The Nation April 25, 2012

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VOL. 7, NO. 2104 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

N150.00

Osun awards N17.5 b road contracts

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•Aregbesola...yesterday

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

T was meant to sympathise with The Nation on the April 14 fire that consumed its Photo Section.

But Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s visit yesterday to this newspaper’s Lagos Mainland headquarters was more than that.

It was an opportunity for the Governor to explain his battle to renew the State of Osun - physically, financially and economically.

The government has awarded N17.5 billion contracts for six roads, he told the management.

This, he stressed, is “phenomenal”, particularly as the

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For the first time in the history of Osun, we have N35 billion in the bank, waiting for use. It was through our ingenuity and financial sagacity to ensure that the money is there

By Tajudeen Adebanjo, Staff Reporter

state is not borrowing to do the job.

Besides, roads are being rehabilitated across the state.

Aregbesola spoke on the state of the economy when he assumed office on November

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27, 2010.

He said: “We met a depressed state in every sense of it - economically, judicially and physically. As a matter of fact, the state was no longer living by the time I assumed office. The state was N18.3 billion in debt, a suffocating debt which ordinari-

ly should have killed the state. The state got a short term loan that would require payment of N600 million every month from an income then – N1.8 billion from the federal and N.2 billion from Internally Generated Revenue, totaling N2 billion. That was what I met in November, 2010. We have re-negotiated the payment to N100 million monthly. If you subtract that from N600 million, you have N500 million and in a year, we have saved N12 billion, which will be injected into Continued on page 4

N1.07t subsidy: Ahmadu Ali, others to face trial NNPC told to refund N310b House clears Synopsis, Zenon New chance for 17 firms

AGONY OF EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN LAGOS

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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ORMER Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) chairman and executive secretaries (20092011) were told yesterday to get set for trial over the N1.07 trillion subsidy scandal.

They will be investigated/prosecuted by anti-corruption agencies, the House of Representatives said.

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Ahmadu Ali was the agency’s chairman during the period. The former PPPRA executive secretaries are: Mr. A Ibikunle (August 2009 to February 2011) and Mr. Goddy Egbuji (February 2011 to August 2011).

The House also said the Auditor-General of the Federation should audit the account of the Nigerian National PeSEE troleum Corporation (NNPC) ALSO to ascertain its solvency and report back to the House

PAGES 2&3

Continued on page 4

•A group of expectant mothers on their knees, begging striking Lagos doctors to return to work...yesterday. Story on page 7

PHOTO: WALE ADEPOJU

•MONEYP14 •INVESTORSP17 •SPORTSP23 •LIFEP29 •POLITICSP43

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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NEWS SUBSIDY PROBE REPORT

‘Subsidy cash Remarks by the Speaker of the House of RepresentativesAminu Waziri Tambuwal on the consideration of the report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Petroleum Subsidy yesterday.

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (third left), Director General, Ekiti Enterprise Development Agency Mr. Oska Ayeleso (left), First Secretary to the Royal Thai Embassy in Nigeria, Dr. Saowalak Pornwilassiri and Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Thailand, Prof. Krisana Kraisintu (right after a tour of medical and pharmaceutical facilities in the state... yesterday.

• From left: Compliance Officer, First Guarantee Pension Limited, Funmilayo Oluwo, Representative, Pensions Alliance Limited, Mezu Ibiyemi, Chairman, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, Dave Uduanu, Managing Partner, Brandzone Consulting LLC, Chizor Malize, Compliance Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Idu Okowuosa and Executive Secretary PenOp, Ola Ayodeji at the Media Interactive Session on the Contributory Pension Scheme held in Lagos.

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OUwill recall that on Sunday January 8, we had to cut short our recess in response to a national crisis as a result of the sudden removal of fuel subsidy by the Executive Arm of Government.

The commitment and patriotism shown by members during that period of emergency finally led to the gradual resolution of that crisis.

Today, we are here to consider the product of that sacrifice. Before you is the report of the Ad-hoc Committee on the monitoring of fuel subsidy regime which was set up to verify and determine actual subsidy requirements.

And I must commend the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Farouk Lawan and the rest of his Committee Members, for their courage, dedication and professionalism. They were given a crucial assignment and they handled it with the integrity and patriotism it deserved.

The probe of the oil Sector has raised so much dust from certain segments of the polity such that it became clear that the intention was to frustrate it. For those who regard the oil sector as a secret society or sacred cow, I wish to state without equivocation that it is not. All public agencies in the oil sector are the creation of Acts of the National As-

•Tambuwal

sembly and this Honourable House has no powers to legislate for the creation of secret societies. Similarly all private sector corporate bodies operating in the sector are the creation of the Corporate Affairs Commission and that Commission also is not vested with any powers to incorporate secret societies. Let it therefore be known that in our drive

Reps okay two oil T

•President Goodluck Jonathan (right), Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Chairman Committee on Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Dr. Christopher Kolade, secretary of the committee, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo and member of the committee, Brig-Gen. Mamman Kotangora during a meeting of the committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN

• Managing Director of NEXIM Bank Mr. Roberts Orya (second left), flanked by Hollywood stars, Isaiah Washington, Jimmy Jean-Louis (left) and Ebbe Bassey (right) during a news conference to unveil a new film Doctor Bello by ace producer Mr. Tony Abulu. The film is the first beneficiary of the Federal Government’s intervention fund for entertainment industry

HE House of Representatives yesterday okayed 29 of the recomendations of its Ad-Hoc Committee on Subsidy Managment, thus giving its nod for the auditing and unbundling of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and sanctionioning of Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) ex-bosses for negligence.

Below are some of the approved clauses: 1.From the findings of this committee, the consumption level for 2011 is estimated at 31.5 million liters per day. However, in 2012 marginal increment of 1.5milion liters a day is recommended in order to take care of unforeseen circumstances, bringing it to 33 million liters per day. And to maintain a strategic reserve, an additional average of seven (7) million liters per day (or 630milllion litres per Quarter) for the first quarter of 2012 only is recommended. Thus, PPPRA is to use 40 million litres of PMS in the first quarter as its maximum ordering quantity per day. In subsequent quarters PMS daily ordering quantity should be 33 million litres per day. For kerosene, the Committee recommends a daily ordering quantity of 9 million litres.

2. With regards to the 445,000bpd allocation to NNPC to refine for local consumption, the Committee established that the allocation is sufficient to provide the nation with forty million litres per day for PMS and Ten million litres of HHK. The above can be achieved conveniently through; SWAP arrangement, * Offshore processing, *Outright sale of 445,000bpd and or partial sale of the excess from the local refining capacity of 53%.

Therefore there is no reason for

government to grant subsidy importation to any marketer.

Even though we have quoted 40 million litres as a liberal figure, in the course of monitoring the implementation of the subsidy regime the actual daily consumption will then be determined.

3 The NNPC should refund to the Federation Account, the sum of N310,414,963,613 (Three hundred and ten billion, four hundred and fourteen million, nine hundred and sixty three thousand, six hundred and thirteen naira only) paid to it illegally as subsidy for kerosene contrary to the Presidential Directive of July 29th, 2009 withdrawing subsidy on the product.

4 The Committee recommends that the NNPC should be unbundled to make its operations more efficient and transparent, and this we believe can also be achieved through the passage of a well drafted and comprehensive Petroleum Industry Bill. The Committee therefore urges the speedy drafting and submission of the bill to the National Assembly.

5 The Committee wishes to recommend that the House do direct for auditing of the NNPC to determine its solvency. This was as a result of plethora of claims of indebtedness and demand for payments by NNPC’s debtors which, if not well handled, will not only affect the entire economy of Nigeria, but also the supply and distribution of petroleum products.

Examples: •Nigeria Customs Service =N46 billion •Nigeria Ports Authority =N6billion •Trafigura et al = $3.5billion 6. The House should direct the NNPC to stop any form of deduction not captured in the Appropriation Act before remittance to the Federation

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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NEWS SUBSIDY PROBE REPORT

sh hijacked for the benefit of a few’ ACN to Jonathan: Apologise to Nigerians over subsidy mess

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to apologise to Nigerians for his administration’s removal of the fuel subsidy in January.

The party said the report of the House of Representatives Committee on the management of the subsidy has shown that the removal was an error of judgement that has left Nigerians feeling swindled by their government.

A statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, reads: “Against all informed pieces of advice, even from well-informed industry insiders and analysts, President Jonathan approved the removal of fuel subsidy and went ahead to defend it.

“Well, the President is human and therefore can also be wrong.

But when he is, as it has now been proved, he should be humble enough to admit it and apologise.

“President should fire all those who advised - or misadvised - him on the fuel subsidy issue, especially the officials who wasted public funds in organising the charade called stakeholders’ meetings which, as it turned out, was an orchestrated scam, as the decision to remove the subsidy had already been taken. ‘’In more-civilized climes, those who bandied spurious figures to Nigerians and hinted that the economy would collapse if the subsidy was not removed - would by now have tendered their resignations - with apologies - over the discovery that what the government has been subsidising over the years are corruption and inefficiency, not fuel. to sanitize the polity, there are no sacred cows and we do not intend to discover any.

However, that is only one part of the job. We now have the more crucial duty of considering the report and recommendations of the committee. Usually in a matter such as this, one is accustomed to hearing differing opinions presented passionately. Or passions presented as opinions.

But we must never forget who we are and where we are, because Ni-

‘’The sectional groups who threw their weight behind the fuel subsidy removal, for no other reason than that the President is their ‘son’, should also have repeated the adverts they placed in the newspapers, but this time repudiating their earlier adverts and apologising to Nigerians. ‘’Since honour is in short supply here, and these people are ready to carry on as if nothing has happened, the President should show rare courage by sacking all those he has the power to sack, and recommending the removal of those he cannot single-handedly remove. Any action short of the above will be a joke which Nigerians are not ready to accept. “’In statements after statements, we told the President that there is no subsidy on fuel, and that what the government claims to be subsidising are corruption and inefficiency. We quoted informed analysts, who proved - with facts and figures - that the average true price of a litre of fuel is N34.03. We suggested ways in which the government can truly deregulate the sector without inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians. But in the end, as always, the government ignored all the interventions and went ahead with its pre-meditated action. ‘’Nigerians were made to pay for the corruption perpetrated by a few fat cats in the name of fuel subsidy, and a government with the primary responsibility of ensuring the well-being of its citizens inflicted untold pain on them in the new year, as the prices of goods and services shot up in the wake of the fuel price hike and many who had travelled for the holidays were stranded for days. Someone has to pay for this fraud perpetrated against

gerians are watching us very closely and history will judge what we do here today. I therefore urge each and everyone of you to look at this report dispassionately.

Be fair in your comments and set aside all primordial sentiments so that we can do justice to this important document.

Let me reiterate the fact that we are discharging a Constitutional assignment here and it is therefore incumbent upon us to do our duty without fear or favour. Let me also re-

mind you that we are fighting against entrenched interests whose infectious greed has decimated our people. Therefore, be mindful that they will fight back, and they do fight dirty.

I have heard all kinds of insinuations, including the one about antigraft agencies waiting for a ‘harmonise version’ of this report before taking any action. Let me quickly say here that this is at best an excuse that cannot stand after all the same agencies accept and inves-

Nigerians. ’No amount of intimidation, through the deployments of armed policemen to places of possible protests, can stop Nigerians from asking questions and demanding answers after the exposure of the knee-deep rot in this critical sector of the economy. Those who have been elected to lead must justify the peoples votes before asking for their support again. That is the essence of leadership.’’

The party commended the civil society groups and individuals who have vowed to ensure the implementation of the report, and promised to also ensure that the issue is kept in the front burner.

It said after the apology, the President should then revert the fuel price to the pre-January price of 65 kobo per litre and then proceed to implement the recommendations of the committee without delay, especially the prosecution of all indicted persons and companies.

It said though many Nigerians have expressed shock and anger at the report of the House Committee, especially the huge payments made to unknown and unqualified fuel importers and the recommendation that the NNPC, PPPRA and some oil marketers should refund over 1 trillion naira, the party is not surprised that things have turned out this way.

tigate petitions from individuals, how much more resolutions of this House, there will be no such document so they should just go ahead and do their job and where they find any person or body culpable, they should proceed in accordance with the law.

Our only interest here is to mitigate the suffering of Nigerians by showing how the subsidy regime has been hijacked for the benefit of a few.

At the end of our deliberations, we hope that the executive arm will act upon the resolutions of this House

and bring more transparency to bear on the system.

Together we can do all things constitutionally required of us but not without sacrificing our personal comforts, personal aspiration and even personal opportunities that do not benefit the public good. For as many are prepared and determined to make these personal sacrifice and to stand on the side of the ordinary Nigerians whose mandate we hold, I say let’s march on dear colleagues.

ministers, auditing, unbundling of NNPC Accounts, and the Corporation should submit its transactions to the operational Guidelines of the Subsidy Scheme.

7. NNPC Retail, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) should be the outlets for the distribution of Kerosene to ensure availability and affordability of the product of Nigerians.

8.The NNPC should go also refund to the Federation Account the sum of NGN 285.098 billion being over-deductions as against PPPRA approvals for 2011. The Relevant Anti-Corruption Agencies should further investigate the Corporation for deductions for the years 2009 and 2010.

9.As postulated earlier in this report, data provided by NNPC and CBN tends to suggest that for 2009, 2010, and 2011, NNPC deducted subsidy payments from two different accounts. It is the recommendation of this Committee that Relevant AntiCorruption Agencies conduct thorough investigations into this matter and where it is established that double withdrawals were made, the extra amounts should be paid back to the Treasury and thos involved prosecuted.

10.The Management and Board of the NNPC should be completely and all those involved in the following intractions be further investigated and prosecuted byt he Relevant AntiCorruption Agencies. a.Payment of N285.098 billion in excess of the PPPRA recommeded figure for 2011. b. Subsidy deductions of N310,414,613 for kerosene against a presidential directive. c. Direct deductions from funds meant for the Federation Account in contravention of Section 162 of the

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We have made far-reaching recommendations that if implemented will reform the oil and gas industry and redeem the hopes of Nigerians in us as their representatives. I appeal to you to be dispassionate in considering this report. I am not saying that this report is a perfect article. But it is a document that will add value to the way things are done in this country • Lawan Nigerian Constitution. d. Illegal granting of price differential (discourse) of crude oil price per barrel to NNPC to the tune of N108.648 billion from 2009 - 2011.

11. The relevant Anti-Corruption Agencies should carry out a due-diligence investigation tio determine the total demurge payments and outstanding incurred by NNPC for the period 2009 - 2011.

12. Under the PSF Scheme, importers especially NNPC should be mandated to patronize Nigerian Flagged vessels provided they produce the standard safety and sea-worthiness certificates in tune with International best practices.

13. All the payments which the PPPRA made to itself from the PSF account in excess of the approved administrative charges wihich were due

to it under the Template should be recovered and paid back into the fund. The officials involved in this infraction shlould be further investigated/prosecuted by the relevant Anti-Corruption Agencies. These confirmed illegal payments were the sum of NGN 156.455 billion in 2009, and the sum of NGN155.824 billion in 2010, a total sum of NGN312,279 billion.

14. All staff of PPPRA and DPR involved in the a. Processing of Applications by importers, and b. Verification, confirmation and payment for imported products by |Importers and NNPC should be investigated/prosecuted by Anti-Corruption Agencies for neglience, collusion and fraud.

15. The Executive Secretaries of the

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PPPRA of the PPPRA who were the accounting officers, and under whose watch these abuses were perpetrated that led to the Government losing billions of naira, should be held liable. Therefore, we strongly recommend that those who served as Executive Secretaries of PPPRA from January 2009 to October 2011 should be further investigated/prosecuted by relevant Anti-Corruption Agencies. This should also include GM Field Services, ACDO/Supervisor-Ullage Team 1, and ACDO/Supervisor-Ullage Team 2 within the same period, for their roles in the management of the ullaging under the subsidy scheme.

17.It is hereby recommended that Mr. President should reorganise the Ministry of Petroleum to make it more effective in carrying out the

much needed reforms in the oil and gas sector.

18. Given the large and complex nature of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Committee recommends that two ministers should be appointed to take charge of the upstream and downstream.

19. The current template being used

by PPPRA in computing and paying PSF is full of in-built prices for wastages and inefficiencies (eg. Lightering exercise, demurrage) that could be plugged to save the nation’s scarce.

We therefore recommend the revision of the template.

20. Henceforth the PPPRA margin of error on the payment Template for ascertaining allowable volumes on imported products should not be more than +/5% as against the current +/-10% 21. The PPPRA should provide the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA advance copies of allocation and vessel arrival notification documents to enable the Navy Monitor, track and interdict vessels seeking to avoid Naval certification.

23.The practice whereby PPPRA as a regulator in the petroleum downstream sector being supervised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources whose Minister is the Chairman of the Board of NNPC (a major Importer/participant in the PSF scheme) negates the principles of checks and balances and international best practices. The Committee therefore recommends that the regulatory capacity of PPPRA be strengthened and the National Assembly should commence the process of amending the Act to make the Agency autonomous.

24.The PPPRA should, within two weeks of the adoption of this Report, conduct a performance assessment of All Companies involved in the PSF scheme and publish such reports.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

NEWS Osun awards N17.5 b road contracts Continued from page 1

•Nigerian Ambassador to the United States (U.S.), Prof. Ade Adefuye (middle), with some Nigerian students from Harvard University at a panel conversation on “The Future of Nigeria’’ in New York…onMonday.

various developmental projects.

“For the first time in the history of Osun, we have N35 billion in the bank, waiting for use. It was through our ingenuity and financial sagacity to ensure that the money is there. And what is important is that today, Osun has N35 billion meant for various peopleoriented projects.”

On education, he said his administration is unswerving in reviving the standard of schooling.

“We are building schools that would appeal to the pupils. Let me say before this tenure lapses, those unusual structures must have been on

N1.07t subsidy: Ahmadu Ali, others to face trial Continued from page 1

Committee on Public Accounts within three months.

Also approved is the refund of the 2011 subsidy funds collected by the NNPC. This was in spite of a letter by the corporation to the House leadership, stating that the funds were meant to offset backlogs of 2010.

In all, 35 of the 62 recommendations of the Farouk Lawan-headed House Committee on Fuel Subsidy regime were accepted.

Recommendation (xiii) as adopted states: “That the Executive secretaries of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) who were the accounting officers, and under whose watch those abuses were perpetrated that led to the government losing billions of naira should be held liable.

Therefore, we strongly recommend that those who served as Executive secretaries of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA) from January 2009 to October 2011 should be further investigated/ prosecuted by relevant anti-corruption agencies. This should also include GM Field Services, ACDO/Supervisor-Ullage Team 1, and ACDO SupervisorUllage Team 2 within the same period, for their roles in the management of the Ullaging under the subsidy scheme.

The amended recommendation (xvi) reads: “That the chairman of the Board of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) from

Protest precedes consideration of report

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HE mood preceding the debate of the Farouk Lawan-led Ad Hoc Committee was set by the appearance of about 100 protesting youths at the entrance of the National Assembly.

The youths, under the banner of two Civil Society Organisations (CSO), said their mission was to express their disapproval over alleged plans by the House of Representatives to indict the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison–Madueke, with the recommendations of the report Inscriptions on the placards carried by the youths include: “We say no to Lawan Report if it is a ploy to discredit President Goodluck Jonathan”; “Remove the Minister of Petro2009-2011 and the entire members of the board during the period should be investigated and prosecuted and their decision which opened a floodgate for the bazaar is condemned in the strongest form.”

Other recommendations adopted by the House are as follows: (xi); ”That the relevant anti-corruption agencies should carry out the due diligence investigation to determine the total demurrage payment and outstanding incurred

by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the period 2009-2011. (xii) “That under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) scheme, importers, especially Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), should be mandated to patronise Nigerian flagged vessels, provided they produce the standard safety and sea-worthiness cer-

leum from office on the ground of ethnicity?” and “Was Lawan committee hijacked by political enemies of President Jonathan’s government?”

The protesters arrived at the National Assembly’s entrance at about 8am a procession from the Millennium Park, protected by the police.

They questioned the intent of the report on the basis of the scope and period covered by the probe panel. They were however barred from entering the Assembly complex.

They departed peacefully after being addressed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Adenrele Shinaba who assured them that their grievances would be conveyed to the appropriate quarters.

tificates in tune with international best practice. (xiii) that all payments which the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) made to itself from the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) account in excess of the approved administrative charges which were due to it under the Template should be recovered and paid back into the fund. The officials involved in the infraction should be further investigated/prosecuted by the relevant anti-corruption agencies.

These confirmed illegal payments were N156.455 billion in 2009 and N155.824 billion in 2010, a total sum of N312. 279 billion.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal warned that there are no sacred cows in the oil sector that is too big for the law to deal with.

Tambuwal, who spoke just before the House went into the

committee of the Whole to consider the report, hoped the executive would implement the report as adopted by the House.

But, 17 oil marketers got a reprieve.

They were given two weeks to appear before the panel to state their positions on various allegations levelled against them.

The companies are: Mut-Has Petroleum Ltd, Nepal Oil and Gas Service, Oilbath Nigeria, Techno Oil Ltd, Somerset Energy Services, Stonebridge Oil Ltd, Mobil Oil Nigeria, AX Energy Limited, CAH Resources Association Limited, Crust Energy Limited, Fresh Synergy Limited and Ibafon Oil Limited.

Others are: Lottoj Oil and Gas Limited, Oakfield Synergy Network Limited, Petro Trade Energy Limited, Prudent Energy & Service Limited and Rocky

Energy Limited.

Before the new lease of life granted the oil companies, they were asked to refund N41.9 billion to government coffers.

Two firms – Zenon Petroleum & Gas Limited and Synopsis Enterprises Limited were exonerated by Lawan, who told the House the companies were listed in error.

According to him, both firms should not have been on the list of those who partook in forex.

They did not participate in the PSF, Farouk told the House.

House spokesman Zakari Mohammed while speaking with reporters yesterday on the issue said: “The truth of the matter is that we want to give them a fair hearing. We don’t want a situation where they‘ll take us to court.

People shouldn’t take us to court for this kind of row; we should avoid it.

“If 17 companies say they were not invited or they did not get invited, or that we did not exhaust our legislative processes, the onus lies on us to give them fair hearing so that nobody rubbishes this report in the court of law.

“But in the court of people’s opinion, people know that these 17 companies are being economical with the truth. At the same time, we are giving them two weeks to come up and defend themselves.

“As far as we’re concerned, it does not change the decimal. It is still as constant as ever. The Continued on page 57

ground.

“And along that, we want a unique uniform, not only one that will entice the students but also give them a sense of integrity. The committee that was set up received well over 800 entries for the new uniform. They pruned them down to 250 and brought them before the exco for consideration. We have been able to pick the best three for various segments of our schools,” he said.

There have been allegations that Aregbesola is planning to Islamise Osun and secede. But, to the governor these “laughable” allegations from the opposition party, will not distract him from the path of development on which he has set the state.

He said: “I’m amused with their lies. Right now, as I am talking, we are opening an alternative route to Lagos through Ijebu-Igbo. Work has begun. We are doing phenomenal road works - OsogboIwo, Osogbo-East bypass, Osogbo to the border of Kwara. If that is the only thing we do, it is enough to keep the opposition party out of circulation.

“Not only that, we are renewing the urban towns in such a way that people will be willing to visit Osun to see what we are doing. Before we get to the next election, they won’t have the temerity to speak in the public. We would have totally developed the state. And if they think they can distract us with these shenanigans, then they are in for surprises because we are committed to making the state a model of purposeful, functional and effective, people-friendly place,” he added.

According to Aregbesola, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is meant to make the state the hub of business activities.

“This, we know, will definitely attract unwanted visitors. We are conscious of the security threat and are fully prepared for such negative visitors. In the next one month, we are going to showcase our model security work put in place to checkmate criminal activities,” Aregbesola said.

•Watch out for details of the interview in The Nation.

33 states oppose more cash for Lagos , Rivers, Kano

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HIRTY-THREE states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are united in their opposition to more cash for Lagos, Kano and River states in the proposed Revenue Formula, it was learnt yesterday.

The three states are being considered for a larger share of the national revenue because of their high-yielding Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) profile.

But, the 33 states and the FCT are insisting on the present formula for the sharing of the IGR. The sharing formula for the 10 per cent IGR by the states is equality (7.5 per cent) and efforts (2.5 per cent).

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission(RMAFC) is weighing the options on how best to resolve the matter.

The IGR is one of the five principles being applied to revenue sharing among the states with a 10 per cent weight attached to it.

Investigation showed that although most states want more

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

revenue, they do not want the IGR shared based on their performance.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The states (like Lagos , Rivers and Kano ) that are doing well in revenue generation are also insisting that each state should be rewarded by what it generates internally.

“Most of the 33 states, which are rated as “rural” are opposed to performance as the basis for sharing the 10 per cent IGR. I think they want to be protected by states with huge revenue base.

“So, even among the states, there is a subtle cold war over how the IGR should be managed or shared. It is a scenario that RMAFC is confronted with.

“It has been difficult to reconcile these two positions over the years. But with the latest field work being done by RMAFC, the commission will weigh

all the indices.

“All the states and 774 local government areas also have opportunity to air their views on this matter. RMAFC will consult extensively on this new revenue allocation formula.”

An RMAFC memo obtained

by The Nation gives graphic details of the conflict among the states and local government areas on IGR. The memo also suggested that RMAFC may look at the issue, which is causing friction among the states.

The document reads: “As members may be aware, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is one of the factors used on the Horizontal Revenue Formula which is the formula used in sharing revenue amongst the states and Local Government Areas. The weight assigned to the IGR factor is 10 per cent of the Federation Account.

“The factor was introduced sometime in 1991 and the idea it was to encourage and reward

States and Local Governments that look inwards in terms of their financial needs instead of relying mainly on the monthly allocations from the Federation Account.

“When the factor was first applied in 1991, the Commission used absolute quantum of IGR

by States and Local Governments as proxy in allocating revenue under the factor. “This approach was greeted with protests from most of the states as Lagos, Rivers and Kano States were taking more than 50 per cent of the total allocation under IGR. “Based on the protests, Decree 102 of 1992 (now Act) introduced ‘internal revenue effort’ as the proxy to be applied instead of using the absolute quantum of IGR. That approach too was found to be lopsided as States with smaller revenue base were benefiting much more than those with larger revenue base and capacities.

“Specifically, the ‘rural States’ were getting twice the allocation of states like Lagos , Kano and Rivers states .

“After using the two extremes, the military government at that time had to find a middle ground in solving the problem. Consequently, it directed that the 10 per cent be divided into two parts namely; equality (7.5 per cent) and efforts (2.5 per cent) and applied in allocating revenue under the factor. Since then the Commission has been using equality and efforts in all its Indices reviews.

“However, members may also wish to be informed that after the 2006 Indices review, the Commission received several complaints from States and Local Governments arguing that the Commission was actually rewarding equality and not IGR efforts as originally intended in the Act. “The Commission in Plenary, after studying the complaints,

agreed that in all subsequent reviews the entire 10 per cent be applied, using internal revenue effort.

“This decision may not solve the problem because the states with lower revenue base and capacities are still going to get more allocation under the factor than those with larger revenue base and capacities.

“For example, if Ebonyi State can generate N1.5 billion this year, it will be easier for the state to double the figure next year to N3 billion and get 100 per cent effort than for Lagos State to double its N20 billion naira to N40 billion the following year. Perhaps Lagos State might end up getting 20 per cent effort, thereby putting it at a disadvantageous position. At any rate, the law is very clear and the Commission should be seen to be acting in accordance with the law.

“However, the Commission may consider this issue in the ongoing process of reviewing the Revenue Allocation Formula.”

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

5

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

NEWS

52 Nigerians lose rights to stay in the UK

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IFTY-TWO Nigerians yesterday lost their legal rights to remain in the UK. The arrangement has been concluded for the deportation of the affected Nigerians made up of 41 males and 11 females on a Chartered Flight.

Mr Muhammed Isa, Head of Immigration Section in the Nigerian High Commission, who confirmed the development, said that already manifest documenting

detailed offences of those to be deported have been forwarded to appropriate authorities in Nigeria.

He said the deportees, who breached the rules of their stay in the UK, include asylum seekers, over-stayers and convicted drug traffickers that have completed their terms.

Isa said it was not true that Nigerian deportees were being maltreated by the UK authorities.

He said the two countries recognised that immigration issues could become an irritant to the existing excellent relation hence the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2008 to regulate and manage the deportation processes especially the return of those who have lost their right of stay.

“Since its inception, the MOU has provided the umbrella under which thousands of Nigerian

failed asylum seekers and overstayers have been ferried home largely by means of Charter flights and not cargo,’’ Isa said.

Isa, who noted further that an enforced removal of Nigerians from the UK was ‘ certainly’ not the preferred choice of either the Commission, the British Authority and those affected, advised Nigerians to obey the rules of their host countries and avoid getting involved in criminal activities.

Nigerian piracy gangs rock West African waters

P

IRATE attacks worldwide dwindled by nearly a third in 2012’s first quarter, said a maritime watchdog, crediting proactive efforts by navies, including pre-emptive strikes. Meanwhile, Nigerian gangs are held accountable for hijackings in West African waters.

Lured by tens of millions of dollars in ransom payments, Somali pirates continue to threaten vital shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Despite successful efforts to quell attacks, international naval forces have limited resources and vast distances to patrol.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB), which has been monitoring piracy worldwide since 1991, said global reported pirate attacks totalled 102 incidents in the first quarter, down from 142 in the same period last year. Somali pirates accounted for nearly half the

attacks in the first quarter of this year.

“The reduction in overall attacks is primarily attributed to the disruptive actions and pre-emptive strikes by the navies in the region,” the IMB said. “This emphasizes the importance of the navies in deterring and combating Somali piracy.”

The IMB said the deployment of private armed security guards and greater use of pirate deterrents such as razor wire, heightened monitoring watches when entering danger areas by crews on board vessels had also helped curb Somali attacks.

It said Somali attacks had spread and have been reported at as far as Mozambique and the Seychelles as well as off Kenya, Tanzania, the Arabian Sea, off Oman and the west coast of India and the western Maldives.

Moves by the European Union to expand its anti-piracy mission to tar-

get pirate weaponry ashore was a welcome move that “could further threaten the Somali piracy model”, it added.

“Somali pirates are dangerous and are prepared to fire their automatic weapons and RPG (rocket propelled grenades) at vessels in order to stop them,” it said.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the danger from Somali piracy is likely to go away in the short to medium term unless further actions are taken against this criminal phenomenon,” it said.

West Africa also remained a worsening piracy hotspot. Attacks in the Gulf of Guinea have increased in recent months as the area, spanning a dozen countries, is a growing source of oil, cocoa and metals being shipped to the world’s markets.

The IMB said attacks off Nigeria reached ten in the first quarter the same number reported for the whole

of 2011. A further attack in neighbouring Benin was also attributed to Nigerian gangs.

“Nigerian piracy is increasing in incidence and extending in range,” said IMB director Pottengal Mukundan. “While the number of reported incidents in Nigeria is still less than Somalia, and hijacked vessels are under control of the pirates for days rather than months, the level of violence against crew is dangerously high.”

Elsewhere, the IMB said there had been a noticeable increase in the number of armed robbery attacks in the Indonesian archipelago, rising to 18 incidents in the first quarter, from five in the same period last year.

“All types of vessels have been targeted and five crew members taken hostage. These attacks are aimed at theft from vessels,” the IMB said.

Makinde faults US on Boko Haram

By Sunday Oguntola

PRELATE of Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), His Eminence Dr Sunday Makinde, has faulted a recent statement by the United States (U.S.) which blamed the Boko Haram insurgency on poverty and years of neglect in the North.

He dismissed the statement as ‘’a comment of sit-at-home researchers’’.

Makinde told The Nation yesterday that those who bomb innocent citizens deserve the condemnation and not rationalisation.

He said the US cannot claim knowledge of the sect more than Nigerians, wondering why other poor Nigerians are not taking up arms against the nation.

On the sentence of former Delta State Governor James Ibori to 13year imprisonment in London, Makinde said ‘’justice has been overdone’’.

He said the development remains ‘’a stain on our judiciary,’’ lamenting that the sector has been riddled by corruption.

The cleric said the UK also stands condemned for accepting the loots in the first place. ‘’Why did they receive the money since they knew he stole it? Did they not develop their economy with the money? Since he has been condemned, they also stand condemned,’’ he stated.

He reiterated the calls for a national conference, saying Nigeria would be postponing the evil days by not holding one.

The conference, he said, will address the many fundamental ills in the structure of the nation.

Senate endorses varsity creation From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

•From left: Former President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights(CDHR) Supo Ojo, President, Campaign for Democracy(CD) Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin, President, ASUU, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, Deputy Director Child Protection & Participation, Federal Min. of Women Affairs & Social Development(FMWASD) Dr. Mary Orjioke and Secretary-General of CD Solomon Sobade at a workshop on intercountry child adoption in Lagos...yesterday

Fed Govt to ‘withhold 2011 teachers’ training grants’

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HE Federal Government has declared that states that have not conducted the 2011 Professional Teacher Training programme will not get the annual Universal Basic Education (UBEC) Teachers’ Training Grants.

Minister of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike yesterday spoke at the Ministry of Education headquarters, Abuja while receiving the statutory reports of UBEC. Wike said the Federal Government’s commitment to the improvement of teachers’ quality in the basic education sub-sector cannot be hampered by inaction by some states of the federation.

The minister, according to a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Simeon Nwakaudu, said:

“Henceforth, UBEC is directed not to release teacher training funds to states that are yet to utilise the training funds for 2011. When I assumed duty as Minister of State, I ensured that rather than UBEC conducting the training, the states should be responsible for the training. What we have today is that some states are still conducting the training for 2011 now, when the funds were released last year.”

The minister directed UBEC to submit the work plan for the 2012 in the next two weeks to ensure that the process of training teachers was kick-started.

Wike said: “What the UBEC reports presented here today indicates is the fact hat action needs to be taken in specific areas, especially the improvement of the

capacity of our teachers. If the teacher quality remains low, there is no way that we can expect better results in our external examinations like WAEC and NECO. I commend the management of UBEC for these quality reports, but insist that they must continue to work hard for the revival of basic education.”

He urged stakeholders to commend efforts of agencies and parastatals contributing to reversing the retrogressive trend in the nation’s education sector, pointing out that stakeholders should not focus their attention only on negative aspects.

Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Ahmed Modibo Mohammed, stated that the submission of periodic reports on the activities of the commission was a statutory

function.

He said the reports were generated in concert with the State Universal Basic Education Boards following joint field activities conducted.

The reports presented by UBEC include: Minimum Standard for Basic Education, Guidelines for Quality Assurance for Basic Education in Nigeria, 2010 Audit of all Public Schools in the country, Impact assessment study on UBE implementation in the last 10years and Report on 2011 National Capacity Building for teachers in primary schools in the country.

The presentation of the reports was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Ben Ibe and other directors of the ministry.

THE Senate yesterday approved the establishment of the Federal University of Uyo and three others.

Others are the Federal University of Dutsin-ma, Federal University of Kashere and the Federal University of Lafia.

This followed the consideration of the report of the Chairman, Committee on Education, Uche Chukwumerije, (Abia North), titled: “that the senate do consider the report of the committee on Education on the Federal University of Uyo, Federal University of Dutsin-ma, Federal University of Kashere and Federal University of Lafia Bills 2012.”

Chukwumerije explained that the federal university of Ekiti could not be included in the list because it now a subject of litigation.

He told Senators that the traditional rulers in the state have written a petition that the proposed university be named Federal University of Oye/Ikole Ekiti or Federal University of Ikole/Oye Ekiti.

He said the Ekiti traditional rulers have also demanded that the institution should be twocampus University with one in Oye Ekiti and Ikole Ekiti.

Chairman Senate Committee on Rules and Business Senator Ita Enang commended the senate for approving the establishment of Uyo with effect from 1992 when then Military President Ibrahim Babangida declared it.

According to him, the action of the senate would ensure that decisions and contractual agreements entered into by the management of the university since 1992 remain valid.

He expressed hope that the House of Representatives would follow suit before the final assent of the President.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

6

CITYBEATS Police recruit Lagos indigenes THE Lagos Police Command will next month recruit indigenes of the state into the Constable cadre of the marine section.

Police spokesman Joseph Jaiyeoba said the one-week exercise expected to end on May 11, will take place at the State’s Marine Headquarters on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Jaiyeoba said intending candidates who must not be less than 18 and not above 25, must possess five credits in Science subjects, including Mathematics and English Language.

He said candidates with the Quartermaster Certificate of Competence (QM), Marine Engineering Certificate (MEA), Coxswain Certificate of Competence, Trade Test Certificate in related Engineering courses, Able Seaman (ability to swim) and Marine/Mechanical/ Instrumentation Engineering will enjoy added advantage.

Candidates must be Lagos State indigenes and must meet the following conditions: Height: 1.67 for male and 1.64 for female; Physical fitness: Candidates must be physically fit and must not have any form of physical deformities,Character certification: Candidates must be of good character attested to by a person of note, such as Ward/ District/Village Head or Oba/ Indigene Certificate, Birth Certificate, Certificate of fitness from recognised government hospital.

Bomb scare

By Jude Isiguzo

THERE was panic in Ikorodu area of Lagos yesterday, following report of a bomb blast in a church.

It was gathered that a young man was apprehended by the church’s security team while attempting to plant a bomb.

The incident happened at Methodist Church, Ita-Elewa area of the town around 7.30am. The suspect was apprehended following alarm by neighbours that he had jumped the fence to gain entrance into the church.

Immediately the information was received, the security man mobilised his colleagues who rushed to the church backyard only to find the suspect hiding around the graveyard.

It was learnt that on sighting the guards, the suspect attempted to escape, but was overpowered by a mob.

When interrogated, the suspect confessed that he was sent to plant a bomb in the church premises.

He however vowed not to disclose the identity of those who sent him.

One of the pastors, Rev Ogunsiji, said “a young man of about 26 years jumped over the fence around 7.30am and was apprehended by the security team who interrogated him. A can cover was found on him. Also, he made a statement that scared everybody.

He said he was sent to come and plant a bomb in the compound.

We immediately alerted the Police at Ikorodu and the Divisional Police Officer and his team came to access the situation.”

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Three held for alleged recharge cards theft

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HREE robbery suspects are in police net for allegedly stealing recharge

cards.

Yusuf Ayoola, (Scorpion), 22, Adekoya Kehinde (aka Iso), 24, and Abiodun Fatela (aka Stubborn), were arrested at Ogijo, a suburb of Ikorodu, Lagos.

Lagos State Police Commissioner Umaru Manko, who paraded the suspects at the Command headquarters in Ikeja, said the suspects were arrested by the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), following a tip off.

Manko said the suspects had stormed No 7, Dada Apena Street, Ikorodu, about 9.40 pm pretending they wanted to buy recharge cards. Their victim, Tanimola Oluwaseun, a house wife, and her husband were said to have disagreed on whether to open the door and sell the cards because it was late.

Immediately the woman opened the door, one of the hoodlums brought out a locally made short gun, and robbed the her of all their recharge cards worth thousands of naira and an undisclosed sum of money.

Manko said the suspects have made useful statements that could lead to the arrest of the fourth member of the gang, who is at large.

Under interrogation, Fatola Abiodun, aka Stubborn, said: “I am an armed robber but I have never shot any one. We only used the gun to make victims obey our orders.”

He added: “I am from Ikire, Osun State, and a very good brick layer. People know me as a hardworking man. They will be shocked to see me arrested as an

•The exhibit

By Boniface Ebele

armed robbery suspect. We believe that wealth is from God and that He gives to whom He pleases. We are contented with anything we have no matter how little.

“Somebody must have bewitched me, because, I do not have any reason for joining the gang. I am a member of the Eye Cult. I was initiated when I was in secondary school. Most of our members are dangerous criminals and they must have influenced me.

“As an armed robber, my role is to search victims and to collect all their valuables. I don’t handle gun. It is Ayoola our gang leader who handles gun.”

The gang, Fatola said, went to the woman’s house, pretending they wanted to buy recharge cards because she sells recharge cards, even in the midnight, her husband’s warnings.

“Even the husband refused to open the door until we started kicking the door and threatened to deal with them if they continued to delay. We said we would

blow the door open, and teach them a lesson they would never forget in their lifetime, that was when they opened the door,” he said.

On how he was arrested, Fatola said: “When they came to my house, they said they were looking for Abe. They did not know that I was a member of the gang, but the way they asked questions threw me off- balance, they whisked me away immediately.

I was arrested yesterday afternoon at Ijide after Ikorodu.

Ayoola said: “I was arrested at Nasfat Junction, Ogijo. I am a professional barber but had no money to open a saloon. I was idle when the street cult boys met me and initiated me.

“One day, I was caught by a soldier, whom I picked his pocket and collected his wallet, not knowing that he knew and pretended in order to catch me.

“It was God who saved me that day because the soldier so beat me mercilessly. He left me when he thought I was dead. When I got home, I told my people and friends that I was involved in an okada accident and I narrowly es-

‘Malaria most persist killer’

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ALARIA is the largest and most persistent killer-disease in the Lagos State, Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, has said.

According to him, the disease accounts for 60 per cent of all out-patients deaths at all health facilities in the state.

Briefing reporters in Lagos, Idris said the most hit were children under five and expectant mothers.

He was speaking on the occasion of the World Malaria Day, with the theme: “Sustain gains, save lives: Invest in Malaria initiative and control.”

Idris lamented the devastating effects on the vulnerable groups, adding that the socio-economic consequences of the scourge remained a great concern.

“The reason they are more susceptible to malaria is because the expectant mothers are carrying babies inside them, while the level of immunity in children is low due to their young age,” he said.

Idris said the huge investments in malaria control over the years showed that the reduc-

•Dr Idris (middle), flanked left by Dr Femi Olugbile, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Director, Disease Control, Dr Olufemi Taiwo PHOTO: WALE ADEPOJU

•Govt calls for behavioural change

By Wale Adepoju

tion in malaria morbidity and mortality could be achieved and sustained towards near zero deaths by 2015.

He said: “We have opted for a holistic approach to combat the

disease ranging from Integrated Vector Management, advocacy, environmental, diagnostic and clinic management mechanisms “Preventive measures have been put in place to combat malaria in the state. The Lagos state Ministry of Health, with support

LAGOS EMERGENCY LINES STATE AGENCIES 4. KAI Brigade Phone Nos: 080-23036632; 0805-5284914 Head office Phone Nos: 3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: 01-4703325; 01-7743026 080-75005411; 080-60152462 5. Rapid Response Squad (RRS) 080-23111742; 080-29728371 Phone Nos: 070-55350249; 080-23909364; 080-77551000 070-35068242 01-7904983 080-79279349; 080-63299264

1. Fire and Safety Services Control Room Phone Nos: 01-7944929; 080-33235892; 080-33235890; 080-23321770; 080-56374036.

2. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Lagos Zonal Command Phone No:080-33706639; 01-7742771 Sector Commander Phone No: 080-34346168; 01-2881304

caped being crushed to death by an oncoming trailer. They sympathised with me and contributed money for my intensive treatment in a nearly chemist shop.

“When I told my friend Abe who is still at large that I would be stupid to go back to pick pocketing after I narrowly escaped death, he told me he had wanted me to change my level.

“One Friday night, he called me to meet him under one big tree in a bush in Ikorodu. When I got there, I met him with five criminals. He came with one bottle of wine and wraps of Indian hemp.

He asked me to kneel down and one lanky guy, whom I later heard died in exchange of fire with police, opened the wine and poured a little on my head and gave me to drink. They told me to swear that anytime I try to expose the gang death will stop me and I swore.

Kehinde Adekoya a welder, said he used to sell stolen goods.

He said: “I have many customers, but I was envious of Yusuf, who is generous and is always loaded with cash. One day, he brought one motorcycle he wanted to sell and I took him to a buyer called Uzan and he gave me N5, 000. See, my own role is to sell stolen goods for the gang. I never follow them to rob.

“I knew the suspects two years ago when I was initiated into Eye Street Cult. We smoke Indian hemp, drink hot, go to club together and go out with prostitutes.

The police said SARS was on the trail of the fleeing suspect, adding that they would be charged to court when security agents conclude investigation.

070-55462708; 080-65154338 767 or email: rapidresponsesquad@yahoo.com 6. Health Services – LASAMBUS Ambulance Services Phone Nos: 01-4979844; 01-4979866; 01-4979899; 01-4979888; 01-2637853-4; 080-33057916; 080-33051918-9; 080-29000003-5.

from the global fund, round eight, distributed over 4.1million insecticide nets to households in the state from September 23 to 26 2011, with each household receiving two nets.”

On the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) long-acting chemical insecticides on the walls and roofs of houses, Idris said 334,769 rooms were sprayed in six local government areas in the state and an estimated population of 3,570,113 were protected.

Idris however said the gains of the intervention could be deepened if residents imbibe behavioural change to issues of personal hygiene.

He counselled that residents should ensure that all drainages are regularly cleared to prevent the breeding of mosquito lavae.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

CITYBEATS

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

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ITH their bulging tummies and hands raised in plea, expectant mothers yesterday, in full public glare, went down on their knee, begging striking doctors in Lagos to return to work.

The women, who came for ante-natal at the General Hospital, Lagos, were unable to see their doctors.

Other patients looked at them in sympathy as they shuffled about.

But the doctors appear not ready to listen to the women’s plea as they defied the government’s order to face the Personnel Management Board (PMB) panel of the Health Service Commission (HSC).

Mrs Mariam Agbara, who is near her delivery date, urged the gvernment and the doctors to resolve their differences in the public interest.

She said: “We want to plead with the government to call the doctors to a round table to enable both parties reach a compromise.”

“Government officials are not feeling our pains because they don’t use these facilities.

Their wives and children don’t go to general hospitals like us, because they can afford to pay the high bills of the private hospitals unlike us.

That is why we are appealing to them to do something because we are dying.”

Mrs Agbara said some expectant mothers have medical issues they wanted the doctors to resolve while others have reached their delivery term but no doctors were on hand to attend to them.

Mrs Chinonye Onuke, a resident of Festac Town, said the doctors were supposed to take delivery of her second baby through caesarian section (CS) yesterday, but no doctor was available to attend to her. “The nurses encouraged me to wait but I have been waiting all day for the doctors but none has attended to me. I wonder what has been going on.”

Mrs Onuke urged the government to find a solution to the strike.

But the government said the panel’s invitation of the doctors was a mere administrative procedure.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, accused the doctors of not welcoming dialogue as “they have been issuing threats.

Idris said: “What is going on is purely an administrative procedure. That is not to say the government will not embrace dialogue to resolve the issue. We have not foreclosed the issue of peace, because that is what government wants. That is why the government has bent backwards for the sake of peace, harmony and the patients.”

