Juliet N-King

“So we need to begin to break this culture of silence and secrecy which also breeds corruption. Africa is not gaining by it. We’re losing, because we continue keeping such knowledge to ourselves.

“If you know something and you will not share it, and somebody poaches it and makes money from it, too bad for you.”

Review Patent Act Azinge said the Patent Act should be reviewed to accommodate traditional knowledge.

“Government should be thinking of aggregating the rights and making them common rights. We can’t afford to be losing billions of dollars due to lack of patents for traditional medicine,” he said.

The NIALS Director-General added: “There is need to streamline the activities of the traditional medicine practitioners and draw from the economic gains that abound in the knowledge that is available. I believe that government should rise up to the challenges of the time.

“The stringent provisions of the Patent Act as presently constituted cannot conveniently take care of processing of the patent of traditional medical knowledge.

“So, what I think we need to do is to think seriously about revisiting the old Patent Act, especially as it applies to issues of inventions, and traditional knowledge in particular, as well as drawing a line of when a product can be said to be novel or original as the case may be.

“This is especially because some of this traditional knowledge are inherited from forefathers and transmitted down the ages. There are challenges,but there is no way government cannot circumvent these problems, either through the process of legislative amendment, or by entering into mutual understanding with other countries, such as those who come to Nigeria to extract knowledge from our traditional medical practitioners and go back to patent them and manufacture drugs that they bring back to Nigeria to sell to us.

“On a wider scale, there could well be a convention to that effect. It is possible to have a bio-diversity convention that would also regulate the incursion of people into a particular jurisdiction to take away such knowledge.

“Most importantly, the institute is trying to make sure that the traditional medicine practitioners are aware of the fact that people are prepared to respect and treasure the trade secrets that they have.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

32

LAW PERSONALITY The National Assembly okayed commissioners for state offices of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) last year. The commissioners have been working to improve administration of justice, using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). But, little seems to be known about their activities. In an encounter with ADEBISI ONANUGA, the Federal Public Complaints Commissioner for Lagos State, Mr Funso Olukoga , a lawyer with 23 years experience, explains why the agency is no longer known and steps being taken to restore its glory.

‘We have reduced injustice in society’ S

O, how has the journey been?

Well it has been challenging, interesting and at the same time, exciting.

Challenging in the sense that the organization was not very well known as at the time we came on board and I am talking about us commissioners. And what was responsible for that was because the Commission was located under the Presidency. Imagine a commission located under the Presidency, to also keep Presidency which is responsible for the implementation of laws and policies of the government; imagine using such an institution like the commission to check the Presidency that pays it! It would be difficult and in actual fact, it was quite difficult for them.

The PCC is not well known again among most members of the public and those who does still think it is no longer active and do not avail themselves of its services. What do you think is responsible for the apathy?

For the period that that organisation was located under the Presidency, it was not very easy to criticise or keep the President in check.

Also, when it was under the military, it was a difficult exercise to work, to serve as a check on the government because one, he who pays the piper dictates the tune. You cannot be checking the executive and at the same time be receiving your resources and wherewithal for your survival from the Presidency and from the executive. So, by and large, that was the reason I believe, why the commissions is not very well known. You would recall that for about 13 years, commissioners were not appointed at all. So, the duty of acting as the ombudsman fell on the civil servants and you can imagine the kind of limitations they would go through because they were not able to criticise the government.

So, how have you been able to overcome this challenge of obscurity?

When the commissioners came on board, the immediate challenge for us was to ensure that an organisation not hitherto well known becomes known. That was our immediate challenge. Secondly, I personally believed that I needed to overcome the cynicism that people had about an organisation located within government and criticizing the government, that is, you can only bark, you cannot bite. You cannot act against those who pay you. The commission was there but the public couldn’t take their cases to the commission. Many of them thought it existed only in name. So, I believe that I have a challenge to overcome that. Everywhere I went, especially when I hold interaction with the public, I met people expressing that cynicism.

But gradually, we are gaining people’s confidence because some of them who decided to try us, they have seen what we have been able to do since the time that we have been on board.

We have been able to resolve more cases than before. We are making good progress and succeeded in reducing injustice in the society. People are now bringing their cases to us and they are getting results. Apart from that, we have been able to design a website by which we interact with the people. With the advancement of technology, you don’t necessarily have to come to our office to lodge your complaint. People now contact us through our website and they submit their complaints and they get their complaints attended to.

What nature of complaints has your commission been receiving from the members of the public?

Complaints have been coming in various forms. As a matter of fact, complaints can come from anywhere and on any issue from mobile telecommunication matters, to employment, health matters, to banking, video matters, and breach of agreement, legal matters, business issues and contract award among others. We have complaints covering almost all human endeavours. We have people bringing complaints against the government. You need to also know that wherever there is a government activity, there is also a

reaction on the side of the people because the activities of government may not be to the satisfaction of everybody. And where you have complaints against the activities of government, the complaints may result in injustice. So, we are supposed to, right that too and see how the complaints can be resolved instead of going to court.

Can you give an estimate of volume of complaints you have received and treated successfully within the almost one year of your office?

We received 249 complaints and they cover different areas you can ever think of and we have successfully resolved 255 cases within the time that I came on board.

To what extent does your commission collaborate with other agencies such as ICPC, EFCC to mention just a few?

Of course we belong to different organisations. ICPC is about corruption in the public service while the EFCC is generally about financial crimes and they enforce and arrest suspects. Public Complaints Commission does not enforce and it does not arrest. It is the office of the ombudsman. But to the extent that we have virtually, the same objective, that is, there is no injustice, that there is no financial crime, that there is no economic crime, as a result there is no injustice because they are related really and we can say that we do interrogate. I have visited them and what happens is that when matters are brought to us, and there is an element of financial crimes, we refer such matters to them because we do not enforce nor do we make arrest. We refer such matters to ICPC or EFCC. So, we relate at that level. Apart from that, they too are involved in enforcement of the law with regards to economic and financial crimes.

So, to a large extent, all of us are involve in ensuring that there is no injustice in the society and our objectives tally to some extent.

So we interact.

Of the cases you have handled so far, what measure of success would you say you have achieved?

I can say, by and large, that we have been very successful in many of the cases that we have handled. Though I would not like to score myself with any percentage figure. But to a large extent, we have been able to resolve a number of cases that were brought before us. It is not easy to get matters resolved immediately they come to us. They take quite a bit of time. It takes days to obtain evidence and documents to be able to prove certain cases. In some cases also, you find the respondents being very recalcitrant, they are not cooperative at all and you may have to persuade them to respond so that the matter can be resolved. So that takes a bit of time to achieve.

But many of the complainants who have come before us, whose cases were not very complex have respondents who are very cooperative because they believed that they would have saved a lot in terms of cost, in terms of efforts, in terms of the complexity of it. They would have saved all that by coming to the complaints commission and their matters are resolved amicably rather than going through the rigour of the court system especially now that the court itself, particularly in Lagos, is encouraging resolution of disputes at the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) level. Mare than that, I would say that we have a promising future because of what we have put in place and we are getting better known. I can say boldly that in no distant

• Mr Olukoga

future, the PCC will no longer be an unknown entity in this community.

It is clear from what you have said that you use ADR in resolving disputes. Where ADR fails a complainant, what other options are open to such complainants?

A complainant can decide to go to court if he or she is not satisfied with the alternative dispute resolution. One can also go to the media if one is not afraid to get such matter publicised because sometimes, the media can publish the matter in such a way that it is brought to public domain and members of the public would air their views and they are able to see such an organisation for what it is especially if such organisation is the one that committed an act that has resulted in injustice. There are other ways. The legislative arm also has committees that receive petitions against corporate organisations and government. So, these are options that are open to a complainant that has not been able to get his matter resolved by an organisation such as ours.

Would you subscribe to suggestions that that the commission be given more powers to initiate litigations on behalf of complainants where ADR fails?

I do not believe that the commission should be given more powers. I believe that there are some aspects of the law that have what I would call lacuna in legal parlance. If these lacuna mare reviewed, I believed, the law could be made better. But that is not to say the law as it stand should be expanded to empower the commission to be an enforcer of law. It would shift our focus. We are basically an ombudsman institution. The ombudsman institution serves to mediate between the government, corporate institutions and the people. All of them have to enjoy the trust, confidence of the commissioner because he is the person they can run to when things fail on the side of the government.

The commission is mandated by law to investigate the procedures and other ills in the courts. Have you ever received complaints about corruption in the judiciary?

This is an aspect that is yet to be tested but as an organization, I believe that we should be prepared for it. There has been no case yet reported to us about any administrative injustice in the judiciary. Though we are empowered to investigate administrative injus-

‘You need to also know that wherever there is a government activity, there is also a reaction on the side of the people because the activities of government may not be to the satisfaction of everybody’

tice within the judiciary especially when you look at how a matter is taken through the processes, whether in the whole process, there are irregularities that would result into injustice. I can say also immediately that there will be challenges if you as the commissioner do not know, or not knowledgeable about the procedure within the judiciary, the procedure in the adjudication of a matter in court.

The first challenge would be for our commission to be well equipped with legal resources and we are making efforts in that regard.

How do you react to reports that the commission is going to be scrapped?

It came out as a speculative report which was based on the Oransaye’s report to the President. But as far as we are concerned, it remains a speculation. I believe that whoever did that report did not do his or her home work. I believe that part of reporting is to check the background and if that has been done, the writer of that report would have known in the first instance that the Public Complaints Commission is not an organ that is under the Presidency. It is located under the National Assembly.

The law does not empower the executive arm either to merge the Public Complaints Commission with another organisation or to scrap it all together. Another issue is that the law empowers only the National Assembly to set up the Public Complaints Commission. The National Assembly that inaugurated the Public Complaints Commission has not come up with any proposal either to scrap or to merge the commission with another organisation. More importantly, even if the NASS has the intention of merging the commission with another organisation or scrapping it all together, it has to go through the rigours of amending the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, you cannot effect any change of the Public Complaints Commission Act, Cap 37, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 without amending the 1999 Constitution. As at now, there is no evidence that that amendment is being done already to warrant any report that the Public Complaints Commission can be scrapped.

What is the position of modern governance as it relates to public complaints, especially in nations trying to entrench true justice system?

I think what is fashionable in modern governance, as a matter of fact, is the creation and protection of the office of the ombudsman in any nation. The office of the ombudsman is being created in many nation, rather than scrapping it, because the movement of modern governance is towards the balance of power, towards the protection of the right of the individual so that they don’t have to resort to general protest or violence before matters can be resolved.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

33

FROM THE COURT LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Political tigers and latter day saints • Ogbuanya (fourth left), Mrs Oddiri (fifth) and some participants at the training

ADR Centre inducts managers

T

HE Centre for Dispute Management and Resolution, Lagos, has held its first induction for those it trained as Professional Dispute Managers.

They were presented with their certificates at an induction ceremony/dinner in Lagos at the weekend.

The course, named Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Management, had participants from banks, oil companies, insurance companies, among others.

It was facilitated by NOCS Consults, in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

The course was designed to help participants acquires skills in various dispute resolution mechanisms (doors).

Training Consultant, Mr Nelson Ogbuanya, who also lectures at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, said the programme was not for lawyers only.

“This serves as a synergy where all aspects of dispute resolution will come into a hub so that professional dispute managers will be able to advice on litigation, conciliation, and arbitration. The centre also encourages early neutral evaluation of all types of disputes,” he said.

How ADR aids quick justice delivery The lawyer said justice administration is sometimes delayed because disputants are not properly advised on how best to resolve their cases.

He said: “Most of the delays in the justice administration system are based on the inability to identify the appropriate forum that such suit requires.

“Even as dispute resolvers, we know that there are some cases that must go strictly for litigation for them to be resolved. In such case, no matter how well constituted an ADR proceeding is done, one must go to court to get answers to the legal questions that were raised.”

Ogbuanya said certain disputes could require the expertise of a scientist, an engineer, an economist, or a journalist to resolve them.

“The training is not targeted at lawyers alone but people from different backgrounds: engineers, lawyers, doctors. It is a synergy of different professionals. These men and women bring in ideas from their professions in the various as-

By Joseph Jibueze

pects of dispute resolution. So, dispute resolution is no longer a matter for lawyers.

“We nominate credible people in panels for international organisations having trained and certified them. We get requests for such nominations. We are sure they can handle issues.

“NOCS Consults is the facilitator/coordinator of the programme and organises the training in collaboration with NIM, culminating in the certification as Professional Dispute Managers, by the centre.

“The training enables the graduates to professionally appraise disputes and recommend the appropriate option or hybrids of option.

“The professional practices various aspects of ADR, particularly arbitration, mediation and Early Neutral Evaluation,” Ogbuanya said.

On the need to use the right mechanism to resolve a dispute, the law school lecturer said: “Dispute appraisal is good for evaluation of appropriateness of a forum.

“Despite the preference for ADR, certain matters can only be efficiently resolved by litigation in court of law. The training on this type of course started in 2009,” Ogbuanya added.

Centre gets support Director, Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Lagos, Eunice Oddiri, expressed her centre’s willingness to help drive ADR capacity in Nigeria.

Her centre, she said, deals with ADR not only for Nigeria, but also the entire sub-Saharan Africa and internationally and has a statutory responsibility to assist in the establishment of other institutes for Arbitration and ADR. “ADR is fast coming up in leaps and bounds. It won’t take the place of litigation as some issues are strictly for the court to settle, but ADR is fast gaining focus on the international scene.”

“We provide a better atmosphere of trying to let people know that this institution is there to assist in all issues.

Any government that agrees to host you undertakes to give certain things. This is not restricted to the Nigerian government, Egyptian government and the

Malaysian government and all other governments that likes to host us in the region.

Oddiri urged the graduates to help develop ADR. “It is good that young people are coming into ADR. It is our duty to ensure that younger people join us,” she said.

Participants speak A participant, Oge Agbo, who is a student of the Nigerian Law School, said the ADR programme changed her perception about the practice of law and the fact it is not all about the courtroom.

She added: “I have come to further appreciate that litigation is not always suitable to the needs of modern disputants and the overall justice administration system.

“There are cases that need not go through the rigorous process of going to court. These cases may be settled efficiently while still saving time and cost with the use of any of the Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, unlike litigation where some cases last for ages before they can finally be settled.

“As an aspirant to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the knowledge acquired from this programme will go a long way to make me a better lawyer and a good service provider.

“Again, it will also benefit my future clients because there may be no need for them to always go to court when they have the option of settling out of court.

“Such clients also have the advantage of retaining a good relationship with the adverse party.”

Another participant, Stephanie Nkechi Chigbu, said: “I am so excited I was part of the ADR programme. Apart from the exposure on the range of methods by which people resolve conflicts and the skills that practitioners bring to the process, I benefited a lot which will help me with my day to day activities.

“I really appreciate the fact that this program allows one to specialise, and I believe it will add a nice balance to my profession as a practitioner in equity.

“I can categorically say that the Alternative Dispute Resolution programme offers opportunities that everybody, mostly students who are seeking to be part of something new, to gain theoretical knowledge, practical experience and to make a difference in the world and it has come to stay.”

‘The training enables the graduates to professionally appraise disputes and recommend the appropriate option or hybrids of option. The professional practices various aspects of ADR, particularly arbitration, mediation and Early Neutral Evaluation’

E

LECTED government officials will always seek to bamboozle the ordinary folks, yours sincerely included. While seeking power, most of them act like lambs. They are humble, soft spoken, submissive and eager to please their potential benefactors. When they gain the political offices they seek, they mutate to tigers. The process despite its abnormality is rather very fast. As tigers, they become domineering, unapproachable, fierce and dangerous. In their new world, nobody but their jejune opinion and group interests count. Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State represents this group with his intent to criminalise the so called dem say dem say gist.

However, when the end of their tenure is in sight, the tigers start to worry about the descent to where they ascended from. With claws in retreat, they become apprehensive of the lonely and dangerous road downhill. Having treated the ordinary folks as of little account while they lived as tigers, they are not sure of a welcome party, down the hill.

Many of them try to play smart. They seek to return as lambs, albeit with claws, and the process can be amusing. As 2015 and the end of tenure for most political office holders approaches, the plot to re-indentify with folks intensify. Governor Chibuike Amaechi, with his call for a revolution is a good example of this impeding post power anemia.

But let’s give the tigers their dues first. Dickson in seeking to criminalise rumour mongering, among Bayelsans, seems to forget that it was the ladder on which he ascended. Recall that as that lonely federal lawmaker standing against the then Governor Sylva of his state, he started off his claim of support from President Goodluck Jonathan as a rumour. On many occasions, the President’s men obviously apprehensive of the 2011 general elections denied any rift with Governor Sylva, claiming that all claims otherwise by Dickson’s men were mere rumour. Imagine if Dickson had been hauled in then. Yet the then Representative Dickson continued to spread the rumour that he was the anointed candidate of the party, until the rumour began to stick.

I recall that when the rumour that President Jonathan was supporting Dickson against a sitting governor became too pervasive; the first Lady flew into Bayelsa to spread the rumour, considering the treatment Sylva eventually got, that the President had no issues with the then Governor.

The first lady’s rumour was so strong and believable that governor Silva’s apparatchik began to advertise the first Lady as a woman of integrity, and the peace maker of Bayelsa. After the 2011 elections, the first Lady withdrew the rumour that there was no rift with Governor Sylva, and the rumour that Sylva will be butted out, regained ground, turning the poor fellow to a lame duck.

It is this rumour mill that minted Governor Dickson; that uncanny steps through which he rose to the government house of Bayelsa that he wants to criminalise. His professed reason allegedly is that some people will prefer telling lies that he is not performing, despite the contrary. Or that they have sacked his government, when no such thing happened. He has forgotten so quickly that he was once a practitioner.

Like other political tigers, he now listens to those who encourage him to threat a general pastime as a crime. What a distraction.

On his part, Governor Chibuike Amaechi, not very long ago, vowed to destroy ‘the armed revolutionaries’ seeking to force the government of Nigeria to clean up the Niger Delta, and retain substantial part of the appropriated resources in the region. Now in the run-up to 2015, he has experienced the Pauline conversion. He is angry that Nigerians are too timid for a revolution. He reportedly made the assertion while receiving his award as the Vanguard Newspaper Man of the year award. Looking every inch a bourgeois in the pictures in the newspapers, and probably flying into Lagos in his state’s private jet, he wants to taunt the ordinary folks; as further insults to their deprivations by Amaechi and his fellow privileged undertakers.

Amaechi has chosen to forget that in his hey days as governor, he abhorred revolution in all ramifications. Unfortunately now that he desires reintegration, he needs to advertise for this new opening. Most likely, Amaechi must also be regretting the affront against the people of his state living in the water fronts. Now he will wish he had nurtured the weather beaten men and women, living in squalor within the precepts of the water front, as they are the stuff that would easily have made the revolutionary cadre. I recall his diatribe with the first Lady Patience Jonathan, who apparently foresaw the need for breeding potential revolutionaries as she insisted that Amaechi must not pull down the shanties of the masses; reminding the Governor that as a daughterof-the-soil, she surely know the needs of her people.

Of course, Amaechi is not alone in his new revolutionary fervor. I remember that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had been taunting the politicians, that their mismanagement of the national economy could bread a revolutionary malcontent. Never mind that many commentators condemned his remarks, reminding him that he recently had eight years to make a difference, and starve the revolution.

Many must also be worried that despite Amaechi’s wishes for a radical change, he recently affirmed his desire to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party; probably to ensure that with the party’s continued mismanagement of the national economy, the revolution would inevitably come. As for Dickson, who by the way was a policeman, Legislator and called to the bar some 20 years ago like yours sincerely, we await the definition of his new crime and the first convicts.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

34

LAW & SOCIETY

Court sets aside Ogun panel’s report on land allocation A

N Abeokuta High Court has set aside the report of the Ogun State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into land allocations, acquisition, sales and concessions.

The panel recommended to the government to cancel/revoke the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued to Portal Property and Development Ltd (second applicant in the case).

Justice Tajudeen Okunsokan also restrained Ogun State Governor and the Attorney-General, their agents, servants or privies from acting on the views and decisions contained in the report of the commission (White Paper) as it concerns and affects the second applicant contained in Ogun State Legal Notice No. 9 of 2012 published in the state gazette of 2012.

The government of Ogun State had set up the commission to inquire into all land allocations, acquisition of government properties and administration of land policies, rules and regulations between January 2004 and May 29, 2011.

The commission had recommended to the government in its report (White Paper) that it should amongst others revoke the Certificate of Occupancy issued to Portal Property and Development Ltd, registered as No. 64 at Land Registry.

Aggrieved by the decisions of the Commission, Architect Lekan Adams and Portal Property & Development Limited, first and second applicants respectively sued the Commission, Ogun State Governor and the state Attorney-General, seeking an order of Certiorari to quash the views and decisions of the commission as it concerned them.

The applicants prayed the court give an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the respondents, their agents, servants or privies from acting on the views and decisions of Ogun State Government (White Paper) on

By Adebisi Onanuga

the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry They also prayed the court to set aside the report of the commission which recommended the revocation of their C of O. In addition, they had prayed the court to restrain the respondents, their agents, privies or servants from doing anything whatsoever prejudicial to their (applicant) interest particularly awarding contract for development of entire Mall Project and ancillary projects connected to Gateway City Development Zone, Isheri, Ogun State.

The applicants had told the court that after series of meeting and negotiation, they entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the first applicant and the Ogun State Government through its agents, Gateway Holdings Limited which led to the incorporation of a Joint Venture Company (second applicant) for the development of the Gateway City Development Complex at Isheri, Ogun State into an event centre, shopping mall, conference centre and a five star hotel and residential accommodation.

“The Ogun State Government provided 15.687 hectares of land at Isheri, Ogun State which represent its equity contribution for its 15 per cent shareholding in the second applicant and as a result, a C of O registered as No. 64 at page 64 in Volume 680 at the Land Registry, Abeokuta, Ogun State was issued in favour of the second applicant, while the first applicant and one Otunba Alex Onabanjo hold the remaining 85 per cent shares in the second applicant in trust for potential investors.

“And due to the fact that huge amount of

money was needed for the project, several meetings were held with banks, financial houses and several investment companies in Nigeria and abroad in this regard while the first applicant had spent millions on the project”, it stated.

The first applicant told the court that on December 17, 2011 some friends drew his attention to a publication on page 30 of THISDAY Newspaper as it affects his C of O. He said that without being invited or summoned by the commission, he attended its sitting in company of his counsel, Mr Tunde Adeoye on December 20, 2011, but was told by the Secretary to the commission that his matter was not listed for hearing that day.

Adams said his counsel subsequently wrote another letter dated December 20, 2011 to the Chairman and secretary of the tribunal, requesting for a date to present his case.

“The first applicant again without any invitation voluntarily attended the sitting of the first respondent in company of his lawyer on January 17, 2012 to present his case before the commission but the Chairman of the Commission asked him to drop the document he had to prove his case as his case had earlier been closed.

Adams said he was surprised to read in THISDAY Newspapers of Thursday, March 1, 2012, the views and decision of the Ogun State government (White Papaer) on the First Report of the first respondent.

The applicants however in seeking their four prayers, claimed that they were not given fair hearing by the Commission, that the Commission lacked jurisdiction to entertain the subject matter based on Clause 8

• Attorney-General, Akeredolu

Mrs

Abimbola

and 9 of the MoU between Gateway Holdings Ltd and Lekan Adams & Associates made in July 2006.

In his judgement, Justice Okunsokan granted two out of the four applicants prayer. He, however, refused prayer 1 and 3 which sought for an order of Certiorari to quash the views and decisions of the commission and an order of injunction restraining the respondents, their agents, privies or servants from doing anything whatsoever prejudicial to their (applicant) interest particularly awarding contract for development of entire Mall Project and ancillary projects connected to Gateway City Development Zone, Isheri, Ogun State.

Woman allegedly dupes microfinance bank of N1.5m

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MIDDLE aged woman, Rosemary Izuakor, has been arraigned before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly duping a Micro Finance Bank (Mfb) of N1.5 million.

Izuakor, a resident of 15A, Aliwo Street, Dopemu, who was a loan beneficiary, is facing a three countcharge of obtaining under false pretence and stealing, to which she pleaded not guilty.

Prosecuting Inspector Chris Takim, said the alleged offence was committed on October 22, last year. He said the defendant had applied for a loan at Susu Micro finance bank located at 34, Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba.

Takim said: “She provided forged documents indicating

By Precious Igbonwelundu

ownership of an unregistered Toyota Hummer SUV, with chassis 4t37f13921u322734, which she submitted as collateral.

“Izuakor submitted to the bank forged documents indicating ownership of an unregistered SUV. The defendant took pictures of the car and presented them as hers along with other forged documents.

“After submitting these documents, the bank granted her request and she collected N1.5 million from the bank “So, when she failed to pay back the loan as agreed, the bank moved to recover the SUV but discovered the defendant was not the genuine owner.”

The alleged offence, Takim said,

Suspected rapist granted bail

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48 year-old man, Sylvester Ehiyele, who was paraded by the police in Lagos for allegedly raping his daughter, 7, and his one year and three months old grand daughter, has been granted N500, 000 bail by a Surulere Magistrates’ Court (Family Court).

Two days after the man was paraded, police sources who confided in The Nation disclosed that his wife, who is the complainant, said she was not interested in prosecuting her husband.

The source, who lamented that the unwillingness of rape victims and their families to go to court was a major challenge in securing conviction of rape suspects, however, noted that there was no law that empowers the police to force a complainant to proceed to court.

Our source said: “You see, the mother of those children that were raped by their father and grandfather has said she does not want to go to court.

“How are the police expected to manage such a situation and ensure that justice is done on behalf of those children?

“We cannot compel the women to go to court because there is no law to that effect. And even if we

By Precious Igbonwelundu

succeed in forcing her to court, if she is not interested in the course of law, she might mess up the case in the course of her testimony.

“So, all these are part of the challenges in prosecuting rape suspects.”

However, Ehiyele was arraigned before Magistrate A.A. Oshoniyi, on four count charge of defilement and indecent treatment of his daughter and grand daughter (names withheld).