He said the government would dialogue with the doctors but maintained there must be law and order.

The government had invested so much in the sector and will not allow a group of people to destroy it,” he said.

“We called them before they went on strike. We even begged them, virtually everything they complained about was being taken up. All they needed was the report of the discussion to be out. There are nurses and other health workers who also have issues which are being addressed,” he added.

•The striking doctors leaving the General Hospital...yesterday

PHOTO WALE ADEPOJU

Expectant mothers beg striking Lagos doctors Enough is enough, says govt

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HE Lagos State government yesterday declared that it would implement the trade dispute act of No work no pay against any doctor who stays out of work.

This is coming on the heels of threats by the Medical Guild, to embark on indefinite strike following their refusal to appear before the Personnel Management Board (PMB), of the Health Service Commission following the three-day warning strike a fortnight ago.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Aderemi Ibirogba, in a statement yesterday said though government believes in the right of workers to declare a trade dispute, such must be within the ambit of the law.

Ibirogba said contrary to the group’s claims, Lagos State doctors are the highest paid in the country. He expressed government’s dismay at the “deliberate lie and blackmail by the Guild to potray the government as insensitive.

The statement reads: “The deliberate lie by the Guild and its attempt to portray government as insensitive and /or deliberately avoiding their plight, makes it expedient to present the facts of the matter for the public to discern the truth. Also, the cheap blackmailing of government through an advertorial in The Punch newspaper yesterday and the unprofessional behaviour of the doctors, who went to disrupt operations at the Island Maternity Hospital make this communication with you, the good people of Lagos, very important, especially since Doctors who were trained to care are now attempting to do otherwise by going to disturb the peace of their recuperating patients, despite knowing the legal implication of this their action.

“In fact, the Minister of Health, Dr. Onyebuchi Chukwu, disgusted about the unprofessional action of the doctors, clarified the situation last weekend, when he queried the right of the Guild to engage in a strike without exhausting the avenues for dialogue. The Minister also condemned the Guild for making an unjustifiable demand that House Officers, who are doctorsin-training, be given teaching allowance and wondered

By Wale Adepoju

Medical Director, General Hospital, Lagos, Dr Ahmed Balogun said the doctors converged in the hospital without

who the House Officers are teaching to warrant such demand.

“It is a matter of fact that Lagos State Doctors are the highest paid in the country, as our doctors earn far more than their colleagues in other states. Lagos is also the only state that is implementing the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in full.

What our doctors earn now is the equivalent of their recommended pay on the CONMESS scheme. The House Officers, for example, earn N173,927.33 monthly while consultants earn as much as N801,985.09 (excluding teaching allowance) per month. Similarly, Lagos State has the highest number of doctors. We have over 1,000 doctors who benefit from the humane nature of the Fashola administration which has and continues to invest so much on the health sector by upgrading our hospitals, providing the necessary equipment to make the doctors work with ease and improving the welfare of the health workers as it is done in other sectors.

“The allegation of the doctors were thus baseless and the service disruptions that they cause only help to drive patients from government hospitals to private hospitals in which many of them are more interested. “These doctors are apparently not happy that Lagosians have gained more confidence in government hospitals due to the huge investments in building and equipment. It is unfortunate that our doctors want to see themselves as above the extant laws through their incessant demands. But government will not yield to such sabotage, blackmail and selfishness.

“Doctors, like other professionals in public service, must, therefore learn to live by the rules rather than disrupt the system which they were employed to uphold.

“The Lagos State Public Service is vibrant, productive and progressive because it gives adequate consideration for the commensurate remuneration of workers. Care must, thus, be taken not to disrupt the system through frivolous and selfish demands.”

prior notice. “I got here this morning to see them. I learnt they are doctors from other General Hospitals. You know there are 20 General Hospitals

in Lagos State.

On the presence of security agents at the hospital, he said they were called in to maintain law and order. “We don’t

want people to disrupt services within the hospital.”

Their presence, he said, has not hampered treatment, as the congress was held in premises and not the wards.

Chairman, Medical Guild, Lagos State, Dr Olumuyiwa Odusote, said the doctors did not attend the PMB’s invitation because it is illegal and aimed at intimidating them.

He said if the doctors failed to take advantage of the opportunity to express their grievances they may not be able to do so again.

The doctors, he claimed, were being intimidated by the government, adding that they would not be deterred until their demands are met.

He accused the government of jeopardising the health of the people.

Chairman, Association of Resident Doctors, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr Saheed Babajide, said there was no going back on the strike until government meets doctor’s yearnings.

“When we suspended the three-day warning strike the government gave us query letters, so we are prepared to fight for our rights,” he added.

He said the doctors would enter into dialogue if the government initiated one, adding that nobody likes strike but it is the last option.

The government, he said, should call the doctors to the negotiation table within 24 hours to resolve the issue, adding that doctors will toe the path of peace.

8

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 , 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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NEWS Reps urge Jonathan to retain pension reform task team

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HE House of Representatives has said the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) is the only credible vehicle in the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan for recovering misplaced and misappropriated pension funds.

It urged President Goodluck Jonathan to retain it in the nation’s interest.

The House wrote some key government functionaries on the outcome of the pension probe, after concluding its public hearing and verifying the documentary evidence tendered.

•Writes HOS, SSS, others on committee’s findings From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

It conducted independent onthe-spot assessments of the activities of the Pension Reform Task Team at home and abroad.

In a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, it said: “As a matter of national interest, the Pension Reform Task Team should be retained as a standing Pension Reform Task Team, which the Federal Government and President Jonathan could deploy at any moment to solve peculiar knotty cases.”

The Chairman, House Committee on Pension, Ibrahim Bawa Kamba, signed the letters to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), the Minister of Finance and the Coordinator of the Economy, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director of State Security Service (SSS), he Director National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) and the Federal Government.

The letter said the Federal Government “should lend unalloyed support to the Pension Task Team towards the logical conclusion of its mandate across the globe for comprehensive data base capturing of pensioners and for effective budget system of the Federation”.

The House told Jonathan that the case of Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA’s) Pension Fund abuse petition, which the Committee has been unable to crack over the years, could be tackled by the Task Team and reported back to the committee soonest.

‘Subsidy re-investment initiative is mirage’

F

INANCE Commissioners in the Southwest have said the Federal Government’s Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) is a mirage.

They decried non-payment from the fund.

Rising from a meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, the commissioners said the fund is “unsure”, based on the outcome of a meeting in Abuja.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Their spokesperson and Oyo State Commissioner for Finance Prince Adedeji Adelabu said the Federal Government had promised, at the Friday meeting, that there was no money to be distributed as SURE-P fund.

This, he noted, contradicted the claims by Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,

that savings for all the tiers of government for February had hit approximately N36 billion.

The minister, last week, signed a publication which claimed that whereas the total savings accruable to the Federal Government for the period under review was N16,292,783,505.15, savings for the 36 states was N12,885,318,165.66 and N6,371,134,020.62 was for the

774 local governments.

Adelabu said: “At our last meeting in Abuja on Friday, it was clear that SURE is no more sure and it is now established that there is no money anywhere to be distributed as SURE-P. The explanation of the Federal Government now is that the money distributed to us already has included the SURE-P that they promised to distribute to us.”

Absence of prosecution witnesses stalls murder suspect’s trial

T

HE ongoing trial of Akolade Arowolo, who allegedly killed his banker wife, Titilayo Omozoje, could not continue yesterday because of the absence of prosecution witnesses.

Arowolo, 30, an unemployed graduate, was arraigned for allegedly stabbing Titilayo to death on June 24, last year, at their 8, Akindeinde Street, Isolo, Lagos home.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, Lagos State Director of Public Prosecu-

By Adebisi Onanuga

tion (DPP), Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, told the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, presided over by Justice Lateefah Okunnu, that her witnesses were not in court.

Mrs Ogungbesan said she had intended to bring three witnesses before the court but regretted their absence.

She said two of the witnesses are police officers while the third, who she identified as Mrs. Alaka, is a neighbour of the deceased.

The DPP averred that one of the police officers, identified as Mr. Cletus, was to be on course and his counterpart was also said to be on vacation.

Mrs. Alaka was said to be out of Lagos on an engagement.

The DPP prayed the court for an adjournment till today to enable her produce the witnesses.

She averred that besides the three witnesses, the prosecution still has two more witnesses to call, bringing the total to appear before the court to five.

Akume consoles Belgore, Fayemi

S

ENATE Minority Leader George Akume has commiserated with former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Alfa Belgore on the death of his wife, Hajia Fatima Belgore.

He also sent a condolence message to Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi on the death of his mother, Mrs Dorcas Aina Fayemi.

In the condolence message to Justice Belgore, the lawmaker said: “I received with great shock news of the death of your dear wife, Hajiya Fatima Belgore, which occurred recently.

“The loss of a life partner, especially at a time when her support and companionship is most needed, is indeed painful. My family and I share with you and the entire Belgore household, your grief...”

Akume’s condolence letter to Fayemi reads: “May I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Benue North West Senatorial District, commiserate with you, the Government and people of Ekiti State on the death of your mother, Mrs. Dorcas Aina Fayemi.

“The loss of a mother, no matter how well advanced in years, is one of the most difficult and painful things to bear in life...”

Ex-Ondo commissioners decry LP’s intolerance •‘Party promoting violence’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

T

WO governorship aspirants on the platform of the Acton Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Chief Tayo Alasoadura and Chief Segun Ojo, have decried the spate of violence in the state.

The former Finance commissioners alleged that the ruling Labour Party (LP) was behind the lawlessness.

Alasoadura urged security agencies to counsel the government and its agents on the essence of tolerance.

The former caucus member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerted the police to an alleged plan to disrupt his declaration for the governorship race today at the Akure Town Hall.

He said: “As a descendant of the Deji of Akure, nobody could deprive me the opportunity of using Akure city for my governorship declaration today. It is impossible to disallow a child from using his father’s house. I was a major contributor to the building of the hall.”

Addressing reporters in Akure through the chairman of his Alasoadura Campaign Organisation (ACO), Chief Bode Sunmonu, the aspirant said: “We are aware that they are planning to prevent our teeming supporters from entering Akure and attack our people at the rally.”

The aspirant decried the tense political atmosphere in the state, saying since the announcement of the governorship election time table by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the situation has become tense.

10

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

NEWS Omisore denies attacking Aregbesola’s convoy

PDP, Omisore calling for war in Osun, says Ogun ACN

F

ORMER Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Iyiola Omisore, has denied threatening to attack Aregbesola’s convoy.

He said there was no basis for him to threaten anyone let alone the governor of his state.

The PDP chieftain noted that “as a politician, who does not believe in the politics of life and death, issuing such a threat, as reported by the media, was uncalled for”.

He added: “It is unfortunate that I could be misquoted to the extent of issuing a threat of attacking Aregbesola’s convoy.

Why should I make such a threat, for God’s sake? I have no problem with Aregbesola or any other politician whatsoever. Why should I attack his convoy? In fact, is that possible?

In what capacity would I do so?”

The former deputy governor said what he told some reporters last Saturday in his home in Ile-Ife was that the PDP would not allow the ACN to rig any election as it allegedly did in the last April polls.

The controversial politician alleged that the ACN used the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and those he referred to as “thugs” to scare away PDP members.

Omisore said: “I believe all right-thinking Nigerians would kick against election rigging. Thus, the PDP owes it a duty to stop Aregbesola from using OYES and thugs to intimidate the people of Osun State in any election to be held in the state. At the interview, I said we are ready to go to court to stop the OYES and other groups and other bodies unknown to the law of the land from monitoring elections in the state.

“I hereby dissociate myself

•‘PDP scared of Aregbesola’s achievements’ •Lagos Assembly warns on senator’s threat

•Aregbesola

T

HE Ogun State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday said the threat by Senator Iyiola Omisore and the allegation of attempted secession by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola constitute a call for war.

It urged “all peace-loving Nigerians” to prepare and confront the PDP menace.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sola Lawal, the party noted that the false security report, which the PDP was peddling and the threat

by Omisore amount to “a war song which should not be treated with kid gloves”.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta and Oziegbe Okoeki

ACN said: “Ordinarily, the hyacinth that dances on water has its drummer in the big underbelly of the water. If at this point the Goodluck Jonathan administration does not call those behind these provocative acts to order, then they may have secured executive nod somewhere.”

The party frowned at Omisore’s attack on Aregbesola over the governor’s security arrangement, saying: “It is not only provocative, irritating and insulting to the people of Osun State but also a slap on all decent Nigerians.

“We know his antecedents and recall when, as Osun State deputy governor, he engaged his governor, Chief Bisi Akande, in many uncivilised battles which claimed several lives. Because of his antecedents, the people of the Southwest, particularly our party, will not take his threats and actions lightly.

“Omisore made Osun State ungovernable then and, if he thinks he can re-enact the Akande days, we are ready to meet force for force. The circumstances are now different because the people are not only ready to defend their votes and rights with the last blood in their veins, but are also ready to defend the future of the next generation of Yorubas whom the PDP administration in the Southwest in recent time had messed up totally.”

The party expressed surprise that Omisore, who was detained for his alleged role in the murder of the late Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, after policemen guarding the house of the late Chief Law Officer were said to have left their duty post for lunch!

The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday urged security agencies not to overlook Omisore’s threat that he would stop and search Aregbesola’s convoy.

Through the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Segun Olulade, the Assembly described the threat as weighty.

Addressing reporters at the Assembly complex, the law-

‘We call on all security agencies to be alive to their responsibility by doing what is right. Nigerians are not prepared for another round of anarchy in the State of Osun or anywhere in Nigeria. We also call on well-meaning Nigerians to call the PDP and its chieftains to order and not turn our dear nation into a banana republic’ maker noted that the threat should not be treated with kid gloves because of the highprofile political killings that have occurred in Osun State.

Olulade recalled the killing of a politician, Olagbaju, and Ige, among other cases that security agencies have not unravelled.

He said: “With this new threat to a sitting governor, it’s not just enough for security agencies to investigate the threat. Omisore should be invited for interrogation to ascertain the gravity of his threat.

“We call on all security agencies to be alive to their responsibility by doing what is right. Nigerians are not prepared for another round of anarchy in the State of Osun or anywhere in Nigeria. We also call on well-meaning Nigerians to call the PDP and its chieftains to order and not turn our dear nation into a banana republic.”

A coalition of rights’ groups, under the aegis of Civil Society Coalition Initiative (CSCI), has said it is because the PDP is scared of Aregbesola’s

achievements it resorted to campaigns of calumny against the governor.

The coalition, comprising the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and Honourable Olumuyiwa Jimoh Foundation, noted that the PDP is scared of the achievements Aregbesola has made and wants to eliminate him by fabricating lies.

In a statement by its Convener Ismail Olawale and Lagos State Chairman Comrade Buna Isiak, the coalition said: “Aregbesola’s people-oriented approach to development, coupled with popular mobilisation of the people, is enough to deter enemies of democracy. But the vigilance of Osun people and the revolutionary consciousness that is spreading are what the PDP is scared of. But they cannot stop the march of history…”

Defending the governor’s decision to send Osun youths to Cuba, the group said Aregbesola’s path to alternative development could only be appreciated through countries such as Cuba, China and Brazil, which have taken the same path and emerged victorious.

Aregbesola, the coalition noted, is destined to transform Osun State to be the most industrialised state in Africa through an alternative path to development as represented by China, Brazil and Cuba.

“There is also a diplomatic and bilateral relation between Nigeria and Cuba. This lays credence to the fact that Aregbesola is operating within the provision of the Nigerian Constitution,” it said.

Ex-Osun lawmakers pass vote of confidence on Aregbesola •Lagos ACN warns PDP Southwest

F

ORMER members of the Osun State House of Assembly on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have passed a vote of confidence on Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

The lawmakers served between 1999 and 2003.

In a communique by their chairman and former Deputy Speaker Moses Ola Gbotosho, the former lawmakers restated their unalloyed support for the Aregbesola administration.

They warned those behind the controversial security report on the governor to bury their heads in shame for standing the truth on its head.

The communiqué reads: “All satanic agents in opposition parties, who do not believe in the operation of democracy in tandem with all constitutional rules guiding governance, should go and learn how to be submissive to the democratic norms and values. We want to implore the public to resist any attempt by any individual, group or political party to use them in throwing Osun State into another chaotic, traumatised, blood-letting and undemocratic crisis triggered by the PDP in the state during Chief Bisi Akande’s regime.

“We are ever ready to join the present government in the state in whatever steps to curb

By Leke Salaudeen, Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo and Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

the antics and excesses of any person, group or political party that might be bank-rolling the heinous and satanicinspired security report, which failed to comply with professionalism and sportsmanship democratic governance requires.”

The Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday warned that the PDP in the Southwest is capable of starting a political crisis in Nigeria, if its members are not cautioned on their language, actions and deeds.

The party said it was alarmed that the PDP was playing to the gallery in the Southwest to deceive Abuja and the world that it was still in existence, whereas it was already dead in the region.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, ACN warned that it would take the fight to PDP’s doorsteps, if it continues heating up the political landscape in the Southwest.

The statement reads: “From Ekiti State to Osun, Ogun, Oyo and Lagos, the moribund party in the Southwest has continued to amuse all and sundry in Nigeria with politi-

•‘Disregard allegations against governor’ cal desperation and dance of shame to make the world pay attention that it is fighting a lost battle.

“The political rascals in the PDP have been using the compromised State Security Service (SSS) report in Osun State to destabilise and distract the hardworking Governor Aregbesola. As if that is not enough, the mischief makers have gone to Badagry Local Government (in Lagos State) to create an ugly scene, just to score cheap political points. As we write this, a local government chairman in Badagry has alerted us that his vehicle was attacked at midnight yesterday in his house by persons suspected to be PDP thugs.

“This is unacceptable. We warn that we may return fire for fire, if the PDP in the Southwest fails to engage in constructive criticism.

“It is laughable that the characters that canonise and celebrate impunity for a slice of pie; the characters with disturbing shallowness of mind; the characters with no pedigree, are the ones fomenting this trouble. But let it be known to them that we are equal to the task. We know the PDP and its weakest points and we will hit back in the fullness of time.

“Flimsy excuses and silly propaganda are the nails used

to build houses of failures by compound and irredeemable fools. We suggest that the PDP in the Southwest should learn from history and put its acts together. Enough is enough.”

A group, the Yoruba Peace Movement (YPM), yesterday urged the people of the Southwest, especially those in Osun State, to disregard the allegations of secession and Islamisation against Aregbesola.

In a statement by its National President, Mr. Bayo Lawal, the group noted that some politicians who lost elections decided to destabilise the region.

The statement reads: “The uncivilised people have started using some individuals and the media to perpetrate their evils and satanic aims and objectives.

“These persons, with their short memories, are not aware that the Southwest does not have any history of religious intolerance and frictions. The Southwest is imbued with various faith and religions and has all the people therein peacefully coexisting for centuries.

“It will be an impossible task for the selfish-minded people, who are hungry because of their inability to win elections, to use religion and politics to destabilise the long

existing peace in Osun State.”

The group noted that Osun residents have just begun to savour good governance and development.

It urged them to “strongly stand against instability to enjoy the real dividends of democracy they suffered for”.

Some lawyers have decried the alleged threat by Omisore to stop and search Aregbesola’s convoy.

But Omisore has denied making the statement, saying he was misquoted by some reporters.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday, the lawyers described the statement as reckless.

Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) said Omisore’s outburst showed the impunity with which some people make reckless statements and get away with such.

He said the threat to a governor’s life should not be taken lightly by the security forces because of unfounded allegations by the opposition against the Aregbesola administration.

“For a governor to be threatened by a citizen of the state, simply because he belongs to the opposition party, shows that our politicians can do anything because of power. It’s a threat to Aregbesola’s life. It should not be taken lightly.

•Omisore

Omisre should be brought to book.

“I am sure if such a statement was made against President Goodluck Jonathan, the police and SSS would have taken action against such a person. If they don’t, in this case, then they are not living up to their responsibilities.”

Chief Chris Uche (SAN) said Omisore’s statement was unbecoming of a senator.

“I don’t know what could have prompted him to threaten a sitting governor. It is not a proper statement expected from a former senator. It’s quite inflammatory,” he said.

A former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) said: “It is an empty threat. Let him try it. Omisore is a drowning man. I don’t take him serious for making such a reckless statement.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

We are very pleased with the Swedish companies. They are leading manufacturers of some of the major mining equipment like drilling rigs.

- Mohammed Sada, Minister of Mines and Steel Development

Expert decries bank charges on returned cheques

20 years after, FMBN makes first profit

F

A

FORENSIC accoun tant, Mr. Ori Adeyemo, has decried bank charges on returned cheques and described the fee deducted from accounts in consequence of returned cheques as illegal.

He said since a bank is not a party to a returned cheque, then such bank cannot lay claim to it.

“We should cast our mind to the law of privities of contract wherein it is clearly stated that only parties to a contract can sue for the enforcement of a contract and not even those in whose interest the contract was made,” Adeyemo insisted.

According to him, the initial beneficiary of a clearing cheque is the bank that went to clear the cheque that should have taken custody value for the drawee but that alone does not give room for the bank to lay any claim on the money since the bank is not the real beneficiary of the fund but just a mere custodian.

He pointed out that the present Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Guide to Bank Charges is fraught with illegalities to the detriment of bank customers thereby allowing banks to smile away at all times, leaving the customers short-changed.

Adeyemo argued that on account of the subsisting convention of fee sanctioning for returned cheques, he had been demanding a review of the CBN Guide to Bank Charges.

“I submit that it is totally illegal for any Nigerian bank to penalize a customer for a returned cheque, as doing so will translate to the fact that the banks have become laws unto themselves, having illegitimately taken over the job of the judiciary,” Adeyemo added.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$123.6/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 -N6.503 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 245 $ 156.4 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 241 RIYAL 40.472

• From left: Dr. Olusegun Aganga, Minister for Trade and Investments; Mr Bill Richardson, keynote speaker; Dr. Oba Otudeko, Chairman, Honeywell Group; and Mr Olakunle Alake, Chief Operating Officer, Dangote Group; at the Sixth Lagos State Economic Summit at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos ... on Monday.

Senate opposes guided liquidation of NITEL/MTEL T

HE Senate yesterday opposed the planned guided liquidation of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) by the Federal Government.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Gbenga Obadara, said this at an interactive session with the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) on “the guided liquidation of NITEL/MTEL.” The meeting also deliberated on the ongoing power sector privatisation.

Obadara decried a situation where the NCP and BPE officials were only telling Nigerians the liabilities of NITEL and MTEL without saying how much the organisation is worth or those indebted to it.

The Director-General of BPE, Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa, told the Senators that NITEL/

•Debts hit N351b From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

MTEL has N351 billion debts.

She said of the amount, equipment vendors were owed N65.2 billion, bank claims N81.7billion, government agencies N171 billion and others N24.4 billion She noted that NITEL/ MTEL has been dormant for over three years.

She said some of the agency’s unit equipment were obsolete while the body’s market share is almost zero.

Obadara blamed the Federal Government for allegedly stifling NITEL/MTEL following its refusal to pay bills.

He said the government is deliberately undervaluing NITEL and M-TEL to sell them at peanuts to cronies.

Obadara, who represents Ogun Central, said members of the committee would undertake an assessment of NITEL/MTEL assets in the six geo-political zones to determine the real worth of the agency.

He posited that if the N179billion owed by government agencies was deducted from the total liabilities of NITEL/MTEL, the debt portfolio of the agency would amount to N172 billion.

He said: “We only recognise N172 billion debt.

Are we going to sell our national monument because of N172billion?”

A member of the Committee, Senator Adamu Gumba, said it was unfair for the NCP and BPE to present the debt of NITEL/MTEL without showing how much the companies were being owed or what it is worth.

“If you are doing so to give reasons NITEL/MTEL should

be sold, I think you should have a rethink,” Gumba said.

Although the NCP and BPE promised to make the worth of NITEL/MTEL assets available to the committee, the figures were yet to be released as at the time of filling this report.

Chairman, Technical Committee of NCP, Dr. Atedo Peterside, said the over N351 billion liabilities of NITEL/MTEL makes it unattractive to prospective investors.

He said the guided liquidation was a technical way of shielding the Federal Government from paying the over N350billion and also to insulate the investors from the creditors after liquidation.

He said guided liquidation was only option open to the Federal Government.

He urged the Senate to support government’s efforts to liquidate the companies.

EDERAL Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has made a profit of N188,082,845 in its operations in the first quarter of this year.

This is the first time the bank is recording profit in the last 20 years.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FMBN, Mr Gimba Ya’u Kumo, disclosed this in Abuja.

He attributed the achievement to the reform strategy implemented by the new FMBN Management in line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The bank’s first quarter figures for this year show a profit of N188,082,845 as against a deficit of N256,414,699 in the 2011 fiscal year. Before now, the bank had deficits of N4,419,624,000 in 2010; N8,897,871,000 in 2009; N6,559,844,000 in 2008 and N5,974,371,000 in 2007.

Kumo said the FMBN-administered National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme has been making gradual impact on Nigerians as the scheme has funded the building of more than 61,193 housing units in the six geo-political zones of the federation.

He added that the FMBN introduced the Informal Sector Co-operative Housing Scheme in December last year to ensure that the NHF Scheme accommodates more Nigerians irrespective of their economic status.

This FMBN Informal Sector Scheme is intended to integrate informal sector participants like farmers, market traders, mechanics, okada (motorcycle) riders, etc into the National Housing Fund Scheme using the co-operative societies they belong to as a means of mobilising them and making affordable housing loans available to them.

Kumo remarked that in order to ensure that NHF contributors enjoy improved services, the Bank has developed an e-platform for NHF collections to automatically deduct contributions from the payroll accounts of organisations and immediately alert their employees when such deductions hit FMBN accounts.

Nigeria may lose $130b to poor power supply

S

HOULD the current poor power supply situ ation linger till 2020, Nigeria stands to lose about $130 billion, a partner at KPMG, Kunle Elebute, has warned.

Elebute, who spoke at the Lagos State Economic Summit (Ehingbeti 2012), yesterday, urged the Federal Government to tackle the issue of lack of electricity infrastructure, such as gas pipelines, transmission lines and transformers. He said the government should provide a conducive investment environment and incentives, among others, to attract the private sector into the power sector.

His paper was entitled: Towards power sufficiency for

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Lagos.

Other participants at the summit agreed that poor supply poses serious challenge to industrial and overall economic development of the country despite the huge potential in the country to actualise its energy needs.

They said Nigeria has the potential to become an energy-sufficient country if only it could adequately utilise the abundant resources in the country for power generation.

The former Secretary for Energy and two-term Governor of New Mexico, United States, Bill Richardson, agreed, saying Nigeria has

abundant alternative clean energy sources to generate energy needs.

He said the success of the telecoms sector is a clear indication that the same feat can be achieved in the power sector, if the right regulatory and operating framework are put in place, adding that building a 21st century electricity facility is possible and urged the government to fast-track the privatisation process in transparent and accountable manner. He commended the Lagos State Government for its commitment to energy development.

He said: “I commend Lagos State for the strong entrepreneurial spirit. The future is very bright for Lagos State.

You have abundant resources and you have solution mechanism to the problem. I think the nation’s problems should be first attended to through Lagos solutions because you are the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria.”

He said Nigeria should not depend only on oil and gas but also ensure a stable electricity supply, to grow its economic potential.He urged Nigeria to emulate California with its “million solar roof agenda because Nigeria has the resources.

“Nigeria can choose a clean path in providing electricity. You have abundant gas resources; have the opportunity to provide renewable energy. You also have hydro resources; you have

wind energy and other renewable energy sources.

Because the population is growing very fast, you need continuous investment and upgrade of facilities to ensure a sustainable power supply. You can do it. You have the resources. You have the leadership, so, go ahead and do it,” he said.

The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Taofiq Tijani, restated government’s commitment to make the state a mega city through its various power initiatives that are already yielding results, adding that the state will exploit its potential to meet the energy needs of its residents currently put at about 12,000 megawatts (MW).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

NCAA to ground airlines over failure to comply with fares

T

HERE are indications that the Federal Gov ernment may ground operations of foreign airlines that flout its directive to reduce their arbitrary fare increases, as the one month ultimatum given them expires today.

Also,the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority( NCAA), has rolled out new operational guidelines for both domestic and foreign carriers, which are expected to file all tariffs showing rates, fares

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

and charges to be included in the single integrated fare.

According to a document obtained by the The Nation and endorsed by the Director-General, Dr Harold Demuren, entitled: Re -in the issue regarding tariff and fare components integration and filling, dated April 23, this year, the agency warned that failure to comply with the new regulatory regime would lead to the grounding of the

errant carrier.

The new measures, sources said, is a fallout of findings of how British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways were exploiting Nigerians by only making public, only the expensive fares on their systems, but only displaying the cheaper fares for the regulatory agency to access the mandatory five per cent ticket sales charge.

The document reads in part: “ Every airline shall file every tariff, whether sea-

sonal discounted, promotional or otherwise and provide within the tariff, the different specific classes or types of passenger service, the availability, the type of aircraft and the seating configuration used on such aircraft for each class or type of passenger service.

“The filed tariff shall, in all cases, include all booking classes available within the different travel classes or cabins and the specific fare for that booking class, including

all applicable terms and conditions” The document directed that “every airline shall immediately remove all distinction between surcharges and base fare on their tickets and cargo sales excluding any third party fees or taxes and must have one single integrated fare,” stressing that “other than approved statutory taxes which are collected only on behalf of appropriate regulatory authorities, every other component of the cost of

travel shall be included in the single integrated fare.

“Every airline shall provide within its tariff, in relation to the different specific classes or types of passenger service, the integrated fare applicable, its availability, the existence of special or promotional fares, and the general fare basis code.”

Affirming that the new regulatory order takes immediate effect,NCAA warned that any airline that fails to comply would be grounded.

Akintola Williams, Deloitte defends role in fuel subsidy scam

A

KINTOLA Williams Deloitte has defended its role in the alleged fuel subsidy scam, saying the company acted professionally and in line with the mandate given to it by the Budget Office of the Federation.

The Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte West Africa & Central Africa, Adeniyi Obe, at a briefing in Lagos, yesterday, explained that the firm’s responsibility was mainly to verify volumes of imported petroleum products and delivered into the country by independent oil marketing companies only in collaboration with the Petroleum Products Stock

• Advises committee to revisit report

By Collins Nweze Senior Correpondent

Management.

He said Deloitte only verified imported petroleum products based on specific vessels allocated to it and ascertained the actual quantity of products imported. He absolved the company of any wrongdoing,adding that they witnessed all the deliveries that were certified by the firm on which subsidies were subsequently calculated and paid to im-

porters.

“We carried out our work within the mandate of our agreement with the Budget Office of the Federation and with the highest professional standards expected of any responsible professional services provider,” Obe said.

He said the firm cannot take responsibility for whatever happened after it has finished inspecting the products, as other agencies such as the Navy, Department of Petroleum Resources, Customs, Nigeria Ports Authority, independent surveyors / inspectors, were also involved in the checking.

URGENT AFKAR PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Due to planned expansion of the company, the following positions are vacant in our press located at Ogba, Lagos.

1.

SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Will report directly to the Managing Director and manage the marketing department. A proven track record with sales in Litho and digital printing is required.

2.

SENIOR PRINTING ESTIMATOR Will report to the Managing Director and liaise with the marketing department to give existing and new clients a fast estimating service.

3.

MARKETING AND SALES AGENTS Independent marketers and sales agents looking to add to their earnings may apply.

This position is based on attractive commission arrangement.

Remuneration package for (1) and (2) will be very attractive.

Experienced and qualified persons should apply to Afkarprints@gmail.com not later than 8th of May, 2012

• From left: Proposition Manager, Affluent, Buchi Anaekwe, Diamond Bank Plc; Company Secretary, Nkechi Nwosu and Head, MSME Proposition, Chima Nnadozie, during the bank’s Savings-Xtra March special draw in Lagos.

Banks’credit to private sector drops

by N600m

B

ANKs’ credit to the private sector went down by N600 million in less than a month, according to data gleaned from the website of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The figures showed that credit to the private sector dropped from N13.3 billion to N12.7 billion between January and February, this year.

The report also stated that lending to the private sector rose from N12.2 billion to N12.9 billion between October and December 2011.

Analysts said the development may not be unconnected with banks’decision to mitigate certain operations

By Akinola Ajibade

such as lending policies in line with the regulatory reforms policy.

The former President, Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN),Eddie Osarankhoe, said banks are mindful of the implications of lending above their credit threshold, adding since banks are on loan recovery, they are not ready to increase their liabilities.

He said the development is normal, because some banks had experienced credit squeeze. He said the first quarter results of banks are not im-

pressive, adding they are wary of lending to sectors that cannot buoy their activities.

The Executive Secretary, Association of Foods, Beverages, and Tobacco, Samuel Adegboyega, also said lending to the private sector has always been unimpressive and very low, stressing that it has become a trend in the country.

“If you look at the lending policies of banks, you will notice that manufacturers have not been given due consideration. For years, they have been accessing facility marginally. So, it is not surprising to see banks cutting down lending to the private sector,” he said.

SURE-P board submits first report

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HE Board of the– Sub sidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) yesterday submited its first report to President Goodluck Jonathan.

The body led by Dr. Christopher Kolade said it is receiving co-operation from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the plan to execute projects under SURE- P. Kolade, who spoke after the board presented its first report, said the MDAs cooperated with the Board in its efforts to ensure smooth implementation of the SURE programme.

He said: “We have not experienced any resistance from any MDAs so far We have received co-operation from them because everybody understands that this programme is meant to deliver some benefit to Nigerian people.”

He disclosed that the Board was submitting the first report to President Jonathan since it was inau-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

gurated in February.

“Since we were inaugurated in mid-February, this is the first time that we are coming to present a report to Mr President. So, all we have done today is to tell him how we are organising the work, how we are working with the other parts of the public service which are handling the projects. We have done that so that he knows what is going on. Everybody now knows how far we have gone and also know about what we have done so far, so we are going back to build on that” On the speed at which the programme is being executed, he explained that the Board needed to carry out preliminary plans, saying they were now ready to move into action.”If you remember that the whole programe started only in February, since it is a new, it will take time to build the structure and arrange who is to do what. So, there is noth-

ing wrong with the pace so far and one of the reasons we are reporting now is that we think we have done all the preliminary work and we should now push ahead a bit faster,” he stated.

Kolade said the Board will, in addition to other responsibilities, determine, in liaison with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the subsidy savings estimates for each preceding month and ensure that such funds are transferred to the Funds’ Special Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

They are also to approve the annual work plans and cash budgets of the various Project Implementation Units (PIUs) within the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and ensure orderly disbursement of funds by the PIUs to certify and execute projects; as well as monitor and evaluate execution of the funded projects, including periodic Poverty and Social Impact Analyses (PSIA).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 , 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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MONEY Analysts put Nigeria’s economy at $500b by 2021

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• From left: Director, Risk Management Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Folakemi Fatogbe; Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu and President, Risk Management Association of Nigeria, Mr Emmanuel Abolo, at the Chief Risk Officers retreat in Lagos.

Operators await CBN verdict on 47 finance companies T HE 30-days’ notice given by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to 47 closed or inactive finance firms to submit evidence of their existence or operations, or lose their operating licences expired on April 18.

The banking watchdog said the affected finance companies had closed shop, ceased to operate, or abandoned finance company business.

A source at the Finance Houses Association of Nigeria(FHAN), told The Nation that the withdrawal of the institutions’licences is certain because they appear irredeemable.

He said the association, having seen what happened to the affected firms, would next month, organise a stakeholders’meeting where critical issues on the sector would be discussed.

Former President, FHAN, Eddie Osarenkhoe, said the CBN is committed to reforming the subsector as requested by the operators. He said some of the affected finance houses are the ones giving the industry a bad image and it is high time the regulator rid

Stories by Collins Nweze the sector of their services if they fail to meet the new terms of operations.

Osarenkhoe said by the time the apex bank concludes its reforms, and the licences of the affected firms withdrawn, there will be opportunity for new finance houses to emerge and fill the vacuum.

He said the apex bank has also engaged consultants that are assisting it in finding out the true state of the affected firms to ensure there were no mistakes.

The affected finance houses that may lose their licences are Asset Management Group, CAL Finance Investment Limited, Capri Martins Finance Limited, Corporate Finance Group Limited, Equator Capital Assets Management Limited, Eston Funds Limited, First Bond Finance Limited, First Spring Finance and Investment Limited, Grand Bond Finance & Securities Limited, Intel Trust Limited, Leo Investment Limited, among others.

The order came after the regulator carried out routine exami-

nation on the 106 finance companies under its supervisory purview, with 55 found to be actively engaged in the finance company business and four others undergoing restructuring.

The finance companies found to be active include, Alex Finance & Trust Nigeria Limited, Aquila Leasing Limited, C & I Leasing Plc, Citicorp Financial Services Limited, Co-Link Investment Management Company Limited, Crownrise Finance & Investments Plc, Dominium Finance Limited, Dynamic Finance Limited, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Grand Treasurers Limited and Integrated Trust& Investment Limited.

Others are KC Finance & Investment Limited, Light House Investments Limited, Opticom Leasing Company Limited and Pilot Finance Limited among others.

The finance houses undergoing restructuring include Boulevard Finance Limited, Regency Financing Limited, Resolution Finance Limited and Supra Finance Limited.

‘Cash-less policy to drive Vision 20:2020’

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HE dream of making Nigeria one of the 20 strongest economies in the world by 2020 is still possible with the commencement of the cash-less banking initiative, the Bankers’ Committee has said.

A statement from the committee said aside implementation of the cash-less banking policy, urgent measures need to be taken to correct anomalies in the political and economic systems to achieve the vision.

The committee also said the implementation of shared-services programme will assist in the transformation of the payments system and reduce the cost of banking operations.

Other elements of the programme include centralised back office operations and the alignment of information technology standards across the industry.

The successful implementation of these initiatives will impact positively on industry cost structure, which banks are expected to, ultimately, pass on to their customers by way of lower charges.

In terms of infrastructure, the committee said the apex bank is

working with the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and telecoms operators to ensure there are dedicated communication links for the Point of Sale (PoS) system. It said PoS is key to successful implementation of the cash-less banking initiative, adding that it is secured. “If the PoS or mobile phone is stolen, the money for the user is safe as the devices do not hold the money,” it said.

To make the platforms secured and reliable, the committee said all PoS must have a minimum of two SIMs from telecoms operators, even as there is minimum of 24 hours battery life and sometimes, car charges are attached.

The committee disclosed that the literacy required in operating the PoS is minimal as many Nigerians can use a mobile phone needed to make mobile payments. Besides, biometrics is being installed in some ATMs and PoS to further check fraud in the industry.

It advised merchants to recognise that there are other ways in which, the PoS terminal can benefit them, such as selling other

services and earning commissions. For instance, mobile credit can be sold through the terminals, or it can be used to collect bill payments for firms such as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Also, training will be provided by the acquirer’s payment terminal service provider (PTSP). Part of the deployment process is to ensure practical training of how to use the PoS for the merchants and their staff.

Besides, it said the apex bank has mandated banks or independent organisations that deploy ATMs for use by the public to address technical faults within 72 hours.

This, it said, is to improve the quality of ATM services to bank customers.

The committee said the apex bank has set a standard for operators in the electronic banking system to ensure seamless operations. The guideline, which focuses on technology and specification, deployment, operations, security, maintenance dispute resolutions, liability shift, regulatory monitoring and penalties for defaulters, were addressed to banks, nonbanks or acquirers.

IGERIA’S economy is projected to double within a decade from $239 billion in 2011 to over $500 billion by 2021.

The economy is also expected to shift from the sixth place with 7.2 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to second place in 2012 to 2013 with around seven per cent growth, amongst emerging economies.

Renaissance Capital, an investment and research firm, said current statistics is sufficient to boost the country’s economic growth and position it among the biggest economies in the world.

“We believe much faster growth is possible given the reformminded government. Nigeria would be second only to China in 2012 if it was in the Emerging Market group of countries, with 7.1 per cent growth beating India’s 6.9 per cent and Indonesia’s 6.1 per cent,” it said.

Of the top 25 fastest-growing economies in 2012 and 2013, data indicated that 12 will come from Africa, while 11 will emerge from Asia, and a couple in Latin America.

Despite challenges of infrastructure, Nigeria is tipped to be Africa’s biggest economy by 2018, overtaking South Africa in the process, according to Head of Research Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan.

She said: “Assuming normal GDP growth rates in line with post crisis trend, our simulation suggests Nigeria overtakes South Africa GDP size by 2018.

Our own analysis suggests that Nigeria will overtake South Africa to become Africa’s largest economy.”

Forecasting Nigeria’s economic environment in the nearest future, she stressed that by 2015, the country will become the fourth most populous country globally, lamenting the continual decrease in the country’s foreign exchange reserves, despite the regulations put in place in the oil sector. Khan said Nigeria has a lot going in its favour, adding that removal of fuel subsidies, banking sector reform, among others are reforms that can drive the super-cycle growth.

Businesses need to re-think risk, says accounting body

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USINESSES need to work harder to spread responsibility for risk management across the whole organisation, according to a new report from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The survey of over 2,000 members found that accountants have vital roles to play in successful risk management.

The Country Manager, ACCA Nigeria, Toyin Ademola, said the survey also found a statistical link between the use of accounting practices that contribute to managing risk and lower occurrences of fraud. It also found differences in the perception of a company’s exposure to risk between those at board level and those accountants working below board level.

“Risk happens at all levels of business, it doesn’t sit in silos.

Risk management needs to be something that is undertaken by everyone in an organisation so it is fully integrated. The survey showed that accountants have an excellent grasp of the risks faced by their organisation and the steps needed to manage those risks. The survey also showed clear support amongst accountants for ‘challenging senior people’ as being part of good business culture,” he said.

He said accounting is about providing information to help make good decisions, and good deci-

sions mean less risk. The accountant’s day-to-day role is all about managing risk, even if people don’t think about what they do in that way.

He said the results are both encouraging, in terms of what accountants do and would do more of, and frightening in terms of the extent of dysfunctional revealed.

There is a big problem to be addressed. Businesses need to make sure they use the risk awareness and risk management skills of their qualified accountants, and not miss an opportunity to effectively integrate risk management.

However, the survey did find a statistical link between the use of good risk management practices by accountants and incidences of dysfunctional behaviour: more good practices correspond with less dysfunctional behaviour.

Types of good practice include aspects of management accounting, forecasting, reporting and quality controls, decision support and controls over wrongful behaviour.

“It may be because senior levels are less involved in the day-today running of the organisation, or because they’re taking a broader view of the business. It might be that the way information is reported to them needs to be improved.’

Bank executive to discuss Nigerian markets

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TANDARD Chartered Bank economist, Razia Khan will discuss the topic Nigeria and Comparative Analysis of Sub Saharan Africa’s Frontier Emerging Markets at the upcoming Nigeria Development and Finance Forum (NDFF) 2012 conference to be held in London next month.

Ms Khan is Standard Chartered Bank’s Head of Macro-Economics and Regional Head of Research for Africa at the bank that is renowned for its operational knowledge of the emerging markets.

Jide Akintunde, Director, Nigeria Development and Finance Forum

said: “Nigerian policy makers need to be deliberate regarding making and implementing policies that will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness among other Frontier Emerging Markets of sub Saharan Africa. It will be necessary to prove that competition for private investment and social sector donor funding is on in sub-Sahara Africa.

Ms Khan will, therefore, show how implementation of good policies is the key determinant of the attractiveness of sub-Sahara Africa economies for investment, and not absolutely market size or mineral assets.”

2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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MONEY FirstBank boosts e-payment with dual currency card

AMCON okays bridged-banks T HE Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has passed a vote of confidence on the three- bridged banks, describing them as safe and sound. AMCON’s Managing Director, Mustapha Chike-Obi, said Mainstream Bank Limited, Enterprise Bank Limited, and Keystone Bank Limited are now financially strong after they have received over N1 trillion bailout fund.

Chike-Obi, in an interview, said the banks are poised for greater performance, since they have overcome their initial challenges.

He said: “The three bridgedbanks are among the most capitalised in the world now because all their problems have been solved.

They are safe and sound like any other bank in the country. Hundreds of banks have been liquidated in the United States. But here, it is a different situation. The primary objective is that the depositors have not lost a kobo. That has been accomplished. The employ-

Stories by Akinola Ajibade

ees and depositors are safe.”

He said corruption, mismanagement and lack of capacity are the problems that culminated in the take-over of the five troubled banks. He said the past managements of the banks did not know what they were doing, arguing that the issue seriously affected the banks’ performance. He said the issues have resulted in the merger and acquisition which the banks have just come out of.

He said the Nigerian banks would be among the best globally in five years time due to measures taken by the regulators to strengthen the industry. Chike-Obi said the banks are going to be stronger in assets and capital base, soon.

In a related development, the Deputy Director, Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ibedu Onyebuchi Kevn, said the troubled banks went through seamless mergers and ac-

• Chike-Obi

quisition. Kevn told The Nation that the CBN will encourage all the banks to sell their non-performing loans to stimulate their growth. He said the banks that took over the weaker banks have the financial muscles to turn them around.

He said AMCON has helped in mopping up the non-performing loans of banks, adding that the issue has rejuvenated the liquidity position of the banks.

FIRSTBANK Nigeria Plc has introduced a Visa debit card, that can be linked to both naira and dollar accounts of the customer. The product, the bank said in a statement, has enabled it meet the e-payment needs of its customers.

The product is Chip and PIN enabled, giving users online real-time access to their funds. The card can be used to make payments through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point of Sale(PoS) terminals and web merchants.

The bank said Europay, MasterCard and VISA EMV- Chip and PIN card have the highest security guarantee for customers’ transactions based global best practices.”The dual currency card can be linked to both naira and dollar accounts in the country or abroad. It has a life span of two years and is used anywhere VISA logos are displayed,” it said.

The bank said the card has a three digit number on the reverse of the card for additional security for web transactions, adding that the hologram on the right hand is an additional security feature, which assures you of the authenticity of the product.

According to the bank, the product is easy, convenient, has portable access to funds and is accepted at over 29 million locations and for cash withdrawals at over 1.8 million ATMs in over 200 countries worldwide wherever its logo is displayed.

World Bank, ILO partner to save jobs in Nigeria THE World Bank and International Labour Organisation (ILO) are collaborating to prevent any loss of jobs in developing countries, including Nigeria.

The World Bank, in a statement, said the two bodies have agreed they have partnered to release new data and report on government actions in the area of jobs prevention in developing nations. The statement further said that a joint report and new online data tool with the first comprehensive stocktaking of countries’ jobs-related responses to the recent financial and economic crisis has been released.

It said the new online data tool will provide a detailed track record of policies enacted during the height of the financial crisis (2008 to 2010), and implications for the design of policies to address future economic downturns.