The police alleged that Ehiyele on March 13, at 13, Kolawole Sebili Street, Iyana-Ejigbo, defiled his one year-old grand daughter by having carnal knowledge of her.

“He treated the minor indecently by pulling off her underwear.

“Ehiyele also defiled his sevenyear old daughter by having carnal knowledge of her and indecently treated her by removing her pants.”

His alleged offence contravened Sections 127 and 135 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Ehiyele pleaded not guilty to the four count charges and was granted bail in N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Oshoniyi adjourned the case till May 20.

contravened Sections 278 (2) and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

She was granted bail in N500, 000 with two sureties each in like sum by Magistrate S.K. Matepo. The Magistrate adjourned the case to May 6 for mention.

Similarly, a 57 year old woman was arraigned before Magistrate P.A. Ojo, of a Yaba Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N1,175, 000 from two offices.

Folake Philips, a resident of 12, Yeni Awosika close, Yaba, was alleged to have burgled two offices where she

stole the said sum. She is facing a four count-charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing, to which she pleaded not guilty.

Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police, Felix Ifijen, told the court that the offence was committed on March 26, at about 3:45pm, at 231, Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba.

Ifijen said: “The defendant employed thugs to break down the door of two offices belonging to Mr Mudashiru Sanusi and Mr Remi Oyewunmi, and stole N1, 175,000 from both offices.

“She had broken the shops on ground that the property was her inheritance and she wanted to forcefully take ownership. The defendant removed the doors and burgled the offices taking away N1,175,000 in cash and a laptop valued at N150,000.”

According to Ifijen, the alleged offence contravened Sections 285,307,328 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Ojo granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties each in like sum. He adjourned the case to May 15 for trial.

Legal Dairy

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NBA Ilesa gets new officers

HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ilesa, branch will, on May 2, inaugurate its newly elected officers to serve for the next two years.

In a keenly contested election, Mr Oluwaseun Ajoba was elected the chairman. Femi Fafowora is the ViceChairman, while Olayinka Sokoya is the Secretary.

Other officers are Nath Dare Ojo (Treasurer), Akoladi M. Efe (Publicity Secretary), Lawrence Ogunkeye (Welfare Secretary) and J. Idowu Daramola (Assistant Secretary).

The swearing-in will hold at the High Court, Ilesa by 11 am. Chairman of Egbe Amofin Bar Forum, Chief Bandele Aiku (SAN) will chair the event.

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NBA –SLP holds conference

HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Civil Litigation Committee of the NBA-Section on Legal Practice (SLP) will hold its conference in Benin, Edo State.

Theme: “Challenges of proving title to land. Whither the land use Act 1978” The conference will hold from April 24 to 25, at the Best Western Homeville Hotel, Evbuomwan Street off Sapele/ Etete Road, Benin, by 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Speakers and discussants will include Retired Justice of the Supreme Court S.O Uwaifo; Professor of Law, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Prof A.O.O Ekpu; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Benin Justice P.O Isibor; Professor of Law, University of Benin, Emeka Chianu and Managing Director UPDC Plc, Hakeem Ogunniran, a lawyer.

Others are Chief T.J Okpoko (SAN), Ighodalo Imadegbelo (SAN), Chief Michael Ahamba (SAN), Mr Roland Otaru (SAN), Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN), Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos Prof Imran Smith (SAN), Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Head, Legal Services, First Bank Nig. Plc, Raymond Mgbeokwere.

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Law firm’s yearly lecture today

HE law firm of PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors Former will hold this this year’s edition of the PUNUKA Annual Lecture today by 10.00am.

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Belgore will chair the event, while First VicePresident of Mirabaud Private Bank, Geneva and Director-in-Charge of Africa, Mr John Cross will lead discussions on the topic: Wealth Management and Succession Planning: Best Practices, Anti Corruption Compliances and Red Flags.

Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire will be the special guest of honour. It will hold at the Panoramic View Hall of the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos,

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THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY There has been a controversy over the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Some have questioned the process, alleging that it has been tainted by corruption as qualified persons have been overlooked. This has also led to calls for its abolition.

Another set of lawyers will get the rank this year. Will it be merit-driven this time? NWOKORIE INNOCENT asks

Can 2013 SAN awards be merit-driven?

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S the Legal Practitioners and Privi leges Committee headed by the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Miriam Aloma Muktar meets this period to select applicants to be honoured with the highest rank in the legal profession i.e. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the question on the lips of every legal practitioner is, will the 2013 conferment of SAN be MERIT DRIVEN?, can it be based on merit?, can members of the privileges committee most especially the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoki (SAN) who is no doubt the most influential member of the privileges committee allow merit to guide the committee selection process?

Section 5 (1) of the legal practitioners act cap 207 laws of the federation 1990 now cap L11 Volume 8 laws of the federation 2004 enumerated the criteria for applicants to the rank of SAN thus; An applicant shall furnish the committee with the following; 1.(A) Particulars of at least six cases in which he had appeared within the last three years preceding the date of the application before the Supreme Court.

(B) Particulars of at least two contested cases in the Supreme Court and at least four contested cases in the Court of Appeal in which applicant has appeared within at least three years preceding the date of his application before the Supreme Court (C) Particulars of at least one contested case in the Supreme Court or at least four contested cases in the Court of Appeal and at least six contested cases in the High Court in which the applicant has appeared within at least 3years preceding the date of his application before the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal or the High Court.

2.Unless the committee think that an incumbent Attorney General of the Federation is not fit and proper person to be conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the A/G of the Federation would be honoured with the rank if he had not been conferred with the rank before his appointment 3.The rank may in exceptional circumstances be conferred on academic members of the profession if the applicant has distinguish himself through teaching and published works by making substantial contribution in the field of Law and Jurisprudence. The particulars of such publication or works must be furnished to the committee.

4.Former Queens Counsel who applied will be conferred with the Title.

5.Partners in chambers who severally satisfied all the criteria are eligible to be conferred with the rank but not associates and salaried Junior Legal Practitioners working in the chambers.

6.In addition to forensic Excellency, an applicant should furnish the committee with the following: (i) Good Law office with Library and evidence of at least two junior Legal Practitioners as staff in the chambers with other supporting staff.

7.Candidates must also have the following qualities; good character, good reputation, honesty, integrity, ability, and sound knowledge of the law as well as provide evidence of successful practice at the bar, satisfactory presentation of cases in court and generally high standard within the profession.

8.Respect for the code of conduct and etiquette

• Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke SAN

at the bar and loyalty to the profession.

Now that the statute is quite clear on the criteria for the conferment of the rank of SAN on any private legal practitioner who desires same, can we get assurances from the members of the privileges committee that primordial sentiments, filial relationship, clannish considerations, connections both political and otherwise will not be used as criteria for the conferment of the 2013 edition of the SAN. Should emphasis be on quota bases or where you come from in Nigeria or whom you know?

A situation where stakeholders in the legal profession like Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who are the persons eminently qualified to know legal practitioners who are into real legal practice and to some extent members of the body of benchers are not allowed to make adequate input into the consideration of candidates for the conferment of SAN does not speak well for the legal profession in Nigeria.

This is because by virtue of their positions, justices of the appellate courts know legal practitioners that are into practice and those that are not.

A situation where only the Chief Justice of the Federation who incidentally is the chairman of the committee and the A/G of the federation and Minister of Justice are the only ones that make inputs and /or contributions every year leaves much to be desired.

Investigations revealed that in 2012, some candidates with the following statistics of cases were made SAN. Supreme Court Cases 7 7 3 6 9 Court of Appeal Cases 7 7 7 16 12 High Court Cases 8 1 7 11 12 9 On the other hand, some candidates with

the following statistics of cases as shown in the table below were denied the rank of SAN: Supreme Court Cases 7 7 8 6 Court of Appeal Cases 18 10 12 16 High Court Cases 26 15 18 12

Rank must be merit-driven It is a universal belief among lawyers that the conferment of the rank of SAN every year MUST reflect the highest level of legal practice and nothing less.

With due respect, the Attorney General of the Federation is not a judge of either the Federal High Court or a justice of either the court of Appeal or the Supreme court and therefore is not in a convenient position to know legal practitioners who are engaged in the highest level of legal practice in Nigeria. That honour to some extent is reserved for the justices of the appellate courts.

The rank of SAN being a status symbol in the legal profession, many lawyers are desperate to be conferred with rank to the extent that some applicants engaged on some unprofessional and unwholesome practices.

These include (a) going to adopt written addresses at the High Court without conducting the cases as well as in the Court of Appeal without writing the briefs. (b) Some applicants pay for briefs both at the High Court and appellate courts levels in order to meet up with the requirements. (c) Others warm themselves into the hearts of members of the privileges committee in order to secure the rank by all means.

All these with due respect is not meritorious. The selection ought and should be based on merit. The emphasis on meeting members of the privileges committee in private

‘With due respect, the Attorney General of the Federation is not a judge of either the Federal High Court or a justice of either the court of Appeal or the Supreme court and therefore is not in a convenient position to know legal practitioners who are engaged in the highest level of legal practice in Nigeria’

before one is assured a slot should be deemphasized.

Some members of the committee with due respect do not know these practitioners like judges and justices of the appellate courts where these lawyers appear daily to argue their cases.

Recently at a workshop organised for judges in Abuja, the Chief Justice of the Federation Justice Aloma Muktar lamented the low quality of judgments from our courts and the conduct of some judicial officers.

Though worthy of commendation is her fair assessment of the state of the judiciary, but the question is; what do we expect when we appoint less competent persons as judicial officers and less qualified legal practitioners as members of the inner bar?. What we plant is what we reap.

Be that as it may, it is not late for the conferment of the rank of SAN to be opened up and the process MERIT DRIVEN. The appointment of SAN with due respect should be made to have the semblance of MERIT, so that any candidate that does not make the list in any given year will know that he or she does not merit the rank for that year.

Unlike what seemed obtainable now the conferment of the rank of SAN should not depend on ones connection in high places or ones deep pocket to buy cases and or appellate briefs or other clannish considerations.

Can it be comfortably said that the current transparency of the present selection process survive any probe outside the Supreme Court?

Conclusion Award of the rank of SAN and the selection process has always been done behind the glare of publicity which has never and may never help matters with regards to transparency, accountability and merit.

Majority of those conferred with the rank of SAN before now were given under secrecy with no rules of procedure made public.

Although there are no requirements for public sitting of the committee and the input of at least the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) as the umbrella association of the candidate applying for the rank of SAN. The problems are not, therefore, in whether it is the Northerners or Southerners that gets conferred with the ranks every year.

The larger problem has been that those who through their connections to the corridors of power at the legal practitioners privileges committee to get conferred with the rank are not the best the profession can boast of in the country.

Some, with due respect are not at the highest level of legal practice while the process for their selection was not merit-driven.

The conferment of the rank of SAN in secrecy or behind the glare of publicity is a SORE POINT that needs to be looked into urgently by both the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), body of Benchers and the members of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee.

It should be addressed constitutionally with a view to opening up the process to avoid accusations and counter accusations and or misunderstanding by those who miss the rank.

To that end, it would be prudent for the Committee to be more open and allow merit more than any other consideration drive the process of selection and a more transparent process put in place.

• INNOCENT is an Awka, Anambra State based Legal Practitioner. He can be reached via nnemuruohachamber@yahoo.com

Man, 25, arraigned for alleged possession of £3,720 and assault

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OR allegedly being in possession of £3,720 and assaulting one Solomon Edache, a 25 year old man was arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

The defendant, Gabriel Ochuga, who faced a two Count charge of assault and illegal possession before Magistrate Dan Oni, allegedly committed the offence on March 31, about 11:30pm, at Ajah.

Prosecuting Inspector Edet Okoi, alleged that Ochuga assaulted Edache, who happens to be his friend because the complainant demanded his share of the money.

He said: “It appears the duo dragged over the money. Edache wanted to have his share of the

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Pound Sterling the defendant claimed to have picked but the defendant refused and assaulted him.

“Angered by the development, Edache took the matter to the police station, where he disclosed that the defendant had £3,720 in his possession.

“The defendant could not account for the said sum which was suspected to have been stolen.”

He added that the defendant told the police during investigation that he picked the said sum.

Okoi said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Sections 168 and 327 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Ochagu pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in N500, 000 with two sureties each in like sum. The matter has been adjourned to May 13, for trial.

In another development, three fake estate agents, including a woman were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding one Frederick Akinsulire of N4 million.

The defendants, Joy Thelma, 34; Gbolahan Shodipo, 40 and Taiwo Ogundare, 36, are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

Prosecuting Inspector Stephen Molo, told the court that the trio, all resident in Ikotun, committed the offences on January 10, at block A,

Plot 7, Diamond Estate.

“They conspired to defraud Akinsulire of N4 million.

“The defendants obtained the sum from Akinsulire, with the pretence of selling a house, which is situated at block A plot 7, Diamond Estate along Isheri Road, to him.

“When the complainant suspected that they were fraudsters, he reported the case at the police station. The offence contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011,” Molo said.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in N500, 000 with two sureties each in like sum by Magistrate F.O. Aigbokhaevo. She adjourned the case till April 24, for mention.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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LAW & SOCIETY

Ex-NIMASA boss didn’t benefit from contracts, says witness

By Eric Ikhilae

days is office.

The witness, Ibrahim Ahmed, an investigating police officer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told a Federal High Court in Lagos that investigation did not reveal that Omatseye financially benefited from the contracts.

Ahmed, who was cross examined last Friday by defence lawyer,Olusina Sofola (SAN), said the contracts were approved by the agency’s board.

He referred to a memo indicating that the chairman of NIMASA’s board, Senator Baba Tella directed that quotations for the contracts be submitted for approval.

When asked whether his investigation could not establish that

• EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Lamorde

A

PRINCIPAL prosecution witness in the trial of former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Raymond Omatseye, has said the accused did not financially benefit from contracts awarded during his

there was a submission of quotations for the contracts, Ahmed said on page 17b of the memo (tendered before the court), the chairman NIMASA board told the ex DG to bring up quotations to board for final approval.

Ahmed, who told the court in an earlier testimony that contracts were split by NIMASA to avoid exceeding the DG’s approval threshold, said he did not investigate the companies that benefited from the contracts and others that bidded.

On claim that there was manipulation in the contract award process, Ahmed said he could not establish that because he could not reach the companies.

Asked if, in the course of his investigation, he discovered that the companies met to agree on the bid they were to submit, Ahmed answered in the negative.

He said the companies’ quotations were not shown to him and that there was no other memo that stated the quotations were submitted.

On whether his investigation was able to establish that the accused person had an agreement with the companies in submitting their quotation, Ahmed answered in the negative. Sofola asked him if he thought the accused person benefitted financially the bid for the Blackbery phones supply contract, the witness said investigation did not establish so.

Omatseye is being tried on a charge of 27 counts, containing allegations of contract splitting, bid rigging and allegedly awarding contracts exceeding the threshold allowed a D.G. by the Public Procurement Act, while he was in office.

Ahmed had on Wednesday told the court that an award letter from NIMASA to a firm, Kolal Riska International Nigeria Limited, for the supply of office accessories at a contract sum of N4,930,000, was clearly above the stipulated threshold of less than N2.5million allowed a DG under the Act. The award letter, Ahmed stated , was signed on behalf of Omatseye by one M. K. Shehu who was the Director of Procurement at the time.

Led in evidence by prosecution lawyer, Godwin Obla, Ahmed identified signatures on some internal memos and other contract documents presented before the court and which were tagged exhibits 17 and 18, as belonging to Omatseye.

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia has fixed May 30 for continuation of trial.

Court refuses bank’s plea for extension in Braithwaite’s suit

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LAGOS State High Court, Igbosere, has refused to en tertain a plea for extension of time by Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited in a N10billion suit filed against it by a lawyer and former Presidential candidate, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite.

The bank requested for extension in response to Braithwaite’s Motion on Notice, but Justice Doris Okuwobi said the defendant’s prayers would

• Suit to be heard April 16

By Joseph Jibueze

not be heard because it was yet to pay a default fee to the court.

Standard Chartered’s counsel, Oluwatosin Iyayi, asked for a short date when their application would be considered, by which time they would have paid the penalty for re-

A

guy phones a law firm and says, “I want to speak to my lawyer.”

The receptionist says, “I’m sorry, but your lawyer died last week.”

The next day the same guy phones the law firm and says, “I want to speak to my lawyer.”

Once again the receptionist replies, “I’m sorry, but your lawyer died last week.”

The next day the guy makes his regular call to the law firm and says, “I want to speak to my lawyer.”

“Excuse me sir,” the receptionist says, “but this is third time I’ve had to tell you that your lawyer died last week.

Why do you keep calling?”

The guy replies, “Because I love hearing it!”

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lawyer’s dog, running around town unleashed, heads for a butcher shop and steals a roast. The butcher goes to the lawyer’s office and asks, “If a dog running unleashed steals a piece of meat from my store, do I have a right to demand payment for the meat from the dog’s owner?” The lawyer answers, “Absolutely.”

“Then you owe me $8.50. Your dog was loose and stole a roast from me today.”

The lawyer, without a word, writes the butcher a check for $8.50. The butcher, having a feeling of satisfaction, leaves.

Three days later, the butcher finds a bill from the lawyer: $100 due for a consultation.

W

hat’s the difference between a good lawyer and a great lawyer?

A good lawyer knows the law. A great lawyer knows the judge.

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○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

LEGAL JOKES

ow do you get a group of personal injury lawyers to smile for a picture? Just say “Fees!”

to be in some distress,” “witness.

Y ousaid“Isseemtheanything kindly judge to the the matter?”

“Well, your Honour,” said the witness, “I swore to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but every time I try, some lawyer objects.”

A

new client had just come in to see a famous lawyer. “Can you tell me how much you charge?” said the client. “Of course”, the lawyer replied, “I charge $200 to answer three questions!” “Well that’s a bit steep, isn’t it?” “Yes it is”, said the lawyer, “And what’s your third question?”

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here was a lawyer and he was just waking up from anesthesia after surgery, and his wife was sitting by his side. His eyes fluttered open and he said, “You’re beautiful!” and then he fell asleep again. His wife had never heard him say that so she stayed by his side. A couple minutes later his eyes fluttered open and he said “You’re cute!” Well, the wife was dissapointed because instead of “beautiful” it was “cute.” She said “What happened to ‘beautiful’? His reply was “The drugs are wearing off!”

H

ow many personal injury attorneys does it take to change a light bulb? How many can you afford?

Three - one to turn the bulb, one to shake him off the ladder, and the third to sue the ladder company.

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oticing a mistake in St. Peter’s roster, God calls Satan; “It seems you accidentally received some of my professionals down there: a teacher, a doctor and a farmer.” “Yeah,” Satan replies. “All the more for me!”

God replies, “You better send them up here immediately.” Satan says, “No way. I’m keeping them.”

God says, “Send them up here, or I’ll sue the horns right off you.” Satan laughs uproariously, “Yeah, right.

And just where are YOU going to get a lawyer?”

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hy was the lawyer skimming the Bible right before he died? He was looking for loopholes!

plying out of time.

The court granted the bank’s prayers.

Braithwaite had sought a declaration that the bank’s construction of a 14-storey building and a five-level car park at 142 Ahmadu Bello Way/ Plot 142 Abutting Elias Close, Victoria Island, Lagos, is unlawful and damaging to his rights.

He asked for a declaration that the commercial building, which he claimed is now at its 10th floor, constitutes an illegal structure.

The claimant alleged that the defendant’s Development Permit is illegal, and that the building constitutes a nuisance to him, obliterating his access to light, air and linkages – rights he had enjoyed for 40 years while living in his house.

He prayed for an order that “the illegal commercial building” be “demolished and pulled down by the defendant at its cost.”

He also sought general damages of N10billion “for the nuisance caused and inflicted on the claimant by the defendant over a period of years.”

In a supporting affidavit, the claimant said he needed to make necessary amendment to his Write of Summons, Statement of Claim and Written Statements on Oath because the events on the building have overtaken the earlier processes he filed.

Braithwaite said he would call three additional witnesses, adding that when his original suit was filed, the defendant was still proposing to build the house. Now, construction has gone to an advanced stage, he said.

“As at the date hereof…the defendant has now rushed the construction of its illegal structure to the 10th floor level in an attempt to steal a match on the claimant, which act makes it necessary for the claimant to amend his processes and the consequential reliefs being sought,” the

claimant said.

Among others, Braithwaite claimed that he complained that the building, previously occupied by Reliance Bank Limited, had facilities which disturbed him.

According to him, the defendant’s predecessor had installed some giant electric generating plants directly opposite his house at Plot 158 (No. 9) Elias Close, Victoria Island, with a narrow road of nine metres separating the two properties.

He said the generating sets were “pumping gases into the living rooms of the claimant’s residence, and also causing deafening noise.”

Braithwaite said the 14-storey building infringes his fundamental right to access to light as a result of it being in excess of stipulated height, which he said contravened existing guidelines in its host environment.

The elder statesman averred that the development permit which the defendant purportedly obtained from the state government authorising a mixed development in the area was invalid and unlawful.

However, the bank in its defence, denied that the building would constitute any nuisance to the claimant.

The defendant contended that the action is frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of court process.

• Braithwaite

It urged the court to dismiss the action.

The bank said the Lagos State government reserves the power and authority, acting by itself or through its ministries, parastatals or agencies to designate/zone all areas within the state as residential, commercial and/or mixed uses.

It said it obtained the relevant permits from the state government before embarking on the construction.

Justice Okuwobi adjourned further hearing till April 16.

‘The defendant has now rushed the construction of its illegal structure to the 10th floor level in an attempt to steal a match on the claimant, which act makes it necessary for the claimant to amend his processes and the consequential reliefs being sought’

Court upholds Iba chieftaincy family’s claim HE dispute over an expanse over land overlords of Isashi and Odan-Isashi of land in Iba community, a and are not consenting authority”

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suburb of Lagos, has ended.

Justice E.A. Adebajo of the Lagos High Court held that the land belongs to the Oniba of Iba and the Iba chieftaincy family.

The traditional ruler of Ibaland, Oba Yushua Goriola Oseni and some families in Iba Local Community Development Area (LCDA) had been fighting over the land for years.

In his judgment in the suit numbered: LD/3057/1995 Oniba and the, Justice Adebajo held that the Iba chieftaincy family are the rightful owners of the land comprising

By Eric Ikhilae

Isashi, Odan-Ile and Mebamu.

Justice Adebajo declared that, “the defendant is entitled to the statutory right of occupancy over the whole of Isashi land.”

He further declared that the Oniba of Iba is the consenting authority for Isashi.

The judge also held that the claimants - Pa Suraju Jinodu, chiefs Michael Ashade, Ebenezer Babalola Ashade, Amos Taiwo and Simeon Idowu Alafia-Akapo “are not the

over the land.

Justice Adebajo issued a perpetual order restraining the claimants and their agents, from further arrogating to themselves, the right to the ownership of isashi land or consent to the appointment of village head (Baale) of Isashi and Odan-Isashi.

Following the judgment, the Iba chieftaincy family, through a statement issued by the family’s lawyer, advised residents of the area not to engage in any discussion over the land with anyone than the adjudged owner of the land - Oniba of Iba.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

37

LAW REPORT

‘Documents are not admitted as a matter of course at appeal stage’ IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA Date: 1st February 2013 SC. 185/2003, 2013(2) LEDLR-3

BETWEEN S. O. ADEYEFA J. A. BALOGUN………………………… APPELLANTS JOSHUA AWOREFA [On behalf of themselves and Representing Ojaja Community) AND BELLO BAMGBOYE…………………… RESPONDENT

Issues:

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HETHER or not at this stage of the proceedings the three newly dis covered documents which are very relevant for the just determination of the appeal pending before the Supreme Court can be tendered and admitted to form part of the Supreme Court Records of Appeal as additional further evidence for the consideration and just determination of the appeal.

Whether or not it is necessary to amend the brief of argument in view of the death of the 1st and 2nd appellants and the respondent and in the light of the newly discovered documents Facts: This is a ruling on the application of the appellant praying the Supreme Court for its leave to attach 3 documents as further evidence and to form part of the records of appeal in the suit. The appellant also sought an order that the amended brief of argument in the appeal which had been filed be deemed as properly filed. The case of the appellant was that the three documents were not made available to the trial High Court as they had been misplaced by the Customary Court in the process of its being moved from place to place after being used in another sit before it. Counsel strenuously argued that if those documents had been before the High Court and The Court of Appeal their decisions would have been different. The Respondent Counsel, in opposing, asserted that even though only one of the documents were pleaded at the trial court the three of them were not tendered at the trial. Further that the three documents sought to be admitted into evidence pre-dated those that were in evidence before the Court. Counsel drew the attention of the Supreme Court to the fact that the documents which were now said to have emanated from the Customary Court as they were not certified as true copies. The Supreme Court dismissed the application.

Ratio: 1. Tendering of documents is subject to valid objection. The Court sitting on appeal has to be very careful and guarded in such as the other party would not have an opportunity to cross examine the applicant on the document.

2. Documents are not admitted as a matter of course at the appeal stage, their admittance are subject to principles which are laid down by the Supreme Court as per Nnaemeka- Agu JSC in the case of ESANGBEDO Vs THE STATE (1989) 4 NWLR Pt 113 page 57 at 67. They are that a) It must be shown that the evidence could not have been obtained and, with reasonable diligence, used at the court of trial b) The Court must be satisfied that the evidence is such that, if given, it would probably have an important influence on the result of the case, though it need not be decisive c) The evidence must be apparently credible, though it need not be controvertible.

3. The document sought to be tendered

must satisfy the dictates of the law of evidence. The documents sought to be admitted were photocopies stated to have emanated from the custody of the Customary Court but they did not shown any certification as such.

4. The documents sought to be admitted must have been pleaded at the trial to enable the other party know the case he is to meet especially since he would not have had an opportunity to have cross examined on them. The documents must also be relevant to the appeal.

NOTABLE DICTA 1. PRINCIPLES FOR ADMITTING FRESH EVIDENCE ON APPEAL It must be shown that the evidence could not have been obtained and, with reasonable diligence, used at the court of trial The Court must be satisfied that the evidence is such that, if given, it would probably have an important influence on the result of the case, though it need not be decisive The evidence must be apparently credible, though it need not be controvertible. JA FABIYI JSC (adopting the dicta of NnaemekaAgu JSC in Esangbedo vs the state ) i. It must be shown that the evidence could not have been obtained and, with reasonable diligence, used at the court of trial ii. The Court must be satisfied that the evidence is such that, if given, it would probably have an important influence on the result of the case, though it need not be decisive iii. The evidence must be apparently credible, though it need not be controvertible.

2. The above principle stated is not adhered to as a matter of course without corelating it to the factors at play including the interests of the contending parties. In the case in hand, of the documents only Exhibit P10 was pleaded at the Court of trial by the applicants even though all the documents predated the trial. Also, the said exhibit P10 is a response to a letter by the Applicants’ counsel informing him that the matter mentioned therein had been examined and the Ife Area Planning Authority had been instructed to take appropriate action. However, absent in the said document is that it was related to the subject matter of the dispute between the parties. MARY UKAEGO PETER-ODILI JSC 3. It is also apt to observe that the Privy Council in Turnbull v Duval (1902) A C 429 held that a new trial would not be ordered where the fresh evidence is a document which could have been obtained by discovery during the trial with due diligence. A party who has won a case at the trail court on the case brought to court by his adversary ought not normally be confronted with a new case on appeal simply because his adversary decided to bring his cae in dribbles. JA FABIYI JSC 2. ON HOW TO CERTIFY A DOCUMENT EMANATING FROM PUBLIC CUSTODY The law is clear on this issue, that every public officer having the custody of a public

document which any person has a right to inspect shall give that person on demand, a copy of it on payment of the prescribed legal fees, with a certification at the foot of the document, that it is a true copy of its original. The certification expected to be endorsed on the said copy shall be dated and subscribed by such officer with his name and his official title and shall be sealed. The copy of such document so certified are referred to as certified copies and are admissible in court. See S104 of the Evidence Act. OLUKAYODE ARIWOOLA JSC 3. ON MEANING OF CERTIFY Certify, put simply, means to authenticate or vouch for something in writing. It may also mean ‘to attest as being true or as represented’ JA FABIYI JSC LEGISLATION ORDER 1 Rule 12(1) Supreme Court Rules 1999 (as amended) S74 Evidence Act 1990 S.110 Evidence Act 1990 S104 Evidence Act 2011 Judgment: RULING JOHN AFOLABI FABIYI, JSC:- This ruling is sequel to the Motion on Notice dated 26th May,2010, and filed on 7th June,2010 argued before the court on 12th November,2012.

The application was filed under Order 1 Rule 12 (1) of the Supreme Court Rules, 1999 (as amended)’. The appellants/Applicants prayed as follows:“1. For leave to tender the attached three documents marked Exhibits P10, P11 and P12 as further evidence and form part of the records of appeal pending in the above named suit.

2. That the appellants brief of argument filed on 20/7/05 be amended accordingly.

3. That the amended brief of argument with the attached Exhibits P10, P11 and P12 is dated (sic) 27" day of May, 2010 be deemed properly field and served personally on Bamgboye Bello the new party to be substituted for respondent and Chief B. O. Omirefa the respondent’s solicitor.”

The grounds for the application are stated as follows:“(i) That the three documents sought to be tendered as further evidence were not available during the trial of the above named suit and its appeal before the court below. (ii) That the three documents sought to be tendered and form part of the records of appeal are the government decision over the access road in dispute between the appellants Community and Ganiyu Elusoji - respondent’s father’ This made the documents very relevant and may assist the Supreme Court to reach a just decision”’ The application was supported by an affidavit of 12 paragraphs deposed to by the 2nd appellant/applicant. Paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the affidavit which are germane to the determination of the application are reproduced as follows:“3. That we the appellants have filed a motion before the Supreme Court dated 18th day of January, 2010 and filed on 18th day of January, 2010 seeking leave to delete the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs/appellants names and that of the respondent Simbiatu Elusoji now deceased and substitute the name of one Bamgboye Bello as the respondent.

4. That after the filing of the said above mentioned motion we further discovered photocopies of documents the originally (sic) of which had been tendered in Suit No. 27/ 83 before the Customary Court which inadvertently were not collected back after judgment in the said suit and got lost during the movement of Customary Courts in Ife from one place to another and so the document (sic) were not available during the trial of this case and the appeal in the lower court. I am very luck (sic) to get photocopies of the documents from the Customary Court clerks recently.

5. The documents were three in number and were the settlement effected over the access road in dispute by the Local Government Council and Ife Area Town Planning Authority between the Ojaia Community and Ganiyu Elusoji the respondent’s Simbiatu Elusoji’ s father.

6. That the contents of the three documents are very relevant for the determination of the appeal now pending before the Supreme Court. The documents confirmed the land in dispute as access road. Copies of the three documents are attached to this affidavit marked Exhibits P10, P11 and P12.”

In opposing the application, a counter- affi-

davit of eight (8) paragraphs, deposed to by Inyene Dorcas Ntuk (Miss), a counsel in the firm of the respondent’s counsel was filed on 5th June, 2012. Paragraphs 4(a) 5 and 6 which are relevant are reproduced as follows:“4. (a) That from my Perusal of the record of appeal and the documents exhibited to the supporting affidavit, I discovered the following: Out of the three (3) documents now sought to be tendered as additional evidence on appeal, only Exhibit 10 was pleaded by the applicants at the trial court (in paragraph 14 of their statement of claim), though all the said documents pre-dated the trial. (ii) I have also seen that the said Exhibit P10 is a response to a letter by the applicants counsel informing him that the matter mentioned therein had been examined and that the Ife Area Planning Authority had been ‘instructed to take appropriate action. It makes no reference to the subject matter of the dispute between the parties.” (iii) Exhibits P11 and P12 now sought to be tendered as additional evidence were not pleaded before the trial court. (iv) The said Exhibits P11 and P12 are dated 12/7/1976 and 14/7/1976 respectively; while the documents pleaded in Paragraphs 21, 24, 26, 28 and 31 of the applicants’ Statement of Claim at the trial court are dated 23/6/90, 25/7/90, 5/6/95, 28/8/95, 16/9/95, 10/9/95, 26/9/95 and 4/3/95 respectively. (v) There is nothing on the face of the documents sought to be tendered as additional evidence to show that they were ever used at the Customary Court. (vi) There is no stamp of the Customary Court on the said documents; neither do they bear any mark to show that they were tendered as Exhibits before the Customary Court. (vii) The additional evidence sought to be tendered are unnecessary, immaterial and have not placed before the Honorable Court any question or questions in controversy between the parties.

(5) That I know as a fact that the appellants have not shown special circumstances why the new evidence sought to be admitted ought to be received.

(6) That I know as a fact that the application is sought to overreach the respondent and is made in bad faith.”

The applicants’ counsel - Chief A. O. Fadugba deposed to a further affidavit in support of the application at the Registry of the High Court of Justice, Ile-Ife on 6th November, 2012 and same was filed in the Registry of this court on 9th November, 2012. The Customary Court proceedings and judgment in one of the exhibits transmitted to this court was attached as Exhibit ‘A1’’ Strenuous effort was made to explain the back ground facts leading to the dispute in respect of the contested strip of land-the subject matter of this appeal.

I wish to point it out at this stage that this court should, for now, concentrate on the application to tender Exhibits P10, P11 and P12 as further/additional evidence which is before this court for a due determination. This court will not fall to the temptation of determining the real issue in the appeal by act of commission or omission upon the prompting of counsel/parties In the appellants/applicants’ brief of argument, it was stated that the application was brought under Order 1 Rule 12 (2) of the Supreme Court Rules, 1999 (as amended). Chief A. O. Fadugba, learned counsel who settled the brief of argument, submitted that the documents sought to be tendered were not available during the trial of the appellants’ case before the trial court and the Court of Appeal. He maintained that the original letters had been tendered before the Customary Court in Suit No. 27/83 and as a result of movement of Customary Courts from one place to another’, all the exhibits were lost and the duplicate copies were nowhere to be found from the Customary Court’s registry despite diligent searches for same. He asserted that photocopies of the documents now found were given to the appellants. Learned counsel decoded two issues for determination as follows;“7.01 Whether or not at this stage of the proceedings the three newly discovered documents which are very relevant for the just determination of the appeal pending before the Supreme Court can be tendered and admitted to form part of the Supreme Court Records of Appeal as additional further evidence for the consideration and just determination of the appeal.

• Continued next week

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LAW & SOCIETY

Supreme Court strikes out motions on monarch’s case

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HE Supreme Court has struck out two applications by Chief O. Amachree seeking to stay the execution of a judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

Amachree brought the applications to stay the judgment which nullified the installation of the Amanyanabo of Kalabari, Prof. T. Princewill.

The applications were filed on October 19, last year and on February 12. Both were struck out with an award of N50,000 each to the first respondent.

The panel which heard the case comprised Justices Walter Omoghen, Muhammad Saifullah Munkaka Coomassie, Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, Olukayode Ariwoola and Musa Dattijo Muhammad.

The ruling was delivered by Omoghen.

Chief MacDonald Abbi, for himself and the King Abbi Royal House, who are the king makers of the Kalabari Kingdom in Buguma, Rivers State, had approached the appellate court to set aside the decision of Justice J.M. Kobani of the Rivers State High Court, delivered on December 19, 2005.

The court refused to grant the order to return the parties to status quo as at March 29, 2000 when the suit against the coronation of a new Amanyanabo was instituted.

On July 31, 2000, Justice A. Wodu restrained all parties in contest of the stool of the Amanyanabo from taking any step as regards the installation without the consent and participation of all the parties in the suit.

Others who consent must be obtained, the court held, were all the chiefs of Abbi Royal House, Council of Chiefs, the Karibo Group of Houses, the Buguma Council of Chiefs and the Kalabari National Assembly or any other affected body or bodies.

But the order was allegedly violated, as the installation took place.

Following Justice Kobani refusal to restore the parties to the status quo as at March 29, 2000, Abbi appealed at the Court of Appeal, seeking to

NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) LAGOS BRANCH MEETING

By Eric Ikhilae and Joseph Jibueze

restore the status quo.

The appellant also sought to set aside the ruling of Justice Kobani of the trial court which reversed the restraining order made by Justice Wodu.

The Court of Appeal held in its verdict: “The lone issue canvassed by the appellant (Abbi), is hereby resolved in favour of the appellant and against the respondents. The appeal is hereby allowed.

“The ruling, including the orders therein, made on 19th December, 2005 are hereby set aside.

“The appellant made out a case for restorative or mandatory injunction sought. The order made on July 31, 2000 remains extant.

“The purported installation and recognition of the first defendant/respondent (Chief Prof. Princewill) are consequently set aside.”

The Appeal Court thereafter ordered the Chief Judge of Rivers State to ensure accelerated hearing of the suit pending at the High Court “by a judge other than Justice J.M. Kobani.”

The court also awarded N60,000 cost in favour of the appellant (Abbi).

Following the death of the immediate past Amanyanabo of Kalabari, late King Obaye Abbiyesuku Amachree (X), who died on June 7, 1998, the Throne became vacant.

Under the Kalabari native law and customs, the five contestants are all eligible to contest for the throne of the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom which is now being occupied

by Chief Princewill.

The King of Amanyanabo of Kalabara is a 400 years-old dynasty.

It was one of the eight first-class chiefs recognised by the colonial administration in the old Eastern Region of Nigeria.

‘The lone issue canvassed by the appellant (Abbi), is hereby resolved in favour of the appellant and against the respondents.

The appeal is hereby allowed’

• From left: Chairman NBA Lagos, Mr. Taiwo O. Taiwo, Secretary Alex Muoka and Financial Secretary, Philip Njetene

• From left: Mr. Afro Fayokun, former Chairman, NBA Lagos, Chijioke Okoli and Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN)

• From left: Former Chairman, Body of Benchers, Mrs Hairat Balogun, Mrs. Fadekemi Ottun and Administrator, NBA Section on Legal Practice (SLP) Mrs. Efunmi Olubanwo

How to improve Cabotage Law • Continued from last two weeks Foreign Vessel Financing under the Nigerian Coastal and Inland Shipping Act as authored by Suzzie Onyeka Ofuani forms the focal point of Chapter 12. In this chapter, the Ofuani considers the delay in the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financial Fund and seeks alternative means of funding for indigenous ship owners who need financial assistance in acquiring the requisite vessels.

Accordingly, she asks if indigenous ship owners seek the help of foreign governments or companies to get the requisite funding, would such assistance negate the general intent of the Act. In answering the question, the Ofuani emphasizes the need to provide adequate funding to facilitate the acquisition of ships and vessels by indigenous players and then proposes that in the face of the inadequacies and ineffectiveness of the Fund in this regard, foreign financing in the form of joint ventures, bilateral aid from international development agencies and loans from international financial institutions should be considered as a workable option.

She concludes the chapter on the belief that resort to foreign financing does not negate the intendment of the Act. In chapter 13, Kalu K. Anele inquires into the possibility of abuse of the ministerial power to establish and publish guidelines for the issuance of licenses as provided by the Cabotage Act under the title - Guidelines on the Issuance of License by the Minister: A Statutory Instrument. The seven-part chapter commences with a definition of key terms relevant for a proper comprehension of the

BOOK REVIEW Title: Cabotage Law in Nigeria Editor: Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) Book Reviewer: Enuma U. Moneke Chapters: 15 crux of the discourse and then following a brief examination of the legal framework for cabotage in Nigeria as it relates to the powers of the Minister to issue licenses under section 15(1) of the Act, Anele holds that it is probable that the Minister may go beyond the powers given to it by the parent Act by failing to follow prescribed guidelines or procedures prior to the exercise of power. He then asks whether it would it be better to have such guidelines in the parent Act. After a careful consideration of the merits that abound with delegation of powers to make statutory instruments, he resolves that, “… it is better to delegate the making of statutory instruments like guidelines in order to meet with the changing circumstances…”, but insists that, to obviate going beyond the scope of such delegated powers, the issue of review of the present ministerial guidelines for the issuance of license by the Minister must be taken very seriously.

The last chapter of the book titled Implementation Guidelines under the Cabotage Regime in Nigeria is a composition by Enuma U. Moneke.

The reader is given an insight into the Guidelines on the Implementation of the Cabotage Act, 2003 which were published in 2004, pursuant to Cabotage Act (and subsequently revised in 2007) to assist the Minister of Transport and the implementation agencies in the enforce-

ment and monitoring of the Act and to clarify any ambiguities therein. Moneke commences the chapter with a scrutiny of certain key terms and phrases used in the Act and interpreted by the Guidelines, a clear understanding of which is essential for a smooth implementation of the Act. She then proceeds to discuss the role of the Revised Guidelines in the facilitation of interpretation of the Act, with specific reference to the vessel registration, licensing, waivers and enforcement procedures. In doing so, she draws comparisons between the present Guidelines and the 2004 Guidelines when applicable and identifies possible areas of improvements. In conclusion, the writer resolves that notwithstanding the lacunas extant in the Revised Guidelines, especially in relation to the issue of age of vessels, she would not recommend a revision of the already revised guidelines, “…but a complete overhaul of the maritime cabotage industry, strengthening of the CVFF and more importantly amendment of the Cabotage Act in order to achieve a true cabotage policy which would otherwise remain a mirage so far as the waiver system remains in place.”

My thoughts Comments The 350-page book is split into fourteen individually authored chapters; all encased within a soft sky blue cover which is indicative of the vast territorial waters with which Nigeria is richly endowed. It is edited by Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN) and Mrs Osatohamwen Eruaga.

Considering the dearth of literature on the Cabotage in Nigeria, “Cabotage Law in Nigeria” is a welcome development. The book combines the individual contributions of fourteen legists and so it is not surprising that it

engenders well rounded legal arguments as well as descriptive and analytical techniques.

Laced with observations and recommendations which would augur well for the Nigerian Maritime industry, if embraced, the book holds in store for the reader, a wealth of knowledge which could only be acquired from sound legal reasoning.

The book articulately, gives the reader an insight into the Cabotage Act 2003. It inquires into its origins, its workings, the challenges experienced in its implementation since inception and the way forward. Reproducing the Revised Implementation Guidelines and the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund Guidelines in the last few pages, for the ease of reference of the reader, the book is a mustread.

• Concluded

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ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

•President Goodluck Jonathan receiving the Letter of Credence from South Africa High Commissioner, Lulu Louis Aaron. With them is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Olugbenga Ashiru at the Presidential Villa

•From left: Amanayanbo Abonnema, Rivers State, Chief Israel Bobmanuel; Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru; Vice-President, Namadi Sambo; Deputy Governor, Bayelsa State, Real Admiral John Jonah and Ada Abuam of Abua Kingdom, King Kaleh Obuge at a meeting with the Vice President on Soku Boundary Dispute at the Presidential Villa

•From left: Dr Joyce Ugochukwu cutting her 60th birthday cake, her husband Onyema Ugochukwu, Senator Nkechi Nwogu and Chukwuemeka Ugochukwu during the birthday celebration at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja

•From left: National Treasurer, Comrade Modupe Fabusuyi; Secretary-General, Marcus Omokhuale and National President, Dr Ayofuba Wabba during the Union Press Conference on Second Medical and Health Workers Week at their secretariat in Abuja

•From left: Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu; •Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk (second left), with President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke; Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro and Dame Patience Jonathan (right) and wife of the Prime Minister, Malgorzata Tusk (left) PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN Minister of State, Finance, Alhaji Yerima Ngama during the Federal Executive Council Meet- during a courtesy visit at the State House in Abuja ing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

•From left: Member of delegation, Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji; Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; Chairman, FCT Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, Rev. Israel Akanji; Director, Special Duties, Mrs Nana Buhari; members of committee, Emmanuel Olugbuo and Bishop Bob Alonge during the presentation of 2012 Christian Pilgrimage Report to the Minister in Abuja PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•From left: Managing Director, Brandmarks Communication Ltd, Chidiebere Onwumere; Media Consultant, Ohi Alegbe and Managing Partner, Brandmarks Communication Ltd, Tunde Ashaolu during the Third Aso Housing Exhibition & Conference in Abuja PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08138168825

Words & their Origin Malaria n. Infectious disease characterised by chills and fever and caused by the bite of an infected anopheles mosquito.

This word comes from the mediaeval Italian mal (=bad) and aria (=air), describing the miasma from the swamps around Rome. This ‘bad air’ was believed to be the cause of the fever that often developed in those who spent time around the swamps. In fact the illness, now known as malaria, was due to certain protozoans present in the mosquitos that bred around these swamps, and which caused recurring feverish symptoms in those they bit.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Finalised (9) 7. Employ (3) 8. Tear (3) 9. Succeeded (3) 10. Consumed (3) 12. per Unit (4) 13. Bird (4) 14. Beer (3) 16. Imitate (3) 18. Bed (3) 19. Resort (3) 21. Justly (9)

SHOWbitzz Brown, Rihanna Rekindle Romance

For the first time, Chris Brown acknowledged his rekindled romance with Rihanna, and expressed regret for the infamous 2009 assault on his pop star girlfriend.“Sometimes you row, you fight, with the one you love and things get said, stuff spirals,” he said. “That night was the deepest regret of my life, the biggest mistake. But she loves me - what can I say? I’m forgiven … but, yes, I worked hard for it.”Standing by her man, Rihanna recently told Rolling Stone magazine that her relationship with Brown is “different now. We don’t have those types of arguments anymore.”Speaking at Elton John’s Aids Foundation Oscars after-party Sunday night, Brown told the Mirror that he has “grown up” and has since learned how to deal with the unrelenting criticism and backlash he has received.“I was very young and I took a lot of stuff, fame, for granted,” he said. “I didn’t understand it. The support from those who do know me and the fans, who are incredible, got me through.”Brown also dismissed Oscars host Seth MacFarlane’s joke during the ceremony, in which MacFarlane referred to “unspeakably violent” film “Django Unchained” as a date night for Brown and Rihanna.“People attack me and criticize me,” he said. “It happens all the time. But they don’t know me, and they don’t know us. It doesn’t bother me anymore.”Since the assault, the general public has been firm in calling out Brown’s behavior and outbursts of violence, including his destroying of a “Good Morning America” dressing room, his nightclub spat with rapper Drake, and most recently - a reported parking lot brawl with singer Frank Ocean.“He’s not the monster everyone thinks.” Rihanna said to Rolling Stone. “He’s a good person. He’s giving and loving. He’s fun to be around and he has a fantastic heart.”

Pep Pep Talk Talk

SIMPLY WEIRD PEOPLE & CULTURE Kenya

The first known inhabitants of present-day Kenya were Cushitic-speaking tribes that migrated to the northwest region from Ethiopa around 2000 B.C.E. In the 900s. Kenya has a fairly large Indian population, mostly those who came to East Africa in the early twentieth century to work on the railroad. Kenya has a fairly large Indian population, mostly those who came to East Africa in the early twentieth century to work on the railroad. Many Indians later became merchants and storeowners.

About 70 percent of the population is rural, although this percentage has been decreasing as more Kenyans migrate to the cities in search of work.

Corn (or maize) is the staple food of Kenyans. It is ground into flour and prepared as a porridge called posho, which is sometimes mixed with mashed beans, potatoes, and vegetables, to make a dish called irio.

Among herders such as the Masai, wealth is measured in the number of cattle one owns. Having many children is also a sign of wealth. In urban areas, most people dress in Western-style clothing.

Among some ethnic groups, such as the Rendille, a woman’s hairstyle indicates her marital status and whether or not she has children. A man’s stage of life is revealed by specific headdresses or jewelry.

Despite the disproportionate amount of work that women do, men usually control the money and property in a family. Wife beating is common, and women have little legal recourse. Another women’s issue is clitoridectomy, or female genital mutilation, which leaves many women in continual pain and vulnerable to infection.

Polygamy is traditional, and in the past it was not uncommon for men to have five or six wives.

Kenyans are generally friendly and hospitable. At death, Kenyans believe that one enters the spirit world, which has great influence in the world of the living. Many Kenyans believe in reincarnation, and children are thought to be the embodiment of the souls of a family’s ancestors.

Kenya has a strong oral tradition. Many folktales concern animals or the intervention of the spirits in everyday life; others are war stories detailing soldiers’ bravery. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a Kikuyu, is Kenya’s most prominent writer.

His first novels, including Weep Not, Child (1964) and Petals of Blood (1977) were written in English.

1. Correspond (9) 2. Pinch (3) 3. Sexual Desire (4) 4. Ourselves (2) 5. Moisture (3) 6. Discourage (4) 10. Expression of Surprise (3) 11. Get with Difficulty (3) 15. Enumerate (4) 17. Bird (3) 18. Taxi (4) 20. Father (2)

SUDOKU Sudoku is simply a game of logic and needs no mathematical skills to play. All you are required to do is to fill in the blank spaces in the grid to ensure that every row, column and 3 by 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

WORDWHEEL Form as many words as you can with the letters in the wheel below.Proper nouns and 2-letter words are not allowed.

Every word must use the letter ‘E’.There is a 9-letter word with an ‘orbicular’ meaning hidden in the grid. This is the star word.

Success in the affairs of life often serves to hide one’s abilities, whereas adversity frequently gives one an opportunity to discover them

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POLITICS Former House of Representatives Chief Whip Hon. Olawale Oshun is the leader of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG).

He spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on the insecurity in the country and the imperative of a national conference to discuss the basis for peaceful co-existence.

Oshun: Don’t extend amnesty to Boko Haram H

OW would you assess the Jonathan Administration?

We have confronted the nation with information regarding the mind-boggling issues of corruption, profligacy and the scared-cow syndrome, including the unprecedented marginalisation of the Yoruba by the Jonathan Administration, focusing on the issue of lopsided recuitment and promotion in the public service. Unfortunately, this situation has not abated. The current reality also paints the picture of an underestimation of the scale of impunity and flagrant disregard for the laws of the land and every sense of propriety and good order. These have been exhibited, most notably by the recent pardon granted to the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diprieye Alamieyeseigha.

This blatant display of deficit in ethical-based governance, has received widespread and worldwide condemnation, which ARG also reacted to via a press statement.

It was reported that ARG was part of the recent re-union of Afenifere in Akure. Could you shed light on this?

For the avoidance of any doubts, ARG was neither involved nor represented at that meeting. None of those who attended that meeting could claim to be representing ARG. Whoever attended or participated at that meeting did so entirely on his own volition.

ARG is a group that recognises the independent mindedness of individuals.

Therefore, we concede to individuals, their right and choice of association.

ARG is a group with explicit and untainted moral values and stance. We affirm therefore, that anybody who purports to be an ARG member, and sits in a meeting with Iyiola Omisore, and some of the other personalities mentioned at that meeting, is on his or her own and cannot and will not be a member or an associate of the ARG. We need to emphasise that ARG does not and will not quarrel or contend with the old Afenifere. We have met with them and consulted with them on Pan-Yoruba issues where and when necessary. We also affirm that there is no question of a re-union between Afenifere of old and Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG). ARG has and does projects a uniquely vibrant identity, a clearly distinctly defined mission and philosophical stance that are carved in progressive and developmental inde-

pendence of thoughts and actions, that are informed by engrained Omoluabi values.

It has been alleged that ARG is closely associated with a political party. What is the true position?

We also make clear that we are tied to no strings – individual or institutional. ARG is an independent group of Yoruba patriots, an ethos we hold in high esteem and guard with principles. ARG is not controlled from anywhere, by anyone, by any group or by any political party. In our midst are professionals, businessmen, academics, intellectuals, technocrats and people across the length and breadth of Yorubaland and in the Diaspora.

We have made no secret of the fact that we are a political organisation.

However, many of our members are not partisan and they view the socioeconomic and political development of Yorubaland as a major goal. Only the mischievious would continue to make unsubstantiated claims about any juggernaut behind ARG or any money-bag funding the activities of the group - in the past or even now.

We reject these claims completely; they are totally baseless.

PDP is threatening to capture the Southwest in 2015. What is your reaction?