Speaking on the issue, the World Bank Vice President for Human Development, Mr Tamar Mauelyan Atinc, said the database would give policy makers an insight into what the government does during the crisis period on jobs prevention.

He said: “For the first time, policymakers now have access to data on what other countries did during these turbulent times, in order to better understand what works best to create jobs and reduce poverty in the wake of crises. These findings affirm the bank’s new Social Protection and Labour Strategy’s focus on promoting resilience, equity and opportunity for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.”

Also, the Executive Director for Employment, ILO, Mr Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, said policy makers and researchers worldwide will be able to use this database to analyse policies and draw further lessons which continue to be highly relevant today as the jobs crisis persists.”

Renaissance Capital supports art

• From left: A customer of Access Bank, Roberts Nwaoliwe, receiving a copy of A guide to basic banking transactions from Group Head, Domestic Payments Group, Access Bank, Segun Ogbonnewo and Head, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos Office (CPC), Mrs. Ngozi Obidike Eka, in commemoration of the World Consumer Rights Day in Lagos.

IFRS: NDIC demands compliance from banks T HE Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said it would not leave any stone unturned in making banks to implement the International Financial Reporting Standards (FIRS).

NDIC’s Managing Director Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, said the 2012 deadline set for the publicly listed entities to implement the International Financial Reporting Standards, stands, and would not be compromised.

Speaking during a forum on International Financial Reporting Standards in Abuja, Ibrahim, in a statement, said the corporation will ensure banks implement the provisions of the internationally acceptable financial standards well.

He said: “Let me say at this juncture that publicly listed entities and significant public interest entities have been given a date of January 1, 2012 to implement IFRS as per the national roadmap. The banks as publicly listed entities, which the NDIC supervises and the Corporation itself as a significant public interest entity have to make all efforts to achieve the deadline set for the conversion to IFRS . “

He said the corporation is affected by the conversion into IFRS in two aspects, one as an entity and second as a supervisor of banks.

“As a supervisor, the Corporation has the responsibility of ensuring that all the publicly listed entities under its purview convert to IFRS without disruption to their operational activities. It also has to ensure that the corporation’s examiners that inspect the banks’ books are equipped with adequate skills to be able to scrutinise their IFRS complaint status,” he said.

He said Nigeria, like several other countries, has demonstrated great commitment to the conversion to IFRS by setting 2012 as deadline for the implementation of the standards, arguing that public entities must ensure that they keep to the rules.

He said capacity building is key to the implementation of IFRS, adding that operators and various agencies involved must appreciate this fact.

“The corporation, being a key player in the process, has to show

high commitment to capacity building by way of continually developing the skills of our staff in order to prepare them for the changes and developments in financial reporting regimes that are global best practices. On the part of the banks that we supervise, we are aware through reports we received from them that they are working hard and many of them have demonstrated high commitment to capacity building on IFRS”, he added.

On benefits of IFRS, Ibrahim said implementation of IFRS will bring about enhanced transparency in terms of adequate disclosure, ease comparability between financial reports of companies in different jurisdictions, and making it possible for companies to access world capital markets as well as promote their new businesses.

He said consistent financial reporting through the adoption of IFRS would allow a company to apply common accounting standards with its subsidiaries worldwide, adding that the development has the benefits of improving communication between the company and its allied institutions.

RENAISSANCE Capital, the leading emerging markets investment bank, has agreed to sponsor a vernacular exhibition in Nigeria. The bank, in a statement, said it is proud to be associated with this exhibition of contemporary Nigerian art which provides an occasion to appreciate and support the phenomenal creativity of Nigerian artists.

According to the bank, the exhibition tagged Fresh Vernacular signals the new direction of Nigerian contemporary art and is an innovative reflection of the new direction that Nigeria is taking to become an important global leader.

Speaking on the issue, West Africa Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Capital, said, Mrs Yvonne Ike said the goals of the institution aligns with the exhibition.

She said: “Renaissance Capital’s core values are strongly aligned with the vision, innovation, quality and freshness that Fresh Vernacular presents. We congratulate Signature & Beyond for their unparalleled and innovative efforts in nurturing and promoting Nigerian contemporary art. We are excited about the direction they are taking to reposition Nigerian art to where it belongs on the global platform.

“We work with local experts to help unlock Africa’s rich potential and enhance her cultural heritage. We are proud supporters of the arts as it is an important and interesting medium for expressing Nigeria and Africa’s heritage and opportunities.”

PENCOM urged to intensify routine check

By Miriam Ndikanwu

LAGOS State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, former chairman of Punch Newspaper, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola and other stakeholders have urged the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to intensify its routine check on public and private organisations in order to avert another fraud in the pension administration.

They made the remark at the public presentation of the book entitled The contributory pension scheme and its administration: including death benefit payment, trust and wills, by Dr. Tonia Smart, held at the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) House, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mrs Adefulire praised the author of the book, describing the new pension scheme as simple solutions that offers antidote to the complexities involved in accessing pensions after retirement in the old scheme.

She lamented that eight years after the Pension Reform Acts (PRA) was enacted, some aspects of the new pension scheme is still not clear to a larger percentage of employers of labour in Nigeria.

Director General of Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Kunle Hussein said it is unfortunate that some employees and employers of labour in public and private organisations are slow in accepting the new pension scheme despite the transparency in the administration of the scheme.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 , 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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THE NATION

INVESTORS Firms start 2012 with strong earnings T

HE good times are here for some quoted companies. In their first quarter interim reports, they shew significant growths in sales and profits.

According to the reports, their earnings’performance for the three-month period, which ended on March 31, this year, showed improvements in turnover and profit in spite of the concerns that the nationwide strike and slow down in the first quarter might negatively affect corporate earnings.

NPF Microfinance Bank posted gross earnings of

Stories by Taofik Salako

N320.99 million this year as against N300.25 million recorded in comparable period last year. Profit after tax rose from N103.55 million last year to N134.46 million this year.

Nigeria Breweries increased total sales from N52.03 billion in first quarter of 2011 to N67.24 billion in 2012. Profit before tax increased to N14.05 billion as against N12.04 billion in corresponding period of last year.

Profit after tax increased from N8.05 billion to N9.40 billion.

Banks have, particularly, showed impressive performances with the three results so far from the banking sector showing significant growths in profit and loss items.

Diamond Bank posted gross earnings of N30.74 billion compared with N20.27 billion reported in 2011. Profit before tax leapt from N1.81 billion to N7.48 billion while profit after tax jumped from N1.08 billion to N4.85 billion.

Also, Guaranty Trust Bank grew gross earnings to N52.62 billion in the first quarter of 2012

in contrast with N43.12 billion recorded in 2011. Profit before tax rose from N17.97 billion to N24.38 billion while profit after tax rose from N14.33 billion to 12 N19.31 billion this year.

Similarly, United Bank for Africa (UBA) quadrupled net earnings to N13.78 billion in first quarter of this year compared with N3.90 billion in comparable period of last year. Profit before tax had jumped from N4.84 billion to N16.02 billion.Gross earnings stood at N53.86 billion as against N40.52 billion last year.

•From left: Philip Ikeazor, Executive Director, Corporate, Investment Banking and Treasury, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, receiving souvenir from Dr. Nigel Poole, Chairman, ICRISAT. With them are Dr W. Dar, Director General ICRISAT (left) and Dr. S Ayyappan, Vice-Chairman and Secretary to Government of India Dept. of Agriculture Research & Education.

MORISON IND Turnover N141.890m Profit after tax N6.809m AFRICAN PAINTS Turnover N30.015m Profit after tax (N4.535m) LIVESTOCK FEEDS Turnover N1.154b Profit after tax N38.180m PRESTIGE ASSURANCE Turnover N2.112b Profit after tax N307m GSK Turnover N6.249b Profit after tax N590.797m NIGER INSURANCE Gross Premium N2.73b Profit after tax N212.95m MUTUAL BENEFITS Gross Premium N2b Profit N885.633m REGENCY ALLIANCE Gross Premium N812.596m Profit after tax N256.437m LEARN AFRICA Turnover N1.06b Profit after tax N58.336m TOTAL Nigeria Turnover N46.676 b Profit after tax N942.1m MRS OIL Nigeria Turnover N51.20b Profit after tax N712 m ETERNA Turnover N27.64b Profit after tax N563.834m OKOMU OIL PALM Turnover N2.667b Profit after tax N1.044b STANBIC IBTC BANK Net Operating Income N16.805b Profit after tax N2.737b ASL Turnover N1.084b

However, Unilever Nigeria showed a mixed performance as modest increase in sales was counterbalanced by rising costs. Turnover grew by eight per cent to N14.08 billion in 2012 compared with N13.04 billion last year. Profit before tax dropped from N2.35 billion in 2011 to N2.11 billion in this year. Profit after tax also declined from N1.63 billion to N1.33 billion, representing a drop of 18.4 per cent.

Observers had expressed concerns that the mass protests and nationwide strike that trailed the January 1 abrupt removal of the subsidy on premium motor spirit (PMS) might undermine the potential of companies to meet their forecasts for the first quarter.

Exp e r t s h a d s a i d t h e d i s ruptions to working days might adversely affect the forecasts by companies for the first quarter.

Analysts had said the financial cost of the fuel subsidy strike would manifest in the first quarter performance reports of virtually every firm in Nigeria, although the magnitude could differ depending on the nature of each company’s line of business.

H o w e v e r , they s a i d m a n y companies appeared to have leveraged on their scale and unique advantages to override the slow down in the first month and build stronger momentum that coloured the overall performance for the quarter.

IGI assures shareholders of better returns

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NDUSTRIAL and General Insurance (IGI) Plc has assured shareholders that its enormous investments in Nigeria and foreign subsidiaries have started generating appreciable profits that would enhance future returns to shareholders.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos, Chairman, Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), said the company’s pan-African expansion and consolidation of its market share would create a stable future profitability and better returns to shareholders.

He pointed out that although initial costs of acquisitions and regulatory issues on its foreign subsidiaries had adversely affected the performance of the group, increasing stability and profitability of the foreign subsidiaries have reinforced the future prospects of the group.

According to him, IGI has invested enormously in its growth through its several subsidiaries outside Nigeria and consolidation of its leadership position in the insurance industry.

He noted that in spite of the challenges in the economy and the insurance sector, the company has continued to invest in technical know-how and delivery capacity to maintain its position as the leading insurance company in Nigeria and Nigeria’s foremost insurance

ambassador in Africa.

“We look forward to a rewarding future as your company has put in place cutting-edge market expansion and product innovation initiatives to take optimum advantage of the various macro-economic policies designed to broaden insurance penetration,” Gowon said.

Citing IGI’s capital base of about N22 billion as against industry’s requirement of N5 billion, he noted that IGI has been able to fairly weather the financial crises in the country and the contraction in global economy.

He assured shareholders that the board and management would continue to work to recover outstanding premiums and assets that were classified due to industry’s regulation, adding that these recoveries would further boost future profits.

Audited report and account for the year ended December 31, 2010 showed that total assets rose from N51.6 billion to N53.1 billion.

Gross premium also increased from N11.7 billion to N12.84 billion. The company recorded underwriting profit of N3.9 billion during the year.

IGI Group comprises Global Trust Savings and Loans Limited, Global Trust Bank Limited and National Insurance Corporation Limited, all in Uganda; Societe Nouvelle D’Assurances Rwanda Limited, Industrial and General Insurance Company (Ghana) Lim-

ited, IGI Life Assurance Limited, Ghana; IGI Gamstar Insurance Company Limited, Gambia; IGI Pension Fund Managers Limited, Monarch Communications Limited, All Crown Registrars Limited and International Health management Services Limited.

Executive Vice -Chairman, Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc, Mr Remi Olowude, said the profit and loss accounts of the company for the 2011 business year have shown significant improvement and impressive profit as the foreign subsidiaries improve their profitability.

He explained that the company’s investments abroad were like a farmer that planted cash crops, while he must continue to nurse them, it would take some time to reap from them urging shareholders to see the bigger picture of the future potential of the group.

“We are investing abroad to create independent incomes to complement our domestic business, and nearly all of our foreign subsidiaries are turning in good profits,” Olowude said.

He said the company has continued to lead the frontier of innovative products and services and it would soon pioneer agricultural insurance in the country.

He explained that the delay in the presentation of the group account was due to different regulatory requirements, assuring that the group has got over the initial chal-

lenges and would be ready with the 2011 accounts on schedule.

Shareholders, who spoke at the AGM, unanimously endorsed the resolutions and urged the board and management to maintain more cordial relationship with shareholders.

National Co-ordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, decried the difficult operating environment, which has particularly affected insurance companies.

He urged National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to assist insurance firms to reduce the outstanding premium in the industry, pointing out that insurance brokers should be made to make immediate remittances to insurance companies.

Another shareholder, Mr Moses Igbrude said all stakeholders including the management and shareholders must work together for the progress of the company.

He advised the management to focus on core areas of competence and profitability.

General Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, commended the management for improvements on corporate governance pointing out that earlier observations made by shareholders have been corrected.

Describing IGI management as one that listens to shareholders, he called for more collaboration between management and shareholders.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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THE NATION INVESTORS

Nine registrars hold N43b shareholders’ dividends

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INE registrars out of the 23 in Nigeria are holding about N43 billion out of the N52.2 billion outstanding unclaimed dividends, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said.

This revelation is coming on the heels of last week’s resolution by the House of Representatives, which mandated its Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions to investigate the huge unclaimed dividends in quoted companies in Nigeria and report to the House in four weeks.

SEC said the investigation by the committee might help to resolve

By Taofik Salako

the issue of the mounting unclaimed dividends.

It noted that it was out of concern for this unfortunate situation in which return on shareholders’ investment by way of dividends is perennially locked in the unclaimed dividends saga that SEC in 2002, sponsored a bill in the National Assembly for an act of parliament which will set up the “Unclaimed Dividend Trust Fund”.

According to SEC, this Fund and the Act of Parliament, which set it up were intended to reduce or eliminate the incidence of un-

claimed dividend by providing alternative domicile for funds deriving from unclaimed dividends to what was stipulated in Section 382(1) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act that: The proposed legislation stipulated that where dividends are returned to the company unclaimed, the company shall send a list of the names of the persons entitled to the notice of the AGM to the members. After the expiration of three months of the notice mentioned in 382(1), the company may invest the unclaimed dividends outside the company. No interest shall accrue on the dividend against the company.

“If passed into law, the Unclaimed Dividend Bill would have removed the point of domicile for unclaimed dividends from their originating companies to another party managed Trust Fund and removed the incentive which feeds the collusion between certain players in the market to frustrate shareholder access to dividend accruals on their investment,” SEC stated.

The apex capital market regulator said if the unclaimed dividend investigation is diligent, it may well hold the key to unlocking the challenge posed to the capital markets and investor public by un-

claimed dividend, which contributes to the erosion of confidence in the market by denying investors their rightful returns on investment.

SECalso called for a review of Section 385 of Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), which provides that the right of a shareholder to sue for dividends subsists only for 12 years beyond which such action becomes statute barred.

The Commission said the establishment of an Unclaimed Dividend Trust Fund will make it possible for shareholders to recover their dividends, however, long this may take.

IHS gets IFC’s $79b loan

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HS Nigeria Plc, a telecoms infrastructure provider quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), has secured a $79 million financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support the financing of the company’s expansion drive.

Chairman, IHS Nigeria Plc, Mallam Bashir Ahmad El-Rufai, who spoke at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ilorin, Kwara State, said the company has concluded the equity injection deal with the IFC. He added that IHS had also refinanced an existing loan of $75 million including local and foreign components.

He said the company was evolving from a managed services company to a collocation provider with long term contracts with blue chip companies adding that this line of business depends on growing tenancy on towers as it typically starts with one tenant and then increases over time.

“Telecommunication is a key contributor to economic development because it provides more efficient and effective access to information, business partnerships and markets.

Our vision is to remain the undisputed leader in the provision of telecom infrastructure services in our market,” El-Rufai said.

According to him, the increase in the number of towers from 270 to 750 is a firm testimony of its resolve

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

to become the number one telecoms tower operator in Nigeria.

He outlined that the telecoms industry comprised 19 players made up of five GSM players, four CDMA players and 12 fixed wireless players. He pointed out that there has been considerable growth in the industry over the last 10 years with total subscriber numbers increasing from about 558,000 in 2000, to over 88.3 million in 2010.

“Following this trend, a strong growth forecast is to continue in the medium term in the provision of both voice and data services, with voice subscribers estimated to reach 147 million in 2015 and broadband subscribers estimated to reach 7.9 million. On the strength of the above, growth in demand for voice and data is expected to place a strain on infrastructure and encourage sharing. We are poised to key into the diverse opportunities hinged on this forecast,” he added.

He further said IHS has started massive expansion drive that will not only open new doors of business opportunities but also boost its collocation business and further position it strategically as Africa’s largest telecoms infrastructure provider of choice.

He lamented that poor national infrastructure is posing a major challenge to the projected growth of the company.

UACN Group targets N39b sales in Q2

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OMPANIES under the UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Group may record total sales of about N39.6 billion by the second quarter which ends on June 30.

According to the forecasts made available by the boards of the three companies under the UACN Group including UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc, the parent company; UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc, the real estate and property business and CAP Plc, the paint and chemical company, the group could post pre- and post tax profits of N5.8 billion and N4.02 billion.

UACN would contribute about 65 per cent of total pretax profit, although it is the least profitable company within the group with a pretax profit margin of 12.1 per cent. CAP is the most profitable company with average profit per unit of about 30 per cent. UPDC trailed with 21.5 per cent pre-tax profit margin.

UACN is projected to earn profit before tax of N3.75 billion on turnover of N31.01 billion during the period. Profit

after tax is estimated at N2.63 billion.

The board of UPDC estimated that turnover would be N6.27 billion while profits before and after tax would be N1.35 billion and N920 million.

CAP is projected with net profit of N468 million from total sales of N2.30 billion. The paint and chemical company estimated that profit before tax would be N681 million, 8.1 per cent above operating profit of N630 million.

•GMD, UACN, Mr Larry Ettah

•From left: Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Roberto Colamine; Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr Philip Oduoza; General Manager, Corporate Finance and Control, Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Stefano Pujatti; and Group Managing Director, Mr Ciro Pujatti, during a send off /dinner party organised by UBA in honour of Mr Stefano Pujatti in Abuja.

Diamond Bank, Sterling Bank emerge most performing stocks

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IAMOND Bank and Sterling Bank Plc have recorded the highest price performance this year, an investment research report has shown.

In the Income Statement Transparency Stress Test conducted by Thaddeus Investment Advisors and Research, the two banks were said to have recorded incredible performance on their equities.

The report indicated that the two banks passed the income

By Akinola Ajibade

statement transparency stress test based on their full-year 2010 audited financials and posted the best year-to-date performance among all banks this year.

It said Diamond Bank has achieved a year-to-date price performance of 30.21 per cent as at April 18, this year while Sterling Bank has achieved a price performance of 22.77 per cent.

“While our banks have im-

proved from 2007 and 2008 when financial reporting was at its weakest in our opinion, we are still far from where we can be and should be when it comes to transparent, honest and selfless financial reporting. We are seeing signs of the stock market beginning to reflect transparency in how investors seek out stocks and not just the typical income statement and balance sheet size,” the report noted.

‘Entrepreneurship key to economic empowerment’

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HAIRMAN, Success Attitude Development Centre, SADC, Dr. Sunny ObazuOjeagbase, has identified entrepreneurship as the main vehicle for attaining self- sufficiency.

Speaking to reporters on how to turn around the economy in Lagos, Ojeagbase noted that unless more entrepreneurs are raised, the citizenry will continue to wallow in poverty since there are no enough jobs.

He reiterated the commitment of his organisation to continue to create more jobs in Nigeria through training and mentoring of entrepreneurs.

According to him, SADC will be offering free seminars to participants, who are interested in learning the secret of creating wealth simply by doing what they have passion for.

He said Nigerians need to be trained in entrepreneurship; information marketing and other special skills to enable them to identify and conceptualise business opportunities.

According to him, SADC has a mandate to raise and nurture successful entrepreneurs.

“Our experience as a bootstrapped entrepreneurs couple way back in 1984 inspired our decision to undertake this pioneering project in Nigeria,” Ojeagbase, who is the Publisher of Complete Sports, Nigerians, said.

He recalled how it took seven years for him to get his company, Complete Sports Communication, running, adding that he wanted to reward the society that gave him the opportunity

to survive through growing more entrepreneurs.

He said his seminars and pu b l i c a t i o n s h a v e m a d e positive impact on the society.

He said S A D C w a s e s t a b lished about 17 years ago.

Through its annual Success Digest Enterprise Award (SDEA), the organisation has recognised and rewarded the efforts of notable entrepreneurs in the country.

The 16th edition of the award which holds this year, is being sponsored by some companies.

They include FirstBank of Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, Cadbury Nigeria, Complete Sports and UAC Property Development Company (UPDC).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Needed: Plan B for Syria

Strange ‘industry’ •It is an irony that judgment debts plunder our purse

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INISTER of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said that henceforth, federal budgets will no longer contain a provision for judgment debts; which arise when a monetary judgment is made against the Federal Government. According to her, some unduly smart Nigerians were developing a strange ‘industry’ around this area as they rip off the federal purse.

She also confirmed that only 12 billion naira out of the outstanding 80 billion naira judgment debt is provided for in the current budget, lamenting that this criminal tactics is being used to siphon the country’s resources.

While we applaud this initiative if it will cure the apparent fraud in the administration of justice as it concerns the Federal Government, we do not accept the notion that there are no culprits that should be apprehended for the infractions. The assertion that many of

‘While we applaud this initiative if it will cure the apparent fraud in the administration of justice as it concerns the Federal Government, we do not accept the notion that there are no culprits that should be apprehended for the infractions ...

What is needed from the Federal Ministry of Justice in concert with audit and security agencies is to conduct a forensic audit to ascertain under whose watch the judgment debts were incurred, and who are the culprits’

these judgment debts were secured in the past is not enough. What is needed from the Federal Ministry of Justice in concert with audit and security agencies is to conduct a forensic audit to ascertain under whose watch the judgment debts were incurred, and who are the culprits.

Nigerians are entitled to know whether the ministry’s staff or even the courts were partners with the beneficiaries of the judgment debts. After all there must be real persons and organisations participating in this huge racket.

The plan that henceforth, specific ministries and agencies will be accountable for any judgment debt against them is also salutary. The plan will allow Nigerians to know the rogue establishments that have turned court judgments into a racket and also pin the infractions on the respective ministers, permanent secretaries, directors, heads of agencies and legal officers concerned.

It is also likely that execution of judgment debts will become a lot easier for the beneficiaries while exposing the inadequacies of the officials who incurred the infractions for which a judgment was given in the first place.

Where there are proven cases against any official or agency, those who have participated must be held to account.

Many Nigerians have not forgotten the distasteful conduct of some of our Attorneys-General in the performance of their official responsibilities. There were instances when cases in which the Federal Government had interests were compromised to satisfy the apparent interest of those at the corridors of power.

In the recent past, an attorney-general was so beholden to an influential ruling

party member that the direction of matters in which he had interest was like prepaid products.

However, while we acknowledge that corruption is a major contributor to the increase in the sum outstanding as judgment debts, we must also point out that inefficiencies and blatant abuse of power and privileges by some Federal Government officials and agencies have its own impact. Take for instance the conduct of some federal security agencies and their officials. Indeed, were Nigeria to be effectively a bastion of rule of law, many of the agencies or indeed the Federal Government that owns them may become bankrupt from exposure to judgment debts. On this score, we are referring to infringement of fundamental human rights of Nigerians by security officials in the performance of their responsibilities.

Let’s give a specific example. We ask, should the courts not ordinarily award exemplary damages against the Federal Government and its security agencies for violating the rights of Nigerians to demonstrate against the arbitrary increase in the price of fuel in January?

We think it should; and we know there are similar infractions for which arbitration by the courts will likely result in further increase in the exposure of the Federal Government and its agencies. So, while making efforts to save the waste arising from corruption-induced judgment debts, the Federal Government and its agencies must work hard at fully imbibing the required democratic attitude in all their conduct. With concerted effort, this strange burgeoning ‘industry’ will die a natural death.

Scrap them •Largely, Oronsaye panel did the right thing to cut cost

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HE Steve Oronsaye Committee on Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals and Agencies set up in August 2011 has submitted its report to President Goodluck Jonathan. From the report, no less than 541 agencies, parastatals and commissions would be reorganised such that some of them would be merged and some scrapped.

The committee’s report revealed that after 12 years that the Federal Government has decided to scrap the bodies, commercialise or privatise some of the parastatals, commissions and agencies, they still depend fully on the government for funding. The cost of running them is said to run into billions of naira annually. It was probably as a result of this finding that the Oronsaye committee recommended the scrapping or merging of some well known commissions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Moreover, the committee recommended the abolition of 38 agencies, merger of 52 and reversion of 14 to departments in ministries. According to Oronsaye, the government would save over N862bn between 2012 and 2015.

Also in the report, the committee decried the high cost of governance which it said ranks amongst the highest in the world.

We agree with Oronsaye that the number of parastatals, commissions and agencies should be reduced to bring down the cost of governance. In this connection, some of these could be

merged while some others established merely to provide jobs for the boys should be scrapped. The Federal Government should also consider devolving some of these parastatals, agencies and commissions to the states in the spirit of true federalism.

The recommendation that the EFCC, ICPC and FRSC be merged with the police would naturally make Nigerians shudder.

The police is no doubt corrupt through and through. From N50 extorted at checkpoints, money for bail, and destruction of vital evidence for a fee and other sundry vices that make Nigeria Police Force stink of irredeemable corruption, the Nigeria Police is the least qualified for anti-corruption crusade, agency or commission in Nigeria. As for the FRSC, they are seen to be more decent and less greedy. So it is contradictory to put notoriously corrupt people in any anticorruption agency or commission. Valid points.

But then, the Nigeria Police is only a reflection of the Nigerian society in terms of corruption. If the government could tackle corruption in the larger society, its impact on the police as elsewhere would be minimised. At any rate, are we saying the anti-corruption agencies do not have corrupt elements in their midst? Or, are we saying that the agencies have performed to optimum in the war against corruption? If they have, all the frauds we are hearing about pension funds and fuel subsidy would not be as rampant as they are today. The fact of the matter is that the same government that made the police to be inefficient and corrupt has equally afflicted the anti-corruption agencies.

No doubt the Oronsaye panel might not have been totally correct in its findings and recommendations, the fact is that there is need to reduce these agencies and make them more efficient. What is required is for the government to be ready to be systematic in addressing the issues. Jobs no doubt will be lost but the effects of this might be minimised if those to be affected are trained or retrained to make them useful in the envisaged dispensation.

Mere scrapping or merging of some of these parastatals alone cannot bring about sanity or even the desired cut in wage bill. With adequate funding, tools and personnel, the police can, for instance, be encouraged to resume the functions of the anti-corruption agencies as well as the FRSC. The problem is whether the government is ready to go the whole hog to make the change painless and effective. But even then, retaining some of these institutions as they are is a drain on public purse. The country does not have such free funds again.

‘The problem is whether the government is ready to go the whole hog to make the change painless and effective. But even then, retaining some of these institutions as they are is a drain on public purse. The country does not have such free funds again’

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HE ONLY good news about Syria since the Obama administration’s embrace of an unworkable United Nations peace plan is the hints that it is beginning to consider alternatives. Adopted a month ago by the Security Council, the six-point “Annan plan” has not been observed in any respect by the regime of Bashar al-Assad — an outcome that was entirely predictable, and that has led to the deaths of more than 1,000 more people.

Mr. Assad will never be induced by diplomacy to end his assaults on Syrian cities, allow peaceful demonstrations or release political prisoners, because he is unwilling to leave power or allow his regime to collapse. Good-faith efforts by U.N. envoys, like those of the Arab League and Turkey before them, merely provide cover for his brutality.

The challenge for the administration is to recognize these realities and embrace options that actually can advance its stated goal of ending Mr. Assad’s rule.

So far that’s not happening. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told a meeting of foreign ministers Thursday that she remained “hopeful that, despite the evidence thus far, the mission of Kofi Annan can begin to take root.” On Saturday the United States voted to support the Security Council’s next step in that initiative — the dispatch of 300 unarmed monitors to “observe” a nonexistent “cease-fire.”

The United States and its NATO allies ought to know from the Arab League’s disastrous monitoring mission in Syria last year that observers will not stop the regime’s violence. They will be hindered and intimidated; the leader of an advance mission has already declared that it will not work on Fridays, when the largest demonstrations take place. By focusing diplomacy and attention on monitoring, Western governments will simply provide Mr. Assad with more time to kill.

Encouragingly, Ms. Clinton said Thursday that “we have to do more to take tougher actions against the Assad regime.” But her principal idea — a Security Council resolution imposing more sanctions and an arms embargo, is another non-starter. More sanctions won’t stop Mr. Assad, and an arms embargo would only lock in the regime’s advantage over the opposition Free Syrian Army. What’s more, as Ms. Clinton acknowledged, any such resolution “is still likely to be vetoed” by Russia. Even a Western attempt to refer to possible future sanctions in Saturday’s resolution was blocked by Moscow.

The measures most likely to be effective in Syria remain near the bottom of the administration’s list. Ms. Clinton mentioned the possibility that Turkey, a NATO member, would invoke the alliance’s Article 4, which requires consultation when the territory or security of a member is threatened. Syrian forces have fired across the Turkish border, where thousands of refugees have gathered. Any resulting consultations should focus on proposals, floated by both Turkey and France, for the creation of a safe zone or humanitarian corridor on Syrian territory — a step that could be accomplished with a modest military force and could cause the regime to collapse.

Ms. Clinton also mentioned greater support for the opposition, including the creation with Turkey of an “assistance hub.” This would be useful, as promised supplies so far have mostly failed to reach opposition groups. Mr. Assad will fall only when his attacks are blocked and countered; it follows that U.S. policy should aim at that.

– Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: The trial and conviction of James Ibori in the UK for stealing and embezzlement is a sad reflection of the dysfunctionality in the Nigerian system. From a serial petty thief through big time fraud to the corridors of power, this can only happen in this clime of anything goes and clan of thieves. So sad!

If our country had a credible database profiling every single individual both dead and living, there would be no way a common criminal with an undiluted penchant for stealing and thievery would emerge on the social-political scene to dictate the pace of things. And to think that he was canonised by his people and friends while his trial lasted in Nigeria and UK alike leaves a sore taste in the mouth. Nigeria tolerates and celebrates corruption. Any contrary assertion? A perfect synopsis of his thieving career and befitting epithet for this man is: at home a chief, a thief abroad. My country people, it is morning yet on creation day....

In 1999, a certain money bag, by the name, James Ibori emerged as the governor of the oil rich Delta state against prominent and more competent hands. But because he had more than enough money to dash out, he became the ‘people’s choice’. He went on to win a second term amidst a cacophony of allegations of mind-boggling corruption and identity crisis. He was so powerful that he single-handedly installed his cousin as successor and also bankrolled the election of Umaru Musa Yar’dua as president in 2007. He was gradually becoming a godfather when he missed his steps and the rest is now for histori-

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Chief at home, thief abroad ans to situate him where he truly belongs in the contemporary history of the country.

James Onanefe Ibori, a third class 1988 graduate of Economics and Statistics from Uniben has been a serial petty thief. The Oghara-born dean of corruption has been a petty thief right from when he was a storekeeper in the UK and advanced to a credit card fraud. When he could no longer endure the hide and seek game with the Scotland Yard, he

relocated to Nigeria in the 1990s where he became a big man. He even fraternised with the late despot, Sani Abacha to further consolidate his financial empire. Meanwhile, history and records have it that this same man was tried and convicted by an Abuja Magistrate court for stealing iron sheets kept in his custody. He was docked and after serving his jail term became an ex-convict like Bode George.

His ex-convict saga was another

minus on the nation’s judiciary. He was taken to court by the opposition for being an ex-convict in Government House, yet he won even when there was enough evidence, both empirical and circumstantial, to nail him. The law said he was not the same man that was convicted for iron thievery then.

What shall we remember this man for and what lessons for our country? The big man who bought his way from our judiciary and ran away

Senator Omisore’s uncouth outburst IR: I read with dismay the rather irresponsible and very uncouth outburst of Senator Iyiola Omisore against the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, published on April 24, by The Nation amongst others. Senator Omisore was reported in the said publication to have alleged that the governor was not using men of State Security Service (SSS) for his security personnel and thus went ahead in his characteristic uncouth diatribe to threaten that “We will stop his convoy, search and remove all the arms his thugs are using”. He was also quoted to have made further irresponsible and infantile remarks about the person of the Governor as well as

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the highly revered Justice Isa Salami who is still an object of highpower persecution in the hands of the Abuja masters of Senator Omisore owing to the revered Jurist’s principled and incorruptible stand for law and justice in the now famous Sokoto election petition saga amongst similar cases.

For a starter, Senator Omisore, the man who “won” his senatorial election in 2003 whilst he was in custody standing trial for the gruesome murder of the former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige was until November 26, 2010 when the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan courageously sacked Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as governor of the State of Osun,

the “waiting governor” of Osun, who only needed to be crowned after another ritual of the then forthcoming 2011 elections. Not surprisingly, Omisore woefully lost his reelection bid for the senate in the 2011 elections whereas he was this time a free man unlike his prisonto-senate abracadabra of 2003!

The above has become necessary in order to properly situate and understand the frustration and hence the recurrent daredevil uncouthness of Senator Omisore ever since his ambition to become Osun governor was effectively put paid to by the courageous judgment of the Court of Appeal.

Now, coming back to the issue of Omisore’s latest uncouth outburst,

Not a bastion of free press

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IR: On his recent visit to Korea for Nuclear Summit, President Jonathan declared to the Nigerian community that the problem in Nigeria is that she has the freest press on earth. From his body language, the President was obviously worried that the Nigerian press is not helpful to the development of the country.

It is a wrong conclusion and need to be debunked. The claim begs the question as to what the relationship between government and the

with ‘justice’ with the active connivance of EFCC, his prosecutor?

Or the one who named his four-year old boy as a director in his phony companies? At 54, he will spend the next seven years behind bars with his loot confiscated and returned to the people of Delta State. Will he be celebrated when he returns to the land of his birth, a land where anything goes? One can only hope the same thing is done for people who have been found wanting in the discharge of their duties, be they appointed or elected to face the wrath of our law.

But will the judiciary, EFCC and ICPC allow this to happen? Nigeria,we hail thee. But for now, let our man from Oghara pay for his sins against his people. A Chief at home, a thief abroad. Paradox, is it not?

•Akinboyo Temidayo Igbotako,Ondo State.

press. It is obvious the relationship is not cordial. The government has been the architect of this unharmonious relationship because it has always looked at the press with suspicion believing that the press does not wish it well. But the real reason is that our government officials always have something to hide; they author inhuman policies that will always draw criticism from the press, just as they spend so much of the people’s wealth on frivolities.

Furthermore, most government officials refuse to grant interview or authenticate news leaving the press with no choice but to report a one sided story. The government keeps Nigerian press in the dark and in a rather in absurd fashion prefer foreign press. Former President, Obasanjo declared in 2007 that he does not read Nigeria’s newspapers. A good example of the distrust for the local media is the failed rescue mission in Sokoto in March this year where the Nigerian

press were made to look like fools when foreign media gave the news of what happened to Nigeria first.

Such scenario is not good for the country. Foreign press can never present the issue more objectively than the Nigerian press. The government should embrace the press and see her more as partners in serving the people and driving the country towards the path of development.

•Temple Uwalaka Daejeon, South Korea. .

few questions come to mind. Why is the Senator showing so much interest in the composition of the security personnel of the governor?

Considering his well-known antecedent, can one reasonably assume that Senator Omisore’s interest in the composition of the governor’s security personnel is borne out of genuine interest in law, order and constitutionalism? Considering also the rude and daredevil manner in which Chief Bola Ige’s cap was removed at a function in Ile-Ife and his subsequent gruesome murder which has officially remained a puzzle till date, shouldn’t the recent alarm raised by the ACN concerning the compromise in the security personnel of the governor and hence the threat to his life be now taken seriously by the relevant security agencies?

Is this latest uncouth outburst of Senator Omisore not a dangerous follow up on an earlier equally irresponsible threat of Mr. Segun Oni to make the State of Osun ungovernable?

Were the uncouth duo of Omisore and Segun Oni to be members of opposition party, would the security agencies have allowed them this unfettered recklessness in utter disregard of law and order?

Misbau Alamu Lateef, Esq. • Ifon, Orolu L.G.A, State of Osun.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Professor Osuntokun@70; Newspapers as ‘Giant Birthday Cards’; Oronsaye Panel

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ARM felicitations to Prof e s s o r Akinjide Idowu Osuntokun@70, exciting teacher, exacting lecturer, professor’s professor, Tony eminent historian, exemMarinho plary ambassador, survivor of military incarceration and tyranny, historical and political and social columnist, father and grandfather and head of the dynamic and exceedingly distinguished Osuntokun dynasty of Oke-Imesi, Osun State which also boasts a minister, a Professor of Neurosciences among its illustrious sons.

Sir, we know you do not expect 100 Birthday Adverts in every newspaper. You deserve and will receive better, more lasting tributes.

Have you noticed that the newspapers have become ‘Giant Birthday Cards’ filled with garrulous and gregarious greetings full of sound and fury signifying ‘sycophancy’? Why are the temporarily ‘high and mighty’ forced to mark non-remarkable birthdays due to the irresponsible and unsolicited efforts of sycophants and political jobbers? A consultation with past ‘high and mighty’ will reveal the fact that it is the office, not the person, which is being ‘congratulated’. Leave office and the congratulations quickly wither to nothing or a mass of dutiful text messages apologising for not being able to show up at the non-party. One would have thought that the politicians would, on assuming office, have banned ‘Adverts in My Name’ and redirect the money spent to ‘Donations and Gifts In My Name’ and given to selected nearby ‘pet project’ orphanages, handicapped homes, established NGOs like the Red Cross and Boy Scouts and even old schools.

All political parties are almost equally guilty of excessively celebrating all odd and even birthday. Why does FIRS, so anxious to make non-oil revenues, not put a ‘25% Luxury Advert Tax’ on these ‘congratulatory’ one page needless adverts deliberately taken out by the apparently temporarily

financially and politically insane and designed to maximally insult our intelligence? One collective advert maybe, but 100 adverts ‘no’. Where is the logic in this time of mass unemployment, 50% loss in incomes, decreased value of salaries, maximum penury of the masses and no books in schools.

At N4-500,000/ page these adverts consume N40-50,000,000.

It is good for the media shareholders but not for the readers.

It is good for the tomorrow’s groundnut and akara sellers in need of free newspaper to wrap their products, but not for the vendor as it adds a lot of extra volume to the paper for no increase in worth or intellectual content.

The loss of the World Bank Presidency is being taken as a success. Certainly Okonjo-Iweala has made all Nigerians proud -the good, the bad and the ugly- and especially the maximally corrupt who were all on the band wagon. Some were already sharpening their international business cards, booking N1.5m first class seats to attend the ‘Swearing In Ceremony’ and ensuring they are positioned to visit their Nigerian kinswoman in World Bank House to show they are well connected. Well sorry O! The world must wait a few more years for the overdue strategic move of an international ‘all-woman’ economic leader of the teams at the IMF and World Bank. Women should put in motion a plan for heading the EU, the UN. In Nigeria first it was the recurring problem with bankers’ and fund administrators’ huge productivity bonuses. Financial institutions treat the rest of us professionals in health, engineering, flying etc as stupid and worthless. Why can our contribution not also be calculated in financial terms and cashed as a bonus bank cheque? Is it because, as non-banking professionals, we are judged as not making any useful contribution to society just because our goodness or worth cannot be measured on an annual bank balance sheet? These financial people already earn stupendous salaries and allowances so why do they get paid for profit? What were they paid for in the first place? How do we similarly ‘reward’ drivers who do not have accidents or a fireman who save a building or doctors who save a life or teachers who teach students who then pass NECO and JAMB? If bankers are con-

tinuing to get bonuses we all should get bonuses.

How wide is the net for the pension corruption capture?

Does it include the facilitating and conniving banks? As far as the police pension funds are concerned, is it possible that successive IGPs showed no interest in, received no information on, did not investigate, had no hand in the banks or accounts where the funds were wrongly placed and are innocent in this matter? It is not possible. This suggests maximum and monumental ignorance and incompetence or maximum collusion with the fraudsters by the highest officials in the police. The amounts are so stupendous that junior officials could never have perpetrated the multiple fraudulent acts without authority, the highest authority.

The Oronsaye Panel on rationalising parastatals may lead to the shrinking, disappearance, merging and evaporation of some of the numerous over-bloated and underperforming agencies littering our government, our streets and lurking around every corner to arrest, harass and fleece you. Nigerians are basking in the ‘IGP Abubakar Spring’ following the removal of 1000 checkpoints mopping up N1-2b per month from the public for the police. Certainly the police must be visible in patrols and at stationary spots on the streets, just like everywhere else in the world. As for the parastatals under threat, the fear of death may make many of them sit up.

My wish is that the NASS made the list and it winds up being dissolved into one house, a cheap payment for ‘Sitting-Only Parliament’.

‘The loss of the World Bank Presidency is being taken as a success. Certainly Okonjo-Iweala has made all Nigerians proud -the good, the bad and the ugly- and especially the maximally corrupt who were all on the band wagon’

Terror Gangs in Nigeria -2

I

N recent times, residents of the oil-rich city of Warri, Delta State, have been caught in a trajectory of violence and mayhem unleashed by hoodlums who have taken over the city, especially at the approach of darkness. From 8p.m upwards every night, the staccato of gunshots punctuates the stillness of the evening everywhere and continues till the wee hours of the morning in most parts of the city.

Armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings, rape and burglary have become the order of the day. In the case of burglary, the roving gang members have resorted to using sledgehammers or other implements to bore wide holes on the perimeter walls of buildings to facilitate their entry into otherwise properly locked buildings at any time of the day, especially at night.

In this case, heavy iron doors and/ or security wire fence have been rendered ineffective by these hoodlums who have been inflicting pains and anguish on their victims.

Little wonder the Delta State Police Command has reintroduced patrols of major towns and cities to check the rising cases of criminality and violence in the state.

However, the Warri or Delta State experience is not an isolated case.

These rampant cases of rampaging hoodlums have become a recurring decimal in almost all the major towns and cities in Nigeria. Only recently, students of an Enugubased Catholic secondary school on their way to Lagos for the Easter break were waylaid somewhere at

Ogere, along Benin-Sagamu Expressway, Ogun State. They were harassed and robbed by heartless hoodlums. A few of the marauders have been arrested and are reportedly undergoing interrogation.

Quite recently too, a banker was rescued from the iron grip of kidnappers who struck at Ile-Ife, an ancient city in Osun State, by vigilant policemen who quickly swung into action after an alarm was raised.

The policemen trailed the kidnappers to a forest located in a village on the Ife-Ondo Road. At the end of a prolonged gun duel, two of the kidnappers were killed while some others were apprehended. Among those now helping the police in their investigations are people who are neighbours of the ‘lucky’ banker. That is the extent of moral degeneracy and criminality that now pervade every nook and cranny of the country.

From all understanding, what is sustaining these gang wars are arms and ammunition as well as hard drugs. It is a known fact that there are illegal arms everywhere in the country. Most of them are smuggled into the country from neighbouring countries through our porous borders. Some of these instruments of death are procured from warring countries that abound in Africa. The recent uprising in Libya, which witnessed the ouster of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, also threw up a worrisome security concern because of the enormity of arms and ammunition that found their way into wrong hands. Gaddafi,

‘The country has gradually fallen into the hands of criminal gangs, who, as ubiquitous as they are, are mushrooming at alarming proportions, while the governments seem not to be paying due attention to the rapacious consequences they are wreaking and could wreak on the society at large’

during his long reign, had made every nook and cranny of Libya huge arms and ammunition dumps.

These arms and ammunition thereafter fell into wrong hands that might have resorted to trading off the weapons to any willing buyer.

When people talk about the proliferation of small arms in Africa as the major cause of instability in the continent, they often tend to overlook or rather downplay the harmful effect of hard drugs. In actual fact, these hard drugs such as cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), cocaine, heroin and other psychotropic substances are particularly fuelling the brigandage because they are used as catalysts that embolden the hoodlums. In the case of Lagos, the open sale of drugs on the streets and street corners has become too close for comfort.

The attitude of the law officers in this debilitating phenomenon that is causing sorrow and anguish all over the place is very appalling.

This is because they seem to have been highly compromised, probably because of the love for filthy lucre and the inducements from the “godfathers” of these criminal gangs. I am sure the police are not unaware of those behind these criminal gangs or the sale and distribution of hard drugs. They simply look elsewhere, probably because they are overwhelmed and, therefore, not ready to confront such deadly gangs who might soon make the Mexican drug mafia mere Lilliputians. It is also believed that some of these criminal gangs are made up of cultists and/or unscrupulous members of the security agencies, serving, retired or dismissed from service. In any case, bad eggs in the security agencies are daily being dismissed without the authorities doing anything concrete to monitor their behaviour in the society. In most cases, these exservicemen, who are very conversant with the modus operandi of

the security system, explore their knowledge to wreak havoc on the society with the authorities either looking the other way or simply failing in their duty to checkmate them.

The gang wars and drug peddling are not limited to Lagos alone. They exist everywhere - Warri, Benin, Port Harcourt, Kano, Maiduguri, Kaduna Calabar, Enugu, Onitsha, name it. Even towns and villages far flung from cities now rival the major cities in criminality of whatever form that was hitherto seen as exclusive features of cities. It is as if the whole country has come under a powerful spell from which it may never extricate itself either in the short or long run, except concerted efforts are made by governments at all levels – local, state, federal – to recue the nation from the abyss to which it is now destined.

There is an urgent need for a crackdown on these gangs and the drug dealers before they turn our streets into theatres of war and death. There is also the need to provide employment for the teeming number of Nigeria’s unemployed youths who are very idle and totally disenchanted with the system.

As they say, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” It is quite unfortunate that most of the governments’ policies are rather anti-people. The high number of university graduates every year is not commensurate with employment opportunities available. In fact, it is a far cry. This alone must have accounted for the rapid spread of criminality and criminal intentions all over the place. The youths are involved; the elderly too are not exonerated; so also are women and men, young or old who are daily taking to criminality and prostitution for lack of any other means of survival. This is why the country is in such a mess, a deep mess indeed.

Furthermore, it is important to reorientate the youths on the danger

Dele Agekameh of drug trafficking and use, cultism and keeping bad gangs to the health and wellbeing of the society. Corruption in government must be fought with all sincerity. People should also be security conscious and take more than a passing interest in what happens in their immediate environment. This way any form of security breach should be promptly reported to the security agencies. Above all, our politicians and the rich among us should do away with ostentatious living or callous display of wealth which could be a ‘motivation’ for those who are not so privileged to indulge in all available means to seek comfort or revenge.