It has become evident in the history of Nigeria, that whenever Yorubaland is poised for development, or is seen to be on the path of development, all forms of threats and conspiracies begin to rear their heads. These threats are usually from within and outside the region. We do not fail at any time to recognise them. Our progenitors in the distant past and, of course, in the not-too-distant-past, have had to contend with these scenarios, and they have done their best to either mitigate them or fight them off. This time around, the Yoruba people are prepared for them. ARG will stand in constant watch and will sensitise and mobilise Yoruba people everywhere against the threats that have started to

• Oshun

emerge, apparently to truncate our march to development. Of course, internal collaborators from within, foisting all kinds of pernicious and suspicious agenda are never in short supply.opportunists where they belong.

Is the marginalisation of the Yoruba not confounding to you?

Without any doubt, the Yoruba have always been specifically targetted either for development decimation or at best arrested progress. The trajectory is all too familiar. Awolowo’s travails, just as colonialism was winding down in the country, and of course with active collaborators from within Yorubaland, led to the end of the First Republic. When another opening emerged for development in the UPN days after 13 years of military rule, the internal colonialists, through the military, struck in 1983 to truncate the advancement of the progressive Southwest governments. Moshood Abiola emerged on the political scene. Nige-

rians voted for him out of their free will, but his victory at the polls was viciously scuttled. Those who have continued to arrogate to themselves the decision of who would rule and reign over the rest of us, crafted an arrangement that imposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the country. The eight subsequent years of a PDP led government in the Southwest imposed a reign of terror and violent dispossession of our value system, foisted on us strange people and strange policies and took away the development agenda of the progressive Yoruba people.

Former PDP National Chairman Senator Ahmadu Ali has described Yoruba as ungrateful people…

We are mindful of the recent thoughtless and insulting statement made by the former PDP Chairman, Ahmadu Alli, against Yoruba people and our collective sensibilities. Some of our people have adequately responded to his tirades and we are sure he will continue to suffer the opprobrium of the majority. We would, however, like to say that we would not further dignify this man, who in the course of his odious public engagements within the Nigerian space, has had no credible record of performance, but has constantly acted against the interests of Nigerians, including of course his own Igala people. He is so thoroughly bad, discredited and evil that the PDP, as bad as they are, could not risk him being the Chairman of their Board of Trustees, against his wishes and those of his master.

Specifically, the ARG wishes to make it clear that we are aware of the plans by the PDP-led Federal Government to take advantage of our historical sensibilities, by promoting certain individuals to form political associations and political parties in our Region, and providing funding to them through spurious and dubious contracts in order to use them as agents of destabilisation, in fulfilment of a sinister 2015 agenda. We are putting this

‘ARG is a group with explicit and untainted moral values and stance. We affirm therefore, that anybody who purports to be an ARG member, and sits in a meeting with Iyiola Omisore, and some of the other personalities mentioned at that meeting, is on his or her own and cannot and will not be a member or an associate of the ARG’

Nigeria can achieve greater integration, says US envoy

in the public space, so that our people would be informed about the threats that are being massed against them.

However, this is Yorubaland.

We are hereby placing our people on high alert, and asking them to be on guard against the enemy within and the enemy outside. This time around, we must not allow them to succeed, as this is in our interest and that of generations unborn. ARG would like to warn those who are involved in any invidious project or plot against the Yoruba people to desist, or they would inevitably face the wrath of the people.

What is your reaction to the growing insecurity in the country?

Our group is concerned about the current spate of bloodshed in the country, mainly as a result of the activities of the so-called Boko Haram and another group that calls itself Ansaru. We are deeply touched and we sympathise with the victims of these unfortunate occurences, and like most Nigerians, we call on the Federal Government to rise up to its responsibilities and put a final stop to this frequent bloodshed.

This is squarely within the scope of their responsibilities, and there should be no beating about the bush. I will like to warn that this type of tendency is alien to us in Yorubaland, and so it would not be permitted, it would be resisted by our people, and it would never be allowed to have a foothold.

However, while we appreciate the concerns of those who have canvassed amnesty as a response strategy to this menace, we would however like to say that the Boko Haram menace is a persistent indication and manifestation of a deeper malaise beleaguering the country. Amnesty will therefore, be another attempt not only to create an opportunity for anarchists, but to further postpone the evil days. Considering the structural deficiency of the country, it is not likely that we would see an end to the use of amnesty. Therefore, in line with our constant agitation for the imperative of restructuring this multi-ethnic, multi-religion and multi-faceted country, it is our view that there is no better time than now to convene a National Conference that would finally resolve the nationality question that constantly and continuously pushes this country to the precipice. We demand a convocation of this Conference without any further delay.

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

A

UNITED States envoy, Mr. Greg Lawless, has urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to national unity and integration as the country prepares for the centenary celebrations.

He noted the prediction by some foreign bodies that the country may break up next year. But the diplomat said that Nigeria can achieve greater integration and prevent disintegration, if the government and people show commitment to national unity and cohesion.

Lawless, who is the Political Counselor, US Embassy, spoke in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission. He also answerd questions from Lagos reporters during the tele-conference.

The diplomat reiterated US commitment to security, transparency and good governance, peace in the Niger Delta, electoral reforms, and sanctity of the ballot box at the local government elections.

Noting that Nigeria is passing through some challenges, he said the people can use the centenary celebrations to rededicate themselves to peaceful co-existence and unity.

Reviewing the activities of the commission, he recalled that its five working groups have been meeting regularly to focus and depeen engagement on the core issues, including governance, energy, security, agriculture and the Niger Delta.

The five groups are ‘Good Governance, Transparency, and Integrity’, ‘Regional Security Cooperation’, ‘Energy and Investment’, ‘Food Security and Agriculture’ and the ‘Niger Delta’.

Sheding light on the ‘Good Governance, Transparency and Integrity Group, Lawless said that it has been brainstorming on how to curb corruption and improve sub-national governance among the three tiers of government.

The diplomat promised US commitment to free and fair elections at the grassrrots. He recalled that the embassy has supported local electoral agencies during the recent grassroots elections in Abuja, adding that it would do the same in respect of the Kogi council elections.

Lawless added: “The states are responsible for the local fgovernment elections. We will support the electoral bodies to ensure better elections in terms of giving technical support, but the agencies concerned will determine the technical support”.

•Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu (left) receiving a document from President, Area Transformation and Empowerment Initiative Group, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma, when he visited the governor at the Government House, Minna ... yesterday.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

46

HEALTH

Girl, 5 year-old needs N2m for heart surgery L

ITTLE Oluyisola Deborah Moyinoluwa cannot play like her mates. She can’t walk for long also because she was born with a hole-in-her-heart.

Cardiologists described her condition as congenital heart disease (tetralogy of fallot).

At five years old, it appears her life has come to a standstill because she can’t play around or do things children of her age do.

She’s always tired and breathes heavily. This makes her to always stay alone.

Her mother, Ms Adedoyin Sangobowale said she found out her daughter had the condition when she was about four years old but couldn’t do anything as she doesn’t have the money to pay for the cost of treatment.

She said: “I got to find out something was wrong when I noticed she

By Wale Adepoju

was not growing although the doctors said it was from birth. This was when she was about four years old.

And I took her to the General Hospital Orile Agege, an outskirt of Lagos, where I was actually told what was wrong with her. She was referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), lkeja, where she has been receiving treatment.

The cardiologist, Dr Barakat Animashaun told me she should to go India for surgery. But when we sought how much it would cost, we were told it’s N2 million.

As a single mother, this is too much for me to bear. I could hardly take care of myself let alone a sick child. How do I do it? This was why I have been running from pillar to post, seeking for help.

•Ms Adedoyin and daughter, little Moyinoluwa

“My daughter has not been doing badly but due to her sickness she gets tired easily and most of the time can’t walk for too long. This means I have carry her or back her if I have to go out with her but presently I am not working and fending for the two of

us has been so difficult,” she added.

The girl’s father, Adeoye Oluyisola, an electrician, who resides at Mushin area of Lagos, has never been there for her since her birth, making the mother the only person providing for the child.

Ms Sangowale is appealing to wellmeaning people, organisation and government to come to the aid of her daughter. A First Bank Plc account with the name: Oluyisola Deborah Moyinoluwa: 3068890329, had been opened.

‘Blood donation, cervical cancer need more awareness’

N

•Some patients being screened by a team of doctors at health camp organised Primus International Super Specialty Hospital, Abuja.

Hospital reduces treatment cost by 30 per cent Primus International Super Specialty Hospital, Abuja, has reduced the cost of its medical charges by 30 per cent to increase people’s access to treatment.

The hospital is also offering free consultancy between April 15th and 27th.

Its management said the decision was borne out of its desire to make treatment available to all at affordable costs, especially those who cannot go abroad.

The hospital said its part of corporate social responsibility (CRS) and to showcase its state of- the art equipment.

Capital flight through health tourism from Nigeria was estimated between $300 to $400 million yearly.

Its Public Relations Officer, Mr Umaru Jibia, said: “It would provide free consultation to patients in the area of joint replacement, spine problem, internal medicine and diabeties.

“Others are urology and Kidney transplant, dialysis, neurology, plastic and cosmetic surgery, gynaecology, among others.“ He said: “We have discounted our magnetic resonance imaging

By Wale Adepoju

(MRI), CT scan charges by 50 per cent and radiology, laboratory investigations and drugs at special discount to pass on strong message to masses.

“The management has also allocated N2 million as reserved fund which will be utilized for treatment for the poor and needy during this health Camp, Jibia

added.

The hospital conducted free camps at Wuse, Garki, Deidei and Gudu Market for the traders and public with the support of Health and Human Service Secretariat, FCT Abuja. It also distributed free drugs to flood victims with social service organisation. Last year over 7000 patients have benefited from free consultation and other services.

IGERIANS have been enjoined to engage in voluntary blood donation and screen for cancer, especially women in particular regularly.

That was the thrust of the 21st convocation of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu campus. It was themed: Health is wealth.

The students said many young adults do not donate blood and screen for cancer because the opportunity to do so was not there.

A member of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), Mr Solomon Eka, said there is no cause for fear in voluntary blood donation because the donors would be given a free medical check up and their blood is the safest of all other types of blood donation.

“Shortage of blood can lead to death, so also excess of blood can lead to death. It is safer to donate the blood to those who are in need. Blood donation strengthens the bone marrow and cleanse the body. Every healthy person within the age of 18 to 65 years can donate blood in space of three months,” he said.

On cervical cancer, Principal Medical Officer, Lagos State Polytechnic Medical Centre, Mrs Oladunni Aluko, said cervical cancer is on the rise, killing many people, both the rich and poor, young and old.

“Virginal infection, unusual or unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge, painful sexual intercourse, painful or difficult uri-

By Olatunde Odebiyi

nation and bleeding between periods are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer. Loss of appetite, cervix pain and back pain are other higher symptoms of cervical cancer,” she said.

She added that early exposure to sexual life, multiple sexual partners and smoking are some of the risk factors of cervical cancer.

Mrs Aluko advised ladies to be sensitive to every abnormality in their cervix saying that this could be a sign of cervical cancer. “Go to a doctor whenever such is noticed,” she stated.

An ND 2 Computer science student, Ibukun Adeleke, said the essence of blood donation is to save lives: ‘Giving blood is an easy action that can really help someone in need. I encourage everyone, whether you have given in the past or not to give blood. As students, we could help to tackle the huge shortage of blood with the potential to save lives.’

Another donor Ateroko Misturat, said voluntary blood donation is a safe exercise and noted that blood donations are needed every year to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders.

Mr Tunde Philips a worker in the institution said there is need for people to know more about blood donation and cervical cancer. “Government should provide more centres for both to be done easily,” he stated.

People living with AIDS seek national attention

F

OR how long would Nigeria continue to depend on foreign countries and international donors to fund HIV and AIDS treatment?

This is the question on the lips on People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA).

The trend of waiting for a donor before something meaningful can be done, they said, was dangerous as donors can withdraw their funds and Nigeria will be worse for it.

They enjoined the Federal Government to have a national response to address the problem of HIV and AIDS in the country.

Reacting to the development,

By Wale Adepoju

Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, said the country is not lacking in national response to the disease.

He said the country has never depended on donors to tackle the issue of HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment as it has programmes funded by the country to prevent the disease.

“Nigeria is not a donor dependent country. Less than 10 per cent of health care funding is from donor agencies,” he added.

He said the country by virtue of its

membership of the United Nations should be getting donations from the body’s agencies, stressing that it has never failed in its obligation as a member country to pay its dues, which is a prerequisite to getting donations.

Chukwu said HIV and AIDS is an emotional problem but not the biggest killer of people, stressing that there are other problems that needed more attention.

They wanted the country to take ownership of HIV and AIDS funding so that when donor groups and foreign countries pull out from supporting the country, it would be able to manage its problem without

having to go cap in hand begging for support.

Executive Director, Positive Action for Treatment Access (PATA), Mrs Rolake Odetoyinbo, said Nigeria needs to have more local ownership by investing in the management and treatment of the disease.

She stressed that most of the treatment is funded by the international partners, which is risky.

Mrs Odetoyinbo said: “There is a need for the Federal Government to make commitment to the course financially. If the donors withdraw their funding we will be in trouble.

TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

47

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Before the end of this year, it is expected that the Federal Government would have completed the privatisation and handover of the 11 electricity distribution and six generation companies carved out of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN, to the entrepreneurs who bought them. EMEKA UGWUANYI Assistant Editor (Energy) examines the hurdles before these investors.

Hurdles before investors in PHCN successor firms Background

T

HE fundamental objective of the power sector reform and privatisation of firms un-

bundled from the governmentowned and run Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is to provide stable electricity to Nigerians. However, current indices and extant environment don’t show signs of attaining this aspiration in the near future.

The Federal Government proposed handing over these power generation and distribution assets to the investors before end of June but the date doesn’t seem feasible considering some hurdles, which needed to be crossed. These snags range from sourcing of funds by the investors and payment for these assets to settling labour issues and finding skilled manpower that would manage, maintain and sustain these assets post-handover.

Besides, there would also be the need to change the attitude of some electricity consumers to bill settlement.

Creating the right environment and attitudinal change in consumers are imperative for sustenance of business. For instance, between August last year, when Prof. Barth Nnaji resigned as the Minister of Power to February, this year, when his successor Prof. Chinedu Nebo was appointed, power generation dropped from an average of 4220 megawatts (MW) to about 3100MW. Industry experts said it is only in Nigeria that such substantial percentage of decrease can occur without major natural disaster such as earthquakes and storms. But the government simply explained that the drop was caused by inadequate supply of gas to power plants.

Dearth of funds Despite the adequate time the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) gave the investors to get all the information they required concerning the assets they submitted bids for as well as the ample time given the investors to seek for funds to pay 25 per cent of offers they made, it was almost impossible for some of the pre-

ferred bidders to pay. Three of the investors paid on the last day, which was the deadline to make such payments.

Out of the 17 generation and distribution companies, 15 assets have currently been sold to 14 investors and out of the 14 investors, only 11 were able to pay the 25 per cent value of the offers they made before the closing date. The remaining three investors paid a few hours to the deadline.

The BPE said that all the preferred bidders for the 15 PHCN successor companies have met the deadline for the payment of the mandatory 25 per cent of the offer value of their bids, adding that as at March 21, 2013 deadline, it had received $559,445,573.96 from 14 bidders for the 15 successor companies.

The BPE also noted that 4Power Consortium, the preferred bidder for Port-Harcourt Distribution Company; Interstate Electrics Limited, the preferred bidder for Enugu Distribution Company; and NorthSouth Power Company, the preferred bidder for Shiroro Power Plc are the three consortia that didn’t pay till the last day.

If it was that challenging to obtain fund for 25 per cent offer value of their bids, it may be extremely challenging or impossible to get funds to pay for the remaining 75 percent of the offer value of their bids, which is a condition for handover of the assets to them (investors).

Although it is very unlikely that the government will stick to the June handover date, most of the investors according to industry sources may find it pretty difficult to raise the remaining 75 per cent even by end of the year. The sources are of the view that the local banks may not have the muscle to provide such funds and seeking offshore loans are often difficult except for well known organisations or those that have structures, that may get the confidence of the banks, they added.

•Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo

electricity workers’ unions and until consensus is reached on this issue between the government and the labour, investors may not have access to the assets they bought even when they have fully paid.

At present, the PHCN workers’ severance entitlements and the offer made by the Federal Government have been harmonised but the officials of the electricity workers’ unions are making the discussion difficult as the union leaders’ demand of N700 billion severance packages is described by the government and any right-thinkingperson as outrageous and unfeasible.

A source at the power ministry, however, said the PHCN staff members are working with the government to ensure that the severance package arrangement is cordially executed to ensure that the investors don’t encounter hitches when they take over the assets. The source said the hitch the

Labour issues Labour issues constitute another obstacle the investors may contend with. The Federal Government has not concluded talks with the

NNPC commiserates with Yakubu

T

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has expressed deep condolence with its Group Managing Director, Andrew Yakubu, on the untimely death of his younger brother, Yohanna Yakubu, in the early hours of Sunday.

In a statement signed by Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Tumini Green, it stated that the 47- year-old engineer, who joined the corporation in July 1987, was until his death was the Chief Operator at the Power Plant and Utilities Department of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, was

killed by men suspected to be armed robbers about 7am on Sunday in Idon Village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, about 110km from Kaduna town while travelling to his village, Ungwar Wakili in Zango/ Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) .

“While we await the outcome of the police investigation on this sad event, our prayers and commiserations remain with the entire Yakubu family and we implore the Almighty to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the corporation said.

The remains of the late Yohanna would be laid to rest on Friday in his hometown.

•Power generation plant

government has in the discussion on severance package is hinged on the demand of professional unionists who don’t want a change in the power industry and not on the genuine PHCN workers.

The total proceeds that will accrue from sale of the 15 PHCN assets already marketed by BPE are $2.237 billion and only $559,445,573.96 has been received.

It is on the proceeds from the sold assets that government plans to pay the PHCN workers their entitlements and until the workers’ benefits are paid in full, the government will not hand over the assets to the investors.

The source said that immediately the government concludes discussion of benefits with PHCN workers’ unions, it will start payment of the severance benefits with the N50 billion it currently has but would conclude payment of N384 billion it offered with receipts from the investors.

The General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has directed the electricity workers not to allow the investors’ access to the PHCN assets until full payments are made and all labours issues are addressed.

Manpower challenge The major challenge the investors may face post-handover of the assets include dearth of skilled manpower to manage the assets.

Although during the bid period, the investors showcased attractive technical competence based on what their foreign partners did in their home countries, it may not be easy to effectively run these assets as they investors thought. Except some companies such as the Vigeo Consortium, which has local experience.

Considering the challenge in the area of age of some of these facilities, which ought to have been out service years back, the investors need to court the current technical team that manage the assets to continue until the equipment attain reasonable integrity.

Otherwise, a hasty sack of the current PHCN technical team may result in collapse of the power industry.

Conclusion The investors should be prepared for these challenges. The 15 assets currently sold and the preferred bidders include Vigeo Consortium, Benin Distribution Company ($32.25million); Transcorp/Woodrock Consortium, Ughelli Power Plc ($75 million); CMEC/EUAFRIC Energy JV, Sapele Power Plc ($50,249,965); Kann Consortium, Abuja Distribution Company ($41 million); Aura Energy, Jos Distribution Company ($20,464,968.15); Mainstream Energy Limited, Kainji Power Plc ($59,467,500); and Sahelian Power SPV, Kano Distribution Company ($34.25million).

Other are Amperion Power Company Limited, Geregu Power Plc ($33 million); Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Company, Ibadan and Yola Distribution Companies ($42.25 million and $14.75 million ) respectively; NEDC/KEPCO, Ikeja Distribution Company ($32.75 million); and West Power & Gas, Eko Distribution Company ($33.75 million); 4Power Consortium, PortHarcourt Distribution Company ($31million); Interstate Electrics Limited for Enugu Distribution Company ($31.5 million); and Northsouth Power Company, Shiroro Power Plc ($27,913,633.50).

48

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

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57.

58.

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61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

Emmanuel Olayiwola Banjo (otherwise known as Mr Banjo Emmanuel Olayiwola) late of 22, Odunlami Street, Anthony Village, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of January, 2006 at Lagos.

Mr Oluwole Adeleke Bewaji late of 11, Onwujobi Street, Ago Palace, Okota, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

Faustina Aniafio Kupkong Ofusua Yirenkyi (Otherwise known as Yirenkyi Faustina) late of 18, Akunne Street, Oluti Amuwo Odofin Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of May 2012 Sarumi Adunni Alhaja (Otherwise known as Sarumi Adunni) late of 2A, Omidiji Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Etegene Clement (Otherwise known as Mr Odili Clement Alexander Etegene) late of Wale Yisa Street, Igando, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of November, 2011 at Apollo Hospitals International Ltd. Stephen Sunday Chukwueze (Otherwise known as Mr Chukwueze Sunday) late of 16, Awoyemi Street, Coker, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs Adeoye Felicia Abies late of 511 Road, B Close, House 9, Festac Town, Lagos , deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of July, 2012 at Naval Hospital, Ojo. Mr Stanley Tunde Braimoh (Otherwise known as Braimoh Stanley) late of No. 1, Ariyo Close, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of August, 2009 at Eko Hospital, Ikeja.

Djemah Andrew Oghenewaheme (Otherwise known as Mr Andrew Djemah and Andrew Oghenewaheme Djemah) late of 20, Oyebanjo Street, Omitoro Ikorodu, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of August, 2011 at PHCN Plc Staff Clinic.

Mr Eninevwro Alfred Boyete (Otherwise known as Eninevwro Alfred B. ) late of 28 Road, X Close, Block 6, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of May, 2012 at Golden Cross Hospital, Festac.

Mr Omolade Rapheal (Otherwise known as Omolade Raphael) late of No. 16, Kunle Martins Street, Ajuwon Akute, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2012 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

Oguntoyinbo Philip Idowu late of No. 2, Abari Close, Offin-ile Ikorodu, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of October, 2012 at Odogunyan Ikorodu.

Mr Ganiyu Ishola Omotunde (Otherwise known as Ishola Omotunde ) late of No. 34, Igunnu Street, Lagos Island, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of October, 2012 at Luth.

Alhaji Rasheed Adigun Ajomagberin (Otherwise known as Ajomagberin Olayinka Adigun, Ajomagberin Rasheeed Ola, Ajomagberin R.A. and Alhaji Rasheed Ajomagberin ) late of 5th Avenue, 512 Road, "A" Close, Block 4, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2007 at Lagos.

Mrs Rosemary Agholor, late of No. 40, Oluwalogbon Street, Ketu, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of April, 2011 at St. Thomas Hospital Lambeth, London.

Mr Anya Olaka Kalu (Otherwise known as Kalu Anya) late of 20, Olatunji Oyedeji Street, Otto, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of July, 2012 at General Hospital Badagry.

(Awo) Oyebamiji Akande Ayoade (RTD) (Otherwise known as A.W.O.Ayoade Akande Oyebamiji (RTD) late of 2, Araba Street, Off Pipeline Idimu Road, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Justice Akanu Ukpabi (Otherwise known as Justice Akanu) late of No. 6, Ikeoluwa Street, Obawole Ishaga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

Fadeyi James Adetunji late of Close 7, House 10, Satellite Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of May, 2010 at Lagoon Hospital, Apapa.

Mrs Funmilola Adesanya (Otherwise known as Mrs Funmilola Rufus and Mrs Funmiola Rufus) late of No. 19, Akanni Street, Iwaya Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of June, 2008 at Ijebu Ode. Olajumoke Kudirat Anike late of 24, Coker Street, Mushin, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of May, 2012 at Coker.

Maduka Wilfred U. (Mr) (Otherwise known as Maduka Wilfred Uchenna (Mr) and Mr Wilfred U. Maduka ) late of 5B, Nnaemeka Close, Bajulaiye Compound, Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of August, 2012 at Akoka, Lagos.

Osuagwu Anthony (Otherwise known as Anthony Osuagwu) late of 14, Kajola Street, Lad-Lak Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

Mrs Alaba Esther (Otherwise known as Alaba Esther Funke) late of 20, Sosanya Avenue , Ijegun Road, Ikotun, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of September, 2011 at Luth , Lagos.

Mgbanwa Onyinye Esther (Miss) late of 2nd Avenue, 24 Road, Block 9, Flat 11, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Miss Sherifat Olatokunbo Ashake Balogun (Otherwise known as Balogun Sherifat Ashake) late of 1A Etsoye Close, Shonibare Estate, Maryland, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of October, 2000.

Sanni Are Ariyo late of 88, Ireso Road, Ikorodu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 1991 at Lagos.

Alex Kehinde Taylor (Otherwise known as Taylor Alex Kehinde) late of 6, Abiona Close, Off Falolu Close, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of February, 1993 at Sapele.

Mr Ohuruogu Felix Ugwanya (Otherwise known as Evan Felix Ohuruogu) late of No. 2B, Morayo Street, Eyita, Benson Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Ibiok Tom Johnson (Otherwise known as Mr Tom Ibiok Johnson and Mr Tom Johnson) late of 47, Anibaba Street, Ishashi , Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

31. Raji Abdul Salami (Otherwise known as Mr Raji Abdulsalam ) late of 10, Bello Owosho Street, Sogunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Asimiu Olurotimi Animashaun (Otherwise known as Animashaun Asimiu) late of No. 3, Femi Obadipe Street, Sango, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of November, 2008 at Lagos.

Mr Oladipupo Ayinde (Otherwise known as Mr Oladipupo A. Ayinde) late of 623, Agege Motor Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of March, 2012 at Lasuth , Ikeja Lagos.

Elder Kola Adeyemo late of 7, Lawani Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Adedayo Olaolu Adeyemi (Otherwise known as Adeyemi Adedayo Olaolu) late of 11, Olusoji Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of April, 2012 at Ogun State.

Esther Samuel Adedayo (Otherwise known as Adedayo Samuel Esther) late of 26, Awoyokun Street, Onipan Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of July, 2001 at Ilorin.

Mr Etuk Usoro Sylvanus (Otherwise known as Etuk Usoro) late of Block LXVII, Plot 19, Medium Density Isheri Olofin, Alimosho, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2012 at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

Mrs Oluwatoyin Dada late of 6, Akanfe Street, Agbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of November, 2011 at Motayo Hospital.

Mr Babalola Bamisaiye late of 7, Afisuru Street, Shobiye Street, Ojodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Rufus Abiodun Akinjinmi late of 19, Obafemi Awolowo Way Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of March, 2003 at Osun State.

Mr John Ahamefula Osuji (Otherwise known as Mr John A. Osugi and Sam-John Nig. Enterprises) late of Street AB, House 32, Federal Low Cost Housing Shagari Estate, Ipaja, Lgos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Mafo Babatunde Friday (Otherwise known as Mafo Babatunde) late of Muyanrin Estate, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of April, 2011 at R.Joland Hospital.

Albert Oladipupo (Otherwise known as Mr Albert Oladipupo ) late of 154 Akerele Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of January, 1988 at Lagos.

Adamolugbe Emmanuel Ogundare late of No. 9, Olofin Street, Ikotun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Madam Caroline Oladunni Taiwo late of No. 12 Olafimihan Street, Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of December, 1995 at Lagos.

Mr Hussain Ahmed Abubakar (Otherwise known as H.A. Abubakar and Sons ) late of 51, Suenu Road, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Dr Gboyega Olapade Omojokun (Otherwise known as Olapade Omojokun) late of 42, Johnson Street, Onike Yaba Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

Christopher Olatunde Rennaiye (Otherwise known as Rennaiye Christopher Olatunde) late of 16, Monday Akpan Street, Park View Estate, Ago Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of January, 2010 at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

Michael Ogunsola Banuso (Otherwise known as Banuso Michael Ogunsola) late of 9, Alaafia Street, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of December, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Etuk Pius Jackson late of 25, Gbobi Onibiyo Street, Ahmadiya Ijaiye Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of July, 2011 at Lagos State.

Mr Ogbedi Samuel (Otherwise known as Mr Ogbedi Samuel Gabriel and Mr Ogbedi Gabriel) late of 4th Avenue, 401 Road, C Close, Block 1, Flat 12 Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of November, 2010 at Luth Lagos.

Mr Osumune Xydney Ezebudo (Otherwise known as Mr Osumune Sydney) late of 5th Avenue, Block 6, Flat 4, Festac Town , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of November, 2008 at Lagos.

Chief Ganiyu Olajide Adefolu (Otherwise known as Mr Ganiyu Olajide Adefolu and Mr Adefolu Ganiyu Olajide) late of 16, College Road, Ifako, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of June, 2007 at Ifako.

Mr Rabiu Ayinde Adeleke (Otherwise known as Rabiu Adeleke) late of Plot 2, Felicia Koleosho Street, Opebi , Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

Mbanisi Sydney late of 9, Obayan Street, Akoka, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of February, 2009 at Maranata Hospital Lagos.

Innocent Ojie late of Block 22, Flat 6, Somolu Avenue, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Olufunmilayo Olukemi Ayanfalu (Otherwise known as Ayanfalu Olufunmilayo ) late of Plot 5/6 Timothy Oliyide Street, Labak Estate, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Shodiya Ganiyu Aremu late of 36, Odunlade Street, Somolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

Adigun Samuel Idowu Pa (Otherwise known as Idowu Samuel Adigun) late of 5, Savage Street, Ebute Metta (West) Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of April 1985 at Lagos.

Alhaji Abudu Salami Kolawole late of 20, Obun Eko Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of July, 1999 at Lagos.

Mrs Victoria Adebisi Onasanya (Otherwise known as Mrs Onasanya Victoria ) late of 2, Kusimo Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of July, 2006 Mr Lisa Adegbaye (Otherwise known as Lisa Adegboye) late of No. 11 Owolabi Street, Isuti Egan Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 2011 at Egan, Lagos.

Nlem Clement (Otherwise known as Nlemchukwu Clement Okwudiri) late of 2, Martins Close, Beckley Estate, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

Adamu Audu late of 10, Mojishola Street, Ifako Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

Oseni Williams Teslim late of 4, Bajulaiye Street, Fadeyi, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

Jacob Olufemi Owolabi late of 33, Bajulaiye Road, Somolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of July, 1997 at Lagos.

Miss Motunrayo Rihanat Ogbara (Otherwise known as Ogbara Motunrayo Rihanat) late of 27, Community Road, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Henry Adelowo Babajide (Otherwise known as Babajide Adelowo Henry late of 37, Mafoluku Road, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate intestate on the 26th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Samson Alao Adenigba (Otherwise known as Alao Samson) late of 8, Adejumobi Street, Orile Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Rabiat Modupe Obanla late of 7 DD Street, Federal Housing Estate, (Shagari) Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of October, 2010 at Lagos State Agboola Tairu Bello late of 23, Prince Street, Lagos Island, Lagos,deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Ahaji Bisiriyu Akande Yussuff (Otherwis known as Alhaji Bisiriyu Yusuf) late of 37, Majekodunmi Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of May, 1987 at Lagos.

Oriola Kayode Ademuyiwa (Otherwise known as Oriola Kayode) late of 4, Alenje Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of January, 2008 at Lagos.

Elder Agbolahan Folorunsho Oshikoya (Otherwise known as Oshikoya Agbolahan Folorunsho) late of 23, Toko-Taya Amure Street, Lowa Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

Ms Saidat Bolajoko Banire (Otherwise known as Bola Banire and Banire Bola) late of 28, Babatunde Ladega Street, Omole, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Mrs Olabisi Sobande of 5, Anjorin Street, Iju Ishaga, Lagos and Mr Babatunde Okunuga of 19/21 Adeola Adeoye Street, By Olowu Street, Ikeja, Lagos one of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace Foluke Bewaji, Miss Oluwatoyin Bewaji and Mr Oluwole Bewaji (Jnr) all of No. 11, Onwujobi Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Daniel David Ufanobong of 79, Aba Road, Orowuruko, Portharcourt, Rivers State, the only child of the said deceased Alhaji Idris O. Fagbayi, Alhaji Kazeem O. Anjuwon and Jamiu Adebola Dina all of 2A, Omidiji Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos,three of the children of the said deceased.

Father Michael Ikechukwu Etegene and Mr Emeka Omenogor both of Catholic Church of the Ascension MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, brother and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Chinedu Christopher Chukwueze and Mr Friday Vincent Chukwu both of 16, Awoyemi Street, Coker, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mr SegunAdeoye and Mr Micael Adeoye both of 511 Road, B Close, House 9, Festac Town, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Bridget Ajogho Braimoh and Mrs Keme Braimoh both of No. 1 Ariyo Close, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, two widows of the said deceased.

Profesional Executors Trustees and Invest. Ltd (Trust Coy) of 30, Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere, Lagos, the trust company appointed by the beneficiaries.

Mrs Helen Eninevwro, Mrs Pat Vincent and Mr Dennis Eninevwro all of 28 Road, X Close, Block 6, Flat 2, Festac Town , Lagos widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Adebayo Omolade and Mrs Folake Obafemi (Nee Omolade) both of No. 16, Kunle Martins Street, Ajuwon, Akute, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Omotayo Emily Oguntoyinbo, Engr. Richard Oguntoyinbo and Mr Omoniyi Oguntoyinbo all of No. 2, Abari Close, Offin Ile Ikorodu Lagos widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Bukola Johnson and Mr Lukman Omotunde both of No. 34, Igunnu Street, Lagos, Island, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Hakeem Ajomagberin, Mrs Silifat Ajomagberin Adedoja and Mrs Nurat Ajomagberin Sansaliyu all of 5th Avenue 512 Road "A" Close Block 4, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Darlington I. Agholor, Priscilla I. Agholor, Midrael E. Agholor and Mr Agholor Kester all of No. 1, Onyeosi Street, Ketu, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

Mrs Oma Kalu and Mr Nnanna David Olaka Kalu both of 20, Olatunji Oyedeji Street, Otto Awori Ijanikin Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Abiola Oyeronke Oyebamiji and Oluwatumininu Esther Oyebamiji both of 2, Araba Street, Off Pipeline, Idimu Road, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Joyce Akanu Ukpabi and Jonah Alli Ukpabi both of 6, Ikeoluwa Street, Obawole , Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Felicia Ajirenike Fadeyi and Kikelomo Temitope Fadeyi both of Close 7, House 10, Satellite Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Dayo Rufus and Olalekan Adesanya both of No. 1, Durosoto Street, Cele Naza Badagry Expressway Lagos State, two of the children of the said deceased.

Rabiu Abdullahi Oloruntola and Sodiq Adewale Oloruntola both of No. 24, Coker Street, Mushin, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Amaka Genevive Maduka and Mrs Okonkwo Vivien Chinenye both of 5B, Nnaemeka Close, Bajulaiye Compound, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace Osuagwu, Samuel Norum Osuagwu, Blessing Osuagwu and Loveth Osuagwu all of 14, Kajola Street, Lad-Lak Bariga, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Alaba Aminat Remilekun and Alaba Omotoyosi Damilola both of 20, Sosanya Avenue , Ikotun, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mr Matthew Ndubuisi Mgbanwa and Miss Ifeoma Constance Mgbanwa both of 22nd Avenue, 24 Road Block 9, Flat 11, Festac Lagos, father and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Adekunle Baruwa and Ibiolajosi Sogunro both of 3, Etsoye Close, Shonibare Estate , Maryland Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Alhaji Waidi Ariyo and Semiu Ariyo both of 88, Irese Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Olusegun C. Taylor and Alex Olawale Taylor both of 26, Adeshina Street, Ikeja, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ohuruogu Nathaniel Omenichitachukwu and Ohuruogu Emmanuel Onyemauchichukwu both of 2B, Morayo Street, Eyita Benson Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Christiana Johnson and Harry Tom Johnson both of 47, Anibaba Street, Isashi Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Akeem Salami and Abibat Raji Abdulsalami both of No. 10, Bello Owosho Street, Shogunle, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Ganiat Olaitan Animashaun and Miss Aminat Wuraola Animashaun both of 3, Femi Obadipe Street, Sango, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Oladimeji Kemi Morenikeji and Mr Oladipupo Olatunji Opeyemi both of No. 623, Agege Motor Road, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Aduke Adeyemo and Babatunde Adeyemo both of 7, Lawani Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Omorinsola Ladipo , Adedolapo Adeyemi, Omowunmi Adeyemi and Oluwafunke Adeleke all of 11, Olusoji Street, Bariga, Lagos, three of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Aremu Comfort Omobolajoko of No. 5, Durosinlorun Street, Osere, Ilorin, Oluwaseun Samuel of 26, Awoyokun Street, Onipanu Lagos, and Pastor Femi Adedayo of 10, Ajeri Close, Ogijo, Ogun two of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olaitan Florence Etuk and Mr Michael Usoro Etuk both of Block LXVII, Plot 19, Medium Density Isheri Olofin Alimosho, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Feyisayo Solomon Dada of 6, Akanfe Street, Agbado and Mr Oluwole Samson Olajide of 23B Jaiye Oyedotun Magodo, G.R.A . Lagos widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olufunbi Bamisaiye and Master Olukunle Bamisaiye both of 7, Afisuru Street, Off Shobiye Street, Ojodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adetokunbo Olufemi Akinjinmi and Olukunle Isaac Akinjinmi both of No. 41, Akarabata Street, Ile Ife, Osun State, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Charity Ayozieuwa Osuji , Mr Samuel Chigozirim Osuji, Mr Daniel Chibuzo Osuji and Miss Chidinma Joyce Osuji all of Street AB House 32, Federal Low Cost Housing Shagari Estate , Ipaja, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Oluwaseun Mafo, Mr Monday Mafo and Mr Bidemi Mafo all of Muyanrin Estate, Badagry, widow and two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Ismaila Raheem , Idayat Shogbola and Mrs Adia Adeyemi all of 154 Akerele Street, Surulere, Adopted son, sister and niece respectively of the said deceased.

Adamolugbe Janet and Adamolugbe Matthew O. both of 9, Olofin Street, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Morenikeji Olusola Sodade and Mrs Olukemi Olatokunbo Akintobi both of No. 12, Olafimihan Street, Ilasamaja Mushin, Lagos, two of the children of thesaid deceased.

Husain Abubakar Khadijah and Husain Ndaba both of 42, Coker Compound Coker Village Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Dr (Mrs) Tinuke O. Olagunju and Dr (Mrs) Foluke O. Sarimiye both of 46, Johnson Street, Onike Yaba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Foluke Omowunmi Rennaiye, Mr Abayomi Olusegun Rennaiye both of 16, Monday Akpan Street, Ago Okota, Lagos, and Mrs Adeola Olufunmilayo Odetayo of 17, Godwin Omonuwa Street, Isolo, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Dorcas Dupe Banuso and Mr Adebisi Oniwunde both of 9, Alaafia Street, Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Regina Effiong Etuk and Effiong Etimbuk Samuel Etuk both of 25, Gbola Onibiyo Street, Ahmadiya Ijaiye , Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Chijioke Anthony Onyeukwujiaku, Mr Magnus Ndidi Onyeukwujiaku and Mr Casmier Chidi Onyeukwujiaku all of 4th Avenue, 401 Road "C" Close Block I, Flat 12, Festac Town, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Patricia Osumune and Kenneth Osumune both of 41 Road "D" Close Block 4, Flat 13 Festac Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Felicia Adefolu, Mrs Awawu Adefolu and Mrs Safurat Adefolu all of 16, College Road, Ifako, Lagos, three widows of the said deceased.

Mrs Janet Temilade Adeleke, Mr Ayoade Adedamola Adeleke and Mr Kehinde Adeleke all of Plot 2, Felicia Koleosho Street, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Chinelo Eunice Mbanisi, Barrister (Miss) Ogechukwu Joan Mbanisi and Mr Arinzechukwu Mbanisi all of NO. 9, Obayan Street, Akoka, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Augustine Ojie of 9, Ogundele Avenue, Ogba, Lagos and Christopher Ojie of Block 5, Flat 13 Ogba Housing Estate Ogba, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mr Oladipo Afolabi Ayanfalu and Miss Olufunke Mojisola Ayanfalu both of Plot 5/6 Timothy Oliyide Street, Labak Estate, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, widower and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Abiola Silifatu shodiya of 36, Odunlade Street, Somolu, Lagos, Gbenga Suleiman Shodiya of 25, Balogun Street, Somolu, Lagos and Olayinka Fausat Shodiya of 656, Tawalliu Bello Crescent, Ibafo Ogun State three of the children of the said deceased.

Engr. Folounsho Adigun and Mrs Janet Olanrewaju Adigun both of 13, Pa Alao Ojo Street, Iju Road, Agege, One of the children of the said deceased.

Isiaka Kolawole and Sule Kolawole both of 20, Obun Eko Street, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Dr (Mrs) Yetunde Adesola Okanlawon and Mr Ibikunle O. Onasanya both of 2, Kusimo Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Madam Agnes Ajiriola Lisa, Mr Olatunji Lisa, Mr Babatunde Lisa and Miss Titilope Lisa all of 11, Owolabi Street, Isuti Egan Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ogochukwu Nlem and Ifeanyi Nlem both of 2, Martins Close, Beckley Estate Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adamu Fatimah and Adamu Shamsiya both of 10, Mojishola Street, Ifako, Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oseni Abike and Oseni Ademola both of 4, Bajulaiye Street, Fadeyi, Yaba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Abiodun Abosede Pillot and Temitope Oluwatoyin Olutimehin both of 33, Bajulaiye Road, Somolu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Miss Omodunni Ogbara and Miss Debola Oluwagboyi both of 5, Gbagba Crescent, , Off Mojisola Street, Ogba, Lagos, sister and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Folakemi Adepeju Babajide both of Block 192A, Flat 4, Amuwo Odofin LCHE Mile 2 and Mr Joseph Adeyinka Babajide of 37, Mafoluku Road, Oshodi, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Samson Abiodun of 9, Ibironke Adewusi Street, AIT Road, Alagbado, Lagos, and Mr Samson Dotun of 8, Adejumobi Street, Orile Oshodi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

DCN Esun Kehinde Obanle of 7DD Street, Federal Housing (Shagari) Ipaja and Mrs Abiodun Omolola Amayoh of 31/33 Berekly Estate, Abule Egba, Lagos, idower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Agboola Ibrahim Afolabi and Agboola Kazeem Olawale both of 23, Princess Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Alhaja (Engr.) Risquat Okuboyejo A . Yussuff, Alhaji Rasheed Ola Yussuff and Sururat Folami all of 37, Majekodunmi Street, Shogunle Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Yetunde Oriola and Quadri Oluwatosin A. both of 4, Alenje Street, Oshodi, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Oshikoya Olushola Gbolahan , Oshikoya Olufunke Abosede and Oshikoya Yetunde Abosede all of 23, Toko-Taya Amure Street, Lowa Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

Anthony Olusegun Ogunkile, Oluronke Motolani Ogunkile and Idris I. Olorunnibe all of Plot 379, George Crescent, Ogba, Lagos, two of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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NEWS Committees for Achebe’s funeral

Seven killed as storm hits Onitsha

S

EVEN people have died in a rainstorm in Onitsha, Anambra

State.

Goods worth over N3billion were destroyed at the Onitsha Electronics International Market and Enamelware Market.

The areas affected by the storm on Sunday were Woliwo, Nwangene, Silas Works, Housing Estate, Bida Road , Creek Road and adjoining streets and environs.

Also affected were power supply cables and pillars, telephone cables and telecommunications mast, one of which collapsed.

Yesterday, residents were seen packing out their soaked property and clearing their homes.

The bodies were seen floating. They included those of two men in a Toyota Camry at Okpoko junction, near Upper Iweka.

The men were said to be driving towards Asaba, Delta State.

Another victim was a tricycle operator and his passengers, who were said to have been swept away by the flood. Their identities could not be established.

The tricycle was seen but the bodies of the driver and passengers are yet to be recovered.

There were other bodies scattered in and around the vicinity, including one near Kate bus stop.

One of the victims, Obiora Oguonu, who is also the Chairman of Silas Works Road Residents Forum, said more than 500 houses and 3,000 homes were affected.

He said some homes were heavily flooded; some

O

N9b FDI inflow recorded in 2012, says Minister

T

•Some goods destroyed by flood From Nwanosike Onu, Awka and Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

houses lost their roofs and some cars parked outside were destroyed.

Oguonu blamed the flooding on the blockage of the Nwangene Canal by the contractor handling the rehabilitation.

He said because the flood water could not flow into the canal and run off to the nearby River Niger, the water retreated into nearby homes.

Oguonu called on the Anambra State Government to get the contractor to find outlets for the flood water.

“We are appealing to the government not to allow the

blessing (Nwangene dredging) to turn into a curse because of the insensitivity of the contractor,” Oguonu said.

The Executive Director of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nwabufo Ijezie, said no life was lost.

Ijezie also said the agency was still compiling a report on the flood.

5,000 ex-kidnappers seek amnesty

VER 5,000 repentant kidnappers and criminals in Abia State have petitioned the National Assembly, complaining of non-extension of amnesty to them.

The youths voluntarily surrendered their arms in 2010 when the state offered them amnesty through a proclamation by Governor Theodore Orji.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, Uzor Azubuike made this known in Umuahia, when he led members of his committee on a visit to Orji.

Azubuike said: “We are here because of the petitions received from over 5,000 Abia youths previously involved in criminal acts.

•Petition National Assembly From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

“They are complaining that they were not included in the Amnesty programme of the Federal Government .

“If they are not listened to, it has the capacity to engulf the nation in a crisis.

“There is danger of a backlash, if the youths abandoned their criminal acts and nothing is done to resettle them.

“It will be wicked of the Federal Government to ignore them.

“The petition is a fallout of your action when you offered the youth amnesty to make them drop crime.

“So we are here today to lis-

ten to those petitions from the youths.

“The Amnesty Office has confirmed that it has the petitions. We are here to see how these youths can be captured in the programme.”

Orji said: “There was a time Abia was the den of kidnappers. Aba became a ghost city.

Everybody ran away. That was the situation and we fought it. We fought them doggedly.”

The governor continued: “We tried amnesty here. They came here and I saw them.

“They told us their grievances, and we acceded to their complaints and proposed amnesty to them. They accepted and we built camps.

‘ Rivers Assembly approved helicopter purchase’

T

O

HE Rivers State Government has said the House of Assembly approved its purchase of a helicopter.

The Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, said besides getting the approval of the lawmakers, the Federal Government was also in the know as the helicopter was jointly bought by the two governments.

Mrs. Semenitari, who showed documents of the pur-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

GIDI community in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State has inaugurated funeral committees for the late literary giant, Prof Chinua Achebe.

The community said though no date has been fixed, the committee, which will meet today, will wait for the Federal Government to choose a date for the funeral. The author of Things Fall Apart died on March 22 at Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

Two community leaders, who spoke with The Nation yesterday, said the committees were announced by their president-general, Dr Eric Obiakor.

According to them, the funeral would likely be next month, adding that since President Goodluck Jonathan would attend, the Federal Government would have to fix a date.

They said: “We are working to ensure that we give our son a befitting burial and more over, he was a high chief in this community and a former president general.’’

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

chase agreement between the state and Bell Helicopter which was drawn on August 16, 2011, also used the document to support her claim that the amount paid for the helicopter, a Bell 412EP, was $28,414,640.

The helicopter, the commissioner said, is an armoured type, fitted with camera and other security gadgets.

Mrs. Semenitari said the main reason for buying the

helicopter is to secure life and property as promised by Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

She also said the government went for this type because it wanted to avoid a situation where bunkerers could shoot the helicopter down.

CHANGE OF NAME ARUNA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aruna Chioma Chioma now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Ozioko Chioma Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

“They brought their arms.

They were in camps and we were planning to settle them.

“But when they heard that the Federal Government had provided largesse to their colleagues, they abandoned the camps.

“We took their names to the Federal Government but no response.

“Though they left camp, they promised that they will not make any trouble because we treated them like human beings.

“They maintained it till their kingpin, Osisikankwu, was killed. Please, tell the Federal Government to start where we stopped.”

HE Federal Government last year recorded N9 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow, Foreign Affairs Minister Olugbenga Ashiru, said yesterday.

Ashiru spoke at a luncheon organised in his honour by the Association of Retired Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARAN) in Lagos He said the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Nigeria and the USA has injected fresh confidence into the country’s economy such that Nigeria has become a new destination for US’ businesses and entrepreneurs.

The minister also spoke on the pardon granted former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. He said the development did not affect the country’s relations with the United States, adding that the only grievance was that the US diplomat breached the diplomatic channel of communication by commenting on his Twitter handle, which has been resolved.

Ashiru said the government was against what he called the illegal overthrow of the Central Africa Republic government by a military group, adding that “steps are being taken to ensure a return to democracy.”

He said: “What is happening in Central Africa Republic is internal crisis because the group that took over is from the country. They were not invaded by outside forces.

“However, we do not support the overthrow of a popularly elected government.

Where that is done, we make sure that the people who have taken over reverse to the status of democracy.

“We want democracy to be enshrined in all countries and where democracy is threatened, Nigeria will take action to ensure that they go back and respect the people’s wish.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

“We are doing everything possible within the ambit of the African Union to ensure that this group follows due process and the rule of law.”

On the nexus between the country’s foreign and domestic policy, Ashiru said government has made Nigeria the centre piece of her foreign policy, adding that actions are only taken where the country’s interest is at stake.

“Several projects and investments are flowing into the country to create jobs for our youths. Procter and Gamble is building a factory to manufacture health materials in Agbara, Ogun State, while General Electric is investing $1 billion and has commenced the construction of a factory in Port Harcourt to manufacture Gas turbines to serve Nigerian and African markets.

“As regards relations with Mexico, an FDI investment inflow of $54 million has been signed, to develop agriculture plantations of pineapple and other crops for export to the European Union market.

These projects would also create jobs for our unemployed youths and wealth for the populace.

“Apart from the involvement of China in the development of infrastructure and construction, the country has granted a soft loan of $500 million for the construction of a light rail in and around Abuja.

A 50-bed capacity hospital, donated by China is currently under construction in Abuja.

“From the foregoing, it is clear that quite a handful has fallen into the basket in terms of FDI inflow into Nigeria.

Thus, according to United Nations World Investment report for 2012, the FDI inflows into Nigeria reached about $8.9 billion, far higher than in previous years’’.

In his opening remark, ARAN’s President Omotayo Ogunsulire, noted that the two evils bedeviling the country were corruption and insecurity, which have continue to threaten its image and corporate existence.

CHANGE OF NAME YUSUF I, formerly known and addressed as Yusuf Kuburat Olayinka now wish to be know and addressed as Yusuf Hadijat Evelyn. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ODO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odo Jane Okwudili now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Ozioko Jane Okwudili. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corpes and the general public should take note.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 15-04-13

Stock market opens on tight margin

N

IGERIAN stock market opened this week with widespread bullish swing but losses by a few highly capitalised stocks such as Nestle nearly overwhelmed the overall market position, underlining the overbearing influence of such few stocks on market direction.

While there were two advancers for every decliner and gains were relatively higher, substantial losses recorded by the four of Nestle Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria, Flour Mills of Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank moderated the overall market position to a marginal gain of 0.06 per cent.

The main index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI), inched up to close at 33,532.89 points from its opening index of 33,514.14 points. Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities increased slightly by N6 billion from N10.713 trillion to N10.719 trillion.

The marginal gain nudged the average year-to-date return at the equity market to 19.42 per cent.

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Investors started the week with immediate earnings considerations, taking positions in stocks with relatively high current and potential dividend yields.

Presco Plc, which had declared a dividend per share of N1, led the rally with a gain of N2.34 to close at N25.79. Dangote Cement, which is market’s most capitalised stock and whose financial report for the 2012 business year is expected within the next seven weeks, followed with a gain of N1.60 to close at N157.60. United Bank for Africa (UBA), which investors anticipate to make impressive results, placed third with addition of 66 kobo to close at N7.26.

Other top gainers included Nigerian Breweries and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, which added 60 kobo each to close at N162.60 and N15.50 respectively; Lafarge Wapco Cement Nigeria rose by 50 kobo to close at N83.50; Airline and Logistics Service added 38 kobo to close at N4.28 while Access Bank and Nigerian

Aviation Handling Company gained 32 kobo each to close at N9.16 and N6.45 respectively.