By and large, the country has gradually fallen into the hands of criminal gangs, who, as ubiquitous as they are, are mushrooming at alarming proportions, while the governments seem not to be paying due attention to the rapacious consequences they are wreaking and could wreak on the society at large. A stitch in time saves many! *The first part of this piece was published in this column on Wednesday, April 4, Send reactions to: 08058354382 (SMS only)

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

I

N 1962, a combination of narrowmindedness, dark mischief and reckless manoeuver led the retrograde, even if dominant, political elite and their cronies across the country, particularly in Western Nigeria, to start an elaborate scheme of both political and physical liquidation of the man who was fighting hard to prevent the homogenisation of the Nigerian ruling elite. As we mark the 50th anniversary of that infantile and selfdefeating conspiracy - which eventually consumed the key elements whose intolerance produced the plan - their heirs are again showing that they are poor students of pertinent history.

If the latest scheme to steal the political patrimony of the people of western Nigeria, which was recently revealed, were not a path to a gaping tragedy, it would have constituted yet another humour in a country whose leadership and dominant conservative political elite are a tragic joke. But because of the bloody trail of such cruel jokes in the past and the collusion of the security forces with earlier jokers of this type, it is perhaps important to remind the inheritors of this mantle of national tragedy - and many Nigerians who might assume that it is a local or localized problem - that the room that the PDP mischief-makers in Osun State, their collaborators at the federal level and in the security services want to set on fire will lead to a conflagration which could eventually consume the whole estate.

Recently, the Department of State Security (DSS) was reported to have received an “intelligence report” about a plan by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State to “Islamise” the state and subsequently “secede” from Nigeria.

Based on this, the DAILY SUN newspaper reported that “The Federal Government has mobilized virtually all security agencies in the country to put Osun State governor… on 24-hour surveillance.” If you thought the report was inaccurate or that the reported “instruction” to “all security agencies” to put the governor of “24-hour surveillance” was exaggerated, the silence of the DSS and the National Security Adviser (NSA) would seem to “confirm” that, indeed, there is sufficient “recognition” among the security agencies and their chiefs of a possible “security threat” emanating from the Government House in Osogbo.

Yet, the “report” is so unintelligent that one would wonder about the ridiculous misuse of words that allows it to be called an “intelligence report”. Governor Aregbesola, in his broadcast to the people of the state and in subsequent media interviews, has already given a lie to these allegations and pointed to the illogicality of the premises on which they are based. A truly intelligent analysis of these allegations would show that, if indeed the secu-

The federalist and his enemies

By Wale Adebanwi rity agencies have taken them seriously, then they have elected to waste our collective resources and their otherwise precious time on pepper-soupy twaddle or beer-parlour, lowquality gossips. It is also evident that the “report” could not have emanated from any other quarters than from the reprobate ballot-pilferers in Osun State and their allies who stole Aregbesola’s mandate before it was retrieved through the courts.

Yet, it is important to go beyond the evident pranks of these elements to understand not only what is at stake locally and nationally, but also to put what we are witnessing in historical perspective. This will not be the first time that progressive political leaders in the west of Nigeria would be accused of planning to overthrow the federal government by force of arms and/or planning to secede from Nigeria. The additional accusation of “Islamization” in the case of Aregbesola is only a distraction from the old script that the conservative power phalanx in Nigeria and their local collaborators in western Nigeria have always used. The question would be why always the west?

Before I attempt to provide the historical background that would illuminate the answer to this question, it is important to draw attention to a seemingly unrelated statement which was made in far-away Canada, only a few days after the spurious “intelligence report” was advertised in the newspapers. I do this to draw attention to the fundamental futility of Nigeria’s unrelenting, but ultimately futile, bid even before independence - to forcefully and undemocratically homogenize a diverse people and impose a unitarist structure on a naturally federal polity.

As the contrived controversy over the “Islamisation” of Osun and its planned “secession” became a major item in the news, a critical statement attributed to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, escaped the attention of many people. Speaking in Canada, Ekweremadu called for the immediate decentralisation of the police in line with the federal system in Nigeria. He also added, and this is crucial, that “Nigerians [should] spare a thought on a possible return to regionalism where the six geopolitical zones would become the federating units.” This news ought to have been reported with an exclamation mark, as loud as a thunderclap.

But the news managers in Nigeria would seem to have missed the significance of this position by the Deputy Senate President.

Although Ekweremadu stated that he was

making the second call based on the countless demands for the creation of states, what he said is of great significance. By the last count, these demands had reached 46. Stated the Deputy Senate President: “A return to the regions in the long term seems a major plausible thing to do if we are to nurse any hopes of reversing the dwindling fortunes of our federalism by engendering viability and self-reliance of the component units, massive development, healthy competition, reduce cost of governance and enthrone acceptable level of equity.”

Ostensibly, in Ekweremadu’s view, adding 46 to the 36 mostly unviable states would only push Nigeria further into the unitarist embrace which has been the core idea or practice of two of the three key power-blocs in Nigeria’s history.

Ekweremadu is not your standard “NADECO” or “Afenifere” “zealot”. He is not a member of a progressive party, nor has he pretended to any grand ideas about how to take Nigeria out of the absolute quagmire into which she has been further pushed by a criminal elite that has governed her since independence. He is a leading member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), a party which, more than any other political party in Nigeria’s history, has betrayed a soullessness and absolute lack of vision that would shock future historians. Therefore, if Ekweremadu could see the futility of the current political arrangement and the configuration of power at the centre - which are central to Nigeria’s seemingly intractable problem - then we ought to pay attention.

But how is this related to the fabrications against Aregbesola? Aregbesola’s fundamental political beliefs and practical actions as the governor of the State of Osun (as he is “accused” of calling his state) is precisely the validation of the federal principle which is, at least theoretically, and clearly also constitutionally, the very basis of the political unity of Nigeria. Politically, Aregbesola is convinced that the “dwindling fortunes of our federalism”, among others things, is dictated primarily by the massive assault on federalism, which has been systematically engineered by the dominant (national) ruling elite in Nigeria. Practically and symbolically, he is taking steps to ensure that in word and in deed, his state operates and is recognised as a federating unit in Nigeria, which, even within the limitations of this era, can be viable, self-reliant and well-governed. The symbols of his state which he has conceived and promoted are all within the constitutional powers of a federating unit. Beyond

that, Aregbesola is also prepared to engage with the process that would ensure a healthy competition among the federating units in Nigeria towards the achievement of an egalitarian life for all – or what Obafemi Awolowo famously described as “freedom for all and life more abundant.”

Ekweremadu’s statement is yet another indication that the unresolved questions in the Nigerian polity about the basis of national structural unity and the practices of freedom and difference by the federating units are at the centre of the national crisis. Even if the spurious allegations against a practising federalist such as Governor Aregbesola mirror the contemporary struggle for a democratic and federal Nigeria, it would be wrong to conclude that this is a local plot that is limited by the wild ambition of the conservative (and unpopular) politicians in the southwest PDP (particularly in Osun State) evident in the attempt to hang the burden of “terrorist” and “secessionist” on Aregbesola’s neck in order to destroy him. The truth is that, this local, even if immediately limited, plot is linked to a larger national struggle by the conservative coalition to “force” the west of Nigeria into their villainous “mainstream” – as President Olusegun Obasanjo once boasted; it is also part of an old battle to ensure that Nigeria is not a federal state in principle, or in practice.

To be able to understand the long-term implications of this battle, of which Aregbesola is the latest victim, it is important to return to the experience of the man, Obafemi Awolowo, who has been, even in death, the greatest stumbling block to the unrelenting attempt to homogenize the Nigerian political class, terminate the country’s plurality, nullify the egalitarian principles which have fuelled the home base of progressive politics in Nigeria, and therefore annul the possibility of Nigeria ever becoming a truly federal, truly democratic, and truly just polity, one about which every component part and all her citizens would be truly proud. The central argument about why and how to compose a federal state in Nigeria and the absolute necessity of egalitarian rule is essentially an Awolowo argument. He continues to be the embodiment of that twin principle.

This returns me to the question I asked earlier, why always the west? Why do they always want to “capture” the west (as a “matter of life and death” as one of the most brazen of their leaders once described it)? Why do they always pronounce the west’s passion for plurality as a plot for secession?

• To be continued tomorrow

‘Opposition parties in Osun State should support the good work of Rauf Aregbesola’s government to move the state forward. It is always difficult to build in times of crises. Speaker of the House of Representatives’ recent visit to Osun is a clear picture that the state is safe, against the backdrop of what some people are saying about the government.

From Gordon Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State’

•Aregbesola

For Olatunji Dare I have never seen a country that is as wasteful as Nigeria. How is the money the First Lady uses to travel about apriopriated in the budget or what name is given to such expenditure? It is time we took to the streets in protest against some of these anomalies.

It is not fuel subsidy that is depleting our reserves rather, it is the beastly propensity to consume our collective wealth without recourse to civil ethics that has put us in this economic doldrum. Thanks for reminding us of how hopelessly reckless these insane people could be anyway. From otugbeikwu ominyi, abuja If you were the president, would you allow your wife to engage in firstladyism? Is it not a boost to the husband? I think it eliminates quarrels and stress now that the

husband is ever so busy. From Imo, Uyo Well said! Good to read. But I will do the same if in that position. Anonymous Nigeria is a country of psycophants.

Everything you write about these first ladies are absolutely right but that ìs where some people are making their millions in the name of national cake including the first ladies themselves. Their conscience is already dead and power ìs intoxicating them more than alcohol. Wives of state governors are not left out, they are all the same. From Hamed A. O. There should be a policy to put checks on our first ladies and there should be a limit to their excesses. Anonymous What do you expect Prof., when the presidential fleet - bought, maintained and fueled by poor Nigerian taxpayers is at her beck and call. Like the Yoruba would say: ‘ ibi aiye ba alakori, ibe lo ti nje. Bi ojo nro, a ma a to sara’. At least, Nigerians now know that the loads of excess ‘subsidy’ cash paid to mushroom ‘fuel importers’ go into funding PDP’s rigging machine, sustaining hordes of it’s jobless and rapacious party ‘chieftains’ and of course, Big Madams’ regular jamborees! Nigeria is such a huge joke. From Olu “Annals of firstladyism” should serve as an important admonition to those who want

to change and be civilised. We hope they will change for the sake of a better Nigeria.

From ADEYCorsim, Oshodi Lagos For Tunji Adegboyega Tunji, I think we should not argue with a fool, to avoid confusion. May God forgive my late father, Shittu Adunfe ( a.k.a. Baba Kafinta), who said ‘ki won ma ba won le were ni ihoho, ki were ma ba po ni igboro’ (don’t join the crowd chasing a naked lunatic in order not to increase the number of the insane in town). From Wole Adediran, Odeopmu, Osun State.

Tunji, in politics, once your heart is consumed by irrational hatred for a particular individual, you continue to make political blunders; that is why the PDP, in collusion with the SSS could write such an amateurish security report on Aregbesola.

No amount of false security report or propaganda can stop Aregbesola from taking the State of Osun to the highest level of development. From Alhaji Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan.

In fact, I totally agree with you that “Those who stole the votes of the Yoruba people in 2007 are diehard criminals in PDP”. From Tayo Tola Agbaje, Garki, Abuja.

Opposition parties in Osun State should support the good work of Rauf Aregbesola’s

• Patience Goodluck

government to move the state forward. It is always difficult to build in times of crises.

Speaker of the House of Representatives’ recent visit to Osun is a clear picture that the state is safe, against the backdrop of what some people are saying about the government. From Gordon Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

No true journalism again, only sectional writers. I pity this country. Anonymous.

I agree with you that political crooks are not sleeping all over the place. Are the charges against Aregbesola made in line with the philosophy of the ACN? What will win the battle at the end of the day is ideology. From Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna.

History cannot be kind to people who were unkind to history in their lifetime. May our political Omoboriowos listen to you and have a change of heart. More ink to your pen. From Chris Amusan, Lagos.

SCHOLARSHIP

PROJECT

Lawmaker’s N5m for students Taraba

Park renovation excites residents

N37m voted for water

27

Kebbi

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

28

Abuja

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Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

O

VER 150 ethnic groups in Taraba State have gathered to celebrate what holds them together. It was a ceremony of peace and unity, each ethnic group displaying its culture.

Non-indigenous tribes such as the Igbo, Igala and Idoma also attended and participated.

Thus, as the Chamba, Kuteb and Jukun thrilled the audience with their presentations, so did Ndigbo as well as representatives of tribes from Kogi and Benue states.

The feast took place at the Jolly Nyame Sports Complex, featuring a durbar, traditional wrestling, masquerade fiesta, cultural music and dance, traditional cuisine, agricultural produce show and arts and crafts exhibition.

For a state whose constituent parts have warred relentlessly in the past, the festival was a welcome development, a further assurance that war is not inevitable. It also boosted the confidence of the state government that its developmental programme would go on unimpeded.

The competitions featured all 16 local government areas that make up the state, including a Special Development Area: Yangtu.

The gathering featured thrilling cultures. Participants mixed freely, moving from their local government stands to the others to catch a glimpse of what the other tribes showcased.

Governor Danbaba Suntai said the feast was crucial because there was need for the people to revive their cultures and restore their pride and dignity. Suntai was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sani Abubakar.

He said: “The different languages that exist in Taraba do

•Mumuye performers at the feast

Taraba unites at feast Suntai hails festival, urges more cohesion From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

not in any way isolate any group from the other. Even though we speak different languages, we

share obvious similarities as regards culture.

“As we share our various cultural heritages, I urge you to use this opportunity of interaction to

build friendship and understanding across ethnic and religious divides. This festival symbolises the unity existing among the diverse ethnic groups in

Taraba”.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Emmanuel Bello said the Festival of Arts and Culture (TAFEST) has come to stay, as an annual event for unifying Taraba people and reviving their cultures.

The festival, Bello said, was a demonstration that the Suntai •Continued on Page 26

Nasarawa signs MoU on technology, power

N

•Governor Al-Makura (left) exchanging the signed papers Prof. Adewoye

ASARAWA State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) with a view to establishing a strong industrial and technological base, as well as boosting power supply in the state.

At the signing ceremony at Government House along Shendam Road in Lafia, the Director General of NASENI, Professor Olusegun Adewoye), said it was the first time the agency would sign such a document

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

with any state government in Nigeria.

Prof Adewoye further pointed out that the partnership between the Nasarawa State government and NASENI would help the government in harnessing its mineral potentials as well as generating employment, creating wealth and accelerating educational development.

NASENI, according to him, specialises in the production and manufacturing of related products of international stand-

ard, adding that the partnership and availability of solid minerals in the state would offer the agency the opportunity to produce what is called Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) products for commercial purposes.

He explained these products to include science kits for secondary schools, solar plants, hydro power turbines, polemounted transformers, wind turbine blades, among others.

He said transforming the state to a solid mineral or raw •Continued on Page 26

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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Community inaugurates head

T

HE Araromi community in Apapa, Lagos State has inaugurated its leader. He is Abdulgafar Olayiwola Akanbi.

The new community chief or baale is the second to lead the community.

His inauguration which took place on the premises of the Araromi Primary School, put paid to the nearly two decades of legal tussle following the demise of his predecessor in 1992.

The school’s football pitch was filled to capacity. Other baales from within and outside the state attended in solidarity with their new colleague.

The tents wore purple and white colours while guests were decked in their milk and flowery purple lace materials. It was a gathering of the old and young, men and women, young and old, dignitaries and commoners alike, donning varying aso ebi. Ballad singers, traditional drummers and chanters, cultural performers, masquerades were not in good supply, each taking turns to entertain guests.

Clad in a flowing white agbada, Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Kamal Ayinde Bayewu sat beside the new baale and his wife The chairman of the occasion, MD of Niger Hotels Chief Bayo Ajadi, described Akanbi as honest, friendly, generous, and imbued with leadership qualities.

Ajadi said of Akanbi: “He’s is still young and I believe he can brave the odds because of his

By Adegunle Olugbamila

good qualities. His reign will be peaceful.”

The baale’s wife, Mosunmola, said she was happy the build-up to the coronation was violent-free.

She prayed that her better half who assumed the position as a young person would sustain it till old age.

On her supportive role as the wife, she said: “As a woman, I will advise my fellow women to listen to their husbands, and take care of their children in such a manner that they don’t become wayward or hooligans in future.”

Bayewu, chairman of AjeromiIfelodun council, said he was elated at the new Baale’s installation.

His words: “I feel happy and elated because it’s been a long time now we have been on this.

We are today happy the Araromis now have a new Baale.

“What is most important for us all is to live more in peace be-

•Baale Akande flanked by Hon. Baiyewu (left) and his wife Mosunmola

cause Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government remains the most heterogeneous environment and despite our diversity; we have

What is most important for us all is to live more in peace because AjeromiIfelodun Local Government remains the most heterogeneous environment and despite our diversity; we have been living in peace and harmony

been living in peace and harmony.”

On his advice to the new community head, he said: “He should consider everybody as subjects and administer the community in a way that peace and tranquility reign supreme.”

Appreciating guests for their attendance, the celebrant expressed delight that the title “has finally come back home”.

He thanked the community for not resorting to violence as the judgment dragged on.

“We thank God that the title is coming back home,” Akanbi said.

“We had the last Baale in 1992; the ideal Baale usually emerges from Araromi’s lineage, but some people contested with us. But all through the battle we were not violent about it. Since 1992, it has taken 20 years but eventually judgment favoured us. I thank

our amiable governor Babatunde Fashola for respecting the court’s judgment and giving me approval as Baale of Araromi.

Canvassing more support for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Akanbi said he would work with the entire stakeholders to make Araromi a progressive community.

“I told former contenders that we would run this government together. I can’t do it alone. I thank the youths, the traditional rulers, market women, elders and many others for their support.

He also appealed to Governor Fashola on the state of bad roads in the community.

“Our road is bad, and we have one of the largest populations in Lagos. We appeal to our amiable governor to provide us with good roads and even boreholes because we have the problem of water.”

Nasarawa signs Mou on technology, power •Continued from Page 25

material processor was one of the dividends that will accrue to it because of its value, stating that the state will make more money and create more jobs, through the sale of the products afterwards.

In his remarks, the state governor, Umaru Tanko Almakura said that after realising the decay and backwardness in infrastructure and technological development as well as science education in the state, his government will engage the services of NASENI to harness the solid mineral potentials for the state’s industrial growth.

“The partnership became necessary considering the over stretching of facilities due to the increasing influx of people, particularly at the Keffi- Karu- Abuja

•Some of the crops exhibited •Continued from Page 25

administration was fixing Taraba on the world tourism map.

“The event is a success, because it has achieved the purpose (of unity) for which it was organized”, he said at the closing ceremony.

Bello proposed the building of an Arts Theatre for the state’s cultural activities.

Taraba unites at feast Director of Culture, Nathan Sanda said the idea of holding the Taraba State Festival of Arts and Culture that brings together the state’s diverse peoples and cultures was long nurtured. “It is gratifying and fulfilling that Governor Danbaba Suntai has ap-

proved the staging of its maiden edition this time”, he said.

For their efforts, the winners of the cultural competitions took home varying prizes as a reward.

Certificates of participation were giving to all the local government councils.

axis,” the governor said.

This, according to him, will prepare the state for a rapid technological development which in turn will help to create employment opportunities for the state’s teeming unemployed youths, apart from reposition its education.

He said that by the time the agency gain a solid ground in the state, various opportunities would been opened for the people, especially in the areas of economic, industrial, technological and scientific development.

The governor added that the partnership with NASENI would also build a foundation for effective youth development, improve the state’s revenue base as well as improve scientific knowledge among students in various institutions of the state.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

T

HE World Bank will support the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government with $900 million, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has said.

The Minister revealed this in Abuja during a briefing on the outcome of the just concluded Nigeria Agricultural Forum held in the United States.

He said $500 million would be used for agriculture while the remaining $400m is to support the nation’s agricultural irrigation system.

Adesina said: “I met with the senior directors of World Bank and Country Director of Nigeria; they are excited that Nigeria is diversifying its economy through agriculture and they have agreed to support us in the direction we are going.

“The World Bank has expressed its willingness and readiness to consider raising a facility for us that is up to 900

27

World Bank’s $900m to boost agric From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

million dollars that will cover the agricultural value chain we are working on and also look at irrigation infrastructure that will support Nigeria. The team to look into this will be in the country in two weeks and they will finalise that.”

Adesina who revealed that the apex bank also showed interest

in supporting the development of staple crops processing zones in the country, added that further attention would be paid to rice, cocoa and sorghum production.

He noted that the federal government has completed plans to import 18 new high quality cassava flour plants.

He said the facility would be able to process 1.3 million metric tons of cassava flour annually, stressing that Cargill, a US com-

The World Bank is considering raising a facility for us that is up to $900m that will cover the agricultural value chain we are working on and also look at irrigation infrastructure that will support Nigeria

pany, has shown interest in buying some of the plants.

Speaking on youth unemployment, Adesina noted that about four million unemployed youths in the country could be engaged and be job providers if agriculture is explored through mechanised farming.

While stating that Nigerian farmers only have 20,000 functional tractors, he noted that farmers must have a minimum of 300,000 tractors to meet their farming needs.

To this end, the minister disclosed that Nigeria is in partnership with AGCO, the world’s largest producer of tractor, to establish two tractor assembly plants in the country, one of which would be in Cross River State, the other in Kaduna.

“We have four million youths that go into the labour market every year looking for job but we

believe that our youths should not be job hunting; they should be job creators and agriculture is the sector they can work and create jobs. But nobody wants to work with hoes on the farm; therefore we have to mechanise agriculture in Nigeria.

“Nigeria today has only 20,000 tractors that are functional in the country and if you look all across the country, we have vast lands we can cultivate with tractors.

But we cannot do that if the cost of tractors is too expensive for our farmers and if the right kind of tractors and equipment are not available.

“So we have met with AGCO which has agreed to set up two tractor assembly plants in two locations in Nigeria which is Kaduna and Rivers State because we have governors of those states with us,” he added.

continue from there,” Bwacha said.

Chairman, Donga Local Government Council, Hon. Yusuf Boshe and Commissioner for Information, Emmanuel Bello charged the benefitting students to use the money to pay school fees and buy learning materials.

“Do not use the scholarship funds to buy jeans and or jewelries,”

Boshe said.

Speaking to Newsextra, the beneficiaries said they will remain grateful to Senator Bwacha, for his benevolence, through which they are bettering their lives.

“Ours is just to pray for him (Bwacha), to continue with his many good works of developing Taraba South”, some of them said.

Lawmaker’s N5m scholarship for Taraba students

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HE senator representing Taraba South, Hon. Emmanuel Bwacha has established N5m scholarship scheme to help under-privileged students from Taraba State. The scheme was established in 2003 when he became a member of the House of Representatives.

No fewer than 250 undergraduates will benefit from the scholarship, with each getting the sum of N20,000.

Bwacha, who is the House Committee Chairman on Agriculture and Rural Development, hails from Donga, but the beneficiaries cut across the five local government areas that make up his senatorial district: Ibi, Wukari, Donga, Takum, Ussa and Yangtu Sp‘ecial Development area.

The occasion took place at Government Lodge, Mararaba, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State. It was graced by students, teachers and top government functionaries, including the Commissioner for Information Mr. Emmanuel Bello and House of Assembly member, Hon. Mark Useni.

How did this idea come to the senator? He explained that he was once poor and had let go a university programme in the past after securing admission in the institution.

“I am doing this from experience,” he said. “I feel for those who find themselves in my shoes. So, I will continue to assist these underprivileged students, who are doing well in the universities but are lacking funds to realise their dreams. It is not a Father Christmas gift. And I will continue to do it as far as I remain in the corridor of power.”

This means the beneficiaries will

•The beneficiaries From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

continue to enjoy Bwacha’s package until they graduate when they will give way for others.

The scholarship scheme is also to complement government efforts in educational development, since it [government] cannot do everything

for her citizenry.

“Scholarships awarded by government are not forthcoming. So, mine is a complementary effort; where the government stops, I will

Scholarships awarded by government are not forthcoming.

So, mine is a complementary effort; where the government stops, I will continue from there •Bwacha

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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Yakowa urges parents o n girl-child education

Kebbi votes N37.6 million for water T

•Governor Dakingari

HE Kebbi State government has voted N37.6 million for the provision of 250 additional boreholes in remote areas of Augie Local Government Area of the state.

The State Commissioner for Water Resources,Alhaji Magaji Bunza, told journalists in Birnin Kebbi that 15 settlements would benefit from the project.

He said the project was part of the “Water For All” programme initiated by the state government to ensure adequate supply of drinking water to the people of the rural area.

“The ministry had also provided 6,700 motorised boreholes to rural areas last year, while 15 earth dams were provided to boost livestock production and dry season farming”.

Bunza, reiterated the commitment of the state government to regular water supply for human and animal consumption.

“We would continue to provide potable

NGO sensitises communities on HIV/AIDS A NON-governmental organisation in Adamawa, Mana Foundation for Grassroot Development, has embarked on enlightenment campaign to create awareness on HIV and AIDS, in a renewed onslaught on the scourge.

The Director of the Foundation, Miss Amina Gadzama, said in Yola that the campaign focused on creating awareness, encouraging behavioural and attitudinal change on the disease.

Gadzama told newsmen that the foundation had extended its outreach to major towns in the 21 local government areas of the state.

She added that the foundation had established Voluntary Testing and Counselling (VCT) centres in various rural communities and supported people living with HIV and AIDS with food items.

“The aim is to change the belief of people on the disease, create awareness on

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Adamawa

preventive measures, reduce stigma, enhance care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS. “We are geared toward accelerating grass root development in the areas of reproductive health, cancer, hygiene and sanitation as well as youth empowerment.”

According to her, the foundation is working in collaboration with the Adamawa State government and other donor agencies to contain transmission of the scourge in the state.

Gadzama urged the youth and the women to go for HIV and AIDS testing to know their status, while advising them against unprotected sex.

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Kebbi water to our people within our limited resources.”

He called on the benefiting communities to ensure the maintenance of the facilities.

Kogi promises better life for civil servants

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HE Kogi Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing an improved working environment for its civil servants.

Awoniyi spoke after being decorated with the state’s new identity card by the Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Moses Atakpa.

The Deputy Governor, who solicited the continued support of workers, said an improved working environment would help the state in the attainment of its transformation agenda.

“Only a virile and well co-ordinated civil service will help in implementing government policies for the attainment of set-goals,’’ he said.

Awoniyi pointed out that the state government would provide every facility and working tool needed for effective service delivery by the civil servants.

• Yakowa

educate and expose us to new technology existing today, I will also use this opportunity to appeal to other local governments to emulate the good work that Eti-Osa East Local Council Development has done.

Dignitaries present at the occasion were the Supervisor for Education, Hon. Bariu Akinlolu, Chairman Committee on Education, Hon. Ahmed Balogun and some management staff.

The chairman presented the computers to the students and promised to organise a debate competition in all primary and secondary schools before the end of the year.

Police warn vehicle owners THE Lagos Police Command, have warned owner of the Honda Prelude car parked on the Isokoko Division to remove it immediately or forfeit same through auction. The registration number is EG702 LND.

ORRIED by the declining state of education in Zamfara State,the government has constituted a committee to look into the condition of primary education.

The Publicity Secretary of the committee,Hajia Suwaiba Barau disclosed this in Gusau,the state capital, in an interview with journalists.

She said the committee had invited all former governors from the state, members of the national and state assemblies from the state and other stakeholders to exchange ideas on how to revamp the sector.

“The committee has invited all past governors

Zamfara

of the state, top government officials, serving and retired to attend a one day sensitisation meeting this week.”

“The meeting will brain storm on the best ways to handle the education sector with a view to setting the best standards for future generation.’’

Barau said the committee had verified the conditions of primary education in the state and would soon present an interim report to stakeholders in the sector.

She said that after the presentation of the report, the committee would seek the advice of the stakeholders on how to address and resolve the numerous challenges confronting education in the state.

Kaduna Yakowa challenged students of the school not to relent in their efforts to attain excellence.

She urged the students to keep the torch of the school burning so that more women of virtue would be produced by the school.

She said the honour done to the award recipients was to stir them to achieve greater heights in the society.

“This honour that has been bestowed on us is to ginger us and to give us a challenge on how to do more in the service of God and humanity.

“I know that God will give us the strength and whatever it is that we need in order to work together to be able to face these challenges.”

In his remarks, the Vicar General of the Catholic diocese of Kano, Rev. Fr. Peter Ebidero, told journalists that the award to be bestowed on the recipients was the highest any person could receive in the Catholic Church.

“Some of them are old girls of St Louis Secondary School.

As a result of the 60th anniversary of the school last year, they dug into their records and saw some of their girls that have excelled in the open world; they have done so well.

“So they said what do we do? As a school there is not much we can do for them but as a Church there is so much, so they requested the holy father; because he is the only one that can grant that and what they are receiving now is the highest award any lay person can receive in the Catholic Church and it gives them so many privileges, some you can’t even quantify.’’

Group seeks support for office of public defender

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• From left: Oba of Onigbongbo, Oba Munirudeen Olatunji Yussuf, Chief Promoter, Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams, Arugbamu of Agbamu towu, Kwara State, Oba Olusola Dare and Guest Speaker, Dr. Oyelekan Ayantunji at 2012 Wealth Festival (Odun Aje) in Lagos PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

1200 unemployed graduates acquire skills

O fewer than 1200 unemployed graduates in Ogun State have acquired vocational skills in many trades through the ‘Up-lifting Unemployed Graduates,’ a programme of the wife of the governor, Mrs Olunso Amosun.

The beneficiaries were successful applicants out of the 2,238 unemployed graduates that applied for two weeks cost-free training in barbing, shoe making, hall decoration and necklace/ bead making.Others are Adire/ fabric making, beading, hat making, manicure/pedicure/nails and small chops/ pastry.

Inspecting some of the finished works of

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•Pupils dislaying their computers at the event

IFE of the Kaduna State Governor, Amina Yakowa, has urged parents to educate the girl-child and ensure their proper upbringing.

Yakowa threw the challenge at a reception held in her honour and four others preparatory to their receiving Papal award of Dames and Ladies in Kano .

The five award recipients are old students of St. Louis Secondary School, Kano.

Yakowa and Mrs. Oluremi Oyo, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Mrs. Esther Oyeyi, would be honoured by Pope Benedict XVI as Papal Dames of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

To receive Papal Golden Medals at the occasion are Lady Bennie Ikhena and Lady Angela Bejide.

Govt moves against decline in education W

Council empowers students with computers

THE ETI-OSA East Local Council Development Area of Lagos State in conjunction with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on April 5, presented computers to five Junior Secondary Schools Students within the council.

According to the chairman of the council, Alhaji Owolabi Yisa, the exercise will extend internet services to the schools, enlighten and expose students to rapid growth of technology in the country.

Yisa stated that the world is going digital and so the students need to be computer literate in order to be more enlightened.

He appealed to the students and teachers to ensure that the computers are put to good use and handled with adequate care. He promised to ensure that more computers are sent to schools that have not benefited from the gesture.

Replying, Miss Opemipo Bode Hassan, a student from Lagos State Junior Model College said: “I am so excited about this great privilege that has been given to us students and I want to say a big thank you to the Executive Chairman of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development and NNPC for the great opportunity .These computers will

37

the trainees at the Government House, Valley View, Abeokuta, , Mrs Amosun said she was impressed with the “daily attendance to training, the enthusiasm and skills so far gained by the beneficiaries.”

She noted that the ‘Up-lifting Unemployed Graduates’ programme would be a regular thing, but said the trainings may be diversified.

While pointing it out that the skills acquired would help the beneficiaries “earn a living,” she hinted that they may be given some support to enable them put to economic use.

‘ Problems ‘ll soon be over’

CLERGYMAN, Rev Ebenezer Oyeyemi, of the Oasis Christian Centre, Egbeda, Lagos has called on Nigerians to exercise patience as the problems confronting the nation would soon be over.

Rev Oyeyemi who made the call in Lagos during a special service to mark the Easter celebration however called on the people to be fervent in prayer as God is ready to turn the fortunes of the country round.

He noted that though Nigeria was going through serious crisis, very soon, it will overcome the challenges just as Jesus Christ resurrected from the death.

Rev Oyeniyi, in a special message from God to the people of Nigeria, said the problem of Boko Haram and other acts of terrorism would soon pass away He however cautioned that all the leaders of the country misleading the country would

pay dearly for their actions as their days of reckoning are numbered.

The clergyman, who admonished Nigerians not to lose hope, stressed that he foresaw a great future for Nigeria, adding that God Himself would soon re-order things in the country.

Rev Oyeniyi said every Nigerian has a role to play to make the country great and called on Christians and none Christians alike to be prayerful for things to go well for the country.

He expressed the hope that very soon youths of the country would be employed just as he called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and love as exemplified in the teaching of Jesus Christ.

“The death of Jesus Christ taught us, his disciples to be selfless in our service, it was the love he has for humanity that propelled him to die for our sins on the cross of Calvary,” the Rev added.

He admonished both Christians and Muslims to love one another, have the spirit of forgiveness and live according to the tenets of their religions.

RESIDENT of Campaign for Accountability and Peaceful Resolution of Dispute, a non-governmental organisation, Mr Feyi Oyeniyi, has urged the poor to approach the Office of Public Defender (OPD) for legal assistance.

He made the remark in view of injustice many people now suffer because of their inability to pay for legal services.

Oyeniyi stated that the office which was established by the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu was initiated in view of his long standing position against injustice which he dedicated his entire life to.

He said: “We could see that from the encomium poured on Asiwaju Tinubu during his recent birthday, he was a great man who hates injustice, which was why he created Office of Public Defender because many people could not pay legal fees.”

Stating further he said: “After a long time of military dictatorship and oppression, Asiwaju knew that those saddled with the instrumentality of civil life abandoned it for military style of oppression which took its tolls on the people.”

He explained that considering the amount they would expend seeking justice, the former governor was able to put the machinery in place that had brought hope to the downtrodden by approaching OPD which offers free legal

By Musa Odoshimokhe

services.

Oyeniye remarked that what Asiwaju had put in place in Lagos would be the pride of place because the ordinary man on the street would be the final beneficiary of this rare gesture of goodwill.

Speaking further on Asiwaju, he said: “We the oppressive regime of the Peoples Democratic Party robbed the southwest of progressive politics, it was only Asiwaju that was standing because as someone who towers above oppression, he could not be consumed hence he put in his best to ensure that the ordinary people get the best.”

•Feyi

Tinubu, Nwabueze, Falana urge good governance A CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former university don Prof. Ben Nwabueze and Lagos lawyer Femi Falana were among eminent Nigerians who witnessed the launch of a book titled: “Time to reclaim Nigeria” in Lagos last weekend.

The book is written by a human rights activist, Chido Onumah, who urged Nigerians to show interest in nation-building. The venue was Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

Tinubu, Nwabueze and Falana said the battle for good governance has not been won.

Asiwaju Tinubu, represented by his former Special Adviser on Education, Prof.Tunde Samuel, said there is an urgent need for true federalism. He said: “To get the polity right, the country must be able to conquer its electoral and judicial challenges.

“A time has come for us to chase out the political musketeers and buccaneers. We can’t be talking about unity in diversity, without diversity in unity. The principles of true federalism must be properly adhered to. We must continue to live together,” Tinubu said.

• Former Director General Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Eng. Vincent Maduka, (right), presenting an award of Innovative Leadership to the Chairman, Agege Local Government Area , Mr AbdulKareem Jubreel and his wife, Sherifat ,during the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Business Luncheon and Awards Ceremony in Lagos .

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

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Niger donates N35.4m relief materials to Madalla victims

HE Niger State government says it has given N35.4 million as relief to the third batch of Madalla Christmas Day bomb blast victims.

The Chairman of Madalla Assessment Committee, Alhaji Garba Tagwai, made this known to newsmen in Minna, the state capital.

Tagwai said that the committee had paid N10 million to the families of 10 commercial motorcyclists who died during the blast.

He said the committee had verified the families of the deceased persons to ascertain their claims to guard against fraud The chairman said that the N1million paid to each of the families was just a token relief and not compensation for their loved ones.

“It is a way of showing our concern to those who lost their lives in the bomb blast. ’’

Niger

Tagwai said that N23.4 million was disbursed to the 117 persons injured in the blast, stressing that each person got N200, 000.

He said the committee also disbursed N500, 000 each to the owners of three vehicles that were burnt during the blast, while five motorcycle owners received N100, 000 each.

The committee, he added, would look into the complaints of seven persons, who were left out of the relief package as well as the case of 19 others, whose vehicles were partially affected in the blast.

He said that the committee had earlier disbursed over N65 million to the victims of the blast including the three churches.

Thousands benefit from lawmaker’s free health programme

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Y the time the free healthcare programme of a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Hakeem Abiodun Muniru was rounded off last weekend in Lagos, over 2000 beneficiaries had been examined and treated of various ailments.

Hon. Muniru, who represents Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency of Lagos state in the National Assembly on the ticket of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), organised a five week free health programme in his constituency where people were tested and treated of ailments ranging from hypertension, malaria, typhod to diabetes.

Speaking with newsmen at the closing ceremony of the programme which he said was the first leg in the series, the sponsor of the programme, Hon. Muniru explained that “it is promise fulfilled programme,” reminding that “what we are doing now is fulfillment of part of our electioneering promises last year.”

According to him, since health is wealth, “we have to pay attention to the health of our people along with our various empowerment programmes,” asking rhetorically “how can a sick person enjoy any empowerment

By Emmanuel Oladesu

programme no matter how gainful or beneficial?”

While stating that “my people deserve it and even more of it,” the Federal lawmaker said: “it is a token for their confidence in me which led them to line up in the sun last year to cast their votes for me,” assuring that “apart from making laws that would be beneficial to them and rest of the country, I will also try to go extra miles to ensure that they enjoy dividends of democracy to the fullest from me.”

Two beneficiaries of the programme, Chief Funso Kinoshi and Mrs. Rasikat Esinlokun praised the lawmaker for his thoughtfulness admitting that “some of us could not have got the fund to treat ourselves of these killer ailments.”

The duo therefore urged other lawmakers from all the tiers of government to emulate Muniru so that dividends of democracy would be spread across board, saying “with this man in the National Assembly, we can boldly say that we are having a robust representation.”

By Tonia Diyan

Prof. Nwabueze said: “The time has come for Nigerians to refrain from apathy and care-free attitude towards national development as it is directly or indirectly affecting their lives.”

He accused the National Labour Congress (NLC)and Trade Union Congress (TUC)of betraying Nigerians during the fuel subsidy removal protest in January.

He said: “The two labour unions took the decision without getting back to other major actors in the struggle.” He stressed the need for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC), which he maintained will go a long way in solving the nation’s challenges.

Activist lawyer Femi Falana said it is time for Nigerians to make certain demands that must be met by those in position of authority

•From left: Chairman Riverdrill Group, Prince Tonye Princewill, his wife, Rosemary and former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar at the wedding of Dr. Azu Ndukwe’s daughter in Mallorca, Spain

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

Life

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Text only: 08023058761

Festival stirs fears, worries – Page 31

Is there life hereafter for poets?

– Page 33

‘Every thought of Dara brings a smile’ – Page 35

‘My art collections not for public’

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Long before he ascended the throne, the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe (Agbogidi) was a collector of arts works. His collections rank among his rare treasures. He lost the first set of his rich collections in 1996. The Stanford University trained chemist, who is passionate about art, will not open his collections to the public but he backs the revival of the Olokoto circle of artists (Onitsha), reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

‘My art collections not for public’ ART

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N the past 10 years, the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, has not hidden his support for the arts, whether within or outside his domain. Now, he is championing a campaign for a national policy on art that will make arts available and affordable for the ordinary man.

To him, there is need for an urgent review of the National Policy on Arts and Culture to enhance the development.

"I wish to reiterate the need for a greater focus on our arts and culture in order to give these the pride of place that they deserve," said Achebe. "In this regard, there is an urgent need for the review of our National Policy on Arts and Culture and its implementation with a view to achieving greater relevance and sustainability; such that our art and culture will become key development resources,” he said.

According to him, the policy should provide for massive investments by the government and its agencies; as well as the organised private sector, communities and wealthy individuals. The purpose, he added, would be to entrench and popularise arts and culture in our educational institutions as well as build relevant institutions and facilities such as museums, galleries, theatres, etc, that will bring arts and culture to the level of the common man.

“After all, art should not only be appreciated by the elite for its aesthetic potentials but should also be seen as a major defining element of a people's identity," he noted.

In Mbanefo's works the monarch sees the leitmotif of the mask and the masquerade, which in the Igbo cosmos, particularly the Onitsha Igbo, are the manifestations of the spirit of the world. "The departed ancestors return to the world as masquerades during festivals to interact with the living ones. This is the theme perfected by the pioneer artist and foremost Nigerian sculptor and painter, Ben Enwonwu, in his Ogolo series," he said of the works on display.

He said, unfortunately, the discovery of petroleum has turned the nation’s attention away from other endeavours.

He said the task of pushing the art as an alternative source of foreign exchange earner for the country is a work in progress.

The monarch spoke in Lagos at the weekend during the opening of an art exhibition, Ambivalence, by Emmah Mbanefo. He said despite the setback, art and crafts are growing fast thus providing employment opportunities for many young Nigerian artists.

He recalled that his interest in art is from diverse directions, first being personal. His collection ranges from literature to music, fine art and performing art. “Since I ascended the throne, by definition, I should be a patron of the art. From what is personal to what is local within our environment are what I should promote, and in fact, anywhere in the country,” he said.

The Agbogidi disclosed that unlike many top art collectors, he did not start collecting early but started with music. Though he lost his initial music collection, he has since built it up and has made it for personal enjoyment. “I studiously avoid opening my collection to anybody though it is a modest col-

•Achebe

•L-R: Chief Okay Ononye, Achebe and Mbanefo lection,” he said.

Meanwhile, a book, Contemporary Nigerian Art in Lagos Private Collections, sponsored by Sammy Olagbaju on about 40 collectors of contemporary art in Lagos, will be presented to the public in May. He said he has a modest collection of music-jazz, classical, traditional

Ibo music, as well as literature and fine art.

Sometimes, the love between him and his collection knows no bound to the extent that irrespective of his schedule, each time he arrives Lagos, his first port of call is his framers where he updates his collection.

“My first collection was lost in 1996 while I

was away on working assignment on the field for about six years. Before I came back, the collection was damaged,” he lamented.

The Obi of Onitsha disclosed that the Onitsha Olokoto circle of artists would hold a group art exhibition in October to mark its return after several years of inaction. According to him, the show would move to Abuja from Lagos before returning to Onitsha. “The process of bringing Onitsha Olokoto circle of artists together is ongoing. And we are planning a group art exhibition for October. The exhibition will reflect the rich culture of Onitsha, as well as some aspects of Nigeria and the world,” he said.

He described the images and titles of works by Mbanefo in Ambivalence as familiar as they confirm that he is a grounded artist in Onitsha culture and traditions. He said a critical observer would find abroad similarity between Mbanefo’s works and those of Ben Enwonwu.

Nnaemeka Achebe, who is a recipient of Rotary Club, Onitsha Paul Harris Fellow award, bagged a Masters in Business Administration from the Colombia University, New York. In 1979, he was nominated for the maiden set of the Senior Executive course of the exclusive National Institute for Policy and Strategic studies in Kuru, Jos. He ascended the throne as the 21st Obi of Onitsha on May 14, 2002 which coincided with his 61st birthday.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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The Midweek Magazine

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Lagos festival stirs fears, worries •Badagry seeks return of festival •Soyinka: put your house in order At inception in 2001, the ancient town of Badagry in Lagos State hosted the Black Heritage Festival. Long, after this year’s edition, there are complaints by Badagry indigenes about “marginalisation” and “hijacking”, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports

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LEVEN years after its debut, the Lagos Black Heritage Festival (LBHF) is growing into a mega celebration just as it is dogged by cries of “marginalisation and hijacking.” The festival that has attracted some Africans in the Diaspora such as Mathew Luther King, grandson of Martin Luther King (Jr) and Evander Holyfield is fast becoming a source of worry among Lagosians, especially the people of Badagry.

Days after the close of this year’s edition, there were allegations by some Badagry indigenes that the Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations has ‘hijacked’ the festival to Lagos Island. They called on the government to return the hosting of the festival to the town.

They argued that Badagry, which is the main focal point of the festival, played a major role in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports, some eminent sons of Badagry are not happy with the way the Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations under Mr Oladisun Holloway hijacked the festival to Lagos Island that is known for Eyo Festival, not heritage celebration.

Chairman of Badagry Local Government Council, Mr Husitode Moses Dosu, said the state government should realise that Badagry, which is the main focal point of Black Heritage Festival played a major role in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

“Over two million captured Africans were transported en route Badagry to unknown destinations in different parts of the World. Let me make bold to say that the Black Heritage Festival is and will continue to be Badagry Festival, all our monuments, heritages sites, artifacts and relics are one of the few authentic and original globally,” he said.

The local council boss who lamented that the only event of the festival left for Badagry is the Fitila procession, said the celebration of Black Heritage Festival has ‘raised awareness and started encouraging the process of healing the wounds of the past with the Blacks in Diaspora returning to their root. He said a lot of archeological excavations are being carried out to link the slaves with Badagry.

“To attain this desire, however, we will seriously require the assistance of the state government, which has taken over the festival in all ramifications, to realise that Badagry is the rally point and the most important factor and inevitable too in the process,” he said.

High Chief Posuh Awarawuru, a Badagry White Cap chief also lent his voice for the return of the festival to Badagry. He said during the Fitila procession event of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival held at the Slave Port, that the state government should return the Festival to the ancient town.

“We are the owners of Black Heritage Festival. The government should return the Festival to Badagry from Lagos Island they have taken it to,” he said.

He insisted that with the slave market at Vlekete, Heritage Museum, Slave Relics Museum, Cannon Gun and Mobee Relics Museum, no other place deserves to host the the festival hosting than Badagry,” he added.

Reacting to the alleged marginalisation by the Badagry peo-

FESTIVAL ple, consultant to the festival, Prof. Wole Soyinka said Badagry people should not allow anyone to explore the present development until they have put their house in order. “I would have thought that the ‘Badagry Sector’- made up of so many mindboggling factions- would consider it in their own interest not to have anyone explore the present development in factual details - at least, until they’ve all put their house in order, “he said, noting however that the seeds of ‘marginalistion’ were indeed sown in 2010.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Sewanu Fadipe, said the government held the festival to draw people’s attention to tourism.

“Lagos State Government held the Lagos Black Heritage Festival to draw the attention of the people of the state to the economic and social gains offered by heritage, culture and tourism development,” he said in a report.

In a telephone interview with The Nation, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mrs Moroun Ranti Alebiosu, said the Nobel Luareate Prof. Wole Soyinka who coordinated the festival involved the Badagry people in the celebration, especially the Fitila procession, noting that it would be out of place for Badagry to lay claim to the festival. “Soyinka was in charge of the festival while the Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations took charge of the carnival, boat regatta and beauty pageant, especially, which is a fresh addition to the celebration,” Mrs Alebiosu said.

This year, the Lagos Black Heritage Festival was held from April 2 to 9, and featured events such as boat regatta, boat race, swimming, carnival, colloquium, drama, painting, masquerade performance and beauty pageant across event venues like Freedom Park, Centre for Contemporary Art and Terra Kulture.

Last year, the festival grand finale was held at the Marina in Badagry, with Governor Fashola and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka in attendance. At the occasion, Fashola explained that the week-long event was meant to fuse together the Black Heritage Festival, the Lagos Carnival and the replica Boat Regatta.

He remarked that Badagrywas the tourist hub of Lagos and Nigeria and that all vestiges of slavery and slave trade remained

‘Over two million captured Africans were transported en route Badagry to unknown destinations in different parts of the world.

Let me make bold to say that the Black Heritage Festival is and will continue to be Badagry Festival, all our monuments, heritages sites, artifacts and relics are one of the few authentic and original globally’

•Prof. Soyinka in Badagry, noting that his administration was hell bent on making Badagry a tourism splendor.

Mathew Luther King, who was at the event, said he hoped the festival would enable Blacks in Europe and America to trace their origin back to Africa in line with the theme of the edition, Performance and return to the source.

In 2002, the second edition of the festival opened in the historic town of Badagry, amid pomp and pageantry. But the festival, jointly sponsored by the Lagos State government and UNESCO, also provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the slave trade, in which millions of Africans were forcefully taken away from the continent. The choice of Badagry for the opening session was significant, as it was a major transit point for the obnoxious trade, in which more than 14 million Africans were sold into slavery. The Lagos State government said the festival provided an opportunity to promote the Badagry Slave Route Projects and social integration among the diverse peoples of the world, especially those of African descent.

But, the eight-day festival was also used to mark the International Day for the remembrance of the slave trade and its abolition. Significantly, a delegation of 15 African-Americans, led by Mayor Clarence Hawkins of Bastrop, Texas attended the festival, while the Brazilian Embassy in Nigeria sent representatives to the opening session. A symposium on Cultural diversity: The cultural heritage of black and African peoples marked the opening of the festival.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

32

The Midweek Magazine

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‘The Osuntokun we know’ They called him an outstanding intellectual, distinguished scholar, diplomat, father, friend and more. Staff and students of the Department of History and International Relations, Redemeer’s University (RUN), rose as one to celebrate, Prof. Jide Osuntokun, who turns 70 tomorrow. It was a day of vivid recollections, EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

H

E was clad in a black suit, a striped shirt and a red tie. As he walked into the Redemeer’s University’s Boja Arts Theatre, his face lit up in smiles.

“I am overwhelmed,” said Prof. Akinjide Oladepo Idowu Ishola Osuntokun, as he took the podium. The hall was jam-packed with students and staff of the university.

It was one of the activities marking his birthday; and it was intended to show how much he is loved. They showed their love for him with kind words and dramatic/cultural performances. His educational exploits and contributions are engraved in marble and glaring for all to see, it was said.

Tagged: My journey through life: Reminiscences of Prof. (Amb.) Akinjide Osuntokun, the event, organised by the staff and students of RUN Department of History and International Relations, drew intellectuals, who have known the don on a personal note for decades, from other departments and colleges in RUN. One of them was the Pro-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Ondo State, who is also the HOD, English Department, RUN, Prof. Funsho Akere.

Prof. Akere, a long-time friend of the celebrator, called him a ‘fantastic historian’. “We have been friends and colleagues at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for years; and shared the same floor before he went on national posting to represent the National Universities Commission (NUC) in the US and as ambassador. He has made commendable contributions to national and international debates and interests. He is also a dedicated teacher of history and international relations, who has also made contributions to the education sector and RUN in particular. His contributions are progressive, but radical.

“I am happy; he is 70, that is, two years after I have turned 70 too. I welcome him to the rank of the 70s,” he said.

The Dean College of the College of Humanities, RUN, Prof.

Edmund Bamiro, another friend of the professor named Prof.

Osuntokun, a ‘vicarious teacher’. “We go way back.I knew him in 1984 when I was a graduate assistant in the University of Maiduguri. I took over from him here as the dean. I have learnt a lot from him, especially the three virtues: discipline, integrity and loyalty. And that ‘whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well’ .There’s a lot to derive from his books and writing as an intellectual,” said Prof. Bamiro.

For the Dean of Management College, RUN, Prof. Iheanyi Achumba, Prof. Osuntokun is an ‘inspiration’.

He said: “We look to him as our role model. He has demonstrated that you can be whatever you want to be without changing who you are. Of all his qualities, the one I admire most is his approachability. This goes to show how humane he is. We pray God gives us the opportunity to be like him.”

The HOD, Theatre Arts, and popular actor of the Yoruba movies, Dr. Kola Oyebo, said the celebrator is a defender of the weak. “He is always in the defence of the underdog.”

At the event, it was revealed that the don also has mood swings, which, they noted, perhaps stems from his intellectual lifestyle. A former student of the ‘birthday boy’, who is now the HOD, History and International Relations, Dr. Adegbulu

•Cultural fashion parade for Prof. Osuntokun

•Prof. Osuntokun

TRIBUTE Femi, said the celebrant is approachable, but added that one must learn to read his moods. “Prof. Osuntokun represents the progressive spectrum in the academic. He has touched lives in all spectrums. He always sympathises with the younger generation; and advises students. If you have any issue bordering you go to Osuntokun. He is one who is loved to be with. However, he has an ever-changing mood: you have to know when to approach him; learn to read his mood and you won’t have any problem. People who are thinkers are like that because they are always racking their brains to come up

with great ideologies that would bring about change.”

The students were not left out. They also had kind words for their professor, and their dramatic/cultural performances expressed more their feelings. The cultural/fashion display showed the areas he has taught, worked and wrote on Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Benin.

The President, Students Association, RUN, David Ukochina, said the professor was more than his teacher. “He is my mentor, coach and boss, who taught me many principles of life which I now practise, such as integrity and loyal.”

The President of History and International Students Association, RUN, Rotimi Adams, said of the professor: “He is great man; very approachable and a father.”

Moved by their gestures, Prof. Osuntokun said: “I am really happy to be here; and to what you have done: I thank you all. I am happy. And if I have contributed to your lives, it’s something I would love to continue to do for many more years. By May 7, I will give you your own celebration here on campus,” a statement that was followed by a hearty applause.

On how it felt being 70, he said: “I feel great. I thank God. At 70, I am very healthy.”

By the way he spoke and the standing ovation that followed his entrance, and speech; one could see he was indeed their father and friend.

While recounting his early childhood years, he urged the students to aim for excellence.

“I wrote a book on myself, entitled, Abidakun, which is a pet name from my mother. It was a name that is common to Northern Yoruba area. The full pronunciation is Eda kun E ma bi Omo mo, given to a child, when a woman, who is assumed to have been through with childbearing, suddenly gives birth again. My oldest brother was 22 years when I was born. I never met him until I was a graduate. I was almost a rejected child but to the glory of God. I am still standing.

“However, I was born with the proverbial silver spoon.

So, I was a spoilt child that was born in a highly competitive family. And so, I tried very hard not to fail. In my generation, we had so many opportunities, such as scholarships, that we could not ever fail.”

He urged the students to embrace hard work, saying it is a key to success.

“Hard work doesn’t kill. The opportunity may be limited, but with hard work you would make it. The secret of success is hard work. If you study and appropriate some of what you learn in the university into practice, you would do well.

Don’t aim for a 2-2 but for a 2-1 degree.”

Nigeria on an artist’s canvas in five Lagos galleries

S

EVEN years after his last solo art exhibition, one of Nigeria’s contemporary artists, Mr Mike Omoighe, has set a new record in the Lagos art exhibition circuit. His solo art exhibition, Portrait of the Nigerian nation, will hold simultaneously in five galleries across Lagos. The galleries are the National Gallery of Art’s Aina Onabolu Complex, Terra Kulture Art Centre, Quintessence Gallery, Grillo Art Gallery, and Goethe Institut, all in Lagos. At press time, the artist is still collating works that will make the mega show.

The choice of multiple venues for the show is informed by the artist’s resolve to make a statement about the state of infrastructure, especially art galleries in the country.

His volume of works and size make it impossible to mount the exhibition in a single venue, which is often inadequate for a large collection of paintings or sculptures.

Apart from that, Omoighe unlike many of his peers is using his canvas as a platform to discuss the many Nigerian questions. The focus of his paintings for this solo show running from April 28 to May 13 is on how to rejuvenate, reconcile and reconstruct the broken lines in the life of Nigeria as a nation. He described the exhibition as a visual discourse of the many issues of national interest, especially at this period when Nigeria is facing security

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

ART challenges. “Reconciliation and rebuilding are what Nigeria needs at this period of its history,” he said.

At a sneak preview of some of the works, Omoighe who chose to skew his forms and figures in the paintings towards abstract, said fine art is not all about seeing but feeling and understanding. He noted that minds of many Nigerian elites are too conditioned to alphabets to the extent that their minds have no space for iconic symbols and forms. This, he said, is a big challenge many artists would face when expecting effective communication through their works of art.

Unlike some of his peers, Omoighe’s collection dwells on topical issues rather than colourful presentations of man and his environment. Through his works, he assumes the role of an advocate, or conscience of the Nigerian nation employing the vehicle of metaphors. How effective this approach will be on the viewers is what the postexhibition review will reveal.

He said there is a missing link between most Nigerian

artists of today and their communities, which he said, has been influenced by Western views of art. He observed that artists these days look at the other side of art-that is greener pasture, thus making them lose focus of the cultural values they should promote. “That selflessness is no longer there,” he added.

He recalled that African masks influenced the legendary artists’ concept of modernism in the West, which was later promoted throughout the globe as a movement.

To him, what is modern to the West is not modern to Africa. Among works selected for the exhibition are Village square setries, Totem and poles, Family unit series, reconciliation series, Rejuvenation series, Fertility, Mystery figure, The Wilderness, Earthly burden, and Ariya Motif.

BRIEF

Steak house opens in Lagos Spur Steak Ranches , Seven Eagle Spur, opens to the public tomorrow at Ikeja City Mall (SHOPRITE), Alausa, Lagos.

According to the organisers, it is set to provide families with varieties of steak and more.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

33

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

•Iquo

•From left: Williams and a drummer during the poetic performance

Is there life hereafter for poets?

When a poet dies, shall he live again? Is his death the beginning of his life or the end?

Is his death worth more than his life? With the theme: A Poet’s Death’s his Life, writers in Lagos, under the auspices of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), examined the issue through this month’s edition of ANA reading at the National Theatre, Lagos.

EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

“He was a poet perishing from hunger in the city of living riches. He was placed in the earthly world to enliven the heart of men with his beautiful and profound sayings. He was a noble soul, sent by the Goddess of Understanding to soothe and make the gentle human spirit happy. But alas! He gladly bade the cold earth farewell without receiving a smile from its strange occupants…/”He was breathing his last and had no one at his bedside save the oil lamp, his only companion, and some parchments upon which he had inscribed his heart feelings…/And he said “Come and take me my beloveth death”…/ Then, he hovel became empty and nothing was left save parchments and papers which the poets had strewn about with bitter futility./Hundreds of years later, when the people of the city arose from the diseased slumber of ignorance…they erected a monument in the most beautiful garden of the city and celebrated a feast every year in honour of that poet, whose writings had freed them. Oh, how cruel is man’s ignorance!” – From page 19, The Treasured Writings of Kahlil Gibran

“T

HE extract from The Treasured Writings of Kahlil Gibran’s aptly describes the poet’s dilemma for centuries. Today, that poet who was not recognised and died in penury now has a museum erected at his final resting place, in Bsharri, Lebanon. In his honour are also the Khalil Gibran memorial in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Khalil Gibran memorial in Washington, D.C, US. Indeed, it has become an age-long phenomenon to find that most writers, especially poets, are often celebrated more after their death than when alive. Their works seem to ride on the wings of global phenomenal fame years after the poet is dead.

“Ask William Shakespeare, Gibran, Jalaludin Rumi (1207 – 1273), John Keats (1795 –1821), Arthur Rimbaud, (1854 – 1891) and our very own Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (1932–1967), Fela Anikulapo Kuti and they would probably tell you, ‘it is the dilemma of the genre’, which many who possessed it describe as a ‘gift’ and ‘curse’”, a writer once said.

And even when, the poets are known and recognised in their time, such as the late William Woodworth and Prof. Wole Soyinka, their writings gain more prominence after their death.

Given the trend, it appears that death of a poet immortalises him and his works. The poets mentioned above now have monumental structures erected or films acted in their honour in addition to their writing being read across the globe. And those monuments, as in the case of Shakespeare, Rimbaud and Keats, are now tourists’ spots, and a shrine of sort, to millions across the globe.

Some critics have opined that it is because poets are ahead of their time. Hence, they are mostly misunderstood and regarded as dreamers in their days. However, years later, they are regarded as prophets when their writings are discovered and their predictions come to light.

Today, the trend has not changed. It is still a quandary that poets are faced with. Most poets are striving hard to gain recognition, globally. And the situation is almost as one hitting the rock to get water. In Nigeria, it is no different.

This formed the thrust as writers, , under the auspices of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), met at the Little Theatre, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, to deliberate on the theme A Poet’s Death is his Life. They sought to chart a new path for fresh and living poets, saying poets should enjoy the dividend of their writings. But it is no small feat, given the economic situation, a not-too-robust book industry, the declining reading culture and piracy in the country, it was said. So, where does this leave the poet? It was asked.

According to activist-poet Odia Ofeimun, a poet doesn’t have

LITERARY to die first before his/her works can be known. He blamed the trend on the declining reading culture in the country. “Every poet would love to be appreciated when alive. The reason poets are not known is because the audience are not doing well. And because educated Nigerians don’t read poetry, they create problems for the poets. In fact, Nigerians don’t read, and so it creates problems for those who write.

“In Lagos there’s hardly a place you can buy poetry books unlike in my time. There aren’t even places where poets can carry out readings of their works. If it were in those days in University Ibadan, I would not have been able to find and buy the poetry collections of great poets as I did as a student, then,” he said.

In spite of the challenges, Ofeimun, however, urged the poets to stand for what they believe in even if it would cost their lives. He said: “Poets should also live their death. Believe in poetry so much that you are willing to sacrifice everything to make sure you keep developing your gift… If you believe it is what would kill you and you are prepared to go for it.”

He also encouraged poets to seek the trade’s secret that would help win the heart of the audience. The secret, he said, lies in “reading out your poetry,” noting that “most poets are not good at reading their poetry.”

Ace veteran actor and poet, Chief Lari Williams, Umenka I of

Akumazi Kingdom, reiterated Odia’s statement, saying: “…Love me and I when I am alive. And when I die I would have lived valued. That is why I dance, read, drum and live my poems,” he said.

Like the soldiers fighting with arms, he said poets are soldiers in their own right. “Poets fight in their own rights. I fought the Apartheid war with words,” and on that note he recited his poem Africa and libration, a call and response poem.

The young poet, Sheriff Garba, observed that a poet truly begins to live after his death, noting that: “A good number of poets get celebrated 100 years after their death, with a few gaining recognition during their life time.”

He opined that immortality of a poet’s work stems from their ability to live and act out their writing. He cited Okigbo and 2Pac as examples of poets who wrote and lived their poetry.

Garba said: “Living and bringing alive our words breed immortality. The works of great poets speak for them; but their actions also live after them. It was not enough to just write, poets should act and live their writings. Okigbo lived his poetry. 2Pac is a poet in his own right. His rap is essentially poetry; and he lived his poetry. He remained a ghetto soldier till the end.”

Another poet, Ralph Tagathata, who alongside Garba were the key discussants, said, the sublime nature of the genre makes its writers, misunderstood, and hence uncelebrated. “Indeed, I have also often wondered ‘why poets are not celebrated when still alive’. I think it is because poetry is essentially sublime. A poet is like a priest in the traditional African society who is entrusted to upon by the gods that without doing it you can’t be free,” said Tagathata.

Aside these, he also named ‘depth’, ‘mastery of language’ and vision as the essential poetic elements that would help immortalise a poet’s work, saying: “It doesn’t matter how old you die. Or how long it was when the poet died? It has to do with how strong your work is, in terms of depth and vision.

Poets are visionaries; but the mastery of language is also essential in immortalising a poet and his work.”

Poets take to the stage The day was not all about deliberations. It was a day that poetry flowed freely. It was brought alive by series of renditions and performances.

With the words: “A poet’s job is not yet done until he has written about love,” Chief Williams led the stage with his dramatic performance of his poem ‘Drum Call’ in accompaniment of his ‘cherished drums’.

His was followed by a poetic duet by the Chief Correspondent of The Punch newspaper Akeem Lasisi and our reporter. It was a romantic poem entitled: Kerebuje with a blend of Yoruba folksong.

Iquo Diana’s rendition was equally entertaining. She began her piece an Akwa Ibom folksong Ekon ke. Garba and Tathagata also read their poems alongside others.

According to the organisers, next month’s reading billed for May 12 will celebrate on “the weights of short stories”.

FCTA partners NIHOTOUR on Tourism Masterplan

T

HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signed an agreement with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to produce a tourism master plan for the city.

The Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Mungali Dantata, who signed the agreement on behalf of NIHOTOUR, said the plan hopes to enhance the role of Abuja as a conference tourism destination and optimise the economic benefits of tourism in the territory.

He added that it would also provide guidance to FCTA officials, FCT tourism stakeholders and residents of the city that will enable the transformation of Abuja into an international tourism destination in a predictable and coordinated manner.

Dantata added that since the city is blessed with tourism potentials such as festivals, medical and sports tourism, it is the intention of the organisation to facilitate the

•

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

expansion and harmonisation of the key tourists attractions and to position, brand and market Abuja as a major tourism destination.

"NIHOTOUR has capable hands that are guaranteed of producing a roadmap that will oversee the development of sustainable tourism in the FCT within a period of 18 months,"he said.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, who signed the agreement on behalf of the FCTA said the city recently acquired three new parks which are to be revamped to boost tourism in the city.

These, she said, will include the sculpture, music and the international horticultural parks.

She added that the parks will also be provided in the various satellite towns of the city so that residents can stop coming to the city centres for leisure purposes.

34

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Nigerian Kwerekwere in Southern Africa

L

ET'S just start with a very fundamental definition.

"Kwerekwere" is the derogatory term that black South Africans and, indeed, sundry black Southern Africans use when referring to unwanted foreign blacks especially Nigerians.

The Kwerekwere Testament: The Complete Chronicles is autobiography-disguised-as-fiction. Its author Kenneth Chukwuka Madiebo is the son of Major-Gen Alexander Madiebo (rtd), the Nigerian military's first Artillery Commander and Biafran Army Commander, who authored the pivotal book The Nigerian Revolution and the Biafra War. It's crucial to get the pedigree of the author especially as he earned his degree in veterinary medicine in Nigeria before venturing into Swaziland to sell clothes only to end up in Southern Africa for all of thirteen-and-a-half years! He lays it all bare at the end of the book with these words: "I should know all this, because I was a kwerekwere for thirteen-and-a-half years."

In the prologue, it is explained that another alias for a foreign unwanted person other than Kwerekwere is "Ngangawane" but both terms translate to insults such as white South Africans calling the blacks "Kaffir", or whites generally addressing blacks as "Niggers". The darker the person's skin is the worse kwerekwere he becomes such that "even bona fide black South Africans especially from the Venda and Pedi tribes, have been arrested for being too black, with the immigration officials labeling them Zimbabweans."

The xenophobia in South Africa is such that Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka was in 2005 denied entry at South Africa's Airport for eight hours until Nelson Mandela and his wife Graca Machel had to intervene.

The protagonist of The Kwerekwere Testament Orakwe flies into Swaziland at noon on December 13, 1994 to sell Nigerian traditional attires in the company of his friend Tony Okereke who had snared him into the profitability of the trade. Tony's contact in Swaziland, the Tanzanian Mohammed, who had earlier said he would pay cash for the goods ducks out of the deal thus leaving the duo stranded. In his thatch mud habitation in rustic Swaziland a distraught Orakwe ruminates on what his dad had told him: "This is a senseless move you are about to make, son." He recalls also how his father had advised him back in Nigeria not to undertake an Alsatian puppies' business that doomed him to bankruptcy. Actually he had in 1993 secured provisional employment in the Drug Enforcement Agency of Nigeria as a dog veterinarian only to be denied and kicked out unceremoniously. It is against this background of graduate unemployment that exporting traditional attires and even snake skins to Swaziland becomes a veritable lure.

Orakwe resorts to basically hawking the wares with his companion Tony when no big-time buyer could step forward. He desperately had to make a phone call to his Swazi in-laws who had only recently been in his Nigerian hometown of Awka to see their daughter married to his cousin, but no dice was forthcoming. Now trapped and knowing that his plans to be back in Nigeria for the December 1994 celebrations is at best unreasonable, Orakwe decides to survive on the brink with shady characters like Saul Slave-Trade who is involved in human trafficking of the sex trade variety. Orakwe gets the task of travelling into Mozambique to ferry back the

BOOK REVIEW Titles:

The Kwerekwere Testament: The Complete Chronicles

Author:

Kenneth Chukwuka Madiebo

Reviewer:

Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

Publisher:

ArtRelated

Year of Publication: 2011 Pagination:

401

prostitute Patricia who had some immigration problems, but comes back empty-handed and unrewarded as the girl Patricia had somehow found her way into Swaziland.

He meets up with 30-year-old Ndubuisi Akunwata who sold off his two restaurants and transport buses in Aba for the journey to South Africa. Ndubuisi's friend, Okoroafor Freedom, in South Africa to whose family in Nigeria he had paid $1000 reduces the man to a slave before kicking him out in the cold, but the man from Aba had managed to pilfer his master's $5,000 with which he runs to Swaziland and back to

Aba. Orakwe becomes exposed to the mules on the drug runs to Brazil and Europe such as Chima who gets jailed in England and later in Columbia.

Orakwe fortuitously makes contact with his classmate Mike Dagogo who had graduated at the top of the class but is now a big Johannesburg baron who advises that he should immediately cross over to South Africa. The crossing to South Africa is done by Osaze "Swaz", past the dangerous pass at Ermelo and onto Johannesburg. The beauty of the white cities does not hide the ugliness of the black shanties even as Orakwe gets a heroic welcome from Mike Dagogo only to soon learn that everything for the kwerekwere comes down to survival of the fittest on "The Streets". It's instructive to note that his lecturer "Dr. Azubuike, who has PhD in veterinary pharmacology from the University of the Southeast, sells pinches of cocaine in Berea."

Mike Dagogo organises his procurement of the paper to move around South Africa atop which is printed "Temporary Permit to Prohibited Person", thanks to Section 42 of the United Nations. His mentor Mike has a shouting match with the white receptionist of their lodgings, Melanie Kruger, over arrears of rent, and she invites the police bursting in on the Nigerians at 4AM. After a thorough search no cocaine is found.

Then the Nigerians eventually get thrown out of the 905 Apartment. Mike who earlier would not reduce his bosom classmate Orakwe to hustling drugs on "The Streets" now declares that he is "broke too" such that everybody has to find ways to survive.

Orakwe goes back to Swaziland when his old friend Tony informs him that a surefire job for a veterinary doctor is there for the taking. The job does not manifest and he tries out the business of the Croydon Diamonds. He does eventually go back to South Africa where he is nearly beaten to death by racist white cops at Jan Visser Square where he had gone to save his acquaintance Romanus. He is charged with dealing in drugs which becomes reduced to illegal possession and, finally, bribery. He is granted bail for 3,000 Rands. He is reduced to starting literally afresh. He then learns that his friend who made him to come South in the first place, Tony Okereke, had got lucky by being handed cocaine sent through a courier company.

Orakwe makes much money through the forging of documents. In short, he becomes the most artful forger in the land.

He indulges in 419 letter-writing, duping the South Korean businessmen Kwon and Kim in league with the tag team of Oga-Yawe and Benita who would eventually cheat him out of the deal. Ogo-Yawe then travels to Nigeria to marry Benita on Easter weekend of 2001, then the couple would travel to Dublin then London only to return to South Africa, broke.

To make something of his life after all, Orakwe abandons "The Streets" for admission into the prestigious College of Medicine of the University of the West for a Master's Degree in Public Health. His troubles do not end as he tangles up with the racist Professor "Asbestos Killer". The racists attempt to make him not to graduate by not giving him a supervisor.

He writes a protest letter to the black vice-chancellor and all hell is let loose. He then graduates in June 2007.

A remarkable incident in The Kwerekwere Testament is

The adventure of a child author

T

HE first impression you get after reading Adeoluwa Samuel Sogunle, Life in the Big City, is how profound the mind of this nine-year-old author is. It exposes how deep and rich are the mind of children when it comes to chronicling events.

His eyes for details and sequence, which are commendable, are almost unbelievable for a nine-year-old boy. As one reads through the book, one will find that, undoubtedly, it went through the hands of professional editors. Evidently, their skills came to bear in book, but, laudably, that did not distort the voice and style of this child-author.

From the first chapter, which opens with the line, “…It all started when my mum’s cousin came to visit…,” to the end, Adeoluwa’s 43-page novella takes its reader into the exciting and adventurous world of a nine year who oftentimes finds himself playing the role of a hero as he lives with his parents and brother in a big and unpredictable city’ like Lagos.

It is a book that would help fire the imagination of children between the ages five and 12. Its adventures plot with short eight chapters would capture the attention of any child any day. The language is simple; still it gives children the opportunity to can learn new words as they read along. For the adults, reading the book would remind one of how imaginative childhood can be.

The author is also the hero of his book. The fictional autobiography novella, of a sort, is written in the First Person persona. According to the book’s blurb, it is borne out of Adeoluwa’s fictional personal chronicles of events that struck him deeply while growing up with some imaginative embellishments which perhaps make most of his heroic stunts larger than life. This trait is, however, a major feature of children’s adventure books.

The adventures which make up the book’s sub-plots were written three years ago, when the author was seven years old. This is also amazing that a child that young could unThe adventures which make up the book's sub-plots were written three years ago, when the author was seven years old. This is also amazing that a child that young could understand to the point of chronicling such adventurous events.

It is rich in imagery, brought to life by the beautiful grafted

BOOK REVIEW Titles:

Life in the Big City

Author:

Adeoluwa Samuel Sogunle

Illustrator:

Ibrahim Ganiyu

Reviewer:

Evelyn Osagie

Publisher:

Pyramid Unit Publishers (Children)

Year of Publication: 2011 Pagination:

43

illustrations by Ibrahim Ganiyu. The illustration helps to carry on the reader's imagination.

In an innocent, yet wit and humorous way, Adeoluwa's book explores the vicissitudes of life as seen in the eyes of a child; bringing to light salient life's preoccupations. In this case, we see a child whose world was crumbling around him almost as faster as a moving train. Everything little disaster seems to happen alongside the other like the raging waves of the sea.

In Life in the Big City, we see a child that is almost "killed by a chandelier", escapes been "trampled upon by a truck", fire and "a moving train", "rescues his brother from fire", "learns how to detonate a bomb" and "escapes foreign kidnappers".

Hence, its major preoccupation are 'bravery', 'loyal', 'life', 'death', 'love', 'family ties', 'science', 'insurance', 'nutrition', 'thievery', 'kidnapping', and 'lapses in some public system such as fire service, police and more', , among others.

Reading the book, one would also find that faced with death, it is the same experience that adults and children go through.

In most cases, one begins to appreciate the gift of life more after surviving. Adeoluwa's experience was no different. In one of his adventures, in which he felt life drifting away from him after the railing caught his foot while trying jump over the balcony to escape fire, he says: "My life flashed before my eyes

as I plummeted. Many images flashed inside my cranium. I rotated and rotated…'Goodbye, cruel world…' was my final whisper." Fortunately, he did not die; he landed in his father's swimming pool.

Adeoluwa has in-depth sense of description. Hear what he thinks of the fire service that, oftentimes, comes later than they are needed.

"I padded the cold, murky depth and made it out. A jet stream of water splashed at me. It was the fire brigade. "Oh sure; it's now that they choose to come!"

The book is a recommended for children across the world.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

35

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

‘Every thought of Dara brings a smile to my face’ A mother recounts her experience in bringing up a boy diagnosed with cerebral atrophy in a book presented in Lagos on Sunday. JOSEPH JIBUEZE reports.

T

HE ‘triumph of motherhood’ may have also been a suitable title as it is the theme that runs through the book: The Joy of Many Generations.

A descriptive beauty by a mother whose calling is accounting and economics in a career that has spanned 30 years, it has animated the exploration of literary devices and the beauty of language in precise prose.

Its style will draw you to it. Its message will make you think, reflect and even weep. The story is told in a heightened plot structure that steadily flows like the beat of classical music tones.

Written by Mrs Obafunke Adeyefa, who prefers to be called “Obafunke”, it is a 276-page narrative about her challenged son – her only son – Oluwadara (who she prefers to call Dara).

It is the story of a mother who through patience, resilience and faith mastered the challenges of bringing up a child who has developmental challenges.

The presentation in Lagos on Sunday drew family and friends to an afternoon of music and selected readings. There were musical performances and singing of songs of praises.

The occasion drew emotional applause from guests as ‘Dara hugged his mother and sister after reading from the book, and kissed them on their cheeks.

It is not a book from which the author hopes to make money.

“It became apparent that there are many people out there who are hurting in various ways. So, it’s more of a ministry tool than a book to make money from,” Obafunke said.

Indeed, ’Dara’s story was worth telling. Soon after his birth in March 1993, Obafunke noticed that something was wrong with her chubby son who weighed 3.35 kilogrammes at birth.

At six months, she discovered that her child would hunch over and flex his muscles.

When she held out her hand to him, the baby never responded. He stared into space and did not respond to external stimuli. He did not do what normal babies do – gurgling sounds, smiling back when smiled at, rolling over or lifting his legs.

Worried, Obafunke wondered whether her absence from home was the cause, or whether the nanny had dropped the child.

But she would later learn the child was having seizures. She was soon told her child could not see well. And she was devastated when told a brain surgery might be needed.

Further diagnoses revealed ’Dara had cerebral atrophy (a condition which limits the fetus’ brain growth). The child even went into a coma, and the mother thought he had died.

Regular trips were made to hospitals and specialists. Apart from treatment for his seizures and hydrocephalus (water in the brain), he was to be placed on a drug regimen to help increase his attention span and reduce his motoric restlessness. But Obafunke never gave up. ’Dara’s attitude was also remarkable. He kept encouraging his parents and himself. His favourite lines were: “God is in control.” “I am healed.” “Everything is going to be alright.”

“The pain is gone.” “Mummy, don’t be sad. I am going to be alright.”

Getting ’Dara into school brought its challenges. “We have a joke about the number of schools ‘Dara has attended, and often kid around about what a genius this makes him. It is a good thing we are able to laugh about this,” Obafunke wrote. ’Dara was hyperactive. He could not sit still and his attention span was next to nothing. He got up from class and walked into other classes. He ignored instructions. He could not grip a crayon or pencil. He seemed incapable of following lessons.

Soon, his teachers became apprehensive and detached, not knowing what to expect. Other children withdrew from him.

Other schools and learning centres were tried, and while ’Dara showed capability for phenomenal memory skills, his restlessness got in the way of serious learning.

However, he bonded well with everyone and glowed in the attention he received. Obafunke writes: “We noticed that he did not understand boundaries and tended to invade other people’s space.

“He touched everyone in order to get their attention, even though he was now able to speak (there were moments he combined speech with touch).

“It was proving quite challenging. Because he was so affectionate, he hugged everybody and would even attempt a kiss, if they were so inclined.”

At 11, ’Dara had a massive seizure. To keep his mouth and airway open, Obafunke thrust her hand into his mouth to force his teeth apart to prevent him biting his tongue.

“He, of course, bit down on it violently but I felt absolutely nothing,” she says. When he was taken to the hospital afterwards, he sat up, looked into his mother’s eyes and said: “Mummy, I love you.”

But the impact of the bite did not matter to Obafunke. “My

•From left: Oluwatofe, her mother, Obafunke, her hubby, Abimbola and son, Oluwadara and Muyiwa Kupoluyi presenting the book

• From left: Alex Emode and wife, Nnene, Oluwadara.

BOOK LAUNCH hand was a different matter as Dara’s teeth had punctured two or three of the fingers in several places…It took several months to heal fully after surgical intervention.

“Still, my hand was never the same after that. My forefinger took the brunt of the bite and while the wounds healed over time, it was bent and disfigured…

“In the end, I convinced myself that it would serve as a war scar and a reminder of what the Lord delivered us from.

“Mostly, I just felt it enabled me to identify with ‘Dara’s many pains and scars. I therefore carry my crooked, bent finger till today with a measure of perverse pride.”

It was a thing of joy when ’Dara got a prize for the most improved student in the special education section of his school, and he would have to walk up to the podium to receive it.

His mother needed not to worry: With the entire assembly of parents, teachers and students watching, ’Dara went up to the podium without incident and took his prize. This time, his hyperactivity never got in the way. ’Dara desires to be a pastor, and he had a penchant for accosting people and insisting on either preaching to them or praying for them. On some occasions after praying for a lady, he would seal it with a kiss on the cheek.

“We were scandalised and demanded to know how he expected to keep a flock if he was liable to kiss all the women after praying for them. That just cracked him up and made him bolder…It was with great reluctance that he desisted,” Obafunke writes.

The boy also has a prickly side to him. The mother recalls: “If you mistakenly step on ‘Dara’s foot or bump into him, he snaps at you and makes you apologise…Anything taken away or borrowed from ‘Dara’s room must be returned just so.”

If you borrow one of his pillows, he would not sleep till he got it back, she said. The book also tells the story of ’Dara further education in the United Kingdom and love for technology.

For ’Dara’s father, Abimbola, it is a privilege to be his parent. He recounted his effort to infuse humour into a household that would have been gloomy otherwise.

“I seek my comfort in the scriptures, because without it life has no meaning,” he said.

Emotions took over ’Dara’s only sister, Oluwatofe, as she read from the book. “He is the best gift they gave me,” she said of her brother.

A close friend of the family and advertising practitioner, Mr Alex Emode, wrote in the book’s forward: “This book gives hope to the hopeless, encouragement to the depressed and offers life to those who are on the verge of giving up.”

Resident Pastor, The Redeemed Evangelical Ministry (TREM), Bishop Peace Okonkwo, wrote: “I challenge everyone who will come in contact with this book to not see it as another storybook, but to see it as a testimony to the power of God, knowing that what He has done for one, He will do for another.”

Obafunke explained why she wrote the book. “For starters

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

I didn’t want to forget the experiences. Of course, there are many lessons I learnt along the way, and I thought that if I didn’t document them, at some point, I would forget. I didn’t want that to happen.

“But I also have to say that the real push to do it was the spirit of God. At the time I started writing it I hadn’t been thinking of writing it.

“I didn’t think I had enough mental energy to do it. But I guess when the time was right, God gave me the inspiration and I was able to do it. But, primarily, I wanted to be able to remember the faithfulness of God.” That it took her four months to complete the book is remarkable. “I wrote it in four months. I started mid-August and completed it in December.

“People have asked how I was able to do all that writing.

It’s just the inspiration of God. The words were just flowing.

And mostly I worked at night, weekends. Thank God for laptops.

“I work full-time, but I look back and I don’t feel like I was under so much pressure from it. It wasn’t too difficult.”

What is Obafunke’s advice for any who may have to deal with a similar challenge? “Without God we can do nothing.

That’s the reality. I don’t think any human support can compensate for the support God gives you, because the strength to go through life this way comes from the inside.

“The human support is important, but unless there is strength from the inside, it’s extremely difficult.

“So, my encouragement for people who may pass through this is: it doesn’t have to be your children having challenges, it could be any part of life. I don’t look at the challenges we have faced as unique.

“I believe that every human being has challenges in life, but not the same. But no one’s experiences are less severe than others. Ours just happens to be this.

“My view is any experience anyone is going to pass through in life, you have to find the strength from God. It has to come from inside you, your knowledge of God. “And what I tell people is: Don’t wait until you get into trouble to come to the knowledge of God. That’s the truth. By then, it may be a bit too late. By then, too many people may offer you advice that is not right.

“But if you have a relationship with God ahead of time, when the challenges come, there’s only one place to turn, and that really is the strength. He is the source of all strength, and He is the one who gives understanding and meaning.

“And don’t shun support from family and friends. There are people who are genuinely interested in supporting you.

Be open with them; let them help you.”

Obafunke went on: “Don’t play the hero. Don’t try to do it all by yourself, because God will send people into your life to support you.”

Bishop Okonkwo captured Obafunke’s sentiments in the conclusion of his Forward to the book: “Whatever you may be passing through, do not give up.

“Hold on and trust God, He will come through for you.

Indeed, weeping may endure for a night, but I know and I am glad to announce to you that joy comes in the morning. Welcome to your morning of joy.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

36

The Midweek Magazine A don at 50

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

•Associates celebrate

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UNIVERSITY teacher, Dr. Adewumi Raji, stood tall last Friday as his associates, friends and family gathered to celebrate him at 50.

Venue of the celebration was the FirstBank Lecture Theatre, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Osun State.

The celebration, which attracted the Osun State Commissioner for Special Duties and Rural Integration, Hon Bashir Ajibola; Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Osun State Governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon; former Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) President, Dr. Dipo Fashina and the poet and social commentator, Odia Ofeimun among others, was devoid of flamboyance.

Yet, as modest and low-key as it was, it, indeed, brought out the essence of human life and x-rayed as well how the celebrator thus far spent a life full of fulfillment and remarkable voyage.

As a man of courage, he refused to be downcast despite going through troubled time in his career and life. The equanimity and calmness with which he took things and how vacant his eyes were - indeed showing no sign of distress or disturbance - are a clear display of some of the attributes leaders of men have been known.

A story was told of a conspiracy against this Raji, which currently led to somewhat wrongful dismissal from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; an action he has challenged in the court of law.

Despite this travail, Raji obliged to family, friends and well-wishers' modest proposal to mark in a moderate way the journey of 50 years, which began humbly from the ancient empire town of Oyo. Dr. Fashina, who was the chairman of the occasion, described Raji as a man of his words and a trademark academic, who has distinguished himself in his chosen field.

He praised Raji's courage at the face of persecution by the authorities of the institution, saying one day the truth will triumph over evil and the celebrator will be vindicated to have stood his ground on what he believed and practiced for over two decades.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Basher Ajibola, who incidental was a student of Raji at the University of Ilorin, described Raji as a consummate teacher and a man of honour.

Ajibola noted that self-realisation consists in impact positively on the society in which one resides, saying, Raji has done that and so must feel fulfilled for that accomplish-

•Raji (left) receiving books from Ofeimun

CELEBRATION ment.

For Okanlawon, Raji is not just a lecturer but a molder of minds, who does not allow nonsense in the discharge of his responsibilities. He revealed that once Raji believes in a particular cause of action, he pursues it with determination and does not care whose ox is gored.

The poet, Odia Ofeimun, in his lecture, Nigeria University system and the travails of the intellectual, warned stakeholders in the

education sector of the urgent need to refocus and reengineer the education system to suit the wants of the nation.

Ofeimun lamented the rot in the nation's education system saying that nation which allows its intellectuals to be decimated is doomed. He noted that Nigeria spends large chunk of its resource to educate those who will work and thus develop other countries economy.

"There is lack of creativity in the university today. There is a disruption of the education system through a systemic destruction of intellectuals in the university. "And

‘There is lack of creativity in the university today. There is a disruption of education system through a systemic destruction of intellectuals in the university

ASUU has not been able to stand up collectively as before in defence of the nation's education system. There is agent of destruction within and without. We need to defend the institutions that create these intellectuals; we need to defend the schools," Ofeimun said.

He saluted the courage of Wumi Raji and his sense of dedication to excel in an adverse environment currently prevalent in the nation's tertiary institutions.

Born in Oyo town in 1962, he had his primary and secondary education in the ancient town before proceeding to the University of Ilorin, where he got his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Ilorin. He also received his Master and doctorate degrees at the University of Ibadan.

Museum chief gets Golden Icon

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HE National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (NANNS), has honoured the Director-General National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman, with the Golden Icon of Nigeria Award.

The award was bestowed on him recently in his office by the National President of the association, Comrade Ibrahim Alih in company of other executive members of the association drawn from different universities in the Northern region.

At the presentation, Alih said that the criteria used in selecting recipients were of international standards so that NANNS Awardees could stand tall among their contemporaries anywhere in the world.

The NANNS President added that ‘it is not in our culture to celebrate people who are paid from taxpayers money to do their duties, but we are particularly concerned about the rare humane posture and detribalised characters such as dedication to service, humility, honesty, courage, accountability, observance for due process, respect for rule of law and tolerance which Usman has brought to bear in Public service and contributions to the development of this great nation.’

AWARD He said the award is an auspicious one while re-iterating the need to honour deserving individuals in their lifetime. Comrade Alih also urged the Federal Government to fund the commission appropriately as the culture sector and the NCMM in particular is a vital key to the economic prosperity of this great nation, if properly harnessed.

In his acceptance speech, Usman praised the students for their initiative in ensuring that proper procedures were followed in the nomination process and urged them to be more proactive in the discharge of their duties as students and responsible citizens of the nation.

He promised to double his efforts in the discharge of his duties as he can clearly see that Nigerians are watching and expecting the very best from persons in positions of authority. In his words,’ I am really humbled by this prestigious honour given to me, as an Icon of Greater Nigeria, and I promise not to disappoint you all” He was particularly pleased that the award panelists took into consideration, the unshakable place of merit and hard work in the society as a criterion for honoring deserving Nigerians.

•Mallam Usman receiving an Award from Comrade Alih.

Recipients of the award in the past are eminent and patriotic Nigerians such as Dr Olusola Saraki, the Waziri of Ilorin, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, the Chief Servant of Niger

State, Prof Jubril Aminu, Prof Godswill Obioma, Dr Ibrahim Wada, Dr Udenta O. Udenta, DIG John Haruna of blessed memory, Mrs H.U.Abdullahi, among others.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

38

Reviving Federal Unity Colleges N Tuesday, April 17, 2012, all principals, bursars and secretaries of Tenders Board of the 104 Federal Unity Colleges in Nigeria were in Abuja to participate in the first ever training workshop that would facilitate their implementation of the 2012 budget for their schools, which is novel in several respects.

Like the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike promised the principals, students and parents during his several working visits to 30 out of the 104 Federal Unity Colleges spread across the six geo-political zones, the Federal Government would commence a phased total rehabilitation of the schools to meet the required standard of learning.

The Minister of State for Education alongside the Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i had worked out a direct reform of the budgeting process as it affects the Federal Unity Colleges. The bottom-line of the new budgeting process is to focus on at least three Federal Unity Colleges from each geopolitical zones for total rehabilitation each year for the next four years. At the end of 2015, 72 Federal Unity Colleges would have felt the impact of the infrastructural rehabilitation.

In-built in this new budget framework is the complete autonomy of the principals of the Federal Unity Colleges and their respective Tenders’ Board to award contracts for the actual rehabilitation work. Wike, a lawyer, who ordinarily holds supervisory powers over these schools has delegated the powers of contract award to the principals and their tenders’ boards.

The workshop on effective public procurement for principals, bursars and secretaries of Tenders’ Boards of the 104 Federal Unity Colleges was convoked by the office of the Minister of State for Education to pre-

O

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SHODI-ISOLO Local Government Area of Lagos State has trained over 200 youths in its skill acquisition empowerment programme.

The youths were trained in courses like computer graphics, catering services, hotel management, hairdressing, cosmetology

By Simeon Nwakaudu

pare the officials to effectively, efficiently and transparently manage funds appropriated for them to directly revive infrastructure at the Federal Unity Colleges. Being the direct accounting officers and contract awarding agents respectively, they were trained on the best practices that would ensure that the Federal Government and the Nigerian people get value for the funds to be expended on the schools.

Four resource persons educated the officials on the best practices on public procurement, contract award and payment procedures. They include; Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, Presidential Adviser on Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Prof. Sylvester Monye, Mr Peter Momodu, Director, Finance and Accounts, Federal Ministry of Education and Mr. Tunde Lawal, Director, Micro-Services Department, National Planning Commission.

Lead Paper Presenter, Mr Emeka Ezeh, an engineer, outlined the legal process of public procurement, the responsibilities of the principals, bursars and secretaries of the Tenders’ Board and the consequences of these officers failing to respect the rules outlined in the procurement act.

•From left: Rufai, Wike and Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Emeka Eze at the worshop on Effective Public Procurement

Professor Monye, Presidential Adviser on Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation stressed the need for the principals to set up monitoring and evaluation units in their schools to ensure that the projects outlined by the Federal Government are executed in line with specifications.

The Director of Micro-Services of the National Planning Commission, NPC, Mr Tunde Lawal under-scored the need for plan-

This workshop is therefore being organised to prepare, equip and empower the principals, bursars and secretaries of Tenders Board of the Federal Unity Colleges with the right attitude and aptitude necessary for advancing the efficient implementation of 2012 capital budget of the unity colleges

ning of all processes leading to the development of infrastructures in the schools to avoid the pitfalls of the past, while Peter Momdu, Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Education outlined the required processes for the timely release of funds for project execution.

To Wike, who spoke at the workshop on Effective Public Procurement for Federal Unity Colleges in Abuja, declared that the 2012 Budget has made special provisions of N250million each for 18 Federal Unity Colleges spread across the six geopolitical zones for massive infrastructural development of the schools.

Wike said each of the selected schools which includes construction of standard libraries, classrooms, laboratories, assembly halls and assembly halls.

He added that for schools not covered in the first phase of total rehabilitation, the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, will intervene in their jun-

ior secondary schools to upgrade critical facilities.

The Minister of State for Education said that in the next four years the Federal Government plans to completely rehabilitate 72 out of the 104 Federal Unity Colleges.

According to him: “This workshop is therefore being organised to prepare, equip and empower the principals, bursars and secretaries of Tenders Board of the Federal Unity Colleges with the right attitude and aptitude necessary for advancing the efficient implementation of 2012 capital budget of the unity colleges”.

He said the workshop is justified by the need to avoid the mistakes and improprieties that had been the bane of project administration in the unity colleges.

Wike said: “Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see, feel and enjoy the transformation promises of Mr. President with regard to •Continued on Page 39

Council trains youths on skills

By Amidu Arije

and tailoring and fashion designing, among others.