However, Nestle Nigeria, the highest-priced stock, topped the losers’ list with a drop of N27 to close at N945.

Guinness Nigeria, the secondhighest stock, lost N1 to close at N260. Flour Mills Nigeria placed third with a loss of 55 kobo to close at N77.45.

Guaranty Trust Bank lost 39 kobo to close at N24.10. IHS Nigeria dropped 20 kobo to close at N1.92. Learn Africa and Livestock Feeds dropped by 17 kobo each to close at N1.54 and N2.65 respectively.

Evans Medical slipped by 16 kobo to close at N1.57 while Red Star Express dropped by 15 kobo to close at N3.80 per share.

Financial services stocks dominated transactions as investors staked a total of N5.35 billion on 384.60 million shares in 5,115 deals. Banking stocks accounted for 232.89 million shares valued at N2.55 billion in 2,090 deals.

Access Bank was the most active stock with a turnover of 70.43 million shares valued at N641.3 million in 251 deals. Zenith Bank followed on the activity chart with a turnover of 37.71 million shares worth N756.4 million in 93 deals.

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance recorded the third highest turnover of 32.64 million shares worth N16.32 million in 15 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 15-04-13

55

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

MONEY LINK NDIC advocates investor protection scheme

FBN Fund gets Agusto & Co rating

T

F

HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has called for the establishment of an investor protection scheme to guard the interest of small investors in the capital market. The scheme is also expected to boost public confidence among the investing public.

Managing Director, NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim, made the call when he hosted the executive council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in his office in Abuja.

He said the creation of an investor protection scheme is imperative to the development of a stable capital market, adding that the corporation has been advocating for a framework for what he described as the Investor and Small Insurance Policy Holder Protection Schemes in collaboration with the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) study group.

The NDIC chief also lamented the concentration of stock-broking firms in certain parts of the country, a development he said is not helping the promotion of the financial inclusion drive of the Federal Government.

He noted advised the institute to mobilise resources for securing licences to spread such opportunities to other parts of the country.

BN Money Market Fund, managed by FBN Capital As set Management, has been assigned “Aa(f)” rating by Nigeria’s foremost research, credit rating and risk management company, Agusto & Co in its first quarter rating result.

In the report published on its website, the rating firm said the evaluation comes less than a year after the Fund was launched. It said the Fund is deemed to have “minimal to low risk of investment loss due to net asset value volatility.” According to the report, the rating is supported by good credit quality of underlying assets. All investments must have a minimum ‘A’ rating and at least 25 per cent of net assets are invested in short term Federal Government securities.

“The Fund has conservative investment guidelines with respect to interest rate risk. All investments mature within 365 days, with a maximum weighted aver-

Stories by Collins Nweze He further suggested that in line with agent banking model by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the institute can engage the services of some agents in various parts of the country to reach out to small investors.

He also reiterated the need for partnership with the CIS in capacity building, particularly with the corporation’s bank examiners to acquire more skills in capital market operations which would assist them in conducting consolidated riskbased supervision.

President, CIS, Ariyo Olushekun, acknowledged Ibrahim’s concern on the concentration of stockbroking firms in certain parts of the country and his suggestion on partnering with relevant agencies for the promotion of investment in the capital market but regretted that among the estimated 170 million Nigerians only about five million are investors. This level of participation, he noted, represented only 2.9 per cent of the citizens investing in the capital market.

He embraced the partnership with the NDIC particularly in capacity building for its staff in risk, funds

•Ibrahim

and asset management and securities and investment analysis.

He said that the institute is currently organising investor education through seminars on the basics of investment analysis, nature of the capital market and guidance to prospective investors to enable them make wise investment decisions. He said that the CIS would also organise a special programme through which at least two stockbroking firms would be invited every month by the institute to talk about the activities of their stocks in the capital market.

World Bank predicts 6.1% growth for Africa

S

UB-SAHARAN Africa economic growth may expand by 6.1 per cent this year, as investment on the continent’s commodities grows. The World Bank said in a report released yesterday.

The projection indicates an increase from 4.7 per cent the year earlier, according to the Africa Pulse report that the Bank releases twice a year. Growth may slow to six per cent next year before bouncing back to 6.1 per cent in 2015.

Foreign direct investment that’s expected to reach a record of $54 billion by 2015 will fuel the growth, according the report, which was released yesterday.

Money will go mostly to extractive industries and agriculture as commodity

Union Bank seeks court order to recover debt

U

NION Bank Plc has asked an Abuja High Court to compel its customer, Maude Aminun-Kano to repay a loan he allegedly took in 2010.

It said Aminun-Kano, who deployed the loan to the purchase of a property in Ikoyi, Lagos, has allegedly neglected to repay the loan.

Union Bank stated this in a counter-claim its lawyer, Chimezie Ojiabo filed against a

Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

suit by Aminun-Kano.

The bank averred that AminuKano got a N260 million from it to buy a five bed-room detached house with guest chalet and four room boys quarters located at No 3c Bank Road, Ikoyi, Lagos under the presidential implementation committee on Federal Government Landed Property Scheme.

It further averred that as at

close of work on October 8 last year, Aminun-Kanu’s alleged total indebtedness, on account of the loan, stood at N459,443,799.29.

Union Bank denied that AminuKano was willing to pay the loan.

It also denied that any of its management staff was negotiating with him.

Union Bank denied claim that Aminun-Kanu was making plans to repay the loan.

FGN BONDS 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

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 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 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 15-04-13

SYMBOL CUTIX UNITYBNK UBA PRESCO AIICO AIRSERVICE JOHNHOLT RTBRISCOE MANSARD PRESTIGE

O/PRICE 1.70 0.70 6.60 23.45 0.82 3.90 1.86 1.87 2.58 0.60

C/PRICE 1.87 0.77 7.26 25.79 0.90 4.28 2.04 2.05 2.80 0.65

CHANGE 0.17 0.07 0.66 2.34 0.08 0.38 0.18 0.18 0.22 0.05

O/PRICE

LEARNAFRCA ABCTRANS IHS EVANSMED UTC LIVESTOCK OKOMUOIL REDSTAREX WEMABANK NESTLE

1.71 0.71 2.12 1.73 0.78 2.82 104.00 3.95 1.39 972.00

C/PRICE 1.54 0.64 1.92 1.57 0.71 2.65 100.00 3.80 1.35 945.00

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

350m

150m

150m

155.2

2-7-12

350m

138m

138m

155.8

27-6-12

350m

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -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

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N) Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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% 11.8%

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

LOSERS AS AT 15-04-13

SYMBOL

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

prices rise globally, the bank said.

“Strong exploration efforts in East Africa in recent years have led to the opening of several oil and gas wells,” the bank said in the report. “Mozambique is likely to attract increased foreign investment in its huge coal deposits and offshore gas discoveries and Zambia will continue to see increased investment in its copper sector.”

Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria and Sierra Leone are also expected to attract similar investment into their mineral industries, according to the report. The World Bank expects Africa’s current account deficit to widen to 2.8 per cent of gross domestic product next year from 2.4 per cent last year, as imports of capital goods to meet infrastructure needs increase.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

age maturity of 90 days. The portfolio manager is well qualified, with over 13 years of liquidity and investment management experience,” it said.

The Managing Director of FBN Capital Asset Management, Michael Oyebola, expressed satisfaction with the rating saying his firm has created a balanced suite of mutual fund products, which are accessible to varying levels of investors.

He explained that the Fund is an open-ended mutual fund with a minimum subscription of N5, 000 only. The fund invests in short term money market instrument including treasury bills, high quality commercial papers/notes, bankers’ acceptance and fixed deposits, and the primary objective is to provide investors with an opportunity to earn an above average current income stream over a short term period consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity.

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 138.34 152.72 0.80 1.14 1.10 100.00 1,000.00 1,786.88 15.58 1.39 1.87 10,855.53

9.08 1.00 137.92 152.03 0.78 1.14 1.09 100.00 1,000.00 1,781.87 14.82 1.33 1.80 10,528.92

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.17 0.07 0.20 0.16 0.07 0.17 4.00 0.15 0.04 27.00

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2012

07, Aug, 2012

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

56

NEWS

‘Purported dissolution of ACN Kwara Caretaker Committee null and void’

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HE National Working Committee (NWC) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said the purported dissolution of the Kwara State Caretaker Committee of the party and the appointment of Toyin Ayinla as Acting Chairman cannot stand.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hajia

Hauwa Shuaibu Galma, the party said only its National Executive Committee (NEC) can dissolve the duly-constituted caretaker committee in Kwara State.

ACN said: “The so-called Kwara Stakeholders’ Forum, which announced the dissolution of the Kwara State Caretaker Committee, is not one of the constitutionally-recognised organs of the party; it lacks the

powers to dissolve the structure of the party at any level.

“The only recognised organ of the party in Kwara State remains, for the time being, the Kayode Olawepo-led State Caretaker Committee. This is the body which relevant security and electoral bodies should deal with until there is further directive to the contrary from the party’s NEC.” ACN said the statement is-

sued on behalf of the Kwara Stakeholders, which dissolved the properly-constituted State Caretaker Committee, was irresponsible and an affront against the party’s NEC. The party warned its members in Kwara State, who have been issuing unauthorised statements, “to desist forthwith from such acts or risk facing disciplinary action”.

Alleged money laundering: EFCC, Nnamani disagree on doctor’s report

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday disagreed with a former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani on a medical report by his doctor that he needed medical treatment abroad.

Nnamani, also a former senator, is on trial before a Federal High Court, Lagos, for allegedly defrauding his state of about N4.5 billion when he was governor between 1999 and 2007.

He was charged with his former ex-aide, Sunday Anyaogu, and six companies Rainbownet Nigeria Limited,

By Joseph Jibueze

Hillgate Nigeria Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School.

Nnamani was re-arraigned before Justice Mohammed Yinusa on a 105-count charge of money laundering and economic crimes.

Through his lawyer, Chief Ricky Tarfa (SAN), the former governor filed an application urging the court to allow him to travel abroad for treatment.

In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Ayo Ambali, it was stated that sometime in

2008, Nnamani was diagnosed of having hypercholesterolemia.

He was also said to have a high-level Serum Prostrate Surface Antigem (SPA) for which he had gone to the United States (US) severally for medical treatment.

The deponent added that after a series of tests, Nnamani’s personal physician advised that he should return to the US for compulsory regular medical treatment.

Hypercholesterolemia is defined as condition characterised by very high levels of cholesterol – a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced in

T

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

gaged by the Namadi Sambo administration.

One of such projects being paid for, the statement said, is the consultancy work on the master plan of the Kaduna Millennium City.

This, the party noted, is yet to take off. ACN advised the government to break its silence on the whereabouts of the money left in the coffers by the Yakowa administration.

The party said it would amount to double standard for a government that promised to be prudent in managing the state’s resources to keep mute on the billions of naira left in the government’s coffers and the state/local government joint accounts by the late governor.

ACN said the Kaduna State Government had not compensated “the victims of last year’s floods, those who are still reeling in pains without any form of assistance from the state government, even when the Federal Government has made a contribution of over N400million to provide succour to the flood victims”.

The party said the local government administration in the state was comatose because the money for running the councils was being diverted in the name of joint projects.

ACN added: “Presently, most of the local governments are bankrupt.”

It asked questions on what has happened to local governments’ monthly allocations beyond the issue of ghost workers.

Kwankwaso in Dubai, woos Emirates Airlines to Kano From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

•Kwankwaso

K

ANO State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso yesterday visited Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Chairman of Emirates Airlines and Group in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The visit centred on how to open opportunities for both parties, especially the need for Emirates Airlines to start operations in Kano.

Kwankwaso told Al Maktoum that Kano was undergoing massive transformation,

adding that there was need for Emirates to begin operations from the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The governor said Kano, being a foremost commercial centre and a gateway to major cities in West Africa, also has the oldest airport in Nigeria.

The state’s potential should not be ignored, he said, noting that the airline should contemplate coming to Kano within the shortest possible time in view of the benefits at stake.

Describing Emirates Airlines as a world-class aviation company, the governor noted that because the company does not service MAKIA, many passengers from Kano go to Lagos to board its aircraft.

He said coming to Kano would reduce the stress for travellers to and from Dubai as well as other parts of the

Middle East and Asia.

Kwankwaso said his administration recently sponsored some youths to study piloting in at Mideast Aviation Academy, Jordan.

The governor said the airline could recruit some of them on completion of their training.

Al Maktoum said the airline, a subsidiary of the Emirate’s Group, is wholly-owned by the government of Dubai through its commercial investment arm, the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

According to him, the airlines services include an awardwinning international cargo division, a full-fledged destination management and leisure division as well as an airline IT developer.

The Emirates chief assured that the airline would consider the governor’s request to extend its operations to Kano because of the state’s population and strategic commercial importance in Nigeria.

From Olugbenga Adanikin and Jane Maha, Abuja

F

ORMER Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo; the apex bank’s spokseman, Mr. Ugoh Okoroafor and other members of the Nigerian delegation from the Finance Ministry and the CBN, were aboard a Londonbound British Airways (BA) flight which developed “a fault” yesterday.

The flight was to take off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, but was cancelled when the the fault was detected.

The delegation members were on their way to Washington DC, United State (US), for the spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

The aircraft was said to have developed a fault on its right engine as it was about to take off. The flight was scheduled for 8.30am before the incident occurred.

Passengers immediately disembarked from the aircraft which later towed away from the runway to the tarmac.

It was learnt that engineers were battling to fix the problem at the time of filing this report last night.

The NAIA Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, confirmed the incident. She described it as a technical fault.

Mrs Yakubu said: “The BA had a technical fault. So, the passengers had to disembark. The aircraft landed as usual, but when it was about to take off, it was discovered that it had a technical fault.

There was no accident or casualty.”

She, however, could not identify the cause of the fault.

Efforts to contact British Airways for comments were unsuccessful.

Council poll: Yobe approves N192.5m for ballot papers From Duku Joel, Damaturu •Nnamani

the body and obtained from foods that come from animals, particularly egg yolk, meat, poultry, fish and dairy products – in the blood.

But the EFCC opposed the application. It urged the court not to grant it.

Kaduna ACN accuses Yero of abandoning Yakowa’s projects HE Kaduna State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday alleged that the Mukhtar Yero administration has abandoned some of the projects it inherited from the late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa government.

It also alleged that local governments in the state were going bankrupt.

The party urged the government against leaving the residents in abject poverty, adding that it was disturbed that the state was heading towards bankruptcy.

In a statement by its Chairman, Mohammed Musa Soba, Kaduna ACN alleged that the Yero administration was busy settling debts running into billions of naira owed to contractors and consultants en-

Soludo, CBN chiefs on faulty BA plane

The party noted that even the payment of salaries has become an almost impossible task for most of the councils.

The Director-General to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, denied the claims that the government had abandoned the last administration’s projects.

He said all the projects awarded by the Yakowa administration were being executed across the state.

According to him, no contractor has any reason to abandon any project, having collected a mobilisation fee from the government.

T

HE Yobe State Executive Council (Exco) has approved N192,500,000 for the procurement of ballot papers to ensure a hitch-free local government election in the

state.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Alhaji Goni Fika, addressed reporters in Damaturu, the state capital, at the end of the Exco meeting.

The commissioner noted that the approval followed the request of the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (YBSIEC) for the amount to buy ballot papers and other electoral materials.

The Nation learnt that YBSIEC has fixed June for the local government election.

Fed Govt calls for accurate data for 2016 census From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

HEAD of the 2016 census, the Federal Government yesterday assured Nigerians of its commitment to accurate population data and management for sustained economic planning and national development.

The government also hoped that the expected reforms in the National Population Commission (NPC) would generate the needed results to midwife its Transformation Agenda.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in charge of Special Duties, Dr. Jamila Shuara, announced the news in Abuja at this year’s retreat on population management organised by the NPC for its workers.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

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Alikali Adoyi Francis (Otherwise known as Adoyi Alikali and Adoyi Alikali Francis ) late of 12, Shamura Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2012 at Lagos State.

Ogunnaike Solomon Ayodabo (Otherwise known as Pa Solomon Ayodabo Ogunnaike) late of 71, Olonode Street, Yaba, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of October, 1983 at Lagos.

Nlewedim Chinedu Christian (otherwise known as Mr Chinedu Christian Nlewedim) late of 50, Oluto Street, Ajegunle, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Isiaka Amodu (Otherwise known as Isiaka Amodu Owodunni and Amodu Isiaka) late of 2, Aduroshakin Street, Shomolu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

Waheed Akanni (Otherwise known as Akanni Waidi) late of 5, Olajide Street, Aboru, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of November, 2012 at Oluponna, Osun State.

Ajibade Taiwo Ojuade (Otherwise known as Ajibade Taiwo) late of 35, Ajose Crescent, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of April, 2009 at Surulere Town.

Mr Michael Olagoke Oloyede (Otherwise known as Oloyede Michael) late of 5, Olokunola Close, Off Davies Crescent, Ebute Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of October, 2010 at Ikorodu.

Edo Sule Ugbagwu (Otherwise known as Ugbagwu Edo Sule) late of 39, Church Street, Bameke Shasha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

John Bernard Adekalu (Otherwise known as Adeniranye and Adekalu John) late of Block 125, Flat 5, Ijaiye LSDPC Low Cost, Abuja Zone, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs Ajila Grace Funmilayo late of 19, Iluda Close Ajara Badagry, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of January, 2010 at University Teaching Hospital.

Orimisan Mathew late of 5, Mogaji Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

Fabian Ofom late of 16, Akuma Street, Oluti Amuwo deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Oke Titus Oluwadare late of No. 1 Oke Lane, Off Akinola Street, Bariga, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

Ahmed Adebayo (Otherwise known as Adebayo O. Ahmed) late of 18, Oluwashina Thomas Street, Ayobo Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of July, 2009 at Lagos.

Chief Ezekiel Olatunji Adebayo (Otherwise known as Adebayo Ezekiel) late of 24, Ilaje Road, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

Otunba Kolawole Adebayo Adesina (Otherwise known as Kolawole Adebayo Adesina) late of Adekunle Banjo Street, Magodo G.R.A. Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of February, 2010 at London.

Amama Christopher (ASP) (Otherwise known as ASP Amama Christopher ) late of 27, Oduduwa Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

Albert Babatunde Daramola (Otherwise known as Daramola Albert) late of No. 1 Oluwole Street, Moricas Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of May, 2008 at Lagos.

RTD WO2 Haziel Yaro late of 23, Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of October, 2011 at Adamawa State.

Rotimi Ajimotokan (Otherwise known as Abdulrazaq late of 42, Adebola Street, Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of June, 2003 at Lagos.

Williams A. Aitonje late of No. 1 Light Close, Mercy Estate Akute, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

Othaniel Akaayar Aginde Ugah (Otherwise known as Ugah O. Aginde) late of 43, Egba Street, Cement Bus Stop Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of May, 2012 at Kaduna State.

Sherifat Adedayo Sulaimon (Otherwise known as Adedayo Sulaiman) late of 9, Adesoye Street, Mende Maryland, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2007 at Gbagada General Hospital.

Mr Ademola Adedipe (Otherwise known as Adedipe Ademola) late of 22, Thomas Animashaun Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

Anto Ukpan Linus (Otherwise known as Anto Ukpong Linus) late of 148B Gold Crescent, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Josiah Olumide Adegunwa late of No. 5 Adegunwa Street, Alagomeji Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of August, 1988 at Lagos.

John Olujimi Babajide Byass (Otherwise known as Mr John Olujimi B. Byass) late of 1, Jumoke Shoderu Close, Ikorodu, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of December, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs Winifred Anuoluwa Byass late of 1, Jumoke Shoderu Close, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of March 2012 at Ikorodu.

Emmanuel Ayodele Ogunwobi (Otherwise known as Ogunwobi Emmauel) late of No.3, Mogbojubola Street, Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of March, 2012 at General Hospital Lagos Island Lagos.

Mr Joseph John Olayinka (Otherwise known as Rev. John Joseph Olayinka ) late of 11, Oluwole Ologun Street, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

Bamigboye Oluwatosin Solomon late of 33, Madam Nancy Street, By Arida Bus Stop Ikotun, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Gabriel Chukwueweiwe Otigbu (Otherwise known as Grabiel Otibu) late of 5th Avenue, A Close, House 6, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

Dr Livinus Chibuike Ajuonuma (Otherwise known as Livinus Dr Ajuonuma Livi and Ajuonuma Livinus Chibuike and Levi Ajuonuma) late of 28B, Omodara Street, Awuse Estate, Opebi, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Oguntoye Ganiu Adio (Otherwise known as Oguntoye Gani Adio) late of 4, Kinito-Alafia Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

Oyewole Olanrewaju Olatunbosun (Otherwise known as Oyewole Lanre, Oyewole Olarewaju (Mr) and Mr Olanrewaju Olatunbosun Oyewole ) late of 26, Akinromola Street, Ladilak Bariga, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of November, 2006 at Lagos Univeristy Teaching Hospital.

Charles O. Oyelude (Otherwise known as Oyelude O. Charles) late of 16, Olatunbosun Street, Akowonjo, Egbeda, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 16th dayof June, 1988 at Lagos.

Felix Obomagbaegbian late of House 3, "D" Close 23 Road, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

Ajibade Olutunji Gabriel late of 23, Omisakin Street, Agbelekale Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Dr Peter Gbadebo Kayode late of 11, Segun Awosejo Street, Agbelekale Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th dayof January, 2011 at G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr Andrew Onagua Saliu (Otherwise known as Mr Andrew Onagua ) late of No. 16, Aiyejenmi Street, Okerube, Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of June, 2011 at Sango, Ogun State Emmanuel Ekpenyong Etim late of 2, Alake Street,Ojota, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs Rekiat Agbeke Ogunmola late of 69, Oyerokun Street, Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

Otaru Saka late of 26, Kokumo Road, Alimosho Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Ayodeji Lucianah Olabisi late of 60, Adebambo Street, Dopemu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr Sunday Omonogor late of 3, Tegbado Akintola Street, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

Muraina Fatai late of 6, Omoniyi Lawani Street, Ray Power Road, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of May, 2010 at Otta.

Hammed Olajuwon Afinni late of 31, Marina Badagry Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of November, 1991 at Lagos.

Mr Lambert Chineye Uwalaka (Otherwise known as Uwakaka Lambert) late of 65, Ipaja Road, Off Oke Koto Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of August, 2007 at Lagos.

Babajide Olabisi Adunni late of 13, Akinfemi Street, Anifowose Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of August, 2011 at Ijebu-Ode Mr Ezekiel Ogude (Otherwise known as Ogude Ezekiel) late of 23, Joseph Babatunde Ajangbadi Ojo Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of January, 2010 at Badagry.

Akinremi Lateef Abiola late of 15, Prince Adeleye Street, Ijagemo Ijegun Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

Onwuamaegbu Hope Nkem late of 16 , Adoga Street, Ejigbo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd dayof May, 2011 at Lagos.

Zubair Ahmed Rufai (Otherwise known as Zubar Ahmed Rufai ) late of 14, Oluwagbebe Street, Shasha, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Soyemi Victoria Coker late of 5, Anuoluwapo Street, Akoka Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of September, 2008 at Lagos.

Late Fakunle Clement Kayode late of Ajagamibo Comp. Arodogun Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of June, 2008 at General Hospital, Badagry.

Mrs Adeneye Sherifat Funke (Otherwise known as Adeneye Sherifat ) late of 108, Avenue Ilu Nla Aradagun Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of February, 2008 at Badagry General Hospital.

Mrs Oguntunde Felicia Yemisi (Otherwise known as Oguntunde Felicia Oluyemisi) late of 22, Olapade Street, Obawole Estate, Iju Station Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May, 2012 at UCH Ibadan.

Ibrahim Yakubu Amuda (Otherwise known as Mr Ibraheem Amuda ) lae of 36, Irepodun Street, Alagbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Olusegun Samson Adebisi (Otherwise known as Olusegun Samson) late of 5th Avenue I Close, Block 6, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of November, 2010 at Ondo State Grace Modey (Otherwise known as Mrs Grace Modey ) late of 12, Ogunleye Street, Iju Ishaga Road, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of May, 2010 at Calabar.

Alh. Durosomo Liadi Olaoye late of Block 94 Flat 4, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

Obiaju Madestus late of 23, College Road, Ifako Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2012 at Johannesburg South Africa.

Mrs Odufuye Adenike Adijat late of 6, Community Road, Akoka Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of March, 2007 at Lagos.

Prof. Shuaib Uthman Balogun (Otherwise known as Balogun Shuaib Uthman) late of 17, Oluwagbebe Street, Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Chief Jonathan A.Omoyinmi (Otherwise known as Omoyinmi Akinlolu Jonathan) late of 42, Ajakaiye Street, Onipetesi Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of July ,2009 Akpan Aniema late of 5, Babatunde Amisa Street, Aradagun Badagry, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of December, 2010 at General Hospital Badagry.

Nwose Joseph Azuka (Otherwise known as Joseph Azuka Nwose) late of 7th Avenue 721 Road, I Close, Block 2, Flat 14, Festac Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of October, 2008 at Lasuth Ikeja.

Taiwo Oluwole Soniran late of 2, Efunboye Close, Off Shyllon Street, Palmgrove, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

Engr. Fashina Amos Abiodun (Otherwise known as Eng. Fashina Amos Abiodun) late of Quarter 26, Yaba College of Technology Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

Mrs Anike Adeyemo late of 12, Alamutu Street, Iju Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th dayof July, 2005 at Ogun State.

Eiwoh Monday (Otherwise known as Ewoh Monday) late of 13, Awofeso Street, Ladi Lak Bariga, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd dayof July, 2012 at Edo State.

Adesina Christopher late of 45, Lagos Street, Keke Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs Bairbre Oloyede late of 51, Jewel Ogunaike Street, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 1986 at Lagos.