The graduation ceremony which took place at the UNDP vocational Centre in Oshodi was witnessed by the parents of the

graduating trainees, politicians and other members of the community.

The council boss, Hon Bolaji Ariyoh urged the trainee graduates to put what they have learnt into practice and be good ambassadors of the council.

“Be more proactive, focused and avail yourselves of better orientation as regards opportunity, build on the skills you have acquired and use it as a medium to develop others,” he urged.

The council chairman, Hon Bolaji Ariyoh stated that his administration is determined to support and empower people with vocational skills that will help to cushion the effect of economic problems in the society.

“We are poised at training and empowering more people on vocational skills in our council to reduce unemployment and make people to be self reliant,” he said.

One of the graduating trainees who graduated as best student in tailoring and fashion designing, Joshua Korede Sholanke, thanked the council chairman for helping them grow in life.

“We are very grateful for this opportunity you offered us; we promise to make use of the acquired skills judiciously,” he said.

Sholanke urged other youths in the council to avail them self of the opportunity to learn one vocation or the other that will help to transform their lives positively tomorrow.

We are poised at training and empowering more people on vocational skills in our council to reduce unemployment and make people to be self reliant •Hon Bolaji Ariyoh (right) presenting a gift to one of the trainee graduates

•

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

39

Council launches new rates

T

O ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in revenue generation and management, Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Kehinde Bamigbetan has approved new tariffs and rates in the council.

The tariffs and rates are contained in a card.

He said: “Revenue is everybody’s business. It is the foundation of the council. A statement of revenue is an indication of endorsement of the government. The more a government is endorsed by the people, the more people feel obliged to support the government.”

Speaking on the new approved revenue tariffs and rates card, the council boss disclosed that several thousands of eligible taxpayers had been captured in the council’s tax net as part of measures to improve the revenue generation drive.

For Ejigbo community, many have been in the dark about what they are supposed to pay to the government. For the first time, during

By Duro Babayemi

his tenure, they are trying to solve that problem, not just presenting them what it entails but also by responding to their criticism and complaints over the year.

He cited example of the common but erroneous belief that every rate has the same figure. In other words, people tend to think every shop pays the same amount. He explains further that the amount payable by someone who owns a small shop is different from what the owner of a big one pays.

“It is not going to be a flat rate; it will be graduated. The larger a shop is, the more they pay. Permit will be given to shop owners so as to have value within the jurisdiction,” Bamigbetan said.

Continuing, he said: “There will be convenience for payment. They don’t have to pay everything at once; it can be paid by instalments of four to five times. Money collected from the public will be well

There will be convenient for payment. They don’t have to pay everything at once, it can be pay installmentaly within four to five times. Money collected from the public will be well spent

N

ATIONAL Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has accused the some major petroleum products marketers of withholding five per cent tax on its products.

The association also said that its members are made to pay multiple taxations on their products in the country by the Nigeria government.

The Chairman, North-Central Zone of NARTO, AbdulRasaq Maji, spoke with Newsextra shortly after monitoring the election of the state branch of the association in Ilorin, the state capital.

The zone comprises Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Niger states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

spent. There will be value for money paid to the council.

“All payments must be completed before October every year because some people travel home

by December. The more money comes into the council, the more it will advance its infrastructure.

“There is a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which will be used to monitor everybody. We are using this medium to carry the public along with this kind of thing.

We have contacted the leaders of Community Development Associations and leaders of tradesmen and artisans.

“Government’s business can never finished; it’s always ongoing and what we have decided to do is to fulfil all the promises we made to the people. Before the elections, we did an opinion poll of 65,000 residents and the consensus was that we should prioritise road construction and it was based on that we were encouraged to pick 10 roads every year and did a summary of it.”

He explained further that the council in the last six months have been lobbying the state government for the approval of these road projects, whose cost was put at N524 million before the governor, subsequently, pruned it down to N222 million.

“So, our business was to target the eight roads and the cost came to N524million. The rule is that any project that exceeds N35million, we have to seek the approval of the governor and that was what we did and when the governor looked at how much we earn through revenue, he didn’t want us to bite

•Bamigbetan launching the new revenue rates more than we could chew, and that was why he approved for us to get a loan not exceeding N222million and that means we have to now reduce the number of roads we can do this year to like five roads.

“They are Double Star Road, Nurudeen Obe Street, Double Powerline Road, Rainbow Avenue Road and Jubril Olabisi Road.

“Approval has been given by the state government to collect the loan and we are now harmonising our position with First Bank of Nig. Plc to support us. There are over 600 roads in Ejigbo but the

few ones we can build before the end of their tenure, by the time they are finished there will be a commendable result.

“We want to thank the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) for approving and starting the work on Ejigbo-Ajao Link Bridge project which will take care of one of the major roads, which is Kudirat Adenekan Road.

We also want to thank the Public Works Corporation for the construction of Bedford Road, which means that at least two out of the 10 roads have been taken care of.”

NARTO alleges being overtaxed From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Maji said: “We have been suffering five per cent withholding tax from the major marketers on our products. We have been struggling that the government intervenes to draw the attention of the major marketers that the 5percent of the withholding tax should be reversed to 2.91percent. Incidentally, we have received support from Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) and Petroleum Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPRA), because we suffer double taxation as transport-

ers.”

He heard: “NARTO was the first organisation that gave its support to the federal government when it mooted the idea of deregulation some years back.

We also supported the current government when it introduced partial deregulation on fuel.

“We are second to government in terms of employment. As a result I have urged the new executive council to work with the state government. Transporters suffer a lot of consequences on the roads. When there is chaos the transporters suffer heavy

•From right: Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Lateef Ibirogba; Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Developmenet, Hon. Adesegun Oniru and Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abiodun Fajobi at the Year 2012 ministerial press briefing at the Press Center, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

losses and because of the porous insurance system in the country, the insurance companies can’t pay the huge losses we incur.

“Therefore we sue for peace; that is why we have a cordial relationship with government and government should also reciprocate that.”

Commenting on the peaceful conduct of the state election, the zonal chairman said “it is ex-

pected as transport owners for us to exhibit decorum, decency and restraint in the conduct of our elections.”

He disclosed that cordial relationship exists between NARTO and Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association (PTDA) at the national level.

“If there is peace between husband and wife there will be peace in the house,” he said.

Reviving Federal Unity Colleges

•Continued from Page 38

basic education sub-sector. The Federal Ministry of Education is conscious of this fact and is ready to do all that is possible to ensure that all unity schools get infrastructural upgrade.

Therefore, as officers responsible for project execution in your colleges, you need to start working in time for the release of budgeted funds and the successful execution of the projects”.

Declaring the workshop open, Prof. Rufa’i said that decision to completely rehabilitate Federal Unity Colleges is a deliberate attempt to make the schools comprehensively qualitative and environment for quality learning.

She advised the principals and other senior officials of Federal Unity Colleges to ensure the start legal procurement process to attain the goals of the Federal Government.

In a remark, Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Ben Ibe said that the Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to diligent implementation of budget 2012.

Beyond the infrastructural upgrade of the Federal Unity Colleges is the recruitment of fresh graduates by the Federal Government to boost the academic and non academic staff sub-sectors of the schools and get them to func-

tion at optimal levels once again.

Also, the process of absorbing part-time teachers and teachers on the payroll of Parents Teachers’ Association, PTA, of the Federal Unity Colleges is on. Duly qualified teachers in these cadres would have their appointments regularized as permanent staff of the Federal Ministry of Education.

Like the execution of Almajiri schools to cater for out-of-school children, the planned phased rehabilitation of Federal Unity Colleges by the Federal Government is another promise kept by the Jonathan administration. This is not a matter of rhetoric, but direct implementation of a programme that would have multiplier effect down the development chain.

By the day, the future for the nation’s education sector is getting brighter and the Federal Government is taking steps to bring educational structures and institutions of the nation to internationally accepted standards.

•Simeon Nwakaudu is the Special Assistant (Media) to Minister of State for Education

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

The FCTA wants to transform the park into a world-class facility to be patronised for its allure and services. For instance, with proper administration, goods lost in transit should easily be tracked and recovered at the park

R

ESIDENTS of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have welcomed its intervention in the upgrade of the popular Jabi Park located in the heart of the nation’s capital.

The residents say urgent rehabilitation of the park will rid it of criminal activities and make it comfortable for genuine business and relaxation.

Considering the deterioration of the facility, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), back in 2001, engaged the services of a local firm Messrs E. Ekeson Bros Nig. Ltd to upgrade the park. The concession was in agreement with the authorities of the FCTA as exemplified by the position of the Minister of State for the Authority, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, on public private partnership (PPP).

However, there were concerns that in spite of the concession to the indigenous firm, the park remained in a sorry state. The entire area became a hideout for criminals, with hard drugs reportedly sold there. Besides, there were question marks on the ability of the indigenous firm to properly upgrade the park.

Worried by the prolonged neglect of the park and its negative impact, the FCTA Minister of State, Oloye Akinjide announced a new plan for the motor park, a decision which was applauded as an interventionist approach.

The FCTA wants to transform the park into a world-class facility to be patronised for its allure and services. For instance, a standard motor park should inspire passenger’s confidence in safety.

With proper administration, goods lost in transit should easily be tracked and recovered at the park.

But according to the FCTA Minister of state, these benefits are not available under any shoddy arrangement as obtainable at Jabi Park at the moment.

“This is why something urgent needs to be done on the Jabi Park,” she stressed.

At a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja recently, the minister explained that given the location of the facility in the heart of the city, the park must be transformed and upgraded into a world class facility to befit the status of the nation’s capital. She disclosed that a Turkish consortium is interested in executing the project on a PPP arrangement at the cost

•Jabi Park

Park renovation: FCTA’s intervention excites residents From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

of $100million.

The minister said the idea of the PPP with the Turkish group was in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda of attracting foreign investment into the country.

“Turkey is one of the countries that have been targeted and the Turkish business delegation in this particular consortium is interested in the Jabi motor park,” Akinjide noted.

The decision of the FCT administration to opt for a foreign contractor did not go down well with the leadership of AMAC. Its chairman, Mr. Micah Jiba argued that AMAC had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with another private firm, Messrs El- Salem Nig. Ltd to upgrade the park following the initial contractor’s inability to deliver on the project.

The FCTA intervened in order to resolve this controversy. Oloye Akinjide on February 20, 2012 constituted a ministerial commit-

tee to review the contending issues with a view to getting the park working at projected standards.

Commuters who patronise the park have welcomed the FCTA’s move to develop it. A driver, Adamu Ismaila said that illegal business of buying and selling Indian hemp and new naira notes at the park will not stop until it is properly developed and run. He said although these activities are often shrouded in secrecy, security operatives, especially the police, are aware of them.

A spare parts dealer in the park, Chinedu Obiora, also lauded the FCTA, saying that when fully developed, the facility will create a

more conducive atmosphere for residents and motorists living and operating in and around the area.

The 15-member committee, headed by Honourable Zaphaniah Jisalo, former chairman of AMAC and now House of Representative member, has since submitted its report. The committee established that AMAC got it wrong in the choice of a contractor to handle the job, and that none of the firms engaged by the council has the technical and financial capacity to execute a project of such magnitude. The position of the committee is therefore that the existing agreements on the park upgrade project should be reviewed.

The report also urged that both

•Mrs. Akinjide

the FCTA and AMAC should harmonise their positions are work in the interest of the Territory and its residents, even as it was advised that the FCTA should remove illegal shops, transport companies and warehouses from the park.

Institutions matriculate 1,865 in Kwara

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HE Kwara State College of Education and Aisat Memorial, the first privatelyowned college of education, have matriculated 1,865 students for the 2012 academic session.

The state institution matricu-

•From right: Permanent Secretary for Finance, Mrs Oluseyi Williams; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Adetokunbo Abiru; Permanent Secretary, Mr. Lateef Abari and Mr Akin Odunsami, consultant, at an insurance workshop in Ikeja, Lagos PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

lated 1,800 students while 65 candidates were formally inaugurated at Aisat.

The state college of education was matriculating candidates for National Certificate in Education (NCE) for the first time in five years. The Bukola Sarakiled administration had suspended all NCE programmes being run by the institution, but the current government after much entreaties from prominent Kwarans reverted to status quo ante.

Addressing the matriculants in Ilorin, the state capital, the Acting provost of the Kwara state college of education, Dr AbdulRahman Ibrahim said the ceremony was the first since the reinstatement of the NCE programme.

In his words: “The college shall promote and maintain academic excellence and shall not relent in our effort towards an excellence business of teaching and learning. I enjoin all the students to make judicious use of the limited period they have to pursue their academic programmes.

“To crown it all, students must as a matter of fact abide by the rules and regulation guiding the conduct of examinations as any student caught in the act of examination malpractice or misconduct will surely face the music.”

In another development, the Proprietor, Aisat Memorial College, Dr Raheem A. Issah admonished the new students to shun all anti social behaviour, adding that “success does not tolerate laziness and idleness.

“You cannot afford to be playful and irresponsible. The library is there for your maximum use and the ICT is now being completed to make your studies easier. If you are diligent and hardworking success will smile at you.”

He went on: “Avoid associating with friends with questionable characters, who will easily derail you and destroy your future. I want to make it abundantly clear that there is no room for cultism in this college. The slightest or even the most remote suspicion that any student is a cultist is just enough to put him or her in serious trouble. You will be thrown out of this place and handed over to security agents.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Former Chief of Defence Staff General Alani Akinrinade (rtd) spoke with Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on national security, Southwest integration, national conference and other issues.

‘How Nigeria can prevent disintegration’ W

HAT is your reaction to the agitations for a national conference in the country?

We need to debate, discuss what is really going on in our country. A lot of information has been dished out from all sections of the country, some panacea to problems bedeviling the country. Yoruba has always been in the leadership in this kind of situation. We have always made it clear that we want to be part of Nigeria, we want a very strong country, and we need to fashion out how we can make that strong country come about.

We realise that the Igbo in the East are talking, Southsouth people, especially the Ijaw Congress, are talking and bringing out ideas. Now, the northerners are also talking and bringing out ideas and accepting that this is not a great federation, and that, if we are not careful, we are dancing on the brink, according to Cambell, and therefore, we should do something. Yoruba, since 2005, made a major contribution to this debate by meeting in Ibadan. We got a Yoruba Agenda for Nigeria at that time. It spelt out the way the Yoruba saw Nigeria and what ought to be done to make sure that it becomes a strong country that works, like a nation, not an amorphorous country, a big country, almost a giant as you call it, having a clay feet. We brought out that document in 2005, hoping there was going to be a genuine conference as stated by Obasanjo at that time. That position today is still valid, except there are some issues which we raised at that time. That time, the memory of the June 12 debacle was still fresh in our memory and in 1999, certainly, Yoruba did not participate well in the elections, simply because the issues that preceded the elections were never touched. Yoruba thought that an attempt to ignore the issues by saying that democracy is the answer by just having elections, even if it was a good election, was not a good way of building a good nation. We played along simply because there was no other way of doing it. May be, we were wrong. May be, we were right. We played along and the end result is what we have today.

Why is national debate necessary at this time in Nigeria?

The foundation was wrong. We should be courageous enough to dismantle the foundation, make a new foundation and strive to build earnestly on it. That is the meeting we are meeting.

What are those unresolved national questions which tend to make Yoruba uncomfortable under the fragile and lopsided federal arrangement?

There are mirage of problems. All of us seem to agree that it started right from the beginning of trying to couple together a country. It looks like the French were coming from the west and Germans coming from east and the British stopped them and gave them a territory. The north was administered separately, the south administered separately, Lagos administered separately. Everything was like an afterthought. They forcefully put us together and amalgamated us and called us Nigeria. They made mess of the organisations in that territories and now we are inheritors of the problem. The sad part of it is that, over the years, we sat down there suffering. We didn’t have the courage to say that this would not work, let us sit down and talk. The closest we got to that was at the beginning with Sadauna talking about differences and Awolowo saying that it is a set of nations coupled together; it is just a country, not a nation. I can’t remember Azikiwe’s position. But at least, there were some of our leaders who knew that, certainly, something was basically wrong with the way we were put together. Till tomorrow, it is not going to be possible for a country of over 150 million people to go to the United Nations and have one seat, have no language of their own to speak there, when the rest of the world have their languages being translated. That is what they do for Portugal, which is less than two states in this place. We shortchange ourselves. We have Yoruba, over 40 million; we have Hausa/Fulani, Igbo. They are bigger than 40 other countries in the world. We don’t have a language which the world can recognise in writing, in speaking, in drama. And we expect that we are going to build a nation? I doubt it.

Recently, Yoruba self-determination groups advocated the restructuring of Nigeria into 18 federating unions. Is that part of the agenda you are going to discuss?

Many organisations have their own ideas. I have been dealing with the Ijaw Congress for long and I know they have their ideas about how Nigeria should be restructured. The Ibos have their ideas. I visited Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu many times. We discussed nothing but Nigeria. So do Yoruba. What I know is that in Yorubaland, we are not going to sleep and put our heads on one side. We will hold robust discussions before we make major decisions. Some are talking about 18, others about six zones.

Those are the issues we must look at rationally and see the one that will work. That is what Yoruba will bring up as a proposal to the table, ready to defend it and ready to compromise, if people bring out better and more workable solutions. Yoruba will accept good argument. I don’t know the number that will come at the end, but I think it will be nice for Yoruba to have whatever you want to call it now, whether it is state, or region, or whatever; to agree among themselves how to arrange it a way that every facet of Yoruba power will be projected in a way that will work for all of us. Of course, we will encourage others; Ijaw, Ibos and others; to try to do the same among themselves.

Then, we will all agree at the centre where we relate and call

• Akinrinade

ourselves Nigeria or whatever new name they give it, what we have to be doing together and how we have to be doing it. But what we have now, which is a do-or-die affair, that a Yoruba man should be President so that Yoruba can lord it over others, or Ijaw or Ibos, is not good. We are going to a dangerous crossroads now where Ibos think it is their turn, because it is turn by turn now, where Jonathan said he is entitled to eight years, where the northerners are saying, wait a minute, how long are you going to keep us out of this. It should never be like that. We should have a situation where we will have the best person who will move us forward, whether he is from the minority tribe or not. But we should try to create a situation where it is not a winner-takes-all affair. No country ever gets up into reckoning under that situation. You talk about unity in diversity and you start asking people to level down, to lower the bar all the time.

Look at education today. It is the lowering of the bar that got us where we are today.

Are the elite across the zones ready for national debate?

There is an indication that virtually everyone, including those who said that the situation was good, are saying that it is enough and that we should really sit down and talk. Ango Abdullahi was the last one. I was fairly shocked when I read his interview.

These are the people who would think that it is the way we run our government that is wrong, that it is the people that have problem, not the system. Some of us have argued that it is the system itself that is the beginning of the trouble. Now, they are coming to that idea right now. Some say the Southsouth is asking for what is too much. It is when we sit down across the table to discuss that we will be able to look rationally at all these demands. I have a good idea that, with or without the government, the people are likely to sit down to talk. We are really on the brink now, unless we are deceiving ourselves. We always

‘If we are honest people, does somebody has to warn us from America?

We can see it ourselves. It is coming.

It is staring us in the face. What facet of our life does not point to disintegration? Is it the economy, politics, cultural standing? Are we holding the rightful position in the world? Do we get respect in the world? We just contested in the World Bank. I was laughing at our stupidity’

deceive ourselves that we will get out of the dilemma, that we created the problem and that it will blow away. It does not seem to be blowing away at all.

What is your reaction to the menace of Boko Haram?

I am scared when I see people writing and talking about what government should do about Boko Haram. It is historical. In the military, we know that when this type of problem starts, it is a problem. We say rebels with a cause. You better don’t sleep. You better take it very seriously. They may be like a rag tag army now, but a rag tag army that is killing seven people, 10 people at a time, it is no more a rag tag. What is the real problem? They are talking about poverty, nature of our polity, people recruiting thugs and abandoning them. Meanwhile, Boko Haram is talking about religion and we are dismissing it. The religious aspect of it is not what we can really throw away. I think we really have to find a time when we are going to sit at the table and talk to the handlers of Boko Haram and the people who live with them and explain to them that this is a sect that is embedded in the society.

And that is always the beginning of guerilla warfare. They are getting themselves into a place where people will respect them, fear them and where they can do whatever they like. It takes years to do it. And this has been going on for some time. When they finally do that, they will then become urban guerilla and the rest of us are in problem. The urban guerilla does not want to take over government. He just does not want the rest of us to sleep. It is as simple as that. You won’t be able to walk into the supermarket with confidence. You will not enter train with confidence or aircraft with confidence because somebody can blow things off. You don’t have to offend him. We are all enemies. I don’t know what is happening in Abuja and how many people are meeting and looking at these things. This is not a matter you look at militarily alone, you look at it politically. You have to go back to history to look at how these matters were dealt with.

Don’t forget about IRA. Prime Ministers would say, you don’t talk to rebels, terrorists, until the burnt and destroyed important places. They blew up the airport, part of the airport. These things were happening in Ireland. It took them more than twenty years to do that. London was not comfortable. So, we don’t have that luxury at all. We just have to find an answer to it.

Some people are calling for the break up of the country...

When people are frustrated, they say all sorts of things, but we don’t want Nigeria to break up. But we don’t want Yoruba to be parasitic. They say bigger tribes are oppressing other smaller tribes. Yoruba is a big tribe. Then, they think Yoruba is a culprit.

That does not mean that we should go ahead and break the country. Bu honestly, if we are not careful, it might be worse than a break up. Ango says they can look after themselves as northerners. It is very true. There is no part of this country that cannot look after itself. What has happened was that somebody spoilt us by putting oil money on the table all the times and people go there and collect. And we run a deficit budget. Can you believe that this last budget had over N1 trillion deficit?

Meanwhile, in a spate of three months, they had located over N1 trillion looted by a few people; permanent secretaries, parastatal bosses, politicians. Why running a deficit budget when trillions are in private pockets illegally in their bedrooms? This system is killing the country. It is our duty to get together and salvage it.

Some people are fed up with it that they will not want to hear the name Nigeria. If you present your passport to an immigration officer in any country, including Ghana, he looks at you and thinks that it is from Oluwole. That is how big we are in the world.

What are Yoruba leaders doing about the Yoruba language that is dying?

We have a Yoruba Academy, thanks to the younger people who have that dream to resuscitate the language. We have not forced ourselves to use the language. The constitution does not prevent us, our lawmakers from using the language in our region, in their discussions, debates, or even producing Yoruba Hansard, which we might translate into English for other people to understand. It does not prevent us from using it in our schools.

I think it is a psychological problem that we have. We just have to work at it.

I know that, within the Yoruba hierarchy, people are torched by the possibility that our language, our culture, our tradition, some of the things we inherited, especially our prowess in education, are beginning to fizzle away under their watch. If we are let on our own and we don’t have this oil money coming every month, or week, and we have to rely on our own strength the way we did before, people are going to get sober and make sacrifice. How can I get N3million a month and i will be sober?

It is not very likely. That is what is going on everywhere. The councillor that represents me in my village earns a bigger salary than the principal of the Anglican Grammar School that is in the front of my house. That school has 2,000 kids, JSS and SSS. The wife of the councillor, the first lady, earns more than the principal. That is madness. In that council, we have people who can represent us without taking salary and make more impact on the lives of villagers more than the councillor who did not pass his school certificate exams. It is all over Nigeria. When there is •Continued on page 44

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

POLITICS Allegations against Aregbesola baseless, says Opadokun

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

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OALITION of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) Coordinator Mr. Ayo Opadokun yesterday decried the unfounded allegations of religious bigotry leveled against Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that it was part of the grand design to distract his attention from governance.

He also expressed dismay at the spurious security report on the political situation in the state, lamenting that a section of the security agency may have been compromised by dubious politicians.

Opadokun, who addressed reporters in Lagos, described Aregbesola as an ideologue and performer, pointing out that his achievements have further sealed the hope of PDP to bounce back to reckoning in osun State.

He advised the governor to remain focused in the service of his people, recalling that Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) Governors Lateef Jakande, Bisi Onabanjo and Bola Ige faced similar challenges when they dazed the opposition with their brilliant performance in office.

Flaying the PDP for its antics, Opadokun said: “I have been agonising over the state of the nation in recent times. One ridiculous matter the media have given prominence to is the very insulting and unintelligent accusation made by a state security institution and PDP in Osun State against Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

“The two allegations are that he is trying to Islamise the state and secede it from Nigeria. These two allegations are too pedestrian and only intends to confirm that it is the hallmark of a failed political group that is trying to be relevant in the consideration of their bosses in Abuja”.

The CODER chief said that, given the historical and cultural dimension of Osun State, “islamising such a state is an impossibility”, adding that Yoruba, who are traditionally sophisticated, see religion as a personal affair between the individual and God. He noted that, as members of painstaking and discerning race, adherents of various faiths have been cohabiting peacefully and harmoniously from time.

Opadokun maintained that Aregbesola is an ideologue and not a religious bigot, stressing that PDP was trying to blackmail him and his administration.

He however, added that efforts to distract him would fail.

The pro-democracy activist recalled that he had attended many Osun State functions , pointing out that the three religions; Christianity, Islam and traditional religion, are given prominence. He also said that the composition of his cabinet does not show any religious bias.

Opadokun went memory lane, recalling that foes had tried to divert the attention of the UPN governors in the Second Republic by peddling rumours and falsehood against their noble intentions.

He said Onabanjo was accused of giving military training to some youths on the old farm settlements created by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Ogun State.

He also said that the traffic warden recruited by Jakande in Lagos were misconstrued as violent musclemen terrorising the city state.

Opadokun said political foes also alleged that Ige was camping youths for military training for the purpose of militarising the Oyo State.

He added: “This current spurious allegation can be understood. PDP is frustrated and agitated. Aregbesola is performing. He has given jobs to thousands of youths. Road construction and school rehabilitation are happening. For seven years, Oyinlola could not do this. Their government was borrowing money they could not pay back.

“Governor Aregbesola saved N32 billion through managerial ability.

He bridged the loopholes and there is no misappropriation in the state again. he has sealed the hope of the PDP”.

Opadokun chided security agencies for their derailment from the path of honour, lamenting that, while serious-minded people in the security institution are doing patriotic job, their image is being dented by few bad eggs in service.

He added: “PDP elements need to be called to order. They should stop creating disunity. There is a limit to • Opadokun rascality”.

National Assembly urged to probe amnesty programme

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YOUTH leader in Bayelsa State, Mr. Timi Frank, has urged the federal government to probe the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta, saying that it has not lived up to the expectation.

Addressing reporters in Lagos, Frank noted that the money that was sunk into the project had not been judiciously used. This had caused disaffection among the former militants, making some of them to take up arms again, he said.

Frank added: “I had held series of consultations with most of the ex-militant leaders and various persons on the current situation in the Niger Delta. The aim of this address is to express my disappointment of the amnesty programme that is on-going in the Niger Delta.”

Frank called on the National Assembly to look into the amnesty programme dispassionately and probe it. This had become imperative because of the huge sums of money that was committed to it without the desired result being seen.

In his words: “Despite the billions of naira that has been invested into the amnesty programme today our boys are still going into the creeks to blow up oil facilities. Just last week Agip facilities were blown up by the ex-militants that went back to the creek and it is sad.”

He explained that if the amnesty programme had achieved its objectives the ex-militants would not take up arms in a renewed attempt to cause trouble in the Niger Delta

• Frank

By Musa Odoshimokhe

by blowing up oil facilities.

The youth leader remarked that the situation in the country today calls for peace because the country was already over burdened with cases of insecurity by insurgent groups from different parts of the country.

In view of this, government must look into the activities of those handling the amnesty programme which had already lost focus because of the improper management of the programme and the blurred vision of its leadership.

“I am calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately intervene in this current situation and the National Assembly

to support him and save the Niger Delta from further degenerating into abyss before it was rescued by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.”

“Presently today, most of the exmilitants are aggrieved with the sectionalised pattern the amnesty programme has taken. As a key player because I was fully involved with the amnesty programme, I must say that it has come short of expectation and could be described as a total failure.”

He stated that the National Assembly could not fold its arms while billions of tax-payers money that was put to a venture that should rehabilitate the exmilitants was not doing so, rather there is a renewed threat to peace and security which if not properly managed would lead to breach of peace.

Franks expressed worries that despites the juicy offices given to people of Niger Delta extraction in the current administration, which ought to assuage their position, it appeared they were still fomenting trouble and not because they love making trouble but were lured into it because of mismanagement of the amnesty programme.

He said: “The world will ask why the ex-militants are going back to the creeks, when the president of the country comes from the region. We have other positions like Petroleum Ministry, National Security Adviser, Minister of Aviation, Minister for Niger Delta and other.”

Ilaje ACN endorses aspirant for governorship

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CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leaders in Ilaje area of Ondo State have urged the party leadership to zone the governorship to the oil-rich community.

The Ilaje National Development Union (INDU) and the Ilaje SocioCultural Association (ISCA) advised the party to either zone the seat to the area or hold primaries for all aspirants. Both groups are mobilising indigenes to raise N5 million for the aspirant from the local government, Mr. Felix Rawa, to purchase the governorship form.

The aspirant will declare his ambition on May 5 in Igbokoda.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

INDU chairman Mr. Ilemobayo Petan and ISCA leader Mr. Honey Igbayisemore said the party should honour the the goose that lay the golden egg for Onod State by zoning the governorship to Ilaje subzone.

Petan said: “We have been at the receiving end of successive administration in the state since its creation in 1976. We have not really enjoyed any dividend of democracy, either in the present dispensation or during the administration of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin.”

Igbayisemore said: “There is nothing to show for the oil produced in commercial quantity in Ilaje. We are seriously aggrieved and all indices on ground pointed to the fact that we should be considered for the office of governor.”

The duo maintained that, for equity, justice, fairness and the rule of law to reign, the Ilajes should be

given the opportunity to produce the next governor.

Petan added: “Ondo North Senatorial District has produced two democratically elected governors; Ajasin and Adefarati and the Central Zone produced Bamidele Otiko and Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

The South Zone has only produced one governor, Olusegun Agagu.

Therefore, the South Zone and by extension, Ilaje, should be considered for the post”.

Igbayisemore complained about the marginalisation of the area by successive administrations.

He said Ondo State enjoys the status of an oil-producing state because there is oil in Ilaje area.

The community leader advised Ilaje indigenes jostling for the deputy governorship to halt their ambitions, saying that it is counterproductive.

He added: “We also appeal to the national leadership of the ACN to create a level-playing ground for all aspirants.

‘How Nigeria can prevent disintegration’ •Continued from page 43

•Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime presents staff of office to Igwe Godwin Odoh of Obollo-Etiti.

no money to maintain thugs, there will be no thug.

Is Yoruba integration a minus to national integration?

I am happy to be a Yoruba man because we are always forward looking. We try hard to tackle problem before it becomes very knotty.

People who live in contiguous villages talk with each other and think about how to benefit one another, share water and resources. It is better than to do things individually.

That is not Yoruba way of doing things. I think it is a precursor of what should be happening in other regions and eventually the country.

It is in our interest to integrate through infrastructural development.

Election is holding in 2015 and Americans are warning that it may also be a year of Armageddon for Nigeria. What is your reaction?

I read Cambell and saw the report.

If we are honest people, does somebody has to warn us from America?

We can see it ourselves. It is coming.

It is staring us in the face. What facet of our life does not point to disintegration? Is it the economy, politics, cultural standing? Are we holding the rightful position in the world? Do we get respect in the world? We just contested in the World Bank. I was laughing at our stupidity.

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INSURANCE losing fight against Brokers to partner foreign ‘NIA unethical practices’ firms on terrorism cover T

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ROKERS are to partner with foreign underwriters to cover terrorism risks, the President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs Laide Osijo, has said.

She said indigeneous underwriters are running away from covering terrorism because it is hazardous, adding that despite this, some brokers are discussing with foreign underwriters who specialise in terrorism risks.

She said: “Terrorism is alien in Nigeria. It is something we are not used to, but it is underwritten abroad. At present, some brokers are working on policies to enable us to place the risk abroad with underwriters who cover terrorism risks.

“The risk is very hazardous. If some underwriters are willing to offer the cover, we will partner with them, but most brokers are engaged in discussion on the issue. If there is any insured who wants to take it, the brokers are prepared to provide the necessary cover. Most brokers have arrangement with partners abroad, but for us to provide this cover with our partner abroad, the right of attestation must be obtained from NAICOM.

Stories by Chuks Udo Okonta

“Some underwriters are rejecting the risk because of its hazardous nature, but that notwithstanding, local underwriters can still take part of the share of the risk while some are placed abroad. It is a hazardous risk no doubt, but we are making it,” she said.

Managing Director First Bank Life Assurance Limited,Val Ojumah, said most life insurers are reviewing their policies to make room for accommodation of terrorism risks, adding that the menace has thrown up challenges for operators and the government.

“Most life policies do not exclude terrorism previously, but they exclude war and war like situations.

Now we, insurers, are reconsidering terrorism to seek the possibility of covering it. General insurance market is a special market that offers special cover only. Now, most life insurers are reviewing their cover because of the dimension terrorism has taken. Terrorism cover may not be generally available now, but a lot of people are considering how to cover it with reinsurance,” he said.

Managing Director, Delight Insurance Brokers Limited, Tai Adediji, said the industry is in a serious dilemma about terrorism, adding that every body believes risk-like terrorism should be underwriten, but the present capacity of underwriters is inadequate to cover such risks.

He urged operators to pull resources together to provide some element of protection where it is required, stressing that insurers as risks managers must be proactive in the handling of risks “It is true that where you have this kind of challenge, where no body can predict where it takes place, the government plays a major role to boost security, insures still have a lot to do as risks managers. ‘’As it is the role of insurers to insure against the unexpected and what is happening now is unexpected, there is need for insurance companies to be proactive. Insurers should now begin to engage in seminars, workshops and conference to find ways to provide insurance succour for the risk. The concern here is that we do not know the risks that will come up tomorrow. This should spur stakeholders to begin to think of how to manage risks appropriately,’’ he added.

HE Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi, has said the association is losing the fight against unethical practices among its members.

He told The Nation that despite the efforts of the association to get members compete ethically, most members still contravene the market agreement established to regulate the pricing of risks.

He said: “What we do in NIA, apart from protecting the overall interest of members against external forces that are inimical to the welfare of the association, is to look at intra association relationships between the member companies.

And the major challenge is getting members to compete on ethical lines. Trying to bring our people to compete fairly among themselves has been the main challenge.

I am not sure whether we are winning, but we are not discouraged.

We will continue to do our best.

“The market has become a problem and I have explained the frustration of the association. The most difficult thing is that everybody complains, but nobody is reporting defaulters to the association.

“We are not policemen in NIA secretariat. If our members report, it will be easier for us, but rather everybody goes back to join the bandwagon and the truth of it is that the market agreement is being violated. But at NIA, we have resolved that we take an official position of NIA on every matter. So, whoever decides to go against it is not going in accordance to NIA rules and everybody knows the NIA position.”

He said the association will not relent in its efforts to sanitise the industry, adding that the customer complaint bureau was set up to also

make operators abide by the rule of a unified premium rate.

“In an effort to counter free fall of premium, we have established the customer complaint bureau.

We have resolved that we are not going to court to settle insurance cases; all the cases that are decided by the bureau, our members accepted them. Because we did not want people to feel aggrieved with the decision of the bureau, that was why we took the pain to get a retired Supreme Court judge to be the chairman of the bureau and that is the only way we can checkmate our people.

“We have esteemed our standard.

If we have a report of violation, there will be no hiding place, because we are not going to cover up anybody and that is the best NIA can do for now.”

Director-General, NIA, Sunday Thomas, said the issue of market agreement is not just about rates, but about service delivery. He said people have misconstrued market agreement to mean rates, adding that it is beyond that, as a lot of things are meant to be achieved appropriately.

He said the association’s disciplinary committee has meted discipline to errant members.

“Some members have been suspended, and in serious cases, some have been expelled. Ours is a voluntary association not set-up by government. If the way a member conducts his affairs is not consistent with the belief of the association, it has the right to excuse the fellow. If the association sees that what you are doing is not helping the interest of the association, they would ask you to move, which is part of the constitution of the association,” he added.

Leadway Assurance donates to Lagos State Security Trust Fund • From left: Mr Oyegunle; Mr Arthur-Worrey and Ms Adegbayi during the presentation of a cheque to the fund in Lagos.

PenCom rolls out new guidelines on fund’s investment P ENSION Fund Administrators (PFAs) are to invest 45 per cent of pension assets in their care in the economy, the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

In a statement, it stated that the move is part of its new guidelines to ensure that pension funds are properly invested. It said not more than 10 per cent of pension assets with PFAs shall be invested in instruments/securities.

Its Director-General, Mohammad Ahmad, said the commission has continued to issue additional guidelines to guide operations in the industry.

He said some of the guidelines include risk management for licensed pension operators, pension transactional arrangement and regulations for auditing of pension funds among others.

He said sectors shall be as classified by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), adding that direct investment in a sector consists of securities issued by corporate entities operating in that sector and that indirect investment to a given sector consists of all investments in other allowable investment funds in which pension fund assets are invested.

He said: “Without prejudice to Section 8.1.2, the following transitional arrangements shall apply: a

maximum of 45 per cent of pension fund assets under management may be invested in any one sector of the economy up to June 30, 2012.

“A maximum of 40 per cent of pension fund assets under management may be invested in any one sector of the economy up to June 30, 2013.

“A maximum of 35 per cent of pension fund assets under management may be invested in any one sector of the economy up to 30 June, 2014.”

It said the new rules are consistent with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act, 2004, stressing that the purpose of the regulation is to provide uniform rules and standards for the investment of pension fund assets.

It noted that PFAs shall maintain active and retiree funds for the investment of pension fund assets of Retirement Savings Account (RSA) funds, pending its full implementation of multifund structure.

PenCom said in addition to the requirements of other guidelines, it issued on corporate governance practices and business ethics, each PFA shall establish an investment strategy committee as well as a risk

management committee, in compliance with Section 66 of the Pension Reform Act, 2004.

“The Investment Strategy Committee shall formulate internal investment strategies to enable compliance with this Regulation, taking into cognizance the macro-economic environment as well as the investment objectives and risk profile of the PFA. The internal investment strategies shall be approved by the PFA in a formal Board Meeting at least once every year or as frequently as changes occur in the macroeconomic environment that may affect pension fund assets,” it added.

PenCom called on Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) to take instructions from licensed PFAs on the investment and management of pension fund assets held in their custody, on behalf of the contributors.

It noted that PFCs in discharging their contractual functions to PFAs, shall not contract out the custody of pension funds to third parties, except for investments made outside Nigeria, and that PFCs must obtain approval from the commission before doing so.

PenCom warned PFAs not to contract out the investment/management of pension fund assets to third parties, except for open/close-end/ hybrid funds and specialist investment funds.

L

EADWAY Assurance Company Limited has donated N2 million to the Lagos Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

The company, in a statement, said this is the third time it is donating to the fund. Its initial donation of N10 million was in 2007; it was followed by N1million last year. The firm said the initiaive is part of its corporate social responsibility.

The Executive Secretary of the Fund, Fola Arthur-Worrey, who spoke on the importance of the fund, noted how an effective public safety system could enable the citizenry to enjoy its activities.

He said individuals and companies are to take precautions in protecting themselves and their properties, adding that the investment of the state in public safety, has improved everyday business and personal risks, adding that the crime rate in the state has dropped by 70 per cent since the fund was created five years ago.

He said: “Lagos State continues to invest in policing resources and has adopted multiple approaches in preventing and responding to crime within the state whether in terms of physical police present at hot spots, security patrol through its rapid response squad or by establishment of 24/7 emergency call centre (727 & 112).

“We recently trained 300 spy policemen (10 ladies and 290 men), who are local residents and familiar with the Lagos terrain. They are now skilled in combat driving and are detailed to man our APCs

(armored personnel carriers) and RRS vehicles. Should we receive an alert of a bank robbery in progress for instance, we are able to immediately deploy 6 APCs to the location.”

General Manager, Commercial Mr Kunle Oyegunle and General Manager, Business Services and Special Risks, Leadway Assurance Ms Adetola Adegbayi, applauded the efforts of the fund, noting that the motivation for the Leadway/LSSTF partnership stemmed from the similarities in their objectives, adding that both are aimed at contributing to crime prevention, funding opportunities to accomplish public safety and improve the risk environment, funding security projects, supporting federal security agencies and training of security personnel.

Ms. Adegbayi said the company recognised the application of risk management practices in the handling of public security in the state so that in addition to pursuing the optimal blend of practical risk assessment and risk advisory services, the insurance industry only stood to benefit from the right structures being put in place by government agencies such as Trust Fund.

She added: “The alliance blends well with Leadway’s corporate mission of ‘being always a service provider of choice, bringing insurance as a risk management tool to the consciousness of all; adding value to our clients and other stakeholders in an efficient and reliable manner.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 , 2012

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, LAGOS 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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ALHAJI YUSUF ABDULAHI BARMA KNOWN AS YUSUF ABDULLAHI LATE OF 21, KANO ST., E/METTA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 27TH DAY OF SEPT., 2011 AT LAGOS. OLOTU MICHAEL OGUNGBORO KNOWN AS MICHAEL O. OLOTU LATE OF 6, OGUNGBORO ST., SOMOLU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 27TH DAY OF OCT., 2010 AT LAGOS. MR NTEKIM BENARD LATE OF 4, CAR WASH ALEMU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 20TH DAY OF APRIL, 2011 AT LAGOS. 4. PA. SAMUEL GBOLADE ODUBANJO LATE OF 12, AWOFODU ST., PEDRO, SHOMOLU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 1ST DAY OF NOV., 2009 AT OGUN STATE. 5. BARRISTER UCHENNA ANIEMENA LATE OF 7TH AVENUE, M. CLOSE, HOUSE 14, FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 31ST DAY OF JULY, 2006 AT LAGOS. MR ISAAC AKINOLA AKINTOMIDE LATE OF 2, ADEBOUN ST., OKO-OBA, AGEGE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 10TH DAY OF MAY, 2011 AT LAGOS. AMUSA AMADE LATE OF 16, FRANCIS OREMEJI ST., IKEJA WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 21 ST DAY OF MARCH, 2007 AT IKEJA. JOSEPH AGBONIFOH KNOWN AS AGBONIFOH JOSEPH LATE OF 57, MUYIBI ST., OLODI APAPA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 30TH DAY OF SEPT., 2006 AT LAGOS. SUNDAY ADEBISI AJALA KNOWN AS AJALA SUNDAY ADEBISI LATE OF 22, AKINBOWALE ST., OKO-OBA, IJU FAGBA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 8TH DAY FEB., 2009 AT OGBOMOSHO. ANDREW ANAELE AMADI KNOWN AS AMADI ANDREW LATE OF 13, TEMIDIRE ST., OLODI APAPA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 9TH DAY OF MAY, 2011 AT LAGOS. UCHE OKERE LATE OF 5, JINADU ST., IJESHATEDO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 9TH DAY OF MAY, 2011 AT LAGOS. SOLOMON OLA KNOWN AS EMMANUEL SOLOMON ESQ., AND OLA SOLOMON ESQ., LATE OF 22, AJIGBOTINU ST., AJEGUNLE AGEGE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 22ND DAY OF AUGUST, 2004, AT OGUN STATE. CHIEF TAOFIK OLOYEDE ELETU KNOWN AS TAOFIK OLOYEDE ELETU LATE OF 9, ELETU IWASE ST., LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 13TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2012 AT LAGOS. MRS NWAKAEGO HELEN ONYEDIKE KNOWN AS MRS NWAKAEGO ONYEDIKE LATE OF 6A, MURITALA ANIMASAUN CLOSE, S/LERE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 19TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2011 AT NNEWI. OKOLI CHIKA KEVIN KNOWN AS OKOLI KEVIN CHIKA LATE OF 1, EVIE ST., OFF OJO ROAD, AJEGUNLE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 28TH DAY OF DEC., 2010 AT LAGOS. UMORU USMAN LATE OF 11, GANIYU SALAMI CLOSE, AJANGBADI AFROMEDIA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 25TH DAY OF FEB., 2007 AT LAGOS. AKOR EDWARD LATE OF YAKUBU GODWN BARRACK, ABUJA WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 26TH DAY OF NOV., 2010 AT ABUJA. NWITE NGOZI KNOWN AS MRS NGOZI NWITE LATE OF 2, IYAWE ST., ISHASI OJO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 24TH DAY OF JULY, 2011 AT LAGOS. OGBONNA THERESA OHAEGBU D. KNOWN AS OGBONNA THERESA OHAEGBU LATE OF 11, MUSA CLOSE, EGBEDA, LAGOS WHO DIED INSTATE ON 16TH DAY OF FEB., 2011 AT LAGOS. PETER OMIRAGUA LATE OF 9, BOLAJI OMUPO ST., SOMOLU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 3RD DAY OF MAY, 2011 AT USHELLI, DELTA STATE. JOSHUA AHUAZE KNOWN AS JOSHUA AHUAZA LATE OF 20, PALACE ROAD, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 4TH DAY OF MAY, 2011 AT LAGOS. ANAEKWE SAMUEL CHUKWUKELUE LATE OF 7, OLALEKAN OLANIYAN ST., EGBEDA WHO DIED INTESTATE OF 26TH DAY OF JUNE, 2007 AT LAGOS. EBUDOLA DORCAS DUPE MRS. LATE OF 4, ILEMOBAYO ST., ABULE IJESHA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 25TH DAY OF MAY, 2009 AT LAGOS. MONSURAT BOLATITO POPOOLA KNOWN AS MONSURAT ADUKE POPOOLA AND POPOOLA MONSURAT BOLATITO LATE OF NO.19, OLANREWAJU ST., ABULE-IROKO WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 21AST DAY OF DEC., 2009 AT ADDO ODO, OGUN STATE. ASUQUO BASSEY KNOWN AS BASSEY ASUQUO LATE OF 11, ODULAMI ST., LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 9TH DAY OF APRIL, 2010 AT LAGOS. JARIUS MICHAEL IKANDE KNOWN AS ADOGH LATE OF 1676, OLADELE ST., V/ISLAND, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 25TH DAY OF SEPT., 2011 AT LAGOS. LAMINA ASUMO LATE OF 3, FLORENCE BOLARINWA ST., ITA-OLUWO, IKORODU WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 19TH DAY OF JUNE, 2011 AT IKORODU. ALHAJI ALADE OSENI KNOWN AS ALADE OMO-OSEPARO COMM. ENT. LATE OF 24, ADESINA CLOSE, ORILE IGANMU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 8 TH DAY OF APRIL, 2011 AT LAGOS. COSMOS OSIZIMETE IRUMEH KNOWN AS IRUMEH CASMOS OSIEMETEH LATE OF 42, OKESUNA ST., LAFIAJI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 3RD DAY OF JULY, 2010 AT ILORIN. MERCY OLABIMPE LOFIMAKIN LATE OF 8, AJAYI BEMBE ST., ABULE OJA, YABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 16TH DAY OF 16TH DAY OF JUL;Y, 2001 AT LAGOS. ADEDOYIN BEATRICE BANJO KNOWN AS ADEDOYIN BEATRICE BANJO ERINLE AND ERINLE, ADEDOYIN BEATRICE LATE OF 21, LITTLE ROAD, YABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 1ST DAY OF JAN., 2003 AT LAGOS. AKHIGBE OBU SUNDAY LATE OF 18/20, KUSA ST., OWOTUTU LADILAK BARIGA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 3RD DAY OF JULY, 2009 AT LAGOS. GARUBA MUSIBAU OGUNDIPE LATE OF 5, BINUYO ST., LAGOS ISLAND WHO DIED INTESWTATE ON 8TH DAY OF NOV., 1999 AT LAGOS. MARTHA ABUBAB LATE OF 27, OKITO ST., AWODI ORA, AAJEGUNLE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 9TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2011 AT LAGOS. DADA OLUFEMI AJOSE ADEOGUN KNOWN AS AJOSE ADEOGUN DADA O. LATE OF 21, LUKE ST., IDIMOTA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 26TH DAY OF JUNE, 2006 AT LAGOS. ALHAJA AMDALAT NINIOLA AMOPE ANIMASHAUN KNOWN AS ALHAJA AMUDALAT ANIMASHAUN LATE OF 45, ALAGBEJI, LAGOS ISLAND, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 8TH DAY OF MARCH, 2003 AT LAGOS. ASIEGBU THADDEUS LATE OF 25, SADIKU ST., SARI IGANMU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 16TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2009 AT LAGOS. FRANCIS ADEOTAN LATE OF 23, RABIU ADIO ST., APAPA WHO DIED INTGESTATE ON 3 RD DAY OF SEPT., 2010 AT LAGOS. RUDOIF CHIBUZOR KNOWN AS CHIBUZOR RUDOLF LATE IOF LINE B, BLK. 4, ROOM 10, IJEH POLICE BARRACKS OBALENDE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 28TH DAY OF SEPT., 2011 AT LAGOS. IDRIS ILIAS MUSA LATE OF 1 ONIYIDE ST., BADIA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 14TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2010 AT LAGOS. MRS ELIZABETH UGBANG KNOWN AS UGBANG ELIZABETH LATE OF 28, POINT ROAD, APAPA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 31ST DAY OF JAN., 2002 AT LAGOS. FOLASHADE OLABISI AMOS OLUWOLE KNOWN AS FOLASHADE OLABISI FADOJUTIMI LATE OF 43, BODUNLON ROAD, IKOYI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 14TH DAY OF NOV., 2009 AT LONDON. DUROTOYE ADEBAYO KNOWN AS CHIEF DR. ELIJAH ADEBAYO DUROTOYE LATE OF 1, OLUWOLE LAWSON ST., IJEGUN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 2ND DAY OF MARCH, 2010 AT LAGOS. COL. DRISU BABA ALI KNOWN AS COL. D. B. ALI LATE OF 2, ADEBUNMOYE ST., OLODI APAPA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF SEPT., 2007 AT ANKPA, KOGI STATE. MADAM MILDRED ARINOLA AKINWANDE LATE OF 41, QUEEN ST., YABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 18TH DAY OF FEB., 1992 AT LAGOS. HOGAN BASSEY NYONG KNOWN AS BASSEY NYONG EYO HOGAN AND HOGAN BASSEY N LATE OF CLOSE 73, HOUSE 4, SATELLITE TOWN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 6TH DAY OF JULY, 2011 AT CALABAR. ALHAJI DISU ADEKANMI AROLEYE LATE OF 11, AROLEYE CRESCENT OPEBI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 6TH DAY OF MARCH, 2011 AT LAGOS. AGBONKPOLO OSUNDE OGIE MARK KNOWN AS MARK OGIE AGBONKPOLOR LATE OF 6, GIWA ST., IJU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 3RD DAY OF FEB., 2011 AT IBADAN. AYOOLA OLATUNJI AKANBI (CAPT) (NN) KNOWN AS CAPT. N.N. OLATUNJI AKANBI AYOOLA LATE OF C CLOSE, HOUSE 8, 7TH AV. FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 27TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2007 AT LAGOS. ADELAJA ESTHER TAIWO HASSAN KNOWN AS ADELAJA TAIWO ESTHER LATE OF 14, ALHAJI OROPO ST., IKENNE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON THE 23RD DAY OF JUNE, 2009 AT SAGAMU, OGUN STATE. MRS VICTORIA ANNIE NELSON-SCOTT KNOWN AS MADAM NIKE NELSON-SCOTT LATE OF 25, QUEEN’S ST., YABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 6 TH DAY OF JAN., 2002 AT LAGOS. AKINWALE AKINTOLA KNOWN AS AKINTOLA AKINWALE LATE OF BLK. 95, FLAT 1, IPONRI HOUSING ESTATE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 25TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2010 AT LAGOS. ALHAJI TAHIR RASHID BELLO KNOWN AS ALHAJI TAHIR R. BELLO LATE OF 76, OYEDELE OGUNNIYI ST. ANTHONY, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 15TH DAY OF JULY, 2011 AT LAGOS. MRS VICTORIA LABINJO LATE OF 39, MC NIEL ST., YABA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 26TH DAY OF MARCH, 2011 AT LAGOS. MRS ALABA FASHOLA LATE OF 36, ANISERE ST., MEIRAN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 21ST DAY OF FEB., 2009 AT LAGOS. OJELABI TITUS LATE OF 34, MOSALASI ST., PAPA-EPE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 18TH DAY OF JAN., 2012 AT FEMTOB SPECIALIST HOSPITAL. MAGDALINE WILLIAMS LATE OF 13, IKIJA ST., SOMOLU, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF NOV., 2010 AT LAGOS. JOSEPH UGWUANYI LATE OF 2, ARIGBOJO ST., OFF OJO LANE, AJEGUNLE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 5TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2009 AT LAGOS. OMOZUAFOR RUFUS KNOWN AS OMOZUAFOR RUFUS LATE OF IYORA-UZAIRUE VIA AUCHI, EDO STATE WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 24TH DAY OF JAN., 2009 AT EDO STATE. KALU AMOGU OKORIE LATE OF 7, GODWIN NNEKA ST., ABULE OSHIN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 13TH DAY OF JAN., 2011 AT LAGOS. AHMED OLORUNLAMBE AJANI RAJI KNOWN AS RAJI AHMED OLORUNLAMBE AJANI LATE OF 2, AKINTOLA CLOSE, MUSHIN, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 30 TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2008 AT LAGOS. REV. FATHER PATRICK ADEGBITE LATE OF 55, PHILIP AND JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH LEKKI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 31ST DAY OF OCT., 2007 AT LAGOS. TOYIN OLUWO LATE OF 44, HAWLEY ST., LAFIAJI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 20TH DAY OF JAN., 2011 AT LAGOS. HARRIS EGHAGHA KNOWN AS BRIG. H.O.D. EGHAGHA (RTD,.) AND EGHAGHA HARRIS LATE OF 40, OMO IGHODALO ST., OGUDU G.R.A., LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 18TH DAY OF MARCH, 2009 AT LAGOS. ALH. MEMUDU A. SALAWU LATE OF 156, OJO ROAD, AJEGUNLE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 10TH DAY OF DEC., 2010 AT LAGOS. AKERELE ABDUL-KAREEM FOLORUNSHO LATE OF BLK. 174, FLAT 6, ILASAN HOUSING ESTATE, LEKKI WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 1ST DAY OF OCT., 2010 AT LAGOS. TAYIBAT ADERINKOLA LATE OF BLK. 17, FLAT 4, ADENIJI ADELE PHASE I, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 21ST DAY OF DEC., 2011 AT LAGOS. IMEH EDUOK UMOH KNOWN AS UMOH IMEH EDUOK LATE OF 1, LAWAL ST., IKORODU WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 11TH DAY OF SEPT., 2010 AT LAGOS. ADEBAYO ADELAJA LATE OF 96, AGO-PALACE WAY, OKOTA-ISOLO WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 18TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2010 AT PORTO-NOVO. BASSEY CLETUS DAVID LATE OF BLK. 19, OSHODI ST., DOLPHIN ESTATE, IKOYI, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF FEB., 2011 AT LAGOS. EJELIKWU EMEKA JOSEPH LATE OF 8, GASIKA COLLEGE ROAD, IJORA BADIA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 26TH DAY OF OCT., 2010 AT ODOGBOLU. VITUS OKONGBO OTUU LATE OF 63, KONU ST., ISAWO, IKORODU WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF OCT., 2011 AT COTONOU. PRISCILLIA NOSIKE KNOWN AS NOSIKE PRISCILLIA CHIKA LATE OF 108, IJESHA ROAD, ITIRE, SURULERE, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 6TH DAY OF DEC., 2009 AT LAGOS. LUKEMON AKINWALE KNOWN AS AKINWALE LUKMON ATANDA LATE OF 46, IMAM ST., AMUKOKO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 19TH DAY OF JAN., 2008 AT LAGOS. RAPHAEL NNANA EZE KNOWN AS MR EZE RAPHAEL LATE OF 14, OLOWO ST., IGANDO, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 30TH DAY OF MARCH, 2010 AT LAGOS. MRS OMOLE TEMITOPE OMOBOLA KNOWN AS MRS OMOLE TEMITOPE LATE OF 3, AJAYI RD., OGBA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF MARCH, 2011 AT LAGOS. OMAGBEMI STEPHEN LATE OF 31, IDI ST., OLODI APAPA, LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 21ST DAY OF APRIL, 2008 AT LAGOS. CPL. USIDEME ATOJERE LATE OF BLK. 3, ROOM 8, SANGROUSE POLICE BARRACKS LAGOS WHO DIED INTESTATE ON 12TH DAY OF JUNE, 2010 AT IKOT EKPENE.

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78.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

SADIQ YUSUF BARMA, AMINU YUSUF BARMA AND HASIYA YUSUF BARMA AND HASIYA YUSUF BARMA ALL OF 21, KANO ST., E/METTA, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. OLOTU KEHINDE AND OLOTU IDOWU BOTH OF 6, OGUNGBORO ST., SOMOLU, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. NTEKIM BLESSING BENARD AND JOSHUA BENARD NTEKIM BOTH OF 16, ALEMU ST., IJANIKIN, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. EMMANUEL A. ODUSOTE ODUBANJO AND MRS TITILOPE ABIODUN OWORU OF 12, AWOFODU ST., PEDRO,. SOMOLU, LAGOS AND 4, IJESHA ROAD, IPONRI, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. SIR GEORGE E. ANIEMENA AND MR KENNETH ANIEMENA OF 21‘ ROAD, O CLOSE, HOUSE 7, FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS AND 7TH AV., D CLOSE, HOUSE 6, FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS THE BROTHERS OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS. FOLORUNSHO AKINTOMIDE AND EMMANUEL AKINTOMIDE BOTH OF 2, ADEBOUN ST., OKO-OBA, AGEGE, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS COMFORT BOLANLE AMADE, MOJID ADEKUNLE AMADE AND YUSSUF OMODAYO AMADE ALL OF 16, FRANCIS OREMEJI ST., IKEJA THE WIDOW AND CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. RICHARD EHIABHI AGBONIFOH AND MRS MARTINS AGBONIFOH BOTH OF 10, AKINTOLA IGE ST., IKOTUN, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS DEBORAH ADEFUNKE AJALA, MRS EYITAYO MOPELOLA SANUSI AND MR ADEYINKA ADEBAYO AJALA ALL OF 22, AKINBOWALE ST., OTU-OBA, IJU FAGBA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND TWO OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. BONAVENTURE C. AMADI AND ANSELM I. AMADI BOTH OF 13, TEMIDIRE ST., OLODI APAPA, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS TITI OKERE AND MR ALBERT OKERE BOTH OF 5, JINADU ST., IJESHATEDO, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. KEHINDE OLEMOH AND OLABISI SOLOMON OF 25, ADESANYA ST., ISHERI-IDIMU AND 16, LAGOS ST., KEKE – AGEGE THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. QUDUS ABIODUN ELETU, KAFILAT OLAYIDE ELETU AND FAWAZ KOFOWOROLA ELETU ALL OF 9, ELETU IWASE ST., LAGOS ISLAND, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. EZINWANNE ONYEDIKE AND UCHECHUKWU ONYEDIKE BOTH OF 6A, MURITALA ANIMASHAUN CLOSE, S/LERE, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS ROSE OKOLI AND MR EJIKE OKOLI BOTH OF EVIE ST., OFF OJO ROAD, AJEGUNLE, LAGOS THE MOTHER AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. SALAMATU UMORU AND MUKAILA USMAN BOTH OF 11, GANIYU SALAMI CLOSE, AJAGBANDI AFROMEDIA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. GODWIN AKOR AND SIMEON AKOR BOTH OF 10, AMINATU ST., OLODI APAPA, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR MICHAEL NWITE AND OBINNA NWITE BOTH OF 2, IYAWE ST., ISHASI, LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. AWELE RITA OHAEGBU AND MRS BALOGUN HARRIET NGOZI OF 11, MUSA CLOSE, EGBEDA, LAGOS AND 416, REMI AKANDE ST., ORELOPE, EGBEDA, LAGOS.THE ELDER BROTHERS OF THE SAID DECEASED. OMIRAGUA O. PATRICK AND OMIRAGUA S. OJAIKRE BOTH OF 9, BOLAJI OMUPO ST, SOMOLU, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. GODFREY AHUEZE AND CHIKE AHUEZE BOTH OF 20, PALACE ROAD, LAGOS THE BROTHERS OF THE SAID DECEASED. ANAEKWE IFEANYI JOHN OF 7, OLALEKAN OLANIYAN ST., EGBEDA, LAGOS THE ONLY SON OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS BABATUNDE MUINAT OLANIKE AND RASHEED OLAEGBE BOTH OF 4, LEMOBAYO ST., ABULE IJESHA, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS IBIKUNLE RUKAYAT TEMITOPE AND ALHAJI LATEEF KEHINDE ONIKOYI BOTH OF 38/40, THOMAS ST., EBUTE METTA WEST, LAGOS THE FATHER AND DAUGHTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS GRACE BASSEY AND MR NTIENSE WILLIAMS BOTH OF 11, ODUNLAMI ST., LAGOS THE WIDOW AND RELATIVE RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. IKANDE PETER ADAMKWU AND IKANDE JOHNSON OBILA BOTH OF 28, ADELEYE ST., OPPOSITE OJO BARRACKS, LAGOS THE BROTHERS OF THE SAID DECEASED. RISIKAT OLUFUNKE LAMINA AND ADEBUKOLA TAIBAT LAMINA OF 3, FLORENCE BOLARINWA ST., ITA OLUWA AND 1, IREPODUN ST., AKERELE , IYANA OWORO, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. BOLANLE AYISAT ALADE AND MUBARAK OLALEKAN ALADE BOTH OF 24, ADESINA CLOSE, ORILE IGANMU, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. KINGSLEY IRUMEH AND CLARA IRUMEH BOTH OF 42, OKESUNA ST., LAFIAJI , LAGOS THE BROTHER AND SISTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. DR. OLU OGUNYE AND MRS FOLUKE BIBOLA AKINOLA OF 8, AJAYI BAMBE ST., ABULE OJA, YABA, LAGOS AND 2, MORRIS ST., ABULE IJESHA, YABA, LAGOS THE SON AND NIECE RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS RISIKAT ADEYEMI, MR AKEEM BANJO AND MRS FAUSAT LAWSON ALL OF 21, OGUNGBEYE ST., OLOWORA ISHERI, LAGOS THE THREE OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS ANGELA AKHIGBE AND MR OLU AKHIGBE BOTH OF 18/20, KUSA ST., OWOTUTU LADILAK, BARIGA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. GARUBA MUSIBAU OGUNDIPE AND ABDUL- GANIYU OGUNDIPE BOTH OF 5, BINUYO ST., LAGOS ISLAND, LAGOS THE SONS OF THE SAID DECEASED. ALEXANDER ABUBAH AND HENRY ABUBAH BOTH OF 27, OKITO ST., AWODI-ORA, AJEGNLE, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. AYOOLA AJOSE-ADEOGUN, OLUWAYEMISI AJOSE-ADEOGUN AND OLANREWAJU AJOSE-ADEOGUN ALL OF 21, LUKE ST., IDIMOTA, LAGOS THE MOTHER AND TWO OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. ALHAJI WAHAB T. ANIMASHAUN AND ALHAJI MUSA BABATUNDE GIWA OF 2, VAUGHAN ST., OFF AROLEYE, LAGOS AND 33, PRINCESS ST., LAGOS ISLAND, LAGOS THE ONE OF THE CHILDREN AND GRANDSON RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS CAROLINE NKECHI ASIEGBU AND MICHAEL C. ASIEGBU BOTH OF 25, SADIKU ST., SARI IGANMU, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND SON RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. CHRISTIANA FRANCIS ADEOTAN,, REUBEN FRANCIS ADEOTAN AND DUPE FRANCIS ADEOTAN ALL OF 23, RABIU ADIO ST., APAPA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR SUNDAY CHJIBUZOR AND SOLOMON CHIBUZOR BOTH OF LINE B, BLK. 4, ROOM 10, IJEH POLICE BARRACK OBALENDE, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. SULAIMAN MUSA IDRIS AND MUSA IDRIS BOTH OF 38, GLOVER ST., LAGOS THE FATHER AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. GABRIEL UGBANG, STANLEY UGBANG AND CHRISTIANA UGBANG ALL OF 28, POINT ROAD, APAPA, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. OLUMIDE A. O. (FADOJUTINMI), LOLA A.O. (FADOJUTIMI), OLADIPO FADOJUTIMI AND TOLULOPE FADOJUTIMI ALL OF 1663, OYIN JOLAYEMI, V/ISLAND, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS VICTORIA MODUPE DUROTOYE AND ENGR. OLANREWAJU AKINGBOLA DUROTOYE ALL OF 1, OLUWOLE LAWSON ST., IKOTUN, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. LIYAS ALI IDRIS, SEIDU ALI IDRIS AND MRS RABIATU ALI IDRIS ALL OF NO.2, ADEBUNMOYE OLODI APAPA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND TWO OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS WINFRED O. ADENIJI, MS. SARAH B. AKINWANDE AND MRS MODUPE OMOLOLA ALL OF 41, QUEEN ST., YABA, LAGOS THE SIBLING OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR HOGAN EDUOK BASSEY, MRS. NKESE SULE AND MRS OBONG BASSEY ALL OF CLOSE 73, HOUSE 4, SATELLITE TOWN, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS FEYISOLA ABIRU AND MRS. OYEBIMPE DIRISU BOTH OF 11, AROLEYE CRESCENT OPEBI, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. IKPONWOSA DUPE OLAYINKA AND OROBOSA BOSE ODUGBESAN BOTH OF 6, GIWA ST., IJU, LAGOS AND 46, POWER LINE ST., AGEGE, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS ADENIKE AYOOLA AND OLUDEMILADE (MISS) Both of C CLOSE, HOUSE 6, 7TH AV. FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. ADELAJA ADETAYO NOAH, HASSAN KAYODE ROTIMI, ADELAJA OLUWASEUN SEGUN AND ADELAJA TEMITOPE ELIZABETH ALL OF 6, ALH. ABBAS ST., OGUDU, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS BISI TAMAKIOE OF 25, QUEENS ST., YABA, LAGOS THE ONLY SURVIVING DAUGHTER OF THE SAID DECEASED. SIMISOLA AKINTOLA, DAMILARE AKINTOLA AND OMOTAYO AKINTOLA ALL OF BLK. 95, FLAT 1, IPONRI HOUSING ESTATE THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. AKANNI TAJUDEEN BELLO AND MISS OLAYINKA SUWEBATU BELLO BOTH OF 76, OYEDELE OGUNNIYI ST., ANTHONY, LAGOS ONE OF THE CHILDREN AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. AKINLADE LABINJO AND DOTUN LABINJO BOTH OF 39, MCNIEL ST., YABA, LAGOS THE SON AND COUSIN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. OLUWAKEMI ARIYIBI OKE AND TOLULOPE ALABI BOTH OF 36, ANISERE ST., MEIRAN, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. BAMIDELE OJELABI AND NOAH OJELABI BOTH OF 34, MOSALASI ST., PAPA-EPE, LAGOS THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. JAMES OKON AKPAN AND CYRIL BRENDAN WILLIAMS OF 46, ABIOGUN ST., SHOMOLU, LAGOS AND 13, IKIJA ST., SHOMOLU, LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS AUGUSTINA UGWUANYI AND MS JANE UGWUANYI OF 2, ARIGBOJO OFF OJO LANE, AJEGUNLE AND 3, ECHIEGU ST., ABAWALIKI THE WIDOW AND SISTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR OMOZUAFO ANDREW AND MR OMOZUAFO MOSES BOTH OF BLK.2, FLAT 2, IJORA POLICE BARRACKS, LAGOS THE BIOLOGICAL BROTHERS OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS OYIDIYE OKORIE AND MISS EZINNE OKORIE BOTH OF 7, GODWIN NNEKA ST., ABULE OSHIN, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. ALHAJA BUSIRAT A. RAJI, MR BOLAJI R. RAJI, MR ADETUNJI M. RAJI AND MR BABATUNDE RAJI ALL OF 2, AKINTOLA CLOSE, MUSHIN, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND THREE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. REV. MSGR FRANCIS OGUNMODEDE AND REV. FATHER ANTHONY FADAIRO OF ST., ANTHONY CATHOLIC CHURCH GBAJA, S/LERE, LAGOS THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SAID DECEASED. BAMIDELE IYABO OLUWO AND OLUWASEGUN OLUWO BOTH OF 44, HAWLEY ST., LAFIAJI, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. LESTER EGHAGHA AND ONOME EGHAGHA BOTH OF 40, OMO IGHODALO ST., OGUDU G.R.A., LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHJILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS AFUSAT SALAWU AND SAHEED SALAWU BOTH OF 156, OJO ROAD, AJEGUNLE, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONE OF THE CHILDREN RESPECTRIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. OLUWAFUNMILAYO A,. AMOO AND KUDIRATU A. AKERELE OF 1B, MARKET ST, E/METTA AND BLK. 174, FLAT 6, ILASAN HOUSING ESTATE, LEKKI THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. ALHAJA KHADIJAT ONIKOYI AND ALHAJI RAHMON ADERINKOLA BOTH OF BLK. 17, FLAT 4, ADENIJI ADELE PHASE I THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS GRACE EDUOK IMEH AND RHODA IMEH BOTH OF 1, LAWAL ST., IKORODU, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND ONLY SON RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. ADELAJA SEGUN D. AND ADELAJA TAYE BOTH OF 50, ALIU BISIRIYU ST., OKOTA THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR CLETUS DAVID OKPOSI AND UDOH DOMINIC ETIM BOTH OF 19, OSHODI ST., DOLPHIN, LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. OPARA OBI M. OGAH AND CHINWENDU PRINCE OGAH BOTH OF 81, GASIKA COLLEGE ROAD, IJORA BADIA, LAGOS THE BROTHERS OF THE SAID DECEASED. PASTOR STEPHEN O. OTUU AND OKO BOMBER OTUN BOTH OF 63, KONU ST., ISAWO IKORODU, THE BROTHERS OF THE SAID DECEASED. GODSENT NOSIKE AND JULIANA NOSIKE BOTH OF 108, IJESHA RD., ITIRE, SURULERE, LAGOS THE DAUGHTER AND SISTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS BUKOLA AKINWALE AND MR ADELEYE ADEKUNLKE FATAI BOTH OF 58A, ODUNFA ST., EBUTE METTA, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND BROTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MRS CHIKA EZE AND MRS. BLESSING IRIMIYA BOTH OF 1, OKANLAWON EGAN, IGANDO, LAGOS THE WIDOW AND SISTER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. MR OMOLE ANTHONY OLUWASHINA AND MRS A.A. LABINJO BOTH OF NO,.12, BAMBO ST., AGUDA, IKEJA, LAGOS THE WIDOWER AND MOTHER RESPECTIVELY OF THE SAID DECEASED. SOLOMON OMAGBEMI AND FRANCISCA SOLOMON BOTH OF 31, IDI ST., OLOWO-APAPA, LAGOS THE TWO OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAID DECEASED. USIDEME LUNSTY OKHIRIAME AND USIDEME MIRACLE AIMIALAKHIMAME BOTH OF BLK. 3, ROOM 8, SANGROUSE POLICE BARRACKS, LAGOS THE SIBLING OF THE SAID DECEASED.

G.A SAFARI ESQ. PROBATE REGISTRAR

52

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 , 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 , 2012

53

THE NATION WEDNSDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

54

EQUITIES

NSE acquires NASDAQ trading platform for $2m

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-4-12

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) would switch to a new trading platform next year with the signing of a $2 million deal with NASDAQ OMX. Under the deal,, NASDAQ is to provide the Exchange with a new trading platform.

Speaking at the signing of the contract in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema, said the new trading platform known as NASDAQ OMX SStream, would become fully operational by the second quarter of 2013.

NASDAQ X-Stream is a high performance, robust and scalable, multi-asset, multi-market matching trading engine.

Onyema said the new trading platform was as a strategic move and a significant step in achieving the target of making the NSE the gateway to the African markets.

“The new trading platform will enable the Nigerian Stock Exchange have the fastest trading engine in Africa and investors, through their stockbrokers, will have

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

real-time access to market prices, their portfolios and be enabled to execute market orders in near real-time from anywhere and on a wide range of devices including smartphones,” Onyema said.

He added that the new system would also improve transparency and provide efficient price discovery in the market, among other benefits, stressing that investors in the market would benefit significantly from the system upgrade as it would afford them the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio.

According to him, with the new system, equities, a fully functional bond market and exchange traded funds ( ETFs) will be accommodated in phase one of the project while derivatives will be introduced in the second phase. The system will also enable the NSE to host other Exchanges.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market sustained its uptrend with the main indi-

ces rallying to new levels.

The All Share Index (ASI) rose by 0.57 per cent growth to close higher at 21,895.41 points. In the same vein, the market capitalisation of listed equities improved by N37 billion, representing 0.53 per cent growth to close higher at N6.983 trillion.

Total volume transacted grew marginally to 440.11 million, valued at N3.92 billion in 5,057 deals, compared to 435.21 million shares, worth N3.38 billion, exchanged in 4,462 deals posted on Monday. Volume and value grew by 1.13 per cent by 15.98 per cent respectively.

On the top trade, United Bank for Africa maintained lead on the most actively traded stocks’ with 101.63 million shares, valued at N312.36 million in 443 deals. Zenith Bank, First Bank, FCMB and GT Bank were other active volume pullers in the top five log.

Flour Mills gained maximum five per cent value to head advancers’ log. Ashaka Cement, Cadbury, Conoil and National Salt were other major gainers in the top five charts.

Portland Paints led losers’ log by 4.79 per cent value cut to close N4.79. Other strong losers in percentage term are; GT Assurance, Fidelity Bank, PZ Cussons and Access Bank.

Value dips here were due to profit taking and market forces

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-4-12

THE NATION WEDNSDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

BoI, Trade Ministry mull hydro power for SMEs

T

By Collins Nweze

HE Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Ministry of Trade and Investment are working out modalities that will ensure the establishment of hydro power for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, said the Federal Government has commenced the process of establishing hydro power plants in strategic areas in the country as part of efforts aimed at improving the business operating environment and reducing the operational costs of Small and Medium Enterprises in the country.

Speaking during a working visit to BoI in Lagos, Aganga said government would get entrepreneurs to build small hydro power plants, as quickly as possible, in areas where they could

serve the SMEs. Aganga said: “The importance of BoI in the economic development of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised, and its management team has done a good job in aiding the industrialisation efforts of the country. Now that we have embarked on the industrialisation Revolution Plan, the role of BoI becomes more important.”

According to the minister, when the Federal Government’s efforts on industrialisation become fruitful, the industries will not only create jobs, but will also generate tax revenue for the government.

He noted that the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment would focus on areas where the country had comparative and competitive advantage,

UBA may merge Zambian unit

T

HE United Bank for Africa (UBA) is considering merg ing its Zambian unit with one or more other local lenders to meet a new regulatory minimum capital of $100 million, its Group Chief Executive, Phillips Oduoza has said.

Speaking to Reuters yesterday, Oduoza said the group returned to profitability in the first quarter, after a 2011 loss caused by bad-debt writedowns.

Zambia’s Central Bank raised the minimum capital for foreign banks operating in the country from around 12 billion kwacha to $100 million, a move it said would help boost the country’s financial sector.

Shareholder funds for the Zambia unit stood at N2.48 billion, it said in a presentation to investors. The bank said African operations outside Nigeria had turned profitable

link research, development and innovation as part of enhancing productivity, while institutionalising industrial skills development.

“We intend to remove the barriers to increased productivity, based on a research of failed/ailing industries already carried out by my ministry, with assistance from the private sector, and, like I have always said, we

will develop backward integration policies in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy,” Aganga noted.

The Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Ms. Evelyn Oputu, said, while briefing the minister, that the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation had done a survey of the country and identified all the sites where there were hydro potentials for

Union calls for review of cashless policy

T

HE chemical and non metal lic sector has called for the re view of the cashless policy, saying it is unfavourable to the private sector.

Urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to review the policy, National President, National Union of Chemical Footwear Rubber Leather And Non-Metallic Products Employees, Comrade Boniface Isok said private businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to deposit the daily sales accruing from their salesmen as they have to pay excess charges on deposits.

He, therefore, suggests that the charges on excess deposit be withdrawn.

Isok said the policy has to be re-

By Dupe Olaoye- Osinkolu

viewed by the CBN and the stakeholders from private and public sectors.

Citing an example of how he withdrew N700, 000 from his savings account for his children’s school fees and the bank charged him N6,300, he called for a prompt review of the policy.

He said the cashless policy is a welcome development going by the reasons adduced to it by the proponents but there are clogs in it which if not reviewed before full implementation, may further worsen the challenges of the private sector business organisations.

“The modes of operation of manu-

U

•Oduoza

in the first quarter, with 12 out of 18 subsidiaries reporting pre-tax profits. The Zambia unit posted a pre-tax loss of N76 million. Oduoza said the pan-African lender will tap equity markets to raise finance in order to boost its African operations when stock markets improve.

ing (MoU) establishing the venture was signed by both parties in Lagos last week.

Chief Executive officer, Unified Payments, Agada Apochi said the partnership is geared towards supporting the current Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) payment reforms, as well as contributing to capacitybuilding in the country’s payments industry.

He explained that the programmes on offer are aimed at producing

NIFIED Payment Services Lim ited, formerly ValuCard, is partnering the International Academy of Cards and Payments to provide world-class education and professional certification to Nigeria’s payments industry. The academy is a division of the London-based Lafferty Group, which provides education, research and intelligence in the fields of retail banking and payments to financial institutions worldwide.

The Memorandum of Understand-

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 Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 24-4-12 SYMBOL

FOURMILL RTBRISCOE NASCON NCR UBA CADBURY UBN FIDELITYBK LIVESTOCK REDSTAREX

113m

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

54.00 1.20 5.00 15.05 2.81 11.30 3.75 1.50 0.94 2.30

56.70 1.26 5.25 15.80 2.95 11.86 3.93 1.57 0.98 2.28

2.70 0.06 0.25 0.75 0.14 0.56 0.18 0.07 0.04 0.08`

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

1.20 4.60 26.39 1.24 1.66 3.76 2.94 7.45 1.36 0.52

C/PRICE

1.14 4.37 25.08 1.18 1.58 3.58 2.80 7.10 1.30 2.50

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

29-2-12 27-2-12

113m

155.7

22-2-12

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

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% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date

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%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE

0.06 0.23 1.31 0.06 0.08 0.18 0.14 0.35 0.06 0.02

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 24-4-12

STERLNBANK DANGFLOUR CAP IKEJAHOTEL GTASSURE ETERNAOIL LONGMAN IBTC CUSTODYINS TRANSCORP

113m

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

world-class professionals and will go a long way in bridging the knowledge/skills gap in the sector.

Executive Director of the Academy, Evelyn Hunter-Jordan, said that Nigeria was one of the most exciting payments markets in the world today. “This partnership is timely against the backdrop of the CBN policy which seeks to redefine the Nigerian payments space. Lafferty is proud and honoured to be working with Unified Payments,” she said.

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facturing organisations were not taken into consideration and neither the opinions of private business enterprises sought before the cashless policy became gazetted.

“In a company that has so many marketers who are making piecemeal sales on a daily basis through van distribution, such that at the end of the daily sales, the total sales from these marketers is more than the maximum daily deposit as stipulated by the policy, how can such company grow if it has to pay charges on the excess daily deposit.”

Isok also noted that small and medium scale organisations are more prominent than large and multinational companies that can easily adapt to the cashless policy as it is.

Unified Payments, Academy partner on payment system

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the generation of electricity.

She noted that the United Nations Development Programme and BoI would help the potential entrepreneurs in capacity building, adding, however, that the Federal Government would need the buy-in of the state governments, as well as the communities involved to implement the small hydro power plant projects.

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ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 122.58 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 100.06 THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.75 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.89 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,694.93 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.13 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,259.48 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 122.48 99.58 0.72 1.08 0.88 1,689.75 7.74 1.33 1.80 7,071.36 191.08 1.62

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

56

NEWS Youths protest in Port Harcourt •Condemn attacks on Petroleum Minister From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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UNDREDS of Niger Delta youths yesterday in a protest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, condemned attacks on the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The placard-carrying protesters marched through major roads and streets, disrupting traffic.

Policemen, operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), and other security and traffic personnel had a hectic time controlling them.

The protesters declared that there was a deliberate ploy by some politicians from a section of Nigeria to destroy Mrs. Alison-Madueke’s reputation.

The National Mobilisation Officer of the Southsouth Youth Leaders Forum, Presley Iyalagha, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, declared that the youths would no longer fold their arms and watch the humiliation of Niger Delta indigenes.

Iyalagha said: “Since Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke became a minister, it has been one form of orchestrated attack on her or the other.

“The attacks are to discredit the Petroleum Minister and give the impression that Niger Deltans cannot manage public offices.”

Rivers launches software

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IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has urged all to key into information technology.

Amaechi made this call yesterday in Port Harcourt when he opened the RivCloud, an internet programme set up by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department of the Governor’s Office.

RivCloud is the Nigeria’s first latency cloud infrastructure that provides reliable

•From left: Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Deputy Governor Pius Odubu; National Leaders of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Tom Ikimi andAudu Ogbe during the graduation of I. O Farms Training Institute, Benin City.

Youth leader killed in Edo

From Clarice Azuatalum, Port Harcourt

computing, storage, application hosting and software –asa-service to both private and public sector.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, George Feyii, the governor assured that endless possibilities exist with RivCloud.

He promised that the government would give the ICT department the necessary support.

PUBLIC NOTICE VISION OF GLORY GOSPEL CHURCH The above named church has applied for registration under part C of companies and Allied Matters act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1) Rev. Kenneth Chike Ibekwe 2) Rt. Rev Dr Innocent Nnawuchie Erimojor 3) Pastor (Mrs) Florence John Nwankwo 4) Evang. (Mrs) Edith Mukeosoro AIMS AND OBJECTIVES a)To propagate the gospel of jesus Christ b)To establish institutions for evangelization of Christianity c) To undertake charity services for the needy and distress in the society Any objection for the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corporate affairs commission. Plot 565 Ndola Square WUSE Zone 5,Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: EMMANUEL ABANG ESQ Suite 4a Cultural Centre Plaza,Calabar

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YOUTH leader in Ugbor, Edo State, Sunny Blackky, was killed yesterday during a fracas between policemen and youths in the community.

A policeman was shot during the incident.

Attempts by the youths on a revenge mission to burn the police station in the community was resisted by a detachment of policemen.

It was gathered that trouble started when some youths beat up a boy from the community who was said to have been caught defiling a girl.

Friends of the alleged rapist were said to have retaliated by fighting back at the youths who beat up their friend. The police later intervention.

It was learnt that the late

Colleague shoots policemen From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

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POLICE corporal, Ujung Ujung, was yesterday killed by a constable in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. Also an inspector was in-

jured.

The incident ocurred early yesterday when the inspector and corporal decided to visit their colleague, who was guarding the Police Officers Wife’s Association stores opposite Abraka market.

A source said: “The lnspector and his colleague were returning home from a patrol when they decided to visit their colleague, who was on guard at Abraka market.

“On getting there, they met him sleeping. They decided to play a prank on him. They threatened him but when he woke up, he shot the corporal four times, he died instantly.

The inspector was shot in the leg. He has been taken to the Abraka general hospital for treatment.”

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Sunny Blackky was shot in the leg after a policeman was shot by the youth.

Commissioner of Police

Olayinka Balogun said Blackky shot at the police first before he was shot at.

He said he died at the hos-

pital from gunshot injuries.

According to him, “about a week ago, two people fought. Somebody who claimed to be a youth leader ordered for the arrest of those who fought and tried them at a kangaroo court.

“He ordered the one he found guilty to be flogged.

“The man they flogged went to the police and when the police went there, the youth leader said the police have no right to come to his territory.

“He brought out a gun and fired at the police. The police shot him in the leg and he died at the hospital.

“He took laws into his hands. He did it even with the police. We can’t allow such a thing to happen the police officer who was shot and his condition is critical.”

Council chair suspends work over gas leakage

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HE gas leakage from Total’s Obite Gas Plant in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has prompted the council Chairman, Raymond Wokocha, to order residents to stop work.

Wokocha, yesterday in Omoku, the council’s headquarters, said the continued leakage from the ruptured pipelines was hazardous.

He urged the residents of the affected communities, especially land developers and farmers, to temporarily suspend work because the atmosphere is saturated with poisonous gas, which could lead to ill-health.

The council chairman called on the management of Total to stop the leakage.

The ruler of Egi kingdom,

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Benin monarch advises Jonathan From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HE Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa, yesterday said for foreign investors to take Nigeria seriously, President Goodluck Jonathan must make power generation a priority.

Oba Erediauwa said it was time for President Jonathan to do something positive about epileptic power supply and gas flaring in the country.

He spoke when the Senior Executives of Course 34 of the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS) Kuru, Jos visited him.

The Benin Monarch recalled how he once wrote to former Minister of Power Liyel Imoke on how to improve power situation and gas flare.

He advised President Jonathan to release states’ allocation on time.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Eze Kingdom Elenwo, condemned the development.

Elenwo spoke when the

Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, visited the community.

Ikuru and Elenwo said urgent measures must be taken to stop the leakage, in order

not to continue to expose the people to danger.

Members of House of Assembly Committee on Environment gave a seven-day ultimatum to the oil firm to contain the leakage.

An official of Total, Francisca Makolo, stated that production had been stopped and neighbouring production wells shut and secured, with efforts being made to stop the gas, including drilling of a relief well.

Makolo also noted that safety measures were being taken to ensure that people of the affected communities were duly protected from pollution by water or air, while insisting that the situation was under control and the environment not negatively impacted.

Women to Oshiomhole: you’ll return

OMEN leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Edo State have vowed not to allow the state to return to what they termed the “retrogressive age”.

The women said Oshiomhole was the state’s messiah, who must return to complete what he has started.

They spoke at a leadership programme organised for ACN women leaders in the state.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

State Woman Leader Mrs. Modina Emovon said Oshiomhole took over a dead state at a time when women were relegated to the background.

Mrs. Emovon said the July 14 election would determine whether the on-going transformation in the state would be sustained “or whether we shall return to the days of darkness.”

‘Women empowerment is a journey.

In Edo State, this journey has started in earnest and Oshiomhole is on the driver’s seat.’

She expressed disappointment that women in the state failed to contest after they

made cases for them.

“Women empowerment is a journey. In Edo State, this journey has started in earnest and Oshiomhole is on the driver’s seat.”

Wife of Edo state Deputy Governor, Endurance Odubu urged the women to imbibe the culture of unity and support for themselves.

She urged the women to mobilise for the re-election of Oshiomhole and his running mate, Pius Odubu.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

57

NEWS

N7.5b judgment: 11 banks file returns on Daar’s financial status

Outage: Senate orders restoration of dedicated line to Abuja Airport •Seven airlines accept tax evasion liability From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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HE Senate yesterday ordered the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to dedicate a power line to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport ,

Abuja.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodinma, gave the order after a meeting with the Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, PHCN and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) officials in Abuja .

Uzodinma also mandated PHCN to establish its station at the airport with full compliment of workers.

The meeting became necessary following over one hour power outage at the airport on Saturday.

More than 200 passengers on British Airways flight who arrived from London were said to have been kept on board for over one hour on Saturday due to blackout.

The development prompted members of the Committee to visit the airport.

Disatisfied with the explanation offered by FAAN Regional Manager, Mr. Chris Bature, Uzodinma invited PHCN, FAAN, National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) and Julius Berger Plc officials to seek ways and means to end power outage at the nation’s airports.

Uzodinma described consistent power outage at the country’s airports as national embarrassment and vowed to employ parliamentary powers available to his committee to reverse the trend.

At the consultative meeting, Liaison Officer, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Abdulganiyu Umar, blamed FAAN for not working with PHCN to address power failures.

Nnaji assured the committee that a dedicated line would be linked to the airport to address the power problem.

Meanwhile, seven foreign airlines yesterday agreed to refund the balance of five per cent tax they failed to pay to the Federal Government.

The airlines are Egypt Air, Qatar Air, Air Italia, Air Morocco , Ethiopian Air and Air Rwanda said that once National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) computes the tax and it is established that they are actually owing they are prepared to pay.

The Committee invited the foreign airlines as part of its investigation of the discriminatory air fare Nigerian travelers.

British Airways has not agreed to pay.

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LEVEN banks, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), have given details of the financial status of Daar Communication Plc to a Federal High Court in Lagos.

This is in adherence to the court’s order earlier this month.

Following an application by one of Daar Communication’s bankers, Fidelity Bank Plc, Justice Mohammed Idris had ordered the attachment of the company’s accounts in about 22 banks listed in the garnishee proceedings initiated by the bank. It ordered others to furnish the court with information about Daar’s financial standing by yesterday.

Fidelity Bank initiated the garnishee proceedings to enable it recover what was left of the over N7.5 billion judgment the court deliverd in its favour against Daar.

By Eric Ikhilae

The 10 banks that have filed the court ordered returns were represented in court yesterday. They included the CBN, First Bank, Ecobank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Enterprise, Mainstreet Bank, Keystone, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Wema, Zenith and Finbank.

From the information provided by the banks, some denied that Daar maintains any account with them.

Mainstreet Bank admitted that Daar has an account with it but that it was without funds. Some admitted that the company has funded accounts with them.

Fidelity Bank’s lawyer, Joseph Nwobike (SAN) frustrated moves by some of the banks to have their names struck out of the proceedings because they denied that Daar has no account with

them.

He objected to the banks’ applications and insisted that it was for the judgment creditor to examine the returns filed by the banks and report to the court on which of the banks should be discharged. The court upheld the argument.

Nwobike also objected to Daar’s lawyer Chris Uche (SAN)’s submission that procedings in respect of the garnishee case and the execution of the judgment be suspended indefinitely in view of the appeals he had filed.

He urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable him respond to Daar’s application for stay of the granishee proccedings. He also urged the court to allow him time to provide counter argument made by Uche in respect of his request for indefinite adjournment.

Uche, who presented both applications for stay of proceedings yesterday, urged the court to stay proceedeings indefinitely pending the outcome of his client’s appeal before the Court of Appeal, Lagos.

He cited cases, which he said supported his position that once a lower court was aware of the pendency of an appeal against its decision, it was normal for the lower court to stay proccedings pending the determination of such appeal in deference to the appellate court.

Ruling, Justice Idris adjourned to May 7 for argument on whether or not he should grant Daar’s request for indefinite stay. The judge also held that no party would be discharged from the garnishee proceedings pending the court’s ruling on the applications for stay of proceedings.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL:

Brave 10-man Chelsea stun Barcelona, hit final EN-man Chelsea sensationally defied the odds and reached the Champions League final with a heroic display at the Nou Camp, where Fernando Torres’ injurytime goal sealed their triumph.

The match ended 2-2 on the night but Chelsea won 3-2 on aggregate after winning at Stamford Bridge last Wednesday 1-0.

They had captain John Terry sent off in the first half of an incredible encounter in which Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi missed a penalty.

Chelsea’s 1-0 lead from the first leg was wiped out

by Sergio Busquets’ 35thminute goal, before Terry was dismissed after kneeing Alex Sanchez in the back during an off-the-ball exchange.

Andres Iniesta then scored to put Barcelona in the driving seat, but Ramires’ delightful chip on the stroke of half-time meant the Blues were heading through courtesy of the Brazilian’s away

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goal before substitute Torres scored on the counter-attack.

Ramires’ all-important moment of brilliance came shortly after he received a yellow card that means he will be suspended for the final in Munich, where Chelsea will face either Bayern Munich or Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.

Terry will be banned for that game too, as will Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles, who picked up their second bookings in the competition.

Chelsea also had to contend with the 12th-minute loss of centre-back Gary Cahill – outstanding against Barca at Stamford Bridge last week – who limped off after being hurt while tackling Xavi.

But up until the opening goal, they were comfortably soaking up pressure and had restricted their opponents to only one shot on target.

Messi fired wide of the near post and then forced a good save from keeper Petr Cech after latching on to a flick from Fabregas.

Explosion rocks Jos viewing centre

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N Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off last night in a television viewing centre in Tundunwada, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The explosion occurred at about 9.45pm, just before the final whistle to the end the UEFA Champions League second leg Semi-final match between FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC. It was difficult to ascertain casualty figures as security agencies, who cordoned off the area.

But a Chelsea fan, Mr Daniel Omojomi said several people were injured. He said the injured were rushed to a nearby clinic.

The scene of the blast is about 500 metres from Governor Jonah Jang’s lodge in Jishi, Tundunwada Aminu Yusuf, Jos.

•END-OF-THE-ROAD: A trailer trying to make a U-turn fell on its side in Ikeja...yesterday

PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

N1.07t subsidy bazaar: PPPRA chiefs to face trial •Continued from page 4

only thing is that we just want to avoid any avoidable pitfall. In two weeks, those two companies will be invited, and whatever the findings are like, it will come out as a supplementary report.”

The road to a new lease of life for the oil company began when half way into the deliberations, a member, Osai Osai, noted that it was imperative to give them an opportunity to present their cases to the House.

Tobi Ukechukwu (PDP Enugu) moved a motion that the 17 companies be allowed to present their case.