Alapelode James late of 7, Church Street, Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

Lambert Cole late of No. 55, Herbert Macaulay Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of March, 1986

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Alikali Rainot and Adoyi Sunday both of 12, Shamura street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Eunice Olayinka Akinsete of 1, Kehinde Akinsete Close, Shonibare Estate Rev. Ezekiel Forunsho Amusan of 10B, Emmanuel High Street, Ogudu GRA, Ojota, and Oluwasegun Okewusi of 14, Emmanuel Olorunfemi Street, College Road, Ogba, Lagos one of the children and two grandchildren respectively of the said deceased.

Sobiereonwu Emmanuel and Sunday Ngozi both of 3, Fredrick Rorobi Street, Oke Afa, Lagos brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Owodunni Adewale John of 22, Akinola Street, Ladilak Bariga, Lagos and Mrs Fausat Yakubu of 4, Isawo Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, one of the children and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Akanni Alaba Alade and Akanni Kehinde both of 17, Olowookere Street, Off Rufai Street, Oshodi, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased Mrs Ajibade Ajoke Aramide, Mr Ajibade Faruq Temitope and Miss Ajibade Rukayat Oriyomi all of No. 35, Ajose Crescent, Lawanson Surulere, Lagos State, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Emmanuel Olatunde Oloyede and Mr Samson Olatunji Oloyede both of 5, Olokunola Close, Ebute Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mariam Ugbagwu of 37, Bameke Street, Shasha Lagos and Ugbagwu Hilda Ahubi of No. 76, Oyangede Street, Sabongeri, Benue State, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Adekalu Olabisi Abidemi, Adekalu Tokunbo Gregory and Adekalu Adebola Oluwafunto all of Block 125, Flat 5, Ijaiye LSDPC Low Cost, Abuja Zone, Ogba, Lagos,widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Engr. Rufus Adebola Ajila and Miss Ajila Morenikeji O. both of Iloro Quarters, Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State, widower and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Cecilia Mathew and Tunde Mathew Erewoye both of 5, Mogaji Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ifeanyichukwu Ofom and Calistus Ofom Mmuoneke both of 21, Deleara Street, Ikotun Lagos, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Oke Samuel Akindele , Oke Folorunso Peter, Comfort Oluseye and Deborah Omowunmi all of No. 1 Oke Lane Off Akinola Street, Bariga, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Salimot Hannah Akogun and Kazeem Adebayo both f 18, Oluwashina Thomas Street, Ayobo Lagos two of the children of the said deceased Adebayo Victoria Oluwakemi and Adebayo Grace Kehinde both of 38, Ijero Street, Agiliti Mile 12, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Victoria Olusola Adesina and Miss Adenrele Adesina both of Adekunle Banjo Street, Magodo GRA Ikeja Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Rose Amama and Uchenna Amama both of 27, Oduduwa Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos , widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Funmilola C. Daramola and Toluwalope Daramola both of 2, Adekunle Aro Asore Ajuwon widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Yaro Beauty, Yaro Jordan and Yaro Jennifer all of 23, Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Kikelomo Ajimotokan of 42, Adebola Street, Surulere, and Surv. Adebisi Ajimotokan of Plot 6, Ajimotokan Estate, Dopemu, Lagos, widow and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Patience Olomoime Aitonje and Miss Blessing Ibaunosen Aitonje both of No. 1, Light Close, Mercy Estate Akute, Lagos, widow and daughter respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Lydia Ugah, Shadrack Ugah and Meshack Ugah all of 43, Egba Street, Cement Bus Stop Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Hon. Olugbenga Hakeem Abdulai of No. 8, Durojaiye Street, Shomolu, Lagos and Sulaimon Saidat Abidemi (Miss) of 135, Alhaji Amoo Street, Ojota, Lagos, sister and uncle respectively of the said deceased .

Mrs Kofoworola Adedipe, Adekemi Adedipe and Temitope Adedipe all of 22, Thomas Animashaun Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ebele Anto of 2B, Fidelia Crescent, Anthony Village Lagos, and Mr Igwe Jude Chidiebere Off Block A, Shop Olaniyonu Marble Market Coker, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Adedayo Adegunwa and Mrs Aderonke Oyeneye both of No. 5, Adegunwa Street, Alagomeji Yaba, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Samuel Olumuyiwa Byass and John Oluyinka Byass both of 1, Jumoke Shoderu Close, Ikorodu, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Samuel Olumuyiwa Byass and John Oluyinka Byass both of 1, Jumoke Shoderu Close, Ikorodu, Lagos, two chidren of the said deceased.

Mrs Seliyat Ajoke Ogunwobi and Miss Ajibola Olaoluwa Ogunwobi both of No 3 Mogbonjubola Street, Bariga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ibidola Ronke Olayinka and Sumisola Olayinka both of 11, Oluwole Ologun Street, Ijegun, Ikotun , Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Folashade Folahanmi Bamigboye, Anthonia Eniola Bamigboye and Temilode Oluwatimileyin Bamigboye all of 33, Madam Nancy Street, Arida Ikotun, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Charles Nduka Otigbu and Jude Ngozi Otigbu both of 5th , Avenue A Close, House 6, Festac Town, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Josephie Ajuonuma and Mr Obinna Ajuonuma both of 28B, Omodara Street, Amuse Estate, Opebi, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oguntoye Wasiu and Oguntoye Lateefat both of 4, Kinito Alafia Street, Mushin, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Titilayo Oyewole and Mr Ibikun Solomon Oyewole both of 26, Akinromola Street, Ladilak Bariga, Lagos, widow and nephew respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace U. Oyelude and Mr Oyeniyi Oyelude both of 16, Olatunbosun Street, Akowonjo, Egbeda, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mary I. Obomagbaeghian, Hilda Obomagbaegtian, Helen Obamagbaeghian and Anthony Obomagbaegbian all of House 3, "D" Close 23 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ajibade Janet and Ajibade Joel Damilare both of 23, Omisakin Street, Agbelekale, Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Magaret Ebun Kayode and Mr Sunday Timoty Kayode both of 11, Segun Awosejo Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Aishat Andrew Onagua and Mr Lucky Andrew Onagua both of No. 16, Aiyejenmi Street, Okerube, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Comfort Emmanuel Etim and Mr Jimmy James Joshua both of 2, Alake Street, Ojota, Lagos, widow and step brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ayisat Adunni Yusuf and Mrs Faosat Atinuke Olokodana both of 69, Oyerokun Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased Husseina Otaru, Kabiru Otaru and Abubakar Otaru all of 26, Kokumo Road, Alimosho Lagos, widow, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Olakunle Ayodeji and Esther Omotola Ibironke both of 60, Adebambo Street, Dopemu Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Toyin Omonogor and Mr Micheal Omonogor both of 3, Tegbado Akintola Street, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Taofeek Muraina, Akeem Muraina , Bilikisu Muraina and Sadia Muraina all of 6, Omoniyi Lawani Street, Ray Power Road, Alagbado, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

Mrs Sherifat Olabisi Afinni and Hafizat Bunmi Afinni both of 31, Marina Badagry Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Anthonia Uwalaka and Mr Chukwudi Uwalaka both of 42, Prince Gbadebo Oyekan Street, Egan, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Omotunde Ogunsanya of 13, Akinfemi Street, Anifowoshe Ikeja and Olatunde Britto of 15 Akinfemi Street, Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Solomon Ogude and Mr Jonah Ogude both of 1, Bale Whesu Street, Agbara, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Akinremi Funmilola and Akinremi Teslim Oladimeji both of 15, Prince Adeleye Street, Ijagemo Ijegun Road, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Nonye Shivley Zidon of 16, Adoga Street, Ejigbo Lagos, the only surviving child of the said deceased.

Mr Beatrice Zubair of 14, Oluwagbebe Street, Shasha, Lagos, and Zubair Kadiri of 4, Ajibade Close, Alimosho Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Soyemi Adewale Adeoye of 5, Anuoluwapo Street, Akoka Bariga, Lagos and Mrs Ohaji Taiye Adeola (Nee Soyemi) of 64, Bashorun Street, Dopemu, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Fakunle Elizabeth Bola and Fakunle Adewale Michael both of Ajagamibo Camp. Aradogun Badagry, Lagos, widow and son respectively of the said deceased.

Adeneye Adewale Adediran and Oyaleye Ranti both of 108, Avenue Ilu Nla Aradagun Badagry, two of the children of the said deceased.

Dr Oguntunde Elkanah and Miss Oguntunde Olubukunola both of 22, Olapade Street, Iju Station , Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ibrahim Sheu Tijani Olalekan and Ibrahim Muyibat Omotolani both of 36, Irepodun Street, Alagbado, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olufemi Olusegun , Olawole Olusegun and Bolawunmi Olusegun all of 5th Avenue Block 6, Flat 2 Festac Town, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

Victor Ndum and Prisca Modey both of 12, Ogunleye Street, Iju Ishaga Road, Agege, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Hasimiu Olatunbosun Durosomo, Durosomo Kabiru Olayinka, Olatunji Idris Durosomo and Hairat Omobonike Fifo (Mrs) all of Block 94, Flat 4, Jakande Estate , Isolo, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Paulina Obiaju and Mr Declan Obiaju both of No. 23, College Road, Ifako Lagos, mother and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Odufuye Kabiru, Odufuye Ibrahim and Odufuye Akeem all of 6, Community Road, Akoka Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Habeebat Balogun, Sherifat Balogun , Abdulhaleem Balogun and Saleem Balogun all of 17, Oluwagbebe Street, Shasha Akowonjo, Lagos, two widows and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mercy O. Omoyinmi, Mr Abayomi Omoyinmi and Dr Akinkunmi Omoyinmi al of 42, Ajakaiye Street, Onipetesi Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased Mrs Odiegwu Ini Promise and Mrs Aniefiok Nsinyene Treasure both of 5, Babatunde Amisa Street, Aradagun, two children of the said deceased.

Nwose William, Emeka Andrew Nwose both of 7th Avenue, 721 Road, I Close, Block 2, Flat 14, Festac and Avwara Patricia of 22 Road, Block 13, Flat 27, Festac, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Soniran Oluwatosin Oluwole and Soniran Oluwaseun Temitope both of 2, Efunboye Close , Off Shyllon Street, Palmgrove, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Isaac F. Biola of 86-268, Oke Olokun, Ibadan and Mr Fashina David of Custom Training School Ikeja Lagos one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Babajide Adeyemo of 12, Alamutu Street, Iju, Lagos, and Mrs Adedoyin Ajakaye (Nee Adeyemo) of Cluster B, Flat 307, 1004 Estate Victora Island , two of the children of the said deceased.

Eiwoh Rose and Rebecca Monday both of 13, Awofeso Street, Ladilak Bariga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adesina Victoria and Adesina Adewale both of 45, Lagos Street, Keke Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Aisha Valerie Lawal of 51, Jewel Ogunaike Street, Ikeja Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

Johnson A. Alapelode, Esther Alapelode and Feyisara Alapelode all of 7, Church Street, Gbagada, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Pastor G.O.Olutola of No. 55, Herbert Marcaulay Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, chairman of the Apostolic Church Board of Trustees.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

58

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

How we kidnapped Okonjo-Iweala’s mum, by suspects H

OW was Queen Kamene Okonjo, mother of Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, kidnapped from her palace on December 9, last year?

Startling details of her kidnap were given yesterday in Lagos by her abductors, who were arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The suspects were paraded at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, by Police Commissioner Umar Manko.

They said they lied to the queen that President Goodluck Jonathan sent them to arrest her and bring her to Abuja because her daughter embezzled billions of naira which she must pay for.

They are Chiejina Victor Onochie, 32, from Ogbeofuu Village in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State; Oko Chukwuma aka Chuks, 32, from Isele Mkpitima in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State; the gang leader, Ogbuem Jideofor aka Marvelous, 22, from Ezi in Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta State; Michael Ojeabulu, 23, from Esan, Edo State; Buhari Amajoda, 27, Hassan Oseni, 29, and Ibrahim Abubakar, 28, all from Adamawa State and Endurance Oke, 22, from Edhere Aviraha Village in Delta State.

They said they were 13 that carried out the operation. One is dead, The Nation learnt; four are at large. They include one popularly known as Buba.

The queen, according to Jideofor, asked them what offence her daughter committed because it was the same president that invited her the minister from London to help manage the country’s economy.

Despite her enquiry, he said, they bundled her into their vehicle and

By Ebele Boniface

zoomed off.

Jideofor said they fed her with fried rice, bread, gala, 5-Alive juice drink, adding that they initially demanded a N200 million, ransom, but her son, Onyema, later dropped N13 million along a bypass.

He said two persons came in a vehicle to drop the money and left before they went there to pick it.

Jideofor said: "When we went to kidnap Okonjo-Iweala's mother in the palace, we were eight - Peter, Buba, Mohammed, Olopa, Idowu, Idowu's driver and Ifeanyi and I. Four of us carried guns; I carried AK47 rifle. It was a smooth job."

On how they shared the ransom, he said: "Victor got N700,000 as an insider who brought the job; Chuks, N500,000; Ifeanyi, N1 million; Mike, N400,000; Peter, N2 million; the late Idowu who was shot dead by the police in Benin, N2 million; Mohammed, N2 million; I got N2 million, Olopa, N1 million; another Buba, N300,000; Chiboy, N250,000; our armourer, Ibrahim, N50,000, and Endurance, N250,000.

Onochie, who said he was a security guard at the Delta State Polytechnic, and a relation of Mrs OkonjoIweala, added: "Chuks lured me into kidnapping through my girl friend, Joy, who was doing her Industrial Attachment (IT) at Adanson Hotel, Ogwashi-Uku. He told me that one job brought him to Ogwashi-Uku and I asked him for the type of job. He said he wanted to carry somebody and he asked about my auntie, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Mrs Edna Mojekwu.

I replied him that I had spent five years as security man in the institu-

•Prof Okonjo

tion and that the woman was merely managing herself. I said it would be better for us to look for another victim. I then suggested the mother of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. We then started thinking on how to carry the woman."

Chuks, he said, then asked him how they would accomplish the ploy and he suggested that they presented their NYSC certificates to Mama OkonjoIweala, giving the impression that they wanted the ex-minister to get them jobs.

He said an argument ensued when they initially planned to go to the palace, leading to the postponement of the operation. Two weeks later, on Sunday morning, they stormed the palace in two cars.

"I carried Chuks on motorcycle to Azagba-Ogwashi-Uku Road and Chuks came down close to African House. After discussing with them, Chuks entered my motorcycle and we went back through School Road to Azagba. Jideofor and his men then went for the job at Obi’s palace while I went back to my house. I and Chuks later went back to Ogbeofuu, but before reaching there they had carried the woman," said Onochie.

"That day," he added: "Mama came down to give drinks to workers renovating the palace. When they entered and climbed up, they did not see her, but were told that she was downstairs,

Four VGC robbery suspects arrested

‘

That day ...

Mama came down to give drinks to workers renovating the palace ...unknown to the workers that they were kidnappers.

They told the woman that they belonged to the Special Force from the Presidency; that they were there to arrest her because of the money her daughter, Ngozi embezzled

‘

unknown to the workers that they were kidnappers. They told the woman that they belonged to the Special Force from the Presidency; that they were there to arrest her because of the money her daughter, Ngozi embezzled. They did not give me a dime after the operation."

By Ebele Boniface

T

HE Lagos State Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) has arrested four armed robbery suspects that escaped during an armed robbery operation at Victoria Garden City (VGC) recently.

The suspects are: Kazeem Adebola, 30, Yunusa Lateef, 27, Ibrahim Akanbi a.k.a Apo, 37, and Oluwale Kosoko a.k.a Omoba, 35.

Two members of the gang were reportedly shot dead during a shootout with policemen, but their bodies were taken away by their fleeing colleagues.

Also recovered were five AK-47 rifles, 31 AK- 47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition and their operational car, Honda Civic, marked FST 592 BC. Parading the suspects yesterday, Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, said: "On March 30, SARS Ikeja Operatives led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Abba Kyari in a follow-up to the robbery operation in VGC, arrested two members of the gang - Tosin Ibrahim (late) and Ibrahim Akanbi - in Isolo area of Lagos. They confessed to several robbery operations within the South West and Lekki/Ajah axis of Lagos, including armed robbery of March 24 at VGC where they lost two of their gang members."

The police boss also revealed that

•Jideofor

•Some of the other

Ojeabulu, a Higher National Diploma (HND) student of Agriculture, said: "My role was to take care of victim in the bush.

Jideofor would bring food every day.

Mama Okonjo-Iweala was kept in a bush in Kwale, just 30-minute drive from the palace and Delta police did not know."

Endurance, who said he was the gang's driver carrying victims in their operational car, added: "I studied accountancy in Delta State University. My first work was to carry a woman to Nkuzu Village in Iseluku area of Delta State. My second job was Okonjo-Iweala's mother. They gave me N250,000."

On how they got rifles for their operations, Jideofor said, it was Buba who bought them from the Onitsha main market at N400,000 each. The seller, he said, sold cotton as a cover-up and would not sell weapons to unknown customers.

Those still at large, Buba said, included Peter, who allegedly killed their last victim, simply identified as Mrs Regina ObiDainty, before they were arrested by the SARS operatives alongside Olopa, now in prison custody. Buba's driver, and Idowu, who they said, was killed by policemen during a cross-fire in their den in Benin, Edo State.

Narrating how they carried out the two operations tagged, "National Assignment," in which they killed Mrs Regina Obi-Dainty, the mother of Dankwa, a popular businessman, Jideofor said: "I am a businessman based in Port Harcourt; I used to buy goods from Mandilas, Lagos.

I have led kidnap operations five times."

"The first victim, a woman at Asaba, was brought by one boy and we got N7 million. The second, a man, was brought by Buhari in the same Asaba and we got N6.4 million. The third was brought by Chuks, also in Asaba. The victim was Chuks' uncle and we got N3.2 million. The fourth was Okonjo-Iweala's mother and we got

Gains of de-flooding, by Lagos commissioner

O

•The suspected robbers ... yesterday

all AK-47 rifles recovered from the robbers belonged to policemen on duty who were killed at Ajah, Maroko and Lion Building Police Stations respectively. Another gang member, Oluwale Kosoko a.k.a Omoba was arrested at his hideout in Ajah on April 12.

The police said the suspect had

confirmed his participation in many robberies within the South-west with the gang, including the Elemoro robbery where four policemen were killed. He equally took SARS operatives to several houses they robbed at Ajah and its environs.

Efforts, the police chief said, were being intensified to arrest the fleeing gang members.

VER 10 million people have benefited from the de-flooding programme in Lagos State, Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, has said.

He made the disclosure at the ongoing ministerial media briefing to herald the 6th year in office of Governor Babatunde Fashola, said the ministry de-silted 158 primary and secondary collector drains running into 331 kilometres.

Bello explained that over 7,800 people were gainfully employed through various re-constructions of drainages and dredging works, saying that it had brought significant impacts on their various families.

The commissioner also said the state government had commenced the construction of blocks of residential flats in Agbowa community in Epe Local Government Area, from the N750 million ecological funds received from the Federal Government to resettle victims of Ajegunle community in Ikorodu, a Lagos suburb.

He said the construction of resettlement housing scheme was part of measures to mitigate the victims' plight.

Bello explained: "Lagos has used that money effectively; the construc-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

tion is ongoing in Agbowa, Epe Local Government Area. We are constructing blocks of flats - 1 and 2 units. One unit consists of 96 for one bedroom flats and 48 for two bedroom flats. Governor Babatunde Fashola, last week, conducted an inspection tour of the housing scheme where he expressed satisfaction at the level of work done so far."

He said the scheme is basically for the rehabilitation of the internally displaced people, saying that the ministry had done its enumeration to identify beneficiaries to be accommodated when the project is completed.

On the N400 million flood relief funds out of N17.6 billion approved by President Goodluck Jonathan as direct financial assistance to flood-affected states for disaster management, Bello explained that the funds were intact, and awaiting proper disbursement.

He said: "The N400 million Flood Relief Funds given last year have been put in a dedicated account. We usually use such money for resettlement programmes just like the N750 million, which we utilised last year. Like every other donation, we put it in Exco Account till when there is an emergency situation. All other donations will be used for that purpose."

s

er

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

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CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

suspects

N13 million. The deal was brought

by Chuks, Ifeanyi and Victor. The fifth one is the one Peter killed Mrs Regina Obi-Dainty - claiming that he did it to revenge his brother's killing by the police."

Jideofor told The Nation that he was introduced into kidnapping by a friend called Kalous in Asaba, adding that Kalous was spending money like a cocaine baron before he revealed the source of his wealth to him. He said he had only one car, adding that he invested all his money in boutique business.

He said: "On the other operation in which Mrs Regina Obi-Dainty was killed, I brought the job because her son, Mr. Dankwa is my brother, but he was very stingy with money.�

Chukwuma, said: "I graduated from Ambrose Ali University in 2007. I studied Accountancy and I

did my Youth Service at Idah, Kogi State in 2008/2009. I later went back to my village to search for job. When I could not secure job, I went to Lagos to meet my sister, Mrs Ijeoma Iwegbu. One day, I went home - Ogwashi-Uku - to see my girlfriend, Uju. There I met Victor Chiejina.

"As we were chatting and drinking, Victor said he had one kidnap job but did not want to involve local people from the village. I then told him that I knew one Ifeanyi (now in prison for being in possession of Indian hemp). Ifeanyi said he would contact Jideofor.

They did not want me to participate. They only told me that they had carried the Mama Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. I was not given a kobo after the job.

"They collected N2 million from the late Mrs. Regina ObiDainty's son and did not give me a kobo. I did not know that they shot the woman dead. I told them to pay into my sister's bank account. When she went to withdraw the N300,000, she was arrested and they used her to track me down. They arrested me when I went to collect the money my sister withdrew from bank, not knowing that she was with SARS men."

Buhari, who claimed to be a security man in Asaba, said he got N250,000, while Hassan said he only got N30,000.

Manko said yesterday: "Sequel to the arrest of one Chiejina Onochie and Chukwuma Okoh on March 27, at about 100hours by men

of the Special Investigations Bureau (SIB), Lagos State Police Command, and their subsequent confessions that they gave the information that led to the kidnap of the mother of the present Minister of Finance, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Delta State among many other kidnappings, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Umar Abubakar Manko, directed O/ C SARS Ikeja, SP Abba Kyari to go after the kidnappers, especially Jideofor, the gang leader.

"On the strength of this, O/ C SARS expanded his tracking network and deployed three SARS Decoy Teams to Delta, Edo and Rivers states which eventually led to the arrest of one Jideofor Ogbue aka Marvelous, the gang leader of the deadly kidnappers, at his hideout in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on April 2. Also five more members of his gang were arrested viz: Michael Ojeabulu, Endurance Oke, Ibrahim Abubakar, Buhari Hamadora and Hassan Oseni at different locations in Edo, Enugu, Delta and Anambra states. “They confessed to the kidnapping of the mother of Nigerian Finance Minister and collected N13 million ransom and many other kidnappings, including the most recent, where the victim, an elderly woman, Mrs. Regina ObiDainty, was killed by the kidnappers after collecting N2 million ransom. Jideofor was arrested in Port Harcourt after he had perfected plans to proceed to Awka, Anambra State."

Manko added: "There is no hiding place for any criminal in Lagos no matter where he runs to."

C ITYBEATS Four arrested over 'rape' FOUR boys, aged between 17 and 28 years, have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command for allegedly gang-raping a 22-yearold girl, simply identified as Augusta.

They were arrested immediately after allegedly committing the act following a distress call to the police. Their names were given as Saturday Enabulele, Osasuwen

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Enine, Junior Odubu and Moses Okoebi.

The suspects, however, denied the allegation, saying that the victim visited her boyfriend and spent six days only to accuse them of rape.

The victim insisted that she was raped by three of the suspects and that the fourth who owned the apartment recorded the act.

Army kills two suspects in Abuja TWO suspected armed robbers were at the weekend shot dead by Army Headquarters Garrison Defence Battalion's Quick Response Group in Abuja.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Omale Abraham Ochagwuba, said ten suspected armed robbers dressed in Army camouflage uniforms with assault rifles had attempted to rob trapped motorists in Gauraka Village along Abuja-Suleja Road.

He added: "The Quick Response Group, in its response to a distress call from trapped motorists were engaged by about 10 suspected armed robbers dressed in haphazard Army camouflage uniforms with assault rifles.

"In the fire-fight that followed, one suspected armed robber was shot dead on the spot, while an-

From: Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

other, Dauda Markus, sustained gunshot wound on the stomach. He was rushed to Suleja General Hospital for medical attention; he later died."

Ochagwuba said both bodies had been deposited at the Suleja General Hospital mortuary, adding that some of the suspects fled into the bush with gunshot wounds.

"The public, both private and government hospitals are advised to report any case of patients with gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency for prompt action. Some of the items recovered from them included two locally made guns; two machetes and a fake assault rifle curved out of wood, looking like an assault rifle to an untrained eye. The public is advised to note that the military has a dress code which is strictly adhered to", he explained.

60

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

NEWS

Two dead as explosions rock Boston Marathon Continued from page 1

ceived no reports in recent days about a threat of an attack on the marathon and that there was no warning yesterday.

Several news outlets reported that a loud explosion was heard on the North side of Boylston Street, near a photo bridge that marks the finish line. Another explosion was heard several seconds later.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that authorities were helping injured out of leave the scene and that bloodied spectators were being carried to a medical tent that was being used.

Bruce Mendelsohn, who works in a building near the explosion, said on Twitter that he saw blood on the sidewalks and about a dozen casualties.

Authorities in large cities are typically on the highest level of alert for events like a marathon, said Anthony Roman, a security expert.

“It is quite the counterterrorism effort,” said Mr. Roman, who runs Roman & Associates, a New York firm.

For major events in New York and other large cities, Mr. Roman said the police would typically weld manhole covers shut, while also examining the entire route just before the race. They

would also place snipers on rooftops, with helicopters overhead. Analytic cameras in the city would also be used, he said.

“They have all the analytic cameras in the city focusing on the race with their advanced software network, reading license plates,” Mr. Roman said.

The Boston Marathon is one of track’s most storied events, established in 1897 and one of the six World Marathon Majors. The event attracts an estimated 500,000 spectators and requires certain qualifying times for runners to compete.