The House told the Executive that there should be no sacred cows that cannot be touched by the long arms of the law and that the Executive should fish out all those indicted by the committee.

It, however, added another resolution - that NNPC should refund the subsidy deduction made for fuel subsidy in 2011. The members based their decision on the fact that the committee had said in its report that the 445, 000 bpd that the NNPC receives is more than sufficient for the country and that there is no need for subsidy.

In insisting that the NNPC

should refund the deductions, the House pointed out that the report shows that the NNPC has been deducting far beyond what the PPPRA recommended and thus should refund the deductions.

The House was filled to capacity yesterday as it deliberated on the report and adopted most of the recommendations , The Deputy Speaker said that the NNPC sent a letter to the House, stating its position, Farouk was asked to comment According to Farouk, the letter states that the deductions made in 2011 for subsidy payments were for subsidy payments meant for 2010.

Tambuwal, in a speech which won him a standing ovation, praised the committee’s members “for their courage, dedication and professionalism. They were given a crucial assignment and they handled it with the integrity and patriotism it deserved.”

He declared that the oil sector as not “a secret society” nor “a sacred cow”.

The Speaker said the probe raised so much dust from certain segments of the polity “such that it became clear that the intention was to frustrate it”.

His words: “For those who regard the oil sector as a secret society or sacred cow, I wish to state without equivocation that it is not.

All public agencies in the oil sector are the creation of Acts of the National Assembly and this Honourable House has no powers to legislate for the creation of secret societies.

“Similarly, all private sector corporate bodies operating in the sector are the creation of the Corporate Affairs Commission and that Commission also is not vested with any powers to incorporate secret societies.

Let it, therefore, be known that in our drive to sanitise the polity, there are no sacred cows and we do not intend to discover any.”

The Speaker urged members to “to look at the report dispassionately”. He went on: “Nigerians are watching us very closely and history will judge what we do here today.

“Be fair in your comments and let aside all primordial sentiments so that we can do justice to this important document.

“Let me also remind you that we are fighting against entrenched interests whose infectious greed has deci-

mated our people. Therefore, be mindful that they will fight back, and they do fight dirty.

“I have heard all kinds of insinuations, including the one about anti-graft agencies waiting for a ‘harmonised version’ of this report before taking any action. Let me quickly say here that this is at best an excuse that can not stand. After all, the same agencies accept and investigate petitions from individuals; how much more resolutions of this House, “There will be no such document. So, they should just go ahead and do their job and where they find any person or body culpable, they should proceed in accordance with the law.

“Our only interest here is to mitigate the suffering of Nigerians by showing how the subsidy regime has been hijacked for the benefit of a few.

“At the end of our deliberations we hope that the executive arm will act upon the resolutions of this House and bring more transparency to bear on the system.”

Of the 62 recommendations in the report, members considered 35 yesterday. The consideration of the report continues today.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

NEWS How bank worker, six others stole N42.5m, by witness

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•Chairman, Tanus Books Ltd., Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi (middle); Director, Management and Strategy, Mr. Tokunbo Ogunbiyi (right); and Manager, Special Duties, Mr. Akin Daramola at a Press Conference on the 20th Anniversary of the company at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

Judge’s appointment: Fayemi petitions NBA President on Ekiti chapter’s conduct

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has petitioned the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on the activities of the state chapter of the association.

He urged the body to call its Ekiti State leadership to order.

In a petition dated April 22 and signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Yemi Adaramodu, Fayemi alleged that some officers of the state chapter were using the association to promote a political agenda. It also frowned at the “inflaming language” used by the officers in making their cases.

The petition, which was copied to past NBA presidents and Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from Ekiti State, drew attention to the joint statement issued and read at the recent introduction of the newest members of the bench and the “incessant abuse of the governor” by the NBA state leadership.

The petition alleged that some officers of the chapter were bent on manipulating the appointment of High Court judges and the SolicitorGeneral to foment trouble, even though the government followed the constitutional provisions as contained in Section 271 (2) of the 1999 Constitution in the issues.

It said contrary to the position of the officers that the governor is under compulsion to give his assent to the recommended names of judges by the National Judicial Commission (NJC), the Constitution

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

allows the governor to withhold such assent, if he has reasons to.

The petition reads: “There is an imperative need to sensitise members of the association and the public on this sad development, in the hope that they would be able to call the dramatis personae to order before incalculable damage is done to the name and reputation of the Bar in Ekiti State.

“The duo of Owoseni Ajayi (Esq.) and Ademola Okeya (Esq.) have been unreservedly abrasive in their speech in question, wantonly disparaging the office of the Governor of Ekiti State and threatening fire and brimstone, in official and unofficial quarters, because of the governor’s refusal to give his consent to the recommendation of Messrs.

Dele Omotoso and Kayode Ogundana for appointment as Judges of the High Court.

“A new dimension was added at the introduction ceremony of the newly sworn-in Judge of the High Court, Hon. Justice E. A. Adesodun, on April 17, 2012.

“In a joint speech credited to the Ado-Ekiti and Ikole-Ekiti branches of the NBA, the chairmen of the two branches, Ajayi and Okeya, employed the most abrasive and denigrating language thinkable to pillory the executive and judicial arms of the state on the appointment of Judges and other sundry issues.”

Adaramodu said the NJC recommended three persons

for appointment as Judges and the governor assented to the appointment of one of them.

He said: “While the Bar in Ekiti has been given the impression that the governor withheld assent because the two appeared against his political party in the election petition tribunals, the falsehood in this position is patently borne out of the fact that Mr. Kayode Ogundana is not known to have appeared in any election petition against the Action Congress Party of Nigerian (ACN) and the governor in the last round of election petitions or anyone before then.

“Even in the case of Mr. Bamidele Omotoso, he was not particularly visible in the rank of the lawyers that represented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election petitions that culminated in the declaration of Fayemi as the winner of the governorship election.

“Therefore, the accusation being peddled that the governor refused to appoint and swear in the other two because they appeared against his party at tribunals is false.”

On the appointment of Solicitor-General, the petition said the NBA sued the governor, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the AttorneyGeneral of the State over the advertisements put up by the CSC. It said the NBA insisted that the CSC (as at that time) was not properly constituted and lacked the power to advertise and appoint a person to fill the

vacancy.

It said: “Under Section 208 (1), (2) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the governor is given the power and the prerogative to appoint a person into the position of a Permanent Secretary or its equivalent in the State Civil Service.

“It is to be easily seen from the reliefs set out above that there is nothing to tie the hands of the governor in the appointment of the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary.

“Put in plain terms, the power of the governor to appoint is not under challenge in the pending action. Since the affairs of the Ministry of Justice have been suffering neglect by the absence of a Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, and since the NBA has never contended that the governor cannot appoint the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, the governor recently appointed Mr. Dayo Apata to fill the vacuum and move the Ministry of Justice forward.

“Although the leadership of the Bar has given the impression that the appointment was done without deference to its pending matter, a careful perusal of the claims set out above would reveal that this is another attempt at cheap blackmail.

“The appointment bears no nexus with and does not in any way detract from the subjectmatter of the pending suit. It is, however, pertinent to state here that the court, on April 19, ruled against NBA in the matter.”

UI shut as students’ protest enters second day

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S the protest by students of the University of Ibadan entered its second day yesterday, authorities of the school have shut the institution.

The students were protesting the lack of electricity and water supply.

They barricaded major roads and disrupted activities in some parts of the Oyo State capital.

In a text message to reporters, the university’s spokesman, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, said: “The Senate, at its Special Meeting on Tuesday to review the current situation on campus, resolved that all students should proceed on a two-week break with immediate effect.

Consequently, all students must vacate the halls of resi-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

dence.”

A student, simply identified as Tolani, said: “We cannot read at night and it is difficult to get water for domestic use. Water

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is in short supply because there is no light to pump it. We are afraid that this could lead to the outbreak of diseases in the hostels.”

During an unscheduled visit to the university yesterday,

Commissioner of Police Tambari Yabo Muhammed assured the students that the authorities of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) would be contacted to rectify the situation.

Police arrest kidnap kingpin

HE Police in Lagos State have arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin, Emeka Nwangwu.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations), ‘B’ Department, Mr. Tunde Shobulo confirmed the arrest.

Nwangwu is allegedly responsible for the kidnap of the son of the former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Government, Mr.

Jude Isiguzo

Folarin Coker, in 2008, where N22 million was paid as ransom.

Nwangwu was arrested along side his Ghanian wife, Patricia Abena, who was said to have aided and abetted the kingpin.

He was also said to be the brain behind the kidnap of the daughter of a Director in MTN Nigeria, Afam Edozie,

in 2009, where a ransom of $100,000 was paid.

Nwangwu was allegedly behind the kidnap of the son of Mrs. Folusho Odegbaide of Magodo Estate, where N2.5 million ransom was paid.

The suspect Nwangwu was said to have collected the ransoms through Ecobank Plc in Ghana at different times.

Lagos High Court has heard how a staff of the United Bank of Africa (UBA) allegedly colluded with some of its costumers to defraud the bank of N42.5 million.

An Internal Auditor/Investigator with the bank, Ojo Oladimeji, gave details of how the alleged theft was effected.

He was one of the two witnesses presented before the court on Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the trial of the accused.

They suspects are Umeh Ndidiamaka, a former staff of UBA; Emeka Onoh, a former security officer with the bank and three others Augustine Afagimoh, Samuel Mebele and Obialla Donatus, who are said to be associates of Ndidiamaka.

Others are Delight-In International Limited and Water Innovation Nigeria Enterprises, companies purportedly owned by the accused persons.

Trial opened in the case shortly after they were arraigned on Monday before Justice Samuel CandideJohnson, on a five-count charge, to which the accused pleaded not guilty.

According to a statement

by EFCC’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, Oladimeji, who was led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs, told the court that a customer of the bank got an alert that his account had been debited to the tune of N42.5 million.

He said the customer informed his account officer who informed the manager and the operations manager about the incident.

By Eric Ikhilae

Further checks revealed that N265 million had been transferred to seven accounts in different locations using the password of the branch manager. Oladimeji said the funds were moved from the account, using the user ID and password of the Branch Operations Manager (BOM).

Oladimeji said upon receipt of the customer’s complaint, a red flag was raised on the account.

He said with the N42 million transferred into the account of Delight International Agency, the fourth defendant issued six cheques valued at N1 million, N5 million, N2 million, N2 million, N2 million and N10 million on June 11, 2009.

Oladimeji said one of the suspects was arrested when he presented the cheque in Lagos. He alleged that the fourth defendant is a member of a syndicate that specialises in defrauding financial institutions and the public.

Another witness, Ugwuoke Oliver, a staff of UBA, also told the court that Ndidiamaka used the computer of the branch manager to commit the fraud and that she confessed to the crime when she was interrogated by the bank officials.

The testimony of the third witness could not be taken due to lack of time. Counsel to the first accused person, Michael Aboh, told the court that he had filed a bail application.

The judge ordered that the accused be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the case till April 27.

Don’t be distracted by PDP’s ranting, group urges Ajimobi

A

group in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Oyo State chapter, Asiwaju Leadership Forum, yesterday urged Governor Abiola Ajimobi not to be distracted by the criticisms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement by its Publicity Director Sikiru Akinola Oranmiyan, the group described PDP’s statements as “the ranting of frustrated political elements, who are bent on misinforming the populace in order to gain cheap popularity”.

It said the AJimobi administration has improved the lives of the people within its short time in office.

The statement reads: “We would have kept mute, but for the benefit of the masses, who could have been misinformed by the media onslaught against the governor. Since these elements were rejected by the people during the last election, they have been looking for a way of seeking relevance, and this they have been doing through some compromised section of the media.

“During their unfruitful tenure, which lasted four years, many innocent citizens were killed; the masses were starved; there was no respect for traditional rulers and constituted authorities, and corruption pervaded the state.

“PDP thugs were thorns in the flesh of the citizens; me-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

diocrity was installed in place of meritocracy. Some members of the House of Assembly, who attempted to probe the Adebayo Alao-Akala administration, were injured by thugs recruited by the late kingpin of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lateef Salako (Eleweomo), in conjunction with Mukaila Lamidi (Auxiliary).”

The group said the people of the state and the Southwest are now wiser and would not allow themselves to be deceived and cajoled into accepting a party that would draw them backward.

It said: “Their national leader, who shamefully resigned from the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BOT), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, will not be able to rescue the Segun Onis and the Olagunsoye Oyinlolas of the Southwest from the incoming political tsunami.

“Were they not firmly in power when the people of the Southwest rejected them in favour of ACN candidates?

We have alerted our law abiding citizens to the plot by the PDP to destabilise the Southwest in order ‘to rail-road President Goodluck Jonathan back to power in 2015, an ambition that will not see the light of the day.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

59

NEWS

Salami: MTN disagrees with PDP, Oyinlola on call logs T ELECOMMUNICATION giant, MTN Nigeria has disagreed with former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on their requests for call logs.

The duo accused MTN of not releasing the full Call Data Records (CDRs) of the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The suit before a Federal High Court, Abuja, was filed to frustrate plans by the NJC to reinstate Justice Salami , who presided over the two different panels that sacked both Oyinlola and former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni. A few weeks ago, Justice Peter Affen of the FCT High Court dismissed a suit filed

by Oni against Justice Salami for not disclosing reasonable cause of action.

In its statement of defence filed to the present suit, MTN claimed it does not have the storage capacity to store and release CDRs beyond three months.

In a witness statement on oath filed in court by MTN’s Senior Manager, Commercial Legal, Mr. Rotimi

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

Odusola, he averred that, “I know as a fact due to capacity and storage constraint, the first defendant (MTN) can only release CDRs for periods not exceeding three months from the date of receipt of a legitimate request for the release for the CDRs. “I know as a fact that the first defendant’s standard requirement with respect to its post-paid subscription are consequent on its policy upon which it has absolute prerogative.

“I know that the first defendant released Adeolu Oyinlola’s CDR to him in compliance with its obligations to its subscribers.”

Responding to paragraphs 22 to 23 of the statement of claims, the MTN states that it always cooperates with security agencies and accedes to their legitimate requests while adhering to its rigid procedures to ensure its customers confidentiality regime is not compromised or prejudiced and also within the confines of its capacity

and storage constraints. It was consequent to this that the first defendant upon request for call data records from the Police Force Area G command Headquarters Ogba, forwarded the CDRs to the command.”

Reacting to MTN’s statement of defence, the former governor and his prime witness, Adeolu Oyinlola exhibited several call logs released by telecommunication outfit which spanned over six months.

The plaintiffs claimed that they have three incontrovertible documentary evidence showing that MTN was dishonest and mischievous with intent of misleading the court.

They stated that the said documentary evidence were call logs from MTN which spanned beyond three months to six months.

They claimed that while the call data released to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) by MTN covered only three months, the data released to the Area G Command covered the required five months.

In the suit,the plaintiffs are contending that the call data of those months which were deliberately left out in what was given to the NSA would have made all the difference in reaching a different conclusion by the NJC’s panel.

According to the plaintiffs, “The first defendant’s storage capacity is not limited to three months. The call data records the 1st defendant released to Area G Command, Ogba, covered the period between September 1, 2010 and January 31, 2011 five calendar months). We shall also be calling the Area Commander, Area F Command, Ikeja, Lagos to tender the call data records of a certain Sunday Awobiye which spanned a period of six calendar months. The said call logs were released also by the first Defendant.

“These buttress the plaintiffs’ assertion of the first Defendant’s inconsistent, fraudulent and manipulative tendencies: The first call data record released to Adeolu Oyinlola by the first Defendant on the August 4, 2011 (already pleaded) covered only

Saraki seeks court injunction against IGP, others

By Eric Ikhilae

A •Justice Salami

a period of one month, while the second call data record released by the same first Defendant to the self-same Adeolu Oyinlola on March 21, 2012 covered three months.

Very significantly, unlike the call data records the first Defendant released to the security agencies at the (behest of the National Judicial Council, both of the call data records released to Adeolu Oyinlola, as well as the call data records released to Areas F and G Commands had originating and terminating components. The second call data record aforementioned is hereby pleaded”.

Justice Bilikisu Aliyu has adjourned the matter till May 10.

Fani-Kayode fails to stop trial

By Eric Ikhilae

F

ORMER Aviation Minister Femi FaniKayode yesterday lost the bid to stop his trial before the Federal High Court, Lagos.

Justice Fatimat Nyako, before who the trial was to begin afresh, refused FaniKayode’s application for an indefinite adjournment pending the outcome of his appeal before the Supreme Court.

The judge upheld the prosecution’s argument that the appeal referred to

by Fani-Kayode, and on which basis he had applied for stay of proceedings, has nothing to do with case before the court.

“I am not staying proceedings because the appeal has nothing to do with the matter before me.

It has to do with the admissibility of a document.

I will adjourn for hearing,” the judge held in a short ruling yesterday. She then adjourned till October 10 for the commencement of the trial.

Fani-Kayode, who has been on trial since 2008 on charges of money laundering, was first arraigned before Justice Ramat Mohammed. The trial was stalled midway following and appeal by the prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the subsequent transfer of the judge to another division of the court.

The EFCC had appealed the court’s ruling in which it held that computer generated evidence was not admissible under the then Evidence Act, an appeal the Court of Appeal upheld, prompting FaniKayode to appeal to the Supreme Court.

•South African consulting expert Barry Urban Toce (left) discussing with Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Mrs Titi Anibaba at a workshop in Lagos...yesterday. With them is Chairman, German AT-Association, Mr PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES Dieter Steinbach

Tambuwal replies Osun PDP over visit to Aregbesola

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HOSE reading political meanings to my visit to Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo got it all wrong, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said yesterday.

He faulted the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for criticising the courtesy visit he paid on the governor, saying his visit to Government House was a sign of respect for constituted authorities.

Tambuwal, who made the clarifications in a statement through his media aide, Mr. Imam Imam, said the visit had nothing to do with politics.

Imam said in the statement: “The attention of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has been

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

to a press statement credited to the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, where it condemned the Speaker for paying a courtesy visit to Governor Rauf Aregbesola last Saturday.

“The press statement, purportedly written by the spokesman of the party in the state, one Diran Odeyemi, also demanded apology from the Speaker for the visit and his subsequent remarks after the visit.

“It is not the intention of the Speaker to join issues with any person or group, however, it has become imperative to state the fact that as the Number Four citizen in the country, The Speaker

is national figure who must be seen to be above partisan considerations at all times.

“The Speaker is a leader and rallying point for all Nigerians, irrespective of political, religious or ethnic consideration. The composition of members of the House is a testament to this fact.

“To set the records straight, the Speaker visited Osun to commiserate with former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Olubunmi Patricia Etteh, who buried her mother same day.

“As a sign of his respect to constituted authorities and the people of Osun, he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Aregbesola at the Government House in Osogbo.

“It should be noted that

FEDERAL High Court in Abuja will tomorrow hear the suit filed by Senator Bukola Saraki seeking an injunction to restrain the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and others from arresting him in connection with his invitation by the Police.

The hearing is upon an application by Saraki’s lawyer, Rafiu Lawal Rabana (SAN).

Saraki’s Media Aide, Akintola Fatigun, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said his boss is seeking the injunction pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Fatigun said: “To protect his dignity and prevent further harassment, Senator Saraki has obtained an interim injunction restraining the IGP, his officers and agents from threatening to arrest him or infringe on his rights pending the determination of the substantive suit on Thursday.

“The motion on notice, which was filed in Federal High Court 4, Abuja by his lawyer, Lawal Rabana, was served and duly received by the Commissioner of Police, Legal, today.

“As a law-abiding citizen, Senator Saraki has decided to seek legal redress to put a stop to what appears an orchestrated frenzy calculated at smearing his name, assaulting his dignity and intimidating his person through deliberately garbled accounts and serial leaks concerning loans granted to a company that he has no relationship with,” Fatigun said.

He admitted that his principal was in receipt of a letter from the Police Special anti-Fraud Unit, Lagos, inviting him to assist its investigations of a case of “conspiracy, forgery and stealing N21, 000, 000, 000 belonging to Joy Petroleum Ltd.” Fatigun said Saraki has made it clear on many occasions that he has no relations with Joy Petroleum and wishes to restate so.

“While taking note of and displeased with the tendentious attempts to prosecute and persecute him on the pages of the media, Senator Saraki has asked the court to determine whether he could be invited by the police to assist in investigating a matter in which he is not linked and for which no specific allegation has been made against him.

“Senator Saraki wishes to assure all Nigerians that he has nothing to hide and he remains a lawabiding citizen but that he also has a responsibility to protect himself under the law against what increasingly appears a deliberate smear campaign designed to abridge his rights and muzzle his voice,” he said.

before Osun was not the first state under the control of the opposition that the Speaker visited for a function, and paid a courtesy call to its Governor. A week before the Osun trip, he paid a courtesy visit to an ANPP Governor, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, when he paid a condolence visit to the state to condole with Ibrahim Gusau and the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) M. D. Abubakar.

“As the Speaker noted during his visit, Nigerians must learn to know that there is time for politics, and a time for governance.

“The Speaker wishes to reiterate that he is a member of the PDP and will continue to work assiduously for the progress of the party at all times.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

NEWS More politicians should be in jail, says Nnamani

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ORMER Senate President Ken Nnamani yesterday said more corrupt politicians should be prosecuted and jailed.

Nnamani spoke at the at the Pre-convocation Lecture for the First Convocation of Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State.

He said Nigeria’s effort to combat corruption, which he said has eaten deep into the nation, is feeble.

Nnamani said the education sector is one of the areas that have been engulfed in a cycle of unchecked corruption, which he

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

said is responsible for the continuous decline in the standard of education.

He said stringent measures must be taken by private tertiary institutions to avoid the pitfall.

According to him, students and authorities in public universities have compromised the ethics of sound university education and it has resulted in the breeding of half-baked graduates, “who cannot fit into the highly competitive labour market”.

Engineers to partner SON on e-waste

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HE Environment Division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) yesterday said it would partner with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to develop codes and standards directly relevant to the management of electronic waste in Nigeria.

It said this needs to be done because there is a linkage between the quality of engineering controls for environmental challenges and the standards used in the design of such systems.

Chairman of the NSE division, Engr Peter Onyeri, said they have set up various expert committees to confront the problems of electronic waste. He spoke during his investiture as eight national chairman of the division. Executive members were also inaugurated.

He said studies are going on

By Joseph Jibueze

at committee levels to collate relevant data for the design of engineering systems directly related to Nigeria’s environment.

“Indeed, our engineers are in the final stages of the design of specialised equipment to combat such pervasive problems as water hyacinth, as well as solid/municipal wasteson the philosophy that a ‘waste’ here can be an economic product there. The concept of waste to wealth is therefore a cardinal agenda of the Division,” he said.

Onyeri regretted that in Nigeria, problems of wastes, such as e-wastes and medical wastes are “quietly but steadily” sending many people to their untimely death, saying dangerous floods, soil and coastal erosion, desertification, oil and gaseous pollution are real threats that need solutions.

•From Left: Executive Chairman, Abia Cement Company Ltd., Dr. Nkemka Jombo-Ofo; Nnamani and Rev. Akam...yesterday.

Four kidnap suspects killed in Anambra

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OUR kidnap suspects were killed yesterday at Mbosi, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, during a gun duel with the police.

Three members of the gang, including the father of its leader, were arrested, but two other members escaped.

One of their victims, Steven Orjiakor (34), who hails from Ihiala but is based in Lagos, was rescued.

•Three arrested •Rescued victim narrates experience From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Orjiakor was kidnapped on April 15, a day to his wedding ceremony.

Those arrested and the bodies of those killed were taken to the Police Headquarters at Amawbia.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Bashir Makama, who is yet to resume at his new post, Kano State, led the operation.

Although he said no policeman was injured, Makama was limping with a swollen leg yesterday at the command headquarters. He said was injured by a spring in his boot.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka said the hunt is on for those at large.

He said a double-barrel gun, a pump action shot gun and lots of cartridges were recovered from the suspects.

Chukwuemwka said Orjia-

kor, who had been in the kidnappers’ den for nine days, was rescued following information from the public.

He said the victim, whose legs were chained, was kept in a two-storey uncompleted building by the hoodlums.

Chukwuemeka said: “His car is still with the one they call ‘Chairman’ and that is why we arrested the chairman’s father, when he went to collect money from his son’s hideout.

“The gang has been disturbing the state and this is the second time their leader has escaped from us. We are not going to fold our hands and allow him to continue with his nefarious activities.

We urge the public to give us information that can lead to his arrest.”

Narrating his experience, Orjiakor said: “I was to wed on April 16, but was kid-

napped on April 15 by five boys, when I was returning from my in-laws place at Amanachi in Imo State.

“I was driving a Toyota Highlander. I slowed down because of some pot holes, but an Infiniti Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) double crossed us and five hefty boys with guns came out of it. They ordered my brother and I out of the car.

“They bundled me into their car and one of them drove my car. They covered my face and chained my legs together, so I did not know they left my brother behind.

“When we got to their hideout, they asked if I have up to N50 million in the bank and I told them I did not have money. They rough-handled me and hit me with machetes. I was fed once a day. I thank God and the police for saving my life.”

Policeman killed in Onitsha

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Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr. Nwachi Kings, was killed yesterday by robbers in Onitsha, Anambra State.

It was gathered that the sixman gang attacked a police patrol team at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) roundabout.

A source said the hoodlums attacked the deceased with a club and engaged the policemen in a gun battle.

A

•Two robbery suspects killed to be briefed on the matter.

•Two seized From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

Two members of the gang were killed and two arrested. The remaining two escaped.

It was gathered that Kings was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died a few hours later.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka confirmed king’s death, but said he is yet

He referred reporters to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Central Police Station (CPS), Mr. Yusuf Abdul, who said the matter has been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit.

Yusuf described King’s death as “a blow to the force”.

He said a condolence register has been opened in the station.

Students stranded at Oko Poly

FTER weeks of waiting for the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra State to reopen the school, students yesterday resumed on their own.

The Nation gathered that the students reached others on the social media and returned to school yesterday.

But they were not allowed into the hostels by security men.

A student, who did not want to be named, said: “We returned in droves yester-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

day, but the management told us to go back home. We were not allowed into the hostels by the school’s security men.

“Many students are staying with their friends, who live off-campus. So far, the people of Oko community have not been hostile to us.”

President-General of Oko Chief Cyprian Nwanmuo said although the community demanded reparation

fees from the polytechnic’s management for the property destroyed during the clash between the students and a masquerade group, it is not insisting that the money must be paid.

Nwanmuo said: “Students have started returning and the community is not saying they should not come back until the reparation fee has been paid.

“We are not saying the fee is a must, but the problem is that the Rector, Prof. Godwin Onu, has not said anything on the reparation issue.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

61

NEWS Policeman ‘kills’ commercial motorcyclist in Minna POLICEMAN on Monday evening allegedly killed a 25-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Hamisu Saidu, in Minna, the Niger State capital.

It was learnt the deceased was allegedly killed about 6:55 pm when he was heading home after carrying a passenger to his destination.

An eyewitness said he was apparently trying to beat the ban placed on the movement of motorcyclists in the state from 7pm to 7am. Saidu ran into a police checkpoint at the Mandella road junction.

It was gathered that when one of the policemen was unable to stop him, he allegedly used the stick he was holding to hit him on the head. Saidu was said to have fallen down and died.

Onlookers were said to have taken the body of the victim to the Minna General Hos-

A

•Members of the Positive Change Initiatives and Change Nigeria Group protested at the entrance of the National Assembly PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE against the Farouk Lawan-led committee report in Abuja... yesterday.

JTF demolishes Boko Haram bomb factory in Kano O PERATIVES of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kano State yesterday demolished a bomb factory allegedly belonging to the Boko Haram sect and arrested the families of the fleeing sect leaders.

The military men in the early hours laid siege to Haye-Hotoro Arewa and arrested the families of the fleeing Boko Haram leaders.

Spokesman for the JTF Lt. Ikedichi Iweha confirmed yesterday’s demolition, adding that the bomb factory also served as an accommodation for the militants and their families.

He said the families of the suspects have been detained and the building demolished.

According to him, the operation began about 5am, adding that the suspects escaped.

He said the area is still under surveillance, as the search

•Kills three sect members in Maiduguri From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri

for the suspected Boko Haram kingpins continues.

Iweha said: “About 5am on Tuesday, the JTF operatives stormed the Boko Haram bomb factory following a tipoff by the public. When we got there, the prime suspects had fled, but we arrested their wives and children.

“The building has been demolished. The place will continue to be under surveillance until the fleeing prime suspects are arrested.”

He said some items were recovered from the bomb factory. They included bomb making materials and the vid-

eo compact disc (VCD) of the late Osama bin-laden.

The JTF in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has killed three suspected Boko Haram members in a stolen vehicle.

It was gathered that the sect members were killed at the Molai military post while attempting to flee in a stolen vehicle which they wanted to use to launch an attack on Biu town.

Biu is 187 kilometres from Maiduguri and one of the five local governments under the state of emergency.

Spokesman for the JTF Lt. Col Sagir Musa in a statement yesterday said: “Following a distress call, the Joint Task Force Operation Restore Or-

der I at 12 noon on Monday attacked Boko Haram terrorists that had earlier snatched a vehicle. During the attack, three terrorists were killed.”

He added that the stolen vehicle, in which the suspects were fleeing, has been returned to the owner in Maiduguri.

He said the JTF is on top of the security situation in the state, urging residents to continue to cooperate with the JTF and other security agents by providing information on the sect’s hideout and method of operation.

A worker with the Borno State House of Assembly, Stephen Pam, was yesterday shot dead by suspected Boko Haram members at his home in Galadima, Maiduguri.

It was learnt that two people were killed by the sect at Kofa Mela area of the town and a welder was killed at Abbaganaram.

Gunmen kill three in Plateau

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UNMEN struck yesterday in Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau State, killing three people and setting them ablaze.

An eyewitness said: “The gunmen laid an ambush and about 8:30 pm at Gashish in Barakin-Ladi Local Government, they stopped a car with three occupants, including the

•Burn their bodies From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Director of Finance and Supply, Jos East Local Government. The victims were heading for Gashishi.

The source further said: “The occupants were accosted by the assailants who were armed with guns and other

dangerous weapons and they riddled the vehicle with bullets.”

It was learnt that after killing the victims, the gunmen drove to a nearby bush and set the car ablaze.

It was the thick smoke, which enveloped the air that attracted passers-by to the

scene.

Spokesman for the Special Task Force Captain Markus Mdahyelya who confirmed the incident, said three unidentified people were killed in the border between BrakinLadi and Bokkos local governments.

He urged residents to take security seriously and avoid going out at night.

Scaffold collapses in Abuja

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HE scaffold of an uncompleted 10-storey building opposite the Lagos House in Abuja, yesterday collapsed, damaging two government cars and three privately-owned vehicles. There was no casualty.

The government cars have registration numbers: FG 51 C17 and FG 625 F20, while the private vehicles were numbered GL 38 ABC, OD 28 L01 and RQ 197 AAA. The building, which is currently under construction, is located at Plot 1332, Cadestral Zone, Central Business District (CBD), Abuja.

Speaking on the scene of the incident, the Site Manager, Mr. A.G. Furrore, said investigation would be conducted to unravel the cause of the collapse.

•Damages cars From Olugbenga Adanikin and Adenike Adebowale, Abuja

He said: “I am still trying to find out what happened. It’s not really clear to me because the scaffold was braced. We have to examine what hap-

pened before we know the cause. But it’s just the scaffold that fell.”

He described the incident as unfortunate and said the company will continue to ensure that it abides by the safety rules to avoid a recurrence. He noted that the owners of the affected vehicles would be con-

tacted and compensated.

An eyewitness, Mr. Ike Francis, who spoke in confidence, said the incident occurred about 2:36pm and attributed the collapse to the recent rainfall and wrong positioning.

He said the scaffold was erected last year, stressing that it was not properly erected.

Sokoto issues 72-hr ultimatum against use of number plates

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OKOTO State Government has issued a 72- hour ultimatum to people to remove official number plates on private vehicles, warning to deal with offenders.

It condemned indiscriminate use of Sokoto State official number plates by unauthorised persons.

“Any government official found culpable of perpetrating or abetting this act of lawlessness will be dealt with appropriately and such person will be referred to the Office of the Head of Service for disciplinary action.”

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

The state government has directed the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) nationwide to impound such unauthorised vehicles and deal with persons arrested according to the laws of the commission.

The ultimatum, contained in a statement yesterday by Kabir Ahmed, Senior Special Assistant to the Sokoto State Governor Wamakko, said the number plates should be returned to the respective ministries and departments.

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

pital, while some held the policeman who allegedly killed him. Other policemen at the checkpoint ran away for fear of an attack.

Commissioner of Police Mrs. Desire Nsirim claimed that the victim, while avoiding arrest by the policemen at the checkpoint for violating movement restriction, ran into a kerb on the road, fell down and hit his head on the floor.

She appealed for calm.

Members of the Okada Riders Association yesterday staged a protest in the area.

Mrs. Nsirim said the policeman allegedly involved in the incident is now being detained and under interrogation. She called on people with information on the incident to assist the police in their investigation, assuring them of protection.

‘How Kano lost N4b to land ANO State Governallotees’ ment has accused the

K

immediate past administration in the state of giving unnecessary waivers to land allotees, which denied the state revenue, totalling N4 billion.

Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning Mohammad Nadu Yahaya spoke to reporters at a ministerial press briefing.

He said this and other actions of the Shekarau administration contributed to the state’s low revenue

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

generation, adding that the Kwankwaso administration has decided to change the trend and improve revenue generation.

Yahaya said during the tenure of Shekarau, the revenue generated annually was as low as N300 million, “while today with Kwankwaso’s aggressive revenue drive, the state generates N1.2bliion monthly.”

PUBLIC NOTICE CLEANSING AND REPENTANCE REDEMPTION MINISTRY (RIVER JORDAN) BUNDU, PORT HARCOURT The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Evangelist (Mrs.) Elizabeth llunamien 2. Elder Emmanuel Okodi 3. Elder Joshua llunamien 4. Rev. lbimo Eric Eluku 5. Past. Solomon Eli AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To prepare God’s people for the kingdom.

3. To serve as a place of worship of God. Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Evangelist (Mrs.) Elizabeth llunamien

SMARTSWITCH NIGERIA LIMITED “IN LIQUIDATION” Notice To Contributories of Meeting With Liquidator.

Notice is hereby given that the meeting of contributories with liquidator will be held at the company’s registered office, 19 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on May 31, 2012 at 10a.m prompt.

Dated 10 day of April, 2012.

Elugbaju, Lawrence Taiwo; FCA Liquidator, Smartswitch Nigeria Limited.

62

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012

FOREIGN NEWS South Sudan accuses Sudan of war

Israel to build three outposts

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SRAEL has decided to make legal under Israeli law three settlement outposts in the West Bank, the prime minister’s office has said in a statement.

It said that a ministerial committee had decided to “formalise the status” of Bruchin and Rechelim, in the north, and Sansana, near Hebron in the south.

The Palestinian Authority strongly condemned the decision.

“Every single settlement built on Palestinian land is illegal”, Chief Negotiator, Saeb Erekat, told the BBC. The Israeli government had told the Supreme Court that it would regulate the status of the three outposts, which have a total of about 830 residents.

On Sunday, Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, formed a new committee, made up of four ministers, to look into the sites.

Two killed in Pakistan station blast

A

BOMB exploded near a luxury train waiting lounge at the main railway station in the eastern Pakistan city of Lahore yesterday, killing at least two people, police

said.

“It was a bomb blast, two people have been killed and 10 injured,” senior police officer Abdul Razzaque Cheema told AFP. Rescue official Kiramat Ali described it as a “huge blast” and said 35 wounded had been taken to hospital.

Pakistan suffers frequent attacks blamed on Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants, who are most active in the lawless tribal belt in the northwest of the country on the border with Afghanistan.

The explosion was the first attack in Lahore, regarded as Pakistan’s cultural capital, since a bomb at a Sunni Muslim shrine in February 2011 which killed two people.

• Kiir

S

OUTH Sudan’s President Salva Kiir says Sudan has “declared

A

war” on his country, following weeks of fighting along their common border.

Kiir was speaking in China, which is a major buyer of oil from both countries, but has long been an ally of Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir.

Meanwhile, Sudanese warplanes conducted multiple bombing raids against Southern border regions in the early morning.

The raids followed a fatal bombing near the border town of Bentiu on Monday.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the at-

tack, in which a market was bombed, killing at least one person and injuring many others.

The latest attacks hit the towns of Panakwatch and Lalop, and the Teshwin border post, the AFP news agency reported.

South Sudan became independent last year, following decades of conflict.

There have been tense relations since then, primarily over the division of oil reserves and the full definition of borders.

Kiir was speaking as he

met Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao in Beijing, after arriving there on Monday for a five-day visit.

Kiir said his visit came “at a very critical moment for the Republic of South Sudan because our neighbour in Khartoum has declared war on the Republic of South Sudan”.

He called China one of his country’s “economic and strategic partners”.

Chinese state television quoted Mr Hu as urging calm and restraint on both Sudans.

Malian rebels release Swiss hostage

SWISS woman abducted in the rebel-held north Malian town of Timbuktu more than a week ago is free, officials say.

The woman, a Christian missionary in her 40s, was handed over to a Swiss official by the group holding her, the Swiss foreign ministry said.

She was taken from her house by armed men soon after Timbuktu fell to separatist and Islamist rebels.

On Sunday, the Islamist group Ansar Dine said she was in its custody and that it wanted to free her.

In a statement, the Swiss foreign ministry said the woman had been taken to safety, and that she was in good health, “con-

sidering the circumstances”.

It also thanked the authorities in Mali and Burkina Faso for their help in securing the woman’s release.

The ministry declined to give her personal details, citing data protection laws, but news agency reports have named her as Beatrice Stockly.

Eyewitnesses said that after the handover she boarded a helicopter that flew her to Burkina Faso.

Secular Tuareg rebels, along with Ansar Dine, completed a takeover of Timbuktu and the rest of northern Mali earlier this month after mutinous troops had overthrown President Amadou Toumani Toure in a coup, throwing the country into chaos.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 , 2012

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TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘Intimidated by the sage’s awe, all of them engaged in WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

sycophancy. But the sage was never deceived. Alive, he had confided in close friends that he could see through some of those that surrounded him’ VOL.7 NO.2106

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

O

IL in Third World countries, it is often said, corrupts easily because it provides them with so much easy money; for doing almost practically nothing, such countries receive huge autonomous sums that truly boggle the mind.

In Nigeria, oil money seems to have corrupted its people, its elite in particular, absolutely. Certainly, anyone reading the 205page report of the eight-person House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the management of the country’s petroleum products subsidy regime would find it hard, if not impossible, not to reach such a conclusion.

When President Goodluck Jonathan presented Nigerians with the shocking New Year gift of the complete withdrawal of fuel subsidy for the first time in the country’s history on January 1, all hell broke loose.

Predictably, Nigerians rose as one for over a week to protest what they saw as an act that amounted to blaming the victim for what they apparently believed was the corruption of the movers and shakers of oil business.

Government’s explanation was that the huge, and seemingly unending and unsustainable, increases in subsidies of petroleum products were due essentially to smuggling and to increases in demand and in the international price of crude. Most Nigerians believed this explanation was untenable. On the contrary, they believed the increases were due essentially to corruption and so they did not see any reason why they should be punished for the acts of brigandage of a clique that had turned the business into a goldmine at their expense.

In the heat of the public protest, the House of Representatives felt obliged to get of the truth of the matter and for the first time since the return of civilian rule in 1999, it called an emergency meeting on a Sunday (January 8) to deal with a crisis that was hanging fire over the nation.

Not surprisingly, the report of the Ad-Hoc Committee of eight it set up “to verify and determine the actual subsidy requirements and monitor the implementation of the subsidy regime” seems to have stirred the hornets’ nest like no other. Chaired by Honourable Farouk M. Lawan, himself a veteran of the House, the report it submitted last Wednesday could hardly have been more damning in its condemnation of how those involved in the oil subsidy business have ripped Nigeria off.

Predictably the committee’s widespread condemnation has provoked a huge uproar from those indicted, most notably, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the PPPRA, the Petroleum Equalisation (Management) Board (PEF(M)B) and virtually all the oil marketers.

The huge rip-off, said the report, had been

People and Politics By MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

The Farouk Lawan Committee report

•Lawan

fostered by what seemed to be a “deliberate understanding among agencies (responsible for managing the sector)” not to keep reliable records.

Particularly guilty of this deliberate poor record keeping, said the committee, was the PPPRA and the NNPC. The subsidy regime they, and others involved, operated between 2009 and 2011, said the committee, was “fraught with endemic corruption and entrenched inefficiency.”

A typical example of this, said the committee, was a company called Eco-Regen Ltd. The company, it said in effect, couldn’t have been more opportunistic. Its two original founders who came from America, said the committee, only brought a proposal to the NNPC for waste management. Next thing, they incorporated Eco-Regen with headquarters in Abuja on August 3, 2010.

They then applied to register with the PPPRA on September 11. The company got its first allocation of 15,000 metric tonnes of petrol on January 2011 and was promptly

RIPPLES IBORI’S CONVICTION IN UK DEBASES NIGERIA’S JUDICIARY –Lawyer

JUDICIARY OR KANGAROO COURT?

‘By sticking together to write and submit its report about the country’s subsidy regime with all its damming substance, Lawan and his colleagues in the Ad-Hoc Committee have clearly demonstrated that all hope is not yet lost in the fight against corruption in Nigeria’ paid N1.988 billion as subsidy “for products NOT delivered.”

The only major actor involved that seemed to have escaped relatively unscathed in the subsidy binge was the Central Bank of Nigeria, whose governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the committee said, was the first to raise an alarm over the rip-off as long ago as December 2010. That alarm went unheeded. Instead, the PPPRA which was mainly responsible for the management of the subsidy, accused the CBN of raising false alarm. Even then, said the committee, the CBN too was guilty of creating a foreign exchange policy which made it easy for records of the quantities of petroleum discharged to be falsified.

Clearly symptomatic of the dubious record keeping that fostered the big rip-off of the subsidy regime was the fact the custodians of these differed among themselves as to the size of the subsidy last year; N1.3 trillion, according to the oil ministry, 1.6trillion, said the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and 1.7trillion, according to the CBN. And, as if to underscore the mendacity of

HARDBALL

I

T is said that no country can rise above the ambitions of its leaders. With the re-occupation of the Gani Fawehinmi Park by the police in the wee small hours of yesterday, supposedly to prevent protesters from occupying it, this truism has assumed a new meaning. The Save Nigeria Group (SNG), which anchored the unprecedented January protests against the removal of the so-called fuel subsidy, had threatened to reconvene at the park to press for urgent prosecution of those indicted in the House of Representatives ad hoc probe panel on subsidy management. The group was yet to set a date when the government swooped on the park.

The scale of the fraud unearthed by the Farouk Lawan probe panel is staggering.

Whatever the government does, it is unlikely to be able to sweep it under the carpet. So far, it has taken some desultory actions on the probe report including sacking the audit and accounting firms that had the responsibility of scrutinising the claims and documents of fuel importers. Many see this as a red herring. The government has also tamely pledged to treat the report with firmness in the larger interest of Nigerians. What it has not done is to vigorously express out-

JIDE OLUWAJUYITAN

government and some of its agencies in their claims about the size of the subsidy, the AdHoc Committee itself said it was able to establish the actual subsidy for the year at about N2.56 trillion. This, said the committee, was over 900% of the N250 billion that was appropriated for oil subsidy that year.

The unreliability of the records of the subsidy regime kept by government and its agencies apart, there was the fact that the companies registered to engage in the business rose geometrically between 2009 and 2011. Up till 2008 there were only 19 companies, up from 10 in 2007 and only five in 2006. By 2009 the companies had shot to 49.

In 2011 they nearly tripled to 140.

In the end, the committee recommended that the PPPRA, NNPC and other marketers should be asked to refund over N1 trillion to the State. It also recommended that several other subsidy related issues like payment to companies that were probably none existent amounting to about N127.9 billion, and payment to companies that collected forex amounting to $402.61 million for questionable purposes and the alleged double subsidy deductions by NNPC between 2009 and 2011, should be further investigated by the relevant authorities and those found guilty should be punished.

The big question now is will the House adopt the report and if it does will government accept to implement its recommendations? If the past record of the fate of such National Assembly investigations is anything to go by, chances are, the Ad-Hoc Committee’s report will end up in a dustbin.

Already there are credible speculations in the media that all those indicted are lobbying members hard to reject the report. Both the members and the leadership of the current Seventh Assembly have demonstrated that they can resist blackmail and do only what their consciences dictate. Their collective self-will should be strengthened by the fact that the external auditors of the subsidy regime have been summarily dismissed, possibly on the strength of one of the recommendations of the Ad-Hoc Committee.

But then the external auditors may have been no more than scapegoats in a high stakes game that would test the limits of the selfwill of anyone with even the highest personal integrity.

By sticking together to write and submit its report about the country’s subsidy regime with all its damming substance, Lawan and his colleagues in the Ad-Hoc Committee have clearly demonstrated that all hope is not yet lost in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Before long we will know if this optimism is a case of a triumph of hope over experience.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Fed Govt as incorrigible as ever rage at the scale of the malpractices in order to reassure the public there would be no cover up, no matter how highly placed the culprits are. These unconvincing responses to the probe report made the SNG and other activist groups, all of which spent financial and emotional capital in fighting the removal of subsidy in January, to serve notice they would press the matter beyond rhetoric.

By preemptively occupying the Gani Fawehinmi Park, the federal government has unwittingly shown that its opinion of the subsidy saga is limited to seeing SNG and restive activist groups, not the mismanagement of the subsidy regime, as the most urgent problem.

The move has reinforced the government’s warped perception of democracy and indicated its indifference to the provisions of the constitution. It has also confirmed that the rights given the people by the constitution will have to be claimed inch by inch, day by day, and month by month. The government’s nervousness over the Gani Fawehinmi Park, its undemocratic decision to shut it down in January and bar protesters from having access to

it, and its preparedness to use force if necessary, have all shown that though the government is a product of democracy and the constitution, it has nothing but contempt for both.

Sadly, the government has chosen to have a limited rather than spectacular view of democracy. This is why it sees every agitation to get the country to live up to the true meaning of democracy as rebellion, not even dissent. In January, the National Assembly indicated it preferred to probe the management and financing of fuel subsidy rather than heed public calls to take sterner view of President Goodluck Jonathan’s arbitrary increase of fuel price. The people were therefore left alone to fight the cause of economic and social justice. If the government remains obstinate in denying the people their rights, the parliament may finally join hands with the people to fight subsidy fraud and save democracy. The scale of sharp practices is simply too shocking to ignore, and the sacred cows too gluttonous and brazen to leave anyone unconcerned.

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