The course winds throughout downtown Boston as well as several outlying cit-

73m Nigerians to get INEC’s permanent voter cards •Cards valid for 10 years

C

HAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega, has reiterated the commission’s preparedness to issue 73 million permanent voter cards before the end of this year.

Prof Jega spoke at the quarterly meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, yesterday.

He said the commission has gone far with the process.

The voter cards are to replace the temporary ones issued at the end of the voters’ registration in 2011. The cards are valid for 10 years.

Last year, the Federal Government approved N2.6 billion for the printing of 40 million out of the 75 million permanent voter cards in the first phase of the project.

Continued from page 6

leaders to Aso Rock. But instead of heading for the Villa, the vehicles sped off to Suleja.”

The youth leaders, he said, querried the driver on the destination and argument ensued between them and their “captors” along the way.

While the argument was on, they ran into security men at a checkpoint.

“Rather than stop, the drivers veered off into the bush and abandoned us and the vehicles. We had to trek back to the checkpoint and narrated our ordeal to the security agents,” said Isiguzoro.

The security men went into the bush where they recovered and towed the vehicles to their base. The police in Abuja, according to Isiguzoro, are investigating the incident.

“Nobody knows the inten-

tions of the so-called ‘Reuben Abati’ but it is suspected that it was a set up to wipe out some Igbo youth leaders.

The real Reuben Abati should take up the matter immediately as what happened showed that some people have been impersonating him,” the youth leaders said.

Dr. Abati said last night.

“They have been doing that.

I tell people to report to the police. Even last year, a man was convicted for using my name to get a job. The man said he was desperate. People open twitter accounts, bank accounts in my name.

The public should be vigilant.

I’m not the only person; they do it to many people in government.

“I don’t do contracts; I’m an intellectual and I don’t invite people to see the President.

“God has exposed these people who want to tarnish my hard earned reputation.

‘Be sincere on amnesty’

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

The government has approved additional N33.5 million for the project’s second phase.

The INEC chair confirmed that the issues dominated talks at the meeting.

“By the time the contract is executed, all the registered voters will have their permanent voter cards produced. It is our hope that all the cards will be distributed before the end of the year,” he said.

He listed the security features of the electronic cards as embedded chips with printed voters’ details, photograph barcode, micro-text, hologram and fingerprints.

Jega said: “The cards will be electronic in nature and will be used for identification, authentication and for voting to pre-

ies, including Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley and Newton.

Unlike many sporting events that take place in closed arenas, marathons are known and heralded for their sprawl, allowing throngs of spectators to line the 26.2-mile course.

Within minutes of the explosions yesterday, social media and cable networks projected the images of gray smoke on Boylston Street, with emergency crews on the scene.

After the explosions, a spokesman for the New York Police Department said security was being increased at hotels and other prominent locations in New York.

President Barack Obama vowed to bring the “full weight of justice” down on those behind the acts. He cautioned against jumping to conclusions about who was responsible.

Suspected kidnappers lure Igbo youths to Abuja

Continued from page 6

•Prof. Jega

vent multiple voting and frauds.”

Beside the production of the cards this year, the INEC chief also identified the delimitation of constituencies across the country as the commission’s major project.

He said: “And most importantly, this year, we plan to carry out the process of delimitation of constituencies, perhaps, most of the important undertakings that we are going to do this year together with the permanent voters cards, and we have gone very far in the preparation for the delimitation.”

productive dialogue.

“The meeting noted and endorsed the suggestion that the Federal Government should set up a dialogue and reconciliation commission, which will have full powers to facilitate, ultimately, full reconciliation of this conflict.”

Among those present at the meeting were the NEF convener, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Aliyu Ibrahim Attah and former CJN Dahiru Musdapha.

Despite the rejection of amnesty by the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar

Shekau, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III yesterday cautioned against foreclosing the package for the sect.

The Sultan, who chaired the 2012 Federal Government Hajj Delegation, is at the forefront of the push for amnesty for the sect.

Speaking after submitting the report of the delegation to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Sultan declined extensive comment on the rejection of amnesty by Shekau.

As he walked away and the reporters continued to pester him with the question, he declared: “Nothing is impossible in this world.”

Receiving the 2012 Hajj

report, President Jonathan promised that the Federal Government of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will work together to eliminate the increasing anti-social crimes amongst Nigerians resident in Saudi Arabia.

He also announced the extension of the tenure of the Federal Government Hajj Delegation from one year to two years.

He said: “Let me thank you for what you have done because managing this number of people for pilgrimages is not an easy task and that’s why the Federal government considered the need to send the delegation, not just relying on the National Hajj Commission.”

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

H

ello everybody and welcome. New products have arrived for the month of April and beyond. We will be discussing them bit by bit in the coming weeks while fielding questions from our readers. They say that bigger is better. This is why men want bigger penises and women can’t take their eyes off them. Today we have two new instant organ enlargers for men who don’t have time to wait. They are the Automatic Precision Pump and the Extreme Dick Plumper Cream. Unlike all our other penis pumps that are manually operated, the Automatic Precision Pump is battery operated and does all the pumping automatically with the press of a button. This feature is new and truly revolutionary. The Extreme Dick Plumper cream is the other new enlargement novelty and it gives thicker and harder erections when used. It works within minutes of application to give results that last for a few hours and is best used when you want to quickly impress New adult toys have also arrived. As we all know, even the married among us don’t get as much sex as they need and desire. This often leads to infidelity of sorts. But thanks to adult toys, men and women are able to get more satisfaction where their partners are unable to provide that service.

New for men is the Tonya Doll, a life size realistic masturbator for men like no other. Even though it is called the Tonya Doll, it is not a doll. It is made of fanta flesh, a synthetic material that feels like real flesh and it is well sculpted all the way down to the pubic hair. This is a first class love toy for men. And for women, we have the Ultimate Rabbit, a super talented, multi speed rabbit vibrator with all manner of tricks, vibrations and pulsations for simultaneous clitoral and vaginal stimulation. The only woman who has never had an orgasm is the woman who has never used the Ultimate Rabbit vibrator. Rabbit vibrators are usually of a high quality and consequently cost a bit more. That is why

today, we have the Red Vibrating Bullet from Top Cat Toys, a new and effective clitoral vibrator that packs a punch and delivers for you. The Red Vibrating Bullet is affordable, reliable and a must have for all women who want the best out of their love lives. Last but not the least is the 8 inch Dong with Balls, a massive and hyper realistic dong for women capable of sticking to the wall or floor. It feels just like a real, erect penis and is very impressive and effective. That’s it for now. Let us answer a few questions from our readers.

I need a solution to premature ejaculation. I cannot satisfy a woman and I also lose my erection during sex sometimes – Moses Moses quick ejaculation is a common experience that haunts a lot of men. But it can be brought under control with a variety of means. You can do it with e delay cream like the Rock Hard Delay Cream or with a penis sleeve such as the Nasstoys Penis Extender. And then to avoid losing your erection, wear a Cockring during intercourse. A Cockring is a simple but effective device that prevents erection loss. An example is the Basic Essentials Bunny Enhancer. But if you are experiencing weak erection, then go for Sex Volts. It is a reliable and natural erection enhancer that gives hard erections, intensifies orgasms and gives stamina for multiple performances. When you take Sex Volts, it powers your sexual engine like a bull itching for a fight and you just keep wanting more and more – Uche That’s it for today. Adults in need of these treatments and novelties can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION TUESDAY APRIL 16, 2013

61

NEWS

Falana urges Fed Govt to establish Education Bank

F

RONTLINE lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) yesterday urged the Federal Government to establish an Education Bank to rescue the country from its poor funding of the sector.

The lawyer spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when he delivered the second edition of the Olalekan Olomide Platform for Development Annual Public Lecture.

He spoke on the topic: Development: How it Begins With You. Falana said the major aim of the bank would be to offer loans and other forms of support to youths who aspire to acquire education but are constrained by funds.

The lawyer noted that the education sector in Nigeria is in a parlous state because it makes quality education only a dream for youths from poor homes.

Falana, who was represented by an activist, Mr Femi Aborisade, said the Federal Government rescued ailing banks and industries with about N5trillion but neglected the education sector, which he said is the foundation for

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•’Nigeria is on life support’ From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

development.

He said: “A nation that has bailed banks and industry with over N5trillion cannot say there is no money to fund an Education Bank.”

According to him, all citizens are entitled to quality education, housing and health care because these are enshrined in the nation’s constitution.

The senior advocate noted that even though Chapters Two and Four of the constitution provide for human and social rights of citizens, the reverse is the case in Nigeria.

Falana decried the attitude of courts, which he said usually declined to enforce social rights contained in Chapter Two of the constitution because they are not “justiceable”.

The frontline lawyer, however, proved that they are “justiceable” by virtue of the provisions of other sections of the constitution.

He cited the examples of South Africa and other countries, which ensure that their

citizens enjoy all the rights.

According to him, Nigerians need to insist that government operates according to the constitution while the citizens should also claim their rights.

Falana said: “This is the time to insist that government must live according to the constitution. To say that Chapter Two cannot be enforced by the court is not law but politics.

Section 13 declares that all authorities and persons exercising governmental powers shall conform to the provisions of Chapter Two. “However, we cannot leave it to government alone. No government in the world does all these without pressure, protest and other actions that call for the enforcement of those rights. Government policies are not objective but subjective, thereby promoting the class system.

“Development can begin with Nigerian citizens through a collective resolve to build a new nation where the welfare and security of the people will be the primary concern of the government.”

Senate collates submission on Constitution review

HE Senate Committee on Constitution Review will begin the collation of submissions from the six geopolitical zones, it was learnt yesterday.

A source close to the committee said the consultants, who began work after public hearings in the zones, are now in the last lap of their assignment.

The source, who spoke in confidence, explained that the collation is a prelude to the submission of the final draft of the bill to the Senate for consideration and possible passage.

He said the committee plans to hold a retreat in Lagos to consider the submissions next week.

The source added: “Barring last minute changes, the Senate Committee on Constitution Review will hold a retreat in Lagos from April 25 to 28 to consider the submissions from the various geopolitical zones.

“The retreat will afford the committee the opportunity to look at the submissions that emanated from the geopolitical zones. After looking at them, the committee will take a decision, based on the preponderance of evidence as to what aspects of the issues slated for amendment would

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

make it into the draft bill on Constitution review to be submitted to the Senate for consideration.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “You will recall that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Ike Ekweremadu, did promise that the committee would present its report to the Senate in the third quarter of this year.”

In the sixth National Assem-

bly, lawmakers tried to amend the Constitution but concentrated largely on issues relating to electoral reforms.

The issues listed for the ongoing constitution review by the Seventh National Assembly, include: One term of five years for the President; governors and deputy governors; devolution of powers for true federalism; indigeneship; financial autonomy for Houses of Assembly; state creation; state police; immunity clause, Judicial reforms and autonomy for local governments, among others.

‘Boko Haram politically motivated’

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HE senator representing Oyo North in the National Assembly, Hosea Agboola, yesterday said the Boko Haram crisis was created by politicians and can only be resolved by the same politicians.

The senator spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at a media forum organised by the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). He said Boko Haram was born through political power play, adding that since the Islamic sect is a child of politics, it can only be tamed by politicians.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

According to him, technocrats cannot solve the problem arising from the sect’s activities.

Agboola noted that only the political class can proffer solutions to the problems they have created for the nation.

The Senate Deputy Chief Whip said the National Assembly has been on its toes to resolve insurgency across the country, adding that it had invited security chiefs before the lawmakers went on Easter break.

My Pikin teething syrup: NAFDAC to continue evidence April 17 FEDERAL High Court in Lagos will tomorrow continue hearing in the case against Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, charged with the production of an alleged killer teething syrup, My Pikin.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) took the company before Justice Okechukwu Okeke of a Federal High Court in Lagos.

The case could not go on yesterday because of the absence of Justice Okechukwu Okeke, who was said to be away on an official assignment.

The court adjourned hearing.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the company, with two of its employees, Ebele Eromosele and Adeyemo Abiodun, are facing a six-count charge on the alleged offence.

The accused were re-arraigned on January 7, following the amendment of the charge before the court, in which the name of the company’s late Managing Director, Mr Kola Gbadegeshin, was struck out.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail by the court.

The prosecutor, Mr Aminu Alilu, had informed the court

that the second accused, Eromosele, had been appointed by the defence to stand for the company, since the first accused was deceased.

At the last hearing, the prosecutor called its second witness, a pharmacist, who testified that it ended ties with the defendant company when he learnt of the mishap allegedly caused

by My Pikin. NAN recalls that My Pikin teething syrup was alleged to have killed over 80 children in the country.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 1 (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs, (Miscellaneous provisions) Act No. 25 of 1999.

62

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS

Venezuela: Maduro opponent Capriles demands recount •Jonathan congratulates Maduro •Maduro

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EFEATED Venezuelan presidential candidate Henrique Capriles has demanded a recount of votes, rejecting the election of Hugo Chavez’s successor as “illegitimate”.

Mr Capriles, who lost by a very narrow margin, said there were more than 300,000 incidents from Sunday’s poll that needed to be examined.

Socialist Nicolas Maduro has called for the results to be respected.

The election was called after Mr Chavez’s death from cancer on 5 March.

Mr Maduro, a former bus driver whom Mr Chavez had named as his preferred heir, won 50.7% of the vote against 49.1% for Mr Capriles.

The National Electoral Council said the results, which it announced on Sunday night, were “irreversible”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Cuban leader Raul Castro were among the first heads of state to congratulate

Mr Maduro on his win.

The waiting was long and tense. Rumours on Twitter were growing. Both sides were cautious, but fireworks were going off all around the city.

Even in front of the Miraflores presidential palace there was uncertainty. People started gathering early on in the night, but they listened to radios to keep across the official results.

The National Electoral Council’s announcement was broadcast through loudspeakers among the crowd, but people didn’t wait to hear the margin by which Nicolas Maduro had won.

Screaming and chanting took over. Beer was thrown into the air. People hugged each other.

Nobody seemed to mind if the victory was narrow. “This victory is dedicated to Hugo Chavez, our commander. My vote went to him,” said one woman.

Thousands of jubilant supporters took to the streets, dancing, singing and blasting car horns, while fireworks lit up the night sky. Opposition vot-

ers banged pots and pans in protest.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan congratulates Venezuela’s acting President, Mr. Nicholas Maduro on his victory in the elections held in the country yesterday to elect a successor to late President Hugo Chavez who passed away last month.

President Jonathan notes that Nigeria and Venezuela have traditionally enjoyed close and cordial bilateral relations.

He looks forward, therefore, to working with Mr. Maduro and his administration to further reinforce and expand existing trade, economic and developmental cooperation between both countries for the benefit of their people.

President Jonathan also expects that under Mr. Maduro’s leadership, Nigeria and Venezuela will continue to work together in close collaboration to strengthen the Africa-South America Cooperation Forum as a platform for the promotion of economic and political cooperation between the two countries and continents.

•From left: Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru; President, Association of Retired Ambassadors, Tayo Ogunsulire; and Bolaji Akinyemi; at the association of Retired Ambassadors Luncheon in honour of the minister in Lagos... yesterday PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN

Gitmo detainee on hunger strike GUANTANAMO Bay pens Times op-ed prisoner currently on a

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hunger strike has contributed an op-ed to The New York Times.

In it, Samir Naji al Hasan Moqbel, a 35-year-old from Yemen who has been detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, since 2002, vowed to continue his hunger strike until President Barack Obama addresses what al Hasan Moqbel described as a deteriorating situation at the controversial facility.

“I’ve been on a hunger strike since Feb. 10 and have lost well over 30 pounds. I will not eat until they restore my dignity,”

he said through an Arabic interpreter to his lawyers in what the Times said was “an unclassified phone call,” and which was transcribed and published by the newspaper on Monday.

According to a military spokesman, 43 of the 166 detainees appear to be participating in the hunger strike. Al Hasan Moqbel said that guards have been force-feeding them: There are so many of us on hunger strike now that there aren’t enough qualified medical staff members to carry out the force-feedings; nothing is

happening at regular intervals.

They are feeding people around the clock just to keep up.

During one force-feeding the nurse pushed the tube about 18 inches into my stomach, hurting me more than usual, because she was doing things so hastily.

A month into his hunger strike, he said, “a team from the E.R.F. (Extreme Reaction Force), a squad of eight military police officers in riot gear” burst into his room, tied him down and “forcibly inserted an IV into my hand”:

Syria: Government air strikes in north kill 16

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T least 16 people have been killed in northeast Syria by government air strikes, activists say.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory For Human Rights (SOHR) said the strikes targeted rebel-held areas in Hasaka province around the mainly Kurdish village of Haddad.

The dead included three women and two children, the group said.

The UN estimates that some 70,000 people have died in the two-year conflict.

Rami Abdel Rahman, the director of the antigovernment SOHR, told AFP news agency that a group of rebels used an area near the site of Sunday’s air strike as a gathering place, but that a group of houses some distance away had been

hit.

SOHR monitors human rights violations on both sides of the conflict via a network of contacts across Syria.

An activist in the area, who gave his name only as Abu Qasem, told AP news agency by telephone that there were “plumes of black smoke rising over the town, with continuous army fire from ground and air attacks”.

The bombing came a day after the observatory said at least 18 people were killed in an air-strike in the town of Saraqeb in the north-western province of Idlib.

Separately, the state Sana news agency said three journalists working for state TV in Aleppo province were wounded in a car bombing on Sunday.

THE NATION TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013

63

TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 8

NO.2,460

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘‘If we know what wrong we have done to Boko Haram then may be we can begin to appreciate where they are coming from and begin to talk. Flowing from such talks could be amnesty for the terrorist group as part of the solution to the problem’ WAHEED ODUSILE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

W

HAT do you do with a lady who heads a cabinet supposedly run on the collegial principle, but who ain’t for stirring, much less for turning?

Members of the ruling Conservative Party in the British House of Commons answered that question a fortnight ago.

Their answer was: If the lady ain’t for turning, then she must be for dumping.

And they dumped Dame Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to head the Conservative Party, the first to serve as prime minister, and in this century the person who has held that office longest.

When she attained this last distinction, she seemed set to continue to rule, not merely to the end of the century but well into the next, if not forever. She had crushed the labour unions. She had won a resounding victory over Argentina in the Malvinas. She had cut Africans, Asians and Caribbean leaders of the Commonwealth to size and made it plain to them that they possessed no wealth in common with Britain. She had humiliated, and then dismissed from her cabinet, all those who helped plot her way to the leadership of the Conservative Party and sustained her during her first term.

She had changed the face of Britain forever, and made socialism come across as something more frightful than bubonic plague – or so she claimed. Unemployment was up, but inflation was down, and so was productivity. Too bad for the millions thrown out of work; the important thing was that the economy was improving.

Bereft of a sociological imagination, she brought to bear on the governance of the British Isles a book-keeper’s imagination and sought to reduce the human person to a slave of the market. The worth of everything was to be measured in terms of profit and loss. Forget about equity and justice. The only thing that counts is the bottom line – a phrase which, by the way, the British consider an unfortunate vulgarism.

For her, greed was the motive force in human affairs, and to encourage it in every conceivable way was the highest principle of statecraft. Compassion was an unpardonable weakness. Where others had waged a war on poverty, Thatcher waged a war against the poor, ripping apart the social safety net that had insured the disadvantaged against the worst manifestations of poverty.

She privatised everything in sight, and when she could not find anything else to put under the grinding wheels of market forces, she turned to water. Were it possible for her to privatise the air we breathe, she would have done so without a moment’s thought.

Race relations in Britain steadily grew worse in the Thatcher years. She tightened the rules of eligibility for British passports in a bid to repudiate the obligation arising from centuries of British imperial conquest and pillage. Asian women seeking to join their husbands in Britain were subjected to degrading virginity tests.

When Britons finally saw through the phan-

RIPPLES MAINA MAY BE RE-INSTATED - News

Yes...SEASON OF AMNESTY

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Thatcher unreconstructed: A view from 1990

•The late Mrs. Thatcher

tom prosperity that her policies had wrought, they blamed all their woes on the foreigners in their midst, especially those of Black descent.

Race riots, unheard of in recent British history, erupted in several parts of the country on a scale and with a fury that was almost beyond belief.

An Englishman’s word, it is said, is his bond – and an English woman’s too. With a few notorious exceptions in public life, this is still largely true. But one remembers how, at last year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government

‘For her, greed was the motive force in human affairs, and to encourage it in every conceivable way was the highest principle of statecraft. Compassion was an unpardonable weakness’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thatcher put her signature on a communiqué advocating tougher sanctions against apartheid South Africa, only to renounce the agreement well before the ink had dried on it.

It would be hard to improve on President Robert Mugabe’s comment on Thatcher’s conduct on that occasion: “Despicable.”

In no sphere of Britain’s foreign relations were her chicanery and duplicity more evident than in the question of sanctions against South Africa. No, the sanctions she had sup-

HARDBALL

I

T may sound downright farcical, but the fresh threats by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to murder Islamic clerics, bomb mosques and hajj camps should not be dismissed casually.

Indeed the threats assume ominous proportion in a country that is neck-deep in unimaginable, irrational and unjustifiable violence from its northernmost tip to its southernmost recesses.

On April 6, a boatload of policemen had been ambushed somewhere along the creeks of Azuzama in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State. In the encounter, 12 policemen were murdered and many others injured. Soon after, MEND and the little known ‘General’ Adaka Boro Jnr group claimed responsibility for the killings. There is no consensus on who carried out the killings, but it was observed that the Bayelsa ambush came shortly after MEND threatened to resume attack in the oil region on account of the jailing of their former leader, Henry Okah, in South Africa.

If indeed MEND was responsible for the Azuzama killings, as it continues to assert remorselessly, then the new threat to widen the scope of its attacks should not be dismissed with a wave of the hand, whether its militants manage to carry out attacks as ferociously as the Islamist sect Boko Haram or as restrictedly as its limited resources can accommodate. The group anchors its fresh threats on the implausible logic of saving Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation. Hear MEND: “On behalf of the hapless Christian population in Nigeria, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), will from Friday, May 31, 2013, embark on a crusade to save Christi-

ported so enthusiastically against Poland would never work in South Africa.

Poland’s crime was that it had suppressed the trade union Solidarity. As far as Thatcher was concerned, that was a far greater crime than apartheid, which the United Nations had in resolution after resolution denounced as a crime against humanity. But then, the only humanity she recognises is white humanity.

From claiming that sanctions would not work in South Africa, she went on to proclaim, without recognising her own absurd logic, that sanctions would hurt only the Black majority that needed protection most.

Suddenly, this woman who as education minister had not scrupled to snatch milk away from British school children to save costs was brimming with the milk of human kindness for Black people in far-away South Africa.

She even resorted to blaming the victim, employing the language of the oppressor. The ANC was a terroristic organisation. But for the dirty tricks of the non-white Commonwealth nations, South Africa would have remained within the family.

When the pressure for sanctions reached a crescendo at the 1985 Commonwealth Summit in Nassau, Bahamas, and threatened to disrupt the organisation, she hit upon a ploy to sidestep the issue: the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group (EPG). Well before the EPG’s report was published, Thatcher launched a campaign of denigration against its members severally and collectively. She would allow no person and no principle to stand in the way of her giving aid and comfort to apartheid.

That is now why she fell, of course. Her fall was rooted in her domestic and European policy. And she crashed with the same gracelessness that had animated her for 11 years, a stunning lesson in the instability of human greatness.

Some self-hating Blacks may continue to adore her as the greatest person that ever drew breath. In this corner, the most charitable thing that can be said about the ghastly woman is: Good riddance.

This article, originally titled “And so, the lady was for dumping,” is republished from the December 10, 1990, issue of the newsweekly, The African Guardian, now defunct. The writer was a contributing editor for the magazine.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

MEND tastes blood, adds macabre threats anity in Nigeria from annihilation. The bombings of mosques, Hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and assassination of clerics that propagate doctrines of hate, will form the core mission of this crusade codenamed ‘Operation Barbarossa’.”

Beyond its fecundity for labelling its operations with evocative and high-sounding code names, it is clear MEND recognises that its new targets are much softer than oil facilities and extremely difficult to police or defend. In addition, the group sees the preparedness of the Goodluck Jonathan government to offer amnesty to Boko Haram as insidious, illogical and discriminatory and an admission that impactful attacks on soft targets enervate the government.

MEND’s claim to defend Christianity should consequently be seen as a mere pretext to pressure the government into taking a fresh look at the Okah case, a case it claims the federal government fraudulently connived at.

It must of course not be forgotten that Boko Haram itself began modestly as a small-time proponent of terrorism, pretentiously threatening more violence than it had the capacity to deliver. It is also recalled that in 2009 the government haughtily dismissed the sect as a ragtag force. But less than three years after the sect seized newspaper headlines and started dominating public discourse, the government began suing for peace. MEND obviously thinks that that unsavoury tactic is guaranteed to bring results. Many analysts had in fact warned that entering into dialogue with terrorist groups, let alone offering them amnesty, would spawn

other more violent groups armed with little grudges, all pressuring the government for favours or concessions. Even before Boko Haram had been placated, MEND is proving the fears of pessimists justified.

Insecurity is today at its highest level in Nigeria. No one is safe anywhere. Unfortunately the government is unable to conceive intelligent solutions to the nightmare or to forge a security force capable of waging effective war against the sects, while showing restraint. In consequence, the problem of insecurity is compounded. If MEND carries out its new threats, even by a fraction, it will take a miracle to salvage the situation. Boko Haram itself had hoped its undiscriminating attacks would cause a conflagration. For nearly two years its wish was not granted because of an unusual countrywide restraint. Sadly, now, its wish may be about to be realised through MEND. Will the government dialogue as it is its habit, or will it fight brutally as its feverish mind sometimes leads it? Or will it continue to embroil itself in a needless dispute over whether pre-amnesty MEND is involved in the attacks or copycats are at work?

More than ever before, the country is at a very delicate crossroads. It is not just the political and economic structures of the country that need fundamental change, considering that the status quo has proved hopelessly inadequate; new faces, confident and charismatic leaders are desperately needed to salvage the country and its democracy. The current situation is simply untenable.

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